August Reflections Before the Storm

The Calm Before the Storm

Great's had brain surgery. Great Papa thought he might have strep - but it was another virus. I've had kidney stones. Papa fell and separated his shoulder. Grandson fell down the stairs and broke his leg again that was already in a cast from 2 other broken bones 3 weeks ago. Grandaughter dropped a knife that fell and sliced her thigh.

So, these are the photos before the storm hit: 

Amazingly calm!

Peaceful.

Serence.

Quiet.

Mild.

Sky.

Even looking directly into the sun feels warm, secure and comforting.  Absolutely, no evidence of the turmoil ahead.

Our INSPIRATIONAL FAMILY FOCUS is from Pres. Howard W. Hunter: 

"All of us have seen some sudden storms in our lives. A few of them, though temporary like these on the Sea of Galilee, can be violent and frightening and potentially destructive. As individuals, as families, as communities, as nations, even as a church, we have had sudden squalls arise which have made us ask one way or another, “Master, carest thou not that we perish?” And one way or another we always hear in the stillness after the storm, “Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?”

I suppose we have all had occasion, individually or collectively, to cry out on some stormy sea, “Master, carest thou not that we perish?” And so cried Mary Ann Baker.

...Later, as something of a personal testimonial and caring very much for the faith of others who would be tried by personal despair, she wrote the words of the hymn we have all sung, “Master, the Tempest Is Raging.” May I share it with you?

Master, the tempest is raging!
The billows are tossing high!
The sky is o’ershadowed with blackness.
No shelter or help is nigh.





Carest thou not that we perish?
How canst thou lie asleep
When each moment so madly is threatening
A grave in the angry deep?





Master, with anguish of spirit
I bow in my grief today.
The depths of my sad heart are troubled.
Oh, waken and save, I pray!

Torrents of sin and of anguish
Sweep o’er my sinking soul,
And I perish! I perish! dear Master.
Oh, hasten and take control!





Then this beautiful, moving refrain:



The winds and the waves shall obey my will;


Peace, be still! Peace, be still!


Whether the wrath of the storm-tossed sea
Or demons or men or whatever it be,
No waters can swallow the ship where lies
The Master of ocean and earth and skies.

They all shall sweetly obey my will.


Peace, be still! Peace, be still!


They all shall sweetly obey my will.


Peace, peace, be still!





Too often, I fear, both in the living of life and in the singing of this hymn, we fail to emphasize the sweet peace of this concluding verse:



Master, the terror is over.
The elements sweetly rest.
Earth’s sun in the calm lake is mirrored,
And heaven’s within my breast."

Linger, Oh, blessed Redeemer!
Leave me alone no more,
And with joy I shall make the blest harbor
And rest on the blissful shore.

(Hymns, no. 106.)

28 Old Testament After the Fire a Still Small Voice

After the Fire a Still Small Voice

We are hoping that some day our grandchildren will appreciate this SlideShare Presentation:

28 Old Testament After the Fire a Still Small Voice

View more presentations from Errol and Hollie Bevan.

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HOLLIE's Mormon.org Profile

It's official!  The new Mormon.org site was launched on the 14th of July!

Here's the link to Hollie's Profile - if you're curious!

FISH STORY

Is it a log?? Is it a crocodile??  A shark??     NO!!!  It's some of the GIANT fish we now have swimming in our lake!!

Fish and Game, in conjuction with the Stansbury Park Service agency, planted about 800 of these fish in the lake.

These GIANT fish are suppossed to eat the moss growing in the lake,  which will make the fish grow longer and bigger!   Some are already over 3' in length with a fat bodies and wide mouths.

They rarely come up to the surface, so today was most exciting for our grandson - and us!  There were about 25 fish in their school.  These fish can swim quite fast and they were swimming as if in a water ballet.  Each seemed to have it's own position in watching out for the group, which was scattered across a large portion of the lake.  (I tried to get a picture showing the 25-30 giant fish, but when I zoomed out to fit the group inside the photo frame, the fish just looked like dark dots in the water.

I expect the grandkids will have great fun keeping a watch on what's swimming in the lake from their picture window!

Is there possibly a FAMILY INSPIRATIONAL FOCUS with this post??   

 Yes, there is!! 

We refer you to the following great FISH STORIES:  

When Jesus called His Apostles, He said they would be “fishers of men” Matt. 4:18-22;  Jonah and the great fish—Jonah 1–2; feeding the 5,000—Mark 6:33–44; the tribute coin—Matt. 17:24–27;  “I go a fishing”—John 21:3–6; broiled fish and honeycomb—Luke 24:36–43.  When we think about ALL of the various colors and sizes of fish, we can remember that the gospel is for “every nation, kindred, tongue and people” (1 Ne. 19:17).   Indeed, we find great joy when we are “fishers of men” and share the gospel!    

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Seniors and Roses

Why "SENIORS and ROSES", you ask??    Here's the explanation:  All of these roses are from this Season's first blooms - and all from various grades of rose bushes that have finally reached maturity in their growth.  In previous years, the colors and shapes have been beautiful, but never before have our rose bushes produced such gigantic blooms! It's as if the ROSE bushes have endured their childhood and teenage years (ie, years of cold, snowy, frozen, and icy winters mixed in with years of draught and extreme heat), and then coasted through their adult years ( years of changing seasons and irregular temperature and humidity conditions) to arrive at this year, 2010: the year which defines their Seniority and Senior Status in the garden.  And as SENIORS, don't you agree that these ROSE bushes have produced some of the most beautiful blooms that you have ever seen?  As SENIORS, these ROSES show how they've learned their lessons well to pursue excellence in their blooming.

In ECCLESIASTES chapter 3 verse 11, we find that that the footnotes help us to read this verse as follows:   

"11 He hath made every thing beautiful in His time: also He hath set the eternal in their heart without which man cannot find out the work that God hath done."

Having a childlike attitude can help us to be more willing to submit to all that proving ourselves here on earth requires; but, having a mature attitude swells the eternal things of God within our heart, and opens our perspective to look for the Divine and the Beautiful in all of God's Handiwork.

Indeed, we are blessed that God has given us Beauty in our Seasons of Life!

 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

  A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

(ECCLESIASTES 3:1-8)

Years ago, Great Papa survived a severe bout with pancreatitis that should have taken his life.  We know that he was blessed through Priesthood blessings for the surgeons to perform experimental (last ditch effort) surgery which bought him some time to allow some healing to take place in his damaged pancreas.  His recovery took several months in the hospital and was labeled a miracle by all his medical support team!  A few of the Doctors made a thorough investigation into his background and lifestyle, to determine if there was something there that contributed to him being able to survive his critical pancreatitis attack that tried to shut down his body.  After, learning that he had never smoked, never drank, or lived in anyway that was destructive to his body - (because of his faithful adherence to the Word of Wisdom) - they pressed to find some other factor that contributed to his survival.  At last, the doctors concluded that Great Papa's life-long daily habit of drinking Chocolate Ovaltine had fortified his body and given his body that "little extra-edge" of health to have endured all of the trials associated with the pancreatitis.

Here's Great Papa (and Great) preparing their Chocolate Ovaltine in "to go" bottles for a breakfast excursion to McDonald's.  Tables are a premium there, because of the many other Seniors who are also venturing out for a morning breakfast outing!

The Ovaltine is ready to go and stays cold in the cooler so it's ready to drink.  There's something to be said about the simple joys of life, about appreciating the little things, and finding the good, therein.

 

There's something to be said about finding joy in a beautiful rose.

 

There's something to be said about being in awe of God's handiwork.

Our INSPIRATIONAL FAMILY FOCUS is by Sister Kathleen H Hughes, in commenting on "
Lessons from the Old Testament: Coming of Age": 

 "It requires spiritual sensitivity and maturity to look outside oneself ...—it is a conscious and courageous decision [we] make each week to serve and bless others’ lives.   It’s rare for a person to be in as dangerous or dramatic a situation as Esther’s, but each of us daily has the privilege of influencing someone, of deciding to show our Heavenly Father that we understand and are grateful for His plan for us and that we accept and are committed to live by the covenants we have made with Him. Like Esther, who was asked by Mordecai, “Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” we have come to the kingdom for this time, and we need faith, testimony, and courage to live up to the promises made to us by the Father. "

A Tribute to a Life Well-Lived

Perhaps you've noticed that our Stick-Family at Bevan-
Resort is missing a member.

It was a very sad day when Great Papa and Great had to place Tigger in his carrier and take him to the Vet.

We all knew it was time.

We knew it was coming.

And, still, none of us were prepared for the depth of anguish that hit our hearts.

He was old.

He was very cranky, stubborn, demanding, insistant, contrary, determined, single-minded, aloof, sneaky, and sometimes, down-right mean.

Often just called "Kitty".   Some were blessed to be one of his favorites.  He slept near Great Papa.  Eventually moved to allow Great to make the bed - but not until he decided he was ready and it was his decision, not hers.

He ruled the house, yard, patio, deck and boat dock.  Often, he laid in wait to terrorize Buffy and loved to chase her up the stairs and hit her.  Usually, his soft and tender demeanor was only a ploy to draw you in, oblivious to what he really had planned.  Many have scars from his sudden attacks.

Even so....

He was loved.


Is there an INSPIRATIONAL FAMILY FOCUS for Tigger's Last Post?  Yes.  Read on:

Can animals be with their owners in the hereafter? There is no revealed word on this subject. Reason would tell us that a rancher or farmer may not want all of the cattle he has owned during his life. On the other hand, emotional ties may be honored and family pets may well be restored to their owners in the resurrection. Elder Orson F. Whitney wrote that Joseph Smith expected to have his favorite horse in eternity. (Improvement Era, Aug. 1927, p. 855.)


Just what is the relationship between men and animals? Men are children of God. Animals are for the benefit of man. This does not mean, however, that man is not to have a concern for this part of his stewardship. The prophets in all ages have indicated that man will be accountable for his treatment of animals and that justice and mercy should be exercised concerning them. Alma encourages us to pray over our flocks. (Alma 34:20, 25.) There are numerous examples in Church history of animals being administered to by the anointing of oil and their resultant healing. In the best-known incident, Mary Fielding Smith’s oxen were spared to bring her pioneer family, including a future President of the Church, Joseph F. Smith, to Utah. (Preston Nibley, Presidents of the Church, Deseret Book Co., 1959, pp. 234–35.)

Though the prophets have spoken frequently about man’s responsibility to show proper treatment to animals in this world, very little detail is known about the states of animals in the eternities. Greater emphasis is rightly placed upon man’s need to live the gospel and be worthy to return to his Heavenly Father where he will then learn the answers to such questions. Quoting again from the editorial cited at the beginning of this article: “Men cannot worship the Creator and look with careless indifference upon his creations. The love of all life helps man to the enjoyment of a better life. It exalts the spiritual nature of those in need of divine favor.” (Juvenile Instructor, Apr. 1918, p. 182.)

Image via Wikipedia

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Christmas Cheer IS Contagious

Great Papa came home with a new Fiber-optic Angel for the top of the Revelation Tree in the Family Room. He was going to stand guard while I first stepped on a kitchen chair and then stepped up to stand on the bar stool to try place the Angel on top, when Wonder of Wonders! My partial-assistant exclaimed that I was going to fall, so just wait and let him do it! (Well, that's exactly what I wanted him to do!

And so momentarily, we were all excited to be together and working cohesively to spread the Spirit of Christmas throughout the house!

Great Papa also is very excited about the new LED lights and came home with a strand that he put on this little tree that stands in the window by the front door.

This is one of two HOLLY and IVY wreaths that we hang outside on the Front Door and in the Porch:                                                                                The HOLLY and the IVY,

When they are both full grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood
The holly bears the crown
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly bears a blossom
As white as lily flower
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To be our sweet Saviour
 the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly bears a berry
As red as any blood
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To do poor sinners good
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir 

The holly bears a prickle
As sharp as any thorn;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
On Christmas Day in the morn.
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly bears a bark
As bitter as any gall;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to redeem us all.
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly and the ivy
Now both are full well grown,
Of all the trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown.
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir  

And of course, the fabulous fiber-optic Pointsettia bush that Carolyn gave to Great!  The picture doesn't do it justice. The fiber-optic lights are very intense and beautiful. We love sitting and watching the colors change because it's soooo beautiful and peaceful in one great, grand, glorious display of colored lights! Truly Heavenly!

Remember, I mentioned that we were only momentarily united in enjoying the Christmas cheer that envelops you as you decorate and ponder the different Christmas symbols.

Our Cheer was interrupted with, "Aren't you done getting stuff out, yet? How many more boxes do I have to put away in the garage?"

Well, what do you think? Do you honestly think I'm done finding things to decorate?

Our INSPIRATIONAL FAMILY focus is a quote from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland in a BYU Devotional that he gave years ago, 'Maybe Christmas Doesn’t Come from a Store' :  "As happens so often if we are not careful, the symbols can cover that which is symbolized. In some of our lives the manger has already been torn down to allow for a discount store running three-for-a-dollar specials on gold, frankincense, and myrrh.....But for that very reason, I, like you, need to remember the very plain scene, even the poverty, of a night devoid of tinsel or wrapping or goods of this world. Only when we see that single, sacred, unadorned object of our devotion—the Babe of Bethlehem—will we know why “tis the season to be jolly” and why the giving of gifts is so appropriate."

Magic of CHRISTmas

This plaque was a gift from our Home Teacher.  We love it!  This year, we are appropriately placing it on display where the presents normally would be placed - below the Christmas tree.  The Fontanini Nativity with Santa kneeling at the Manger before the Christ Child is also, the only icon of Jolly Ol' St. Nick that we use in any of our decorations. 

Our INSPIRATIONAL FAMILY thought is two-fold: 

First, by Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley:  "While there are those for whom Christmas is difficult—particularly those who have lost loved ones and for whom there is now a poignant loneliness—even to these there comes the assurance of future glad reunions made possible only because of the sacrifice of the Son of God, whose birth we commemorate at this season. At this time of Christmas, this season when gifts are given, let us not forget that God gave His Son, and His Son gave His life, that each of us might have the gift of eternal life."

Gordon B. Hinckley via last.fm

and Secondly, by Pres. Thomas S. Monson:  "'Let us not spend Christmas and let us not observe Christmas, necessarily, but let us keep Christmas in our hearts and in our lives.'  This would be my plea today, for when we keep the spirit of Christmas, we keep the spirit of Christ, because the Christmas spirit is the Christ spirit.  Since that time, the spirit of giving gifts has been present in the mind of each Christian as he commemorates the Christmas season."

Image via Wikipedia

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Time to Lighten Our Attitude

We were left to ourselves to put up the tree and so only one side is decorated. 

This is our 3rd and shortest tree for our vaulted ceilings. (Notice the symbolism of the 2nd Coming of Christ with all of His Angels - the Angels on His Christmas Tree - being guarded by the Angel with her Sword.)

 Errol 'D I'd' my 18' foot tree and won't even get the boxes out of the garage attic for the 14' tree.  (Both of those trees were wider and fuller and required many ladders - and extra hands to put up and decorate.)

The star on top of this tree is from the REVELATION tree. (I taught the Gospel Doctrine Class at Christmas time one year and we were studying the Book of Revelations from the New Testament.  To visually enhance the scriptures, I decorated a 3' Christmas tree with ornaments matching the descriptions of the various symbols. The TREE was a beautiful representation and the kids grew-up with the REVELATION tree as a tradition in the Family Room.)

This 3' Angel used to reside on top of the 18'and 14' trees.  We attempted to place her on the current tree, but she would lean to one side.  (I like this year's placement with The Sword Of Truth! Actually, it's the Sword of Laban that we brought home from Spain.)

This sweet angel was given to us by our daughter as a surprise to place on our current tree.  But, alas, since I was a one person decorating committee this year, I couldn't make myself stand on the ladder on a high enough step to reach the top.  It was toooooo high and I seem to have a balance problem and always fall. (In fairness, I had a partial-assistant who stood on a bar stool to sort of throw a few angels up at the top, but we don't consider his effort worthy of calling it actual help!  And I single-handedly had already managed to get the Star on top!)  Our Angel theme continues in front of the Salt Lake Temple to remind us that it IS THE PLACE where Heaven comes to Earth.  (This photo is also for our one son's benefit who has been making light of his mom at work. Now, I ask you, does this look like the poor child really had it bad growing up in a deluge of green and gold?)  I added green candles this year to add a Christmas theme to Christ.  A fiber-optic Angel on the Entry Hall Door that requires many batteries from Great Papa's endless supply that he maintains for all of his wonderful toys.  (Thank-you GREAT PAPA!  There's a countdown on the Blog so that you can see how many more days I will be turning on her lights!)

Our INSPIRATIONAL FAMILY focus today is from Pres. Thomas S. Monson in his Conference address 'For I Was Blind, But Now I See':

" The lights in the building almost immediately went out.

But back came to me the stranger—

his lamp was glowing fine;

He held the precious flame and lighted mine. 

Perhaps the moral of this poem is simply that if you want to give a light to others, you have to glow yourself."

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