Every year at Christmas time, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are encouraged to participate in a #lighttheworld event. Each day for 25 days, we receive prompts of different things we can do during the Christmas Season to "Light The World." I love the opportunity to work on these ideas. Each day my husband and I have been working on the ideas given. We have felt great joy in sharing the light by praying to know who to serve, contact, love, and then the blessing of doing the activities. Here is what we have completed thus far.
Today, I have been thinking about the individuals that have had Christlike attributes in my life, and there are countless ones. I had marvelous parents and siblings. I have had friends through the years that have touched my heart in so many ways. I have had church leaders who have opened my eyes to what true ministering means.
At times, my children are true heroes as I watch them bravely face their own oppositions. My dearest husband is my hero in a multitude of ways. He is one of the most Christlike men I know. He is compassionate, generous, a man of faith, and a great husband and father.
That being said, I thought I would focus my thoughts on my dear Grandmother, Dora Alice Tuttle Peterson, Ogden, who had a huge impact on my life. She was a very Christlike person in so many ways., As a young girl, I would often sit beside her as she would share stories of being one of the only nurses in Richfield, Utah. She would walk from one end of the town to the other to care for her patients in their homes. She gave after surgery care, post-delivery care, and she, at one time, had two maternity homes in Richfield. She helped to deliver more than 500 babies. She kept track of every one of those births. She would give care and also clean and do other things in their homes. She would be paid in cash and also in produce and other items.
She was a widow raising three daughters. Her husband, my grandfather, died in1922 of the flu.
She had a compassionate heart and was always serving someone through the years. She was loved by many. Later in life, she married my step Grandpa Charles Ogden, and he was the best grandpa too.
I loved my moments with them.
Because my Grandmother influenced me, I always wanted to be a nurse. I am so grateful that I became one. I loved my experiences in ICU's and later as a Hospice nurse. I treasure my nursing experience. I loved this Grandma very much, and am grateful for her great example.
I find the greatest peace inside the walls of a temple. As I enter the temple, there is always a feeling of peace and love. I feel like I am entering Heavenly Father's home. As I leave behind the world and have time to reflect on more heavenly things, my burdens are lifted. I often find answers to prayer in the temple. The Celestial room to me represents our Heavenly Parent's living room. There I can pray, ponder, and find the peace I am seeking.
Even during the Pandemic, I have found peace just being near a temple and sometimes being on the grounds. These dedicated temples and grounds are sacred places where we can find healing and joy.
I have felt deeply blessed in the last 5 weeks to be able to work there 3 times. It has refreshed me, and I have loved my moments in my Father's house.
“As we attend the temple, there can come to us a
the dimension of spirituality and a feeling of peace
which will grasp the true meaning of the words of
the Savior when He said: ‘Peace I leave with you, my
peace I give unto you. . . . Let not your heart be
troubled, neither let it be afraid.’” Pres. Tomas S. Monson
Tears came as I watched this beautiful video on "The Christ Child." I love my Savior with all my heart. When we read about His divine birth in Luke at this time of year, my heart is full of gratitude for His willingness to come to earth to save us all.
As I watched the tender portrayal of our future Messiah, my heart went to Mary. I reflected on the birth of my own children and the awe and wonder of it all. I see in Mary's face that same wonder. One of my favorite Christmas songs is: "Mary, Did You Know." As she tenderly kissed her newborn babe, she held the great, "I Am."
What joy she must have felt that our precious Jesus was here.
This was such an inspiring video of His birth and as a young boy. Take the time to watch this one; you will be happy you did.
Today’s thought for #lighttheworld to pay it backward was a wonderful one. I spent some time thinking about the many who have shown kindness to me in many different ways. Some gave me their listening ear, an invitation to lunch, thoughtful gifts, cards in the mail, dinners brought in, and a multitude of other services. It gave me a chance to think about and do a couple of paybacks. I have a list of a few more yet to do.
It added to my #givethanks for so many that I love.
Have a delightful Sabbath, everyone!
It's been a delightful Fast and testimony, Sabbath day.
I am grateful today for Zoom.
We started the day by attending a Spokane Stake Conference over Zoom, and we're able to watch our Granddaughter, Sarah, and fiancé, Josh, speak. They both gave beautiful messages.
I then left to go on another computer to attend a Missionary meeting. Finished just in time for an uplifting ward fast and testimony meeting, and then our at-home Sacrament moment. Next, a great Sunday School lesson. All of this on Zoom.
We loved the Ist Presidency Devotional and especially the beautiful blessing that was given to us all.
This day couldn't be better.
Have a lovely week, everyone!
Today, we had fun taking a swag Christmas wreath to a home of a dear friend who could use it. It was a great idea to brighten their hearts and home.
We are loving the ideas for doing #lighttheworld2020
It’s never too late to join in on this adventure. Hugs for all!
Presently, we have several extended family members and a few friends that are essential medical workers. One of these is our son, James, who is Director of Pharmacy at EIRMC Hospital in Idaho Falls. He has shared with me how tired the staff is due to the increasing number of Covid patients. They work long hours caring for very sick patients and are there helping communicate with family—members that can't be there, and holding hands when patients don't make it.
I feel deeply grateful to these wonderful Doctors, Nurses, CNA’s and other personal a
long with EMT’s, Police, Teachers, and etc.
I have thanked a few today and hope all of you will do the same. They need our love and encouragement.
Today as an alternate suggestion, we could express appreciation to a co-worker.
I'm not working at a job, but I do serve with three choice women in a Stake Relief Society Presidency.
Laura, Wendy, and Nancy, thanks for being wonderful ministering sisters with compassionate hearts and my cherished friends. You amaze me as you each have gifts and talents that bring creative energy to all decisions and activities. I am deeply grateful to each of you.
Today we were encouraged to share a family history story that we found on Family Search. Here is a song that was written about my Great Grandfather Josiah Tuttle and Great Grandmother Sarah Catherine Barr. It was fun to find this treasure because these were the parents of my dearest Grandmother, Dora Alice Tuttle Peterson Ogden. My Grandmother, Dora, had such an impact on my life. She passed away when I was 12 years old. Growing up, I was blessed to know most of her siblings. Three of my Great Aunts, Eva, Georgia, and Lill, came from Richfield, Utah, to Salt Lake before I was married and stayed at our home while making me three beautiful quilts for my wedding. This is a favorite memory of mine.
Song written by Ivalee Sorensen
We've a little story folks to tell to you, About our family tree and how it grew. Josiah Tuttle, Eighteen fifty-six, the first name and date that we're gonna fix.
He grew up there a right smart man. the very first one in the whole clan. Oh, he liked to fiddle for the folks to dance, and while he was fiddlin', he found romance.
He found him a girl, a sweet little cutie. He wanted to marry this dark eyed-beauty. Sarah Catherine Barr was this young gals name, and she told him that she felt the same.
So they got hitched, as you all know, and our family tree began to grow.
Now it wasn't long until the good Lord went, and to them, a sweet little baby sent. They didn't plan on more, it's plain, for they called her Hattie Rosella Charlotta Jane.
Now it wasn't long until the good Lord went, and to them, a sweet little baby sent. They didn't plan on more it's plain, for they called her Hattie Rosella Charlotta Jane.
It was tough luck, and they felt so sad that they couldn't keep this little lad.
Bug the Lord didn't forget them, and he sent their way, Dora Alice, and Maggie May.
Then Georgia joined the family - How many girls was there gonna be?
Now the Mormon Missionaries came along and told of a church that was right, not wrong.
They joined up and moved out west, good Latter-Day Saints, by every test.
When they got to Utah, Joe had quite a time. A wife and 4 kids and one thin dime.
But things worked out, and he made a go. You can't keep a good man down, you know.
Now the tree kept on growing, Lizzie, Eva and Lill, And Lordy, at last, they got a boy named Bill.
They'd almost thought there wouldn't be any boys in their family.
Now Joe got so homesick his poor heart did pine, To go back home to North Caroline.
He started out to go back there, got chased back to Utah by a great big bear.
Now the boys kept coming, and we're happy to say, They added the names of LeLand and Jay. Their little Nellie came, but she couldn't stay with the family.
Joe and Sarah Tuttle surely did their part to plant a good tree, give it a fine start.
Twelve young limbs, nine grew up big. And we're all a branch, a leaf, or a twig.
Now this tale is ended, and we think you'll agree that we're all proud of our family.
Proud to belong to folks so grand, reckon it's the best in the whole dern land.
If you would like to learn about and or join in the light the world initiative; here is the link.
2 comments:
this event seems like it has really enriched you life. but know that you have done small things in great ways without it. you have both given me a much greater respect for your message and for what you are doing every day!!
leann, you have much to be thankful for. we have all enjoyed zoom, i am eternally grateful for the people i have shared time with, that i have "seen" because of it!!
i know the healthcare workers must be exhausted, mentally and physically. it takes a special person, but you already know that!! best wishes during this special season for you!!
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