Fish and All - Poem

Fish and All -

A few fish

    fed  a multitude, and

One, at it's creator's

    bidding, swallowed a coin

    to necessitate

    payment unto Caesar

We do not

    anticipate God's

    unique plan

And the varied ways he uses

    fish

    for the benefit of man

We followers open wide

    each fish's mouth

    to search inside

While Christ seeks

    to relieve

    our true temporal need

Directed to seek first

    His kingdom

    and His righteousness -

Then fish and coin

    and all He hath,

    will be given unto us

Janice Harten

Matt 15:34

Matt  6:31-33

2/10/2009
Copyright © 2011 Janice Harten.  All rights reserved.

Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple

This is part of the view from the front of the Oquirrh Mountain Temple (pronounced Oker).  I will not make the mistake again, of calling it the Oquirrh "Hills" temple! My son teased me yesterday, for making that mistake.  This temple was built on the Oquirrh Mountain Range, and it looks directly across the valley, at the Wasatch Mountain Range.  The view spans the width and length of the Salt Lake Valley.

Our daughter lives nearby, and we invited her to join us.  As we waited together in the chapel, we listened as someone played hymns on the organ, and the words of the songs began running through my mind.   My daughter pointed to a hymn book which was sitting next to a set of scriptures, nearby.  I opened the book and the second verse of the hymn I turned to, directly answered a silent prayer I offered that morning.  I know someone was listening.

During the session, thoughts and impressions continued to flow, about the life and mission of our Savior Jesus Christ.  I pondered on the power he grants us, to overcome temptation and sin, and then to bless and help others, as we listen and follow him, step by step.  It doesn't happen in a single day, but over time his spirit teaches and prompts us to do better things.  We begin to desire and value the things of heaven, more than the things of this world.

I hope I can remember this visit to the mountain of the Lord.

Holiday Decorations

Sadly, I am not one to decorate much for the holidays.  Halloween comes, and I am lucky to get a pumpkin set on the doorstep.  And I even neglected to do that this year, feeling justified because we have been traveling so much.  But, a part of me feels regret at not having a little more fun.  At least I remembered the candy and kept the light on for the trick or treaters!

For Thanksgiving, I looked for something simple to set in the middle of the dinner table, and even though there are a myriad of things to choose from, I came home empty handed.  However, for dinner, I decided to set out the china and goblets.  And then, my husband surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of roses!

But the best Thanksgiving decoration was the faces of those I love, sitting around the table laughing together.

(I have decided not to post pictures of other members of my family, out of respect for their privacy.)

Painted Toenails - Poem

Painted Toenails -

I look

at my recently painted toenails

and carefully moisturized feet

and wonder—

how would these hold up

on the plains of Wyoming?

July 14, 2006

Janice Harten

Copyright © 2011 Janice Harten.  All rights reserved.

Rachel Combs Acord

Recently, I spent time with one of my sisters, reading and sharing stories she has gathered, about some of our ancestors.  I am in awe of her efforts to preserve and share these precious histories, pictures and genealogies.  Her goal is to get them into a format that can be easily shared, with all the members of the family.  The following is one of the fun stories we ran across.

AN EXPERIENCE OF RACHEL COMBS ACORD

John Acord and his wife, Rachel Combs, were both born in Pennsylvania. They built a cabin in a clearing in the forest, all alone and far from neighbors. It was, of necessity, very sturdy with heavy wooden shutters at the windows to keep out wild animals of which there were many in the forest.
On one occasion, John had gone a considerable distance away, which would mean his remaining from home overnight. His young wife was left alone with only the companionship of a faithful dog, and an axe for protection. Sometime during the night, Rachel heard a noise made by some animal prowling around outside. Thinking it might be a panther, she hastily built a great fire on the hearth to prevent it from entering through the chimney. The noise outside still continued. She slipped to the back door and turned her dog out. Presently she heard him whine and knew he was in trouble. This was too much for her sympathetic nature, and seizing her heavy axe in one hand she opened the door. To her surprise and terror there was a huge bear in the doorway. He seemed dazed by the blinding light of the fire. Rachel struck him a terrific blow on the head with her axe, and he fell dead at her feet. She dragged him into the room, skinned him by the light of the fire, and in her own words:
"When John came home the next day, I was living in grease and plenty."
At the age of 55 Rachel was left a widow and remained one for 40 years. She became a proficient mid-wife, riding through the woods on horseback for miles to care for her patients. When she was 94 years of age, she delivered a fine baby boy to Nancy Frost Acord, wife of her grandson, Abram.
After rearing her family of ten children, she cared for nine orphaned grandchildren for many years.
Rachel Combs Acord was a woman of strong character, staunch, loyal and utterly fearless. She lived to be 95 years and 7 months of age.

Who doesn't love that story!!  Although, I'm wondering how she got that bear into her house.....I'd like to ask her someday!

Sooted Face - Poem

Sooted Face -

Soiled countenance

   My efforts ever wanting

I lack in the trying

   Yet continue while faltering                      

Others falter as I stumble

   Magnifying my guilt

Desire is not sufficient

   To overcome nor correct

For in one crying instant

   I confess and recognize

Yet, in the next moment

   My faltering again overrides

Where does the cycle end

   How can the loss be found

How can the feelings mend

   How can I overcome

Only Christ’s power

  And perfect understanding

Can lift the load and heal

  Wherever hurt needs mending

Oh, needed mercy sweet

   I fall at thy pierced feet

Tearful sorrow unmasked

   Undeserved healing

Countless times the pleading

   Will I ever rise

As I return for mercies

   My sooted face undignified

Failing words cannot describe

   Charity’s warm embrace

As dust and error are erased

   In rebirth’s sacred place

Calmest feelings linger

   Lifting faith to carry on

Hope’s restoration

   Love’s window into Heaven

And I behold His face

November 18, 2002

By Janice Harten

Copyright © 2011 Janice Harten.  All rights reserved.

Optimism

I believe in being optimistic.  I think optimism is a sister with faith, or perhaps it is the result.  I experience plenty of opposition and discouragement.  It's been a challenging road to raise five children, while supporting my husband with his dreams and ambitions.  I have shed many tears and fought to keep my family together.  My husband and I, while united in our purposes, have very different personalities and methods, and it's sometimes challenging to communicate and agree.  If I have painted a rosy picture, it's because I try to stay focused on my blessings and the good things.  Every day presents a choice.  Either I can allow my feelings to give in to discouragement, or I can turn my face to God, and ask for help in taking the next step forward.  I am keenly aware of my imperfections, and I wish to overcome them.

Historical Site in Dallas - JFK

A sad day in history.  The place where President John F Kennedy was shot, while passing Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas.  I felt the sadness and shock, even as a young child.

This car is where the President's limousine was when the shots were fired, from the orange brick building,
 6th floor window, just above the tree line on the far right.  The grassy knoll is on the left.  Dealey Plaza is on the right.

Sixth Floor window of the bookstore,
from which Harvey Lee Oswald shot JFK.

In visiting this site, I was surprised to realize how close everything was.  The pictures make the distance between the roads and buildings seem greater, but in fact, everything is within a few feet of each other.

View from the grassy knoll, just below the bookstore.

Dallas Texas Temple - Shadows and Service

Dallas, Texas is a study of contrasts: big vs small, loud vs quiet, fast vs slow, light vs dark.  The Dallas Ft Worth Airport is a city within a city, with interactive giant, touchpad screens, gourmet restaurants, and where jumbo jets are seen taxiing across bridges that intersect with the freeway.

When we arrived, we navigated our way to the temple.  Nighttime lighting and shadows highlighted the walls and architecture.  They brought movement and life to the textured granite.  Even the leaves of the trees, cast shadows across our faces.  It was magical.



It was late and, fortunately, I had read that this temple had a small cafeteria.  We waited for a few moments, before someone noticed we were there.  Then a sister quickly filled our plates with turkey, stuffing, and all the fixings of an early Thanksgiving meal.  It was delicious and I must have been hungry, because I finished before Bill!

While we were eating, the sister who served us came out to visit.  I was surprised to discover that she was a volunteer, who fed about 400 people that day, by herself.  Occasionally she has help, but this evening she cooked, served and cleaned up, alone.  Although the temple had only a few patrons that evening, she described the challenge of trying to feed those who occasionally come in groups by bus.  I felt appreciation for her and the unseen service she provides.  I know there are many who volunteer and help in numerous ways, at every temple.  Some tend and play with the children, who are waiting to be united with their parents. Others wash and fold white temple clothing, and some arrive late in the evening to dust, vacuum and clean.  It is all sacred work, and I believe is written down and recorded by the angels in heaven.

Holding to Texas tradition, the chandelier in the Celestial Room of this temple is HUGE!  I think it should be labeled the 8th wonder of the world!

Draper Utah Temple - Where Heaven Meets Earth

A snow storm almost kept us from traveling to the Draper Temple, but, fortunately the storm subsided late in the afternoon.  And by the time we emerged from the temple, the air had been swept clean and clear and we had an unforgettable view of the moon above and the city below.  It was perfectly symbolic of heaven meeting earth, in this place.

From the grounds of the Draper Temple, we could see two other temples, the Jordan River and Oquirrh Mountain, which is a visual fulfillment of prophesy, that temples would dot the land. (If you enlarge the picture and look closely, you can find both temples.  One to the right, one to the left.)


Within the temple, blue stained glass windows, reminded me of the heavens.  And the seating in the celestial room enabled patrons to lean back and gaze upward at the dome sealing, with a most marvelous chandelier, that looks like it was let down straight from heaven.

 I even enjoyed the fact that both Bill and I chose to wear blue to the temple!  I guess that is stretching the symbolism a little far, but it made me smile!

Memory Table

Buying a kitchen table years ago, was a major decision.  I knew that whatever I bought, it would have to last a lifetime, because I consider it a permanent fixture in my home.  It was a major financial purchase, and it needed to be just right, to fit within our limited space, yet provide the maximum comfort for our growing family.  I shopped for several weeks, and actually bought and returned two tables, until I found one I was happy with.

It was an expandable oak table on a heavy pedestal.  Now, we had a beautiful place where all of us could enjoy our meals together.  Here we sat with our children, doing homework, projects, playing games, and visiting.   It would have been interesting to record all the stories that have been told, or all the jokes we have laughed at, while eating french toast and bacon or roast beef and potatoes.

At first I worried that the surface would get damaged with sharp pencils, markers or scissors.  I wondered how to feel when I saw the first flaw.  Then, an idea occurred to me that helped me enjoy those possibilities.  I decided that each flaw or chip would heighten the memories I had, spending time with my family.  I realized that each ding, or scrape could be transformed into a specific event and memory that would become precious.  Like looking at an interesting piece of antique furniture, and imagining what kind of a life it had lived, I started looking forward to what stories my table, or for that matter, other items in my home might tell, through their imperfections.

Butterfly - Poem

Butterfly -

Butterfly wings stir the air

Whisper

And disappear

Net flutters

Angel captures

Silent prayer

Janice Harten

Nov 10, 2011
Copyright © 2011 Janice Harten.  All rights reserved.

Mustard Seeds - Poem

Mustard Seeds

How plentiful are mustard seeds?

As I kneel to pray,

May I harvest one today

By Janice Harten

Aug 2, 2008

Copyright © 2011 Janice Harten.  All rights reserved.

Without Price

Yesterday, I was searching for additional study materials to supplement my reading in Hebrews, in the New Testament.  I found many wonderful resources that the church has scanned and made available on-line, following these links: lds.org, Menu, Manuals, Institute.

I feel overwhelmed with the realization that all this information is at my fingertips, in an instant.  I'm experiencing a modern day miracle.  This experience reminded me of another scripture in 2 Ne 9:50.

50 Come, my brethren, every one that ^athirsteth, come ye to the^bwaters; and he that hath no ^cmoney, come buy and eat; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without price.

I wanted to remember the following quote from the Institute, New Testament Student Manual, PDF, pg 388.

Perfection Entails Consecrated Effort on a Specific
Problem

In a very real and meaningful way, you can begin to
become perfect right now. This means specific and
concentrated efforts on a particular problem rather
than scattered random attempts to overcome all
problems in one immense effort. Consider the counsel
from President Harold B. Lee: “The most important
of all the commandments of God is that one that
you’re having the most difficulty keeping today. If it’s
one of dishonesty, if it’s one of unchastity, if it’s one
of falsifying, not telling the truth, today is the day for
you to work on that until you’ve been able to conquer
that weakness. Then you start on the next one that’s
most difficult for you to keep.” (Church News, 5 May
1973, p. 3.)

President Lee’s comments suggest some specific
things that you can do to overcome your weaknesses.
First identify what your weaknesses are. Make a list
with your greatest concern at the top and so on in
descending rank. Remember, this list is very personal
and should be kept secret and private. It is a matter
strictly between you and your Savior, and you should
never share it in class or in public.

Each morning review your list, particularly noting
the problem you want to work on that day. Then pray
to the Lord, entreating him for power and promising
him you will do all you can. That night report to him
on your success or failure. As you find yourself
improving (and you will), pray for forgiveness and
additional strength. Keep constantly in mind the joy
and love your Heavenly Father is feeling toward you
because of your efforts. Remember also that your
weaknesses can become your strengths; indeed, as
each is overcome, it can be a rung of power leading
upward to God and your eternal home. Examine
Ether 12:27. What is the purpose of weakness? What
does the Lord intend to do with your weaknesses if
you let him? Will you let him? If you do, you will find
the power of heaven opened to you and you will
receive greater joy and peace and a closer
relationship with your Savior than most people ever
know.

Conversation on a Plane

I wonder what desire Thomas Edison, or Alexander Graham Bell felt, to share their new inventions.  (Yes, I understand others had similar ideas before, or at the same time.....but just indulge me as I share an important point!)  How long did they wait, and how were their ideas received?  What about Leonardo Da Vinci, or  Filo T. Farnsworth?  Did they fear the opposition or rejection they would inevitably experience, or the difficulty of getting someone to believe, trust and assist in developing their invention?  Or were they simply so excited about, and knew the value of, their inventions and ideas, that they talked with everyone and anyone who would listen to them?

These thoughts followed me after a recent trip.  I decided to try and get to know the people I was sitting next to on the plane.  This is sometimes difficult, because my perception is, that most of the time it is unwanted.  People want to be left alone to read or think or sleep.  They don't want a nosey neighbor.

I was surprised, therefore, when I said hello, the woman sitting next to me was very friendly and we started a conversation that lasted throughout our flight.  I was very interested in hearing about her family, her work and her beliefs.  She had experienced trials, unlike my own, and I could see how her life had also been blessed.  I likewise shared with her, stories about my life, my family, and talked about my goal and occasional trips with my husband to visit some of the temples.  In the end, we exchanged contact information.

A few days later, I wondered how I could share with her, more of the knowledge I have about the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I wondered if it would be appropriate, after such a brief encounter, and I didn't want to offend her.   I decided to be unafraid, and simply wrote to her and explained my desire and how she could obtain more information.  I gave her the links to mormon.org and lds.org, and invited her to look at them at her convenience.

I probably will never know if this brief conversation and invitation will make a difference in her life, but it already has in mine.  I hope I will gain more faith and courage to share what I have been given.  How sad it would have been for Edison to not have shared what he knew, that has eventually brought light into every corner of the world and benefited all mankind.  Isn't the knowledge I have, even more significant than electricity or any other invention?  How important is a single life, a single invitation?  How many lives can be touched by just one person who will listen?  How selfish it would be to try and hide a lightbulb under a bushel, and not let anyone else even know about it, out of fear of offending them.

Forward - Poem

Forward  -

                                                           

                                                steady           slow

                                    step                                              forward

                        lean                                                                                  I          go…

            turn

look

By Janice Harten

Sept 27, 2008

Copyright © 2011 Janice Harten.  All rights reserved.

Big Toe

My husband has often used his big toe as a visual motivator.  He says if he is struggling to get started on a task he really doesn't want to do, he looks at his big toe, and then points it in the direction he needs to go.  Then, he moves his toe forward.  He says if he can get his big toe to move, then the rest will follow.

So, this morning I stuck my big toe out from under the covers, and kept moving.

The Answer - Poem

The Answer

      Kneeling

   Head Bowed

    Lips Pleading

       Spirit Seeking

   Upward Reaching

         Tears Streaming

              Heart Yearning

                        Outpouring

                                 Warmth

                                    Calm Feeling

                                      Light Descending

                                         Softly Penetrating

                                            Comfort Reaching

                                              Love Surrounding

                                                Understanding

                                                  Overflowing


                                                    By Janice Harten
                                                                      Copyright © 2011 Janice Harten.  All rights reserved.

Morning Musings

What is character?  Each morning, when I awaken, my choices stare me in the face.  Read?  TV?  Prayer?  Exercise?  Work?  Serve?  Do nothing? etc....  Flying solo, at home, for weeks at a time, while my husband travels for business, has presented a personal test of will power and character.  Is time my friend or enemy?  What are my true motivations and catalysts?  Am I honest with myself?  Good intentions are not enough to be a true reflection of character.  Good intentions only present an opportunity to act.  Choice is power over good intentions.  And action is power over choice.  Action is only the next step to "becoming" something.  And, over time the "doing" has to become automatic, innate, instinctive.  But, becoming, is more than any doing.  It is more than what we are, it is who we are.

Then the first question should be, what or who do I want to become?  That influences my decision on what and how I read, watch, eat, pray, work, serve, or ponder.  If I am simply going through the motions, without a clear goal in mind, then my actions, although well intentioned, are directionless and unproductive.  Like a pilot who knows how to technically fly a plane, but doesn't know where he wants to fly to, finds himself flying in circles and never getting anywhere.  Is there an understandable path?  Can I actually predict where my actions will lead?

That leads me to this most important question; how do my goals and desires match up with what God wants for me?  Can my very best attempts get me where I truly want to be?  Or, how do I sincronize my efforts and gain the Lord's spiritual vision, guidance and help?  Maybe, now, I have discovered the very first and ongoing step.