First Christmas in Castle Valley

This year we had the entire immediate family together for the Christmas holiday. Each family member was present and appreciated. We spread a blanket on the family room floor and enjoyed our Nazarene dinner (foods like Jesus would have eaten) for Christmas Eve, and everybody contributed.

Grandpa Stucki vicariously delivered the Christmas story with the family through a digital recording (8 min 30 sec into the recording). In his closing remarks, he shares the following quote by Patrick Henry: "I have now disposed of all of my property to my family. There is one more thing I wish that I could give them, and that is the Christian religion. If they had that and I had not given them one shilling, they would have been rich. And if they had not that and I had given them all the world, they would be poor."

The abundance we have been blessed with is obvious both in worldly property and faith in God and in His Son Jesus Christ in the Christian religion to guide us through our lives. So indeed, we are rich. We must stop and recognize from what source we receive so many blessings. The Lord has seen us through good times and difficult times.

One more highlight this year was that I received an afghan from Granny that she had given me many years ago one particular Christmas when worldly possessions were scarce for a time. The Salt Lake City house hadn't sold and thousands of dollars had been spent to purchase and develop the farm, so the Christmas of 1976 was scarce. That year she promised me an afghan which she had been working on. This year she fulfilled that promise as she spent two months and a great deal of effort completing the gift despite her arthritic hands. So in appreciation for these blessings, I thought I would share again the story of our first Christmas in Castle Valley:

We moved to southern Utah to a new farming community and began developing the land, digging a well, building roads, fences, out sheds, and of course a house. The log cabin structure was new to us and the skilled labor included Grandpa and most of the boys in the family. Our home in SLC didn’t sell right away and our funds were running short, but to us children we were in the country, raising farm animals, and connecting as a family like we never otherwise could.

We worked and played throughout the summer, but when school started we found ourselves still living in the bunkhouse/tent structure nestled in the trees of the farm. Our well was dug up on the main level of land closer to the pastures, but we did run a pipe down to a hydrant near the bunkhouse. That made access to water from our living quarters much easier and became my shower where I could run cold water over my head before catching the bus and going to school each day. The fall weather brought cooler temperatures, so we hastened our building efforts. It would be so nice if we could get into our new home before Christmas.

Granny would read to us at night, since there was really nothing else we could do, because we didn’t have electricity and lights or buildings yet wherein we could find shelter and warmth. Instead, we huddled together in the bunkhouse while Granny read from House of Many Rooms, a story about a family out in the country doing all the things we hoped for, dreamed for, and worked and sacrificed for. We would lie in our sleeping bags on the bunks or huddle around the electric heater to keep warm and listen to Granny’s calming voice resonate the dream for which we had given up everything else. I remember one evening as Granny read, somebody yelled “The drape is on fire!” and sure enough the heater had become too close to the material and caught the drape on fire which was hung to divide the room to provide some measure of privacy. It was quickly extinguished but made for an exciting evening and a memorable story. I dreamed for the days when our newly-planted trees would bear the fruit we would use to make peach and apple pies. I longed for the time when our efforts on the farm would produce pork and chicken and beef and berries...it was almost too much to think about. Well, we did get the roof on and that little log cabin opened up into an enormous house for us when compared to the tent-like structure we had been living in. The plumbing and electricity were not all finished yet, so the first showers we took in the home were from warmed pans of water from the stove dumped on our heads while we stood in the shower stall, but it was delightful and heavenly. I remember thinking I hadn’t had a real shower for months. It was so nice, and we giggled and mused that we had it so good. We were used to lots of presents, even though we had a big family (eight children) by worldly standards. But we knew our parents were giving us something money could not buy, and they were doing their very best. At the time, there were many from Salt Lake that said we were crazy, but Granny and Grandpa were undeterred and moved forward. The house continued to grow and near completion. Grandpa built all the outside doors, completed the wiring and plumbing, and that was just the first year we lived there. Over the next thirty or so years we lived on the farm, our wildest imaginations became realities. And we are now all recipients of the many blessings so abundantly awarded us.

What can we learn from all this? I have drawn many lessons from the experiences I have had in Castle Valley and my growing up years, but just two I will mention now include 1) the Lord will not forsake us. Though we face many challenges, if we align our lives and actions with Him, we will be able to overcome the hardships of the present time. I think back now and marvel at what Granny and Grandpa accomplished and the risk that they took in behalf of our family. The lessons I learned there have served me well throughout my life and continue to strengthen me through the obstacles of our day. 2) This is part of the great plan of happiness of which we are all part. It requires effort and hard work. But the rewards today in this life are many. And the eternal reward for those who endure to the end is indescribable. 1 Corinthians 2:9

You will continue this legacy and testimony in your homes with your families and your accomplishments and happiness will far exceed your wildest dreams. I have no doubt. Thank the Lord for the many blessings you have of home, family, security, abundance, happiness, and love. The greatest gift we can give you is to acquaint you with His Son and live exemplary lives as a testimony of what He did. Jesus Christ is the source of all happiness, joy, and hope.

It is through Him that you will obtain your greatest joys!

Romans 8:35-39

2 Nephi 19:6

1 John 4:9

We love you,
Mother and Dad

Faith

The first principle of the gospel is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We all know that. But when times are hard, it can be difficult to have a positive attitude. That's when we really demonstrate faith, however.

This life is not supposed to be easy. Adam learned "by the sweat of thy brow wilt thou eat thy bread," and so it is in our day. Success and life in general take hard work. Often the obstacles we face are measures the Lord allows so that we can learn important lessons that prepare us for life's future situations. Yet despite hardship, evidence has shown over many years, the Lord has our welfare in mind.

Such is the case this evening. I just accepted a job offer from a company called Seamless. Its claim to fame is that it is the Fastest, Easiest, and Smartest Way To Order Delivery Meals Online! The company started in 1999 and has grown in leaps and bounds. It wants to be the most trusted source of local restaurant information in the industry for dining in, pickup, and delivery--so it is growing.

That's where I come in. I will develop and manage it's QA department, processes, and technology. Now I am going to make some waves...and delicious ones at that.

But it couldn't have happened without the Lord's help. And as we follow and have faith in Him, He will see us through.

With God, nothing is impossible Luke 1:37

Overcoming hardship

I know that the Lord will provide a way for you to accomplish the things He has commanded you. I have seen the evidence of that many times throughout my life. We have had a number of challenges that we have been able to overcome because He will see us through if we keep His commandments and have faith in Him.

Now I want to tell you a short story shared years ago shortly after I graduated from high school by President Marion G. Romney, then Second Counselor in the First Presidency. He told of the following experience:

Several years ago while the president of one of our missions in Mexico was sitting in a barber chair, the barber began to talk to him about his finances. He asked the mission president for his advice. The barber was having difficulty paying his bills with his small income. The mission president said, “Well, I can tell you what I’d tell members of my church, and what I do tell them when they ask me this question—I tell them the first thing to do is to pay their tithing.”

“What’s tithing?” said the barber. After listening to the mission president’s explanation, he exploded, “Well, that’s just great, isn’t it! I come to you with a question as to how I can pay my bills with the little I make, and you come up with a fancy idea of how I can spend the first 10 percent of it!”

A Divine Obligation and a Blessing
Well, we can understand the reaction of the barber all right, but if he had understood and had had faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ, he would have recognized the wisdom in the mission president’s counsel. He would have known that in paying tithing he would be complying with a divine law, upon compliance with which great blessings are predicated. He would have known that in paying tithing he would have been discharging an obligation which his maker, the Lord, has put upon every one of his children.

There are numerous stories of the divine help rendered when we face challenges that seem far above our ability to overcome. Learning a language, moving our home, facing health concerns, starting a business, dealing with the challenges of a recession--the one thing I know is that if we follow the exhortations given us through living prophets and keep the commandments, we will have abundance and to spare.

I love the words and example of King Benjamin. He labored for his own welfare rather than placing burdensome taxes on his people. Further, he knew we owe everything to our Heavenly Father and taught this concept beautifully in second chapter of Mosiah. I exhort you to read the whole thing, but in particular read verses 19-24.

He has commanded us to follow Him and promised blessings to those that do. You needn't approach life's challenges alone, but you can be equipped with the armor of God and the promise that He will help you successfully overcome your challenges, even when it seems impossible. David and Goliath, the Israelites escaping Egypt, a few crusts of bread and five fishes feeding 5000--these are but a few of the miracles He wrought. With God, nothing is impossible. Even in our weakness, He can make us strong.

Nevertheless, the Lord God showeth us our weakness that we may know that it is by his grace, and his great condescensions unto the children of men, that we have power to do these things. Jacob 4:6-7

You can overcome whatever challenges you are called to face by putting your faith in Him and keeping His commandments. I know from personal experience this is true.

Again, I refer to the wise words of King Benjamin in the last verse of the second chapter.

41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it. Mosiah 2:41

The commandments are given specifically to bless you. Decide now to receive the benefits of obeying the commandments. The Lord will see you through.

Through the Lord Jesus Christ I am strong

This job change has been a roller coaster ride. At first you cast your net out as broad as you can as you are hoping for a quick turnaround. But the timeline of the employer is often far different (slower) than your own. But no matter...you have lots of possibilities and chances are very good that you are going to land something right away. But then you begin taking favorites and hoping for the best possible outcome. Perhaps it's because of the amount of effort you have made or the passing weeks or the struggles you have faced even securing an interview. Every letter, every job interview, every conversation with potential employers dominates your thoughts and begins to control your life if you let it. Often I am up at 5am and continue working long after the others are in bed for the night. It's not uncommon to spend 18+ hours during the day and weekends looking for work or preparing letters, resumes, and other documents with an occasional break here and there. Looking for work can be the hardest job of all--that's what I have found.

So why do I elaborate on the challenges one might face during a job search? It's because this is not unique to finding a job. We face many obstacles, and adversities are part of life's tests. I have listed just a few below that have come before our family:

• house sale
• relocation to Washington
• health challenges
• mission / marriage / relationships
• family hardship
• numerous vices and struggles

The point is that you face many obstacles in life that take all your attention and focus for a period of time, if you let it. So I have found that there are some regular strategies that alleviate allowing those concerns to overwhelm the more important things in your life:

• Show gratitude. Especially thank the Lord for walking with you through life's trials
• Make a concerted effort to help others. I found the most satisfaction from sending leads to others looking for work and helping them progress in other ways, too
• Read the scriptures and fill your mind with inspirational thoughts. That will give you renewed perspective and grounding
• Keep your covenants and follow the commandments to the best of your ability

These aren't new ideas. These are principles from the gospel of Jesus Christ. As we align ourselves with Him and keep His commandments, our problems are given proper perspective and our capabilities are expanded to satisfy the demands placed upon us.

As an afterthought, I would like to share with you one of my favorite quotes. Although President Kimball was talking about visiting teaching at the time, the following excerpt applies to many situations in our lives when the Lord guides our efforts, and it certainly does in my case today:

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

Our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ will succor us through all our challenges and beckon to us to allow them to help.

20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and ^aopen the door, I will ^bcome in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. source

I testify that promise is true!

The Good News

What if I could show you how you could get a hole-in-one every time you played golf? Or perhaps a perfect score of 36 on the ACT test--my plan could do it for you. Well, as incredible as that sounds, it doesn't end there. What is your fondest dream? If it be right, this plan can help you achieve it.

Well, of course, it isn't my plan alone or any other man's plan or scheme or strategy. It's the work of our Heavenly Father and the good news of His Son Jesus Christ. This has been demonstrated repeatedly over the nearly 50 years of my life and ions before that.

Furthermore, I needn't rely solely on past experience for this witness, but I have had it confirmed by the power of the Holy Ghost. (Moroni 10:5)

And not just me, but Grandpa knew. WHY? Because Grandpa has an abiding hope in the Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 1:2), which carried him through the challenges he faced. He knew of the triumph we receive through Christ. And I do too.

The Savior has wrought the Atonement in our behalf. He suffered our pains and is already victorious! Why is that significant to you and your problems and challenges today? Because He is the Author and Finisher of the plan. It's His plan, so we know that whatever challenges or obstacles or hardships we face, we can overcome them with His help. When Christ wins, all those who follow Him win, too. He has overcome the world, and through Him, so shall we (Doctrine and Covenants 50:40-42)

I could tell you countless stories of instances in my life and yours when the Lord has intervened to guide and direct us along the trail of life. Even in the good times, and especially in hard times, His watchful care ensures we are safe from destruction and assures our victory. Note that I did not say it frees us from hardship, but I said that plan is devised to help us through the hardships of this life that we will come out on top. I can say that with certainty because the Savior is already victorious.

I liken this to watching a sporting event, say football, on tv. When a fumble or a blocked kick happens or the competitor runs up the score at the beginning of the game, it's easy to get discouraged and lose hope in our team. But if you already know the outcome of the game, like in the case of a re-run, you needn't fear or even get nervous, because you know the outcome in the end. We know the end! Christ's team is already victorious!

Every hardship, every vice, every challenge or addiction or failure is temporary and will be overcome as we align ourselves with Him and partake of this perfect plan. Our confidence grows, our worries are eliminated, and our fear turns to faith, because we know that He will not forsake us, and as long as we are on His team, our victory is assured. That's the hope we have in Jesus Christ.

His plan is perfect. We have multiple shepherds watching over us to help us through life's obstacles. Today, we can go nearly anywhere on earth and have a bishop, elder's quorum president, relief society president, other leaders, home teachers, and visiting teachers already organized, ready, and willing to help us. The Good Shepherd is pleading our cause with the Father, and He visits us in our time of need. (Mosiah 24:14)

Whatever challenges we are called to face, we can overcome. Real confidence is ours for the taking (Doctrine and Covenants 121:45,46) I am not worried about my recent job loss. Why should I be? I am a member of the winning team and cannot fail. The Lord's plan is fail safe if we will but let Him influence and direct our lives. (Revelation 3:20)

This life is full of hardships. Adversity may be a constant or an occasional companion. We should not expect anything differently. Today is our time to prepare to meet God (Alma 34:32). But we needn't worry or fear or get depressed. God's perfect plan cannot fail. As we align ourselves with Him, then we too will be victorious in all things.

That really is good news!

Behind the scenes

Have you ever wanted to be one of those people that could donate millions to charity? I expect you have. Me too. And someday, we will be able to do just that, but in the meantime, there is a lot we can still do.

I have always loved the story of the widow's mite. The rational is pretty simple. One reason is that it gives me hope that even the small things that I can do now are recognized and appreciated by our Heavenly Father. And together, the little that we each do becomes significant. Many doing a little makes a world of difference. And sometimes, even our small decisions have enormous impact. I think of the choices of Grandpa John Stucki. His life must have seemed small and simple to him at the time and his decisions inconsequential. But now we can look back and see the significance of his good choices, which directly impact our lives now. Thousands upon thousands will be blessed. I have always loved the story of the starfish.

You can't do everything. That's ok. You need do only what you can do. That's another beautiful truth of the widow's mite.

Edward Everett Hale said “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do. What I can do, I should do. And what I should do, by the grace of God, I will do.”

Today is Fast Sunday. We heard beautiful testimonies that witnessed of God's grace. A couple significant thoughts that struck me this morning follow:

• Murmuring blinds us of Heavenly Father's tender mercies in our behalf. Don't ask "why is this happening to me," but instead "what can I learn from this?"
• Suffering let's us better know, appreciate, and love the Savior for the suffering He wrought in our stead to bring about our salvation
• Our challenges are blessings in disguise. Did you ever think of Castle Valley as our wilderness? It occurred to me that the similarities are remarkable between the events surrounding Lehi leaving his riches and taking his family into the wilderness and our family following Mom and Dad after they received inspiration to take our family to Castle Valley (the wilderness). In both cases, difficult obstacles were overcome and resulted in many blessings (the promised land). And so it is in each of you. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ won't forsake us if we will but follow him. Grandpa has said so well what is in my heart today: Grandpa's testimony

Your gifts are significant. What you have to offer others far outweighs the millions donated to charity. Generations untold will call your name blessed for your good choices.

Receiving strength through Christ

You have all heard this story told by Grandpa, but it bears repeating:

Our Moab seminary teacher and his wife spoke in the Castle Valley 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.

This is the key to doing hard things. Then difficult tasks can be overcome and aren't so challenging. If you can't do it for yourself, do it for Christ, and He will bless you many times over. I have seen that repeatedly during my life:

1) Following the Savior brings happiness Alma 41:10 wickedness never was happiness

2) Prayer provides strength Romans 5:1-2 access to the Father through Christ

3) Obedience brings blessings D&C 130:20 law irrevocably decreed in heaven

4) Faith in Jesus Christ to believe that He has the power to do what He says He can do

That will make you much more effective and confident and happy. You can overcome hardship, reach your goals, achieve academic success, and develop eternal relationships.

You can because the Savior teaches us that through Him, we can overcome all things. D&C 75:16 the faithful shall overcome all things

I know you can!

Crashed and burned

I recently had an experience, I want to share with all of you. As I was thinking about what to call this email, several different subject names came to mind. I considered at least the following:

• Lessons learned
• The Perfect Day
• Handling hardship

Well, you will see I chose something different for the title of this email. "Why?" you ask. That's where the story begins. On October 14th of this year I was laid off from my job. It happened suddenly, and I told myself that I didn't want to worry anyone, so I swore your mother to secrecy.

Recently, the family went down to St. George to visit Randy and Penny for Naly's homecoming. It was marvelous. She shared wonderful experiences from her mission and bore and strong and fervent testimony. We met her trainer Rachael, who came with her husband, Landon, and also stayed with Randy and Penny. We were able to see all the cousins and enjoyed one another's company. We actually got to see Aunt Mary, too. After a marvelous Thai dinner prepared by Penny, as we were wrapping up the visit, we went around the circle of family members to get an update and have them tell about what is going on in their lives. We heard the neat activities each one is involved in. But as my turn approached, I started to get nervous about revealing that I had been laid off. I told myself "I don't want to concern them" and "They have enough to worry about." And when it came my turn, I just kind of smoothed it over and pretty much said things were fine and hadn't really changed--no big deal, right? Well, I thought about it the whole way home and struggled with my reasoning. I knew it wasn't really true, but I considered my choice to be an act of thoughtfulness because I didn't want to overly worry Randy and Penny or their family. But still I struggled. Is that what I really should have done? My children were listening and waiting to see what I said. I had the opportunity handed to me on a silver platter, but instead of running with it, I sort of stumbled and fell in the heat of the moment. (eg crashed and burned)

So I continued to wrestle with my actions through the night. What was to come of all this? Finally, this morning I had a sort of epiphany. Really, I just looked at the situation from the standpoint of what really happened. This is what I came up with:

• I am lying to myself by saying that I don't want to burden others with my problems. Instead, I don't share the news because I am ashamed. But how bogus is that? This life is full of challenges. Nobody expects us to live in a perfect world without mishap, and the actions of someone else does not my value make. "The Perfect Day" is a great advertising slogan, but it does not represent real life.
• Hardship is part of life. I will share a great quote with you that Naly used in her talk in this regard, but I am waiting for her to send me the reference. Instead of hiding the hardship we face and pretending it doesn't exist, we should recognize it for what it is--a challenge--and then work together to overcome it.
• I missed an opportunity to share the burden with others who are loving, forgiving, and supportive and specifically missed a chance to talk about it with Randy. He knows something about the challenges of being laid off. My sharing what I am doing to rectify the situation could be a blessing to him and all you children as well. Why am I so nervous or scared to share it with others?
• Honestly, we are fine. The Lord advised us through His prophet to put away enough for a rainy day. We have that because we followed His counsel. Grandpa, too, always encouraged us children to follow this counsel and get out of debt and put a little away for the hard times that are sure to come.

To wrap up this thought, I will just say that obstacles in this life are to be expected. Let's come together to overcome them. We have nothing to be ashamed of, but we have everything to gain by pooling our resources to overcome hardship. That's why the Lord has organized families and church and numerous resources in our behalf.

To borrow someone else's words: The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. And so it is with our family. Together we are much more powerful, convincing, and capable than we are individually.

Remember that lesson!

Please forgive me for my shortsighted actions.

I love you, dad

I will order all things for thy good...

Doctrine and Covenants 111:11

A real strength

One of my dad's greatest qualities was his uncanny ability to listen....

He was wise, astute, and articulate, but I often sought his assistance because I knew he would hear me out. Sometimes I just needed to pour out my troubles or reveal my frustrations or share a moment of pride or satisfaction. He would pay attention to my concerns and rejoice or sorrow with me as the case required without judging me, and I could share the tender feelings of my heart freely. Perhaps the ability to listen is not found among the lists of greatest attributes esteemed and admired in others, but for me, it was significant.

I have told the story many times when my dad and I would share a few moments together driving in the truck along the river road between Moab and Castle Valley or pruning the trees up in the orchard and around the farm or completing some other task together. We shared many things talking, exhorting, and sometimes crying as we exchanged thoughts with one another. I would often try to articulate the troubles I was experiencing at home or in school, and he would listen to my intent though my words often failed me. Near the end of the journey, I would respond with something like "Dad, thank you so much for helping me work through this." And he would smile and his eyes twinkled. I knew then that I had done all the talking--but what I needed was someone to listen--and that's just what Dad would do.

When my father passed away, I missed many of his qualities, but quiet, confident, sincere listening was certainly among the most treasured. And that was just like Dad to always be thinking of helping others.

And for me, it was someone who would listen.

Listen to the words of Christ, your Redeemer, your Lord and your God.

Moroni 8:8

Forgiveness -- you have nothing to lose

In previous letters, I have told you about some of my heros. Another one I may not have mentioned is Helaman. He is big. He is strong. He's a faithful leader and an example of bravery--but that's not all. He also knows the source of his strength. Helaman 5:12

"And now, my sons (and daughters), remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when (not if) the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."

We know that because we are mortal, we shall be tried and tested; we knew that when we chose to come to to earth. And even though we may consistently choose the right, we will not be spared from the storms of life. The "mighty winds" of illness, financial challenges, death, accidents, and natural catastrophes will not escape us. But we are told that the storm will have no power over us to drag us down because of the rock upon which we are built.

I think we are all familiar with the parable of the wise and the foolish men; the one built his house on the rock, the other built his on the sand. Even the Primary children can tell us what happened when the rains came down and the floods came up.

If our faith and our lives are built on the rock, on the gospel of Jesus Christ, we will be able to understand and better withstand the storms that beat upon us. When we allow our Church friends to hurt our feelings, when our home teachers and visiting teachers forget we are on their routes for months at a time, when we suffer the frailties of men, it will be easier to forgive and to understand because of that faith.

"Is there someone in your life who perhaps needs forgiveness? Is there someone in your home, someone in your family … who has done an unjust or an unkind or an unchristian thing? All of us are guilty of such transgressions, so there surely must be someone who yet needs your forgiveness." Jeffrey R. Holland

Don’t treasure up past wrongs, reprocessing them again and again. In a marriage relationship, festering is destructive; forgiveness is divine (see Doctrine and Covenants 64:9–10).

Plead for the guidance of the Spirit of the Lord to forgive wrongs …, to overcome faults, and to strengthen relationships." Dallin H. Oaks

The spirit must be freed from tethers so strong and feelings never put to rest, so that the lift of life may give buoyancy to the soul. In many families, there are hurt feelings and a reluctance to forgive. It doesn’t really matter what the issue was. It cannot and should not be left to injure. Blame keeps wounds open. Only forgiveness heals." Thomas S. Monson

When Steven was a little boy, he came to me saying "Dad, some of the boys at school just goof off when the teacher tells them to run laps, or they say they ran them when they really didn't. It's not fair."

I said "You're right. Some don't follow their leaders and run laps like they are supposed to, but who does it really hurt? Is it the teacher? No. Are the other students who ran the whole distance hurt? No. They may feel it is unfair, but they got the exercise and benefit for doing so. If anyone was hurt, it's the students that were slacking. They didn't get the satisfaction of properly completing the task, the benefit from exercise, or realize the improved endurance and stamina that the others did who faithfully obeyed the teacher."

And so it is with those that hold a grudge and refuse to forgive others. They lose friends, acceptance, good feelings, and the satisfaction of forgiving others. Plus they must suffer for their own sins. (see Doctrine and Covenants 19:17,18)

When you forgive others, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

The Unspeakable Gift

Life's storms are sure to come. This life was never meant to be easy.

Elder F. Burton Howard recounts in the article The Gift of Knowing that throughout our lives we will be required to choose between duty, or obligation, and other more-or-less attractive alternatives. Should we watch television or go visiting teaching? Should we spend time with the family or with friends? Do we read the scriptures or the latest novel? Do we leave the children home or take them with us? Do we go into debt or do without? Each of these choices, when made, excludes others. Otherwise, there could be no real probation (or test). The designer of the plan of salvation made it that way. By allowing us to discover where our hearts are as the result of the free choices we make, he helps us learn who and what we really are.

The above article is long but worth the read. I thought of each one of you at different times while reading it. Some of you have looming decisions to make; some of you have serious obstacles to overcome. We all need guidance and direction thorough the challenges and decisions of life. But the Lord has not left us comfortless. John 14:18

I read recently about a survey that was taken, and the respondents overwhelmingly agreed that they preferred to watch a football game already knowing who would be victorious. The element of surprise aside why do you think they responded that way?

Reasons they gave included--less stress, confidence, assurety, peace--knowing the end makes all the difference in how you see the game while it is happening. Even during difficult situations--3rd down, two minutes left in the fourth quarter, and two touchdowns behind--we can accept the status quo with confidence if we know the outcome.

We know the outcome! Christ is victorious. He wrought the Atonement in our behalf, and we too can be victorious and achieve our fondest dreams. The gift of knowing is priceless. And as members of the Church, we have been given the unspeakable Gift of the Holy Ghost that we might know the truth of all things. Where should I go for work? What should I study in school? Who shall I marry? When is the right time? Answers to these questions and all others are at our finger tips if we remain true to our covenants and seek the direction of the Lord, then listen to and follow the counsel.

I close with Elder Howard's exhortation "The gift has been given; what we make of it is up to us. Unless we listen to counsel, we will receive none. Unless we pray, exercise faith, love, obey, and keep the tabernacles of our spirits clean, we can have no claim upon this unspeakable gift."

Please live so that the guidance of the Holy Spirit can help you make wise decisions and to apply what you know to what you do.

It makes all the difference.

Good Things to Come

With a great deal of interest, I read an experience about a young man who faced challenges in a particular line of work as a youth but saw a transformation later doing the same thing with a different attitude. Read more here.

Why can make all the difference...

• why did you sacrifice two years at the prime of your life and thousands of dollars to go on a mission?
• why did your parents forfeit personal advantage, comfort, and the fun-loving single life to raise a family?
• why do you take the high road, which means you have to do hard things and face overwhelming challenges?

I could go on and on. We part with the seemingly obvious comforts today because the end justifies the means. Living for today means a lot of empty tomorrows. Live with tomorrow in mind, and today will take care of itself. That's not just my idea. Others far wiser than me have taught this same principle. Here are just a couple examples:

The Best is Yet to Be, Elder Jeffrey Holland

Preparation for Tomorrow, Elder Victor L. Brown

Turn the other cheek, go with him twain, love your enemies...read more here.

So we return to the question of why. Why do we do these things? It's really not that complicated. Though there are many reasons, I will give just two:

1. Following the gospel of Jesus Christ will make us happy.
2. Though it seems during earth life that those taking forbidden paths are happy, only those that accept His word and follow the commandments will find real happiness in this life and become recipients of the blessings of eternity in the world to come.

In this life, good things happen to the wicked and to the righteous, but only the obedient will follow God with lasting happiness into the eternities.

That's why faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel--because our ability to accept His will and follow Him with all our heart depends on our believing in Him.

That is why... because of the good things to come.

Grace

One of my all time favorite parables is that of the prodigal son. You remember the story of the wealthy man whose son asked for his inheritance from his father, and then the young man took this money and spent it all on riotous living and returned broken, forlorn, and penniless to his father’s home. You can read about this in Luke 15. There are many reasons why this is a favorite of mine, but just a couple I want to mention follow:

At the beginning of the chapter the Pharisees and scribes ridicule the Savior because He was receiving sinners unto Himself and eating with them. So the Lord spake a parable to them about the lost sheep (Luke 15:4-6)

Then He explained to them the real meaning “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.”

But not wanting them to misunderstand, He also shared the parable of the lost coin to make His point. (Luke 15:8-9)

Again He emphasized “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.”

Alas, to reiterate His point, He then finished with the parable of the prodigal son. This boy willfully rebelled against his father. He was forewarned but did not heed the warning and everything happened just as he was told it would—but he was still forgiven and though he felt unworthy to return to his home, the father placed his finest robe on his son, and shoes on his feet, and a ring on his finger, and killed the fatted calf and made merry. (Luke 15:11-24)

“For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.” And that’s my favorite part because each one of us is that misguided boy. We have all made mistakes and are unworthy of the blessings in store for us, but we don’t receive these blessings because we deserve them. We receive them because our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love us despite our shortcomings.

The Lord suffered for our infirmities that we might be healed and reunited as families with Him. He offers us salvation and freedom from the effects of every barrier to our return.

That’s what it means to be saved by grace.

Ephesians 2:8

More reading about Salvation: By Grace or Works?

Cheating Oneself

Fam,

We had a inspiring sacrament meeting today. One young man shared the following witness by Gordon B. Hinckley:

"In the Church we sing a stirring hymn, 'We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet.' It is distinctive with us. As a people we sing some hymns that have come from other churches, and others sing some of ours. But only we can properly sing, 'We thank thee, O God, for a prophet to guide us in these latter days.'

It was written more than a century ago by a man of humble circumstances who lived in Sheffield, England. He worked in the steel mills and was discharged because he joined the Mormon Church. But there burned in his heart a great and fervent testimony; and out of an overflowing spirit of gratitude, he penned these moving lines. They have become a grateful expression of appreciation for millions over the earth. I have heard them sung in many different languages as a reverent prayer of thanksgiving for divine revelation.

How thankful we ought to be, how thankful we are, for a prophet to counsel us in words of divine wisdom as we walk our paths in these complex and difficult times. The solid assurance we carry in our hearts, the conviction that God will make His will known to His children through His recognized servants, is the real basis of our faith and activity. We either have a prophet or we have nothing; and having a prophet, we have everything."

You have all heard the story of Naaman. He was a “captain of the host of the king of Syria.” He was a “great man with his master [the king], and honourable [and] a mighty man in valour” (2 Kgs. 5:1). The problem was that Naaman also had leprosy. He sought intervention from God's prophet, Elisha. But when Elisha said through his servant, Gehazi, “Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean” (2 Kgs. 5:10), the mighty Naaman was taken aback and confused. He had anticipated that the Israelite prophet would work a miracle on the spot—calling on the name of the Lord and in a sweeping demonstration of great power, “strike his hand over the place” to cure his leprosy (2 Kgs. 5:11). He became upset and in a fit of anger stormed away from Elisha’s house.

But then Naaman's servants approached him and said in essence if he had commanded you to do "some great thing" wouldn't you have done it? How much easier it would be to do a small or simple thing, like bathing in the river Jordan? The now humbled Naaman accepted his enlightened servants’ advice and, in an act of great faith, chose to obey. “Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean” (2 Kgs. 5:14).

Of course, Naaman was delighted, and he returned to the house of Elisha and tried to give him a gift, but Elisha would receive none, and Naaman departed. Well, Gehazi followed Naaman and told him a lie that Elisha had sent him to get money and resources. Naaman happily consented. But it wasn't long before Gehazi's deceptions were discovered, and he was cursed with the leprosy that had been Naaman's.

How close Naaman came to not receiving this great blessing. To be dishonest is cheating yourself. Follow the prophet. Be true to his words, for they speak the will of God. And our Deliverer waits to give us bounteous blessings in return for our obedience.

A Contrast in Obedience

In closing, I want to share with you the story of Conrad N. Hilton of the Hilton Hotel chain who said "I have been taught that there is one person in the world you never want to fool, and that is yourself, because that is plain stupidity."

Mr. Hilton told about a plain bar of iron being worth about five dollars. But that same iron, if made into horseshoes, would be worth $10.50. If it were made into needles, it would be worth $3,285. And if turned into balance springs for watches, its worth would be over $250,000.

On Cheating Yourself (take time to read this article by President Spencer W. Kimball)

You have been promised wealth untold if you are obedient.

Obedience will make you happier, stronger, and better--just like it did Naaman.

Your blessings await you.

I love you, dad

More reading:
Obedience--the Path to Freedom (James E. Faust)

Covered

Mom and I have been working in the Primary for some time. We recently accepted a new assignment to serve in the nursery. These little children are tender, kind, and sweet. They love their parents and look to them for support and comfort. Being separated from them for even a short time can be daunting. Mom comforts them by singing softly in the background. I was holding a little tyke this morning and swaying with him when Melanie peered into the room. She just smiled. When we came home after church, she continued.

"That was so funny to see you guys in there. When I came up, dad was holding a small boy and dancing. I was surprised. Most guys cannot multi-task."

That gave me a good laugh. I start with that funny little experience because it leads right into the topic I want to address. Family is so important. The joy and happiness in life is directly related. Our lives and happiness revolve around our families. We have many examples of that.

Moroni, chief commander of the Nephite armies, promoted the Title of Liberty. Moroni prepared this banner to inspire the Nephite people to defend their religion, freedom, peace, and families. We, too, can raise a banner to which we can grasp in times of difficulty. When Jesus Christ visited the Nephites following his resurrection, He commanded them "to hold up your light that it may shine to the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up." 3 Nephi 18:24

We don't know what will happen tomorrow. The future can seem unsure. The effects of our choices may not be felt immediately, but even in the uncertainty of today's ups-and-downs, our decisions will certainly play a significant role within our lives. Every choice we make has a consequence. Every blessing we receive is through obedience to law upon which it is predicated. Doctrine & Covenants 130:20,21

Rich meaning is found in the word atonement in the Semitic languages of Old Testament times. In Hebrew, the basic word for atonement is kaphar, a verb that means “to cover” or “to forgive.” Closely related is the Aramaic and Arabic word kafat, meaning “a close embrace”—no doubt related to the Egyptian ritual embrace. References to that embrace are evident in the Book of Mormon. One states that “the Lord hath redeemed my soul … ; I have beheld his glory, and I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love.” Another proffers the glorious hope of our being “clasped in the arms of Jesus.”

We love our Heavenly Father, as well. During difficult times, we look to Him for support and comfort. Being separated from our family for even a short time can be daunting. The Lord comforts us by sending His angels (on both sides of the veil) to bear us up. Doctrine & Covenants 84:88

And so it is in your life. There will be hard times and difficult circumstances we will be called to face. Yet we may all receive the blessings available to us if we will but follow Jesus Christ and keep His commandments. Because of the Atonement, we are covered.

I love you, dad

Onward Christian Soldiers

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;
Forward into battle see His banners go!
Refrain:
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
At the sign of triumph Satan’s host doth flee;
On then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise;
Brothers, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise.
Like a mighty army moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod.
We are not divided, all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.
Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song.
Glory, laud, and honor unto Christ the King,
This through countless ages men and angels sing.
More reading: Richard M. Nelson discusses the Atonement