Sixteen Maple Leaves

 “I invite you to learn about and apply the Savior’s teachings about interactions and episodes that can be construed as offensive. ‘I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.’ ‘Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.’ Interestingly, the admonition to ‘be ye therefore perfect’ is immediately preceded by counsel about how we should act in response to wrongdoing and offense. Clearly, the rigorous requirements that lead to the perfecting of the Saints include assignments that test and challenge us. If a person says or does something that we consider offensive, our first obligation is to refuse to take offense and then to communicate privately, honestly, and directly with that individual. Such an approach invites inspiration from the Holy Ghost and permits misconceptions to be clarified and true intent to be understood.” – David A. Bednar

Daisy Chain

 

“There are nine minutes during the day that have the greatest impact on a child: the first three minutes right after they wake up, the three minutes after they come home from school or daycare, and the last three minutes of the day before they go to bed. Make those minutes special and help our children feel special, loved and accepted. Each day children need meaningful eye-to-eye conversations with a parent. It is especially important to slow down and look them in the eye. Listen and respond with love. Hug your child, straighten their hair, pat them on the back and tell them how proud you are every day. A simple touch makes them feel connected in ways that words never will. Remember, actions speak louder than words! The larger the sphere of positive emotions a child has with a loved one, the more likely they are to become a productive and happy member of society.” – Dr. Jaak Panksepp

Chloe's Friends

 

The last time I was in a middle school library, I found “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pitman” in nonfiction. It’s a mistake I hope I wouldn’t have made if I’d ever become the school librarian I’d dreamed of being at age ten. I know school libraries have limited shelf space, and a limited book budget. I’m amazed to hear debate over removing “Out of Darkness” from secondary school libraries.  What seems clear to me is none of the people arguing have read this book. I have. I can tell you it deals with racial prejudice in 1930’s Texas. It also contains graphic depictions of sex and violence as well as those words most parents try to keep out of their kids’ mouths and minds. It’s well written, but to call it teen fiction is itself fiction. Banning this book won’t keep it from being read – quite the opposite. But I’d like to know who thought it belonged in school.

Nine Maple Leaves

 

“Several years ago, I invited a Buddhist monk to speak to my senior elective class, and quite interestingly, as he entered the room, he didn’t say a word. (That caught everyone’s attention.) He just walked to the board and wrote this: ‘EVERYONE WANTS TO SAVE THE WORLD BUT NO ONE WANTS TO HELP MOM DO THE DISHES.’ We all laughed. But then he went on to say, ‘Statistically, it’s highly unlikely that any of you will ever have the opportunity to run into a burning orphanage and save an infant. But, in the smallest gesture of kindness – a warm smile, holding the door for the person behind you, shoveling the driveway of the elderly person next door – you have committed an act of immeasurable profundity, because to each of us, our life is our universe.’ This is my hope for you for the new year – that by your smallest acts of kindness, you will save another’s world.” – John Perricone

Card Trick

 

Most dogs are perfectly capable of becoming lost without any help at all. They slip their leads when they’re out walking. They jump over fences or dig under them. They bolt the minute a door or gate opens. But Cassie didn’t disappear on her own. Cassie was a chocolate-colored cocker spaniel puppy who was stolen from her own front garden in Sussex in 2013. Eventually her family gave up all hope of ever seeing her again. But last November, police received a tip and raided a series of puppy farms. They discovered Cassie with three of her own puppies, and were able to reunite her with her loved ones. After eight years of separation, Cassie is settling in well, enjoying her daily walks and lounging around the house. Her puppies have all gone to loving homes, as well. Sussex police are glad to have played a part in this happy ending, and encourage everyone to microchip their pets.

Four Maple Leaves

 

If you’ve ever eaten at Texas Roadhouse, you’ll know what I’m talking about. The most tempting item on their table isn’t on the menu. It isn’t their salmon or stuffed potatoes or salads (yes, salads) or fried pickles (although they all run a close second). It’s their soft sweet rolls, fresh from the oven, served with cinnamon honey butter. They’ll bring a basket-full to your table without being asked, and when you finish them, they’ll bring you more. I don’t eat these anymore (white flour is not my friend), but I CAN make:

 

Cinnamon Honey Butter

 

1 cup unsalted butter, at ROOM TEMPERATURE

1/2 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons raw honey

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 teaspoons cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon coarse sea salt

 

Dump all ingredients in stand mixer bowl. Beat with paddle until fluffy and uniform. Refrigerate up to a month. Serve with hot rolls, toast, cornbread, waffles, banana bread, pancakes, or French toast.

Four Irish Chains

 

“God’s love is not found in the circumstances of our lives but in His presence in our lives. We know of His love when we receive strength beyond our own and when His Spirit brings peace, comfort, and direction. At times it may be difficult to feel His love. We can pray to have our eyes opened to see His hand in our lives and to see His love in the beauty of His creations. As we ponder the Savior’s life and His infinite sacrifice, we begin to understand His love for us. We reverently sing the words of Eliza R. Snow: ‘His precious blood he freely spilt; His life he freely gave.’ Jesus’s humility in suffering for us distills upon our souls, opening our hearts to seek forgiveness at His hand and filling us with a desire to live as He did.” – Susan H. Porter