I wish I was capable of the words to express what is in my heart. It is filled to overflowing w/ the love I feel for my lovely wife. Coherent speech evades me when I think of how wonderful it is that I can spend not only the rest of my life with her but eternity. What an awesome concept. What a goal. I strive daily to live my life in such a way as to be worthy of her affection, trust, loyalty & love. I know that I frustrate her, my bad habits & poor choices do little to help our relationship. I love her even more because of the way she tries so hard & sometimes fails to be patient with my failings. I love to hear the contented tone of her voice speaking to me when she has nothing particular to say but still wants to visit. She makes me feel that all is right with the world when she is around. It is fun to see her interests growing as she reads a wider variety of books. She is opinionated & at times stubborn but I wouldn’t have her any other way. Although it rarely happens that like tonight she is the 1st one asleep I do love the peaceful look on her sleeping face & her muted silhouette beneath the covers. I seldom miss giving her a soft kiss goodbye in the morning. Most days it is still quite dark & she is typically unresponsive but leaving feels empty without the gesture. I have always liked her in red. However despite her many enticing physical features the attributes I most cherish are those of the heart. Hers is very very large. She strives so diligently to be obedient to the word of the Lord, to listen to his voice & do his will. She is truly inspiring.
Tammie, I love you. I LOVE YOU. I know that words of affirmation are not anymore your love language than physical touch but it felt right to do this tonight. Know that I am trying to be the man you need me to be. You deserve it.
Good night sweetheart
For what it’s worth
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Monday, November 12, 2007
Visions & Legends
I recently reread what may be my favorite short story “The great stone face” by Nathaniel Hawthorne. The story takes place in a large valley with many communities & thousands of people. Among the mountains surrounding the valley was a rock formation which when viewed from a distance appeared to be a human face. The face was majestic & serene, it emanated peace & wisdom, and it was a fountain of positive virtues. The people felt that its watchful care was the reason for prosperity in the valley. Legend had it that one day a man would return who would exactly resemble the “great stone face”.
Ernest spent his whole life living simply in the valley. As a child he learned of the legend & watched for its fulfillment all his days. By worldly standards he was not learned but over time he came to be respected and his counsel sought for. His wisdom did not come from formal education. Earnest spent hours & days gazing upon the great stone face & pondering its virtues. Just as thought precedes action, his mind filled daily with hope for the fabled man of legend, Ernest through emulation fulfilled the prophecy. In his lifetime there were men believed to have the image of the great stone face engraven on their countenance, but with time the likeness paled. One of them “a man of mighty faculties and little aims, who’s life, with all its high performances, was vague and empty, because no high purpose had endowed it with reality.” This man, a politician, was particularly disappointing to Ernest because here was a man “who might have fulfilled the prophecy, and had not willed to do so.” The imposters had sought for & desired greatness, notoriety. They found it fleeting. Temporal pursuits, attainment & achievements are confined to this world. Unassuming Ernest by consistently choosing the best things the best virtues & the best ways of life earned a lasting reward. Peace in this life & joy in the hereafter.
We like Ernest have a pure perfect example continually before us. We too have a prophecy & a promise. The promise of our Savior's second coming. Jesus Christ will one day return. When he comes again will we know him? Will his image be engraven on our countenance? Will he know us because we will be like him? His image can become part of us only when we allow him to mould us, to use us for the betterment of the world & the building up of his kingdom. Is this, unlike the politician, our desire, our will? On what do we ponder? Where are our thoughts?
Now a few relevant quotes from another motivational favorite of mine “As a Man Thinketh”, by James Allen.
"A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts."
"The man who does not shrink from self crucifixion can never fail to accomplish the object upon which his heart is set."
"All that a man achieves and all that he fails to achieve is the direct result of his own thoughts."
"Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become."
"Whatever your present environment may be, you will fall, remain, or rise with your thoughts, your Vision, your Ideal. You will become as small as your controlling desire; as great as your dominant aspiration..."
Read good books, think better thoughts &, seek to emulate the best virtues. If we do these things regardless of our earthly attainments we like Ernest will earn peace in this life & joy in the hereafter.
For what its worth.
Ernest spent his whole life living simply in the valley. As a child he learned of the legend & watched for its fulfillment all his days. By worldly standards he was not learned but over time he came to be respected and his counsel sought for. His wisdom did not come from formal education. Earnest spent hours & days gazing upon the great stone face & pondering its virtues. Just as thought precedes action, his mind filled daily with hope for the fabled man of legend, Ernest through emulation fulfilled the prophecy. In his lifetime there were men believed to have the image of the great stone face engraven on their countenance, but with time the likeness paled. One of them “a man of mighty faculties and little aims, who’s life, with all its high performances, was vague and empty, because no high purpose had endowed it with reality.” This man, a politician, was particularly disappointing to Ernest because here was a man “who might have fulfilled the prophecy, and had not willed to do so.” The imposters had sought for & desired greatness, notoriety. They found it fleeting. Temporal pursuits, attainment & achievements are confined to this world. Unassuming Ernest by consistently choosing the best things the best virtues & the best ways of life earned a lasting reward. Peace in this life & joy in the hereafter.
We like Ernest have a pure perfect example continually before us. We too have a prophecy & a promise. The promise of our Savior's second coming. Jesus Christ will one day return. When he comes again will we know him? Will his image be engraven on our countenance? Will he know us because we will be like him? His image can become part of us only when we allow him to mould us, to use us for the betterment of the world & the building up of his kingdom. Is this, unlike the politician, our desire, our will? On what do we ponder? Where are our thoughts?
Now a few relevant quotes from another motivational favorite of mine “As a Man Thinketh”, by James Allen.
"A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts."
"The man who does not shrink from self crucifixion can never fail to accomplish the object upon which his heart is set."
"All that a man achieves and all that he fails to achieve is the direct result of his own thoughts."
"Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become."
"Whatever your present environment may be, you will fall, remain, or rise with your thoughts, your Vision, your Ideal. You will become as small as your controlling desire; as great as your dominant aspiration..."
Read good books, think better thoughts &, seek to emulate the best virtues. If we do these things regardless of our earthly attainments we like Ernest will earn peace in this life & joy in the hereafter.
For what its worth.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Revelation
There are topics to which I warm easily, ideas or stories from the scriptures that I love & embrace, concepts defined clearly in my mind, things about which I am comfortable in sharing my views & experiences. However today’s thoughts do not cover such a topic. I was frankly glad that I did not have to speak this month on receiving personal revelation & the Holy Ghost. This is a concept about which I have pondered & yet still find myself lacking. How do I even begin? Now don’t misunderstand I know that the Holy Ghost is at work in my life. I love to feel & witness its fruits. I believe that I am able in most instances to recognize his presence. Where I struggle is interpreting the emotions he brings.
True learning, the kind that becomes part of you, requires effort & usually involves making mistakes. The most challenging thing that I believe I have ever had to learn was how to speak Spanish. Every missionary I knew had a story to tell about an inadvertent verbal faux pas committed while stumbling through our first efforts to communicate in a truly foreign tongue. Experiences like the sister who in testimony meeting announced that she was pregnant rather than embarrassed, the Elder who’s intent was to praise a fresh coat of ceiling paint not the matron’s chest. A man asked to feel instead of sit or my personal experience inquiring of the grocer where he kept his private “balls” when I meant to ask about the eggs. It is unrealistic to believe that one may learn any language without stuttering from time to time.
While reflecting on my relationship with God & specifically his messenger, I recognized at least 3 types of direct personal communication. In all cases God speaks through the Holy Ghost. He, the Holy Ghost, manifests Gods will as a Comforter, a Testator and as a Revelator. I believe that all men have at sometime felt Gods love. They have been warmed by the hope of Christ. Although my life has been comparatively free of suffering I have like so many others turned to the Lord for comfort & assurance that all will be well & that this to shall pass. I cherish the memory of those emotions, the peace. That peace can only come from a loving heavenly father; it is a gift to be had freely if we but ask in faith. In St John 15:26 Christ promises that “when the Comforter is come… he shall testify of me.” In response to Simon Peters affirmation of His divinity the Lord explains that “flesh & blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my father which is in heaven.” In someway large or small all members have received a witness from the Holy Ghost building or beginning their testimony. In my own life I believe that this is the most prevalent manifestation of the Spirit, testifying of the reality, divinity & life of the Savior. His witness often comes during a hymn, while praying, listening to my local or international church leaders. I feel that confirmation while reading the scriptures, attending the temple & when I think of my eternal marriage. I am a lucky lucky man.
Most often we can know if a thought or idea is from God by asking & acting. We prayerfully, sincerely ask for the desired conformation of our righteous desires then we proceed in faith. Elder Robert D. Hales reminded us in last conference that “Revelation comes on the Lords timetable, which often means we must move forward in faith, even though we haven’t received all the answers we desire.” Sometimes I feel like one of the little cars at Disneyland. The ones where your course is predetermined by the metal bar going down the middle of the road, you can steer but despite your skill or ineptitude you eventually smash into the bar and get jolted back in the right direction. Or kind of like a bowling ball rolling down a lane w/ kiddy bumpers, the course may be drunken but you get there in the end. I feel like the Lord gives us a little something, enough to get started then stands back and watches to see what / how we will do. The part of heavenly communication that I struggle with the most is interpret ting correctly feelings or inspiration which require action. The more immediate the prompting the harder it is. I fully realize that this is a problem with me. It is not a problem with God changing his mode of operation just to confuse me. My weakness, humanity & fears combine to hedge up my way. Continuing to quote Elder Hales “We prepare to receive personal revelation as the prophets do, by studying the scriptures, fasting, praying, and by building faith. Faith is the key. ...By unwavering faith, we learn for ourselves that “it is by faith that miracles are wrought.””
By self inflicted embarrassment I learned & never forgot the distinct words for “balls” and eggs. I have to trust that I can with help likewise learn to distinguish between my thoughts, the devils conniving & the Lords promptings. I can with faith, patience & persistence learn the Lords language. A language I hope to use more & more frequently in the future. I am grateful for the bumpers & guide rails.
For what it’s worth
True learning, the kind that becomes part of you, requires effort & usually involves making mistakes. The most challenging thing that I believe I have ever had to learn was how to speak Spanish. Every missionary I knew had a story to tell about an inadvertent verbal faux pas committed while stumbling through our first efforts to communicate in a truly foreign tongue. Experiences like the sister who in testimony meeting announced that she was pregnant rather than embarrassed, the Elder who’s intent was to praise a fresh coat of ceiling paint not the matron’s chest. A man asked to feel instead of sit or my personal experience inquiring of the grocer where he kept his private “balls” when I meant to ask about the eggs. It is unrealistic to believe that one may learn any language without stuttering from time to time.
While reflecting on my relationship with God & specifically his messenger, I recognized at least 3 types of direct personal communication. In all cases God speaks through the Holy Ghost. He, the Holy Ghost, manifests Gods will as a Comforter, a Testator and as a Revelator. I believe that all men have at sometime felt Gods love. They have been warmed by the hope of Christ. Although my life has been comparatively free of suffering I have like so many others turned to the Lord for comfort & assurance that all will be well & that this to shall pass. I cherish the memory of those emotions, the peace. That peace can only come from a loving heavenly father; it is a gift to be had freely if we but ask in faith. In St John 15:26 Christ promises that “when the Comforter is come… he shall testify of me.” In response to Simon Peters affirmation of His divinity the Lord explains that “flesh & blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my father which is in heaven.” In someway large or small all members have received a witness from the Holy Ghost building or beginning their testimony. In my own life I believe that this is the most prevalent manifestation of the Spirit, testifying of the reality, divinity & life of the Savior. His witness often comes during a hymn, while praying, listening to my local or international church leaders. I feel that confirmation while reading the scriptures, attending the temple & when I think of my eternal marriage. I am a lucky lucky man.
Most often we can know if a thought or idea is from God by asking & acting. We prayerfully, sincerely ask for the desired conformation of our righteous desires then we proceed in faith. Elder Robert D. Hales reminded us in last conference that “Revelation comes on the Lords timetable, which often means we must move forward in faith, even though we haven’t received all the answers we desire.” Sometimes I feel like one of the little cars at Disneyland. The ones where your course is predetermined by the metal bar going down the middle of the road, you can steer but despite your skill or ineptitude you eventually smash into the bar and get jolted back in the right direction. Or kind of like a bowling ball rolling down a lane w/ kiddy bumpers, the course may be drunken but you get there in the end. I feel like the Lord gives us a little something, enough to get started then stands back and watches to see what / how we will do. The part of heavenly communication that I struggle with the most is interpret ting correctly feelings or inspiration which require action. The more immediate the prompting the harder it is. I fully realize that this is a problem with me. It is not a problem with God changing his mode of operation just to confuse me. My weakness, humanity & fears combine to hedge up my way. Continuing to quote Elder Hales “We prepare to receive personal revelation as the prophets do, by studying the scriptures, fasting, praying, and by building faith. Faith is the key. ...By unwavering faith, we learn for ourselves that “it is by faith that miracles are wrought.””
By self inflicted embarrassment I learned & never forgot the distinct words for “balls” and eggs. I have to trust that I can with help likewise learn to distinguish between my thoughts, the devils conniving & the Lords promptings. I can with faith, patience & persistence learn the Lords language. A language I hope to use more & more frequently in the future. I am grateful for the bumpers & guide rails.
For what it’s worth
Monday, October 15, 2007
Expressions of Faith
Those familiar with me know how I work. Even when things at the office are proceeding smoothly I put in more than an average work day & when things get rocky it’s worse. Opening a new branch is always difficult, that is to be expected, but this time around it is particularly slow in attaining an equilibrium. For reasons yet unclear to me it has proven nearly impossible to find & retain honest , reasonably motivated employees. The most recent casualty is a dear friend for whom I have a special place in my heart. (contrary to appearances this is not a work focused thought, just bear with me) Heidi first came to work for me in Price, she was a recent convert to whom I assisted in giving the new member lessons. As her home teacher I helped to teach & baptize her teenage daughter. Fast forward ten years & hear we are. Heidi has worked for Southwest in 4 out of the 6 branches, quit for a year plus & been rehired. All this to show, in part, our relationship & why what happened affected me.
It wasn’t anything grand or particularly out of the ordinary, just a box. A gift for my children, something that she had done before. One day during her last week she left something on my truck seat for the kids. It was, she said, some coloring books & videos purchased for her grandchildren but their parents vetoed the idea. I thanked her & went on about the day. It wasn’t until I had seen the generous gift and was driving home that I recognized the gravity & importance of what she was trying to do. You see, her daughter, the one that I helped baptize, did not stay active in the church, far from it. She didn’t finish high school, is unmarried & has 2 kids from different fathers. Her life has been colorful but appears to be improving. Now it is not a total shock that Heidi’s daughter is a little wild, she too has had spent her share of time on the wild side. She is still a tat wearin’ Harley ridin’ biker girl at least once a year for the rally. But one of the things I like about Heidi is just what I saw in the gift. Although she dose not have extensive gospel knowledge, I don’t think she even attends church once a month, she still feels something. She knows that there is a better way & not only is she trying, however slowly, to come unto Christ she made & will, I’m sure, continue to make an effort to help her family to do the same. She sees a need for Christ in the lives of her Daughter & grandchildren. Giving them the living scripture videos & coloring books was her attempt to reintroduce the gospel into their lives. I feel sorry for her, sorry that her daughter could not see the motivation behind the action & sorry for the rejection. It was Heidi’s simple manifestation of Faith, of love, her testimony.
There is another example of simple powerful faith that I learned of today. We have some wonderful neighbors just up the street. An older but not yet old couple, both of whom have been married before. Like Heidi they may not have a profound & doctrinally specific testimony of the gospel or of their Savior but they manifest their belief by their actions. They are a sincere Christ like couple. She is a talker & does not mind telling others about the goings on in their lives. Therefore everyone who cares to, knows that her health has been less than satisfactory in recent months. A few weeks ago she was diagnosed as having a terminal case of Lupus & was given only a few years to live. Along with much prayer & fasting a Priesthood blessing was given & she knew immediately that she had been healed. A visit a few days later to the Doctor for additional test confirmed that the disease was gone. They did not doubt that the Lord would answer their sincere supplication.
While reflecting on these experiences two scriptures have come to mind;
1st D&C 50:24; “That which is of God is light; and he that recieveth light, and continueth in God, recieveth more light ; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.” When we take the little light (faith or understanding) that we are given, we cherish it, preserve it & act on it then the Lord blesses us with more. “Line upon line, Precept upon precept” even until we receive a fullness.
2nd D&C 82:3;”For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he that sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation.” I am blessed to have been born of goodly parents & to have been taught somewhat in the learning of my fathers or in the ways of the Lord. Although clearly still a novice I have been given limited talents and abilities. What am I doing with them? Is it enough? (If this verse is not plain enough look at 2 Nephi 9:27)
The point tonight of my ramblings is this. We do not have to have a “perfect knowledge of things” to heal, be healed or to have a positive influence on those around us. We merely have to act. Do something. Show a desire, an interest & the Lord will in his perfect wisdom make something grand of our efforts. If not to day then tomorrow and if not tomorrow then someday. He knows all. I trust Him.
For what it’s worth
It wasn’t anything grand or particularly out of the ordinary, just a box. A gift for my children, something that she had done before. One day during her last week she left something on my truck seat for the kids. It was, she said, some coloring books & videos purchased for her grandchildren but their parents vetoed the idea. I thanked her & went on about the day. It wasn’t until I had seen the generous gift and was driving home that I recognized the gravity & importance of what she was trying to do. You see, her daughter, the one that I helped baptize, did not stay active in the church, far from it. She didn’t finish high school, is unmarried & has 2 kids from different fathers. Her life has been colorful but appears to be improving. Now it is not a total shock that Heidi’s daughter is a little wild, she too has had spent her share of time on the wild side. She is still a tat wearin’ Harley ridin’ biker girl at least once a year for the rally. But one of the things I like about Heidi is just what I saw in the gift. Although she dose not have extensive gospel knowledge, I don’t think she even attends church once a month, she still feels something. She knows that there is a better way & not only is she trying, however slowly, to come unto Christ she made & will, I’m sure, continue to make an effort to help her family to do the same. She sees a need for Christ in the lives of her Daughter & grandchildren. Giving them the living scripture videos & coloring books was her attempt to reintroduce the gospel into their lives. I feel sorry for her, sorry that her daughter could not see the motivation behind the action & sorry for the rejection. It was Heidi’s simple manifestation of Faith, of love, her testimony.
There is another example of simple powerful faith that I learned of today. We have some wonderful neighbors just up the street. An older but not yet old couple, both of whom have been married before. Like Heidi they may not have a profound & doctrinally specific testimony of the gospel or of their Savior but they manifest their belief by their actions. They are a sincere Christ like couple. She is a talker & does not mind telling others about the goings on in their lives. Therefore everyone who cares to, knows that her health has been less than satisfactory in recent months. A few weeks ago she was diagnosed as having a terminal case of Lupus & was given only a few years to live. Along with much prayer & fasting a Priesthood blessing was given & she knew immediately that she had been healed. A visit a few days later to the Doctor for additional test confirmed that the disease was gone. They did not doubt that the Lord would answer their sincere supplication.
While reflecting on these experiences two scriptures have come to mind;
1st D&C 50:24; “That which is of God is light; and he that recieveth light, and continueth in God, recieveth more light ; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.” When we take the little light (faith or understanding) that we are given, we cherish it, preserve it & act on it then the Lord blesses us with more. “Line upon line, Precept upon precept” even until we receive a fullness.
2nd D&C 82:3;”For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he that sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation.” I am blessed to have been born of goodly parents & to have been taught somewhat in the learning of my fathers or in the ways of the Lord. Although clearly still a novice I have been given limited talents and abilities. What am I doing with them? Is it enough? (If this verse is not plain enough look at 2 Nephi 9:27)
The point tonight of my ramblings is this. We do not have to have a “perfect knowledge of things” to heal, be healed or to have a positive influence on those around us. We merely have to act. Do something. Show a desire, an interest & the Lord will in his perfect wisdom make something grand of our efforts. If not to day then tomorrow and if not tomorrow then someday. He knows all. I trust Him.
For what it’s worth
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Character House
In business you meet & are required to deal with literally all types of people. From the pair we named stinky & stinky junior because of their “strength”(before whom my employees retreat with surprising creativity) to those select few that remain cherished friends years after a move. The know nothings, the know everything’s, the story toppers & story stoppers. The idiots who barely evade death & those who do everything at least twice despite the fact that you explained in agonizing detail how to accomplish their task. Amongst all of these & in addition to the you did what I asked you to, it didn’t work & it’s all your fault guy and many others are the slow pay & the no pay. These are the worst of them all. If you are lucky & believe me I try, you can spot them before they get a chance to do any damage, but all too often they get by my defenses & I get zinged again.
Currently I am wandering through the legal labyrinth with two different accounts both of which are seriously past due with sizeable balances. The two cases are related only by the actions of the defendants. I do not believe that either customer got where they are by deliberate action. I do not believe that their intent was to screw me out of my money or to steal my product. However for both men I believe that there was a moment when they made a choice. They chose what was for them the priority.
Not to long ago we read as a family “Little Britches” by Ralph Moody. This is a story, 1st in a series, about Ralphs experiences growing up on a Colorado farm in the early 1900s. Ralph was the oldest & as was typical in those days, he worked along side his Pa from an early age. He was only eight when his dad began to show him how to drive a team of horses. Feeling a little full of himself he wanted to work the horses by himself just to prove how big he was but knowing that Pa wouldn’t allow it just yet he lied to his mother to get the opportunity. Predictably, it didn’t go as planned & latter that afternoon Ralph showed up in the kitchen confessing what he had done in hopes of minimizing his punishment. He was made to stand in the corner until Pa got home at which time he reflected that “Hard as Father could spank, he never hurt me so much with a stick as when Mother stopped talking.” I feel that there is great truth in what Mr. Moody explained so simply to his son. “Son, there is no question but what the thing you have done today deserves severe punishment. You might have killed yourself or the horse, but worse than that , you have injured your own character. A mans character is like his house. If he tears boards off his house and burns them to keep himself warm and comfortable, his house soon becomes a ruin. If he tells lies to be able to do the things he shouldn’t but wants to, his character will soon become a ruin. A man with a ruined character is a shame upon the face of the earth.” Ralph learned that lesson. Throughout the remainder of the book he periodically makes reference to taking off or nailing on the boards of his “Character house”. I wish someone would have taught it to more of my customers. I feel sorry for my customers. As a direct result of their choice to be less than totally honest their lives are quickly deteriorating, becoming a ruin. Its too bad. They are basically good people.
Lack of integrity appears to be so common that the one who stands out is not the crook or shadey dealer but he who is truly beyond reproach. Both of the men I spoke of earlier made a choice. They reached a point when they could either suck wind, admit their mistake & make arrangements to settle the debt or they could choose to duck, weave, avoid & ignore. Pointing fingers & placing blame anywhere but on the man in the mirror. Honest dealings would make life so much simpler. The choice to show integrity is liberating. You can with a clear conscience move through the world & unflinchingly look any man or woman square in the eye. You can even approach our Father in heaven with greater confidence & peace.
I hope & pray that I can teach my children to be better. To be the kind of child that Ralph becomes. To be like the sons of Helaman who were “firm & did put their trust in God continually”. I wish that we would all be like Captain Moroni, a man “of perfect understanding” whose soul did delight in liberty & freedom, who was “firm in the faith of Christ.” For a man with a ruined character truly is a shame.
For what it’s worth,
Ryan
Currently I am wandering through the legal labyrinth with two different accounts both of which are seriously past due with sizeable balances. The two cases are related only by the actions of the defendants. I do not believe that either customer got where they are by deliberate action. I do not believe that their intent was to screw me out of my money or to steal my product. However for both men I believe that there was a moment when they made a choice. They chose what was for them the priority.
Not to long ago we read as a family “Little Britches” by Ralph Moody. This is a story, 1st in a series, about Ralphs experiences growing up on a Colorado farm in the early 1900s. Ralph was the oldest & as was typical in those days, he worked along side his Pa from an early age. He was only eight when his dad began to show him how to drive a team of horses. Feeling a little full of himself he wanted to work the horses by himself just to prove how big he was but knowing that Pa wouldn’t allow it just yet he lied to his mother to get the opportunity. Predictably, it didn’t go as planned & latter that afternoon Ralph showed up in the kitchen confessing what he had done in hopes of minimizing his punishment. He was made to stand in the corner until Pa got home at which time he reflected that “Hard as Father could spank, he never hurt me so much with a stick as when Mother stopped talking.” I feel that there is great truth in what Mr. Moody explained so simply to his son. “Son, there is no question but what the thing you have done today deserves severe punishment. You might have killed yourself or the horse, but worse than that , you have injured your own character. A mans character is like his house. If he tears boards off his house and burns them to keep himself warm and comfortable, his house soon becomes a ruin. If he tells lies to be able to do the things he shouldn’t but wants to, his character will soon become a ruin. A man with a ruined character is a shame upon the face of the earth.” Ralph learned that lesson. Throughout the remainder of the book he periodically makes reference to taking off or nailing on the boards of his “Character house”. I wish someone would have taught it to more of my customers. I feel sorry for my customers. As a direct result of their choice to be less than totally honest their lives are quickly deteriorating, becoming a ruin. Its too bad. They are basically good people.
Lack of integrity appears to be so common that the one who stands out is not the crook or shadey dealer but he who is truly beyond reproach. Both of the men I spoke of earlier made a choice. They reached a point when they could either suck wind, admit their mistake & make arrangements to settle the debt or they could choose to duck, weave, avoid & ignore. Pointing fingers & placing blame anywhere but on the man in the mirror. Honest dealings would make life so much simpler. The choice to show integrity is liberating. You can with a clear conscience move through the world & unflinchingly look any man or woman square in the eye. You can even approach our Father in heaven with greater confidence & peace.
I hope & pray that I can teach my children to be better. To be the kind of child that Ralph becomes. To be like the sons of Helaman who were “firm & did put their trust in God continually”. I wish that we would all be like Captain Moroni, a man “of perfect understanding” whose soul did delight in liberty & freedom, who was “firm in the faith of Christ.” For a man with a ruined character truly is a shame.
For what it’s worth,
Ryan
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
September Talk
Up till now I have tried when speaking in church to study before hand, obviously, make some notes, maybe write an outline but not write a complete formal talk. The theory being that by not being overly prepard the spirit could more easily effect what came out of my mouth. History shows however that my theory did not consistently hold true. Due more to my weakness than anything else I'm sure.
In reviewing what talents I have been given & with significant imput from my lovely wife it has been determined that I am a far better writer than speaker (So if you don't like my writing imagine how you'd feel about my speaking, ouch). What follows is a talk given in the spanish ward last week. I wrote it in english first then used an online service to translate it. My spanish is not nearly good enough to have done it any other way.
Good afternoon brothers & sisters. Speaking to you is for me a difficult but worthwhile & enjoyable task. You need to know that you are loved. Loved not only by our father in heaven but by your ward & stake leaders. They plead regularly with the Lord that they might know how to best serve you. They are a blessing in all our lives.
Our Heavenly Father loves to bless us. He has given us everything. I was in Lake Tahoe last week & thrilled to the sights of huge trees, large fish &, clear emerald waters. The beauties of this world are certainly a blessing from God. There are a myriad of ways in which he can choose to bless us. Today I will speak briefly of two.
In a world full of uncertainty, where we are left to discover so much on our own I feel it a true blessing to be instructed specifically in the way to live our lives. The lord leaves no question as to right & wrong, virtue & vice, good & evil. Although narrow, his path is clear & straight. In D & C 82:8 He explains why he gives us commandments. He said, “I give unto our a new commandment, that you may understand my will concerning you;” & so that there is no misunderstanding he restates his will in verse 9 “or in other words, I give you directions how you may act before me, that it may turn to you for your salvation.” He sets the standard that we must reach for. If we want to find lasting happiness we will follow his plan for us.
In mosiah 2 king benjamin reminds us of how generous the lord is to us & our responsibility in return.
Mosiah 2:21-24 “…if ye should serve him who has created you from he beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and move & do according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another – I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servents. And behold all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments; and he has promissed you that if ye would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land…therefore, if ye do keep his commandments he doth bless you & prosper you. In the first place he hath created you, and granted unto you your lives, for which ye arfe indebted unto him. Secondly he doth require that ye should do as he hath commanded you; for which if ye do, he doth immediately bless you; and therefore he hath paid you. And you are still indebted unto him, and are, and will be, forever and ever….”
It is a cyclical thing. As asked we keep the Lords commandments for which we are blessed. In return we recommit to keep the commandments, for which he doth immediately bless us. And so it goes. We can never repay our debt to him because every time we give him some small thing we are rewarded for our obedience. And thus we remain (mosiah 2:34) “eternally indebted to (our) heavenly father, to render to him all that (we) have and are”. King Benjamin continues (mosiah 2:41) “consider on the blessed & happy state of those that keep the commandments, blessed spiritually & temporally.” If we want to find peace & joy we need to do only one thing. To be obedient.
Among the many commands given us by God is the council to follow the prophet. Prophets too are a blessing from the lord. They teach & instruct us concerning gods will for us. They tell us his will concerning us, today. D & C 1:38 “...whether by my own voice or by the voice of my servents it is the same.” I asume that many of you are like me & struggle sometimes to receive & correctly interpret the promptings given us by the holy ghost. I am so greatful that I can listen to a living prophet & know that what he says is (D&C 68:4) “...the will of the lord,..the mind of the lord,..the word of the lord,..the voice of the lord and the power of god unto salvation.” What a blessing this is.
Brothers & sisters we have great opportunity before us. In the coming weeks we have the privilege of receiving the lords will for us directly from the mouths of the living prophets. In just two short weeks Elder bednar from the quorum of the 12 apostles, who we sustain as prophets seers & revelators, will be here in Eagle Mountain for our Stake conference. I have lived in Utah & been a regular attendee at conferences my whole life & this is the first time I have been blessed to here an apostle in such an intimate setting. I am very very excited to attend. In addition 2 weeks later we are privilaged to experience general conference, where the prophet will address the world. I love the Saturday sessions of conference. I have come to cherish the opportunity to sustain my prophet. I love him! I believe him!! Brothers & sisters do not take lightly these oportunities. Please come with me & listen to a prophet’s voice.
As we attend these conferences & hear the word of god, how will we react? How will we respond to the word of god? I recently read again the story of Alma’s mission to the zoramites where a relative few converts heard & followed the lords will when alma & amulek preached repentance unto them. We read earlier that amulek had left behind all of his gold, silver & precious things for the lord, “being rejected by those who were once his friends & also by his father & his kindred.”(Alma 15:16). I would be surprised if there are not some among you that have not acted similarly, choosing the church over past associations. I commend you. This portion of the story however is not what touched me this time around. I was intrigued by Alma’s observation at the end of their mission. In Alma 35:15, near then of the verse we read that the people’s hearts “began to wax hard and”, this is the part that intrigues me “that they began to be offended because of the strictness of the word...” Have I everresponded in such a manner? Have I ever rationalized my actions in spite of a profetic statement or warning? When the prophet warned us against the evils of gambling did we listen? When he speaks of the maliciousness of pornography do we give heed? When he tells us as priesthood holders to rise up & be men, to accept & magnify our role of father & husband do we make the necessary changes in our habits & lives? This statement by Alma made me think about the whining of Laman & Lemuel when they told Nephi that “Thou hast declared hard things unto us, more than we are able to bear.” They did not like having their life style challenged. Neither do any of the rest of us. We do not like being told we need to change that we are not living up to our potential. However if we are sufficiently humble we will recognize the truth of Nephi’s reply when he said that “the guilty taketh the truth to be hard, for it cutteth them to the very center. ..If ye were righteous and were willing to hearken to the truth, and give heed unto it... then ye would not murmur because of the truth & say: thou speaketh hard things against us.” I hope that any remorse or guilt that we may feel in listening to the prophet will not harden our hearts but motivate us to improve our lives & follow more closely the teachings of our savior.
I worry that too many of us go through the motions, manifesting a “form of godliness but denying the power thereof.” We wrestle with the spirit & kick against the pricks. What are we afraid of? Do we fear men? The hoards of which fill the great & spacious building to overflowing. Or are we afraid that it all might actually be true, that the lord really dose know us, that he knows our needs & has a plan for us? Why do we hesitate to trust the lord?
When Alma’s people were enslaved by the lamanites they were laden with overwhelming burdens. In response to their prayers the lord made the load light, “yea the lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease..” He can & will do the same for us. The lord dose not give commands to restrict or limit us. When we submit to his will he strengthens us. We become more worthy of his spirit & that spirit gives us wings.
In his book “twelve tests of character” Harry Emerson Fosdick wrote that “Some Christians carry their religion on their backs. It is a packet of beliefs & practices which they must bear. At times it grows heavy and they would willingly lay it down, but that would mean a break with old traditions, so they shoulder it again. But real christians do not carry their religion, their religion carries them. It is not weight; it is wings. It lifts them up it it sees them over hard places, it makes the universe seem friendly, life purposeful, hope real, sacrifice worthwhile. It sets them free from fear, futility, discouragement & sin – the greatest enslavers of mens souls. You can know a real christian, when you see him, by his buoyancy.”
May we all attend our conferences prepared to listen, to learn & to follow.
In reviewing what talents I have been given & with significant imput from my lovely wife it has been determined that I am a far better writer than speaker (So if you don't like my writing imagine how you'd feel about my speaking, ouch). What follows is a talk given in the spanish ward last week. I wrote it in english first then used an online service to translate it. My spanish is not nearly good enough to have done it any other way.
Good afternoon brothers & sisters. Speaking to you is for me a difficult but worthwhile & enjoyable task. You need to know that you are loved. Loved not only by our father in heaven but by your ward & stake leaders. They plead regularly with the Lord that they might know how to best serve you. They are a blessing in all our lives.
Our Heavenly Father loves to bless us. He has given us everything. I was in Lake Tahoe last week & thrilled to the sights of huge trees, large fish &, clear emerald waters. The beauties of this world are certainly a blessing from God. There are a myriad of ways in which he can choose to bless us. Today I will speak briefly of two.
In a world full of uncertainty, where we are left to discover so much on our own I feel it a true blessing to be instructed specifically in the way to live our lives. The lord leaves no question as to right & wrong, virtue & vice, good & evil. Although narrow, his path is clear & straight. In D & C 82:8 He explains why he gives us commandments. He said, “I give unto our a new commandment, that you may understand my will concerning you;” & so that there is no misunderstanding he restates his will in verse 9 “or in other words, I give you directions how you may act before me, that it may turn to you for your salvation.” He sets the standard that we must reach for. If we want to find lasting happiness we will follow his plan for us.
In mosiah 2 king benjamin reminds us of how generous the lord is to us & our responsibility in return.
Mosiah 2:21-24 “…if ye should serve him who has created you from he beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and move & do according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another – I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servents. And behold all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments; and he has promissed you that if ye would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land…therefore, if ye do keep his commandments he doth bless you & prosper you. In the first place he hath created you, and granted unto you your lives, for which ye arfe indebted unto him. Secondly he doth require that ye should do as he hath commanded you; for which if ye do, he doth immediately bless you; and therefore he hath paid you. And you are still indebted unto him, and are, and will be, forever and ever….”
It is a cyclical thing. As asked we keep the Lords commandments for which we are blessed. In return we recommit to keep the commandments, for which he doth immediately bless us. And so it goes. We can never repay our debt to him because every time we give him some small thing we are rewarded for our obedience. And thus we remain (mosiah 2:34) “eternally indebted to (our) heavenly father, to render to him all that (we) have and are”. King Benjamin continues (mosiah 2:41) “consider on the blessed & happy state of those that keep the commandments, blessed spiritually & temporally.” If we want to find peace & joy we need to do only one thing. To be obedient.
Among the many commands given us by God is the council to follow the prophet. Prophets too are a blessing from the lord. They teach & instruct us concerning gods will for us. They tell us his will concerning us, today. D & C 1:38 “...whether by my own voice or by the voice of my servents it is the same.” I asume that many of you are like me & struggle sometimes to receive & correctly interpret the promptings given us by the holy ghost. I am so greatful that I can listen to a living prophet & know that what he says is (D&C 68:4) “...the will of the lord,..the mind of the lord,..the word of the lord,..the voice of the lord and the power of god unto salvation.” What a blessing this is.
Brothers & sisters we have great opportunity before us. In the coming weeks we have the privilege of receiving the lords will for us directly from the mouths of the living prophets. In just two short weeks Elder bednar from the quorum of the 12 apostles, who we sustain as prophets seers & revelators, will be here in Eagle Mountain for our Stake conference. I have lived in Utah & been a regular attendee at conferences my whole life & this is the first time I have been blessed to here an apostle in such an intimate setting. I am very very excited to attend. In addition 2 weeks later we are privilaged to experience general conference, where the prophet will address the world. I love the Saturday sessions of conference. I have come to cherish the opportunity to sustain my prophet. I love him! I believe him!! Brothers & sisters do not take lightly these oportunities. Please come with me & listen to a prophet’s voice.
As we attend these conferences & hear the word of god, how will we react? How will we respond to the word of god? I recently read again the story of Alma’s mission to the zoramites where a relative few converts heard & followed the lords will when alma & amulek preached repentance unto them. We read earlier that amulek had left behind all of his gold, silver & precious things for the lord, “being rejected by those who were once his friends & also by his father & his kindred.”(Alma 15:16). I would be surprised if there are not some among you that have not acted similarly, choosing the church over past associations. I commend you. This portion of the story however is not what touched me this time around. I was intrigued by Alma’s observation at the end of their mission. In Alma 35:15, near then of the verse we read that the people’s hearts “began to wax hard and”, this is the part that intrigues me “that they began to be offended because of the strictness of the word...” Have I everresponded in such a manner? Have I ever rationalized my actions in spite of a profetic statement or warning? When the prophet warned us against the evils of gambling did we listen? When he speaks of the maliciousness of pornography do we give heed? When he tells us as priesthood holders to rise up & be men, to accept & magnify our role of father & husband do we make the necessary changes in our habits & lives? This statement by Alma made me think about the whining of Laman & Lemuel when they told Nephi that “Thou hast declared hard things unto us, more than we are able to bear.” They did not like having their life style challenged. Neither do any of the rest of us. We do not like being told we need to change that we are not living up to our potential. However if we are sufficiently humble we will recognize the truth of Nephi’s reply when he said that “the guilty taketh the truth to be hard, for it cutteth them to the very center. ..If ye were righteous and were willing to hearken to the truth, and give heed unto it... then ye would not murmur because of the truth & say: thou speaketh hard things against us.” I hope that any remorse or guilt that we may feel in listening to the prophet will not harden our hearts but motivate us to improve our lives & follow more closely the teachings of our savior.
I worry that too many of us go through the motions, manifesting a “form of godliness but denying the power thereof.” We wrestle with the spirit & kick against the pricks. What are we afraid of? Do we fear men? The hoards of which fill the great & spacious building to overflowing. Or are we afraid that it all might actually be true, that the lord really dose know us, that he knows our needs & has a plan for us? Why do we hesitate to trust the lord?
When Alma’s people were enslaved by the lamanites they were laden with overwhelming burdens. In response to their prayers the lord made the load light, “yea the lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease..” He can & will do the same for us. The lord dose not give commands to restrict or limit us. When we submit to his will he strengthens us. We become more worthy of his spirit & that spirit gives us wings.
In his book “twelve tests of character” Harry Emerson Fosdick wrote that “Some Christians carry their religion on their backs. It is a packet of beliefs & practices which they must bear. At times it grows heavy and they would willingly lay it down, but that would mean a break with old traditions, so they shoulder it again. But real christians do not carry their religion, their religion carries them. It is not weight; it is wings. It lifts them up it it sees them over hard places, it makes the universe seem friendly, life purposeful, hope real, sacrifice worthwhile. It sets them free from fear, futility, discouragement & sin – the greatest enslavers of mens souls. You can know a real christian, when you see him, by his buoyancy.”
May we all attend our conferences prepared to listen, to learn & to follow.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Here we go
My intention here is to use this blog as a forum where I can vocalize & try to make sense of the thoughts which run in my head. Contrary to popular opinion work does not have exclusive rights to my mental meanderings. Things expressed here will mean something to me and are unlikely to follow any order. I'll thank you now for tagging along & reading Ry's ramblings.
Here we go,
For What It's Worth.
Here we go,
For What It's Worth.
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