Saturday, December 25, 2010
FInale Part 3
Rachael: I meant to say that I need you to teach me the scarf folding thing. Don't know how to fold it diagonally . . .
Sorry about the dogs. Sometimes I imagine murdering them. They are so mean and unhappy. Sorry about thoughts of murder on Christmas.
Lindsey: I meant to say that I now agree with you. I DO remind myself of Emma Stone. I think we even sound alike! I don't know where any of that came from.
Family! I will skype with you soon, but right now you are asleep in your little beds dreaming.
HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD LIFE.
Friday, December 24, 2010
12 drummers Drumming & this is a GIANT finale PART 2
12 drummers were something about the apostle's creed that I don't really know anything about. Today is Christmas Eve. I think I have enjoyed this blog more than anyone. I sought to bring the Christmas Spirit to others, but instead I found myself being at peace with all the troubles around me, including the giant one of not being home.
Tonight, I want to share with you something I started realizing a few years ago. These next thoughts, ponderings, scriptures, and words are some of those most precious to me. I am about to impart to you a Megan Whitlock Christmas Eve moment.
Imagine a prophet standing on a wall. Arrows, rocks, and anything throwable fly past him as he proclaims the gospel of Jesus Christ. Helaman 14: 2-8
2 And behold, he said unto them: Behold, I give unto you a sign; for five years more cometh, and behold, then cometh the Son of God to redeem all those who shall believe on his name.
3 And behold, this will I give unto you for a sign at the time of his coming; for behold, there shall be great lights in heaven, insomuch that in the night before he cometh there shall be no darkness, insomuch that it shall appear unto man as if it was day.
4 Therefore, there shall be one day and a night and a day, as if it were one day and there were no night; and this shall be unto you for a sign; for ye shall know of the rising of the sun and also of its setting; therefore they shall know of a surety that there shall be two days and a night; nevertheless the night shall not be darkened; and it shall be the night before he is born.
5 And behold, there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you.
6 And behold this is not all, there shall be many signs and wonders in heaven.
7 And it shall come to pass that ye shall all be amazed, and wonder, insomuch that ye shall fall to the earth.
8 And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall believe on the Son of God, the same shall have everlasting life.
Helaman 16 chapter heading: The Nephites who believe Samuel are baptized by Nephi—Samuel cannot be slain with the arrows and stones of the unrepentant Nephites—Some harden their hearts, and others see angels—The unbelievers say it is not reasonable to believe in Christ and his coming in Jerusalem. About 6–1 B.C.
3 Nephi 1
5 But there were some who began to say that the time was past for the words to be fulfilled, which were spoken by Samuel, the Lamanite.
6 And they began to rejoice over their brethren, saying: Behold the time is past, and the words of Samuel are not fulfilled; therefore, your joy and your faith concerning this thing hath been vain.
7 And it came to pass that they did make a great uproar throughout the land; and the people who believed began to be very sorrowful, lest by any means those things which had been spoken might not come to pass.
Imagine one day that this scenario will be ours. Imagine that people all around us will be mocking us and saying "you were stupid for believing." Stop for one moment and think of these faithful people. These people who believed. When the day comes for us to stand as they did we will know that the next verse is what is asked of us.
8 But behold, they did watch steadfastly for that day and that night and that day which should be as one day as if there were no night, that they might know that their faith had not been vain.
9 Now it came to pass that there was a day set apart by the unbelievers, that all those who believed in those traditions should be put to death except the sign should come to pass, which had been given by Samuel the prophet.
10 Now it came to pass that when Nephi, the son of Nephi, saw this wickedness of his people, his heart was exceedingly sorrowful.
11 And it came to pass that he went out and bowed himself down upon the earth, and cried mightily to his God in behalf of his people, yea, those who were about to be destroyed because of their faith in the tradition of their fathers.
12 And it came to pass that he cried mightily unto the Lord all that day; and behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, saying:
13 Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets.
And here we have the real cause to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. He is the one who fulfils all prophecy. The very moment he came to this earth, he was saving lives.
14 Behold, I come unto my own, to fulfil all things which I have made known unto the children of men from the foundation of the world, and to do the will, both of the Father and of the Son—of the Father because of me, and of the Son because of my flesh. And behold, the time is at hand, and this night shall the sign be given.
15 And it came to pass that the words which came unto Nephi were fulfilled, according as they had been spoken; for behold, at the going down of the sun there was no darkness; and the people began to be astonished because there was no darkness when the night came.
16 And there were many, who had not believed the words of the prophets, who fell to the earth and became as if they were dead, for they knew that the great plan of destruction which they had laid for those who believed in the words of the prophets had been frustrated; for the sign which had been given was already at hand.
17 And they began to know that the Son of God must shortly appear; yea, in fine, all the people upon the face of the whole earth from the west to the east, both in the land north and in the land south, were so exceedingly astonished that they fell to the earth.
18 For they knew that the prophets had testified of these things for many years, and that the sign which had been given was already at hand; and they began to fear because of their iniquity and their unbelief.
19 And it came to pass that there was no darkness in all that night, but it was as light as though it was mid-day. And it came to pass that the sun did rise in the morning again, according to its proper order; and they knew that it was the day that the Lord should be born, because of the sign which had been given.
20 And it had come to pass, yea, all things, every whit, according to the words of the prophets.
21 And it came to pass also that a new star did appear, according to the word.
Treasure these words. These words are words that Jesus Christ spoke to the prophet in his last moments in his premortal mission. Then, the sign was given that Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World, was born. Lift up your heads and be of good cheer. One day, no one knows the hour, he will come again. One day all of the believers will be looking steadfastly for the signs to come. He will come again. FOR HE LIVES. JESUS IS THE CHRIST, THE SAVIOR, THE MESSIAH, THE LIGHT AND THE WAY.
This is precious to me. I hope the spirit can testify to all of you the truth of these words. Believe. Believe. Believe.
Tonight, I want to share with you something I started realizing a few years ago. These next thoughts, ponderings, scriptures, and words are some of those most precious to me. I am about to impart to you a Megan Whitlock Christmas Eve moment.
Imagine a prophet standing on a wall. Arrows, rocks, and anything throwable fly past him as he proclaims the gospel of Jesus Christ. Helaman 14: 2-8
2 And behold, he said unto them: Behold, I give unto you a sign; for five years more cometh, and behold, then cometh the Son of God to redeem all those who shall believe on his name.
3 And behold, this will I give unto you for a sign at the time of his coming; for behold, there shall be great lights in heaven, insomuch that in the night before he cometh there shall be no darkness, insomuch that it shall appear unto man as if it was day.
4 Therefore, there shall be one day and a night and a day, as if it were one day and there were no night; and this shall be unto you for a sign; for ye shall know of the rising of the sun and also of its setting; therefore they shall know of a surety that there shall be two days and a night; nevertheless the night shall not be darkened; and it shall be the night before he is born.
5 And behold, there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you.
6 And behold this is not all, there shall be many signs and wonders in heaven.
7 And it shall come to pass that ye shall all be amazed, and wonder, insomuch that ye shall fall to the earth.
8 And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall believe on the Son of God, the same shall have everlasting life.
Helaman 16 chapter heading: The Nephites who believe Samuel are baptized by Nephi—Samuel cannot be slain with the arrows and stones of the unrepentant Nephites—Some harden their hearts, and others see angels—The unbelievers say it is not reasonable to believe in Christ and his coming in Jerusalem. About 6–1 B.C.
3 Nephi 1
5 But there were some who began to say that the time was past for the words to be fulfilled, which were spoken by Samuel, the Lamanite.
6 And they began to rejoice over their brethren, saying: Behold the time is past, and the words of Samuel are not fulfilled; therefore, your joy and your faith concerning this thing hath been vain.
7 And it came to pass that they did make a great uproar throughout the land; and the people who believed began to be very sorrowful, lest by any means those things which had been spoken might not come to pass.
Imagine one day that this scenario will be ours. Imagine that people all around us will be mocking us and saying "you were stupid for believing." Stop for one moment and think of these faithful people. These people who believed. When the day comes for us to stand as they did we will know that the next verse is what is asked of us.
8 But behold, they did watch steadfastly for that day and that night and that day which should be as one day as if there were no night, that they might know that their faith had not been vain.
9 Now it came to pass that there was a day set apart by the unbelievers, that all those who believed in those traditions should be put to death except the sign should come to pass, which had been given by Samuel the prophet.
10 Now it came to pass that when Nephi, the son of Nephi, saw this wickedness of his people, his heart was exceedingly sorrowful.
11 And it came to pass that he went out and bowed himself down upon the earth, and cried mightily to his God in behalf of his people, yea, those who were about to be destroyed because of their faith in the tradition of their fathers.
12 And it came to pass that he cried mightily unto the Lord all that day; and behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, saying:
13 Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets.
And here we have the real cause to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. He is the one who fulfils all prophecy. The very moment he came to this earth, he was saving lives.
14 Behold, I come unto my own, to fulfil all things which I have made known unto the children of men from the foundation of the world, and to do the will, both of the Father and of the Son—of the Father because of me, and of the Son because of my flesh. And behold, the time is at hand, and this night shall the sign be given.
15 And it came to pass that the words which came unto Nephi were fulfilled, according as they had been spoken; for behold, at the going down of the sun there was no darkness; and the people began to be astonished because there was no darkness when the night came.
16 And there were many, who had not believed the words of the prophets, who fell to the earth and became as if they were dead, for they knew that the great plan of destruction which they had laid for those who believed in the words of the prophets had been frustrated; for the sign which had been given was already at hand.
17 And they began to know that the Son of God must shortly appear; yea, in fine, all the people upon the face of the whole earth from the west to the east, both in the land north and in the land south, were so exceedingly astonished that they fell to the earth.
18 For they knew that the prophets had testified of these things for many years, and that the sign which had been given was already at hand; and they began to fear because of their iniquity and their unbelief.
19 And it came to pass that there was no darkness in all that night, but it was as light as though it was mid-day. And it came to pass that the sun did rise in the morning again, according to its proper order; and they knew that it was the day that the Lord should be born, because of the sign which had been given.
20 And it had come to pass, yea, all things, every whit, according to the words of the prophets.
21 And it came to pass also that a new star did appear, according to the word.
Treasure these words. These words are words that Jesus Christ spoke to the prophet in his last moments in his premortal mission. Then, the sign was given that Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World, was born. Lift up your heads and be of good cheer. One day, no one knows the hour, he will come again. One day all of the believers will be looking steadfastly for the signs to come. He will come again. FOR HE LIVES. JESUS IS THE CHRIST, THE SAVIOR, THE MESSIAH, THE LIGHT AND THE WAY.
This is precious to me. I hope the spirit can testify to all of you the truth of these words. Believe. Believe. Believe.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
113 were faithful
11 pipers piping were the 11 faithful disciples. Reading that made me think of one of my favorite Ammon moments, I have a lot. I like to pretend he was my teacher in the preexistence. I think we have a lot in common.
After years of being separated by missions of life, two best friends (out of a group of best friends) found each other again, remarkably, in the jungle.
16And it came to pass that as Ammon was going forth into the land, that he and his brethren met Alma, over in the place of which has been spoken; and behold, this was a joyful meeting.
17Now the joy of Ammon was so great even that he was full; yea, he was swallowed up in the joy of his God, even to the exhausting of his strength; and he fell again to the earth.
18Now was not this exceeding joy? Behold, this is joy which none receiveth save it be the truly penitent and humble seeker of happiness.
19Now the joy of Alma in meeting his brethren was truly great, and also the joy of Aaron, of Omner, and Himni; but behold their joy was not that to exceed their strength.
More than finding each other, they found each other faithful. I have always regarded this story as a portrayal of how I feel about my friends. We have gone our separate ways because, honestly, I really think the world needs us to be spread out a little. Otherwise, our amazingness would overpower wherever we live. I feel like we have missions all over the world to accomplish. My dears, when we meet again, we will meet each other as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. Let us be penitent and humble seekers of happiness, that we might fully feel the magnitude of God's grace when we see each other again.
I truly love you. You know who I mean. 113.
<3 megan jean <3
After years of being separated by missions of life, two best friends (out of a group of best friends) found each other again, remarkably, in the jungle.
16And it came to pass that as Ammon was going forth into the land, that he and his brethren met Alma, over in the place of which has been spoken; and behold, this was a joyful meeting.
17Now the joy of Ammon was so great even that he was full; yea, he was swallowed up in the joy of his God, even to the exhausting of his strength; and he fell again to the earth.
18Now was not this exceeding joy? Behold, this is joy which none receiveth save it be the truly penitent and humble seeker of happiness.
19Now the joy of Alma in meeting his brethren was truly great, and also the joy of Aaron, of Omner, and Himni; but behold their joy was not that to exceed their strength.
More than finding each other, they found each other faithful. I have always regarded this story as a portrayal of how I feel about my friends. We have gone our separate ways because, honestly, I really think the world needs us to be spread out a little. Otherwise, our amazingness would overpower wherever we live. I feel like we have missions all over the world to accomplish. My dears, when we meet again, we will meet each other as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. Let us be penitent and humble seekers of happiness, that we might fully feel the magnitude of God's grace when we see each other again.
I truly love you. You know who I mean. 113.
<3 megan jean <3
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
The Great Commandment- before the other ten
Ten lords a leaping are the Ten Commmandments. But, the first and greatest commandment is to "love the Lord thy God." The second is like unto it: "love thy neighbor as yourself."
A classic tale of neighborly love begins with one of the author's many fantastic opening lines:
Marley was dead: to begin with.
A Christmas Carol tells of a transforming journey taken by Ebenezer Scrooge. The said Jacob Marley described his accessories, the chains that he carried by saying: "I wear the chain I forged in life, I made it link by link, and yard by yard; I girded it on of my own free will, and of my own free will I wore it. Is it a pattern strange to you?"
Then, as he tries to convince Ebenezer to prevent this fate from becoming Scrooge's own, he declares: "Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were all, my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!"
As I read this book and thought about the twelve days of Christmas these words ran through my head over and over again: "And there was no poor among them" (Moses 7:18)
The other day a man trying to get money was washing windows. He came up to ours and I said "No" over and over again. Gaia started laughing. My heart was breaking. I have seen a lot of beggars, cripples, children, etc. That day it just weighed upon me. Did I have money in the car? No. The man saw my face and started to wash it. I kept shaking my head and he stopped. I don't know the answer to this experience. It seems impossible to have no poor among us. I guess what the scriptures teach us is that righteousness of one heart and one mind, a place where there is no malice, no greed, and no enmity gives us the power to have no poor.
A classic tale of neighborly love begins with one of the author's many fantastic opening lines:
Marley was dead: to begin with.
A Christmas Carol tells of a transforming journey taken by Ebenezer Scrooge. The said Jacob Marley described his accessories, the chains that he carried by saying: "I wear the chain I forged in life, I made it link by link, and yard by yard; I girded it on of my own free will, and of my own free will I wore it. Is it a pattern strange to you?"
Then, as he tries to convince Ebenezer to prevent this fate from becoming Scrooge's own, he declares: "Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were all, my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!"
As I read this book and thought about the twelve days of Christmas these words ran through my head over and over again: "And there was no poor among them" (Moses 7:18)
The other day a man trying to get money was washing windows. He came up to ours and I said "No" over and over again. Gaia started laughing. My heart was breaking. I have seen a lot of beggars, cripples, children, etc. That day it just weighed upon me. Did I have money in the car? No. The man saw my face and started to wash it. I kept shaking my head and he stopped. I don't know the answer to this experience. It seems impossible to have no poor among us. I guess what the scriptures teach us is that righteousness of one heart and one mind, a place where there is no malice, no greed, and no enmity gives us the power to have no poor.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
9 ladies dancing with fruit
Yes. I guess there are nine fruits of the Spirit. The best assignment I was ever given was called "The Still Small Voice" journal. For extra credit in my Research Methods class (which I strangely loved) we were assigned to record all impressions of the Spirit in a journal we were to have with us at all times. Furthermore, we were to act on the prompting and record the results. If you feel like you are missing the voice of the Spirit in your life, do this assignment. It teaches you how the Spirit speaks to you.
The greatest lesson I learned from this assignment was the difference between "my own thoughts" and the Spirit. I learned that there is no difference. I am a child of God. His Spirit is in me. One place to go to understand what I am trying to say is D&C 88:50-68. Just as some of our earthly parents traits are genetically in us, our Heavenly Father's traits are also in us. All good thoughts that come are of that spirit. We have the gift of the Holy Ghost to guide us and to comfort us and to testify to us. But, people often worry about choices they have to make and think "What if it is just my thought? What if I offer to give that girl a ride and it doesn't end up changing her life or mine? What if I choose the wrong class? What if I feel nervous about something? That must mean I shouldn't do it." The more decisions I make, the more I believe there is no such thing as a mistake. Especially when the idea overall is good.
I saw in my journal that almost all of the impressions that came to me were ideas to help other people. The results were sometimes unnoticeable, sometimes petty, and sometimes amazing. No matter what, the fruits of the Spirit are discernible only if we first recognize the voice of the Spirit.
This Christmas, let it sing.
The greatest lesson I learned from this assignment was the difference between "my own thoughts" and the Spirit. I learned that there is no difference. I am a child of God. His Spirit is in me. One place to go to understand what I am trying to say is D&C 88:50-68. Just as some of our earthly parents traits are genetically in us, our Heavenly Father's traits are also in us. All good thoughts that come are of that spirit. We have the gift of the Holy Ghost to guide us and to comfort us and to testify to us. But, people often worry about choices they have to make and think "What if it is just my thought? What if I offer to give that girl a ride and it doesn't end up changing her life or mine? What if I choose the wrong class? What if I feel nervous about something? That must mean I shouldn't do it." The more decisions I make, the more I believe there is no such thing as a mistake. Especially when the idea overall is good.
I saw in my journal that almost all of the impressions that came to me were ideas to help other people. The results were sometimes unnoticeable, sometimes petty, and sometimes amazing. No matter what, the fruits of the Spirit are discernible only if we first recognize the voice of the Spirit.
This Christmas, let it sing.
Monday, December 20, 2010
8 geese a laying
8 geese are the beatitudes. I remember a time when we broke down the beatitudes in my English class and I marveled at how poetic they were. I used to write poems and I wrote a really sad one called "Dear Santa". I wish that I knew where it was. I remember showing it to my mom and she was so sad. It was about a cold, homeless child. Mom, I know it is SOMEWHERE in the office. Someday if you want to find that old folder with my Christmas poems, that would be awesome. They weren't all sad. Maybe Lindsey has a copy. I used to give her all my poems. What is worse is that she kept all of them and reads them out loud to me every once in a while. Don't get me wrong, it still makes me smile. But I can't help the redness from rising in my cheeks. With embarrassment I sit, and with laughter her voice creaks.
Let's read this poem. We probably all know the first line, but to be honest, I have never read it. This changes tonight.
THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
by Clement Clarke Moore
or Henry Livingston
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."
Let's read this poem. We probably all know the first line, but to be honest, I have never read it. This changes tonight.
THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
by Clement Clarke Moore
or Henry Livingston
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."
7 Swans a swimmin
Once again, a favorite of my mom has become my favorite. I only saw the movie once, but I liked it. I thought it was so beautiful. Even more, I loved Josh Groban's song. I know he is Jewish, but he has touched my heart with some of his Christmas songs. :)
You can listen to the wonderful magical book here: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/online-storytime-books-toys/379002381/?r=1&IF=N&cm_mmc=FindeBookReaders.com-_-k223788-_-j34060122k223788-_-Online%20Storytime%20program
I love The Polar Express so much. I think it reaches beyond Santa Claus. I think the song is perfect. Please copy and paste this link to hear it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dn0_I_GDGpg&feature=related
The 7 swans represent the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
D&C 46:14
14 To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.
I have been asked, "How do you know?" "What does God sound like when he speaks to you?" "Why is he a man?" "No body can know, so I think religion is a waste of time and it causes a lot of problems." I have thought a lot about these questions. No, I can't take someone back in time and show them every moment that I felt the Spirit. I can't prove to them that I know what I know. I can't show them what I have learned. A life time of faith, a life time of believing, has been rewarded by private confirmations of the Holy Ghost. We first have to believe, the first principle is faith. When you believe, miracles--even small ones like establishing a testimony--happen. I have thought about the difference between myself and other people that I grew up around. Some have fallen away. Some only obey what their parents believe. Some live life halfway, a little for the world and a little for God. What I have always realized, despite similarities and differences between how we were raised, is this: From the time I was a child I have invested time into believing.
Believe in Jesus Christ. Believe in good people everywhere. Believe in the Book of Mormon. Believe in Joseph Smith. Believe in prophets of every dispensation, and in prophets today. Believe in your loved ones. Believe in God. Believe in yourself.
You can listen to the wonderful magical book here: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/online-storytime-books-toys/379002381/?r=1&IF=N&cm_mmc=FindeBookReaders.com-_-k223788-_-j34060122k223788-_-Online%20Storytime%20program
I love The Polar Express so much. I think it reaches beyond Santa Claus. I think the song is perfect. Please copy and paste this link to hear it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dn0_I_GDGpg&feature=related
The 7 swans represent the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
D&C 46:14
14 To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.
I have been asked, "How do you know?" "What does God sound like when he speaks to you?" "Why is he a man?" "No body can know, so I think religion is a waste of time and it causes a lot of problems." I have thought a lot about these questions. No, I can't take someone back in time and show them every moment that I felt the Spirit. I can't prove to them that I know what I know. I can't show them what I have learned. A life time of faith, a life time of believing, has been rewarded by private confirmations of the Holy Ghost. We first have to believe, the first principle is faith. When you believe, miracles--even small ones like establishing a testimony--happen. I have thought about the difference between myself and other people that I grew up around. Some have fallen away. Some only obey what their parents believe. Some live life halfway, a little for the world and a little for God. What I have always realized, despite similarities and differences between how we were raised, is this: From the time I was a child I have invested time into believing.
Believe in Jesus Christ. Believe in good people everywhere. Believe in the Book of Mormon. Believe in Joseph Smith. Believe in prophets of every dispensation, and in prophets today. Believe in your loved ones. Believe in God. Believe in yourself.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
5 golden rings & 6 geese
So I forgot to write the 5 golden rings. It represents the five books of Moses. My five golden rings are my fav Christmas songs. This year they are:
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Silent Night
I’ll Be Home for Christmas- Never knew how much this song meant until every word fit my life right now. Love it.
Petit Papa Noel
Angels We have Heard on High
">The "six geese a-laying" were the six days of creation.
Best six food creations of Christmas:
Candy Cane cherry braid made by my mom.
My mom’s gingerbread cookies
Joy Bradshaw’s peanut butter chocolate stuff
Vicki’s homemade caramels
Grandma’s apple cider
German Pancakes by my mom.
Obviously my mom trumps. Well, moms make the magic anyways, and not just on Christmas.
Love you MOM!!
xoxo
megan jean
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Four Calling Birds
Four calling birds are the four gospels. I am not really relating to that as I quickly tell you about my four favorite things about Christmas.
1. Christmas Traditions Whitlock style: Most people think caroling in 2010 is a myth. Little do they know about Kathleen Whitlock's affinity for harmonious tunes. Those of you who have recieved this gift might think that we just spontaneously achieve, but we do have a little rehearsal. Last year we added Josh Groban's "Grateful" (i don't know the actual title) to the list. Every Christmas Eve we go to the regulars, whether they appreciate it or not. We love it. I love it so much that I cried one time that I had a sore throat on Christmas Eve. I still went. I just didn't sing. I was also sad that I couldn't eat my chocolate. Oh well. We added watching the Nativity movie two years ago. Possibly my favorite Whitlock specialty is the giant bag of peanut butter m&ms. Oh, did I mention that everyone gets their own bag? I can't even describe to you how happy it makes me. I think I am the one who eats half of the bag before noon. I am so elated thinking about it that I am not even embarrassed by the previous statement.
2. Umm OF COURSE THE MUSIC. I listen to it the day after Halloween. I am sorry to all the haters who think that is wrong. I just can't wait. My secret ambition, which is about to become public, is to sing with a beautiful man "Baby, It's Cold Outside" which isn't really about Christmas, but it is about a Christmas romance which is good enough for me.
3. I love the memories. I recall two gifts that I didn't expect but were so perfect. When I was little, sisters were everything. We played so much together. One Christmas, my parents got all of us an American Girl doll. I got Felicity--who has red hair. She was always my favorite in the books. That was such an amazing gift. I really felt like Santa Claus had made it possible. The second gift was a beautiful, new set of Scriptures. Many of you know that when I was 14 or so my scriptures went through a terrible ordeal. I went to church and went to the bathroom to blow my nose. I set my quad on the toilet paper dispenser and SPLASH! They fell right into the toilet. Ok, don't freak out. The place had just been cleaned and we were the first ward meeting there. I pulled them out quick, but the damage was done. For the next 8 years I spent time explaining why my scriptures had expanded to twice the normal size. The pages are wavy and weak. I love my new set, but I still have the old. We went through a lot together. But I was so surprised by my mom's gift. It made me really happy.
4. Lights. Camera. Action. I love the lights so much. I love the atmosphere. I love the stuff that people do for each other. I love the peace of looking out on a snowy landscape when it is quiet and everything sounds so near. I love Christmas.
1. Christmas Traditions Whitlock style: Most people think caroling in 2010 is a myth. Little do they know about Kathleen Whitlock's affinity for harmonious tunes. Those of you who have recieved this gift might think that we just spontaneously achieve, but we do have a little rehearsal. Last year we added Josh Groban's "Grateful" (i don't know the actual title) to the list. Every Christmas Eve we go to the regulars, whether they appreciate it or not. We love it. I love it so much that I cried one time that I had a sore throat on Christmas Eve. I still went. I just didn't sing. I was also sad that I couldn't eat my chocolate. Oh well. We added watching the Nativity movie two years ago. Possibly my favorite Whitlock specialty is the giant bag of peanut butter m&ms. Oh, did I mention that everyone gets their own bag? I can't even describe to you how happy it makes me. I think I am the one who eats half of the bag before noon. I am so elated thinking about it that I am not even embarrassed by the previous statement.
2. Umm OF COURSE THE MUSIC. I listen to it the day after Halloween. I am sorry to all the haters who think that is wrong. I just can't wait. My secret ambition, which is about to become public, is to sing with a beautiful man "Baby, It's Cold Outside" which isn't really about Christmas, but it is about a Christmas romance which is good enough for me.
3. I love the memories. I recall two gifts that I didn't expect but were so perfect. When I was little, sisters were everything. We played so much together. One Christmas, my parents got all of us an American Girl doll. I got Felicity--who has red hair. She was always my favorite in the books. That was such an amazing gift. I really felt like Santa Claus had made it possible. The second gift was a beautiful, new set of Scriptures. Many of you know that when I was 14 or so my scriptures went through a terrible ordeal. I went to church and went to the bathroom to blow my nose. I set my quad on the toilet paper dispenser and SPLASH! They fell right into the toilet. Ok, don't freak out. The place had just been cleaned and we were the first ward meeting there. I pulled them out quick, but the damage was done. For the next 8 years I spent time explaining why my scriptures had expanded to twice the normal size. The pages are wavy and weak. I love my new set, but I still have the old. We went through a lot together. But I was so surprised by my mom's gift. It made me really happy.
4. Lights. Camera. Action. I love the lights so much. I love the atmosphere. I love the stuff that people do for each other. I love the peace of looking out on a snowy landscape when it is quiet and everything sounds so near. I love Christmas.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
BLEEDIN HEARTS OF THE WORLD UNITE
Three french hens: faith, hope, charity. I think growing your heart 3 sizes in one day is only done by having these three things.
I think this movie is in my top five. I still laugh out loud as if I am 8 years old. I know the lines, but can't get over Jim Carrey's portrayal. I love the song. I love it all. I wish I could write Seussically, but it is late. Before there was the film there was the cartoon and before that the beautiful book. I love each one and I hope you gather with someone to read it tonight. Don't go anywhere: it is right here.
Every Who Down In Who-Ville Liked Christmas a lot... But The Grinch, Who lived just North of Who-ville, Did NOT! The Grinch hated Christmas! The whole Christmas season! Now, please don't ask why. No one quite knows the reason. It could be that his head wasn't screwed on quite right. It could be, perhaps, that his shoes were too tight. But I think that the most likely reason of all May have been that his heart was two sizes too small. But, Whatever the reason, His heart or his shoes, He stood there on Christmas Eve, hating the Whos,
(ALPHABETICALLY)
Staring down from his cave with a sour, Grinchy frown At the warm lighted windows below in their town. For he knew every Who down in Who-ville beneath Was busy now, hanging a mistleoe wreath. "And they're hanging their stockings!" he snarled with a sneer. "Tomorrow is Christmas! It's practically here!" Then he growled, with his grinch fingers nervously drumming, "I MUST find a way to keep Christmas from coming!" For, tomorrow, he knew... ...All the Who girls and boys Would wake up bright and early. They'd rush for their toys! And then! Oh, the noise! Oh, the noise! Noise! Noise! Noise! That's one thing he hated! The NOISE! NOISE! NOISE! NOISE! Then the Whos, young and old, would sit down to a feast. And they'd feast! And they'd feast! And they'd FEAST! FEAST! FEAST! FEAST! They would start on Who-pudding, and rare Who-roast-beast Which was something the Grinch couldn't stand in the least! And THEN They'd do something he liked least of all! Every Who down in Who-ville, the tall and the small, Would stand close together, with Christmas bells ringing. They'd stand hand-in-hand. And the Whos would start singing! They'd sing! And they'd sing! AND they'd SING! SING! SING! SING! And the more the Grinch thought of the Who-Christmas-Sing The more the Grinch thought, "I must stop this whole thing! "Why for fifty-three years I've put up with it now! I MUST stop Christmas from coming! ...But HOW?"
(I MEAN, IN WHAT WAY?)
Then he got an idea! An awful idea! THE GRINCH GOT A WONDERFUL, AWFUL IDEA! "I know just what to do!" The Grinch Laughed in his throat. And he made a quick Santy Claus hat and a coat. CAN I JUST SAY THAT I LOVE THAT HE SEWS!
And he chuckled, and clucked, "What a great Grinchy trick! "With this coat and this hat, I'll look just like Saint Nick!" "All I need is a reindeer..." The Grinch looked around. But since reindeer are scarce, there was none to be found. Did that stop the old Grinch...? No! The Grinch simply said, "If I can't find a reindeer, I'll make one instead!" So he called his dog Max. Then he took some red thread And he tied a big horn on top of his head. THEN He loaded some bags And some old empty sacks On a ramshakle sleigh And he hitched up old Max. Then the Grinch said, "Giddyap!" And the sleigh started down Toward the homes where the Whos Lay a-snooze in their town. All their windows were dark. Quiet snow filled the air. All the Whos were all dreaming sweet dreams without care When he came to the first house in the square. "This is stop number one," The old Grinchy Claus hissed And he climbed to the roof, empty bags in his fist. Then he slid down the chimney. A rather tight pinch. But if Santa could do it, then so could the Grinch. He got stuck only once, for a moment or two. Then he stuck his head out of the fireplace flue Where the little Who stockings all hung in a row. "These stockings," he grinned, "are the first things to go!" Then he slithered and slunk,
(SLUNK)
with a smile most unpleasant, Around the whole room, and he took every present! Pop guns! And bicycles! Roller skates! Drums! Checkerboards! Tricycles! Popcorn! And plums! And he stuffed them in bags. Then the Grinch, very nimbly, Stuffed all the bags, one by one, up the chimney! Then he slunk to the icebox. He took the Whos' feast! He took the Who-pudding! He took the roast beast! He cleaned out that icebox as quick as a flash. Why, that Grinch even took their last can of Who-hash! Then he stuffed all the food up the chimney with glee. "And NOW!" grinned the Grinch, "I will stuff up the tree!" And the Grinch grabbed the tree, and he started to shove When he heard a small sound like the coo of a dove. He turned around fast, and he saw a small Who! Little Cindy-Lou Who, who was not more than two. The Grinch had been caught by this little Who daughter Who'd got out of bed for a cup of cold water. She stared at the Grinch and said, "Santy Claus, why, "Why are you taking our Christmas tree? WHY?" But, you know, that old Grinch was so smart and so slick He thought up a lie, and he thought it up quick! "Why, my sweet little tot," the fake Santy Claus lied, "There's a light on this tree that won't light on one side. "So I'm taking it home to my workshop, my dear. "I'll fix it up there. Then I'll bring it back here." And his fib fooled the child. Then he patted her head And he got her a drink and he sent he to bed. And when Cindy-Lou Who went to bed with her cup,
(SWEET KID. BAAAAD JUDGE OF CHARACTER)
HE went to the chimney and stuffed the tree up! Then the last thing he took Was the log for their fire. Then he went up the chimney himself, the old liar. On their walls he left nothing but hooks, and some wire. And the one speck of food The he left in the house Was a crumb that was even too small for a mouse. Then He did the same thing To the other Whos' houses Leaving crumbs Much too small For the other Whos' mouses! It was quarter past dawn... All the Whos, still a-bed All the Whos, still a-snooze When he packed up his sled, Packed it up with their presents! The ribbons! The wrappings! The tags! And the tinsel! The trimmings! The trappings! Three thousand feet up! Up the side of Mount Crumpit, He rode to the tiptop to dump it! "Pooh-pooh to the Whos!" he was grinch-ish-ly humming. "They're finding out now that no Christmas is coming! "They're just waking up! I know just what they'll do! "Their mouths will hang open a minute or two "The all the Whos down in Who-ville will all cry BOO-HOO!" "That's a noise," grinned the Grinch, "That I simply must hear!" So he paused. And the Grinch put a hand to his ear. And he did hear a sound rising over the snow. It started in low. Then it started to grow... But the sound wasn't sad! Why, this sound sounded merry! It couldn't be so! But it WAS merry! VERY! He stared down at Who-ville! The Grinch popped his eyes! Then he shook! What he saw was a shocking surprise! Every Who down in Who-ville, the tall and the small, Was singing! Without any presents at all! He HADN'T stopped Christmas from coming! IT CAME! Somehow or other, it came just the same! And the Grinch, with his grinch-feet ice-cold in the snow, Stood puzzling and puzzling: "How could it be so? It came without ribbons! It came without tags! "It came without packages, boxes or bags!" And he puzzled three hours, `till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! "Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store. "Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!" And what happened then...? Well...in Who-ville they say That the Grinch's small heart Grew three sizes that day! And the minute his heart didn't feel quite so tight, He whizzed with his load through the bright morning light And he brought back the toys! And the food for the feast! And he... ...HE HIMSELF...! The Grinch carved the roast beast!
(WHO WANTS THE GIZZARD? "i do!" TOO LATE. THAT WILL BE MINE)
I think this movie is in my top five. I still laugh out loud as if I am 8 years old. I know the lines, but can't get over Jim Carrey's portrayal. I love the song. I love it all. I wish I could write Seussically, but it is late. Before there was the film there was the cartoon and before that the beautiful book. I love each one and I hope you gather with someone to read it tonight. Don't go anywhere: it is right here.
Every Who Down In Who-Ville Liked Christmas a lot... But The Grinch, Who lived just North of Who-ville, Did NOT! The Grinch hated Christmas! The whole Christmas season! Now, please don't ask why. No one quite knows the reason. It could be that his head wasn't screwed on quite right. It could be, perhaps, that his shoes were too tight. But I think that the most likely reason of all May have been that his heart was two sizes too small. But, Whatever the reason, His heart or his shoes, He stood there on Christmas Eve, hating the Whos,
(ALPHABETICALLY)
Staring down from his cave with a sour, Grinchy frown At the warm lighted windows below in their town. For he knew every Who down in Who-ville beneath Was busy now, hanging a mistleoe wreath. "And they're hanging their stockings!" he snarled with a sneer. "Tomorrow is Christmas! It's practically here!" Then he growled, with his grinch fingers nervously drumming, "I MUST find a way to keep Christmas from coming!" For, tomorrow, he knew... ...All the Who girls and boys Would wake up bright and early. They'd rush for their toys! And then! Oh, the noise! Oh, the noise! Noise! Noise! Noise! That's one thing he hated! The NOISE! NOISE! NOISE! NOISE! Then the Whos, young and old, would sit down to a feast. And they'd feast! And they'd feast! And they'd FEAST! FEAST! FEAST! FEAST! They would start on Who-pudding, and rare Who-roast-beast Which was something the Grinch couldn't stand in the least! And THEN They'd do something he liked least of all! Every Who down in Who-ville, the tall and the small, Would stand close together, with Christmas bells ringing. They'd stand hand-in-hand. And the Whos would start singing! They'd sing! And they'd sing! AND they'd SING! SING! SING! SING! And the more the Grinch thought of the Who-Christmas-Sing The more the Grinch thought, "I must stop this whole thing! "Why for fifty-three years I've put up with it now! I MUST stop Christmas from coming! ...But HOW?"
(I MEAN, IN WHAT WAY?)
Then he got an idea! An awful idea! THE GRINCH GOT A WONDERFUL, AWFUL IDEA! "I know just what to do!" The Grinch Laughed in his throat. And he made a quick Santy Claus hat and a coat. CAN I JUST SAY THAT I LOVE THAT HE SEWS!
And he chuckled, and clucked, "What a great Grinchy trick! "With this coat and this hat, I'll look just like Saint Nick!" "All I need is a reindeer..." The Grinch looked around. But since reindeer are scarce, there was none to be found. Did that stop the old Grinch...? No! The Grinch simply said, "If I can't find a reindeer, I'll make one instead!" So he called his dog Max. Then he took some red thread And he tied a big horn on top of his head. THEN He loaded some bags And some old empty sacks On a ramshakle sleigh And he hitched up old Max. Then the Grinch said, "Giddyap!" And the sleigh started down Toward the homes where the Whos Lay a-snooze in their town. All their windows were dark. Quiet snow filled the air. All the Whos were all dreaming sweet dreams without care When he came to the first house in the square. "This is stop number one," The old Grinchy Claus hissed And he climbed to the roof, empty bags in his fist. Then he slid down the chimney. A rather tight pinch. But if Santa could do it, then so could the Grinch. He got stuck only once, for a moment or two. Then he stuck his head out of the fireplace flue Where the little Who stockings all hung in a row. "These stockings," he grinned, "are the first things to go!" Then he slithered and slunk,
(SLUNK)
with a smile most unpleasant, Around the whole room, and he took every present! Pop guns! And bicycles! Roller skates! Drums! Checkerboards! Tricycles! Popcorn! And plums! And he stuffed them in bags. Then the Grinch, very nimbly, Stuffed all the bags, one by one, up the chimney! Then he slunk to the icebox. He took the Whos' feast! He took the Who-pudding! He took the roast beast! He cleaned out that icebox as quick as a flash. Why, that Grinch even took their last can of Who-hash! Then he stuffed all the food up the chimney with glee. "And NOW!" grinned the Grinch, "I will stuff up the tree!" And the Grinch grabbed the tree, and he started to shove When he heard a small sound like the coo of a dove. He turned around fast, and he saw a small Who! Little Cindy-Lou Who, who was not more than two. The Grinch had been caught by this little Who daughter Who'd got out of bed for a cup of cold water. She stared at the Grinch and said, "Santy Claus, why, "Why are you taking our Christmas tree? WHY?" But, you know, that old Grinch was so smart and so slick He thought up a lie, and he thought it up quick! "Why, my sweet little tot," the fake Santy Claus lied, "There's a light on this tree that won't light on one side. "So I'm taking it home to my workshop, my dear. "I'll fix it up there. Then I'll bring it back here." And his fib fooled the child. Then he patted her head And he got her a drink and he sent he to bed. And when Cindy-Lou Who went to bed with her cup,
(SWEET KID. BAAAAD JUDGE OF CHARACTER)
HE went to the chimney and stuffed the tree up! Then the last thing he took Was the log for their fire. Then he went up the chimney himself, the old liar. On their walls he left nothing but hooks, and some wire. And the one speck of food The he left in the house Was a crumb that was even too small for a mouse. Then He did the same thing To the other Whos' houses Leaving crumbs Much too small For the other Whos' mouses! It was quarter past dawn... All the Whos, still a-bed All the Whos, still a-snooze When he packed up his sled, Packed it up with their presents! The ribbons! The wrappings! The tags! And the tinsel! The trimmings! The trappings! Three thousand feet up! Up the side of Mount Crumpit, He rode to the tiptop to dump it! "Pooh-pooh to the Whos!" he was grinch-ish-ly humming. "They're finding out now that no Christmas is coming! "They're just waking up! I know just what they'll do! "Their mouths will hang open a minute or two "The all the Whos down in Who-ville will all cry BOO-HOO!" "That's a noise," grinned the Grinch, "That I simply must hear!" So he paused. And the Grinch put a hand to his ear. And he did hear a sound rising over the snow. It started in low. Then it started to grow... But the sound wasn't sad! Why, this sound sounded merry! It couldn't be so! But it WAS merry! VERY! He stared down at Who-ville! The Grinch popped his eyes! Then he shook! What he saw was a shocking surprise! Every Who down in Who-ville, the tall and the small, Was singing! Without any presents at all! He HADN'T stopped Christmas from coming! IT CAME! Somehow or other, it came just the same! And the Grinch, with his grinch-feet ice-cold in the snow, Stood puzzling and puzzling: "How could it be so? It came without ribbons! It came without tags! "It came without packages, boxes or bags!" And he puzzled three hours, `till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! "Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store. "Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!" And what happened then...? Well...in Who-ville they say That the Grinch's small heart Grew three sizes that day! And the minute his heart didn't feel quite so tight, He whizzed with his load through the bright morning light And he brought back the toys! And the food for the feast! And he... ...HE HIMSELF...! The Grinch carved the roast beast!
(WHO WANTS THE GIZZARD? "i do!" TOO LATE. THAT WILL BE MINE)
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Two Turtle Doves: Old & New Testament
Sorry it is soooo long. I will try to shorten them in the days to come. The scriptures teach us that we need to write. So this is me writing.
The Magic of the Living Room
Jean sat in it every day. It was just an ordinary living room. Sometimes it was messy, sometimes it was the ring for a wrestling match. It was the place for company, the place for games. It was vacuumed every week and dusted every so often. People sat it in every day.
The ordinariness of the living room is so profound that it magnifies the profundity of its extraordinariness.
Jean felt it change every year. After Thanksgiving, when the décor went up, it was evident that a special time was coming. Things started to look brighter. Music became sweeter. Family moments lasted longer. Like the slow rise in temperature in a pot of water on a hot stove, the living room became magical by degrees.
This year was no different for Jean. As her countdown to Christmas got smaller day by day, the intense anticipation got larger day by day. It is an interesting day, Christmas. It is a day separated by 364 other days. It is something looked forward to all year long. We can’t wait for it to come, and we are desperate for it to stay, but it passes as quickly as any other day and the closer it gets the sooner it will leave. The living room is the same way. Though it too anticipates, it is only fully magical for one day. Jean felt the room imbibe every hope and wish that she and her brother and sister had. Mother said that if the children were naughty in that room it would remember and tell Santa Claus.
They played nicely there. They sang all of Santa’s songs and kissed the decorations of his reindeer. They sat in it listening to stories of Christmas miracles. Believing every word, their eyes were full of belief that one could happen for them. Maybe this would be the year that they saw Santa Claus. Maybe this would be the year that he brought Jean a Unicorn, James an Indian, and Evie a chocolate statue taller than her dad. They were always happy with what Santa did bring them. The living room always shone. It always made up for the missing unicorn and other such dreams.
This year Mother and Father had a strange idea. Instead of putting presents under the tree that said Jean, James, and Evie, the boxes said Connor, Lily, and Stevie. Who were these other children? Jean tried not to show she was upset, but this year she was so confused. Dad had a good job. She had been very clear all year that she wanted a saddle for the unicorn. Santa would be sure to follow through this year. One night her mother and father talked to her and the other children. They said that this year they wanted to give to another family. And they wanted the children to be helpful as well. Would they? James just ran around whooping like an Indian, Evie slobbered as she sucked her thumb. Jean was the only one who seemed upset, but she knew her parents wouldn’t ask her to do something that would make her sad on purpose.
She started helping pick out things for the children with her mom. At first she picked out things that were not fun for children like school paper and erasers. She started to learn more about the family. The dad was sick with something. He was in the hospital a lot. The mom had started working while the kids were in school. They didn’t have a lot. They only had one beat up car. It was funny that they only lived a few houses from Jean, but she didn’t know much about them. Then the hardest thing happened. Jean saw it. A big unicorn in the store. It was perfect for her. It had a saddle and a big shiny horn. She sat on it and it began rocking with so much zeal it was sure to take off flying. She looked with pleading eyes at her mother, but she already knew the answer. With tears in her eyes, she said, “well if I can’t have it someone should.” They bought it and Jean was silent the whole way home. Wondering about the girl who would get her present, she started to look for Lily. Every day Lily wore a purple ribbon in her hair. That was Jean’s favorite color too! She started to become friends with Lily. They played together and found that they both loved Christmas trees and the living room. They became fast friends.
In the living room, the family spent time wrapping gifts for the other family. It was so much fun to do together. Jean made sure that all of Lily’s presents had a purple bow tied around them, just like in her hair. The living room soaked up all of that good Christmas cheer and did not forget.
All the preparations made the remaining time go so quick and soon it was Christmas Eve. Jean sat in the living room and watched the lights dance around the room. It was finally hours away. All 364 days had passed. Each day was excruciatingly delightful. She couldn’t believe that this moment is finally here. That this moment is so beautiful.
The next morning they got up extra early. Somehow the living room looked more spectacular than ever. The tree was tall and plump with the most beautiful gold star at the top. The lights radiated with a peace that went straight to the heart. The packages underneath, that had none of their names, were like diamonds. They all entered with reverence, as if trying not to disturb a butterfly. The air was still and their voices were quiet. Somehow, the room was so full of Christmas Spirit that every molecule was buzzing with approval. The family said a prayer together. They read the nativity story and the parents said how proud they were of all the children.
They put all the presents in the car. They drove over and knocked on the door. The mother opened it with sleepy eyes that woke up the minute she saw the bags full of gifts. Jean’s mother said, “Santa delivered these to the wrong house.”
After exclamations of joy, tears, and shouts of happiness Jean couldn’t believe the way she felt! It was so hard not to laugh and smile! They went in to be with the family for a minute to share hot chocolate. Lily quietly came up to Jean and said, “I have this for you too. My grandma gave it too me when I was a baby. It isn’t new, but it is my favorite thing. I want you to have it.” Jean thanked her and hugged her and then Jean and her family left. Jean imagined Lily’s delight in opening the riding unicorn. She didn’t feel one ounce of jealousy. She was happy that her parent’s had this idea.
She sat in the living room holding her gift. She stared at the beautiful tree and tried to take in the magic of this room. This past 364 days she spent thinking about the things she wanted for Christmas. The last thing she would have guessed would be that she would be giving them all away. But here, in this magic room, nothing seemed more appropriate. Besides, she had one gift after all. She opened the small package that Lily had given her and she gasped when the wrappings fell. In her hand she held a small, wooden, perfectly crafted, purple unicorn.
Monday, December 13, 2010
The first day of Christmas . . .
Berlin! Why did I go? My friend Siobhan (pronounced Shivaun) had been told about the Christmas Markets there and asked if I wanted to go. Of course I said YES! We both only had the weekend so we knew from the beginning it would be a short trip. After a weird incident with the airlines, we landed Friday night. The taxi man was so funny full of "yes madam's". He sang a song for us while waving his maestro hand around to keep the time. We asked for help finding a hotel and that inspired him to spend his time jogging between hotels to ask for prices etc. He would say, "Wait. I will find one. Come madam, come." Finally we found one for a reasonable price (which is a lot higher after traveling all day and ending at midnight) and he kept saying, "but tomorrow on Internet you find, you find. Less madam. Less."
So we went to a club which was not really what we expected, but it was fun. An Italian friend there said that it was funny because the German people literally go to listen to the techno music. She said that in Italy men go to find a girl. In Berlin, they go to dance and hear the music. It was better in her accent and the way she said it, but use your imagination.
The next day we did a bus tour. We saw the remaining part of the Berlin wall, which was really cool. But the weather was so miserable we just stayed on the bus. I was missing my leopard rain boots. I will put more pics of that on facebook, but the shot that says BERLIN up above was the wall. Every part was painted by different famous artists.
Then we did the market thing which was so much fun. I ate this magnificent glorified hot pocket. It was so hot when I was cold and I almost marched straight back for a second one . . . When you buy a hot drink there you pay for the mug, but if you don't want it you can return it and get some money back. It was there at the hot chocolate stand that I decided I loved zee German men. Beautiful. I almost forgot what blonde men look like. Generally I am into the dark guys, but the Italians have put me off a little and the tall light-haired guy behind the counter laughed at my jokes. That is such an easy way to please me.
I didn't even buy much, but it was fun to look at everything. Every other stand was a sausage stand. Mmmmm. I thought about Malia Duffin, a friend from Boise, who said that at the state fair she and her companions have a "no judgement" policy when they arrive at the food booths. Definitely thought about that as I almost stopped at every one.
After we went to a party with my friend's friends. I was bored at first because it was a birthday party for a class member so we were crashing on a bunch of intimate friends. But then this cool German guy decided to try to entertain me and it worked. We had a fun conversation. Then of course it always comes up why I am not drinking. He and this other guy (who was a foreign exchange student in Iowa. He said 'yes I know Ohio' when I told him the name of my state-most Americans think the same thing) were asking me questions about it. I was so relaxed talking to them. They were so cool about it all and the first guy made me repeat the church's official name until he had it memorized. He was trying to figure out the German translation. Chris, Mr. Iowa, said, "It is just Momon (accent implied)." And the first guy (who refused to tell me his name because he said it wasn't important that strangers know a name) said, "If she sayz thiz iz zee official name I want to know zee official name." I really enjoyed conversing with them. The Italians always act so shocked and usually end up asking something like this: "You believe in Christ . . . but you are not Catholic?" Yeah, thanks for that. And the last time you went to Mass was . . .?
This all brings me to the first day of Christmas. A partridge in a pear tree symbolizes Christ. Our true love, God, first gave us Jesus Christ. One thing traveling is teaching me is that there are so many different ways to believe and to live that people have repeatedly told me, "Well, I am glad you found what works for you." I have come to respond with "This is what is really important. Are you trying to improve your life? Are you working to always be a better person? Are you kind? (and I think the most important one) Are you true to your self-established values or the values of your faith?" I am always amazed that some of the core doctrine of non-Christian religions are what I know of as ways to come unto Christ. I think anyone (German, Italian, Catholic, Buddhist, Muslim, Atheist, Pagan, or whatever) who can answer these questions with a yes is being Christlike whether they believe in him or not. So this Christmas: Are you loving? Are you better than you were a year ago, a month ago, a week ago, a day ago? Are you true? If you are these things, than there is no way that the Christmas Spirit can be gone from you.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Some people are meant to be nannies . . . and some aren't.
I am the latter. I am not enjoying my job at all.
SO
I AM QUITTING.
I have decided to try teaching for a while. I had researched a program before I decided to nanny and I thought it would be cool to try if this other plan didn't work out. So now that Plan A hasn't worked out, I am going to go to plan B. I will live in Florence for four weeks while I go through the program. Then I am in the job market. The good thing is that I will be certified to teach anywhere in the world. So no matter what I will always have this certification. Too bad I have to work for another month before I can give my two weeks notice. Just the timing of it all.
I finally have started to smile freely since I made this decision. I don't know how it will all turn out, but I am so ready to get out of here.
My reasons for quitting are two-fold. Meaning that I am at fault and the family is at fault.
I am at fault because I had no idea how independent I have become since I graduated from college. I thought it would be nice to become a part of a different family. Post-graduation Megan has learned that her family is the only family that can ever be family. I had no idea how much I would hate living where I would have to ask permission to do everything. I also feel like I have been nannying for a whole year because I worked for Helen for so long. I think I am just tired of it.
The family is not very nice to live with because the mother is always angry at me, at the kids, at anyone. I constantly feel like I am walking on eggshells. I have developed really weird complexes and I lie a lot now. I feel like if I am honest about where I am going or what I did in the day I will get in trouble and put in "the boo boo box" or something. I lie about checking my email, or going to my friend's house. Does that seem normal to you? I don't like being dishonest. I don't eat the same, go to the bathroom, use the internet, talk on the phone, or do anything with freedom. I can't even have my room a mess if I want to because she goes in there! When I feel controlled I stop cleaning. So my room is almost always a disaster and that bothers her. I don't feel like there is room for me in this family. It is like the idea of having someone was nice for them, but the reality of it is that they don't even have time for me to be with the kids. There are whole days that pass that I don't see one or the other kids because of the schedule the parents give them. Sometimes when that happens they say, "you were free Wednesday so you should work for us Saturday morning." That makes me really angry. They don't remember that I waited the whole day Wednesday for them to tell me what to do only to be updated minutes before each canceled task.
Before I came here I had a lot of goals. I wanted to learn the language, travel, try all kinds of food and resturants etc. None of my goals are being accomplished, mostly because of the nature of this job. I feel like I might as well be working in some corner in Idaho. The truth is that this job does not advance my career, gives me extraordinary skills, or allows me to have any friends. There is almost no benefit for me to stay in this job. So I am getting out. I just feel like I don't have time to waste being unhappy.
The first month I just thought I was homesick. The second I thought that I was still just learning everything. This third month I just realized I was not in a happy home and I have no desire to remain there. I feel no dedication to the family and I am just ready to cut loose. I would rather spend Christmas alone than with this family. Hopefully I will. That all being said . . .
IT IS ALMOST CHRISTMAS! I am going to have Christmas surprises coming soon on the blog so check back on Monday!
Thanks for supporting me, being on Facebook chat (Nicki) the day I decide to quit, missing me, thinking of me, COOKING (both Lindse/ay's, Rachael- the little perfect hostess, Nicki the beautiful classic chef, Ashley or is Scott the chef- I saw that bread he made!) i know the cooking is for me. Mom, I miss you. I so want to watch A Good Year and The Grinch and LOTR (trev and linds have them if they haven't returned them) with you. Sisters- I am so glad we have our own secret sisters page on Facebook. Beau: there is no single chess piece in Italy. Bryce & Beckah, prayers are with you. Keep the faith. Dad, I wish I could tell you to stop eating half a block of cheese.
Love you all,
Megan
SO
I AM QUITTING.
I have decided to try teaching for a while. I had researched a program before I decided to nanny and I thought it would be cool to try if this other plan didn't work out. So now that Plan A hasn't worked out, I am going to go to plan B. I will live in Florence for four weeks while I go through the program. Then I am in the job market. The good thing is that I will be certified to teach anywhere in the world. So no matter what I will always have this certification. Too bad I have to work for another month before I can give my two weeks notice. Just the timing of it all.
I finally have started to smile freely since I made this decision. I don't know how it will all turn out, but I am so ready to get out of here.
My reasons for quitting are two-fold. Meaning that I am at fault and the family is at fault.
I am at fault because I had no idea how independent I have become since I graduated from college. I thought it would be nice to become a part of a different family. Post-graduation Megan has learned that her family is the only family that can ever be family. I had no idea how much I would hate living where I would have to ask permission to do everything. I also feel like I have been nannying for a whole year because I worked for Helen for so long. I think I am just tired of it.
The family is not very nice to live with because the mother is always angry at me, at the kids, at anyone. I constantly feel like I am walking on eggshells. I have developed really weird complexes and I lie a lot now. I feel like if I am honest about where I am going or what I did in the day I will get in trouble and put in "the boo boo box" or something. I lie about checking my email, or going to my friend's house. Does that seem normal to you? I don't like being dishonest. I don't eat the same, go to the bathroom, use the internet, talk on the phone, or do anything with freedom. I can't even have my room a mess if I want to because she goes in there! When I feel controlled I stop cleaning. So my room is almost always a disaster and that bothers her. I don't feel like there is room for me in this family. It is like the idea of having someone was nice for them, but the reality of it is that they don't even have time for me to be with the kids. There are whole days that pass that I don't see one or the other kids because of the schedule the parents give them. Sometimes when that happens they say, "you were free Wednesday so you should work for us Saturday morning." That makes me really angry. They don't remember that I waited the whole day Wednesday for them to tell me what to do only to be updated minutes before each canceled task.
Before I came here I had a lot of goals. I wanted to learn the language, travel, try all kinds of food and resturants etc. None of my goals are being accomplished, mostly because of the nature of this job. I feel like I might as well be working in some corner in Idaho. The truth is that this job does not advance my career, gives me extraordinary skills, or allows me to have any friends. There is almost no benefit for me to stay in this job. So I am getting out. I just feel like I don't have time to waste being unhappy.
The first month I just thought I was homesick. The second I thought that I was still just learning everything. This third month I just realized I was not in a happy home and I have no desire to remain there. I feel no dedication to the family and I am just ready to cut loose. I would rather spend Christmas alone than with this family. Hopefully I will. That all being said . . .
IT IS ALMOST CHRISTMAS! I am going to have Christmas surprises coming soon on the blog so check back on Monday!
Thanks for supporting me, being on Facebook chat (Nicki) the day I decide to quit, missing me, thinking of me, COOKING (both Lindse/ay's, Rachael- the little perfect hostess, Nicki the beautiful classic chef, Ashley or is Scott the chef- I saw that bread he made!) i know the cooking is for me. Mom, I miss you. I so want to watch A Good Year and The Grinch and LOTR (trev and linds have them if they haven't returned them) with you. Sisters- I am so glad we have our own secret sisters page on Facebook. Beau: there is no single chess piece in Italy. Bryce & Beckah, prayers are with you. Keep the faith. Dad, I wish I could tell you to stop eating half a block of cheese.
Love you all,
Megan
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Happy Birthday Miss 24!!
Today is my best friend's birthday. Because she is my senior (one day she will regret rubbing it in my face that she is SOOO much older than me--like one day after she turns 30). For the first time in 5 years we haven't lived together in over a year. That being the case, this December 5th has made me realize the Lingan-ness I have been missing.
Memory:
Pond. Every day. Need I say more? No, but I will. Remember when I dove (in the four foot pond) and swam underwater and came up with mud all over my face? Now ya do. "A pond!" run run run. Jump. splash?
Does everyone here realize that we have known each other for 13 years?
Memory:
After playing together nearly every day at recess for the first year that Lindsey had been living in Rupert, I invited her to come over to my house. We were sitting on my bed and she said, "I want to tell you something. I have been thinking that, after my mom and Ariel, you are my best friend."
I was so overwhelmed, having lost my first best friend to a family move. I had no idea how far this friendship would go.
I was re-reading a note I wrote to Lindsey and Trevor when I moved away from Provo that said, "Lindsey: I don't know what it is about you, but I just miss you when you are gone." I realized that it was so true. I am so used to having her around that even after a year I still don't think I comprehend that we are separated.
Memory:
When we were in sixth grade Lindsey and I STARRED in the school play "Treasure Island". When we auditioned (of course together) she said, "I am auditioning for Molly." I looked at the script and saw the only other girl name and said, "I am auditioning for Jaime." It wasn't until after we scored these two roles and went to the rehearsal that I realized Jaime was a boy. We were playing brother and sister. I decided to role with it. We got to fight a lot, which somehow set the stage for the rest of our friendship. She got to play the cute girl who kept everything together. I got to play the boy who knew something as bizarre as pig-latin, as if I even had to study to learn it for the play. I already spoke pig-latin. Kami was the pig-latin king. haha. When I asked my mom if we were good actors she said, "It sounded just like you normally do." Do you know how many times we were told in our freshman year how much we sounded like a married couple. I did the cooking and Lindsey did the slapping. So abusive.
We have just got so much history. I mean, playing the band, owning the river, ordering Mchicken's with "no shred" and driving in the white escape. Watching movies our entire freshman year, sleeping in our cave, complaining that our roommate was too clean, eating burritos, storing drumsets and DDR in our tiny apartments, going to Vegas, finding Rachael James Mulder which led to the fantastic magic of 113. The fact that if I wanted to keep writing for three pages and still not coming close to all that we have shared is giving you a glimpse of 13 years of fortune.
Memory:
Following Mark (now our old roommate's husband) at the first ever inight because we thought he was soooo beautiful. Remember running around trying to avoid Spencer whatshisname because of how you ditched/broke up with him. Or I think, rather, you avoided his phone calls and stuff thinking that you wouldn't run into him in Rexburg. You know, since he was from Idaho Falls far, far away.
Did you guys know that our teachers our freshman year still remember us? Brother Baron thought I would try to bring up polygamy when I told him she was getting married. We took almost every general class together. I mean why not? We had to take them anyway. Why not take them with someone who will help you procrastinate your homework even more--American Idol was on.
Memory:
Before you had a laptop, remember when I sat with the Darth Vader mask and a blanket over my head while using the computer in Rachel and Hannah's room? What a weirdo.
Remember hanging out at the Ridge's lounge because we wanted to play pool?
The truth is I could be here all day. The truth is that when Lindsey and Trevor finally started dating, I started going a little bit crazy. She kept saying stuff like, "I really like him" and she kept wearing his best friend necklace. I never consciously thought, "This means that we are over and I am not her best friend," but it must have been a underlying force in my overprotective tones of bitterness. That is when I formulated my plan to graduate and abandon her before they got married and abandoned me.
None of that is true, it just turned out that way. Here is the truth about Lindsey.
My best bday surprise was when she called me and after years of bantering and denial she said, "You are my best friend. I love you."
I can't shop with anyone but her because it is too weird. We have a system. It works. I can't figure it out with anyone else.
Lindsey is the reason that I walked up to a few street musicians in Italy and sang 3 songs with them. I didn't post the video because I cracked on a note and was embarrassed to play it for you. She always told me, "You should do it," when I mentioned something I was too scared to do like join a volleyball game or hit on a guy or something. I was alone in the street when "Dream a little Dream" came from the sound of their guitars. I walked up and just started singing. I even made them a few euro. She has always been an enabler. Which has not always been a good thing, but mostly.
Lindsey is not only a great listener, but also a great pseudolistener. No matter which skill she is using, she makes me feel like I can talk about the phytl tail in chlorophyll which makes green plants change colors if cooked in acid. She has had to put up with a lot of wild ideas and fantasies, and yes a lot of "I love Aragorn, not Viggo Mortenson, but Aragorn" and Harry Potter talk. But I never really felt stupid. I mean, I felt stupid from doing stupid stuff that she enabled me to do, but not when I was expressing anything to her. I love this. And then the sucker married Trevor. Deep down, she can't live without the fantasy either.
I am so glad she married Trevor. The person I thought would take her away from me forever ended up adding to the relationship. I think I am still messed up a little from graduating without her, moving away, her getting married, then leaving all of my 113 girls (or being left by them) to come to a country all alone. But in the end, Trevor made the transition pretty smooth (maybe because it took three years, but I am not complaining).
Lindsey poo poo pie, here's looking at you, kid. Stand up and take a bow.
Do you know how hard it was to find a pic of just us? We seriously need to remedy that. there was only this one & I had to cut everyone else out.
Well, or there was this one, but I don't think it shows your best side.
This one is nice. 
With love from a different time zone,
magster da . . .
mags
maggot the (really, you made me say it)
G
double G
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