285. AN ANNIVERSARY! ONE YEAR AGO I STARTED THIS BLOG!

ONE YEAR AGO TODAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013, I DECIDED TO START A BLOG.  MY IDEA WAS TO HOPEFULLY POST STORIES MY POSTERITY WOULD WANT TO READ THROUGHOUT THE YEARS, AND ALSO PUT DOWN SOME OF MY PERSONAL THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS.  I ALSO HOPED IT WOULD BE SOMEWHAT OF A MISSIONARY TOOL, AND HOPEFULLY THAT HAS HAPPENED, AS I LOVE TO SEE THE MANY COUNTRIES WHERE SOMEONE HAS READ THIS BLOG.  SOME OF THOSE COUNTRIES ARE: United States, Canada, Sweden, France, Germany, India, Russia, Poland, Turkey, Belarus, Ukraine, Australia, Indonesia, Brazil, Netherlands, and United Kingdom.  (I hope I haven't missed yours).  I hope you use the "translate" button, and that it works! 

The "Popular Posts" I have listed today are the all-time favorites.

TODAY I WILL PUT IN MY BLOG THE LIST OF THE ENTRIES FROM # 101 TO # 200.  I HAVEN'T GOT THE LIST UP TO # 285, WHICH THIS IS, AND THAT WILL COME AFTER I GET TO # 300.  I PLAN TO LIST THE TOPICS I HAVE WRITTEN EACH TIME I COME TO ANOTHER 100.  THE FIRST 100 TITLES CAN BE FOUND ON : # 100, POSTED ON FEBRUARY 18, 2013.  
                          The above photo was taken our first Christmas, 1955

I HAVEN'T WRITTEN EVERY DAY, BUT HAVE MISSED 80 DAYS IN THE LAST YEAR.  SOMETIMES IT WAS BUSY, AND OFTEN IT WAS POOR HEALTH.  BUT MY HEALTH IS ALMOST BACK TO NORMAL, AND I AM SO THANKFUL FOR THAT!  

A LOT HAS HAPPENED IN OUR FAMILY DURING THE LAST YEAR.  WE HAVE HAD ONE GRANDSON LEAVE FOR HIS MISSION IN INDONESIA, AND A GRANDDAUGHTER LEAVE FOR HER MISSION IN CALIFORNIA.  ALSO, WE HAVE HAD A DAUGHTER (WHO HAD BEEN DIVORCED) FIND A WONDERFUL COMPANION, TO WHOM SHE WILL BE MARRIED SOON.  MANY CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN HAVE REACHED NEW GOALS, AND ACCOMPLISHED SO MUCH!  WE LOVE YOU ALL!  

Wayne turned 84, and left the hospital on his 84th birthday, Sept. 18, 2014.  I turned 80 on October 6, 2014.  I had a rotator cuff operation August 25, 2014, which has turned out great, and I have almost all the use of my arm back now!

I'VE DECIDED TO INCLUDE A FEW PICTURES WHICH WE TOOK ON OUR MISSION EXACTLY 20 YEARS AGO -- IN SWEDEN!  WE WERE THERE FROM MAY 1994, TO SEPTEMBER 1995.  THE BLOG LIST FOLLOWS THEM!


This was a wonderful family from Iran, Kamal, Hamilla, Mina and Mona.  They served us a Persian dinner.  They became Christians after we left.  We don't know if they will ever join our Church, but they came to the Christmas party we had in Kalmar, Sweden.  They played a wonderful video in which they had taken lots of our LDS pictures of Gospel scenes, and put beautiful Persian music behind it.   We kept in touch for a few years.  Wonderful people!  I'd like to see them now, 20 years later!


This was taken at a birthday party for Zarco (the first one on the right), for his birthday.  He was a refugee from Croatia.  His mother next to him didn't speak any Swedish, and Zarco and his wife, (front right) didn't speak much Swedish, but we had fun anyway!


This was Inge Britt Soderstrom, whom we met in northern Sweden.  She was a member, so faithful, and cheerful.  Her problems were caused from having rickets as a child.  She was truly a joy to get to know!


This was when we visited the grave of Wayne's father Roy's father, Johan Eckman.  On the same headstone are names of Emil Dahlin and his wife Tese' -- (pronounced Tacy) -- (Our daughter Tacy is named after her).  She was very good to Wayne and Blaine when they were there on their first mission in 1950-1953.  Tese' was Wayne's father Roy's sister.  You can read more of his story in blog # 86 on February 4, 2014.  He was a keyharp player, quite a musician, etc.  You'd like to read it.

I truly hope more of you will make comments.  I'd love to read them.  If you go to "No Comments" at the bottom of the blog, you can click on it, and write a comment.  Also you can e mail me at:  paralee.eckman@gmail.com.  

It would really make me happy to hear from any of you readers, and hear your thoughts!

100. 100 titles to date, special thoughts, check your potential life span 2/18/14
101.  More fun family photos -- Miscellaneous glimpses of the past!  2/19/14
102. Great article:  Are Wayward Children Strategically Placed in Families?
103. My mother's Allen Ancestors, pioneers in Kirtland, Nauvoo, and Utah
104.Sarah Adeline Butler Allen Tuttle!, gg grandmother, 2nd wife, pioneer midwife, stalwart!
105.Priorities in life --Too busy sawing to sharpen the saw? + Stretching Exercises
106. Wayne's and Blaine's mother, Gladys Tregenna Dayton Eckman
107. Petite 4 ft. 10 in. mother, Gladys Eckman, mother of 9! 
108.  The Charles Schultz Philosophy -- (Peanuts!) You are important in many people's lives!! 

           March  2014
109.  Twin pictures!  Unique! Blaine D and Wayne D Eckman, through the years! 3/1/14
110. Lovely and peaceful thoughts
111. Hard things require effort -- and we also receive many blessings for doing them!
112. My grandfather I never knew, swam the Colorado river, quiet, great man, died young.
113.  Levinah Emmaline Wilson, my mother Ruth's mother.  Widow for 32 years.
114.  Saviors on Mt. Zion, Missionary Work, Redeeming the Dead, and Perfecting the Saints! 
115. Tender mercies, Adversity, Parent's Teachings and Example, -- good reminders.
116.  Wayne's 2nd great grandparents, William and Mary Chamberlain, lighthouse keeper, at Cape of Good Hope and Port Elizabeth, Africa
117.  Anne Chamberlain, (born Cape of Good Hope) and Hiram Miles Dayton, Cedar Fort, and Ophir, Utah, early Pioneers
118.  Mini-stories with family pictures, remembering special occasions
120.  Pal and Wayne, a brief history about our lives to ages 79 and 83
121.  Have you had your own Personal Gethsemane?  I have had -- twice! 

             April 2014
122.  Missionary calls! The latest, INDONESIA~ and brief history of family missions –
123.  Preparing Spiritually for General Conference -- Great ideas!  I'm going to do it this time!
124.  Very short entry, with thoughts about Conference, Temple work and our responsibilities
125. The 184th General Conference, Today is the Anniversary of when the "King Follett Discourse" was given!
125. The 184th General Conference, Today is the Anniversary of when the "King Follett Discourse" was given!
127.  T1he rest of the story -- Hiram and Permelia Bundy, finally arrive in Utah.
128. Autobiography of my great grandfather Samuel Miles Jr., and his father Samuel Miles Sr.  Early Church history!
129. EXTRA, EXTRA!  Ruth's poems has reached 100 page views!
130. Samuel Miles, in Nauvoo, and in the Mormon Battalion, and Sutter's Fort when Gold was discovered.
131. Short History of Samuel Miles, by his grand daughter Sarah Miles Wallace
132. Beautiful article from Meridian Magazine about "Easter Reflections"
133.  Samuel Miles returns from Mormon Battalion, gets married, starts his family and fills a mission to California
134.  Samuel Miles called to Dixie in 1862, lives rest of his life here~
135. From LDS Living, a great article on having "childlike traits", by Brad Wilcox
136.  Excellent! Brian Mickelson's post called: "He Knows More Than Your name"  
137.  My mother Ruth Allen Miles (who wrote the poems) tells her own story -- full of her wisdom!
138. Ruth's beautiful description of her childhood on the farm, and family life in near poverty.
139.  The 1918 Flu Epidemic, and Ruth's memories of school, and "singing waitress" at Bryce Canyon.
140.  Ruth's mother Levinah's accidents, (tear jerking) and Ruth's graduation from Dixie.

      May 2014
141. Ruth Allen's school teaching in Enterprise and Santa Clara before her marriage, St. George after. (Some one-room schools, up to 8 grades)
142.  Sweet story of Ruth and Pratt's courtship, and early marriage days during the depression.
143.  Continuing Ruth Allen Miles' autobiography -- trials and lovely moments.
144. Continuing Ruth's life story, girls growing up, Miles Sisters Trio 
145.  Are you the family genealogist?  You will love this article from MMM (Middle-Aged Mormon Man) blog!
146. Ruth's thoughts about life, Priesthood blessings, Premonitions, honors given to her.
147. Memories of Ruth, written by Mavis, Vina, and Pal on her 80th birthday, 26 years ago today! 5/10/14
148.  Link to a video of the Miles Sisters Trio singing -- in 2012.  (We've seen better days!)
149. Helping those with financial needs, and Pornography vs. littering? LDS Living articles
150.  Not an easy road to travel -- Do we choose the "beggarly things of the world?"
151.  CONGRATULATIONS, GRADUATES !  Gaining wisdom, both sacred and secular knowledge.
152. Hannah Marinda Colborn Miles, Pal's great grandmother, pioneer from Nauvoo to St. George
153. My Father Orson Pratt Miles, in World War I, and experiences that left him with life-long "shell shock".
154.  Every family has skeletons in their closets!  Here is one of ours -- 450 years ago! A Pirate!
155.  Anthony Jansen Van Sallee, son of the Pirate King, and a character himself!5/29/14

          June 2014
156.  So, Am I Feeling the Spirit or Not?  wonderful blog by Brian Mickelson May 28, 2014
157.  Grateful for better health, and Priesthood Blessings! 6/4/14
158.  New England History, Witchcraft, and 2 of my gg grandmothers executed! 6/6/14
159.  Miles Family Origins (Pal's maiden name) Puritans from England, in 1630s. 6/7/14
160. Interesting Church History fact:  36 years ago today, Priesthood was granted to all worthy males.  6/8/14
161.  Allen's in England, early Christian converts, Roger Alling, immigrant ancestor, down to Philo Allen convert in 1835. 6/9/14
162. Agency and Answers, Elder Richard G. Scott, recognizing answers to Prayers. 6/10/14
163. My great-grandparents, Haden Wells Church and Sarah Ann Arterberry, many missions, and pioneers to St. George.
164.. My great-grandparents Haden Wells Church, and Sarah Ann Arterbury, pioneers in Nauvoo, Salt Lake City, and St. George 6/13/14
165.  Final chapter of  Haden Wells Church and Sarah Ann Arterbury Church, pioneer midwife, in St. George. 6/14/14
166. Reposting #33 and # 34, about my Dad Orson Pratt Miles's life -- in honor of Father's Day!
167.  New post by Brian Mickelson which is so timely!  It is truly worth reading the whole thing!
168. Securing our Children, very comforting words by Pres. Lorenzo Snow.
169. Sir John Harrington, Wayne's ancestor, invented the first flush toilet, "The John", 1500's.
170. Moses Wheeler, ancestor, first white man in New England to live 100 years. 6/21/14
171.  Article from LDS Living, telling about the Church going into East Germany 25 years ago.  Great for Sunday! Modern miracle, and how many more to come as the work hastens? 6/22/14
172.  Church Responds to Concerns over Member Questions! 6/23/14
173.  Resources for Answers and Peace concerning Women and the Priesthood.  6/24/14
174.  Our U.S. Constitution and the voice of the people are being stepped and spat upon, almost daily!  6/26/14
175. Anniversary of the Martyrdom of the Prophet, and other history and Testimony making happenings. 6/27/14
176. EXTRA ! -- DETAILED ACCOUNT OF EVENTS IN CARTHAGE LEADING UP TO THE MARTYRDOM!

         July 2014
177.  Young boys (and girls) need a HAPPY MOTHER!  My Grandma Pal was one of those!
178.  LDS missionary who died in Madagascar continues giving -- a touching article! 7/2/14
179.  THE LATEST IN HASTENING THE WORK!  MISSIONARIES USING DIGITAL DEVICES! 7/3/14
180.  July 4th, a special anniversary for us, besides celebrating our INDEPENDENCE! ! 
181. Thoughts on bearing your testimony -- Tomorrow is July 6th, Fast and Testimony meeting.
182. Good ideas on giving Sacrament Talks, some do's and don'ts. 7 /6/14
183. The Priesthood Controversy: Missing the Point, today in Meridian Magazine.  GREAT ARTICLE!  7/7/14
184.  July 8th, a special day.  Our oldest son was born 58 years ago today, and my "Grandma Pal" was born 99 years before that same day!
185.  Inspirational Thoughts from various places.  7/10/14
187.  PARENTS !  Some ideas about SLEEPOVERS for your children, and some warnings ! !
188.  My great-grandmother Sarah Ann Arterbury Church, pioneer midwife in St. George! 7/12
189.  A very gifted singer, who has had 2 double lung transplants. You must hear her sing! 7/16
190.  Apostles at Their Weddings, Photo Gallery -- Fun photos!  7/17/14
191.  Be a part of the World Wide Family Search Indexing project on this Sunday, July 20, and Monday 21st!
192.  Pres. Monson and all the apostles, photos when they were called, and now! 7/19/14
193.  Two wonderful blogs by Seth Adam Smith, with a video you can access, about the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Liberty Jail. 7/20/14
194.  "I'm grateful for Paper Cuts"!  Inspirational article.  Helps us be grateful for life! 7/21/14
195. Picking Flowers in the Minefields of Mortality, from Meridian Magazine -- very good!
196.  Three Children's Pioneer Stories on the Trail to Zion--Today from Meridian Magazine: 
197. Find your pioneer heritage!  Wayne's ancestors, and children who came alone on a ship.7/24
198.  We can all help provide "Soft Landings" for others with problems, especially at Church!
199.  My noble great grandmother, Martha Ann Riste, pioneer from England. 7/26/14

200.  My mother Ruth Allen Miles in the First Extraction Mission, and Family Search Indexing today.  7/27/14

(more titles to come when we reach # 300.)




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