Category Archives: Siblings

Why I Admire the New Testament’s Martha, Mary, and Lazarus

If I could hang out with anyone in the Bible, it would be the siblings, Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. It’s because their house sounds the most fun–and peaceful. They are relatable. When the mistress of the house, Martha, got stressed (which happens to me all the time), it’s neat to see how Christ reached out to her when he said,

Martha, Martha, thou art careful and trouble about many things.

Jesus (Luke 10:41)

Jesus reached out to Mary and Lazarus as well.

Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.

John 11:5

The three siblings worked together to maintain a refuge. Their house was outside of Jerusalem, in the town of Bethany, where Jesus, and his disciples, would visit to take a breather. It was a place to be comfortable. Family trying to work together, who are imperfect, and yet find peace in Christ, sounds like a great place to be!

Mary and Martha tending to their brother Lazarus, who is ill.

In fact, four days after Lazarus died, Mary and Martha still had visitors ready to comfort them and who would witness the extraordinary miracle about to take place when Jesus arrived. Jesus cried with the mourners. But before that extraordinary miracle, we’re treated–and comforted– by one of my favorite scriptures,

Jesus wept.

John 11:35
Christ Comforts Mary and Martha

The onlookers were moved how Jesus wept with them, and many believed in Christ when Lazarus came forth from the dead. I infer that some of those observers were prepared to believe because Mary and Martha both talked how they believed in Jesus having mighty power and that he was the son of God. Mary and Martha–as well as Lazarus–were good examples of service to the community that led to people noticing their beliefs.

Each sibling contributed to make sure Jesus felt welcome. At another house in Bethany, Mary washed his feet, a very sacred ordinance–and with expensive ointment–which made Judas complain that she was wasting money. Oh, Jesus had a talk with him–informed him this is a sincere service that would be remembered. The beginning of the conversation included Jesus saying this,

Let her alone; why trouble ye her?

Jesus (Mark 14:6)

That is so perfect! Jesus gave Judas and others present a much needed talk while standing up for a friend. It’s easy to see why Jesus loved this family, and they loved him.

I love this family because they remind me of how I personally feel at certain times. The family also reminds me of certain family members, and friends that feel like family members. Mary, Martha, Lazarus, and those I just mentioned are such powerful examples of what I hope to be. I hope to be like them in their conviction, faith, and selfless acts of service.

Further reading:

Mary, Martha and Lazarus of Bethany” An in-depth scholarly article about the family by Marg Mowczko.

“Mary, Martha, and Lazarus” Summary of the siblings’ interactions with Christ from the website of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Mary and Martha, Sisters of Bethany” A past post from this website.

The Royal Stuart Men and Their Wives

Two brothers.

The elder married a queen in the making. The other married mistress material.

Their great-great-great…great grandpa, Charles II, wouldn’t have missed the irony. What is he thinking now?

Charles married a woman named Catherine. The elder brother married a woman named Catherine. I think that would have pleased Charles II’s queen.

Among Charles II girlfriends was an actress. The younger brother married an actress. Are Charles’ mistresses doing a victory dance? Only time will tell on that one, I’m afraid.

How much family/secular history do the brothers know? Did anyone see the coincidence when an actress married into the royal family? Come on, princes, you should have made some connection.

I just really, really know what everyone mentioned knows and feels!

 

Alice

Note: The following narrative is from an assignment I did a couple years ago for a family history class. The family pictures with my commentary were added afterwards. 

A Life Sketch Mary Alice Villiborghi Lund
Written by Sarah Patten from an Interview with the Alice’s daughter, Martha Jane Lund Patten

Mary “Alice” Villiborghi was born February 13, 1909 to Italian immigrants Maria Domenica Alberti and Virginio Lorenzo Villiborghi in San Francisco, California. She was the second of fourteen children. One could say that she could be seen as the oldest since she had a brother that was born the year before her and only had lived for two months.

Alice’s family lived in an Italian neighborhood. She had cousins who lived there too as well as grandparents next door. The family knew the value of hard work and the necessity of prayer to get by. Always industrious, Alice’s leisure time included her gardening, sewing, and canning— even in the last years of her life. She grew up during the Great Depression, and there were plenty of mouths to feed and children to dress. She and her family were into “recycle chic” (a fashion style that would be shared by her granddaughter). Flour sacks were used to make her brothers’ shirts. When those shirts wore out, the remains were put together in a yoyo quilt.

Alice was interested in secretarial work and even took a shorthand writing class in school. She made it to the eleventh grade but had to leave school to support her family. She went to work for a pants factory called Ben Davis where she sewed jeans with an industrial sewing machine. Her arms would ache from the labor. She worked there for sixteen years. An aunt suggested she apply for a job at the post office. Alice secured a job and formed strong friendships. She met Reuben Lund through a mutual friend.

Reuben was one of the most influential people in her life. He introduced her to a whole new world. He took her to concerts and operas which was a new experience for her. They enjoyed hiking together. They married June 26, 1945 at a courthouse in Santa Rosa, California. He continued to help build her confidence and believe in herself.

It was somewhat of scary experience when she discovered she was pregnant because she was nearing forty; she was on the older side, and there were greater health risks. Reuben made sure she got the best medical care. On February 24, 1949, Alice gave birth to a baby girl, whom they named Martha Jane.

Martha recalls her mother being “generous to a fault”. Alice would find people to help. She saved money and even bought Martha a petit grand piano. Alice’s gift is still being used today by her daughter, grandchildren, great grandchildren, piano students, and those who desire to touch the piano keys.

I'm honored my favorite pianist happens to my mom. She could have made bucks but continues to share her expertise and expression music with others. Here she is teaching a grandchild.

Here my mom is with a grandchild playing at the piano my grandma gave her. Grandma would have loved this picture!

Alice found life difficult in the 1980s when her husband died and her health declined. She moved in with her daughter and her family. But there were positive highlights—like the births of her five grandchildren. She brought laughter into the home, kept up with gardening, and planted roses around the house.

In the early 1990s, she spread her wings by doing what she had dreamed of doing for so long. Traveling. She took Martha and her family to Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Grandma Lund, with her grandchildren and my dad.Grandma conquered her fear of flying, but she was also brave by putting up with five kids all under ten!

Grandma Lund, with her grandchildren and my dad.Grandma conquered her fear of flying, but she was also brave by putting up with five kids all under ten!

It was nerve-racking because she was anxious to fly, but things worked out.

My brother helping Grandma Lund.

My brother helping Grandma Lund.

In fact, she was so much in awe, the family made the trip again six months later.

My very patient grandma helping me!  These worthwhile trips could tucker us grandkids out, but she was always there to lend a hand!

My very patient grandma helping me! These worthwhile trips could tucker us grandkids out, but she was always there to lend a hand!

Alice died June 28, 1991 and is buried next to her husband, Reuben, in Parkview Cemetery, French Camp, California.  She left a legacy of faith, resourcefulness, and humor for her posterity.

rose-48889_1280

Additional Notes:
Featured image is of my mom with Grandma Lund. 

Special thanks to my mom for the interview and for supplying Grandma Lund’s autobiography. 

All photos courtesy of my family. 

OTMA’S LAST POETRY: TRUTH

From her diaries and letters concerning her, Olga was thought to have the best idea out of her family of their eventual fate. Toward the end of her life, she was aloof and very depressed. She spent a lot of time with her ill brother, Alexei,  and in her own thoughts. This last photograph of her with her brother on their last train ride speaks thousands of words:

Little brother, Alexei, and Olga on the train to what would end up being their final destination in 1918. This picture shows an aging and wise princess.

It brings up many questions. And Olga often asked many questions. I believe she naturally searched for truth.

Truth by O
What is truth?

Pilate’s timeless questions
Is well-worth to mention.

Often, truth is in front of us
Which we try to ignore,
Wash , and spill our guilt to the floor.

We can all spout off a list
Of who’s the one to blame
And then read our owns names with shame.

Every person in this house
Must ask themselves what is true
And decide what they’re going to do.

We are accountable
To search for the facts
And then our following acts.

Wherefore, we must all answer to—

What is truth?

Around 1914

Around 1914

 

Poem © Sarah Patten

My siblings drive me crazy

In honor of Siblings Day and my car reregistered, I decided to give tribute to my siblings and talk about our car memories.

us by the car

Bob

clapping

“Do you see the maroon van yet?” my sister-in-law asked.

I was in a car with people I met a couple hours ago that were headed in the same direction. We were now in a nearly deserted parking lot.

“I think so,” I answered. “Is it covered with snow?”

“I don’t know.”

My ride pulled by a nearly white van. I saw some maroon. “I think I’m right by you guys. Do you see the gray Honda?”

I was annoyed with my sister-in-law when she said, “I really don’t know.”

Another passenger in the car said, “Just see who the driver is.”

I didn’t want to. It was dark and would be slippery.

“Okay,” I told my sister-in-law. “I’m going to knock on the door. Do you see me yet?”

Her response was not encouraging. “Um, no?”

I knocked on the driver’s door. The door opened. It was not my brother’s wife. It was a man wearing a red coat and CowboyS hat.

“Bob!”

“Surprise!” My brother helped me with the luggage and then he and I were off to his house. I don’t remember what we talked about but I remember feeling relieved, secure, and happy. I was finally getting the one-on-one time with my oldest brother.

Dan

rach's wedding

If it weren’t for Dan, I wouldn’t be writing this post. The car I had to reregister this week? Yeah, I bought it from him a couple years ago. He upgraded to a better car though we’re in agreement I’m driving a fairly good vehicle.

But Dan didn’t always have the classiest cars. But when you’re in high school any car would do. I still felt cool riding in his first, cheap car. I was a freshman and he was senior. He would race with a friend to school from seminary. It wasn’t healthy for the yellow car.

One morning the steering wheel came off. “What???” Dan tried to keep it in place as we slowly crossed the wide intersection where the most car accidents occurred at school. We made it. Barely, but we made it into a parking spot.

I’m thinking our mom picked us up that day. The car got fixed, and Dan secured the steering wheel with duct tape.  The fixes and the car’s accessories  cost more than the car itself. A CD player. A loose fake arm from Spencer’s that Dan liked to stick out the window.

Hope this didn’t embarrass him. But like I said, I felt pretty cool riding in his car.

Rachel

Rachel is my favorite travel companion. Even when I get us lost, she’s patient. We never go hungry. Wherever we go, it’s a party–complete with Sonic drinks.

Rachel is pretty cool. As she drove me around, her song “Cool Kids” played over and over again. (I wished I could be like her!) One other favorite one was “Rude.” We applied it to a pet.

One of the most exciting times in her car was when we brought home a movie she wanted to watch with me. But we would have to wait for her husband to get home.  Until then we quoted clips in the car and while were eating dinner.  We even threw in wisdom.

“It doesn’t matter what happens in the blender. It’s what happens next.”

When it’s just Rachel and I, it’s a fun guarantee.

1280px-Sonic_Drive_in

 

Joe

A couple years ago, I had the upper hand in some things. That included transportation. Joe is one of the best drivers but needed to borrow my car  a few times.

“Could I use the car this weekend?” Joe asked.

I knew the next thing he was going to say. “I have a date.”

Of course I would let him. And of course he’s gotten a cooler car since then and got married. But he and his wife still help me when I go places.

“Don’t hang up the phone!” (A favorite phrase of his wife) Without her and Joe, I would be in Wyoming right now with bad brakes.

Joe probably thinks (correctly) my car or myself couldn’t survive without him.

Because I needed to reregister my car this week, I needed a smog and safety check and was asking around. I texted Joe who texted back an address. As characteristic of our relationship, he called right after that text.

“This is what you need to know…” He went into greater detail and then asked if I understood. He’s pretty good at simplifying things when I ask.

car sleeping

Zzzzzzzzzz end!

 

Images:
Personal and family photos
Sonic photo taken by Belinda Hankins Miller