Sharee's Sentiments

2012-01-18T13:30:00.002-07:00

As I was walking out to my car this afternoon, I saw an older gentleman walking his dog. Normally it wouldn't have been anything out of the ordinary. Today, however, tears came to my eyes as I watched him pause in front of the American Flag, bring his arm up and place his fingers on his brow and salute. I am thankful for all those men and women who have given their all to protect our freedoms.

The Savior

2011-12-19T09:45:00.005-07:00

The gift I am most thankful for this Christmas is the love that the Savior has for me. It is unconditional. He is truly interested in all that is going on in my life. Whether I am having a good day or a not so good day, He is there to lift me up and strengthen me. When I look at the pictures of the Savior by Liz Lemon Swindle, I feel like He is right there with me to help me through.
Picture of Christ
The challenge today is not convincing others that Jesus is real, but that He is relevant. Developing a relationship with Jesus means spending time with Him. In a world filled with distractions it can become easy to forget the Lord. By putting a picture of Christ in your home, you are creating a reminder to yourself, and those you love, to make time for the Lord each day. Go to
http://www.pictureofchrist.org for a free picture of Christ.

Gratitude

2011-11-29T09:55:00.008-07:00

I am truly grateful for all those who have walked across my path and have touched my life with hope, love and light. Whether it be directly or indirectly, that moment will be remembered forever.

Laney's Testimony
November 26, 2011

When a tragic accident took the life of 20 year old Laney Peacock her family was devastated. Her loss left a hole in the family that is impossible to fill but her family has found some peace in her testimony that she left behind. Weeks before the accident Laney documented her feelings about the Church and her love of the Savior. After her death, her family discovered this testimony in her journal and have shared it with others as they continue to heal and have hope for the future.

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=1074&sid=18166430&title=november-26-2011

Christmas, Wedding and Birthday gifts

2011-11-14T22:21:00.007-07:00

I am making crocheted hot pads and rings this year for Christmas. They make great gifts for the cooks in your family and great wedding gifts for newlyweds. These rings are cute, fun and add just the right touch to any outfit. (They make great stocking stuffers for all the girls~young and old in your life) I am taking special orders on these so please let me know how many you need and the colors you'd like.

Love

2011-11-06T19:19:00.008-07:00

Kelly and I recently celebrated our 27th Anniversary. When we got married that cool, windy November day back in 1984, it was for eternity. We were so much in love. Nothing could have been better that day! Everyday since then has been an adventure. We've had good times and our share of trials, but I wouldn't trade them for anything. I love Kelly more today than ever. Happy Anniversary babe!

12 in 12: Giveaway at I'm a Reader not a Writer

2011-10-24T09:30:00.000-06:00

12 in 12: Giveaway at I'm a Reader not a Writer: From now until Nov 1st, you can win one of my award-winning books Chest of Souls (Book 1) http://www.amazon.com/Chest-Souls-Book-One-...

Change

2011-10-09T23:25:00.004-06:00

CHANGE
By Sharee Wanner
A phenomenon of nature, change is constantly upon us. It happens for most of us a little at a time; just as the leaves turn from green to yellow-green, to gold and then to red; changing a little bit each day. One tree can have leaves with several different colors all on the same branch! As the trees make their final change the leaves begin to fall to the ground. This change prepares the trees for winter, a rest of sorts, and then comes an awakening in the spring.

This doesn’t happen all at once. During the seemingly dormant winter phase, the trees are still getting moisture from the earth. Gradually tiny buds of leaves form on the trees and beautiful blossoms appear as each tree awakens.

There are trees, however, that don’t seem to have such visible and outward changes—the Evergreen tree. No matter the season, its needles are forever green; a constant through all the seasons of change.

Our lives often reflect the changes we see in nature. There are times when dramatic things and events occur in us, our families, our work, our beliefs and our education that are beautiful and colorful.

Some of us are confident in our knowledge of who we are and we stand out at the edge of life leading those who follow. Others are timid and shy and blend in with the landscape. We don’t discover their full beauty until we travel deeper into the forest.

No matter the season of life we may be in, there are times when we feel deep despair—like all of our beautiful leaves have fallen and we are left bare to be whipped around by the cold winds of winter. Sometimes we are like the tree with the very last leaf clinging with all its might to the branch; not wanting to let go because we are afraid of what change may bring.

We must remember that our lives can be renewed and blossom again after those disparaging times. Like the Evergreen is in nature, the Savior is our constant in this world of change. We must focus on His constant guidance; each day finding nourishment and strength in His well of living water. Then as we focus on His guidance and draw upon the strength that it gives us, we can participate in all the changes of life without fear—with the reassurance that life will be renewed.

Contest for iPad

2011-09-07T12:51:00.003-06:00

I thought I'd pass this along! I don't know if any of you have had the opportunity to read any of Josi's books, but I am hooked! I am not much of a detective/mystery fan...I prefer fantasy and adventure. My daughter suggested that I read her book "Lemon Tart" and I couldn't put it down! Josi has fun, adventure and creativity on every page. I can't wait to go on the newest adventure with Sadie Hoffmiller in "Pumpkin Roll"

In conjunction with the release of Pumpkin Roll the author, Josi S. Kilpack, and the publisher, Shadow Mountain, are sponsoring a contest for a new iPad. To enter, leave a comment in the comment section of this blog before November 1, 2011. Winners will be announced and notified November 3rd 2011.

For additional ways to enter, go to www.josiskilpack.com

2011-09-06T15:07:00.004-06:00

I was reading some of the quotes that Richard Paul Evans has written in various books the other day and this one stood out:
"I have learned a great truth of life. We do not succeed in spite of our challenges and difficulties, but precisely because of them."
~Hunter Bells Diary Dec 9, 1857 The Looking Glass by Richard Paul Evans

Rainbows

2011-03-29T17:42:00.002-06:00

href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdP9meV5dr4&feature=related">

2010-07-05T18:26:00.003-06:00

Freedom is such an integral part of our daily lives that we sometimes take it for granted. I am so grateful that God saw fit so many years ago to inspire our founding fathers to compose the Constitution of the United States. We have the freedom to do so many things. Kelly was able to go out on a hiking adventure the other day with good friends--one of whom escaped from the communist rule years ago to come to America. I was born in the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave and what am I doing to ensure that the freedoms we enjoy are there for future generations? We went to vote at the primary elections a couple of weeks ago. Eventhough it was only one vote, it was such a good feeling to know that I made a difference. We are teaching our children to be good, independent and trustworthy as they grow up. May we all do our part to ensure the freedoms we enjoy today will be here for future generations.

America, the Beautiful

2010-07-05T18:04:00.003-06:00

Welcome to the family!

2010-04-07T13:18:00.002-06:00

We are so excited to welcome Karen Valenzuela to our family as the new Mrs. Abram Kelly Wanner! Karen is amazing. She is very caring and loving, very spiritual and very intelligent. We are so excited to have such a great new daughter-in-law. We also welcome our grandchildren-Andres and Mate. They are 15 and 13 years old and have great talents in drawing and art. They love to do things as a family and are excited to have Abram part of their family. We love them very much!

Abram and Karen were married yesterday April 6, 2010 in Chile. We are excited to have Karen and her boys; Andres and Mate become part of our family.

Wishes

2010-03-21T16:59:00.005-06:00

Have you ever stopped to think that we never wish for things that we already have or are or don't like about ourselves and our situation? "I wish I were fat." "I wish I were poor." "I wish I were in debt." "I wish I were out of shape." It's always "I wish I were skinny like she is." "I wish I were rich." "I wish I were out of debt." The problem with wishful thinking is that it's just that - "wishful thinking". I am realizing more and more that I need to stop wishing for things to be a certain way and do something about it. Like Spencer W. Kimball said, "JUST DO IT!" I also have decided that all the positive thinking in the world won't make things change until I put positive actions to use along with it. I won't be healthy unless I practice healthy habits. I won't be thin unless I exercise and eat right. I won't have my finances in order unless I follow sound money management principles. I won't become an author unless I write on a daily basis and learn from those who are already published authors and do what they suggest needs to be done.
Because it is human nature--maybe it's just the times we live in where everything is right here, right now, we have a tendency to want something for nothing or for very little effort.
Well I have decided that I am going to do better and be better today than I was yesterday. I am going to take life one day at a time and do the best I can today, this hour, this minute, this second. You'd be surprised at what you can accomplish in just 10 minutes. I love to sit and read. I could do it all day long, however other things in my life and home suffer if I just sit and read all day. I am going to focus on having a better balance of spiritual, physical, mental and emotional everyday.

2010-01-31T17:13:00.002-07:00

Children
In all of God's creations, children are most wonderful! My only complaint is that they're grown up and gone before you know it. It makes me stop and think if I have taught them all that they need to know to stay spiritually and mentally strong to face all of life's challenges and opportunities, if I have helped them to have the character building experiences they need to be successful in all areas of life. May God bless each of them on the adventures they are going to have in 2010!

2009-09-24T21:52:00.002-06:00

Here's a couple more pictures from January 28, 2009

Blessings

2009-09-24T21:42:00.001-06:00

I am truly thankful for all of my blessings. Five blessings that I am thankful for are my beautiful children. This picture was taken at Salt Lake International Airport on January 28, 2009. The day that Abram returned home from serving an LDS Mission to the Chile, Osorno Mission. Abram is 21, Joshua is 17, Lyssa is 16, Nathan is 14 and Anna is 12. All of them are doing great in school and are growing strong testimonies of the gospel. They enjoy football, soccer, volleyball, singing, shopping, fishing and camping. We sure have fun together and I am thankful that Abram took the opportunity to serve a full time mission. Both Abram and Josh are Eagle Scouts. Nate is currently a Life Scout. Lyssa and Anna are working on their Young Womanhood Recognition Awards. I have so many blessings to be grateful for. Kelly is another special blessing in my life. We will celebrate our 25th Anniversary this November!! What an amazing adventure our family has had so far!

The Butterfly Effect

2009-09-18T21:40:00.007-06:00

I recently read an excerpt from the book "The Butterfly Effect" by Andy Andrews.
In it he describes the theory of the Butterfly Effect discovered by Edward Lorenz. In 1963, he made a presentation to the New York Academy of Sciences and was literally laughed out of the room. His theory called the butterfly effect, stated that a butterfly could flap its wings and set air molecules in motion that in turn would move other air molecules - which would then move additional air molecules - eventually becoming able to influence weather patterns on the other side of the planet. For years this theory remained an interesting myth. In the mid 1990s, however, the butterfly effect was proved to be accurate and was given the status of "law" in the scientific community.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if everything that we do--every minute of every day-- made a positive difference in our lives and the lives of those around us as does the effect of the flapping of butterfly wings? I am reminded of a song sung by the children called "My Heavenly Father Loves Me".

Whenever I hear the song of a bird
Or look at the blue, blue sky,
Whenever I feel the rain on my face
Or the wind as it rushes by,
Whenever I touch a velvet rose
Or walk by our lilac tree,
I’m glad that I live in this beautiful world
Heav’nly Father created for me.

He gave me my eyes that I might see
The color of butterfly wings.
He gave me my ears that I might hear
The magical sound of things.
He gave me my life, my mind, my heart:
I thank him rev’rently
For all his creations, of which I’m a part.
Yes, I know Heav’nly Father loves me.

Words and music: Clara W. McMaster, 1904

May we all remember that every little thing we do effects someone or something for good or bad. We have the ability to make a difference in our own unique way. What difference will you make? How will you be an influence for good?

LOVE

2009-06-22T09:00:00.005-06:00

LOVE is an amazing thing. It cannot be purchased or sold. It can be cherished and shared with one or many. The more it is shared the more it touches the heart. Only when we give it away do we truly understand the full measure of it in our lives. Love is a feeling that penetrates to our very soul when nurtured.

Change

2009-04-29T22:38:00.003-06:00

Have you ever asked yourself why things have to change? I know that I have many times. I am one of those that really like things to stay the same. It gives me a sense of security and safety. The hard part of the scenario is that when you stay the same, when things around you stay the same there is no opportunity for you to be better, to break out of the status quo, to make a difference in the world around you. We tell ourselves that "I can't do that" or "No way, that is too hard."

When we think a little more like the Little Engine that Could--"I Think I Can, I Think I Can"....it will soon turn into "I Thought I Could! I Thought I Could!" When we look at the changes that come our way (either by our choosing or by the choices of those around us) with faith and determination to make something good come of them we empower ourselves to be better, to break out of the status quo and to make a difference in the world around us. By doing a little here and a little there we can climb to the top of that mountain, and on the way into the valley say with humility and newly gained confidence, "I Thought I Could! I Thought I Could!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLKV-qqxIck&feature=related

Consider the Lillies

2009-04-22T08:29:00.000-06:00

I heard a talk recently that really made me think how important each one of us are. There are times in each of our lives that we have a low self esteem and feel that we are inadequate or not worth much. The speaker lovingly quoted the following verses from the New Testament in Matthew 6: 25-34

25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
(New Testament Matthew 6:25 - 34)

God loves each of us and He will take care of us. If the fowls of the air and the lillies of the field have needs and are taken care of, God will take care of us also. He knows all of our needs as well (vs. 32). All He asks of us is to seek His kingdom first and His righteousness and "all these things shall be added unto you."