Prompt 5

Prompt: 30 years ago you avoided being killed by a killer by claiming you would change the world. The killer has returned to check your progress. What do you say?

Change the World

A little part of me has kept track of May 17th. I would mentally mark it as another year I lived, when I could have died. This year a I prepared for bed I realize 30 years had passed since I had been confronted so closely with death. I smile at my husband distracting him from his show with a long kiss that ended us in bed.

In the middle of the night, I had a sudden urge to go to the restroom, I had just stood up in my darkened room when a familiar sensation came over me and a hand silenced my scream. His voiced whispered in my ear, “I'm back.” My eyes flick towards my sleeping husband, and he laughs, “Your husband cannot save you tonight, I have given him a little something to help him sleep,” he said flashing a needle in front of my eyes.

“What do you want?” I stuttered backing into the bookshelf behind me after he removed his hand. His face was in shadows. All I could see was a small glint of silver in his eyes.

“Your time is up.” He said, and he must have seen some confusion in my face because he continued, “30 years ago you said you would change the world, now I am here to see if you have. If you haven't then I will finish my work.”

It all came back to me in a flash, the night sleeping alone in my apartment, my promise to change the world and his time limit. A part of me did not think he would actually return after 30 years, but here he was.

“So,” he said quietly, menacingly stepping towards me, the moon glinting off the silver blade, “have you changed the world?”

“Yes,” I whispered.

“How?” he replied.

“I had children.”

“That doesn't change the world,” he said lunging for me.

I slid away from him crying, “Yes, it does. Let me explain.” He stopped just watching me so I continued. “I have a beautiful daughter, talented in art, but more importantly she loves children. She is a teacher with special needs children. Each child receives her special help and love. She changes their lives with her love and care.”

He stepped towards me again. I was trapped against a corner, so I continued, “I have son, talented in music. He plays many instruments and sings. He lifts hearts with his music, but he is also a protector, a Marine, like his father was. He puts his life on the line to protect others and allow people to live.”

He stepped toward me again so I keep going, “I have another daughter, my youngest. Her smiles brighten rooms and though she has not chosen her path yet, I know she will do great things as well.”

I looked at him, this killer, who had returned to kill me for not changing the world and said one last thing, “Thank you for giving me this time to marry a wonderful man and raise such amazing children. If you do not feel I succeeded in changing the world then we will agree to disagree and I am satisfied with what I have done.”

Finished, I watched the killer who suddenly bowed and turned, walking away. I heard the front door open and close as I slid to the floor, tears streaming down my face. I had survived another night. I looked at my beloved husband for a few minutes before picking up the phone.

Prompt 4

Start the story with: "That's when she learned to fear the silence."

We agreed that the first sentence did not have to be the prompt sentence. It was to be fitted in where it would work best with the story.

Here it is:

She sits in the chair, rocking back and forth, listening to the children play. Their laughter fills the house and she smiles. When the night comes and the children go to bed, she sits in their bedroom. She must hear them breath. No one attempts to move her for they all know why. It all began one night, many years before as a new mother. She woke in the darkness, in the silence. She knew something was wrong. Rushing to the bassinet she placed her hand on her baby's stomach, screaming when there was no movement. She called the police, but it was too late. That's when she learned to fear the silence.

Prompt 3

This prompt involved the picture with the question; what is she waiting for or why is she waiting?

Casually she waits behind the pillar, her clothing picked to blend in with the theatre crowd. Soon the show would end and hundreds of people would exit the doors. Surrounded by the crowd, no one would notice another pretty face, nor the gun clasped lightly in her right hand, waiting to be put to use. It would only take a minute to find the right person. He would fall to the ground, while everyone watched, the blood beginning to stain his fancy suit. She could then disappear into the crowd, never seen, never noticed, and never caught. That is why she is called The Shadow, assassin for hire. Finally, the doors open.

Prompt 2

This prompt was to write anything I wanted. The catch was that the first letter of each sentence had to spell a message that contradicts the rest of the story.

Here it is:

The truth about love is that it is easy. Research shows that when in love, you naturally think of your significant other. Unless that love fades, you will try to always put your special person first. Even when in danger, you will naturally think first of your love. Love is such a unique experience, you will recognize when you feel love immediately. Often people say love is confused with lust, but this is not possible. Volumes of scientists have shown lust to be superficial, while love is more steady and easily distinguishable from each other. Every conversation you have with your love will begin with words of love, never anger. If there is any doubt about your love, then you may be falling out of love, and need to divorce soon. Such divorces are common and perfectly acceptable. Having that special someone makes life complete. All you have to do is find your true love. Real life will then become brighter. Despite the trials, life will never feel sad. While waiting for your love, have fun. Only you can know when you are in love. Remember, love is easy to find. Keeping true love is easy to do.

What is the secret message?

Prompt 1

The prompt says: At the age of 21 everyone receives a weapon that embodies them perfectly

I could hardly sleep last night. Today was my turn to follow the tradition. I had watched my older brothers get their weapons, and was anxious about what I would receive. History taught us that during time of war every 21 year old had received a weapon, like a sword or hammer that they could use best. As time progressed and peace prevailed the definition of weapon had changed. Now a weapon meant many things. One of my brothers received a stethoscope, signifying he would fight against disease. My other brother received a pencil set and paper, signifying he would fight with his art. Both of those fit my brothers perfectly. Some people still received actual weapons, but that was not as common, even though war seemed to be on the horizon. Today would tell me who I was, what I had to offer my community. My biggest worry was that I would receive nothing. It was rare, but every few years it happened. Some said receiving nothing meant that person had too many talents to offer, while others said they were worthless. I really hoped I was given something.

The time had arrived. With about 5 others I waited. My name meant that I would be the last one called. I struggled not to fidget in the beautiful blue dress my grandmother had made for me. The satin skirt shimmered, while the velvet bodice was soft as I rubbed my fingers on the long sleeves, in an attempt to calm down. The sun sparkled through the changing leaves. Only the breeze ruffling the leaves dared to interrupt the traditional speech. I concentrated on the play of the sun and leaves on the ground, determined to portray myself with dignity.

I jumped when the first name was called. So much for my dignity. I watched the first candidate approach the stage and kneel before the elders. As tradition stated, the eldest elder approached the candidate and called out a request for any body who felt that the candidate did not deserve the honor of a weapon to make themselves known. If no one came forward than the candidate was raised to standing  and presented with their weapon. The ceremony seemed so short as quickly my name was called.

I walked to the stage and knelt, listening to the elder call for any opposition. No one came forward and I was helped to stand before the elder. The moment had arrived. The youngest elder, being only in his sixties, approached me, under his cloth he pulled out a tiny silver book on a chain, the symbol for learning. I sighed in relief, but before I could do more than take the book another elder approached. Pulling a silver tear drop out of his pocket, he presented it to me. Confused I took it, watching as another elder approach. She pulled out a silver flame and presented it to me. Then I was given a silver tree, and a silver cloud from the remaining elders. I could hear the murmurs of the crowd. A candidate had never received more than one symbolic weapon, nor any so obscure.

Finally the oldest elder stepped forward, motioning for silence. “For years,” he atoned, “we have held to tradition of presenting weapons.  This tradition began with a king, who felt that each of his people possessed the ability to be great. When this king died a prophecy was foretold of a queen that would be born with courage, strength, and power to lead her people and again unite the lands. That time has come!”

Pretzels

Who does not like large, soft pretzels? I love them. I rarely ate them, because as a treat they were just too much to buy all the time at the mall, but I would take a nice long sniff as I walked past Aunt Annie's or Wetzels Pretzels. I wanted to be able to enjoy these treats more often then once a year. I knew that would require making them. I was little nervous about making pretzels. I didn't want to ruin them and I thought they might be complicated. One day I ran into an issue of what to have for dinner and I was craving pretzels. That night I went for it and decided to try making pretzels. I decided to use the recipe from http://www.recipeboy.com/2014/01/how-to-make-homemade-soft-pretzels/

Turns out making pretzels was not that complicated. Making the dough was pretty simple, it was a lot like making bread. I think the most complicated part was twisting the dough into pretzel shape. After making eight balls with the dough, I would roll each dough out as long as I could, like making a snake with play dough. Then I would twist the ends around each other twice before bring down the edges to the middle section. Then I would shape the dough to look like a pretzel.

After cooking and buttering the pretzels we ate them. I and my kids loved them. They were delicious. I have made this recipe twice with great results each time. The first time I shaped all the dough before dipping it in the water/baking soda bath and the second time I dipped the dough immediately after shaping. It did not make a difference to the flavor or taste or size. They were still delicious.

Basic Muffins

Easy, quick and delicious, muffins are a wonderful compliment to breakfast, snacks, even dessert. I have been trying to find a basic muffin recipe. I wanted one recipe where I can add different ingredients to make different muffins, without having a ton of different recipes. I decided to try the basic recipe from http://hubpages.com/food/Making_Muffins_from_Scratch_-_Basic_Muffin_Recipe

When I think muffins, I think the more sweet variety with fruit or chocolate chips. This recipe looked like it would handle these different flavors. First I wanted to find out how good the recipe is and if it is a recipe that I want to continue to use. I decided I would bake the basic recipe with the chocolate chip addition, mainly because my family really enjoys chocolate.

First, I pulled out my ingredients and bowls.

Usually, I use my nice Bosch mixer to make up my dough, but muffin dough should be mixed only until the ingredients are combined, so I prefer to mix muffins by hand. Unless you are doubling or tripling a batch, it is not any harder to mix muffin batter by hand than a mixer.

As usual when I first use a recipe I try to follow it exactly as possible, so I mixed my dry together and then my wet before combining them.

Generally, though, I mix my dry together and then throw my wet in with the dry, mixing as I go. I haven't found that this causes too much of problem and saves on the dishes I have to do later.

I added my chocolate chips, a little more than the recipe called for because my family really does like chocolate, put it in a greased muffin tin and baked them for 18 minutes. They came out looking beautiful.

The muffin was delicious, not too dry, and had a nice flavor without being too sweet, even with the chocolate chips. I will definitely use this recipe again, probably with even more variation, just to try some more flavors that I enjoy. Hopefully this basic recipe can stand up to my experiments.

Basic Muffin Recipe

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil

In a large bowl combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. In a small bowl beat the egg, milk and oil. Pour into the dry ingredients and stir just until moistened. Add in your flavor. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full and bake at 400 for 18-20 minutes. This makes one dozen muffins.

Chocolate Chip Muffins:  Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips

Blueberry muffins: Add 3/4 cup of blueberries and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Add lemon zest if wanted.

Cinnamon Raisin muffins: Add 1/2 cup of raisins and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon

Quick Bread: Pour all the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 400 for 45-50 minutes.

Day 1: Five Problems with Social Media

Social Media is great. It provides many, many ways to stay in touch with family and friends. Through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and others, there is constant updates about people. The wonderful new technology, like smart phones and tablets, make it simple to update and stay informed on what is happening. Like every good thing, there is a bad side. The ease of use of social media has resulted in many different problems. Five of these problems are a lack of interaction with the physical world, over sharing, ease of stalking and cheating, and lack of intimacy. Overall we need to consider the message being taught to the next generation.

When you walk into a store, a restaurant, or Starbucks and look around you will most likely see at least 50 percent of the people interacting with their phones or tablets. There is little to no interaction with their friends or family sitting right besides them. Amusingly, some of these people may be looking at social updates of the person sitting right there. We have become a world of zombies. Technology has made communication with long distance friends or family members easier, but our focus on social media has destroyed the simple art of interaction. Everyone is so focused on the latest facebook post, tweet or instagram no one is taking the time to talk to the person right next to them.

Technology has made using social media easier, so much so that is common to see over sharing. Over sharing is revealing an inappropriate amount of detail about personal life. Sharing happy, joyous, sad, or important news to people quickly is a wonderful benefit of social media, especially to out of town friends and family. Though the ease of use has created the habit of sharing the mundane or unnecessary. Most people do not want to see a hundred selfies of their friends or care if they went to the bathroom. Popular posts are nasty fights between couples held over facebook or twitter. As amusing as someone else's life might be, somethings should be kept private. In fact, over sharing has become so commonplace, it is used as stupid jokes.

All this information has made stalking easier. Most social media have an option of posting your current location for everyone to see. No need to follow someone around, all a stalker needs to do is check the latest facebook post. In fact, facebook stalking has become a catch phrase. Facebook stalking occurs when someone uses social media profiles, pictures, and posts to learn about someone. While most of the time it is harmless fun of girls and boys just wanting to know how to approach each other, this catch phrase takes away from the danger actual stalkers present. Stalking is not fun and games. People can end up hurt.

Part of the appeal of social media is the games that can be played with other members of social media. As a result, social media has also become a hotbed of controversy about cheating. The question is being asked of what is cheating on social media. Some games allow people to live completely different lives, which may be enjoyable, but how far is too far? Is it cheating if all that was done were intimate conversation held through social media? I have recently read about a couple that divorced because the wife felt that the husband had become too intimate with another person through social media. She felt that he was cheating. Cheating also takes a different dimension as people can easily create different profiles and hide them from their significant others. Cheating is not acceptable. Most people do not cheat, but unfortunately cheating seems to have become easier with social media.

Social media seems to say that intimacy is a thing of the past. A time shared between couples or friends is not complete if it was not shared on social media. There is a growing lack of intimacy, brought about by the ease of use of social media. For example, a person proposing is a very intimate act, yet often that act is now recorded and shared to the world. An intimate dinner with friends is first posted about then tweeted about throughout the dinner, destroying intimacy. Social media is taking away the intimacy. The things that used to be shared with a few is now shared with a few million.

Think of the message that is being passed to the next generation. They are being told that it is more important to share something on social media than to talk face to face. It is expected to over share, that everyone should know everything about you, that privacy is non existent. They are setting themselves up to be targets of stalking and may someday even accept cheating. The next generation is learning that nothing is intimate, it is only to be shared and must out do someone else. Basically, the next generation's priorities are being turned around. This generation needs to teach the next the values that we learned from out parents. They also need to be taught the best way to handle social media so that the downside of social media is mitigated. If this is done then the great part of social media can come through.  

30 day writing challenge

I like to write. It is easier for me to express myself on paper than with words. I'm not very good with proper English grammar. I know this, because my husband and friends have to correct me, often. On paper I can read what is written and correct what I think may be wrong. It isn't perfect, but it is usually better than what I say. To continue to challenge my brain, I decided to start this 30 Day Writing challenge. Hopefully I will finish it too.

Wish me luck

Service

I lost count of the service I did my birthday week. Not because I feel I did a ton, but because things became busy. I know that throughout the week when I walked I stopped to pick up litter. It was great for my neighborhood, and a great sort of squatting exercise while walking. I did other things throughout the days, as well.

My main goal in trying to do so many acts of service was to try to learn to focus on others and not on myself. I hope to continue.

Monday

Today I didn't feel like I did much. I cleaned my parents house: vacuumed, changed filters, mopped, and took out the trash. In the evening at my husband's suggestion we took over dinner to my parents. Also, I sincerely thanked my daughters teachers. She loves going to school where she is at and she is doing a great job. I really am grateful to them for their help.

I count 5 today. Yes, I am counting the different jobs that I did for my parents. This week total is now 9.

My birthday

My birthday is coming up. I am turning 30 years old. I never thought I would make it this far. Oh, I didn't think I would die, I just never imagined myself at 30. I'm sure many young people are the same. Being 30 seemed so far away and now suddenly it is here, less than a week away. To celebrate this momentous event I decided I would try to do 30 acts of service/kindness before my birthday. I will try to detail what I did to see if I can make it. It is difficult to do things when I have a little baby and he takes up much of my time. I feel like I rely more on others service than I do serve but I will try my best to serve.

Today on our walk to church, one of my neighbors' mailbox lid was open so I closed it. I know that is simple but I'm counting it.

At church, my daughter and I passed a young lady wearing a pretty dress. We made sure to stop and compliment the lady on her dress.

After church, we went over and visited my parents. My dad had surgery a few weeks ago, so I try to go over every few days to give my mom a break and help out where needed. Today was just to visit and enjoy their company. I am also counting this.

Tonight, my nephew you called and asked if his sister in law could borrow something of mine. I immediately said yes. I think the best part of this was that when I said yes I wasn't thinking about this goal. I did it because someone needed it. How grateful I am that my parents taught me to serve others.

I reached to 4 today.

Hands

A few of the ideas will have to wait as we are packing, so I decided to take a picture of hands. I am fascinated by a baby's hands. They are so tiny, so cute and so like an adult just smaller. I love to look at my sons hands and what he does, so here is pictures of hands.

Around the House

Today's picture was about Helping out around the house. My wonderful daughter was kind enough to take out the kitchen trash for me.

Sunset

This month I have decided to do a picture a day. I hope to capture a bit of this summer as well as improve my picture capabilities. I am using the photo challenge from here: http://www.justatouchofcrazy.com/2014/05/50-photos-of-summer-picture-challenge.html

I will take a different picture a day, but not in the order listed. Today, I chose the sunset. I love the sunset. It is beautiful.

The Ten Commandments

In the Bible, Moses received ten commandments from the Lord. Many Christian religions follow these commandments and they are still applicable to today.

Commandment #1 : Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Moses led the children of Israel out Egypt, a place that worshiped many different gods. The children of Israel had been under this influence for many years.

Not many Christians worship golden statues but this commandment gives what should be our first priority. "If God is not first, then all other things are affected. Nothing in life, not even life itself can come before God." (LDS Institute Old Testament Manual) We often put things before God; like TV, work, movies, books, and more. When we put anything before Him in importance than we are breaking this commandment. "Anytime His children set anything before God in importance, they begin to thwart His work for them." (Manual) God wants to help us, but when we put other things before Him we are not listening to Him and he can't help us. A Bible scholar said "God is the fountain of happiness, and no intelligent creature can be happy but through him...The very first commandment of the whole series is divinely calculated to prevent man's misery and promote happiness, by taking him off from all false dependence and leading him to God himself, the fountain of all good." When we put God first, we can be happy. Despite trials, and problems, we can be happy if God is first in our lives.

Commandment #2: Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.

When Moses didn't return from talking to God as quickly as they thought he should, the children of Israel built and worshiped a golden calf.

This commandment is forbidding the worship of idols. Idols don't have to be graven images, like golden calves. They could be anything that is put before God, like clothes, homes, businesses, or degrees. When we put aside what God has said or requested for an object or idea then we are worshiping a graven image. The graven image is whatever is more important to us than God and results in interfering with worshiping and obeying Him. If we put an object or idea before God, then we have a graven image, which in the long run will not give everlasting happiness.

Commandment #3: Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.

Vain can mean useless, and can be substituted with the word empty or having no real worth. "It is difficult to understand how a person may truly and sincerely approach God in prayer, seeking a blessing at his hand, at the same time be so disrespectful as to take his name in vain." (LeGrand Richards) The Lord expects people to show him a reverent and respectful attitude. He does not want us to fling His name around in swearing or light, irreverent talk. How we use His name shows the respect and love we have for God. This commandment also covers any oaths or covenants we make. "In addition to religious oaths and covenants many formal acts in modern society are accompanied by solemn oaths and vows. And frequently these oaths are dismissed or set aside. Clearly the violation of such oaths is a violation of the third commandment." (Manual) When we make an oath or covenant, essentially we are invoking the Lord in that promise and by breaking it, we are taking His name in vain. If the world followed the third commandment then we could trust people to keep their promises and use clean language.

Commandment #4: Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy

When Adam and Eve were cast out of the Garden of Eden, they were told that now they would have to work to have food, clothing and shelter. Even though we need to work to live, we still need to put the Lord first. He set aside one day a week where we are commanded to rest from our labors and remember Him. "Resting on the Sabbath, then, implies far more than taking a nap or stopping normal activities. Mankind must enter into the Lord's work on that day...Doing the work of the Lord (sanctification) often involves great activity on the Sabbath day and the day may not be restful in the usual sense." (Manual) The Sabbath is not only to go to church, and then forget about the Lord. It should be time that we set aside from the world and focus on the Lord. This is not easy, because in today's world there are many enjoyable activities that occur on the Sabbath. If we participate in these activities we are breaking this commandment. "[The Sabbath] is a day on which to surrender every worldly interest and to praise the Lord humbly, for humility is the beginning of exaltation. It is day not for affliction and burden but for rest and righteous enjoyment." (Spencer W. Kimball) Unfortunately, there are many jobs that require people to work on the Sabbath, like doctors, police, military, and others. This does not mean that this commandment should not be kept. During time off they can still concentrate on the Lord and do his work. The hardest thing to do is find activities that are appropriate for the Sabbath. President Kimball gives a great list of things that can be done on the Sabbath.

"The Sabbath is a day on which to take inventory--to analyze our weaknesses, to confess our sins to our associates and our Lord. It is a day on which to fast in 'sackcloth and ashes.' It is a day on which to read good books, a day to contemplate and ponder, a day to study lessons for priesthood and auxiliary organizations, a day to study the scriptures and to prepare sermons, a day to nap and rest and relax, a day to visit the sick, a day to preach the gospel, a day to proselyte, a day to visit quietly with the family and get acquainted with our children, a day for proper courting, a day to do good, a day to drink at the fountain of knowledge and of instruction, a day to seek forgiveness of our sins, a day for the enrichment of our spirit and our soul, a day to restore us to our spiritual stature, a day to partake of the emblems of his sacrifice and atonement, a day to contemplate the glories of the gospel and of the eternal realms, a day to climb high on the upward path toward our Heavenly Father."

Commandment #5: Honour thy Father and thy Mother

The Lord respects the family unit. "In obedience to this law the family unit and all other parts of society remain stable and healthy." (Manual) When children honor their parents, they are showing respect. Many people think that honoring your parent means obeying them, but that is not always true. When parents are righteous and teaching good behavior than honoring a parent would include obedience. When parents ask for wicked behavior than the child should honor the parents but not obey them. Honoring parents does not always mean obedience to parents. "Anytime a child lives righteously he brings honor to his parents...The opposite is also true. Anytime a child lives wickedly he brings shame to his parents." (Manual) Parents are representatives of God and that office deserves honor. For example, the President of the United States is an office that deserves honor, even if we do not agree with the person holding the office. Parents as representatives of God must teach their children or they will have severe consequences given to them by God. This is the only commandment with a promise. The promise is "that thy days may be long upon the land." (Exodus 20:12) When we honor our parents we can live happy, long lives.

Commandment #6: Thou shalt not kill

Murder is a very serious crime. It is the act of destroying a life. "It seems clear that to be guilty of destroying life is the act of 'rebellion' against the plan of the Almighty by denying an individual...the privilege of a full experience in this earth-school of opportunity." (Harold B. Lee) When someone is murdered then their chance to live a full, long life is taken from them. This commandment does not necessarily extend to military service. Murder is the act of deliberately taking a life. While serving in the military if you kill someone then you are working under the direction of your government and doing your duty. It is not murder. "There is, then, a vast difference in destroying a life while acting under the mandate of a sovereign nation whom we are in duty bound to obey and wantonly killing on our own responsibility." (Lee) Military service is not wanton killing, it is out of duty. When killing becomes deliberate or unprovoked, then it is murder and breaking this commandment.

Commandment #7: Thou shalt not commit adultery

Family is sacred to God. He commanded Adam and Eve to procreate. Throughout the Bible we are taught that the family is important, but we are given the ability to choose and make decisions. To help with the procreation we were given a powerful sexual urge. To help guide us, God gave us rules for sexual relationships. Sexual relationships should stay between a husband and wife. Intimacy should remain between husband and wife in marriage. There should be no sexual relationships outside of marriage. There really is no excuse for committing adultery. When we marry we covenant with our spouse and God that we will honor and cherish each other. When we commit adultery we break this commandment and the third commandment to keep covenants.

Commandment #8: Thou shalt not steal

"When one seeks to reap the benefits of another's labor without adequate compensation, it is theft." (Manual) Stealing covers a lot of territory. It includes shoplifting, cheating, improper legal actions to avoid debt, giving less than a full day's work and getting the full days compensation. Anything done dishonestly falls under this category of stealing. If we try to take anything without proper compensation, it is stealing.

Commandment #9: Thou shalt not bear false witness

Bearing false witness sounds outdated or like something someone might do in court, but this commandment is more applicable to us then it sounds. "To bear false witness is to testify to or pass along reports, insinuations, speculations, or rumors as if they were true, to the hurt of a fellow human being." (Adam S. Bennion) Bearing false witness is not always done on purpose because it could just be a lack of information, lack of understanding, or misunderstandings. It could also be done purposely to distort or misrepresent. We should always be careful about passing on the negative things we here about others. It could destroy their character and we would be breaking this commandment.

Commandment #10: Thou shalt not covet

Coveting is the intense desire to have someone else's stuff. It is not wrong to have an ambition to have better things, or to even admire what our neighbor's items as long as we try to honestly earn better things. When we covet, we may be tempted to use underhanded means, like stealing, or murder, to get it these items. It is better to work hard and achieve goals then to covet.

All the commandments relate. "[They] are so intertwined that none can be broken without weakening all the others." (Manual) The Bible gives many examples of this concept. When King David saw Bathsheba bathing, he lusted after her, or coveted. From there David committed adultery,  and stealing her from her husband. When her husband came back, David had him sent to the place most likely for him to die in order to hide what he had done.  By breaking one commandment, David broke many more. Coveting led to lying, stealing, adultery, murder, taking the Lord's name in vain by breaking a covenant of marriage and dishonoring his parents. The commandments hold each other up and as we strive to live them we can have better and happier lives.

Sadness vs Happiness (Building Description)

Describe a building from the point of view of a woman who has just lost her son to war. Do not mention death, war, son or self.

As I passed by the little house, I cannot help stopping and staring. It seemed to share my sadness. I could tell the owners were trying to make a good impression with the fresh, white paint, but the bright sun showcased the chipped, old wood cracked under the paint. The roof shingles newly patched gave the roof a motley look. Red brick chimneys jutted awkwardly from the roof; the bricks worn and chipped. The grass and plants ran unkempt over the yard. The flag hung limp and lifeless. In the bright light the true age of the house could be seen. This was an old house. Once it had a good life, but now it was old and finished.


Describe a building from the point of a view of a woman who just found out she is pregnant. Do not mention birth, baby, self.

With a smile on my face, I stopped to stare at the cute, little, white house. The grass in the front yard looks perfect for bare feet. I could imagine running around the yard. The blooming flowers were beautiful. They would be a delight to see each day. The plants growing in an arch over the door give excellent shade for visitors knocking at the cute, green door. The white paint was bright and fresh. The red brick chimneys coming up from the roof gave the house unique look. The chimneys also gave a continuity to the house, showing that this house could span generations. The wonderful flag declared the house's patriotism. This house looked perfect for a little family. It had a beautiful yard to play in and plenty of windows for natural light from the bright sun. This lovely, little house was bright and happy.

The house being described:

Waiting

It was midnight. The woman closed the curtains and huddled on her bed. Tim should have been home hours ago. Why hadn't he called? She could still hear her daughter's question as Mary tucked her into bed.

"Mom, when will Dad be home? I miss him."

Mary didn't have the heart to tell her that Dad should have been home earlier this morning. She curled under the covers, listening to the rain, praying that Tim was just delayed. Mary shook her head to erase the rumors she had heard. She refused to believe it. Instead she thought, "Tim is just delayed and will be home soon." With that, Mary fell into a fretful sleep.

"Ding-Dong!" Mary bolted out of bed to the sound of the doorbell. Rushing she opened the door, hoping to find Tim.  Instead, she saw two men on the doorstep. Weakly, she collapsed against the door frame.

A week later with her children by her side, Mary held back tears as she accepted the folded flag and awards. Tim had been a hero, but she would rather have him home than the folded flag clasped in her arms.

Families are Forever

"Families are Forever" is this year's theme in primary. We learn from "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" that "the family is central to [God's] plan". We are all part of one family, God's family. He gave us families here on earth and these families can continue after death. Strong families are essential to strong communities and nations.

To quote a song from primary "Our Father has a family. Its me! Its you! All others too." Basically, we are all sons and daughters of God. He is our Father in Heaven. In the bible, Romans chapter 8, verse 16 says "The Spirit beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God". Heavenly Father loves all of us, his children. Most parents want the best for us and our Heavenly Father also wants the best for us. He provided a savior for us, Jesus Christ. Christ came to show us the path to return to live with our Father, and to provide us that way. Christ died for our sins so that we could return to our Heavenly Father.

Also, Heavenly Father gave us families. The proclamation states "The family is ordained of God." It was no accident that from the beginning of time men and women have formed family units. Adam and Eve were commanded to have children, but part of that commandment was "to love and care for each other and for their children... Happiness in family life is most likely to achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ." (The Proclamation) In families, parents teach children how to love and care for each other and to follow our Heavenly Father. Parents learn responsibility and control because let's face it, no one can test the patience of an adult like children.

With all the work and effort put in creating a loving family, it would be sad if families ended when we died. That is why our Heavenly Father's plan includes the opportunity for families to be together eternally. In the sacred temples, families can be sealed together. This means that a family will be able to be together after death, if they follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. Parents will be able to be with each other and their children forever. Heaven would not be heaven if we could not be with the ones we love so much. Heavenly Father understands this, since He is our Father, so he provided the way for us to live with our families for eternity.

The theme this year is to teach the children the importance of families. We are are all one family, because we are the children of God. He gave us families to love and teach us how to return to our Father in Heaven. Heavenly Father then provided a way for us to be with our families for eternity. We have been warned that "the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets." (The Proclamation) Look around, watch the news, and it is clear that the slow disintegration of family values is having a negative affect. The family is vital to communities and nations well-being. We should all help to strengthen families.

End of month one

As I mentioned in the beginning, this blog would be about my attempt to find a hobby, to find something I could do to recharge. This first month I tried out cooking. I know that for many people cooking is a great hobby and stress relief. Honestly, for me, this is not a hobby and it didn't help with stress. I like to cook when I am in the mood to cook and already relaxed. When I was tired or stressed I wished that we could do take out or that there was someone else to cook for me. Cooking was not a stress relief. It almost became another point of stress as some days I would despairingly remind myself I had to cook. Cooking is not enjoyable to me unless I feel like cooking, which is not very often. Even with that said, I will not give up cooking. I am a stay at home mom, so I cook our meals to save money, but also, I did enjoy trying out new recipes. I just won't ever consider cooking a hobby and may limit my new recipes to maybe one or two a week.

This next month I have chosen my new hobby to be creative writing. I like to write. I don't consider myself a fantastic writer, but I do like to write. Generally, I prefer to write fiction, but I will try a variety of writing styles. I haven't been able to do a lot of writing since I have been married and especially since the baby came. Life has been busy and I have been so exhausted that when I have time to myself, I just want to go to sleep. I will really put in an effort to write and write well. My plan is that most days (read: every day possible) I will do some sort of creative writing prompt on the blog and hopefully a fiction story on the side for only me to enjoy. Please enjoy my writing and feel free to comment.