Monday Memory Moment

My first memory of Grandpa Mackley is from their place in Raft River. James and I were staying with Grandma and Grandpa for two weeks. My mom was going to have a C-section. Nancy was in school, so she got/had to stay home. James and I were at an age where we liked running around the house. Mom would need to be doing as little as possible. Therefore, James and I got to go to Grandma and Grandpa's. Because of these two weeks Grandpa often referred to James and I as his kids.

This pictures is one of my favorites. One, because it looks like a frame from a John Wayne Film. Two, because it is my grandpa. My grandpa is the one in the Calvary uniform. The "Indian" is his brother George. I learned and was reminded of a lot about him by reading his obituary.

Thomas James Mackley

of Boise died Saturday the 25^th of April 2009 at home of a long illness. He was 80 years old. He was born September 13, 1928 to Albert Charles Mackley and Pearl Alice Dalby Mackley at Driggs Idaho. He grew up in Driggs, Ririe, Challis, and Rupert, Idaho. He graduated from Rupert High School. He was a charter member of the Idaho National Guard in Rupert in 1947. He joined the Navy April 1, 1949, and served for four years as a yeoman. Following his discharge, he rejoined the National Guard and served until he retired May 1971.

Tom worked as a carpenter, mason, cement finisher, etc. he loved his work. He was a good enough mechanic to keep our cars running. His special love was horses, and he raised many over the years. He liked to chariot race. He loved to fish and hunt. We spent many good times as a family in the hills. He especially liked to go Elk hunting with the “boys” each fall.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He had a deep testimony and did his best to fulfill each assignment to the best of his ability. He was an especially faithful Home Teacher. He worked in the temple as long as his health allowed.

He married Ella Mary Ann McKenzie the 27^th May 1953 in the Idaho Falls Temple. They were blessed with three children. He is survived by his Wife, two daughters, and one son- namely Sally Glasgow (Gail), Eileen Simmons (Chris), John Mackley (Anna May) and twelve grandchildren, and 33 great-grandchildren – three brothers Delbert, Stanley, George – one sister Kathleen Hunter, and many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers – Frank, Blaine, and Charles, one grandson, and one great-grandson, and two sons-in-law.

Special thanks to Family Home Health and Hospice. Thank you Crystal, Melissa, Jodi, and staff.

Viewing Thursday 30 April 2009, 6 -8pm at Dakan Funeral Chapel, 504 S. Kimball, Caldwell, Idaho. Funeral services will be held on Friday May 1, 2009 at the Mill Creek Ward Chapel, 3700 S Maple Grove Road at 11am . Viewing at the Mill Creek Ward Chapel 9:30-10:30 am. Arrangements by Dakan Funeral Chapel, Caldwell. Internment in the Idaho Veterans Cemetery.

Monday Memory Moment

Today marks the 10th Anniversary of the Columbine Massacre. I was in a Sociology class in the UCC when someone walked in a told us there was a high school shooting the the process. I later recall watching further news of the event with another girl on the hall. We were both shocked at the events. There are many who may wonder how or why God allows such terrible things to happen. The best explanation I know of is in the Book of Mormon, Alma 14:9-13

9 And it came to pass that they took Alma and Amulek, and carried them forth to the place of martyrdom, that they might witness the destruction of [whosoever believed or had been taught to believe in the word of God]were consumed by fire. 10 And when Amulek saw the pains of the women and children who were consuming in the fire, he also was pained; and he said unto Alma: How can we witness this awful scene? Therefore let us stretch forth our hands, and exercise the power of God which is in us, and save them from the flames. 11 But Alma said unto him: The Spirit constraineth me that I must not stretch forth mine hand; for behold the Lord receiveth them up unto himself, in glory; and he doth suffer that they may do this thing, or that the people may do this thing unto them, according to the hardness of their hearts, that the judgments which he shall exercise upon them in his wrath may be just; and the blood of the innocent shall stand as a witness against them, yea, and cry mightily against them at the last day. 12 Now Amulek said unto Alma: Behold, perhaps they will burn us also. 13 And Alma said: Be it according to the will of the Lord. But, behold, our work is not finished; therefore they burn us not.

As we look at the events that happened we may focus on the devastation. We may also look on the number of children who were saved because the destruction was not as complete as the boys had intended. From what I understand the situations the boys were able to follow through with all of their plans. However, not all the bombs went off, and therefore lives were spared. We can also look at how many have chosen to learn from the event and strive to make the world a better place. Last fall I went to a "Rachel's Challenge" Assembly and was greatly impressed with the goods works coming forth from a life which was cut short. She was a girl who only wanted to do good and bless lives. I invite you to visit the website for Rachel's Challenge.

The Light Switch

I remember a seminary teacher talking to us about faith. In an effort to illustrate the need of faith in Christ to gain our salvation he talked about a light switch. We have faith that by flipping a light switch we will get light. This faith is so powerful it moves us to action. We walk to the light switch and then flip the switch. We do this so often our faith turns to knowledge. However, these actions will not produce our salvation.

Let’s make it a metaphor. I propose the light be peace and happiness in this life. We also have a light switch. We can say we believe that by flipping the switch we will have light. As the night gets darker and darker I can sit on the couch and believe that if I get up, walk over to the light switch, and  flip the switch there will be light. Then the darkness will be gone.

According to the laws of nature there has to be something in between the light and the light switch for it to work. I am not going to try to explain what all is required to make this happen. I don’t have enough knowledge about how it works. I do know it works, I rely on it. Now lets take it a little further.

Recently, my father and brother spent a Saturday afternoon putting an additional light switch in my living room. For this to happen if required knowledge I don't currently have. It required obtaining items I don't know anything about. In involved using a lot of  tools. Some of the tools I had, some of them I did not. It also took a lot of hard work. It is something I could not have done for myself.

Now the project is done. My dad asked mee the next day if I had used to the light and wanted to make sure it worked. I hadn't really even thought about it. I then thought about how he might feel if I never thought about the gift he had given mee. What if I never used it.

Going back to the metaphor.

As according to the laws of nature there has to be something in between the our actions which lead to peace and happiness. I am not going to try to explain what all is required to make this happen. I don’t have enough knowledge about how it works. I do know it works, I rely on it.

Recently, my Father and Brother created a plan which allows for mee to have peace and happiness in this life. As a light requires a light switch peace and happiness require specific actions. Exactly what happens to allow our actions to provide peace and happiness is knowledge I don't currently have. I do, however, know it is called the Atonement. It required obtaining items I don't know anything about. In involved using a lot of  tools. Some of the tools I have, some of them I don't. It also took a lot of hard work. It is something I could not have done for myself.

Now the project is done. My Father sees mee everyday. He knows when I use it, and when I should but don't use it. Do I think about it as I should? I then thought about how He feels when I don't think about the gift he has given mee. Am I doing those things that will lead to peace and happiness?

Monday Memory Moment

Where as today is my mother's birthday I have been thinking of momentous events. Those which came to mind will begin with this thought: Unless you want to get lost, don't let mom navigate.

The first truly memorable event was in the summer of 1999. I don't recall what all led to my mom and sister being in Moscow. However, it was to be a trip for the three of us to return to Star. For some reason we mom suggested a short cut, taking off highway 95 about Council and Indian Valley.

The first turn in the road was not long after the Indian Valley. There was a sign which said something about Ola. Mom said we didn't want to go there, so we went another direction. We spent a fair amount of time driving around the Payette and Boise National Forests.

At one point I thought we might be able to get over a mountain and find highway 55. Don't know what I was thinking. It was only late June. The roads over the mountains were still blocked with snow.

At one point we say a construction sign. We decided to go that way. My mom needed something to keep her blood sugar steady. She was prepared. My sister wanted a shower. I was grateful it was a beautiful sun shiny day. The next thing we say was a cow..another sign of civilization.

We did eventually make it to Ola, although that wasn't the way we went. There we stopped to use the restroom, get ice cream, and let dad know why we weren't home yet.

We obviously made it home. However, I didn't learn the lesson very well. A couple years later I was again driving my mom from Moscow to Boise. There was a lot of construction on both highway 95 and 55. I had mapped out a course through WA and OR. We were doing fine. The drive was beautiful. The weather as fine.

Mom wanted mee to stop in Joseph, OR to get a map. I did so. We continued on our path. As I was driving I saw a road coming up. I asked mom if we should turn. No. So I kept going straight. We drove a little further. We then came to where the pavement ended and the road took a very steep climb. I told mom we could go up and look down Hell's Canyon. I should have turned.

Oh well. It was a beautiful. We took a meandering drive through Oregon country side. We crossed the Snake River at Oxbow Dam and returned to the path well known at Cambridge.

So as you can guess, I have spent a fair amount of time in a car with my mom. I remember her telling mee her favorite color is green. The color of grass after a refreshing rain.

Happy Birthday Mom...

Happy Easter...

Monday Memory Moment

I don't recall how old I was. I remember peeps only came in yellow. I do remember my dad taking us to the microwave to watch. Since then I haven't been able to eat a peep without the microwave. I recently decided to share the fun.

Now peeps come in a variety of colors. The two three-year olds pick out the colors pink and green.

First you want to take one out of the wrapper. Then, place the peep on a plate and in the microwave. Set the microwave for 25-30 seconds. Then watch...

You'll have to try it yourself to get the full effect.

Hypocritical Evolutionist

Hypocritical may be a harsh word. And, I am not going to claim "know" what I am talking about. I won't be sighting any journals or text by renowned authors. This is my opinion based on my understanding.

My understanding of the Theory of Evolution:

Survival of the fittest. Although there my be times when the "fittest" are fighting over the female a weaker one my be mating with her. This also includes the fastest lion eating the slowest antelope. Or, the tan bunny being harder to see in the desert.

On the human level this theory would support racism. White supremacy is about the "white people" being more "fit" than any other race. It supports criminal activity, violent and non violent (he-he; I out smarted you and have all your money.)

My understanding of the Creation Myth (I say myth because I have heard people call it so. A myth is a story created to explain something scientific that has yet to be fully explained otherwise):

Men and woman are created in the image of God. All the inhabitants of the earth are placed in their proper sphere God gave forth laws to HIS children for proper care and happiness.

On the human level this "myth" outlines the gift the earth is and how to use it. The role of humans is to take care of the land, the animals, and all the people as God's children.

My understanding of the liberal platform:

Save the spotted owls. Maintain wolfs on the endangered species list. Legalize and federally fund abortion. Abolish capital punishment. Provide social welfare for people who can't or won't work. Rescue failing businesses. Restrict constitutionally guaranteed right to bare arms.

My understanding of the conservative platform:

Restrict the practice of aborting children. Allow those to can to succeed, and those to cannot to fail. Maintain constitutionally guaranteed right to bare arms. Provide quick and needful punishment for those who break the law.

Why I say "Hypocritical Evolutionist":

It seems to mee "evolutionist" would be the first people to jump on the capitalist (work hard hard using mind and/or body) bandwagon. You don't see the lions protesting for the rights of the antelope. I have yet to see a hawk help a jackrabbit find shelter. How is it the people who claim to hold to the theory of evolution are all about saving the animals rather than eating them as the top of the food chain? They promote everyone having the same education and the same health care, despite personal efforts or skills.

Here is what I believe it comes down to:

Liberal/Evolutionist: I am but an animal. I follow my natural instincts. I shouldn't receive an unpleasant consequence for that.

Conservative/Creationist: I am a child of God. I am bound within the natural law of the harvest...I reap what I sow.

I choose to follow the Lord and fall within the bounds of the Law of the Harvest. There will be stormy days ahead. I would rather have the guidance of the Lord and be prepared than "eat drink and be merry" while it is easy and expect someone else to take care of mee when the storm comes.

How do I explain scientific "proof" backing the theory of evolution...a mere mortal attempt to explain the gift and marvel of God's creation.