Saturday 14 July 2018

Saturday This and That . . .


I recently started reading this book by Al Carraway.  Someone had referenced it during their testimony at church and I was intrigued, and then someone on our Ward webpage was asking if anyone had a copy they could borrow and everyone was just so enthusiastic about it I wanted to read it for myself.  As a convert to the church myself, and having just recently celebrated my 19th anniversary of my Baptism, and membership in the church, I am always keenly interested in the conversion stories of others. 

I have to tell you I am gripped.
Its a page turner. 


"Naturally when you have something you love, when you have something
that makes you feel good, you want to share it, right? You want to
share it with the people you care most about in life, your friends, your
family.  So I turned to my friends. I feel like I had a lot of friends, and I did;
I had a lot of friends. Friends that I loved, friends that I grew up with my whole life,
friends that I trusted and would tell everything to. But not one friend stayed.
Not one. They all left."

When I read this paragraph in the book it resonated deeply with me.  This was my own experience. Every single friend that I had when I joined the church, who was not a member of the church, abandoned me.  Totally and completely.  I even had one tell me that I was mentally ill.  My ex pastor's wife accosted me in the shops one day and said how pleased the congregation was that my ex-husband had found himself a good "Christian" woman to be with, unlike myself, the cult member.  It was hurtful and it was lonely.  There was a point when even my own family, with the exception of my sister, wouldn't speak to me.  It would have been so easy for me to walk away from it, but I couldn't because, deep in my heart . . .  I knew that God had spoken to me and I knew that the church was true, that the Gospel was true . . . and . . .  I knew that God knew that I knew. Eventually my family started talking to me again, but I was never welcomed back by my friends, not one of them.  I made new friends.  I don't know why that happens.  Why people choose to abandon other people simply because they choose to worship God in a different way. Many of these people would be more accepting of someone who didn't choose to believe in Christ at all, than they would me, a person who not only believed in Christ but chose to live her life by His teachings. It doesn't make sense to me. 

At the end of the day it doesn't really matter I suppose . . .  but I do often wonder how it is that someone who purpotes to be your friend can just turn their back on your like that . . .  simply by you choosing a different path than the path they have chosen to walk. Especially if you are both walking towards the same destination.  It just doesn't make sense to me. 

In any case, you should read the book.  Its really good.  She also has a webpage, which you can find here


It rained quite a bit yesterday. At one point it was raining quite heavily. We didn't mind at all.  Our yard was quite parched, and it was gasping for rain. It is already looking greener this morning.  And the sun is shining, so that's good!  There is the Stake Family Fun day at the chapel today (Our Chapel is the Stake Centre.) and so I am happy the sun is showing her hat.  They have a slip and slide planned for the children, a BBQ and there is a cake contest, etc.  We will pop over for an hour or so. Its always nice to see people from other Wards that we haven't seen in a while, and catch up with the goings on in their lives. 


We started watching a new Drama this week by the BBC called "Picnic at Hanging Rock."  Its based on the 1967 novel of the same name by Joan Lindsey and takes place in Australia. It is quite good so far. I think. Dark and mysterious and hinting at something sinister beneath the surface.  We will watch the second episode when it airs and make up our minds then. We both love period pieces. 

In the meantime we have decided to treat ourselves this next week to the film Wonder, and rent it on Prime. It is only £1.99 and, having read the book, I am really keen to see the movie. It looks like a lovely, feel good, film and at that price, much cheaper than going out to the movies.  Plus we can pause it if one of us wants a drink or to go to the bathroom.  Plus our sofa is much more comfortable than the movie seats at the theatre.   



Susan Branch has a new blog post up.  Every week that there is a new blog post from her is a good week in my books.  I love all of her posts.  She is home now from the UK and writing her next book.  I so enjoyed following her visit this last time, as the I did the time before.  I was gutted that, once again, I was unable to meet her in person at the Picnic at Castle Hill.  Health scheduling and the date of the picnic conflicted and health must always come first.  In all truth however, I doubt we could have afforded the petrol to get up there, and I think I might have felt a bit out of place, like I didn't fit in.  Not with Susan of course.  I cannot imagine her ever making anyone feel like they didn't fit in.  But in looking at all of the photos of that day in retrospect, I think Todd and I are a bit too basic and ordinary for that crowd.  It seemed quite obvious from the photos that  most of those gals, if not all, were fairly comfortable financially speaking.  And I am fat, and not at all attractive and my clothes are very old and "housing estate." Maybe that is reverse snobbery?  I don't know.  I just don't think I would have fit in very well.  I could be wrong.

But I do love Susan and I know she would never make anyone
feel that way, not in a NY minute. 



I was after some Tofu at the Grocery store yesterday and can you believe they did not have it???  Not in its whole form anyways, they had some already flavoured tofu bits . . . but I wanted a whole block that I could do something with.  I was recently sent this . . . 

  

Its a  Tofu press and in order to review it, I kind of need to have some actual Tofu to press.  I have my friend Jacquie's tofu burger recipe ready and waiting.  I just need to find some Tofu! I could not believe that in this day and age of Veganism, I could only get Tofu bits.  Plenty of Quorn, but no real Tofu.  sigh  . . .  I will have to keep looking and hope that I can find some soon! 


I am in love.  Does that not look like the most comfortable chair ever?  I have always wanted a chaise lounge to stretch out on.  This one is quite pretty I think.  I do love pretty things.  Mind you, a person needs a large room for something like this, so it will remain a dream.  


My Daughter in law posted some lovely photos of the boys this week.  I love this one of Josh. He is my little red-headed grandson.  I love all my grandchildren to bits, and I really think this is a fab photo of him.  He has a lovely nature . . . 

I wish I got to spend more time with my grandchildren.  It is not very nice living so far away from them.  I am grateful however for the modern technology and a couple of sons that make the extra effort to include me in their lives.


It looks like the boys are having a great summer.  They live with their maternal grandparents and I so appreciate Mary and Calvin and all that they do for my son and his sweet family.  


Now that's what I call a big turtle!  I am not sure where they are, but they look like they are having fun wherever it is! 





Now thats a big rabbit.  I forget what its name is.  They have all sorts of pets.  Cat, dog, lizard, hamster, rabbit, etc. I think pets are good for children. I really do. 

And with that I best leave you with a thought for the day . . . 

° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
•。★★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~\。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ | 田田 |門 ★

 *
Nearly all men can stand adversity, 
but if you want to test a man's character,
give him power.
 ~Abraham Lincoln •。★★ 。* 。 


 

In the English Kitchen today  . . .  Easy Cinnamon Nut Croissants.  Delish of course and so simple a child could make them! 

Have a wonderful Saturday no matter what you get up to!  Don't forget along the way . . . 



═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ═══════════ ⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿
═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ═══════════ 

And I do too!  



PS - I meant to tell you.  I don't know why but these past few mornings the gulls are taking to the skies around my area and ruining the morning chorus with their ugly squawks.  They really sound horrendous!  I don't know how anyone can sleep through them! 

8 comments:

  1. The boys are adorb Marie..

    Re the Susan Branch picnic..not sure how everyone was.
    But I received a note from a lady in Holland..who follows my blog..or did..and went to that picnic.. she and her husband..she has teens. She mentioned to me that she had brought hollyhock seeds to give to Susan and the picnic guests..and asked if I would like some..I said yes of course.
    So nice of her.In my mind and my vison of her..she is humble and kind..and not fancy..:)I think you would have fit right in on the visit near your home.When I went to Susan's book signing I wore jeans.Susan was simply dressed in a cardigan and long country style dress..Nothing fancy at all..as natural as natural can be.I did see ladies..that were more dressed up..but..it didn't bother me:)You are so focused on HER you really don't see much else lol:)I did notice sommeone because of a tote a group carry..and sure enough it was her.
    Susan..is girl next door..across the street..I know her trip,voyage is lavish..but she is not.You would and you already do..love her.:)
    It tinkled here.I need a downpour.Have a good weekend!
    Marie wealthy people I know dress as simply as can be and you would never know they had money.The's overkill too:) LOL

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Monique! I love my boys as you do also yours. Grandchildren are one of life’s greatest blessings. I hope I didn’t come across as feeling sorry for myself here. I really did not mean to do that. A part of me wanted to go to that picnic no matter what, but the larger part of me was kind of too ashamed to go. It’s hard to explain. I really did enjoy seeing the pictures though and I can’t wait for her new book! Xoxo

      Delete
    2. No need to explain:) At all.I shied away from everyone I knew for about 7 yrs.And I still do.
      We are the way we are.

      Delete
    3. I love you just the way you are. ☺ Iknow I comd across as bold and brave but its easy to be that way from behind a screen, lol xo

      Delete
  2. I don't think what church you belong to makes any difference. What is important is that you believe. We are all children of God and I think he gives us different churches to go to so that no one can be missed. I'm not of your faith, but am a believer and my faith is one of the most important things in my life. Another important thing is family and I loved seeing the pictures of yours. Doesn't it make us happy to see them so happy! Hope you have a super Saturday !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree with you whole- heartedly Pam! I like to think of us all as one big family, headed in the same direction! It doesn’t matter where we choose to sit on the journey. It’s the destination that counts! We are all children of God! Oh, I know how much you love your family also! I,love it when you share pictures of them on your blog! God bless! Xoxo

      Delete
  3. Sorry that you have Gull’s that are loud and noisy. I do know what you mean.
    I have seen the Tattooed Mormon at the temple once. I admire her in so many ways. I haven’t read the book but I know that she has helped so much by her writings and her sharing her story at various functions. It has helped so many be more accepting of those who are different.
    My parents experienced losing all their less active friends when they decided to be active again. It broke my Mom’s heart; she felt so sad about it.
    They had a really close group of friends and they just stopped coming around. They made wonderful new friends and were so good at bring less active people back to church.
    It’s been hot here and our grass isn’t looking all that great. We do need rain. In fact, we are in a drought in some areas of the state. It’s worrisome.
    We like to watch period pieces too. I will have too look into this new one and see if it is here.
    The movie; “Wonder”is one of my favorites. I know you will love it.
    I loved that you shared the adorable pictures of your dear grandsons. They are cuties for sure.
    Well my friend, have a magnicent week. Sending lots of love and hugs your way!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wouldn't mind the gulls so much LeAnn, but they are drowning out the lovely sound of the other birds with their obnoxious cries! Its gotten worse as of late. Hoping that they go back to wherever! lol We adored Wonder. Nicest film we have seen in a while! Love and hugs to you and Roger! xoxo

      Delete

Your comments mean the world to me, and while I may not be able to address each one individually, each one is important to me and each one counts. Thanks so much!