Merry Christmas

Patricia Ann Weston Memorial Highway

I was amazed to hear there was a sign on the 99 highway that said Patricia Ann Weston Memorial Highway. There has been much curiosity about the reason. The reason is there was someone else in our town with exactly the same name. She was a highway planner. I have had difficulty in the past with prescriptions and jury duty because I had the same name and our names were confused with each other. Most people think this is me! How fun!

Two Wolves

I love the story of the two wolves:

One evening and old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.He said, "my son, a battle is going on inside of all of us; One wolf is evil--he is fear, anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self pit, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, competition, superiority, and ego.
The other is good--he is joy, peace, love, hope, sharing, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, friendship, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.
The grandson thought about it for a minute, and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win? The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

A Soft Answer

I was just re-reading a wonderful story about a man who was riding a train in Tokyo and was confronted with a drunk man who was dangerous and violent. He as about to use his training in aikido when an old gentleman used his gentle voice and concern for the drunk man and calmed his spirit. His final thought was "What I had wanted to do with muscle had been accomplished with kind words." We can all use this example and remember the scripture, "A soft answer, turneth away wrath."

My 70th Birthday surprise party

A Garage full of surprises when we arrived home

Grandchildren helping me blow out the candles on my cake

Tables set at cultural Hall

I had the biggest surprise of my life when Malcolm called all our children and family and arranged to have a surprise for my 70th birthday. We came home from our 2 day vacation and opened the garage and wow! there was all my family behind a banner wishing me happy birthday. There was a cultural hall at the church all ready for a memorable lunch and reunion with everyone. I was so happy and delighted to see everyone. That is all I wanted this year! Thank you my darling husband and family and a million thanks to Deb, Amanda and Linda for all the food and goodies. They had my favorite candy and everything!

Our eight Children

Linda, Steve and I

Amy's Lexie with Auntie Amanda

Our Children and their spouses with us

Malcolm and I with Jon

Dan and Grant

I Believe

This is one of my favorite pieces of music - Enjoy The lyrics are :
One day I'll hear the laugh of children in a world where war has been banned
One day I'll see men of all colors sharing words of love and devotion
Stand up and feel the holy spirit, find the power of your faith
Open your heart to those who need you in the name of love and devotion
Yes I believe. I believe in the people of all nations to join and to care for love
I believe in a world where light will guide us and giving our love we'll make heaven on earth.

Beatitudes

I have prepared a talk on the Beatitudes for Ward Conferences this year and have written a poem to summarize the talk. It is as follows:

Come Unto Christ

Being poor in spirit is much like a child
Allow the Father to mild and to guide
Pruning our weakness-allow us growth
Patience and love are the results of most.

Mourning with family and with friends
When tragedy strikes and feels no end
Our hands are the Saviors as we assist
Bringing comfort through the tears that mist.

Meekness is obedience to the laws of God
Helping us hold on firmly to the iron rod
Being gentle, patient, forgiving and sweet
Often will bring answers while we sleep.

Righteousness involves work, sacrifice and pain
But reflect on all the blessings we can gain
Through temples, scriptures, study and prayer
Our hunger for the spiritual is answered with care.

Mercy brings mercy to those who are kind
Judgment tempered with sacrifice is not blind
Forgiveness, the condition of a generous heart
Know that a loving God to us grace imparts.

Purity in all the areas of our life
Always will bring peace instead of strife
Virtue garnishing our thoughts most oft
Will allow us eventually to see our God.

Peacemakers, oh what a balm they bring
They're seeking and making peace to ring
With friend, church and family near
They are a blessing to all we hold dear.

But those who sacrifice for righteous sake
have brought us the gospel for us to take
For they are tried and true to the very end
A witness of Christ is the message they send.

Patricia A. Weston - January 2010

Welcome 2010

It is a new year and we have a lot to be thankful for. We enjoyed having four of our eight children here during the holidays and enjoyed every minute. We also talked to our other children - Todd, Amy, Russell & Michael who were in other areas for the holiday season. We missed them, but feel grateful for the wonderful children and their families.
Be began the new year with some changes; Malcolm is new Exec. Secy. for the Gridley Stake and will do an awesome job as he is so good with details and loves people. I am still serving as the Stake Relief Society President and will be speaking at ward conferences during January and February. We are planning a Stake Relief Society Activity in March with four great classes and perhaps a speaker with a nice lunch.

New couple picture

This is our new picture for 2010. We had copies made for our family for Christmas. It has been years since we had a picture done at a studio - it is now 46 years together!