Our First Trip to Craters of the Moon

As a young girl I took particular note of the highway sign pointing the way to "Craters of the Moon" whenever we would travel I-15 in eastern Idaho. I had no idea what "Craters of the Moon" was but I have always longed to actually go and see it. The name intrigued me. Yesterday was my day! Not only did I finally make it but I was blessed to enjoy it with Claigh!

I had spent the morning preparing for Sunday School and Claigh puttered around the yard and washed the car. At 2:00 p.m. we headed out for what Claigh was sure was just a 1 hour drive. Not so! It actually took us 1 1/2 hours to get there but the drive was pleasant. Much to our surprise we found Craters of the Moon to be a National Monument. This massive lava field is believed to have been formed from volcanoes that erupted an estimated 2000 years ago. There is a 7 mile road that winds through the monument with stops at various sites. We really should have had a full day to explore.

With limited time we headed straight for the caves to catch onto the end of the last cave tour of the day. The caves were created as the lava flowed forming lava tubes. Many of the caves have collapsed but there are still some wonderful ones to explore. The climbing is tenuous but if you are careful it is not too difficult. It is hard to imagine that there is anything in the lava fields to sustain animal life but we did see some very healthy chipmunks and there were white spot evidences of birds. I was very surprised to learn from our guide that the blue bird is the state bird of Idaho. Who knew? I have missed the beautiful small eastern blue birds of our Virginia back yard and this was a pleasant discovery. Honestly though, I have only seen birds brown and birds gray since our move here but I digress. . .

Some of the cave walls have some lichen. Beauty cave even has a little moss but for the most part they are barren lava rock. To walk the paved paths through the lava field from one cave to another was pretty neat. I never cease to be amazed at the variety of beauty in God's creation. Great expanses are completely barren and then you come to an area with bits of sagebrush struggling for life in the cracks of the lava. There was even a bright green 8 inch fern frond peaking through the rock in one spot.

We next headed for the cones knowing that would the end of what we could actually see for the day. The Snow Cone which isn't even that deep still has snow in it due to the steep sides that do not allow the sun in.

I loved the Inferno Cone which is a cinder mountain. When we drove to the base of the mountain the sign said "1/2 mile to the top." It just didn't seem that far up. We began our trek straight up the cinder. I took a very quick pace. Imagine my surprise as we crested what from the bottom looked to be the top of the mountain only to find that there was even a greater distance to go to reach the true top. This I took a little slower! It was definitely worth it all. The view from the top was incredible!

On our trek up the cone, Claigh picked up a piece of the pumice that was about 2 inches in diameter. It was a feather light rock. I tossed it and it was caught by the Idaho wind and blown sideways in its fall. Amazing! Actually as we reached the top we were being blown sideways!

My favorite thing of the whole day was the rustic tree on top of Inferno Cone. It's roots were gnarled and must have sunk deep into the rock. Truly it seemed a miracle that it had been able to take hold and survive. It was a good size and looked like a wizened old man who had weathered the storms of life with great tenacity. The lesson I had been preparing for Sunday was on "Rooted on the Rock" and so my spirit was tender towards this old tree. It was a great metaphor for the strength and power that come to us as we are rooted in the Rock of our Redeemer. For me the truth of the capacity and strength of the Savior to help us withstand the great trials of life is very real. It may seem odd but I wanted to hang out with the tree for a while. You could say I am a tree hugger I guess!

As we drove away from the Inferno Cone we saw that the back side of this great black cinder mountain looked like it had a case of chicken pox. The whole south slope of the cone was spotted with buckwheat. These close to the ground little clumps were about three to four inches in diameter and spaced about two feet apart - quite an intriguing site. I wonder if this is "the" buckwheat we love so much in our pancakes?

All too soon it was time to head home. I look forward to another adventure at Craters of the Moon. It is perfect for a visit in June or September. I can't imagine walking for miles over the barren black rock in the heat of July or August even if it is just "Idaho" heat. We arrived home with a specimen of every Idaho bug plastered on our windshield and grill. Sorry Claigh :o)

FYI there is a small camp grounds in the park - first come first serve for the most part with a few reserved spots available.

"Rooted on the Rock"

I Remember: Happy Sunday

I love Sunday. When I was a girl everyone kept the Sabbath. No stores or businesses were open and families attended church together. In my small community there were three churches, United, Catholic and LDS. Not bad for a community of 500 people. Of course there were the farmers and their families that lived throughout the prairies who also joined in the sabbath day worship.

Our LDS congregation was a pretty good size and our white church house seemed very large to me. However, looking back I realize it was really quite small. The upstairs of the church held the foyer, chapel, bishop's office, bathrooms and a couple of classrooms. There were no cushions on the benches of the chapel but I don't remember ever thinking they were uncomfortable.

The basement was our recreation room with curtains that could split off four classrooms from the main room. There were shuffle board courts painted on the wood floor that we could use for activities. There was also a kitchen downstairs which doubled as my classroom when I was six years old. My junior Sunday School teachers at that time were my two great aunts, Aunt Lucille Stanford and Aunt Leah Rogers. How blessed I was to have these two incredible woman in my life. To this day I remember the lesson they taught on "The Good Shepherd." They had what was called a groove board in which they could stand figures. They had a figure of Jesus and then many lambs. They stood Jesus in the center of the board and then one by one they added the little lambs. There was a lamb to represent each one of us children. My life at that time was very sad and I will never forget that lesson and the comfort it was to me. To sense that I had a Father and a Savior who loved me was carried deep into my heart. I don't remember a time when I did not have this faith.

One of my dearest memories of my old Coutts church family is of Brother Fred Ortlie leading the music. He brought his family to Coutts from Switzerland. Their youngest daughter Susie was just a year older than I. Anyway, back to the music, Brother Ortlie didn't use the regular conducting patterns but would lead according to the feel of the music. It was truly beautiful. We didn't have air-conditioning in our building and so in the summer time the windows would be open to let in the cool breezes. We would sing with all our hearts fully drawn out in praise and devotion "I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me." and "Come come ye Saints." and my childhood favorite "Onward Christian soldiers marching as to war." I wondered if the whole town could hear. I was sure we sounded magnificent. My faith grew as I joined my young voice with those dear saints in Coutts as we lifted our voices of testimony. How grateful I am for a faithful grandmother who saw to it that I had the privilege of going to church.

Get Excited!

Our new dining table and chairs have finally arrived and they were definitely worth the thirty-seven year wait! The table was built by Cherico in Salt Lake City and the chairs were constructed in Pennsylvania by the Amish. The wood is Cherry and the stain is Tabacco. Who knew it would be so difficult to find something well built and beautiful that could seat a crowd? The table can expand to 105 inches and is 47 inches wide. I love it!!! And the chairs are comfortable for my 5'2" and Claigh's 6'2". Believe me, we sat in many a chair to make this find. We are ready for more guests and I am happy for it.

God Bless America

A song written and performed by Dustin Evans as a backdrop for a photo presentation created by an American Soldier:
http://g.dwgsee.com/wake/index.htm

Through the ages of time, the free have fought for those who can only dream of liberty. I am touched at the care of the Nephites for their Lamanite brothers who wanted to break free. Many lost their lives to defend those new to the covenant. Can it be so different today when young men give their all far from home for those who they have never known? I love my family and am grateful we live free. May we feel the depth of the sacrifice through the ages for the cause of liberty. He who paid the greatest price? Our Savior and Redeemer who truly sets us free.

"And the bodies of many thousands are laid low in the earth, . . . While many thousands of others truly mourn for the loss of their kindred, yet they rejoice and exult in the hope, and even know according to the promises of the Lord, that they are raised to dwell at the right hand of God, in a state of never ending happiness.
"And thus we see how great the inequality of man is because of sin and transgression, and the power of the devil, which comes by the cunning plans which he hath devised to ensnare the hearts of men.
"And thus we see the great call of diligence of men to labor in the vineyards of the Lord; and thus we see the great reason of sorrow, and also of rejoicing - sorrow because of death and destruction among men, and joy because of the light of Christ unto life."
- Alma 28:11-14

A New Temple

I love the Sabbath Day. It is good to draw back from the daily needs of life to reverently worship. We were blessed in the morning with an inspirational Sacrament Meeting focused on the first principle of the Gospel, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. There were three speakers, a young teen, a elderly mother/grandmother and a young father. Their experiences with the power that comes through faith in our Savior were a strength to me.

Our afternoon was spent at the dedication service for the Twin Falls Temple. What a beautiful temple! We were gathered in the Stake Center to participate by Satellite. President Monson was showing some wear for the first time I have ever seen. His wife's health has been pretty rough and I think it has taken it's toll. However, his message was tender and spirit filled as he encouraged us to live faithfully.

President Monson's daughter, Ann M. Dibb, spoke as well. I wish I had a copy of a written piece she had received from her close friend from Idaho. Sister Dibb keeps it in her purse with her. She had asked her friend why the people of Idaho were so good and grounded in the gospel. In response her friend wrote of how she grew up in Idaho. Basically it was about her father and her mother and the fact that their life was the Idaho way. She grew up working hard along side her father with her siblings to coax a living from the arid land. She wrote of her mother keeping the home and nurturing the children, also working hard. I can't do the piece justice and hope that it is published someday. The Idaho native ended with "We were surrounded with Divinity."

Sister Dibb then went on to tell about an experience she had where she knew she too was surrounded with Divinity. On Thursday morning last week, she had taken her mother to the doctor. The doctor asked her mother how she was doing and she replied, "Pretty Good." Sister Dibb said that was a stretch but her mother never complained.

Later that day after she had gotten her mother home and into bed resting, President Monson came home. He went into the room and sat on the edge of the bed. He and his sweet companion talked together and then he said, "Well Frances, I guess I need to get ready to go to Twin Falls. I'll be needing some socks." To which Frances replied, "Don't you worry Tommy, I washed your socks for you this morning." He then turned to his daughter and softly said, "Isn't she the most beautiful girl?" Sister Dibb said she was very grateful to also have been "surrounded by Divinity" all of her years.

The family is under attack today and it breaks my heart to see many children without the blessings of security and peace that come from a loving home. There are men and women who desire the love that develops over the years from a lasting marriage and have yet to see the fulfillment of that blessing. It seems all is a competition between some men and some women. Selfishness masquerading as "Self Esteem" rules the day as individuals seem caught up in self interest. How sad. God designed us to perfectly compliment one another and he will lend power to our faithful desires for the fulfillment of that compliment.

The roles of father and mother are sacred. That is why "Honor thy father and thy mother." is the first commandment that deals with our relationships with our fellow man. It isn't about just honoring a specific man and woman although that is part of it. It is about respecting and honoring the actual roles of father and mother. I pray for my daughters that they will truly comprehend that. It is a sacred trust to enter into a marriage covenant and bring children into the world and should never be treated lightly. Our covenant with the Lord is that we will be faithful and true to our marriage through our faithfulness to him. The keeping of that covenant can begin long before we are ever married. How grateful I am for the covenants of the temple that bind us to our families and to our Heavenly Father.

The sophistry of Satan leads many away from their womanhood and manhood. It is the great tragedy of our day. Satan also leads us into an entitlement mentality where children are spoiled and not blessed with the lessons of hard work and the resulting character development. You can never spoil a child with too much love or respect BUT you can spoil them by demeaning their eternal identity through indulgence.

Having experienced the devastation of the evil Satan can bring into a family, I have sought all of my life to stand firmly for the cause of truth. I know my Savior as the Way, the Truth and the Life. I live by faith not only in his power to redeem but also his power to strengthen me for my daily walk. Life is good.

Beautiful Idaho

Yesterday we made our way to Mesa Falls filled with anticipation. We had been there 36 years ago for a picnic with our then one and a half year old Cameron. The memories of that day long ago still inspire wonder and a laugh or two. We had pulled into a camp ground and found a picnic table to spread out our lunch of sandwiches and chips. The whole area was deserted. I can't remember if it was early spring or late fall but there was a nip in the air. The chill wasn't too much for a very healthy horse fly however. As it began to buzz around our heads with determination, we flailed in an attempt to shoo it away and keep it from biting either us or our little girl. Camie started to giggle and say "Fun - Fun!" We had to pack it up as the horse fly was not about to give in.

We made our way on some pretty treacherous terrain to get a view of the falls that year but the effort was well worth it. Today, there is a simple paved trail, a series of stairs and a board walk with various areas to view from. Not nearly as dangerous but perhaps not quite as fun either.

One of my favorite sites from when I was a girl was "Cameron Falls" in Waterton National Park, Alberta, Canada. When I returned to that site after many years away, I was sad to find they had worn down considerably. They are still beautiful but not as powerful as I had remembered them.

Mesa Falls maintains it's majesty. The mists rise up to the moss covered cliffs. Pine trees rise out of the rock. I loved the roar of the rushing water as it cascades 110 feet over lava rock for the Upper Falls and 85 Feet for the Lower Falls. There are still many wild flowers blooming even this late in the season and we saw what I believe to be Huckleberries in generous clumps. The day was hot and the sun unrelenting but the beauty of the falls was well worth the trip.

Happy Birthday Robert Dear

Claigh was up and gone early this morning to head for Twin Falls, two and a half hours away. Our first thoughts this morning were of Robert. Today is his 71st birthday. Isn't it funny how 71 used to seem so very old? Our society has advanced to the point where we really do expect a longer life. Claigh has been feeling the loss. We look forward to the day when we will hear that hearty laugh again.

Alyssa will be home soon!

This picture was taken this past week. Ayssa, her companion Irmã Polito from Brazil and the Elders are visiting with an Indian family that they have become very close to. I am grateful for the wonderful people of Portugal who have been so kind and generous to Alyssa. There are many good and generous people in throughout the world. We are blessed.

I can't believe how this past year and a half has flown! We are really looking forward to Alyssa's return September 26th. She will fly into Pocatello because the Idaho Falls Airport runways are going to be resurfaced at that time. Her flight is scheduled to land at 10:00 p.m. if all goes as planned with the travel along the way.

Back to Health

With all of the constant change, travel and upheaval, I have struggled to keep my pursuit of good health and well-being since December 2007. That which matters most to me is the well-being of my spirit. How would we survive challenging times without the precious word of God and the possibilities of prayer? As I look back on my life and consider the times that were most difficult, time and time again the love of my Heavenly Father, my faith in my Savior, and the power of the Holy Ghost have brought me through. Instead of beaten down, I find my self strengthened. The study of the Old Testament and Book of Mormon for the past year have been a mainstay as I have "kept on keeping on." I marvel at the power available to each of God's children. I pray that my children and grandchildren choose to dwell in the full blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

As for the physical, I have really allowed myself to take a downhill trend these past months. I found myself too tired or too distracted to maintain my yoga and exercise programs. It was more of a challenge to eat well on the road also and with the added business of preparing a house for sale and making a major move I found that which was quick and/or prepared in restaurants more handy. As I ate more sweets, my desire for the things that are not so good for me increased along with the stress of the days.

Reading President Monson's remarks in the August Ensign has inspired me to get back on track. It is good to be home and ready to settle in to preparing our meals once again. This morning I started my yoga program. YIKES! It is amazing how much you loose when you neglect your physical health for so long - especially at my age. Oh well, I will pay the price and move forward. I hope for many years ahead to enjoy my dear family and I pray that I will be able to do so in good health. I love teaching. I enjoy the association of so many good souls who I am blessed to call friends and I have more friends to make. Life is a gift!

From President Monson:
"How fragile life, how certain death. We do not know when we will be required to leave this mortal existence. And so I ask, 'What are we doing with today?' If we live only for tomorrow, we’ll eventually have a lot of empty yesterdays. Have we been guilty of declaring, 'I’ve been thinking about making some course corrections in my life. I plan to take the first step—tomorrow'? With such thinking, tomorrow is forever. Such tomorrows rarely come unless we do something about them today. . .

"Let us ask ourselves the questions: "Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need?” What a formula for happiness! What a prescription for contentment, for inner peace—to have inspired gratitude in another human being.

"Our opportunities to give of ourselves are indeed limitless, but they are also perishable. There are hearts to gladden. There are kind words to say. There are gifts to be given. There are deeds to be done. There are souls to be saved."

For President Monson's complete remarks:
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=f318118dd536c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=8669dd48c4a6b110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=true

Happy Birthday Carey

That's right folks
Carey is 35 years old today!
She is a dear.
Check her family blog for 35 thoughts from those who love her.

This picture was taken in July here in Idaho Falls.
The handsome young man is her oldest son Jacob who has just started Junior High. Whew - Is it possible?

Carey is one of our best blessings!

We're back home . . .

I didn't know it was possible to be so completely exhausted but we are back home from California and on our way to feeling rested and energetic again.

It was good to gather with friends and family although the occasion was a sad one. One of life's great challenges is to be separated from one we love by death. Robert will be missed.

In spite of their own fatigue and sense of loss, Chris, Cindy and Rakiah graciously opened their home to us. (Sara drove in from Arizona bringing Carey, Jennie and Brig as well.) How good to be with family instead of in a hotel! Sean and his children, Shanon and young Chris, and Henri spent time at the house during the two days we were there.

Lou planned a lovely service. Robert was buried in Rose Hills Cemetary, Whittier, California, Saturday, August 9, 2008. The day was warm and beautifully clear. The flowers lovely. The little chapel was full to overflowing.

An overview of thoughts expressed at the funeral as I remember them:

Henri shared how Robert was always there when he needed him. "He was my big brother." When Henri was young, he cut his foot badly and Robert was quick to his side to take care of him. In Henri's young eyes, Robert had saved his life. Henri also shared how Robert would hold him to a task until it was done. He remembered a time when they were doing dishes. When it got to be 8:00 p.m. Henri turned to leave to go to his homework. Robert called him back to task as the job wasn't done yet. Robert had the ability to see things through and Henri admired that ability. Henri also expressed thanks from the family for all who had come to share in our celebration of Robert.

Claigh spoke of two qualities of Robert that were also qualities of the Savior, meekness and loving kindness. He defined meekness as "the ability to endure injury with patience and without resentment." This was a quality Claigh had admired in Robert. He told of how Robert was patient and kind with those who were trying to help him even though he was suffering with great pain. Claigh also remembered Christ on the cross providing for his mother Mary. Robert was mindful of his mother throughout her life and saw to her care. He was grateful for her efforts in his behalf. Robert's concern for others extended to each of us. When he was asked how he was doing he would turn it around with "How are you doing?" Claigh bore his testimony of the power of the Savior to make our suffering turn to our good and also his power to redeem us from the grave.

Due to one of those real life experiences, a flat tire, Chris arrived late but mercifully in time to share his thoughts. Chris had chosen Psalm 121 for the program:
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills,from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

Chris had participated in Robert's care during those most difficult last days. He expressed his gratitude for that privilege. (It was a comfort to us that he was able to be there for Robert. It had to be tough for him to see Robert suffering.) Chris told of Robert's loyalty and devotion to those he loved. He also thanked Lou for his care for Robert during the past months as Robert's health deteriorated. The love Chris expressed perfectly concluded the remarks of the brothers.

Shanon remembered Robert's great sense of humor and the welcoming spirit she always felt in his home. She shared how she always felt accepted and loved even though she had some very different views than Robert.

Some of Robert's fellow workers spoke of his infectious laugh. One remarked that she would hear his laugh from across the office and before she knew it she would be laughing even though she did not know what the laughter was about. Marlene spoke again of Robert's caring for others and his goodness towards them. She remarked that Robert had been like a father to her. Andrew read the resurrection story from the scriptures. Darius shared a poem.

At the grave side, Pastor Richard spoke of Robert's acceptance and kindness towards others. He told of how Robert would look at someone with those big blue eyes and really see them. He noted Robert's love for his family.

The service concluded as Rakiah testified of the miracle of Jesus through the hymn "Amazing Grace." This was a sweet comfort.

Following the services, we enjoyed a sandwich luncheon. It was wonderful to see Dolly and Darin, Dick and Cheryl whom we had not seen for so long. It was a joy to meet so many of Robert's friends as well. In spite of equipment difficulties and the challenges of the day, Chris was able to present a slide show of Robert's family and friends that he had thoughtfully prepared. I especially loved the picture of Robert and Shanon sitting together on a sofa, heads thrown back in laughter. The delight of the moment is captured for each one of us who have enjoyed such times with Robert.

Thanks to our Father in Heaven for such a good brother. Thanks to each of you for your prayers and expressions of love at this time of loss. We are grateful for life, family and friends. We are grateful for our Savior.

Happy Birthday Claigh!

Cameron and the kids just had to throw grandpa a surprise party for his birthday. Gideon picked out the plates and birthday celebration decor. He was very excited to have his grandpa see it all. We celebrated a night early as our plans for today have changed and so the surprise was real. Cameron and the kids left early this morning and we are packing for our trip to California. We feel so blessed for their visit. A special thanks to Collins for the sacrifice of the time with them away from him. - We will save the fishing trip and Mesa Falls for a visit when he can be here with them.

A Sad/Glad Day

Today our dear brother Robert's long struggle with bone cancer came to an end as he passed from this life at 2:20 p.m. Pacific Time. My heart aches for the loss and yet again I am grateful his suffering has ended. How fortunate I am that Robert has been such a dear part of my life. He was good and generous to me. I loved to laugh with him for he had a keen sense of humor that I especially appreciated when times were tough. I admired his dedication to his mom as he watched out for her during her years of diminishing health. He had an understanding heart when it came to the human failings of those he loved and he knew to appreciate the efforts extended in his behalf and in behalf of others even though those efforts may have at times fallen short. Robert had a way of putting things into perspective for me that I will miss. I love him and am comforted in the knowledge that he is reunited with mom and dad and most especially his loving Father in Heaven and his Savior Jesus Christ. I know that as we leave this life we will be reunited with those we loved here. God bless us to live richly with the blessing of this knowledge.