Why Me? Why Not Me?

Several months ago I was asked to be the Stake 4th year leader for Girls Camp which means a two-day backpacking hike of about 10+ miles on the Butterfly Trail, Mt. Lemmon. I thought it was rather humorous that they would feel inspired to ask a 60+ year old sister to do so. Of course I said, "oh, yes, I would love to; this will be fun!" I haven't done a lot of backpacking, but I do feel confident in my hiking abilities, you know, "just put one foot in front of the other and keep moving," and that will get you anywhere! Up the trail, down the road, through a trial.

Today, Friday, a few of us, Bishop MaGee (priesthood leader and hiker extraordinaire), Caryn (Stake Camp Director), Julie and Jana (Stake YW Presidency), Wendy and Leslie (3rd year leaders who stayed with us just as far as the 3rd year hike went), and me hiked this trail, only we didn't do the loop of 10+ miles that I will do with the girls, we hiked about 6 miles from one trailhead to another. I'm tired. It is a tough trail, a lot of going up, up, up, and a little going down, down, down. I wasn't carrying a 35 pound pack today, only a 3 pound day pack. We saw breathtaking views of Tucson, as well as the other side of the mountain looking towards San Manuel. There are still visible results of the 2002 fire, but Mother Nature is doing her job and has filled the forest with green ferns, flowering trees, wild strawberry plants, and much more. It was peaceful and serene.

Even with all its beauty I am concerned. I have stewardship for nearly 30 fifteen year old girls. Physically, am I capable of doing this? These young women will need my love, my care. How can I possibly strengthen these youth when I will be concentrating on putting my own one foot in front of the other with a 30 pound pack on my back? Deep breath, Linda. I have faced trails and I have faced trials before (it's more than coincidence these two words are similar in spelling). I can do this, but not alone, daily I will need spiritual help, as in all the trails or trials I have met.

The Happy Hikers

Can you see the wild turkey? We saw three!

We had lunch at this little spring.

Indian paintbrush is my favorite mountain flower, and can you see the cactus growing out of a rock!

Caryn is standing behind a jet engine that fell from an aircraft flying overhead many years ago.

Rick is standing among a field of ferns.

Could this be my "sacred grove?"

Halfway through the hike and still alive!

The Next Piece of the Puzzle

The wood floors were put in this week after spending hours and hours last week (and a boat load of cement dust all over everything) taking out the tile. I liked my tile floors, but since we knocked down some walls which left a few bare spots we had to make a change because that kind of tile isn't made anymore! So, all we have left to do on the remodel is the back splash, stove hood, baseboard, and finish the lighting. Oh, and a little paint. I must admit I do love cooking in my kitchen! Gee, and it's only been 10 months since the tornado ripped our roof off!

Angels and Demons

Because of all the hype about the movie Angels and Demons I thought I had better read the book before I went to see the movie. I read The DaVinci Code by the same author and saw the movie, but didn't have much of an interest in reading the pre-quel, too many other books to read. It was good--very intriguing, clean (very little swearing), full of action, and a suprise ending. Now I'm ready to see the movie.

What I Did With the Church Magazines

My Project

I really appreciated all the suggestions to my perplexing question--"should I keep the church magazines or should I recycle them?" As I was contemplating what to do, I remembered all the yummy recipes in The Friend, the thought provoking Mormon Ads in The New Era along with great original music. And of course I wanted to keep the conference issues of the Ensign. So I spent many hours going through each magazine cutting out the Kitchen Kraft pages, along with any music I could find in the children's magazine and The New Era, and the Mormon Ads. I put those in sheet protectors, and I now have three notebooks full of wonderful stuff. Plus I have 39 Ensign magazines with talks by prophets, seers, and revelators! Perhaps I should take this project one step further and give the notebooks away as gifts. Maybe someday...

HELP!!!

A Carload of Ensign, New Era, and The Friend Magazines

I was taking my 20+ years worth of church magazines to the DI pod when I started feeling guilty for doing so. WHAT DO YOU DO WITH YOUR OLD CHURCH MAGAZINES?

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

Nick and Linda Goodman Family
1987

Mother's Day for some reason has never been one of my favorite days. I'm sure it is because of my expectations--you know, it's all about me! I could spend a lot of time sharing my thoughts about motherhood, being a woman, etc., etc., but I won't. I'll save that for another day. I just want to wish ALL of you a very good day, and tell you how much I admire you for what you do in your lives. I love reading each and every post you write. I learn from you; I'm a better person because of you!

Look What I Ran Into Today!

Isn't this a gorgeous desert creature? I didn't take this picture, but I did get some pictures with my phone of the one I saw on the Wild Mustang trail in the Tortolitas about halfway through my hike today. I came upon a black and pink gila monstor sunning himself on a big boulder. It is always such a gift to see something unusual out on the trail. Another unusual thing I saw on the trail today was not one other soul the whole 12 mile loop I was hiking. The reason for such a long hike--I'm trying to get in shape for the girl's camp 4th year backpacking hike I'm doing in June! More details on that later.


Last night I watched a favorite, feel good family movie, " Where the Red Fern Grows." One of the best parts is where a young boy and his two faithful hunting hounds have treed their first raccoon. The only problem is the tree is huge. The situation is the master has to chop the tree down, then the hounds attack the raccoon and they have raccoon soup for supper. The boy soon begins to realize it’s going to be a very big job. After awhile he is resting against the tree when his family finds him and tells him it’s time to go home. I think he has actually been there all night. He says he can’t go home because he had promised his dogs if they treed a raccoon he would do the rest. His ma insists he go home. He says he can’t. So his pa brings an ax from the wagon. Billy continues to chop at the tree for many more hours. He finally puts the ax down, looks up into the heavens and says, “I’ve done my part, can’t you help me a little and do the rest?” With help from a breeze that just happens to begin blowing, it is enough to cause the tree to come crashing down along with the unsuspecting raccoon. I love this part. Because I am learning that I am expected to sweat and toil first at whatever I am trying to accomplish whether it be to overcome a bad habit, repair a broken relationship, carry a heavy burden or anything else before the Lord will extend his hand to strengthen me. Although he may want to, some of my prayers cannot be answered how or when I want them to be even if they are desired good. My preparation and growth is the given good. But I can be strengthened and my burdens will be made light.

Just Another Day in Paradise!

Shaila and I ran a 5K today at Lincoln Park which is clear on the Southeast side of town. But it was worth the $10 fee and the time to get there just because it's fun to do this with my daughter. While a teenager, Shaila and I weren't quite on the "same page" but since we have both grown-up, we are really good friends. I love it!

The picture below was taken at the Catalina Trail Race a couple of weeks ago. We were freezing! And the next picture is the Catalinas with snow on the top, taken from Catalina State Park the day of the race.

I would like to tell you a little bit about Xela. Yes, this is actually how to spell her name . It is the name of the ancient Mayan capital in Guatemala, Xela-ju, which is where Nick went on his mission and decided then and there he wanted his first daughter to be named Xela. We anglicized it so people would be able to pronounce it, Shaila. She is the middle child with two brothers on each end. Thus she learned some rough and tumble ways. Xela has the wanderlust in her blood, loves traveling to exotic, out of the way places. I would take her with me anywhere as a traveling companion because I know I would be safe. She has street smarts in the travel world. She is now a grad student at ASU in the field of Social Work, and along with that, she is out to "rid the world of injustice" as Fern's father said to his daughter in "Charlotte's Web." I think Xela is an amazing woman and an even greater daughter.

The Thrill of Doing Hard Things!

Today was the Boston Marathon! A 26.2 mile run through Boston, MA. My young friend Elizabeth Fisher Dansie and her husband qualified and participated in this very competitive run. I signed up for text alerts on my cell phone, to keep me posted on how she was doing. I swear I got a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes when I got the first text. She was doing so well, she had trained long and hard for this, and I was thrilled for her. The last text I received said she had finished in less than 4 hours. Way to go Elizabeth! I know you have a ton of people so proud of you. (And please forgive me for copying your picture from your blog!)

I want to talk about doing hard things. I have observed in life that when I am able to do something hard or challenging physically, such as fasting, sticking to a healthy food plan, distance running, climbing up the side of a mountain, or anything that gets me out of a comfort zone, I am able to have more strength to endure emotional challenges such as relationships, trying to break a bad habit, or difficult trials that I have no control over. For me there is a correlation between physical discipline and spiritual happiness. Something about the natural man being an enemy to God, I guess!

A Good Omen? A Sign? Or God's Love!

The red cardinal is my favorite bird of the southwest. Probably because of the vibrant color in contrast to the browns and greens of the desert. On two of my hikes this week, in two different locations, I saw both the male and female cardinal. I'm always thrilled when I catch a glimpse of this spectacular creation, but to see them twice in two different places, that's just pure awesomeness! They say third times a charm and today was the third time in one week. When I drove into our driveway after running in the Catalina Trail Race,the most bright and beautiful cardinal imaginable was perched in the mesquite tree closest to my parking space. He was singing his song of love and joy. I'd like to think it was a gift to me. The best usually do come in small ways.

I finished my 13th competitive race today in as many months; this was a trail race at Catalina State Park. Again, when it was time to begin running with the other 300+ competitors I got choked up with gratitude for my health and the emotional benefits of running. The mountains were particularly beautiful today because of the storm that brought rain and snow!

I read an amazing teaching talk this week by Michael Wilcox. I believe it will change my life, or at least my way of thinking about prayer and the answers we receive or believe we don't receive. You can listen to the talk at http://www.byub.org/talks/talk.aspx?id=1553 or if you want I can email you a written copy.

HAPPY EASTER to everybody! I hope it will be a day filled with good feelings and happiness.

The Lessons I Learned

The desert in the front of our home is so beautiful this time of year so I thought I would share it with you. I wanted to post a picture of the Conference Center, or the First Presidency, or maybe even a picture of the Savior, but when I googled for one of those, I was afraid I might be infringing on a copyright, and I was a little shocked at the choices I had before me. So 1st lesson learned from General Conference: beware of the internet. Although I knew that, today just re-emphasized this "light" saving truth.

I prayed a lot before this weekend that I might hear those things in conference I needed to hear to help me find answers in the special circumstances of my life. I tried to be attentive, keep my eyes and ears open, and take notes. Wow! Nearly every talk had a needed truth for me.

I don't want to make this too lengthy, but I feel these are important truths I would like to share and confirm in my heart to heed the spoken word. 2nd lesson: Life is not a sprint, but it is a race of endurance. 3rd lesson: Get out of bad debt; it is an addiction. 4th lesson: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. Even though Paul prayed thrice to have the thorn removed from his side, the Lord said because of that thorn, Paul had come to know his Lord. 5th lesson: The Lord suits the relief to the person in need; He shapes the back to fit the burden placed upon it. 6th lesson: If we desire more faith we must be more obedient. 7th lesson: Be a consistent temple attender (at least three talks focused on this). 8th lesson: It is time to pray for charity, love, and forgiveness. 9th lesson: "Be fixed in your purpose; Satan will try you ... your pathway may be thorny, but Jesus is nigh you; His arm is sufficient, though demons oppose." 10th lesson: When I feel lonely or alone, I must think of the lonely walk Jesus took his last hours of mortality. In Elder Holland's personal opinion: for Jesus to truly understand our pain and suffering, the Father withdrew His spirit for a time as revealed by Jesus when he said, "Father, why hast thou forsaken me?" Elder Holland's talk pierced my heart and my soul.

Thanks for letting me share! There were more lessons, but to sum it up, I will have a cheerful heart, be more charitable, and full of faith this coming week.

The Cycle of Life

*"To love another person is to see the face of God." Although I didn't see the face of God this week, I did feel His sweet love. About mid-week I learned of the passing of a humble sister in our Ward. It was my privilege and opportunity to help clean and straighten her home in preparation for her non-member family to come and claim her belongings. Today I witnessed two newborn babes being blessed by their worthy fathers who have the authority to act in God's name. This is the cycle of life, as we in mortality know it, where one bids good-bye to their earthly home and others eagerly say hello to life on earth. I sat with one of my dear young friends, Angie, and her little one in Sacrament meeting. One of the babies being blessed is the son of another young friend, Mariah. My blessings are so great to have had association with these young women for many years. Now they are mothers, another cycle of life. This morning my son, Anders, asked me to help him prepare the Sunday School lesson he was teaching in the University Ward Gospel Essentials class. Two years ago I could not have imagined this happening. Is this yet another cycle of life, where once we were lost, and then found?

It is a true principle that adversity brings the blessings of heaven, and sometimes we just have to press forward regardless of what is going on around us. Our broken heart can be mended, we can be whole once again. Not only is this a cycle of life, but a recycling of each soul who is great in the sight of God.

(*This is a quote from Victor Hugo's epic novel, Les Miserables.)

Old, but New News!

Jorgen is engaged to Amy Holker! They have been engaged since Valentine's Day, and I do apologize for not announcing it sooner. Amy is from Orem, Utah, a part-time student at BYU, and full-time BYU employee. The wedding is July 10 in the Mt. Timpanogas Temple. This picture was taken last summer in Park City when I first met Amy. She won this mother's affection when she showed more concern for others' needs than for her own! She didn't hesitate to pitch in and help, and was so good to my mother-in-law. I love you Amy! Welcome to the Goodman family. I love you, too, Jorgen!

This is a picture of baby Soren Genson Goodman who was born on March 2. He joins his family, Daddy Gens, Mommy Nicci, and brothers Dailan and Magnus who have been living with us since last November. How fun for me to have those grandchildren in our home, and so special to have a newborn fresh from heaven spend a little time here! They have since moved to their new home in El Paso for orthopedic residency. I love you Soren, and welcome to the Goodman family!

Kitchen Update

Here are the latest pictures of our kitchen remodel:

Where does all this stuff go? Gross!

Dining Room

New window seat in the bay window

New cast iron undermount sink and granite counter tops

Stainless steel appliances, love the gas stove

Cabinets with glass front, appliance garage being put in this week.

We still have to finish the lighting, the stove hood, backsplash, garden window, and wood flooring, but it is at least a working kitchen now, and I will admit I LOVE it. The whole process did take a toll on everyone's sanity though. If you were to ask me if you should remodel any room in your home I would say only if you move somewhere else until it's done!

Calling All Moms; Is This You?

Grandma and Her Five Grandsons!

Jake, Grandma, Soren, Magnus, Dailan, and Sam

This has been a week full of blessings and tender mercies. Let me share: 1. All weekend during the Ragnar Race I worried that my daughter-in-law would go into labor and I wouldn't be home to help with the two boys. Little Soren waited until Monday morning to make his appearance here in mortality. I was home and I was rested enough to do my grandma duties.

2. On Sunday morning at the beginning of choir practice the director, Emma Coltrin, had us sing "You'll Never Walk Alone." Since I was still thinking about the race and running at night, that day I was particularly struck by the words, "and don't be afraid of the dark." As usual I have a bunch of stuff going on in my life where I have felt a great need to call upon the Lord for help. The song goes on to say, "walk on with hope in your heart, and you'll never walk alone." Singing that song, that morning was truly a gift from my Father in heaven. Thank you.

3. I received a most thoughtful note from a friend this week that sent my spirits soaring. Thank you Patty.

4. Jorgen called to share some thoughts he had learned at his Stake Conference. He said he cannot understand how people can function without having the knowledge and truths of the gospel in their lives. He is building a firm foundation of truth.

5. My oldest brother called Saturday morning and bore his testimony of the atonement and divinity of Jesus Christ. Again words of encouragement and love filled my soul with gladness.

6. Last, but not least, I was able to spend time with my five grandsons this weekend. How fun is that, five little boys?! Already they can make the coolest boy noises that I have always envied: cars, trucks, weapons, superhero sounds, you name it, they can imitate the noise.

I give thanks for these tender mercies.

"Running With the Big Dogs"

The Ragnar Relay Race is over and I feel good!

Jay, Nick Jr, Me, Zoe, Klas, and Shaila

Car #2

These runners were my teammates and carmates for 30+ hours, my friends for a lifetime! What a crazy race the Ragnar Relay is. There were runners dressed like bananas, pirates, winos, some in drag, runners in speedos, bikinis, you name it, the race had it. There was even one runner on the wino team who gave us a full moon, and that's not easy to do running down hill! I'm tellin' ya, it was crazy and fun.

We left for Prescott at 8 a.m. on Friday morning, and finished the last leg of the race in Mesa at 5:30 on Saturday afternoon. The first runner from car #1 began the race at 12 noon in Prescott. Five runners, 30 miles, and a few hours later, car #2 began. I kept looking at my watch and the sun to calculate when I would be running, and dreading the thought that it might be in the dark. I was runner #10 and sure enough it was timed just right so I had to run my first 7 miles after sunset. This was not going to be in my comfort zone. I mean what if there are bears out there? I put on a head lamp and headed down the dark and lonely dirt road. The moon was barely a sliver, but Venus was shining bright along side, as bright as a pinprick that is! Ok, it wasn't all that bad since Nick Jr rode by my side on his bike which had a light. But, whenever a car passed by clouds of dust would billow up and pierce my nose and my lungs. I finally took my glasses off because I could see better without them.

Let me pause here to share a "life lesson" I learned on that run. I was in the dark, and couldn't see the end because of the black sky, all I had was the little light which shone just a few feet in front of me. If I looked beyond the mark all I could see was darkness, but if I kept my eyes on the "light" I was able to press forward. You can probably figure out the lesson.

At about 10:00 p.m. car #1 began the second leg which meant we had a few hours for six stinky runners to rest and sleep inside of the suv. After two hours of interrupted sleep, the racers in our car were on board to begin our turn. We were still in the middle of the night! Again I began calculating when I would have to run my 6.2 mile portion. Sure enough I was going to begin while it was still dark, only this time we could see the lights of Phoenix, and I knew I would be running towards the rising sun. As I was running we moved into open territory with a grand view of the vast desert and big sky. I think my turn was the most beautiful time of the race, watching the sun rise on a brand new day, a time to begin again. As lovely as that sounds I will admit the run was hard and it seemed like those 6.2 miles were never going to end, but they did and I didn't die.

Time to rest again until I ran for the third and final time. On Nick Jr's first leg he was nearly crippled by a severe reaction to an antibiotic he had been taking. The drugs attacked his muscles and tendons in his lower legs and could have ruptured his tendon. He knew he didn't dare run his other two legs so two of our teammates not only ran their legs, but each ran one of his as well. They gave it for the team in a heroic fashion.

So now it's my turn to run again. It was 85 degrees, 4:00 in the afternoon, only 3.1 miles to go, and I was ready to hit the pavement with such energy and force that I was going to blow the competition away. Well, this time only two people passed me, and I was so close to the old guy that went around me last I could almost fling my elasticized arm and grab him. Ehh, who cares, I finished! I'm a Ragnar Relay finisher!

Truth be told, we really didn't do too badly. Out of 214 teams we came in 74th; we were 26th out of 94 teams in our division. The fastest time was 20 hours and 29 minutes; the slowest 36 hours and 27 minutes. Our time was 29 hours and 28 minutes. I am proud of our effort, and so proud to be included with all those young, fit athletes. What could they do? My son was the team leader!

P.S. Shaila did absolutely awesome, running a 7 minute mile, and playing a rugby game inbetween her 2nd and 3rd race!

CAN I DO IT???

A few months ago I received a flyer in the mail inviting me to participate in the Ragnar Relay which is a 200 mile, 24 hour, 12 man and woman relay team race. We begin in Prescott and run to Mesa. Don't get too excited for me, I was only invited because I had signed up with several running websites for upcoming races.

I am leg #10 out of the 12 runners which means I will run 7 miles the first leg, 6.2 miles the second leg, and 3 miles the third time I run. That is a grand total of 16.2 miles over a 24 hour time period. Yeah, I know, it's a lot.


When I first read the information, I swear I had chills running up and down my spine. I knew
I was meant to run in this race. Well, the chills are gone, and all I feel like doing now is THROWING UP!! I have been training, sort of, at least I have been running most days for a couple of weeks. Ok, maybe that's not good enough. I do know the 5 - 7 miles runs have been hard. I'm thinking the first leg will be ok (mostly downhill), the second will be the hardest, and the third kind of easy because it's only three miles. My son Nick is the team leader (the team is his business, Durapulse Performance Company), and Shaila is on the team as well. No pressure or anything. My attitude at this point is to just do my best, and if I have to walk, then I'll walk. I still feel like throwing up!

Looking at Things a Little Differently

My Four Grandsons

As Nick and I walked around the corner to the Tortolita Middle School soccer field we saw the usual parent crowd gathered to watch their young sons and daughters play soccer. What we heard was also the normal cheering of parents directed toward their little children running up and down the field. There were two games being played, one by 6-7 year olds and the other 4-5 year olds. We were there to watch our 4 year old grandson play on the Blue Dolphins team.

Today something was different for me. I have watched a lot of soccer, football, basketball, and baseball games, as well as field and track events where my children have been the participants and fierce competitors. I have cheered them on to victory and wept with them when the outcome was not victorious. Today, I was acutely aware and almost sad listening to parents yelling at their young son or daughter to "get the ball," "the other way, the other way," "pay attention," etc., etc. which are all words I said a million times to my own children. Today I watched and listened with grandma eyes and ears. I kept thinking to myself that they are just little children. Is it good for a child to be involved in competitive sports at a young age? My answer is yes and perhaps no. Yes, because of the physical coordination it teaches, social interaction, and team unity. Perhaps no, because of the tendency towards aggression. I could almost see bullies in the making today.

Please don't feel I am against team sports or competition, but after today when I watch my little grandchildren play sports I will be encouraging them to just have fun! Competition may breed success, but it can also breed selfishness.

The Trail Races are Over!!!

Today was my last trail race in the "Blue Pants" Trail Race series. (Blue Pants is the name of the local racing company.) I ran 2.5 miles up the wash, hiked 3 miles up, up, up, then across, then down, and ran 1.5 miles to the end. And if you add it all together, that makes seven miles! Again I got choked up as I and the 18 other runners took off down the beaten path. It was a good run/hike. I paid attention to the trail, I didn't fall, and I made it to the end. Dead last, but came across the finish line running. I looked around for the cheering crowd, but found not one soul except for the race director. I figured everyone was ahead of me, but to have already left the parking lot? Oh well, I did what I came for and I got a really cool medal. It's the one that looks like a pair of blue pants!

My Racing Medals

Out of the eleven races I've competed in I have collected seven medals. It is so fun to have those hanging in my office right along with the race numbers and statistics of the races. You're right, I probably am bragging, but not in a bad way! And besides I am kept humble by a dragon that breathes down my neck, an addiction to food. Well, we all must eat, but how much easier it would be if we didn't have to. I suppose that is the purpose of life, learning how to master self. But that is a subject for another post. As for right now, I will enjoy the achievement of today, while I eat my butter pecan ice cream and chocolate chip cookies!

Good Book, Good Movie, Good Gracious!

The Good Book

I read this remarkable book last week, called "Burying Our Swords" by Kevin Hinckley. It is a fictional story about a family in crisis, the teenage son is struggling with right choices. He has moved out of the home in defiance of his parents. The father and mother have tried to do the right thing with their son to help him learn what he needs to learn only to be reminded that perhaps they need "to bury their swords and no longer fight with God or their brethren," as found in Alma 23:7, the story of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies. This book hit close to home in more ways than one. I recognized from this story that I need to bury, not just lay down, the swords of my rebellion and stop fighting! An amazing thing happened after I finished the book--I no longer felt anger or frustration towards my "brethren." The rest of the title of the book is "How Christ Can Remove Rebellion From Our Hearts." There is a connection, I know there is!

The Good Movie

Nick and I went to "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" last night. In my opinion it was a great movie in many ways. I thought the acting was really good, the music was beautiful, the costumes true to the time periods as well as the scenery, the study of each character was thought provoking, and the story was very intriguing. It kept my interest the whole almost three hour long movie. And lastly there were some great words of wisdom from Benjamin Button. "We don't have to stay the way we are, we can stop what we're doing and start over when we want." (or something like that) Sounds a little like repentance, and thank goodness for that!

Good Gracious!!

Just an added phrase to express gratitude for the journey of life I have taken, get to take every day, and will continue to take until I die. Sometimes I'm not too good at feeling grateful until I've crossed over that bumpy road, but always I can look back and remember the gorgeous vistas of growth and learning along the way.