The Parable Of The Popcorn

Behold at the time of harvest the ears of corn did bring forth kernels which were dried and prepared for the popper's hand. And it came to pass that when the heat was on, some did explode with promise and did multiply themselves a hundred fold and some did burst forth with whiteness which did both gladden the eye and satisfy the taste of the popper. And likewise, some others did pop, but not too much.

But lo, there were some that did just lie there and even though the popper's heat was alike unto all, they did bask in the warmth of the oil and keep everything they had for themselves.
And so it came to pass that those which had given of themselves did bring joy and delight to many munchers, but those which kept of the warmth and did not burst forth were fit only to be cast out into the pail and are thought of with hardness and disgust.

And thus we see that in the beginning all appear alike, yet when the heat is on, some come forth and give their all, while others fail to pop and become as chaff to be discarded and forgotten. Which are you? Bursting with enthusiasm-Ready to give your all, OR Content to keep yourself and not pop or pop just a little!

We live in such uncertain times, in a world filled with sadness, hardship and conflict. Our country is on the eve of electing a new President. As we move forward, with the hope for change, economic relief, better health care, and peace, you might be asking yourselves, "What can I do? How can I make the world a better place for having lived in it?" A friend of mine and LDS Ward Relief Society President, introduced this parable during a lesson that she gave very recently at Church. It really grabbed my heart and I have found myself reflecting upon it over and over again. I hope it inspires you, as it has me, to live a better life, to lift and serve those around me.

Happy Halloween!

I just had to share some of my favorite pics of this year's Halloween festivities! We hope y'all had a safe and fun Halloween 2008! Oliver was our local "Hippie," Ella was an adorable Zebra, Boston was the cutest Batman, Zach was a jailbird caught by Batman and Nicole was Cat Woman. Fun, Fun, FUN!!!

Pumpkin Carving

On the Monday before Halloween, we enjoyed a fun FHE activity! Nanny and Ella, joined Granny for a little pumpkin shopping and then we met up with the rest of the family for some serious carving. Oliver carved out some wolves howling at the moon, Brian and Nanny carved a pirate skull and, of course, Grandpa was inspired to carve a "U" to represent his favorite college team...Go UTES!!! Here are some pics of our resident artists at work.