Muzings about Helping Others

At what point, when someone needs our help, can we say we've done enough -- take care of yourself and your own problems.

I'm not even talking about forgiving the recipient of our help. That's really a whole different matter.
I'm talking about ourselves and our relationship with our Eternal Father.
Isn't there something in that Big Black Book that says "70 times 7."
Sure, we all have problems and ...we need to take care of ourselves the best we can.
But some people require more help than others. Sometimes I think they're here to see if we're willing to reach out and help. That's the test of a real Christian.
I've been the recipient of many helping hands throughout my life. My older brother was always helping me. But I know also that there is nothing worse than requiring others to help you because you can't carry that box or pick up a dropped item or whatever.
So when someone needs help because they really aren't up to doing it all by themselves, can we say: "I've done all I can do -- I've done enough, let them take care of themselves or find someone else who'll do it!
But when family members gang up together and say "we've done all we're going to do for you -- you don't deserve anymore help -- you don't deserve us in your life," then I'm more worried about them than the one who needs help!
Don't call your approach "tough love!" That only applies when the recipient really can do it for themselves.

A new Hunt addition: Justin Gideon

Jared, Heidi and the girls came to our place on New Year's Day and stayed overnight. The next day, Monday, Jan. 2, we all went up to Jason and Hannah's place to see our new grandson: Justin Gideon Hunt.
We had a great time holding him and taking pictures. Nancy also brought up a yummy potato & ham corn chowder. Hannah's mom baked a fresh loaf of bread that was perfect with the chowder! Thanks!

Hannah, Justin and Annie at Jason's abode.

Hannah, Justin and Annie at Jason's abode. Justin Gideon has thick silky hair.

Hannah, Justin and Annie at Jason's abode.

Hannah, Justin and Annie at Jason's abode. Justin Gideon has thick silky hair.

Kate, Jason, Justin and Heidi at Jason's place.

Heidi holds a new Hunt, born a day after Christmas.

Kate, Heidi (holding Justin), Hannah and Grandpa Hunt trying to entertain Odie so the women can enjoy a few moments with Justin.

Kate, Heidi (holding Justin) and new mother, Hannah.

Heidi shows Kate how to hold a real baby -- as Hannah keeps a close eye on the proceedings.

Heidi shows Kate how to hold a real baby -- as Hannah keeps a close eye on the proceedings.

Kate, holding Justin, is a real pro, but Hannah still keeps a close eye on the proceedings.

Kate, holding Justin, is a real pro now. 

Sisters Annie and Kate check out their new Hunt cousin.

Sisters Annie and Kate check out their new Hunt cousin.

Finally, after demonstrating a ton of patience, Grandpa gets to hold his new grandson -- and he's a Hunt, too!

Grandpa Hunt shows of his new grandson -- and he's a Hunt, too!

"Hey, do you want me to sing a song for you, Justin?" I know one about a mountain climb.

Jason checks out a Book of Mormon evidence video that Lee and Nancy received for Christmas from Lena and Leif.

Jason checks out a Book of Mormon evidence video that Lee and Nancy received for Christmas from Lena and Leif.

Hanaah and her firstborn, Justin Gideon, enjoy a moment together. Justin so far is a good eater.

A little bit of Christmas is part of the visit at Jason's place.

Jason gets a laugh out of Grandpa's tradition -- something he can chew on.

Oh, what a wonderful surprise on Hannah's first Hunt Christmas!

A special box of cereal for new mother Hannah!

Jason and Hannah show off the ghost story they received from Mom & Dad for Christmas.

That gift is so radical, Jason replies.

Hannah feeds Justin after going the rounds with family members -- all wanting to meet him.

Heidi relaxes at Jason's place.

Is Heidi hiding -- or showing off her beautiful eyes.

Jared with his three girls and new nephew, Justin.

"Boy, that was a nice dinner of potato & ham corn chowder, Momma Hunt. Thanks!"

"Yup, sure was. I even ate mine! But the bread was still the best!"

Why, thanks, everyone. I enjoyed making the potato & ham corn chowder for everyone. I especially liked the corn!"
Picture taken by Kate.

"OK, Kate, time for Grandma to take back her camera."

"OK, Kate, I'll pose one more time for you!"

"Hey, Kate, take my picture, too," Annie says.

"Look, Grandma, I found a big little bear on Jason's couch!"

"OK, Kate, no more bear pictures! It's time for us to head home! But wish baby Justin a happy new year!"

Thanksgiving in Oronogo

We had our Thanksgiving dinner Sunday with Jason, Hannah, Jared, Heidi, Annie, Katie, Nathan, Bruce, Chris, Matt, Christine, Karin, Mike, Makala, Joseph and Erin. Jim, Cathy and Doug came by for a couple of hours before they had to head home to Iowa after celebrating Thanksgiving with Bruce & Chris Thursday and Jim's birthday Saturday at Bruce's.
First, here are some pictures of the party Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011, at our home.

Looking from the livingroom couch into the kitchen and dining room. Kathy Westwood, Matt Westwood and Jared Hunt. 

Joseph & Makala Shannon are the first in dinner line!

The gang's all here: Hannah & Jason Hunt, Christine & Matt Westwood, Annie, Heidi, Jared Hunt, Katie, Lee Hunt, Makala, Mike, Joseph, Karin Shannon with Erin, Chris Westwood and Nathan Hunt.

The gang's all here: Hannah & Jason Hunt, Christine & Matt Westwood, Annie, Heidi, Jared Hunt, Katie, Lee Hunt, Makala, Mike, Joseph, Karin Shannon with Erin, Chris Westwood and Nancy Hunt.

Bishop Bruce Westwood arrives at the Hunts in Oronogo, MO, after tithing settlements and is ready for his dinner.

Finally Erin falls asleep -- on daddy Mike's chest -- and Mike does the same.

Makala, Joseph, Annie and Katie have their own special table inside Lee & Nancy's master bedroom, which is a doorway away from the livingroom.

The Three Amigos: Nathan, Jared and Jason.

Joseph takes a picture of the hostess, Nancy, in her kitchen.

Makala helps out in the kitchen at Lee & Nancy Hunt's home in Oronogo, MO.

Looking from the livingroom into the master bedroom and the table set for the four grandchildren.

Chris Westwood is barefoot in the Hunt kitchen.

Karin tries to feed Erin some potatoes and gravy as Mike supervises.

Karin tries to feed Erin (who has noticed Nancy taking pictures) some potatoes and gravy as Mike supervises.

There's Mommy Karin with Erin and her big baby, Mike!

Jason Hunt and Matt Westwood at the counter between the kitchen and livingroom.

The table is set for twelve. There's Lee, at left, enjoying the show: Karin trying to feed Erin some potatoes and gravy as Mike supervises.

Where's the food? Matt asks as he checks out the dining table in the livingroom -- or maybe he's looking at his pretty little wife sitting on the couch.

A view from the livingroom couch over the dining table with Chris Westwood and Nancy Hunt preparing the great post-Thanksgiving dinner.

Buffet table of desserts in dining room after post-Thanksgiving dinner Sunday at Hunts in Oronogo, MO.

Nathan Hunt Skypes with Heather, Ty and the kids. On the computer monitor is the baby.

Heidi, Jared, Hannah, Nathan and Jason playing "Spoons" after dinner. 

Chris, Bruce and Lee take their post-dinner nap.

Annie takes a nap on Nancy's lap after dinner Sunday.

Nathan, Heidi and Jared talk with Heather, Ty and the kids via Skype as Annie plays with Play Dough in Lee and Nancy's office.

Heidi, Jared, Hannah, Nathan and Jason playing "Spoons" after dinner.

Nathan, Jason, Katie, Heidi and Jared play "Spoons" after dinner.

Nathan, Jason, Katie, Heidi and Jared play "Spoons" after dinner.

Left, Joseph and Makala dish up post-Thanksgiving dinner. Jared and Heidi do the same for Annie and Katie.




Left, Lee finds a place for a post-Thanksgiving dinner nap -- behind bars!





Left, Jason is all smiles after dinner! But it possibly could be about Justin Gideon Hunt.