Serving in the Community

Twenty-one Crane family members participated in the Comcast Cares Volunteer Day April 25th. Meeting at an elementary school we had milk and yummy donuts, then donned our turqoise t-shirts ready to help out. We went to work sanding, painting, scrubbing desks, cleaning the grounds. It was fun for the children to use pint size rollers with colored paint on the walls, forming large alphabet letters we'd taped around. A task most parents don't allow a child to experience. They were in 'a kid can do this too' heaven.

Knowing we were sprucing up school rooms for hundreds of choice children, made it worth the effort. We visualized them walking the halls reciting the new ABC letters arrayed in their primary colors. As our jobs came to an end Kentucky Fried chicken with all the trimmings, awaited us. What a blessing it is to serve our fellow men.

A Great Grandma Ann Eugenia Crane Birthday

Today, Wed. April 22, is Grandma Gene Crane's birthday. Many in our family share the same date. The things you should know about her are: her love of patchwork quilting, she wore matching aprons & dresses, size 5 shoe and hollering at Jim.

1. Quilts- She set a goal to make a Texas Star quilt for each grandchild when they graduated from high school. We could choose the main color to go on the eight point treasure. The fabric came from her sewing scraps. Each star was unique with a creamy muslim background that set them off. My red beauty is on the left in the photo.

2. Grandma always wore aprons with her calico dresses. Her best dresses had aprons with the same fabric that matched. With baking bread, feeding chickens and separating milk the apron kept her dresses from wearing out & clean.

3. She had the tiniest feet,5, but very wide, triple E. Her shoes were always the same black nurse style.

4. Hollering at Jim. One year when Jim got home from Scout camp, he brought a bunch of fireworks that he'd let off in the corral after milking the cows. The explosions made her so mad. She would stand with the screen door open and holler, "James Crane, you are going to burn down the barn and kill the cows. You stop that, this instant!!!" Due to the noise, he never heard a word she said & doesn't even remember to this day.

She was a hard working, story telling dear that did her best to keep everyone happy. Think of Great Grandma Gene Crane today as you recycle, reuse & redo.

Heber L. Crane, Remembered

Great Grandpa Heber L. Crane, 72, passed away this month in 1966, the year Julie was born. I remember it well because it was the Foriegn Language Festival at BYU that weekend. I'd studied hard to compete in it. But it was not to be, as the family gathered for the funeral remembering Granddad.

Who was Heber and what qualities did he have? The oldest, born with club feet into a proud family focused on prominence in the community, he loved farming. The responsibilities that come when your the first child happened early for Heber.


Sheep ranching had become successful for the Crane's in Idaho, where both his father and uncle owned farms. Many a summer was spent herding, tending and caring for the sheep. As his siblings were born, getting an education was encouraged. The call of nature was deep in Heber's veins though and learning was difficult for him. Struggling with his odd feet and schooling, Heber sought solitude in the pastures with his beloved animals.

He met Ann Eugenia Skinner, from Nounan, Idaho, at church one summer while keeping the sheep. She was mature beyond her years, from helping to raise her motherless family. They both loved the land and formed a strong bond. This didn't sit well with Heber's parents though, who had loftier goals for their oldest son.

Their love endured more than his parents expectations and they were married. They bought a 40 acre farm on 2700 West 13800 South starting with a heard of sheep, of course. Later they added chickens, pigs, cows and such. Nine children were born to them, four boys and five girls all learning the joy of hard work.


The sheep loved their master and he loved them calling each by name. The sheep pasture was directly acrossed the street from our(Gale's)home. Early spring the bleating of the ewe's meant birthing time was here. Some mornings granddad found a motherless lamb to be tended. We'd fight over who could hold the bottle with the long black nipple for the baby.

Late spring we all gathered round for the shearing of the sheep. What a fun time with the loud cry of the animals fearing the inevitable or asking us, 'What took you so long?'


Alergies were a major problem for Heber with dust and pollen causing him misery to his dying day. This didn't stop him from spending days chopping out the prickly cactus thistle which gave him the most trouble.

He was a quiet, hardworking, gentle man that chose his own life and loved it. Remember the legacy he left you: Love the land, loyal to yourself, hard working &
a little bit stubborn.

If It's Not too Late or Save for Next Year

A friend gave me this great FHE idea to do with your family now or next year for Easter. I wanted to share it with you to enjoy.

An Easter Family Activity—Saturday Night and Easter Morning

You will need the Bible, Scotch or adhesive tape, a cookie sheet covered with wax paper, an electric mixer and bowl, and the following ingredients:

1 cup whole pecans
A quart Ziploc bag
Wooden spoons
1 tsp. vinegar
Pinch of salt
3 egg whites
3/4 cup sugar

1. Preheat oven to 300°. (This is important! Don't wait until you’re half way through the recipe!)
2. Place the pecans into the Ziploc bag. Let the children beat the nuts with the wooden spoons to break them into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.
Read John 19:1-3
3. Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into a mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink.
Read John 19:28-30
4. Add the egg whites to the vinegar. Explain that eggs represent life, and that Jesus gave His life in order for us to have eternal life.
Read John 19:10-11
5. Sprinkle a tiny little bit of salt into each child’s hand and let them taste it. Have them brush the rest into the bowl—having just a pinch in the bowl. Explain that the salt represents the salty tears shed by Jesus’ followers and the bitterness of our own sins.
Read Luke 23:27
6. So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup of sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of this true story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him.
Read Psalms 34:8 & John 3:16
7. Beat the egg whites on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff white peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity of God’s eyes for those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus’ Atonement.
Read Isaiah 1:18 & John 3:1-3
8. Fold in the nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto the wax paper. Explain that each mound represents the rock tomb where Jesus’ body was laid.
Read Matthew 27:57-60
9. Put the cookie sheet into the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and have them seal the oven door. Explain that the tomb was sealed by a heavy large flat stone that rolled in a track over the opening.
Read Matthew 27:65-66
10. GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad leaving the cookies in the oven tonight. Jesus’ followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.
Read John 16:20 and 22
11. On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On that first Easter, Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Christ was resurrected and the Atonement was complete. HAPPY EASTER!
Read Matthew 28:1-9

Walk w/Christ-Day 13:Acknowledge Our Divine Nature

Read: 2 Peter 1:3-7, 1 Nephi 11:22-24 & D&C 76:24

Challenge: Do you really know who you are and that you have divine potential? Remember as you feel the penny in your shoe, that you are a daughter of God!

"Your Father in Heaven loves you. He knows you, He knows what you've been through, he knows what you have done & He loves you. He wants you to repent & come back to Him. Do you hear what I am saying? Heavenly Father loves you." This was a talk given by Brother Christensen,as a young person in the audience felt he was speaking specifically to her. These words caught her by surprise, as she seriously contemplated them for the rest of his speech.

The subject of the talk was how the Savior's atonement was a personal, sacred act. It was done for each of us individually, one at a time. We shouldn't fear going through the repentance process, because the Savior has already atoned for us. His mercy will give us strength, comfort and courage.

The speaker noted in a following class, that he felt his previous talk was a personal message from our Heavenly Father and he had even prayed afterward to make sense of it. This additional instruction was to be given by him to the listener: Believe what you have heard, believe what you have felt and that Heavenly Father loves you beyond mortal comprehension. He said the message was for that person alone and no one else heard it. She was deeply impacted knowing she was loved and watched over.

You too, are loved and known by our Heavenly Father as are all of His children. Give your sins, sorrows, frustrations & all that hold you down to Him. He will set you free! I know because I, Colleen, have tried it.

Journal: Can you think of a time you felt the Lord's love? How did you feel about yourself today?

Easter Sunday: Day 14 w/Christ All Things are Possible

Read John 13:15, 34 or if you have time the entire Easter story.

"Follow thou me." As we walk the pathway Jesus walked, let's listen for the sound of his feet, reach out for His hand and come to know Him. He commands, and to those who obey Him, they shall learn in their own experience who he is. He is the Son of God. Jesus changed men's hearts. Thomas S. Monson, Ensign 5/86

Challenge: When you feel the penny: "Live...so that those who know you and don't know him, will want to know him because they know you!"

I walked today where Jesus walked, in days of long ago.
I wandered down each path He knew, with reverent step and slow.
Those little lanes, they have not changed, a sweet peace fills the air.
I walked today where Jesus walked, and felt Him close to me. (See Day 1 for author)

Journaling: What is the pure love of Christ? How has walking with Him affected my life? Will I commit each day to live as he would? 2 Nephi 31:20-21 & Moroni 7:40-48.

I've enjoyed sharing these past few weeks with you. I hope and pray that it's been helpful in your life. I noticed as I visited with people, that I was able to feel more love and share my testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ without reservations. I remembered their problems when I said my prayers and included them. May we all reach out to our fellow man with love and kindness.

Day 12 Walk w/Christ: The Savior at My Side

Read: 3 Nephi 14:12, 17: 5-7; Mark 8: 34-35, John 14: 6-7

Challenge of the day: Live today concentrating on having the Savior at your side. Remember He is watching over you and try to live with Him at your side.

If the Savior Stood Beside Me by Sally DeFord
If the Savior stood beside me, would it do the things I do?
Would I think of his commandments and try harder to be true?
Would I follow his example? Would I live more righteously,
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

If the Savir stood beside me, would I say the things I say?
Would my words be true and kind if he were never far away?
Would I try to share the gospel? Would I speak more reverently
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?
He is always near me, though I do not see him there
And because he loves me dearly, I am in his watchful care
So I’ll be the kind of person that I know I’d like to be
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me.

If I wake up during the night from a deep sleep often my mind will begin to review the day’s events or contemplate tomorrow’s goals. There is only one way to put a stop to the world taking over my peaceful rest. It is to visualize the Savior ministering to the people, praying for me or in a piece of artwork. Just thinking of Him brings sleep to this weary mind.

Journaling: Did I act differently today as Jesus was at my side. Was there improvement in some area?

11th Day Walk w/Christ-Faith in Every Footstep

Read: Heb 11, Alma 44:3-4, Moroni 7:25-26, D&C 8:10-11

Challenge for today: Ask yourself when my foot rubs the penny, "Do I feel the Savior at my side and have faith in every footstep today?"

A heroic pioneer woman, Amanda Smith, learned faith during a tragedy at Haun's Mill when her seven year old son, Alma's, hipbone was shot away in an attack that killed her husband and eldest son. She cried, "Oh, Heavenly Father, what shall I do? Thou seest my poor wounded boy & knowest my inexperience. Direct me what to do!"

She wrote in her journal, 'A voice spoke to me saying, 'Take ashes from a smoldering fire and make a lye with it.' She then put a cloth saturated with lye into the wound over and over again, as directed until the flesh was white.'

She prayed again to the Lord, and was instructed as if a doctor was speaking to her to make a poultice from a nearby slippery-elm tree putting it into the injury. Next she was to dress it. Reminded of a bottle of balsam in her trunk, she poured it into the wound, which brought relief to her son's pain.

Telling her son to lay on his tummy, that the Lord would make a new hip for him because she had been shown in a vision what to do. Alma believed his mother. After five weeks laying on his face, a flexible gristle had grown in place of the missing one. Because of a mother's faith and inspiration, the young boy was completely healed.

It takes alot of courage to obey completely when such unusual thoughts come to our mind. If we are in tune with the Lord, we will recognize them. By trusting Him and doing His will, we will be blessed.

Journaling: Write of a time when you faced a situation beyond your control and followed the promptings knowing they came from God. How did having faith with each step you took today make an impact in what you did or decided?

Day 10: Unconditional Love

Read: Matt 5:44, Eph 4:20-32 (especially 31-32), Alama 41:14

Christ knows every single one of us! There is not anyone He doesn't love completely.

Challenge for day: In all you do & say try share Christ-like love and acceptance. Do your best to be kind to everyone! It's easy to judge, much harder to love.

I was in a grocery store parking lot late one Saturday night walking to my car. A woman approached me carrying a bag of groceries that appeared to have used empty cereal boxes in it. She claimed she'd had all kinds of trouble and needed some money to get home and no one would help her. Normally I try to avoid getting into a compromised situation, but felt inclined to show love instead. I'd gotten $10 cash at the store to give to my college daughter, before she went back to school the next day.

Not knowing if the woman was telling the truth or not,I offered to take her home and gave her the money instead. She wouldn't allow me to take her directly to her home & walked between the trailers of the court I dropped her off at. What she needed the money for, doesn't matter. Deciding to help when I could have turned away, gave me an opportunity to serve unconditionally.

Journal: Never forget that we are loved unconditionally and in turn we must love our fellow man with the same love no matter who they are.

Walk w/Christ Day 9:Forgive, forgive, forgive!

Read: 3 Nephi 14:1, Matt 18:21, Ether 12:27 & Luke 6:35-38

Although we try our best, sometimes we feel it isn't good enough. It is easy to see the flaws of others who are doing their best, also. Jesus will make our best effort perfect. Accept each person for who they are and look for the good in them.

Challenge: Every time you feel the penny in your shoe, think of one person you have an issue with and work to let go of it during the day. We constantly look to Christ for forgiveness, so today see whom you can forgive.

There's a story of two pots in India that carried water from the river to the master's house daily on the end of poles across the back of a servant. One pot had a crack in it, thus not fulfulling its potential because of half its water leaking from it. The other pot was whole and proud of its accomplishments.
One day the pot tells the servant it's ashamed to deliver only part of a load because of his crack. These flaws cause the man more work. 'Watch for the beautiful flowers on the path, as we return from the river,' says the servant.
I realized your flaw and planted seeds on your side to take advantage of it, by letting you water them. There are no flowers on the other side of the pathway.
I picked the flowers for my master to enjoy. You are needed just the way you are and many have benefited by it without your knowledge.

Moral: Take each person for what they are, looking for the good in them. Appreciate the differences of all people taking care not to compare yourself with them. Know that we all make life interesting..we are all cracked pots.

Challenge: What will forgieness do for me? Strive to forgive 7x70 in turning over my pains & offended heart to the Lord by sincerely forgiving others.

Day 8: Walk w/Christ-Feel the Atonement

Read: Isaiah 53: 3-6, John 3: 16-17, Hel 5:9, Alma 7: 11-12

To walk with the Savior we need to understand and appreciate all He has done for us. Taking advantage of the Atonement requires us to accept it and effort to realize it’s potential in our lives.

Challenge: Every time you feel the penny, pause for one moment to ponder and realize how inclusive it’s power is in your life.

There is a story about a Seminary class whose teacher asked a new student with little interest in the lessons, how many push-ups he could do. He did 200 every night & thought he could increase to 300 if done in sets of 10, for an object lesson the teacher had. The day arrived to perform, with the teacher bringing a delicious donut for each student.

He asked the first pupil if she would like a donut. The answer was, yes! Before receiving the treat, the young man had to do ten push-ups for her. Each person was asked the same question with the push-ups required, to get the donut. Some boys said they could do their own push-ups. They were told only the chosen person was allowed to do them in order to receive the goodies.

Some didn’t want a donut. It was given to them regardless and left uneaten. The push-ups had to be performed for all present with this response, “Do the push-ups so she can have a donut, that she doesn’t want.” The young man was struggling to perform the exercise and the students were concerned he wouldn’t be able to do all of it. As the class became more concerned about the maximized efforts of the boy, another student wanted to enter the classroom. Many told him to stay out, but it was okay with the push-up performer, who began doing 10 extra for the newcomer.

Nearing the end of over 350 push-ups the student was having a very hard time, the classroom was asking how they could help, but told they were not allowed. Falling to the floor as he finished the task, the teacher told the attendees, ‘So it was, that our Savior, Jesus Christ, pleaded to the Father, “Into thy hands I commend my spirit.” It was understood that He had done everything required of him, he collapsed on the cross and died. Like some of those in the class, many of us leave the gift on the desk, uneaten.’

Journaling: He paid the ultimate penalty for us willingly for you & me, so that we may all enjoy the cleansing of repentance through faith in Jesus Christ.

Day 7 Walk w/Christ: Study Him in the Scriptures

Read: (1 Ne 11:25; compare Ether 8:26), Mosiah 1:5, D&C 26:1, John 5:39, Alma 17:2, 2 Ne 32:3

Challenge today: Feast on His words! Grow closer to the Father & Son by drinking of the water. If it is Sunday increase your scripture study, meditate & enjoy the Spirit.

In a talk by Elder David Bednar 2007, he asks, what is the most valuable commodity in the world? It is water. Our bodies are two-thirds water and we would die without it for more than three or four days. Water sustains life & could not exist without clean water.

As Jesus was passing through Samaria he stopped at Jacob’s Well, speaking to a woman about the ‘living waters’. He asked her for a drink saying, ‘Give me to drink’. She was surprised he, a Jew, would speak to her, a Samaritan.

Jesus answered, “ If thou newest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.”

She responded that he had nothing to draw the water with. His answer was, ‘Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” John 4:7-11, 13-14

This water represents the Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel sustaining life in spiritual ways to help us grow and develop. The scriptures are a reservoir of water we can utilize daily drinking deeply and long.

Journaling: Who do I get my strength from? Am I too busy to seek the word of God and quench my thirst?

Day 6 Walk w/Christ: Day of Gratitude

Read- Psalms 50:14, Mosiah 24: 21-22 & 3 Nephi 10:10

Challenge today: When I feel the penny today, I will think of something new to be grateful for. What are my top 10 or can I think of 100?

There’s a story about a floral shop that gives out arrangements containing only the thorny stems of the rose, but not the flower. These displays remind us to think of how we have grown, survived and become stronger through the challenges in our lives. Often we focus on the positive blessings & don’t consider our trials part of them. Looking at the prickly floral bouquet or any reminder of past troubles, helps us all to appreciate the good and hard times.
A poem by George Matheson reads:
My God, I have never thanked Thee for my thorn!
I have thanked Thee a thousand times for my roses,
But never once for my thorn.
Teach me the glory of the cross I bear, teach me the value of my thorns.
Show me that I have climbed to Thee by the path of pain.
Show me that my tears have made my rainbow.

Journal: Write some of the things that come to mind you havn't thought of for awhile & how they have helped or blessed you.

Day 5: Take One Another’s Burdens

Read verses: Gal 6:2, Heb 13:1, Psalms 54:22 & Mosiah 18:8-9, 21

As we strive to be more like Him, we need to be more aware of those around us. Some people only need a smile, others a kind word. Listen to the Spirit tell you who needs your love/ear/help today.

Challenge: When you feel the penny, try to soften your heart & open up to those around you, as Christ does everyday for us.

President Gordon B. Hinkley told a story of a remote school in Virginia’s mountains full of unruly boys. An inexperienced teacher applied knowing it would be a hard job. He let the boys set the class rules and penalty for breaking them. Soon the lunch of big Tom was stolen and the small culprit was found. He was to receive a beating without his coat on, but plead to be able to keep it on. Rules were rules. The young man had no shirt when the coat was removed, so Tom volunteered to take the licking. All agreed that a substitute could do it. Before the job was completed, little Jim had reached his arms around Tom saying, “I’m sorry that I stole your lunch, but I was really hungry. Tom I will love you till I die, for taking my licking for me! Yes, forever!

“Surely, he hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows…”

Journaling: Are there some in my life I can help or take a few minutes to let someone in?

Day 4: Strive for Increased Obedience

Jer 7:23, Matt 7:21, Luke 22:43-44, 1 Ne 4:18, D&C 64: 34
Many times we make mistakes in our lives, but it’s important that we repent, move on & try to be a little better, stronger and more like Him. As we walk in Jesus’ footsteps we must try to be obedient.

Challenge: Only you know what you need to work on. Choose one area today exercising your trust in God to conquer your problems. Each time you feel the penny, remember this is a great time to change & you can.

The Card Files is a story about a wall of card files that contain all of a person’s life experiences, his thoughts, joys, mistakes, challenges and so on. He doesn’t want anyone to see or know what he has and hasn’t done, thus wants to lock it all away. He cries out in shame when imagining Jesus opening and reading every one.
Jesus then signs His name to each card as the poor soul cries, No! He looks at the signature which is written in red. It is Jesus blood on every card. He puts hands on this mans’ shoulders saying, “It is finished.”

There is no lock on our door and Jesus is waiting for us to say to Him, ‘Please come in, help me. I need you.’

Journaling: Is there one thing I could do better just for today? Do I really KNOW that I will receive His help to do his will?

Day 3: Walk w/Christ--A Day of Service

Read Joshua 22:5, 24:15; Galatians 5:13-14 & Mosiah 2:17, 18:10

Jesus served all of His life. Everything He did & said was for us. He brought strength to the cripple, sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, life to the dead and accepted all sinners. He encouraged all of us to improve ourselves and strive for perfection.

Every time you feel the penny, strive to look for the chance to be His Hands! Offer to help someone, write a note of live, give 10 compliments, smile to a grumpy person or help a senior citizen—look for the chance to serve.

There’s a story of a village that was nearly destroyed during World War II. All the villagers joined together to rebuild it from the bottom up. Numerous pieces of white marble were found from the remains of a statue that stood in the town square. A sculptor was hired to rebuild it. To commemorate the completion of restoring the town, a celebration was held including the unveiling of the statue. It was a figure of Christ by Thorvalsen with hands outstretched to all, except the statue had no hands. They had been destroyed by a bomb. The inscription instead of reading as it once did, “Come unto Christ,” now read, ‘I have no hands but yours.”
Journaling: What would I do if Jesus were at my side? Am I a true disciple of Christ? What would He have ME do?