C. DEVELOPE THE ATTRIBUTES OF GODLISNESS
I have waited a long time to make this post because I didn't want it to be too long and I couldn't decide what to list. There are several scriptures that actually list attributes that we should try to acquire one of which is II Peter all of chapter one. Following is a list of some others that might help us be happier while meeting the challenges of this earth.
1. gratitude - several of the conference talks this time were on that subject
2. Forgive others -
3. humility -
4. Empathy
5. Charity. I have listened to President Monson's address to the women several times because I think he puts it so perfectly. It was reaffirmed to me as I listened the first time that he is a prophet of God. His words were truly inspired.
I ask that all of you, including my boys take the time to get online and listen to this talk. It is listed at the end of the October conference sessions. I think I will listen to it at least once a month so I can get it into my head to do what he has instructed.

B. Scripture Reading and Study
1. Get our own copy of the scriptures and start using them to get closer to Heavenly Father and our brother Jesus Christ. Read your scriptures every day or at least once a week.
2. If you are already doing this then read with someone else and exchange ideas - your spouse, family, individual children, brother or sister, friend, etc.
3. Read the Ensign, New Era or Friend, especially the first message by the apostles.
4. Read Preach My Gospel with the accompanying scriptures. There are some excellent articles in the September Ensign on this subject.
5. Underline and memorize some of your favorite scriptures.
6. Read the scriptures in a different language. It sometimes adds a whole new perspective on the scriptures, especially those you have memorized.
7. Ask HF what he wants you to learn from each day that you study. Use a tablet to record your feelings and thoughts.

OIL IN YOUR LAMP

Matthew 25:1-13
This is called Oil in your Lamp because I will make suggestions on what I have learned that has helped me and in the comments the rest of you can add your ideas.
I tried to upload an image of an oil lamp but haven't figured that out yet so maybe I will add it later.
I have been thinking about this for a long time and maybe I should set up a website instead. I want to have something we can all do to help each other and our friends prepare for the coming of the Savior.
One drop of oil at a time.

A. Prayer - Also refer to April 4, 2009 blog - Miskin Milestone
1. Add prayer to your daily activities.
2. If you are already praying daily but only once, add another prayer time.
3. Have family prayer daily and if you are married at least one prayer with your spouse separate from the children.
4. If you have children and have not taught them to say individual prayers now is a good time to start teaching them.
5. Always have a prayer of gratefulness in your heart to our Father for the abundant blessings He has given us.
6. Before praying think of questions you might have about your life and relationship with HF and J. Ask them in your prayers.
7. After establishing a regular prayer each day. Bring a notebook and pen with you to your prayers and write down any inspiration you might feel.

Reunion/favorite books

Well, I was going to post some pictures from the reunion that Jennifer took but they are on her computer and we are now using my computer again.
So here I am going to post some books that I recommend to read. It is funny because I hardly ever read fiction but two that have affected me through the years are:
Janice Meredith I do not know the author but it is historical about the civil war
David and Jonathan This is a book about modern day boys who learn to love each other as the biblical pair did.
War and Peace - This is a very long book but I loved it.

These are very old books so I am not sure if you can find them in print. These books changed my life and attitude at a crucial time in my teen years. In fact, I hardly ever read fiction now so here are some others that influenced me.
How to Win Friends and Influence People I believe this is by Dale Carnegie
I Dare You by William H. Danforth
Enjoy!

Reunion Update

Jenn gave me an idea about the reunion. We might be able to put on a baby quilt or two and tie it (I don't know where we would get the frames though). I also thought due to the two recent earthquakes we could make some hygiene kits or school kits either for our families or to give to the church. That might be something to do at 10:00.
I really would like at least a family group sheet from the in-laws also and perhaps a pedigree chart that I can update my genealogy sheets. That's all. Everything okay here.
We went to the pinewood derby on Tuesday and Lottie was sitting by a girl who let him take a picture of Manasseh's car hitting the end of the track. We don't know if we will get a copy. If we do maybe we can post it.
Marta has been in a play for sometime and it is playing this week so we are going to it tonight and tomorrow night. The play is "Bye, Bye, Birdie". We had to make a poodle skirt for it. I instructed she sewed just a simple design.
Jesse has been working with the track team doing the long jump and maybe the pole vault. He hurt his knee the first day but has been faithfully working out.
Leah is a great babysitter. She is good with kids and dogs so she got paid for a weekend feeding dogs.
Lot is learning to spell people's names. He refuses to learn other words but he has all of the alphabet learned now and he tries to fix things. He got a small screwdriver out the other day to take the top off the VCR. It wasn't working and he had seen Jesse do that some time ago. Now he tries to fix his little scooter even though it works fine. He just can't get used to being too small to do big boy things.
Don't know much about Louis. He says everything is going fine at school. He'll be 19 soon and ready for that mission.

The plan of happiness

I have been thinking a lot lately about what I have learned in my life and I think some should be passed on to my children, mostly about marriage. I learned these from watching my parents but i learned them too late for my own marriage.
1. Before you marry find out how your partner thinks about raising children, women workiing outside the home before and after having children, who does what chores, how you are going to handle money, what you have in common especially values,etc.
2. Just because you belong to the same church and are attneding doesn't mean your testimony is close to the same. Make sure your testimonies are similar and that you are both either working on improving it or that you agree on the important values of the church or your own values - lying, cheating, gambling, trustworthiness,
3. Treat each other as if you were already a queen or king. Take care of each other, serve each other, love each other. My mother was a great homemaker in spite of having to be on call for the store. My dad would always be sure she had what she needed. He would take money out of the store till and say go buy a new dress or go get your hair done. They cared about the other's needs.
4. Both of you work hard at whatever you feel is your duty. Now it is more difficult because so many women work outside the home but if you are earning the money do your best at that, if you are home with the responsibilities there and the children do your best at that. Your honest communication about these subjects will save a lot of heartache. It is difficult to anticipate all the issues that might come up but try to think about 10 years from now and how you want things to be.
5. Agree on how to teach and discipline the children. My dad gave this responsibility to my mother and said he would support her because she would be with the children most of the time. Most of the time he stayed out of it but once in awhile he would say. "Now Helen!" He was never harsh with her. He did take over sometimes and sing to us and read us stories when mother got tired of trying to get us to go to bed. They always agreed in front of us so that we knew they were together on things.
6. IF you can't agree on something you can agree to disagree and not force each other to comply. Also any problems should be taken to the Lord anyway. Praying together as a couple prevents a lot of problems.
7. If you insist you are right, you probably are wrong.
8. Remember you were raised by different parents with different ideas and ways of doing things. Be tolerant and willing to change.
I could go on and on and give specific situations but I won't. Just work at caring more about the other than you care about yourself unless it involves abuse or selfishness.
I love you all and wish the best for each of you.

Summer Reunion

Hey, everyone, I finally have something to write about. My year has been interesting. Lots of ups and downs and learning to rely on the Lord again. I have been mulling over the reunion and this is what I have come up with so far. Date and place to be announced later, however I think we will have it in Utah because that seems to be most convenient for Jessica whom we are excited to see again.
I think we will have it on a Saturday but not sure, so here goes.
10:00-12:00 Arrive, visit, games for the kids, and maybe some genealogy sharing.
12:00 Lunch - pot luck - don't know what yet but summer reminds me of fried chicken
1:00 talent show - at least one representative per family. It can be singing, dancing, gymnastics, musical instrument playing, crafts, quilting, scrapbooking, painting, drawing, sports, etc. If you bring something to show be prepared to talk about it not just display.
2:00 Sharing of one story about your life - faith-promoting hopefully. I'd like to hear some from missions or some principle of the gospel that you have learned or just a funny story about life. I would like to hear lots of these.
3:00 visiting, more games, maybe miniature golf, etc.
I am open to suggestions