Dear Ja,
The strep is gone from the house. The kids have stabled out acting more like their child-like selves. I have been not been feeling as anxious lately. I've been feeling good, calm and not so self cousciencious about the weight on my shoulders. I feel God is making up for the 99.9% that I lack and so I feel very much at ease, relaxed and enjoying the days with the kids. If like Isaiah says, "He (God of the universe that can never lie) trusts in me, why shouldn't I believe Him? Would it be fair to say I end up trusting in myself as a byproduct of trusting in the Lord first? If I recieve my strength from the Lord, then wouldn't that conculde me to trust His source in myself? What a blessing to be able to recieve the difference from God's grace that completes me as a person. That would make a complete cycle as my trust in Him comes right back down to me. No wonder we are always in His debt! God is good to us. Are you feeling His goodness to you?
Love, Shan
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
"to suffer in both body and spirit"
Dear Ja,
After 2 bouts of step throat cycling through the family, violent allergic reaction in the bathroom to pennicillin, drawn-out stress over taking 2 weeks for you just to get there, not to mention the load of thought with your fire burning all your possessions, unstability in emotions being manifested by the children all in different ways, all I can sincerly declare is: "It's been a hellava first week."
We all suffered in both body and spirit as we adjusted to the change. Please understand the difference as it wasn't a week from hell. To say so would be to imply that God wasn't there. But he was there. Very close. In your absence, He was there sustaining all of us in our hellava week. As I like to say, "That was fun but now we're done." I think statistically speaking, it can only go up from here.
Love, Shan
After 2 bouts of step throat cycling through the family, violent allergic reaction in the bathroom to pennicillin, drawn-out stress over taking 2 weeks for you just to get there, not to mention the load of thought with your fire burning all your possessions, unstability in emotions being manifested by the children all in different ways, all I can sincerly declare is: "It's been a hellava first week."
We all suffered in both body and spirit as we adjusted to the change. Please understand the difference as it wasn't a week from hell. To say so would be to imply that God wasn't there. But he was there. Very close. In your absence, He was there sustaining all of us in our hellava week. As I like to say, "That was fun but now we're done." I think statistically speaking, it can only go up from here.
Love, Shan
My Priesthood Blessing
Dear Ja,
Thank you for the blessing you gave me before you left. I will draw strength from it I'm sure.
-Remember that your family is bound by an eternal link
-Keep temple covenants and you will be blessed.
-Do personal scripture study and prayer
-God loves you
-Be aware of Satan trying to destoy your temple covenants
-This will be a time of growht and a stepping stone for you
-The Holy Ghost will help you
-Bless you with saftey
-Bless you with wisdom to take care of things and strength to HomeSchool Ben.
-You will not be alone. Feel spirits helping you.
Thank you for the blessing you gave me before you left. I will draw strength from it I'm sure.
-Remember that your family is bound by an eternal link
-Keep temple covenants and you will be blessed.
-Do personal scripture study and prayer
-God loves you
-Be aware of Satan trying to destoy your temple covenants
-This will be a time of growht and a stepping stone for you
-The Holy Ghost will help you
-Bless you with saftey
-Bless you with wisdom to take care of things and strength to HomeSchool Ben.
-You will not be alone. Feel spirits helping you.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Genesis 12:6 God has made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me.
Today is Fast Sunday so the kids and I were fasting for your deployment coming up in a month. I was trying to explain to you why you were going to Ben 6. “So what do the people, who got hurt, need?” You shrugged. I suggested, “A doctor?” and you agreed with a. . .”yeah, and ice.”
I was asking around the table what we should do that lasts days or weeks to help us not miss you as much with suggestions like visiting Nana. . . camping at the beach and such. Your suggestion was an adamant PLAY RISK! SO . . .we are going to play Risk while you go to Afghanistan
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Good article in the newspaper
MICROSOFT FOUNDER, NFL OWNER, PAUL ALLEN, SPEAKS OUT ON MORMONS
Paul Allen is the owner of the Seattle Seahawks, the ones who played the Pittsburgh Steelers for the Super Bowl a few years ago. He is also the owner of the Portland Trail Blazers NBA basketball team and is co-partner with Bill Gates in Microsoft. He wrote this editorial in the Santa Clarita, California newspaper:
I have heard and seen enough! I have lived in the West all my life. I have worked around them. They have worked for me and I for them. When I was young, I dated their daughters. When I got married they came to my wedding. Now that I have daughters of my own, some of their boys have dated my daughters. I would be privileged if one of them were to be my son-in-law.
I'm talking about the Mormons.
They are some of the most honest, hardworking people I have ever known. They are spiritual, probably more than most other so-called religious people I have encountered. They study the Bible and teach from it as much as any Christian church ever has. They serve their religion without pay in every conceivable capacity. Not one of their leaders, teachers, counselors, Bishops or music directors receive one dime for the hours of labour they put in.
The Mormons have a non-paid ministry - a fact that is not generally known. I have heard many times from the pulpits of others how evil and non-Christian they are and that they will not go to heaven. I decided recently to attend one of their services near my home to see for myself.
What a surprise!
What I heard and saw was just the opposite from what the religious ministers of the day were telling me. I found a very simple service with no fanfare. I found a people with a great sense of humour and a well-balanced spiritual side. There was no loud music. Just a simple service, with the members themselves giving the several short sermons.
They urge their youth to be morally clean and live a good life. They teach the gospel of Christ, as they understand it. The name of their church is "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. Does that sound like a non-Christian church to you? I asked them many questions about what they teach and why. I got answers that in most cases were from the New Testament. Their ideas and doctrines did not seem too far fetched for my understanding. When I read their "Book of Mormon" I was also very surprised to find just the opposite from what I had been told I would find.
Then I went to another church's pastor to ask him some of the same questions about doctrine. To my surprise, when he found out that I was in some way investigating the Mormons, he became hostile. He referred to them as a non-Christian cult. I received what sounded to me like evil propaganda against those people. He stated bluntly that they were not Christian and that they did not fit into the Christian mold. He also told me that they don't really believe the Bible. He gave me a pile of anti-Mormon literature. He began to rant that the Mormons were not telling me the truth about what they stand for. He didn't want to hear anything good about them. At first I was surprised and then again, I wasn't. I began to wonder.
I have never known of a cult that supports the Boy Scouts of America. According to the Boy Scouts, over a third of all the Boy Scout troops in the United States are Mormon.
What cult do you know of that has a welfare system second to none in this country? They have farms, canneries and cattle ranches to help take care of the unfortunate ones who might be down and out and in need of a little help. The Mormon Church has donated millions to welfare causes around the world without a word of credit. They have donated thousands to help rebuild Baptist churches that were burned a few years ago. They have donated tons of medical supplies to countries ravaged by earthquakes.
You never see them on TV begging for money.. What cult do you know that instills in its members to obey the law, pay their taxes, serve in the military if asked and be a good Christian by living high moral standards? Did you know that hundreds of thousands of Mormon youth get up before high school starts in the morning to attend a religious training class? They have basketball and softball leagues and supervised youth dances every month.
They are recruited by the FBI, the State Department and every police department in the country, because they are Trustworthy. They are taught not to drink nor take drugs. They are in the Secret Service - those who protect the President. They serve in high leadership positions from both parties in Congress and in the US Senate, and have been governors of several states other than Utah. They serve with distinction and honour.
If you have Mormons living near, you will probably find them to be your best friends and neighbours. They are Christians who try to live what they preach. They are not perfect and they are the first to admit this. I have known some of them who could not live their religion, just like many of us. The rhetoric which is spread around against them is nothing more than evil propaganda founded in untruths. (Others) had successfully demonized them to the point that the general public has no idea what they actually believe and teach. If you really want to know the truth, go see for yourself. You also will be surprised.
When I first moved here some 25 years ago there were five Mormon wards in Santa Clarita, Calif. Now there are 15. They must be doing something right.
"The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything. .... They just make the best of everything."
Paul Allen is the owner of the Seattle Seahawks, the ones who played the Pittsburgh Steelers for the Super Bowl a few years ago. He is also the owner of the Portland Trail Blazers NBA basketball team and is co-partner with Bill Gates in Microsoft. He wrote this editorial in the Santa Clarita, California newspaper:
I have heard and seen enough! I have lived in the West all my life. I have worked around them. They have worked for me and I for them. When I was young, I dated their daughters. When I got married they came to my wedding. Now that I have daughters of my own, some of their boys have dated my daughters. I would be privileged if one of them were to be my son-in-law.
I'm talking about the Mormons.
They are some of the most honest, hardworking people I have ever known. They are spiritual, probably more than most other so-called religious people I have encountered. They study the Bible and teach from it as much as any Christian church ever has. They serve their religion without pay in every conceivable capacity. Not one of their leaders, teachers, counselors, Bishops or music directors receive one dime for the hours of labour they put in.
The Mormons have a non-paid ministry - a fact that is not generally known. I have heard many times from the pulpits of others how evil and non-Christian they are and that they will not go to heaven. I decided recently to attend one of their services near my home to see for myself.
What a surprise!
What I heard and saw was just the opposite from what the religious ministers of the day were telling me. I found a very simple service with no fanfare. I found a people with a great sense of humour and a well-balanced spiritual side. There was no loud music. Just a simple service, with the members themselves giving the several short sermons.
They urge their youth to be morally clean and live a good life. They teach the gospel of Christ, as they understand it. The name of their church is "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. Does that sound like a non-Christian church to you? I asked them many questions about what they teach and why. I got answers that in most cases were from the New Testament. Their ideas and doctrines did not seem too far fetched for my understanding. When I read their "Book of Mormon" I was also very surprised to find just the opposite from what I had been told I would find.
Then I went to another church's pastor to ask him some of the same questions about doctrine. To my surprise, when he found out that I was in some way investigating the Mormons, he became hostile. He referred to them as a non-Christian cult. I received what sounded to me like evil propaganda against those people. He stated bluntly that they were not Christian and that they did not fit into the Christian mold. He also told me that they don't really believe the Bible. He gave me a pile of anti-Mormon literature. He began to rant that the Mormons were not telling me the truth about what they stand for. He didn't want to hear anything good about them. At first I was surprised and then again, I wasn't. I began to wonder.
I have never known of a cult that supports the Boy Scouts of America. According to the Boy Scouts, over a third of all the Boy Scout troops in the United States are Mormon.
What cult do you know of that has a welfare system second to none in this country? They have farms, canneries and cattle ranches to help take care of the unfortunate ones who might be down and out and in need of a little help. The Mormon Church has donated millions to welfare causes around the world without a word of credit. They have donated thousands to help rebuild Baptist churches that were burned a few years ago. They have donated tons of medical supplies to countries ravaged by earthquakes.
You never see them on TV begging for money.. What cult do you know that instills in its members to obey the law, pay their taxes, serve in the military if asked and be a good Christian by living high moral standards? Did you know that hundreds of thousands of Mormon youth get up before high school starts in the morning to attend a religious training class? They have basketball and softball leagues and supervised youth dances every month.
They are recruited by the FBI, the State Department and every police department in the country, because they are Trustworthy. They are taught not to drink nor take drugs. They are in the Secret Service - those who protect the President. They serve in high leadership positions from both parties in Congress and in the US Senate, and have been governors of several states other than Utah. They serve with distinction and honour.
If you have Mormons living near, you will probably find them to be your best friends and neighbours. They are Christians who try to live what they preach. They are not perfect and they are the first to admit this. I have known some of them who could not live their religion, just like many of us. The rhetoric which is spread around against them is nothing more than evil propaganda founded in untruths. (Others) had successfully demonized them to the point that the general public has no idea what they actually believe and teach. If you really want to know the truth, go see for yourself. You also will be surprised.
When I first moved here some 25 years ago there were five Mormon wards in Santa Clarita, Calif. Now there are 15. They must be doing something right.
"The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything. .... They just make the best of everything."
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Alma 37:6 Behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass
Dear Ja,
You're not just a hero over there. In the eyes of 4 little people you are their greatest hero back at home too. Thank you for building our kids a playground before you go. We are taken care of very well because of you.
Love, Shan
You're not just a hero over there. In the eyes of 4 little people you are their greatest hero back at home too. Thank you for building our kids a playground before you go. We are taken care of very well because of you.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
I'm no poet . . .but I can revise one.
All of a sudden it was love at first sight,
I acted on a feeling hoping it was right.
Oh my could this be the one,
He walks with God, believes in his Son.
Through out our courtship, he put God first,
We spent most of our dates going to church.
He acts like a gentleman, always around me,
but can I deal with his different personalities?
Please, please, God please help me
Marriage is a commitment, through eternity it should be
I have decided to say "yes"
Praying to God to guide me through the rest
Today is my wedding
I look at who is here
I start over to the alter
My heart no more full of fears.
As he offers me up his hand,
I look into his loving eyes and now I understand
My heart and my worries ease
I know this one is for me.
Three, seven, thirteen years have gone by
When life is bliss, doesn’t time fly.
My husband, my lover, my very best friend
I knew he would be here for me through thick and thin.
No one could ever be as lucky as I,
I have a great marriage with a wonderful guy.
So from then into the next life we start,
He can rest assured he has all my heart.
I acted on a feeling hoping it was right.
Oh my could this be the one,
He walks with God, believes in his Son.
Through out our courtship, he put God first,
We spent most of our dates going to church.
He acts like a gentleman, always around me,
but can I deal with his different personalities?
Please, please, God please help me
Marriage is a commitment, through eternity it should be
I have decided to say "yes"
Praying to God to guide me through the rest
Today is my wedding
I look at who is here
I start over to the alter
My heart no more full of fears.
As he offers me up his hand,
I look into his loving eyes and now I understand
My heart and my worries ease
I know this one is for me.
Three, seven, thirteen years have gone by
When life is bliss, doesn’t time fly.
My husband, my lover, my very best friend
I knew he would be here for me through thick and thin.
No one could ever be as lucky as I,
I have a great marriage with a wonderful guy.
So from then into the next life we start,
He can rest assured he has all my heart.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
". . .a time to DANCE!" Ecc.
Dear Ja,
Don't know if there's any movie theaters out where you'll be going.
Just in case you need a movie night: Nothing but the best. Professionals ya know.
Luv, Shan
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Say goodbye to Ja . . .not me. You.
He's having difficulties letting his heart out to publicity. He's a private guy. Guess this blog is for my blabbing only. That's okay, I have 2 blogs now. The other is his letters to me but it's locked down and private. It's for the best so that the kids can read my blog and be a part of the deployment journey too without anything negative. Or anything private concerning them. This blog will continue to be my letters to him in optimism (since the theme is 'blessed') as I want to continue looking for God's blessings as well as having Mr. Man
(and the kids) see me content with life while he's gone. The rest. . . . will be left to others' imagination. :)
(and the kids) see me content with life while he's gone. The rest. . . . will be left to others' imagination. :)
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
To my Friend
To my Dearest Friend: Soft and subtle the sunlight basks you with its warm gentle rays. An angel rests before me. Free from malice, envy or strife you share your warmth and life. Friendship so soft a gift from above. A tender rose bearing the dew of life, you have blessed me with joy and happiness untold. The myriad of ways cannot be exposed... Like the river which never ends. Gentle waves lapping against the shore of my soul.
Monday, January 31, 2011
It's Wonderful, It's Marvelous!
Dear Shandra,
I woke up this morning to this song. It expresses very well the way I feel about your love towards me.
What a wonderful blessing it is to be back with you and the children. Being away for 3 weeks without phone or internet access was difficult. I think I will be a better father and husband because of it though.
Life is wonderful and marvelous! I feel like we have a special piece of heaven in our home. I've been thinking a bit lately. Jesus' love for us is wonderful and marvelous. We know it is only by His name that we are saved. Jesus has many names. Love is Jesus. Selfless service is Jesus. Hope and faith and trust are Jesus. Mercy is Jesus. Forgivness is Jesus. Kindness is Jesus. Courage is Jesus. Divinity is Jesus. God is Jesus. When we truly believe in Jesus, we are blessed with so much happiness. Jesus is the only way. Thank you for believing in Jesus with me. I think there are many around the world who may believe deeply in Jesus even though they may not have heard the name "Jesus" yet. Only Jesus saves us from the misery we would otherwise experience, both in this life and the next.
I love you and I so love our children. I am so thankful for the life we enjoy together. What a wonderful and precious gift this life is.
Thank you for traveling this eternal road with me, my friend.
Love,
Jason
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
James 4:2 "ye have not, because ye ask not."
Dear Ja,
I'm really glad I emailed Emma's teacher about her report card. At first I was going to let it go with all the MP's she got (B's) but then Emma showed me all her work and the grades on them. So I decided to question it:
Dear Ms. Ikuma,
Emma and I were looking over the report card and were a bit perplexed about all the 'MP's she got especially in writing/grammar. I looked at all her spelling tests which were never lower than a -1 as well as her writing essays which were always so detailed and thorough. We don't mind those grades but would like to know what she is lacking in so she can improve.
Thank you for all you do on a daily basis. . .you are a great teacher and Emma is enjoying her school year.
Shandra
Dear Mrs. Harris,
I am deeply sorry about Emma's report card. I can't tell you how embarassed I am! But I am also very appreciative to you for your email.
She definitely deserves an ME in all areas (reading, writing, and speaking). I am working on going back into our report card system to change her grades.
Hopefully I will be able to get a new report card to Emma by tomorrow, but if not, it will be sent as soon as possible.
Thank you again for pointing that out to me, and again, I apologize for the error.
I am so happy that Emma is enjoying school. She definitely is a wonderful student to have in class. Every day she impresses and amazes me with her articulate thinking and also her thorough understanding of what we are learning.
Thanks again!
Margeaux
Kinda odd I think but. . .oh well . . .ye have not because ye ask not. Glad I asked. Emma's happy and tells me I owe her 'more' money for that report card now.
Speaking of something else I asked for. . . . I asked to be released from my calling with the men. No more boy scouts committee chairman. Get ready to say hello to another calling . . .:)
Today I had a good warm day at the pool with 3 other ladies and kids for 3 hours. We ate raw green beans, apples and a whole box of ritz crackers.
Tonight I took the girls to activity days and Liza wore her nightgown to it. At least her hair was brushed. I guess it should be something I'm proud of? True confidence? I couldn't help looking down at myself though in my torn up jeans and thinking . . . .
We're counting the days for you to come home! I hope you're feeling our prayers towards you!
Luv, Shan
PS Sometimes I still feel that boat rocking when I'm holding real still. Liza REALLY wants to do it but I told her not with me. Maybe you can be the hero.
I'm really glad I emailed Emma's teacher about her report card. At first I was going to let it go with all the MP's she got (B's) but then Emma showed me all her work and the grades on them. So I decided to question it:
Dear Ms. Ikuma,
Emma and I were looking over the report card and were a bit perplexed about all the 'MP's she got especially in writing/grammar. I looked at all her spelling tests which were never lower than a -1 as well as her writing essays which were always so detailed and thorough. We don't mind those grades but would like to know what she is lacking in so she can improve.
Thank you for all you do on a daily basis. . .you are a great teacher and Emma is enjoying her school year.
Shandra
Dear Mrs. Harris,
I am deeply sorry about Emma's report card. I can't tell you how embarassed I am! But I am also very appreciative to you for your email.
She definitely deserves an ME in all areas (reading, writing, and speaking). I am working on going back into our report card system to change her grades.
Hopefully I will be able to get a new report card to Emma by tomorrow, but if not, it will be sent as soon as possible.
Thank you again for pointing that out to me, and again, I apologize for the error.
I am so happy that Emma is enjoying school. She definitely is a wonderful student to have in class. Every day she impresses and amazes me with her articulate thinking and also her thorough understanding of what we are learning.
Thanks again!
Margeaux
Kinda odd I think but. . .oh well . . .ye have not because ye ask not. Glad I asked. Emma's happy and tells me I owe her 'more' money for that report card now.
Speaking of something else I asked for. . . . I asked to be released from my calling with the men. No more boy scouts committee chairman. Get ready to say hello to another calling . . .:)
Today I had a good warm day at the pool with 3 other ladies and kids for 3 hours. We ate raw green beans, apples and a whole box of ritz crackers.
Tonight I took the girls to activity days and Liza wore her nightgown to it. At least her hair was brushed. I guess it should be something I'm proud of? True confidence? I couldn't help looking down at myself though in my torn up jeans and thinking . . . .
We're counting the days for you to come home! I hope you're feeling our prayers towards you!
Luv, Shan
PS Sometimes I still feel that boat rocking when I'm holding real still. Liza REALLY wants to do it but I told her not with me. Maybe you can be the hero.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Ecclesiastes 3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven
Well it's back to life. . .back to reality. Terilynne left last night. That morning we went on a Dolphin Excursion! It was a blast. We took a boat out to the depths of the ocean, spotted a team of dolphins and jumped in with snorkel gear. It was amazing, the first part of it anyway. That was before I got sea sick and puked all over myself in the ocean floating upright in my life jacket. Never thrown up vertically before. It was kinda convenient with the water right there to just splash in my face when I was done. I looked up and saw everyone from the tour staring at me and keeping their distance. All I could reply was, "Well, at least you know I'm not contagious." They seemed more assured after that. They did need to drop me off at the harbor with 2 hours left to go as I wasn't doing so good. Learn something new about yourself everyday, yeah? I slept in the car while waiting for those couple hours like a log. Guess it took a lot out of me. The first thing I said was, "Did you bring me any food?" My stomach needed it.
Luv, Shan
PS One of the moms I met at the park is your patient. She had a brain tumor wrapped around the back of her left eye. Amazing story. She wants to re-schedule with you for follow-up. Small world us military moms.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)