IMAGINE IT!

by Shauna V. Brown

     For the past few days I have been walking with the gate of a ninety year old.     I pulled out my back. Don’t ask me how I did it, I don’t know. I just woke up and instant shooting pains sent flashes to my brain. Hot pad, pain killers, electrodes, and blessing were eagerly engaged. I tried walking it out, but  I even found if I crawled it was better. 

      All day, all night I tried to find relief. Picture me on all fours trying to figure how to get myself into bed. I hurt and tried at least five times to pull myself into position to make it to the top. Rick tried to help me, but the pain was too intense. At one point I thought, ‘this is enough.’ I thought, just let me lay here, toss me a pillow. I was done. It took tears, and continued effort, but I finally did it.

     With a full dose of Melaotin, Advil, heating pad, I sought for peace, sleep and no pain. I know I didn’t move an inch the whole night, as even the slightest of a twist sent another flood of pain my way. Sleep was granted. 

     This sabbath morning as sunshine welcomed the day I laid motionless in my bed. Rick was up dressing for an early morning church meeting. I was trying hard not to set off the pain again, yet, Mother Nature called. Within an instant of movement I felt the unwelcome guest again. I realized my prayer of relief had not been granted. Ever so carefully I made my way to my feet.  I walked slowly, sleeking to glide. It seemed impossible as with each step a bolt of pain sprang into action. 

     I finally made my back to my bed and lay exhausted. It was then I was taken into thoughts about my Savior, Jesus Christ. He crawled, He cried, and endured to the finish. 

Imagine it!

   Now, I have felt the pain of bearing six children, root canals, poor choices, surgery, death and such, but now facing a battery of intense pains shooting up my spine, my thoughts went to a greater appreciation for the unending agony Jesus Christ experienced. Thoughts flooded my mind: If Jesus felt these extreme pains for me, multiplied by humanity - how could He have done it?  Just one area of my body was inflicted with soring, shooting pains... how could He bear his whole body and mind being assulted? Jesus Christ has felt this tsunami of pain and more.  Thus, He understands all pain.

In Isaiah 49:16 it reads: “ Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” 

Deeply engraven I feel, carved carefully, as to understand our purpose more profoundly.  One by one He walks with us through our pains, discomforts, afflictions and suffering.  He knows pain extremely well. Upon His palms in prayers and pleadings He sacrificed to understand each of us. 

Max Lucado shared: “He loves each one of us like there is only one of us to love.”

Imagine it!

I gasped as I felt the first surge of pain. I wanted it to “stop!” I sought for instant relief.  “I’m ready to be done with this.” Yet, today, I see more clearly that the will of the Father and His son, was to secure peace for each one of us. I do stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me. He was willing to push ahead through the pain-- for me.  My soul is filled with loving wonder and appreciation. 

        When Jesus had finished His work- our work, we all cried out in joyous relief. 

Imagine it! 

So this Sabbath - take a moment to think about Jesus’s loving investment in each one of us.  Do our efforts and desires reflect our appreciation of His eternal commitment?

If I Ruled The World by Shauna V. Brown      Years ago my good friend and fellow performer, Ralene Gerrard Bills, sang a song. I fell in love with the melody and words:            If I Ruled the World   Words by Leslie Bricusse/Music by Cyril Ornadel  If I ruled the world, ev’ry day would be the first day of spring  Every heart would have a new song to sing  And we’d sing of the joy every morning would bring          If I ruled the world, ev’ry man would be as free as a bird,          Ev’ry voice would be a voice to be heard          Take my word we would treasure each day that occurred  My world would be a beautiful place  Where we would weave such wonderful dreams  My world would wear a smile on its face  Like the man in the moon has when the moon beams          If I ruled the world every man would say the world was his friend          There’d be happiness that no man could end          No my friend, not if I ruled the world          Every head would be held up high  There’d be sunshine in everyone’s sky  If the day ever dawned when I ruled the world

Every day the first day of spring -- I’m ready! Birds--let them sing. Happiness everywhere --yes! Hearts lifted in melodies inspired by the spirit--applause.  Smiles on faces -- not often enough.  Sunshine --oh, to feel the warmth of it. Heads held high -- we must.         Yet, I  find that everyone of us do rule a world--  worlds of our own making. We have the capacity to choose it, define,mold it into what ever we want it to be. You and I are the masters of that which is around us. We can choose to see the good or focus on the bad. We can seek to share that which is uplifting or dwell in negativity.We can lift our voices to cheer another, or sit back and hope for a better. We can spread possibilities. We can treasure more often the hugs and tickle more frequently. We can sing aloud of God’s redeeming love. We can make a difference! We can live and thrive in a wonderful world.       While visiting the Dachau Concentration Camp in Germany, I was taken in deep thought as to the cruelty and treatment of those prisoners.  Yet, in the midst of all the darkness some of the prisoners made a choice of their world. Conditions didn't change - they did. They choose to see differently. Even though they were surrounded by death and hatred they selected words like hope, faith, forgiveness, trust, God.  Let me share a few thoughts of those who lived in such concentrated camps of darkness:       “Happiness isn’t something that depends on our surroundings... It’s something we make inside ourselves.”  Corrie ten Boom       “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”  Anne Frank      “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”          Viktor E. Frankl         Hey, surround me by Pollyanna types. Buy me rose colored glasses. Paint my room yellow. Be sure to plant daisies and blue forget-me-nots in my garden. Bring me rainbow colored balloons and I’ll be a happy camper.  Yet, I know and believe with full heart the key factor in my world--is placing God - central to all things. I want Him just the way and where He is --  FOREVER.        I realize and testify that in my world there will come cloudy days, intense storms, and seasonal dark moments. Equally, I have learned and rejoice that those drenching, down pours will pass, and the sun will come out again.  (Sounds like another song.)            So whether we dance in the rain, bloom where we’re planted, cry over spilt milk, look for the silver lining, find ourselves between a rock and a hard place, or endlessly seek to sprinkle joy along the way... it is our choice in the world we are creating.           IF I RULED THE WORLD ---- YOU DO!

            Live Joyfully!   Keep Shining!

by Shauna Brown 

On my dresser rests a little wooden sign that simply reads: “Live Joyfully.” As I arise each morning and get dressed I frequently take notice of those two words- Live Joyfully. Advice? Instruction? Or a reminder that what we think ultimately does have an influence on our attitudes and how we choose to live. I find it interesting that words can play such a factor in our emotions and outlooks.

      “Man is that he might have joy!”  JOY is a choice. Might have joy - you choose.  

Happy - Sad!  Hope full - Pessimistic.  Faith - Fear?  Doubt - Trust?  I choose JOY in my journey of life. It’s a choice I find I need to make each day.  Henri J.M. Nouwen felt the same: 

        “Joy does not simply happen to us. 

  We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.”

       Don’t you love the word- JOY !  It’s simple and complete.  

       After reading a book about an Amish family I was impressed greatly that they found joy in some of the simple daily attentions of life. Who would ever think that sweeping a floor, or washing a window would bring such satisfaction and JOY unto God?  Their belief is that everything we do in life should express gratitude. Every action is to push away the appetites of the world, and keep themselves 'unspotted.'  After reading I was motivated and  began my journey to seek out and live more fully the concept of gratitude and finding the JOY within my life. Once one begins this experience, finding JOY is simple. We are surrounded by JOY and JOYful moments. Gratitude is key to living a JOYful life. 

      I find JOY in taking a warm shower.  Wiggling my toes in green grass. Hearing my sweetheart Rick sing aloud, “Oh, Say But I’m Glad.” Sitting in a crowded room and listening to my family reminisce about their childhood memories.  Simple JOY comes in creating a potato salad and knowing it will be an offering of my best.  JOY comes while washing dirty dishes, I thrive with the feel of warm soapy water. JOY in breathing deep a fresh morning walk.  JOY is friends. JOY is holding hands that I’ve held for years and years. JOY is looking into faces and trusting they will be there for eternity. JOY is kneeling in prayer and knowing answers will come. I find JOY while standing at the kitchen window and watching the birds dance upon the branches. JOY, is hearing the laughter of children. JOY is hearing your child say, "How did you do this?"  JOY comes while driving up the driveway knowing Rick will be home soon. JOY is watching a sunset and feeling a sense of peace. Joy is seeking out the good and knowing God is there.   

When I was a little girl I relished the concluding ritual of my Sunday School teacher. After prayer was said she would bring out a  tiny box of shiny stars. We would line up in row and one by one my class members would look into her face. If we were good enough, and had behaved, she then would smile big and open the lid. We could select the color of star we wanted to wear. Then she would lick the star and glue it to our foreheads. I recall the JOY I felt wearing it. It not only brought JOY to me and many smiles . But I loved the look upon my parent's faces.  I wanted to be awarded a star sticker - again and again.  

    Elder Neal A. Maxwell enlighten us... about being stars. 

                “Just as there is divine design in the universe, so each of us has been  

                placed in our own orbits in this life to love, to serve, to help light the world.” 

      

     Stand in line, step up and receive your sticker as each of us are meant to be a 'light' to the world.  I think wearing stars on the foreheads are a thing of the past. Yet, if I ruled the world I would freely give them out and stick’m all over those who are trying to lift, love and serve others. Not that they needed to be honored, only that it would be contagious. Everyone would want to give.  I believe we need simple reminders that God has placed us here with profound purpose. Truly 'living JOYFULLY is a quest.

  

  A kind word, a broad smile, a touch of a hand, a compliment, and encouraging word are all needed. All of us are uniquely placed, time chosen, talents bestowed, and encouraged to shine. We have an opportunity to make a difference in this earthly experience and atmosphere. Who knows when something we may say or do will bring JOY or an ‘awe haw’ moment to another?  We all know the good feeling, the sense of JOY when we have tried to do as HE would do.  

     Our Heavenly Father sent HIS son into the world to bring JOY and eternal possibilities.  

                JOY COMES - BECAUSE HE CAME.  ~ Shauna Brown

    Our  deepest JOY will come some day as each of us, one by one, will look into God's face and feel the warmth of His words. We shall sense His JOY as He says, "Well done."  Almost like we have received the final sticker star.  Shine on! 

    EnJOY your Sabbath

   Love to all,

   Shauna 

'Start' Sharing Life by Shauna Brown       Mother edged our yard with beautiful roses. They were the envy of our neighbors.  Frequently mother would issue, “Shauna, would you go and gather a beautiful bouquet for me.” She new I loved her roses and flowers.  Breathing the variety of fragrances were but a gift for me as well. She would then place my gathered bouquet in a vase and extend as a thoughtful gift to another.         When mother and daddy first moved into our home in Sugar house, Utah, mother felt she knew little about gardening. She knew she wanted flowers in her yard, so she sought the person who probably would know the most about flowers. She went to the master gardener on Temple Square. They became good friends over time and frequently mother brought home ‘starts’ for her garden. Baskets of Gold, tulips,daffodils, iris, lilies of the valley, bluebells, roses, daisies, were planted and thrived within our yard. Mother had developed a 'green thumb."

Mother freely shared of her gardening tips and knowledge as requested from friends and family.  On many an occasion I would see my mother out in the garden clipping a ‘cutting of a rose', or taking her shovel in hand and digging up a ‘start’ from a plant to share with an admirer. Mother had received freely, and freely shared.    She was always excited to see one of her ‘starts’ take root and thrive in the newly transplanted earth.  I too have come to appreciate the buds, and springtime sprouts. Many of my homes have been the benefactor of such beautiful, shared ‘starts.’       I don’t think mother would say she considered herself to be a master gardener, but her knowledge, tender love, skill, and desires made her one. She shared with many her love of flowers,all of God’s creations, and it rooted and bloomed within my life.      Every time I visit Temple Square I look at the gardens of flowers and think about the gardener who  graciously gave and taught my mother how to raise and nurture trees, shrubs, flowers, and children. I wonder just how many generations of gardens have been blessed by his original gifts of seeds, bulbs and wisdom ‘starts.’       Leo Buscaglia shared with his college students:        "The fact that I can plant a seed and it becomes a flower, share a bit of knowledge and it becomes another’s, smile at someone and receive a smile in return, are to me continual spiritual exercises."         I like that-’spiritual exercises.’       Smiles, kind words, helping hands, sharing thoughts, encouraging, supporting, are spiritual exercises. Each one of us are becoming masters of worth. Move over Johnny Appleseed.     Might we all seek to spread our seeds, share our sprouting knowledge, as well as breathing in the fresh fragrances of others planted within our gardens of life.      May we all continually seek the necessary "light" and living water from the greatest source, so we can thrive and grow.  Then, come what may, we can enjoy the blossoms. Yes, even the most beautiful roses have thorns.   One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today.  ~ Dale Carnegie So bloom big!  Yes, even though the snow still rests on the possibilities of tomorrow.

Enjoy the Sabbath... for within it God creates an environment of peace.

Love to all 

Shauna

                               "Come Step On" 

by Shauna Brown  

     When I was a little girl I loved to go shopping with my mother. However, I feared to go up and down the escalators.  I recall with great clarity how I would hesitate to even step upon them. I was afraid that I would get caught in “teeth” of the escalators.  The crack between the steps and the side of the escalators was scary to me.  I had heard stories: how a young girl got her shoelaces caught in the stairs and it dragged her down to the basement. While a woman got her scarf caught and she strangled to death. No one knew how to turn off the escalators jaws. With my imagination I was fearful. It was clear to me that caution was necessary. I remember how frustrating I was to my parents as I would stand there looking at the moving stairwell. “Come on Shauna step on!” “ You can do it.” “There’s nothing to be afraid of.”  Their demonstrations were numerous. Mother would coach, “Step quickly Shauna, pay attention.”  But I just couldn’t do it!  I tried to figure out the timing, but I felt uneasy and unsure.  I watched with amazement as others simply stepped upon the gliding silver steps. For me it wasn’t as easy. I made sure my shoe laces were tucked in my shoes, nothing was left dangling. Finally relief and comfort came when mother or daddy would reach out their hand, stand close by my side and then together we would step upon the moving pathway.  I have reflected upon those moments as I grew in confidence with their aid and directions.  

      Emily Dickinson shared similar feelings:  

    “Hold dear to your parents for it is a scary and confusing world without them.” 

        Gratefully, the longer I live and explore this earthy experience, I frequently pause to consider the loving, continual comfort and direction.  I have come to appreciate my ability in placing my feet, faith and timing upon heaven’s steps. The unpredictable ups and down times of life helps me rely more often upon my Father in Heaven. He is very much aware of our steps. He knows what trips us, grips us, and forces us to stumble. He encourages:   

         I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left,  

       and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.  

                       [D&C 84:88] 

     Sweet power of His unconditional love surrounds each of us. He then must be so close. 

     I remember taking each one of my own little children, and one by one teaching them how to ride the escalator. I didn’t want them to be afraid as I had been.  I would hold tightly to their tiny hands and together we would step upon the moving stairs. I pointed out the best way to get on and off and we practiced it until they felt confident.  It took time, and sometimes there were tears, but together the love came in the learning.  For added security I would place their hands upon the black rubber railing. 

     Our Father in Heaven is so very mindful of His children.  Encouraging each of us to pay attention, seek the higher road of thoughts. Hold to the rod or railing. Look up. Be of good cheer. Come follow me.  

        “Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me.” D & C 19:23 

      Mother knew as she helped me step upon the moving escalator, that life would be filled with shifting, unpredictable, unplanned moments. I would face and do hard things. I am grateful that I was taught by loving parents that with the Lord’s help everything is possible. Every pray has an answer. Every heart can be mended. Every hurt can heal. Peace and purpose comes with faith in heaven’s possibilities.” 

Can you feel the love-- His love?  It's because God delivers Valentines on a daily basis.  

Enjoy the Sabbath! 

Love to all

Shauna 

        Treasured Clippings  

by  Shauna Brown 

I remember watching my mother nightly read the obituaries in the newspaper.  I admit at first it was a little strange - reading about dead people. But over the years as I listened to her share her insights, listened to their stories,  I have learned to appreciate those tiny strips of remembrances. 

      “Shauna,  listen to this lady’s life.” Mama would then read aloud all that the woman had accomplished within her time on earth.  Or another who had faithfully served the Lord. Pointing out how some filled their time with service. On occasions it was a life filled with trials and challenges.  Without me realizing it then, I now know mother was using their lives as a teaching model for me. Unknown strangers became of great worth while reading.  Sometimes Mother and I would find the story so touching we would end up crying together concerning an obituary.  Some stories were difficult to imagine. I found death is no respector of age, from wee babies to those in their late nineties.  

     Mother’s sweet tradition of paying tribute became one for me as well. I would pick up the newspaper and scan the faces. They were all strangers to me then. Some had long obituaries filled with great details, while others had only had a couple of lines.  Within those remembrances I have learned to value each soul. Even though I can't remember their names their lives have left me with lasting impressions and influence. Some have instilled a deep conviction to live my life to the fullest. While others have motivated me to love more and to be a light. 

      Today, as I review the obituaries I see more familiar faces - my friends. I am ever thankful for those who personally have stepped within my circle. My life has been blessed by so many valiant, good, inspiring lives. I will be forever grateful in having known them. 

I am grateful for Mother’s moments of remembrance for those who have passed on. I too have come to value the lessons within the obituaries. Most are insightful and uplifting. I have found treasures, directions and pathways within that fine print that I consider of eternal worth.

      After my mother died we came across a small slender box in the desk. Upon opening it, it came as no surprise, filled to the top were clipped obituaries of friends who had passed away-- hundreds. I smiled, as I realized it was Mama’s treasury.  Some people collect salt and pepper shakers, silver spoons and such, but my mother collected memories of friends and those she admired. I recognized a few of the faces and names. People who for what ever reason and season played their parts within mother’s lifetime, and some for me as well. 

      Yesterday, as I was reading a tribute to a mother written by her son. I was inspired by his description of her:  “She has been an irresistible  influence for good. She was so fun, and she always made sure we knew she loved us. At the same time, she made a consistent and persistent effort to have us come to know our Heavenly Father and to appreciate our Savior.”  See why I love reading obituaries?  “Irresistible - consistent - persistent" - how inspiring. What a discription and legacy she has left.     

       I frequently have sent some of my “new best friends” wishes for a happy eternity. I have blown kisses to others, and even applauded some for a life well lived.  I have jotted down guiding lines for my own life. Each life is of great worth, and signifance, even to a stranger.   

God bless you all - both sides of heaven’s veil.  Good Sabbath!

Shauna

Have a sunshine day. . . with a cherry on top!

                      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