Christmas Oranges

There are many renditions of this story. I have chosen one submitted by Kelly Smith of California. She writes the following:

I'd like to tell you a story my grandmother told me when I was six or seven years old. We had gone to her home for Thanksgiving dinner and the drive was rather a long one. I had filled the time with making a list of all the things that I wanted for Christmas that year.


Later that evening after I was ready for bed, I showed the list to my grandmother. After she read it, she said, "My goodness, that really is a long list!" Then she picked me up and set me on her lap in the big rocking chair and told me this story:

"Once there was a little girl who came to live in an orphanage in Denmark" (Now my grandmother was from Denmark, so this story might even be true.) "As Christmas time grew near, all of the other children began telling the little girl about the beautiful Christmas tree that would appear in the huge downstairs hall on Christmas morning. After their usual, very plain breakfast, each child would be given their one and only Christmas gift; small, single orange."

At this point I looked up at my grandmother in disbelief, but she assured me that was all each child would receive for Christmas.

"Now the headmaster of the orphanage was very stern and he thought Christmas to be a bother. So on Christmas Eve, when he caught the little girl creeping down the stairs to catch a peek at the much-heard-of Christmas tree, he sharply declared that the little girl would not receive her Christmas orange because she had been so curious as to disobey the rules. The little girl ran back to her room broken-hearted and crying at her terrible fate."

"The next morning as the other children were going down to breakfast, the little girl stayed in her bed. She couldn't stand the thought of seeing the others receive their gift when there would be none for her."

"Later, as the children came back upstairs, the little girl was surprised to be handed a napkin. As she carefully opened it, there to her disbelief was an orange all peeled and sectioned."

"How could this be?" she asked.

"It was then that she found how each child had taken one section from their orange and given it to her so that she, too, would have a Christmas orange."

How I loved this story! I would ask my grandmother to tell it to me over and over as I grew up. Every Christmas, as I pull a big, juicy orange from my stocking, I think of this story. What an example of the true meaning of Christmas those orphan children displayed that Christmas morning. How I wish the world, as a whole would display that same kind of Christ-like concern for others, not just at Christmas, but throughout the year.


Author Unknown

Ears to hear

Why is it that we love the Christmas season so much?

Admittedly, toward the end of the day yesterday, some voiced their sorrow to have seen Christmas come and go so quickly.

"The Spirit of Christmas illuminates the picture window of the soul." So states the message from President Monson.

Perhaps, during this time of year, we offer a little more patience, exhibit a little more obedience, extend the hand of friendship a little more often, and bask in the warmth that comes from following the commandments and extending good will to all men and our friends and family in particular. 

President Monson continues by saying that "Giving not getting brings to full bloom the Christmas Spirit. If we are to have the very best Christmas ever, we must reach out for the Carpenter's hand, for every step we take in his footsteps, we abandon a doubt and gain a truth."

Giving not getting brings to full bloom the Christmas spirit; friends are remembered and God obeyed.

Do you have the determination to make this the very best year ever?

The formula is the same.

Hear the Voice of God

http://www.lds.org/new-era/2013/01/hear-the-voice-of-god?lang=eng

Good Tidings

Christmas 2012 - What a day! Christmas is one of my favorite seasons, though the celebration is different every year. This year was no exception. As the children have grown, we have modified our traditions some. I have to chuckle when I think about the changes:

• We had our Nazarene dinner like usual and Mom (Mary) & dad (Joseph) actually participated in the nativity this year.
• The evening last night was spent playing games and flying helicopters (Steven's idea and contribution)
• We stayed up late laughing and enjoying one another's company
• At the bidding of the children, Mom and dad joined in the tradition of lining up in the basement before entering the family room this morning to see the gifts--whole new perspective for me
• We were happy to have Grandma stay with us last night and be with us today; especially grateful for her vitality and longevity

Did everything proceed flawlessly? No, all wasn't perfect, but that didn't change things. There were hiccups, just like always, but the great thing is that the children handled it all well, and we overcame hardship. Bumpy as the morning was, the entire day proceeded as we had hoped.

Grandma's health continues; gift exchange was awesome; peace, hope, and joy have been abundant.

Carly and Steven joined us for dinner. Camilla has been communicating with us all morning though Nick and Camilla are in Logan this year...

Let this be a time of remembrance, of gratitude, and a time of forgiveness. Let it be a time to ponder the Atonement of Jesus Christ for each of us personally. We, like the wisemen of old, should seek the Christ and lay before him the most precious of gifts--a broken heart and a contrite spirit.

"Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given;  for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people."



Merry Christmas, every one.

Gilead's balm

What do you know about the balm of Gilead?

I went to the scriptures today to learn more. The balm of Gilead was “an aromatic gum or spice used for healing wounds.” (Gen. 43:11, Jer. 8:22, 46:11, 51:8) A bush produced resin from which the balm was made. These grew so plentifully in Gilead during Old Testament times that the balm came to be known as the “balm of Gilead.” (Gen. 37:25, Ezek. 27:17)

Today, the Balm of Gilead refers to many different blessings that bring healing, reconciliation, peace, and comfort in the midst of injury, conflict, and discord.

 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

Apology is the ointment that ignites the healing power of forgiveness.

Balm of Gilead, a talk by Boyd K. Packer in the October 1987 General Conference

The Healing Power of Forgiveness, a talk by James E. Faust in the April 2007 General Conference (one of my favorite talks of all time. The emotion and words of President Faust are moving.)

This week, listen to the talks above and watch the following video. You'll be glad you did.

Let the healing begin.



I am grateful that God allows tragedies and trials to occur in our lives, not because they are easy or because they are desired, but because they help us love, and that too was a wonderful blessing because I saw my brother. Coming to know a Man of Sorrow and One who is acquainted with grief as I have come to understand is really why I was sent here. And it has been incredibly difficult to have to learn those lessons in the way that I have learned them, but I have always ended those episodes of grief with an assurance and a hope that one day perhaps I will see him as he is and one day hopefully I will be like him, and one day I will be with my wife again as well as the rest of my family...and that's what keeps me moving forward...

Still

When we pray so hard for something, why don't we receive it? We have good intentions. We are faithfully serving the Lord in whatever capacity we are called. Others all about us seem to get the things they want.

What more could we do? Why are we not given the desires of our hearts?

I am reminded of a statement by Sherry Dew, who as you know, never had the opportunity to get married. She said  something like "Believe me, if fasting and prayer and temple attendance automatically resulted in a husband, I'd have Nephis lining up to wed me."

But on a more serious note, we ask for guidance, for direction, and for help and protection, yet in the midst of our pleas in seeking the Lord's direction, things go differently than we hoped and planned. How do we explain it?

I love the use of the word "still" in reference to the Still Small Voice. You could perceive from that word the idea of quiet, reverent, or tranquil. Certainly these are good and appropriate terms. But another way of interpreting the word could be persistence, endurance, or continuity—especially amid hardship or difficulty.

For example, I wonder how often we must rely on this power to get us through terrible hardships. I could mention any number of you. We all have obstacles we must overcome, and I expect you too rely on this resource often because I see you face your challenges with optimism, courage, strength, and confidence... still.

When the tempest raged around the twelve apostles on the Sea of Galilee, the Savior uttered the words "Be still" to calm the storm. I testify we can use the words of the Lord and his promises to still the storms in our hearts, the troubles in our souls, and the challenges in our lives today. And when the Lord's will is different than what we initially expected, we can still find solace in our faith in him and his will.

I do and hope you will, too.

Psalms 46:10 Be still and know that I am God
Mark 4:39 Peace, be still. And the wind ceased
Doctrine and Covenants 101:16  All flesh is in mine hands; be still

Broken hearts

This has become a memorable week for all the wrong reasons. Peoples lives will forever change because of the ruthless actions of others. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those in the community of Newtown Connecticut, especially the families of those that lost so much, whose hearts are broken today. These grief stricken people shoulder a terrible burden and need relief from their suffering.

Their loss has been overwhelming. Their pain, immense. How can we help? Lift a brother. Lighten another's load. Share a complement with the forgotten. Save someone's pain by being a friend when there is none. Visit the lonely. Or speak a kind word in the midst of anger and rebuke.

Only One can heal these wounds. We must show humility and rely on him alone. This is our privilege.

Trust in the Savior. Listen to his words. Follow his example.

And you will find an unexpected gift amid challenges.

Counsel with him

I am grateful for the guidance and direction we receive from Heavenly Father, especially in the midst of challenges.

Do you remember the experience when Grandpa decided to approach the Lord regarding our decision to move from Salt Lake City to Castle Valley? It's one of my favorites:

Well, Grandpa had been selling ladies' clothing successfully for years. So when the company began to falter, he naturally thought he would continue doing that but under a different name for a different market. Granny and Grandpa started Group Apparel Specialists and sold uniforms to high schools and colleges. They also started an antique store. That's where the name Sunflowerhill came from. And he had other ideas. But when he retired to the basement and presented this option to the Lord, he couldn't even articulate his plan. He had been working on it for weeks and prepared for every possible eventuality. But when he tried to explain it in prayer, it was jumbled and incoherent. So he went and rested a bit, thinking he had been working too hard and was unable to think straight. Afterward, he returned to the basement closet and approached Heavenly Father in prayer once more. But he was again unable to articulate the plan. So he thought that perhaps that was his answer. Just like the Doctrine and Covenants states in section 9, verses 7-9:

 7 Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.

 8 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.

 9 But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me.

After this experience, he returned to the basement closet and in prayer told Heavenly Father that he recognized that he had received an answer and had therefore decided to pursue other options. Instantly, his heart burned within him until his whole bosom was on fire. He knew that his choice was right.

It was shortly after that when Granny found a newspaper ad about Castle Valley, and as they say, the rest is history. The Gift of the Holy Ghost is a most treasured gift. If we will but seek and follow the promptings, it is our guide through life.

I love that story about Grandpa. He would tell it with humility and emotion. But it should be noted that though he received a witness to do something different and relocate the family to a new life in southern Utah, he did not have all the answers and still moved forward in faith. And so it is with us. We will receive direction but must continue with faith.

One of my favorite quotes follows (a link to the whole talk). Know that you can make all your concerns a matter of prayer. That means you aren't alone in making decisions. And because you listen and have the courage to follow the promptings from the Lord--He will guide you in your activities.

Nephi was successful. He sought the Lord's guidance in prayer, and did his very best--even when at first, the lot of them repeatedly failed to obtain the plates.

President Kimball captured this concept beautifully in the words below:

It is easy to get discouraged. It is easy to quit, but you mustn't fail. You remember how Nephi went into an impossible situation and couldn't get the plates. His brothers couldn't. They couldn’t buy them. They couldn’t bribe them out of the hands of Laban. They couldn't force their way in, and their lives were hanging on a thread. Inspite of all that, here comes one boy, unarmed, who walks into a city through a wall that was closed to him, through gates that couldn't be opened, into a garden that was impenetrable, into a vault that was locked, among soldiers that couldn't be bypassed, and comes out with his arms full of records to keep his posterity and others from perishing in unbelief. (See 1 Ne. 3–4.)

That's your promise, too. The Lord will guide you. Counsel with Him and recognize his hand in your life. Alma 37:37

That way you can't fail.

Gratitude

Gratitude fosters happiness, which is why I have heard of people keeping a gratitude journal. To do this, every morning write out at least five things you're thankful for. In times of stress, pause and reflect on 10 things you're grateful for.  

What are you grateful for today?

When we were missionaries, we taught investigators about prayer. As parents, we teach our children to pray. We encourage them to first thank Heavenly Father for his blessings. Why?

Insert your answers to this question with a comment below, so we can all benefit from your observations. I am looking forward to your insights.

Let us not forget to thank Heavenly Father for our greatest blessing.

Take ten minutes and watch the video below.

Change the world

Perhaps the title of this post is not what you would expect during the holidays. Nonetheless, that is our commission.

Changing the world begins with changing your world. Perhaps start with the following:

• get up 10 minutes earlier to do something extra (read scriptures, play the piano, or develop another talent)
• recognize and show appreciation for people in your life
• improve yourself
• mend a relationship
• leave things better than you find them

Give thanks for your blessings. Make the world a better place...and then enjoy it.

My sincere appreciation to all of you who bring so much joy into my life. I can't help but think of my dad when I hear the Halleluja Chorus. He appreciated good music so and loved the message it portrays. When this song was performed, it was not uncommon to look over and see tears streaming down his cheeks. I love that about him.

The Gift of the Messiah (This article is great. It contains a video I just love.)

You will notice that when the choir begins singing in the link above, the audience stands up. This has been a tradition long before my time, yet it continues to flood my emotions each time I see it. Upon hearing the "Halleluja Chorus" movement of the Messiah, King George II of England was reputedly so overcome with emotion that he spontaneously rose to his feet. When the king stands, everyone stands, so the audience immediately rose also. The tradition of standing for the chorus is still observed today in most live performances of "Messiah". I like to think, however, that we stand out of respect and adoration for the Savior. That seems more agreeable to me.

Whence come thou again

Did I ever share with you the story of when I got lost at Knott's Berry Farm? My family was there on vacation, and we were watching a fantastic dance right in the middle of the walkway. When I looked up, the family was gone. That was disconcerting to say the least. It must have shown on my face, because a kind woman asked me if I was lost, and at that question, I think I probably burst into tears.

She assured me I would be fine, and she told me that she would take me to the office so they could make an announcement and get me back with my family. Those were sweet words, and she did exactly as promised. Someday, I hope to have an opportunity to thank her for coming to my aid.

Well, at the Knott's Berry Farm office, I was greeted by the nicest, sweetest young ladies you can imagine--Snow White herself couldn't have been any more giggly, kind, or beautiful--remember, I was a 5-year-old boy. While I was waiting, they consoled and entertained me with stories, treats, and attention like any young boy loves. Nevertheless, when my parents walked through the door to recover me, I was delighted.

It was relatively harmless back in those days, and I actually remember it with a sort of fondness and nostalgia. But I imagine it was anything but nostalgic and pleasant for the apostles when they learned about the events leading to the end of the world and Christ's imminent departure. I have said before that I imagine the apostles were pleading when they asked "Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming?" 

The whole chapter Matt 24 is great and very informative. Read it. Many of the prophecies contained therein have been fulfilled.

And though we are told "Of that day and hour knoweth no man," (Matt 24:36) we are also told that we can know when it is near by watching for the fulfillment of events foretold. (Mark 13:28)

So what does all this have to do with getting separated from my parents as a boy while on vacation? Actually, it is remarkably similar. 

• The separation was brief 
• Was it scary? Yes, but it was kind of fun too 
• It turned out fine, even though parts were worrisome at the time
• As I look back now, the outcome was sure
• The joy of being reunited was great 

These same characteristics are true in life with the freedoms we enjoy as we prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. 

• Our separation from Heavenly Father is relative short compared to eternity
• Even amid hardship, life is scattered with joyous occasions
  Men are, that they might have joy (2 Nephi 2:25) and all of our afflictions are swallowed up in the joy of Christ (Alma 31:38)
• Everything will turn out ok in the end; if it's not ok, it's not the end
• The following statement of Elder Cook emphasizes our perspective:
  ...it’s a wonderful time to be a member of the Church ... We know what the ultimate outcome is, we know who Jesus Christ is, and we have the opportunity of having a loving Father in Heaven bless us.
• The righteous eagerly await the return of the Savior Jesus Christ

The question really is will we be ready when He comes again.

Will YOU be ready?

Home is where the heart is

There are so many different perspectives and varying opinions on the real definition of what it means to be successful.

Sometimes the world evaluates success by the number of dollars made or the impact on society or the great discoveries realized or perhaps the titles or educational rank achieved.

I'm not saying those things aren't important or good, but it can be discouraging if you base your success and value on those accomplishments alone, especially when outside factors limit your ability to achieve them.

Getting little notes from my children, who are upright, generous, and kind. Going out to lunch with family or having a confidential, trusted talk when needed. Or perhaps, a compassionate, faithful, loving wife. To me...successful or not...that's real wealth.

 19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

  Matt 6:19, 20. 21

How do you measure success?

Pray Always

When I was a boy, I used to mimic a Dial soap commercial. It went something like "Aren't you glad you use Dial? Don’t you wish everybody did?" I thought I was so funny. I was just a little kid. But there are many, many more ad slogans and some really memorable ones like Please don’t squeeze the Charmin, Got Milk? or the American Express classic "Don’t leave home without it."

I imagine that many of you don't know what an idiom is without looking up the definition, but unaware you use them all of the time. So sometimes without even realizing it, we try something without really knowing why. Regardless of whether you are aware of idioms or not at all, they are available for your use and benefit. That makes me wonder how many other things are ready to assist us, which we may not be utilizing to their fullest capacity.

The cool thing about this post is that we are going to talk about perhaps the most important idiom of all. But don't be surprised if you have never recognized it as such. That's why we are going to discuss it now. You have all heard the best defense is a good offense...and yes that is an idiom, but not the foremost expression I am talking about, but an idiom nonetheless.

Maybe it's because I'm a guy, but I have always loved the analogy of the Armor of God found in Ephesians 6. The weapons and protection described there are inspiring and comforting, but more than that, they are an asset for us to overcome the battles that we face in our lives. The whole chapter is great, but I want to focus on verses 11-18. Read them in the link above.

So we have a number of defensive measures available to us. These verses talk about a helmet, breastplate, shield, and other armor and relate these to truth, righteousness, preparation, and peace. Paul continues with increased emphasis to utilize faith, salvation, and perseverance. And in the midst of these verses, an offensive weapon is revealed--the Sword of the Spirit. Then we receive the exhortation "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit."

Actually, if I am honest about it, this concept used to trouble me, "How can one really pray always?" Well, I thought about the times when I was raising my voice to heaven and even as I was closing my prayer, I realized I failed to thank Him for something in particular or forgot to ask His help regarding this matter or that. Funny thing is that it seems to happen more the older I get. Then, I remembered how I handled the matter in college when I was taking a big test or making a life-changing decision like choosing or changing my major. When I faced a challenge that was beyond my ability alone to manage, I found myself constantly thinking and seeking and listening for guidance. I would frequently call Grandpa to run my thoughts by him and hope his direction would lead me in the way I should go. And as I pondered his counsel and considered the advice, it helped light the path before me. Then very clearly it came to me. If I did this very thing with my earthly father, then why not with my Heavenly Father through prayer and the manifestation and direction of the Spirit. We can always be seeking His guidance and thanking him for direction.

Our most valuable defense against the adversary, confusion, doubt, and fear is the whole armor of God. And with it you will have the protection you want and the answers that you seek, the faith that you need, and the courage required to tackle the obstacles of our day–armed with the Sword of the Spirit. If I could provide any tool to help you through life, this is the one I would give you...and He did. John 14:27

I know that one day we will live in His presence and feel always of the Lord's Spirit, and I look forward to that day with anticipation. 

Until then, don't leave home without it.

I Love

There are so many things I love about our family. Now I'm not talking about the way that we show affection with hugs and kisses or the way we tell one another frequently that we love each other. No. I'm not talking about the family traditions that we have like lining up by age in ascending order to go into the living room on Christmas morning or celebrating early morning birthdays with a happy birthday to you song at the bedside. Those traditions are great, too, but today what I really love is the little things about each one of you that make our family what it is. Like a beautiful stained glass window is made up of many small, significant colors and shapes, our family is composed of the total of all your individual characteristics.

• Nick - I have always loved Nick. He adds so much to our family. One of the most poignant moments I remember about Nick was when he called me to ask for my permission and blessing to marry Camilla. Sounds like a small thing, perhaps, but my admiration and appreciation for Nick grew enormously that day. And ever since, we have had many occasions to develop bonds. Always, my fly-fishing mentor.
• Camilla tries new things and leads the way--working hard to achieve her goals--one summer in Alaska and another at Lake Powell; teaching English in Korea and travelling the orient, things I have never done. She is perfect for Nick and Tosh. I think Camilla's namesake is one of the finest people that I have ever met. But considering Camilla's qualities, it's no wonder she shares that forename.
• Steven's calling card is that he includes everyone, is fun to be with, and understanding of others. It's tough going to school--college is hard work--you all know that, but I love remembering the frequent times that I would call Steven, and he would be coming from or going to the temple. I would think "I want to be more like that." And his music...wow...Steven is easy to love.
• Amy - her little laugh, dedication to a cause, and determination are characteristics that I admire about Amy. No one really understands how hard she had to work when she was employed by Jeff and Tanya. Often she changed her plans because she was called into work last moment or asked to stay longer than scheduled. But day-in-and-day-out she willingly surrendered her own plans for the greater good. And as far as Tripp and Liv--Amy will always be a favorite. For me, Amy epitomizes integrity.
• Alyssa - everybody loves Alyssa. Her style, her smile, her loyalty to family and friends. I love that she is honest with me and shares the desires of her heart, even when she is afraid or unsure. It takes a lot of courage to bear your soul when you risk rejection, humiliation, or indifference. But that won't stop Alyssa. She does what is dead-on because it is right.
• Melanie - beauty and affability are qualities often not found together, but it just so happens that in Melanie's case, they exist in spades. People say that beauty is more than skin deep. Melanie is kind to others and glows inside and out, and that's what makes her so attractive because she is simply charming.
• Emily is friendly, obedient, loving, and kind. Those words describe her well. I love that Emily is a companion to all and scatters sunshine everywhere she goes. She has so many friends from all parts of the ward and neighborhood and is a favorite both in and out of the family. Everybody loves Emily.

And Linda, she is the girl of my dreams. I would be so much less without her. There are so many things I love about your mother: appreciation for BYU football, the challenges during her youth from which she ascended so beautifully, and her dedication to home and family. You know, your mother is your greatest advocate-- I love that about her.

Though there is much more to say, I can only mention the briefest summation of your qualities. 

Of course I love all of you. How could I not?

And the best is yet to come.