DEMOCRAT AND LATTER-DAY SAINT?

With the advent of the recent political season I have been doing a LOT of pondering about my membership in theDemocratic party and my membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Sure, it has always been a challenge to live in Utah as a Democrat, but I felt o.k. about it, especially when I spend time with my fellow saints who have similar political views.  I observe them and see their solid testimonies, their obedience to and devotion to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  One is even a former Bishop of mine.  This election season, however, has been different for me, and left me feeling alienated from many members of the LDS church and statements by some even made me feel as if in their eyes I could not be a devoted member of the LDS church and vote for a Democrat.  I felt slapped in the face and started questioning who I was.  I recently attended a Sacrament meeting away from home in a conservative LDS community.  It was all I could do to sit there and not scream.  I did  not feel as though I was listening to a spiritual talk relating to general prinicples and doctrines of our faith.  I felt like I was in the middle of a National Republican Convention which alluded to our country now being lead into evil and the downfall of all of our Constitutional rights and freedoms because Mitt Romney was not elected.  The speakers lead you to believe that if Mitt Romney had just been elected then our country would be on the path to perfection, all problems solved, and they said if he had been elected we "would now be benefiting from trickle down love and humility throughout our country." Besides the fact that I disagree that President Obama and his party are trying to ruin our country, and that Mitt Romney would have provided some magic "love and humility" potion which would have automatically solved all the problems in this country - I did not feel inspired by the Spirit in this church meeting at all - I didn't even feel the Spirit.  I feel that we come to Sacrament Meeting to partake of the holy sacrament, and to share uplifting ideas of faith, obedience, service, prayer, etc. To me our church meetings are meant to bring us together as saints, not divide us or make certain members feel like they are apostates.  Having said all of this, I don't blame these feelings on the Church or its doctrine, I think some members just don't think before they speak sometimes, and don't think about the ramifications of their remarks.

So I got online and started looking for articles about Latter-day Saints and politics to see if maybe I was being ridiculous. Below I will share parts of an article I read from 2005 about this subject.

The author of this article came across another article from the Salt Lake Tribune from May 3, 1998.  HEADLINE: GOP Dominance Troubles Church; It hurts Utah, says general authority. LDS OFFICIAL CALLS FOR MORE POLITICAL DIVERSITY.
(following are statements made in the article by Elder Marlin Jensen, a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy)
"There is sort of a division along Mormon/non-Mormon, Republican/Democratic lines.  We regret that more than anything--that there would become a church party and a non-church party.  That would be the last thing that we would want to have happen."  Jensen was careful in his comments not to suggest an official LDS preference for any political party, but to maintain the church's traditional stand of partisan neutrality. Jensen was a member of the church's Public Affairs Committee.  In an hour long interview at the church's worldwide headquarters, Jensen discussed leaders' views about the seeming demise of two-party politics amount members.  Among the concerns he aired:-- The LDS Church's reputation as a one-party monolith is damaging in the long run because of the seesaw fortunes of the national political parties.-- The overwhelming Republican bent of LDS members in Utah and the Intermountain West undermines the checks-and-balances principle of democratic government.--Any notion that it is impossible to be a Democrat and a good Mormon is wrongheaded and should be obliterated said Jensen. "There have been some awfully good men and women who have been both and are both today."  "Also bothersome is that the uncontested dominance of the Republican Party in Utah deprives residents of the debate and competition of ideas that underlie good government. There is a feeling that even nationally as a church, it is not in our best interest to be known as a one-party church; the national fortunes of the parties ebb and flow.  Whereas the Republican may clearly have the upper hand today, in another 10 years they may not."

This is just part of the article, but it gave me hope.  It echoed the feelings I have had all along.  I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who strives with all of her heart to follow the example of my Savior, Jesus Christ, and to serve both Him and my fellow man in love.  I seek to be worthy of the great influence of the Holy Spirit who will teach me 'the truth of all things..." The Spirit will teach me how to reach out to others, how to lift others, how to bring a smile to those who are hurting.  These things I do as a Latter-day Saint, not as a Republican or a Democrat.  Members of both political parties want the best for our country, seek to protect our freedom and liberties, and hope to help other countries throughout the world to improve their quality of life.  

OUR HOUSE, NOT THE WHITE HOUSE

YOUR SUCCESS AS A FAMILY,
OUR SUCCESS AS A SOCIETY,
DEPENDS NOT ON WHAT HAPENS IN THE WHITE HOUSE,
BUT ON WHAT HAPPENS IN YOUR HOUSE.
       James E. Faust

We have the tools to teach our children righteousness.
We have the tools to teach our children to serve and help others.
We have the tools to teach our children to love others as the Saviour does.
Lets put a smile on our face and a song in our heart and start building a better country
   from the inside out, beginning with each of us. We may not have control over the
   world, but we certainly have agency to choose the right for us, choose happiness for ourselves,        and lead others through a spirit of optimism and hope.
   "Our future is only as bright as our faith." - T.S. Monson

THOMAS JEFFERSON, QUITE A GUY

After recently visiting Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, as well as Washington D.C., I have been reading Jefferson's two inaugural addresses.  He was a wonderful speaker, but it takes some careful reading and re-reading to fully understand what he meant.  For those of you who may be LDS, it's kind of like reading an address by Neal A. Maxwell; not light reading, but worth the effort.

I want to share a few passages from his first address.  "To you, then, gentlemen, who are charged with the sovereign functions of legislation, and to those associated with you, I look with encouragement for that guidance and support which may enable us to steer with safety the vessel in which we are all embarked amidst the conflicting elements of a troubled world."  I liked the symbolism of steering a boat amidst the storms of life, as well as the fact that apparently the world always seems troubled- back then as well as now.

During the elections in 1800 there was a tie in the electoral college between Jefferson and Aaron Burr.  As per the Constitutional rules at that time, the House of Representatives had to meet and one would be chosen as President and the other would become Vice President.  After meeting for 30 hours of deliberation, the House awarded the Presidency to Jefferson. Referring to that, he made the following quote in his address; "announced according to the rules of the Constitution, all will, of course, arrange themselves under the will of the law, and unite in common efforts for the common good.  All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will to be rightful must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and to violate would be oppression.  Let us, then, fellow-citizens, unite with one heart and one mind.  Let us restore to social intercourse that harmony and affection without which liberty and even life itself are but dreary things.....But every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle.  We have called by different names brethren of the same principle.  We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists..." I think he would be worried to see how divided our country has become as the political parties have become so unwilling to unite under compromise for the good of all.  I particularly liked his idea that ' every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle.'

At the end of his address he concludes with this passage.
"I repair, then, fellow-citizens, to the post you have assigned me.  With experience enough in subordinate offices to have seen the difficulties of this the greatest of all (the presidency), I have learned to expect that it will rarely fall to the lot of imperfect man to retire from this station with the reputation and the favor which bring him into it. (the reputation of the president as he finishes his term or terms is seldom as positive as when he first sought office) Without pretensions to that high confidence you reposed in our first and greatest revolutionary character( G. Washington), whose preeminent services had entitled him to the first place in his country's love and destined for him the fairest page in the volume of faithful history, I ask so much confidence only as may give firmness and effect to the legal administration of your affairs.  I shall often go wrong through defect of judgment.  When right, I shall often be thought wrong by those whose positions will not command a view of the whole ground.  I ask you indulgence for my own errors, which will never be intentional, and your support against the errors of others, who may condemn what they would not if seen in all its parts.  The approbation implied by your suffrage is a great consolation to me for the past, and my future solicitude will be to retain the good opinion of those who have bestowed it in advance, to conciliate that of others by doing them all the good in my power, and to be instrumental to the happiness and freedom of all."
Jefferson has such vision of how it would be for future presidents of our country.  They seldom leave office with an untarnished reputation in some form or fashion.  It also made me realize that these men are only human, and for the greatest part, I believe they serve as President because they are dedicated to the cause of helping our country be the best that it can be.  Even those past presidents whom I have not liked or agreed with on many points, I believe were following the dictates of their hearts and seeking to do that which was right in their minds.  For this reason it frustrates me when I hear people (and I have been guilty of this with past presidencies) say that the President doesn't really care about America and is out to ruin our land.

As I read Jefferson's second inaugural address I realized that there are some notions which he had that I did not agree with.  One of those concerns  his views on how to deal with the Native Americans during the early years of our country, following the Revolutionary War.  I would like to challenge you to look up and read this address (You can easily find it on Bartleby.com) and then tell me what you think about Jefferson's ideas relating to this issue.  It could make for some great discussions on Facebook.

WHAT A GLORIOUS DAY

This Sunday has been a glorious day for me.  It all started with our Sacrament Meeting (worship service) when Mackenzie Halliday, a teenaged girl in our congregation, got up and shared her experiences in going to EFY (Especially For Youth) this summer in Palmyra, New York.  She shared her gratefulness for being able to spend several days in the Sacred Grove, where Joseph Smith had his vision of God and Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ.  She studied the scriptures there and prayed mightily for a testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ as well as a testimony of the restoration of the gospel through the prophet, Joseph, and the Book of Mormon.  She grew in faith and testimony and you could feel the Spirit through her.

Next Brother Paul Dickamore and Sister Ilene Dickamore shared their experiences while serving in the Bishopric of the Young Single Adult ward for the past 3 years.  The focus of their comments were on service to God and magnifying our church callings.  I cannot remember the last time I was blessed to listen to two more spiritual, insightful, and well articulated testimonies of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Next I got to listen as my sweet husband, Gary, taught our Sunday School lesson.  The long and the short of his lesson was how we can prepare spiritually to fight against Satan and the temptations we encounter in this world, and how we can fortify ourselves spiritually to make it through the challenges we all face.  He works so very hard on all of his lessons and I am so proud of him.  I was uplifted by his message.

Last, but not least, my dear friend and sister, Cori Connors, gave our lesson in Relief Society.  It can be a challenge to teach doctrines which we have all been taught over and over again, and today was no different, as she was teaching about the Word of Wisdom ( a health code our church members ascribe to). As always, Cori brought a breath of fresh air as we discussed the ideas in our lesson.

By the time I left church I felt as though my very spirit was near to bursting.  I had been abundantly blessed by the testimonies shared and the expansion of my knowledge and personal testimony.  I sort of floated back home when our meetings were over.  How lucky I am to live in a place where I can worship what and how I choose.  How lucky to live in a neighborhood surrounded by such grounded, giving, and loving people.  I am so greatly blessed.

WASHINGTON DC IN OCTOBER

Gary and I just returned from seven days in beautiful Washington D.C.  Gary had medical meetings for most of the time so I got to spend my days walking all over our nation's capitol.  Skies were blue, leaves beginning to turn, cool nights and days into high 60s or low 70s, couldn't ask for more. I have been to Washington DC before, but this trip really impacted me for some reason, and I fell in love with this place.  Everywhere I walked I could just feel the history and the electricity of the people who fill the streets there.

We arrived Thursday afternoon and Gary didn't have any meetings on Friday so we walked down to Union Station and rented a car for the day.  We googled up the directions for how to drive to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and off we went.  After being on the freeways for a short time we were directed to drive along the back roads of Virginia and they were wonderful.  We felt like we were back in Civil War time as we passed sign after sign for places like Mannasah, Fredricksberg, etc. Sometimes we felt like we were in a scene from Gone With The Wind.  It took us 3 hours to get there, but it was well worth it.  We gained a new appreciation for Thomas Jefferson, his intellect, his vision, his architectural prowess, and much more.

I had scene and visited many of the Smithsonian Museums before, visited monuments on the Mall, walked by the White House, etc.  I went to the D.A.R. Museum, American History Museum, and American Art Museum this time, looking in particular for some quilt displays.  I was very disappointed as out of all of those places I only saw about 8 quilts total.  

I made arrangements for a tour of the Capital Building this time as I had not been through it before.  I very much enjoyed that and learning so much about it's history.  While waiting in line I met a nice couple from Iowa and they suggested visiting the Supreme Court Building.  By the time I had completed my tour of the Capitol, Gary was free so he jumped in a cab and met me outside the Capitol.

Next stop was the Supreme Court. The front of the building is being cleaned and spiffed up so there is a huge screen covering it, but it has a picture of what the building front looks like hanging so you get a feel for the building's appearance.  We learned all about the history of the court and how it didn't get it's own building until 1925 I think.  The best part was the fact that since Congress is out of session and the Court didn't have any hearings going on, we were able to actually go and sit and hear a lecture about the Supreme Court in the very room where the justices sit and hold court.  There was a real sense of history in that room.  We were asked, "How old do you have to be to sit on the S.court, do you have to be a lawyer?, and do you have to be an American citizen to qualify?"  We were surprised to discover that the answer is : No age requirement, no educational requirements, and you do not have to be an American citizen!  Just have to be nominated by the President and be approved by a majority of the Senate. The photo above is a circular staircase inside the court building.

Since we were next door to the Library of Congress, Gary talked me into heading there next, although my feet were killing me. Boy am I glad he convinced me to go.  I won't go into the details of all we learned about the LOC, and there is lots to discover, but the building itself inside is absolutely breath-taking!! It is a must if you go to Washington. The frescos on the walls, the sculptures, etc. are extraordinary.  After the books in the original L.O.C. were burned during the War of 1812, Thomas Jefferson sold his personal library of approximately 6,0000 books to the Library and they are now on display there and if you are doing research you can actually sit down and read his books!!! There are many more things besides books kept there, such as movies and instruments.  This is the largest library in all the world. The two photos above are taken inside the library.  The top photo is a tile mosaic.  The colors in the painting on the walls are still deep and vivid and have never had to be repainted.

We visited the relatively new WWII Memorial at night and it was powerful with the lights and water fountains.  Gary really wanted to go see the Lincoln Memorial at night and I will admit, it is cool seeing it lit up at night, but my feet, legs, and back were so tired by the time we got there that I wasn't much into it.  While Gary spent time inside the memorial I sat on the steps and watched the military helicopters fly right over the trees of the reflecting pool on the Mall and go toward the White House.

The last day we had some time before our flight, Gary took me to see the Holocaust Museum.  Well that is a whole other blog all itself.  Needless to say, I was moved to tears.  It brought forth many ruminations regarding the evil in the world, man's inhumanity to man, how the world could be so fooled and ignorant of what was going on under Hitler's rule, including many German citizens, and much much more.  I am still thinking about it. Our country may not be perfect, but at least we have the freedom to disagree with those in political power and vote for those whom we feel could do a better job. I must say, it worried me to see that some of the ideas Hitler were so against were some of the ideals I currently hold. For example, he was against the power of trade unions, he was against war pacifists, and people with liberal political views. Many conservative citizens in our country are against these same things, but thank God I won't be murdered for my support of these ideals.

All in all it was such a fabulous trip, and left me with a desire to study more.  I was inspired by Thomas Jefferson and his unsatiable desire to learn, learn, learn.  Books are the keys to the world and with modern technology we can go anywhere and learn anything while reading a book or sitting in front of a computer.  Although there are evils which can come to us via the internet, on this trip I found myself constantly saying to Gary, "Well, I'm not sure about this or that, let's Google it up!"  Our access to information today is astounding. 

BYU TELEVISION'S INFLUENCE ON CHINA

In church todaywe were talking about how technological advances have played a part in furthering the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in.  Megan Sykes shared with us the following about BYU tv.

She and her husband met a man from mainland China, who lived outside China for a while and found out about the LDS Church and was converted.  He served a mission in New York and ended up going to BYU for an advanced degree.  He said that because BYU television has such family oriented, wholesome programing, the communist government in China allows it to be aired there.  It is one of the top, most widely watched stations in all of China! This man recently went back to visit his cousins in China and his one cousin was sitting at the computer emailing a General Conference talk to some friends.  He said, "You aren't even LDS, why are you sending General Conference talks from our prophet and leaders to your friends?"  She said that EVERYONE watches BYU television and the talks they share are so uplifting that lots of people in China read and forward them to friends and family.

Gary's father, Ralph Silver, my father-in-law, started the original KBYU television in Provo.  He took a huge pay cut from KCRL, channel 4 in Salt Lake City, to accept the offer to start KBYU television.  To think of what that original station has turned into is amazing and I am so proud of Grandpa Ralph.  Our neighbor, and former bishop, who works as an attorney for the LDS church, says that BYU television has some of the most advanced technical capabilities of all the stations in the world.  He said that currently about 70 million people in the U.S. have ESPN and ESPN2 coming into their homes via dish and cable networks.  About 60 millions homes have access to BYU television now.  Such miracles.Facebook.com

THINKING ABOUT OLYMPIC COMPETITION AND LIFE'S COMPETITION

We have all been watching and following the Olympic games, the competitions, and the back stories on the athletes.  There have been many stories of overcoming difficulties in life and focusing on their training and competitions, etc.  They are all winners in one way or the other and can serve as examples for us.

Today I was reading an article in the LDS magazine, called The Ensign, and reading about President Thomas S. Monson. (He is the president of the LDS Church)  He has also grown up with many challenges and set for himself the goal of serving others from a very young age.  He has spent thousands upon thousands of hours helping individuals and families all over the world.  The article spoke of the duty he lovingly fulfilled when as the Bishop of a ward long ago  he wrote individual personal letters of encouragement to each of the 24 servicemen in his ward every single month.  That was never convenient for this busy, busy Bishop and father, but oh how it blessed the lives of those people to whom he faithfully wrote.  What if each and every one of us set the goal of doing all in our power to serve those around us?  Can you imagine what the world could be like?

The Olympic athletes are wonderful and inspire us every 4 years.  But what a difference we could make in our world if we focused even a portion of the hours they spend training each day to making our neighborhoods, families, and country a peaceful and positive place.  To me, Thomas S. Monson and those who serve with him have a gold metal around their necks in my minds eye.

Olympic efforts

This is the baby quilt I just made for Sarah Connors Peterson's newest baby boy, Joseph.  They are the greatest family.

When my sister, Jean, was visiting this summer we took Layla and the boys to Farmington Pond to feed the ducks and geese.  On the way as we were on the Lagoon Trail we found this downed tree trunk which had been carved into a throne.  Now each time Layla and I come by here we have to take a picture. Here she is in the kitchen sink, bathing with Rider, before they moved from our house to their new digs in south Farmington.

Vand and Finn were over at the house this summer and they are getting so big!!!

PERKY PEONIES QUILT

This is a new take on an old pattern.  I first made this quilt, Perky Peonies, years ago when my friend, Barbara Jones, first designed the pattern.  I was in Quilter's Haven recently and saw this fun fabric line by the Moda Company.  I think it is called California Dreamin.  I just had to make something with it as I love the Spring colors, so I revived Perky Peonies and I am so happy with the result.  I am donating to an auction at our church this weekend to raise funds for Youth Conference this year.  May the bidding wars begin I hope.PERKY PEONIES

GOOD FRIENDS AND OLD TREES

GOOD FRIENDS AND BEAUTIFUL OLD TREES

The other day I was out walking Shannon's dog, Kashi, and I stopped by the home of a dear friend of mine whom I have known for about 26 years.  She happened to be home and kindly invited me in.  We have been friends for so long, that like family, even though you may not have spent much time together recently you simply sit down and start talking.  She had other things she was in the middle of, but no matter, she invited me into her oh so cozy family room for a sit-down on the "soft chairs and couch."

This old tree in the photo here is great, isn't it?  It is green, lush, and has beautiful contrast between green canopy and reddish-brown trunk which takes twists and turns in it's shape.  The canopy is rounded and soft looking, the trunk and branches more jutting and not so soft looking; the contrast making the totality of the tree more interesting and inviting. The tree has deep roots that go deep for support.  The greenery provide protective shade from a sun that can be harsh at times.

The picture of the tree reminded me of the wonders of friendships dear and sweet.  My friend and I sat and talked and talked and talked about just everything that came to mind, much of it centered around our families.  Each of us is probably a study in contrasts, like the tree; we provided shade and beauty, and deep roots to support each other.  Some parts of us are soft, some gnarled, our lives have taken twists and turns, but all in all we and our friendship combine for a beautiful thing. Time flew as we talked on and on and on, taking no heed to the "things" that were left undone as we opened up to one another; but we are old enough and wise enough to know what really matters in life.  I am so grateful for such dear and wonderful friends who feel even safer than biological family to me.  My life's garden is blessed with such people.  Thanks, Heavenly Father.

Sailing Trip

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We recently returned from a 3 week sailing trip.  We flew to St. Thomas and spent several days in the marina at Saphire Bay, doing some work on the boat. That marina is near Red Hook on the northeast side of the island. We sailed to St. John and spent a few days there, then moved to Tortola and on to Virgin Gorda.  We made an overnight sail from Virgin Gorda down to St. Martin where we anchored first in Marigot Bay on the French side, then Simpson Bay on the Dutch side, then around to Oyster Pond Bay at Captain Oliver's marina where we left the boat.  The weather was perfect with little rain. Gary installed a new hot water heater this trip and we put up a new mizzen sail.  We had the opportunity to hook up with some people we met on our cruise to China this year and they took us around St. Martin in their rental car and then they treated us to lunch.  It was a bit stressful because when we left Utah, we had to leave our daughter, Shannon who is living with us and her 2 year old daughter, 5 month old son, and 3 week old son. (That age spacing is a whole other story). While we were gone both babies had bad colds and coughs, and the 5 month old took a header out of his high chair onto the tile floor in the kitchen.  It ended with a trip to Primary Children's hospital because the E.R. doc suspected a skull fracture.  All ended well, however, and Rider is doing well.  Gary and I appreciated the 3 weeks along together.  We had planned on having some good friends with us on this trip, but their schedule didn't work out at the last minute so once again it was just Gary and I.  

DESTINY OF THE REPUBLIC

I am reading this history book and enjoying it a lot.  I usually prefer historical fiction to straight history, hands-down, but this is easy reading and so informative.  It is about the life and assasination of President Garfield who was only President for 4 months.  He is was a great man and wish he was around to run for President today, I would certainly vote for him.  Alexander Graham Bell was was a peer and plays a part in this story.  I would recommend this book.facebook.com

GETTING INTO SHAPE FOR 2012

O.K., O.K., I know this is my daughter, April, and not me, but I am hoping that by this time next year I will look more like her and be in better shape.  This is April after completing last year's Ragnar race.

I wanted to share a few things I have learned that have helped me get excited about getting into better shape. I am realizing that like many of you, as I get older I need to increase my amount of exercise each week.  However, I am also learning that it does not have to be participating in marathons, or even half-marathons.  It can be as little as 30 - 40 minutes of concentrated exercise 5-6 days a week and the bigger the variety the better.

In the past I have counted playing tennis as part of my exercise, however, except for lessons which push me very hard physically, or the occasional play time where friends run me harder on the court than usual- I won't count routine doubles as my full exercise for the day.  I can take Shannon's dog, Kashi, for a jog/walk for a few minutes in addition to the tennis.  Last year I would work out on our eliptical machine on my non-tennis days, but since Shannon and family are living in our basement these days, and that machine is also down there, I have had to come up with some options which I can do upstairs any time of the day.

No laughing, but one of the new and fun things I have started doing is using the Richard Simmons "Sweatin With The Oldies" and his "Disco Sweat" dvds. The music is fun, and you just have to ignore the crazy outfits he and his dancers wear.  Of coarse, they are good for a laugh, and who doesn't need more laughter in their life.  I have made a few changes.  When he is doing the 'intermediate' portions of the workouts, I pick up my 2 lb. dumbells to use with the dances and I up the intensity a bit when kicking and lunging.  I also use the tricks I have learned using the Biggest Loser Workout dvd, like making sure that during the entire workout I keep my abs tight, my butt tucked in, and my chest out.  When Richard Simmons was making his dvds they didn't know much about using your core muscles like we do now.  It protects your back and strengthens core muscles.

I alternate Richard Simmons' workouts with Bob Harper's Biggest Loser Cardio workout.  This week for the first time I also tried taking a Zumba class.  It was fun, even if a bit crowded, and man oh man, did I get my heart rate up.  I also discovered I can still shake my bootie pretty good for an old lady.  I plan on taking a Zumba class once a week for variety.

Some other tips I am trying are not eating any closer to bed time than 3 hours to improve my metabolism, increasing my daily intake of water, keeping LOTS of healthy foods on hand, getting back to writing down what I eat and weighing in and tracking it on paper each week.  If I behave myself during the day I give myself a little treat of 200 hundred calories or less after dinner, guilt free.  I am not letting myself over indulge at every celebration like birthdays, etc.  If I do have cake, take a small piece, and at holidays try adapting at least part of the meal with lower calorie and fat versions of traditional dishes.  I don't really have a huge amount of weight to lose, but my focus is on overall better health and preventing things like cancer, heart disease, and dimentia.

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