Dave Ramsey

We went to see Dave Ramsey speak yesterday. I'm know his plan will help us to be in a better position when we reach our mid-60's. Not too far off.

Some of the things that struck a cord with me:
Poor is a state of mind. Broke is got no money, but I'm not staying here.

You have to focus and do things line upon line.

Take baby steps.

Its not over until you quit.

One more week gone

Still running a fever. Dr.Biedermann came by and checked on me again. He prescribed some Levaquin for me. Hopefully this will kick it for me.

We get to see Dave Ramsey tomorrow. I'm looking forward to this.

I went today to help a dear friend dress her Mom for burial. Her Mom looked like she was in such a state of peace.

Justin Burrows, Nina Matheney, Noah Adams, and Emily Adams came by this afternoon and provided me with an awesome service. I've been struggling with my front plant bed and they came over and weeded it for me. Thank you guys. It looks so great!

A little spooked, but o.k.

Last year I fell twice within six months of each other. Both times, broke bones and wound up in the hospital with sepsis. Not quite sure why, but the thought was that possibly one of my cysts on my kidneys had ruptured with the fall. When I fell on Saturday, I was just relieved that I hadn't broken any bones and thought nothing else of it.

This morning at dialysis my temp was normal, but about 6 tonight I started with a rising temp. I thought "here we go again."

Thankfully, my temp just broke. I'm not sure why I ran one, just glad I'm not over at Baylor tonight in the ER.

Other Than Being Totally Sore

I'm actually doing ok today. Other than the side hem of my skirt splitting half way up my leg during sacrament, I'm doing ok. Other than getting to church without the dog carrier I promised Sister Wisor, I'm doing ok (I ran home after sacrament and got it). Whew. I'm glad I remembered.

Church was good. The Mizraji's spoke in sacrament meeting and did an outstanding job. I enjoyed their message. I realized during their talks they were baptized the same year Steve and I got married. Joseph Butcher spoke also and did an amazing job. I thought what a great missionary he'll be.

Sunday School - I walked in a little late (see dog carrier thing), but Karen did her amazing job. Her lessons are so well done and she brings the Spirit into the room every time she speaks. Her lesson was on missionary work.

Relief Society - Peggy Burrows did a great job teaching the Joseph Smith lesson on being a peacemaker. Her health is improving and you can see it in the way she teaches. That spark is back.

Got home and walked the dogs, ate lunch. Steve has gone home teaching and I have a few quiet hours to myself.

The plantings from yesterday are still alive . . . yea! I saw this on one of my favorite comics today and thought I would share.

Gardening all day

Wow - I'm beat and sore. I woke up this morning, walked the dogs, went to Lowe's and WalMart. I was planning to just get a few things and well you know how that goes.

When I got home I started planting. So today, I planted two Indian Hawthornes, a Coreposis, Daisy plant, three strawberry plants, some Rosemary, a flowering vine, transplanted another plant, three hostas, two ferns, and about 18 dianthus. I also put down 4 bags of mulch.

I tripped over the edging at one point and fell straight forward and landed on my hands and knees. I will admit to be a little more than scared. For those of you who know me well, you know how I panicked. With my kidneys, my bones are not the best and in the past, I would have broken both wrists. Having already done that and with metal plates in both wrists, I was protected. Thank you Heavenly Father.

Wow ... I'm beat. Took my shower and feel much better.

Gardening

Got home today and took the pups for their daily walk. When I got home I headed straight for the backyard and started pulling weeds. Two hours later, two bags full of weeds, and I was exhausted. My feet looked like they'd never seen water.

I came in did some indexing and then climbed into the shower. Squeaky clean now just so I'll be ready to start yardwork again tomorrow. Its ok. I love my showers.

We're going to try building a raised bed for the vegetables this year. I hope it eliminates some of the weeds and allow for more drainage for the plants to grow in.

Sometimes the Greatest Things We Do Are Within the Walls of Our Own Homes

When you understand, without equivocation, that you were chosen and reserved for now, and when you live in harmony with that mission and with the promises you made premortally, you'll be happier than you have ever been before. Sheri Dew



Watch more cool animation and creative cartoons at aniBoom

I ran across the clocktower video and it reminded me of something I had read by Sister Dew earlier this morning. I know there are times I live beneath my blessings, but I know who I am and that knowledge always pulls me back into line and helps me to refocus on those things most important.

Yesterday was a good day - I worked in the backyard and Steve and I had a date night last night. We haven't had one in a long time. When he asked if we could go out my first thought was, we can't afford this, and then my second thought, we can't afford not to do this.

Onward and upward.

New church video - Its great

Happy St. Patrick's Day

As I've worked on my genealogy I have found my roots on my Dad's side are really Irish a few generations back. So today, I'll be wearing green.

Yesterday wasn't too good of a day and I didn't accomplish anything but cleaning the kitchen and taking the dogs for a walk.

Today will be better. Lots of cleaning to be done and yard work.

I am so impressed with the young mothers and fathers in my ward. When I was raising my two, the only real interaction they had with their father was in sports. So its fun seeing Dad's hold their children and helping their wives with them. The mothers are more educated than I was and most of my counterparts at that time. What a blessing they are to their children.

Things are starting to come back that I had planted in my planting beds last year. This thrills me. To me its alot like the resurrection. They've rested under the ground for a season and then start to come back in the spring. I've been pulling weeds a little at a time and yesterday I just over did it. Today I'm going to try and take care of it earlier before it gets too hot.

Klarise Richmond came by this morning to tune my piano.

Off to busyness.

Another really great day

I woke up at a decent time this morning and turned on BYU TV and watched a devotional with Elder Wirthlin on it. Dozed back off and woke up an hour later.

Church was really good. Christensen's did a great job in sacrament and I thought Jessica looked absolutely stunning with that pink top and red hair of hers. Don't you think so too?

Karen did great in Sunday school and left us all with alot of thought in her lesson and me thinking more of my relationship with Steve. Relief Society was great. I love Barbara's lessons and gave me thought as well on where I spend my time.

This evening we went over to Steve and Holli's for dinner. We had lasagna and french bread and dessert. We also had really good company. I love spending time with them. She has created a beautiful home for the two of them.

I'm tired and think I will go to bed.

Survival

My sister and I spoke this evening following a cute message left on my voicemail from her grandson, Aiden. The message started off with lots of whispering and then this cute little voice "I love you aunt Dianne". Melted my heart, so I called her back.

We got into a discussion. I told her I'd posted my picture on dialysis. She said I should take it off, that its not who I am. She's right. I am a woman who has survived alot. My first marriage was rough - but I came out of it with two exceptional children and a third when my son got married.

I remarried and have been blessed by this marriage for 16 years.

I have survived an incredible number of medical problems. Financial problems. These things aren't who I am, they have helped create who I am. I feel blessed for moving beyond them and being a better person because of them.

I was blessed to work in the temple for nearly 15 years.

The Lord has watched over me through all of my trials and challenges. I know he knows me and loves me. I can't ask for better than that.

Anyway, enough of that.

Cheri's wedding reception was tonight. Sadly I fell asleep around 5 and didn't wake up until 7. I climbed in the shower and hurried Steve up. We had spent the day cleaning out the garage and his truck was loaded with things to haul to the dump on Monday. I had decided to head on over to the chapel while he was cleaning up and walked out into the garage and saw his truckbed loaded and realized if I didn't wait on him, he'd be there long after it was over. I got there just as Cheri was leaving. Sigh.

I saw this Glen Beck video this evening on the amount of money the government is printing and the devaluation of the dollar and put it her to be seen. Incredible.

Farewells

Me on my machine. I don't normally look so wiped out. It was about 7:00 a.m. and I'd been on the machine for about 15 minutes.

When I first started in dialysis the nurse on the staff at Davita really watched over me and helped me feel safe when I started dialyzing. They are opening a new Davita center on the west side of town and she is going to be the facility manager there. I am sad to see her go, but I know she will be a blessing to others in the facility there.

I've decided to add pictures of the staff and my machine today.
This is Terri. She's the one changing centers and will really be missed.


This is Tomika. She will be staying at the center (whew! I couldn't handle more change).

Once the center is up and running on the other side of town many of those who started will be transferring there. I understand our center has a waiting list. Its a good thing my name got in before now.

On another note, I was really charged yesterday when I was able to figure out how to make my blog a three column blog. So its a little different than before.

Why Mormons Build Temples

While I was at the temple this morning, an email came from Salt Lake saying the church had put out a video on youtube concerning why we build temples.

I've included the youtube link for it below.

It was a good morning and a quiet afternoon. We were busy printing and cutting family file cards and taking prayer roll names this morning.

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I am getting so old . . .

I was on Facebook this evening and found a posting for my old high school. I found a guy who was the brother to two guys I used to hang out with from church. I sent him a message. He confirmed me and I got to see pics of his family. Wow, alot changes in forty years. Did I say 40 . . . ouch! They have great looking families.
Its hard to believe how quick time flies.

HBO and Big Love

Having been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for more than 58 years, I am disturbed on many points with the upcoming episode of Big Love on HBO. The following is information from the Deseret News on the matter.

"Time Warner's Home Box Office network will cross a very bright ethical line when it airs an episode of "Big Love" Sunday that producers ironically said Tuesday depicts LDS temple ceremonies with "dignity and reverence." HBO apologized if the episode offends but is not likely to pull from its lineup.

Here's the first ethical problem -- honesty. Under the guise of portraying a polygamist family drama, series producers employed an ex-Mormon to help them construct sets and costumes to re-create temple rites.

The disingenuous statements continue. "Big Love" producers had promised that they would draw clear lines between the practices of polygamist groups and the LDS Church. Here's the statement HBO released Tuesday:

"We know that the writers/producers of the series have gone to great lengths to be respectful and accurate in portraying the endowment ceremony. That ceremony is very much an important part of this year's storyline. Obviously, it was not our intention to do anything disrespectful to the church but to those who may be offended, we offer our sincere apology. It should also be noted that throughout the series' three-year run, the writer/producers have made abundantly clear the distinction between the LDS church and those extreme fringe groups who practice polygamy. "

If it was so, why does the media around the world still so easily confuse the two? They obviously don't get it. In this case on two fronts -- an excommunication proceeding and temple ceremonies -- they are using LDS Church practices as the portrayal of what polygamist groups do. Producers may understand the difference between the two groups but don't seem to care if viewers are confused and, in fact, their statements sound like they are unapologetic for their choices. Is the consultant privy to what fundamentalist groups do in their church and temple?

Even then, why should those groups be subject to the same kind of media abuse?

In a prepared statement released Tuesday to the media, "Big Love" producers Mark V. Olsen and Will Scheffer said, "In approaching the dramatization of the endowment ceremony, we knew we had a responsibility to be completely accurate and to show the ceremony in the proper context and with respect. We therefore took great pains to depict the ceremony with the dignity and reverence it is due. This approach is entirely evident in the scene portrayed in this episode and certainly reflected in Jeanne Tripplehorn's beautiful and moving performance as she faces losing the church she loved so much. In order to assure the accuracy of the ceremony, it was thoroughly vetted by an adviser who is familiar with temple practices and rituals. This consultant was actually on the set throughout the filming of the scenes to make sure every detail was correct."

What the producers don't get is the "context." Temple blessings are understood by those who are worthy and spiritually prepared. What Olsen and Scheffer have created amounts to religious pornography. It takes something that is sacred and meant for personal reflection and commitment and throws it before the masses. Unfortunately, other religious groups have not been spared entertainment industry abuse. See the LDS Church statement here. I also appreciated the words by a Salt Lake rabbi on KSL-TV.

"The whole idea of having holy, sacred garments is that they act as a reminder to the person or persons wearing them. That what's going on, what is happening while those garments are being worn is a sacred moment," said Rabbi Benny Zippel, of the Chabad Lubavitch of Utah.

Here's what TV Guide magazine wrote about the episode:

" 'It's almost a 'don't ask, don't tell' policy,' (not in my 58 years have I ever known a polygamous family in the church and certainly never heard of a 'don't ask,m don't tell' policy) says executive producer Mark Olsen. Their under-the-radar status will change this week when Barb (Jeanne Tripplehorn) faces the consequences of breaking the rules and is called to an excommunication hearing. 'We researched it out the wazoo,' says Olsen, who along with executive producer Will Scheffer hired an ex-Mormon consultant to help the set and wardrobe designers re-create even the tiniest details. 'We go into the endowment room and the celestial room (areas of the temple), and we present what happens in those ceremonies. That's never been shown on television before,' says Olsen. Adds Scheffer, 'But it's not for shock value. (If not then why was it put in)It's really a very important part of the story.' "

The second ethical problem is "Big Love" producers' sense of arrogance and lack of sensitivity. . . . The airing of this episode is a total disregard to what members of a religious group holds dear and sacred. According to Elder Dallin H. Oaks, with rights to publish, air and speak freely also comes responsibility. The "Big Love" producers are abandoning such responsibility to shock value. They will likely get what they want, big ratings driven by controversy.

Don't get me wrong. I don't believe there should be any effort by government to censor HBO, but I do believe those who care about respect for religious ideals should enter the marketplace of ideas and make calm and reasoned arguments about why this show is offensive. The public should demand HBO observe higher ethical standards. HBO ought to make the ethical decision to pull the show based on its offense to members of the nation's fourth largest religious denomination."That message has already gone viral. There are groups on Facebook, tweets on Twitter and e-mail blasts asking Latter-day Saints and others to ask HBO to examine its ethical principles. I join those raising a call for HBO to exercise some responsibility with its First Amendment rights." Article by Joel Campbell, dated March 10, 2009.

My Unemployment Disaster

So Steve subcontracted electrical work on a house in Highland park. He was paid on draws based on what was completed on the job. It was hard to figure out how to report it on his unemployment. Back in January messed up his unemployment when I filed a payment, so I followed the directions of the lady I talked to at the time when I filed his last payment and it through the process out of whack. "Please contact the Unemployment Office" staring at me on the screen. I called and sat on hold for 37 minutes before I spoke to a rep. She straightened things out and said I needed to refile, I kept trying and kept getting a message that he wasn't eligible to refile until March 15. So yesterday afternoon I called again and sat on hold for 20+ minutes and the girl said you should be able to refile. Try again tomorrow morning. So this morning again, I sat on hold for 30+ minutes because it still didn't work. When I talked to the rep she said for me to retry and now the message on the screen was "Unable to refile until March 22." Yipes! Anyway, bottom line I didn't need to refile she had made a correction to the file and I had to do nothing, but wait on hold for over an hour total. Such is the process. I'm grateful for the unemployment, but it can be a bear to work through.

Steve has a job interview in Southlake this morning. We'll see how it goes.

I love Tuesdays. I feel so much better.

Kristin called. Her Dad's visiting and I think she's ready for him to go home. Its frustrating to her because he keeps her waiting all of the time.

What a Monday!

Within an hour of starting dialysis this morning, the lady sitting next to me started throwing up. Not just a little, but alot. Unfortunately she threw up into my shoes. The nurses asked what I wanted to do with them and I said "throw them away!". I'm going to be sure to put my stuff on the other side of the chair next time.

It wouldn't have been too bad, except I was nearly out of gas and had to stop to get gas on the way home. I had a 50 cent per gallon discount from Tom Thumb and went looking for the Tom Thumb to get gas. So I'm standing outside pumping gas in my stocking feet since I had no shoes.

On the way back home I dropped something off I had promised Margaret and had to go to the door again in my sock feet.

What a Monday. At least my blood pressure is back up.

They had a new patient at the center this morning. She's about my age and totally overwhelmed by the dialysis. She had originally planned to not do the dialysis. She had told her doctor and her kids she would ratherdie than do the dialysis. When she passed out they took her to the hospital and started the dialysis. We had a nice talk and I told her to hold on and trust in God's plan for her. Its not always an easy thing to do, but I've learned he is the only one I can really trust to watch over me.

Another Sabbath Day

Church was really good today. Margaret spoke in sacrament meeting and I found many things she said that spoke to me. Jarom also spoke and he bore his testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith. Some things out of Margaret's talk that hit me, was to not be defeated twice by our circumstances - once by the circumstance, and once by ourselves. She also compared life to a play, with a director, and each of one of us in our own roles. How our completion of those things we are to do impact others in positive or negative ways. Practice makes progress. How our habits either lead us to condemnation or exaltation.

Sunday school - Karen always does a remarkable job. I have seen so much growth in her in this calling and she just gets better by the day. She now has a new calling at the temple - a coordinator. I always knew she would be someday. She's not fond of change, but what a great assignment for her. She will do magnificent. We had alot of class participation.

Relief Society - Geniel talked about finding joy in spite of our circumstances or because of them. It was a good lesson and again alot of class participation.

I hit the door and Gabbie wouldn't let me rest until I took them for a walk.

All in all, in spite of everything going on in our lives, I'm grateful for everything I've been blessed with.

I couldn't resist myself, one more cool pic of Kristin from Hawaii.

Busyness

So far today I've cleaned the kitchen, the oven (so alright, I just punch a button), walked the dogs, pulled weeds, and mowed the backyard. A much better day than yesterday, but I think I'm done. After I finished I sat out in a chair in the yard and felt the wind blowing on my face and loved the way it made me feel.

Steve's sister emailed a link to me out of the New York Times on kidney disease. I watched (and listened) and it was very interesting and reflects a lot of the same feelings I have (except for I will not at this time opt for transplant.)

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/05/the-voices-of-kidney-disease/

There are some days its just good to be home

I got back from dialysis this morning and decided to get busy in the backyard pulling weeds, etc. I even had Steve pull out the mower for me. Well . . . it only took about 40 minutes when I felt myself get really light headed and had Steve help me back in.

I've been laying down all afternoon. Its been nice to be able to do that. I slept a little at dialysis this morning, but made up for it this afternoon.

I have to work smarter, not necessarily harder. Pace myself . . . tough to do sometimes.

Magic - RootsMagic 4

I signed up to beta test the new update for Roots Magic and love it. Initially I had a bit of a time trying to figure out how to access new family searh ordinances, but once I did, it was like magic. I really love it.

Create Beauty

When I saw my daughter's and her friends' pictures of Hawaii I thought of how beautiful God created this universe. There is so much beauty to be found.

When I went on the internet today, I saw the clip by Elder Uchtdorff on creating beauty and made it my thought for the day.

I have been still pondering over the medicare situation. When at the temple this morning the thought came to me to call my rep at my insurance company. When I got in my car I found she had called and left me a voice message. Coincidental? I think not. I called her right back and she gave me the answer I needed.

When I got home, I had a call from Social Security letting me know they had worked things out at my dialysis center.

I can see the Lord's hands in so many things. I have so much to be thankful for. Again, thank you Father for each new day.

More Pics from Hawaii and Coupons

I have four coupons for diapers at $1.00 off on Pampers and another brand. If you want them, please let me know.

My daughter got back today from Hawaii and a friend of hers posted more pics on facebook. So I thought I'd share a few.





Be still my heart. She's so very brave and doesn't hesitate to try anything.

Medicare, Social Security, Insurance, oh my . . .

I've been trying to find out my status for medicare for about the last month. I was told it had already been filed for and that I would begin coverage sometime this month.

I called a couple of weeks ago and they didn't have a record, so I scheduled a phone interview. When I got the call today he said the dialysis center I'm using is not an authorized medicare facility. Yipes!

I've been rolling along feeling very safe and secure and adjusting to changes. This one really set me off. Sigh.

Follow-up - the social worker spoke with me and they are trying to work it out for me to stay at their facility.

I took Gabby to the vet this afternoon to run her labs. Her kidneys are better, but her liver is failing quickly. Sigh . . . she's such a sweetheart.

Poor Benson is going to really miss her when she's gone, as well as Steve and I. When the vet weighed him he'd gained even more weight. When Gabby doesn't eat her share, he finishes it off for her. He looks like a little sausage.

We love them both though. Its really hard to lose them.

Oh the way the Lord shows his love to his children

My daughter just called me from Hawaii. She's out there until Tuesday and is having a great time. I believe the Lord compensates his children. She's not married and yet the Lord has her in a great job and has given her great opportunities.




She sent me some pics and I am attaching them to view.

Stake Conference - Uplifting, thought provoking, and time to take stock

I really enjoyed stake conference today. Dieter Uchtdorf, one of my favorite men spoke. Every time I see him, I remember when he gave me the blessing last year over at the Allen Stake Center. He is a big man and with a really big heart. I remember when I walked into the room where he was, I was so overwhelmed I held my breath until it was all over. He is also incredibly handsome.



Elder Gene R. Cook, Elder Oswald, and Elder Edgley also spoke.

Some of the thoughts that struck a chord with me were the importance of family togetherness. "We each determine what kind of parent we will be."

We must allow ourselves to be visible in the community, too many members are in camoflage. Excellence and quality - defined by how we feel about ourselves.

Important to be separate from evil.
Don't just be a hearer of the word, but a doer.

We are united by our faith in Christ. In the Church we are never alone.

Study Preach my Gospel. Use as a tool in family home evening. As we study it, we will strengthen our testimony and become better people.

Rely on the Spirit.

Set goals based on what we wish the outcomes to be.

CTR - Current Temple Recommend.

Pitch our tents toward the temple and away from Sodom.

As we purify our lives, the Spirit will speak to each of us individually. Once we receive personal revelation, act upon it.

Each day we should ask "what are we personally doing to increase our faith"? "What are we doing daily to strengthen our families?"

From Pres. Uchtdorf - Three things that we must be doing.

1. Hold a temple recommend - this will increase our faith and strengthen our families.
2. Study the word of God daily.
3. Speak with God daily.

Find out which areas of our lives need course correction.

Elder Edgley spoke about the son of a couple he knew who wound up in prison for the rest of his life. He wound up in solitary confinement. While there, he read the entire Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants. Elder Edgley was corresponding with him and the young man wrote him about how he wished he had read the scriptures earlier in his life. How grateful he was for the Savior.

How do our challenges define our lives? Out of pain and suffering, the Savior gives hope. He will take our yoke and give us peace.

I walked a mile with Pleasure,
She chattered all the way;
But left me none the wiser
For all she had to say.

I walked a mile with Sorrow,
And ne'er a word said she,
But oh, the things I learned from her
When sorrow walked with me.

Robert Hamilton Browning

Elder Oswald spoke about the Whitmer family. With all they had given to them spiritually, because they chose not to follow their leaders, they went into apostasy.

Listen and give heed to the Spirit.
Focus on the spiritual rather than the wordly.
Listen and follow leaders.