The Future is in Good Hands

Let's hope that the horrendous 911 memory of today is never added upon, in any part of the world; The youth of tomorrow deserve better. However, should it loom it's ugly destructive head again in the future, I will find hope in the righteous, good youth of today to lead us forward. As a prophet of God has stated"...I see this as the one bright shining hope in a world that is marching toward moral self-destruction..." President Gordon B. Hinckley

Yesterday I had the such a great time substitute teaching at Seventy First High School. The students were some of the best I have had the opportunity to work with. They were respectful, engaged. They were there, for the most part, in an effort to learn. I loved every minute of it. Deanna McNay asked me to fill in for her and I don't know how she did it but she had them on their best behavior! Perhaps I don't give them enough credit, maybe they are like that all the time? I wouldn't be surprised.

Let me give you one example of what I mean. when I asked the class if there is anything that they believed in so strongly that they would stand up for it even in the face of public humiliation. One courageous young man said. "I believe in abstinence before marriage", right there in front of his peers! There were comments made but he stood strong and guess what, no one laughed.


Sometimes I leave a class room thinking, "I was not made for this, maybe I should be doing something different", and then I have days like yesterday that make me want to go back again and again. I am grateful to Sister McNay for the trust and the opportunity she gave me to work with such outstanding students, her students. Last but not least, thanks to the students of Mrs. McNay's History class, the future of tomorrow looks better with you in it.
Mrs. Mann, aka Oxymoron

I just got through reading 3 Nephi:22 where it is recorded how the Lord asked Nephi for a record of the people and found Nephi had not included some things. As I read that I felt disappointment. I had made a promise to myself that this blog would be my journal. A journal filled with experiences which attest of my Heavenly Father's love. Yet, I find that knowing it is open to any who care to read, influences my desire to want to share. Therefore, I neglect that which will and is, of great value to myself, my posterity and my Heavenly Father.

After reading 3 Nephi 22, I read my daughter-in-law's post. She put into words so eloquently what I was feeling. She has inspired me to write down my thoughts, regardless. Oft times I feel I need some Pulitzer acclaimed comments to journal and rather than take the time to even attempt to achieve such a thing, I pass, letting the things which I feel are sacred or important go unchronicled.

One day I may be asked to hand over such a book as the one afore ascribed by Mormon. If that moment were now, where would I be? Not a pleasant thought for me. Thank you Melissa for waking me up out of a prideful sleep and helping to shake the scales from my eyes. Helping me to write down the 'moments that matter':)

Happy Eternal Birthday, Clairisa.

July 26th

Her tiny heartbeats, nay but one, her perfect little soul,
Came and left before we knew, towards her heavenly role.
Though her mortal life was fleeting, we'll never be the same,
She came to fill her purpose that we might celestial gain.
Because we long to be with her, she makes us better be,
More like our Savior, Jesus Christ, to live eternally.

And so, today we wish you with joyful, yet humble hearts
Happy Birthday little Clairisa, for mortality is one small part.
Because two hands across an alter with promises made by three;
Father, then father and mother, your family was bound eternally.
And when we have completed all we were sent here to do,

With the Lord's mutual approbation, we will come and dwell with you.

Love Grandma by the beach.

Top Ten reasons I am glad to be in Las Vegas

Before I start my list I need to throw out a disclaimer that these are not in order of importance. All have their own degree of significance.

#10. I get to play with my granddaughters!

#9. I get to see Brooklynn dance.

#8. I get to help cheer Vaughn on during his marathon.

#7. I get to spend a week with Stefani, while she is teaching swim lessons.

#5. I get to spend some time with and helping my daughter while she recovers from having a baby.

#4. I get to love and hold little beautiful baby Jordyn.

#3. I get to see my family while visiting Utah for the marathon.

#2.. I get to go to the temple with my mother.

#1. Well see for yourself the last reason why I am happy to be in Las Vegas:

Yes indeed that is an Alligator, but wait, this picture was not taken in the often noted Florida wildlife preserves but in the quiet little town of Hope Mills in it's newly renovated Lake. Las Vegas just gets better and better!

Just in Case You Think They Don't Notice

While visiting Amber and Vaughn's home,Vaughn has been training for a marathon. Last Saturday while Brooklynn (their oldest daughter) and I were coming back from the gym I noticed a man running. Since I knew that Vaughn was out running at this time, in jest I said "Is that your daddy coming towards us? Obviously, it wasn't her dad, he had dark hair and was much shorter. I thought Brooklynn would giggle and say, that's not my dad! However, her answer both surprised and taught me. As the runner got closer and we passed him, Brooklynn, with what I am going to call reverent confidence; quietly stated; "That's not my dad, he would never dress immodestly." I was almost ashamed for even suggesting it. I can only surmise that my own lack of observation came through desensitization, because I hadn't even noticed he was not wearing a shirt. Living in the south and in a military town often, if not daily, I see men running "immodestly" and have come to accept it as the norm. Thank you Vaughn for teaching your daughter by example and thank you Brooklynn for teaching your grandmother marvelous things. ".....and they both saw and heard these children; yea, even babes did open their mouths and utter marvelous things;" 3 Nephi 26:16.

I read something the other day that has stayed with me, which I feel is very appropo for this post. (I can't remember where or I would give the reference)

Just how little do I have to be, to be like a little child?

Hope Ya Know, We Had a Hard Time

Today I spoke with a single sister who recently found out she is going blind. She is 47 years old and still has three children at home under the age of 16. She had to quit her job in order (they hope) to slow down the process of going blind. She says this is about the last blow she can take from life. I encouraged her to come back to church, to let her Bishop help her, her visiting teachers. She said she only wanted to shut the door to her room and never come out again. Everything she goes to do, she added, simply reminds her that her ability to complete the task will soon be an inability. I thought of her as I watched this video.

It is something that I think, that can lend strength in the midst of our trials. I hope it helps any who take the opportunity to view it. May we always remember that no matter how difficult the trial, like so, with my new friend, we need not face them alone, not completely. The Lord never leaves us alone and comfortless. He is always there if we will put our trust in Him and not shut the door to His extended arms of mercy.

Palindromes and Moms

Did you know Mom spelled backwards and upside down, is wow,
and right side up and backwards, is still the same somehow?

Moms love us forwards, backwards, and even upside down,
wooing, lifting, onward turning right-side up a frown.

Gently nudging upward, they wow us with their love,
finding good within us, lest we see some bad thereof.

This simple variation, as complex as it may sound,
describes why mother’s miracles abundantly abound.

A Palindrome we define it; direction, way, again,
like mothers guiding heavenward, despite the will of men.

By virtue, mom or mow, wow or mom, either is the same,
amazingly, but clearly, they both describe her name.








I hope anyone who reads this enjoys their Mother's Day, whether they are celebrating being a mother or celebrating a mother. I salute all mothers everywhere; the hardest greatest job on earth! It is my previldge to enjoy the title of such a position. I have been blessed by the most wonderful children, whose love goes on through the gift of their own children or those yet to come.

To my children I say: Thank you for bringing honor to your earthly parents name and more importantly, your Heavenly Parents, by the way in which you live your lives. I love you all! You make Mother's Day for me. Truly "I have no greater joy than to hear my children walk in truth."
3 John 1:4