Donna's Journey

I added to yesterday’s blog entry the Math Mary engaged in and how we used the book that she brought to me.
Math for Your First and Second Grader: All You Need to Know to Be Your Child’s Best Teacher by Steve Slavin.
Yesterday was a long day. Roger drove to Delores, Colorado to see a dying friendthen turned around and drove home, arriving afte 11:30. The daughter of the friend, lives here, and I had her over for dinner. She does a pod cast called Imagine Podcast and we listened to one by Author, Douglas Bentley,on the need to understand the Old Tesament, in order to really understand the New Testament or the Book of Mormon. We discussed websites, building them, and the functionality, as well as, different technologies I could use for Moor House Academy. She left around nine.

After Candace left, I checked to see if my assignment, from Robert Allen had arrived in my email, it had. I began work on it right away, and worked on it until Roger walked through the door. A mentor cannot be assigned until I complete this assignment, as it gives them information that will help them mentor me. Needless to say, we had devotional late. By the time I had couple prayers and retired, it was after midnight. I awoke moments before 6 am. I will drag today!

Being- I studied II Nephi 3 and Matthew 15 this morning. II Nephi 3 is about the Mashiach ben Yosef (Messiah ben Joseph) to come before the Messiah ben David to prepare the way. Of course those were not the words used, but it was known among the Jews that there would be a decendant of Ephriam, son of Joseph who was sold into Egypt, that would prepare the way for the Messiah ben David to come and reign, that this Messiah ben Joseph would give his life, outside the gates of Jerusalem. Interestingly enough, the podcast I listened to last night, deals with this same concept.
Loaves and fishes further illustrates that principle I spoke of yesterday, with the loaves and fishes, that the disciples took the loaves and fishes to Him and He bfilled the baskets again. Our lives (including our unique gifts, talents, and mission) are loaves and fishes that if we bring it to Him, He will make abundant.

Being- This morning I studies II Nephi 2 and Matthew 14. “II Nephi 2: 28 And now, my sons, I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit; 29 And not choose eternal death, according to the will of the flesh and the evil which is therein, which giveth the spirit of the devil power to capitivate to bring you down to hell that he may reign over you in his own kingdom.” I see this as my need to hearken or submit to the will of God, which comes as real time course corrects, through the whisperings of the spirit. And not just living a check off list of doing good and avoiding doing evil. I can be so involved in my own agenda of good, that I may not be open to the whisperings of the spirit, that it can look any other way. This means that “Thy will, not my will,” is the example that we must follow, as contrasted by Saul of old who violated God’s counsel, preserving what he was commanded to destroy and using it as sacrifice. He learned that obedience was greater than sacrifice. Doing good through our will can be a distraction, if we do not bring it to Him, and submit to His greater view and wisdom. In Matthew 14: 16- 21 the people were hungry, the disciples brought what they had, and it was but five loaves and two fishes, and He made it more, abundantly more. When we rely on flesh’s arm (our own) we are not what we could be, if we would bring it to Him. I am not saying that we should do no good. I am not saying just wait around for Him to command us in all things. I am suggesting submitting our plans to Him and being open to a better plan. It is interesting reading the New Testament at the same time I read the Book of Mormon.
Body- I had a good night’s sleep. I did my exercises. Invigorating!!! I have lost 6 lbs since Christmas, now I plateau, so I need to prayerfully consider further the wise course to continue this trend.
Brain-I read more of The Twelve Greeks and Romans who Changed the World. Today, I finished the chapter on Julius Ceasar and began Cicero.
People- I had Candace join us for dinner.  Received and email from Sandra, to join her for temple and breakfast on Friday morning at 6 am. 
Money- I worked on my Robert Allen class assignment from Monday, very fulfilling.  I also worked on my
Sowing Seeds of Greatness:
Currents in Time- Stonehenge and Durrington Walls

Mary brought a Math book to me, Math for your First and Second Grader: All You Need to Know to Be Your Child’s Best Teacher by Steve Slavin.  This was a resource I had on the shelf.  It is a book of short demonstrations of math concepts, that I demonstrate and then Mary gets to play with the concept.  The basic sessions are about 5 minutes, and then my children play with the concept.  I think Mary brought it to me because of the things Mary Queen of Scots was learning as a child. I am not so concerned with whether she is up with first or second graders.  I bought the book because it lays basic operations of math out in simple lessons that are demonstrated and played with, and that it did not rely on busy work, thus preserving the joy of math.  She finished the first half of the book yesterday and we will test her understanding before we move on.  She has had Mathematicians are People, Too, both volumes, read to her over the years.  She has also listened as I read String, Straight Edge, and Shaddow.   She learned of fractions, and divided and counted a can of coins.  She counted to 100 by 1s, 2s, 5s, and 10s then she wrote out the same.  When she began here 3s and 9s were backwards, but learned, erased, and then did sufficient enough writing to remember the right way.

Under construction…

Being- II Nephi 1
Body- I got eight hours of sleep! We retired early! I love the invigoration of my dailies. I feel alive. I cannot wait for the weather to warm.

Brain-  I worked on my assignment for Robert Allen.  I read to Mary about a Chapter of Mary Queen of Scots and 78 pages of the Princess Academy.

People- Family first, this morning. Mentoring and home work in the afternoon. Family time in the evening.

Time- I reviewed my time today. This morning I work with the children. This afternoon, I mentor a mother in Arizona. I also have my Robert Allen and Tom Painter assignments to work on in th afternoon. Late afternoon, I am mentored by Robert Allen.

My Robert Allen assignment tonight, was very insightful and really brought joy to my heart as I contemplated carrying it out over the next few months, and longer.

Family Home Evening was built around a comment I made to my husband this morning.  I told him that we pray about things, while many pray for things.  When you pray about things you are open to the Lord and His will.  When you pray for things, you tell Heavenly Father what you want, and you want it to look your way.  Interestingly His way is always for our best, while ours is often based on expediency and may not, in the long run be in our best interest or in the best interest of others.  We had pistachios for our treat.

Good Night!

What a weekend!

Sunday, Jennifer and I drove to Highland, picked up Leena, Natasha, and Jaron and headed for west Jordon to attend Daniel Crowder’s sacrament talk. Daniel and two of his brothers were in my first scholar class with Moor House Academy, back in 2002. It was wonderful to see how these young men had grown. Daniel has always had an old spirit. He will be such an awesome missionary, heading to Tuscon. I finally got to meet his dad, who was an officer in the military, serving in Afghanistan, when they were in my class. He gave me much insight. On the way home, Leena and I chatted away. It was good to do this. We got back in time for me to help team teach the last 15 minutes of my class.

I was visited by my walking partner, Candace. Her half-sister, Erin, is back in the hospital and it does not look like she will live long. Her father has a rapid growing cancer and they are looking at weeks, for him. Her husband may end up back in the hospital, as he collapsed on Friday, while out of town. She also went to the hearing, Thursday, for the young man, that on his fourth DUI ran full speed into her brother-in-law’s car and killed him (nly 2 blocks from home), as well as his uncle who was in the car with him, and then ran and hid from the police. Candace is surely going through the test. I think I will keep my tests and trials.
Last night I had a wonderful visit by our home teachers. President Hall, always gives such good lessons. This one was very interactive. He asked what tools the adversary uses to defeat us. We gave three- 1) Discouragement 2) Everybody is doing it 3) Roadblocks or obstacles to what we should do; and then he divided us into three groups and each group got to find scriptures and share experiences on how we combat those tools. Very effective.
Saturday, our family discussed the options and logistics of doubling our family size. What makes sense? What is best for the children, both ours and theirs? What is realistic? Ripples! We talked things over with our children at home and with our children, at a distance. We came to a basic proposal, we prayed individually and together. Roger called his sister and gave our proposal. They tabled it, as I expected they would. I need to m ove forward and be ready if the time comes.
I had elocution class on Saturday. This next month we get into story telling. I get to choose a family story and a fiction. I always look forward to hearing Gove and Nikkie, as they have a gift. I am watching Mary blossom and Jennifer polish. It is good to see Jeremy make eye contact, as many boys his age will not. James is growing, as well.

I slept for 9 hours. I woke up exhausted. No temple this morning. I woke up in time to go Visit teach our last sister. It was a school out day, so the children were reading in the morning. When I got home I made cinnamon waffles for brunch.

I worked on Epiphanal Living in the afternoon, since today is my writing day.  Then my visiting teacher called and I visited her.  I could not get those children out of my mind all day!  What seemed to be  impossible last night, became more plausible as the day went by.  Each obstacle, which presented itself, was resolved within seconds, with alternate solutions.  Ok.  This is a scary thought.  I still do not know how this will be resolved.  I have prayed and sought inspiration, the inspiration comes.  No stupor of thought.  No definite answer yet.  Of course, just because I am willing, it does not necessarily mean that they will agree to conditions.  We will see where this goes.  Stay tuned for the continuing saga…

I have reports from moms, and I have observed my own. Today is the day that they have been waiting for. This afternoon is our Liber Tea! I like the subtle ironies of life. We were reading about Mary Queen of Scots this month, so also her country is highlighted. Then I discovered that today is the birthday of Scotland’s most famous poet, Robert Burns.

Being I finished I Nephi this morning, and read Matthew 13, which has many parables.

Body Yes I did my exercises.

Brain  I read to Mary.  We are enjoying this book!

Time: I helped with studies in the morning.  I contacted my new mentor Adam Hailstone and I prepared for my Princess Academy meeting.  While washing the luncheon plates I saw that cupboards needed cleaning.  So, I cleaned those shelves, as well.  After everyone left, I decided to fill the sink with sudsy water and hand wash them rather than put them in the dish washer.

People  I gave Mary my time in the morning and the two of us washed all the dishes for the Princess Academy and set the table, in the afternoon.  She even offered to iron the table cloths.  We ate dinner later than I had hoped.  We had our first Princess Academy meeting.  It was great to meet all the girls and their mothers. They all created their individualized Princess Diaries, this afternoon.

I recieved a phone call during dinner, my husband’s sister.  Apparently, her daughter in law had twin girls four years ago, a little boy two years ago, and a daughter in August.  I do not know all the whys and wherefores, but they were removed from their parents, by the state.  The present caregiver is the exwife of the children’s uncle.  The state is now wanting the grandparents to take the children.  They called us asking if we could help.  Whew!  This is huge!!!  Lots to think about
 

Today is my husband’s 55th birthday. No matter how old he gets, I will always be younger:) He took the boys to the gym while I worked on my 3 Bs and organized binders for my Master’s classes and my Inner Wealth classes.

Being–I studied I Nephi 20 and Matthew 12. I Nephi 20 speaks of the stiff nakedness of Israel (all the tribes). Verse 2: Nevertheless, they call themselves of the holy city, but they do not stay themselves upon the God of Israel, who is the Lord of Hosts; yea, the Lord of Hosts is his name. He would send prophesy, so that when things happened, they would know the source was God and not dumb idols. I do not see that human nature has changed, since this was written.

Body–I did my exercises.

Brain– I worked on my assignments for Inner Wealth.  I also read aloud to Mary.

Time– I worked out mentoring issues, for graduate school.  My Mentor is Adam Hailstone.

People– I went to lunch with my husband to celebrate his birthday.  We had a colloquium on the Hobbit and I taught them the Hero cycle and we likened it to the scriptures and our lives.

I had my 4th Inner Wealth class tonight.

Awoke at 4:30 am. Now to work on getting that rhythm in place, as I need to be retiring and arising early, so that I can get a goodly part of my studies in before my family arises, though some will happen during the day.

Being – I Nephi 18, I Nephi 19 Matthew 11, pray and discuss the day before me. I studied scripture for 45 minutes. I sought His guidance and strength, before moving forward, desiring epiphanies to come, as needed, throughout the day.
In verse one, I find that Nephi went forth and just began to do, even though he did not have all the instructions or tools to carry it out. God then provided instruction, as needed, real time. He did not follow established patterns of the world, he instead followed a Heavenly design. This helps me see that when we are about His work, pursuing the mission that He has sent us here to perform, we must also find out how He wants us to do it. Mission is not about me figuring what I enjoy doing best and doing it. It is about finding what I was created to do, preparing to do it, by developing all the faculties I can, and seeking His guidance in carrying out that mission, when I have my rendezvous with destiny. Otherwise, I may not have the tools needed and I will attempt doing His will by the arm of my flesh only. Worse yet, I may settle for less and not prepare, seeking only to do that which is comfortable and enjoyable today, asking His blessings, on my plans, and not fulfilling my unique purpose.

In I Nephi 19 I see that what one person esteems is of worth, another may not. Nephi did liken all the scriptures to them that it would be for their profit and learning. That is the key to anyone studying their core book. What epiphanies do I have today? How am I changed by what I read?

Matthew 11 ends with “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” I must always rmember that. His yoke is custom fitted and His burden is light. I must resist the urge to insist on doing things my way.

Body- Ok my weekend was long and I needed to awaken and strengthen these limbs. Seeking to invigorate my mind, before I work on developing and stretching it. My exercise takes about 15 minutes. For now, while the weather is coldest, I may have to satisfy my need by repeating my exercises throughout the day. As things warm, I can add walking. As I get ahead on my studies, I can make time to go to the gym as well. However, for now, I can still do my daily sets, in my living room. This morning I contemplated the difference between eastern and western meditation. I discovered that my exercise is a form of meditation, as it cleared my mind of the cares of the world, and epiphanies came in response to my preparation of putting God first, studying His word, and seeking his guidance. This helps me organize my time better.

Brain- I studied the 12 Greeks and Romans Who Changed the World by Carl J. Richard. This book is facinating survey of Greek and Roman History. It would make a great map for studying ancient history. I like the global or right brain approach it takes, giving the big picture and pointing toward a richer study of the Ancient roots of Western culture. Today I studied the influence of Scipio Africanus and most of Julius Ceasar. I have for men left- Cicero, Augustus, Paul of Tarsus, and Augustine. More today after I have finished my intermitent studies and have a better view of how I cared for my brain.
Time- I have my study until the men of the family return from the gym. I am available during the morning hours after breakfast, to assist children as needed. Today I visit teach, during midday, two of 3 ladies. Then I come back and study more, making sure dinner is in early enough to eat at a good time. I also must go to the bank, acquire a 6 foot table and 8 more chairs, for my Liber Tea, on Thursday, pick up supplies to make Princess Diaries, and work on my elocution.
People- We all had learning time. I read a few hours with Mary; Mary Queen of Scots: Queen Without a Country, France 1553. Just before I headed out to visit teach, my companion called and said I would have to go alone, as she was ill. My visits went well and I made appointments for two weeks from now on Friday the 9th. I also made connection with Maria, the person over me in the extraction program.

Money- I went to the bank and then I 60/40 the deposit. I purchased a 6 foot portable table and 8 chairs, at Sam’s Club, for my Liber Tea on Thursday, I bought the flowers for the flower pens, white binders, and beautiful colored papers for creating our Princess Diaries. The tiaras have already arrived. I added the costs so far. I may not brake even on class expenses this year.
I need to just start saving these posts as drafts, checking in at the end of large blocks of time, and then posting the day’s blog entry, before I retire. I will start that tomorrow. Stay tuned, more later…………….

Roger had me sleep in today, he said I was much too exhausted.  He drove Julia back to Cedar City and they had a very epiphanal talk.  I called the dentist about my tooth and James’s tooth.  They had a cancelation so they said come right over.  We did.  When we got there they had another cancelation, so they took us booth in.  SO I got a temporary crown on my tooth and James got a root canal.  We had not had breakfast and had to wait until the numbness wore off.

Adam came by and it took a few hours to fix my computer, it was a windows glitch, and also fix the other computers, making sure there were no viruses and all were functioning well.

I was dragging so much that I went in and took a long nap.  I worked on my Robert Allen readings.  I had my third Inner Wealth class.  Today was really about epiphanal living.  Talking about Epiphanal Living, now that I have internet and comuter access, it will take me a few days to get my e-journal, Epiphanal Living, up and going, again.

Tomorrow is a new day!  Time to get back on track.  Daily course corrections.

20 January 2007 was my 34th anniversary of my baptism. Sooooooooooooooooo many, many blessings in those years.

On the 20th, my daughter Julia and I helped my daughter Jennifer put on a formal lunch for a group of 5 couples that would later thatevening, attend a Formal Preference Ball. We rinsed and stacked the china and rinsed the crytsal and serving dishes to take home and wash there. My china is dishwasher safe. While working behind the scenes we chatted with an old friend of Julia’s. Her husband is training to be an officer. We shared about our princess club. She was delighted. She said that they have balls to prepare them for officer’s life. She also felt that no one teaches “finishing” and culture anymore, and they Americans are in sore need of it. Jennifer looked so beautiful. and her friends diffused her hair again, quite stunning. She has a wonderful time with her date and friends. I think she will wear the same dress to the family ball after the forum.

My computer crashed yesterday. I have access to my files, I can neither print, not can I access the internet. So I am typing on my husband’s computer. My son ran a virus scan, nada. Hardware seems OK/ I must have some corrupted file. He will try to fix it tomorrow. Meanwhile, I was able to retrieve files by putting them on a thumb drive.

The tooth I am scheduled to get on a crown on, in a month, broke today. Now it cuts my tongue and is so distracting.

Today, Jennifer was set apart as Laurel’s class president. After lunch, we all took a nap, we were so exhausted from yesterday. This evening we drove to Salt Lake to my son’s in-laws and watched as they blessed my grandson Zane.

Time to retire………..