Joan Lindsey and Lisa Seppi are my visiting teachers. During their visit in April, I said how frustrated I was after studying “The Allegory of the Olive Tree” in Jacob 5 of the Book of Mormon. I read the scriptures, then I read David J. Ridges’ The Book of Mormon Made Easier, Jacob 5 commentary and scriptures, and finally, I re-read the verses. But when the Allegory was taught in Sunday School, I felt like I didn’t understand it at all.
So, this month in May when Joan and Lisa visited me, Joan came prepared with five-pages of printed notes from Jacob 4 and 5 she used when she taught the Gospel Doctrine class in April, 2008. At the very top, she wrote: “Remember: the olive tree has long been a universal symbol of life, hope and peace. It lives long. IT DOES NOT GIVE UP.”
Her notes explain the allegory is “the combined effort of four prophets” over thousands of years. (1) It was first written by the prophet Zenos in Israel, and (2) retold to the Nephites by Jacob, Nephi’s younger brother, (3) Mormon “preserved” it in the scriptures for the Latter-days, and (4) Joseph Smith translated it into English.
As background for the Allegory, we know from the scriptures that the Jews had made God “incomprehensible” and “they must needs fall; for God hath taken away the plainness from them” (Jacob 4:14). But Jacob tells the Nephites that he will “unfold this mystery unto you” (Jacob 4:18)—the Nephites and latter-day readers of the Book of Mormon will know about the “true nature of Jesus Christ” and the power of His Atonement.
An allegory is a narrative story of common elements that is symbolic of something else. According to Joan’s notes, on the surface the story is “of a man and his olive tree and the man’s efforts to restore the deteriorating tree to its former pristine condition.” This allegory is symbolic of the Lord’s dealings with the children of Israel. Joseph Smith asked “… [What] caused Jesus to utter the parable?” (Teachings, p. 276-77.) Another question is asked by Jacob in the Book of Mormon: “And now, my beloved, how is it possible that these [the Jews], after having rejected the sure foundation [Christ], can ever build upon it that it may become the head of their corner”—the cornerstone of their lives? (Jacob 4:17-18.) The allegory of the olive tree is the answer to both questions.
Joan has divided this allegory into seven scenes listed below:
Scene one is before Christ, “following the reigns of Saul, David and Solomon” (Joan’s notes), “it [the tree] grew and waxed old, and began to decay” [symbolizes the Apostasy of Israel] (v. 3). I remember those Old Testament stories from my summaries of the scriptures and can visualize the sins of David and Bathsheba, Solomon’s greed, and Saul’s disobedience to the command of the Lord not to war with the Gibeonites. But the tree began to put forth a few “young and tender branches” symbolic of righteous prophets such as Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Lehi to “promote new growth” but the “main top” [most of the people] had fallen away (v. 6).
Scene two is also before Christ at a time when the Assyrians “carry off” the people of the Northern Kingdom, and the Babylonians invade the Southern Kingdom, destroy and burn Jerusalem, kill the people and take those who are left captive to Babylon. And the Lord said: “we will pluck off those main branches which are beginning to wither away and we will cast them into the fire that they may be burned” (v. 7). This is also the time when branches of the wild tree [the Assyrians and the Samaritans] were grafted into the tame tree but did not produce much fruit [righteous works] (v. 10). Now, the Lord comes down and “hid the natural branches of the tame olive-tree in the nethermost parts of the vineyard, some in one and some in another” [part of the earth] (v. 14). This represents the scattering of Israel. Some were planted in “a poor spot of ground” and others poorer yet, but “behold the last...this have I planted in a good spot of ground”—which represents the descendents of Lehi on this continent (v. 20-25).
Scene three is during the time of Christ. After a long time, the Lord goes to labor in his vineyard (vv. 15-28). Now, I am hearing the words of Christ—and thinking about his miracles, his healings, his crucifixion and resurrection. Joan tells us “The great strength of the roots [the gospel covenant] has overpowered the wildness of the branches” and brought forth tame fruit from “grafted in” [Gentile] branches (v.18). Paul and others of the apostles of Christ preached in places outside of the Holy Land and converted many who “nourished” the original tree [house of Israel]. The righteous people of Nephi [the tame tree with Jewish roots] also “brought forth tame fruit” (v. 25). The wicked Lamanites who “hath brought forth wild fruit” were saved from burning by the servant [prophet] who pruned, dug and nourished the tree “a little longer” and brought forth righteous fruit for a time (v. 27).
Scene four is the time of great apostasy, false churches, and false teachings after Christ when the Apostles are dead and gone. The Lord of the vineyard said unto his servant [prophet]: “Let us go to and hew down the trees of the vineyard and cast them into the fire, that they shall not cumber the ground of my vineyard” (v. 49). And the Lord is grieved because the gospel is lost from the whole earth including those “branches” which have been broken off where the descendents of Lehi and Nephi were planted. But the servant said to the Lord of the vineyard: “Spare it a little longer.” And the Lord said, “Yea, I will spare it a little longer” (vv. 50-51).
Scene five is the Latter-day Restoration. And the Lord said: “Wherefore, let us go to and labor with our might this last time for behold the end draweth nigh, and this is for the last time that I shall prune my vineyard” (v. 62). This will be a spiritual gathering of Israel. Now the gospel has been given to the Gentiles [restored by Joseph Smith] who “invigorate and nourish the root of the Abrahamic covenant.... [All] the branches of the tame olive tree are grafted back onto their parent tree” and the Master of the vineyard finds the fruit is good and “no more corrupt” (quoting Joan’s notes). (See Jacob 5:50-74.)
Scene six is just prior to and during the Millennium. The bad have been cast out of the vineyard [the final destruction of the wicked] and the “trees [the covenant people] had become again the natural fruit.” The righteous are “like unto one body” (v. 74). And the Lord said to his servants: “for the last time have I nourished my vineyard, and pruned it, and dug about it, and dunged it; wherefore I will lay up unto mine own self of the fruit [works of righteous saints], for a long time, [the Millennium] according to that which I have spoken” (v. 76).
Scene seven is after the Millennium when evil again enters the Lord’s kingdom on earth. The good and the bad are separated. The wicked are destroyed—“cast away into its own place,”—the saints are gathered and preserved by the Lord, and “my vineyard will I cause to be burned with fire” (v. 77). “And I [John the Beloved] saw a new heaven and a new earth for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away” (Rev. 21:1).
Ridges points out using bold in his book that the Lord repeats the phrase, “It grieveth me that I should lose this tree (and the fruit thereof)” seven times. The symbolic meaning for the tree is the House of Israel or the covenant people, and the fruit is the righteous works of his children (vv. 7, 11, 13, 32, 46, 51, 66). The Lord not only grieves for his children, but verse 41 states: “the Lord of the vineyard wept” and he asks, “What could I have done more for my vineyard?” (v. 41).
Joan concludes: "The mystery that Jacob illuminates is God is not distant [he cares], is full of grace (the divine enabling power), is ceaselessly involving himself with each of his children, seeking a [righteous] response, seeking a oneness" [with him]. She states: “This ceaseless divine activity in seeking to bring men into his presence, even while they walk the earth, indicates God’s personal attention to each one of us.”
Thank you Joan!
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
New Interior Design Lingo
If any of you read my profile you will find that all my life I have been passionate about interior design (also called decorating). In fact, I have been at it all my life. I have always regretted that when I went back to school in Denver when I was 47 years old to earn a degree in Business Communications and English/Writing emphasis, that I didn't go to the Institute of Interior Design instead. I don't think it even crossed my mind at the time that I could do that.
Anyway, I was lucky to have an understanding husband and family for over 30 years while we remolded existing homes, built new ones from scratch and helped other family members and friends with their decorating and remodeling needs and desires. I learned how to paint like a pro, refinish wood cabinets, hang wallpaper (almost 100 rolls in one house), tile floors, design kitchens and bathrooms, measure accurately for window coverings and drapes and find sub-contractors for plumbing and electrical. It was a fun time for me but lots of hard work for everyone.
In the fall of 2000, my husband and I completed our last big project--finishing our little apartment in our daughter Annett's house where I am still living. I designed it to accommodate our need for no stairs to climb as my husband already had both hips replaced twice and two back surgeries. I was in pain too and later had both knees replaced. And, after my husband died in 2003, I haven't stopped. I painted my guest room in 2005 and re-decorated it, my daughter-in-law, Tammy, helped me change my big room color and paint the bathroom in 2007, my sister, Beth, and I painted my bedroom a beautiful turquoise in 2008, I painted my kitchen burgundy and cream in 2009 and last year Annett and I repainted the ceiling and an accent wall a blue-gray in my living area. I also paint furniture. I painted a pine bedroom set white enamel, I did my mother's early American maple china cabinet in a contemporary cream with stained dark wood, and last year I painted my wicker chairs a cream color and finished my dining room table legs in cream with a dark wood stained top to match the china cabinet. As I said, it's a passion.
All this is leading up to a New Interior Design Lingo that I have found on HGTV (House and Garden Television) I watch religiously. It is irritating, funny and redundant--but also interesting. So, in one half hour on Saturday evening, I started jotting down some examples of what I am talking about as follows:
I will be adding to the list and refining the terms as I go along. It is so interesting to hear how the lingo and the must-haves changed over the years. Everyone now seems to need only granite counter-tops, stainless-steel appliances, wood floors, neutral colors, and "modern" design (whatever that is). I still love watching it all and will be working on Annett's house this summer. This time, I hope I can just mostly supervise. Dream on!
Anyway, I was lucky to have an understanding husband and family for over 30 years while we remolded existing homes, built new ones from scratch and helped other family members and friends with their decorating and remodeling needs and desires. I learned how to paint like a pro, refinish wood cabinets, hang wallpaper (almost 100 rolls in one house), tile floors, design kitchens and bathrooms, measure accurately for window coverings and drapes and find sub-contractors for plumbing and electrical. It was a fun time for me but lots of hard work for everyone.
In the fall of 2000, my husband and I completed our last big project--finishing our little apartment in our daughter Annett's house where I am still living. I designed it to accommodate our need for no stairs to climb as my husband already had both hips replaced twice and two back surgeries. I was in pain too and later had both knees replaced. And, after my husband died in 2003, I haven't stopped. I painted my guest room in 2005 and re-decorated it, my daughter-in-law, Tammy, helped me change my big room color and paint the bathroom in 2007, my sister, Beth, and I painted my bedroom a beautiful turquoise in 2008, I painted my kitchen burgundy and cream in 2009 and last year Annett and I repainted the ceiling and an accent wall a blue-gray in my living area. I also paint furniture. I painted a pine bedroom set white enamel, I did my mother's early American maple china cabinet in a contemporary cream with stained dark wood, and last year I painted my wicker chairs a cream color and finished my dining room table legs in cream with a dark wood stained top to match the china cabinet. As I said, it's a passion.
All this is leading up to a New Interior Design Lingo that I have found on HGTV (House and Garden Television) I watch religiously. It is irritating, funny and redundant--but also interesting. So, in one half hour on Saturday evening, I started jotting down some examples of what I am talking about as follows:
| Decorating Lingo | Definition |
| cabinetry | cabinets |
| popcorn ceiling | sprayed textured ceilings |
| functionality | function |
| character | interesting architecture |
| it's a little tight | it's really small |
| cozy | small but cute |
| vignette | snap shot of a small area |
| cluttered | too much stuff |
| space to entertain | so IMPORTANT - everyone has to have space to entertain! |
| classic design | according to some standard |
| flexible design | multiple use |
| blah or boring | usually white everywhere |
| ready-made | cheap, off the shelf |
| high-end | expensive, custom |
| eye candy | fancy ornaments, accessories or metals |
| POP | usually refers to bright-colored accessories or color |
| green, Eco-friendly | renewable materials |
| man cave | manly rooms with lots of TV's and games |
| mom cave | a place for mom |
| mixed metals | combining one or more of the following metals: brass, copper, chrome, and/or stainless steel all in the same house |
| bedroom retreat | private get-away |
| vibe | a certain feeling |
| water feature | interior waterfall or fountain |
| homey feel | comfortable |
| price point | buyer's budget or price of the house |
| open concept | open floor plan |
| focal point | usually a fireplace but can be any main focus in a room |
| airy | vaulted ceilings |
I will be adding to the list and refining the terms as I go along. It is so interesting to hear how the lingo and the must-haves changed over the years. Everyone now seems to need only granite counter-tops, stainless-steel appliances, wood floors, neutral colors, and "modern" design (whatever that is). I still love watching it all and will be working on Annett's house this summer. This time, I hope I can just mostly supervise. Dream on!
Friday, May 25, 2012
Mitt Romney, Meadow Mountain Massacre and The Mormon Church
“Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God made he man.”--Genesis 9:6
“Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.”--D&C 18:10
In an article written by Sandhya Somashekhar, published by the Washington Post newspaper on May 20, 2012, (“Mitt Romney’s Mormon faith tangles with a quirk of Arkansas history”) a strange connection was made between Mitt Romney, presumptive Republican candidate for President of the United States, and the Meadow Mountain Massacre of 1857 in Utah.
This horrible massacre took place on September 11, 1857. It involved a wagon train of about 120 men, women and children mostly from Arkansas migrating through Utah on their way to California. Only 17 children were spared. This crime was carried out by “some 50 to 60 local militiamen in southern Utah aided by American Indian allies.” (The Ensign Magazine, “The Mountain Meadow Massacre,” Richard E. Turley, Jr., Sept. 2007.) The tragedy has been a source of great sorrow for us, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for over 150 years.
To understand the background of why this might have happened (although it doesn’t excuse it), we need to look back into the history of the Church. It took place only 13 years after the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother, Hyrum, were martyred by an angry mob at Carthage, Illinois; and, after the forced exodus and persecution of the Saints from Illinois and Missouri to the west and the security of a safe haven in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. Now, in 1857, once again “disagreements, miscommunication, prejudices, and political wrangling on both sides had created a growing divide between the territory and the federal government” and an Army of about 1500 soldiers “was marching toward Utah Territory.” (ibid.) In 1848, a peace was negotiated and no battle was ever fought.
Ultimately, only one man, John D. Lee, was tried and executed for the massacre although nine others were indicted for their participation but were never brought to trial. Some remained in Utah and were “ostracized” by their neighbors but most escaped to other parts of the country. “Sharon Chambers of Salt Lake City is a great-granddaughter of child survivor [of the massacre], Rebecca Dunlap.” She states, “The people who did this had lost their way. I don’t know what was in their minds or in their hearts,” she said. “I feel sorrow that this happened to my ancestors. I also feel sorrow that people have blamed the acts of some on an entire group, or on an entire religion.” (ibid.)
My question is this: Why is the Washington Post trying to connect Mitt Romney with something that has nothing to do with either him or the Church that happened 156 years ago? Granted, it is a controversial subject. Even today, many distortions and false accusations are made against Latter-day Saint Church leaders of that time with no evidence of proof. However, this Washington Post newspaper article is not about what happened 156 years ago, per se. I believe it is an attempt to show Romney’s Mormon religion in a bad light.
Now here’s something you can take to the bank! According to “Statistics of the Church” compiled by the LDS Church in April 2012, and published on lds.org:
Also found on the website lds.org: “The humanitarian services arm of the [LDS] Church sponsors five ongoing global projects to help people become more self-reliant. Initiatives include neonatal resuscitation training, clean water projects, wheelchair distribution, vision treatment, and measles vaccinations.”
In an article by John J. Dilulio, Jr., published in the magazine, America, the National Catholic Weekly, titled “Mormons and Charity,” (April 9, 2012), he states:
“In a report issued in January 2012, ...a research team representing the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life found that most Mormons are regular churchgoers and that more Mormons (73 percent) believe that ‘working to help the poor’ is ‘essential to being a good Mormon.'
“According to a new study previewed on March 15 by an expert panel convened at Pew’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., most members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints practice what they preach about helping the needy. [The study] concludes that churchgoing Mormons ‘are the most pro-social members of American society’ (emphasis added). On average, Mormons dedicate nine times as many hours per month (nearly 36 hours) to volunteer activities than other Americans do. Mormons reliably tithe to their churches and also give about $1,200 annually ‘to social causes outside the church.’”
It would be nice, for once, if the main-stream press would stop trying to do “the gotcha” and work harder to publish the honest facts without all their distortions and dishonesty on issues that are current in the 2012 here and now. I know that is asking a lot, and if it doesn’t happen, thank heaven for the Internet where the truth can be found and published.
“Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.”--D&C 18:10
In an article written by Sandhya Somashekhar, published by the Washington Post newspaper on May 20, 2012, (“Mitt Romney’s Mormon faith tangles with a quirk of Arkansas history”) a strange connection was made between Mitt Romney, presumptive Republican candidate for President of the United States, and the Meadow Mountain Massacre of 1857 in Utah.
This horrible massacre took place on September 11, 1857. It involved a wagon train of about 120 men, women and children mostly from Arkansas migrating through Utah on their way to California. Only 17 children were spared. This crime was carried out by “some 50 to 60 local militiamen in southern Utah aided by American Indian allies.” (The Ensign Magazine, “The Mountain Meadow Massacre,” Richard E. Turley, Jr., Sept. 2007.) The tragedy has been a source of great sorrow for us, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for over 150 years.
To understand the background of why this might have happened (although it doesn’t excuse it), we need to look back into the history of the Church. It took place only 13 years after the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother, Hyrum, were martyred by an angry mob at Carthage, Illinois; and, after the forced exodus and persecution of the Saints from Illinois and Missouri to the west and the security of a safe haven in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. Now, in 1857, once again “disagreements, miscommunication, prejudices, and political wrangling on both sides had created a growing divide between the territory and the federal government” and an Army of about 1500 soldiers “was marching toward Utah Territory.” (ibid.) In 1848, a peace was negotiated and no battle was ever fought.
Ultimately, only one man, John D. Lee, was tried and executed for the massacre although nine others were indicted for their participation but were never brought to trial. Some remained in Utah and were “ostracized” by their neighbors but most escaped to other parts of the country. “Sharon Chambers of Salt Lake City is a great-granddaughter of child survivor [of the massacre], Rebecca Dunlap.” She states, “The people who did this had lost their way. I don’t know what was in their minds or in their hearts,” she said. “I feel sorrow that this happened to my ancestors. I also feel sorrow that people have blamed the acts of some on an entire group, or on an entire religion.” (ibid.)
My question is this: Why is the Washington Post trying to connect Mitt Romney with something that has nothing to do with either him or the Church that happened 156 years ago? Granted, it is a controversial subject. Even today, many distortions and false accusations are made against Latter-day Saint Church leaders of that time with no evidence of proof. However, this Washington Post newspaper article is not about what happened 156 years ago, per se. I believe it is an attempt to show Romney’s Mormon religion in a bad light.
Now here’s something you can take to the bank! According to “Statistics of the Church” compiled by the LDS Church in April 2012, and published on lds.org:
- Value of [LDS] Humanitarian Assistance Since 1985 ---------------------1.3 Billions
- Countries Receiving Humanitarian Aid [from the LDS Church] Since 1985-------179
Also found on the website lds.org: “The humanitarian services arm of the [LDS] Church sponsors five ongoing global projects to help people become more self-reliant. Initiatives include neonatal resuscitation training, clean water projects, wheelchair distribution, vision treatment, and measles vaccinations.”
In an article by John J. Dilulio, Jr., published in the magazine, America, the National Catholic Weekly, titled “Mormons and Charity,” (April 9, 2012), he states:
“In a report issued in January 2012, ...a research team representing the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life found that most Mormons are regular churchgoers and that more Mormons (73 percent) believe that ‘working to help the poor’ is ‘essential to being a good Mormon.'
“According to a new study previewed on March 15 by an expert panel convened at Pew’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., most members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints practice what they preach about helping the needy. [The study] concludes that churchgoing Mormons ‘are the most pro-social members of American society’ (emphasis added). On average, Mormons dedicate nine times as many hours per month (nearly 36 hours) to volunteer activities than other Americans do. Mormons reliably tithe to their churches and also give about $1,200 annually ‘to social causes outside the church.’”
It would be nice, for once, if the main-stream press would stop trying to do “the gotcha” and work harder to publish the honest facts without all their distortions and dishonesty on issues that are current in the 2012 here and now. I know that is asking a lot, and if it doesn’t happen, thank heaven for the Internet where the truth can be found and published.
Movie Review--The Lucky One
Thanks Letty, for asking me to go to the movie with you. It was fun to
eat out and and make an attempt at a “night life” even though it was
still light when we headed home after it was over. You are a good
friend.
Movie Review—The Lucky One
This movie was adapted from a book written in 2008 by Nicholas Sparks. Several of his numerous books have been made into movies including the following: The Last Song; Dear John; Nights in Rodanthe; The Notebook; A Walk to Remember; and Message in a Bottle.
The Lucky One begins with war scenes in Iraq. Logan Thibault, a Marine, is serving his third tour of duty. During a raid many in his platoon are killed along with other soldiers who were there. The next day he is standing next to a building and sees something white stuck in a weed about 10 or 15 feet away and walks over to pick it up. It’s a picture of a girl with the message on the back, “keep safe x.” At that moment the place where he was just standing is hit by mortar and those who were still there are killed. Because of that picture, he was saved. Later, he shows the picture to some of the survivors in the area, but is unable to find the owner. He is saved once more when the vehicle he is riding in is hit and he is the only survivor.
Zac Efron is Logan Thibault
Taylor Schilling is the girl, Beth Clayton
Blythe Danner is Beth’s grandmother Ellie
Jay R. Ferguson is Beth’s ex Keith Clayton, and a sheriff’s deputy
Riley Thomas Stewart is Beth’s young son, Ben
When Logan returns to Colorado after his release from the service, he goes to live with his sister and her family who have been caring for his dog, Zeus. Soon he realizes that he has problems with "survivor guilt" from the war. After finding a landmark on the computer identifying the place where the picture of the girl was taken, he leaves with his dog and walks across the country. When he arrives in Louisiana he goes to a bar and asks about the girl in the picture. He is directed to a dog kennel where she lives and works. She assumes he is there applying for a job she and her grandmother (the owner of the kennel) advertised for, and the grandmother, Ellie, comes in and hires him on the spot.
The rest of the movie is the development of the (at times rocky) relationship of Logan and Beth with the support of Ellie, the grandmother, and Ben, Beth’s young son. The antagonist is Beth’s ex husband who is abusive to Beth, threatening to take Ben away from her. He also bullies and belittles Logan for his military service.
Part of the plot of the movie centers around Beth’s unseen brother, Drake, an Army sergeant, killed in Iraq under unknown circumstances. Logan finally puts the pieces together and is able to give Beth the details of her brother’s heroic death.
WARNING: Spoiler if you intend to see the movie.
During a storm, Ben runs away from his father and goes to his tree house by a raging river. Both Keith (Ben’s father) and Logan run to rescue him. Keith is lost in the water, thus solving all Logan and Beth’s problems with the ex, but Logan is able to save Ben. For me, the ending is just a little too perfect. Logan and Beth are in love, Ben is safe, Ellie is happy, and Keith is no longer a problem. Aw, if life could only work out that well.
Movie Review—The Lucky One
This movie was adapted from a book written in 2008 by Nicholas Sparks. Several of his numerous books have been made into movies including the following: The Last Song; Dear John; Nights in Rodanthe; The Notebook; A Walk to Remember; and Message in a Bottle.
The Lucky One begins with war scenes in Iraq. Logan Thibault, a Marine, is serving his third tour of duty. During a raid many in his platoon are killed along with other soldiers who were there. The next day he is standing next to a building and sees something white stuck in a weed about 10 or 15 feet away and walks over to pick it up. It’s a picture of a girl with the message on the back, “keep safe x.” At that moment the place where he was just standing is hit by mortar and those who were still there are killed. Because of that picture, he was saved. Later, he shows the picture to some of the survivors in the area, but is unable to find the owner. He is saved once more when the vehicle he is riding in is hit and he is the only survivor.
Zac Efron is Logan Thibault
Taylor Schilling is the girl, Beth Clayton
Blythe Danner is Beth’s grandmother Ellie
Jay R. Ferguson is Beth’s ex Keith Clayton, and a sheriff’s deputy
Riley Thomas Stewart is Beth’s young son, Ben
When Logan returns to Colorado after his release from the service, he goes to live with his sister and her family who have been caring for his dog, Zeus. Soon he realizes that he has problems with "survivor guilt" from the war. After finding a landmark on the computer identifying the place where the picture of the girl was taken, he leaves with his dog and walks across the country. When he arrives in Louisiana he goes to a bar and asks about the girl in the picture. He is directed to a dog kennel where she lives and works. She assumes he is there applying for a job she and her grandmother (the owner of the kennel) advertised for, and the grandmother, Ellie, comes in and hires him on the spot.
The rest of the movie is the development of the (at times rocky) relationship of Logan and Beth with the support of Ellie, the grandmother, and Ben, Beth’s young son. The antagonist is Beth’s ex husband who is abusive to Beth, threatening to take Ben away from her. He also bullies and belittles Logan for his military service.
Part of the plot of the movie centers around Beth’s unseen brother, Drake, an Army sergeant, killed in Iraq under unknown circumstances. Logan finally puts the pieces together and is able to give Beth the details of her brother’s heroic death.
WARNING: Spoiler if you intend to see the movie.
During a storm, Ben runs away from his father and goes to his tree house by a raging river. Both Keith (Ben’s father) and Logan run to rescue him. Keith is lost in the water, thus solving all Logan and Beth’s problems with the ex, but Logan is able to save Ben. For me, the ending is just a little too perfect. Logan and Beth are in love, Ben is safe, Ellie is happy, and Keith is no longer a problem. Aw, if life could only work out that well.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Good Things to Know About Cell Phone Usage
This came to me as an FYI in an email. It got my attention as I can barely make calls or answer my cell phone much less find texts or listen to my messages. You might even say I am ignorant when it comes to cell phone use. However, I am in awe of new technology for cell phones and those people who know how to use them. That said, I don’t text and I don’t want to. Ever! I do want to be savvy enough to be able to use my phone for information, safety and/or emergencies. Therefore, the following is important to know about using your cell phone.
The EMERGENCY NUMBER—The worldwide emergency number for cell phones is 112 and can be dialed even if the keypad is locked.
HIDDEN BATTERY POWER—If your cell phone battery is low, press the keys *3370# (star 3370 pound). Your cell phone will restart with this reserve and will show a 50% increase in the battery. This hidden battery power will re-charge when you charge your phone.
HOW TO DISABLE A STOLEN PHONE—To disable a cell phone, you must know your phone’s serial number which can be found by dialing *#06# (star, pound, 06, pound). A 15-digit code will appear on the screen that is unique to your phone. If your phone is stolen, call your service provider and give them this code. They will be able to block your handset even if the thief changes the SIM card thus making your phone totally useless. If everyone would do this, thieves would soon learn there is no point in stealing cell phones.
FREE CELL PHONE DIRECTORY SERVICE—When you need to find a phone number without being charged, dial (800) FREE411 or (800 373-3411).
*This information is sponsored by McDonalds.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Economic Terriorism and Frank VanderSloot
Is it economic terrorism as Bill O' Reilly asked on his Fox News show, or is it just your normal run-of-the-mill vicious political character assassination? You decide for yourself after reading this blog. I promised to tell the truth and not be contentious. I didn't say that what I write won't be controversial. This post is one of those. After all, it is my blog, so my thoughts and opinions are just that.
I heard and saw on The O'Reilly Factor show on May 14th that a businessman, Frank VanderSloot, who was named on an Obama re-election website along with seven others, was one of "a group of wealthy individuals with less-than-reputable records. Quite a few have been on the wrong side of the law, others have made profits at the expense of so many Americans, and still others are donating to help ensure Romney puts beneficial policies in place for them." (Keeping GOP Honest.com: Behind the curtain)
Frank VanderSloot is the founder and CEO of Melaleuca, a wellness-product company based in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and a contributor to Restore our Future, the Super PAC that supports Mitt Romney. For this contribution to the Romney campaign and other attempts to defend his beliefs in the past, he has been branded by "Keeping GOP Honest" as "litigious, combative, and a bitter foe of the gay rights movement." VamderSloot claimed on the Factor show that the first while after he was listed on Obama's website, he lost some 200 Melaleuca customers before he started fighting back against the false charges with conference calls and a personal response on the Internet (Frank VanderSloot Responds.com). He wrote: "Melaleuca employs over 3,000 people worldwide. And thousands more rely on us to send them a check in support of their independent businesses each month. Damage to Melaleuca results in damage to their lives also. When we defend our company, we are also defending them and their income. We agree that we need to do that fairly and responsibly."
It is easy to find why so many false charges by those supporting Obama were made against VanderSloot. A short study on the Internet of his past and present activism includes the following:
I am reminded of a quote from Matthew 5:10-12: "Blessed [happy] are ye which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed [happy] are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven."
(See also: Wall Street Journal: Kim Strassel: The President Has a List, April 26, 2012; Strassel: Trolling for Dirt on the President's List, May 10, 2012.)
Note: I have never used any Melaleuca product nor have I had anything to do with Melaleuca in a business sense. I do believe the products must be good to be so successful.
I heard and saw on The O'Reilly Factor show on May 14th that a businessman, Frank VanderSloot, who was named on an Obama re-election website along with seven others, was one of "a group of wealthy individuals with less-than-reputable records. Quite a few have been on the wrong side of the law, others have made profits at the expense of so many Americans, and still others are donating to help ensure Romney puts beneficial policies in place for them." (Keeping GOP Honest.com: Behind the curtain)
Frank VanderSloot is the founder and CEO of Melaleuca, a wellness-product company based in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and a contributor to Restore our Future, the Super PAC that supports Mitt Romney. For this contribution to the Romney campaign and other attempts to defend his beliefs in the past, he has been branded by "Keeping GOP Honest" as "litigious, combative, and a bitter foe of the gay rights movement." VamderSloot claimed on the Factor show that the first while after he was listed on Obama's website, he lost some 200 Melaleuca customers before he started fighting back against the false charges with conference calls and a personal response on the Internet (Frank VanderSloot Responds.com). He wrote: "Melaleuca employs over 3,000 people worldwide. And thousands more rely on us to send them a check in support of their independent businesses each month. Damage to Melaleuca results in damage to their lives also. When we defend our company, we are also defending them and their income. We agree that we need to do that fairly and responsibly."
It is easy to find why so many false charges by those supporting Obama were made against VanderSloot. A short study on the Internet of his past and present activism includes the following:
- He is accused of being a billionare bully. He states, "I fear my financial status has been greatly exaggerated. I do own a majority interest in Melaleuca" which would have to be sold, and he states flatly, "I'm not selling."
- His business is accused of being a MLM/pyramid scheme which he says it is not. "In Melaleuca's case there is no investment and no getting others to invest. We do pay commissions to those who have referred customers based on what those customers purchase. ...And there's no way for customers to lose either when they're buying high-quality products at grocery store prices. Customers just order the products they use every month directly from the factory."
- He is accused of "outing" a gay man, Peter Zukerman, a former reporter for the Idaho Falls Post-Register. Mr. Zuckerman wrote a series of articles "exposing the sex abuse scandal" in respect to Boy Scout and LDS Church leaders in the area. The following was published by Melaleuca in the Post-Register on June 5, 2005: "Much has been said on a local radio station and throughout the community, speculating that the Boy Scout's position of not letting gay men be Scout Leaders, and the LDS Church's position that marriage should be between a man and a woman may have caused Zuckerman to attack the scouts and the LDS Church through his journalism. We think it would be very unfair for anyone to conclude that is what is behind Zuckerman's motives. It would be wrong to do. The only known facts are, that for whatever reason, Zuckerman chose to weave a story that unfairly, and without merit paints Scout leaders and church leaders to appear unscrupulous, and blame them for the molestation of little children. That too, is wrong, and the editors of the Post-Register should not have allowed it."
- He was accused of spending "big bucks" in 1999 on ads in an effort to force Idaho Public TV to cancel a publicly-funded movie that was favorable to the gay and lesbian lifestyle to be shown to school children. He was successful only in getting the show moved to a later time period on the PBS station.
- He is accused of being anti-gay but states in his response: "Our company has thousands of gay customers, independent marketing executives, and employees. I believe they feel welcome and valued. I believe that people deserve freedom, respect, and privacy in their own lives. I believe that gay people should have the same freedoms and rights as any other individual."
- His wife made a $100,000 donation to help defeat the Proposition 8 gay marriage referendum in California.
I am reminded of a quote from Matthew 5:10-12: "Blessed [happy] are ye which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed [happy] are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven."
(See also: Wall Street Journal: Kim Strassel: The President Has a List, April 26, 2012; Strassel: Trolling for Dirt on the President's List, May 10, 2012.)
Note: I have never used any Melaleuca product nor have I had anything to do with Melaleuca in a business sense. I do believe the products must be good to be so successful.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Movie Review--"The best exotic Marigold Hotel" for the elderly and beautiful
Last Saturday (the day before Mother's Day) my daughter, Annett, my sister, Beth, and I drove to 33rd South in Salt Lake to the Century 24 Theater to see the "Marigold Hotel" movie. The theater was filled with grey hairs, as expected, and we commented that Annett was probably the youngest person there at 51. She said, although she liked the movie, it was probably most familiar to those in the audience who could relate to the story.
The characters are British, elderly retirees who, because of various financial reasons, find themselves attracted to an advertisement about the Hotel Marigold in India for "the elderly and beautiful." However, when they arrive after a hazardous journey, they find it is not as they were led to believe. The characters are forced to either adapt to their new environment or be miserable.
The cast includes:
Judi Dench is Evelyn, a recently widowed housewife whose house had to be sold to pay her husband's debts.
Maggie Smith is Muriel, an ex-housekeeper who is efficient at running a home and has a talent for bookkeeping. She also needs a hip replacement with a six month wait in England. The doctor tells her she can get it in India much sooner.
Bill Nighy and Penelope Wilton are Douglas and Jean, a couple who have been married for 39 years. Douglas is anxious to experience India but Jean spends her time reading in the hotel. She can't seem to adapt to life in India.
Tom Wilkinson is Graham, a high court judge for many years in England. He lived in India the first 18 years of his life. He has punished himself wrongly his whole life for an incident when he was young that he feared ruined the life of a friend. It didn't.
Two more retirees round out the group. Ronald Pickup as Norman, a single man looking for a new woman, and Celia Imrie as Madge, a single woman,"not by choice," with several unsuccessful marriages. She has become the babysitter for her daughter in England and escapes to India in search of fun and adventure.
The dialog is quite clever and uplifting. My favorite saying by Sonny goes something like this: It's not the end until it's over; and if it's not over it's not the end. I think that is a great philosophy. Who knows when anything is over or when the end will come? Muriel helps to resurrect the hotel. Evelyn, Douglas and Norman find that love can happen at any age. Jean learns to let go of the past and Madge moves on to her new life of adventure ahead.
The characters are British, elderly retirees who, because of various financial reasons, find themselves attracted to an advertisement about the Hotel Marigold in India for "the elderly and beautiful." However, when they arrive after a hazardous journey, they find it is not as they were led to believe. The characters are forced to either adapt to their new environment or be miserable.
The cast includes:
Judi Dench is Evelyn, a recently widowed housewife whose house had to be sold to pay her husband's debts.
Maggie Smith is Muriel, an ex-housekeeper who is efficient at running a home and has a talent for bookkeeping. She also needs a hip replacement with a six month wait in England. The doctor tells her she can get it in India much sooner.
Bill Nighy and Penelope Wilton are Douglas and Jean, a couple who have been married for 39 years. Douglas is anxious to experience India but Jean spends her time reading in the hotel. She can't seem to adapt to life in India.
Tom Wilkinson is Graham, a high court judge for many years in England. He lived in India the first 18 years of his life. He has punished himself wrongly his whole life for an incident when he was young that he feared ruined the life of a friend. It didn't.
Two more retirees round out the group. Ronald Pickup as Norman, a single man looking for a new woman, and Celia Imrie as Madge, a single woman,"not by choice," with several unsuccessful marriages. She has become the babysitter for her daughter in England and escapes to India in search of fun and adventure.
The movie highlights each character as they evolve and experience India in all the splendor of noise, smells, poverty and people. The hotel itself is quite shabby and almost uninhabitable. The young owner, Sonny, is so enthusiastic about the possibilities of success that the hotel is also transformed.
A Bloggers Beginning
Well, here I am in the blogosphere. Who knew? My granddaughter, Corina, set it up for me, as I knew nothing about how to do it. And, I named it "Let's have a conversation" as that is the new "catch phrase" used by those who want to persuade someone else to their way of thinking. Hey, I admit it. What I write here is from me, of me, about me, for me, and my way of thinking. It will also be a sort of journal--a way of keeping up with my life, current events, and events that are significant to me and perhaps, my family. I will always tell the truth and try to avoid contention as The Book of Mormon says, "contention is of the devil." That doesn't mean that my opinions might not be controversial. Not everyone will agree with me, but that's OK. I want to be tolerant and kind to everyone, but difficult times call for taking a stand against what I believe is wrong (versus right) and that I will do. Anyway, I don't care if others find what I write offensive, I am too old to dwell on what anyone else thinks of me.
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