Painting Love

I have always loved to paint and create things with any kind of pencil, pen, chalk, paints, and canvas or paper.  I have not always been very good at it, but it is good for me and my soul and sanity to use my hands to make something beautiful.  I love crafts of any kind, but painting with acrylics is probably my favorite.  

Some of my very first Kindness Rocks
(all are my artwork, some inspired by
Pinterest)

I started painting Kindness Rocks in February, 2018, to keep myself occupied and busy while my CPA husband worked almost all day long during tax season, and I never saw him.  I love the idea of creating something fun and beautiful to share with someone else as a small gesture of kindness and concern for them.  Whether I have shared my creations anonymously or with friends and family members, I love that I can gift with love a small piece of my heart and creative soul with them.  This has helped bind me even closer to my family, friends, and neighbors, and I have had an increased measure of God’s love and inspiration in my life since I have started doing this.   Lisa, the founder of the Kindness Rocks group that I belong to, once wrote a post about how the phrases she had been painting on Kindness Rocks had inspired her when she felt discouraged, and had even helped strengthen family members.  She wrote that we were internalizing the positive messages and feelings we were painting on our rocks.  She is absolutely right.  I have felt that, as well as the therapeutic benefits of doing something creative for even half an hour.  I have also learned gratitude to my Heavenly Father for blessing me with a little bit of talent and skill so I could share with others, hopefully bring them a bit of joy, and strengthen myself in the process.  Heavenly Father is so good to me. 

I am basically a very socially awkward person.  It is hard for me to meet people, make new friends, and fit in.  I have struggled to do this all my life.  It scares me!  Kindness Rocks have helped me become more outgoing.  We went to an exhibit at a glass blowing studio where there were various artists selling their creations there.  After I was done purchasing some glassworks from a very talented artist, I gave her a kindness rock.  I was scared to do it, but I felt like I should.  She came out from behind the table and hugged me and told me how much she appreciated the simple gesture of sharing a rock with a pretty heart on it.  I felt so happy that we had both shared a little bit of ourselves and made a little connection with each other through our artwork.

Kindness Rocks have also helped me be a better person.  We were on vacation on a bus tour where the driver, a senior woman, was becoming very impatient and upset with all of our tourist-y questions.  It didn’t seem like she was having a very good day, and I was almost offended by her attitude.  I happened to have a Kindness Rock with me, and as I thought about the hard feelings I was quickly developing towards this tour  guide, I had the strongest feeling that I should give her that rock!  It was quite a shock to have that feeling, but I knew it was the right thing to do.  On our first stop, I chose a quiet moment when all of the other members of our group were off exploring to find our guide, explain the Kindness Rock concept, give her the rock, and share my gratitude and thanks with her for taking us on this tour.  Her demeanor immediately changed!  She was so grateful and happy that I had shared something with her!  And even better, MY demeanor changed.  My offended and unhappy feelings melted away and changed to joy!  I was literally glowing with happiness!  That was an important lesson to me not to judge others, and to always remember to be kind.  And a simple rock helped me, a very awkward and shy person, break the ice.

My artwork, inspired by graphic designer,
Nina Fedorova's design

There was also an occasion where I felt like I needed to apologize to a neighbor.  I agonized over this, and finally was inspired to walk to her home with a Kindness Rock and an apology note, and see if she was home to accept my apology and my peace offering.  I got to her house just as she was pulling out of her driveway, gave her the rock and note, and apologized.  She said that there was nothing to apologize for, and we had a short and wonderful exchange that greatly relieved me and strengthened our friendship.  I just love my neighbor, and without a Kindness Rock and my apology, I never would have gotten to know her as well.  Kindness Rocks have helped take the awkwardness from me, and have made doing the right thing easier for me.

"Later, gator" helped me break the ice!

Perhaps the greatest reason why I love painting and sharing Kindness Rocks is that I really want to make others happy.  Many people who have found my rocks have posted on  Facebook how much they have meant to them, and that they found the rock at a time in their life when they really needed a kind sentiment from someone.  Kindness Rocks definitely aren’t for everyone (and most of the people in my immediate family do not see the value in them), but I have become better and more outwardly focused and service-oriented since I have started painting them.  I even went to a rehab facility where my dear friend lived to paint with them there for a short time.  I’m just grateful that God gave me this small way of connecting with and helping other people. 

"Painting with Pembrooke" (my artwork,
inspired by Pinterest)

At Christmas, 2019, I painted so many rocks to give away to friends and family members.  I invited our daughter, C, and all of her close friends (who I also know and love), over to our home for dinner and so they could do their gift exchange with each other.  I even bought them all gifts, and wanted to give them each a rock that I had painted.  I had C help choose which rocks to give to each friend, and then I wrapped them up in little packages.  Our  daughter was very adamant that one of her very best friends, K, should receive the rock I had painted that said “Follow your passion” on it.  K is also my dear friend, and a friend to our family.  He has spent a lot of time in our home, and I love him like one of my own children.  I hoped that all of my daughter’s friends liked their gifts and painted rocks and knew that I loved and appreciated them for the being the good friends that they were to her. 

Pysanka designs on a rock! (My artwork,
inspired by Pinterest)

Just a few weeks later, in the middle of the night, we received the tragic news that K had been murdered.  He was shot in the back while he was out walking and talking on his cell phone with his sister.  There aren’t words to express how devastated and sad we are.  My daughter wanted to paint a special rock with one of K’s favorite things on it—palm trees—to share with K and his family.   A week after the funeral, C, her roommate, and I drove to Utah to meet with K’s parents and spend the day with them.  We went to lunch, and then K’s mom invited us over to their home.  She explained that they had just “moved K in” that weekend, and took us into the room where he stayed when he was visiting his mom.  Some of his personal possessions from his apartment in Nevada were still in boxes, and some were out on display.   When we were in his room, C said, “Look, Mom! It’s your rock!”  The “Follow your passion” rock I had given K for Christmas was sitting on the nightstand next to the bed.  It was underneath the cute neon cactus lamp that my daughter had chosen as a birthday gift to K.  That’s when I started sobbing.  It seemed to me that the rock I had given K inspired him and meant something to him.  I am so grateful I gave that rock to him, and I hope it brought him joy.  C gave K’s mom the beautiful palm tree rock she had painted, and his mom placed it carefully next to the one I had painted.  I am so grateful for the small things in this life that really aren’t small things at all—the seemingly simple kindnesses that literally change lives, and the humble gestures that strengthen and bind us together as people and spirits.  I felt strongly that weekend that not only did K mean the world to us, but we were special to him, as well.  

Christmas gifts! (My artwork, inspired by
Pinterest)

That is why I paint Kindness Rocks.  And that is why I will continue to paint them.  I am so grateful for this kindness movement, and especially for our inspirational group, Kindness Rocks Chester and Montgomery County on Facebook.  Art can speak where inadequate words fail.  

    

Home and Family

I had the huge privilege of growing up next door to my paternal grandparents. They were awesome!!! My grandpa was a farmer and raised potatoes and wheat, and loved to fish and hunt. (My first job was working in the fields for him, and he was very generous when he paid us, no matter how young or old we were)! My grandma was an amazing seamstress, homemaker, and artist, and had the most gorgeous flower garden. She particularly loved wildflowers. I think bluebells were her favorites. She taught me to recognize lupine and Sego lilies, and she used to share her tulip bulbs with us. She also had a beautiful alto voice, and sang in many choirs. I was always welcome in my grandparents’ home, which my grandma made such a peaceful and beautiful place. 

Sometimes Grandpa and Grandma would take us on little day trips and adventures. We would go fishing and picnicking at Meadow Lake, take fun drives to the woods to search for wildflowers or huckleberries, or up to Wyoming to eat at my grandpa’s favorite place for cheeseburgers. We would watch for buffalo, deer, and other wildlife along those very scenic drives. It didn’t matter what season it was or the condition of the roads; Grandpa would drive us through the snow or on barely passable gravel roads, and I remember trusting his skills implicitly. (When I got my driver’s license, he would let me drive his brand new car, and even his new truck when we were helping with the potato harvest). 

Just before I left home for college, I remember going with Grandpa and my brother out to the Ice Caves. It was a long, scary drive in places, and even though Grandpa was getting older, I wouldn’t have wanted anyone else to drive. On the way, Grandpa suddenly stopped because he saw some pretty wildflowers that he knew Grandma would love. It seemed so wonderful to me that a sportsman like him would be on the lookout for his sweetheart’s favorite flowers. 

Sometimes Grandma would bring over little surprises for us. I remember her bringing me and my sister dolls one night! She had created the pattern for them and sewn and embroidered them herself, complete with changes of clothing, shoes, socks, slips, and underwear. (I still have mine, and even used it to make a pattern for a similar doll for my daughter). Often, she and my grandpa would bring over berries or other bounty from their garden to share with us.

Probably my favorite memories of my grandparents, though, are sitting by them at church each Sunday, and having family home evening each Monday night with them. We would sing and pray together, have a fun lesson, and always have a treat afterwards. Sometimes we would go to the sand dunes to roast hot dogs, hamburgers, and marshmallows, or go out for pizza in Rexburg. In all these fun times, Grandma and Grandpa were teaching me about faith in God, love for Jesus Christ, and the sacred nature of families through their examples. I cannot imagine growing up in any better circumstances!

I can’t believe how much I miss my grandparents. I’m so grateful to be their granddaughter. While I was reading about them and looking at genealogy online last year, I found these pictures. This is my grandpa! And behind him is the home where I was raised. I’m so grateful for parents and grandparents on both sides of my family who love me and are so good to me. Even though my grandparents have been gone for a long time, I know they watch over me and still care for me. Families really are forever!❤️ (Thank you, Brenda and Aunt Karel for uploading these pictures).❤️ #LightTheWorld

Small Miracles, Tender Mercies, and a Father's Love

My family and I have had many "small" miracles occur in our lives.  We have also received gigantic miracles, which have tremendously blessed us, strengthened our sense of gratitude and love, and humbled us, all at the same time.  I have been thinking a lot lately about the "small" miracles that take place in my life.  I don't believe that there are "small" miracles, actually--they are all significant.  The blessings I receive are divine manifestations of love from my Heavenly Father.  They are "tender mercies" shown to me, and each one of us, through His love.  In fact, we are all children of a Divine Creator, who loves us, knows us, helps us, and guides us to help others each day.  I love my Heavenly Father and I am so grateful to Him for what He gives me.  I try to recognize these blessings, yet I am completely sure that I do not recognize them all.  In my prayers, I have been trying to include my gratitude to Him for the blessings I see, and also the ones that I don't yet see.  

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Of all the things I treasure most, being a member of Christ's church is at the top of my list.  All of my blessings--home, family, friends, education--flow through and tie into my knowledge of who I am, where I come from, and my divine potential.  I love the teachings of my church, which are, quite simply, the teachings of the Savior, Jesus Christ.  In the Book of Mormon, (a book that I believe and love), we can read about "tender mercies."  The ancient prophet, Nephi, tells us "...that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance" (1 Nephi 1:20).  (One of the current apostles of our church, Elder David A. Bednar, also spoke about the "tender mercies" of the Lord, and their impact on our lives.  Here is a link to that inspirational talk:  https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/04/the-tender-mercies-of-the-lord?lang=eng).

I am so grateful for the tender mercies and miracles that Heavenly Father has showered down on me, and my family.  I have especially recognized lately the times that He has inspired me to help others, and created the opportunities, or "small miracles," for me to do so.  For example, I love to crochet!  Over a year ago, I found a cute pattern online for a child's hat, in the shape of a floppy-eared dog. (See the link to this pattern below. Thanks to this generous person for sharing talents and gifts)!  I felt so compelled to make that hat!  I used fuzzy, soft green and white yarn, and if I don't say so myself, it turned out great! At the time, I didn't even know why I made the hat, other than that it was cute, and that I wanted to challenge myself and see if I could make it.  The finished hat sat in my crochet basket until two weeks ago, when I finally knew WHY I was inspired to make it.

My Finished Child's Hat
from this pattern:  http://knottyknotty.blogspot.ca/2012/09/precious-puppy-hat-free-pattern.html

I serve in the Primary presidency in our ward, and work with children between the ages of 18 months and twelve years old.  One of these little children, a four-year-old named Mark, who had been in our Primary, was recently diagnosed with leukemia.  Our Primary president suggested that we have each child make cards for this little one, so we could send them to him, and brighten his day.  I was in charge of making the cards and helping the children fill them out on Sunday.  It suddenly occurred to me that the hat I made over a year ago might fit this little guy, and might help to cover his head and keep him warm as he started his treatments in Utah, where his family just moved.   I knew that we had to send the floppy-eared dog hat I had crocheted so long ago, along with the cards from our Primary kids, to Mark.

Our Primary secretary gathered the cards and hat, added some more special things on her own, and mailed them to our little friend in Utah.  After receiving the package, Mark's mom responded and said that the first thing he did was put on the hat.  He loved the cards, and so did she.  When I read that, I felt so humbled and grateful that Heavenly Father inspired us all to do something to bless someone else's life.

One of our modern-day prophets, President Spencer W. Kimball said, "God does love us and watch over us, but it is usually through another person that he meets our needs."  It is a small miracle, a tender mercy, and a humbling blessing, to take part in an event that may be a small miracle, or a tender mercy of the Lord, to another one of His children.  I am happy that Heavenly Father gave us the opportunity to help someone else.  I am also incredibly grateful for the times Heavenly Father has sent special people into my life, to bless me in my time of need or want.  Each one of us can be ministering angels to others, and this is a humbling, yet sweet, mission we can be part of while we are here on this earth.

Moms and Grandmas

Ever since I had the idea to start a blog, I have known that I wanted to write about my grandparents.  I am grateful that I grew up in close proximity to all of my grandparents, and with the exception of my grandpa who died before I was born, could see and visit them regularly.  I loved them all so much, and now that I am older, I recognize that their influence provided an added measure of stability, security, and love that I wish I could thank them for today.  My grandmas, and mom, influenced me so much, and I love them and appreciate all they taught me! 

This is a talk that I gave in sacrament meeting on Mother’s Day several years ago.  I used Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s General Conference address from April, 1997, “Because She is a Mother,” for quotes, scriptures, and inspiration.

In 2 Timothy, the Apostle Paul speaks to Timothy about the faith that Timothy has learned because of the good examples of his mother and his grandmother.  Paul says:

 

“When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother, Lois, and thy mother, Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is Christ Jesus.”

I, too, had good, faithful examples from my mother and grandmothers while I was growing up.  I am excited to share with you on this Mother’s Day some of their advice and some of the things that I learned from their examples.

MOM:  My mom showed me how to be a good mother.  She has a very positive, balanced attitude and lives her testimony every day.  She loves the Savior and is an example of charity and service.

One of my mom’s best pieces of advice to me is this:  “Anything that is over is a success.”  She first taught me this when I was in high school.  When I was a senior, I was in charge of the National Honor Society induction ceremony.  It ended up being a disaster, even though I had tried my best to make things work.  I remember hiding in the girls’ bathroom after it was over because I was so upset and embarrassed.  When I finally drove home, my mom was working in the kitchen, and I told her what happened.  She said, “Well, it’s over, and you lived through it, so think of it this way:  anything that is over is a success.”  That was exactly what I needed to hear that night!  Many times since then, when things do not go as planned, in spite of my best efforts, I try to remember that advice, and move on with my life instead of dwelling on negative experiences.

GRANDMA MILRHEA:  My Grandma Milrhea showed me how to be happy even through heartbreaking circumstances.  She had a hard life, but through the adversity, she learned to smile, to love, and to share happiness with her friends, family, and neighbors. My grandma suffered many losses in her life.  She was married three times, each husband passing away.  Her first child, my Uncle Jack, was born with a heart defect that was, by today’s standards, probably correctible.  But back then, she watched as he slowly declined in health, and died when he was only four.  Some of his last words to her before he died were, “Mom, can you come with me?”  She said that during the springtime after Uncle Jack died, she watered her garden with her tears.  Even though she had these things happen in her life, I always remember her smiling and happy.  She had learned to overcome the sadness and adversity that she sometimes felt.

My Grandma Milrhea loved this Gospel, and lived it, too.  I still feel that even though she has been gone for over 15 years, she knows where I am and what I’m doing, which goes to show that a mother’s love, as well as a grandmother’s love, never ends.

GRANDMA MELVINA:  My Grandma Melvina and my grandpa lived next door to me while I was growing up.  They lived just through the garden, and I knew that I could go to their home anytime, and I didn't even need to knock on the door.  Grandma was very reserved, and quite shy.  But she was also one of the most artistic and creatively talented women I have ever known.  She could sew anything, and even made her own patterns.  She had a beautiful vegetable and flower garden.  My grandma never wasted anything, and was a master at living providently.  She could make something beautiful and useful from whatever she had on hand, whether it was furniture from an old, wooden fruit crate and a sheet, or a stuffed animal that she lovingly made from the lining of a worn-out coat.

 

My grandma, as well as my grandpa, taught me about the power of prayer.  Because we lived next door, we had Family Home Evening together with my grandparents every Monday night.  I remember both of my grandparents testifying to me that Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers.  After hearing my grandma share her testimony of prayer one night during Family Home Evening, I decided to ask Heavenly Father for help with something I was worried about, and test what my grandparents had said.  I was 10 years old, and I needed Heavenly Father’s help, so I went to a private place on our farm, knelt down, and started to pray.  During my prayer, I felt the Holy Ghost so strongly!  I felt a burning feeling, and happiness and peace.  I knew that everything would be all right, and it was.  Ever since then, I have KNOWN for myself that Heavenly Father does hear and answer prayers.

At times my grandmother felt inadequate, even though she was so talented.  Since I became a mother, I have to confess that I understand those feelings of anxiety, inadequacy, or even downright fear about my parenting skills.  I want desperately to receive that same healing comfort that conquers my anxieties and infirmities that the woman in the Bible received when she reached out and touched the hem of the Savior’s garment in faith to be healed.  In his April, 1997, General Conference address, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland speaks to all women who sometimes feel inadequate.  He promises us, like the Savior promised the woman who touched the hem of His garment, “Daughter be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole.”  Elder Holland counsels us to

“Rely on (the Savior).  Rely on Him heavily.  Rely on Him forever.  Claim the promises of the Savior of the world.  Ask for the healing balm of the Atonement for whatever may be troubling you or your children.  Know that in faith things will be made right in spite of you, or more correctly, because of you. You have every right to receive encouragement and to know in the end your children will call your name blessed, just like those generations of foremothers before you who hoped your same hopes and felt your same fears.  No one has failed who keeps trying and keeps praying.”

I love Elder Holland’s comforting words!  I am so grateful for the advice and examples of my good grandmothers and mother. I always try to remember the words of my mom, that as long as I have tried my best, “Anything that is over is a success.”