I can't sing

No. Singing is not my forte. When I hear sweet melodies floating in our midst, I admire and appreciate those so endowed. They paid the price to develop their talents, and now the world is a more beautiful, enjoyable place. And in that way, they bless us all.

Perfect harmony is revealed in many different arrangements. And that's appropriate, because righteous diversity is the secret of a happy life. Interposed in our existence is a variety of blessings and an assortment of joys.

"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. 
 If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." 
-Albert Schweitzer

That's an important principle in life and in love. I remember reading about a husband that gave flowers to his wife every week of their marriage, and this made me want to be a better spouse. Make it your mission to treat the folks you love like the most important people on earth...because they are.

And they will sing your praises forever, literally.

We did it

This has been a great week, including visits from family and holiday celebrations. We watch the Olympics with great interest. You may have seen Noelle Pikus Pace capture her first Olympic medal for women's skeleton in Soshi. Noelle and her family are friends of ours and neighbors (when we lived in north Orem). Her story of coming back after multiple setbacks is inspiring. She is a motivational speaker, an athlete, and a mom.

I also had the chance to begin chronicling mom's journal of first days spent in Castle Valley. The project is just beginning with lots more to do, but the memories and sacrifices made in our behalf are astounding to read now with hindsight. In every sense of the word, Granny is a champion. She was the inspiration behind our Castle Valley experience and mother that held it all together.

We are surrounded by a wonderful family and have many miracles all about us. This is largely due to our wives and mothers and their never-ending dedication and love. My Sweetheart has truly given me my greatest blessings. She works hard everyday to make our small piece of the world and family-life even better. She is the heart of our home, love of my life, and dedicated mother.

Who would have known? As we look to make bigger and better accomplishments though out life, remember we did not get where we are by ourselves. We are the product of the sacrifice of others.

Therein lies true greatness.

Noelle Pikus Pace

Extraordinary

I enjoyed recently perhaps the best talk I have ever heard. Could that be possible? After 50 years of witnessing fantastic discourses by prophets, leaders, motivational speakers, and parents that's a remarkable claim, I realize. Perspective and priority are the reason. Ominous obstacles in our day may keep us from believing in our abilities, but they can't prevent us from becoming the people we are destined to be if we but endure to the end.

Let me introduce this message with a story...I recall an experience about a young man who attended a devotional. As he sat among thousands of other students the speaker discussed topics significant to him specifically. He was so touched the message spoke directly to him that he was speechless. His prayers were answered, and he realized that Heavenly Father had designed this occasion in his behalf. Tears flowed freely, and at the conclusion of the event, this young man was so stunned that he couldn't move. He continued basking in the Spirit and remained seated as the people all around him stood and made their way to their cars. This was a life-changing experience. Most had left the massive coliseum by now. Still unable to rise from his seat, he overheard the following conversation by the last two people filing up the stairway.

"Did you like the speaker?"

"I've heard better. You know I couldn't help but think I would have had more fun somewhere else."

"I know. I was thinking about the concert too."

"Oh well. You can't win them all..."

The young man was the last person to leave the building. Life changed, he walked back to his car and applied that very evening the message his Heavenly Father had prepared for him.

I experienced that today. The message was meant for me, and I will share the insights, too numerous to address in a single entry, over the next few weeks. But I do want to share one thought from this discourse with you.

Lorenzo Snow declared that "a mother who has brought up a family of faithful 

children ought to be saved if she never does another good thing."

The light the gospel shines on the divine role of women 

and motherhood is something the whole world should see.

You are all so important to your Heavenly Father that the salvation of your parents hinges on your well-being and upbringing in righteousness. The enormity of the universe is unfathomable, but each one of you is significant, the pride of your parents, and the work and glory of God.

That is the truth.

Church Messages that I love and cherishWomen OF GOD

Just look up

When I was but a child, my dad would take us boys on father-and-son outings. I remember them with nostalgia. A prized memory was the beautiful starry night skies we would see once we left the city and set out to find the camp somewhere in the mountains. We described this as the Milky Way.

Later as a boy in the country, my family lived in a unique situation in a small community with few electric lights. When night fell, the area was very dark. Since we were in a valley, the cliffs obscured the rays of the sun, so shadows appeared early in the evening. And once nightfall came, we could leave the cabin home and walk into our fields where we would spread a blanket to lie on.

There, we would watch the stunning constellations and see the Milky Way every night. Galaxies hung in the sky above us, so numerous that the billions of stars reflected a general white haze in space as the countless orbs radiated their light in our direction. I haven't seen brilliant skies like that since those days, but the memory is still fervent, sweet, clear, and distinct...all that from taking time to just look up.

It occurs to me there are generations of ancestors with stories, experiences, and messages for me if I will but take the time to turn my heart to them and listen to their carefully prepared gift.

The result is a sense of fulfillment as ancestors become real as we benefit from their wisdom and advice. Families can be together forever starting now.

But it's my responsibility...I have to look up.

Why Do Genealogy?

Why Family History is Important

Of One Voice

I admire those who have such beautiful voices and talented musical abilities. But even a song in the shower has special qualities. It emanates joy, peace, love, and wholeness.

When you were small children, I loved to listen to you sing while working around the house or as you were casually playing. It meant you were happy, content, and safe.

My father taught me the principles of the gospel ever since I was just a little boy. He was kind and patient, careful to explain so I too could understand. He taught in word and deed. But really, all I had to do was look at his life and consider his example. His model instilled the important lessons then and still does today. I hiked across the Grand Canyon as an 11-year-old scout with my dad. He was the Scoutmaster back then and my hero. I didn't realize then that this experience would come to be one of the most-cherished memories of my life.

Today, humility, gentleness, kindness, and moral integrity are scoffed at every hand. But I have a different point-of-view, because I saw the quality of character and pillar of strength they produced in my dad. The hope of tomorrow can be seen in the respectful eyes of the boys who look to their dads with admiration and in the broad smile of fathers who cherish their sons.

My admiration is only tempered by the realization that his desire would be to deflect my praise and express my appreciation to the Savior. And he's right. All blessings come to us because Jesus Christ enabled us and provided a way. He is the source of everything good.

Around this time of year, we are inspired by the immortal words of Isaiah, who heralds in the miracle of the season. Isaiah 9:6

He also warned us of challenges of our day. Isaiah 5:20

When Granny was on her mission, she shared the following scripture in one of her letters:

"He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

"And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me" 

Matthew 10:37-38

When I was a young boy, this scripture honestly kind of bothered me, because I love and admire my parents and siblings so much. But in time the problem was solved. I learned that the Redeemer is not separating us from our loved ones, quite the contrary. He gave us our family and friends and those we hold dear. And because of Him, we can be happy and live in harmony with them forever. In fact, today more than ever I am thrilled to become reacquainted with my Father In Heaven through the Savior Jesus Christ.

I am excited to thank Him. Because of Him, this great plan of happiness will bring all of our loved ones eternally together as we strive to follow the gospel, and that's the greatest gift of all.

Now that's something really worth singing about.

 

Feeling the truth

Though I may not always be able to express how I know, I feel it.

And that feeling is more powerful than sight and endures much longer.

Perhaps that's one of the treasures of Lehi's vision of the tree of life. You remember that there were mists of darkness, a large and spacious field, a river, and forbidden paths. How did they make it through these obstacles? By clinging to the iron rod and pressing forward, they were able to navigate all these distractions. They held fast to the word of God, especially when the mists of darkness obscured their view. Even when they could not see it, they could always feel it. Likewise we can trust our heart, even when we cannot explain what we are feeling.

I can see so many evidences with my eyes, even when they are closed...

How do I know?

Because I can hear him from my heart Doctrine & Covenants 85:45,46

What do you do?

So all of you know something about my childhood in Salt Lake and the circumstances surrounding our leaving the city to go to Castle Valley. With a measure of pride as a boy I used to tell my friends that my father was vice president of a business. I thought that sounded pretty impressive back then. Circumstances changed quite a bit over a number of years. Grandpa's profession expanded with the times. How do you think my dad would respond when asked "What do you tell people when they inquire what you do?'"

Business man? Trend setter? Farmer? Bus driver? World leader? Unfortunately, I never asked my dad this question before he passed away, but I think I know what he would say. None of those. But just to be sure, I asked Granny how she thought Grandpa would respond to this question. She answered "a disciple of Christ."

What was grandpa's identity from his perspective? A humble servant of God...eager to follow the footsteps of the Savior.

My dad never sought the glory or prestige of men to boost his image or increase his self-respect. He was lovable, kind and accessible, because he was sincerely interested in other's welfare, involved, and grateful.

That's exactly the kind of person I want to be, as well.

In his first talk as a General Authority Gordon B. Hinckley observed "We are the product of lives who have touched ours." I have that assertion largely in my favor. Because Grandpa was willing to follow the Savior throughout his life—especially when times were difficult—we are all better for it.

The author Robert Frost captured this thought with the poem The Road Not Taken in the following verse:

Two roads diverged in a wood,
and I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference. 

Of all the things I am grateful for this evening, one stands out preeminently, and that's a living testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ and the goodness of a loving Father in Heaven.

Jesus is my friend. He is my Savior and my Redeemer. He is my God and King. From everlasting to everlasting, he will reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

With great pleasure, I tell you this is the same testimony my father bore.
 

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing