Boy Toy

Tried this on for size and it was a perfect fit!
Is this midlife crisis or just an extension of a boyhood dream?
You go, Dave!

Pure Religion

From the dawn of time mankind has been learning how to be nice to each other. These cave people, their clubs and their "stuff" help make the point. Today our Seminary lesson was about the importance of sharing the gospel so that we all will be happier. After all, God is Love and the essence of pure religion undefiled is to love one another.

They Burried Their Weapons Of War

Well, most of the girls made for high ground to avoid the camera, but here you can see history in the making! The youth of the Tulare Wards' Junior/Senior Seminary Class of 2010 have chosen to make a pledge to forsake one of their weaknesses in honor of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies doing just that when they burried their swords.

OUR PLEDGE IS TO WORK ON OUR CHOSEN TRIAL UNTIL WE CONQUER!

Three Weeks Tomorrow

Herbals are a miracle! When I saw the dentist last week the dental assistant, Toni, thought it had been a whole month since the surgery because the healing was so advanced. Boy was she surprised when I told her it had only been 13 days! Now after one more week I am happy to say that there is almost no pain anywhere, including the spot where Dr. Bell did an extra something that was very sore for a while.
I'm so thankful for a great oral surgeon, a great dentist, Dr. Moraza, and for how Heavenly Father has provided perfectly for the care of each of us.
P.S. When I went to get some calcium tablets the other day, the Spirit whispered, "Why would you use these when you have herbal calcium in the other room?" I hadn't put it in capsules yet, but I did so immediately afterwards because there is no better endorsement than that!

A Cheshire Moon

When our kids were little, Sam was such a jokester and our Suzanne was the more down-to-earth type.

I remember how indignant Alice became when the Cheshire Cat just couldn't be serious when she felt the situation demanded it. Last night I thought of this and how it reminded me of them as we drove into California and were greeted by a cheshire moon.

Ammon and King Lamoni

As the story goes, Ammon and his brethren depart on missions to the Lamanites. Ammon chooses to serve King Lamoni by defending his flocks and is so successful in his service that the king is converted. In the following chapters we learn that the efforts of these courageous missionaries bring thousands to the Lord.

Okay Class, Wednesday We're Goin' On A Mission!!

This little extra goes hand-in-hand with the missions of Alma the Younger and the Sons of Mossiah. It is an exciting way to learn about missions and service.

Junior/Senior Early Morning Seminary Class
Of the Tulare 1st and 2nd Wards
Of the Porterville Stake
Of
The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints
January 13th, 2010
Dear Brother/Sister...........................,
You are hereby called to serve as a missionary for your Seminary Class of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Tulare Area Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 3 weeks. Each week you will be transferred to a new location within Tulare.
You will prepare to preach the gospel in the English language. Read over your materials carefully as these will instruct you on what you must do to serve.
As a baptized church member, you represent the Lord in your daily life. As you live the standards and grow closer to our Savior you will receive the time, strength and inspiration to fulfill your assignments.
The Lord will reward you for the efforts you make and for your worthiness.
Sincerely,
Sister Chandler

Mission Rules:
1. Add a prayer and make it more meaningful.
2. Read scriptures daily for at least 5 minutes.
3. Keep church standards as outlines in the “For The Strength Of Youth” booklet.
As you choose to increase your faithfulness, your life will improve. The Lord will bless you in ways you never dreamed. Come unto Christ and experience the good life. Herein is happiness.
　
Mission Assignments:
Home
A. For 24 hours be a peacemaker, engaging in no arguments, and helping to stop arguments, where possible.
B. Obey parents with a good attitude.
C. Share the gospel with your family without preaching. You are an example. You can also teach scripture stories to little ones.
　
School
A. Share the gospel with a friend, even if all you can do is be a good example, but step up what you do.
B. When evil is present, leave if possible. Protect your thoughts with music or scripture.
C. Pray for an opportunity to bear your testimony and then follow through.
　
Church
A. Fellowship someone who is less popular.
B. Refrain from gossip.
C. Be a missionary example in words, dress and actions.

Assigments done will receive Seminary dollars at the end of each week. Hmmm, this could be quite profitable for them!

Aren't They Cute?

This is what love looks like when it has been seasoned with years of loyalty and fidelity. True love is a reward, not a free
gift. Thanks,
Mom and Dad
Chandler for
being such a
sweet example.

Grandma's House

I spent 6 years growing up in this house.

Dad and Richard and I lived with Grandma and Grandpa Shipp from the time I was 3 years old until I was 9.

This was a house filled with love.

Zzzzzzzzzzz.......

My favorite

~ Lavender Vanilla ~

is a lovely fragrance to go to sleep with.

Thank you,

Bath and Body Works,

and,

Sweet Dreams.........

A New Smile

So here are the "before" and "after" pictures of my teeth. The picture above is of the herbal prepations and vitamins I am using to facilitate healing. Purchasing herbal formulas in bulk and encapsulating them myself makes them more economical.

Let's Start At The Beginning

I love the Old Testament! It sets the foundation for the rest of the world's history, explaining so many important things.

I've decided to read to Book of Mormon on the weekdays and Saturday, and the Old Testament at least on Sunday. I want to be prepared for the lessons in Sunday School!

With God All Things Are Possible

While we often keep specifics personal, the road to permanent change begins with a universal foundation. I love this yearly opportunity to reflect, evaluate and resolve, and there is comfort in knowing that when we can't accomplish something on our own, that we have help. My first and foremost goal then, is to bring myself more consistently in tune with the Spirit so that I can be more easily persuaded to make the choices that matter most to me.

A Nice Way To Start The Year

On the day of my oral surgery, our good friends and neighbors, Melinda and Jeff Brown and family, brought me a card that she made personally, along with a can of applesauce for eating without teeth!

The next night, my Visiting Teacher, Barbara Yentes brought us a

Happy New Year in a gift bag! It included a hat and tiara, 2 leis, sparkling cider and a candle.
It was perfect for perking up the stroke of 2010!

Celeste, Jeremie, Paige, Abbie and Mollie came today. I think they planned on coming because they wanted to comfort me in my recovery. (Some said it would take a week.) The good news is that while my mouth may hurt a bit, the rest of me is just fine, and in fact, because they pulled infected teeth, I even feel better than I did before.
We went to the movies, and then we had fun watching Abbie make cupcakes with Celeste, decorating them with her new cupcake maker that she got for Christmas.

From the beginning, David and Mark have been here and

available to help me with anything I might need.

I received calls and messages from our other kids

and friends, all wishing me a speedy recovery.

What a nice way to start the year.

P.S. They let me have my new teeth immediately after my extractions, too. This prevented swelling thus reducing pain, plus I'm relieved because I know those gums are protected, in addition to still being able to smile!

Warmest Wishes!!

With Love, David and Donna Chandler