Talents

All play just one part of the symphony, but together we make really great music.

We had such a fun family activity recently. The whole group of us went cross country skiing. I have come to the ominous conclusion that I am not twenty years old anymore. Yes. It's shocking, I know, but definitely unsettling to me the most, I am sure.

Difficult, yes. Graceful, no. Nevertheless, I had fun and support and help and compassion and good examples all around me. Perhaps the best realization of all is that I am not alone and those that surround me everyday are the very people that I would choose from all the world.

I don't really expect to attain the musical superiority of Beethoven or the artistic prowess of Michelangelo in this life, but that's OK. Their talents are different than mine.

A refreshing perspective—perhaps a helpful point-of-view—is that rather than a final appraisal these obstacles are really just opportunities for improvement.

DON'T ONLY PRACTICE YOUR ART,

BUT FORCE YOUR WAY INTO ITS SECRETS,

FOR IT AND KNOWLEDGE CAN

RAISE MEN TO THE DIVINE.

--Ludwig van Beethoven

My talent, my blessing, is the best family ever. And we're just getting started.

Beethoven's 5 Secrets - OneRepublic

Christina Perri - A Thousand Years

Home

There can be no genuine happiness separate and apart from the home, and every effort made to sanctify and preserve its influence is uplifting to those who toil and sacrifice for its establishment.

Those aren't my words but rather Joseph F. Smith expressed these sentiments, and they remain just as true today as when they were spoken.

We can learn many things from our predecessors. For a period of time following the appearance of Christ to the New World, both the Lamanites and the Nephites lived in perfect harmony. The book 4 Nephi contains the secret. Verse 15 in Chapter 1 tells us why. See if you can pick it out...

And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people.

That's right. Our love for God can be a great influence for good. Grandpa recounted why appreciation for the Savior should be central in our lives:

"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."

So to take this message full circle, our true happiness can be found in following the Savior every day and focusing on lifting those around us.

Pay attention to the divine things that matter most.

We are living in a rainstorm!

We have been enlightened this week with the family Christmas Party, Grandpa's account of finding Castle Valley, and a recent letter from Saren.

Saren shared a beautiful experience in her letter this week. She said that one of the sisters was talking last week about the Holy Ghost. She was saying she had a hard time knowing if the Holy Ghost was with her and prompting her or not. Elder Kopischke of the seventy responded "Sister, we live in a rainstorm," meaning that the Spirit really is always with us pouring out promptings on us like drops in a rainstorm. We have only to recognize them, she wrote. She then confided that she has been paying more attention to those little promptings, and she sees evidence that we really are living in a rainstorm! The Spirit can be ever present in our lives.

I think that is what Grandpa was telling us in his account of finding and starting the adventure in Castle Valley and every day of our lives since.

The Tender Mercies of the Lord

Receive the Holy Ghost

When Christ departed from his apostles, he promised to leave them a comforter. We should pray for the companionship of the Holy Ghost everyday. We have each been blessed with this gift.

Receive the Holy Ghost and seek the ongoing companionship of the Spirit.

The Comforter

Candy Bomber

Last year, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert celebrated the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ with music and song at the Mormon Tabernacle choir Christmas Concert. But perhaps the most poignant moment was the story of the Candy Bomber, Col. Gail Halvorsen who was specifically recognized as one individual who was influenced by the example and goodness of the Savior.

Halvorsen became accustomed to children throughout the world begging American soldiers for candy throughout his 31 years in the Air Force. But when he was in Berlin in the late 1940s, the children did not beg. A fence divided Halvorsen and a group of German children, and though they did not ask for it, he thought about giving them the gum he had in his pocket. Because he only had two pieces left, he started to walk away. His conscience stopped him. He gave the children his two pieces of gum and watched as they shared the pieces, dividing up the wrappers into tiny bits so they could smell the peppermint flavor. Following that experience, Halvorsen's idea for candy bombs surfaced.

Western nations were dropping in food and coal, but Halvorsen decided to brighten the lives of the children as well. Flying through the Russian blockade of Berlin in his C-54 aircraft, then-Lt. Halvorsen tied together tiny candy-laden parachute bundles to drop for the city's hungry children. His kindness inspired other crews to do the same, and American schoolchildren even made their own parachutes and donated candy for the German children.

Halvorsen said his life, and thousands upon thousands of others, would be "totally" different if he hadn't stopped to give away his gum that day. "The little decisions in life are the ones

that matter," he said. "The little decisions you make put your footsteps on the path that leads to your final destination."

"His story kind of tempts everyone to be a better person," grandson Boyd Halvorsen said. "And inspires people to be more than what you think is within your grasp or within your bounds."

Read the whole article here

Maternal history

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Thanksgiving!

Overwhelmed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  

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

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

None of us need be overwhelmed.

Isaiah 1:18

Revelations 3:20

Finding the temple

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

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

Minnesota madness

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

Watch for this in other places, too.

Friends every where

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trust

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

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

Bible videos

Mormon messages

Joseph Smith

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

Youth / For the Strength of Youth / Personal Progress 

Mormon Tabernacle Choir / Pinterest

Online scriptures / Gospel lessons

Preach My Gospel

Missionary Work

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

Your challenges are unique. The Lord has provided sustenance.

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

That's their very purpose.

The song of redeeming love

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alma 5:26

The Glory of God

Precious

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

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

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

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

1 Peter 1:7

So what is it that makes this reference so significant?

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

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

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

The salvation of our souls.

Previous Savior, Dear Redeemer

I Feel My Savior's Love

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

Joy and happiness are born of gratitude.

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

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

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

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

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

All that I have

Last week, we discussed the miracle of technology, and how it can change our reach and edify our outlook. The Church has produced hundreds of short videos. Here are perhaps two of my favorite.

I appreciate these depictions because they portray our Father's love and joy for each of his children. The father in the parable runs to greet his son. Truly, I believe that is just how our Heavenly Father anticipates our return.

The real challenges and struggles we face in life are not lost on Him. This is not only a message about a prodigal son. It is a story about a committed father and perhaps an confused sibling. We can make application of these principles in our own lives and too be filled of His joy.

Rejoice with me to know that we all can be winners in the great plan of happiness.

For in reality, these parables are about each one of us.

A Prodigal Son Returns

Luke 15:31

Moving Mountains

I recently had an aha moment.

Fascinated by the fact that men have been commanded to keep records of the Church and chronicle words of the prophets for centuries (back when it was really difficult to molten ore, engrave the messages into metal, and lug around plates of brass or gold), members of the church today are asked to do the same thing for our own families. 

Yet rather than engravings on precious metals, we press keys and slide our fingers across screens we hold in the palms of our hands. Libraries of data are literally now at our fingertips.

Twenty-five years ago I applied for a job to help BYU disseminate the resources of its library to other campuses all across the world. This was well before the Internet and seemingly an immense challenge. We all know now that this task has been realized. For example, general conference talks are available online, and technology provides access to scriptures, devotionals, and a myriad of lessons, videos, and other resources. 

In the Oct. 1949 Conference Report, Elder Albert E. Bowen spoke these words:

“When (we) are under the influence of an exalted occasion, (we) make high resolves. (We) firmly determine to avoid past mistakes and to do better.”  full text These are the benefits of scripture study, church and temple attendance.

Today, we are the beneficiaries of those who kept their promises and chronicled the experiences in their lives and recorded stories, testimonies, and incidents that lift and edify. God's work moves forward to bless his children throughout the world.

Ennobling influences of prayer, scripture study, frequent church and temple attendance, and obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel can move mountains.

We must simply invite their influence and allow God's work to fulfill its destiny.

He which soweth sparingly shall also reap sparingly, and he which soweth bountifully shall also reap bountifully. 2 Corinthians 9:6 

We are one

Is referring to the 183rd Semiannual General Conference as "possibly the best conference ever" too lofty of praise? I think not.

We all enjoyed hearing from our church leaders, and with the amazing miracle of technology, we can once again review the messages--reading, listening, and watching them at will. Some favorite quotes that struck me follow:

As we draw nearer to him, we realize that mortality is meant to be difficult. Opposition in all things is not a flaw in the Plan of Salvation. Opposition, rather, is the indispensable element of mortality that strengthens our will and refines our choices.

The vicissitudes of life help us fashion an eternal relationship with God and engraves his image upon our countenances as we yield our hearts to him...We are healed by abandoning the habits and lifestyles of hardened hearts and stiffened necks. When we lay down our weapons of rebellion, we become agents unto ourselves no longer blinded by the sophistry of satan or deafened by the discordant noise of the secular world.

Perhaps you did not hear the Music and the spoken word message (begins at 18.04) of hope and optimism conference morning. The great Plan of Salvation is for every man—none are lost unto God.

None.

Every member of the church has the responsibility to be involved in the work of salvation.

I am tremendously interested in your favorite parts of conference. Share your thoughts and feelings below and link to your favorite conference messages.

Please share your thoughts.

Wilt thou be made whole?

I have long believed that appreciation is more for the benefactor than the deliverer. In the recent afternoon session of conference, Elder Timothy J Dyches agreed with me.

He spoke of the healings near the pool at Bethesda, where the impotent believed that after the troubling of the water whosoever first stepped in the pool was made whole of whatsoever ailment he had. The scripture in John 5:2-9 relates this touching moment...

“Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.

“In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.

“For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.

“And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.

“When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?

“The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.

“Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.

“And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked.” 

We sometimes have so little hope of restitution, as this man who endured his malady for 38 years. He hoped just being near the water would be enough. It was.

When ten lepers were healed of their leprosy...only one returned to thank the Savior and glorify God, and Jesus answered "but where are the nine?" I don't believe this was begrudgingly asked. I don't believe He was reprimanding them. On the contrary, he wanted to heal them

 12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:

 13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.

 14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

 15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,

 16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

 17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?

 18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.

When we give thanks and show gratitude our lives improve and appreciation engenders hope. And when we struggle to forgive, we are not alone. We may draw on the power of Christ's Atonement for that's why He remains with us in our struggles and offers to help us bear our burdens.

Corrie ten Boom faced a Nazi guard that had been part of her grievous confinement. When he approached her, she could not smile. "I could not raise my hand to his." Though she had taught forgiveness, she could not of herself give it until she asked for strength through Christ.

Thus he commands us to rise above our own capacity, as he did to the man at the pool of Bethesda; and in so doing, He heals us. Perhaps, we long for "that healing to happen to me?" It can. His words are to us just as inviting as they were to the impotent man near the pool at Bethesda, to the leper along the journey to Jerusalem, and to Corrie ten Boom.

The impotent man at the pool at Bethesda, the grateful leper, and Corrie ten Boom were made whole and complete. "Wilt thou be made whole?" It's your choice.

All that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Christ.

Wilt Thou Be Made Whole?

Stay with me

"Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right, and stopping the leaks in the roof, and so on: you knew that those jobs needed doing and you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably, and does not seem to make sense. What on earth is He up to?

"The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of– throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were going to be made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace."

This is one of my favorite quotes. I like it because it has application to our lives and in many ways details some of the inexplicable events of life. Today's message is a little different. It's something I have wanted to share with you for sometime, but I won't do it all at once. So I am revealing it in stages.

It's the story of my childhood and the miracle of Castle Valley. This will take some time, so hang on with me one week-at-a-time.

Follow this link to begin reading the story of my life

What really matters

Recently I read a fantastic article in the Ensign recently. It so inspired me that figuratively speaking, I leapt to my feet to applaud those involved and the reaction from the community. 

When a woman stood to introduce herself among a throng of scholastic powerhouses listing their many academic degrees and professional accomplishments, she wondered "What can I possibly say?" She felt inferior to these ambassadors, professionals, and world leaders. "I've got to think of something to say. No. I've got to find an excuse to leave." But she prayed for strength and in that moment a thought came into her mind with perfect clarity. "Who in this room has achieved more amazing things than you? You are a mother in Zion. You have brought eight children into this world. Get up and tell these people what you have done." 

At that moment, the microphone was passed to her table. Now I quote from the article:

"She confidently stood, and with elegance difficult to describe, she said, "A few years ago I accompanied my husband here to the Harvard Kennedy School. And my most important achievement is that I am the mother of 8 children and 18 grandchildren." 

With that statement, spontaneous applause erupted in the room. It was the only applause of the entire night...why? I don't presume to know why exactly, but I feel that I have a pretty good idea.

People know where happiness comes from. They can feel in their hearts that is true. But it's a hard choice without the influence of the Spirit to guide your footsteps--one often avoided by many in our day. When they see someone who has overcome the odds and had the courage to make home and family a priority, we applaud their tenacity and endurance doing something that many times has escaped us in our pursuit of self improvement and personal fulfillment, because happiness doesn't reside in self-actualization. Quite the contrary, we find ourselves, our dreams, by losing ourselves in the pursuit of making others happy and better. It lifts and succors the needy, while it inspires those that witness the very miracle in action.

When I read this article, I wanted to leap to my feet and applaud this woman, because I knew the reaction from the community was right and well-deserved. That's what happened in Castle Valley with Granny and Grandpa and my siblings: The proper focus on what really matters in life. That's the miracle happening in our family today.

And like those in this story, legions will rise and applaud your wise choices to raise families in righteousness and rear the leaders of tomorrow. 

May I be the first to take my hat off to applaud your grand accomplishment.

Widow's Mite

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 may be able to do just that I expect, but in the meantime, there is a lot we have to offer nonetheless.

I think about the story of the widow's mite. The rationale is pretty simple. Though our contributions are not as immense or influential as another's, they are significant and meaningful to us. One reason that gives me hope is that even the small things that I can do now are recognized and appreciated. And together, the little things that we each contribute are collectively significant. Many people doing a little makes a world of difference. And sometimes, even our small decisions have enormous impact.

I think of the choices of our ancestors. Their lives were difficult and must have seemed small and simple and perhaps insignificant. Their decisions, inconsequential as they may have appeared, now have impacted dozens for good. Now we can look back and see the magnitude of their good choices, which have directly influenced my life and the lives of my family and extended family for good today. 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 only do what you can. That's the 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 you have to offer is significant and of value to you, more so than the millions donated to charity. Generations untold will call your name blessed for your contributions and good choices.

My favorite part of the video above, "her faith overcame her fear and her hope overcame her despair."

That applies to each one of us. We are not alone.

Best

Whatever I achieve in this life will pale in comparison to the joy and happiness I receive from my family, including my decision to marry mother in the temple and have all you children. This blessing brings me great joy everyday of my life and will continue to be the source of eternal happiness in the world to come.

I found a cassette tape recording of my dad today which was somewhat of a surprise. I didn't even know that I had it, which he made for I suppose a priesthood lesson he delivered. His teachings were familiar and consistent. "I have found that the spiritual gifts spoken of in scripture can most assuredly be ours when our lives are in harmony with the Savior’s teachings and commandments." Like always, his words comforted me and gave me renewed hope.

His comments, his careful, methodical and comforting mannerisms were apparent. Though I had not heard his voice for nearly five years now, it was familiar, welcoming, and warm. I imagine it will be like that with all our ancestors when we thrill to introduce our children and spouse to them with pride and delight.

But for now, we relish the memories and look forward with hope to that marvelous reunion.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you; … nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.”
D&C 78:17,18

Jumpstart

You are no doubt familiar with the quote "The only problem with life is that there is no background music." The author is unknown.

When I first heard this idea, I was intrigued. Any message can be even more influential when set to the right music. We have all experienced the power that can come from tactfully tantalizing tunes or meticulously moving melodies or a positively pristine piece of work. 

Now with Youtube and iPods, background music in life is not only possible, it's a reality.

My first year of college, I was shooting for an A in my Fitness for Life class. We ran a mile-and-a-half three times and received a grade based on our progress. I exercised and practiced all semester long. I improved but still had to have a great time in my final attempt. I listened to Eye of the Tiger all morning the day of the test as motivation and to help boost my chances.

So what does this have to do with you? 

The same principle applies to success in life. It's easier with a good strategy and lots of good advice and help when needed.

.

But of course, we know the Author of our good fortune.

Daily sustenance

Today we had a delightful church meeting wherein was discussed principles of the gospel that I know and understand, yet I learned they are even more encompassing than perhaps I ever realized.

The Israelites traveled for 40 years in the wilderness and faced many hardships so the Lord could teach them His will. He provided manna to sustain them, one day at-a-time and only as much as they needed. If these men and women gathered more than they could eat, it went bad. They were taught complete reliance on God by having to do this every day. What they collected would remain good for the time at hand, so they had to repeat this daily. They learned the Source of their blessings and God promised to help them day-by-day.

For some reason in this context, I understood that, like them, we are totally dependent on Heavenly Father for everything we have and that we need sustenance from Him regularly to overcome the challenges we face in our lives today. He will help us along day-by-day if we will let Him, but we must be humble and have faith that He will indeed lead and rescue us, especially in the midst of hardship.



Watch the three short videos above. This will take less than ten minutes.

Consider the small and simple things He refers to as daily prayer, scripture study, and the relatively simple acts we are encouraged to do regularly (fhe, temple attendance, service, tithing...)

 6 Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.
Alma 37:6

Perhaps the greatest blessing of all is to walk through our challenges with Him.

They Came by Handcart

Come Unto Me

Divine enlightenment

I have always liked the following scripture but asked myself why?

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
1 Cor 13:13

Faith in Jesus Christ enables Hope. And hope gives way to joy.

I am the Light of the World. he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall
have the light of life. John 8:12

Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
John 4:14

And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. John 6:35

Finding Faith in Christ

Charity is the demonstration of the Love of God.

Travail

Job suffered afflictions of every kind...do you remember the story?

His property and riches were lost. His family killed. His friends betrayed him and health deteriorated; boils covered his body, enemies infiltrated his home, and all his vast wealth was lost.

Even when Joseph Smith suffered terribly in Liberty Jail and pleaded with God for deliverance, the Lord reminded Joseph that he was not yet as Job. D&C 121:10

The book of Job is a profoundly provocative and rewarding book. It refuses to provide us with ready-made answers about why any of us, individually, suffers. It acknowledges how inexplicably cruel life can be. At the same time, it points to a way of enduring adversity. As Samuel Terrien observes, the Book of Job offers “not a speculative answer … but a way of consecrated living.” 

Like facing rejection on a mission, when we suffer for a greater cause, it makes all the difference because our suffering is not in vain. In fact, the most significant act in the history of the world and heaven involved immense suffering.

Yet because it had meaning, we have hope of deliverance. 

Has Thou Considered My Servant Job?

Life more abundantly

Call it what you want...blog, journal, lessons, daily devotional...all are accurate. I hope that my occasional messages prove valuable today, and tomorrow, will be cherished.

Yet you know, even the words of the Master were misunderstood by some, ignored by many, and resisted and resented by others. The Lord explained that His message would set at variance the unlikely and even breakup families. Matthew 10:34

He uses the analogy of sheep and a shepherd. This was something very familiar to the common people of that day and significant because a shepherd was the sheep's best friend. The shepherd protected the sheep from danger, fed and nourished them, and brought them home from pasture. The shepherd did not put himself above the sheep; on the contrary, he lived and if necessary died for his sheep. The one person the sheep could count on was their shepherd. 

More than just a story, we know the Good Shepherd's voice. Through Him we have life more abundantly. John 10:10

Even during times of difficulty, there is but one fold and One Shepherd.

He knows and is known of His sheep.

The Good Shepherd

DNA

The commandments of God are designed in their very nature to bless each one of us above all else. Never have we been given a commandment that didn't bring us more joy by following it.

But it is even more miraculous than that. Heavenly Father has blessed us with every skill and quality necessary to make our salvation in His kingdom most likely. Every special attribute and gift within you was specifically placed there to give you and others the most joy possible and help you reach your eternal potential.

I call it Divine Investiture.

God is not simply aware of your situation, needs, and concerns, He is fully invested in your success and happiness. There are many ways to say that. Here is one:

For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. Moses 1:39

Is it presumptuous to think that the primary interest and focus of the Supreme God of Heaven and Earth is your happiness? It sounds too good to be true. Yet it is true. 

And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated. D&C 130:21

He is invested in you, to the point that He sacrificed His Only Begotten Son to reclaim and save you from eternal misery and unhappiness to bless you for every good thing you do.

And gratefully, He has given me the opportunity to witness your growth and triumph.

Do your best

If you are in my generation, you will remember the television show Truth or Consequences with game show host Bob Barker. It was a fun and relatively harmless activity where the contestant's choices influenced the outcome. The host would give the players options to do such things as select between doors on the stage, and if they chose correctly, they could win an all-expense-paid dream vacation or a new car or some other lavish gift. But if they chose wrong, they may receive a booby-prize like a wheelbarrow full of ping-pong balls or a goat. So people would come dressed in funny costumes, hoping their hilarious antics would prompt the game show host to select them. As I say, it was harmless for the most part, and we all laughed at the corny jokes. But life isn't so forgiving, and it's really no joke.

Sometimes our poor choices result in much less entertaining options with much more severe consequences. On the other hand, we are not left alone to make decisions all on our own. And when we do make decisions solo, we can know in our hearts that we are doing the best we can, and God doesn't expect more than that. But He also expects no less. A man's reach is always within his grasp. That is to say, doing our best in whatever circumstance we find ourselves is enough. 

The cards are really stacked in our favor. And when that's not enough, we have hope in Jesus Christ. 

And His promises are sure. 

Come unto Christ, and be perfected in Him.

Moroni 10.32

Made Mighty

Had a great opportunity this weekend. A few of us went to St George to celebrate Naly and Riley's wedding. It was great to see family, great to support Naly, and fun to meet new friends. 

Your mom and I got the chance to meet the kindest woman at the temple Teddy Sue, neighbor and friend of Randy and Penny's family. She was a delight to visit and brightened everywhere she went. During our conversation  she asked if we had seen the Stucki home in Santa Clara. We had not, so she encouraged us to go see it and told us it was near the Jacob Hamblin home.

So on our way out of St George, we drove through Santa Clara hoping for the chance to see these homes. Sure enough, after a little driving, we found the Jacob Hamblin home, and it was open so we went inside and listened to the presentation by Sister Thompson, a senior missionary from Texas. It was a delight. Unfortunately, we didn't have instructions on how to get to the Stucki home, so we decided to save that for a next trip.

On the way home I had two thoughts:

1. How difficult it was for our ancestors to make the journey we completed in just 3.5 hours. Handcart pioneers traveled between 14-20 miles per day. If they had rivers to cross or difficult terrain or weather to deal with, it was even fewer (like 3 miles or less).  As we were driving at 80 mph in air conditioned comfort, listening to music, and snacking on blueberry cheesecake, I mentioned how differently we have things now. The same journey could have taken our ancestors around three weeks and considerable discomfort and risk. How blessed we are today.
2. Thinking that maybe I could find something about the Stucki home on the Internet, I did some searching when we got home:

John Stucki home in Santa Clara Utah (home images)

Current route back to Utah Valley

Short biography online

Great Grandpa John wrote in his journal about the call to go to Dixie and settle there. After mentioning that upon arrival, there was discussion about having them stay in either Washington or where St George is now. But they wanted to go see the Santa Clara Valley, as they had heard it had many different types of timber and brush growing there. He wrote the following:

The valley, being thickly covered with willows, cottonwoods, black willows, and other large brush, made us think that it must be rich soil as well as where there were clear fields, so the company decided to stay there, and the Santa Clara town was laid out. (p51 Family History Journal of John S. Stucki)

I thought how familiar it sounds like our journey to Castle Valley and what we found there. Goes to show how much we can learn from our ancestors' experiences and familiar words repeated in our day can shed life and light on everything we do. 

Recognize, Remember, and Give Thanks