Did one or more of your parents ever use the line "It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt"? Well, Saturday afternoon that warning came to pass for my sister and her friend when Fran and Amir volunteered to take "the kids" up to Snow Basin for a sledding adventure.
Boots, mittens, scarves, over inflated inner tubes, slick fliers and the riders clinging to them flew down the mountain with great velocity. Four-year-old James was a trooper, climbing up the hill, again and again, always exclaiming when he reached the summit: "this is the most awesome sledding day ever!" But the chilled thrills ended with the conclusion of that infamous "last time" down the mountain.
Reaching nearly 50 miles an hour, the black donut carrying Fran, Amir, Grant and Abby hit an iced-up mogul at the bottom of the hill, sending everyone flying. The agile kids must have bounced out somewhere in the slide, but the "older drivers" did not have as fortunate of a landing. Amir suffered a concussion, and his shoulder and cheekbone took a good beating. X-rays later showed two compression fractures in Fran's lower vertebrae and possible bruised kidneys. Upon hearing that she was at the emergency room for a cat scan, Fran's friend texted his sympathy for her cat.
In spite of the outcome, Abby still contends that it was the funnest ride of the day. Get better Auntie Frannie and Amir.
What's missing from this picture?Two years ago some talented friends of mine sat in this very spot. But instead of facing the glare from a vacant field of snow, from this vantage point they squinted through the spotlights to look out over a supportive audience seated in the hall of the "Old Red Church." Perched on musicians' stools, guitars in hand, they crooned for a cause–elevating us all. When visiting the Liberty corner the other day, I couldn't help but feel melancholy. Any feelings of self pity were erased however, when I recalled this final community event held at the Chabin. Just a few weeks before the fire we hosted a benefit concert, organized by my sister Fran, to raise funds for the Mama Maria clinic in Kenya. www.mamamaria.orgI learned recently that Peter Kithene, the clinic's founder and Fran's friend, was named as the winner of the Medical Marvel category at the global broadcast of CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute. Peter was judged by a Blue Ribbon panel of luminaries, including Nobel Peace Prize winners, musicians, actors, sports stars, and activists. Out of 7000 nominees from 80 different countries, he was one of six heroes honored. CNN's Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, introduced Peter in front of a live, international audience of millions by saying: "Let us marvel at Peter Kithene, a man who gave his village not just an outstretched hand, but his entire heart."I am inspired by a person's dedication to make a difference in his/her community–be it family, village, country, or world. Today I am reminded that from a clearing, with nothing in the way, anything is possible.
Happy 42nd Wedding Anniversary Charlotte Martha Nelson Platt and Deane Howard Platt. From your union we have learned to count our many blessings and name them one by one.
Love: Francine Eden Platt, Alison Rae Platt DeWitz, Deena Hope Platt Christopherson, Jed Nelson Platt, Abigail Hope Christopherson (14), Jayne Carol DeWitz (10), Grant Michael Christopherson (9), Zachary Dean DeWitz (7), Henry Joseph Christopherson (6), Joseph Cooper DeWitz (4), James Ephraim Christopherson (4)...and beyond.
Spending the weekend at my sister's house, I was reminded of an incident from last winter when my string of bad luck seemed to be contageous. After the fire and flood episodes, Alison 's home was broken into. Taking some jewlery, but leaving behind electronics and prescription drugs, the criminals went after all of her paperwork: bills, bank statements, social security information, car title, and such. Desk drawers were overturned and files emptied. It was evident that it was totally an identity theft thing.
When I told a friend about Alison's misfortune she said, "I will pray for those robbers. Only the spirit can change someone like that. And maybe if he or she is touched by the spirit he or she will feel compelled to stop stealing identities and will suddenly feel compelled to erase all info on your sister and her family. I will pray they receive the new heart Peter talks about. That's NEW HEART, not NEW IDENTITY!"
I thought that was a good response. I had been praying for Alison's family, but had forgotten to pray for her "enemies." I think they need our prayers the most. I believe enemy prayers are among the truest forms of charity. Extending the pure love of Christ to those who mean us harm cultivates the Comforter who can fill any void, sooth any wound and like The Wizard of Oz did for the Tinman–create in each of us a new heart.
I think Valentines Day is the perfect time to start a tradition of praying for a new heart.
This blogspot is now three months old. When I was challenged to start an online journal, my intent was to mostly chronicle the unusual events surrounding the renovation process of a historic property. So far the experience has been more about reconstructing myself. Divulging personal thoughts and fears has always been one of my biggest fears.
So, what's the significance of the name "church bizarre"? If you asked that question, perhaps you followed a random link or are a blog stalker of some sort. Clearly you don't know my real estate history and/or the strange occurrences that seem to cross my path with some regularity.
This is my second "house of worship" flip, having gone from an Mormon to a Methodist church, and biggest development (thus far). As for today, Jefferson Square is progressing. As for the future, I intend to post more about the project and less about me. I am sick of hearing about me.
I am inspired by my friend's quest to get healthy–body, mind and spirit. And so I want to wish the 2 year old NEW NAT a happy re-birthday...from the 12 year old NON-CARBONATED JED.
December marked the twelve year anniversary of my last soda. I can't even remember what it was–probably an icy Diet Coke. I wasn't a 32 ounce-aholic, but did occasionally partake from a drive-thru window or fill up a Mav mug when I filled my gas tank. Suffering with some back problems a few years ago, I consulted a chiropractor. After some tests she determined that I have weak kidneys and revoked all carbonation privileges. Truthfully I haven't missed it much, although sometimes a frosty mug of A&W rootbeer sounds really good.
You don't realize how prevalent bubbly drinks are until you can't have them. It has only been in recent years that juice and water have been socially acceptable. Although most gatherings still center around fancy fizzy drinks, I don't feel like such a social outcast when I'm left to suck on ice. I want to thank those who know this about me for remembering Jed-friendly beverages when I'm around.
Whatever your personal improvement or maintenance requires, I offer a toast to your commitment and self control.
I don't know when Utah officially adopted the tag line "the greatest snow on earth" but today I was inclined to want to amend it to "the greatest AMOUNT of snow on earth." Church was canceled yesterday, and this morning the weatherman stated that Liberty received 29 inches of new snow from the weekend storm. Judging from the height of stature the white stuff in my yard has attained, I am not convinced that its latest growth spurt could be measured with just one yardstick.
In a news report last night they announced that the schools here in the valley would be closed today due to the heavy snowfall. While I am not directly effected by the closures (I am no longer a student and do not have school aged children) I nevertheless thrilled at the news.
I remember "snow days" happening quite often as a youth, but have not been aware of them occurring much in the recent past. As a young student, I recall staying up late watching the weather report with fingers crossed, hoping to hear those magic words: "There will be no school tomorrow," and hovering around the radio the next morning to confirm the good news. After the initial cheer, my sisters and I would plan how to spend our "day off." Activities would vary, depending on whether or not the power service was still intact, but most likely my mother would cater the event with homemade hot chocolate. Quite often we would bundle up and go outside to create forts, follow tracks of "strange creatures" or forge our own trails down to the corner. While these activities were quite common on winter weekends, weekday romps were something special. As I got older, the time of reprieve was mostly spent catching up on unfinished homework, and offering a prayer of thanks for a day of extension. Either way, for a bundled up boy or a teen-aged procrastinator, snow days were always considered a bonus.
With all the talk of global warming, I was afraid that snow days were a thing of the past. Perhaps it is because of climate change that we experience extreme weather. Regardless, I like the notion that occasionally we get surprised by an unexpected extra long weekend or a deadline reprieve. While there is order to the elements, sometimes they are a source of serendipity; and even in the midst of routine one can be extended a period of grace.
Long live "snow days."
Eternal life. Eternal love. I think these two sweethearts are the ultimate Happy Valentines.
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word. –Luke 2:29Scholars more eloquent and bloggers more clever have all expounded on the recent passing of our cherished Prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley. I don't know what more can be said than has already been reported by historians and columnists, shared among close circles of friends and families and followers, or personally prayed to God.We loved him. We counted on him. He was constant, he was clever, he was kind. He was uncompromising and charitable. He was optimistic. He was a humble example of how to "be." He was a worker. He was a teacher. He was Hymn #85–a "firm foundation" as the days demanded; he strengthened us, helped us, and caused us to stand. He was brilliant, and with impeccable leadership skills encouraged us, his "associates," to strive for the best that lies within each of us. One reporter said it this way: "He never let his greatness overshadow his goodness." Due to his influence I want to be good and do better.But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. – Matthew 23:11His death, while not shocking, nevertheless caught us by surprise. Like the Energizer Bunny, we thought he would go forever...and because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ I am confident he still does. His life is a perfect model of enduring to the end in faithfulness.
If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. – John 12:26Farewell our beloved Prophet; Congratulations, our dear brother on your triumphal return.His Lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. – Matthew 25:21
Did one or more of your parents ever use the line "It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt"? Well, Saturday afternoon that warning came to pass for my sister and her friend when Fran and Amir volunteered to take "the kids" up to Snow Basin for a sledding adventure.
