tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41939103592014160072024-02-21T07:56:35.675-07:00V-FormationA V-formation flock of geese seems to have one member of the group as the leader, but each member takes its turn at the point of the V, leading the way as the others in the formation honk in encouragement. The geese stay together, even when one becomes sick or injured; the group stays with it until it is well enough to continue the journey at its regular pace.Nancy Campbell Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14913848272555361205noreply@blogger.comBlogger944125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193910359201416007.post-20039865024562162182018-08-06T05:01:00.000-06:002018-08-06T05:06:13.566-06:00A Time of Triple T's<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I know . . . it has been a while since I’ve composed
a blog post. I apologize. As with many of you, my life has been a blur for
months. It seems to keep picking up speed, and I find myself hanging on for the
ride. Sometimes by my fingertips, but I am hanging on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I remember hearing a seminary or religion teacher in
college (BYU-Idaho/Ricks) state that in the latter days, life will be so crazy
we won’t have time to dwell on all of the negative things taking place all
around us. In the words of my sons when they were quite young: “Are we there
yet?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I am trying to remember that despite all of the
turmoil, tribulation, and trials (Yes, it is a time of the triple T’s) there
are good things taking place, as well. I have tried to pause for a moment each
day to appreciate the beauty that exists in our world. I love nature (as is
evident from some of the pictures I share) and I know this world was created
for us by a loving Father. I’m sure He hopes that during difficult times, we
will take a moment to reflect on how much He loves us, and find peace in His creations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Myself, I am drawn to water. I’m sure that is due in
part to the fact that I grew up around bodies of water. For nearly 9 years we
lived on a small acreage that was across the road from Snake River. There were
times when I would sit on a large rock and watch as the water hurried on its
way. I noticed even then that I experienced a sense of peace as I sat and
reflected on what was taking place in my life at that time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In Ashton, my beloved hometown—the place where I
attended high school—made eternal friendships—and gained a testimony, I found
another place of peace. It’s known to most people as Mesa Falls. It has changed
through the years. A wooden walkway now keeps everyone safe. My mother would
probably cringe to know that on difficult days during my teenhood, I would
often sit on a rock next to where the water plunges down below and ponder life’s
mysteries. It was one of my refuges from the storms of my life at that time. I
would sometimes stick my hand in the water and feel the powerful current as it
pushed forward, despite the obstacles in its path. It gave me hope.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Here in Bear Lake, there are several places where I
can go fill my spiritual bucket when it is beyond empty. I think we all need
places of refuge in our lives, especially when life hits the fan, so to speak.
The mountains, the forest, & obviously: the lake, have all provided peace
when I’ve needed it the most.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Also, I always feel peace inside the temple. It
doesn’t matter which temple—we do have a selection these days. Inside that
sacred sanctuary I can push the world aside with all of its worries and cares,
and take time to ponder what really matters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My home is also a sanctuary of sorts. I love it when
I can find a moment or two to quietly reflect on the challenges currently
taking place. I think private meditation is crucial these days. I keep a
favorite triple combination close at hand for those occasions. The scriptures
have always provided comfort during difficult times, as well as personal
prayer. These items are lifelines on this journey in mortal mode.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I will also be eternally grateful for dear friends
who kindly help me sort through the puzzles life throws our way on occasion. We
were never meant to wander through this life alone. For someone like me who
tends to live by the two-year-old adage: “Do it myself!” it is a humbling
experience to realize that is not always the best thing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So, I guess what I’m trying to say is during these
turbulent latter days, it is so important to take the time to fill our
spiritual buckets. Life happens, and to borrow a quote I recently shared during
a talk I had to give in church not long ago: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“The arrival of a typhoon is no time to dust off the
gift of the Holy Ghost and figure out how to use it . . . We need the Holy
Spirit as our guide in calm waters so His voice will be unmistakable to us in
the fiercest storm.” (“Take the Holy Spirit as Your Guide,” by Elder Larry Y.
Wilson, May 2018 <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ensign</i>—pg.76)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fierce storms come. I’ve lived through several in my
life—and this current year is no exception. When our hearts are shredded, it is
a difficult thing to find peace—to find the courage to keep putting one foot in
front of the other as we make our way forward, past obstacles that often tear
our hearts out. How grateful I am for the guidance that comes in many forms,
and often from those around us who are walking a similar path.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The key is to never give up. Even on days when all
seems lost. On those days especially, we need to hold on with everything we can
as typhoon strength winds come into our lives. Eventually, those storms will pass
and it is possible to pick up the pieces of our lives and continue on. It takes
time, patience, and faith, but it can be done. And again, bless those who take
the time to help when they see we are struggling. They are often the answer to
our prayers, and instruments in the Lord’s hands when we need it most. And how
wonderful it is, when we can return the favor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Cheri J. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956409422368334793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193910359201416007.post-64117559217103282152018-05-08T06:43:00.000-06:002018-05-08T06:46:05.942-06:00Trying to Stay in the Boat<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvuzYPxi1YHtyRXIi2R9Wi6Xwdpi0FdPJu7bma7KkKd8u2rpz6B4ZKQLeG6rDzVvUZbuYyLlAUWmLMo84his6v49DNQjyP4WSji5vFaKVXw7fpc9BGnYcDlt6wb7xamm5l0YkGUcmyICg/s1600/boat2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="728" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvuzYPxi1YHtyRXIi2R9Wi6Xwdpi0FdPJu7bma7KkKd8u2rpz6B4ZKQLeG6rDzVvUZbuYyLlAUWmLMo84his6v49DNQjyP4WSji5vFaKVXw7fpc9BGnYcDlt6wb7xamm5l0YkGUcmyICg/s320/boat2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Greetings. Yes, I know, it has been a while. The
past couple of months have been a blur. Among other things, I have done my best
to adapt to being a seminary substitute teacher. I’m enjoying this opportunity
to link with the valiant youth of our area, but was unprepared for the
exhaustion that seems to go along with this type of teaching. I am also now
serving in the Primary realm, a place that has changed greatly since my last
experience in this territory. It has been 20+ years—time spent in YW, R.S.,
Sunday School, etc. so a bit of adjusting is taking place as I grapple with a
new calling. There is nowhere I would rather be right now, but it is a learning
process. One of these days I will get the hang of sharing time, etc.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A couple of recent losses have tugged at my
heartstrings, and caused me to ponder items I thought I had safely tucked away.
At one point, the proverbial dam burst and that always takes a while to
rebuild. How grateful I am for those who helped me find the strength to do so.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We’ve also had some fun family moments that cheer
the heart and renew important bonds. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In short, life has happened. It’s happening to
everyone. As I look around, I see that most are in the same boat—just paddling
along, facing varied rapids and obstacles before calm water again appears. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Years ago, a fun pastime was to float a nearby
river. We would eagerly bring inner tubes, canoes, and in our case, a bright
orange plastic boat that bobbed about on the flowing water. We usually wore
life jackets as a safety precaution, and loved the excitement of this activity.
We would start at one end of the river, and arrive at the other end in time for
a hot dog fest. It was something we looked forward to each summer during my
teenage years.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Then one day, that fun activity took a twist.
Although the river we floated was fairly calm, there were a few rapids along
the way that added to the thrill. Those rapids always managed to fling a bit of
water inside our boat. Most times we would paddle over to the shore and drain
out the water before continuing along our way. On the day in question, two of my
younger siblings were planning on participating in an annual floating activity
with our ward. As luck would have it, I had to work that day at a local
drive-in, so I wasn’t there for this adventure.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My brother, and one of his friends, as well as one
of our sisters loaded up inside the hard-to-miss bright orange boat and headed
off down the river. All went well until they reached the rapids. Seeking more
excitement, my brother’s friend steered the boat into a large rock, thinking it
would add to the fun if they bounced off that solid form. I was later told that
though this experience seemed to take place in slow motion, it occurred in a
matter of seconds. My brother and sister, knowing the danger, tried to discourage
this young man from paddling into that rock, but he was a bit stubborn and
though my brother tried to steer away from what he knew to be disaster, his
friend still managed to maneuver the boat into the rock. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Disaster did indeed take place. The boat hit harder
than my brother’s friend intended. It smashed into that rock, and the boat
capsized. I’m not sure any of them were wearing life jackets. My brother said
later that when the boat tipped over and they all plunged into the icy river,
it was all he could do to reach the surface of the river. Then he had a choice
to make: save the paddle, or go after our sister. Luckily, he made the right
decision, and saved our sister. He dove in and helped her reach the surface.
The three of them then hung onto the boat as it bounced wildly along the
rapids, unable to do much about their predicament until they reached calmer
water.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thankfully, the only loss that day involved the two
paddles. That experience opened everyone’s eyes to how quickly a disaster could
take place, and the wisdom of steering clear of obstacles that could sink the
boat.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are obviously a ton of analogies that could be
drawn from that experience. I will only make a couple. We are all floating
along the river of life. We do our best to remain inside our boats, knowing
these are safe places. However, there are times when maybe even despite our best
efforts, we capsize, and then must make decisions regarding survival, and what
to save, and what to let go.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve let some things go the past couple of months,
as I’ve done my best to keep my nose above water. And now that I’m reaching
calmer water, I’m flipping the boat over, emptying the water, and attempting to
climb aboard for the continued journey. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We’ve been cautioned by our leaders in recent times
to stay inside the boat. That is indeed sound advice, and something I will
strive to do in the days ahead. But it is reassuring to know that if the worst
happens and the boat capsizes, there is always hope. How grateful I am for the
loving support of our Savior who offers safety, peace, and healing, enough to
help us survive the turbulent waters of this mortal existence. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Cheri J. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956409422368334793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193910359201416007.post-71105953150293611242018-03-29T06:12:00.000-06:002018-03-29T06:17:17.008-06:00Words Matter (And Feathers Are Messy)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiC3bQlWNuaIwkM4hlqDZr8mxACgkcVsyp5q0gD1ANwxdIqRiGasK_Drdnu3RNEvlmZckuxDyr4HfWz0UrUe-EIbsWUtEpa2nKCYiFEowKyF60wpVytbW2BtJKC1B2uZ2lnm9yjvLcC0o/s1600/bag2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="167" data-original-width="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiC3bQlWNuaIwkM4hlqDZr8mxACgkcVsyp5q0gD1ANwxdIqRiGasK_Drdnu3RNEvlmZckuxDyr4HfWz0UrUe-EIbsWUtEpa2nKCYiFEowKyF60wpVytbW2BtJKC1B2uZ2lnm9yjvLcC0o/s1600/bag2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are many critics in today’s world. Some even hold
the esteemed position of being a professional reviewer. These people let us
know what is or isn’t acceptable, delicious, or appealing, whether it’s art,
movies, books, food, etc. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And in this day and age of social media, most of us
at one time or another have posted a viewpoint concerning something we feel
strongly about. I do this quite often in the form of a blog post. I begin
pondering something that is bothering me, or items on the other end of the
scale that I consider important or worth touting, and before long, I’m typing
away, expressing my opinion.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bottom line, that’s all any critic is doing:
expressing their opinion. I may or may not agree with what is being raked over
the coals, that is my choice. Their opinions are based on their experience or
lack thereof, and so are mine. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Here’s what I don’t like: the tendency to believe
whatever is shared, whether it’s a critique of a fancy restaurant, a movie or
book review, or local gossip. What if the restaurant in question is having a
bad day when the critic arrives to sample? What if normally, that restaurant
serves amazing food, but the critic arrives the one time the soup is scorched,
or a waitress trips after working a double-shift and happens to spill
everything on a tray that is in reality, much too heavy for one person to
carry. The headlines the next day read: “Terrible food and service. Avoid this
eatery!” And the damage is done. Because of what one person has said, others
believe the review, and suddenly, a really good restaurant is going out of
business because of an opinion.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We’ve all heard the analogy of the blind men who are
all trying to describe an elephant. Every person comes up with a different
description, based on the limited experience they have had with the subject
matter. To my way of thinking, this applies to life in general. We all bring
differing opinions and experiences to the table, and then insist that everyone
else needs to believe what we have to say about things. Perhaps instead, we
need to refrain from judging, and look for the good in each situation.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When my mother was a young teen, she was asked to
prepare a talk for church based on the negative effects of gossip. She was
quite close to her father, and one day while they were outside doing chores
(she grew up on a Wyoming ranch) she spoke with him about this talk she had to
give in church that Sunday. He gave her an idea to use as an object lesson, and
she eagerly agreed.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The day for the talk finally arrived. Clutching a paper
bag, my mother stood at the pulpit and declared how harmful gossip could be. She
then opened the paper bag, and shook it out into the chapel. It was full of the
feathers she had gathered that week, and they went everywhere throughout the
large room. She then made a profound analogy, declaring that sharing gossip was
like emptying a bag of feathers into a room—there was no way you could possibly
gather up what had been scattered in all directions. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It was a very effective object lesson, but my
grandmother was appalled. And my mother spent the rest of the day cleaning up
the feather mess, aided by her father.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve reflected on that story quite often. It usually
makes me smile—my grandfather possessed a great sense of humor, and I’ll bet he
absolutely loved it when my mother released the contents of her paper bag. Even
though it proved to be a messy adventure, an important point was made: when we
share a juicy tidbit that we’ve learned, overheard, misinterpreted, etc. with
someone else, we have no control over how far or wide that tidbit will travel.
And details are usually added along the way that make it even more interesting.
It’s called human nature.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How wonderful it would be if we refrained from
sharing negative items. There is an argument that criticism makes us strive for
perfection. To my way of thinking, most of the time, criticism actually has the
opposite effect. How many times have we been personally deflated by a negative
opinion? </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Years ago, I was asked to perform on a talent show
that featured teens from the area. The problem was, it was to take place the
same night as a high school girls’ basketball game. Since I was a member of
said team, my attendance was mandatory at that event. I figured I could still
make it on time to perform at the talent show, and I agreed to try. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It ended up being a very intense game and I played
during a goodly portion of it. I quickly showered, changed, and my parents
drove me across town for the talent show. I arrived minutes before I was
supposed to perform. I had been asked to do a song that I had written, and I
accompanied myself on the guitar. The problem was, I was exhausted, out of
breath, and hadn’t had a chance to warm up my vocal chords. I may have also
been a little hoarse from cheering for our team here and there. Just sayin’.
Anyway, when it was time for my number, I walked out onto the stage and did the
best that I could under the circumstances. I knew it wasn’t my finest performance,
but I really tried. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When the show was over and I picked up my guitar
case to leave, someone I considered to be a good friend marched up to me and
said: “I don’t know why you think you can sing! That was awful!” Then she
whirled around and left. I was crushed. In that moment, I silently vowed that I
would never sing again.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fortunately, one of my YW leaders had also been the
crowd that night. She had overheard the snide remark that had been made, and
she led me to a private corner of the room where we had a little chat. Her
soothing words more than made up for the caustic criticism that had been cast
my way. She made me promise that I would not turn my back on a talent she
encouraged me to pursue, and she pointed out that my so-called friend, was
being critical because of jealousy. This girl also did a bit of singing, and
she had not been asked to perform on that particular show. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve pondered that experience quite often. The
criticism, which may or may not have been deserved, was so devastating—it nearly
discouraged me from ever trying something like that again. It was only because
of the positive comments from my YW leader that I pushed past that very bad
night. And a couple of years later, I was asked to write and perform a song the
night of our high school graduation. During my college years, I was asked to
write and perform songs for various occasions, including the theme song for a
formal dance, a song for the opening assembly that welcomed incoming freshmen,
etc. In short, positive feedback encouraged me to continue forward, developing
a talent that was almost stifled. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Moral of the story: words matter. Use them
carefully. I truly think it’s the bridge builders who make the most difference
in a world that is focused on tearing things down. </span></div>
Cheri J. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956409422368334793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193910359201416007.post-41616323029428007992018-03-23T05:00:00.002-06:002018-03-23T05:03:13.066-06:00Building Blocks<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZiDyY7zH5QpHNARhZ3LcVDGcce2gimWg6cKhdLmyyu95toAZ-bDvnRIBpYM7fF1bPlZqMn8ma26P8fKXrPZT6drkZib4mlNZT-6oJSWEROpKN7UsJj1L5IVZbE8xv2iMkjZ-jCP_Nw8/s1600/blocks1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="836" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZiDyY7zH5QpHNARhZ3LcVDGcce2gimWg6cKhdLmyyu95toAZ-bDvnRIBpYM7fF1bPlZqMn8ma26P8fKXrPZT6drkZib4mlNZT-6oJSWEROpKN7UsJj1L5IVZbE8xv2iMkjZ-jCP_Nw8/s320/blocks1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It has been my observation that things of worth begin
with a solid foundation. The great structures of the world demonstrate the
importance of this truth. If the foundation is rock solid, then no matter what
storm may erupt to batter and pummel, this structure remains standing, firm,
solid, undefeated. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As a child, I quickly caught on while playing with
blocks, plastic bricks, etc. that the foundation was the most important part of
whatever it was I was trying to construct. And sometimes, when what I was
building didn’t turn out as planned, it was sometimes necessary to tear things
back down to that foundation and start again.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You can probably guess where this particular blog
post is going. Constructing a solid foundation is crucial in this life. It is
necessary to have a strong sense of who we are, why we’re here, and where we’re
going to survive when the storms of life come crashing down upon us. </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“What storms?” some of you may ask. Trust me, they
come. They sometimes come in the form of physical health problems. At times
they surface with the loss of a loved one. Other sources: financial
difficulties, emotional and mental challenges, and in many instances, they appear
at the hands of someone else.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Regardless of how they arrive in our lives, at one
time or another, we will all face trials of some nature. As I’ve mentioned
before in other blog posts, that is part of why we’re here. Tribulations often reveal
what we’re made of. However, it can be a difficult thing to remember that we
each possess a spark of divinity when our hearts are shattered and all seems
lost. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For the record, we are indeed the spirit sons and
daughters of a loving Heavenly Father who wants us to succeed in this mortal
life. He wants us to learn and grow and to appreciate the importance of faith,
hope, and charity. Both He and our Elder Brother, Jesus Christ, understand how
difficult life can be. Both are there for us if we will only trust in Them and
ask Them for help.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I began that arduous journey at the age of 15. At
that time in my life I was questioning everything. Life wasn’t great at home,
compliments of my dad’s deteriorating physical and mental health. It was often
a great challenge for me to attend church meetings because of this. My biggest arguments
with my father were over whether or not I was going to attend church on Sunday,
or mutual on Tuesday nights. Though it wasn’t always easy for me to be there, I
knew I was learning important doctrine that would affect me the rest of my
life. I didn’t realize it at the time, but these teachings became crucial
building blocks for the testimony I would strive to gain later that same year.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Maybe because I had to fight so hard to secure the
testimony that I desired, I have always treasured it. It came during a time
when everything around me seemed to crumble in a painful fashion. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One example: for the first time ever, my father
gathered my siblings and I together for a unique family prayer. My maternal
grandmother was fighting for her life in a far away hospital and things weren’t
looking good. So we knelt together in prayer and my father begged for her life
to be spared. When it wasn’t, he told me that prayers weren’t answered. It was
a painful, confusing time. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Shortly after this event, I began my spiritual quest
in earnest. I needed to know for myself what was true, and what was not. I
remember attending a testimony meeting one night (back then, Sacrament meeting
was held on Sunday night) and feeling like my heart was on fire when a girl in
our ward who was a few years older than me, bravely shared her testimony. Her
words ignited a burning desire within me to know for myself the truth of what
she had shared. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It would take months for me to gain this knowledge.
And it required a tremendous effort on my part. When I asked a close friend how
to begin this process, she assured that I would receive the answers I was
seeking if I would sincerely read and study the Book of Mormon, and then pray
about it. I remember thinking, “Could it be that simple?” It wasn’t.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As I have shared before, that year became a year of
challenges. Trials rose before me that threatened my tender heart and physical
well-being. I will just state for the record that the adversary will not stand
idly by when good things are about to take place. He hits below the belt
whenever possible to discourage us and to fill us with doubt and despair.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What I learned through that painful process was that
if we will persevere, and rise above whatever obstacles may come our way, we
can secure the knowledge that we desire.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I will never forget the strong witness that burned
inside my heart the night my testimony finally surfaced. It took place at a
testimony meeting held at a special youth conference in West Yellowstone. The
youth of three stakes had been gathered together for this event. And after my
year of trials that had nearly torn me apart, it provided the healing balm I
desperately needed. A calming peace filled me as I stood and for the first time
in my life, shared what was in my heart. I felt the truthfulness of every word
as I stated that I knew I was a daughter of God, that the gospel of Jesus
Christ was true, that the LDS Church was true, and the Book of Mormon was true.
These items burned within, and later that same night, I was filled with a sense
of supreme joy that I had never experienced before. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Those were my building blocks. I used them to
construct a sense of who I was, why I was here, and where I was going. They
have influenced my life repeatedly and given me hope when all seemed lost.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The trials in my life didn’t stop after I gained
that all-important testimony. They have continued in a myriad of different
ways. I call them character-building moments. When they arrive, I still
sometimes throw myself, but when the dust settles, I reflect upon what I know
to be true, and strive to conduct myself accordingly. It isn’t always easy—again,
things of worth never are. But I can testify that it is possible to find peace,
hope, and joy when we push past the pain and allow ourselves to feel what is
true. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
Cheri J. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956409422368334793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193910359201416007.post-86619109203129119812018-02-07T07:27:00.001-07:002018-02-07T07:30:50.357-07:00Metamorphosis <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrFNMYqXmGUn3y96eDskxgPEaRrmtZVUSocJRYSaeOsGZ1OblpO1Bytb0XxlKS5TUZthIapmtMs1kgEoYQXn1VDvZtaaGZZkdWbZkc5wDha8XYmLdzROcaswUJv40I711ud6xJBwsv8yk/s1600/Butterfly1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="181" data-original-width="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrFNMYqXmGUn3y96eDskxgPEaRrmtZVUSocJRYSaeOsGZ1OblpO1Bytb0XxlKS5TUZthIapmtMs1kgEoYQXn1VDvZtaaGZZkdWbZkc5wDha8XYmLdzROcaswUJv40I711ud6xJBwsv8yk/s1600/Butterfly1.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Change is part of life. The End. (Shortest blog post
ever.) Kidding. For some reason this morning, that theme seems to be running
through my head. Life is change. If it wasn’t, there would not really be a
reason to exist. In a nutshell, without change, there would be no growth. And
as we all know, that is a big part of why we’re here in mortal mode. (Ponder
Adam & Eve and the Garden of Eden.) We are here to learn, to grow, and to
change. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">That being said . . . change is a hard thing. Again,
consider the plight of Adam and Eve. They start out in a garden where
everything grows without effort. It’s a beautiful place to live and there are
no trials. Every day is the same—eat yummy food that grows like crazy on trees,
plants, etc. Play with the cute animals, who are all tame and well behaved.
Drink water that is pure. Sleep when tired, and start over. There are no
illnesses, no bumps or bruises, it truly is a paradise. And everything stays
the same. Continually. There is no change, no learning, no growth.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Enter satan. (I purposely don’t capitalize his
name.) He stirred things up nicely. And suddenly, there was change. And with it
came growth and learning. But it was a hard thing. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I can’t even imagine how difficult it was for Adam
and Eve who were brave enough to decide that change was good. They went from
having everything handed to them, to growing it all themselves. If they wanted
to eat, drink, or sleep, they had to find a way to make that happen. The
animals were no longer in nice mode. I’m sure that was a factor as well as some
of them developed a real attitude problem. But in way of good news, each day
was different.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Light speed to our day. Life is definitely in change
mode—everywhere we look. So that must mean that we’re being given vast opportunities
for growth and learning, right?! The problem is, sometimes I think we get a
little overwhelmed by all of the changes that are taking place. There are days
when we want to hide in a corner and dream of Eden.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Change is hard. I learned that principle at the ripe
age of three when my parents brought home an interesting bundle of joy wrapped
in a blue blanket. The arrival of my little brother shifted my world in an
instant. I don’t remember much about all of that, but I was told that for a
while, I pouted. I went from being an only child to becoming an older sister.
It was an abrupt transformation that took a few months to absorb. But it was
totally worth it! And I will be eternally grateful for the siblings I’ve been
blessed with.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Years ago, I had the pleasure of being the youngest
Primary President our ward had ever seen to that point in time. (This did not
fill hearts with rapture. Most thought the bishop had lost his mind.) We saw a
lot of change during the five years I served in that capacity. Among other
things, I was the last Primary President to serve in the old, white church
house that once existed in our small farming community. I was the first to
serve in the new brick church building that we still use. It was a time of
adjustment, growth, and learning. Times were changing and as my counselors and
I did our best to make decisions that we felt would improve life in Primary
land, we had numerous critics who pointed out that we were changing things . .
. a lot. One of the changes came after an edict arrived from Salt Lake. We were
to do away with the beloved Cub Scout Rodeo, a staple in our ward since the
beginning of time. This did not go over well at all with the local population.
The reason for the change was valid—liability was factored into the decision.
Cub Scouts were getting injured periodically from this activity. So we were to
discontinue this practice immediately, and promote a Cub Scout Carnival in its
place. Can I just say that this announcement went over like a lead balloon?! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Feeling rather frustrated, I penned the following
poem later on:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: black;">Make the Wind a Friend</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">“Change, change is not for me!”</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Said an oak with dignity.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">“Why it’s an outrage to even contemplate</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">“Thoughts of change that irritate!”</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">And so he thought and said each day,</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Refusing to bend when the wind blew his way.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black;">A young willow, observing the strain</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Thought the oak was in great pain.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Please, sir, but it
seems to me</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">“That you are not a happy tree.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">“Perhaps if you would try to bend,</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">“The wind could become a treasured friend.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">“Offering a breeze when the day is warm . . .”</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black;">“I WILL NOT GIVE IN TO THE STORM!”</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">The oak tree bellowed with disgust</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Thinking that his rage was just.</span></div>
</div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span>
<br />
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<span style="color: black;">Ignoring the willow, he defied the wind</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Never willing to rescind.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">In time, the wind destroyed the tree,</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">A fierce gale turning it into debris.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Pride and fear inhibited the growth that might have been,</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">If the oak had welcomed the wind as his friend.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Cheri J. Crane</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ironically, I now find myself to be an
oak—with the mindset of a willow. Interesting combination. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the most part, I like change. I know it’s
essential to life, and yet I find myself dragging my feet somewhat when faced
with changes that aren’t very fun. For instance, it’s a difficult thing to
watch your parent age. You want things to go back to when they were active,
enjoying life, and in good health. And yet, somehow you know that particular
ship has sailed. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I absolutely love being a grandmother,
but I find myself worrying over items like the kind of world my grandchildren
are inheriting. I gape at fashions and trends that seem a bit over the top, and
long for the days when leggings were called tights and they were worn under
dresses and such. On the other hand, I seem to recall a time in history when
leggings were all the rage, worn under tunics as swords were strapped to the
side. So I guess it is true, if you wait long enough, different fashion
statements become popular again.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Back to the topic at hand: Change! It is
part of life. What we do with it is up to us, part of the agency thing. I do
think it’s important to weigh each decision and ponder whether the change in
question is a good thing for us, if there is a choice in the matter. At times,
though, change is frequently forced upon us without our consent. Trials, health
traumas, or loss arrive without warning, much like the small earthquake we
experienced in our realm the other night. Sometimes things just happen and we
have to decide how we will respond. And that often determines the kind of
person we will become. (No pressure.) </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So I guess what I’m trying to say in a
rambling fashion is that change is part of why we’re here, and though sometimes
that process isn’t very fun, in the long run, it does give us a chance to prove
what we’re made of. (Is this when I drop the mike?) </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
Cheri J. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956409422368334793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193910359201416007.post-81200236208243646242018-01-18T06:42:00.003-07:002018-01-19T05:54:34.191-07:00Speaking of Avalanche Mode<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So it has been a while since I’ve written anything.
The holidays happened with gusto . . . and lots of family and fun. Then our
clan was blitzed by the raging flu bug that is unfortunately going around. My
mother was hit very hard by that particular bug. One night she got up, was
extremely dizzy, and began to fall. She tried to stop herself by grabbing onto
a small chest of drawers located in her bathroom, and pulled it on top of
herself. She lay on the bathroom floor for a good 30-40 minutes before she was
able to finally pull her herself out from under all of that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My mom lives by herself in a cute apartment not far
from where I dwell, but I had no idea she was in trouble until I called to
check on her the next morning. When she told me what had happened, I knew we
needed to take her in to see a doctor. So my oldest son and I hurried into
town. (We live about 4 miles outside of the local village.) Since it was
January 1<sup>st</sup>, we knew none of the local clinics would be open, so we
took her to ER.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Luckily, Mom hadn’t broken anything, but she was
covered in bumps and bruises. She also tested positive for the flu. She was
placed on Tamiflu, and her doctor (who happened to be on call that day)
insisted that we needed to look into a medical alert system for her to prevent
this kind of situation from happening again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We were just starting to get on top of things after
all of that, and our ward suffered the loss of two beloved members—in the same
week. Both deaths tore at the heart strings. One was expected, the other was
not. And as luck would have it, my husband and I had been assigned church
cleaning duty the first two weeks of January. Let’s just say we weren’t bored
for those two weeks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thus far, the new year has been a bit of a blur. I
haven’t even had time to ponder life-changing resolutions. Free time has been
nil. (This means there hasn’t been any.) Between all of the adventures
mentioned above, plus little things like helping my husband with the local
meals on wheels program available in our area, Cub Scout adventures, etc. I do
my best to swamp out our abode, and keep up with things like laundry, meals, so
on and so forth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I barely had time to acknowledge and ponder the loss
of our beloved prophet, President Thomas S. Monson. A lot of things have
slipped to the way side, including blog posts. I apologize for that, but am
happy to report that despite everything, I am somehow managing to keep my nose
a bit above the turbulent waters that currently surround us.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">That’s kind of how life is for a lot of us. I’ve
talked to other family members and friends, and though their life adventures
differ, they all appear to be in the same boat. LIFE IS CRAZY!!! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Emphasis on “crazy.”)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I remember years ago hearing a seminary teacher
state that in the latter days, church members will be kept so busy, they won’t
have time to worry about all of the intense events that will be taking place in
the world. At the time, I thought that was rather silly. I have lived to a
point in my life where I take back what I once thought. We are seeing it. We
are living it. It is happening. Just sayin’ . . .</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I am realizing that it is crucial these days to make
the time for items like personal prayer, scripture study, and however we manage
to fill our personal buckets. For me it’s a combination of things, like the two
items I already mentioned, and hot baths, going for a walk with a good friend,
taking pictures, writing, strumming my guitar, etc. I find that life seems to
go better when I can work that stuff in . . . but in light of the crazy times .
. . it doesn’t always happen. And a price is paid. Peace of heart and mind seems
to fade as we flop into Chicken Little mode.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So we take a step back, take a deep breath, and try
again, knowing we must work in the things that will inspire the peace of heart
and mind that we desperately need these days.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A writer writes. I’ve heard that saying repeated
countless times . . . but it is true. And sometimes we take a lot of notes.
I’ve been accused of that on family trips, during General Conference season,
etc. So it may not be a surprise to my close family members and friends that I
took a few notes the day our new prophet was announced. The ones that stand out
are as follows:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Keep on the covenant path!” President Russell M.
Nelson</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“The best is yet to come!” President Henry B. Eyring</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Maintain faith in the Lord!” President Eyring</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Wake, eager to face the day’s adventures!”
President Russell M. Nelson</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“(The Savior) will guide and bless each one of us!”
President Dallin H. Oaks</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Face the future with optimism and joy with faith in
the Lord!” President Russell M. Nelson</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“See the Church as it really is!” President Henry B.
Eyring<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I took this one to mean that we
need to ignore the small stuff and to quit judging each other!)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s looking like our new Church Presidency is
trying to tell us that despite all of the craziness taking place in today’s
world, we need to focus on the good things. We need to shrug off the negative
vibes and actively pursue those items that bring us happiness. It won’t be
easy, things of worth seldom are, but I have decided that despite the avalanche
of life that mowed over the top of us at the beginning of this new year, it
will be possible to find joy. I am determined to make 2018 a year to remember,
one that is filled with positive events and peace. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Only we can change our mind set. Only we can pull
ourselves out from under whatever has fallen on top of us thus far this year,
and be as my mother has been, determined to survive! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">With that said, I realize it will be a challenge. It
will take everything we have to offer and then some to heed the advice from our
church leaders. I am determined to try. And if other avalanches come along in
our lives, let’s help each other dig out! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Cheri J. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956409422368334793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193910359201416007.post-18631912747462587982017-12-01T06:51:00.002-07:002017-12-01T07:03:53.172-07:00Speaking of Bionics . . .<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsXt5SGPWPdZrAt0GLNbbATlDGprBhTI0JeoXXtkflEzocRczJe-5QZ7DEYuo-q98XzIyOVYJ04rR16LFF020y7n_4_3JKel9l60D7gw-rWYKdOJX98KiHm9DGo4QUD7u5FlPuWkhzQs/s1600/bionic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="414" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsXt5SGPWPdZrAt0GLNbbATlDGprBhTI0JeoXXtkflEzocRczJe-5QZ7DEYuo-q98XzIyOVYJ04rR16LFF020y7n_4_3JKel9l60D7gw-rWYKdOJX98KiHm9DGo4QUD7u5FlPuWkhzQs/s320/bionic1.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I am the bionic woman. Seriously. I jest not. At
least that’s what my diabetic specialist is thinking these days. I had an
appointment with him yesterday and to say that he was stunned by some test
results would be putting it mildly. He also seemed a bit overwhelmed and kept
saying things like, “So this is the future.” “What is my role going to be with
all of this?” etc. and so forth. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I understand his confusion. I was feeling similar
items about 3-4 months ago. Back then I was feeling overwhelmed and wondering
what my role was going to be. Long story short, I was given an opportunity to
join a study for a brand new type of insulin pump. As a Type 1 diabetic, I’ve
had my share of experiences with insulin pumps. They have been part of my life
for years. They function as an artificial pancreas and have done a great job of
keeping me alive. Instead of giving 6+ shots a day (for some reason, my body
balked at allowing me to mix long lasting insulin with fast acting, but I
digress) I merely changed an IV site every 3 days and tada, I could program the
pump to punch in needed basal and bolus amounts of insulin. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fast forward to this past year—now it is possible to
allow an insulin pump to figure out how much insulin you need. It’s like
wearing a tiny robot 24/7. It “talks” to me when my levels are getting too high
or too low, and has a tendency to be a little bit of a dictator. Just sayin’. But
the cool thing is, my A1C (diabetic lingo for blood sugar averages—it goes back
over a 3 month period) is now lower than it has ever been. Ever. This is
impressive. This means I’m under better, tighter control and I may be able to
avoid some of the complications that tend to go along with diabetes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve been dealing with this disease since I was 19.
They figure I actually started having problems with it in high school, but we
didn’t realize that symptoms like having chicken legs (a term of endearment
from my mother) always feeling hungry, and drinking water like a camel were
signs that something was amiss. It would take a couple of years in college for
my body to go into total rebellion mode. Things got so far out of whack, I
began passing out in class, and having seizures. I would later learn that those
were symptoms of out of control Type 1 diabetes, something a specialist told us
about when I was finally diagnosed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Unfortunately, most Type 1’s are in rough shape by
the time they are identified. As in my case, big red flags are passed off as
other things. “Cheri is a toothpick with eyes because she’s always on the run.”
“Cheri is constantly running to the potty because she drinks so much water.” “Cheri
is exhausted because she is always on the go . . . literally.” So on and so
forth. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Type 1’s are usually about half starved by the time
the light bulbs click on. Since our bodies don’t digest food properly, in part
because the insulin levels aren’t strong enough to process what we’re eating,
we lose a ton of weight. And while this may fit the current trend in society to
resemble twigs and such, it’s actually not healthy . . . at all. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When it was finally explained that I would be
dealing with diabetes the rest of my life, I was ready to celebrate. Having
been told that I had items like a brain tumor and/or epilepsy while traversing
the diagnosis trail, finally knowing what I was really dealing with was pretty
much a relief. I know this type of reaction isn’t normal, but I never have been
classified as such, so it was typical for me. Instead of throwing myself or
having a meltdown, or screaming that my life was over, I tried instead to learn
everything I could about this new challenge.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Through the years, I have tackled odds that seemed
rather stacked against me, and currently feel like I have done okay with this
particular marathon. I haven’t had perfect control, but I have had good
control. This has permitted me to have 3 healthy children. I still have most of
my body parts, and though I may possess a bit of an attitude when it comes to
life, it is due in part to the fact that I have been fighting for my life for
years. I treasure things like family time, personal space, and the ability to
accomplish important goals. I realize there are no guarantees with this disease
and there are days when I feel like the proverbial last chapter. I did end up
with a little heart glitch a few years ago, but we fixed things and I am trying
to slow down and take better care of myself.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Since I am the bionic woman, I do sometimes tend to
take on more than I can handle. So I am striving to remedy that. (You can hear
my children cheering in the background.) I’ve had to pick and choose between
activities that I love and adore, but can no longer keep up with. Perhaps in
time and with the addition of this new amazing super pump, I will be able to
jump back into the fray of life as I once knew it. I know this, I will not go gently into that dark night. When this life is over I will more than likely
throw down a very worn out body with a grin on my face that says it all: “I
truly lived!” And now, back to showing this new pump who is the actual boss!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpk7o8YYUHnS3cwIjc9nKH3fd9ByJQ6p2Ayn_8E1iSnAyjXeazLDsJ2FH-dByySev3FExaf-CYjkKD6aQhz13YcOB4albnBT4rHHBm7OQudjMyt9qpi9FJ8ERL1_4JFjYhk-bU6wje_SA/s1600/iceberg1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="252" data-original-width="400" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpk7o8YYUHnS3cwIjc9nKH3fd9ByJQ6p2Ayn_8E1iSnAyjXeazLDsJ2FH-dByySev3FExaf-CYjkKD6aQhz13YcOB4albnBT4rHHBm7OQudjMyt9qpi9FJ8ERL1_4JFjYhk-bU6wje_SA/s320/iceberg1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">I’ve noticed a tendency in my life—when I’m facing
overwhelming trials, I avoid keeping a journal. For example, during the two
years following my father’s death, there is no record of how I survived.
Looking back, I now wish I would’ve made an attempt at keeping even a small
journal. However, there are other things that I did write: poetry, songs, and
my first attempt at writing a novel. Those pages contain snippets of how I was
feeling and items that helped me endure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">I found that on the nights I couldn’t sleep, it
helped to write out everything I was feeling. Then I would shred those pages
and throw it all away. I didn’t understand it at the time, but I was doing my
own form of therapy following an extremely traumatic episode in my life. I was,
in essence, getting rid of toxic emotions that were tearing me apart following
Dad’s suicide. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">It worked! Writing has always been an outlet for me.
I feel a sense of calming peace when I write. And I feel like I have been
guided somewhat on what to write, after I get rid of “the wibbies.” (A family
term that means something scary.) </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">This past year has been filled with “wibbies.” Lots
of change, serious illness, parental decline, earthquakes, weird weather, and
heartrending trials within our family. And we won’t even go into the daily
tragedies we have witnessed on the news. There are days when I feel like I’ve
been strapped to the front of the Titanic just as it hit the iceberg. But there
have also been numerous tender mercies that have kept us all going. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Probably one of the most challenging items I’ve dealt
with this past year was my mother’s serious illness the end of April. For some
strange reason that we’re still trying to figure out, her electrolytes
plummeted dangerously low. Her condition mimicked a stroke. She went from being
a fairly vibrant character, to someone who couldn’t walk or talk. We have spent
months helping her regain a sense of self, and to relearn skills most of us
take for granted, like using a TV remote, or telephone. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">My mother has always been a fighter, and she has,
for the most part, bounced back from this year’s challenging “wibbie.” Since I’m
the offspring that lives the closest, (I only live 4 miles away) I’ve been the
one to primarily help Mom through this adventure. My siblings all rallied when
everything hit the fan, but eventually, they had to return to their own
adventures at their respective homes. Shortly after Mom was released from the
hospital, she came to stay with Kennon and I for a few weeks until we felt like
she could return to her apartment, with some assistance. I’ve made countless
trips from our abode to Mom’s apartment on an almost daily basis the past few
months to help in any way that I could. And it has worked! She is now pretty
much back to her independent self—with just a glitch here and there. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">So the past few months have been a bit of a blur—and
there were other character building moments going on at the same time—enough that
most of us have felt like we’ve faced one continuous emotional tsunami. Can I
just say that 2017 will not be one of my favorite years? And, true to form, I
have not kept a record . . . at all. There is no new poetry, no new songs—but there
are a handful of blog posts, and (drumroll please) two new manuscripts that I
have tinkered with inbetween all of the fun. We’ll see what happens with that.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">The thing I have noticed in my life—there does seem
to be a plan. Even when life becomes complicated and my heart feels shredded—the
pieces begin to fit together to form a picture I would have never guessed
existed. I surmise this is where faith comes into play. I’ll admit, when one is
strapped to the front of the Titanic and an iceberg is imminent, it’s a little bit
difficult to believe that somehow, things will be okay. The “wibbies” fill us
with fear and doubt becomes a real adversary. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">There is a scene in one of the “Raiders of the Lost Ark”
movies where the main character is frozen in place. He is inside of a cavern
and the item he is seeking lies across an impressive gorge. As he is thinking
there is no way possible for him to cross to where this item exists, he is told
that he must have faith—he must believe there is a way to accomplish this task.
Eventually he gathers his courage and takes a step into what appears to be thin
air. And as those of you know who have seen this movie, there is a sturdy path
that only becomes visible after you take that first important step. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">That image has come to mind a lot this past year. I’ve
found myself facing a few impressive “wibbies,” and it has been scary to take
that step into what appears to be “air.” What I have found . . . again . . . is
that there is a path through daunting obstacles. Faith is crucial to possess
these days, and it truly is the simple things that give us the strength to
carry on: prayer, searching the scriptures, meditating on what really matters,
and taking care of our physical selves. (Yes, I actually said that last item. I’m
not always a good example of that, but I’m striving to do better. Sleep is
starting to become my friend again, exercise is important, and thanks to this
new impressive insulin pump, my blood sugar levels are even better than before.
Now to kick the pop habit . . .)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Back to my original topic: I may not have kept a
journal this past year, but I have kept journals during other adventures in my
life. There are enough of those that my posterity will ponder what to do with
all of those volumes. I’m sure some of it will be discarded as silliness. But
hopefully in some of what I have written, there will be snippets that will make
sense and possibly even help when they are facing a difficult time. And when
there appears to be a gap or two, I hope they’ll understand that there have
been moments that were too difficult to record. Those are the times when they
may have to search some of my poetry, songs, blog posts, and books to read
between the lines and understand the lessons I learned when “wibbies” surfaced
and icebergs seemed too close. </span></div>
Cheri J. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956409422368334793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193910359201416007.post-61281293661637976692017-10-31T05:15:00.002-06:002017-10-31T05:20:42.798-06:00Are We "As" the Army of Helaman?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvSNQd8QCfw8icOITudTcsgEhOEvX8_sgHiyuzBlJ5lgwmv4N72kwA9YpuDIGvIg9NdhfEC8QhAotSWHQSnIgYJpPBqMUNbCsJSV4_K65WG1ga7CB97XfkVIvczma0cqU6QnE76FqC9M/s1600/stripling2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="573" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvSNQd8QCfw8icOITudTcsgEhOEvX8_sgHiyuzBlJ5lgwmv4N72kwA9YpuDIGvIg9NdhfEC8QhAotSWHQSnIgYJpPBqMUNbCsJSV4_K65WG1ga7CB97XfkVIvczma0cqU6QnE76FqC9M/s320/stripling2.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve shared some fairly personal things in my last
two blog posts. That was for a reason. There are some people that I know and
love who are really struggling right now with their testimonies. It occurred to
me that they may not know why I believe the way that I do. They don’t
understand what I went through to gain the testimony that I treasure. So I
shared some of the experiences that shaped me into who I am today. These are
pieces of my life that helped me realize that God is real and that He does
answer prayers, although not always in the way we envision. He helps us through
difficult times, though not always in the manner we wish. And I have found it
is because of trials that we grow—if we so choose. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I think often of the stripling warriors, when I’m
facing something that isn’t very fun. These 2,000 young men faced overwhelming
odds fighting for something they believed with their entire hearts. (See Alma
53, 56, & 58—yes, I mean the entire chapters.) They relied on teachings
from their parents, and the example set by them, plus their own beliefs to
become the strong force that helped turn the tide in important battles. They
fought bravely to maintain the things they treasured most—freedom to worship as
they desired, and to protect their loved ones, and those who dwelled alongside
them.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I mentioned a key point—they not only relied on the
example and teachings of their parents, but they found out what was true for
themselves. I learned long ago that we can’t lean on the testimonies of others.
We have to find out for ourselves what is good and true. I had worked so hard
to gain my own testimony while in high school, that it became one of my
treasured possessions. I wrongly assumed that others felt the same way. It wasn’t
until I went to college and saw those I knew from active LDS homes make some
terrible mistakes once they were “on their own” that I realized the importance
of having your own testimony. If you don’t understand for yourself what is
truly important, when you hit important crossroads in your life, it’s difficult
to know which way is the correct path. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Back to the Stripling Warriors: the following
scripture is one of my favorites with regard to this courageous army: “<i>But
behold, they have received wounds; nevertheless they stand fast in that liberty
wherewith God has made them free; and they are strict to remember the Lord
their God from day to day; yea, they do observe to keep his statutes, and his judgments,
and his commandments continually; and their faith is strong . . .” (</i>Alma 58:40)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The stripling warriors earned their testimonies
through experiences that strengthened them and helped them to know for
themselves what was true. And once they gained that testimony, they
accomplished what others deemed impossible.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We’ve been asked in recent times by our prophet and
his apostles, to read the Book of Mormon frequently. We’ve been promised the
strength we need to face the challenges of our day if we will do so. I testify
that this book of scripture is sacred and it was preserved for us. Our Father
in heaven knew we would desperately need the teachings it contains to survive
all that would take place in our time. This book of scripture has helped me
endure countless trials. It was where I drew my strength when I was facing some
pretty intense trials during my teenage years. It continues to be a source of
comfort and peace during those I face now.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We are all here on earth to grow and learn. And
because we’re all different, we all learn in varying ways and times. What works
for one person, will not work for someone else. One thing remains constant—the fact
that our Father in heaven loves us and is there for us whenever we remember to
turn to Him. We all make mistakes and we often learn the most from those
mistakes. (I still have a face, even though I did my best to burn it off—see last
week’s blog post to understand that comment.) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is always a way back to where we need to
be, if we’ll humble ourselves enough to seek a better path. We’re all in this
journey together, and together, we can keep pushing forward toward a time when
things will make sense and we can understand we were more watched over than we
ever imagined possible.</span></div>
Cheri J. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956409422368334793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193910359201416007.post-73758243149313661442017-10-23T05:19:00.001-06:002017-10-23T05:27:03.791-06:00Saving Face--Literally<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVc0OZQJe0O2u5Nnbh9E25H8qX4nk2VqH-VZUzhV7j269wWq_uT1R_OXcIT73GYIFCBMN7wThg8PXwwzpnB4XKXQwpu5siBja19qO6YcdcEvfpScgg2oXagL_j11hyphenhyphenpN1ggXnjw9xYzM/s1600/chef2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVc0OZQJe0O2u5Nnbh9E25H8qX4nk2VqH-VZUzhV7j269wWq_uT1R_OXcIT73GYIFCBMN7wThg8PXwwzpnB4XKXQwpu5siBja19qO6YcdcEvfpScgg2oXagL_j11hyphenhyphenpN1ggXnjw9xYzM/s1600/chef2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Saving
Face (Quite Literally)</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So if any of you read last week’s epistle, you know
that I went through quite an adventure my sophomore year of high school. What I
didn’t mention was that was the year I was trying to gain my own testimony of
the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was one of the most
difficult years of my life! My maternal grandmother died, someone I’m named
after—and I was her oldest granddaughter. I always felt like there was a
special bond between us. And despite everything—medical attempts, prayers, etc.
she passed away. This loss shredded my heart. Shortly after that, one of my
best friends was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Lupus (after I watched
what she went through, you can understand why it hit me pretty hard when I was
diagnosed with this same disease in 1997, but I digress). The Lupus attacked my
friend’s kidneys right off the bat, and she spent several months in a hospital
in Salt Lake City as she fought for her life. This was before the advent of
cell phones, text messages, and things like Skype. So keeping in touch was
difficult at best. Long distance phone calls were made sparingly because of the
cost. (This would have been in 1976. Just sayin’.) It was a difficult time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Then, adding insult to injury, I went through what I
shared last week. I would say that was a pretty intense, heart-rending year!
But I survived. And the testimony I had been seeking developed despite all of
that. I’ll be honest—the months following my park adventure were horrible. I
didn’t trust people—I felt like my Heavenly Father had let me down . . . a lot.
(It would take a while for me to realize how watched over I really was.) I felt
betrayed. Hadn’t I been trying to do everything I had been asked to do to gain
a testimony? I had been reading the Book of Mormon, praying about it, and
pondering things in my spare time. Then I was attacked in the park, and I
basically became a bit of a hermit. I went through the motions—attended school,
came home, went to my bedroom and studied, played the guitar, read. Worked at
my dad’s drugstore once in a while. That was it. I found out later on that my
parents were so worried about me, they agreed to let me attend a tri-stake
youth conference in West Yellowstone that spring. My Young Women leaders went
to bat for me, promising my parents that I would be watched over the entire
time. It was everyone’s attempt to pull me out of the shell I had crawled into.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And it worked! I had a good time! I actually smiled
and meant it periodically at the varying activities. My good friend who had
been fighting Lupus had been able to come, and we had a great time attending
the mini-classes. Then the final event took place, a testimony meeting—and the
testimony I had been seeking, came together in a way I’ve never forgotten.
There we were, in a large room that contained kids from all over the place, and
I felt like my heart was on fire as I heard the first few testimonies that were
shared. I found myself unable to remain in my seat as I marched toward the
podium. And all of the pieces of my struggling testimony came together as I
shared what was in my heart. I don’t remember what I said, but I’ve never
forgotten what I felt as I gained a strong witness of the truthfulness of the
Gospel of Jesus Christ. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I was on a spiritual high the rest of the night as
we journeyed home. I had never experienced such joy—it more than made up for
all of the sorrow and pain I had endured the months before. And after that, I
came out of my shell. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There was one problem—there were still things about
the LDS Church that I didn’t understand. (Note: I came from an inactive LDS
home.) Items like family home evening, family prayer, etc. eluded me. And I
didn’t get how promptings from the Holy Ghost worked. I know—I’d had quite an
example of that during my park adventure. But it would take me a while to
comprehend what promptings were and the importance of heeding them when they
came. So I had a refresher course during my senior year of high school. It’s
how things work in my life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">By then I worked in my spare time at a local
drive-in called The Frost-Top. I had started as a lowly counter girl, then
became a full-fledged waitress, fry cook, assistant cook, and by my senior
year, I was one of the main cooks. In the summer months, that place was
hopping! We would fill the carport, the counter, and the dining room. It would
take several waitresses, a couple of fry cooks, and one or two main cooks to
keep up with everything. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The winter months were slower. The tourist season
(people heading up to Island Park and West Yellowstone) was pretty much over,
and so our main clientele consisted of the local population. On the night in
question, it was just myself, and Donna, a good friend of mine, who were
working at the drive-in. Because it had been so slow, the owners stopped by
with a list of cleaning jobs for both of us. They were on their way to Idaho
Falls to pick up supplies and would be gone the rest of the evening. So I was
left in charge and was instructed to make sure we cleaned up everything on the
list.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rolling up our sleeves, Donna and I began tackling
the items we were to spit-shine that night. Then suddenly, the place filled
with customers. The dining room was full, the counter was overflowing, and our
carport was maxed out! We tried desperately to call some of the other girls to
come in to help, but they either wouldn’t answer the phone, or they told us
they were busy. We finally gave up, explained our plight to the customers, and
dived in. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We didn’t know there had been a snowmobile race in
Island Park that day. And since we were the only drive-in around for miles,
they all stopped in for dinner that night. They were all good sports. They
could see our dilemma, so some of the big burly snowmobilers became waitresses
for us, and Donna came around behind the grill to help me cook up the orders.
We fed everyone, and they all left happy. Then we surveyed our mess and
groaned. Dishes were piled everywhere. The floors looked horrible. And there
were only two of us to clean it all up.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We panicked because it was already an hour over when
we were supposed to be closed. And we hadn’t tackled hardly any of the items on
the to-do lists we had been given. It never occurred to us how happy the owners
would be over the money we had made them that night. Instead, we pictured how
upset they would be because we didn’t get everything done in the time frame
they had wanted. Already exhausted, we did our best to clean up our huge mess.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">An hour later, we had things looking pretty sharp.
We had scrubbed, washed, and wiped down pretty much everything. Then I heard a
disturbing sizzle. I had forgotten about the fryers. That night I was supposed
to dump out the oil, take it around back to the grease barrel, clean the
fryers, and put in fresh oil for the next day. Normally, we turned off the
fryers to cool while we cleaned the rest of the kitchen. I had forgotten in my
haste to tidy up that night. So they were still set at 375 degrees. Dismayed, I
quickly shut them off.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I ran to the back room and found the large bucket we
used to empty the fryers. Normally we emptied them one at a time into the large
metal bucket and carried it outside to the grease barrel. That night I had a
thought—I figured both fryers of grease would fit inside the bucket. It would save
me precious time. The minute that thought entered my head, I felt an impression
that this was a bad idea. I ignored it and dumped in the first fryer’s grease.
As I reached for the second fryer, I felt that impression again, only stronger.
Donna came around the corner just then and saw what I was about to do. She told
me she didn’t think it was a good idea, but I explained I was saving us time.
Just as I began to dump the oil from the second fryer into the bucket, I was
hit a third time with the same impression that THIS WASN’T A GOOD IDEA!!! I
ignored it and dumped in the oil anyway. It nearly filled the metal bucket. But
I was young, and strong . . . and stupid.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I managed to carry the bucket outside—Donna held the
door open for me, still giving me an exasperated look. I carried the bucket
around back to the grease barrel. As I lifted it over my head to dump the oil inside
the large metal barrel, I remember thinking, “See, everything worked out just
fine.” Famous last words. Just then I slipped on the ice that surrounded the
barrel, the bucket of oil tipped toward me, and doused my head, face, and neck
with the hot oil.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m not a screamer, but I screamed that night. Donna
came running, saw what had happened, and stood there in panic mode. Then the
calming influence of the Comforter took over and she said later that it was
like having someone standing beside her, telling her what to do. She dragged me
immediately to a snowbank where she felt impressed to cover my face and neck with
as much snow as she could grab. She had to sit on me to keep the snow in place.
I was in so much pain and so out of it that I fought her a bit. Eventually she
felt impressed to get me inside the building. We were both short and petite. I’m
not sure how she managed to get me inside that building, but she did. She
propped me up against the wall by the phone and put ice from the ice machine
everywhere I was burned. Then she called my parents and I was taken to the
local hospital.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It was not a pleasant night. I remember fading in
and out of consciousness because of the pain. I remember hearing the doctor
telling my parents that I would probably need numerous skin grafts, and that I
would be scarred the rest of my life. I know they put layers of stuff on my
face in an attempt to save it. At some point my mother had arranged for two men
from our ward to give me a priesthood blessing. I’m not sure who these men were—by
then my entire face was covered with medication and gauze and sight wasn’t
possible. I don’t remember the entire blessing. I remember one line—that I
would be healed according to my faith. It terrified me. I had a testimony, but
I wasn’t sure how much faith I possessed. I was still working on that item.
Then the pain meds blissfully knocked me out and I don’t remember anything else
about that night.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The next morning, the layers of gauze and goo were
slowly removed from my face and neck. I blinked as sight began to return. I saw
my mother burst into tears and I was terrified that I now looked like a
monster. A hand mirror was brought into the room and I was asked if I wanted to
see how things looked. I didn’t, but gathering my courage, I reached for the
mirror. I was stunned. I looked like I had a bad sunburn and there was just one
blister on the side of my nose. Wow!!! It was a miracle of gigantic
proportions. There would be no permanent scarring.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Naturally the doctor took all of the credit. He was
a young guy who had just earned his degree and he had tried something he had
learned in school to help save my face. I know it helped. But I also know my
mother’s faith had a lot to do with how things turned out, that combined with
the blessing I received . . . and Donna. Because she heeded the promptings she
had received the night before, she had been able to draw out a lot of the heat
from my face and neck before it cooked things. She literally saved my face!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Moral of the story: it is important to listen to
promptings when they come. Don’t ignore them. You may never know why you were
impressed to do or say something, but it’s important regardless! And priesthood
blessings are real! I will never deny that fact.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So, yes, I learned a few important things the hard
way, but I did learn them, and I’ve never forgotten how crucial they are. In
this day of criticism, skepticism, and doubt, I stand as a witness to truth.
When I say I know the Gospel is true, it’s because I know it with everything
that I am that it is! When I share that priesthood blessings work and are real,
it’s because I’ve lived it! And when I state how important it is to heed
promptings from the Holy Ghost, it’s because those promptings have saved my life . .
. repeatedly. And if you want to know these things for yourself, buckle up,
buttercup, it’s quite a ride . . . but totally worth it in the end.</span></div>
Cheri J. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956409422368334793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193910359201416007.post-13791838010917394122017-10-17T06:52:00.000-06:002017-10-17T06:54:45.173-06:00Moi Aussi (French for "Me, Too")<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLtCIZm_oV4fRwn3O4QbOSq15Cw9F-SYQRZ-4xa3oUOLdURdpMxumXOg46uzqaJkyT_mbwMCAm2bzyssz-W2jjkZiP_9vQi0YYVVXCNPkhMNxZs_HZB1llmENC6nfh-dd0uY5G1OwOlc/s1600/Heavenly+Light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLtCIZm_oV4fRwn3O4QbOSq15Cw9F-SYQRZ-4xa3oUOLdURdpMxumXOg46uzqaJkyT_mbwMCAm2bzyssz-W2jjkZiP_9vQi0YYVVXCNPkhMNxZs_HZB1llmENC6nfh-dd0uY5G1OwOlc/s320/Heavenly+Light.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve read numerous posts recently that start with
"Me, Too." It’s part of a campaign to make people aware of the widespread problem
that unfortunately exists in our society. There is a lot of abuse currently taking
place—and a lot that happened years ago. All of it is horrible and it makes me
sick to think about it—for a lot of reasons. Currently, I fear for my
grandchildren and I often worry about the kind of world they are inheriting. I
pray for their safety daily, knowing there are dangerous predators out there in
this wicked world. But I also know that heavenly protection is real and so daily
I humbly ask that my grandchildren receive the same kind of defense that I have
had my entire life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The guilt I feel with regard to sexual harassment/abuse is this—why
was I watched over so carefully, when others were not? We are all beloved
children of God. I know that with everything that I am. But it has haunted me
that I was repeatedly delivered out of dangerous situations, when others were
not. I will probably never know why until next life when I’ll probably be told
that I was a wimpy spirit who couldn’t handle something like that. ;)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Here are 3 adventures that I’ve endured. I will be
forever grateful for the numerous ways I have been delivered out of traumatic
attacks that I possibly wouldn’t have survived. Miracles do happen, and I
suspect the veil is thinner than we realize:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My sophomore year of high school, I was invited to a
special night-time holiday party at a nearby park in our small town. The guy
who called to invite me, assured that all of my friends would be there. My
parents still insisted that my younger brother escort me to the park across the
street from our house. I was mortified. I was, after all, fifteen years old,
and all of my friends were going to be there. But the only way my parents would
let me go was if my brother came with me. He was about as thrilled as I was,
but he dutifully came. We reached the pavilion where the “party” was to take
place, and no one was there. We waited for several minutes, then I concluded
that I had been set up by one of my friends. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We returned home and I angrily
stomped toward the phone to call one of my friends for an explanation. Just as
I reached the phone (back then they were attached to the wall) it rang and I
answered. The same guy had called back. He lied again about who he was, and
assured, again, that all of my friends were coming to this party. It had been
delayed for a reason I can’t remember now. I told this guy that I would call
one of my friends for a ride to the party, but each time I mentioned getting
hold of one of them, he assured that they were busy getting things for the
party. Finally I said that I would just walk over alone, since the park was
right across the street from my house. I hung up, told my parents that the party
was still on, and that all of my friends would be there. When they asked if I
wanted my brother to come with me again, I refused the offer. (Yes, I was young
and stupid.) </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I had an uneasy feeling about things, but I still walked over
alone this time. And at first, I couldn’t see anyone. Then a guy seemed to
materialize out of nowhere. He was wearing one of those parkas that were
popular back in the 70’s. It should have struck me as odd that he had the hood
on and the fur completely blocked out his face. I couldn’t tell who it was, and
assumed it was a neighborhood boy. I asked if he was there for the party, and
he said that he was. We waited for several minutes as car after car drove by
the park. No one stopped. Finally I said that I was going to walk home and call
one of my friends to see what was going on. It was late in December and very
cold. I turned and began walking away from the pavilion. Then I realized I was
being rude. Surely the guy who had met me at the pavilion was cold, too. I
turned to ask if he wanted to come over for some hot chocolate while I made
phone calls, and he was right behind me. That should have been a clue that I
was in trouble, but it wasn’t. I was young and very naïve. When I asked if he
wanted to come over for some hot chocolate, he very gruffly said, “NO!” Irked by
his response, I turned back around and had only taken another step when he
grabbed me from behind. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are no words to describe the terror I
experienced that night as I froze in place. But I will be forever grateful for
the strong promptings that came, compliments of the Holy Ghost. “Kick behind
you as hard as you can!” echoed inside of my mind. I still couldn’t move. That
prompting came three times before I was able to respond. The last time was like
an internal brick upside the head. I finally kicked behind me, and the guy
dropped me in the snow and ran. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Later, the police traced his footprints in the snow.
They could see where the attack happened, and they followed the jerk’s footsteps
to the highway where the prints disappeared. They called the guy who was
supposedly putting the party together that night, and he knew nothing about any
of it. He had been home all night with his parents. To this day, we have no
idea who my attacker was. And yes, I was very, very lucky, and watched over,
but I still carry internal scars over that night. My only physical injuries
were a few bruises, but the terror I would experience repeatedly because of
what happened would haunt me for a very long time. I no longer trusted anyone.
I was afraid to go anywhere by myself after dark. And to this day, if anyone
comes up behind me and I don’t know they are there, I still jump quite high into the air. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The good side: what I experienced saved my life
twice. Years later, I was approached in the middle of the day in a parking lot
by a clean cut young man who stood right by my car door as I was getting ready
to go grocery shopping. He claimed he was selling wicker products to support
himself in college and each time I took a step, he took one to stay with me. I
started getting uneasy promptings to stay out of his reach right off the bat. Because
of what I had endured during my park adventure, I recognized that I was in
danger.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I noticed that this young man was trying to herd me toward
a dirty full-size van I had purposely parked away from, since it gave me the
creeps when I saw it earlier. Long story short, another man jumped out of the
van and came running toward me as a very familiar voice yelled inside of my
head that I needed to run fast toward the store. I was able to outrun both men
and they took off as I entered the store. As I ran, I noticed that a third man
was at the wheel of the van as it drove by.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I was in such a state of shock, I went inside the
store, grabbed a cart, and began putting strange things inside of it until a
good friend stopped me and asked what was wrong. She told me later that I was
white as a sheet, and she knew I wasn’t okay. I told her what had almost
happened, and she dragged me to the front of the store to tell the manager.
Once again, the police were summoned, but once again, nothing came of it
because I was okay. Sort of.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The next day, the dead body of nude woman was found
outside of a nearby town. I had a horrible impression that it could’ve been me.
That image haunted me for a long time, and I grieved for the dead woman,
wishing we could’ve caught the three men in the van the day before.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Last adventure: my mother had just endured a major
surgery. We had taken her home that day to her apartment in Salt Lake City.
That night we realized we needed some supplies from the local grocery store. So
I drove my youngest sister to the nearest store that was about 4-5 blocks away
from our mother’s apartment. We went inside, bought what we needed, and headed
out to the parking lot. Within minutes a young man appeared in front of us with
a duffel bag. He said he had some nice perfume to show us. Immediately I was
hit with the same feeling of unease I had experienced during my park attack and
the near abduction with the dirty van. When the young man knelt down to pull
something from his duffel bag, I grabbed my sister and yelled, “RUN!”</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We ran
like crazy to my car, unlocked the doors, and climbed inside. I started the
engine and began driving across the parking lot. We thought we were safe, but
another prompting told me to look in my rearview mirror. A car was following
us, driven by a huge, angry looking man, and the young man with the duffel bag was
sitting next to him. Praying like crazy, I drove across the parking lot, and
that car stayed right with us. We reached a very busy street with about 4-5
lanes of steady traffic. I’m not sure what happened at that point. It was like
someone else took over the wheel. Somehow, we made it across all five lanes and
pulled up next to a cop car in the parking lot that was on the other side of
the street. The car that tried to follow us, had to go with the traffic in the second
lane, or get hit by numerous cars. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My sister later told me that she wasn’t going to
ride with me ever again. But . . . we were safe. We never did tell the police
about what had happened. From past experience, I knew it wouldn’t do any good.
We didn’t have any proof that anything had happened, other than we were both
shaking, and extremely terrified.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So, moral of the story, heed promptings!!!! They
come for a reason!!! Do your best to be safe . . . and know that sometimes,
even when you think you are being safe, bad things can happen. I try not to
live in fear, and I am extremely grateful for the protection that has been
granted throughout my life. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My husband and I raised all boys, and they have been
taught to respect others. These awesome sons know what I’ve been through, and they
are very caring, thoughtful men who do a lot of good in the world. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Unfortunately, there are bad men and women in this
troubled world who cause a lot of harm. Some of my relatives and friends have
endured horrible things because of people like that. It tears my heart out. How
grateful I am for our Savior who understands all of the pain that any of us
will ever endure. He can truly heal our shattered hearts and help us find joy
in a world that does its best to drag us down. I have found peace of heart and
mind by turning over things I can’t control to Him. And it does make all of the
difference in the world. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Cheri J. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956409422368334793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193910359201416007.post-9795914476668245282017-09-22T07:16:00.001-06:002017-09-22T07:18:38.098-06:00When The Dam Breaks<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsze3ZM-deGwVsrRbW8dupCscpdvGY0yWiG4-39O3NVWWYnd9Ay4yZv-rBSGnYyvCBZdXtqVHH7R_tRovJGYXO766T2Q5Ty2mN60ktiL8bLeDT8lg726MfH0e8sh-c0mP1mv0lICCkgU/s1600/Teton+Dam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsze3ZM-deGwVsrRbW8dupCscpdvGY0yWiG4-39O3NVWWYnd9Ay4yZv-rBSGnYyvCBZdXtqVHH7R_tRovJGYXO766T2Q5Ty2mN60ktiL8bLeDT8lg726MfH0e8sh-c0mP1mv0lICCkgU/s320/Teton+Dam.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">June 5, 1976 began as a typical day. It was a
Saturday and I was scheduled to work a shift at the drugstore my dad managed in
Ashton, Idaho. As such, I quickly prepared for the day and headed to work later
that morning. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My duties at the store included stocking shelves,
working in the old-fashioned soda fountain, and waiting on customers. It was
good job for a fifteen-year-old, and I enjoyed it, most of the time. I worked
with awesome ladies and the days passed quickly. This particular day proved to
be one of the craziest any of us had ever faced.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">That afternoon, people began flooding into the
store. My dad had been listening to the radio while working in the pharmacy and
he told us that the Teton Dam had collapsed and people were running scared,
seeking higher ground. We were one of the few stores in the small town of
Ashton, and it seemed that within minutes, we were wall to wall with people who
were frantically buying up everything in sight. We sold out of first aid
supplies, diapers, and anything else these people thought would come in handy.
Most had fled immediately from their homes to find safety and only had what
they had grabbed on the way out. I remember how frightened most of them
appeared and we did our best to help them as they searched for basic supplies.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We were so swamped, it didn’t dawn on me for quite a
while that we had relatives caught in the flood’s violent path. When the dam
collapsed, a wall of water rushed toward the communities in its way. It was
rumored that around 13,000 livestock perished—my horse was among those lost. An
uncle had kept it pastured with his horses and I was later told that my
appaloosa colt was forced through a barbwire fence. The thought of that haunted
me for a long time.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fourteen people died that day as a result of the
flood. We should count our blessings that more didn’t perish in the disaster.
Roads were washed away, homes were destroyed, telephone lines were down, and it
would take an agonizing time for us to learn that our family who lived in the
area had survived. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My paternal grandmother lived in a house in Roberts
with one of my uncles. We were told that she had refused to evacuate, intent on
saving her home. She opened the back door and the front door, then climbed onto
the back of her couch and had a front row seat to the water that came rushing
through. It entered through one door and exited the other on its way to merge
with Snake River. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Another uncle’s home was destroyed as the flood
water reached his place in Menan. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and
his family were among those who later received a FEMA trailer to live in while
a new home was built. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We were told that many people in the area headed to
the higher ground of Ricks College when the flood took place. This small
university became a safe haven where people gathered in the buildings for
shelter. Food was prepared in the cafeteria to feed the 2000 people who had
fled immediately to this location. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Nearly 10,000 people stood on the hills above
Rexburg and watched as the flood waters tore their community to shreds. The
water had picked up large logs from a nearby sawmill and the lumber quickly
became battering rams that destroyed homes and businesses throughout the area.
Some struck a local gas station and caught fire in the resulting explosion. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We came down as a family as soon as we were allowed
in the area to help our relatives who had survived this tragedy. My father had
recently purchased a four wheel drive Chevy Suburban and I know it helped us
maneuver through road conditions that were nearly non-existent. It’s difficult
to put into words the devastation I saw that day. My high school, North
Fremont, often competed in sporting activities with the teams located in Sugar
City. I had traveled to this small town quite often. I was stunned to see that
it was totally annihilated. Miles of mud and debris littered what used to be a
town. The smell was horrific. Combine swampy mud with dead animals and it’s a
scent you don’t soon forget.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I later learned that the Idaho National Guard came
into the area to clear roads, rebuild bridges, and to bury the dead animals.
College students volunteered hours of service to aid those who had sought
shelter at the small university in Rexburg. It was estimated that over 4,000
people were fed meals in the early days of the restoration effort. Volunteers
from all over the state and nation came to help in the massive clean-up that
took place. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As we drove through the area, I was amazed to see
how random some of the destruction was. One house would be totally obliterated,
while another would be standing as though nothing had happened. For the most
part, though, the devastation was overwhelming.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When we reached our grandmother’s home, we carefully
exited the Suburban. Mud was everywhere. I already mentioned the smell. We made
our way inside the house where my grandmother and uncle were already shoveling
out the mud that had been deposited throughout the small home. We worked with
them for hours to try to salvage what could be saved. I didn’t think we would
ever get all of that mud scrubbed clean, but eventually, it began to look like
Grandma’s home again.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the days, weeks, and years that followed, it was
amazing to see how people worked together to restore all that was lost. So many
unsung heroes stepped forward to help in any way that they could. It was an
experience that I’ve never forgotten, and one that comes to mind each time an
act of devastation takes place.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Recently, we’ve been inundated with disasters all
over the world, including here in the United States. Hurricanes, tornadoes,
flooding, earthquakes . . . the list goes on and on. Our hearts and prayers go
out to anyone touched by these tragic events—and we all do our best to help in
any way that we can.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It has been my observation that during stressful
times like these, we often see the best in people as they strive to help those
around them. We pull outside of ourselves to offer aid and solace to those who
have lost so much. Selfishness and pride are left by the wayside as we roll up
our sleeves to serve others. It’s sad that it sometimes takes a disaster for us
to realize what is really important. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My suggestion at the moment—take the time to ponder
the great blessings we enjoy. Look deep inside your heart and consider what it
is you can do to help those who are suffering. It is often the simple things
that mean the most. I heard of one young lady who traveled up to Idaho after
she learned what had taken place following the collapse of the Teton Dam. She
had thoughtfully brought clean water in containers to share with those who had
nothing to drink. Something that simple brought relief to those who burned with
thirst. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So on this day, push aside trivial concerns, roll up
your sleeves, and see how much good you can accomplish for those who have lost
everything. Not only will these acts of service go a long way toward helping
others, but you’ll notice that a sense of peace will fill your heart as you
serve. And in the end, isn't that what it's all about?!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Cheri J. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956409422368334793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193910359201416007.post-74266550065038184972017-08-11T04:59:00.000-06:002017-08-11T05:04:14.379-06:00A Matter of Faith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqzZoyNE5GqzHP-w7sCXNJNeMCL72b23258yRZjtE8tIjJbzFVc8gy8fr2JvYLmT8p0RWcgqr9eOiLWYW_88XiSuu0UFVNNN65ZU-Zct7UXIOz3HQRZMlqEjzdxKRwvNPNRIgKY-zssM/s1600/cloudfixed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqzZoyNE5GqzHP-w7sCXNJNeMCL72b23258yRZjtE8tIjJbzFVc8gy8fr2JvYLmT8p0RWcgqr9eOiLWYW_88XiSuu0UFVNNN65ZU-Zct7UXIOz3HQRZMlqEjzdxKRwvNPNRIgKY-zssM/s320/cloudfixed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We live in a crazy time. Everywhere we look there is
so much going on, in every direction. The news is filled with stories that tear
at our hearts. Disasters are taking place all over the world. Evil is rampant.
And in our own lives, emotional, physical, and mental chaos seems to reign
supreme. How can we survive when all we know appears to be turning inside out
and upside down?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve asked this question before. This isn’t the
first time things appeared to be going less than well. In one year (1983 to be
exact) several things hit the fan at approximately the same time. For example,
I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Finally. After months of not knowing why
I felt like walking death, I finally had a diagnosis. During months of frustration
I had been told things like: “You possibly have a brain tumor.” Then there was
the theory, “Wait, we now think you have a form of epilepsy.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To be fair,Type 1
diabetes is a difficult condition to pin down. Until it fully dies, the
pancreas still functions enough to disguise what is really going on. It didn’t
help that by then, my husband and I were expecting our first child. Everything
they presented for us to try, would affect our unborn child. It was a perilous
time. One of the things that kept me going was the promise I was given during a
priesthood blessing that all would be well. I clung to that hope. But there
was a catch, I was told that all would be well, according to my faith.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There was that word again. It was a word that would
haunt me for several years. Faith. It bothered me at first because I had no
idea what it meant. The first time I heard it, I was a mixed up teen. Things
were bad at home, and questions of who I was, and what this life was all about
really bothered me. It wasn’t always easy for me to attend church meetings, but
I often found that I felt peace inside whenever I did. So I risked the lectures
I would later receive from a father who was going through his own personal
hades to try to figure out for myself what was true.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">That is and always has been a key to developing
faith. And it is an uphill battle. I believe it was meant to be that way. If
something is easily attained, it doesn’t mean as much to us. But because it
took everything I had to give and then some to gain my own personal testimony
of what is true, it means more to me than I will ever be able to share. I did
not lean on anyone else’s beliefs. My testimony had come at such a personal
cost, it was something I treasured. I had slogged through the mire of doubt,
persecution, and heartache to learn for myself what this life is all about. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I ache for those who are going through a similar
quest, and yet, I also find myself secretly cheering, because I know in the
end, after all of the questions have been asked, after a perilous journey
across a jagged desert of unbelief, inner pain, and turmoil that is difficult
to put into words, the sweet relief of living water will make up for any
discomfort, trial or pain.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I will never forget what I felt the night all of the
pieces of the puzzle that was my life finally came together. The witness I
experienced was so strong, it has held me together through countless trials.
Case in point—it helped me survive the turmoil of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1983.
As I already mentioned, it was a difficult time. I was diagnosed as a Type 1
diabetic and was told that I would be giving shots of insulin the rest of my
life. Alrighty then—that was a bit of a challenge, but knowing I was a daughter
of God with unlimited access to His help would see me through.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My father’s mental state at that time wasn’t good.
Daily I received heart-wrenching phone calls from him as he assured me I was a
terrible person if I didn’t give up my current church calling and focus on my
health and the health of my unborn child. These phone calls took a toll, and eventually,
toward the end of that challenging pregnancy, I went to my bishop and explained
the situation. He decided to temporarily release me from teaching my Primary
class, and though I felt horrible about that for a long time, it did ease a bit
of what I was going through.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The promise I had been given came through, and our
first child was born healthy and strong. It had been a rough delivery. He was a
high breech baby and after one day of trying to turn him around, the doctors
gave up and did an emergency c-section. We learned the hard way that I didn’t
react well to the pain medication I was given before the surgery. I felt the
entire thing. But once they start a c-section, there is a short window of time
to deliver the baby, so they continued. My mother later told me how grey I
looked when they brought me back to my hospital room. She was afraid I wasn’t
going to make it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Things continued to go horribly wrong. I developed a
series of blood clots in one leg, and my baby boy was sent home without me a
few days later. I would remain in the hospital for at least 10 more days on
blood thinner IV’s as they tried to save my life. It was a scary
time. The thing that got me through was my faith in God. My faith in the
testimony I had worked so hard to secure. I knew my life was in the hands of my
Heavenly Father. I knew I was His daughter and that He loved me. I trusted in
Him to help me endure.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">That first night, as I lay quietly in my hospital
bed doing my best to remain in mortal mode, I was given a priesthood blessing
by two young LDS men who didn’t know me. I stress that in part because of a
promise I was given. Not only was I promised I would survive, but I was also
told my Father in heaven knew what was going on with my parents and all would
be well. I didn’t need to worry about them. This was such a relief since my mother and younger sisters were busy taking care of my newborn son while my husband returned to work, and my brother was miles away trying to help our father through each difficult day.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">That blessing hit me hard. I was in a large hospital
far from my Idaho home and had just been given peace of mind concerning the
very thing I was worrying about by two young men who had no idea what was going
on in my life. It was a witness to me that my Father in heaven knew and
understood my concerns. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So I endured 10 very difficult days with as much
courage as I could muster. Among other challenges, the nurses had to do
everything for me. I joked that I couldn’t even blow my own nose, but it was
true. They were fighting to save my life. A lady in similar circumstances had
died right outside my hospital room as a clot hit her heart. They were
determined not to lose me, too. So I was handled with kid gloves until I was well enough to return home.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It was still a challenging time as I tried to care
for a newborn while on crutches. It would take a couple of months for me to be
able to walk around without their help as my leg healed. And just as I was
getting back on my feet, my father took his own life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I felt so betrayed! Hadn’t I been promised that all
would be well? All was not well!!! All was horrible and hard and a nightmare!!!
And yet, when I pushed the pain aside, in my heart of hearts, I still knew what
was true. On my knees, enduring inner turmoil that ripped me apart, my
testimony still lay . . . in tatters . . . but it was there all the same. It
would prove to be the glimmer of hope that would hold me together despite all
we were enduring.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It would take a long time for me to realize how
truly watched over our family had been. In Dad’s confused state, it would have
been very easy for him to have taken other family members out with him. But it
didn’t happen. We were watched over and protected in ways we’re still figuring
out. Miracles transpired that kept us all going. I will never be able to say that
we were ignored by heaven. We were surrounded by angels who eased
our way and helped us through. Some were of the mortal variety like the couple
who offered to pay for my brother’s mission a few months later. Some were on
the other side of the veil, very possibly loved ones who watched over us in a
myriad of ways.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Through it all, my testimony survived. The faith I
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but it glimmered with hope for a better day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So back to this current time. Things are difficult.
All is not well, and yet, if we’ll dig down deep to the roots of the tree of
life as my mother once saw in a very vivid dream, we will survive. Ask your
questions. Rant and rave and throw yourselves.Then hit your knees in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">sincere </b>prayer. Pray to know what is
really true and remain on your knees until the answers come. They will come. I
know that with everything that I am. Remember always the importance of
nourishing that testimony once it flickers into existence. Never allow it to
wither and die.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My heart contains many scars, but it also holds
tight to a shining diamond of truth that keeps me going on even the most
difficult day. To paraphrase Joseph Smith, “How can I deny what God knows that
I know?” I can’t. It’s everything I am. Despite difficulties, human nature, and
the uncertainty of the future, I still cling to truth, faith, and hope. When
it’s all said and done, I know that climbing this particular mountain is worth
all of the effort it takes to reach the summit. And the view will be worth the
sacrifice it took to make the climb.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
Cheri J. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956409422368334793noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193910359201416007.post-13461142141939867932017-07-06T07:13:00.001-06:002017-07-06T08:04:03.443-06:00A Truly Dark & Stormy Night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxDM5OB4sb80aqo4qZlWQLlkTDyRcg31eJtRAHVIzYhyuWGEKVhgRji9wRl-vo3u4ZeKQ-X9YmyQTQ3b3wFKxPxni4CaWUP_d_Ib0Vk_bB-0iGL7ybG_SlNJr38CQdKIhw3kuwmDAUbg/s1600/dark+night3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxDM5OB4sb80aqo4qZlWQLlkTDyRcg31eJtRAHVIzYhyuWGEKVhgRji9wRl-vo3u4ZeKQ-X9YmyQTQ3b3wFKxPxni4CaWUP_d_Ib0Vk_bB-0iGL7ybG_SlNJr38CQdKIhw3kuwmDAUbg/s320/dark+night3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I haven’t written anything for a while. This is due
in part because several difficult events collided in my life the past few
months. Among other things, I’ve spent the past 3 months helping my mother. She
landed in ER one night the end of April and we nearly lost her. We thought she
was suffering from a stroke. It turned out that her electrolytes were
dangerously low, especially her sodium level. Who knew that something that
sounds quite simple could be so devastating?!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When her sodium level plummeted,
the cells of her body filled with fluid. The symptoms mimicked a stroke and she
has spent the past 3 months regaining strength, agility, and her memory. For a
few weeks, she stayed with us after being released from the hospital. During
this time we did our best to help her recuperate. Physical therapy came in a
couple of times a week to help her, as did wonderful Home Health nurses as my
very determined mother fought her way back to a sense of normalcy. We were
assured that in time, she would probably make a full recovery. This gave us an
important hope to cling to on challenging days.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We found ourselves rejoicing in small victories,
like mastering how to use a cane, and seeing bits and pieces of my mother’s
personality resurface. In time she impressed the nice physical therapy people,
and they released her from their care. As she recovered, we all realized the
next step was to ease her back into her normal routine, and so we loaded her up
and moved her back to her nearby apartment where she could relearn daily skills
that most of us take for granted, like using the television remote, and the
phone. I found myself reliving the emotions that went with sending our kids off
to college. Was she ready for this? Had we taught her all she needed to know? True,
I was only a phone call away, but it was still a bit of an adjustment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I came in each morning to help her get ready for the
day and to make sure meals, meds, and exercises were on track. Again, it was a
challenging time that consumed numerous hours. The first few ventures into
public realms, like the local grocery store, were entertaining as we worked on
rebuilding strength and social skills. Friends and family members often called
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We learned that it was a miracle that she had
survived. We were told that younger people had died when their sodium level
wasn’t as low as Mom’s had been. This knowledge put things into perspective as
others not acquainted with all we were dealing with continued to offer
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We are seeing the light at the end of this
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more and more like herself, and her stamina has increased greatly. I count
blessings daily, grateful for her example of perseverance, determination, and
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grace and fortitude. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Imagine waking up in a hospital setting, unable to
move, or remember much of anything, dependent on others for the most basic
human needs. I will probably never forget the look of terror on her face the
first few days, as my siblings and I did our best to help her reclaim her life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She is indeed the “Unsinkable Molly Brown,” as we
have often called her during other challenging events. Hopefully her tendency
to never give up will influence the rest of us to hang in there during these taxing
latter days. We are all being stretched in some manner. None of us are immune
to difficult trials that often descend without warning. How grateful I am for
the tender mercies we saw on almost a daily basis, items that helped us know we
weren’t alone in facing an overwhelming test. None of us know what the days
ahead will bring, but it helps to know that prayer is real, faith soothes inner
wounds, and our Father’s love dispels fear on even the darkest night. </span></div>
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Cheri J. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956409422368334793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193910359201416007.post-73780800869236501512017-05-02T06:20:00.001-06:002017-05-02T06:26:14.438-06:00Perced to the Roote<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQykkUVFxoBlNmXX2vXIPZys7aEMrJcoQFCd7QRgFzA4ZAB-G8JmHP_mQRTKYiXXN0NSQj001Gl5jc2Z_uYLv6EjlmhQNoiidKzOUwaUqMeuvaNCzGrL3AOgoacRntQgTt4kH5AeZo2M/s1600/stapler+1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQykkUVFxoBlNmXX2vXIPZys7aEMrJcoQFCd7QRgFzA4ZAB-G8JmHP_mQRTKYiXXN0NSQj001Gl5jc2Z_uYLv6EjlmhQNoiidKzOUwaUqMeuvaNCzGrL3AOgoacRntQgTt4kH5AeZo2M/s320/stapler+1.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our mother is a gifted woman. She can still quote
lines from poetry and classics that she learned years ago in school. One of my
favorite lines is the title of this blog post. Mom was always very dramatic and
entertaining when she quoted those lines from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The General Prologue of The Canterbury Tales</i> by Geoffrey Chaucer.
As kids, we thought it great fun to use that particular line whenever we felt
that we were critically wounded. I actually felt like I was pierced to the root
of my being one day during the middle of my first grade year.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There I was, minding my own business, sitting
quietly in front of my teacher’s desk. My desk had been moved next to hers in
the hopes that I would somehow pull out of the shyness I had slipped into. If
you read last week’s post, you will note that I had my reasons for withdrawing
into a shell of silence. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our teacher was up at the front of the room, reading
us a story as she did every day after lunch break. While she was doing that, we
were supposed to staple our papers together. The large stapler had been handed
to the student at the opposite end of the room. It was one of those
old-fashioned heavy gadgets made out of steel. It terrified me. I had never
used a stapler before, let alone a humongous thing like that. I had no idea how
to staple my papers. In my defense, I was only six years old. Keep that in
mind.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I frantically watched as the students in the row
next to mine successfully placed their papers together and stapled them without
any problem. Taking a deep breath, I assured myself that when the time came, I
could do the same thing. That moment finally arrived. Since I was the student
closest to our teacher’s desk, I was the last one to use the mighty stapler.
Following the example I had observed, I organized my papers, then, placing the
stapler over one corner, I hit it with all of the strength I could muster. I
failed to realize the importance of moving my tiny thumb out of the way until
it was too late. Instead of adhering my pages together, I managed to bury a
rather large staple into the nail of my thumb. Since my fingers were so small,
the points of the sharp staple penetrated my thumb and stuck out the other
side.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In severe pain, I was also mortified. To my credit,
I didn’t make a peep. Remember, I was terrified of my teacher, and the last
thing I wanted was to bring attention to myself. Instead, as my poor thumb
throbbed, I did my best to remove the staple. I grabbed the only tool I could
find in my desk, a number two pencil. I pried as best I could, but only
succeeded in making my thumb bleed worse than it already was.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Glancing up, I noticed that the row I was in lined
up perfectly with the door to our classroom. A plan came to mind: I would crawl
under the desks and run out of the classroom, certain that no one would notice.
Then I could hurry down to the girls’ restroom and try to fix my problem.
Gathering my courage, I crawled down under my desk and began my journey out of
the room.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My plan worked as I had hoped, I made it out of the
room. However, my escape had not gone unnoticed, as I had thought. I’m sure
everyone in my row was very aware that I had crawled under the desks, and our
teacher certainly saw the entire escapade. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Despite what I thought, this woman was very
perceptive of my shy tendencies. She didn’t want to do anything that would
alienate me further. So instead of coming down herself to see what was the
matter, she sent her niece (yes, the same girl who nearly suffocated me earlier
that year) to check on me. When the teacher’s niece followed my blood trail
into the restroom, her eyes widened and she did what any self-respecting first
grader would do, she screamed for help. Then she ran to get her aunt.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">By then my thumb was a mess. I was still trying to
get the staple out with a pencil, and my attempts had only made things worse.
When my teacher arrived, I was in a sad state of affairs. But to my stunned
amazement, she wasn’t angry. Instead, my teacher was very gentle and kind. She
sent her niece to find the janitor. He, in turn, would have to locate his tool
box and a sturdy pair of pliers. My teacher gave me a candy bar to soothe
things over as the staple was removed. My thumb was bandaged, and my mother
arrived to take me home to recuperate. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What did I learn from that experience? Aside from
the importance of asking questions whenever I didn’t understand something, I
learned that my scary first grade teacher was actually quite a nice person. I
had misjudged her. And since her niece was the one who first tried to help me,
I realized that maybe she wasn’t as bad as I had first thought. I learned that
people can make mistakes, and it’s important to forgive. This girl who had
tried to snuff me out of existence during my early days of first grade, became
a friend. And the teacher who terrified me, gave me a great gift—the ability to
read. She used a new pilot program to teach us how to read that year, and I
took to it like a duck to water. I became the top reader in our grade.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Years later, as this same teacher lay dying from
cancer; I was informed that she was feeling a bit down about her life. She
wondered if she had ever made a difference with any of her students. I sent her
a letter, thanking her for her influence in my life, and sent her a few copies
of my published books. I was later told that this had been a huge boost for her
during her final days. When people came to visit, she proudly displayed my
books, and talked about one of the shyest students she had ever come across
during her years as a teacher. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Moral of the story: there are reasons why we are
told to withhold judgment of others. We don’t always know what is in someone
else’s heart. I have found that it is better to give others the benefit of the
doubt, just as they have often given me the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
Cheri J. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956409422368334793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193910359201416007.post-64252366252699416962017-04-25T08:48:00.001-06:002017-04-25T08:53:43.577-06:00School of Hard Knocks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimuIXD89duNrQpV1FzzYGiRcI58-UKoFSGGyhTHhxN2pnV1JxuDthaDqHjHwzO6-jQpi3oji_aqu0uhopJ9y9z_sD0SJ4cW9dAQSkL1HPqnj8IJbtmUamHDrhCcGRsCiikiWeT9p4IE6Y/s1600/school2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimuIXD89duNrQpV1FzzYGiRcI58-UKoFSGGyhTHhxN2pnV1JxuDthaDqHjHwzO6-jQpi3oji_aqu0uhopJ9y9z_sD0SJ4cW9dAQSkL1HPqnj8IJbtmUamHDrhCcGRsCiikiWeT9p4IE6Y/s1600/school2.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m going to share something this morning that many
people may scoff over. It is, nevertheless, true. I was once painfully shy. I
seemed to be fine around those I knew well, namely my siblings, parents,
grandparents, cousins, etc. But whenever I was in the presence of those I didn’t
know, I remained silent. This wasn’t always a good idea. Things often happened
that threatened my well-being, but instead of letting others know that I was in
pain, or frightened, I silently suffered through whatever had taken place, as I
did my best to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">blend into the woodwork</i>,
as the saying goes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One of my earliest memories of first grade was not a
pleasant event. It started out innocent enough. For a year and a half, I went
to the same elementary school that my paternal grandmother had once attended.
It was an old rock building full of interesting sounds. Floors creaked, pipes
rattled, and the very walls seemed to echo with children’s voices from years
gone by. Some of the students were convinced the school was haunted. Since I didn’t
know what that word meant yet, it didn’t bother me. I was more fearful of my
classmates and teacher than of items that may have happened in the past.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I had reason to feel that way. One afternoon I crossed
the room to sharpen my pencil. I heard a sharp sound and glanced out of our
open classroom door. Horrified, I watched as our first grade teacher broke a
yardstick over the unfortunate posterior of one of my classmates. That image
stayed with me for months. It explains in part why I was hesitant to tell this
teacher anything. One of my goals for that year was to stay unnoticed by this
person who seemed mean and oppressive. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It didn’t help that one of my classmates happened to
be this woman’s niece. This young lady was a bit spoiled and she made the most
out of being related to our teacher. Her word was law. One fall day as I stood
out among the giant trees in the playground behind the school, this girl
decided to include me in her game of make-believe. It was a common practice to
pretend that the bases of the giant trees were houses and families were made up
of other students as homes were set in order. That day during lunch recess, my
teacher’s niece pretended to be the mommy in our pretend family. A young boy
was assigned to be the daddy. I was relegated to the role of the child. Things
seemed to go along quite well for a time. Then “mommy” came up with a brilliant
idea. She turned to “daddy,” and said, “Let’s help Cheri learn to hold her
breath.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This didn’t sound good to me, but I was small for my
age and unable to fight both of them as they held me down on the ground in our
makeshift home. “Mommy” sat on top of me and held her hand over my mouth. She
then instructed “Daddy” to pinch my nose shut. “Daddy” wasn’t the sharpest
knife in the drawer, but even he realized this wasn’t a good idea. “She won’t
be able to breathe,” he argued. “I know,” ‘mommy’ giggled. Meanwhile I tried to
free myself from her grip, but remained pinned on the ground. I felt
overwhelmed by a horrible feeling and I knew I was in trouble. I couldn’t cry
out because her hand was still over my mouth. Things grew worse as “daddy”
finally gave in and pinched my nose shut.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m not sure how long we remained in that position.
I know I struggled as I never had before, but they were too big for me to
budge. I nearly lost consciousness and thought that I would perish. Before all
went black, I remembered something I had learned in Primary about prayer. I
knew we were supposed to pray when things weren’t going well. I silently sent a
frantic prayer heavenward. As soon as I asked for help, the bell rang. My
captors immediately released me and ran toward the school. I lay in the dirt
and gasped for air.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When I felt like I would live, I shakily stood up
and brushed the dirt and leaves from my dress. Then I walked alone toward the
school since everyone else had already made it inside. Needless to say, I was
tardy, but for some reason, the teacher didn’t say anything to me. She was up
in front of the class reading a story to my classmates, something she did every
day after the lunch break. She merely nodded at me as I quietly sat at my desk
and pondered what I had just survived. I was only six years old, but I knew
something significant had taken place. It was more than the brutal treatment by
two of my classmates. I had felt a strong sense of comforting peace moments
before the bell had rung. I knew in my tender heart that my Father in heaven
had heard my prayer that day. Not only had I survived my near suffocation, but
I was not out in the hallway being punished for being tardy. That in and of
itself was a miracle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I never did tell anyone what had happened that day—but
it never happened again. For a time, I was left alone, though I never felt that
I was. I knew my Father in heaven was very aware of me and that He was
protecting me. It was a knowledge gained at a young age, and something I
treasured—most of the time. I was not a perfect child, but I did strive to make
good choices. I still had a lot to learn, but that one experience shaped me in
ways I would not fully understand for many years. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There were other experiences that reinforced what I
learned that fateful day behind the school house. I knew that in times of
trouble, God was only a heartfelt prayer away. This knowledge has provided an
important lifeline during my mortal journey. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I mentioned in my last blog post that I would share
some of the experiences that have helped shape me into who I am today. I am
doing this, hoping that these items may help others who are struggling, who are
seeking to find their way. Today’s lesson: Prayers are answered—immediately when
the need is great, but often in ways we may never understand. We are watched
over throughout our lives, even though at times we are permitted to experience
pain and sorrow to fully appreciate the joy that also exists.</span></div>
Cheri J. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956409422368334793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193910359201416007.post-71968744288984041612017-04-18T06:53:00.002-06:002017-04-18T06:56:48.902-06:00Plan With Hope<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOUd3S6d1IRxaZ9uoHfGA_2dwBoyZg6t7UNqskFrq1U74IHAmMaGSycC440OGM5FNoxnefxB-rY7-Mn_Yj-c_BPaDxtqefJLddh1dCyvLaobmALit37Z534r60I9I19zvTlKx8d8weBc/s1600/light1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOUd3S6d1IRxaZ9uoHfGA_2dwBoyZg6t7UNqskFrq1U74IHAmMaGSycC440OGM5FNoxnefxB-rY7-Mn_Yj-c_BPaDxtqefJLddh1dCyvLaobmALit37Z534r60I9I19zvTlKx8d8weBc/s1600/light1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This past weekend marked yet another Easter
celebration. Many people throughout the world commemorated it by remembering
the great sacrifices made on our behalf by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
For some it was a time of tradition and ceremony. For others it was a chance to
gather with loved ones and do fun-filled activities that have nothing to do
with the true meaning of Easter—and that’s okay. Family time is important.
Gathering together to strengthen eternal ties is crucial these days. Life becomes
so busy for us that it doesn’t happen near enough. Thank heavens for occasions that
give us an opportunity to renew the bonds that really matter. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Christmas is a similar holiday. At the heart of both
is the reminder of what is truly important. Most reflect at some point that the
true hope in this world comes from what our Elder Brother made possible. How
empty life would be if the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ did not exist. If
all we believed in was the here and now—if some part of us refused to
acknowledge that this life serves a purpose and the choices we make do indeed
count for something.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are many who are struggling in this latter
day. They are often so consumed with inner pain and turmoil that it has blocked
the light that offers hope. At times they become bitter and refuse to see the
beauty and joy our Father wants us to find in this life. The adversary is
cunning—he has had a long time to prepare for this day and he is very good at
inspiring doubt, discouragement, and despair. In my opinion, these are the
three degrees of destruction. These three items have led to untold misery and violence,
something we are seeing on an increased magnitude in today’s world. At the
heart of it all is a form of selfishness that started long ago. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The battle between good and evil began long before
man set foot upon this planet. It started before any of us were born. This
battle had its beginning when we lived together as spirit children of a loving
Father in heaven. We wanted a chance to grow and become more like our heavenly
parents. And so the great plan of happiness was shared. We would have a chance
to come to a mortal sphere where we would be tested, and we would have the
opportunity to learn to control a mortal body. We would have the freedom to
choose the kind of life that we would lead, knowing that if we proved worthy,
family ties could become eternal, and our joy would be complete.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the great scheme of things, there will always be
opposition. (See 2 Nephi 2:11) This did indeed take place in the great heavenly
counsel as another plan was shared. (See Abraham 3:22-28) The details of this plan
were simple: we would be forced to make right choices and in the end, all glory
would be given to an elder brother, Lucifer, who guaranteed that not one soul
would be lost. Most of us realized that this plan, although tempting, was not
in our best interest. We would all make it back to our Father, but without the
growth and learning we desired. An argument ensued, and a battle began that is
still being waged here upon the earth. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lucifer and his followers lost the first round. They
are now determined to win the second round here in mortal mode. And currently,
during these trying latter days, they are pulling out all of the stops. You may
recognize their handiwork in items that inspire doubt, discouragement, and
despair. We live in a world that worships money, power, and greed. Themes of
selfishness and control are rampant. Violence is touted in movies, music, video
games, and books. In short, we are deluged with dark messages compliments of
someone who wants us to become as miserable as he is. The great challenge of
our day is to block out these dark thoughts and turn instead to the things that
will enhance hope and love. It truly is the simple things that will help us
survive these challenging latter days. Prayer, studying (not skimming) the
scriptures, attending church meetings and truly listening to gospel teachings,
heeding the warnings and advice from our church leaders, attending the temple,
the list goes on and on. All of these things will help us put on the armor of
God that we desperately need to survive this current battle. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There is still hope, love, and beauty in this
troubled world. All around are signs of how much our Father in heaven loves us.
Good works are taking place, and loving service is being rendered by those who know
and understand what is truly important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Miracles
still exist, and in the end, Lucifer and his followers will lose <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>. . . <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>again.
He knows this is true, and that is why he is trying to ruin as many lives as he
possibly can before his time runs out.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How do I know all of this? It is a testimony that
did not come easy, nor without a price. It came after hours on my knees in
prayer, after months of searching the scriptures for truth. It came line upon
line, precept on precept. I did not understand the Plan of Salvation all at
once. It came bit by bit as life threw one challenging trial after another into
the path I have walked in this life. It has given me the hope I have needed to
survive. In future posts, I may touch on some of these experiences, hoping that
these items might inspire others to search for truth and light as they make
their way forward along the path of life. Just remember on dark days, you are
not alone. We are surrounded by those who care, often by those who are sight
unseen, who want nothing more than for us to succeed and push forward to a
brighter day.</span></div>
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Cheri J. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956409422368334793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193910359201416007.post-37070971281050980372017-03-31T07:47:00.000-06:002017-03-31T07:48:57.304-06:00Looking for Light<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbVhrlI51OS6pV7Vo8UjqeabwGNeOv-qBuz5vRKLYk9chAv21AigeZvbt6g8A2o_rk1oNm_6JOVXF9e6cDVHNYRS4msmoInf1-OyW5oiPZu8-7bIiNtIOhwxidXMvzbSINp-s7Vi2bZU/s1600/tunnel3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbVhrlI51OS6pV7Vo8UjqeabwGNeOv-qBuz5vRKLYk9chAv21AigeZvbt6g8A2o_rk1oNm_6JOVXF9e6cDVHNYRS4msmoInf1-OyW5oiPZu8-7bIiNtIOhwxidXMvzbSINp-s7Vi2bZU/s320/tunnel3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We all get the chance to walk through darkened
tunnels in our lives. Periodically life happens and things get crazy. Trials
descend without warning and it becomes difficult to continue forward. To get
from where it’s dark and scary, we have to keep walking, step by step, through
a shadowy maze of pain. It’s not a pleasant experience. In fact it’s often one
of the most difficult challenges we will ever face. And for each one of us, it’s
a different test because we have unique lessons to learn. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At times we can catch a glimmer of light
twinkling ahead—enough that it gives us hope and an idea of where we need to
be. The other lesson learned is that during our darkest moments, we need to
place our hand in the Savior’s to find our way. He will truly guide us through
those treacherous times when nothing seems certain and the adversary would have
us believe that all is lost.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I may have shared the following dream before, but I
feel like I need to share it again. My hope is that it will give others who
find themselves walking through a time of tribulation and pain a little glimmer
of light. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This particular dream surfaced during a challenging
time in my life several years ago. I know that most dreams are silly nonsense.
But I also have come to realize and know that we can receive guidance and
needed counsel through that format. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In this dream I was making my way through an
extremely dark tunnel with some family members. It was dark, and scary, and the
way ahead was uncertain. Together we continued to push forward, hoping to find
our way out of the pain-filled maze. Eventually we came to a large opening. But
as we stepped forward we saw that a steep cliff lay before us. As we peered
over the ledge, our hearts filled with fear and uncertainty. It was agreed this
was a dangerous route. And yet, for some reason, I knew in my heart it was the
way I needed to go.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My family members did their best to talk me out of
it. They assured that I would be cut to pieces if I tried to climb down, since
the cliff was made of sheer glass. But I couldn’t ignore that continuing
forward, despite the pain, was what I had to do. I was assured that I was less than intelligent as my
family members turned to find a different way through the tunnel.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Gathering my
courage, I stepped to the edge of the glass cliff and stared down. It made no
sense, and yet, I couldn’t ignore the impression that this was the way out of
this tunnel. Slowly I began the descending the glass cliff, finding handholds
along the way. I received a few minor cuts as I touched the glass, but nothing
like everyone had feared. It wasn’t until I reached the bottom that I spotted
something that wasn’t visible from above—the way out of the tunnel. The opening
was visible after climbing down the glass cliff. Sunlight poured into view as I
made my way out of that darkened place and was greeted by close friends who had
been waiting for me there.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve never forgotten that particular dream. It was
so vivid and full of imagery. I’ve thought of it often during days that were
less than fun. A silent mantra of “I just have to climb down the glass cliff,” will
often go through my head as I face a challenging time. It gives me the courage
to continue forward even when I can’t see what lies ahead.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This current time is full of uncertainty for
everyone. I’m getting so I don’t even like to watch the news anymore. And my
heart aches for those around me who are enduring difficult trials. But even
when the skies are grey and stormy, and the way ahead is filled with
challenges, I know that we’re not as alone as we sometimes think we are. Hope
does smile brightly before us, as the popular hymn states. (Hymn # 19) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This coming weekend is a chance to fill our
spiritual buckets with the arrival of General Conference. I am looking forward
to hearing wise and inspired counsel from the leaders of our church. The hope
and light that they will extend can help us survive any darkened tunnel that
lies ahead. </span></div>
Cheri J. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956409422368334793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193910359201416007.post-64097330952622392462017-03-09T06:23:00.000-07:002017-03-09T06:30:00.427-07:00Time-out for This Woman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So here I am, wide awake at 5:00 a.m. with a myriad
of thoughts running through my head. I have ideas on how to fix a computer
glitch, a way to reorganize a room that has been bothering me, and thoughts for
a blog post. Where to begin? </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I found myself in an exhausted state last night.
That seems to happen on occasion when I’ve had a series of busy days in the
neighborhood and my body decides it’s tired of being ignored. It voices its
opinion in various unpleasant fashions to get my attention. I returned home
from my current calling in the scouting organization (den leader) at 6:00 p.m.
with a pounding headache and achy joints. This tells me a couple of things:
there is a major pressure shift going on in our area (I was told once that
arthritis patients are the best weather forecasters in the world, but I
digress), and I might have overdone it a bit. I’m learning that when my body
calls for a time-out, it’s best to listen. So I relaxed on the couch . . . ate
very little for supper since I felt so lovely . . . and promptly fell asleep. I
woke up later on and put myself to bed.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Evidently, a good night’s rest was just the thing,
since I’m feeling so much better today, and I have lots of ideas about how to
fix a few items I’ve been wanting to work on. Plus an idea for a blog post,
which I’m sure thrills everyone out there. :D </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I think there are times in all of our lives when we
need a time-out. This could be a chance to unwind and relax after being
subjected to a bit of stress, a get away from the daily routine, or simply more
rest. It’s important to listen to our bodies and strive to understand what they
are trying to tell us. Mine was waving a white flag last night. Maybe even a
white flag with bright red stripes to get my attention. It was probably
muttering things like: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Hey, idiot! Yeah, you! What’s up with this
tendency to run yourself into the dirt lately? In case you missed it, you are
running on empty! When was the last time you relaxed? Rested? Caught up on
stuff you’ve wanted to tackle? Slow down, or things won’t be very pleasant for
you. Just sayin’ . . .”</i></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I will admit, my body does indeed possess a gift
when it comes to getting my attention. Last night was one example. So I’m glad
I listened for once and gave in to the need for rest. (Like I had a choice in
the matter.) And it worked. I can’t believe how much better I feel today, even
if my body then decided, since it was in the driver’s seat for a change, that
we needed to get up at an extremely early hour. The adage: “Early to bed, early
to rise, makes Cheri healthy, not so much wealthy, but possibly wise(r),” was
going through my head in an annoying fashion. Thank you Mr. Ben Franklin for
that bit of advice. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So, lesson learned . . . again. It seems like I have
to go through this occasionally to remind myself that I do have obligations when
it comes to physical maintenance. Rest, exercise, eating food that is good for
me, stuff like that, appears to be important. It’s like anything else—<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">balance in all things.</b> I learned once
that there are four areas we need to take care of to feel good: we need to
nourish our spirit constantly (read scriptures, pray, etc.); do things that
improve our emotional well-being (like a focus on hobbies, chatting with
friends, etc.); tackle items that make us think to maintain mental acuity,
(there’s your word for the day) like reading, puzzles, learning new things; and
focus on our physical health. This would include getting plenty of rest (an
item I apparently inhale at on occasion) exercise, etc.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I must not be doing too bad—a couple of months ago
my diabetic specialist was ready to give me a gold star on the forehead. (Yes,
I am bragging because it doesn’t happen very often.) But I do need to periodically
take a time out to regroup and get things back on track. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And now, I’m off to tackle the bits of inspiration that
popped into existence this morning, my reward for listening to my body last night.
Have a great day out there, and seriously, if you would like to follow suit,
take a time-out to assess what you need. This apparently does wonders for our well-being. </span></div>
Cheri J. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956409422368334793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193910359201416007.post-68155603999373896052017-02-27T07:31:00.002-07:002017-02-27T07:38:47.790-07:00Bucket List <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ii9r9cbvPIzcA8vCWrp-jH5krKmYD4TOrzOvZ-RnqPUvoRvnwcy9gkWRriGNbLL52FemJA5VWHjE3AAGsCOUjXymdjqY1V_jhmAceSXRQywNX6VH-kHVP2N8WnJ70Y2itYHh9aAAYsg/s1600/bucket1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ii9r9cbvPIzcA8vCWrp-jH5krKmYD4TOrzOvZ-RnqPUvoRvnwcy9gkWRriGNbLL52FemJA5VWHjE3AAGsCOUjXymdjqY1V_jhmAceSXRQywNX6VH-kHVP2N8WnJ70Y2itYHh9aAAYsg/s1600/bucket1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bucket
List</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve heard it said that periodically it’s important
to fill our “buckets.” I’ll admit, the first time I heard this advice, I
pictured the buckets of water my siblings and I used to fill for the livestock
we raised while living on an acreage in a very small Idaho community. Nearly a
teenager, I remember thinking, “Well, duh! We do that all the time. And it’s
important because water is vital for the animals.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ah, the wisdom of youth. And yet, my snide silent
opinion was on target. Filling buckets is important. Filling our own personal “buckets”
is crucial, especially in this current time of unending stress and challenges. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What is meant by this term? It means that we need to
make sure our inner self is continually restocked with items that give us strength,
courage, and peace. It means that sometimes we need to call a “time-out” from
the stresses of life to nourish our spirit, and to cultivate those things that
bring us joy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Currently it is a challenge to keep one’s head above
the “water,” and not drown in negative news, heartbreaking trials, and the
raging criticism that surrounds us. satan (I purposely don’t capitalize his
name) has been very busy surrounding <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>us with
pessimistic messages, and to encourage any process that tears us down as
individuals. Internally some of us may resemble the worst fight Rocky Balboa
ever survived as we continually get beat upon by life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">I</span>t is a necessity to find the time
to work in items that build self esteem and spiritual self-worth. These are not
difficult things to do. Finding the time and energy is often the problem.
Sometimes we’re so worn out from the daily battle that it’s easier to simply
sink into despair. We can’t seem to find the strength to do those items that will
fill our inner buckets with living water—and yet, that is exactly what we need
to do to endure this current time.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Here’s my current bucket list that I am realizing is
not discretionary, but absolutely mandatory for survival these days:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Daily personal prayer</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Daily scripture study</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Attending church weekly</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Attending the temple whenever possible</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Doing service for others (Great way to renew one’s
spirit)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Look on the bright side (This means avoiding the
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Find the time to do things you enjoy: work on a
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Frequently spend time in nature appreciating the
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Count blessings instead of fallen flower petals </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Count your garden by the flowers, never by
the leaves that fall.)</i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Get some form of exercise daily (Great way to clear
one’s mind of icky cobwebs)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Spend time with family members and good friends
(those who build you up, not tear you down)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Seek quiet time (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We live in a noisy world of
multiple electronic gadgets. Sometimes we need to shut everything down and
embrace the ensuing silence. That is when promptings of the Spirit can actually
get through to us. It’s also when we can mentally sort through all that is
taking place in our lives. I know it’s the best time for me to write out the
thoughts bouncing around in my heart and head.)</i></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So these are the current items on my own personal bucket
list. Yours may be different. The point is, it’s important to sit down and
compose your own list of things that fill your heart and mind with peace. The
really important part—DO IT!!! Don’t procrastinate! The longer you wait, the
more inclined you will be to continue dealing with an empty inner bucket. And
seriously—how do you help fill others' buckets if yours contains nothing?
Something to think about. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Cheri J. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956409422368334793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193910359201416007.post-20054862682852164132017-01-24T06:04:00.001-07:002017-01-24T06:10:29.245-07:00Puzzling Dilemmas <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I love puzzles. My dad’s theory was that I came that
way. As a young child I remember being thrilled whenever I received puzzles for
Christmas. I would spend hours piecing them together. It was also a fun holiday
tradition to have a jigsaw puzzle set up somewhere in the house where we could
all work together to form the complete picture. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When I was a teenager I was excited I when my father
gave me a large puzzle that he felt would be a supreme challenge. It was of
fall leaves, all the same color. As he handed me the box there was a gleam in
his eye as he wished me luck with that particular project.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It would take a long time to complete that puzzle. I
was a busy teenager involved in a lot of activities, and I worked part-time at
a local drive-in as a cook. But in-between the craziness, I persevered and was
able to complete that puzzle, much to my father’s amazement. He took a picture
to record that accomplishment, before the puzzle was torn apart and put away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I still love the challenge of fitting complex pieces
together to form a whimsical or scenic picture. In recent years, I have taken
to preserving the puzzles I put together. They hang in varied places downstairs
in our family room. It’s something I usually strive to do during the winter
months when the weather is nasty. This winter has been particularly entertaining,
(We currently have 3-4 feet of snow on the level) so I excitedly picked out a
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This particular puzzle has been quite a challenge—more
difficult than it first appeared. It has taken me much longer than I
anticipated to complete. But finally, a couple of days ago, I was coming into
the home stretch. As I snapped the final pieces into place, it became clear
that one piece was missing. This is a disaster for anyone who loves puzzles as
I do. I have spent hours searching, moving furniture, retracing steps, all in
vain. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As I have reflected on this great crisis, several
analogies have come to mind. Bear with me as I strive to piece one together.
(Pun intended). In this life, we are faced with several puzzling challenges.
Some make no sense whatsoever. We try to make the pieces fit, but sometimes it
takes everything we can do, and then some to figure it out. Often the pieces
just don’t fit the way we think they should. There are other times when we know
pieces are missing, and sometimes we have to simply continue on, trusting that
someday it will fall into place. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This life is full of incomplete pictures. Perfection
cannot be attained within the confines of this mortal sphere. That is something
that is promised during the eternities. But it can be frustrating when we want
the answers “NOW!” We currently live in a challenging time. Many are facing
trials of great magnitude. There are no easy answers. But there is always hope.
This is something I have learned through the years. Life may not always turn
out the way I envision, but as the hymn advises: “There is hope smiling
brightly before us . . .” (Hymn # 19)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Someday the pictures we are “working on” will all
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things happened the way that they did. Until then, we <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>have to learn to appreciate the picture as it
is now, knowing someday it will reach its full potential.</span></div>
Cheri J. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956409422368334793noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193910359201416007.post-58081740599191206252017-01-09T06:01:00.000-07:002017-03-13T17:18:37.710-06:00Bloom Where You Are Planted!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Two thoughts are going through my head and heart
this morning—two separate and yet related thoughts that pretty well sum up the
end of 2016 and the beginning of 2017. They are as follows: “Life is change!”
& “Bloom where you are planted!” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As I look back over 2016, I can see that many
changes took place in my life, and in the lives of those I love. We welcomed a
new little one into our family this past year, and said a temporary goodbye to
those who moved on from mortal mode. I spent a goodly portion of this past year
giving everything I could muster to a demanding calling, and ended the year by
saying goodbye to that same calling, and accepted a new calling in a realm that
is totally outside of my comfort zone. I traded the hat of serving as a counselor
in our ward R.S. presidency for a cap that designates me as the new Bear Den
Leader in the cub scouts—an area I’ve never served in before.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We did our best to raise a successful garden in 2016,
and watched in outraged horror as most of it repeatedly froze, shriveling into
a pile of dead leaves. And yet, this same pathetic garden produced the best
crop of garlic and sage that I have ever grown. Quite ironic. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My beloved mountain huckleberries suffered greatly
this past year. The pickings were rather slim in comparison to other years. And
yet, we harvested a bumper crop of apples from our fruit trees. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We played host to a plethora of family gatherings
and fun-filled occasions, most recently the reuniting of our immediate clan
over the Christmas holiday season. It was wonderful, exhilarating, and exhausting,
all rolled into one. The ecstasy of having everyone here at home was matched by
the heartache of bidding them all goodbye at the end of that week. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Before the holidays descended with a flourish, we
moved my m-i-l from her home of ten years to a new location that is closer to
family. With the death of her 3<sup>rd</sup> husband, yet another major change
took place. We’ve spent the past few weeks helping her to get settled in new
surroundings that are strange and challenging, and yet exciting and appealing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the midst of all of that, I was presented with a
brand new insulin pump, one that has only been available since August of 2016.
I have worked with other insulin pumps in the past—I’m convinced those devices
have helped me remain in mortal mode. This newest technical wonder has been a
supreme challenge. Instead of keeping track of one small I.V. site, I now keep
tabs on a sensor that shares continuous blood sugar data, plus the I.V. site
that allows insulin to drip into my system. At the moment, I’m a beeping mess—quite
literally, as I learn to master the numerous bells, whistles, alarms, etc. that
go along with this newest pump. And I’ve been told that I will trade up again
in the spring of 2017 for a pump that will automatically punch in insulin as
needed. Go team Cheri!!!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Life is indeed change. I’ve learned that lesson
throughout my life—which has been one change after another. Looking back, I
know that I’ve seldom been bored in mortal mode. I suspect that was the plan.
Our Father knew that we wouldn’t learn anything if things always remained the
same. In order to grow and develop as He intended, there must be a continuous
influx of challenges, changes, and chocolate. (Okay, I thr<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">ew</span> that last word
in there for the alliteration, and to see if you’re paying attention.) Plus it’s
true, in order to survive all of that, one needs things like chocolate. I’m
just saying . . .</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So the supreme challenge is to be a sport when
change comes along. Learning to roll with life’s punches is part of the plan.
It’s not always easy, and I’ll admit, there are days when I feel like kicking
and screaming in protest, rather than rolling along, but I digress. That’s
where the second saying comes into play. “Bloom where you’re planted,” is often
a very hard thing to do. Sometimes it feels like one is striving to bloom among
a thistle-filled bed of weeds, among rocks that bonk one’s head. There are days
when all you want to do is crawl back inside of the dirt and hide. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">That said, I love playing with my flower beds. Each
year I do my best to arrange beautiful flowers that will hopefully bloom with
flair. It is often a challenge to keep up with the weeds, and to trim plants
that tend to overgrow their intended boundaries. Some of my prettiest blossoms
suffer through quite a process to reach perfection. They are often transplanted
from their original location in the hopes that they will add beauty to a new
realm. They are lovingly nurtured, although at first, they may not appreciate
that effort. Eventually, bit by bit, they take root and begin to grow and then
bloom. It’s quite a process, but one that is worth it in the end.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I suppose that’s what I’m trying to say in this
meandering post. Life is change. It was meant to be that way, and the best
thing we can do is strive to bloom wherever we are planted. It won’t be perfect—that
promise is saved for another time. But we can learn to look for the good, and
on bad days, remember that chocolate is always our friend. ;)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Cheri J. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956409422368334793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193910359201416007.post-17336200556707943222016-11-29T09:26:00.001-07:002016-11-29T09:26:24.910-07:00Keeping up the Pace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeaTlU5AFyAp1K4pnHjhmWk8RNxxAyB3wI3wi1zF9RKvphmLFsWs6ZKwKAa4a0RoBS2alGGZCNcG0EPD58QhpGvTQ19dyP0zk871yt4wZZ8Gz_bCi6jJZ-OG_bNq2KU9DU8hmjH9rmT4/s1600/jogger4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeaTlU5AFyAp1K4pnHjhmWk8RNxxAyB3wI3wi1zF9RKvphmLFsWs6ZKwKAa4a0RoBS2alGGZCNcG0EPD58QhpGvTQ19dyP0zk871yt4wZZ8Gz_bCi6jJZ-OG_bNq2KU9DU8hmjH9rmT4/s320/jogger4.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I had an interesting dream last night. Now I realize
most dreams are silly nonsense, our mind’s way of sorting through the
activities of the day, etc. But I truly believe that once in a while, we can
receive important messages through that format. This was one of those—at least
for me. I’ve had a few like this one in my life. Some are too sacred to share.
Most leave me with a deep feeling of comfort and peace. And upon awakening, the
details remain intact, unlike other dreams that fade into the misty corners of
my memory.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I feel impressed to share a portion of this one—I’m
not sure why, other than the peace and comfort this message instilled within me
may be important to pass on to those of you who are enduring a similar mindset. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To begin, we live in a negative world. I believe I
have addressed this item a couple of times in other blog posts. It’s really
true, though. The news stories we see on a daily basis are enough to convince
people that there is little hope in today’s world for a bright future. Combine
that with how we’re often treated by others, and it’s enough to sink anyone’s
boat of self-confidence. Hence this much-needed dream:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the beginning, I was jogging. (Don’t make fun—in truth,
I have never jogged. I do walk on a regular basis for exercise, but I digress .
. .) I was pretty impressed with how well I was jogging along the path I had
chosen to follow. As I moved forward, I passed others who were trying to make
their way along this same path. Some were faster than others. Some were barely
moving in place. I stopped to help a couple of these, but soon discovered there
was little I could do. It was as though they had given up and were content to
remain where they were.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Shrugging, I continued forward. I eventually caught
up to an older woman who was in synch with the pace I was keeping. We began to
visit as we jogged along. She asked me questions about who I was and what was
important to me. I shared items like family, friends, the Gospel, etc. And as
is the way in dreams, suddenly we were inside of an office of sorts. The older
woman sat at an impressive desk and continued with our “interview.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Tell me about the things you have accomplished,”
she encouraged. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Surprised by this request, I began with where I
graduated from high school, where I attended college, and touched on getting
married, having children, etc. Then she began digging for more information. “What
has been important to you? How have you spent your time? List the things that
you have achieved.”</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I dug a bit deeper and told her about some of the
things that I’ve attempted <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>through the
years. Towards the end of this list, she smiled warmly and congratulated me on
all that I have tried to do. It was a good reminder. “Reflect on this list when
life drags you down,” she counseled. “You have accomplished much that is good—remember
this.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I woke with a deep feeling of comforting peace. And
I knew I had been given a message. I reflected on a prayer I had uttered a few
nights ago. It had been a particularly “bad” day, one of those when nothing
seems to go right. Mentally, I began my silent prayer by beating myself up
inside. “Why did I handle things that way? Why didn’t I say this instead? Why
am I such an idiot—such a failure? Please help me to figure out what I’m
supposed to be doing right now.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I can look back now and know that I had taken quite
a beating to my confidence level by the adversary who is an expert when it
comes to tearing us down. He never plays fair and he always hits below the belt
trying to get us to believe the very worst about ourselves. He translates how
others perceive us and assures that our worst fears are indeed true.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It takes quite a bit to shake off that negativity,
to rise above the dark thought process that tries to convince us that we are
worthless. What a challenge it can be to continue to “jog” along the path of
life, keeping our outlook positive as we try to help those we meet along the
way. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How important it is to heed promptings when they
come to “smile at that person,” “talk to this person,” or “give that person a
compliment.” Your efforts may be what that person needs to keep going. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And on bad days when nothing seems to go right, take
a moment to ponder how wonderful you truly are. You are a son or a daughter of
God. You came to this world with inspiring gifts and talents. (Yep, these two things
are different. One designates physical abilities like being an artist, etc, the
other denotes spiritual strengths.) Use these items to make a positive
difference in this troubled world. I believe that someday, we’ll be asked to
give an accounting of what we did with them. Hopefully we can truthfully answer
that we blocked out the “dark side” to make life more inspiring for others.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Cheri J. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956409422368334793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193910359201416007.post-39540985013120822922016-11-18T06:42:00.000-07:002016-11-18T07:18:57.591-07:00Finding Joy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwuB4mw9M78-QC_kT7tLU7zL4djDUP1Y7GPtAd4Tw3_iInCvj_VPuFFOCYYEED-NcipcxNWrFu78tiBoIyUu8v2uPMN6cmla60rLi3FZTyNZ8Hz4xoYxspAn6MWVgxoFPNrVgIhOi3HHw/s1600/happybest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwuB4mw9M78-QC_kT7tLU7zL4djDUP1Y7GPtAd4Tw3_iInCvj_VPuFFOCYYEED-NcipcxNWrFu78tiBoIyUu8v2uPMN6cmla60rLi3FZTyNZ8Hz4xoYxspAn6MWVgxoFPNrVgIhOi3HHw/s320/happybest.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I was recently asked how I’ve been able to keep
smiling, even when times are hard. It’s a question I’ve been asked repeatedly
in my life. I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately. The truth is, I don’t
always smile. There have been plenty of tears—mostly in silence when no one
else but God can see. Despite what some may think, I’m a very private person. I
keep things that are tender close to my heart. I’ve realized lately that this
isn’t always good. Sometimes it’s better to share, depending on the situation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I learned years ago that when I’m hurting the most,
the best thing I can do is to serve someone else. For instance, after the loss
of my father, I stumbled onto the fact that whenever I did something for
others, the pain in my heart lessened. It was a discovery that helped me
survive that arduous time. The more I did for others, the better I felt inside
until the overwhelming heartache was an inner sting that was easier to manage.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Writing out what I was feeling helped a ton, too. It’s
something I still do. I will pour out whatever is bothering me onto the written
page, and then I delete or shred those things. It’s like purging away the pain. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Focusing on the good things that are taking place is
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and tender mercies taking place helps us realize that life isn’t as bad as we
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Going for a walk has always helped me clear out the
mental cobwebs that sometimes take up residency. The fresh air is invigorating
(unless it’s as cold as it is this morning) and being in nature inspires peace
for me. Seeing the beauty that our Father created for us to enjoy is a source
of comfort.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve always found consolation in the scriptures.
Actually, I should say that this observation didn’t really occur until I was in
college. During a particularly intense trial, I felt prompted to pick up the
book of scripture that was resting on my desk. I was so upset, I picked it up
and threw it across the room. Thankfully a loving Father in heaven was patient
with me during that time. The book of scripture opened up to a page I needed to
read. When I finally felt guilty enough to walk across the room and pick my
scriptures up from the floor, a passage of scripture practically leaped off the
page at me. (D. & C. 121:7-8) It was exactly what I needed to see, and the
immediate peace I felt was crucial. I’ve felt drawn to the scriptures ever
since and I have found comfort, inspiration, and peace when I’ve needed it
most.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Prayer is another lifeline. I will sometimes spend
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have a bit of arthritis, and being on my knees is not always a fun thing. But
it’s worth it when the familiar warmth penetrates my heart and I know that
somehow, things will work out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Finally, looking for the silver linings is how I survive.
I’ve been blessed with an “interesting” sense of humor. It’s a gift that runs
in our family. When we gather together, we often laugh over things that other
people probably think are strange. For us, it’s a great way to release stress.
We mostly laugh at ourselves and each other, as we remember hilarious moments
that have occurred, like the time I stepped into the hem of my long, formal
dress as I was walking up the stairs to the stage during a Jr. Miss
competition. Let’s just say I didn’t win the award for poise and grace that
night. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Focus on the positive. Look for the good. And as one
very wise man/prophet once said, “Don’t be a pickle-sucker.” (The entire quote,
by President Gordon B. Hinckley is: “ . . . <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">My dear young friends, don’t partake of the spirit of our times. Look
for the good and build on it. Don’t be a ‘pickle sucker.’ There is so much of
the sweet and the decent and the good to build on.” ‘</b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled,’ BYU Speeches, October 29, 1974</i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">)</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We all have moments in life that are less than fun.
Challenges and tests are part of why we’re here. Those items bring growth,
maturity, and strength—if we allow them to work in the manner intended. The trick
is to not get caught up in self-pity and bitterness. Find what helps you
survive heart-rending trials—whether it’s helping others, developing talents,
focusing on a hobby, etc. and so forth, and do it. Keep pushing forward and
eventually, you will smile and mean it. Until then, never lose hope—knowing someday
when this life is over, and the video of your life is being featured, you can
be proud that you never gave up, despite the battle that raged.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
Cheri J. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956409422368334793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193910359201416007.post-70530592454353580722016-10-29T07:14:00.002-06:002016-10-29T07:14:36.283-06:00The Joy of JournalsI've been keeping a daily journal for more years than I can count. I started in a little looseleaf binder - one I covered with fabric and lace so many years ago I can't remember when! I have a suitcase filled with the pages from all those years of journaling. Then I graduated to a Franklin Planner and used that for ten years or more. When we went on our mission to Armenia, a friend gave me a beautiful hardback journal. I filled it. Then began keeping my journal on the computer. For 14 years or more I have filled binders with typewritten journal entries.<br />
<br />
I'm simply being obedient to the prophet when he encouraged us to be journal keepers.I don't expect the angels to quote from any of my journals, nor do I expect any of my children to read through the thousands of pages that detailed all those years - at least forty!<br />
<br />
But my current appreciation of journals is with those of my predecessors. How I love to read what they wrote of their lives, their joys, their heartaches, their successes and failures. But more contemporarily, as I'm cleaning out all my files and deciding what to keep, what to enter into Ancestry and Family Search and what is simply junk, I discovered a handwritten page my mother wrote about the birth of a younger sister. What a treasure for my sister and delightful bit of family history to add to my mom's life story.<br />
<br />
I have one she wrote of my birth, but I have two other sisters that I apparently didn't urge her to write about so we are missing their births and that of my brother. He was tragically killed when he was 12 years old delivering his papers on his bicycle right before Christmas. I don't have her journal entry because she didn't keep one, but I was 16 and can remember vividly so many details from my perspective.<br />
<br />
I don't know much about my grandparents: did Grandma Williams have a wedding dress or was she married in her Sunday best? Mom didn't think to ask and Grandma died when I was eight so I wasn't into family history yet. So much wonderful history is lost when we don't write it down in a journal. Thank heaven for those ancestors who either wrote their family history, a life sketch, or were avid journalists!<br />
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<br />Lynn Gardnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05295951766346944306noreply@blogger.com1