Sail Boat

I was reading Matthew 25 when this thought struck me. Clearly we must be accountable for those things with which we’ve been blessed; our worldly goods, gifts, time, and relationships.  Two years ago I resolved to improve my writing and patchworking skills by stitching a quilt block and posting 150 words a day. Since then I’ve made more than 450 blocks. I’ve finished dozens of quilts and given them to friends, family and charitable causes. I’m not running short on fabric or things to say. But there are many other areas of my life – my stewardship – I’d like to improve. I wish I had a better understanding of the scriptures. I want to be a better organist. I want to spend more quality time with my husband, my mother, my kids and my grandson. I’d like to weigh a bit less and save a bit more than I do. Hmm. Sounds like time for more New Year’s resolutions.

Framed Star

Walt Disney would have been 111 this month, if he was still with us. When I was a child, I loved Walt for his movies, animated and otherwise. I loved him for Disneyland, and for The Wonderful World of Color on TV every Sunday night. Now that I’m older I appreciate him more for his enduring vision and eternal optimism. I’ve never known anyone more committed to preserving the past or to creating a better future. Walt loved train rides and good books even more than I do. He once said, “Why do we have to grow up? I know adults who have the children's approach to life. They're people who don't give a hang what the Joneses do. You see them at Disneyland every time you go there. They are not afraid to be delighted with simple pleasures, and they have a degree of contentment with what life has brought.”

Holland Magic

Thirty-four years ago today I married my best friend. The amazing thing is that we’re still together. Thirty-four years doesn’t make us marriage experts, but there are a few things we’ve picked up along the way. 1) Take time to go out on a date; just the two of you seeing a play, sharing dinner and a movie, or just taking a walk around the block. It takes a lot more planning when you throw kids and careers into the mix, but it’s definitely worth the effort. 2) Remember to touch. Little things like a peck on the cheek, holding hands or snuggling on the sofa turn out to be not so little after all. 3) Develop selective amnesia. Forget that your spouse bounced a check, left a hose running, or washed your pants with the wallet still in the pocket. If you’re very lucky, maybe your partner will forget all the stupid things you’ve done, too.

Belgian Star

I’ve been missing the hot chocolate at Caffé Nero for an entire year now. It was the perfect solution to a cold, damp, blustery day; chocolate so rich and creamy it can send you into a swoon. Everything I’ve tried since we left England has seemed watered down in comparison. But this recipe comes pretty close:

Belgian Hot Chocolate

1 quart whole milk or half-and-half

8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

4 ounces good quality milk chocolate

1 tiny pinch of salt

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Warm half the milk or half-and-half with chocolate and salt, stirring until chocolate is melted. Add cinnamon. Whisk in the remaining milk until completely smooth. Top with whipped cream and shaved chocolate; serve immediately. Serves four.

Footsteps

Good King Wenceslas looked out on the feast of Stephen,

When the snow lay 'round about, deep and crisp and even.

Brightly shone the moon that night, though the frost was cruel,

When a poor man came in sight, gathering winter fuel.

"Bring me flesh and bring me wine.  Bring me pine logs hither
Thou and I will see him dine when we bear him thither."
Page and monarch forth they went. Forth they went together
Through the rude wind's wild lament and the bitter weather

"Sire, the night is darker now and the wind blows stronger
Fails my heart, I know not how, I can go no longer."
"Mark my footsteps, my good page tread thou in them boldly
Thou shalt find the winter's rage freeze thy blood less coldly."

In his master's steps he trod where the snow lay dinted
Heat was in the very sod which the Saint had printed
Therefore, Christian men, be sure wealth or rank possessing
Ye who now will bless the poor shall yourselves find blessing.

A New Star

This Christmas, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and then speak it again. – President Howard W. Hunter