Commandments

Fam,

Music is a wonderful blessing in life. But good melodies must be on-key and follow principles of precise rhythm and proper timing. When they do, it's music to our ears.

It's amazing how music can bring back memories to our recollection. I was listening to some classics that still reside among my favorites of all time. The melodies help me feel hope, courage, love, and joy--pretty good list of qualities from a simple song or two:

Dan Fogelberg

  LONGER

  Leader of the Band

  Run for the Roses

  Old Lang Syne

Bread

  The Guitar Man

  Everything I Own

  If

  Aubrey

Chicago

  Just You 'n Me

  Feelin' Stronger Every Day

  Wishing You Were Here

  You're the Inspiration

  Will You Still Love Me

  I've Been Searching So Long

John Denver

  Annie's Song

  Rocky Mountain High

  The Eagle and The Hawk

  This Old Guitar

James Taylor

Josh Groban

Mannerheim Steamroller

And there are so many more from today's genre. You have a list of your favorites too. I am frequently impressed with your good choices of music and grateful to select from among many of the great performances you have brought to my attention. I can only list a few:

Jack Johnson

One Direction

  What Makes You Beautiful 

  Story of My Life

  Perfect

  One Thing

John Mayer

Celine Dion 

Steven Stucki 2 3

There are so many good tunes. We had our Ward Christmas party this morning...a celebratory Christmas breakfast. Here are a couple more great songs we enjoyed:

  Oh Come All Ye Faithful

  Joy to the World

You can insert your favorite tune here. The list of melodies are endless. But if we fail to put our ear buds in or do not turn on the music, we never get to experience the good feelings that come from these melodies. The great songs are everywhere, but we have to do something to listen to and enjoy them. Everybody knows that.

And it is no different when we receive the blessings that come from God. They are out there. They are everywhere, but if we don't do the things that bring them into our lives, we will miss them now and in the future. Sure tough times happen. But blessings can always make things better. Just like with music, we have to do something to experience and enjoy the blessings come from God. It's really not difficult, but everybody doesn't know that.

Live and celebrate the intents of your heart.

You don't have to listen to all these songs right now, but hang on to them, they will come handy when you least expect.

Employ the commandments however immediately.

I love you, dad

Good enough

Fam,
There is an age-old question that seems to be discussed frequently "Why do bad things happen to good people?" Its answer eludes many, and so the question reappears time-and-again. Granny introduced me to an address where this question was answered by Brett G Scharffs director of the international center for law and religion studies. He relates the following story:

As a scout leader I got to know two young brothers in my Webelos group. That summer their family was in a terrible car accident. One of the brothers was in critical condition for weeks, and I visited him in the hospital where he was wrapped nearly head-to-toe in bandages. This was the early 1990s and AIDS was not well-understood, and this young boy contracted the HIV virus from a blood transfusion. It took many months, but he eventually recovered from most of his injuries. But at that time being infected with HIV virus was akin to a death sentence. He was asked to speak in church about what he had learned from his experience. Although he was only twelve, he gave what I think is the most profound and insightful address on the problem of evil that I've ever heard: “Some people have asked me what I did wrong to deserve what happened to me. I’m not perfect,” he said “but I'm a good boy and I know this is not something I deserved. Others have said you must be a really strong person for God to give you such a difficult trial. I don't feel strong” he continued “and anyway I don't believe God did this as a reward for my being particularly righteous. No. I don't think this happened because I’m particularly bad or particularly good. I believe it happened because I'm mortal, and this is part of the price of mortality. We come to earth, we exercise our agency, and other people exercise theirs, and sometimes we hurt each other, and sometimes accidents happen.”

Insightful words from a twelve-year-old boy.

In this same forum, Scharffs recounts another story where a student asked Judge Clifford Wallace who sat on the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals a question about his religious views. “What are your beliefs and how do they affect your work as a judge?” Judge Wallace responded with a textbook answer that his religious beliefs do not affect his work as a judge because he has taken an oath to uphold and follow the constitution and laws of the United States. The student pressed, asking but what are your personal religious beliefs ... his answer made a deep impression on me ... “I am a Mormon,” he said, “a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” He paused and then continued. “And I am a believing and faithful member of my church. I really believe it. I don't just believe part of it or some of the time, I believe all of it all of the time. It teaches me that we are all created in the image of God and that we are all his children. It teaches me that I have to show love and respect to everyone.”

I agree precisely and to these powerful comments. I add my own testimony that through personal experience I know the promises of the gospel are valid and true. I don't just think they are true. I know it. I have put them to the test for 50+ years, and they have consistently delivered as advertised. I'm not perfect, but I know One who is. And with Him, I am enough.

“Good men sometimes make mistakes. A man of integrity will honestly face and correct his mistakes, and that is an example we can respect. Sometimes men try but fail. Not all worthy objectives are realized despite one’s honest and best efforts. True manhood is not always measured by the fruits of one’s labors but by the labors themselves—by one’s striving.” D. Todd Christofferson

Audacious Faith: the Singular Appeal of Doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ

"It Was As If a Blanket of Love Was Flowing Over Me"


I feel these same sentiments very strongly. I am grateful for the opportunity to make covenants with God that enable his power and blessings in my life and those of my loved ones.

Because of Jesus Christ, my best is good enough.

I love you, dad

Fighting for me

aka Cool Technologies Today, Beyond Our Wildest Dreams, Treasures of Wisdom

I would like to delve right into the subject at hand this morning, but I feel I must address a side matter briefly. Humor me.

Giving one’s article a title is a lot more difficult than you might expect. Frequently there are numerous topics addressed in so many words, and the title will direct the reader’s perceptions initially to that way of thinking. Now I am not saying that a title makes or breaks an article, but I am saying it can have a tremendous influence. And what is true for words on a page (or nowadays pixels on a screen) is also true for a life. There are amazing technology breakthroughs, modern wonders, and life-changing opportunities all around us.   

But if we are not careful, so much that is incredible can seem run-of-the-mill and even ordinary. I suppose it is similar to the colloquial anecdote about a frog in a pot. If you turn up the temperature one degree a minute, when does the frog know it’s time to jump out? Never! It’s cooked before it realizes the time to act has passed. Life was going along just swimmingly until it was too late. And that leads me into today’s topic of the incredible, prolific blessings of our day.

Gordon B. Hinckley and Ormond S. Coulan during their missionary service in England, ca. 1933.

To do that, I want to go back more than fifty years (1947) to a time when my father was interviewed for his missionary service. Strange as that may sound to go back in history to discuss the miracles of today, the reason this is so significant is the person who interviewed him was then Elder Spencer W Kimball. This was many years before Elder Kimball was called to be a prophet, and as a newly called member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, he was asked to interview my dad for a mission.

Apostles used to interview missionaries back then. Can you imagine that? An apostle of the Lord interviewed my dad prior to his serving a mission. Imagine if that were still done today. With all the Apostles have to do and the number of missionaries serving now, these leaders of the Church could do nothing else. Roughly that’s more than thirteen interviews every day including weekends for each of the brethren within a two year period perpetually. Aren’t we glad they don’t still do it the way they once did?

But the amazement doesn’t stop there. When my father got to the mission field, he learned that he would be serving without purse or script. Do you even know what that is? That’s a practice, which was followed long ago when missionaries depended on those they taught for a warm meal and place to sleep. He was among the few that were still doing it. That continues to amaze me.

Well. Let’s not miss the greater point that things are changing so quickly in just one generation of time! So with that in mind, let’s discuss some of the incredible blessings all about us that are becoming common place today. I only have room enough to briefly mention a point or two on each topic and have left dozens of others out of the article completely only because there are so many they can’t all be addressed here. But as you read about these miraculous blessings of our day and the multitude of others you know and enjoy, think about how you are using your good fortune to further his work and edify those around you.

• Electronic scriptures – I remember back in when the topical guide was introduced, linking all four standard works together for the first time ever
• Bible videos – 100+ bible videos depicting the life of Christ
• Patriarchal blessings online – personal blessing and those of ancestors available online, so Church members can read their blessings frequently almost anywhere, anytime.
• FamilySearch – the largest collection of genealogical and historical records in the world receiving more than a million hits every day
• Online donations, scheduling, records and study material available to all Church members
• More than 150 temples in operation all around the world. I remember when there were 14. When I was born, there were ten.
• Websites – dozens of websites testify of Jesus Christ and further his work. Thousands of individual pages witness of the influence of his gospel, and millions of hits promote this work
• Word of Wisdom revealed more than 180-years-ago and fulfillment of its promise
• Church magazines, media, and online reproduction of conference talks since 1976
• Young men and women programs, children’s resources, employment, missionary, online videos and media of every sort testify of Christ, and help both men and women come unto him daily
• Worthy Black male members receive the priesthood in 1978  and temple blessings extended to all worthy members
• Nationally syndicated Meet the Mormons movie is released – New Stories / New Faces
• Gordon B Hinckley 60 Minutes interview and Larry King Live, which claims over one million viewers nightly and national exposure
• Worldwide seminaries and institutes enjoy a curriculum that covers all four Standard Works
• Blogs of all kinds wherein we can witness of the Savior and testify of the influence of the gospel in our lives and that of our families, friends, and associates

Whether these technologies and modern revelations amaze you or not, they are only a sampling. The greater truth is that they all have been revealed for the proliferation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and in due course to promote and bring the Great Plan of Happiness to its ultimate fruition.

Truly, the words of John are still accurate today just as they were two-thousand years ago when he wrote:

And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. John 21:25

The Internet and electronic media and printing presses promote the gospel and testimony of witnesses. We have the unmatched blessing of using these technologies to know and share the gospel. Fortunately, because of technology, we have many records preserved and can easily share them with our family and loved ones and the world. When I was just a young man, Sterling W Sill came and spoke to our seminary and the Church members in our town. It was a life changing experience for me. Since that time the total Church membership in the world has tripled and the missionary force is twice the size it was then. He later wrote the following:

“Though Christ’s active ministry of some three and a half years was relatively brief, we have a lifetime to apply these principles. And John says that if all the things had been recorded which Jesus said and did, the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. But if you should put together all of the direct statements made by Jesus recorded in the Bible, they could be read in approximately thirty minutes. Likewise we wish we had more of the facts of some of his important teachings and more details about such momentous events as the resurrection.”

Especially now, the Lord Jesus Christ wants us to witness of him and testify of the gospel truths with our mouths, laptops, cell phones, and text messages. To further his Kingdom on Earth changes lives and directly benefits those that testify, follow and obey him. And that plan has all been fashioned for you and for me because he loves us. In a few weeks it will be Christmas, and we will be celebrating the birth of the Savior of mankind. As Isaiah so eloquently recorded…

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Jesus Christ wrought the Atonement—the most significant event in time or eternity—when he followed his Father’s will in life, in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross at Calvary to bring to us an opportunity that would otherwise be unavailable. And now Because of Him, all things are possible for you and for me and all our loved ones.

For it is expedient that an atonement should be made; for according to the great plan of the Eternal God there must be an atonement made, or else all mankind must unavoidably perish. Alma 34:9

Let me say it again. Jesus Christ successfully completed the Atonement for us. The Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, completed all that His Heavenly Father sent Him to do because He loves us.

No matter His title, He is still fighting for me.

Giving Your Very Best to the Lord

It’s been a roller-coaster ride in our home this week. Our feelings have been near the surface and still are. My daughter’s boyfriend entered the MTC yesterday. Frankly, I didn’t expect the rush of emotion I felt.

This fine young man has become a beloved member of our family and cherished like one of my own. We don’t bid him adieu with regret. Of course we are excited, pleased, and supportive of his decision to faithfully serve the Lord. I know from personal experience that this is the best decision for him, his family, and my daughter.  Yet that knowledge doesn’t make it easy. It makes it bearable. Let me explain.

My whole life, I have planned and prepared for a mission. It was a goal that my parents established in my heart as a child. Through both the good and the bad, a mission has been a beacon and a goal for me to which I could aspire. So naturally when I became a new father, I wanted this privilege for my own son. Since his infancy, we prayed that he would have the opportunity to serve a mission. We shared experiences and told stories from our own lives and experiences to inspire, encourage, and motivate our son. His mother told him stories of stripling warriors, faithful sons, and sacrifice from the scriptures and real life examples. She is a convert to the Church and two young missionaries found her when tracting her childhood neighborhood at the time. Because other fathers and mothers faithfully reared their sons to serve the Lord and were willing to be separated from them during the prime of their lives, my sweetheart was taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which ultimately enabled us to meet, fall in love, and get married. I owe a debt of gratitude to these young men which I cannot even articulate.

But admittedly, I wasn’t ready for the swell of emotions I felt when I sent my own son into the mission field. We had such a great time during his high school years—baseball, music, concerts, and friends—it went all too fast. So when we considered the reality of sending our boy away for two years at the prime of his life, it was an emotion that I never anticipated. I prayed for this event my whole adult life and taught him to plan for this day since the time he was just a little boy. But I never anticipated the depth of feeling that would come to the surface when I was actually facing his leaving us for two years at the prime of his life. It was stark, unexpected, and raw. But I knew it was the right thing to do, so I held my emotions in check and encouraged him as any father would. These sentiments were revealed again this week as we sent another missionary into the mission field—my daughter’s missionary.

It has been years now since my son arrived home from his mission. Upon his return, he selected a school, declared a major and completed his education. Now he has a beautiful wife and family of his own. He is teaching his son to serve the Lord and prepare for a full-time mission. He, too, will experience the tangible emotion and personal longing associated with sending your finest into the service of the Lord. But I have perspective now that I didn’t know then when I was young. My commitment is more than faith. It is borne out of a life of experience seeing the blessings of service in the Lord’s Kingdom. Now I know from personal experience the efforts we expend in the Lord’s behalf will be returned with blessings a hundred fold even now in this life, coupled with the greatest of all the gifts of God in the world to come—eternal life.

Others give valiant gifts through noble hardship, lost loved ones, or service in the Kingdom of God. He appreciates these gestures all and stands ready to open the windows of heaven to bless those who serve and sacrifice for Him. Malachi 3:10

“Rise from mediocrity to competence—from failure to achievement—to be our best selves.”

President Thomas Monson

“Each of us has a part to play in the plan. And each of us is equally valiant in the eyes of the Lord.”

Sister Bonnie Oscarson

“Find happiness in ordinary things and keep your sense of humor.”

Elder Boyd K Packer

“Strive to be that kind of disciple of the Father and the Son and your influence will never fade.”

Elder D Todd Christofferson

“The enabling power of the Atonement strengthens us to do and be good and serve beyond our own individual desire and natural capacity.”

Elder David Bednar

 “We never need feel we are alone or unloved in the Lord’s service, because we never are.”

President Dieter F Uchtdorf

“Defend your beliefs with courtesy and compassion, but defend them.”

Elder Jeffrey Holland

There is no tomorrow to remember if we don’t do something today.”

President Thomas S Monson

And perhaps my favorite scripture with respect to the privilege and blessings of serving in the Kingdom of God can be found in the New Testament. We needn’t wait for a distant time to see the fruits of living and serving the Lord. He begins blessing us immediately and throughout eternity.

29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s,

30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
Mark 10:29,30

It’s an honor to give your finest to the Lord, and the fathers and mothers in the Lord’s kingdom all across the world do it every time they send and support their sons and daughters on missions as ambassadors for Jesus Christ.

VICTORY THROUGH JESUS CHRIST

“Every man born into the world will die. It matters not who he is, nor where he is, whether his birth be among the rich and the noble, or among the lowly and poor in the world, his days are numbered with the Lord, and in due time he will reach the end. We should think of this. Not that we should go about with heavy hearts or with downcast countenances; not at all. I rejoice that I am born to live, to die, and to live again. I thank God for this intelligence. It gives me joy and peace that the world cannot give, neither can the world take it away. God has revealed this to me, in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know it to be true. Therefore, I have nothing to be sad over, nothing to make me sorrowful.​

Joseph Fielding Smith

“We Care Enough to Send Our Very Best”

You served me well my little child. Come into my arms to stay. When He Comes Again

But If Not

Of course, we all want our hopes and dreams to come true. We sincerely want to achieve our goals and attain our greatest desires. At times when we see someone reach that ecstasy when she is sweet, humble and deserving, we are both inspired and touched.

It can be a wonderful moment that changes your life and that of others.

But we live in a broken world and face obstacles that seem to take our breath away and destroy the possibility of reaching all our hopes and dreams. In some cases we deal with challenges that quickly take our eyes off the goal. And instead of waiting on the edge of our seat for a chance to dive into the opportunities before us, we pull back and doubt our possibilities. Perhaps we have to deal with other emotions that sew doubt, fear, or other reactions in our mind and heart. Sentiments like “I can’t do this” or “Good things never happen to people like me” are far too often voiced by regular folks like you and me and especially those in the throes of adversity and hardship. But God didn’t put us on this earth to fail. He provided a plan and a purpose that empowers all men and women to achieve their potentials. And because of the Savior Jesus Christ, all our fondest dreams can come to fruition.

When life’s challenges seem to get us down and threaten to overcome us, we must remember who is on our side. In the middle of the storm, when a battle is raging, we are not alone. Our cast is a team, captained by the supreme Creator himself, and we’re on his side. We are assured victory if we align ourselves with the King. Our role models exemplify divine characteristics, and we come to know and appreciate Him more every day because good leaders guide us and teach us about his true nature.

Camilla wrote and delivered a talk recently, where she asks what would you paint to capture the Atonement. She articulates this point much better than I can, so read her words below:

“Given all that he has already gone through for you, he’s not going to run away from you at your greatest need now — not at the sight of an argument with your spouse or a child gone astray or a bad breakup or a seemingly impossible decision.

“So if you find yourself being negative or doubting that things will work out for you, ask yourself, "What is it that you think Christ can’t do? Or what is it that you think Christ won’t do for you?"

“Whatever it is that you think Christ won’t do for you, remember what he’s already done for you — in Gethsemane and on the cross and in your own life. There’s no distance he won’t travel and no place (no matter how dark or lonely) he won’t go in order to bring you and your family home.

“So when I think about what I would paint to capture the essence of the Atonement, I think about my own family and the work the Savior is doing on the other side to put us in the celestial kingdom with him and with each other for eternity. So I would paint my family in the celestial kingdom, because Christ’s work, the work of his Atonement, is not over until we are safely there.”

When Steven was just a boy, he learned to play the piano at the persistence of mother. Later he took on the percussion and excelled at drums. In high school, he learned to play the guitar. He used his gift to produce a number of songs. His thought-provoking lyrics and catchy tunes still cheer our home with fun and harmony. I am amazed at his talent. This passion continued into college, and his abilities were noticed by others. The gigs where he played let him pursue his passion and have fun doing it. Upon sharing his music with the family, Grandpa would ask for a copy of the lyrics so he could read the words and follow along the verses and chorus lines. I think the words made the songs even that much better, and Grandpa didn’t want to misunderstand any one of them.

Likewise the Lord has been very articulate through his prophets about the times we are entering, which is sometimes referred to as the great and dreadful day of the Lord. Interestingly after giving the term some thought, President Russell M. Nelson considers the term Millennials appropriate for the new generation. “The term Millennial is perfect for you if that term reminds you of who you really are and what your purpose in life really is. A True Millennial is one who was taught and did teach the gospel of Jesus Christ premortally and who made covenants with our Heavenly Father there about courageous things—even morally courageous things—that you would do while here on earth.”

The millennial era could not begin without the widespread destruction of the wicked. Therefore, while the battle of Armageddon is in and of itself a thing horrible to contemplate, it is necessary because of the wickedness of the world, and ultimately it will play an important part in the Lord’s plan for redemption of the world. President Joseph Fielding Smith observed:

“I know these are unpleasant things. It is not a pleasant thing even for me to stand here and tell you that this is written in the Scriptures. If the Lord has a controversy with the nations, He will put them to the sword… Don’t you think the Lord has given us these things that we might know and we might prepare ourselves through humility, through repentance, through faith, that we might escape from these dreadful conditions that are portrayed by these ancient prophets? That is why I am reading them. I feel just as keenly as you do about the condition, and I pray for it to come to an end, but I want it to come to an end right. …

“So I pray every day of my life that the Lord will hasten His work; and while all this has to take place, I hope He will hasten it, that it may soon come to an end, that peace may come; and so I repeat, as I said in one of the talks some time ago, I am praying for the end of the world because I want a better world. I want the coming of Christ. I want the reign of peace. I want the time to come when every man can live in peace and in the spirit of faith, humility and prayer.” (Signs of the Times, pp. 154–55, 175.)

The following are some phrases about you and your potential to make a difference in others’ lives:

You were preserved to come to the earth in this time for a special purpose. Not just a few of you, but all of you. There are things for each of you to do that no one else can do as well as you. If you do not prepare to do them, they will not be done. If you will let Him, I testify that our Father in Heaven will walk with you through the journey of life and inspire you to know your special purpose here.

You can read the entire address from Bishop H. Burke Peterson online Your Life Has a Purpose.

This is just the beginning. I am totally convinced that you are not even aware how amazing you are.

What we need now is the greatest generation of young adults in the history of the Church. We need your whole heart and soul. We need vibrant, thinking, passionate young adults who know how to listen and respond to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit as you make your way through the daily trials and temptations of being a young, contemporary Latter-day Saint.

Your fan club is better than anything you have experienced here on earth. You have a cheering section rooting for you on both sides of the veil. Your victory is assured if you will align yourself with Christ.

In other words, it’s time to raise the bar not only for missionaries but also for returned missionaries and for your entire generation.

Living in a world That’s constantly changing All of the lines are blurred Between right and wrong In the middle of a storm A battle is waging But I already know Which side I’m on Pre: I will fight for my king Cause he is fighting for me

Chorus: I want to be . . . Firm as the mountain Stretched to the sky Strong as a fortress Sure as the night I want to be . . . Straight as an arrow Deep as the sea That’s how He lived So that’s how I’ll be

Following the One Who’s leading us onward Right there by His side Wherever He goes Running to the aid Of those who are wounded To lift them off the ground And carry them home Pre: He has given everything So I will give Him all of me

Imprisoned

Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

All my life, I have read this scripture with the thought of visiting those behind prison walls, and it is certainly appropriate, good, and right. Nevertheless, this was obviously difficult to do when young and perhaps scary or ill-advised. But later in life, I realized people are imprisoned in many ways, behind walls of doubt, fear, insecurity, pain, and loneliness.

Just up our street hardly a block from our house when I was a child lived a kind old woman and her son—right across the road from one of my best friends. She was welcoming and kind to us children. Back in those days, youngsters could visit adults in their homes without fear of abuse, and I visited Mrs. Goble frequently. I enjoyed cheering her up. She was always so happy to see me. She obviously enjoyed having company, and I was 4-5 at the time and filled that need wonderfully. As benevolent as that may sound, I admittedly was there for the treats. Sometime during my visit after introductory pleasantries and probing questions about my family, Mrs. Goble brought out the cookies, and I was allowed to take whatever I wanted. Imagine that—a whole tray of sugar cookies, pecan pralines, lemon drops, and shortbread-like Mexican wedding cakes. Actually, I had no idea the actual names of the variety of delicacies. I just remember savoring every bite. She must have known how much I liked the cookies, because she kept them coming as long as I would sit there and visit. And I expect that she knew I never got such a prize all to myself in a house of eight children, so we kept having regular visits for some time, until my mother found out. Then I was gently rebuked to not solicit treats from poor old Mrs. Goble. You would think I would have been crushed, but truth is I was getting too old for this kind of arrangement, and I didn’t know how I was going to break the news to my elderly friend. So it all worked out in the end, but I will always remember fondly my wonderful visits to Mrs. Goble’s.

Today, I realize there are many elderly people who feel their lives have been reduced to an occasional visit perhaps out of duty. They wait every day for a call, a card, or recognition that their memory and their lives will be viewed as significant and go on to bless others. Sadly, many feel forgotten.

There are others we meet every day that on the outside look healthy, young and vibrant, but inside they are battling tremendous obstacles and perhaps even addictions. These folks feel lonesome and hopeless because their challenge is frequently fought on the lonely battlefields of regret, shame, and fear. Though they try to smile and look normal on the outside, the turmoil within leaves them feeling scared, disconnected, and lonely. Friends may call regularly, but their circumstance frequently worsens without help. It doesn’t feel real, and they can’t escape their ghastly prison.

Another vice perhaps even more insidious than the previous two is discouragement. The reason it is more sinister than those mentioned lies in the fact that it both often accompanies the others and is frequently invisible to bystanders. Gestures to “cheer up” or other well-meaning encouragement fall flat and is neither interpreted nor implemented correctly. The situation is often similar in effect to a person who cannot quench his thirst in an ocean of salt water and ends up dying from dehydration…water everywhere but inaccessible to the one that really needs it.

The Savior discussed like situations in his time when people found themselves in circumstances from which they could not free themselves, and he interestingly also taught all of us how we should respond. Do you remember it? He spoke of a time still to come, when the Son of man shall appear in his glory, and legions of angels with him. The Lord then does something very interesting. He gathers all nations before him and separates them one from another as a shepherd divides the sheep from the goats. And he sets the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Let’s read in the Bible from the gospel of Matthew what happens next:

 34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

 35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

 37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

 38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

 39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Matthew 25:34-40

And this encouragement applies to us today as well. Just when we think things are going pretty well, we get a surprise that stops us in our tracks and nearly knocks us down. It happens when we are sideswiped with devastating news or circumstances we neither prepared for nor imagined. It happens to all of us, so we should have empathy for others who are experiencing the challenges in our very midst. Everything important that we have is a result of his grace for you and me. Because of Jesus Christ we have a wonderful future in store for us despite the hardships of our present circumstances. And gratefully, we are not alone.

There are many examples of faithful men and women who followed the example of the Savior and gave their lives and effort toward furthering his plan. These people recognized the important role of the Savior and acknowledged his part in the Great Plan of Happiness. From numerous possibilities, I have selected the beloved King Benjamin as an example to illustrate my point.

King Benjamin discusses this very idea comprising chapters 2-5 of Mosiah. The prophet Mosiah sends a proclamation to all the people of the land to assemble so they could hear from their beloved leader. King Benjamin is becoming old and wants to talk to his people and tell them that his son Mosiah would be their next king. When he addressed his people, he recounts the equity, fairness, and spirituality of his reign, and he counsels them to serve their Heavenly King. Then he teaches them a lesson that I believe he felt was most important for his people to hear. He teaches them humility, service, and appreciation for God. In the book of Mosiah 2:19-24, we can read the following which is only an excerpt:

 23 And now, in the first place, he hath created you, and granted unto you your lives, for which ye are indebted unto him.

 24 And secondly, he doth require that ye should do as he hath commanded you; for which if ye do, he doth immediately bless you; and therefore he hath paid you. And ye are still indebted unto him, and are, and will be, forever and ever; therefore, of what have ye to boast?

So what is it I am supposed to do?  What does he ask of me? To follow him, so that he can bless me. Examples are abundant in the Church; family history work, home teaching, rearing families, and service. This of course is just a small sample of the means through which the Lord blesses us. I would like to use an example occurring in my surroundings now. We just so happen to have missionaries serving from our family. You know others. These young men and women often experience difficult circumstances preaching the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to help, lift, and inspire people all across the world. They interrupt education, work, and leave their families for 18-24 months at a time in the prime of their lives and do it all on their own dime. And they have never been happier.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is all about freedom and happiness. The scriptures are filled with examples of people and nations that do not believe this claim and have experienced tragic circumstances from selfish decisions. The world today is largely suffering the same consequence—whether as a group or in the lonely battlegrounds of self-reproach.

However, the answers to these challenges of the past are the same today.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is the remedy to life’s hardships.

Let it free you and change your life for good.

And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

Mosiah 2:17

The Plan

​I was recently exposed to a philosophy that I love. The more I hear it, the more I like it and want to make it part of my life. I think you will, too. I came across this by happenstance one day while browsing Facebook. A good friend shared a link to another post which goes something like this:

I deeply believe that feeling connected and loved by your tribe is one of the greatest healing forces for good in this life. So grateful for my big crazy tribe and the passionate way our family loves and rallies. Feeling blessed ♡

Too often we are competing with our brothers and sisters to outdo, outperform, or covet another’s performance.

Way back in 1972, our tribe posed for a beautiful family photo. A lot has happened since those days. I can look back at that time and think I really had no idea what life was holding for me or my tribe. But we were together, united, and strong. 

That is the only picture I still remember in which I was taller than my little brother … or I should really say younger. I only have one younger brother, so there should be no question who I am talking about. Life takes us contrasting ways, and we face obstacles and challenges starkly different from one another. But we are still brothers and the unity and accord that held us together as a young struggling family can still bond us together in our later years.  Too often unfortunately we let pride and jealousy influence our actions, philosophy, and attitudes. Instead of harmony, we may allow emotions to pull us apart and compare, judge, and criticize one another. That’s one of the things I love about my father. In the midst of comparisons, criticisms, and cupidity, he pursues acceptance, support, and harmony with everyone. He follows the example of the Savior.

Some years ago one of our nationally known radio commentators was asked the question, “What message could be broadcast to the world that would be considered of greater importance than any other message?” And he said, after giving the matter careful thought and deliberation, “To be able to say that a man who had lived here upon this earth had returned again with a message from God would be the greatest message that could be broadcast to the world.”

And that being true, we have the greatest message, not only that prophets like Moroni,  John the Baptist, and Peter, James, and John have visited this earth, but God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ.

Thanks Jeffrey. Time and again, we have been edified by your words of faith sharing that very message. The melody of your inspiration will play on for years to come. We still have so much in common.

We come from very good stock. Our father and mother together combined their talents and goodness to create a family and home, which is the envy of many—not unlike the kingdom prepared for us, I imagine. I try every day to live up to the great example they set for us. I know you do, too. Our children are the source of our happiness now and for many years to come. In fact, they will rise to a level of accomplishment that you and I will likely never attain. But that’s OK. Being a father gives us a different perspective than we once held. Our joy comes from helping make our families happy. Which for me is very interesting since that is exactly where Dad and Mom derive their happiness and how God increases his.

Family is obviously very important to us both. Thanks for sharing the family pictures of yesteryear, the great times and the great memories. I am fortunate to be your brother now…I always have.

And because of the Savior Jesus Christ, we will all be our finest and a together forever as a family.  Even the tough times will have value in our lives.

Lucky to have you as part of our family and really grateful for you.

I love you brother.

Remembering my dad

Many years ago, my wife and I purchased a video tape recorder. This was a brand new technology at the time, and the particular device we had chosen fit an entire VHS cassette and looked something like a news camera. Though it was massive when compared to the little, hand-held devices of today, at the time, it was the peak of technology, and we were delighted. We brought the camera down to Castle Valley with us when my oldest two were still small children–not knowing exactly what we were going to capture. But we knew we should begin filming something for our history. The whole family loved spending time on the farm with my parents, who had enthusiastically adopted the names of granny and grandpa, embraced fondly by their grandchildren. Well, it so happened one morning that I had the camera out just as Grandpa was preparing to go milk the jersey cow Janey, so I started filming.

Grandpa saw what I was doing and played along. Rather than just completing the steps as he prepared for milking, he began narrating the incident in behalf of those that would soon be watching the video. “So first, we get the milking pail and put grain in this bucket for Janey to munch on–one, two, three
cans, like that.” He scooped the grain from a large metal garbage can, and in his characteristic, animated way he performed the task with a smile on his face and warmth that radiated to his audience to be. “We keep the washing bucket and rag here, so we will bring that along with us as well.” I loved being with my dad and capturing this experience on video cassette was really great. He continued with his daily routine, entering the milking shed, positioning Janey and speaking softly and affectionately to her as he sat down on his three-leg stool and washed her udder before milking. As the streams of milk flowed into the pail, the steel of the bucket resounded with vibration until the milk shortly began filling the container. His hands were moving rapidly and never slowed to rest his weary muscles. After years of milking, dad’s grip was firm and the strength of his hands and forearms now lasted longer than the milking. It wasn’t always that way, as I well knew. But over years of milking twice a day, 7 days-a-week, 365 days-a-year, dad’s endurance, consistency, and strength shown through.

Then he began telling a story about his life. I continued recording as he told about his mission in Nova Scotia where he served as a young missionary without purse or script. Dad said that back then, missions had the option of choosing that method from among others, and that meant he depended on a kind soul to give him and his companion a room and a meal in exchange for preaching the gospel. Most days that worked fine, but occasionally he and his companion went hungry and even spent some nights under the stars. At other times, they boiled fresh lobsters in large tin cans on the beach. He shared with us many other experiences, as well. Grandpa had the uncanny ability to draw people in with his stories, especially when they were about real-life events and included fun and interesting observations about life’s lessons. This was no exception, and not surprisingly, this became the favorite tape for our children. They watched it constantly, literally every day. That way, they were able to enjoy the farm, the animals, and Grandpa from long distance. Eventually the tape became so worn and battered that it began showing signs of wear. Before long the sound on the tape faded in-and-out until it altogether ceased. Later, the video was misplaced before I had a chance to transfer it to a DVD. But in our memories, we will forever cherish the numerous moments like these.

I have many favorite memories spending time with my father. He was scoutmaster for a period of time when I was a boy. He took his scouts on monthly camping activities, and of course I wanted to go with him every time. He listened to my pleas with empathy but declined knowing that I could not go with the older boys to these regular activities.  Thinking it would upset the boys or leaders or something, he resisted my appeals, but I continued asking. Not sure if the rules were different back then, but scoutmasters are allowed to take their own 11-year-old boys on camp-outs, so my dad said “OK Mathew. I know you want to go on a camp out with me and the scout troop, so I will make you a deal. If you help us earn the necessary money for our super summer activity, I will let you come on our two-week-long trip to the Grand Canyon.” Of course, I was elated.

We earned money that summer by trimming the grass around headstones at local cemeteries. That in-and-of-itself was quite an experience for a lad. I got to spend time with the boys I admired and my dad. What could be better than that? Then that same summer we commenced the camping trip. We visited Bryce Canyon, Zions, and Hoover Dam on our way down to the Grand Canyon. We setup camp, had flag ceremonies, cleaned up the camp sites, and always left the area better and cleaner than when we arrived. We played games like steal the flag, had uniform checks, and enjoyed scoutmaster minute every night. Interesting how the things one remembers are not what you would expect recalling at the time. It was fantastic. I was with the older boys I admired and the trip to and from the canyon was also a highlight singing camp songs, having fun, and laughing the whole way. We packed dehydrated food for the 26-mile, three-day hike from the north rim to the south rim of the Grand Canyon. I will always remember how big the Colorado River is at the bottom of the canyon. It’s enormous. We flew back from the south rim to the north rim 3 or 4 at-a-time in a small propeller plane to where our parked cars were waiting for us and continued our journey home. What a great trip, and I got to do it with my dad. Perhaps I didn't fully appreciate the privilege it was to have a dad of this magnitude.

Of course, with seven siblings, spending one-on-one time with dad was rare. To alleviate this problem, dad instigated Dads Night Out, which was simply a regularly occurring time when one of the children would get to spend an evening with dad doing something we liked. I’m not really sure what others did with dad on their night out, but I was young, and we kept things simple. I remember going to Fernwood’s for ice cream on 23rd East. Just being with dad was a treat.

These and many other recollections of dad have been treasured memories I have reflected on often and enjoyed repeatedly over my entire life.

Happy Father's Day dad. I love you.