Random Wanderings

We had more competition this year at the WAVA gingerbread contest. We took 2nd place with our Kandy Kastle.

Other winners:

1st place, 3rd place, Honorable mention

More views of the Kandy Kastle:

I finally have high sped internet connection and so I dare upload a few photos.

With the recent visit of my parents we got a couple of four generation photos.

Emily with her Great Grandpa

And here are some photos of the kitties:

Most who work are willing to submit to their employers will, at least for the time they are at work, with only the promise of a small monetary paycheck. If that employer cares for the person, it is mostly because of the contribution they are making for the company. There are requirements and qualifications and only a few who would be chosen for any particular job.

Yet many are unwilling to submit to God’s will.

God invites us to come and work for Him to help build up his kingdom here on the earth. A choice to work for God and submit our will to his is a choice to submit to someone who knows us completely, loves us immeasurably, and would only ask us to do those things that would be of benefit to us, to those we love, or for the benefit of all mankind.

Even when we make that choice to submit completely to His will, more times than not he gives the choice back to us and tells us to choose what we would like to do, or what we think is appropriate. Yet with benefits: He will warn us if we are starting to head in a damaging direction. When we are heading in a progressive direction he gives us constant confirmation to our minds and hearts that boosts our confidence and takes away our doubts. He will even give us gentle promptings that boost the rate of our progression.

The requirements of the job are possible for every single person to fulfill. They are a willingness to do our best to follow the things he asks us to do. He asks us to have faith in Him that he will only ask those things that will be of benefit to us and all mankind. He also only asks us to do those things that we are capable of doing especially with a little help from him. Another requirement is to remember to turn to Him constantly to seek His guidance.

He gives us lots of help with the job. He provided a perfect trainer ( Jesus Christ) to show us exactly how to do even the most difficult of tasks. He also gives each one of us a personal guide after we sign the contract (baptism), to walk by our side, to warn us, to comfort us, and to teach us.

With that contract we make the commitment to do our best to do the job. He gives us a chance every single week to review and renew that contract and re commit ourselves. (sacrament)

But the best thing of all is the paycheck. Besides all the opportunities and bonuses such as; joy, blessings, power, increased freedom, love, knowledge, peace, confidence, etc. that we get during the work time …….. the promised payment is that we will receive all that He has. No worldly wealth compares to that. In fact, it is beyond comprehension to even imagine all that entails.

So how about it! Do you want to work for the perfect employer? The invitation is open to all and there is room for everyone.

Over the weekend we took a bike ride on the Hiawatha trail. It is an old railroad trail converted to a biking trail.

From the website:

Winding through 10 tunnels and 7 high trestles, this 15-mile route crosses the rugged Bitterroot Mountains between Idaho and Montana. The Route of the Hiawatha is best known for the long, dark St. Paul Pass, or “Taft” Tunnel, which burrows for 1.66 miles under the Idaho/Montana state line.

Greg and Lydia emerge from the first mile long tunnel. Lights are required and jackets are needed. It is very cold and dark but one of my favorite parts just for the novelty of riding a bike in such a long tunnel.

This waterfall is right at the end of that first long tunnel.

There are many spectacular views along the way.

Lydia looks down from one of the many trestles (bridges) along the way.

Taking a break before going into another tunnel.

Time to secure the bikes and head for home.

Goodbye Hiawatha! Until next year!

This is for you Jaspenelle
Rules

• 1. You have to use your own belief system for the meme. No fair using someone else’s to make a joke or satire. Being humorous about your own religion is encouraged!
• 2. You have to have at least one joy and one trial. More are encouraged. And no, they don’t have to be equal in length, but please be honest.
• 3. You have to tag at least one other person. More are appreciated!
• 4. Please post these rules!

Joys

Pushes me out of my comfort zone giving me lots of opportunities to grow and to give service.

Peace and security in the midst of the storms(trials) of life.

Lots of good reading material, lots to ponder.

Social connections with people of shared values.

A support group for the tough times and lots of wisdom to share.

Getting to know people in a way I wouldn’t have otherwise and learning I can love them anyway.

Trials

Pushes me out of my comfort zone.

Getting to KNOW people.

The abundance of misperceptions about Mormons and especially the refusal of some to consider there are misperceptions.

I tag anyone who reads this, that hasn’t already been tagged, who has a blog. Maybe it’s time to start a blog or let me know if you already have one.