We Must Build As Well

By Shauna Brown

      With a box of tissue in hand, runny nose and chills, I must take a moment and pay tribute to the pioneers that crossed the seas, trudged through rugged plains, crossed rocky ridges, faced storms and lived in wagon boxes through the freezing winter.  I continue to marvel at their courage and enduring focus. 

    Does anyone else feel a little wimpy as I do? I find myself bundling up in blankets because it gives me comfort. I love the snuggly fleece blankets, and I like being warm. 

    Imagine the pioneer's world of cold. Going to bed most nights cold and wet and remaining that way--for days. Could they ever warm up?

     I think of some of my pioneer ancestors who wrapped their feet with strips of cloth and pieces of wood. Their  hope was to walk a few more miles and reach their dreamed of Zion.  I think of those mothers and their wee babies born in such horrible conditions.  They had no time to complain of swollen feet or added heavy weight. They couldn't settle in a comfy chair and just rest a spell.  They pushed forward praying and hoping that their dreams and better days were ahead.  Gratefully those pioneers felt inspired to become the builders of a firm foundation for the gospel of Jesus Christ.  They pushed, so that we could enjoy the blessings in a free land and the ability to worship how, where and what we may.

    I don’t know what I shall be called upon to experience in my lifetime.  I’m sure that the script is written. I know that God is most mindful to enable each of us to fortify and foster our faith and testimony.  My goal is to be as courageous and strong.  

     Each day I pray to draw the spirit in my life, to follow the precepts, doctrines and teaching of Jesus Christ.  

    So, last Sunday I was sick and had to delay my thought spot.  So here's 'Wonderful Words on Wednesday' 

    When you say your prayers tonight, take a moment and express appreciation for those who wanted to make our dreams possible.  Know this - they are close and seek to of support to us. Long ago I came to the realization that we helped to encourage them along their journey, and they are cheering us go. 

All is well on both sides of the veil.

   Enjoy your Everyday!  Push along. Do your duty with a heart full of song..... 

   Love Shauna

                              Partly Cloudy 

by Shauna Brown 

       As I started out for church this morning I was faced with driving in deep thick fog. I could only see about two car lengths in front of me. Could barely see the lines on the road, and much less the traffic signals. The weather man got it right this morning. The forecast:“heavy fog.”  I have come to value the weather forecasts.  I marvel frequently how accurate the weather forecasting has become.  Some days I am grateful that I listened and carried an umbrella. 

      Years ago when I attended BYU I took many broadcasting classes with the hope and plan that I would someday become a television “Weather Girl.”  However it wasn’t in my future forecast. 

      Lately on the news it seems we are hearing a lot of weather terminology: “inversion, instability, wind shear, saturation, jet streams, wind speed, patches, polar front, pressure, ridges. With a greater commitment to accuracy many television stations have installed their own expensive Dopler Radar systems with the hope to ultimately supply the most ‘perfect’ forecast possible to it’s viewers.  I have gained a greater appreciation of the weather reporter. I wear a warm coat and carry a windshield scraper... Knowing as they announce, “There is a 80% chance and probability for a storm.”    

       Weather advisories - are defined and issued for significant events that are occurring, are imminent, or have a very high probability of happening. 

    Wouldn’t it be nice if we too could have a ‘personal forecast’ or a personal ‘advisory’ for the coming week? Wouldn’t it be comforting to know that we could anticipate  a perfect measure of happy Moments on Monday. Realize and prepare for an all out alert for trouble that would Touch down on Tuesday.  Be relieved when we learn that an extra measure of Wisdom would be distilled on Wednesday.  Partly cloudy thoughts will hover on Thursday, and then you would enjoy a fabulous feeling on Friday. We could see when the days of down pours would submerge our spirits, as well as look forward and savor the sunny atmospheric pressures.There in with the fluctuating forecast we could  rise to any occasion. 

      I question: If personal forecasts were possible would we ever be content with the common 10 day forecast?  Clearly we would want to see further into our future and then some.  What would happen if it was forecasted that we would have a great high five Friday only to find that it became a flat and frustrating Friday or  a ‘Top of the morning Tuesday was filled with times of trepidation and mistrust.   Even with so called accurate forecasting and advisory messages, we would come to find our weekly forecast imperfect. Perhaps we would find ourselves in an overwhelmed inversion. We would then exist with the  high probably of fluctuating disbelief. I think I would want for more and more ‘ in depth’ information. We would soon want to have everything our way according to our time table and wants.  

      We all are going to encounter cloudy days, some days even when thunderbolts will strike our very rooftops.  I like the advice given by Vivian Greene, in fact I have followed her council:

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; 

it’s about learning to dance in the rain.”

     We must understand that our Heavenly Father is mindful of our personal forecast for growth.  God freely dispenses not only the sunshine moments but sometimes allows stimulating shock therapy that shakes our earth and standing. Clearly God has a plan for each of our lives. If we knew every event that would occur and transpire in our lives we would have little need to kneel. We wouldn’t develop trust or the belief that there will be better days ahead. Faith would become much like the fog this morning. We would be more than eager to drive through it than to be humble enough to trust that God would see us through. Predictions would handicap and demand constant advisory warnings.  Hope wouldn’t have a place in our vocabulary or life test. Somedays we would just stay home and “weather the storm.”

So just as we are pleasantly surprised with a sudden rainbow, or an abrupt cloud burst, we too must consider ... that spasmodic micro bursts of challenges have profound purpose in our lives. Churning currents of concern can be a key to our progression, growth and knowledge.   Shifting thoughts can humble us enough to ask of God. 

Just yesterday morning I looked out the window observing that all the trees were laden with white “Fairy Lace.” It was an impressive sight.  Zillions of ice crystals casting luminous rays of sparkling wonders. I could have easily missed it had I slept in. It was an incredible inversion which just by the view of it ultimately helped me recognize and feel a greater conversion. Everything testifies of Christ.

   So let us rejoice that with the seasonal changes of life come added moments of unexpected possibilities.  

      I second the thought of President Gordon B. Hinckley:

“Cultivate an attitude of happiness. Cultivate a spirit of optimism. Walk with faith, rejoicing in the beauties of nature, in the goodness of those you love, in the testimony which you carry in your heart concerning things divine.” 

     Enjoy the fog and crystal mornings... ‘cause  you can.

     Happy Sabbath. 

      Love Shauna 

Precious Moments

by Shauna V. Brown 

      Yes, it Thursday and I'm just a few days late, let me explain: Last weekend Rick and I got the fun experience of tending four of our grandchildren ranging from ages 2 to 7. Thus, the reason for not writing on Sunday. It was a weekend that brought a flood of sweet and reflective memories.  

      When I had three little children,  I felt impressed to write a song. The melody came quickly. I called it Peanut Butter Kisses. It was generated by my children’s peanut butter fingers, messy faces and the reality that kisses were welcome no matter how sticky- icky.  More than that I knew that some day those moments would vanish and would be missed.   Let me share the last verse: 

Tomorrow is coming, my time with them is past. 

It’s only thru these memories that these days will surely last.

Dear Father, thank you greatly for sending them to me

My only wish is Father, I’ll have them for eternity.

Crayon marks will disappear, the scratches they will  heal.

Stories told to sweet ones, the closeness that they feel.

Tomorrow is coming, I see my life in a special  way,

 I get tickled when I hear them say, “ I love  you, I love you,”  

I love Peanut Butter Kisses, A bear hug ‘round the neck    

 Swing me high among the clouds and blowing breeze.

Run with me a among the tallest trees.

Love me  now and  through  eternity! 

Yes, with four active young grandchildren I once again wiped away tears, tied shoe laces, cleaned dirty faces, buttoned shirts, changed diapers, wiped up spilt juice, picked up toys over and over again, and enjoyed the sounds of children playing. 

     I wish to share a tender moment I enjoyed with my two year old granddaughter, Paige.  I think she looks like a Precious Moment figurine. Her eyes and small features make you just want to squeeze her.  

        I had reached the point in the day when breathing becomes easier and anticipated - bedtime. I had zipped Paige into her snuggly warm poka-dot pajamas, the ones with feet in them.  I held her close and wondered how many times had I zipped my own children into their pajamas. I did some math and figured it to be around 18, 090 times- give or take a few zippings.   We settled in the rocking chair where a stack of books were awaiting to be read. Paige then cuddled closer and I felt to sing a family favorite lullaby: “Tender shepherd, tender shepherd, let me help you count your sheep.”  

        Within a few measures while singing I glanced over Paige’s head into the hallway. There within a large picture frame on the wall was my youngest daughter, Brittany. She seemed to be looking straight at me.   Instantly my voice quivered and the melody began to break.  Tears rolled down my face.  What seemed to be like yesterday faced me directly: My little girl all grown up, a mother now and expecting her fifth child. 

     Paige looked somewhat puzzled as to the tears. Then as if to make it all better she tenderly patted my wet cheek. With her caring, 'precious moment'  eyes it caused my emotions to flood even faster. I could no longer carry a tune, and my throat became dry.  It was then I gave Paige a gentle hug, a long one, and rocked her more.  Perhaps I was rocking me. In so doing I felt comfort and  “home again.”  

     There is something about watching your children grow up and take your place in this earthly journey. They are the ones who now scrub the crayon marks, kiss the hurts, fill up the bathtub with bubbles, sing the baby’s lullaby, catch the grasshoppers in Miraclewhip jars, worry about fevered bodies, tell stories and cuddle their little ones close. Did I hug enough, did I tell them that I loved them enough, did I teach them of God enough? Did I?

       I know I experienced some highs and lows in raising my children. I faced  blue cloud days as well as enjoyed the 'dripping in sunshine' moments of motherhood. There are days when I wish I could back up and listen to the sounds of laughter and giggles again.  My young season of motherhood has past. My peanut butter song written thirty five years ago holds the truth: Tomorrow is coming, and I do see my life in a different way. I find that I never will out grow being hugged or told, "I love you Mommie." 

      In all that is within me, in every thought and prayer I want my children and my children’s children and beyond to be with me forever--for eternity and no less. 

      So, Sundays With Shauna was placed on hold as I sat on a church bench with little wiggly bodies.  I then went to Primary.  My grandson Noah, gave a talk and I reflected still. Then it sounded like heaven as we sang the song,"I Am a Child of God"  --- and felt the circle of love and a heaven's lullaby in my heart. 

      May we all treasure our precious moments.

Enjoy!

Love to all

Shauna

        

                   YOUR CURTAIN CALL

   by Shauna Brown 

Scene 1:  Enter stage left • Rick and Shauna.  Ralph sitting by bed reading to Miriam.

    As we entered the room Ralph was sitting close by the side of the bed a reading stories from“Chicken Soup for the Soul,” to my sister.

     Yesterday Rick and I spent several hours at the hospital with my sister Miriam who is 83 years young. Between the heart attack, broken arm from falling on the ice, horrible bronchitis, rendered her curled up on the bed. Life looked a bit bleak and depressing.   

      Miriam has played an important role in my life. One might say I grew up in her shadow, off stage a bit with twenty years between us. A talented woman who has accomplished much in her lifetime. She has used her talents to bless the lives of her children, and serving the Lord. Many of you may have seen her, and her husband Carl acting the parts of Adam and Eve in the Salt Lake Temple.  Through thick and thin Miriam has strives to be positive. She has faced many challenges that I know have tested her courage, strength, purpose and trust in God.  One only has to review some of paths of her life to realize she had to learn to have faith in God. Cancer came knocking, divorce, finishing college while raising six children and teaching piano to maintain the financial needs of the family. Too many ups and downs to count, too many boulders to push aside, but through it all she smiled and prayed for better days.

Scene II:  Enter stage right • Brother Alfred.

    While there my older brother Alfred arrived at the hospital.  Alfred is going through his own challenges of life and yet he came to cheer, love and give courage, and instill an extra measure of worth to his sister, Miriam.

Scene III:   Center Stage • Priesthood men gathered in a circle.  Alfred, Rick, Ralph

     

I stood by and watched as three men place their hands upon Miriam's head, annointing her with oil. I listened as Alfred was voice in the prayer and extended words of comfort. What a blessing it is to feel of God’s touch is in our lives.

Scene IV:  Shauna & Rick :  Exit stage left, and time to play my part else where.

      For years now my life has been seasoned with the writing of scripts, monologues, plays and stories. It has been a blessing to give breathe to characters and see them come alive.   The leading roles, the supporting parts, the extras give texture to the story, which in the writing is a rewarding adventure.  

    

    I remember being a young girl and hearing Pres. David O. McKay relate over the pulpit of the event that changed his life and way of living. While he and his companion were serving their missions in Scotland they happened upon a broken down dwelling with a stone positioned over the doorway.  The stone has words inscribed upon it. David told his companion that he was going to see what it said. While he was walking up the gravel walkway the words came into view. On the stone was the following saying:     

          “Whate’er Thou Are Art, Act Well Thy Part.” 

        These few words became a motto to David.  Interesting they became of great value in my life as well.  It was revealed at an early age that I loved to act, or be the center of attention. 

 Studying Shakespeare -I loved the line by Jaques in Act II Scene VII  from the stage play,  As You Like It.

 “All the world is a stage, and all the men and women merely players: They have their exits and their entrances.”

We each need to realize that we are actors--playing key and valuable roles on God’s stage-- called life. 

     Yes, stage right, stage left.... you and I are part of a great cast. The world is our stage and all of us are actors. Some have leading roles, while others, no less, play the supporting parts. Entrances, exits, are all timed and blocked according to the masterful direction of God. 

      On stage when speaking lines are forgotten the actors have a ‘prompter’ who whispers their pick-up lines. In real life we don’t have that blessing. Once we say our lines of life, it is forever held. 

“Memories are like binders in which we collect the feelings 

of our hearts. “ ~ Shauna Brown 

      Perhaps it was the lessons taught by my parents, or the words shared by a teacher who stressed that it is impossible to erase some of lifes experiences, the harsh words or hurts.  We understand we can forgive and be forgiven, but seldom is anything forgotten.

Mother Teresa shared: “Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”

        Academy and golden awards are bestowed to those who are have won the critics choice, who are believed to be the most deserving. Actors and artists who have demonstrated their excellence of performance. Best supporting actors are equally recognized. 

      Seldom does one see the retakes,the wasted film, the hours of rehearsals, the numerous times the scene was taken over and over again. We see the finished product, the best that’s possible. Trust me, seldom it is a one time take. 

   In our daily scripts of life I have found it most difficult to return, rehearse or reblock the scenes.  Rewinding, backing up, reliving is impossible.  Our actions, the sound  of our voice, the words shared-- truly do define us. Acting well our parts is recorded for all time... but mostly within the silent chambers of our heart. 

    “Words once spoken can never be recalled.” –Wentworth Dillan

So, whatever scene or act you find yourself in this day.  Choose to live it deliberately with purpose and kindness.  We will all come to the understanding that God, our maker is very aware of our entrances and exits.  All of us need to be the best of supporting actors who cheer on one another, give standing ovations, and additional applause as needed. 

There are meant to be those moments when we are upstaged or called to wait patiently in the wings.  There is a time and place for all.

     You see, in the end, the concluding act of life, when the curtain calls--  there is one who stands ready to offer the best of lines:

    “Well, done thou good and faithful.”            Enter in Stage Right

Enjoy the sabbath this day . . . with a cherry on top!

Love to all