Sometimes you GET One More Day

IAT = I am thankful

For months I have been planning to attend a seminar called Genius Bootcamp. After several busy months, I finally had an open weekend, and the facilitator was kind enough to have it on a weekend I could go. But that is not what this post is about.

Just over 9 years ago, my beloved auntie passed away. My auntie Mo was a dynamo. And she was my substitute mother. We were very close. I remember the day she graduated, which is what my cousin and I like to call it. I sat boltright up in bed at 5am and I KNEW. I like to think that perhaps her angel spirit came down to the basement to kiss me goodbye before she left. I wondered if I should go wake anyone up and finally concluded that it would not do anything to do that, so I tried to go back to sleep. About an hour later, I heard footsteps on the stairs, and my aunt's hubby and my cousin were there to tell me what I already knew.

The next day I was driving somewhere. We were preparing for the Easter weekend funeral. And I heard this song, one of my favorites of Diamond Rio, on the radio.

ONE MORE DAY

Sometimes, you don't get one more day. Like when your mother takes her life. Or an aunt dies from cancer, or a granny dies from old age. And then sometimes you do. Accidents that don't turn out bad. Promptings that keep you safe. And medical emergencies that turn out right.

We had a scare this weekend. My dear husband who is also my hero, had a medical emergency. He thought he was having a panic attack. Several of his symptoms were consistent with a heart attack. And I was out of town! He called me to let me know, as I was on the last hour of my trip ironically with our Dr's wife. We contemplated what the best thing to do was, and finally opted for finishing the trip with my being able to be to the airport in an hour and Tucson in 2-3 where he was being transported.

It's an interesting thing when your life gets suspended in a moment. We were waiting for news and my brain began worst case scenarios. Why is that? Why not best case scenarios? Why doesn't our faith show up before our fears? I don't really know. Perhaps our faith needs to be fed more than our fears. Pictures began going through my mind, like how do I call my boy in the MTC with bad news? Well, that's where the stop sign in  my head just barged in. WE AREN'T GOING THERE!!!

I knew I needed a blessing. And so, while my husband was having hands laid on his head I was wondering who could do the same for me. Fortunately, my seminar mate and capable driver had a son in Provo and we were almost there. And so as I tried to hold myself together, he laid his hands on me and told me that my dear husband would be ok, and that I would be able to enjoy my seminar. Good news for sure. I decided to feed my faith and let go of fear. If I was going to enjoy my seminar, it certainly COULDN'T happen if there was something bad happening to my husband.

I was still concerned, but decided just to trust. In the meantime, he'd been blessed that the doctors would know what to do. I was hesitant to post this private information on facebook, because I knew he wouldn't like it, but I wasn't home to make calls and wanted as many people as possible praying for my bishop! And theirs.

We still aren't really sure what happened. I believe it was stress related. There was evidence of stress on his heart from the tests. We were immensely relieved when the angiogram showed no blockage and the song One More Day came back to me. Now that I have hugged him close, and began filling him with supplements, and he is continuing on his new diet, I feel much better.

I am so thankful, to a mother in law who looked after my family. To sons who raced to the hospital to be with their dad and bless him if they could. To all who said they were praying for him. To his dad who met him in Tucson when he got there. To those who visited him in the hospital. For doctors and nurses who treated it very seriously. To my husband for going in quickly. For the results that show he should have a long life in this regard. To tools to help with what we do know, including stress. To his best friend for begging for some way to serve and support him, and in doing so supported and served me. To a kind traveling companion who would have turned the car right around if I asked. For the distraction and comfort of the information I learned in my seminar. And to new friends who were rooting for us that all would turn out well. I am so blessed.

And I am so grateful for what I suspect are many more days.

IAT for a Picture Perfect Day

IAT = I am thankful

Wow! Life got in the way of living. We have been in full blown wedding and missionary preparation day and are still in the thick of it, but I wanted to just post something small. Besides the almost every day nearly perfect days....I mean hey, I have people who love me, a roof over my head, food in my tummy, my health, my faith, my freedom, what more could I ask? But besides days like that, every once in awhile you get a super duper picture perfect day. Like yesterday.

My firstborn son was married. How in the world did that happen? I mean, I KNOW I got married 24 years ago, but it seems like I could just fold time from point to point and it happened yesterday. Even though I know 7 kids and everything that goes along with it, happened in the fold.

So, here was our happy groom posting a video clip on his facebook before he left.

What was he posting you ask? A favorite clip from a favorite movie. He kinda looked like Kevin when he was little.



It was dark in our hotel room, but here he was at 6:45 all happy to go.

Less than 4 hours later, MR and MRS Norton. That's weird and wonderful.

She's already taken off those 6 inch heels!

One less, but one more. :-) They are their own family but still a part of ours.

Joseph is going off to Andrew's mission on Wednesday.

We had family who helped with pictures and kids. We had friends who we could not have made it through the day or the LUNCHEON without their help. We were hurried and we did not take some of the pictures I had hoped to since Joseph was leaving, but hopefully in the ones we took, their will be some keepers. The memory is the most important thing. And it was an awesome day filled with memories. You know the trite saying, "all because two people fell in love." I'm so glad we did. And now it starts all over again for Drew and Elizabeth. We feel so blessed.

Are You Bullet Proof?

IAT = I am thankful

February is probably my favorite month of the year behind Christmas. Because except for a few years when we had it at a different time, we've always had a personal development training in conjunction with The Bish' employment. The Bish has been a seminary teacher for the last 23 years, and the last few has been an Institute teacher. That just means he has taught religion to high school and college aged children. Teaching religion is not really accurate. The objective is: "Our purpose is to help youth and young adults understand and rely on the teachings and Atonement of Jesus Christ, qualify for the blessings of the temple, and prepare themselves, their families, and others for eternal life with their Father in Heaven." It's a tall order and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints makes every effort to have  well trained, prepared, and worthy teachers to instruct and lead the youth of the church through years of scripture discovery and understanding.

My husband attends multiple inservice and leadership trainings. And one time a year, the teachers get to bring their spouses along and we get some of the enrichment they enjoy on a regular basis. There is always a theme. This year it was What E'er Thou Art, Act Well Thy Part. And I want to focus my next few posts on some of the information we were able to enjoy. But I am going to begin with the end of our meeting.

Our very wonderful and capable area director is Wes Wright. Awesome man, awesome wife Laura, and an awesome family. He usually addresses at the beginning or end or both. This time it was at the end and his thoughts gave me so much to think about. He began by sharing a short personal story and pointing out that we aren't bullet proof. We aren't so good that we cannot fall. We need to be on our guard to be able to protect and preserve ourselves and our families. And then he shared a story about George Washington. I had heard part of it but not all of it. You can read the story here:

Bullet Proof George

George Washington. "A favorite of heaven." What an amazing description. I can think of few men of that kind of character that could even qualify for that description and be President. But that is not the direction I am going. Can you be bullet proof? I think the answer is a reserved yes. The first challenge is to believe it is possible without truly trusting that you are. The humility factor. As soon as you think you *ARE* bullet proof, you are now vulnerable to every sniper who wants to take a shot. But if you believe it is possible always knowing a stray bullet can take you out, then you are still on your guard.

Some of the suggested bullets that could harm us were greed, pride, lust. I think Satan tailor makes poisoned bullets; just the kind he knows will be deadliest for us. Fortunately for us, if we have an "eye single to the glory of God," He can help us deflect those bullets or "fiery darts."

The only way to really be bullet proof or dart proof, is to do as directed in Ephesians, "put on the whole armor of God." Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, the word. All of these with prayer and perseverance. Looking back at George Washington, you can see that he had many of these things on his side. And perhaps he was wearing the armor of God that day. I know I can do better at dressing in my armor each day. How about you? Are you bullet proof?

My New Christian friend

IAT = I am thankful

I love this. I think she really has a mature understanding. And it goes along with my Mormon rant.

The Wisdom of the Wise

IAT = I am thankful

As much as I wish I had the answers to all problems, I do not. I hope no one is crestfallen over that confession. The older I get, the more I lose the appetite for the merely mundane. For example, I used to watch Oprah Winfrey without fail. Well, I wasn't fanatical, but I watched it as much as I could. I have about zero desire at this point in my life to watch Oprah or almost any other television show. I could not name one series that is popular on tv right now. Except for maybe the Bachelorette, which I've never seen, but has to be one of the dumbest shows on tv in my book. I am on my computer A LOT. And what am I doing? Business, social networking, and my greatest enjoyment/strength/weakness. Studying. Learning. Attempting to improve.

I love focusing what I learn on my very flawed self. I ask questions and try to figure out answers. I experiment. I try to root out all the little weed seeds within me and plant beautiful flowers in their places. I hope I am blooming. I hope that every passing day of self-scrutiny creates a more beautiful me. I imagine I'll be self-gardening for many years. How grateful I am for those who are truly wise who share what they know, for our benefit.

For example. Einstein. He said, "The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them." Hmmm. So, if a problem was created from power, we cannot solve that problem from a place of power. I think the law of opposition applies here. If we cannot solve it from power, perhaps it can be solved from humility. The opposite of power, is really weakness. And humility often gets confused for weakness, but it is not. Humility is gentle power.

If a problem is created from hatred, ignorance, or judgment, perhaps it can only be solved through love, intelligence, and understanding. Maybe fighting fire with fire isn't the best idea?


Here is another fascinating passage from a funny little man from the early 1900s named Wallace Wattles.

Every individual has the natural and inherent power to think what he wants to think, but it requires far more effort to do so than it does to think the thoughts which are suggested by appearances. To think according to appearances is easy; to think truth regardless of appearances is laborious and requires the expenditure
of more power than any other work we are called upon to perform.

There is no labor from which most people shrink as they do from that of sustained and consecutive thought. It is the hardest work in the world. This is especially true when truth is contrary to appearances. Every appearance in the visible world tends to produce a corresponding form in the mind which observes it, and this can only be prevented by holding the thought of the TRUTH.

To look upon the appearances of poverty will produce corresponding forms in your own mind, unless you hold to the truth that there is no poverty; there is only abundance.

To think health when surrounded by the appearances of disease or to think riches when in the midst of the appearances of poverty requires power, but whoever acquires this power becomes a master mind. That person can conquer fate and can have what he wants.

This power can only be acquired by getting hold of the basic fact which is behind all appearances, and that fact is that there is one thinking substance from which and by which all things are made.

Then we must grasp the truth that every thought held in this substance becomes a form, and that a person can so impress his thoughts upon it as to cause them to take form and become visible things.

When we realize this we lose all doubt and fear, for we know that we can create what we want to create, we can get what we want to have, and can become what we want to be.

Sooo, combining this thought with Einstein's, we come to the truth that in order to have what we want, to solve a problem, we must think what is true, even when it appears it is not. Yep, that's hard work, and it is the elements of faith. To truly believe in health, when it does not appear to be the case? To truly believe in peace, when everything around you screams war? To believe that there can be a better tomorrow in your circumstances when the appearance seems to suggest things will never change? Yes, that takes true effort.

So the phrase "rendering evil for evil" just came to mind. I looked it up and I'd say it applies.

"Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil." 1 Peter 3: 8-12

When you are dealing with psychotic people and psychotic situations, here is our standard for conduct. And sometimes it really makes me want to just grown in my former 3 year old style and whine, "but do I hafta?" Why do I hafta bless when someone is evil to me? Why must I control my tongue and speak no guile when someone is slandering me? Why must I do good to those who do evil to me? Why must *I* seek peace when others are waging war? The answer is in the remaining 7 verses of the chapter. You have to look it up. But the jist of it is that sometimes we have to suffer. And we need to just suck it up and be happy about it. 

We need to make a holy place for God within us and be ready for an answer when asked why we have that hope. Eventually, those who speak evil of us will be ashamed for their false accusations and as above, His face will be turned against them. We are told it is better to suffer for well doing than evil doing. I am guessing those doing the evil are not going to enjoy their suffering. And the final thought is, that Christ suffered. He paid that suffering, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God. Well, it sounds like we hafta because He showed us the way first. And if we truly want to be like Him, we must do what He did.

Sometimes I think I'm doing just fine. And then I realize I'm not doing so fine. But the beauty of life is that in most cases, tomorrow is another day, and we get another chance. And I hope that all the wisdom I am soaking in, WILL eventually help ME to be more wise.

IAT for the New Testament

So, I try to read the Book of Mormon every year. I recently decided to also read the New Testament every year. I am currently in Acts. It's amazing to me after reading scriptures somewhat regularly, that I am finally beginning to come to understanding of SOME things that I previously did not. I guess that is why we need to "feast upon the words of Christ."

So I just had some thoughts about some of the verses I read yesterday. I was reading about the Day of Pentecost in chapter 2.  I love the very clear way we see the true gift of tongues. Each apostle was touched by the Holy Ghost and began to speak in other tongues such that those who listened could hear in their own tongues. I believe that the gift of toungues is normally meant for the preaching of the gospel in a way that others can understand that message. I know many of our missionaries receive gifts in this area far beyond their ability and it is a sign of the true church.

I was also intrigued by how clearly in the Bible that it was taught that Christ meant for his church to move forward. In Matthew, there is an experience that Peter, James, John, and Christ have together. Christ is transfigured, ancient prophets appear, and God appears and is shielded from their sight by a cloud. In an earlier chapter it is clear, that Christ gives Peter the keys to the kingdom and gives him power to bind on earth and in heaven. The vacancy created by Judas and his betrayal is addressed and Barnabas replaces him. And then Satan wages war on the church. Christ testified himself that the church would fall away and need to be restored. (A "restoration of all things.")

Funny how I did not really intend to write all of that. It's amazing to me that the Satanic plans of men fail in tremendous ways. The evil leaders of the day thought that if they simply silenced Jesus, that it would be the end of it. That His frightened followers would simply disappear into the background in fear and go away. But they did not count on that outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost and 3000 souls joining the new fledgling church. Or that Peter, the one who just a few weeks before shrunk from everyone, and denied ever knowing Christ, would become such a powerful example of the power of Jesus Christ. I think that should be an example for all of us. There will always be men/women with wicked and evil intentions. Do we shrink? Or do we stand? It's rhetorical. :-)

Acts 4 describes how astonished the high priest and other rulers were to hear Peter, an "unlearned and ignorant man" testify so boldly that they could say nothing against it. That is what getting Christ into a man can do for him. That is what the power of the Holy Ghost can do for a simple, humble follower.

So they are commanded not to speak in the name of Christ anymore. Don't you just want to laugh out loud? When you read those first few chapters of Acts and see the Spirit pouring out on His chosen apostles and members of His church, you understand that it was basically impossible for Peter at this point NOT to testify of Christ. He KNEW before he denied when Christ asked him, "lovest thou me?" And then the sad story of denial. Can anyone imagine Peter after that, NOT rising up and being who God called him to be? I can't.

And then, they continue preaching and healing in the name of Christ. And they are arrested. And an angel lets them go and they are brought before the leaders again.

Evil leaders: "Excuse me, didn't we tell you to stop preaching in that name?"

Peter and John: "Um, yeah, we did hear that, but see here is the thing. We'd rather obey God than you. We are His witnesses after all."

"When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them."

That's what you call slow learners! And here is where God can take any situation and use it to His benefit. Gamaliel, an attorney, stands and basically says, "Look, this little band is just like all the other little bands and probably nothing will come of it. And if something does come of it, then it probably *IS* of God."

And so, the evil leaders beat them and let them go. Cool. But one of my all time favorite verses comes right after. They've been thrown in jail, beaten, accused, and threatened, and how do they respond? "Rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name."

I don't know about you, but I hope that in my life, whether it is for the Savior's name or one of His causes, that I can rejoice in my worthiness to suffer for Him. I hope I won't shrink against ugliness and injustice. I hope I will have a desire to stand as a witness and do what is right and not fear.

I LOVE the New Testament!

Mission Accomplished

IAT = I am thankful

When I submitted info to the Copper Era for Chris' return from his mission, Mr Mares, our local reporter got an idea and invited my boys to submit something from their missions. Here is what Andrew submitted and it was posted in this Wednesday's paper. I think he did a good job. And thanks for all the compliments I've received on it. They go to Drew of course. :-) It will be an ongoing opinion piece, so if you live in Greenlee County and have a returning missionary, please contact Walter Mares at the Copper Era.

Three years ago I left on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. No other decision has affected my life, so far, as much as that decision has. I left on my mission November 19th, 2008, to serve in the Utah, Ogden Mission and returned November 24th, 2010.
          Now many might think “Why would you send a Mormon boy to Utah, the Mormon capital of the world, to try and spread a message about what he believes when everyone there is already a part of the Mormon church?” Well, that was what I thought at least. I soon realized that there were many there not of my faith and I was able to teach and share my beliefs of my church and my Savior, Jesus Christ, with many people of different races, ethnicity, and religions. It was a wonderful experience. I wouldn't have traded my time there to go anywhere else instead. But I'm not so much here to talk what my mission was like, but how in the fourteen months I've been home I still see the blessings it's brought and is bringing to my life.
          First and foremost, my faith and love for God and His Son Jesus has grown so much. Nothing else from the age of 19-21 could have given me the desire my mission gave me to do what I know and feel is right, and what I feel God would want me to do. It has given me direction in life. A better understanding of why I'm here. It helped me realize I'm someone important to God and Christ, which has given me a lot of confidence in myself I didn't have before.
          Spending every day for two years talking to people has helped me become more social, and my people skills have improved greatly. I became more tolerant and understanding of others. I respect and understand others beliefs more then I did before. I've been able to get a couple different jobs, in  large part, because I learned and developed skills from my mission. In March I'm getting married to the love of my life, Elizabeth Richins (an Animas girl). I have my mission to thank because of it. I have become a better loving and more compassionate man because of my mission. The desire to even get married came from serving a mission and seeing how happy families are who follow Christ. I saw that. It's something I've wanted and I'll be happy soon to have.
          Many of you who aren't of my faith have probably had missionaries knock on your door, or had a friend who was Mormon share what we believe with you.  We do it not because we think we are any better, or have better beliefs, but because what we believe makes us and our families truly happy and we want that for others, especially for friends and family we love. We only ask people to hear our message and ask God if it  is not true. My mission gave me a greater desire to share what I believe too.
          Last week, a man who allowed missionaries to live in his home, where I lived three months of my mission, gave me a call. We had become friends. He called me to thank me and said because of the example of mine and another missionary I served with; it had brought a tremendous change in his son's life. I didn't feel I had done much, but loved the joy I felt as I talked to this dear friend on the phone about his son, and how he is doing now. These experiences my mission gave me have influenced me to try and live better and always be an example in word and deed of what I believe.
          I am not perfect. I'm almost 23 but still feel young and feel like I have much to learn. I don't think my mission has made me better than anyone else. I do know it has change me and who I am. I encourage boys of my faith to serve a mission. I've seen its impact on my life. Not a day goes by that I don't think of the experiences I had in the little cities and towns of Utah. I hope what I share helps those not of our faith understand why missions are so important to us. I know Christ lives, and share these things in His name, Amen.
-Andrew Norton