Hilary Weeks

Yesterday was my turn to teach the combined YW lesson.  In preparation for the lesson I was reading the accounts in the New Testament that told of the Savior going into the wilderness after he was baptized.  I also read Elder Talmage’s thoughts on that experience in Jesus the Christ.  Elder Talmage explained the Savior went by Himself to be with and learn from Heavenly Father.  He left the sounds, sights, noises, bustle…and people of the city behind.  No one went with Him.

When the Savior returned after 40 days, He must have shared His experience with His apostles because Matthew, Mark and Luke all recorded it.  Each one briefly retold the story.

But not one got it exactly right.

All three were corrected by the Joseph Smith Translation. 

Matthew said, “Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.”  The JST corrected by saying, “Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be with God.”

Mark recorded, “And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.”  The JST makes this adjustment, “And immediately the Spirit took him into the wilderness.  And he was there in the wilderness forty days, Satan seeking to tempt him; and was with…”

Luke mentions, “Being forty days tempted of the devil.”  But the JST clarifies, “And after forty days, the devil came unto him, to tempt him.”

This made me think.

How often do I get the story right?  Matthew, Mark and Luke were most definitely trying to be as accurate and sincere as possible.  I probably can’t always claim the same.  Even when I’m trying to be sincere, there is a good chance I might miss a few details.  And what’s worse sometimes the story isn’t mine to tell or shouldn’t be retold at all.

Years ago I made a commitment that I would try not to gossip or judge and I would try to find the good in people.  That has had a profound impact on my life.  Am I perfect?  Do I always do as well as I hope?

No.

But I appreciate the reminders to stay on target.  Fixed on the goal.  This was one of those reminders.

Have a wonderful week!

Blog to you soon,

Hilary

P.S. I turned 40 yesterday.  I’m beginning a new decade of my life…

AND IT FEELS GOOD!

Jeremiah 29:12-14

“Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.  And I will be found of you, saith the Lord.”

Last week was busy.

I really needed some time to prepare my choice of songs, comments and stories for the 2010 Time Out for Women.  When I am doing that sort of planning, it is really helpful to have quiet, uninterrupted time.  Like the match to a pair of socks for which you are digging through the laundry basket - it can be hard to find. 

By Thursday afternoon all hope of quiet time had vanished and I was feeling frustrated.  Then, I had an IDEA!  I called Tim at work and asked him if he would take the girls to dinner so I could have an hour to myself at home to get some planning done.  (Imagine that!  I came up with a solution and came right out and asked for help.  There is the slightest chance that at other times I might have just pouted until Tim asked what was wrong and then made him figure out a solution…)

What an hour!!  I feel like the scripture in Jeremiah came to pass in my very own little life. 

I began my planning with a prayer.  I asked Heavenly Father to help me know which songs to sing and which stories to tell.  (I don’t just come up with this stuff on my own, ya know.)

As I searched to piece together the first segment of the day (it really does feel like a puzzle waiting to be put together) I couldn’t find the right song to start with.  After a few tries, a couple more silent prayers and a little positive self-talk I finally found it. 

“Unwritten”

I listened to the song and then the Spirit reminded me to look up an email that was sent to me two years ago.  I found the email and in it was a story about the woman who wrote the song “Unwritten.”  I had forgotten the story but knew instantly when I read it that I needed to share it at TOFW this year.

The song was written by Marie Reynolds.  The email was from Marie’s mother and father, Joseph and Kathleen Creighton.  The story is inspiring:

“I just listened to Hilary Weeks singing Unwritten from her album Day of Praise.I found it by googling our daughter Marie Reynolds, which I do from time to time to see if there are any new recordings of songs she had written or co-written. I really like Hilary’s version of Unwritten and offer some more information about Marie and the song.As you know, Marie died of Brain Cancer at age 44 after 2 surgeries to remove 2 tumors. The last operation was in 2001 and the story told by the attending Anesthesiologist is that when she was wheeled into the operating room, she was introduced to the attending medical personnel as a “singer/ songwriter.”  Someone then asked if she would sing one of her songs.Marie, certainly under some sedation (she didn’t remember what occurred afterwards) said ok, I will sing the story of my life.

And, of course, she sang Unwritten.

The anesthesiologist said a silence came over the room, normally very noisy..

When she finished, there were tears in the eyes of some of these professionals who see life and death battles every day, and someone said, “How can this woman, having a second brain surgery, praise God for all he has done for her?”

The anesthesiologist told them Marie said the same thing at her first surgery, that God was in control. When the surgeon who would perform this operation came into the room he was surprised at the abnormal quiet and It was the talk of Jefferson Hospital for days.

My wife and I had good fortune to be able to be with Marie for the last 11 weeks of her life. She never faltered in her faith and till the end said “God is in Control.” I thought you might like to know this.”

Joseph and Kathleen Creighton

Marlton, N.J.

Truly, truly - when we seek the Lord, we will find Him.  I felt like he lead me Thursday night. 

To the right song. 

To the right story.

Blog to you soon,

Hilary

1. You could buy 8 bags of chicken tenders or 180 muffins at Costco

2.  Depending how much you spend on a pair of jeans…you could buy five pairs or half of a pair of jeans.

3. You could go to the dollar movie one hundred times by yourself or 50 times with a guest.

4. You could fill your tank with gas…once…maybe twice. (Sad.)

5. You could buy 20 large coconut ice creams with raspberries at Maggie Moo’s.  (I’m just saying…that is simply an idea…it is one option…fine…that’s what I would do.)

Well, I am blogging today to tell you about a chance to win a $100!  Yes, A HUNDRED DOLLARS (and not just once, but multiple times)!

Some of you may know that my husband owns an online strore that Mommies love…StrollerDepot.com.  The good folks at Stroller Depot want to spread the word not only about the products they carry, but also the blogs, articles and videos that can help parents parent!

This is a brand new program that is just being launched and I wanted to invite you to be part of it.  Why?  Good question.  I happen to have two reasons why:

1. You and your friends will enjoy the free information available on the site.  There are all kinds of helpful articles about childhood nutrition, naptime, reading, childproofing your home, holiday traditions…and MUCH more!  Here are a few of my favorite articles:

Help Your Baby Nap Longer - you know how much I love “bedtime and naptime and bedtime and naptime…”

Speaking of “bedtime and naptime”, you can even link to my video so all of your friends and family can have a giggle.

Develop a Love for Reading is an article chuck full of ideas for helping your child learn to read.

2. I want you to be a $100 richer! 

How do you get involved?  Another good question! (Boy, you are full of good questions today.)  It is really simple.  Follow this link to learn more…but in a nutshell, you create links to your favorite articles, videos and strollers at StrollerDepot.com or its sister sites (including CelebrityBabyBuzz.com).  Then your friends and family can follow the links to learn more!

Every other week, Stroller Depot will give away 2 chances to win $100!  You can win by being the person who sends the most people to Stroller Depot or you can win through a random drawing.  The more people who visit the sites through your links, the better chance you have to win.  Each visitor you send enters your name into the drawing.

Now, if you are not a computer genius and are lacking in techno skills (like unto myself) and this seems a bit confusing, but you still want to give it a try…my husband has agreed that either he or some other smart person at Stroller Depot will give you the help you need.  Just send an email to information@hilaryweeks.com and say “HELP!”  Leave us your contact information (phone number or email address).  Otherwise, give it a try and see if you can become $100 richer!

Click here to get started!

Blog to you soon,

Hilary

You’ve heard it hundreds of times.  I know I have.  You may have even sung it several times.  I have too.  But have you ever stopped to think where ”Amazing Grace” came from?  Who wrote those famous words? 

I’ve wondered at times and so today I took a few minutes to find out.  (I LOVE the internet…incredible amounts of information right at our fingertips.)

It was written by English poet and clergyman (though he was far from a clergyman earlier in life), John Newton.  He grew up without any particular religious conviction, but John’s mom had hopes that he would one day be a clergyman.  She died when John was six, and he took to a life of disobedience and defiance.  While he served in the Navy, John was described as the most profane of all the sailors.  Not only did he use vulgar language but he would invent new and more vile words than his shipmates had ever heard.  He denied there was a God and was relentless in persecuting those who believed there was. This is how he describes himself:

“How industrious is Satan served.  I was formerly one of his active undertemptors and had my influence been equal to my wishes I would have carried all the human race with me.  A common drunkard or profligate is a petty sinner to what I was.”

He might have kept God hidden from his view, but he couldn’t hide from God.  And eventually John was found.  He wrote “Amazing Grace” to illustrate a sermon given on New Year’s Day in 1773.  There was likely no music to accompany the verses and was probably just chanted by the congregation.  Those famous words have been sung to over 20 different melodies but in 1835 it was joined to a tune named “New Britain” and that is the tune which is sung today.

A few more facts:

• It is without a doubt the most famous of all folk hymns
• It is performed over 10 millions times annually.
• Over 5,500 versions have been recorded as of November 2009
• It has been played following national disasters such as the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, the Oklahoma City bombing and the September 11 attacks.

I just have one question. 

What makes this hymn so meaningful to so many?

It is true.  It is one man’s testimony from 200 years ago, and it is true.  God will save us.  He can find us.  He does have the power to change us - no matter how blind, wretched and fallen as we might be. 

John Newton believed this.  He felt and experienced it first hand in his own life.  I’m grateful he put on paper what he knew in his heart. 

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found
Was blind, but now I see.‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!Through many dangers, toils, and snares,
We have already come;
‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine

Blog to you soon,

Hilary

Oh yes…again.  It has happened once more - I have cut a tag out of my clothing that makes no sense.  (It’s not like I’m trying to come across unusual tags…it is just happening to me.)

Take a look.  See if you notice the same thing I did…

It is the third line that got me.  “Dry flat away from…”  Away from WHAT?  Oh, you have to tell me!  Don’t make me guess.  Don’t leave me hanging!!!  AWAY FROM WHAT!!???  How do I dry my shirt flat, if I don’t know what to keep it away from? 

Come on. Tell me.  Is it away from…melted cheese? Chocolate frosting?  My kitchen countertops?  Strangers?  WHAT?  I already know that I shouldn’t bake it in a machine.  But seriously, how will I ever figure this out?

Life really is a mystery. 

Blog to you soon,

Hilary

I’m a total fan of those hopelessly romantic movies set in the 1800’s.  I can’t resist!!  Over the Christmas break, I rented several of them from our local library.  My mom, my girls and I had so much fun watching them.  We watched:

Jane Eyre (Masterpiece Theater version.  I also love the A&E version.)

North and South (Pretty good - not my favorite of the ones I’ve seen.)

Wuthering Heights (Masterpiece Theater version.  It is SO GOOD!  Beware: We had to fast forward in three places…)

And most recently I borrowed Bleak House from my neighbor.  LUCKILY, I was sick last week and so I had an excuse to stay in bed and watch the whole thing.  Otherwise, I’m not sure when I would carve out 8 hours to watch a movie!  I really was sick, I’m not making that up…I had strep.  It was awful!  I haven’t been that sick in a long time.  I don’t recommend getting strep just so you can watch Bleak House, though.  Well…maybe…

Also, if any of you enjoy watching Masterpiece Theater on PBS, you might be interested to know they are starting a 3-part series of Emma.  For more info:

http://www.pbs.org/search/search_results.html?q=emma

We “Jane Austen” sort of girls have to stick together.

Have a great week!  Blog to you soon,

Hilary

Don’t act like you know.  There are very few people who actually know what a shallot is let alone have used one. 

I only found out what it was about two days ago.  I didn’t know what a shallot was, but I knew I needed one.  I wanted to try a new green bean and bacon recipe which called for…well,…you know….shallots.  I thought they were similar to green onions or something.  I went to the grocery store and looked in the produce section near the green onions.  No shallots there.  I thought about asking a produce worker, but there wasn’t one to be found.  I decided my recipe would have to be shallotless.  (Bacon was flavorful enough, right?)

I left the produce section and turned into the frozen foods, when I ran into a woman in our stake…Lori Bennett.  Guess what she is?  A professional chef.  She teaches classes at Thanksgiving Point and other places - I took a class on crepes from Lori.  Anyway…we chatted for a while and then I got up the courage to ask her about shallots.  She said they are a cross between onions and garlic and told me what they looked like and where to find them.  Hooray!  The green beans will go on!

In case you’re wondering…this is what a shallot looks like. 

Don’t act like you already knew.

So…running into Lori Bennett…a coincidence? 

Nah. 

Tender mercy.  Sweet, unexpected and probably unnecessary, but appreciated none-the-less.

Blog to you soon,

Hilary

This was a year of ups and downs, goods and bads, happies and sads, easy and hards, struggles and miracles.  2009 was not one of my easy-breeziest years so far, but I have learned and grown and without a doubt I have felt the hand of the Lord in my life.  If there is one thing I know even better than I thought I knew, it is that the Lord is extremely aware of us and will be as involved in our lives as we want Him to be.  As it turns out, I needed Him everyday.

Wonderful things happened in 2009 and so let’s focus on those.  Here is my top 5 favorite things about 2009:

1. Our family enjoyed one of our favorite places on the whole earth four times! (of course, I haven’t seen the whole earth…but this would be hard to beat.  I just know it.)   It is Zion’s Ponderosa.   Visit the website, BUT GO VISIT THE PLACE!!  You won’t be sorry - I promise!  http://www.zionponderosa.com/

(Don’t be jealous of my hair in this picture.  Not everyone can be so lucky.)

2. I switched to digital scrapbooking!  I loved the “old-fashioned” way, yes I did.  But I get the same thrill from pointing and clicking as I did from cutting and pasting - WITHOUT the MESS!  My program of choice?  Memory Mixers.  And, they started a great program this year called “The Little Things.”  It is a way of focusing everyday on the little blessings that make our lives wonderful.  I am using the program to record how I see the hand of the Lord in my life each day of 2010.  http://www.memorymixer.com/

Here is a sample of one of the many pages I created this year.

3. We spent a week in Maui with my parents, my brother and my sister-in-law.  I drank myself silly with lava flows and we laughed until it felt like our spleens would split.  It was a great trip.

(Who is tanner…me or my sister-in-law?  You can tell the truth.  Come on, just say it.)

4.  I was able to be part of Time Out for Women again this year.  It was AWESOME…as usual, and I met so many amazing women and had fantastic experiences!  Thanks to all of you for attending and for making me feel so welcome and loved in:

Orlando

Seattle

Ogden

Billings

Cincinnati

Pocatello

Boise

Pleasanton

Richmond

St. George and…

Salt Lake City

PLEASE come if you can this year…and be sure to say “hi!”  (And bring gifts.)  JK - hee hee.

5. This year our family had the privilege of meeting two families that I can honestly say, have changed our lives - The Huishes and the Hickens.  The Huishes were highlighted through the “If I Only Had Today” Award program and the Hickens purchased the private concert that benefitted the Huishes.  Now…if only those two families could meet each other…the circle would be complete.  (If you follow my blog, you already know the stories.  If you don’t then…what’s up with that?) 

Here’s to a great year filled with great memories.  AND, here’s to a new year where new experiences and memories await!

Blog to you soon,

Hilary

I have been needing a little “refill” time.  You know how that goes…(I hope.  I’d hate to think I’m the only one who hits a wall.) 

So, in an effort to do some “refilling” - I made a cake!  I love to cook!  I love to just let my mind relax, follow a recipe and then EAT the creation!  I found this recipe in a Taste of Home magazine and it looked so fun to try.  I learned a few “what not to do’s” that I’ll remember for next time! 

I also love to digital scrapbook - it is my new addiction…well, at least, I’d like to make it an addiction!  So, I spiffed up the picture to make it look Christmas-ee for your enjoyment! 

I hope you can afford to take time to do a few things that refill your bucket! 

Blog to you soon,

Hilary

P.S. The cake tasted good - even though I’m not a huge chocolate fan.  I know, I’m weird. 

I love a good journey through the scriptures.  You know what I mean…those moments when you are studying the scriptures and you follow a footnote and it takes you to another reference, which reminds you of a quote you heard in a talk, so you read the talk and pretty soon you have learned and felt more than you ever expected.  I don’t experience that every time I read, but once in a very wonderful while I do.

Recently while reading chapter 53 of Isaiah, I decided to look up every footnote.  I’ve never done that before.  I learned a TON!  One footnote lead me to the Topical Guide under “self-sacrifice.”  I read every scripture reference - all 57 of them.  And I made a discovery. 

Meaningful and fulfilling self-sacrifice is tied to doing the will of the Lord.  When we freely and truly give of ourselves we are making that offering for the Lord.  Here are just a few examples of what I found:

“Put your trust in the Lord.”

“…for my sake”

“For my name’s sake”

“come and follow me”

“Lord, I will follow thee withersoever thou goest”

“For His name”

“But first gave their own selves to the Lord”

“If the will of God be so”

“Thou hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will.”

Sometimes life can wear us down.  There are times when there isn’t enough of us to go around.  (Hey, that rhymes…) Life can be overwhelming.  And it can feel that way even when we are giving of ourselves for all the right reasons. 

Nestled in the 57 references for self-sacrifice was one verse that brought me a lot of peace.  Alma 26:27. 

“Now when our hearts were depressed (overwhelmed, stressedout, tired, needing a break, needing “me” time) and we were about to turn back (complain, give up, quit) behold the Lord comforted us and said, Go amongst thy brethren the Lamanites (your families, friends, YW, YM, Primary children, RS sisters, fellow employees, neighbors) and bear with patience thine afflictions (stresses, to do lists, dissapointments, frustrations) and I will give unto you success.”

Now that is a great promise.  That makes the self-sacrifce seem more than worth the effort. 

I guess what I’m trying to say is - Don’t give up.  Ever.  Everything we do is worth it.  When you feel like throwing the towel in, then throw it next to the bathtub and take a bubble bath.  When you feel like giving up, keep your chin up instead.  It is all worth it.  The Lord knows. He cares.  He understands.  He knows we do what we do for Him and because of that, He is going to help us. 

And that’s a promise.