Maternal history

I have shared stories of Grandpa John with you many times. Certainly, we will discuss his life and experiences many more times. But today, I want to tell you about a maternal ancestor:

Margaret Jane and her children moved five miles away into the woods. They had a cow, some chickens and Mary had a cat named Katy. The little Lanier family dug and planted a garden around their home in the woods. Neighbor, John Gordon, and his family of five children lived three miles away. It was to this home that Margaret Jane and her two children went to hear the Elders preach again. The Elders came so seldom, and the Saints were so eager to hear the gospel preached, that an all night cottage meeting was planned. Again, the children were put to bed on the floor and the older people heard the word of the Lord preached.

When morning came, Margaret Jane and her children began to make their way home. They saw pairs of men sitting along the path every few hundred feet and their suspicions grew. Sure enough, there was a large group of men gathered together at one place waiting for Margaret Jane and her children. Bob, the little boy, sprang out and started to make a dash for their home farther along the path. One of the men drew a gun, pointed it at Bob and told his mother to call him back. He ran to his mother. The leader of the group, Miles Hendricks, lashed out at Margaret Jane with a hickory whip. Mary was holding her mother's hand as she received those blows. She knew angels were between her mother and that whip, for Margaret Jane claimed she never felt a blow. Only two strikes were given, when someone wrenched the whip from the hands of Hendricks, and it was thrown into the thicket. The men roared that she could not enter her house again and that all the Mormons were to get out. Margaret Jane and her two sons made their way back to the home of John Gordon, where they were sheltered. Word was sent to Tom, her son, who lived a few miles away and they made their way back to the little home, unknown to the mob. They packed what was left of Margaret Jane's things. The mob had taken their cow and chickens, flour, cornmeal and everything except their bedding and clothing. Later, word was sent that she could have her cow if someone came and got it. She hesitated and prayed before sending Bob, but he brought the cow and himself back unharmed. Tom welcomed them into his home where they stayed for about a year.

Won't it be great to hear Margaret Jane tell that story. It will be such a treat to look into her eyes and thank her for enduring to the end and making our life in the Church possible. And expressing our gratitude to Tom for his help is long overdue...

Yes. Our celebrations this year and every year include appreciation for our faithful ancestors and thanks be to God for our most precious gift of all.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Overwhelmed

Everyone has heard the vernacular "You can't teach and old dog new tricks," which means it is difficult to make someone change the way they do something they have been doing the same way for a long time. Or said another way, it is impossible, or almost impossible, to change people's habits or traits or mindset. Yet, we all have things to learn and ways to improve. 

Let me see if I can think of an example...

Given the simple job yesterday of replacing a toilet seat, I set to the task. No big deal right? Rhetorically speaking, I have done this a million times. Somehow, the seat was completely broken away from the bowl. So with toolbox in hand, I went to the rescue.

First, I had to remove the broken plastic hinges from the bowl so I could fasten the replacement. So I climbed beside the toilet and set to work on one of two sides. The plastic bolts were secured with plastic wing nuts, but unfortunately they were too tight to loosen with my hands, so I retrieved my trusty set of pliers, and from there it went from bad to worse. Which way do I turn this to loosen? From the top it sounded easier than it turned out, so I tried to position myself below, but the quarters were cramped. Pretty soon, the wings on the wing nut were broken, but I took heart. I can use vice-grips to grip the nut and twist it off. However by that time, turning the nut didn't do anything to loosen it, so the threads must be stripped. Great. Why do they make these things out of plastic anyway? Without belaboring the point, I caught hope in the fact that I got a second chance on the other side, but the result was the same. Aaarrrggghhhhhh was at least what I was feeling.

So I sat back and assessed the situation. What are my options?

1.     Maybe the plastic will come in handy after all. I can get a hacksaw and cut these off if necessary. But maybe I could use cutting pliers to remove at least part of the bolt.

2.     Next, I can call Gregg. Goodness knows he has got me out of tight situations before. In fact, he is coming up for Thanksgiving... Other than the humiliation I was feeling, this was a great plan.

3.     Let's see, what would Dad do? There must be plumbers in this ward up here, but who?

  

As I contemplated these options, I looked down and saw the new seat lying upside down on the floor still wrapped in plastic. Maybe it has instructions...what have I got to lose? So I turned it over, and sure enough, it showed three steps. It didn't even use words, only pictures. Lift the cap on top, remove the bolt with a screwdriver, and replace the cap. Needless to say, the new seat was in place and secured in minutes. The seemingly overwhelming task was easily completed.

So why have I gone to such great lengths to describe in detail this experience? Because it is not unique. Perhaps none of you have faced the challenge of replacing the toilet seat like I did, or at least you knew what you were doing and followed the directions first. But all of you have faced overwhelming obstacles in life and sought solutions where it seemed there wasn't any. Our challenges are better overcome by following directions of Someone who knows.

None of us need be overwhelmed.

Isaiah 1:18

Revelations 3:20

Finding the temple

We all have a journey to the temple. Mine occurred one late evening in the outskirts of Minneapolis. I was looking for the St Paul Minnesota Temple with minimal guidance. There were tons of roads, intersections, and highways. I had a list of streets, directions if you will, but it was 100% new turf for me. Amid the darkness of night, pale lights, and general traffic congestion, I found it more challenging than I first expected. My cell phone was nearly dead, so GPS wasn't an option. But the minimal directions and some helpful locals eventually provided the guidance I needed. When I entered the ediface—1,300 miles from Utah—I felt comfortable and surprisingly right at home; familiar, peaceful, and secure.

The next session wasn't for about an hour, so I had plenty of time to look around and enjoy the area. Upon my return, I was ushered in. The rest of my colleagues were out eating steak at the Strip Club, supposedly a play on words, but that was all right. I decided on other activities and didn't want to try and explain the charge on my credit card statement anyway, so I made other plans. After a warm introduction to other patrons, I found it most accommodating. What a relief. When I arrived, I was delighted to meet the temple president and learn of the numerous opportunities inside. I felt right at home. It turned into a wonderful evening. Five sisters and three brothers joined me...that's it, but it was one of the most enlightening sessions of my life. I don't think that was a coincidence. I intend to go back frequently. Perhaps this will begin my new consecutive attendance plan. It's a great way to spend the evening when I go to St. Paul. That's for sure. Why we build temples...

Minnesota madness

You wouldn't believe the weird circumstances of where I am right now. I just arrived at the MSP airport on my way back to Utah from a business trip in MN. I caught a ride with my colleague, and now I am waiting for my flight. I made my way through security and found my gate. I am a bit early so I brought a book to read while I wait. What is so unique to me is when I arrived at my gate and looked for a place to sit down, I was greeted by four long, tall tables outfitted with iPads, charging plugs, lighting, and stools. So I put in my ear-buds and navigated to YouTube. I am listening to Pachelbel Canon in D while I type this. Besides the other five men using the iPads on these tables, there are other people scattered all round the area on both sides of me on airport-provided iPads navigating the web, talking on cell phones, or reading. Nobody is talking to one another person. Strange? Yes, but that is not what I think is so amazing. The fact that everyone (including me) is so
engrossed in their technology and that the airport has integrated it so fully is what stunned me. At this gate alone, there are 4 dozen iPads, charging stations, swipe pads at each location, so users can purchase anything, and the iPad keeps me updated on the status of my flight. Though mine is the next flight, it still doesn't leave for an hour-and-a-half. The available spots are slowly filling up. Years ago people would be reading books or magazines or browsing through the newspaper while they waited for their flight. Not a single person within my sight is reading from anything other than a mobile device. And to think I actually brought a book with me to read. In fact, I was reading while I stood in line earlier. I had no idea I was so backward. So maybe it's just me but this all seemed strange at the time... Oh well. No matter. I'll get back to Vivaldi while i wait. Besides, this is a good one. 28,057,449...er 28,057,500 views. 90% of all these people I am telling you about are in my generation. This is probably happening in airports all across the world today. Now the combination of all this is what is really weird. Oh yeah. The tables are all filled now--every seat and every iPad is taken. And my flight still doesn't leave for an hour...still no magazines.

Watch for this in other places, too.

Friends every where

So often in life, the bad steals the spot light. News covers the problems and tragedies in the world. Hardship is a common lot for many people. How many times when someone greets you in the morning do you hear "This is going to be the best day of my life." And when we do hear it, we don't believe it. The greatest deception on earth is that someone or something else controls our happiness. Well don't you fall for it. That is absolutely false. YOU control your happiness, and I control mine. Taking responsibility for our own perspective is motivational and empowering. Let's use an example to illustrate:

We can read about an experience in the Bible where the children of Israel by the hundreds were bitten by venomous snakes which meant certain death unless they would look at a brass servant raised on a pole. Now you could say they had really bad luck, or it wasn't their fault that they were bitten, or it just isn't fair. But each one of them had the opportunity to remove that affliction by completing a very simple task. They were told that all they had to do was look at the brass serpent, and they would be healed. But instead of making the decision that really mattered and following that advice, they hopelessly wallowed in their self-pity and instead died because it was "obviously" too easy an antidote and too good to be true. Dozens, hundreds, perhaps thousands died unnecessarily because they did not believe that simply looking would be enough to heal them. This malady wasn't their fault. It was thrust on them just as challenges are pushed our way today. Yet when the solution was revealed, they failed to make the decision that really counted. We would never be so blind. Or would we? Now we can all agree that price of that mistake was much dearer than its simple antidote. Then why is it so difficult to believe that you are in charge of your own happiness?

I remember with admiration and emotion the email dad sent to the family following his diagnosis of terminal cancer. When I read it, I come away feeling uplifted if that's possible.Without brushing it off or refuting the doctor's prognosis, he looked for and found the best he could in a difficult situation, and then he emphasized the good. Finding the silver lining in difficult situations was Grandpa's calling card. You can read the full letter in its entirety in my journal. I am including only a small excerpt here:

I’m operating under the plan I have used all of my life that “the next two years are going to be the best two years of my life.”

Hard things happen...you deal with it. Life doesn't go the way you planned...it's ok. It may just turn out better. Having that kind of attitude and optimism is powerful and decisive, because it puts you in charge.

You're making the decision...the one that matters. So don't wait another minute before you free yourself!

You hold the spotlight. Shine it on that which is good.

Trust

Nearly 30-years-ago, I interviewed for a position at BYU to help make the genealogical resources in the Provo campus available to other Church schools and members across the world. This was back in the day of microfiche and before public use of the Internet. What seemed like a massive job then has come to fruition and not only been completed but exceeded in our day. The breadth of what has been accomplished far surpasses the vision that was articulated to me back then. The distribution of the works of God transcends our fondest expectations and will unfailingly continue to do so.

This work will not fail. The success and prosperity of the Kingdom of God on earth will continue to grow and flourish until all the prophesies are fulfilled and the works of God finished. 

Bible videos

Mormon messages

Joseph Smith

General Conference archive since 1971 (text, audio, video)

Youth / For the Strength of Youth / Personal Progress 

Mormon Tabernacle Choir / Pinterest

Online scriptures / Gospel lessons

Preach My Gospel

Missionary Work

And literally hundreds, perhaps thousands more. This is but a sampling of the blessings God has made accessible for your use. These resources are available to you to combat the plagues of mistrust, deception, addiction, and deception in our world today.

Your challenges are unique. The Lord has provided sustenance.

Use them daily to provide strength, guidance, and hope.

That's their very purpose.

The song of redeeming love

Many of you know that I just celebrated my 25-year reunion from graduation at BYU. I know. Wow. Where did the time go? It's surreal to think about.

But one thing this has given me is the perspective of hindsight. Are you interested to know what I would do differently with that enhanced point-of-view?

School...I would do it again. I would stay and get a master's degree. I may go into a different major. The degree is more important than the major. I have learned that your college degree is a launching pad. Like a diving board, it lifts you higher than you can go alone. Where exactly you come down is not as important as the opportunity it gives you to soar.

Family...I wouldn't change a thing. Weird? Perhaps, but your mother is a wonderful spouse. We have been very fortunate to have great children and feel Heavenly Father knows what is in our best interest. I leave family matters to Him. His perspective exceeds ours. I know His plans for us exceed our fondest imaginations.

Love...well you may think I wouldn't change my love life either, but you would be wrong. If I had it to do over again, I would be more kind, more gentle, less volatile, and more patient. I would regularly express appreciation and sincere love every day. Life is so short.

Journal...I would write in my journal consistently starting at a younger age. I am not necessarily an advocate of daily entries, but I see the value in regular contributions. This blesses your life and your family's lives now and over and over again far into the future.

Life...I would set more goals. I would be more friendly. I would exhibit greater confidence and let my fears be consumed by my faith. I see the value of giving my will to God. We can do much more with our Heavenly Father's help. God's will can be done by us and through us.

Sure. I know that I can do and be better. Just like a child, I am still learning, but I know that I am not alone. The Lord has prepared a way for me by trusting in Him. Helaman 3:35

I will always treasure the fact that He gave me honorable parents and a faithful wife and family.

O take and seal my heart; seal it for thy courts above. video text

Alma 5:26

The Glory of God

Precious

There are 146 occurrences of the word precious in Holy Writ.

Thirteen times the words more and precious appear in the same verse.

This includes four instances the words occur in the sequence more precious.

Only once within this quartet does precious refer to something other than a person.

1 Peter 1:7

So what is it that makes this reference so significant?

I have some ideas, but I want you to hear your opinion. What makes that singular reference so meaningful to you? Among many things, I remember Dad telling me his favorite book of scripture (if one can somehow choose a favorite) was James. I don't know why that surprised me at the time, but it did. Now years later, it too has become a favorite of mine, because it reminds me of Dad, and when I read it I ask myself why these verses meant so much to him. Somehow that has made them more precious to me, as well.

Well, this verse in 1 Peter is probably another one of his favorites, because it speaks of hope, of love, of forgiveness, and peace. He freely promises us His comfort, love, and compassion if we will.

Peter captures this sentiment in this verse and those that follow, and the great reward we receive for having faith in Jesus Christ, especially during the trial of our faith:

The salvation of our souls.

Previous Savior, Dear Redeemer

I Feel My Savior's Love

When we are yoked with Christ, we can rely on Him because alone we fall short. Our hardships are valuable and teach us appreciation and gratitude.

Joy and happiness are born of gratitude.

One of Granny's favorite scriptures has significant application here:

3 Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him—

 4 Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified;

 5 Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life. 
Doctrine and Covenants 45:3-5

Jesus Christ is our Advocate, and perhaps this is the most precious knowledge of all.