Trick or Treat

     

by Shauna Brown 

     I can hear my mother give instructions, “Now save one of your Snicker candy bars for me.”   

     For years my older brothers, Michael and Robert, were my Halloween companions as we enjoyed our moments of “Trick or Treating” together.  Being the little sister I found myself running hard just to keep up the pace as we ran from house to house gathering up the treats. We always knew who gave out the best candy and we went there first. We gathered candy  until the house lights went out, or the candy ran out, or our bags were just too heavy to carry.  We arrived home with a bounty proud.  Finding our corner of the room we would then empty the contents from our pillowcases. The piles of candy bars, suckers, apples, tootie rolls, packs of gum, lifesavers and an assortment of others were such a prize.  Oh, such fun to see all that had been bestowed and stuffed into those deep and welcoming bags. For a few minutes there was a routine swapping for the favorites.  “I’ll give you five tootie rolls for one Snickers .”  “Here, I don’t like Mars, you can have mine.”       

   Mother and daddy stood by looking upon the vast collection of sugar enhancements.  They smiled, “Hey, don’t forget -- Snickers Candy Bar, or Butterfinger?” Fully knowing we would gladly toss one their direction. Their anticipated smiles were well worth the sacrifice.  

     Almond Joys,  Mars, Three Musketeers, Neccos, M&M’s,  Bit-o-Honey, Snickers, Nibs, Life Savers, Babe Ruth, Pixie Sticks, Bazooka Bubble Gum to name just a few.There was more than enough to  make the taste buds stand ready. 

     I recall one Halloween as we were standing on a porch yelling out “Trick or Treat” to the top of our lungs  when  Brother Don Harris, my Sunday School teacher, invited our little band of candy grabbers into his home. We circled the living room. 

    “OK, what's your trick? “ He asked.  I didn’t get it--a trick?   I wasn’t the only one who looked surprised with his request. “Trick or Treat?” He smiled. I could clearly see he wasn’t about to hand over any portion of his loaded bowl filled with candy.  

      “Well?” he said looking for a response.  “I want a trick, and then I’ll give a treat.”  I looked at Bro Harris differently,as he smiled. He was pulling the trick on us.  He giggled and grabbed some candy and we were on our way.

     Let me spin my cobweb of thought for this Sunday sharing.

      Sometimes do we feel we are given a life trick or trial?

     My mother once said, 

Challenges and trials are but a compliment from God. 

How we accept those compliments is key to our progression. 

    Sometimes when I have been faced with a challenge, trick or trial, I have thought of it as unkind, such an unexpected, unwarranted surprise, much like Brother Harris’s request.  I never considered those moments to be welcomed as a compliment. When faced with such a compliment, I like many of you have questioned what I was doing wrong? Why now? Why me? How come? Why this challenge? Wasn’t I living a good life? Wasn’t I trying to be that ready and useable instrument for God’s good?  I didn't want it. indeed I felt it was a trick and trial.

    Each of us are caring around an earthly pillowcase of possibilities, and are eager to return home and dump out the contents and see what it holds.

     I also know the home, the place, which give the best treats, eternal ones. Sometimes I forget to go there first. For therein we will find the pieces of peace individually wrapped. The giver has bowls filled and overflowing, bags ready with everlasting gifts of love, forgiveness, charity, comfort, and believe me I have found that ‘home’ most willing to welcome.

     Now looking back upon some of my life’s challenging tricks,  I realize that which I thought was at first unnecessary roughness, a mean trick, was like Mama said, "A compliment", a gift, a morsel of sweetness given for my growth and development. I now consider those individually wrapped compliments -- a blessing. I have learned and continue to realize that this life is going to be filled with tricks and treats, highs and lows, peace and conflicts, light and darkness.  

     From house to house, moment to moment we all will experience having to carry around some heavy bags.    There will be those times when we wish we could swap out one experience for another one. ‘Here, you can have this one back.’ ‘My bag is all ready full.’  "I'll give you three of mine for one of yours,"  ‘I don’t like. . . 

     Then at some point in time we each will empty out our hearts and see all that was given. All the compliments and the way in which we received them. It will all be set before us. Our life will be defined by such a moment and we will see clearly and know: 

      Chocolate is but a momentary pleasure.

Enjoy your Sabbath and Your Eternal Treats.

Shauna

                     Sip and Slip

by Shauna Brown 

       I giggled  up a memory just now as I put on my black silky slip. Memories are a gift from God to make us reflect upon a moment of learning. Sometimes even to generate another giggle. 

    The following experience happened several years ago when I was serving in a leadership church calling. It was going to be a full day of giving talks at three different wards.  

    Earlier I had been spending  time in the preparation in writing the different talks and found myself rushing about to get ready. As I pulled on my slip that morning I felt an impression that the elastic in my slip was becoming weak.  I even had the impression that perhaps I should wear another slip.  I remember looking at the clock and made the quick decision to ‘girl up my loins’ and fresh courage take, and rushed to my first meeting.  

     Everything was going well, I had finished giving two of my talks and just had one more to go.  

     Arriving a bit early for the last meeting I noted the hallway was crowded with people waiting as well.  Many people gave me a warm welcome and I felt a sense of confidence. I had just a few minutes before I would give my next talk and thought it was a good time to get that needed pause for thoughtful review of words as well as a drink of water.  While standing at the drinking fountain,enjoying the cold water I felt a rush from beneath my dress. All of a sudden my slip literally fell to the ground. Eyes were upon me.  I felt a touch of panic. I could visualize the black puddle of silk surrounding my ankles. My face instantly took on a hot flush. I could only imagine all the looks on faces, “What is she going to do?” Would they brake out in laughter? I knew if I tried to run I would probably trip, fall and land flat on my face. It was then I felt a flash of inspiration. ‘Simply step out of it! ‘ I didn’t even pause, question or hesitate this prompting. I did just as instructed and then with a quick scooping motion I retrieved my slip and quickly stuffed it into my bag.  It was almost like a dance in motion. I even marveled at my guick movement and disposal.  I then scanned the hallway and smiled. Knowing full well that some had been a witness to my ‘slippage’. Everyone acted as if they hadn’t noticed, and if they did they never said anything about it. But in my heart the great reveal was another moment of my personal understanding that “God is very much aware of us.... even down to the details of a falling slip.

      “Simply step out of it.”   Those words empowered me. Simple as it seemed, I could have become mortified, embarrassed, frozen and frazzled.  Yet, gratefully, I did step up and step away from allowing it to trigger a greater moment of embarrassment.

The great Olympian, Nadia Comaneci, stated, “I don’t run away from 

a challenge because I am afraid. Instead, I run toward it because the only

 way to escape fear is to trample it beneath your feet.”

All right, the falling of my slip wasn’t exactly a fear filled challenge in my life, and I in no way took the time to trample the slip beneath my feet. But, at that moment I inwardly questioned,  “Who saw me?”  “ Are they laughing at me?” So I smiled and took another big gulp of water and prayed that my nylons would stay put. ‘Cause heaven only knows what a feeling it is to have your panty hose roll down your legs.  I won't even tell you of that story. Just realize I know how it feels.  So the best remedy of such a situation is a simple smile.

 We all need to learn not to take ourselves too seriously.  Anyhow accidents and the unexpected happen happen.  It’s how we handle those moments that makes the difference. 

     But who whispered those words?  “Step out!” 

     If their are guardian angels, who sent them? Knowing that my Heavenly Father was aware of my circumstance has given me much appreciation.

        There are moments and times when we all should “simply step out of it.” Step out of situations, habits and addictions that will ultimately bring us down and cause us to think less of ourselves. Step away from, run from, push away, what ever it takes to enjoy the gift of divine self mastery.

      For a few of us it might mean giving up a good friend, Dr. Pepper. For another it’s braking the habit of watching ‘soaps.’  Reading romance novels weekly is a constant attraction for a good friend of mine. Shopping and spending too much?  Glued to the television or computer? Is Facebook seeing more of your face? It’s not that these things are bad ...but too much of anything--especially éclairs, can make more than a puddle around our ankles and inhibit our progression. No matter what our ‘slippage’ is we need to take heart and hope, and know that with time we can make those needed changes. I have observed the tendency for ‘slippage’ as I ponder the thought of Goethe.

                        Things which matter most must never be at the 

                       mercy of things which matter least.   

                                               Johann Wolfgang Von  Goethe

      

      The first feeling within my heart as I felt my slip rest upon my shoes.... “I didn’t listen to the Holy Ghost. I was too busy to put on another slip. I was then ultimately left with limited possibilities and options: Trip and fall, step out of it, pick it up and smile, or stand there.

     

“Some habits can cause the slipping of the spirit. It is essential 

to appreciate the God given elastic, He wants us back.” svb

So, today might we ponder upon those things that are holding us back--“Simply step out of it.” There might need to be some course corrections, or a simple change. Maybe some new elastic stitched. Whatever the cost, it will be worth it as we stand before our Maker in full confidence that our slips won’t fall, or that our nylons won’t roll down. For we have made the necessary changes to be girded in full faith, trusting that our Father in Heaven knows us well.

Have  a great sabbath

Shauna

Heaven Sent Blessings

by Shauna V. Brown 

       Quickly we gathered in a hospital room eager to see the newest miracle sent from heaven. No halo seen but truly an angel had arrived. 

“She’s got the Drakulich nose, and Camille’s lips” announced a proud Grandma Drakulich standing by.  I smiled as I gazed upon the little face so pure and perfect.  Not a blemish visible. She looked like a little painted China doll.  

I was taken in thought with the sense that there must have been an ever greater farewell party in heaven as well.  I could almost hear my angel mother say,  “Bless you little one, there you go.”  Just the thought drew my heart closer - to heaven’s veil.  Perchance renewing love had been placed within her fingertips and tiny toes. No wonder giggles come when fingers and toes are counted.  “This little piggy has gone to market so many times before. “   “Wee,wee, wee.... all the way home.”

     “Look at all that black hair, “exclaimed nine year old cousin, Kate. Watching the beanie fall from her little head.  That was when Papa Rick revealed and bestowed the assortment of large pink combs.  “From her picture, we thought you would be needing them,”  smiled Papa as laughter erupted.

      Brighton Camille Brown, arrived on Friday, October 12, 2012, and within three minutes of her birth Briant, her proud father, had sent a picture of her to family and friends. 

      As I held that little bundle from heaven I reflected upon those tiny blessings, my sweet children, who were received and welcomed as well. Six blessed bundles. 

     I recalled that by some incredible eraser the months of morning sickness, sleepless nights, swollen feet, stretching skin, heart burn, pain, was replaced with instant relief and joy as the tiny one rested within my arms.   I marveled at their every move, their sounds, as well as their eyes looking into mine. Pure little faces, untouched and trusting.  

      I watched as the nurse snuggly wrapped the receiving blanket around Brighton’s little body. No chance for even a wiggle.  “It’s a “baby burrito,”  the nurse said smiling. 

    I thought of how many times I had wrapped and unwrapped a similar blanket, knowing that it would give my babies comfort and a sense of security. 

     Funny, but even at my age I have some of those same needs and wants. I love to be wrapped, tucked, and surrounded by luscious blankets, the fluffier the better! I guess its not difficult to understand that at times we all need something that allows us to enjoy a moment wherein to find peace, security, warmth, and renewed possibilities, as well as hope.

    There have been moments in my life however, when fear was pushing back the blanket of faith. I freely flung the wrapping of trust away, thinking I could possibly handle and face some of life’s challenges alone. Thankfully, I am learning to trust and have greater faith in my Lord.  I have felt of His unconditional love, ever tucked around me, more tightly than any fluffy blanket. 

         “Peace I leave with you.” 

  Infinitly given from within His palms.

     Truly I can testify that each one of us can feel “encircled in the arms of his love.” Much like a trusting child, our part is to reach out to Him.

      If tiny little Brighton could speak, and share of her heavenly experience, clearly we all would listen intently.  We would write down her words and treasure them.  We would embrace the truths she could share. 

         “Just moments from heaven.” I whispered in her ear. Clearly the realization pressed upon my heart.  Perhaps we no longer feel ‘moments away from heaven’ but we can know here and now the infinite interest that the Lord has in each one of us.  

    Take hold today of your tiny toe and wiggle one more time, praying that “wee, wee, wee --all, will find our way home.”    To eagerly awaiting family and friends, but most of all a Father who counts us each as a blessing. 

Hold Out You Hand to Christ

by Shauna V. Brown 

     I just finished reading another account of Corrie Ten Boom. As you will recall she was a Dutch Christian who stepped in and tried to help many Jews to escape the Nazi Holocaust during World War II.  As a result of an informant many of her family members were arrested and sent to Ravensbruck Concentration Camp.

      While visiting Europe a few years ago Rick and I had the opportunity to view a similar concentration camp, Dachau. It was difficult for me to realize that at some point humanity can become so unfeeling, numb and inhumane.  

      Corrie shares,

          “Today I know that such memories are the key not to the past, 

            but to the future. I know that the experiences of our lives, 

           when we let God use them, become the mysterious and perfect

                 preparation for the work He will give us to do. ” 

                              ~ Corrie Ten Boom

     My copy of the Hiding Place, is filled with numerous underlined phrases and thoughts to jolt my heart into deeper depth of gratitude.  Corrie, once released from prison after years behind wired fences and flea infested quarters, spent the remainder of her days sharing her beliefs and convictions of Jesus Christ.  She felt prompted, almost driven, that the messages of Christ must be delivered to as many as she could touch. She traveled from  village to village, small town to large cities. Visiting people in their homes, offering words to anyone who would listen to her story. The talks and conversations were always centered around forgiveness and Christ’s enduring love for everyone. Even while traveling world wide she wrote books about her imprisonment and experiences in order to inspire and lead others unto Christ. Truly her life and sacrifice was a gift for all, and  I am grateful for the assignment given by a wise English teacher to read her book. 

   As Rick and I stood by the tall fences topped with wire at Dachau Camp, I reflected upon how it must have been to survive in those dark, cramped, smelly, prison rooms. Small slits of windows that daily invited the dreams and possibilities of freedom.  For many their days became weeks, weeks into months and months into years. Some gave up and gave in, while others trusted in the hope of Jesus Christ and cherished freedom.

   Surely the messages shared by Corrie are as valuable and needed today as they were during World War II.  I think about how frequently we lock thoughts within the chambers of our hearts, and inflict our own sentences for personal imprisonment. No number is tattooed on our forearms, no bloody stripes fill our backs, our clothes are not prison issued,  but it’s there --felt within our soul. We hold regrets, “what if’s,” “  should of’s ,” “ I should have done,” “if only”, "why?" . . .  

    We need to be more gentle, more forgiving of not only those who offend, but to lift the burden and forgive ourselves.  Perhaps our journey, our own Ravensbruck’s are laden with divergent paths and pain.  Corrie came to realize her prison experience, was  “for a greater cause and purpose.” 

      In all truth we too must understand and realize that we are never, ever left alone. Even prisons have divine purpose . Joseph Smith, after spending numerous months in many a dark, damp, smelly prison came to inquire of the lord, “O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place? How long shall thy hand be stayed?. . . 

    Isn’t it interesting that Corrie would title one of her books The Hiding Place?

    I believe with full heart that Jesus Christ is very much aware of each one of us. We can never be "in hiding," or hidden from him. He knows our pains, concerns, regrets, and fears. Jesus Christ is personally interested in our happiness.  

“ Through Christ we have the ability to choose and change, 

to forgive and live, to seek and be saved. It is within each of 

us to allow the pain or the peace.”    (smile here) 

                ~ Shauna Brown

  I think Corrie says it even better.  

“You may never know that JESUS is all you need,

  until JESUS is all you have.” 

    So this Sabbath day take the key that locks up the hurts, distrust, anger, pain and place it in the hand of God. Trusting that according to his timing you will be set free.

                   “ God holds your future in His hands, so hold out yours.”

~  Shauna Brown 

Good Sabbath

Love to all

Shauna!

Enjoy Your Harvest

by Shauna V. Brown 

     Yesterday, Rick and I drove past a field brimming with orange pumpkins ready to pick.   Cornstalks, pumpkins, sunflowers, hay bales, rustic colors leaves, orange berries and smells of spice all remind me of a perfect fall season.  I love it!

     While looking at the pumpkins I was taken in thought.. . Pumpkins are one of my favorite things.  You know... “girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes, snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes,” ,.. and I love pumpkins.  Midst my favorites... has to be love my family, my Savior, my faith, beautiful music,  art, and not necessarily in that order.  I also love collecting thoughts and quotes.  In fact, my office is filled with quote boards, engraved words of insights, and even some quotes that are hand stitched. I believe my love for inspiring thoughts started long ago with my mother.  Some people have collections of salt and pepper shakers, mugs and such, but my mother was a collector of words--inspiring, uplifting words. 

      As a child I frequently had the assignment of dusting the furniture in the house.   I could usually count on finding a few random scraps of paper, or envelopes where mother had jotted down a quote from someone. I would carefully tuck them into mother’s hanky drawer so they wouldn’t get lost. I had learned early that even  scraps with scribbled ideas were valued. It was also common to observe mother as she dog-eared or paperclipped a page where she had found an inspiring sentence. Sometimes she would pin a quote to the curtains in the kitchen so everyone would enjoy. She was always reading and learning all that she could and ever ready to share something new with her friends and family. 

       Most of you know she loved to write. She was a published and skilled writer. She dedicated much of her time and talent to enriching the lives of her loved ones as well as others throughout the world. Believe me as a youngster I didn’t always appreciate listening while mother polished and perfected  her writings to submit for publication. Sometimes I even complained at the number of rough drafts she created, always seeking the best way to express a thought. I was her captured audience. Today I truly realize that I was the blessed benefactor. I literally learned at my mothers knee, and pen some of the most valuable lessons for my life. 

      Much like my mother I scribble down quotes today. I even post some of them on bulletin boards for students and family.   I have filled journals, numerous journals, as my family can attest, with random thoughts and personal mind wanderings. Perhaps it will be difficult to find purpose in them for others, but they arefor me, and a moment when the spirit touched.  I like to liken quotes as stepping stones for my personal understanding and daily journey.  I am grateful for those who have shared their inner feelings , expressions, and testimonies through their words. I marvel as I read some of the thoughts shared by Corrie Ten Boon, Helen Keller, Anne Frank, C.S. Lewis, Victor Frankel, Ben Franklin, Longfellow, Gordon B. Hinckley, Budha, Mother Teresa, Max Lacado, Genevieve Van Wagenen.. . and my lists of favorites continue to grow.  

     You understand, sometimes when you read a thought it literally vibrates and speaks to your soul with truth. I love to nibble upon a good thought, as it fills my spirit over and over. 

    Mother always surrounded herself with books. Books of all kinds and variety. She was constantly seeking to enrich her mind.  Frequently she would remind her children that ‘knowledge is all that we can take with us into heaven.’  

     For years and years mother wrote articles, poetry, stories that have motivated and inspired many--especially me. 

     When I was a little girl my mother wrote a simple verse.  I memorized it to please her, but the teaching within it have held a deeper meaning all these years. 

          I had a little pumpkin seed

             I put it in the ground.

  The rain came down so hard last night

    I thought my seed had drowned.

     I didn’t need to worry though

          It’s fine as it can be.

      I went outside, just now

                              And dug it up to see.

      I can almost hear my mother say, “Isn’t that sad Shauna. Didn’t even give the seed a chance to grow. Dug it up, even before it could sprout, never allowing what God wanted it to become.”

     Do some of us question God’s timing and purpose in our own  lives? 

Are we too quick or impatient? Do we dig up the seeds planted within us, and literally undermine our possibilities and purposes? 

     We all must push away self doubts and place our trusting shovels in the bucket of faith and seek for the greater “LIGHT”  to provide all that is needed for our perfect harvest. 

      Today, blow a kiss to heaven... In memory of my favorite writer,

                  Genevieve Johnson Van Wagenen -- my mother.

Her earthly harvest day ~ September 28, 2000

Love to all this Sabbath

Shauna