Merry Christmas

Blessings to you and yours.
Enjoy the Christmas Season.

New Year Ahead

I'm getting ready for the New Year. That's the Christian New Year. It's starts on Advent, Sunday, December 2, 2012.

I'm looking forward to the Advent and Christmas Season. It's the time of year to remember what Christmas is all about. It's the time of year to be giving and thankful for what God has blessed us with. The gift of Salvation who is Jesus Christ.

The Christmas atmosphere is surrounding us. Wherever I go, I see the spirit  of Christmas. The decorations, the Christmas lights and Christmas trees are on display. O such beauty to see.

I hope that you're awaiting to hear the Christmas story told over and over again.  The story of God becoming flesh and blood. When God gave us the greatest wonder of all. His final Word that's found in Jesus Christ His Son.

I'm looking forward to this sacred season. It's going to be exciting. I hope you will join in the Holy Days events. The journey to Christmas Season; Enter in.

May the spirit of Christmas be upon all of us.
May we hear the Story of Christmas be told.
May the LORD birth in us something in us this Christmas season.
Amen.

Thanks for reading.
Susan

What Do You See In The World That Is Awesome?

via Mia You Journal

"You've probably heard the expression "stop and smell the roses" a
thousand times. But do you really understand the tremendous wisdom and importance in that old cliche?

When we take a few moments each day to stop and be present with the beauty around us - nature, wildlife, technology, people, etc. - we get to enjoy the very best and brightest that life has to offer.

In these moments we are filled with gratitude, love and peace. We aren't anxious about the future and we don't feel any guilt or regret about the past. This habit becomes the basis for living a peaceful, purposeful, passionate life in and of itself.

Each day this week, take time to "stop and smell the roses."
What do you see that is truly awesome?
A beautifully blossomed flower?
A baby deer?
A brand new building?
Your grandmother?"

Find something to focus on each day that is truly awesome to you, and write about how you feel in that moment when you're truly present to life's beauty.

Journaling Assignment #53: Self- Acceptance

I've been thinking about myself. Not in a selfish way, but in a way to where I know myself. It's those things that I  do or don't do or say; and how I react to them. Through the years I have lighten up on myself. I have been trying to make wise choices.

I have to learn to accept some things about self. Thank God that I can change.... I know that I can't change myself. I have to learn to like myself. In fact I love myself. Beside, I'm with me all the time. I need to have a good relationship with myself.


Through the years, I have come to see myself differently. I know that I'm not perfect. I have and will continue to make mistakes or make poor choices.... I believe that I'm progressing as the years passed by.

I use to worry a lot about things I make mistakes about. I didn't know how to handle those things I thought were wrong. I had to deal with things. Through time I cooled off.
I do keep going when I feel I've miss the mark.  I have to forgive and forgive myself when things don't go the way that I thought they should. That's call being mature.

What I find about myself that's unacceptable? When I know what I should do something or shouldn't do it. I need to be more in tune with what I know to be true. I'm thankful that God is in my life.


Without the help of Jesus, I think I would be worst off than I'm. I find confidence about myself when I allow God into what I'm doing. I believe that's what motivating me to do what is right and is the leading of the inner witness who's within me.

With the help of the Holy Spirit, I can do what God has called me to do.  I know that I will not do all what God has for me. Fear can hold me back. But, I  believe that God loves me in times when I think that He doesn't.


That love is so deep that I can't comprehend it. God's love is so much richer than any human on earth can give. That's unconditional love.

I am learning more and more as I'm on the journey with Jesus. Life has meaning...  That's when when we know, that we know that we know. That's were our faith and hope comes from.

Thanks for reading,
Journaling Susan

Self -Acceptance Journaling

via Mia You Journaling...

"Living in the state of self-acceptance is a peaceful place to be. I know from much previous experience what it is like to no feel that much of myself was acceptable. I was pretty ok with my smile and I thought I must be fairly intelligent and a pretty good mom.

Today, after many years of work on myself, I pretty much can do know wrong. That does not mean I don't make mistakes or need to accept responsibility for them. It means that when I make them, I don't beat myself up or do other harm to me or anyone else. I accept. I learn. I move on.

Scary topic for many.
Not so for others.

 How do you come by self acceptance?
What about yourself do you find unacceptable?
What are you motivated to change?
How might you do it?"

Journaling Assignments

I got more journaling assignments. I thought that the online assignments were completed with 52 weeks in 2010. I guess the assignments are continuing with #53 - 65.  I'm trying to catch up. I'm behind about two assigments. I have another one coming this week.

I've been working on #53 theme on Self- Acceptance. I've been thinking about myself. That's not in a selfish way or whatever. It's nice to be aware of self - acceptance.

I hope to get my weekly assignments done. I 've been off a long time in assigned journaling. I have to get my thinking cap back on. lol.

Thanks for reading
Susan

Treasures In Our Hearts

Loved ones remembered
Those who have gone on
In our memories
Good to think upon

Treasured on our hearts
That place where we seek
Good times that has past
Reflections that speak

From time after time
As years past away
Treasured In Our Hearts
We store every day

Poem #1321

Idea 10 May 2011
7:05 AM 3PL
Re read 16 May 2011
Made some changes

Thanks for reading.
Treasures In Our Hearts
Staying On The Journey,
Susan

Summer Time

I have been slacking off journaling here.
I keep forgetting that I have this site.
I don't have journaling assignment any more.

It' was a wonder Lent and Easter Season.
The Advent Season starts on Dec 2, 2012.
In the mean time we are back in ordinary time.
I've been searching for family history.
I've made a lot of progress.
I've been writing my poems daily.

Hope all is well with you.
May God Bless you.
Summer Time is here.
Enjoy!

Peace be with you,
Susan

Happy Easter!

Testimony

via

Chapter 12 Testimony From Rachel Bruner, your Guide to Latter-day Saints This is the last email of this 12 week course. I hope you have been Writing Your Personal Family History! If you'd like to take this course again, or missed some of the lessons just visit the links below. Chapter 12 Testimony Questions and Thoughts to Write About 1. Summarize your patriarchal blessing. 2. Write about other blessings you have received,     given, or witnessed. 3. Write your testimony. 4. What do you want your family to know and     remember about you? 5. When you meet the Savior on the other side,     what do you hope He will say? Resubscribe or Find Missing Lessons Resubscribe to this Email Course If you'd like to receive the 12 lessons again just visit this link and put in your email address!

Memories Of Significant Events: Chapter 11

Chapter Eleven: Memories of Significant Events
(Write about any of the following.)

1. The depression, WWII, Korea, Viet Nam.
   I was alive when the Viet Nam War was going on.
2. The release of POW’s. Pueblo incident, Cuban Missile Crisis.
   I don't recall....
3. The assassination of JFK, RFK, and Martin Luther King.
   I was alive wehen JFK and RFK were assassinated..
   Heard about JFK and RFK through videos and TB.
   MLK recall some as a young child.
4. Do you remember the National Guard being called in to integrate schools in the south?
   
   Too young to recall.
5. Do you remember the first man in space, first man on the moon, Apollo 13, Challenger?
   
   Recall the Apollo 13 landing.
   Challenger Yes, Indeed
6. The Berlin Wall coming down, Hostages in Iran.
   
   Not much on the Berlin Wall.
   Recall Iran Hostages.
7. Visits to significant historical church sights.
   Churches in Jerusalem, Israel.
8. Visits to other significant history sights.
   On a 10 day journey to Israel
9. Seen the highlights where Jesus taught...
   His ministry head quarters....
   Been in the Garden Tomb...
10. Fairs, theaters, amusement parks, Disneyland, Disneyworld, or other significant locations.
    
    Amusement park: Worlds Of Fun
11. What did you do about food storage and emergency preparedness?
    We had a major flood in 1993.
    It was an experience...
12. 9/11.
    A day that I can't forget.
    I prayed off and on through out the day.
    I couldn't listen to the news.
    It so too much to take in.
13. The loss of your parents and/or other relatives
    The loss of people in life....
    Changes the out look on what there is to come
    We have to go on.

Memories Of Significant Events

Chapter 11  Memories of Significant Events via From Rachel Bruner, your Guide to Latter-day Saints

Chapter 11 Memories of Significant Events

Questions and Thoughts to Write About (Write about any of the following.) 1. The depression, WWII, Korea, Viet Nam. 2. The release of POW's. Pueblo incident, Cuban Missile Crisis. 3. The assassination of JFK, RFK, and Martin Luther King. 4. Do you remember the National Guard     being called in to integrate schools in the south? 5. Do you remember the first man in space,     first man on the moon, Apollo 13, Challenger? 6. The Berlin Wall coming down, Hostages in Iran. 7. Visits to significant historical church sights. 8. Visits to other significant history sights. 9. Fairs, theaters, amusement parks,     Disneyland, Disneyworld, or other significant locations. 10. What did you do about food storage and     emergency preparedness? 11. 9/11. 12. The loss of your parents and/or other relatives.

Grandchildren

I have no Grandchildren

Chapter 10 Grandchildren via From Rachel Bruner, your Guide to Latter-day Saints

Chapter 10 Grandchildren

Questions and Thoughts to Write About 1. Write about your first grandchild.     Did you attend the birth? 2. Tell about him/her:     healthy, happy,     appearance,     talents. (Write about each grandchild.) 3. What do you do to be a good grandmother/grandfather? 4. How is it different than being a mom/dad?

Community Service

Chapter 9 Community Service via From Rachel Bruner, your Guide to Latter-day Saints Chapter 9 Community Service Questions and Thoughts to Write About 1. Did you participate in PTA, VPO,     Booster club or other community service? 2. Have you ever run for a government office? 3. Did you serve in the military, air force, etc.? 4. What is your view on politics including     Iraq, clod war, Viet Nam, WWII?

Church Service: Chapter 8

Chapter Eight: Church Service

1. My first calling.... I don't recall...I did sing in the church choir.
2. Subsequent callings... Greeter in the church, called to prayer
3. I didn't serve a mission team...
   
   1. I didn't teach.
   2. I serve with ...not apart of the mission field.
   3. Mission president and his wife...not a part of mission field.
   4. Most spiritual experiences...the night Jesus made Himself know to me.
   5. Hardest trial....?
   6. Write about the people, culture and customs of the area I served in;
   7. I can't write a testimony about missionary work.
4. My testimony at 25; I was not attending church. But I believed in Jesus.
5. I have witnessed miracles since I've been attending church.
6. I started attended church in Sept 1993....A good testimony.
7. I never read the Book of Mormon.
8. I may have seen prophecy fulfilled that I spoke of...
9. Spiritual experiences.....

Church Service

Chapter 8 Church Service via From Rachel Bruner, your Guide to Latter-day Saints Chapter 8 Church Service Questions and Thoughts to Write About 1. What was your first calling? 2. Subsequent callings? 3. Did you serve a mission? -- a. Who did you teach? -- b. Who did you serve with? -- c. Who was your mission president and his wife? -- d. What were your most spiritual experiences? -- e. What was your hardest trial? -- f. Write about the people, culture and       customs of the area you served in. -- g. Write your testimony about missionary work. 4. How was your testimony at 25? 5. Have you witnessed miracles? 6. When did you receive your testimony of the Church? 7. When did you first read the Book of Mormon? 8. Have you seen prophecy fulfilled? 9. Write down the spiritual experiences you want    your family to know about.

Chapter 7: Employment And Leisure

     Chapter Seven:
     Employment and Leisure

1. Tell about my day job...
   I work at home.
   
   Have I've moved up the ranks
   I still have passion for my work...
   I'm a little slow at times
2. I enjoy the most...that I have a job.
   The least...
3. I don't plans for retirement as of yet.
    Not sure if I'm retired. But that day will come.
4. My favorite hobbies; Genealogy, Blogging
   And pastimes....relaxing
5. What is your favorite book; the Bible
   Because it the most read book I've read.
6. I don't have any favorite movie....
   I don't go to the show but I do watch some T.V.
7. I have traveled abroad to Israel.
8. If you had a free day to spend on myself what would I do?
   I want do what I liked most.

Employment And Leisure: Chaper 7

Chapter 7 Employment and Leisure via From Rachel Bruner, your Guide to Latter-day Saints Chapter 7 Employment and Leisure Questions and Thoughts to Write About 1. Tell about your day job.     Have you moved up the ranks?     Do you still have passion for your work? 2. What do you enjoy the most?     The least? 3. Do you have plans for retirement?     Or are retired? 4. What are your favorite hobbies     and pastimes? 5. What is your favorite book     and why? 6. What is your favorite movie     and why? 7. Have you traveled abroad?  8. If you had a free day to spend on yourself what would you do?

Children: Chapter 6

 I have no children....So I can't answer the questions.

Chapter 6 Children via From Rachel Bruner, your Guide to Latter-day Saints

Chapter 6 Children

Questions and Thoughts to Write About (Answer these 5 questions for each child.) 1. Tell about your (or your wife's) pregnancy. (Sickness, spiritual experiences, food cravings, etc.) 2. How was the delivery? Quick or bad, was your husband (or you) there? Did you/your wife breast feed or use a bottle? 3. Write about your baby's blessing, first word, step, tooth. 4. Experiences with: primary, school, baptism, blessings, priesthood, mission, college, marriage, work. 5. Write of other important experiences about your child. 6. What are they doing now, their special talents, skills

Love And Marriage Chapter: 5

Chapter Five: Love and Marriage

This assignment does and doesn't apply to me. I'm not married.

1. I haven't met my future mate.
   Describe him.... I how to think on that one...
2. I haven't been on a date.
3. Love first sight... (Maybe or maybe not)
4. Not engaged. (No proposal, No parties, No showers, No wedding plans)
5. Can't write about my wedding day, marriage/sealing and reception.
6. No honeymoon.
7. Never lived in an apartment. Don't have no floor plans.
8. I hope when I find him that it's a match made in heaven.
   Working toward blissful peace is always a must.
9. No subsequent marriages...
10. I haven't mate him yet: I don't know what my future spouse’s most important quality then or now.
    Is it different?
     
11. Every relationship has  years of sacrifices.
    How to get through them....the help of the LORD.
12. Traveling or taking vacations....
13. Don't have a floor plan of subsequent homes....

Chapter 5: Love And Marriage

Chapter 5 Love and Marriage via From Rachel Bruner, your Guide to Latter-day Saints

Chapter 5 Love and Marriage

Questions and Thoughts to Write About 1. Tell about meeting your future mate. Describe him/her. 2. What kind of dates did you have? 3. Was it love at first sight? 4. Write about your engagement.    (Proposal, parties, showers, wedding plans) 5. Write about your wedding day, marriage/sealing and reception. 6. Write about your honeymoon. 7. Draw a floor plan of your first apartment. 8. Was you're a match made in heaven or     did you work toward blissful peace? 9. Were there subsequent marriages? 10. What was your spouse's most important quality then and      now? Is it different? 11. Were there years of sacrifice?      How did you get through them? 12. Did you travel or take vacations? 13. Draw a floor plan of subsequent homes.

Chapter 4: Continuing Education:

Here's my answers to chapter 4

Chapter Four: Continuing Education

1. I did go to college and not a trade school.
   
2. I wasn't active in church during my college years.
   But I called upon Jesus as LORD and Savior.
3. I didn't have roommates.
   I didn't have any roommates so I can't say what they like.
   Nor could I keep in contact with them. 
4. My first real job... in my career field...
   
5. I didn't continue education to a masters or PhD.
   I was thankful that I made it through college.
6. I did have some of my works published.
   It wasn't in the field of my fields.
   I had some poetry publicized in the l990's.

Continuing Education: Chapter 4

Chapter 4 Continuing Education From Rachel Bruner, your Guide to Latter-day Saints

Chapter 4 Continuing Education

Questions and Thoughts to Write About 1. Did you go to college or a trade school? 2. Were you active in church during your college years? 3. Did you have roommates? What were they like? Do you still keep in contact? 4. Write about your first real job in your career field? 5. Did you continue education to a masters or PhD? 6. Do you have any published works?

My Teen Years

1. My Junior High/Middle School. I went to Truman
    My favorite teacher:  Didn't have one.
      My favorite class: Art and P.E.

2. My best friend...the one I walked to and fro to school.

3. Who/what was popular in fashion? I don't recall.
     Music?
     TV: What's Happening? Sanford And Son, The Jeffersons
     Movie star?

4. I went to Central High School: There were about 2,000 Students
    My favorite teacher
    My favortie class: Art. P.E.
    My favorite activities
    Student govt?

5. I didn't participate in YW/YM (MIA) Girls camp, scout camp/

6. I didn't attend a stake conference.

7. I didn't attend church as much while I was a teen.
    So I don't think I met a general authority or a prophet.

8. I didn't participate in a dance festival/
    However I did go to some after school dance parties in Jr High.

9. I didn't attend General Conference.

10. I didn't attend seminary.

11. I didn't have a boy friend during my teen years.
     So there wasn't a first kiss.

12. I didn't work during my teen years.

13. I don't recall being in school plays or musicals.

14. I didn't take private lessons for music, singing, or for sports.

15. I didn't attend my senior prom.

16. How was my testimony then?
      I believe in God but wasn't in a relationship with Him.

17. About my most traumatic experience....?

Chapter 3: Teen Years

Here's the next chapter questions: Going down memory lane.

Chapter 3 Teen Years From Rachel Bruner, your Guide to Latter-day Saints

Chapter 3 Teen Years

Questions and Thoughts to Write About 1. Write about your Junior High/Middle School.     Who was your favorite teacher and class? 2. Write about your best friend. 3. Who/what was popular in fashion, music, TV, Movie star? 4. What High school did you attend?     (Size of school, favorite teacher, class, activities, student govt.) 5. Did you participate in YW/YM (MIA) Girls camp, scout camp? 6. Tell about stake conference. 7. Have you ever met a general authority or a prophet? 8. Did you participate in a dance festival? 9. Did you attend General Conference? 10. Did you attend seminary? 11. Write about your first boy/girl friend, first kiss. 12. Did you work during your teen years? 13. Were you in school plays or musicals? 14. Did you take private lessons for music, singing, sports? 15. Tell about your senior prom. 16. How was your testimony then? 17. Write about your most traumatic experience.

Chapter 2nd: Home And Childhood

Here's chapter 2 questions.

1. My father was born in 1913. His father passed away when my father was about 5. And when his mother passed, my father was about 13. He was raised by his sibling. He had some education. He worked odd jobs and a business man. My father was a Baptist 2. My mother was borin in 1920. She was raised by her parents. She attended school. She was the mother of 19 children. She was a housewife and business woman. My mother was a Baptist 3. I drew a detailed floor plan of my home.  There were about 18 small rooms. The oringal house had about 4 rooms. Our father later build on as the years went by. 4. I  was born the 19th children. I had 15 brothers and 3 sisters.   One sister died at about a month old. 5. I was 9 pounds and 5 ounces when I was born.     Born The Last In My Family 6. I wrote about my elementary school. (Teachers, I don't recall my first day of school. I do recall one time we had a drill. We were out in the hallway for a long time. I like  playing dogde ball at recess. Games In Elementary School. My favorite subject was drawing. 7. My best friend in elementary school was a girl named Coleen. I met up with her again in the mid 1990's working in a Dollar General Store. I haven't seen her since. 8. We had a dog and many more after that one.     Pets In The Family 9. How did we do laundry?     (I remember by hand, wringer washer, and cloths line. Then we went to the laundry mat. Later we go our own washer and dryer in the house. 10. I remember radio programs; Religious          TV shows: Bonanza, Gun Smoke, The Big Valley.          Cartoons: Tim and Jerry, Mickey Mouse, Bug Bunny,          Movies; Roots, Gone With The Wind 11. Family vacations: I don't recall many.       We went fishing and had picnics      Visits to Grandma Lankford...She lived on the next block over.       That was about 3 houses away. 12. What ward did I live in? Who was my Bishop? Tell about Primary activities. (If you weren't a member at the time write about spiritual aspects or traditions from your childhood and family life.)       I think this question is a religious one. I'm a Christian. I worship and I have a church home and Pastor. I didn't attend church as a child. It was when I was 30 when I gathered with the people of God. It has become a tradition to go to church every time that I can. 13. I attended Sunday School one time when I was a youth. I didn't like it. As an Adult I have attended and continue to attend Bible Studies. 14. Write about my baptism.       I was water baptized on November 28, 1993.

Chapter 1: My Ancestry

I'm journaling on my family history.
Here are some questions I have answered.

1. Who was the first of my ancestors to come to America?
(Or the country where they residence)

On my mother's side; I don't know. There was not record of where they came from. I can assume that majority of they came from Africa.

On my father's father's side; The story has it that they came from of the coast of Nigeria.
There were stories on both my parents side of Native American Indian connects.
Cherokee and Black Foot trifles.

2. I wrote about my father's heritage. My father's Heritage.
    and  The Jennie Bartlett Blakley Lyle Connections


3. I wrote about my mother's heritage. My mother's Heritage. and
    My mother's mother's mother, Anna Laura Washington Allen Walters

 

4.I wrote about my pioneer heritage.
(If you don't have any, how do you feel about being the "pioneer" in your family)

    Here are a few....

    Civil War Veteran: Private Isaac Blaker a.k.a Isaac Blakey
 

    Builder/construction; Robert Louis Lankford; a.k.a Robert Lewis Lankfard

    Professional Baseball Player 1900's; Louis Lankford; a.k.a Add Lankfard
  
5. I wrote about the oldest relative I remember.

     The oldest relative I had the honor to met was my mother's mother;

      Mary Allen Lankford born in 1889.

     The oldest relative I've met and who lived the longest was my father's sister;

      Mary Jane Blakley Richardson who was almost 90 before her passing. .

Chapter 2 Home And Childhood

Here's  chapter 2 question. I did my 1st chapter. Than some how it got deleted. Post  my 1st Chapter this week. Chapter 2 Home and Childhood via From Rachel Bruner, your Guide to Latter-day Saints

Chapter 2 Home and Childhood

Questions and Thoughts to Write About 1. Write about your father. (Birth, upbringing, talents, education, occupation, appearance, church and community service) 2. Write about your mother. (Birth, upbringing, talents, education, appearance, daily schedule, occupation, church and community service) 3. Draw a detailed floor plan of your home. 4. Write about your brothers and sisters. 5. Write what you know about your birth and first year. 6. Write about your elementary school. (Teachers, first day of school, bomb drills, favorite activity at recess, etc.) 7. Who was your best friend in elementary school? 8. Did you have a pet? 9. How did you do laundry? (By hand, wringer washer, cloths line, automatic?) 10. What radio programs, TV shows, cartoons, and movies do you remember? 11. Tell about family vacations and visits to grandma. 12. What ward did you live in? Who was your Bishop? Tell about Primary activities. (If you weren't a member at the time write about spiritual aspects or traditions from your childhood and family life.) 13. Do you have a favorite Primary or Sunday School teacher or favorite lesson? 14. Write about your baptism.

Be Thinking About What To Journal

I've been thinking. I first this site because I had a journaling assignment every week for 52 weeks. Well, that ended back on the second week of November 2011.

I was doing some things on tweet. I came across something. It's a 12 week journaling or writing about out family history.

I signed up for it. I see it as a good way to journal. I have seen the outline of the 12 weeks. There are 3 weeks that don't apply to me. I'll have some thing to share.

It's good to have a weekly assignment. It gets me to think. I've been looking at the questions.

Thanks for reading,Be Thinking About What To Journal
Susan

Here's the Assignment:

From Rachel Bruner, your Guide to Latter-day Saints Welcome to this email course! This is chapter one from the article, "Writing Your Personal Family History" and here are some questions to help you work on your personal history. To start just pick a question to answer and begin writing. You can write just a sentence or two, a paragraph, or a whole page if you want. Remember, you don't have to answer every question!

Chapter 1 Ancestry

Questions and Thoughts to Write About 1. Who was the first of your ancestors to come to America? (Or the country of your residence) 2. Write about your father's heritage. 3. Write about your mother's heritage. 4. Write about your pioneer heritage. (If you don't have any, how do you feel about being the "pioneer" in your family) 5. Write about the oldest relative you remember.