Heavenly Mother

I have been impressed upon quite often as of late to write about our Heavenly Parents. We often talk of Heavenly Father, our brother Jesus Christ who is the First Born, but what about our Mother. We know that through the atonement and modern revelation, while there is no reference in the standard works (canon) of the LDS church nor in other non LDS denominations, there is a Heavenly Mother. However even before I joined the LDS church i was always impressed upon, even as a kid, there was a Heavenly Mother who was a nurturing, empowered, loving mother who despite the destruction we cause in our temporal lives, works to keep balance in the family, unites one another when disasters hit and helps us find love, compassion, joy, endurance, gladness in the seasons of love and helps nurture us in the changes in our lives.

The world has known her since infancy as Mother Nature, but I know her as my nurturing Heavenly Mother. many people over the centuries and millenniums have attributed Mother Nature as a mythical idea or person such as the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, Tooth Fairy, Jack Frost, tree sprites, elves, fairies and dragons; and yet Mother Nature or Heavenly Mother is a very real and much alive person. While be blame Mother nature quite often for natural disasters, storms, losses to disasters, global warming, heat, cold and much more, we also thank her for sunsets and sunrises, winter blanketed landscapes, tropical paradises, the budding rose, the gift of life at the changing of seasons and creation in partnership with Heavenly Father. I am often reminded of Heavenly Mother in the song "For the Beauty of the Earth."

Heavenly Mother is the one that brings the bonds of family closer, and helps families find empowerment, love, compassion, and endurance. She is the living example of a Latter-day Saint woman who should be serving with their husbands as helpmeets, or any man for that matter in their lives along side of one another. 

Our Celestial Parents are the pattern we are to follow in our lives and without an example of a family structure how can we be expected as Latter-day women to raise a family being the bond and glue as we strive to return home not only to the Church of the First Born in humble worship and exaltation in ourselves but return to be kings and queens, priests and priestesses, gods and goddesses as children and heirs to the Kingdom from our Heavenly Father and Mother who ARE the Celestial King and Queen, the High Priest and Priestess, and THE God and THE Goddess. Just as Christ our brother who is the Crowned Prince and as is His birthright descending from the royal lineage both celestial and temporal starting with Adam. Adam, as we know to be Michael and co-creator of this world and other worlds alongside of Christ, who was the first king of this temporal world while without title or the need of nobility but Adam also served as the first Priest and Prophet in this temporal world given the authority by Peter, James, and John.

When Christ consulted with his Father in the Great Temple called Heaven or the Holy of Holies in Celestial Glory during the pre-existence and after the Great Council when earth was formed about it is not good for man to be alone? I believe Heavenly Mother was present among Her Husband and Son and as Heavenly Father asked Christ that question I can imagine and picture Heavenly Father giving His Wife a special wink but more likely walked over to Her in embrace with respect, love, humility, admiration and his agape love as he stared into her eyes in front of Their Son letting it be a witness that women (female spirit) are the foundation to the home and are essential to life, creation, and the ability to love.  It is by this example I also believe Christ was married himself and hand children, where a good 18 years of his life is untold and he would have had to follow His and our Heavenly Parents example of marriage as when He began His ministry he had to be a living example, testimony and witness to His own life and the divinity of life. I like to think Christ was raised by a queen because he treated ALL women with respect and like a princess.

Even in natural or personal disasters I think Heavenly Mother, while keeping beauty and renewal upon the earth, regardless if Saints or not, allows people to experience such things as they come together and forget their differences to help one another in compassion as they rebuild a community nurturing one another. As Saints we have Mormon Helping Hands travel worldwide and are on scene to help out in a nurturing and compassionate way.

Fathers are suppose to be the chastiser when we need it and also a place of safety, mothers are suppose to be the nurturing one and place the band aid upon, and the older sibling such as Christ to be and set the example for their siblings. While Heavenly Mother has her roles in the work and the glory of the Kingdom and in our lives, She supports her Husband and Son as they help build, shapens and strengthen our lives through the power and gift of the Holy Spirit.

As Latter-day Women we are the mothers of the church whether we have our own family or not we are to be the nurtures and compassionate women under the mantle of service, love and hospitality to all people member and non member alike and be the foundation of the world and church as man is nothing without us nor are we anything without them.


The motto of the Relief Society is, "Charity Never Faileth" and was set up to reach out to the needs of those who were the sick and the afflicted or in need of love, provide for the needs, hospitality, or service as helpmeets to take the some of burden from the Priesthood and equally bear the yoke of serving one another

While we do not pray to Heavenly Mother personally as Latter-day Saints, when we address Heavenly Father we address the whole Holy Family in the name of our brother Jesus Christ because of the Atonement.

It is my prayer and blessing we live as sisters in Zion by following our Heavenly Parents example and let our light shine brightly as a witness to our testimonies and of the truthfulness of the gospel through our baptism, temple, and celestial covenants (made in the pre-existence as the roles we play in this temporal state) and be diligent as we serve along side our priesthood holders and leaders supporting them and empowering them as we empower ourselves in Heavenly Mother's example

Impressions

My life is ever being enriched since i found this group and Mormon Women: Who We Are and LDS Women for Faith and Family

So last night i was tired and after taking my sleeping pill and them starting to kick (if i dont take them I am either an insomniac or toss and turn all night) I was deeply impressed upon to read my new scriptures- my sword of of truth and iron rod. I did not know what to read so i silently asked Heavenly Father to give me what I needed. So i let the scriptures of my new quad to fall open to where Heavenly Father wanted it to somewhere in 2 Nephi. When i finished reading the the chapters passage, i could not tell you what chapter or what it was about last night it was something something about Jews and gentiles coming together. However the deep spiritual revelation and inspiration that came to me had nothing to do with what was read but because of the obedience to read from this sacred gift from sisters in Zion that I just received that day. The impression and deep spiritual revelation came to me: 1) I need to be having the Ensign coming to my house every month even if I have to ask people to help with the subscription and 2) in the most overlooked part of my life and in my Patriarchal Blessing as one I don't pull it out as often as I should and in 7 years of having my blessing this one simple and profound piece of blessing compared to all else remained forgotten, while I don't remember it word for word from the blessing itself or i don't think i do the blessing I was prompted with was this. 

"You are blessed and encourage to learn the proper way or manner of the true order of prayer." 

This is profound as one I don't pray as often as I should even though I know how to turn my will over to Heavenly Father and I have learned to ask in faith when needed something. But the true order of Prayer is taught to us in the temple and I can speak for myself only, however impressed upon me that we often as sisters tend to forget the true order of prayer and follow not only in asking Heavenly Father for something whether strength, hope, financial or what ever it may be. We tend to forget our troops our leaders, are true and humbled thank yous for the blessings in our life and as in the movie "Pollyanna" which I watched on BYU yesterday we forget to play the Glad Game where even when we are feeling down, depressed, irritated that things aren't going the way we expected, or we don't know what to do next as we feel loss, there is always something we can feel glad about- Like example from movie Mondays I don't like Monday, well you can be glad that you only have to deal with Mondays once a week. 

These scriptures are a very powerful gift and again I thank you and so were the garments and it really humbled me. As they are a blessing of indescribable words for this servant whose income doesn't afford what is often sacred and overlooked gifts in our lives scriptures, garments, modest clothes which can be hard to find outside of Utah lol, at least my faith and testimony as a convert to the church i dont pay a dime for but by giving my heart and service to the Kingdom. my greatest joys in the church is teaching Family History as the church has given me that calling ever since i joined the church with out ever doing it before, and served two service missions in FH at both BYU and Salt Lake. And the temple, nothing brings me greater joy than talking about the temple. I teach Sunday School in Family History and Temple Retention in a curriculum I developed over the almost 8 years of being a member to engage members who have been to the temple tom keep going and help them realizes the work that is being down in your life as work is being done on both sides of the veil..

But regardless thank you all for everything

Blessings

I received two gifts this week from sisters whom I only know via facebook from this page LDS Women for Faith and Family and Mormon Women: Who We Are both gifts making me cry and giving me a deeper impression and appreciation of the atonement as a convert to the church. I received  both the armor of God and the sword of truth as well as the iron rod. The love I have and the empowerment that has been given me by such unconditional love and servantude by these sisters are beyond words and emotions and can only be spoken among the language of angels. Thank you very much every day is a struggle when you have serious health problems, and disabilities and its moments like these that renew not my faith but gives me hope and a will to live another day. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Heavenly Mother

I have been impressed upon quite often as of late to write about our Heavenly Parents. We often talk of Heavenly Father, our brother Jesus Christ who is the First Born, but what about our Mother. We know that through the atonement and modern revelation, while there is no reference in the standard works (canon) of the LDS church nor in other non LDS denominations, there is a Heavenly Mother. However even before I joined the LDS church i was always impressed upon, even as a kid, there was a Heavenly Mother who was a nurturing, empowered, loving mother who despite the destruction we cause in our temporal lives, works to keep balance in the family, unites one another when disasters hit and helps us find love, compassion, joy, endurance, gladness in the seasons of love and helps nurture us in the changes in our lives.

The world has known her since infancy as Mother Nature, but I know her as my nurturing Heavenly Mother. many people over the centuries and millenniums have attributed Mother Nature as a mythical idea or person such as the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, Tooth Fairy, Jack Frost, tree sprites, elves, fairies and dragons; and yet Mother Nature or Heavenly Mother is a very real and much alive person. While be blame Mother nature quite often for natural disasters, storms, losses to disasters, global warming, heat, cold and much more, we also thank her for sunsets and sunrises, winter blanketed landscapes, tropical paradises, the budding rose, the gift of life at the changing of seasons and creation in partnership with Heavenly Father. I am often reminded of Heavenly Mother in the song "For the Beauty of the Earth."

Heavenly Mother is the one that brings the bonds of family closer, and helps families find empowerment, love, compassion, and endurance. She is the living example of a Latter-day Saint woman who should be serving with their husbands as helpmeets, or any man for that matter in their lives along side of one another. 

Our Celestial Parents are the pattern we are to follow in our lives and without an example of a family structure how can we be expected as Latter-day women to raise a family being the bond and glue as we strive to return home not only to the Church of the First Born in humble worship and exaltation in ourselves but return to be kings and queens, priests and priestesses, gods and goddesses as children and heirs to the Kingdom from our Heavenly Father and Mother who ARE the Celestial King and Queen, the High Priest and Priestess, and THE God and THE Goddess. Just as Christ our brother who is the Crowned Prince and as is His birthright descending from the royal lineage both celestial and temporal starting with Adam. Adam, as we know to be Michael and co-creator of this world and other worlds alongside of Christ, who was the first king of this temporal world while without title or the need of nobility but Adam also served as the first Priest and Prophet in this temporal world given the authority by Peter, James, and John.

When Christ consulted with his Father in the Great Temple called Heaven or the Holy of Holies in Celestial Glory during the pre-existence and after the Great Council when earth was formed about it is not good for man to be alone? I believe Heavenly Mother was present among Her Husband and Son and as Heavenly Father asked Christ that question I can imagine and picture Heavenly Father giving His Wife a special wink but more likely walked over to Her in embrace with respect, love, humility, admiration and his agape love as he stared into her eyes in front of Their Son letting it be a witness that women (female spirit) are the foundation to the home and are essential to life, creation, and the ability to love.  It is by this example I also believe Christ was married himself and hand children, where a good 18 years of his life is untold and he would have had to follow His and our Heavenly Parents example of marriage as when He began His ministry he had to be a living example, testimony and witness to His own life and the divinity of life. I like to think Christ was raised by a queen because he treated ALL women with respect and like a princess.

Even in natural or personal disasters I think Heavenly Mother, while keeping beauty and renewal upon the earth, regardless if Saints or not, allows people to experience such things as they come together and forget their differences to help one another in compassion as they rebuild a community nurturing one another. As Saints we have Mormon Helping Hands travel worldwide and are on scene to help out in a nurturing and compassionate way.

Fathers are suppose to be the chastiser when we need it and also a place of safety, mothers are suppose to be the nurturing one and place the band aid upon, and the older sibling such as Christ to be and set the example for their siblings. While Heavenly Mother has her roles in the work and the glory of the Kingdom and in our lives, She supports her Husband and Son as they help build, shapens and strengthen our lives through the power and gift of the Holy Spirit.

As Latter-day Women we are the mothers of the church whether we have our own family or not we are to be the nurtures and compassionate women under the mantle of service, love and hospitality to all people member and non member alike and be the foundation of the world and church as man is nothing without us nor are we anything without them.

The motto of the Relief Society is, "Charity Never Faileth" and was set up to reach out to the needs of those who were the sick and the afflicted or in need of love, provide for the needs, hospitality, or service as helpmeets to take the some of burden from the Priesthood and equally bear the yoke of serving one another

While we do not pray to Heavenly Mother personally as Latter-day Saints, when we address Heavenly Father we address the whole Holy Family in the name of our brother Jesus Christ because of the Atonement.

It is my prayer and blessing we live as sisters in Zion by following our Heavenly Parents example and let our light shine brightly as a witness to our testimonies and of the truthfulness of the gospel through our baptism, temple, and celestial covenants (made in the pre-existence as the roles we play in this temporal state) and be diligent as we serve along side our priesthood holders and leaders supporting them and empowering them as we empower ourselves in Heavenly Mother's example

Jul 6, 2012

130 in the morning. I am going to bed.  I just finished blogs for last night.  I m going to bed for about 7 hours. Since today Friday officially now, I can say yaay!! as tomorrow is trip to Nauvoo.


question from journal jar.  What do you think about movies- what is your favorite movie and why?
Love movies, think they are too expensive, however as a filmmaker I better love movies.  Favorite movies without giving reason why.
Top Gun
Dead Poets Society
Footloose
Gone with the WInd
Breakfast Club
Grease
Rent
Sound of Music
Westside Story

Im tired so the list stops and dont have anything else popping into mind at this point



Winter is a dead dog, I don't care if she did it with kisses and such 
she woke me up before 7a central time. I did not go to bed until 130a




Going through depression today for some reason and I don't know why. 
Yesterday was a great day, tomorrow is Nauvoo, so what's with today? 
And why is it when ever I plan something I start getting or feel like I 
am getting sick, sick or not Nauvoo is tomorrow. -Day 5



Gratitude Day 5: Even in depression today I rise above. I am living in 
the Spirit and I am focused on LIVING. For today if nothing else I am 
focusing on Nauvoo tomorrow and my health today.


Tomorrow is a day of spiritual healing and coming back into spiritual balance.

Ive allowed my spiritual self and health to take over in over drive to keep me protect while my 
physical, emotional, and mental health was in crisis. When the Spiritual side is picking up the slack for everything else not only do you through the Spiritual side out of balance relying solely on Spiritual self becomes just as dangerous. While i bring everything into balance I am taking me time according to 
my faith and Winter and I head to Nauvoo for history and reclaiming myself as has been really needed over the last few months while I have been traveling, and this is hopefully what I need as I prepare for my 
last 3 weeks of travel ( 2 more weeks in Iowa and 1 week in DC for the IAC 2012) before I head back to San Francisco and to my home ward.


Day 5: I need an exercise and diet regimen that I can do as someone withserious health problems, chronic pain and fatigue, as well as mobility problems that can help flatten my stomach and improve myself as a whole. The thing i lack the is the the support system, continuous motivation and the how to, $ for a gym membership, as well as the health at times. I am tired of being sick I was want to improve my body look for a deeper self image and hopefully for overall health

I'm a good mood all the sudden. Funny thing I just started dancing for no reason at kmart to the music and enjoying myself

plus a Father with his children were flirting with me.

Seasons of Love Measured in a Tangible Way

For several years now the song "Seasons of Love" has been an important and thought provoking anthemn in my life, that has forced me to remember what is important to me; in doing so, these recollections have saved my life many times. The song gives many examples on how people measure their lives; and that is all they are, examples. We are on our own individual journeys and our life experiences are never completely the same as another, creating our own measurements of life. There is one key element though in measuring your life, and that is the ability to LOVE; for without love we miss the intended picture, or purpose of our journey. People love money, things, places, people, food, God, or a countless number of other miniscule things in life, and yet without learning to love oneself- everything else is just an empty shell of nothing with no substance. For when one loves themself, they appreciate the wonderful gift and learning process that allows one to understand the good and bad for what they truly are- lifes building blocks and puzzle pieces in the intricate puzzle we call life.

No one will succeed 100% of the time in loving oneself, or realizing at a particular moment when life has down is only a temporary problem. It is in those times, one really needs to stop by taking a few minutes, or block of time, to find that self love that remains temporary hidden. One needs to change the current thought processes by forgiving those that need your forgiveness especially when you need to forgive yourself for being too hard on your personal expectations and give yourself permission to make mistakes because you are human; Making and learning from one's mistakes is what makes you perfect individual and a better person who should never be ashamed regardless what another may think. You answer to no one except for yourself and let them remain prisoners of their own faults. 

When we can accept the fact that we can't change the last moment with their consequences, we can move forward and accept the current moment's lesson, using what we learn from past moments to move forward and love the new person that came out of the previous moments lesson. Love is the skeleton key of life that opens portals to exciting new worlds of strength, empowerment, self expression, and necessary life lessons whether wanted or not; but most importantly will open every possible connection on the levels of energy, spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally, and even sexually between all people and situations that one comes into contact with. No one is limited to their dreams, and when one knows how to love themselves they can accomplish anything. Know how to love oneself in the good, the bad, the mistakes, and the perceived failures for all things are what makes your life a special unique and rare treasure. Celebrate your life and celebrate you

Seasons of love measuring life in a tangible way

For several years now the song "Seasons of Love" has been an important and thought provoking anthemn in my life, that has forced me to remember what is important to me; in doing so, these recollections have saved my life many times. The song gives many examples on how people measure their lives; and that is all they are, examples. We are on our own individual journeys and our life experiences are never completely the same as another, creating our own measurements of life. There is one key element though in measuring your life, and that is the ability to LOVE; for without love we miss the intended picture, or purpose of our journey. People love money, things, places, people, food, God, or a countless number of other miniscule things in life, and yet without learning to love oneself- everything else is just an empty shell of nothing with no substance. For when one loves themself, they  appreciate the wonderful gift and learning process that allows one to understand the good and bad for what they truly are- lifes building blocks and puzzle pieces in the intricate puzzle we call life.

No one will succeed 100% of the time in loving oneself, or realizing at a particular moment when life has down is only a temporary problem. It is in those times, one really needs to stop by taking a few minutes, or block of time, to find that self love that remains temporary hidden. One needs to change the current thought processes by forgiving those that need your forgiveness especially when you need to forgive yourself for being too hard on your personal expectations and give yourself permission to make mistakes because you are human; Making and learning from one's mistakes is what makes you perfect individual and a better person who should never be ashamed regardless what another may think. You answer to no one except for yourself and let them remain prisoners of their own faults.

When we can accept the fact that we can't change the last moment with their consequences, we can move forward and accept the current moment's lesson, using what we learn from past moments to move forward and love the new person that came out of the previous moments lesson. Love is the skeleton key of life that opens portals to exciting new worlds of strength, empowerment, self expression, and necessary life lessons whether wanted or not; but most importantly will open every possible connection on the levels of energy, spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally, and even sexually between all people and situations that one comes into contact with. No one is limited to their dreams, and when one knows how to love themselves they can accomplish anything. Know how to love oneself in the good, the bad, the mistakes, and the

perceived failures for all things are what makes your life a special unique and rare treasure. Celebrate your life and celebrate you

Our Freedom an mission

from  I am an Empowered Mormon woman and Zion's Path  blogs of mine

Happy Independence Day.  During the 4th of July Festivities over the next several days we have many opportunities to partake of a wide array of events with our family and friends, and even for quite a few our wards.  This is a time of remembrance of independence in our lives, and not necessary the signing as much in 2012. While the Declaration of Independence was pivotal and a turning point for this country, we celebrate today the continual freedom we have as a people of the United States, a place where all people should be treated equal despite our differences and ideologies and ill perceived self notions. The greatest freedom we have as Mormon women are that of what is actually the core of faith and that is that of freedom to choose a religion of our choice. As Latter-Day Saints we are blessed as members of the church as we have had the greatest gifts given to each and everyone as we hold onto our baptism and temple covenants.  As these covenants become instrumental and lay a foundation in our lives, our lives and actions become a living witness to the gospel, to life, to our families, those around us members and non members alike, Heavenly Father, Heavenly Mother, Jesus Christ, and most importantly to ourselves. While life brings trials these trials only help us overcome the adversary as well as life's natural problems, and trials of our own making through our actions and words to prepare us for Celestial Glory in the presence and congregation of the Church of the First Born. We hold a special heritage and by our covenants and adherence to our leaders counsel as the Spirit dictates upon our hearts is godly or not, we will be eternally blessed and examples to the world as non members are watching us and seeing if we live by what we believe or not.

We are part of the great work and the glory of Zion however as Saints we allow ourselves to become calloused and numb quite often to those who need our witness and light the most whether family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and often ourselves as we allow schedules, egos, hard hearts, or life circumstances to bring us down and we miss the bigger picture and the reason we are Saints, and temporal workers of the Kingdom in the work of Him who sent us.

In many wards, which suppose to serve as an external family and support system to its members, often leave new members and people in some area that did not grow up in your ward out in the dark, as the light is on yet no one is home.  As a convert to the church of 8 years this coming October and introduced to the church April 2004 I've witnessed this in all my wards except the current one I am in.  I joined in Escondido California and I am glad for I would have never joined in Utah as I feel, and I lived in Utah for 5 years after my conversion, that Utah Mormons for the majority are cliquish, self absorbed and don't go out of there way or make new members feel welcomed.  I was not born in the church and as a member due to the exact callousness and attitudes of members I tried leaving the church on several occasions however it was my Temple covenants, stronger than my baptism covenants, and my testimony of the healing powers, the sanctity, the love, life, and solace, gift of revelation, and many other special eternal and celestial gifts the temple offer, while know that those holy walls and the Saints who have passed through the veil is something greater than me and called me and brought me back each and every time. When I moved to San Francisco, and many wards have great members it was here that I felt welcomed in open arms and that I truly belong in this church.  It took 7 years to feel welcomed as a convert, while everyone through my membership loved my conversion testimony I never felt fully welcomed.  I buried myself in Sunday School teaching, serving two service missions, and any and all callings to feel welcomed to feel like I belonged but it wasn't the wards that kept me going or when i disappear and not come to church for weeks no one checked on me.  It took 7 years to have home teachers visit and check up on me, it took 7 years to have visiting teachers care.  And it was worth the wait, however no member whether born in the covenant or a convert especially a convert should ever have to feel that way.

Why remember our freedoms and independence, remember our heritage and struggles we faced as church coming across on the Mormon Trail to Utah.  We as a church, as Saints to share in the struggles still with one another as the church is a family and in the end after the endurance and holding fast to the iron rod we will be sealed together.  No one is greater than another, and it is our job as sisters in Zion to welcoming committee, as well as the member/convert retention committee.  We agree to give our time and Talents until the church so lets give our time to our families and those who need it because sometimes as Saints as a whole have only one chance and one chance only on this side of the veil for someone to surrender to the gospel and its teachings and taking the lessons followed by baptism.  Live and be a gift. Invite a non member to family gatherings, dinners, and just be yourself while your internal and external testimony becomes the missionary while you just allow the Spirit work on them through you and they will see your light and start asking questions themselves.

Marriage in the temple of love

Marriage in the Temple of Love is series of books on temple blessings I a writing and need to get back to writing

Preface

     There is the famous song “Going to the Chapel,” however I love changing that refrain to “going to the temple and we’re going to get married…. Married in the temple of love.

    

     When we go to temple, we do not go out of obligation or because it is expected of us to go, we go because of Love. In order to enter the temple, you must be found worthy to enter and that worthiness comes from a love of our Heavenly Father, the church, love of ourselves to uphold the teachings of the church, and a love of those who have passed beyond the veil. However, the love runs deeper and richer than that which can be imagine for the love shared between two people who take the most sacred commitment in life; eternal marriage in the temple cannot be described in mortal or temporal words. For when a couple is sealed in the temple, they create a bond  that by temporal means cannot be broken. Every time a couple returns together to the temple, they have the opportunity to renew their vows, celebrate their lives together, and build upon the foundation of their marriage fortifying themselves in the love that first brought them to be sealed.

    

     As Saints we are given the remarkable gift of not one, not two honeymoons in our lives, but a mini honeymoon every time we allow ourselves to fall in love with one another again and again within the walls of love. Husbands have an obligation to take their wives to the temple as often as possible in order to polish the jewel and treasure that has been entrusted to them for time and eternity. When you allow your lives to get too busy and chaotic to attend the temple then you make a subconscious statement to your marriage stating that you don’t need Heavenly Father’s fortifying and protection of the marriage. When you go to the temple as a couple, it’s the time and opportunity for the marriages maintenance check and tune up. When married in the temple we are married for TIME and Eternity.

May you be blessed and enriched in the Spirit of Love

Film making: Integrity and protecting yourself

This has nothing to do with current film Demonica that I am working on 

Its interesting and a learning experience to see who supports you in your film making and passions, who takes you seriously, and who pretty much disregard you in any and every way and yet they feel you need to support them and at times bow down to their dreams.  Its also very interesting the backstabbing and lack of integrity that goes on in the industry after people say they will do something regardless of verbal of or written contract.  I have been raised where integrity is key in life, and unfortunately I like to believe i can trust people on their word but mainly you find, while you can trust a few, people who don't have integrity in the first place or able to think for themselves will use you and lead you along for their benefit and their ego, to make themselves look good and professional until you wise up and realize the time, career and talent, were just being used.  This is often the case for eager and inexperienced individuals who wish to break in only to find dreams broken by people to careless to really care about the person from the beginning.

When you have this self awakening its often discouraging and heartbreaking and you just want to give up.  Move on find 5 to 10 people you can really trust and move forward with them as your support circle and team.  You may feel you are starting from the ground up, obviously you never had the foundation you thought you did. While this can be a cutthroat dishonest industry, there are the genuine players and for those who don't play nice, file it away in your professional mental toolbox, and remember it when they come to you later and decide how you want to handle it professionally. As a beginning or even experienced industry professional research the people you are going to team up with and find out their successes and failures, while people may have opinions or comments and sometimes what to destroy someone, be smart to follow your gut and really weigh what people say good and bad and form your decisions. There is usually some truth behind what people say.  As you gain experience, watch with a keen eye business dealing and be smart before you enter into verbal or contractual agreements.  I recommend having contracts for everything from conception of any project with someone who agrees to work with.  Insist and protect yourself while not allowing in one to shiest you. If people can not live by or honor your reasonable request in a timely matter that should be your golden ticket that something is wrong.

Keep putting yourself out there for every 100 no there is 1 yes.  Have faith, and keep putting yourself out there, do not give up on your dream as your break will co

On set with service animals

As anyone who knows me knows I have one of the most fun loving companions in my life, a service dog named Hiver. Most people who knows her, just calls her by the English translation of her name, Winter. If Hiver is used, she knows that she is either in trouble or i need her attention now and to focus. Hiver is french for Winter, however most people hen the see the spelling of he name calls her [Hi*ver] when its [E*vare] so it was easier and Winter is pretty as well.  Winter is a trained service dog for mobility issues, non epileptic seizures, among others health problems she assists in an even provides emotional support, and reduces anxiety as well while at the same time is a therapy dog to anyone she comes in contact with. She has her tags and papers and certifications.

Winter rides on planes at my feet, rides in cars on buses as well as trains, and boats.  Winter frequents grocery stores, hangs out at bars and clubs, goes to restaurants,  frequently at hospitals/dr. offices for  emergency room and dr. appointments. Winter is fortunate enough to be cultured as she has many fine art event she attends such as she goes to the symphony, art exhibits, ballet, opera, theatre, concerts, and dance performances where she watches intently all the performances at what is going on when she isn't laying at my feet. I wish i was kidding but she loves plays, movies, and concerts.  Winter has even been on at least a handful of sets including her debut in "Proper Manors" episode 1 as a search and rescue dog.

 I am currently on location for the film "Demonica," Winter has been on set all but 3 times (the first weekend's both two days and when we shot the tavern scene due to space and rain) While the crew and cast love Winter and she hasn't caused any problems for herself, cast, crew or the location; the owner is just uncomfortable with having a dog or animal on location. The location is being provided to us free and it is understandable we want to respect the wishes of the owner to keep him happy, however regardless of his comfort level for what ever reason he isn't on set as he is no where around when we are filming.  No one in the family wants to watch her (total another blog) as it is not their responsibility. I don't blame Prescribed Films, or the "Demonica" team as it places us all on an uncomfortable position where no one wants to be. So i get to be put in a conundrum where with her being a service dog and trained and treated like any animal which she isn't.  She is not outdoor leashed/chain trained nor should she ever be on one and it is recommend that she never is put on one for any extended length of time because again she is a service dog, she will not do kennels as she is claustrophobic and will break out of them or try to hurting herself in the process as before and again she should not be in one, So the director/producer is stuck trying to find a place to house her over each weekend while on set which puts me in an uncomfortable emotional state on top of the one I'm already in dealing with this as well. While I've done it before on more than a few occasions its hard not having her by me and even harder for her as she has deeper separation anxiety issues than i do as most service dogs do when it comes to their handler. After these days that she is away from me, she will have a hard time listening for the next day or so because she is mad at me. I understand the motto don't bite the hand that feeds you, and while this location is helping out this production what does one really do?

 Even with the owner being uncomfortable, and though it is not a food establishment which should nor matter if it was, there are ADA (American Disabilities Act) laws that are put in place for situations like this, again however wont sue or cause legal problems as we are being done a favor.  So once again via film production and/or my personal life I am the one who always has to accommodate.  One other option which is just as cruel in my opinion, even though it is a night shoot and heat is not a factor but principle is, is keeping her in a car with windows down for 12 hours with occasional break in between camera setups.

 So filmmaker POV (point of view) question for you today is:  If you are on set at any location, and a member of your cast or crew has an actual service animal with them, what would you do if the owner of the property regardless if you are helping you out or not says they are uncomfortable with a service animal or pet of any kind on the property and doesn't want it there? Do you go by his desires, your cast or crews needs and rights, or by the ADA or non of the above?

Demonica Shooting #1

We are filming Day 5 by actual days however with the long hours we are on day 7 shot list wise as we .  Prescribed Films "Demonica"  is and interesting set full of quirks, mickey mouse and jimmy rigged quality steady cam and camera accessories.  We  have been pulling long hours averaging 14 hour days plus hour round trip for commute to set.  It is nice to be filming with a 4pm call time with a mandatory wrap time by 11p, versus our normal 9pm call time with a average wrap of 10-1030am.  My script  supervisor job is pretty easy.  While being digital, I am using an excel to capture shots without using Scriptee Program, however I not using the script to mark up.  I've learn very quick each production, each director does things different and as a film maker regardless of job one just needs to be able to be flexible and adapt.  After this movie I need to definitely to brush up on my traditional Script Supervisor skills to get back into practice and conformity that other productions use. 

This film has really taught me or better yet is teaching me to go with the flow and it is not easy. As a low budget no budget film you would think from the makeup, special effects, and the acting  that we were working on a pretty decent budget film.   I am not particular to night shoots but you need to film when you can and be available when needed.

I love watching the interaction of the actors and the life they bring to a camera via  the monitor and staged. The rain really made the shoot today for this particular scene as it is the introduction to evil.  Today's scene takes place in 1962 at an old rustic tavern.  The location could not be more perfect, while a bit small it was workable and accomplished what was needed.   This is the opening scene that sets the tone for the movie.  It was and hot day, the rain made it cool outside, but inside on set in the small space we are filming in due to the heat of the day and set lights, it is sweltering sauna, and raining  bullets upon talent and crew.   Heat doesn’t play well with neuropathy, but I 'm hanging in there, even though its challenging.  Like with all sets there is a lot of receptiveness, however  on this set we keep it fun interesting.  One of the highlights of journey into Prescribed Films, an alternate universe to the Twilight Zone, is in the note section of the slate we put off the wall one liners instead of serious slate notes as the rely on me as Scriptee to keep actual notes. 

Shooting has been wonderful at our previous locations as well; the skating rink in Oskaloosa, Hotel Ottumwa (one of the most haunted places in Iowa) in Ottumwa,  and independent house for bedroom scene.

At the skating rink 2nd day on location I tried skating, while I did not fall down I was a wall stopper keep the wall up.  There is a reason I haven't skated in 20 years, there is also a big difference between skates and roller blades and ice skates; however, neither I want to do it again.  Its interesting how, and commendable where one scene had nudity last week in the script that no actress wanted to do the role unless a compromised was made for at least keeping the bra on for simulated male and female sex scene.  We had to find an actress who would do that scene and a couple actresses for a girl on girl kissing scene.  

People don’t realize how sensitive boom is and ever little sound even outside is finely picked up during filming and even more so during room tone.  It is a joy to work with this cast as crew and I look forward to the weekend of filming , with that said I detest the night shoots however its worth it and is the art of filming that allows me treasure such shoots.

Demonica- Working on Set with Family

I love being a filmmaker, and I love having the ability to wear multiple hats in the industry.  When "Demonica" presented its self, I was more than happy to jump at the opportunity to work on this feature indie film.  Not only did I had the privilege of knowing the Director Jason Bolinger personally as well as the other members of team by reputation, this was an opportunity to work with my cousin on the set.  I adore my cousin who is currently 15 and is a gift in my life.  She is very talented and I love her artistic abilities.  I can not tell you how excited i was to share my world with her.  While I do wear many hats in the industry and overzealous for the love of what I do, when it it comes to wearing the Script Supervisor/Continuity hat my awkward social and personal interactions and personality becomes more awkward, unintentionally offensive, or misunderstood especially when narrow minded and focused on work.  As a Script/Continuity Supervisor my filmmaking OCD and anal retentiveness kicks in more than any other hat I wear in the industry. Working on an 80's period film, or any period film for that matter makes continuity issues all that more important.  I cannot watch a movie at movie theater without picking it apart as continuity issues really throw a film out of enjoyment for me.

So last weekend while filming on location the bedroom scene in Oskaloosa. I inadvertently offended my cousin Amanda Zombie Pratt, after she worked hard on a poster for the film one in which I actually loved.  After bringing it to the director's, Insane Mike Saunders attention first I informed him that we could not use the poster as it featured currency with its modern day look versus the way it looked back in the 80's. As Script supervisor I have been overly attentive since it is an 80's film making sure that everything is period pieces.  I brought it to Mandy's attention and while I told her i loved we just could not use it due to the new money designs. And in translation to a 15 year old it means their hard work especially as it was the best of all the posters she did that We did not like it.  Mandy also was helping with makeup and the actresses were asking how their makeup was after Mandy did it, as I have the experience as they put it. Mandy did a great job and that hurt her as she thought people did not like her makeup.  We just had to make it darker because we were on camera for lighting issues. Unfortunately even when run by director because felt her work wasn't appreciated she dropped out. The other part is and was and I take responsibility for it is that she thought I was bossing her around too much, actually asking her to do too much.  While I did not ask her to do more than anyone else I asked of on set as we were short crew and I was informed on a Prescribed Films set that everyone does everything when on set when we are not busy, its difficult for someone new to understand that and what a role of production assistant is. Even when I am hurting , very muck lacking sleep or sick I always ask can you, and please and thank you to everyone. I learned a long time ago to be hyper aware how you treat talent and crew as i go out of my way to make sure they have what they need.

The great thing about being a script supervisor is that you are responsible for the film;  your notes and attentiveness is what the director and editors rely on in order to make a quality film and. save money.  it is department of 1 however and that makes things hectic and keeps you glued to the set without the down time as the rest of cast and crew has opportunity for because our downtime is out time to play catch up with notes and paperwork.  Again as a one department person I nned to know makeup, hair, wardrobe and set continuity.  I have to know it all.  I have to pay attention to light if its day or night. how pillow were thrown and every little thing of the film  at every moment between each shot, when we shoot sceenes out of order or multiple days so I am in focus mode.   For me its filmmaking period so I as a Scripty  have to e on toop of everything and sometimes trying to keep things on schedules time and shooting.  There are times I am squeezed tightly in one spot and cant movie in order to stay out of shot and everything where i have to have someone bring me things.  For all intensive purposes Scripty doesn't move. n9t even to use restroom unless there is a company break.

Its is very sad not by her fault or excuse, but as the excuse given that she doesn't want to work on the film now because she feels I boss her around too much when in all actuality especially during the shooting part I have very little reaction most talent and crew when I am Scripty mode, except when i am calling for makeup to be flown in for re-powdering of the face so its not shining on my monitor, as well as drinks for them.  I was so looking forward to working with Mandy as we both share the passion of Demons, Monsters, and Zombies not being turned into the Demon myself and taken as if i was the bullying for doing my job even when i ran everything through the director myself.  I even suggested a few positions to the production team as I thought she would be perfect for working them.  This is a chance of a lifetime working of film sets, the long hours, the film family, the fun times and adventure, and knowing that you worked on something great.  Am I bothered by the whole situation, yes I am. Can i do anything about it no as she won't change her mind. I need to move forward now not because i don't care but because i have to focus and not be distracted for day 3 shooting

My film making question to filmmakers is how do you work with family members on a film set without offending them, or them feeling like you are bossing them around especially if they are new to the film making process?