When I first started this blog I used it for an emotional outlet in dealing with death of my mother-in-law whom I loved very much. I would like to turn this into a family "diary" of sorts sharing with friends and loved ones the shenanigans we often get ourselves into. Once I figure out how to down/upload pics and other features (without wanting to throw the computer through the window) I will be updating this blog weekly. I hope to get the kids involved as well. I think it will be neat to hear/read their versions of the same story.
I am stuck on where to take my book. I have come to a place where it could go in too many directions and I am not sure which direction would be best. So, I have put it aside for now. There are too many real life situations to handle and I simply must concentrate on "them". Sigh. Someday, I'll finish something. I think I may have to "finish" raising kids (baa baa) :) first. I don't mind. Raising well adjusted youngsters... you need a lot of creativity.
I hope to really make this a Kendall Krew 7 blog spot. There are 7 and lately this blog has just been about 1.
Thanks for being patient.
Tina Kendall
Sunday, August 24, 2008
What You Will Find When You Step Inside a Mormon Chapel
SALT LAKE CITY 19 August 2008 Most first-time visitors to a Mormon church building comment on the number of rooms. Many expect to find one large interior space, such as in many other Christian denominations’ buildings of worship.
But meetinghouses for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are different from those used by many other religions. They include classrooms, offices, a font for baptisms, a kitchen and in many cases a cultural hall with an indoor basketball court. Cultural halls in Mormon buildings usually also have a stage, for dramatic and musical productions. And the basketball court doubles for a dance floor or dining area, among other uses.
This is all in addition to a large room that seats 200 to 300, called the chapel, used for Sunday worship services. The word “chapel” is also sometimes used by Mormons to describe the whole building or meetinghouse.
“The building was so simple,” said Sandra Yeo after visiting for the first time one of the Church’s meetinghouses in her native England.
“There were no crosses, no murals, no statues or icons of any kind as far as I could see. I had never been in a Christian church that didn’t have that sort of thing. I found the simplicity very appealing.”
For Latter-day Saints, the church meetinghouse is a hub of religious and social life. The most important part of the week, though, is the hour-long sacrament meeting. This takes place on Sunday and is similar to other Christian worship services. Men, women and younger members offer prayers and give sermons, hymns are sung, and the sacrament, similar to other traditions’ communion, is administered. Members teach the principles taught by Jesus Christ.
When Brian Sharon attended his first meeting of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Wisconsin, he was impressed with the worship service itself.
“I was used to a very formal, highly structured worship service in the church of my childhood," Sharon said. "I was intrigued by how smoothly and efficiently things were handled, without extensive ritual or ceremony. And I was touched by how friendly and open everyone was, especially to visitors like my family. It was refreshing to me.”
In addition to the sacrament meeting, there are other meetings on Sundays as part of a three-hour span from 9 a.m. until noon, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., or some other variation.
These other meetings include classes for youths and adults and what Mormons call “Primary,” a time for lessons and singing for children 12 and under.
Mormons tend to have large families, so be prepared to see — and hear — a lot of children. And though Mormon parents try to teach their little ones to be reverent, children are also encouraged to be involved.
In the children’s Primary, for example, you will see 7-year-olds, or even younger children, give talks, read scripture and pray in front of their peers. The songs taught and sung in Primary focus on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, on scriptural themes and on simple ways children and others can put into practice what is preached.
Mormons are generally a friendly people, so a visitor should not be surprised when someone, seeing the new face, comes over to talk and offers to shake hands and help the visitor find the right meeting or class.
A common misperception among those not of the Mormon faith is that only Latter-day Saints can enter their chapels. This is most likely based on a misunderstanding about temples and chapels. While temples, of which there are 140 (including existing ones and those announced or under construction) worldwide, are open only to members of the Church who are fully engaged in their faith, anyone can enter a Mormon chapel to visit or worship with their Latter-day Saint neighbors. There are over 17,000 chapels throughout the world with a new one built, on average, each day.
The physical design of Latter-day Saint chapels reflects Mormons’ depth of religiosity that goes beyond pulpit and pew. To be a member of a Mormon ward (or congregation) is to be part of a faith community that intersects weekly as a group and in smaller gatherings several other times throughout each week.
In some cases Mormon meetinghouses become launching areas for community service initiatives, such as in times of natural disasters. On many occasions, such efforts are in conjunction with those of other community and faith groups.
Mormons say that while the activities that bring them together within their buildings are wide and varied — some cultural, some sporting, some educational and some social — the underpinning motivation for all that is done is for individuals and families to help each other to overcome life’s challenges by learning about Jesus Christ and striving to become like Him.
For Latter-day Saints, the buildings they use for their various worship services and other gatherings are important — but not as important as the building that goes on within their walls. It is the building of strong individuals and families, of knowledge, of relationships and of faith in God that matters most to Mormons.
“Our chapels are not all constructed with the same design features,” said Church apostle Elder L. Tom Perry in a worldwide conference. “However, each one centers on the mission of our Savior. They are buildings dedicated for the purpose of worshiping Him.”
From "The NEWSROOM"
But meetinghouses for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are different from those used by many other religions. They include classrooms, offices, a font for baptisms, a kitchen and in many cases a cultural hall with an indoor basketball court. Cultural halls in Mormon buildings usually also have a stage, for dramatic and musical productions. And the basketball court doubles for a dance floor or dining area, among other uses.
This is all in addition to a large room that seats 200 to 300, called the chapel, used for Sunday worship services. The word “chapel” is also sometimes used by Mormons to describe the whole building or meetinghouse.
“The building was so simple,” said Sandra Yeo after visiting for the first time one of the Church’s meetinghouses in her native England.
“There were no crosses, no murals, no statues or icons of any kind as far as I could see. I had never been in a Christian church that didn’t have that sort of thing. I found the simplicity very appealing.”
For Latter-day Saints, the church meetinghouse is a hub of religious and social life. The most important part of the week, though, is the hour-long sacrament meeting. This takes place on Sunday and is similar to other Christian worship services. Men, women and younger members offer prayers and give sermons, hymns are sung, and the sacrament, similar to other traditions’ communion, is administered. Members teach the principles taught by Jesus Christ.
When Brian Sharon attended his first meeting of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Wisconsin, he was impressed with the worship service itself.
“I was used to a very formal, highly structured worship service in the church of my childhood," Sharon said. "I was intrigued by how smoothly and efficiently things were handled, without extensive ritual or ceremony. And I was touched by how friendly and open everyone was, especially to visitors like my family. It was refreshing to me.”
In addition to the sacrament meeting, there are other meetings on Sundays as part of a three-hour span from 9 a.m. until noon, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., or some other variation.
These other meetings include classes for youths and adults and what Mormons call “Primary,” a time for lessons and singing for children 12 and under.
Mormons tend to have large families, so be prepared to see — and hear — a lot of children. And though Mormon parents try to teach their little ones to be reverent, children are also encouraged to be involved.
In the children’s Primary, for example, you will see 7-year-olds, or even younger children, give talks, read scripture and pray in front of their peers. The songs taught and sung in Primary focus on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, on scriptural themes and on simple ways children and others can put into practice what is preached.
Mormons are generally a friendly people, so a visitor should not be surprised when someone, seeing the new face, comes over to talk and offers to shake hands and help the visitor find the right meeting or class.
A common misperception among those not of the Mormon faith is that only Latter-day Saints can enter their chapels. This is most likely based on a misunderstanding about temples and chapels. While temples, of which there are 140 (including existing ones and those announced or under construction) worldwide, are open only to members of the Church who are fully engaged in their faith, anyone can enter a Mormon chapel to visit or worship with their Latter-day Saint neighbors. There are over 17,000 chapels throughout the world with a new one built, on average, each day.
The physical design of Latter-day Saint chapels reflects Mormons’ depth of religiosity that goes beyond pulpit and pew. To be a member of a Mormon ward (or congregation) is to be part of a faith community that intersects weekly as a group and in smaller gatherings several other times throughout each week.
In some cases Mormon meetinghouses become launching areas for community service initiatives, such as in times of natural disasters. On many occasions, such efforts are in conjunction with those of other community and faith groups.
Mormons say that while the activities that bring them together within their buildings are wide and varied — some cultural, some sporting, some educational and some social — the underpinning motivation for all that is done is for individuals and families to help each other to overcome life’s challenges by learning about Jesus Christ and striving to become like Him.
For Latter-day Saints, the buildings they use for their various worship services and other gatherings are important — but not as important as the building that goes on within their walls. It is the building of strong individuals and families, of knowledge, of relationships and of faith in God that matters most to Mormons.
“Our chapels are not all constructed with the same design features,” said Church apostle Elder L. Tom Perry in a worldwide conference. “However, each one centers on the mission of our Savior. They are buildings dedicated for the purpose of worshiping Him.”
From "The NEWSROOM"
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Memories
This is one of my latest projects. So here is the first chapter. Where do I go from here? Who knows. Do you? Everything is subject to change. Be patient with tenses and such. This is a very rough draft that I copied from my Word file. This story could go anywhere.
Chapter One
Memories
I was trying to pull into the Super Wal-Mart (Wally-World is what I like to call it) parking lot when I found myself in a long line of cars trying to do the same thing. Apparently we all wanted to get on the same ride.
So, I sat patiently. I started to remember something I often refer to as my first memory. I call it that because it was the first one I remember.
I was climbing down what seemed to be a grand staircase. I was maybe two or three at the time so naturally anything would seem 'grand'. I remember pushing through the heavy wooden door that led to the front porch. I could hear someone call my name. I had to get to them.
The next thing I recall is a woman with large round glasses and curly hair holding me. I think what I remembered most was my mother’s face as the woman handed me over. The look was anger, but it was the fear that hung in her eyes that still haunts me now. Like something or someone would be lost forever.
I shook it off as the honking from the car behind pulled me quickly out of thought.
“I feel just as impatient, Buddy. Do you hear me honking like an idiot?” I commented rather loudly to myself.
The Suburban two cars a head of me waited for what seemed like forever to get a space closer to the amusement park where we all go to buy groceries and swimming pools. Mr. Suburban made many attempts before finally docking his galactic rambler into place.
“Finally.” I remarked, again to myself, as I pulled into the first available parking space.
Then it came to me. My second memory. I really don’t know if it is my second memory or just the first memory part two. All I know is when I remember the first memory the second is quick to follow.
I remember my mother crying almost hysterically and my father trying to console her. It seemed like he was apologizing to her asking for forgiveness. That’s when I heard her sobs turn into screams of rage.
The next thing I knew I was sitting in the back of a car with my “Going To Grandma’s” suitcase and quilted blanket Nanny made me. I can still feel the fear and confusion I felt all those years ago. That’s when I met him. Magnum P.I.
No. It really wasn’t Tom Selleck, the actor who brought Magnum to life. Huh, in my dreams. He had dark wavy hair and a thick mustache. He wore dark sunglasses like Magnum. Then again, so did every other male in 1980. I always chuckled a little at this part. How I remembered this mystery Magnum.
I didn’t know who he was. I just remember the back door opening and Magnum P.I. handing me my pink wind up teddy bear.
“Everything is going to be ok, hun.” He said tenderly. “Lay down and try to get some sleep.”
The cool breeze of the air-conditioning stirred me back to reality as I entered through the great gates of Wally-World.
“Welcome to Wal-Mart. Would you like a buggy?” Asked the Wal-Mart greeter who was steadying herself with a three-prong cane as she tried to stand.
“Thank you. I’ll get it.” I replied beating the greeter to the cart. I needed to get in and out. Not fill out an incident report. I can see the headlines now, “Wal-Mart Greeter Run Down by Grocery Cart.” I shook my head somewhat both amused and ashamed by my own thoughts.
Now to the task at hand. Where is my list?
I find it interesting how memories can pop in and out without any rhyme or reason. I’ve heard people say that a smell or color can trigger a memory. But what did I see or smell that triggered these memories today, here, now, at Wally-World of all places?
Where is that list?
As I rummage through my purse my phone rings. My "Time is Running Out" ring tone by Muse blares from the outside pocket of my not so trendy 'Mom' purse. I snicker as the
Wal-Mart greeter jumps in reaction to my ring tone.
Yeah, that's right. I still rock.
Making sure I wouldn't be needed for further possible incident reports I answer. "Hell-o".
Chapter One
Memories
I was trying to pull into the Super Wal-Mart (Wally-World is what I like to call it) parking lot when I found myself in a long line of cars trying to do the same thing. Apparently we all wanted to get on the same ride.
So, I sat patiently. I started to remember something I often refer to as my first memory. I call it that because it was the first one I remember.
I was climbing down what seemed to be a grand staircase. I was maybe two or three at the time so naturally anything would seem 'grand'. I remember pushing through the heavy wooden door that led to the front porch. I could hear someone call my name. I had to get to them.
The next thing I recall is a woman with large round glasses and curly hair holding me. I think what I remembered most was my mother’s face as the woman handed me over. The look was anger, but it was the fear that hung in her eyes that still haunts me now. Like something or someone would be lost forever.
I shook it off as the honking from the car behind pulled me quickly out of thought.
“I feel just as impatient, Buddy. Do you hear me honking like an idiot?” I commented rather loudly to myself.
The Suburban two cars a head of me waited for what seemed like forever to get a space closer to the amusement park where we all go to buy groceries and swimming pools. Mr. Suburban made many attempts before finally docking his galactic rambler into place.
“Finally.” I remarked, again to myself, as I pulled into the first available parking space.
Then it came to me. My second memory. I really don’t know if it is my second memory or just the first memory part two. All I know is when I remember the first memory the second is quick to follow.
I remember my mother crying almost hysterically and my father trying to console her. It seemed like he was apologizing to her asking for forgiveness. That’s when I heard her sobs turn into screams of rage.
The next thing I knew I was sitting in the back of a car with my “Going To Grandma’s” suitcase and quilted blanket Nanny made me. I can still feel the fear and confusion I felt all those years ago. That’s when I met him. Magnum P.I.
No. It really wasn’t Tom Selleck, the actor who brought Magnum to life. Huh, in my dreams. He had dark wavy hair and a thick mustache. He wore dark sunglasses like Magnum. Then again, so did every other male in 1980. I always chuckled a little at this part. How I remembered this mystery Magnum.
I didn’t know who he was. I just remember the back door opening and Magnum P.I. handing me my pink wind up teddy bear.
“Everything is going to be ok, hun.” He said tenderly. “Lay down and try to get some sleep.”
The cool breeze of the air-conditioning stirred me back to reality as I entered through the great gates of Wally-World.
“Welcome to Wal-Mart. Would you like a buggy?” Asked the Wal-Mart greeter who was steadying herself with a three-prong cane as she tried to stand.
“Thank you. I’ll get it.” I replied beating the greeter to the cart. I needed to get in and out. Not fill out an incident report. I can see the headlines now, “Wal-Mart Greeter Run Down by Grocery Cart.” I shook my head somewhat both amused and ashamed by my own thoughts.
Now to the task at hand. Where is my list?
I find it interesting how memories can pop in and out without any rhyme or reason. I’ve heard people say that a smell or color can trigger a memory. But what did I see or smell that triggered these memories today, here, now, at Wally-World of all places?
Where is that list?
As I rummage through my purse my phone rings. My "Time is Running Out" ring tone by Muse blares from the outside pocket of my not so trendy 'Mom' purse. I snicker as the
Wal-Mart greeter jumps in reaction to my ring tone.
Yeah, that's right. I still rock.
Making sure I wouldn't be needed for further possible incident reports I answer. "Hell-o".
Monday, June 23, 2008
Twilight
I am back!!!! Yes. That's right. I'm back. Never to cross the Fl/ Ga border again. (At least for a couple of months.)
Hope's memorial service and internment went really well. It was very sweet. I am looking forward to getting back to normal....that's what I thought until IT happened.
I can't help it. I don't remember the last time I've been sooo mesmerized. I have to share w/ my dd Jaden and there is just simply not enough to go around. I really didn't think that once I started I wouldn't be able to stop. They should make a patch for something like this. Maybe I need an intervention. I've never done drugs and yet this need to have more. Sigh.
Twilight.... it's the latest rave. I didn't realize how intense it's addiction was. Until I cracked open the pages of the already used book. Worn and broken in by it previous users, the pages were easy to turn and held their place while I hungrily supped up the words.
Stephanie Meyers, the author/drug word lord, must have known the effect her words would have on society. She must have known what the result would be when her lexical-heroin reached the street corner of Barnes and Noble. She must have anticipated the returns as she sent her hard and soft bound crack mules to all the Borders around the world. I know I should make a stand and try as I might to stop her... but, alas. sigh. I merely do not have the strength to withstand this influence any longer. This why I write this in my blog. I hope to entreat someone to my aid.
I must now concentrate on how to retrieve New Moon (the second book of the series) from Jaden. I think she is coming down with a fever, maybe a cough and needs some, hmmmm, NyQuil. Yes, that will do it. She should sleep for a good 10 hours. HE, he, he.
*No. Really. It's a GREAT book. I don't drug my children for my own selfish reasons. I hope I can wait til 10 when Jaden goes to bed and finish the book.
Hope's memorial service and internment went really well. It was very sweet. I am looking forward to getting back to normal....that's what I thought until IT happened.
I can't help it. I don't remember the last time I've been sooo mesmerized. I have to share w/ my dd Jaden and there is just simply not enough to go around. I really didn't think that once I started I wouldn't be able to stop. They should make a patch for something like this. Maybe I need an intervention. I've never done drugs and yet this need to have more. Sigh.
Twilight.... it's the latest rave. I didn't realize how intense it's addiction was. Until I cracked open the pages of the already used book. Worn and broken in by it previous users, the pages were easy to turn and held their place while I hungrily supped up the words.
Stephanie Meyers, the author/drug word lord, must have known the effect her words would have on society. She must have known what the result would be when her lexical-heroin reached the street corner of Barnes and Noble. She must have anticipated the returns as she sent her hard and soft bound crack mules to all the Borders around the world. I know I should make a stand and try as I might to stop her... but, alas. sigh. I merely do not have the strength to withstand this influence any longer. This why I write this in my blog. I hope to entreat someone to my aid.
I must now concentrate on how to retrieve New Moon (the second book of the series) from Jaden. I think she is coming down with a fever, maybe a cough and needs some, hmmmm, NyQuil. Yes, that will do it. She should sleep for a good 10 hours. HE, he, he.
*No. Really. It's a GREAT book. I don't drug my children for my own selfish reasons. I hope I can wait til 10 when Jaden goes to bed and finish the book.
Friday, June 20, 2008
One of those days (or mornings)
Well it's 3:45 am, FRI. We are suppose to get up in about an hour and a half to leave for Fl. Good thing I'm not drivin'. I just finished putting together photo albums for Hope's four sisters and Aubrey (Alan's brother). They have copies of a lot of Hope's pics from over the years. Alan and I thought it would be a nice gift for the family. The albums also include a DVD of the memorial slide show. It was a lot of work, but totally worth it. The albums came out really pretty. they are moss green and covered in handmade paper. There is a place on the front for Hope's pic and I ran a beautiful floral ribbon up the spine and tied bow at the top. The colors reminded me of Hope. As soon as I can figure out how to down/up- load pics I'll post a pic of the albums.
Gotta finish cleaning up the scrap-book stuff and take a nap. I'll post again when we get back from Fl.
Nighty-night. or nappy-nap. or whatever.
Gotta finish cleaning up the scrap-book stuff and take a nap. I'll post again when we get back from Fl.
Nighty-night. or nappy-nap. or whatever.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Trying to finish up memorial stuff.
I would like to send a HUGE shout out to Maryann and Cassidy Nichols for helping/doing the slide show presentation for Hope's memorial service. When I can figure it out I'll post it. It's quite beautiful.
Cassidy is a very talented up-n-coming film maker that just won first place in a YouTube contest. You go girl!!! Here is the link to her winning video. (I think.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asnByUiYmBA
Cassidy is a very talented up-n-coming film maker that just won first place in a YouTube contest. You go girl!!! Here is the link to her winning video. (I think.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asnByUiYmBA
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Color, color, color!
O-kay. I know. I get it. I've been told by a couple of very good friends that I need more color on my blog. I totally agree. There's the whole novice blogger thing in my way. I try to learn something new each time I get on. I think my processor's slow (mine not the computer's).
Anyway this is a work in progress. Please feel free to "comment" any tips of the trade.
Anyway this is a work in progress. Please feel free to "comment" any tips of the trade.
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