Families Forever

Let's all commit this New Year 2012 to attend the temple more frequently. What an opportunity to draw closer to those on the other side waiting for their work to be completed. Thanks Grandma Riley for giving us names to baptize, etc. May you each have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Love you!

A Painter's Paradise

And God created the earth....and oh what a great job he did. How He must love us. The Seasons, Colors, Textures, Lights and Darks, the sky, the trees, what a wonderful Father we have. Get out and enjoy these opportunites to feast your eyes on all that is around you. 

Twinkies

In May Conference 1998, Elder Holland posed the following question, “Are we really nurturing our youth in a way that will sustain them when the stresses of life appear? Or are we giving them a kind of theological Twinkie – spiritually empty calories?"

I love this quote and it makes me wonder, am I nourishing myself and my family spiritually, or am I feeding myself and them spiritual Twinkies? As we enter the holiday season, I hope we can all take the time to spiritually nourish ourselves and others.

Friends

Sometimes, we meet a friend on earth that we were close to in the eternities. Jen and I must have been sisters a long time ago. John and I met her at Young Single Adults four years ago. Jen works at Flaming Gorge Lodge so we see her often when we go up there. She comes to stay with us on weekends sometimes.

Jen is one of the most positive people I know as she laughs, jokes, and encourages. May you all have a friend as dear as mine is to me. And may I always remember to tell all my friends and family thanks.

This November is no. 4 without our Dear Paul. Thank you for your support always as you have all been by our side through this difficult time. He is happy, very busy, and still tells us 'hello' on a daily basis. I am so grateful for the Plan of Salvation; for the fact we will all be together again.

Children make our lives meaningful.

Happy October. Hope you had a wonderful month and are now ready for a truly Thanksgiving Month. Love you each and all. Pictured: Jane, Brooke, Amelia, Josh, Kennedy, Kassidy, Katlyn, Alexa, and Ben. We recruited the neighbors, our extended family, to share Octoberfest with us. Thanks!

Nature's Paintings

The Garden of Eden was said to be on the North American Continent. Could there be any doubt about this? Enjoy your Fall. Get out and take a walk or ride and see what God has offered us. We are most likely living in our eternal home already. Could anything replace the beauty of our world? Love you all.

Guitar in Hand

Did you know that Jordan is a fine guitarist? Yes you did. But did you know he likes someone? But don't tell anyone.  It is totally on the QT. He will hopefully serenade her ......but who knows until it happens. He also, along with Boy and Dad, have most popular Fruit Barn in SLC. Must go see!

Congratulations Christopher and Crystal.

We are so happy for you two great 'lovers'. Marriage is a wonderful experience of:

Sharing, learning, working, playing, hoping and praying, children, and so many opportunities. And then think, forever and ever becoming an eternal family. May you know of our love for you.

"I will be loving you always"

D.& C. 25:5...Emma received revelation through her
husband, Joseph Smith, "And the office of thy calling shall be for a
comfort unto my servant, Joseph Smith, Jun., thy husband, in his afflictions,
with consoling words, in the spirit of meekness." D.&C. 25:13 and 14:
"Wherefore, lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants
which thou has made. Continue in the spirit of meekness, and beware of pride.
Let thy soul delight in thy husband, and the glory which shall come upon
him."

Sixty five years ago, Grandpa and I were married and sealed
in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity. We were the best of friends,
very young and looked forward to a life together. As years passed we were
blessed with beautiful children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, all of
whom we are well pleased. The passing of time, of course, always offers many
experiences and emotions. This is all a part of our Father's plan to prepare us
for the eternal life we may enjoy if we stand up to the test in mortality. We,
as a couple and as a family, have experienced the utmost experiences to be had,
sorrow, happiness, tears, joy, devastation and peace.

At this time I wish to convey to my husband and family that
I truly have delighted in my husband and the life he has shared with me. He has
truly been an example of all the positive aspects of our lives, teaching one
and all that love endureth all. He has been my life preserver in the dark,
troubled waters of my life, and he has been the joy in knowing that I was loved
every day of my life. My gratitude to the Lord has no end that we have been
able to spend sixty five years together as man and wife. Of course I wrote him
a poem. I will not type it in poetry form because it will take too much space.

One day we said, "We will", and then we said,
"We do". We gave our love to each other, you to me and I to you. Love
has many meanings; it is a simple word to say, soothing a troubled heart, shown
in a quiet way. Love has no beginning, nor does it have an end, whether given
to a child or to a dear, dear friend. Love is an answer to all, coming from
Heaven above. Sorrow may be lifted with an act of love. Love is everlasting, it
may dim the signs of age. It gives us strength and courage when we turn another
page. Love is what I give to you upon this special. May our love go on forever;
for this I humbly pray.

I will be loving you always (our theme song), your devoted
wife, Shirley

Jail Birds

I have the opportunity to teach the Gospel Principles class in the jail to the sisters. It has been a very spiritual experience. We discussed the Holy Ghost last week. One of the 'sisters' discussed how far she had regressed from what she was brought up to be.
She started to pray and read her scriptures. Now she documents her readings and feelings in a journal. Her countenance has changed just in the time I have gotten to know her. She is vibrant, excited to help other sisters in jail, and wants to read all the time.
So why do we not spend just a few minutes doing the same thing. 'Try it, Sam I am. You will like it." I am going too.
Love you all. Even those who don't read our BLOG. 

Even a dew drop is important as it gives precious nutrients to a leaf.

Ponder Puddin' Post

I think some of us raised our eyebrows over the name of our
blog, ponderpuddin, but I have been thinking about it and I think it is
perfect. If we ponder over the important things in our lives we will create a
delicious puddin to share and to satisfy our spiritual appetites. In Moroni we
are told: "remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of
men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive
these things, and 'ponder' it in your hearts." In our busy lives our
hearts can be lifted by pondering over the 'little' things, such as little children
with their innocent faith, little time spent with loved ones, little moments
serving others, little blessings such as hearing the song of a bird, seeing a
beautiful sunset, awaking in the morning to the hope of a new day.

The dictionary describes the word, ponder in this way,
"to think about something quietly, soberly, and deeply". May we all
search, ponder, and pray for those things that perhaps are not tangible in a
mortal way but that offer hope at the dawning of a new day, strength to face
the challenges that come our way, and peace in the stillness of the night.

Our love to all, Grandma and Grandpa

Don't forget to pray.

Grandma Riley said she gets up every morning, swings her legs around, sits on the side of the bed, and says her morning prayer before ever touching the ground. Great way to start a new day, don't you think!

Karson's determination-or innocence

 Never give up. Stay focused. Remember-there is always someone there to catch you when you fall.
Families are the support we can trust and rely on if we do fall. May you each be blessed this new month of September. Have a wonderful Fall. No pun intended.

30 Day Experiment

It's amazing how quickly we can lose or acquire habits.....good or bad.
Since my "fast track" down the stairs a few months ago, my scripture reading habit has gone AWOL. Quite honestly, I could feel the difference in my life. I came across this book written by Wndy Watson Nelson called, Change your questions, Change your Life.
As I read through it, This experiment caught my eye, and so it has become, to my great benefit, part of my daily routine. So I'm throuwing down the gauntlet to all of my loved ones to take on the challange and experince the difference it will make in your lives.......


The Take a Daily Question to the Scriptures for 30 Days Experiment
Begin each of the thirty days of this experiment by asking yourself:
What is the one question I most need to have answered today—the question that is burning in my heart and mind, burdening me--the question that is troubling my life?
Then:
• Take your scriptures and kneel down and thank your Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the scriptures.
• Ask for the Spirit to be with you as you seek an answer to your one question for that day. Picture the Holy Ghost being right there with you as you read.
• Ask your Heavenly Father the one question you most need to have answered that day.
• Open your scriptures and read until you find the answer.
It is my experience, and the witness of so many others, that you won’t have to read very far before you will find what you are looking for.
Then record your experiences
Take a piece of paper and make four columns
• Date
• Question Asked
• Scriptural Reference of Answer
• Answer
The reason you’ll want to record the scriptural reference is that often the same scripture will take on a new meaning for you the next time you go to that reference. Have you noticed that before? That is how personal revelation works. It’s personal. Very personal. And it’s just for you, at that very moment.

Change your Questions, Change your Life.
Wendy Watson Nelson

 If you have a chance, blog. Would love to hear from you about your inspirations, feelings, thoughts, and activities. I really don't think you are receiving this blog because I know some of you would respond. But will keep tweeking my mistakes and hopefully you will finally see ponderpuddin.blogspot.com

A year of rain brings beautiful landscapes, much needed water, and blessings for a colorful Fall. Blog us some of your summer photos and add your caption. Much love to you!

A Little Whining and The Infinite Atonement

Ok. So I tried to share something, but I can't seem to copy and paste from Word to this blog post. I'm really not a technical neophyte, and I even tried copying it to Notepad to remove any strange formatting, then re-copying and re-pasting, but no luck. I even right-clicked and clicked paste. Nothing seems to allow me to copy from an existing document to this publishing box. So if anyone who's not at odds with the blogosphere can clue me in, please do (email me so I don't get too embarrassed).

So now that the whining is over, here's my real post. I won't bore you with my entire reading journal, but I would like to share something that I wrote "the other day" (yes, I'll take the time to re-type it here):

2011-06-29

Alma 7:11-13

Topics: Atonement, Succor, Personal Failings, Pain, Disease, Sickness, Temptations, Repentance

"And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind..." (v.11) During His life, and certainly during the Atonement, Jesus Christ suffered every pain, affliction, and temptation that man can suffer. There is nothing that we can go through that Christ has not suffered as well.

"... and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities." (v.12) This verse is filled with information and love. The definitions of infirmity that I found relevant to this scripture are:

1. Frailty,
2. Disease,
3. Personal failing.

I believe that Jesus Christ knew all these things spiritually (see verse 13), but because he led a life of perfect obedience to the Father, he did not (before the atonement) understand some of these things physically, especially those related to some temptations and personal failings. During the Atonement, our Savior took upon him all pain and suffering related to sickness, disease, frailty (old age and otherwise), and, most astonishingly, the physical pain of temptation and sin (i.e. yielding to temptation). And He did so in order that he might know according to the flesh how to run to, and give aid to, his people according to their infirmities. He knows how too help us, not only spiritually, but also physically, through all our difficulties in life. Most of the time I tend to think that the only way through difficult things is through spiritual means (reading the scriptures, praying, participating in church, fulfilling callings, etc.). However, this scripture sheds light on the fact that Jesus Christ knows how to help us physically as well. He knows how to help us overcome these weaknesses and troubles.

The Savior of the World knows how to help each of us overcome, and learn from, our pain, disease, sickness, personal failings, temptations, and sin. Once we are ready and willing to listen, learn, and obey, he will get us through these things and teach us a lot about ourselves, mortal life, and Eternal Life in the process. Some of these things might not go away until the end of our lives, the Resurrection, or possibly much later, but if we continue on in faith, and faithfully serve, not giving up, at some point the Savior will help us remove these difficulties and temptations. Then verse 13 applies: "... the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me."

Matthew 19: 13&14: "Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray and the disciples rebuked them.  But Jesus said, "Suffer little children, and forbid them not to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

Mindy's Moment

Deena,

 

I found a great quote that I was going to post on the family blog, but when I tried to post, it said my invitation was no longer valid.  At any rate, here's the quote that I really like:

 

“Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can.  He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends and pour out peace.  Whoever will lose his life in the service of God will find eternal life.”

–        President Benson, Ensign, December 1988

 

Love,

Mindy

Job 22 12:21-30

21. Acquaint now thyself with Him and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.
25. Yea the Almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver.
26. For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almight and shalt lift up thy face unto God.
27. Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows.
28. Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.
29. When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person.
30. He shall deliver the island of the innocent and it is delivered by the pureness of thine hands.

I just read this yesterday and wanted to share with each of you. May you have a wonderful day. Love you all!

California Reminder-Our Blog

 Everyone, please feel free to share your thoughts and feelings about your 'summer reading-or not' so we can all be fed spiritually and otherwise. We love each of you and would love to hear from you on this blog.  Pictures will continue to come until we feel the space with other items. I was assigned to do this-I have fulfilled my end of the bargain. Let's hear from you!

                           Yes, we can participate-we read meaningful quotes, scriptures, and thoughts.

 Even with two active Kiddies we will strongly support this blog with our feelings of good happenings.

 Two old kodgers talk shop. Let's hear what they have to say about life, values, and other choice matters.

                                'The Singing Nones' would love to hear from you. Only nice comments please!

 Brett, you are brilliant so please add your innermost thoughts about what is most important in life-not the 'Y'.

                      There is always room for words between these two. What would you like to tell the Clan?

              My most precious possession is family and health. Now I will share with you my experiences.

                                          "Don't beat around the bush. Just tell it the way it is."

 Eternal relationships between family members are what it is all about. Please share your experiences together with us who read and contribute to this blog on a 'regular' basis

 Jump in with all fours and write something you think will inspire and uplift us all. Otherwise, write anyway because we are all in this boat together.

 Grandpa always contemplates the ups-and-downs of life. Share with us Grandpa your thoughts, please.

 Barry and Lisa-let's hear what you think. Need to know some parenting skills that might help Grandparents survive babysitting.

 C'mon Jaxon, it is up to you to spice this blog up a bit. Write about those exciting thoughts you have.

 Ken, just try and survive the family. That is all we ask of you. However, we could use a few suggestions on improvement. Not too many though.

 Even our litte Ones could contribute if helped by parents. Usually they have the most inspiration of all.

So get the fingers clicking and let's share this 'Search, Ponder, and Pray' blog together-ponderpuddin.

Family News Gone Blog or Ponderpuddin'

 Mom would love to hear from each of you about your day or week. She surely takes time to share with us. Just write a few thoughts, or a long journal entry. Where would we be without authors.

 Dad enjoys time alone but really he loves the commotion of family activities. So send him a note or two about what you are doing, your love for life, your frustrations, or anything that comes to mind.

 Alan and Chris are getting quite old so make your text big and bold. Glad Chris's arms are healing. Alan proved to be such a wonderfully good-looking nurse during that time.

 Well, any news?

 Jordan is traveling and won't be home until December 2015. He is playing his guitar all over Europe-or is he surfing-maybe both. Give him some advice!

 Scott and Nanette smile since they are now back with the living after Scott's back surgery. Slow down-both of you. You ain't as young as you used to be.

 Idaho comes to Calif and looks pretty laid back. Good to se the Country-Bumpkins!

 These three actually attended the temple and did work for the dead-'The Grateful Dead'

 Abbey and Riley are glad to be together after schooling separates them. Cards late at night for all the Grandkids with Grandma was the main sport for the week-and beach surfing for the Bradshaws.

 Oh those brownies of Nan's are so good. And Chris and Alan's barbecue was so delicious. Good luck Miss Boise. Go kill em and we will cheer for you this season.

 Jaxon and Riley spend 'meaningful time' together as Bros should.

 Lisa shared her ideas about reading the scriptures and letting the prophets words guide our lives. She encourages us to write in our journals our thoughts and feelings of what we read-very private and meaningful for each of us. Then if you would like to share these feelings, Nan suggested this blog.
 Just click on the picture icon at the top, click on your photos you wish to share, download to this blog. Then if you wish to add text-tx icon on top-wha la-this would serve as a great journal entry. 'Try it Sam I am. Try eating Green Eggs and Ham. You will like it.'
We would love to hear from you. Don't ask about the name. Ponderpuddin' just came to mind so ponder up your puddin and get blogging!
Have a great week. Prizes for those who blog-to be handed out at the Riley Christmas party.
Until then-enjoy your Summer!

We encourage everyone to get a notebook-journal thoughts of inspiration from reading good material, or own thoughts that encourage. Then blog on ponderpuddin' so we can all be edified by your knowledge. Please be part and enjoy this time together. We love you each and all.  Any questions- email. (Thanks Courtney for helping me do this.)