Because He Lives

We had an interesting Sunday School lesson recently. The instructor asked us to read the hymn I Know That My Redeemer Lives p136 in the hymnal and share the lines that mean so much to us. Like you, I love this song, which has a history of influence in all our lives.

The class members shared messages of hope, appreciation, loyalty, and love. Gratitude for the Savior and his important mission was apparent, and through tears many expressed their sentiments for a song and lyrics which literally has changed lives.

This was just the beginning of a beautiful lesson filled with the Spirit as the sister instructor and class members shared testimonies of the influence of the Savior Jesus Christ in their lives. I thought of my own feelings toward this song and its message. Each line describes personal and evidentiary ways the Lord influences our lives every day.

My thoughts turned to my father’s final days on this earth and his deep testimony of Jesus Christ, which still rings clear in my heart and mind. I will always aspire to reach the same level of understanding, appreciation, loyalty, and love he demonstrated so well. His words still inspire me today:

Our seminary teacher and his wife spoke in the branch some time ago. Her talk was on a matter I have long been concerned about. The problem comes into perspective at a sacrament meeting: Adults as well as children give tender loving praise for bishops, teachers, neighbors, and the prophet etc. But too few feel and express it for the Savior. We are not achieving our most important goal until we have established in the hearts of our children and the saints an even greater love for Him. Friends may betray us, spouses may leave us, health may fail, and our possessions burn up. But Christ, His promises, understanding, and love will never fail us. With some trials and most tragedies, only this can get us through. When we can take a thankless, demanding calling; give up something we wanted greatly, so we can pay our tithing; or help out someone who has badly hurt us ... and say "I wouldn't do that for anyone, except I'll do it for Christ!" ... then the power for good he can have in our lives is becoming a reality. He must be the foundation of our lives.

"I think about the great sacrifices my parents and fore bearers made for me, and the great example they set of complete faithfulness to the Savior and His teachings in their lives. Now it's my turn. I would surely feel amiss to pass on to my posterity something less.

"As sweet to me and powerful in my life as the numerous blessings I have received, nothing brought more peace, and hope, and joy than has come from discovering the marvelous qualities of the Savior and all the gracious, loving and merciful things He has done for me and my loved ones. I cannot in any way repay Him, or properly thank Him. But this I can do, and seek with all my heart to do, and that is stand as a witness of the goodness of the Father in giving us such a leader and friend as the Savior.”

I will stand as a witness that Christ is divine, has risen from the dead, and out of his love for us has overcome every barrier to our return to Heavenly Father and enjoyment of the unspeakable joys of eternal life.

I know that His teachings are the only way to happiness and peace in this life, for individuals and nations, and to joy in the life to come.

All I do and say is in the hope that I might help His cause and help others come to Him for the right guidance in life and the strength to do what's right.

I know that through Christ, sins can be overcome and forgiven, and lives changed, and hope restored."

Even today as I read those words, my heart swells with appreciation and love for my father and the blessed opportunity I had to be taught at his knee. He and my mother are one in their teachings, influence, and desire to help, bless, and lift their children, grandchildren, and others.

Now that he is waiting for us on the other side of the veil, I am encouraged to live my life every day so that I can take advantage of the blessings he so beautifully articulates, which are all made possible by the Savior Jesus Christ. He is the Son of God, the Prince of Peace, and our Advocate with the Father.

Truly, though Jesus Christ all our fondest dreams will be realized in his time. Because of the Atonement, hardships are temporary, happiness will endure, and life has meaning today, tomorrow, and for eternity.

What joy this sentence gives: I know that my Redeemer lives.

Because of Him

Jesus Christ

Getting the cart before the horse

When I was a young man, I had a teacher in high school that made all the difference for me. While I admittedly struggled with diagraming sentences, dangling participles, and other grammatical mysteries, his way of teaching connected with me and previously difficult concepts became evident and even fun. He taught us English concepts like metaphors and similes that have helped shape my time and eternity.

Similarly, we learn line-upon-line in life and continue to have moments of particular clarity. The old adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” refers to the notion that images—even those drawn in our minds—reveal insights and communicate information where otherwise lengthy prose would be required.

Even complex ideas are understood quickly and easily with pictures. And the Lord Jesus Christ himself used experiences that were pertinent and telling for the people at that time in order to drive home true principles and points of doctrine. The pictures and experiences he drew in people’s minds were memorable, engaging, and have lasted eons. He both clarified and veiled his teachings with parables. So simple a child can understand yet profound enough for the wise, the parables of Jesus are a priceless source of gospel truths. Teaching in parables allowed Jesus to reveal great truths to those who were spiritually in tune and, at the same time, conceal or hide those truths from those who were not ready for them. His life was spent ministering to the people of former times on numerous occasions by healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, unstopping the ears of the deaf, and even raising the dead. Those miracles were wonderful for the people of that time, but they have not ceased in our day.

Miracles continue to follow those that believe (Ether 12:12). God’s works are never frustrated. Some may say “I am not blind or lame or halt or maimed, and today we have fine doctors, immaculate hospitals, and superior medical knowledge. Do we really need his involvement in our lives?”

True. We have wonderful blessing abundant in our world today, but there is also tremendous hardship. At times of difficulty and loss, we have hope in Jesus Christ that our wounds will be healed and our hearts mended. The Lord is not offering to just get us by as important and helpful as that is. But he is offering to enable, empower, and heal us so that we can become more like him and enjoy the kind of life that he lives. And as we become witnesses of him, our lives improve and are refined.

The Savior taught frequently about choosing the better path. “A merchant man, seeking goodly pearls … when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it” (Matthew 13:45–46).

Certainly you have asked the question why this merchant would give up all he had to purchase this one pearl of great price. Even a better question what are the pearls of great price in your life that for which you would be willing to give all? Family, the gospel, the Savior. Perhaps you have other pearls as well.

Parable of the gem of great value buried in the field 

There is a series of short parables given by the Savior about the establishment of the kingdom of God in the latter days featuring a mustard seed, leaven, hidden treasure, a pearl of great price and fishing net. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: “Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it” (Matt. 13:44–46).

Sometimes the obvious is staring you right in the face. We say “Why couldn’t I see that?” This happens all around us. Every day we hear of people clamoring to protect architecture / heal the animals / restore the environment / save the whales / keep the peace / preserve the land—yet we are willing to lose peoples' personal accounts every day. What were our pearls again?

Remember and savor what is most important. My belief is that some of our most important treasures are figuratively at our doorstep, in our field, and very much within our grasp today…personal histories.

Wouldn’t it be tragic to lose a most important possession that today lies right at our fingertips?

We certainly don’t want to throw the baby out with the bath water.

“I know my grandpa very well, because he wrote a journal that told much of his life’s experiences. I am so grateful for that. If I were to lose everything I had, and could only save a couple things, I’d grab my scriptures and John S. Stucki’s Journal. It means that much to me. “

–William Richard Stucki (grampa)

Grampa’s testimony was built with his predecessors and continues to bless posterity today:

When we feel and express adoration and praise for the Savior, we are achieving our most important goal of establishing in the hearts of our families even a greater love for Him. Friends may betray us, spouses may leave us, health may fail, and our possessions burn up. But Christ, His promises, understanding, and love will never fail us. With some trials and most tragedies, only this can get us through. When we can take a thankless, demanding calling; give up something we wanted greatly, so we can pay our tithing; or help out someone who has badly hurt us ... and say "I wouldn't do that for anyone, but I'll do it for Christ!" ... then the power for good he can have in our lives is becoming a reality. 

He must be the foundation of our lives. 

"I think about the great sacrifices my parents and fore bearers made for me, and the great example they set of complete faithfulness to the Savior and His teachings in their lives. Now it's my turn. I would surely feel amiss to pass on to my posterity something less. 

"As sweet to me and powerful in my life as the numerous blessings I have received, nothing brought more peace, and hope, and joy than has come from discovering the marvelous qualities of the Savior and all the gracious, loving and merciful things He has done for me and my loved ones. I cannot in any way repay Him, or properly thank Him. But this I can do, and seek with all my heart to do, and that is stand as a witness of the goodness of the Father in giving us such a leader and friend as the Savior.” I will stand as a witness that Christ is divine, has risen from the dead, and out of his love for us has overcome every barrier to our return to Heavenly Father, and enjoyment of the unspeakable joys of eternal life. I know that His teachings are the only way to happiness and peace in this life, for individuals and nations, and to joy in the life to come. All I do and say is in the hope that I might further His cause and help others come to Him for the proper guidance in life and the strength to do what's right. I know that through Christ, sins can be overcome and forgiven, and lives changed, and hope restored."

Discover Why We Need a Savior

Jesus Christ, our Savior

Unique

When the going gets rough, perhaps what we need most is not what we first expect. To assume immediate problem resolution is in our best interest may not actually be the case. When we stop and think about what really matters, perhaps the most beautiful and unexpected gift is peace.

Just prior to the Lord's ascension to heaven, he offered his grieving and fearful apostles assurance that he would not leave them without comfort. He gives us the very same promise.

                    I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. John 14:18

We are never alone. He has organized his kingdom on earth to lift us when we crave his support and help most. We just need eyes to see what he already sees in us: children with a divine lineage.

Eighty percent of what happens to you is to provide opportunities for you to help and serve your fellowmen and in turn allow them to help you. The compassion you espouse and the empathy in your heart is given so you may aid those in your midst who stand in need of succor. That we all might see this vision and apply true principles to benefit our fellowmen in all generations is the great plan of happiness and the gospel of Jesus Christ in action.

Your mom loves chick flicks, and I watch and enjoy them with her frequently. Because they are important to her, they are important to me. We have assembled quite a collection of movies after all these years. But none of the DVDs are as romantic as the account in the Bible of how Jacob loved Rachel and served seven years for her hand in marriage. Genesis 29:18

These verses tell about the experience of a young man, Jacob, who was smitten with the beauty and well favored daughter of Laban. He agreed to serve Laban for seven years for her hand in marriage, but because of his love for Rachel, the time just flew by.

And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.

I’m sure he told Rachel every day she was worth it. You, too, are a person of great worth.

I thought that Rachel's was a unique love story, until I watched this. Enjoy!

Mark 10:28-30

My Guardian Angel

Choice memories of my dad go back to my earliest recollections. He has always been my best friend and advocate. He is my hero.

A number of years ago, I went to a general priesthood meeting with Dad. We have been doing this together throughout my life when I have had the good fortune of living in the same general area as him. What was unique about this particular priesthood meeting didn't actually happen during the meeting however but occurred instead afterward as we walked from the chapel to our car. These are his words as I remember them:

"Mathew, I have always wanted to teach that it is our ancestors and loved ones on the other side of the veil who are our guardian angels, but I didn't openly promote it because I never heard the brethren comment on that as such—until tonight.

"Elder Bednar's talk this evening was beautiful. Now I feel that I have justification to teach that very principle."

Today is my dad's birthday. Of course, I miss him greatly, but he is not by any means out of my life. In fact, he is now a part of it perhaps more than he has ever before because his lack of proximity and ill health are no longer barriers to his involvement. For example:

• He is part of my newly found job and guidance
• He helps me endure to the end when the going gets rough
• His stellar example taught me the importance of following Christ
• He is in the successes of my children
• He helps me make good choices and rear a strong family to choose the right
• Dad always spent time listening to us when we were children and adults
• I never saw him discouraged. My friends would ask "Does your dad always smile?" Yeah. Pretty much always. I asked him once why that was so. He said "When I think of all my blessings, I can't help but smile in appreciation."

My daughter just got back from a trip to Thailand. The whole experience was a joy, but I honestly couldn't wait to see her again. I anticipated her return and shed tears of joy as we embraced. I expect it's going to be a lot like that when we are reunited with Dad.

I have another Father in Heaven as well, and because of him, we are an eternal family.

Happy Birthday Dad. I love you.

Saved for Eternity

I have been working on a family project of sorts capturing events and personal histories meaningful to our family. These stories and pictures bring back such memories.

You know that I always felt my dad was an incredibly wise man. I think many of us saw that in Grandpa. His perspective was spot on and always insightful and appreciated. With that in mind, I have particularly valued the following comment from his journal:

If I were to lose everything I had, and could only save a couple things, I’d grab my scriptures and John S. Stucki’s Journal.

When I first read that, I knew dad must know something I did not yet understand about the importance of family histories. As of late, I believe I am beginning to see the light.

I am now just starting to comprehend the tremendous value of the words and memory of our ancestors. Because of them, we are showered with blessings. Because of them, we have become the people that we are today. I believe the quality of these people finds expression in each of us.

What I have come to appreciate is that Grandpa did in fact see and understand the value of the stories of his predecessors, and he treasured their experiences, wisdom, and insights as benefits and blessings of his own. The tremendous discoveries and current technologies are wonderful and awe-inspiring, yet they are but a drop in the bucket of the approaching ways and means we will use to complete our family histories. We are just now coming to realize all the resources we have to do so much good and move God’s work forward. And we are just getting started.

This work is beautiful, interesting, fun and exciting. It’s like a symphony as you discover who you are. We all play a part; none of us do it alone. Each one has important contributions to make and our abilities are magnified in the process. And when you face obstacles that seem to stand in your way, just keep listening, and pretty soon you will figure out your part.

The melody carries us along. And the discoveries keep us moving.

Talent is borne of God-given qualities.

Watch the following favorite video of mine. The reason I love it—besides the song—is that the voices of the children that sing are surprisingly powerful and striking. Sometimes they are in a supporting role; other times, they perform unaccompanied. When I see a young man or woman, prior to hearing the song, I don’t necessarily expect that they could produce such beautiful music. But when they solo, their ability amazes me. And performed as a group, the rendition is marvelous.

People’s talents in our very midst often surprise us that way.

That’s the joy of discovering your family history.

What piece will you play?

Hold On

When the going gets rough, perhaps what we need most is not what we first expect or assume. When we stop and think about what really matters, perhaps the most beautiful and unexpected gift is comfort and peace.

Just prior to the Lord's ascension to heaven, he offered his grieving and fearful apostles assurance that he would not leave them comfortless. He gives us the very same promise.

We are never alone. He has organized his kingdom on earth to lift us when we crave his support and help most. We just need eyes to see what heaven already sees in us, children with divine lineage.

Eighty percent of what happens to you is to provide opportunities for you to help and serve your fellowmen. The compassion you espouse and the empathy in your hearts is given so you may benefit those around you who stand in need of succor. That you might see this vision is my fondest hope.

You are a person of great worth. That's what I see in you.

John 14:27

• New Testament

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. 

Peace                                                                                               Be Not Deceived

Felicity

When or how it started, I don’t remember. Somehow, I began writing my children weekly emails. That was more than a decade ago. Over time, I have had opportunity to share dozens of exhortations with them.

• Edify the poor in spirit
• Address personal concerns
• Express love and admiration
• Provide counsel
• Celebrate family matters

Perhaps it was because I cherished my father’s letters so. He passed away seven years ago. Perhaps it was restoring a habit from my mission, or maybe when the children began spreading all across the globe, it was our way to keep in touch and provide support and love long distance.

Regardless, it has been the best thing and has now become a tradition of sorts that I believe my children appreciate and enjoy. And even if they don’t realize it yet, I know they will appreciate it someday.

An interesting thing happened after my father passed. Mother, while looking through his things and setting his belongings in order, came across a couple of letters he had written to us children. These documents are among my most prized possessions. I read and re-read them frequently to give me hope, faith, and comfort, and to feel of his companionship. I am a better man because of the example of my father. Naturally, I long to continue learning from him and feel of his love and concern for me and my family. Somehow, reading his letters and his personal history does this for me.

That is ultimately the reason I began writing these letters to my family. To me it was a natural response to fulfilling my role as a father to his children. It brings me great joy in hopes that my words will prove beneficial to them someday.

Just like my dad’s.

The Echo
'Twas a sheep not a lamb
That strayed away in the parable Jesus told,
A grown-up sheep that had gone astray
From the ninety-and-nine in the fold.
And why for the sheep should we earnestly seek
And eagerly hope and pray
Because there is danger when sheep go wrong:
They lead the lambs astray.
Lambs will follow the sheep, you know,
Wherever the sheep may stray.
When the sheep go wrong,
it will not be long till the lambs are as wrong as they.
And so with the sheep we earnestly plead
For the sake of the lambs today,
For when the sheep are lost;
What a terrible cost
The lambs will have to pay. C. D. Miller

Who me?

Have you ever been in a large crowd and the person on stage was talking directly to you. For a minute you look at the people around you to see if the comments are meant for them, but they are looking back at you. Suddenly, you're increasingly aware that the comments are targeted at you, so with surprise on your face you point your finger to your chest and while tapping mouth the words "Are you talking to ME?" The speaker continues "That's right. You. I am talking to you." For an awkward moment your face flushes as you realize that you are the center of attention.

That is very much the scenario right now, except for the flush face. You are exactly the person this message is directed toward.

The God in Heaven created all things on earth and in heaven for you. He gave his Son that you might be exalted. His very purpose is to bring to pass your resurrection and exaltation. Moses 1:39

With that in mind every week our young women stand and recite these words:

WE ARE DAUGHTERS of our Heavenly Father, who loves us, and we love Him. WE WILL “STAND as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places” (Mosiah 18:9) as we strive to live the Young Women values, which are:

Faith • Divine Nature • Individual Worth • Knowledge • Choice and Accountability • Good Works • Integrity • and Virtue

WE BELIEVE as we come to accept and act upon these values, WE WILL BE PREPARED to strengthen home and family, make and keep sacred covenants, receive the ordinances of the temple, and enjoy the blessings of exaltation.

You are the most important person in heaven and earth.

Because He Lives

No regrets

I follow a blog about a particular family that adopted children from Ethiopia and the miracle these children have been in their lives. I was first introduced to this experience through a beautiful video that touched me deeply when I watched it.

Life has been busy and I failed to keep current reading new blog posts...until today. When I visited the page, I was horrified to hear that one of these beautiful children was taken in a car accident. Dozens of well-wishers extended sympathy and words of comfort to heal a broken family and particularly the mother. Their faith carries them through each day. 

We all experience loss. Because of Jesus Christ, our sadness need not linger.

The great plan of happiness renewing power of God's love and the miracle of his grace in your life and that of your friends and family can empower you to new heights as you share your experience with others. 

As taught by Elder Dallin H. Oaks "All of the myriads of mortals who have been born on this earth chose the Father’s plan and fought for it." Gratefully, we have hope especially in the midst of despair. As members of the Church, we know that family relationships can extend beyond the veil because of the atonement.

The Savior Jesus Christ set a perfect example for us. His mission was recorded in scripture and today is broadcast in touching displays of his life that warm the heart and strengthen the soul.

These media bring to life the scripture stories of his life. We, too, should witness of him and his impact for good in our lives.

Tell your story. 

We have all had bosses that we admire. I have had this privilege more than once. Let me tell you about one of them:

Her story was one of hardship, loss, and difficulty, but her dogged determination kept her moving forward. She was optimistic amid disappointment. She worked tirelessly and dreamed big. And she shared her strategy with the rest of us. One tactic she used was a dream poster. Wherein she placed all the things she wanted to accomplish on a poster she hung in her office to remind her the dreams she was working for. And incredibly, one goal after another began falling. She said that she felt it was almost miraculous the power and effectiveness of focusing on her goals. It enabled her to do things she otherwise couldn't or perhaps wouldn't.

Then she shared her discovery with others to empower them to achieve the unexpected. And it worked.

Today she helps others achieve their goals, which is her gift. And she writes a blog, which I read frequently for inspiration. Her story has helped countless others. We needn't be afraid of failure.

"Mishaps and failures and even mistakes ... end up having the most profound impact on me. Their stories of overcoming hardships, and standing up after falling down…those are what inspire me to want to be better in my own life." 

As she said, don’t be ashamed to share your story. It may strengthen and inspire others. Your decision to do so will both bless you and edify others.

One thing is for certain: You'll be glad you did.

My dream

It's interesting how our dreams have a way of being fulfilled. Many years ago, I thought I would like to create a website where people could go to be uplifted, to celebrate the good, and to share the beautiful things God has given us. As I have tried to produce that site, it seems stumbling blocks kept obstructing my path, and I could never achieve what I wanted to do. Well, meanwhile the Lord completed my dream. It's here.

I remember when I was a young man, Granny had a dream to live in the country and enjoy the rapture of a beautiful farm—horses, cows, goats, chickens, turkeys, gardens, orchards, berry patches, streams, trees...and more—and when I look back, though we worked hard and never seemed to get enough done, we realized everything we set out to do...and more. 

Life has numerous obstacles, and frequently we do not realize their purpose or role, but we are never alone. When we align ourselves with Him whose purposes cannot be frustrated, we are sure to be successful despite our shortcomings.

My life is testament of that fact. The Lord is not finished with me yet.

He is not finished with any of us yet.

Inspiring verses from the Doctrine and Covenants

“The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.” - Joseph Smith

Crescendo through life

Choosing the right is not difficult. Nor is it possible for you to sink beyond the reach of the healing arm of the Savior Jesus Christ. The renewing power of God's love and the miracle of his grace summons you to allow him to change your life for the better. There is no dream in the unfolding of time and eternity that cannot be realized. The Lord of the vineyard still stands beckoning. 

When we feel lost and without hope, we are forgetting that the Redeemer has already paid the price. Our task is to nurture our relationship with him, so that we can be healed, lifted, and edified especially in the midst of hardship.

Allow me to remind you of the beautiful sonnet "Footprints" that is so well known the original authorship of the poem is disputed, with dozens of people claiming to have penned it. Though this incident is fictional, the principle is sure and the message eternal.

This popular text describes a dream in which a person is walking on a beach with God. Two sets of footprints appear in the sand in their stead. The tracks pass through various stages of this person's life. Looking back at the difficult times in life, the two footprints change to just one, especially at the lowest and most hopeless moments of the character's life. Believing that God abandoned his follower during those challenging times, the person questions God "Why when I needed you the most would you leave me?" God responds "During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

He will never forsake us. He waits for us to accept his gift.

It Is Never Too Late

Origin

Daily disciplines

Perhaps one of the blessings of farm life was the consistent, repeated lessons taught through the days, weeks, months, and years of effort. The daily disciplines taught us there were consistently, repetitiously ingrained in our hearts and minds, which has now become a great blessing throughout my life. 

Endurance is sometimes the only difference between success and failure. 

Our experience in Castle Valley and Sunflower Hill Bed and Breakfast Inn didn't come about because it was easy. Years of effort, decades of patience, and literally bags of money have been used to bring about the goals of the ventures started so many years ago. And what do we have to show for it. Millions of dollars? Buckets of gold? Chests of worldly treasures? No, but that was never the goal. So what has all the hard work, resources, time, and effort brought us? Here are a few of the perhaps less obvious benefits of these ventures:

• Love of work
• Blessings of obedience
• Learning from mistakes
• Importance of family unity
• Haven of the gospel

We can accomplish anything we put our minds to. The road to success is fraught with challenges that may keep us from being the best we can be.

Remembering to seek the kingdom of God first is the answer. Then there is no way you can fail.

Alma 37:6

Cherished memories

I love this time of year for many reasons: surrounded by family, involved in fun activities, remembering Jesus Christ's birth, feeling the importance of his Atonement. Giving and receiving gifts. The memories we make together carry us through the challenges of life. I remember convening at my parent's farm for family gatherings. Sometimes it was holidays like this and other times it was for family reunions or simple visits. The fun always came to an end though. Of course, we have all experienced these feelings some time or another, but for me the emotion is particularly poignant because I remember my young son wishing these gatherings could last longer. And a few tears were always shed as we drove up the long driveway and off their property. Fun gatherings with family and carefree getaways can't last forever, at least not in this life. But that is exactly why we make the choices that we do now, so we can reap the benefits here and now, which continue into life everlasting with the ones we love. In this life we just get glimpses of this experience, but in the hereafter, because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can enjoy the good things of life everlasting with all those we love in a state of perpetual joy. Because life is hard--and easy carefree times fleeting--we can appreciate and hope for the blessing of eternal happiness and peace in the kingdom of God. The Lord Jesus Christ taught that he would prepare the way for us, mansions in heaven. Doctrine and Covenants 59:1-4, Mark 10:30 

And we know with surety that we can rely on his word. He is patient, kind, and loving. He has prepared a way for all men to come unto him and receive the reward he has prepared for them.

I was always amazed as a child when I heard the experience of the Israelites who were bitten by the serpents and died because they would not look to the brass serpent lifted up on a pole. It was a simple solution that could have saved their lives. This is a similitude for us that we might learn from their experience and look to the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation in this life and eternal life in the world to come. Our Christmas 2014 in Cancun will be a memory we can hold on to and cherish the rest of our lives, and when you remember these 10 days spent in Cancun, remember it's by the Savior Jesus Christ who made this all possible and because of him, the joy we will experience heretofore will exceed your fondest expectations now and through eternity. So no tears necessary. Our joy need never end.