Whenever you're in trouble

http://www.donny.com/video/all/whenever_youre_in_trouble


"As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue in my love.  If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love." John 15:9-10

"There is nothing in all the world that is of more value than so to order our lives that those who know us best shall love us; and, above all, the one thing that is of greater value than life itself is to so live that God loves us.  And I can say to you that every man, woman, and child that has lived the gospel of Jesus Christ and continues to do so has the love of God Almighty, our Father in Heaven and of His Son Jesus Christ, our Redeemer"  (Heber J. Grant, Gospel Standards, p. 102).

Surgery:Squamous cell carcinoma

When Roy went to the doctor today they already had the biopsy results (a week early)! He is completely free from cancer!  They got it all.  The plastic surgeon was there too  and they patched up the hole completely with cartilage from behind his ear.  Tomorrow he returns and they will clean it and put another bandage on it.  Roy asked the doctor what she would have charged had he gone to her privatet practice for the procedure today.  She said $2500!  Roy figures we saved about $10,000 by going to this non-profit hospital!  Since we already spent a lot of money on his hand and that infection and then the hospital visit of 4 days, this was quite a blessing for us!  Now if we can just hold on for 4 more months (actually less now!) then we will be fine.  Lots of happy thoughts today!  and lots of love,Janeen

Happy Father's Day

For Father's Day, I composed a hymn that the ward choir sang on Sunday: http://www.cantos.org/music/ecuador/sagrada.html
Un Pueblo Bendito (Canon para 7 voces) 

What does it mean to be a father, or any other kind of leader?  According to the Savior, it means to be of service. Put into p practice this eternal principle by loving and serving your family as your first priority.

The spirit of compassion was demonstrated by Jesus as he reached out to lift others.  Our job is not to preach, but to reach.  What good is our service without love?  As we contemplate how the Savior lived for us, let us love others.

The Savior completed the Atonement alone by taking upon himself all the temptations that Satan has ever used to tempt any of us.  We can repent fully and have peace, when we desire so much to be free of temptation and sin that we believe that Christ can take our burdens, and learn to follow Him.  "Come unto me, all ye who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

We can bless others by loving and serving them until they turn to the Lord to alleviate their pain.  Jesus suffered the pains of all men. Celebrate Easter by a firm determination to follow Him so you can go where He is.  Reach out to others and you will connect to the saving principles that are the whole purpose of the creation of this earth.

3 Nephi 22:13 all thy children shall be taught of the Lord and great shall be the peace of thy children. 

The Passover supper prepared the people to understand the blood sacrifice of the Lamb of God.  As He fulfilled this law, Jesus instituted the Sacrament as our way to accept His sacrifice, to promise to live the Law of Sacrifice by obeying the commandments, to remember Him always, so that we could always have the Spirit with us.

My Garden in Ecuador

Cate's First Fashion Show

Girls from both the After School Class and Home School Class participated in the Alameda Business Network's fundraiser for Alameda Sports.   The girls out-did themselves and it turned out beautifully.  Check out the photo to see the ladies in their lovely hand made attire. 

http://www.rhythmix.org/

Life is Service, Service is Happiness

Come visit us in Ecuador

"Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day." Alma 37:37 

Los Andes del Ecuador

Concrete highways

Public Art

Beautiful Beaches

Ecuador has all climates, therefore, all fruits all the time

Many homes being constructed

Tall buildings everywhere

Trout in the mountains, and rivers and an ocean with everything else

More photos of Ecuador:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1399658247&sk=photos

10th Anniversary

Heather celebrates her 10th anniversary on 11 May 11.  She is very happy.  We are all very happy.

Happy Mother's Day

Corine Howard

"Now they never had fought, yet they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.  And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it." (Alma 56:47-48)

Hermana Howard creates for others

"Until 'Where's Mother?' receives no sweet response do the childish minds realize how much Mother has been to them!  Not until her smile and loving presence are but sacred memories do the children know that Mother held a place in their hearts that no one else can fill!  It's an unfortunate phase of human nature that it is always inclined to undervalue its present blessings, that of Mother's and Father's presence being no exception. . . . Not only on one day, then, should we pay tribute to our mothers; but rather make that day the means of increasing our determination and ability to make every day of the year a day in which to honor Mother in particular and every woman who desires to be like Mother" (David O. McKay, Gospel Ideals, p. 454-455). 

Janeen Howard receives a Mother's Day package

"The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begeteth a wise child shall have joy of him.  Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice." Proverbs 23:24-25

Janeen enjoys massage

"It is most fitting, therefore, that our attention should be called to the fact that we are prone not only to undervalue mother's presence and love, but also, in consequence of this unconscious indifference, to neglect to express the appreciation and love we do feel for her.  This is one purpose of Mother's Day.   

Please tell us your thoughts and feelings about your mother
that you had during church services on Mother's Day

"On this occasion we may recall memories of mothers who are gone, send loving messages to mothers too far away to visit, and make happier and more cheerful the lives of those who are near.  The badge of the day is the white carnation, emblem of purity and enduring fidelity and love" (David O. McKay, Gospel Ideals, p. 455). 

Happy Birthday Hermana Howard

Hermana Howard opens a birthday package from Carlene