Meticulous

Yesterday was a special day. It happened to be my father’s birthday, which is a good opportunity to consider his memory and influence. So I would like to share with you a few special occasions I treasure about him. These are great memories that buoy me up daily.

Grandpa always had an office of sorts where he did his work. In Salt Lake, his office was rather elaborate with files, shelves, typewriter, chair, drawers and a big desk. It was inviting, adorned with artwork and warm, comfortable furnishings. He completed his work, compiled many of his talks, wrote notes, and recorded countless thoughts in his carefully labeled filing cabinets. Though with all these resources, dad's desk was often filled high with papers and the floor was littered with small piles to the point that there was really no place left to walk without tip toeing over the carefully positioned stacks of papers.

I suppose it could become a bit tiresome to have all these seemingly unorganized piles strewn throughout the room, and occasionally my mom would come into his study and clean everything up for him. She put order to his office. He was grateful and kind, yet he couldn't always find his work once his carefully placed projects were rearranged.

Later after we moved, his office took different forms. Though it may not have been as extravagant, it continued to be well-used and scattered with busy work of all kinds.

But I have come to realize that his life's work was not unlike his office. Often Dad would find the one in need of support by navigating through many good things to complete those that were essential. His life was spent serving others in situations that were inconvenient, difficult, and laborious, but convenience wasn't his measuring stick. Love was.
Mosiah 2:17

His life was spent earning people's trust so that he could impact their lives for good. He wasn't everything to anybody, but he was something to everybody. And he was ok with that. My dad wanted to promote and witness of the life of the Savior. His final request made sure of that. We received explicit instructions from him that his funeral be a gospel message putting Christ in the forefront.

That was quintessential Dad.

Grandpa shared many stories with me that have literally changed my life for the better.

Spend a few minutes with Grandpa by clicking this link to read his account of finding Castle Valley. Each time I read these anecdotes, I re-live them with Grandpa.

I could tell you stories about my dad all day long. Good times were great times with Grandpa. 

Fortunately, we will have many more occasions to spend the eternities together with him. And in the mean time, we have our cherished memories.

Tangible Safety

Personal memoirs and family histories are family scripture. Nuggets of knowledge, experiences, and stories become treasured family heirlooms that build, lift, and support us through life. Technology today has made the word of God available to all people. We did not kneel at the Savior's feet or experience for ourselves all wonders this world has to offer, but through the records of others, we can know, learn, and feel these things.

That is the impact of family history. The faithful are promised happiness and hope in the travail of the last days. We need not bear challenges alone. Even the disparate can now come together.

Treasuring up the words of Christ offers sustenance, guidance, and safety amid life storms.

Remember this declaration by Jesus Himself: “Whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived” ¹⁵ —and in the last days neither your heart nor your faith will fail you.




Safety for the Soul

A weekend in Lyman

We came into town and began looking for Kent's place. Driving through the city center we noticed hanging flower baskets on main street. Once we found the right street, locating Kent and Johanna's was easy. We soon met Wynn and Shania and others in the family began to arrive.

We had access to a neighbor's home and setup our bed in the master bedroom: two cots and a double bed that we inflated.

Johanna prepared sloppy joes, salad, and watermelon for us. We ate and visited throughout the evening. In the morning, we went to a flag raising, and mom with others participated in a 5K. Now we are back having breakfast and will momentarily leave for the parade. The small town atmosphere is awesome. Kent and Johanna are good hosts. It's Camie's birthday today...and Neal's.

After the parade, we attended a BBQ lunch, had some free time to scope out town and went to a pioneer museum at the stake center. Now we are taking siesta.  Rodeo tonight and more.

A young man was injured when a horse rolled over on him. An ambulance was called and another ambulance had to be summoned before the rodeo could resume. We just came home from the event and are now getting to bed. Melanie wants to trade beds with mom and I, giving her the cot in exchange for the blowup mattress. I am totally willing to try out the mattress. We just had cake to celebrate Neal's birthday. And now people are visiting before hitting the hay.

Our treasure

Gregg, Terri, and family: Thank you for letting us share an intimate family gathering with you. We had a great time and memorable experience we will always recall with fondness. You all gave us the master suite, and we couldn't have been treated better. Thanks Dallin for being such a good friend to Emily. You have always been a gentleman and treated her with the utmost kindness and respect. Neal, it was fun to help you

celebrate your birthday and see the delightful gifts you received from your family members. They obviously love and admire you as do we. No one will forget the special gift from Natalie and Josh...what wonderful news.

Jessica  you are going to make a lucky young man very happy someday. Tyler and Sheena, Roger and Nakaiya, Ryan, Chad and Nachelle--I could share accolades about each one of you and the good things you have done, the great people you have become, and the fine families you are building. It is obvious to me that you have been taught well. So whatever challenges you or your children face you will know that you we can unite as a family and overcome any obstacle. Your mother and father have demonstrated this for you. This was a weekend we will long remember.