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

                              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