Next excerpt from Susan Dayley's Hezekiah

Story of Hezekiah–Excerpt Two
by susandayley on July 28, 2010
Between the last chapter and

Between the last chapter and this one, we meet Hezekiah’s mother, Abi, as well as Shebna, the scribe and Eliakim who will become his friend and later, advisor. In this next section, Hezekiah, with the recklessness of youth, rides into battle.

Hezekiah, though a tall boy, could pass for no more than twelve or thirteen, still he had managed to blend in with the cavalry. He pulled the leather cap down tighter on his head, and secured his too large rounded helmet over the top. He gripped his knees into the powerful war horse beneath him that had begun to dance with impatience, and because it didn’t recognize the light rider on its back. A soldier next to him coughed from the dust being stirred up by twenty-five hundred nervous or impatient horses. . . .Then the gates were opened and with a continuous playing of trumpets, the chariots burst through behind the banner of Judah, led by Maaseiah, son of the king, but younger brother to Ahaz. He was followed closely by the mounted soldiers. . . . Hezekiah had blended with the mounted soldiers near the rear . . . as the horses thundered down the hill, heading up the road to Ramah. . .The Judean army was now 150,000 strong as they moved to meet the army of the Israelites which was advancing over the pass from Geba and would be at Ramah within an hour.
The initial departure from the city of Gibeah was filled with yells of victory and aggression against the enemy from the north. For several minutes the shouts from the walls of Gibeah had rang out, cheering the army of Judah. Ramah was only two miles to the north and the chariots would be there almost before the foot soldiers cleared the city. Hopefully those would arrive before the advancing army of Israelites did. Ramah, to its advantage, was situated on a limestone hill which offered a formidable defense.
As the army advanced, a scout was seen closing the distance from ahead. Then there was the chaos that comes from reigning in several hundred chariots to an abrupt stop. Word was sent back that the enemy had just arrived at Ramah and were even now positioning themselves toward the south for the coming battle.
Weapons were readied and again the army advanced, though at a slower, more deliberate pace, allowing the foot soldiers, who were encouraged into a brisk run, to join them. Hezekiah shifted the balance of his spear in his right hand and the weight of his shield which pulled down on his left. It was inconvenient to ride with weapons at the ready, and though he was strong for his years, the weapons were still too large and heavy for him. He had not yet mastered shooting arrows from horseback as most of the cavalry did. The sun was moving up the sky, filling the plain with the heat of its rays. . .
Then the first barrage of arrows arrived, unseen until they were overhead because the Israelites had used their shields to reflect the sun into the Judean army’s eyes. Like a dark cloud they came raining down upon them. Though the force and accuracy were not great, several found exposed skin and the resulting screams were unnerving. Then a second cloud arrived, again striking at the Judean soldiers. The armed men from the north had the superior number of chariots. Each time one cloud of arrows was released, another was already on its way. Undaunted, the chariots and horsemen of Judah thundered forward, releasing arrows as they rode. Each chariot contained two men, the driver and the archer. But their hearts were dismayed even as they advanced through the adjusting rain of arrows. The Israelites, equally swift, rode now to smash against them in conflict.
The clash of the armies when they met drowned out the sound of the Israelites’ battle cries. Then the events occurred with the swiftness of a swung arm or raised shield. There was no time for commands or plans, only response and attack. The battle waged in shades of grey dirt, pale faces, brown horses and leather clothing, all being blended with the terrible staining color of war. Hezekiah heard the shout of attack, the cry of anguish and the scream of horses. After having spent his spear in a useless jab at a soldier who actually grabbed it from his hand, Hezekiah swung his sword about himself, trying to do as he imagined a soldier would, and trying to recall his limited training.
. . . When his horse was injured from a foot soldier, Hezekiah found that his only recourse was to dismount. . .Down among the fray Hezekiah could not see which side prevailed. He was suddenly challenged by a large man, who had hairy arms and a thick black beard. Hezekiah tried to hold his ground and meet the man blow for blow, gripping the hilt of his sword with both hands, but the contest was determined before it began and Hezekiah backed up with each offensive strike of his opponent. Suddenly Hezekiah’s attention was diverted. Only three paces away he saw Maaseiah, standing firm in his gilded chariot. But even in that moment, a spear thrown by the Israelite soldier Zichri, pierced a gap in Maaseiah’s armor between the chest plate and the loin shield. Hezekiah watched stunned, as Maaseiah wavered and then fall to the ground beneath the trample of the men and horses where many swords were available to end his legacy. Even as he fell, Hezekiah had called out, but the diversion afforded his own opponent the time to run his sword into Hezekiah. Providentially, it had deflected off the bronze scales of Hezekiah’s armor to pass beneath his left arm, and instantly, mercifully, another soldier had unknowingly knocked Hezekiah on the head with a heavy bronze shield from behind. Blackness covered his mind as he crumpled to the ground, and the two enemy soldiers from Israel had turned to fight others who were standing.

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From Susan Dayley's 'Redemption'

Introduction–the story of Jonah
by susandayley on July 23, 2010
Long, long ago—nearly 800 years before Jesus Christ was born into mortality, 230 years before Daniel was cast into a den of lions (554 bc), about 150 years before Aesop was born
(620 bc), and approximately 30 years before Romulus laid the foundation of the city of Rome (753 bc), there lived a reluctant prophet and thrived a magnificent city . In about 785 bc, the choices of those living in that city would surprise many, including that same prophet.

In the middle of a vast, green world flourished the great and terrible civilization known as the Assyrian Empire. Through the middle of this most terrible of empires ran two legendary rivers: the Euphrates and the Tigris. These two rivers stretched from the mountains above the land of Mesopotamia to where they joined beyond the great city of Ur, hundreds of miles away. From there the waters continued onward to divide into many small outlets, sink into salt marshes, and finally drain into the Gulf of Persia.

The Euphrates and the Tigris were the main highways for trade among the cities of Assyria and the lands beyond. Sooner or later, from the caravans to the west bringing goods from the Great Sea, or rafts traveling up the Tigris River with wares from the populous cities to the south, all that man had to trade arrived at the center of commerce and power. This city, built larger by stages through a succession of kings, would soon become the capital of the Assyrian Empire—the beautiful, vast, and wicked city of Nineveh. . . .

Nineveh stretched along the banks of the Tigris River for about seven and a half miles. From the river, the city stretched east toward the hills. Yet the province of Nineveh was even
larger. The Old Testament states, “Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days’ journey” (Jonah 3:3). The city grew to include the communities of Nimroud, Kouyunjik, Khorsabad, and Karamless. Each of these four royal estates, built in succession by kings or rulers of Assyria, contained palaces, statues, gardens, and tree-filled parks surrounded by walls as if they were individual cities.

During the reign of Sennacherib, the walls about the city were enlarged with increased fortifications. These walls were forty to one hundred feet high and broad enough for three chariots to drive side by side along the top. High towers rose from the walls of Nineveh, which featured no less than fifteen main gates into the city.

The palaces of Nineveh were lined with calcite alabaster slabs brought from the quarries of Egypt and carved into pictures of conquests, brutalities, captured slaves, and pagan gods. Massive carved figures also featured winged females wearing garlands or carrying a fir cone or other religious emblem. Ivory and gold leaf ornamented chairs, tablets, walls, and pillars. Carved to emerge from the alabaster walls were winged sphinxes, lions, bulls, kings, soldiers, slaves, lotus flowers, and scrolls. . .

Everything in Nineveh moved to the pace of a growing empire. There were slaves to tend cattle and serve in the palaces. There were sculptors and artists constantly at work within the palaces or carving in cuneiform on large stone tablets for the city’s library. . .

There were gardens to tend, fruit to pick, children to rear, produce to take to market, baskets to fill, and dinners to prepare. There were soldiers and guards in constant drill, and horses
to exercise, groom, and feed. There were camels to unload of the goods they brought, and boats to empty. And the motion behind it all—even in the still of the night when the men and
women of Nineveh rested, when nothing could be heard but the occasional bellow of a camel or the cry of a child—was the constant flow of the Tigris.

Beyond the beauty of Nineveh, though, was an enduring darkness, because Nineveh was a city enriched by the spoils of war that had come home with its returning soldiers. . .
And darker still, beyond the wicked, bloodthirsty quest for power and the indolent life of plundered riches and slaves, was the daily worshipping of pagan gods with sexual sins and human sacrifice. For along with the fabrics, ornaments, and household goods that came to Nineveh, there came also philosophers, false gods, and abominations of foreign lands. In Assyria, dark ideas accumulated; in Nineveh they flourished. The time had come for God to send a prophet to this city.
From → Redemption - The Story of Jonah

Reach For The Light

href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8644357-reach-up-for-the-light" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px">Reach Up For The Light by James E Faust

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


Have to read it before I can comment

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Reflections of a Scientist

reflections of a scientist by Henry Eyring




I was much encouraged when I was studying at University, very much on my own as a Social Scientist and a church member, that there were Latter-day Saint scientists and reading Eyring's work strengthened my Testimony of the Saviour and His creation. Since I purchased this book in 1995, I have often read it, drawing comfort from it. Eyring was a great scientists, and a great latter-day Saint. He is the father of Henry B. Eyring

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The Articles of Faith

A Study of the Articles of Faith: The Principal Doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints by James E. Talmage

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A comprehesive account with Scriptural references of the 13 Articles of Faith that the Prophet Jospeh Smith devised. This work clearly tells all, whether Saint or otherwise, of what we believe in

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Susan Dayley's Hezekiah

A frightening Old Testament tale. Susan Dayley knows how to write about those times

After some great suggestions, I have restarted my story by essentially eliminating last week’s post. Please continue to give me feedback. Here it is:

Hezekiah stood at the half wall that encompassed the rooftop of the palace. His hands gripped the coolness of the stones and his feet slipped from the sandals he had pulled on carelessly. The night was hot and even with his loose cotton tunic and open robe he felt the heat rising from the city below. Hezekiah often came up to the rooftop at night and gazed at the stars that filled the heavens. He had begun to study them and was fascinated with the idea that from the stars a man could find his way through a desert. However, the stars were dim beyond the brightness of the moon this night, while the flat-topped houses, walls, gardens, and empty markets of Jerusalem were well illuminated below.

Suddenly Hezekiah heard a noise that did not belong to the still hours. Turning about, but taking care to remain silent and undetected, he picked up his sandals and scurried to the northern wall of the roof to look over into a courtyard below. Coming from one of the palace buildings, opposite from where he watched, Hezekiah saw a man in long, dark robes and carrying a scroll, emerge onto a pillared porch. On the man’s head was the image of a beast with great horns. He swayed forward and back with shallow, repeated bows as he walked as if to the rhythm of a chant, with his robes flowing behind him and sweeping the tiled courtyard. Behind the man, following on the edges of his robe, yet careful not to step upon it, were two lads slightly younger than Hezekiah in simple brown linen tunics, carrying torches. Following them was a man Hezekiah instantly recognized from his royal regalia as Ahaz.

Years ago, in an unprecedented act, Jotham, King of Judah, and father to Ahaz, had arranged a marriage between Ahaz and the older Abijah, daughter of Zechariah II. Zechariah had been the high priest of the temple. Ahaz was but ten years old at the time and it was unknown why Zechariah would consent to the marriage; perhaps it was a mutual desire that Ahaz would have an heir born of a woman of noble Judean birth before he took other wives and concubines. Nevertheless, he had allowed his daughter to marry the Judean heir and by the time Ahaz was eleven, he was a father with the birth of Hezekiah. It was the only time a child marriage was to be arranged among the kings of the Davidic line.

There was no intimacy between father and son, and they were never alone together. Now, after nearly ten years, Hezekiah was the ignored, though expedient son. And after the events of this night, for Hezekiah, there would be no affection toward his father: only contempt and despising.

The commotions below refocused Hezekiah’s attention to the people who continued to emerge from the palace door. There were other men in dark robes, other boys with torches, and then a round-shouldered woman in grey. She was heavily hooded and stooped over a bundle she carried in her arms. Then Hezekiah saw another woman richly dressed stumble upon the threshold, and with the support of two maids, cross the porch to the steps that led down to the courtyard. Ahaz had married again only a year ago. From her state appearances, it was known that this wife had instantly become a favorite, and rumors claimed that she would soon give birth. Her attendants were heavily veiled and the new wife was also hidden behind a veil, but in the bright moonlight and the additional glow from the torches, Hezekiah recognized the gold embroidery of swans upon the hem of her robe, and then he saw a loose curl of pale hair. It was the new wife, brought to Ahaz from an isle in the Great Sea, and prized for her light colored hair. Hezekiah was confused as to why all these people would be about in the middle of the night, and why the new wife was leaning so heavily upon others.

He watched as the silent procession wound its way through the palace buildings to the southern gate of the palace compound. On an impulse, Hezekiah fled from the roof, racing down the stone stairs and through the gardens and courtyards so that he would not lose them. He was grateful that his bare feet could travel soundlessly, while the roughness of the way did not bother his soles, which had been toughened from often forgetting to slip into sandals.

The small group carried torches, but the light from the moon was sufficient to provide Hezekiah with a view so that he could follow from a distance. They travelled from level to level, down from the Ophel, then through the old City of David toward the eastern wall and the water gate. There Ahaz and his group entered the gate and proceeded past the four rooms, two on each side. Sleepy guards snapped to a standing position, but when they knew it was Ahaz, no challenge was given. The small group passed through the gate with its store rooms filled with water vessels, and then entered the great projecting tower that rose up from the slope above the Kidron Valley to the top of the eastern wall of Jerusalem as part of the water gate complex. Hezekiah fell in at the rear, confused as to why Ahaz would be taking them from the city in the middle of the night.

The group carefully proceeded down the ancient, twisted steps that descended through the tower toward the road that led up from the King’s Highway in the Kidron Valley below. Getting the new wife down the narrow steps was difficult and she leaned heavily on others for support. . .

The group walked through the darkness, ignoring the valley below where the light from the moon was reflected upon a pool where a black swan slept, his beak tucked into his feathers. They walked silently downward, except for the soft chants of the masked priest. They went past the southern end of Jerusalem, crossing over the conduit, but following the Kidron Valley to where it was joined by the Hinnom Valley’s narrow darkness angling in from the south-west. . .

Following from a discreet distance, Hezekiah felt the growing evil of the Hinnom Valley like a thick mist around him. He had only heard vague whisperings of this place and had credited most of them to the ghost stories children liked to scare each other with. However the deep, dark feelings of evil as they approached a dark temple ahead were not the imaginings of a child.

The young wife was practically being carried now and a youth had been conscripted to help support her. The woman, who carried the bundle, was cooing to it and bouncing it gently. A sudden cry confirmed that it was a baby. It was also a confirmation to the dread that had been growing in Hezekiah’s heart that the young wife had delivered. With a choking fear, he began to suspect that the stories of his companions were based on fact. He tried to swallow, but his throat was tight. Hezekiah increased his pace to close the gap, desiring to be near people, however wicked, rather than alone.

Suddenly the moon was blocked by the tall dark temple to Molech. The priest stood back while two young men came forward and each pulled open a large wooden door balanced upon iron hinges that sank into hollow sockets in the doorway. The procession, one by one, now passed into the temple with its vaulted ceilings and grotesque images. Hezekiah entered behind the women and slipped behind one of the pillars that lined the perimeter of the hall within.

The room began to brighten as additional torches were lit and placed in alcoves along the walls. . . But most dominant was the massive figure cast in bronze that stood in the center of the large room. It was in the image of a man, though much taller, standing with out-stretched hands, but the head of a bull. Behind the horizontally poised hands, where the belly would have been, was a large oven where a fire had been lit an hour before and the coals were white beneath the new logs and flames.

Hezekiah recognized the massive idol as the pagan god Molech. He could feel the heat of the fire from where he stood, shielded by a pillar. He glanced around and saw that the wife of Ahaz had been laid on a couch. For the first time Hezekiah realized she was probably drugged. Then the priests of the party moved to a place where they selected drums from cubicles against the wall and began to strike them with the heels of their palms in rhythm to a mounting chant. The drums grew louder, the chant became stronger, and the cadence increased. Then the woman brought the bundle before the king.

Ahaz took the child, letting the wrappings fall away as he held him up before the brass image of the pagan god. “I have brought before you, oh powerful Molech,” he shouted above the din of the drums and chants, “my son. I offer him that you may know of our devotion to you and that you might defeat our enemies.”

Hezekiah was stunned. Although his mind had guessed it, the reality that Ahaz would place the screaming, pink, newborn infant on the heated brass hands of the idol hit him like a punch to his windpipe. Involuntarily he tried to call out in protest, but his feeble cry went unheard in the turmoil of noise. With great effort, Hezekiah tore himself away, rushed back through the door, and began to run away from the horrible scene. Mercifully, or perhaps by design, the chanting of the priests, and the beating of the drums drowned out the terrible cries of the child that was sacrificed in the Hinnom Valley that night.
From → Hezekiah

4 Comments
Donna permalink
Love the Old Testament…there is so much to learn and apply to our lives…the people are real, they had real lives, real problems….and notwithstanding the lack of an ipod, not much different from our own lives.

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susandayley permalink
Thanks Donna. I’m constantly amazed at how much the OT has to offer and that I haven’t learned. I agree with the problems being like ours. We may not offer babies to brazen gods, but how many are killed in the name of Inconvenience, Vanity, or Expense? Hey, great to hear your son has returned. Enjoy!

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Mark permalink
Wow! I like the action, intrigue and detail of this beginning chapter. It really pulls me into the story with questions of what will happen next. I look forward to reading more and getting the book. Please keep us updated on when it will be available.

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Colleen O'Grady permalink
I find some of th estories of tyhje OT frightening abnd marvel that Jehova had allowed such wickedness to flourish, but then , He was giving them time to repent. We know, thank goodness because of latter-day revelation, that the little child, like the abused and other tragic ones of today, are received by Him. A good story Susan and I wonder what Hezekiah will do next?

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Storm Cycle

Storm Cycle by Iris Johansen




I cannot comment yet on this book really until i have got further into it

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Major James Pollock's special address

To this we all need to heed his words and act upon them

James's Notes|Notes about James|James's Profile

A VETERAN AND WOUNDED WARRIOR'S REQUEST
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A VETERAN AND WOUNDED WARRIOR’S REQUEST

By DR. JAMES POLLOCK, MAJ., WOUNDED WARRIOR, & VETERAN

I am a two tour Veteran of Iraq, a physician (Critical Care) and have both the emotional and physical scars of the Iraq war but am trying to put my experiences and passion to work FOR Veterans now. I have seen many US troops die (several in my arms) and have seen the worst of the Iraq war up close during my two deployments. It is sad to see ANYONE on either side of the political spectrum utilize a war's wounded or victims of a war for debates of political purposes. There have been wars for thousands of years and will be many wars until the end of time and return of Christ. Jesus spoke of wars as sometimes necessary but sad. Folks on both sides of the political road should realize that without wars, we would not have our freedoms, Facebook, fancy clothes, fancy cars, advancing healthcare, etc.... War is horrible and not always justified but should NEVER be used to advance either political cause concerning the topic of suicide, PTSD, Depression, physical wounds or suffering families. The leaders of both parties and the folks arguing in this realm should PLEASE think about what I am trying to say.

Conservatives should never hide the horrors of war and Liberals should never use the horrors as a drum beat for ideological movements. It is ok to debate the reasons that we are in Iraq or the reasons for going to war, but please NEVER debate the political ramifications of suicides, coffins, homeless Vets, or suffering families. Both Obama and Rush Limbaugh should hug on this topic and agree to NOT argue the political angles of Wounded Warrior needs in public. Both Obama and the Conservative leaders should ONLY work together to solve the problems leading to PTSD, Depression, Suicide, injuries, etc..... This should NEVER be a political, divisive topic on TV, in the newspapers, the radio or elsewhere. Whether you are for or against war, you should always do all that you can at your local, non-political area to support the troops that come back needing emotional support, legal support, bills paid, and understanding. Yes...they need legal and financial support and have few places to turn after a short period of time.

There are several major areas of deep problems leading to the high emotional toll in Iraq and elsewhere within the DOD. Much of this stress, PTSD, depression and suicide stems from the war but much more of it stems from a beaucratic, herd mentality within the DOD that needs quicker repair than what the "committee process" can fix. People with battlefield emotional/physical experience should be in charge of the DOD programs concerning these areas but, instead, it is career military/civilian "ivory tower" folks who THINK they understand the situation but have never actually been to the level of the pain and suffering that needs their understanding.

A cocktail of Paxil and other meds combined with a "rest period" may help but is NOT the total answer. A broken VA system that treats the vet as one of the herd is NOT the answer. The answer lies within the ideas of men with true experience in the lower levels of the war theater and away from the "Government knows best” or “Generals know best” mentality. There are great Generals; that is NOT the point.

I am requesting that those reading this 'NOTE' copy it, share it and request that your Congressman spend time talking with me and folks like me about how to fix the 'broken' system that Wounded Warriors face at times. The high suicide rate is NOT the root problem ; it is the lack of social backstops that meet VETS; especially post dd214 dates (discharge dates). If you are "liberal" and hear other liberals trying to use suicide rates to make a liberal point, you should stand up, tell everyone that you are liberal and then scold them for playing on this point. If you are conservative and see another conservative downplaying the horrors of war in order to justify a war political point, you should stand up...announce that you are conservative and then scold those who use the wounds of our Warriors as a political talking point.

Please help me to present several solutions to the problems that Vets face to the Congressional Committees that should hear my story. For example, Wounded Warrior Vets need free legal assistance for up to 4 years after getting out of the military with a dd214. All Vets need both their military pay if considered retired PLUS any VA monies EARNED from a war. If a Veteran has a VA rating from a war zone, they should NOT have that money offset by any branch (without hassel) pay. Vets should be able to use their GI Bill monies to pay off bills if they desire…why does it HAVE to go towards a degree if a person served in a War Zone?…the Veteran should get to decide. War Vets need more people to come to their house and sit with them to hug them…not just phone calls from 3 states away once every couple months. Vets need the pride of respect because, for many of them, this is what keeps them going. Vets need more ground level folks leading their causes and less “ivory tower” folks. Vets need other Vets to step in and take them by the reins when they start heading down the path of alcoholism or drug abuse; this “capturing” mechanism is deeply lacking right now. Vets need Vets running/working the VA system at all levels because a typical “government employee” can never have the passion to help Vets like another Vet can. Active duty personnel need to SHARE the deployment load much more so that one person goes much more often than others; RANK SHOULD NOT BE A “GET OUT OF WAR” CARD. Active duty medical commanders should make MANY changes both in the field and back home…..a long discussion in itself. Discrimination against Vets should NEVER be tolerated. If anyone in this country has earned the right for an easier path in employment/services….it is a war Vet. The VA rating system should be GREATLY simplified. School students should be taught about the sacrifices that Veterans have made through time. Veterans, Senior Citizens, handicapped, the injured and those from horrible occurrences should be nurtured by EVERY community monthly with a “call to action”. I would like for every community to adopt one of the folks in these groups to sit at EVERY chamber of commerce meeting and have a say at every meeting ….their needs should come before ANY ideology (right or left).

Did you know that the Army and AF “Wounded Warrior” programs do NOT have free legal counselors or lawyers to help them with their needs (unless their needs are narrowly defined while still on AD status in certain appeals processes)??? This is a travesty.

Did you know that the Air Force and other Wounded Warrior commanders are NOT allowed a budget even close to what they need to handle necessary tasks? (Such as providing lawyers to WWs)

Did you know that MANY of the largest organizations for “Wounded Warriors” only fund trips and fundraisers but DO NOT (rarely) pay common bills like car payments, rent, etc…..for Wounded Warriors when needed????

Did you know that the “Peter Principle” along with many other principles is slowly killing the US Military Medical Corps???? (#’s diminishing at an alarming rate every year due to issues that the Ivory Towers fail to see)

Did you know that the main source of monetary aid for Wounded Warriors if branch charities such as AF Aid or Army Aid…..yet they only approve up to $3-5K max for WW families in need of grants? ; despite the $250,000,000 that the Wounded Warrior program channels get for designed financial support….this is not only pathetic but a disgrace.

Did you know that most Wounded Warriors are put into a program called “TDRL” where they are legally ‘retirees’ for up to 5 years but only receive ½ of their RANK salaries????? THIS IS A DISGRACE!!
I have many more questions that I could pose to Congress if only given a chance.

There are certain issues which should NEVER be political and should ALWAYS be non-political; unless a person has no heart or hates the country or is simply trying to advance a cause over the suffering of others. I would encourage everyone reading this to go to your nearest VFW to see the pride in Vet's hearts; go to the nearest VA hospital to see this pride and to sit quietly in the middle of a Veteran cemetery for at least an hour......simply to think. People are quick to adopt a pet but rarely adopt a person in need (handicapped, Wounded Warriors, senior citizens, etc....). Please act on this issue and don't simply debate. If a person has not spent time in a Veteran cemetery, VFW hall, Veteran's hospital, etc....to see all angles of the Wounded Warrior dilemmas....they should refrain from speaking out (both ideologies).

I played a role on the ground twice in Iraq to help those needing medical care. I am asking everyone who reads this ‘note’ to help me now by encouraging your Congressman to allow me(and others like me) to speak under oath about the needs of the Veteran, the Wounded Warrior and the DOD changes needed to improve our Nation and its’ finest. I have the experience, the ideas and the drive to make a great difference for all ideologies in this area; but need people to request this of their Congressman. Please read this note in your churches and request that folks help me get before Congress to help change many of these problems. If you know folks on TV, please tell them to consider letting me tell my story , not in a narcissistic way but in a way that leads to REAL change for the good of both Veterans and other folks in need .

I love God, my family, my country and the Veterans who shed blood for the U.S. dreams.

I am more proud of my title as “Major, Wounded Warrior, and Veteran” than my career under the title of “Dr.”

Please help me to make a difference at the Congressional Level. Please request folks like Pastor Hagee, Joel Osteen, Glenn Beck, Bill Oreily,Huckabee (fellow Arkansan) ……and YES , even the liberal commentators to read my letter/NOTE to their followers. I am speaking for thousands of Vets with this note.

God Bless America, our Vets and those suffering from both war and the horrors of any bad situation. If a person reads that last sentence and does not feel a flutter in the heart.....just maybe the heart is in the wrong place to begin with…..”Liberal” or “Conservative”.

{please request newspaper and TV editors to post this note as a letter to their readers/viewers…you have my permission……JP}

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4 hours ago • Comment •LikeUnlike • Report Note
Brenda Pollock-Smith and 2 others like this.

Shane Clarke
your compassion and humanity are beyond a doubt a blessing. To help those that give everything for the freedom of others that are selfish, greedy and uncaring is what makes vets stand with pride, why because they know that they have the guts to do that others wont. I do hope that wheels turn in your favour with offers of help coming from the most ... See Moreunlikely sources, so I say America please help Major Pollock in this great cause.
As a after note today Australia buried the last of its MIA from the battlefield of Fromelles in France on the western front 90 years ago.
We will never forget them.
about an hour ago • LikeUnlike • Flag

Colleen O'Grady
Ok Major Pollock...will do what I can as well as share it on Facebook

Braden Bell's Road Show

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Hezekiah
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Redemption – The Story of Jonah
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The Road Show
by susandayley on July 16, 2010
The Road Show, by Braden Bell, surprised me and I found that I enjoyed it more than I had anticipated. The story focuses on the people within a ward that come together for the annual road show. Each of the five main characters has a need to be healed, whether spiritually, emotionally, or physically. In Scott, Braden Bell has bravely addressed the growing plague of addiction to pornography. Scott is wrapped up in the consequences of a life devastated by his addiction when he receives the call to direct and write the ward’s road show.

“He healed and blessed so many, But that was long ago, Today, I too have sorrow, sicknesses, and sin, And wonder where to go. Why doesn’t he still heal? Why can I not be whole? Will he not calm the tempest That rages in my soul?”

With the aid of a talented musician, Scott writes a show where the life of the Savior is portrayed in scenes inspired by well-known paintings from the Savior’s life. The Savior moves from one scene, to the next, each scene coming to life. The story of the book mirrors this as the reader is taken from the life of one person to the next, experiencing the Savior’s healing power in each. I came to care about these people, and found myself hoping that they would receive the courage, strength, humility, or love they needed.

In the ward’s production, the Savior is played by Curtis, a businessman with previous theater experience, whose life seems perfect, yet is somehow empty. As the ward Elder’s Quorum President, he struggles with his pride and impatience for the members who make demands upon him. Not a moral sin, or physical challenge, his pride nevertheless leaves him separated from his Savior. As with the other characters, in the Road Show, Curtis finds himself being healed.

“In that instant, it all came together. The kaleidoscope finished turning and resolved with perfect clarity. As he stood on the stage dressed as the Savior, saying the Savior’s words, [Curtis] felt that he stood on holy ground.”

My favorite character would probably be the musician, Ed. I liked his dedication to his faith yet his intelligent questioning of its traditions. However, because he remained true to himself as a person, he did not seem to fit the “Mormon Mold;” dressing casually in sandals, with long hair, and never a tie. Ed grappled with loneliness. As the final performance ended and the cast members in their period costumes congregated backstage, “Curtis looked up and saw Ed. Ed’s long hair and sandals fit right in.

“He looks like he belongs here.

“Belongs.

“Another rush of understanding illuminated Curtis’s mind. He comprehended with painful clarity the years of loneliness, alienation, and exclusion. At that moment Curtis knew that Ed did belong.”

Because of its enjoyableness, and the pace of moving from one character to the next, The Road Show reads quickly. I would recommend it to everyone.

Braden Bell grew up in Farmington, Utah, and graduated from Davis High School. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in theatre from Brigham Young University and a PhD in educational theatre from New York University. He and his wife live with their five children on a quiet, wooded lot outside of Nashville, Tennessee, where he teaches theatre and music. An experienced performer, Braden enjoys reading, gardening, and long walks with the dog.

It was great to be able to interview Braden Bell:

Me: As a former bishop, you have helped people with many challenges. Did you find it heart-breaking to write about Scott’s addiction?

Bell: Yes, I did. I find every aspect of addiction heart-rending–both for the addict and for those he or she loves. These problems destroy lives and it’s so easy to be judgmental, but I feel we, as members of the Church, need to be much more understanding and supportive. They need love and support.

Me: I found myself relating to various aspects of different characters. Did you have a favorite character?

Bell: Like you, I actually related to different parts of each character. They are like my children a bit in that I love them all, but for different reasons. I really can’t identify a favorite.

Me: As an author, when is your favorite time to write?

Bell: Since I have a family and a job and a Church calling, the only time I really have is late at night since I’m not a morning person. I really do enjoy those quiet hours.

Me: What projects are you working on now?

Bell: I have a middle grade suburban fantasy that I’ve been working on for a year or so now. It has some Mormon themes and was inspired by some Mormon theological ideas, but it’s written for the national market.

Me: Tell us about your family.

Bell: My wife, Meredith, and I have been married for nearly eighteen years now. We met at BYU, got married and started an adventure together. We have five children, the oldest is 16 and the youngest is 3. They are an incredible support to me. I’ve been trying to spend more time with them lately since finishing the book and promoting it have been so time intensive. I’ve enjoyed reconnecting with them.

Me: Aside from the scriptures, what are your all-time favorite five books?

Bell: This is hard because I am a compulsive reader and it’s hard to narrow it down! Les Miserables, The Sherlock Holmes adventures, Silas Marner, The Jungle Books, and Where the Wild Thngs Are.

Me: With your impressive theater background, have you been called before to direct a Road Show? If so, did you silently groan?

Bell: Yes–and yes! Actually, it ended up being a wonderful experience, but it was very stressful and I was apprehensive about it. However, it is one of my favorite memories of a Church assignment.

To read more about Braden’s new book, “The Road Show,” click here. Watch The Road Show Book Trailer.
From → Book Reviews

2 Comments
Braden permalink
Thanks, Susan! This made my day.

Reply
Natalie permalink
Beautifully written review! The 1st quote you cited from Scott is one of my favorite parts of the book, because I have asked the same. He does heal, and I am grateful to have Braden’s extraordinary reminder! I really enjoyed the interview too. How fun to hear that he has another book coming out! I am touched by Braden’s understanding and love towards the Scott character and those laden with the burdens of sin. It is encouraging to see that and I hope that those with addictions will feel more able and less scared to talk to their bishops because of Braden and his book. I also really loved that the character I related to the most (I related to them all) was healed of her illness. Such a beautiful story.

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Home About Author Books Contact Social Networks The Atonement Blog
No More Important SubjectThe Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ is the heart and core and center of revealed religion.

Elder Bruce R. McConkie Christ and the Creation
He Knows from Experience How to Heal and Help Us
July 17, 2010

Adversity, Eyring, General Authorities, General Conference, Healing

(No comments)
In this education [the trials of mortality] we experience misery and happiness, sickness and health, the sadness from sin and the joy of forgiveness. That forgiveness can come only through the infinite Atonement of the Savior, which He worked out through pain we could not bear and which we can only faintly comprehend.

It will comfort us when we must wait in distress for the Savior’s promised relief that He knows, from experience, how to heal and help us. The Book of Mormon gives us the certain assurance of His power to comfort. And faith in that power will give us patience as we pray and work and wait for help. He could have known how to succor us simply by revelation, but He chose to learn by His own personal experience.

President Henry B. Eyring
“Adversity,” Ensign, May 2009, 23–27


The Opportunity to Overcome the Consequences of Mistakes
July 16, 2010

General Authorities, General Conference, Justice, Justification, Repentance, Rescue, Scott

(No comments)
Without the Atonement, Father in Heaven’s plan of happiness could not have been placed fully into effect. The Atonement gives all the opportunity to overcome the consequences of mistakes made in life. When we obey a law, we receive a blessing. When we break a law, there is nothing left over from prior obedience to satisfy the demands of justice for that broken law. The Savior’s Atonement permits us to repent of any disobedience and thereby avoid the penalties that justice would have imposed.

My reverence and gratitude for the Atonement of the Holy One of Israel, the Prince of Peace and our Redeemer, continually expand as I strive to understand more about it. I realize that no mortal mind can adequately conceive, nor can human tongue appropriately express, the full significance of all that Jesus Christ has done for our Heavenly Father’s children through His Atonement. Yet it is vital that we each learn what we can about it. The Atonement is that essential ingredient of our Father in Heaven’s plan of happiness without which that plan could not have been activated. Your understanding of the Atonement and the insight it provides for your life will greatly enhance your productive use of all of the knowledge, experience, and skills you acquire in mortal life.

I believe that it is instructive to try to imagine what the Atonement required of both the Father and His willing Son. Three of the challenges the Savior faced were:

First, an enormous sense of responsibility, for He realized that except it be done perfectly, not one of His Father’s children could return to Him. They would be forever banished from His presence since there would be no way to repent for broken laws and no unclean thing can exist in the presence of God. His Father’s plan would have failed, and each spirit child would have been under the eternal control and torment of Satan.

Second, in His absolutely pure mind and heart, He had to personally feel the consequences of all that mankind would ever encounter, even the most depraved, despicable sins.

Third, He had to endure the vicious attack of Satan’s hordes while physically and emotionally pressed to the limit. Then, for reasons we do not fully know, while at the extremity of His capacity, at the time the Savior most needed succor, His Father allowed Him to shoulder the onerous responsibility with only His own strength and capacity.

Elder Richard G. Scott
“He Lives! All Glory to His Name!,” Ensign, May 2010, 75–78


The Spirit and the Body Shall be Reunited Again in Its Perfect Form
July 15, 2010

Amulek, Fundamental Principles, Resurrection

(No comments)
Amulek, Alma’s missionary companion, said,

“Now, there is a death which is called a temporal death; and the death of Christ shall loose the bands of this temporal death, that all shall be raised from this temporal death. The spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form; both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame, even as we now are at this time; and we shall be brought to stand before God, knowing even as we know now, and have a bright recollection of all our guilt. Now, this restoration shall come to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost; but every thing shall be restored to its perfect frame, as it is now, or in the body . . .”

Alma 11:42–44 (emphasis added)


On Through the Eternities to Exaltation
July 14, 2010

Eternal Life, Exaltation, General Authorities, Kimball

(No comments)
The Lord restored his kingdom in these days, with all its gifts and powers and blessings. Any church that you know of may possibly be able to take you for a long ride, and bring you some degree of peace and happiness and blessing, and they can carry you to the veil and there they drop you. The Church of Jesus Christ picks you up on this side of the veil and, if you live its commandments, carries you right through the veil as though it weren’t there and on through the eternities to exaltation.

President Spencer W. Kimball
The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, 49–50, quoted in Chapter 1: “To Live with Him Someday”, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball, Salt Lake City, The Church of the Latter Day Saints, 2006


A Tug to be Someone Better
July 13, 2010

Eyring, General Authorities, McKay, Moroni, Sanctification

(No comments)
President Henry B. Eyring speaking about President McKay and Moroni:
You have felt a tug, maybe many tugs, to be someone better. And what sets those yearnings apart from all your daydreams is that they were not about being richer or smarter or more attractive but about being better.

I am sure you have had such moments, not just from my experience but because of what President David O. McKay once said. Listen very carefully:
“Man is a spiritual being, a soul, and at some period of his life everyone is possessed with an irresistible desire to know his relationship to the Infinite. . . . There is something within him which urges him to rise above himself, to control his environment, to master the body and all things physical and live in a higher and more beautiful world” (True to the Faith: From the Sermons and Discourses of David O. McKay, comp. Llewelyn R. McKay, Salt Lake City, Bookcraft, 1966, 244)

That pull upward is far beyond what you would call a desire for self-improvement. When I felt it, I knew I was being urged to live so far above myself that I could never do it on my own. President McKay had it right. You feel an urging to rise above your natural self. What you have felt is an urging from your Heavenly Father to accept this invitation:

“Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.
“And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot.” (Moroni 10:32–33)

That urge to rise above yourself is a recognition of your need for the Atonement to work in your life, and your need to be sure that it is working. After all you can do, after all your effort, you need confidence that the Atonement is working for you and on you.

President Henry B. Eyring
Henry B. Eyring, “Coming unto Christ,” New Era, April 2007, 2–7


His Work Will Continue
July 12, 2010

Adversity, I Need Thee Every Hour, Rescue, Sin, Vandagriff

(No comments)
The greatest work of Christ is centered upon His Atonement. So long as there is anyone in pain, His work will continue. So long as there is anyone suffering under the burden of sin, His work will continue. So long as there is anyone who is afraid or lonely, His work will continue. So long as there is anyone who sorrows, His work will continue. So long as there is anyone who has been faithful and who needs to be lifted up and brought back to their Heavenly Father, His work will continue.

David P. Vandagriff

I Need Thee Every Hour – Applying the Atonement in Everyday Life


The Lord Knows Our Bearing Capacity
July 11, 2010

Adversity, Enabling Power, General Authorities, General Conference, Maxwell

(No comments)
The Lord knows our bearing capacity, both as to coping and to comprehending, and He will not give us more to bear than we can manage at the moment, though to us it may seem otherwise. Just as no temptations will come to us from which we cannot escape or which we cannot bear, we will not be given more trials than we can sustain.

Elder Neal A. Maxwell
“‘Be of Good Cheer’,” Ensign, Nov 1982, 66


Christ’s Atonement Joins Us
July 10, 2010

I Need Thee Every Hour, Sanctification, Service, Vandagriff

(No comments)
Satan tries to separate man from God. If we are alone without God and Christ, we are in the adversary’s power. Satan tries to separate men from one another. In the Book of Mormon, we see how successful he was in separating the Lamanites from the Nephites. Satan’s efforts continue in our day, separating nation from nation, race from race, class from class, men from women.
Christ’s Atonement joins us—men to God and men to one another as brothers and sisters. As we become closer and closer to God because of the influence of the Atonement in our lives, both our yearning and our ability to bring the blessings of the Atonement to others grows. Our love for others increases as we comprehend the magnitude of the love that Heavenly Father and Christ have for us and as we understand that these two infinite and eternal Beings have the same love for each of our brothers and sisters. We then desire to become the hands of God. We desire to constantly act as representatives of Christ wherever we are, be it through a smile, a kind word, a helping hand.

David P. Vandagriff
I Need Thee Every Hour – Applying the Atonement in Everyday Life


The Atonement was an Intimate Personal Experience
July 9, 2010

Bateman, Fundamental Principles, General Authorities, General Conference

(No comments)
For many years I thought of the Savior’s experience in the garden and on the cross as places where a large mass of sin was heaped upon Him. Through the words of Alma, Abinadi, Isaiah, and other prophets, however, my view has changed. Instead of an impersonal mass of sin, there was a long line of people, as Jesus felt “our infirmities” (Heb. 4:15), “[bore] our griefs, … carried our sorrows … [and] was bruised for our iniquities” (Isa. 53:4–5).

The Atonement was an intimate, personal experience in which Jesus came to know how to help each of us.

Elder Merrill J. Bateman
“A Pattern for All,” Ensign, Nov 2005, 74


With Repentance, Mistakes Don’t Count
July 8, 2010

General Authorities, General Conference, Howard, Repentance

(No comments)
[R]epentance is an indispensable counterpart to free agency. Free agency in the plan of salvation contemplates that men and women are free to choose the direction of their lives for themselves. Repentance means that as imperfect beings sometimes make imperfect decisions, they may correct their course. By following the rules of repentance, and through the atonement of Jesus Christ, mistakes don’t count. The Lord agrees to “remember no more.” (Heb. 8:12.) Because of the miraculous gift of forgiveness, transgressions are forgiven—and forgotten. Men can be cleansed and return to the path of purpose and progress and peace.

Elder F. Burton Howard
“Repentance,” Ensign, May 1983, 58


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Ward Conference

Today was Manly Ward Conference and it was wonderful to be there and share the feelings of the Spirt, to put one's arm to the square and sustain all leaders from the First Presidency and throughout. Our goal is to strengthen families, rescue the lost ones and save the rising generation. In the Relief Society lesson, given by the stake Relief Society Presidency, we were taught unity as sisters, being of one heart and one mind. All the parts of the body are needed to function as a whole, otherwise there is a problem for the body is not fully united. If there is one disenter among us, we are not unified. I likened that to my hearing, where I need to pracrice walking along the white line of the footpath on the foreshore so that I can walk straight. My hearing loss is so bad that i do not function properly, I am imbalanced. As I used that in a discussion during the meeting, I felt the warmth of the Spirit as I spoke. Somewhere in amongst us, some sister had need of that

The Miracle of Forgiveness

The Miracle of Forgiveness by Spencer W. Kimball




In such work we always learn something new and so it can be read again and again

View all my reviews >>

Jesus The Christ

Jesus the Christ by James E. Talmage




It is a most thought-provoking and humbling book of our Saviour and the magnificent time He spent here on earth and His encouragement to 'Come, follow Me'. It is a book I would continue to read again and again

View all my reviews >>

Some of my thoughts

Lately, with all the reading I have been doing, and the writing of Dad's Story, I have wondered if the Lord is happy with my time usage. But then, I have managed a trip to the Temple on Wednesday, my most favourite place, and I have managed to attend to my calling, to my home and visit with my family. The visit resulted in further historical work to be done on Shane's file. He has heaps of photos here in my home in a file that needed to be organised, and it was getting the date for them. Shane is an ex-XLH, or Tenth Light Horsemen as written out. He was in the army for nearly seven years as a reservist and tank driver. Here is a future man of the Lord who is strong in the belief of a good government running Australia, strong in the belief of families, and kn ows and believes in the Lord our Saviour. I am so blessed to have my four sons and their families, and my lovely grandchildren

Star Trek again

Q-In-Law by Peter David




A unwelcome visitor from the past can be frightening but Captain Picard is not easily frightened, but fascinated by Q. Reading such as this can be done quickly by me, in between everything else, for I have a liking for stories of 'beyond space'

View all my reviews >>

Redemption of Jonah

This was taken from Braden Bell's blog and looks like a good book to read

I just finished a fascinating book that I have been thinking about ever since I finished it. Redemption, by Susan Dayley is a historical novel about Jonah. You know, the one who got swallowed by the great fish. (Note: I would have said “whale” before reading this book. However, Dayley’s notes at the end of the book give some interesting insight that have led me to change my terminology).

To begin with, let me tell you to read this book. It was interesting, thought-provoking, and uplifting. The author has woven together a compelling story from the scriptural record, historical sources, rabbinic tradition, and her own imagination. These additional sources were important since the scriptural record about Jonah is fairly sparse, and one of Dayley’s great achievements with this book is her skillful blending of scriptural narrative with these other elements.

For example, I didn’t know that the Jewish Midrash identifies Jonah as the son of the Widow of Zarephath, the one for whom the prophet Elijah performed the miracle of the barrel of meal and cruse of oil (1 Kings 17: 9-16). That was just one of the fascinating nuggets I picked up from this book.

Ultimately, Dayley’s imagination had to fill in most of the blanks in this story and again, she did an admirable job. Jonah’s rise to his prophetic status and his journey to Nineveh seemed absolutely credible to me. Dayley used enough details to create a rich and textured backdrop for the story. The combined effect of these details was to add a layer of credibility (I should add that I’m not a historian, so I’m not situated to discuss authenticity—just how I reacted).

I was particularly intrigued by the way Dayley handled one of the inherent challenges of telling Jonah’s story: why he ran from the Lord. This is a vexing question as one would assume anyone with the spiritual maturity to be called as a prophet must also know that he can’t run away from God—and wouldn’t try.

Over the years I’ve heard various rationales and explanations for Jonah’s behavior suggested. Dayley’s motivation for Jonah’s behavior really intrigued me. I’m not going to say what it is, because I don’t want to spoil anything and I do hope you’ll read this book. However, I thought Dayley’s idea came closer than anything I’ve heard to explaining it. It’s a difficult circle to square, but she did so in a way that at least satisfies the motivational problem for this character.

Dayley is a very proficient in developing the book’s thematic elements. The title of the book expresses what this story is about: redemption. Jonah’s, as well as the people of Nineveh, and several others along the way. This theme provides a unifying structure for the book and provides a welcome interpretation of God’s love for His children—even in Old Testament times.

One other thing I enjoyed about Dayley’s book was it’s leisurely pace. It is interesting, but pays the reader the compliment of assuming that the reader does not need to be pulled in with a gimmick at the beginning. Rather, Dayley’s story unfolds with direction and motion, in a stately and unhurried pace but with growing urgency—perhaps like the aged Jonah himself would have walked on his travels.

Although this was written by a Mormon author, there is nothing that seemed inherently Mormon about this book. I would think it would be interesting to anyone who believes in the Old Testament.

The story is marred occasionally by some mistakes that probably happened in the typesetting process. I wish that an editor had looked over the final proof more carefully. That is a minor quibble, though—and one out of Dayley’s control.

This is a lovely book about a fascinating story and I hope you will read it. I am very glad I did!

Braden Bell Mormon extraordinaire

BRADEN BELL
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07/14/20101 Comment(s) I am getting behind lately! It's summertime but the livin' is not easy. Or at least not mellow.

There have been two more reviews of The Road Show. Cami Checketts and Patty Ann Pitterle were both kind enough review it. You can read Cami's review here and Patty Ann's here.

So, here's a question: would anyone be interested in being part of online book club? Or, or you all already comfortably ensconced in your own book clubs in your neighborhoods and church groups?

No pressure--but if you are, why don't you drop me a line here. I thought it might be kind of fun since an online format would open it up to a. Let me know if you are interested and enough people are, we'll work out the details.





Comments
Serene
Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:49:09 am
I would do it! I think it would be fun!






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Hear "He Healeth Me"

by Sherrie Shepherd, based on The Road Show



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He Healeth Me is now available to download on mp3! Inspired by Braden Bell's new book The Road Show, the hauntingly beautiful melody, and deeply moving lyric will stir your soul. Music by Sherrie Shepherd, lyrics by Braden Bell, violin obligato by DeNae Handy. Performed by Sherrie Shepherd on piano, featuring vocalist Veronica Johnson, and violinist Mason Jensen.

(After payment confirmation, an email will be sent containing an mp3 file for you to download)
Road Show Blog Tour: Join the Fun!

I'll be visiting some fantastic blogs this summer for my blog tour. Come over and visit. You'll seriously love these bloggers. If you want to be a stop on the tour, I'd love to come by. Drop me a line here.

May 27 Sue's New, Views...
May 28 Sherrie Shepherd
June 3 Dunhaven Place
June 5 Regarding Annie
June 7 Serene is My Name Not My Life
June 9 Overstuffed With Blessings
June 10 Cranberry Corner
June 11 My Real Life Was Backordered
June 13 Inksplasher
June 16 Anne Bradshaw's Place
June 17 Mommy Snark
June 18 One Cluttered Brain
June 19 Making the Moments Count
June 21 Momza's House
June 22 Michele Ashman Bell


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The Road Show

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COPYRIGHT NOTICE:
All content on this website, including the blog is protected by U.S. Copyright laws. It may not be copied without my express permission, although feel free to link to it.

Please don't steal my words! Whatever I lack as a writer, it's still one of the few skills I have.

If you foolishly disregard this warning, I will send this guy after you. He's 6' 6" and only 15 (not joking about that).



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Anne Bradshaw's Place: The Columbia South Carolina Temple (HD) - Mormon Temples

Anne Bradshaw's Place: The Columbia South Carolina Temple (HD) - Mormon Temples
Friday, July 9, 2010The Columbia South Carolina Temple (HD) - Mormon Temples
Another beautiful and uplifting video from Seth Adam Smith. I quote his words below:



Emmanual Masters Murphy, baptized in Tennessee, is believed to be the first member of the Church in South Carolina. When the first missionary arrived in November 1839, he was surprised to find people already prepared for baptism, having been fellow-shipped by the Murphys. Reportedly, Murphy later visited Joseph Smith in Carthage Jail shortly before the martyrdom. The Prophet recounted his prophecy that war that would soon commence in South Carolina and urged Murphy to return to warn the citizens there.

The temple is located in a beautifully wooded neighborhood in southeastern Columbia, South Carolina's capital. The lovely residential area is scattered with well-kept homes and churches. Native lob lolly pine and oak surround the temple, which is landscaped with crape myrtle, large holly, mums, and dogwood trees, reflecting the area's natural flora.

At the temple open house, Deputy Chief of Staff Michael LeFever attended in place of Governor James Hodges, who was busy assessing damage caused by Hurricane Floyd. The deputy chief, whose daughter took piano lessons from a Church member, said he would look at a picture of the temple in the home while waiting for his daughter. He noted the family's growing excitement and never dreamed he would eventually get a VIP tour of the building. The governor wrote a personal letter, which the deputy chief read, commending Church members for their hard work in making the temple a reality.

The morning of their scheduled dedication session, Mark and Judy Wilcox of the Hendersonville Ward, Asheville North Carolina Stake, learned that their son, Brad, had been killed the previous evening in a car accident. Sister Wilcox, who was to sing at the dedication that day, chose to sing as planned after she and her husband received priesthood blessings. The Wilcoxes found a great deal of comfort in the words directed to them by President Gordon B. Hinckley about the Plan of Salvation and the teachings of the temple.


To learn more about Mormons and Temples, please visit:www.Mormon.org

By The Sword

By the Sword: A Repairman Jack Novel by F. Paul Wilson




that Wilson writes an interesting yet spooky yarn and okay for one of those quick reads

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Elizabeth 1

ref="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2944082.Elizabeth_I" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px">Elizabeth I: A Life by David Loades




I read this one while waiting for Alison's copy to come through from other libraries and finally finished it, very detailed but boring writing

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Latter-day Saint reading

The Last Days: A Comprehensive Survey of Prophetic and Doctrinal Statements by Latter-Day Prophets and Apostles by Daniel C. Peterson




I learnt of the testimonies of those involved in the Restoration of the Gospel in the last days and of Daniel C. Peterson's Testimony and belief as he strove to add the statements of Latter-day Saint Prophets and Apostles

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Sez O'Grady: Anne Bradshaw's Place: BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! Ta daaaaaaa . . .

Sez O'Grady: Anne Bradshaw's Place: BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! Ta daaaaaaa . . .

Anne Bradshaw's Place: BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! Ta daaaaaaa . . .

Anne Bradshaw's Place: BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! Ta daaaaaaa . . .

Camping in 1994

I travelled with my son Les and his family Sue and two children Brendan and Christy to the vast North West Of Western Australia. The two youngsters had never been bush before and were amazed at the enormous distances we travelled without seeing anything of interest and the vast emptiness. When Christy wanted a shower towards evening before we stopped to set up camp, she was horrified to find out that we were nowhere near such luxuries. We pulled up passed Minilya Station where a large flat outcrop was with a sign that said lookout, so Les negotiated over the rough track upwards to investigate. It was flat all right. We couls see practically across the desolate landscape to the ocean. At the edge of this escarpment the sides were many metres down to the landscape. Bendan perched on a convenient concrete seat and looked like a little lost man in a vast wide emptiness

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07 July 2010
NEW Giveaway: The King's Mistress by Emma Campion


Thanks to the generosity of Marcia from The Printed Page, I have 1 copy of The King's Mistress by Emma Campion. All together now: THANK YOU MARCIA!!!!! Marcia has a outstanding blog and is the host of my favorite meme, Mailbox Mondays.


SYNOPSIS: History has not been kind to Alice Perrers, the notorious mistress of King Edward III. Scholars and contemporaries alike have deemed her a manipulative woman who used her great beauty and sensuality to take advantage of an aging and increasingly senile king. But who was the woman behind the scandal? A cold-hearted opportunist or someone fighting for her very survival?

Like most girls of her era Alice is taught obedience in all things. At the age of fourteen she marries the man her father chooses for her, dutifully accepting the cost of being torn from the family she holds so dear and losing the love of her mother forever. Despite these heartbreaks Alice finds that merchant Janyn Perrers is a good and loving husband and the two settle into a happy life together. Their bliss is short-lived, however, unraveled the dark day a messenger appears at Alice's door and notifies her of Janyn's sudden disappearance.

Lauren Bacall

href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1356900.By_Myself_and_Then_Some" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px">By Myself and Then Some by Lauren Bacall




I learnt just how much Lauren Bacall loved Humphrey Bogart and I respected her for her diligence and love in caring for him when he was dying. She wrote her autobiography her way, so that readers would know that she told the truth with no holds barred. Its a magnificent story. It is heartbreaking though, to read just how much the stars, including Humphrey and Lauren, were used in the film industry to make millions for the Hollywood moguls

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