Wednesday 27 January 2010

If . . .



I was sitting in church the other morning and I got to thinking. I know . . . I should have been paying closer attention to the talks that were being given, and I did for the most part . . . but for a few minutes my mind did wander . . .

I thought to myself . . .

"If you knew that today was going to be the last day of your life would you do anything differently."

The answer was of course! There are things left unsaid that I would try to get said in time. There are things I would do that needed to be done, and people to see and speak to that I needed to speak with. My smiles would be a little sweeter and my deeds a little dearer. I think my priorities would completely change and suddenly what seemed so important would no longer matter all that much, with other more precious things taking their place. Each moment would count in a way it had never counted before . . .



And then I thought to myself . . .

"What are you waiting for? Why should it take the thought of losing all that is dear to you, for it matter more?"

And I declared to myself that I would begin to live each day as if it were going to be my last. We never know how many days we will have for sure. We don't always get notice that they are going to end. The end can oftimes come upon us very quickly and without warning. Lucky are those who have warning . . . they have the precious opportunity to dot all their "i's" and cross all their "t's".



Then I thought of that song about the Saviour, If the Saviour Stood Beside Me."

If the Savior stood beside me, would I do the things I do?
Would I think of His commandments and try harder to be true?
Would I follow His example? Would I live more righteously,
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

If the Savior stood beside me, would I say the things I say?
Would my words be true and kind if He were never far away?
Would I try to share the gospel? Would I speak more reverently
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

If the Savior stood beside me, would my thoughts be clean and pure?
Would His presence give me strength and hope, and courage to endure?
Would His counsel guide my actions? Would I choose more worthily
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

If the Savior stood beside me, would I often kneel to pray?
Would I listen to the Spirit's voice, and hasten to obey?
Would I count my many blessings? Would I praise Him gratefully
If I could see the Savior standing nigh watching over me?

f the Savior stood beside me, would I comfort those in need?
Would I try to show the Savior's love in every word and deed?
Would I give to those who hunger? Would I serve more willingly
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

He is always near me, though I do not see Him there
And because He loves me dearly, I am in His watchful care
So I'll be the kind of person that I know I'd like to be
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me.
~Sally DeForest



I think the answers to both those questions are one and the same . . . and the answer to both is yes, I would do things a lot differently . . .

And so . . . I am.

By the way I am having a Giveaway over on Blossom Time Creations. Why not pop on over and get in on the fun! It's a world wide annual blogging giveaway event and there are also links there to a list which gives you the links to several hundred pages of other creative bloggers who are also hosting giveaways. It's phenomenal!

Here's a tasty salad that I made at the weekend. I love coleslaw and I have to say . . . here in the UK, it's pretty horrible. Way too much mayonnaise, and not enough flavour. I Like to make my own, and this version is one of our favourites. I love the sweetness that the raisins impart, along with the tangy crunch of the apple and the salty bite of the peanuts. All together they just are pretty wonderful. Todd doesn't normally eat coleslaw, but he loves this!



*Firehouse Salad*
Serves 4
Printable Recipe

A different type of coleslaw, with raisins, apples and roasted peanuts! Delicious! (If you don't happen to like peanuts, you can substitute cashews for them with great success.)

1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup hot water
1/2 large head green cabbage, shredded
2 large apples, peeled, cored and chopped
1/4 cup roastged peanuts, chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 TBS vinegar
3 tsp sugar
salt to taste
white pepper to taste



Mix the raisins and hot water together in a small bowl. Set aside for 30 minutes. At the end of that time, drain them well and place into a large bowl. Add the cabbage, apples, and peanuts. Toss together thoroughly.

In a separate bowl blend together the mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar. Season to taste with some salt and white pepper. Toss this dressing with the cabbage mixture. Cover and chill for several hours before serving.



Over on The English Kitchen today . . . Jacket Potatoes with Cream and Walnuts.


9 comments:

  1. GREAT AND WONDERFUL THOUGHTS..OH, IF ONLY I COULD REALLY DO THAT FULL TIME! LOVE THESE RECIPES..MAKES ME HUNGRY JUST TO LOOK AT THEM! HAVE A GREAT DAY! COME SAY HI :D

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  2. Claire sang that song at Church not long ago. I love the words. I love the message.... and now whenever I think of that song I hear Claire's beautiful young voice singing it.

    Thanks for reminding me of it's message. I have a lot that I need to do differenty. I don't generally do anything bad or at least I try to never do anything bad...but there is much more that I could do right. I should study the scriptures more. I should do geneology. I should watch TV less and exercise more. I should clean out my closets.
    I wonder what I would do if I knew it was my last day? I think I would call each loved one and tell them how much they meant to me. Then I think I would write down my testimony for future generations of my family to read.
    I already do #1 quite regularly. Maybe I should get busy and do #2.

    Thanks for the thought.
    That salad looks great. I will make it for sure.
    I hope that you rested well last night. I am praying that you have the energy you need to get all done that you need to do.

    I send love, Lura

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  3. I, too, have a lot to change. Thank you for your thoughts.

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  4. Those were such wonderful thoughts and so true. Living today and making the most of it is important. It is what we have right now and it is a most precious gift. I love coleslaw too but have never had it your way. I'll have to give it a try. I do hope your Wednesday is a wonderful one!

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  5. It seems we are on the same wave length. You just have a beautiful and eloquent way of writing. I love visitng you.
    We never know when... Thanks for posting the beautiful song. Sometimes when you read the song you get a different message than singing it... I have missed visitng you:-)

    Enjoy a lovely day:-)
    ~♥
    The food always looks so yummy!

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  6. Beautiful post and very thought provoking. Thanks Marie! Blessings to you and encouragement for living each day! :) xoxo

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  7. that is one of my favorite primary songs. it always tugs at my heart! and i agree, we should all live that way. if we all did, the world would be a sweeter place.

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  8. It's a favorite song of mine. Great message. It's good to stop and think about how we act and what would we change if the Savior was with us or if it was our last day on earth.
    Great recipe for coleslaw.
    Going to pop over for your giveaway.
    You're an awesome lady!

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  9. Wonderful Marie. If only everyone would think that way. What a good goal. I hope your week is going great Marie!

    XOXO
    Jen

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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!