Smith Family Farm
Stream on Smith Farm
Sacred Grove
Sacred Grove
Sacred Grove
Joseph’s Loft Bedroom
Palmyra LDS Temple
Original hearthstones where the plates were hidden
Original floorboards in Smith Family Farmhouse
Family Room
Smith Family Farm
Happy Thoughts
“Think of a Wonderful Thought…”
Did you happen to notice?
To the right of this post–way up at the top–there is a box that says “A Million Things To Be Happy About.” That was the place where you could click and read our huge list of things that make us happy. But not just us…you guys as well. We’ve tried very hard to add the happy comments to our list each time someone has left them.
Well, now it’s changed a bit. We have moved the “List” to a tab above. Look up, you’ll see it.” But the best part is that we’ve added your happy thoughts to the scrolling list at the top right side of this page. Look to the right…see it? Each quote will appear for about 8 seconds before randomly displaying another. Oh, I’ve added four or five of my own–if they were particularly brilliant, but for the most part, they are all yours. Don’t worry–only the first names will be posted.
If you’d like to be part of our scrolling happy list–all you have to do is add what makes you happy to this post—now, and any other time we are collecting. We’ll add your thoughts to the display and to the main “List.” Our goal is to inspire others to see the joy and beauty that is there, around them, all the time–if they will just look.
After all…happiness is a choice.
What do you say? Right this minute—what is making you happy?
Please tell us…we’d love to share!
My Kind of Mom
In preparation for Mother’s Day–I’ve been thinking about some of the movie moms that have really struck a cord with me. So, for the past few days—I’ve been making a list of some of my favorites. Now, I’m not trying to convince you to like a movie or a character–just because I do, but I’m curious to see if any of you feel the same about some of these moms. I’ve also noticed a common thread in many of these ladies, and that is, that they are positively ferocious if someone messes with their child. I guess I like that a lot. I’ve even added a couple of clips—so be sure to click on the links.
My Top Mother’s Day Movies
“Step Mom“
I hope you’ll pick at least one of these movie from your stash or from Blockbuster and watch it before the big day. It will really get the mom vibes working.
Let me know if you have any favorite moms in the movies that I’ve missed. Please–please comment below. It’s the only way I know I’m not on the planet alone.
If you want to find out just what movie mom is most like you—take the quiz below.
Which movie mom are you?
{ Our True Gifts }
“President Hinckley . . . admonished both men and women to be nurturers. He said, ‘How much more beautiful would be the . . . society in which we live if every father . . . and . . . mother regarded [their] children . . . as gifts from the God of heaven. . . and brought them up with true affection in the wisdom and admonition of the Lord”
Amazing…
I just received a book in the mail from Amazon, entitled, “Out of the Depths” by John Newton. Anybody know who he is? Nevermind, I’ll tell you. He is the gentleman that wrote the song, “Amazing Grace” clear back in 1772. Now I realize that biographies of wretched old slave traders are not really many people’s cup of tea. This one is pretty dang good though. In fact, it sounds like something written a few years back not a couple of generations ago. Anyway, for what it’s worth I love it.
I was intrigued with John Newton after seeing the movie, “Amazing Grace,” a true story about William Wilberforce’s life’s work to abolish slavery in the 1800’s. All this is leading up to a wonderful video clip that a friend sent me that I’d hoped to put on the blog—but apparently so many people have downloaded it that they’ve changed the availability of the clip. So, I’ll give you the link and ask—no beg you to watch it. It is just too incredible not to share.
Warning–if you’re a mush head like me…get out the Kleenix and brace yourself.
You won’t be sorry.
“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me….
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.
T’was Grace that taught…
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear…
the hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares…
we have already come.
T’was Grace that brought us safe thus far…
and Grace will lead us home.
When we’ve been here ten thousand years…
bright shining as the sun.
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise…
then when we’ve first begun.
“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me….
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.”
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PS–Week 2 food storage tip is:
5 boxes of Mac and Cheese, 4 cans tomato soup