By way of introduction (only 4 months after joining the site - how's that for timely? ;-)   - "Christmas Valley": I live in the desert, where pine trees don't typically grow and snowrarely falls.  I happen to be a hobby farmer, living in a small valley nestled in the foothills, and I chose that name for what my kids up to now have just called "the funny farm." I love Christmas. I am all about Christmas. I am also about the underdog, the endangered. It seems to me that Christmas is certainly an underdog, an endangered concept in this global, universalist age, and one that deserves defending. Not the commercial aspect, though I love the gifting and the colors and celebrations of the season as much as anyone. I refer to the spirit that the season represents. It's a spirit of you, not me - of sharing - of loving - of forgiving - of selflessness - of peace - and yes, of universality. In these "politically correct" and vituperative times, we lose sight of the fact that Christmas is not just for Christians. It's a message that yes, there is a God - and that He loves us. Totally, unconditionally, without respect for person, place, power, or persuasion. And that He came to earth to walk the talk, and to show us how we must also walk if we do in fact want Peace on Earth, and in our hearts.

"Let It Begin With Me": Christmas is about Peace. Has there ever been a time, in our hate-ravaged world, that we have needed Peace on Earth, Good Will Towards Men (and I use the inclusive "men") more? In even my cursory study of history, I don't think so. We are so quick to take offense - to condemn and to contend and to criticize. I am just one voice - but I want to be a voice for peace. Does that mean I don't believe in war? Not at all. It is hell, but it is a fact of life on this fallen planet.  Does that mean I believe we have to all believe and think alike to live at peace one with another? Absolutely not. Does that mean that we have to share certain bottom line presumptions of fairness, kindness, and respect for those of divergent beliefs? Most definitely. There is such a desperate need for open dialogue, open hearts, and clear, respectful communication. I hope I can contribute in some small way to that. I hope to learn from others - about what is sacred and precious and uplifting to them; while I try to share what is worth sharing of my heart. I'm not about contention, or sarcasm, or put-downs, or labeling, or name-calling - those types of things only divide. We all have to be on the same team - it's a small planet, getting smaller all the time. Hate is the enemy.

Tags: Introduction

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I'm brand new to this blog thing and it feel really weird.  I'm trying to be obedient to Elder Ballard's counsel, and be ever learning and growing, and all, and keep my arteries from hardening, but I notice that most of you on here seem to be so young - singles, young parents, etc. - I'm a grandma for Pete's sake.  So I join LDS.net, and check out some of the blogs and links on LDS stuff.  Do most of you engage in those too?  I find it really....depressing.  Don't know how else to say it.  When I plow through all the negativity, and intellectual posturing, and pride and foolishness, I really don't know that I could add anything to the mix, and it just feels so...dark to me.  There are some LDS bloggers out there that are awesome - I feel like I'd be better off leaving it to them.  I'm curious to hear from those who might be engaging in the online missionary work scene and get some encouraging words?  Can a 50-year old jump into this?  Or should I stick to writing cookbooks with 1001 jello and shredded vegetable recipes and doing my genealogy?

Hurrah for Israel!!!!

Tags: Online Missionary Work

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