An account of my missionary homecoming report in the Nampa Fifth Ward, Nampa Idaho Stake, on Sunday afternoon, January 10, 1971. I had returned from Brazil three weeks earlier—on Saturday, December 19, 1970. This account was adapted from an entry in the journal I started after my mission. In my original journal I only recorded an outline of what I talked about; the portions that appear here in brackets were added as notes when I was preparing my missionary journal for publication.
During sacrament meeting this afternoon I was the featured speaker as I gave a report of my mission. Rather than just talking about my mission per se, I spoke of faith and developed the theme “Miracles” and used incidents from my past two years to illustrate that theme.
The Spirit was present as I shared faith-promoting experiences and bore testimony, and animated by that Spirit I was able to speak with an unusual degree of fluency. After 45 minutes I was just getting started but had to stop to let the other ward in. Throughout the day I had prayed diligently that the Spirit might attend. I think it did.
Bishop Jensen informed me after the meeting that it had been the quietest meeting in a long while. I responded, “I probably put everybody to sleep.” He assured me that it was quite the contrary. Several other people remarked about how reverent it had been for a change.
Just before I stood to speak, “He That Hath Clean Hands” was sung as a special musical number. Coincidentally, that same number was sung right before I spoke 28 months earlier as I was preparing to begin my mission.
The song, often sung by Sister Jessie Evans Smith, the wife of our Prophet, President Joseph Fielding Smith, in her distinctive contralto voice, is based on a poetic Old Testament passage:
The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof;
The world and they that dwell therein.
For he hath founded it upon the seas,
And established it upon the floods.
Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord?
Or who shall stand in his holy place?
He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart;
Who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity,
Nor sworn deceitfully.
He shall receive the blessing from the Lord,
And righteousness from the God of his salvation.
Lift up your head, O ye gates;
And be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors;
And the King of glory shall come in.
Who is the King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
The Lord mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O ye gates;
Even lift them up, ye everlasting doors;
And the King of glory shall come in.
Who is the King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
He is the King of glory.
— Psalms 24:1–5, 7–10
The mention in this psalm of ascending into the hill of the Lord and standing in his holy place is clearly a reference to the temple, the House of the Lord, “the mountain of the Lord’s house” (Isaiah 2:2; 2 Nephi 12:2), a place of holiness and peace and beauty, a place of covenant and learning.
And the answer to those questions—who shall ascend? and who shall stand?—is likewise clear: he that hath clean hands and a pure heart, one who is worthy, one who has been cleansed by the atoning blood of the Savior, the King of glory.
And that leads us to miracles, the subject of my talk. The Book of Mormon gives us an insight into the relationship between being clean and working miracles: “And we know our record to be true, for behold, it was a just man who did keep the record—for he truly did many miracles in the name of Jesus; and there was not any man who could do a miracle in the name of Jesus save he were cleansed every whit from his iniquity” (3 Nephi 8:1).
I began my talk quoting Moroni, who wrote, “And again I speak unto you who deny the revelations of God, and say that they are done away, that there are no revelations, nor prophecies, nor gifts, nor healing, nor speaking with tongues, and the interpretation of tongues;
“Behold I say unto you, he that denieth these things knoweth not the gospel of Christ; yea, he has not read the scriptures; if so, he does not understand them.
“For do we not read that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and in him there is no variableness neither shadow of changing?
“And now, if ye have imagined up unto yourselves a god who doth vary, and in whom there is shadow of changing, then have ye imagined up unto yourselves a god who is not a God of miracles.
“But behold, I will show unto you a God of miracles, even the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and it is that same God who created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are” (Mormon 9:7–11).
I continued, using this much of my simple outline:
Sister Hinckley’s comments on miracles [Sister Marjorie P. Hinckley, when she was with us in Rio de Janeiro in September 1969, spoke of the miracle of the missionary system. She said she never worried about her sons while they were serving missions, just when they returned home did she begin to worry again (see journal entry for Sept. 8, 1969).
A year later, when she was with us in Recife, she spoke of the modern-day miracles she had been seeing, including the growth of the Church and its members. Just the previous Sunday, she related, she had seen the third stake in São Paulo organized. South America holds a special spot in her heart. She compared the work here to the construction of a great building. Sometimes an elder may feel he has done nothing on his mission, but hundreds before have felt the same. In reality, they have all placed their bricks into the edifice, and the kingdom grows (see journal entry for Sept. 10, 1970).]
My learning Portuguese, my first day alone with another junior missionary, my becoming a senior companion [In connection with this point, I quoted what the Lord said to Moroni: “My grace is sufficient for the meek, that they shall take no advantage of your weakness;
“And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.
“Behold, I will show unto the Gentiles their weakness, and I will show unto them that faith, hope and charity bringeth unto me—the fountain of all righteousness” (Ether 12:26–28).]
Growth of the Church in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro [Less than five years earlier the first stake was organized in São Paulo, the first in all of South America. Now there were three stakes. And Rio was moving toward having a stake.]
Yolanda’s conversion [Maria Yolanda de Souza and her eight-year-old son Marcos joined the Church in less than three weeks from the time we first knocked on her door. I had the privilege of baptizing her on my 20th birthday (see various journal entries from July 1969). At some point after she started receiving the missionary lessons, she related to my companion and me that she had seen the two of us in a dream before we first came to her door.]
Antonio’s conversion [I do not now recall what I may have said about Antonio’s conversion. In fact, we baptized and confirmed two Antonios within a single month: 40-year-old Antonio José Pimental on October 5, 1969, and 59-year-old Antonio Fernandes Costa on October 25, 1969. I am not certain which one I was even referring to, although probably the latter. He progressed in his investigation quite quickly. On the day of his baptism and confirmation, I wrote, “His testimony has grown much, and his faith is waxing strong” (see journal entry for October 25, 1969).]
My serving as mission historian: baptism in Vitória, general conference [I do not remember what I said about serving as recorder-historian, nor the baptism in Vitória, nor general conference.]
Blessing of Richard (not psychological) [This undoubtedly refers to Richard Tenório, who was born with glaucoma and had to have his eyes operated on. He was Sônia and Simone’s baby brother. Aldo Tenório and I gave him a priesthood blessing on June 21, 1970, before his family took him to Belo Horizonte for an eye operation. On July 18, the day they left for Belo, we had a special fast for the little guy. On July 28 I recorded in my journal, “Good news arrived today. We saw Sônia, who was bubbling with joy and happier than ever. She received word from Belo Horizonte that Richard had been operated on with everything going well. Our prayers have been answered.”]
Drunk piano salesman [On Wednesday, October 22, 1969, my companion and I had the following experience, which I recorded in my journal on October 25: “Late Wednesday afternoon as Elder Staker and I were tracting, we encountered a drunken piano salesman who thought we were Baptist ministers. He dragged us into his home, or little shop, and had me play one of the pianos there. All I could play without music was ‘We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet,’ and so I did exactly that. As we were trying to leave, in came a very dark Negro who was Baptist, in every sense the epitome of a crente. We finally made the point that we were Mormons, to which the Baptist replied, ‘That’s alright. As long as you profess Jesus, you’re saved.’ That sort of philosophy irks me, and we graciously made every effort to excuse ourselves and be on our way, which we were allowed to do after I had played the same hymn once again.” I am not sure what point this experience contributed to the talk I was giving on miracles.]
Miracle of change: Gilberto and what he was 10 years earlier [Gilberto da Silva was baptized and confirmed on December 13, 1969, when he was 53 years old. On New Year’s Eve I recorded in my journal, “This evening we visited in the home of Gilberto da Silva, the irmão we baptized a few weeks ago. I am gladdened to see his progress. He is a simple uninstructed man but warm in friendship and love. He reads the Book of Mormon slowly but understands and enjoys it. It is difficult to tear him away from the chapel after meetings (as if we cared to) because he loves to meet with everybody present. His lovely wife, Laura, has not yet been able to attend church and therefore has not yet been prepared for baptism. She cannot read but seems to understand well what we have explained to her.”
On January 15, 1970, I recorded, “In our visit with Irmão Gilberto da Silva we spoke of baptism and some of the beautiful concepts, promises, and blessings associated therewith. He has now been a member one month and spoke of the joy and peace and happiness that already have come to him. His face fairly beams with happiness. His eyes sparkle with joy. His sweet wife, not yet a member, said she has seen the change in him since his baptism. I have noted it also, as I have seen in so many cases already: The gospel works miracles in the lives of those who accept it, for the gospel comes in power and not just in word. The Spirit’s influence is felt and its gifts and blessings are spread abroad in the lives of the faithful.”
Gilberto was among a handful of members who came to the Galeão International Airport in Rio on December 16, 1970, to see me off as I was leaving Brazil.]
Family home evening [I do not remember what I said on this occasion regarding family home evening. I had ample evidence from my mission, particularly during the time I served in Maceió, that home evening could be a great blessing to a family.]
Answered prayer: Elder Brockbank’s eight-step Book of Mormon program [In a zone conference on November 20, 1969, Elder Bernard P. Brockbank, as Assistant to the Twelve, presented a Book of Mormon missionary approach. I wrote in my journal on November 21: “Brother Brockbank’s talk was an answer to much pondering and many prayers on my part: How can we effectively use the members? How can we put the Book of Mormon to better use to make it the great converting tool it was meant to be?
He outlined a program that he worked out by inspiration, emphasizing the eight steps suggested by Moroni’s promise in Moroni 10:4–5. These are (1) read the Book of Mormon, (2) meditate in your heart the things read, (3) ask God the Eternal Father, (4) in the name of Jesus Christ, (5) ask if the Book of Mormon is true, (6) ask with a sincere heart, (7) and with real intent, and (8) having faith in Jesus Christ. We are asked to push the program further, enlisting member help, to give the Book of Mormon its chance to be a witness to all nations.”]
Greatest miracle of all time: the Savior’s atonement, death, and resurrection
Greatest miracle in our day: Joseph Smith’s first vision
My testimony (in English and Portuguese)
I had invited a number of friends, both member and nonmember, to come here the report of my mission. None of them showed up. My brother Jerry, who was very sick, came over from Boise to hear my talk.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
37. With the Hinckleys in Recife
An account from my missionary journal of a missionary zone conference and a member district conference in Recife, Brazil, with Elder and Sister Gordon B. Hinckley and President and Sister Hal R. Johnson on Thursday, September 10, 1970. I was serving at the time as branch president and district leader in Maceió, a city about four to four and a half hours south of Recife.
Elder Gordon B. Hinckley of the Council of the Twelve met with us all afternoon in a regional [multi-zone] missionary conference and this evening with the members in a special district conference. Sister Hinckley and President and Sister Johnson also participated.
In the regional conference, by some twist of fate, probably President Johnson’s twisting, I was the only missionary participant, sharing the program with Sisters Hinckley and Johnson and President Johnson and Brother Hinckley, who spoke in that order. I was first on the program, discussing for a few moments priesthood stewardships and the blessing powers of the priesthood. Our conference started somewhat after 12:00.
Sister Hinckley’s talk really impressed me. She spoke of the modern-day miracles she has been seeing, including the growth of the Church and the members thereof. Last Sunday, she related, she saw the third stake in São Paulo being organized. South America holds a special spot in her heart. She compared the work here to the construction of a great building. Sometimes an elder may feel he has done nothing on his mission, but hundreds before have felt the same. In reality, they have all placed their bricks into the edifice, and the kingdom grows.
During President Johnson’s talk I had a brief but wonderful interview with Brother Hinckley. Knowing I was branch president, he asked me a little about Maceió, both the city and the branch. We talked about Elder Dana Blackham briefly. He asked me what I most admired in him. I had to think on that one, not that I could not think of anything, but that I had to choose one trait of many that I admire. I answered, “His ability to love others.”
Brother Hinckley asked, “Don’t you love people?”
I responded, “I certainly try.”
He rejoined, “But your companion does a better job?”
He told me he had recently been to stake conference in Nampa. When I asked how they were doing, he replied, “They miss you, Elder.”
We also spoke of my schooling plans, and I learned that Brother Hinckley once had been an English major also.
Elder Blackham was interviewed right after me. He was asked about his companion too. This evening Elder Blackham shared with me what he said to the Apostle: “I love him for his ability to stay close to the Lord.”
The highlight of the afternoon was when Brother Hinckley held a question–answer session and spoke to us. That was a marvelous experience. Once again the Spirit bore witness that here was an Apostle of the Almighty God. I was so impressed by so many things he said that I cannot even write them all here.
He taught us that there was no shame in saying, “I don’t know,” if we did not know something. He said that to him the gospel is becoming simpler and more beautiful and his faith likewise simpler. To me that was profound. He told us to stick to the scriptures and not worry too much about reading everything else that comes off the presses.
Someone asked him about the Second Comforter. His response was that we have our hands full trying to keep the constant companionship of the First Comforter. Worry about that first.
His comments on the draft situation make me look pretty good as far as being able to finish my education without interruption. He spoke also about adultery and fornication by way of inspired warning. He said he did not always speak of that subject, as if inspired to do so on this occasion. And then he bore his apostolic witness to the divine mission of the Savior and the truthfulness of the restoration of the gospel.
This evening’s district conference was an added spiritual feast. We had Maceió all sitting together on the front three rows.
As great as were the talks of President and Sister Johnson and Sister Hinckley, and all of them were, the highlight once again was Brother Hinckley’s remarks. The beauty of his lessons came from their simplicity.
He took a flower from a bouquet on a nearby table and compared it to a member of the Church, beautiful today but tomorrow dry and withered because it had been cut from its stem. Inactivity because of misunderstanding, harsh words, personal weakness leaves us cut off from the Church, and we die spiritually.
He spoke about the word recife, which means reef, since he was in Recife, comparing it to the Church as it protects our lives and gives them peace and calm.
Brother Hinckley has a fantastic sense of humor. Elder Coleman of the district presidency did a super job of translating for him.
Elder Gordon B. Hinckley of the Council of the Twelve met with us all afternoon in a regional [multi-zone] missionary conference and this evening with the members in a special district conference. Sister Hinckley and President and Sister Johnson also participated.
In the regional conference, by some twist of fate, probably President Johnson’s twisting, I was the only missionary participant, sharing the program with Sisters Hinckley and Johnson and President Johnson and Brother Hinckley, who spoke in that order. I was first on the program, discussing for a few moments priesthood stewardships and the blessing powers of the priesthood. Our conference started somewhat after 12:00.
Sister Hinckley’s talk really impressed me. She spoke of the modern-day miracles she has been seeing, including the growth of the Church and the members thereof. Last Sunday, she related, she saw the third stake in São Paulo being organized. South America holds a special spot in her heart. She compared the work here to the construction of a great building. Sometimes an elder may feel he has done nothing on his mission, but hundreds before have felt the same. In reality, they have all placed their bricks into the edifice, and the kingdom grows.
During President Johnson’s talk I had a brief but wonderful interview with Brother Hinckley. Knowing I was branch president, he asked me a little about Maceió, both the city and the branch. We talked about Elder Dana Blackham briefly. He asked me what I most admired in him. I had to think on that one, not that I could not think of anything, but that I had to choose one trait of many that I admire. I answered, “His ability to love others.”
Brother Hinckley asked, “Don’t you love people?”
I responded, “I certainly try.”
He rejoined, “But your companion does a better job?”
He told me he had recently been to stake conference in Nampa. When I asked how they were doing, he replied, “They miss you, Elder.”
We also spoke of my schooling plans, and I learned that Brother Hinckley once had been an English major also.
Elder Blackham was interviewed right after me. He was asked about his companion too. This evening Elder Blackham shared with me what he said to the Apostle: “I love him for his ability to stay close to the Lord.”
The highlight of the afternoon was when Brother Hinckley held a question–answer session and spoke to us. That was a marvelous experience. Once again the Spirit bore witness that here was an Apostle of the Almighty God. I was so impressed by so many things he said that I cannot even write them all here.
He taught us that there was no shame in saying, “I don’t know,” if we did not know something. He said that to him the gospel is becoming simpler and more beautiful and his faith likewise simpler. To me that was profound. He told us to stick to the scriptures and not worry too much about reading everything else that comes off the presses.
Someone asked him about the Second Comforter. His response was that we have our hands full trying to keep the constant companionship of the First Comforter. Worry about that first.
His comments on the draft situation make me look pretty good as far as being able to finish my education without interruption. He spoke also about adultery and fornication by way of inspired warning. He said he did not always speak of that subject, as if inspired to do so on this occasion. And then he bore his apostolic witness to the divine mission of the Savior and the truthfulness of the restoration of the gospel.
This evening’s district conference was an added spiritual feast. We had Maceió all sitting together on the front three rows.
As great as were the talks of President and Sister Johnson and Sister Hinckley, and all of them were, the highlight once again was Brother Hinckley’s remarks. The beauty of his lessons came from their simplicity.
He took a flower from a bouquet on a nearby table and compared it to a member of the Church, beautiful today but tomorrow dry and withered because it had been cut from its stem. Inactivity because of misunderstanding, harsh words, personal weakness leaves us cut off from the Church, and we die spiritually.
He spoke about the word recife, which means reef, since he was in Recife, comparing it to the Church as it protects our lives and gives them peace and calm.
Brother Hinckley has a fantastic sense of humor. Elder Coleman of the district presidency did a super job of translating for him.
36. With the Hinckleys in Rio de Janeiro
An account from my missionary journal of a meeting held on Monday afternoon, September 8, 1969, in the Brazilian North Mission home in Rio de Janeiro. Elder and Sister Gordon B. Hinckley, President and Sister Hal R. Johnson, and eight missionaries (Elders Monte Stewart, Fenton Broadhead, Dean Cleverly, Robert Bailey, Elder Merchant, Reed Nielsen, Michael Morrell, and Kent Gale) were present. The meeting was planned for all the missionaries in Rio, but none could be contacted by telephone since it was preparation day. It was a rainy day and cold. The Hinckleys had arrived from São Paulo Sunday evening at 11:00. He had presided over two stake conferences there during the day. This evening they left for Lima. It was President David O. McKay’s 96th birthday, and in the morning Elder Hinckley had sent a telegram to President McKay with birthday greetings from the 60,000 members in South America and the missionaries of the ten South American missions.
This afternoon I participated in one of the most uplifting spiritual experiences of my life. Twelve of us were sitting in a casual circle in the living room of the mission home, receiving precious insights and sharing testimonies of a special and holy nature. Among our number was an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, Elder Gordon B. Hinckley.
President Johnson was running the show because, as Brother Hinckley had earlier pointed out while we circled the dinner table, he believed in being obedient to the mission president. However, as soon as the President had called us together and had called upon his assistant, Elder Bob Bailey, to offer the opening prayer, the time was offered to Brother Hinckley.
He remained sitting in the easy chair he was in and suggested that each of the eight young elders present take about three minutes each to express a few thoughts. Some very touching testimonies were borne during those few minutes. It is a rare privilege and opportunity to bear testimony to an Apostle.
Next Sister Johnson was called upon to speak. She brought tears to my eyes as she told of how her parents had finally caught the vision of the gospel just before they, the Johnsons, were called to Brazil and had turned from inactivity to go to the House of the Lord.
Sister Hinckley shared with us a few thoughts next. She is an able and gracious companion to her husband. She spoke of her joy in being with us and of the miracle of the great missionary system. She never worried about her sons while they were serving missions, just when they returned home did she begin to worry again.
Finally President Johnson bore his strong witness to us that he knew that this was the work and kingdom of God, expressing his overflowing gratitude and love for all those associated with him in this grand work.
Then all eyes turned to Brother Hinckley. Now it was his turn. He asked if he might remain seated because he wanted to talk casually and intimately with us, not wishing to preach. I saw true manhood and great humility as he sat there before us saying that he felt unworthy of the office of the apostleship. As he meets with missionaries across the width and breadth of the earth, he feels unworthy of the office. As he received such a warm welcome at the airport at 11:00 the evening before, he felt unworthy of the office. As he meetings in meetings of counsel with the other Brethren in the Salt Lake Temple, he feels unworthy of the office.
He shared with us a few touching and close associations he has had with our beloved prophet and leader, President David O. McKay. Just last year the Brethren of the Twelve and First Presidency met in President McKay’s apartment a few days before Christmas. As they each bore their testimonies, they expressed their love for President McKay. Tears came to his eyes and he said, “I am not worthy of your love and trust.” Now that was the Prophet speaking! There is no doubt that he is a prophet, Brother Hinckley said. It was appropriate for him to speak of the Prophet—today is President McKay’s 96th birthday.
Often we sing, “We thank Thee, O God, for a prophet to guide us in these latter days.” But if we would really follow the Prophet, the Church would be twice as strong as it is, and we would be twice as blessed as a people. Brother Hinckley assured us that the Lord was preparing a successor to President McKay—a man who would have wide and deep experience, years of long service, of capable judgment, of character molded by life and tempered by the Holy Spirit of God. He felt the Lord was taking His time in preparing such a replacement. President McKay’s body is old and worn and weak, but his mind and spirit are firm and clear. When he passes away, there will be no politicking, no power plays—the Lord’s choice will be evident.
Brother Hinckley spoke of missionary work and the great miracle it is. He told us of how the Church is growing in the Far East, his responsibility for eight years, of how it is surging forward in California. He said he felt a special spirit about Brazil. Years of slow and long preparation will be giving way to a time of rich and fuller harvest. At times he feels concerned about São Paulo baptizing too fast. Twelve years ago (when President Hibbard, now president of the Brazilian Mission, was working there), São Paulo had one branch of 80 members, seven of which were active. This year over 2,000 converts will swell the wards of the two stakes there now. It is difficult to integrate so many new members.
He moved into other areas to share other missionary experiences with us, an area he has directly worked with since 1933. He mentioned a letter from their son, who was called from the North Argentine Mission to open up the missionary work in Spain. One thing that impressed me from this letter was that he mentioned their most effective missionary tools were fasting and prayer.
He closed his brief remarks—he was not really delivering a talk but just chatting—with an admonition to remain virtuous and faithful. He bore his witness, as a living Apostle, that God lives and that Jesus is the Christ and that this is indeed His Church here upon the earth today.
Brother Hinckley is a great man. He carries with him the Spirit of the Lord. He is intense in his untiring and devoted service. The Spirit bore witness to every soul that here was indeed a servant of the Lord.
Our meeting closed with a brief word of prayer given by our district leader, Elder Michael Morrell.
Brother Hinckley walked around the circle, shaking every hand, piercing into every soul, offering his best wishes. Tight schedules and other business beckoned, but our hour and a half with this great man is an experience long to be cherished.
This afternoon I participated in one of the most uplifting spiritual experiences of my life. Twelve of us were sitting in a casual circle in the living room of the mission home, receiving precious insights and sharing testimonies of a special and holy nature. Among our number was an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, Elder Gordon B. Hinckley.
President Johnson was running the show because, as Brother Hinckley had earlier pointed out while we circled the dinner table, he believed in being obedient to the mission president. However, as soon as the President had called us together and had called upon his assistant, Elder Bob Bailey, to offer the opening prayer, the time was offered to Brother Hinckley.
He remained sitting in the easy chair he was in and suggested that each of the eight young elders present take about three minutes each to express a few thoughts. Some very touching testimonies were borne during those few minutes. It is a rare privilege and opportunity to bear testimony to an Apostle.
Next Sister Johnson was called upon to speak. She brought tears to my eyes as she told of how her parents had finally caught the vision of the gospel just before they, the Johnsons, were called to Brazil and had turned from inactivity to go to the House of the Lord.
Sister Hinckley shared with us a few thoughts next. She is an able and gracious companion to her husband. She spoke of her joy in being with us and of the miracle of the great missionary system. She never worried about her sons while they were serving missions, just when they returned home did she begin to worry again.
Finally President Johnson bore his strong witness to us that he knew that this was the work and kingdom of God, expressing his overflowing gratitude and love for all those associated with him in this grand work.
Then all eyes turned to Brother Hinckley. Now it was his turn. He asked if he might remain seated because he wanted to talk casually and intimately with us, not wishing to preach. I saw true manhood and great humility as he sat there before us saying that he felt unworthy of the office of the apostleship. As he meets with missionaries across the width and breadth of the earth, he feels unworthy of the office. As he received such a warm welcome at the airport at 11:00 the evening before, he felt unworthy of the office. As he meetings in meetings of counsel with the other Brethren in the Salt Lake Temple, he feels unworthy of the office.
He shared with us a few touching and close associations he has had with our beloved prophet and leader, President David O. McKay. Just last year the Brethren of the Twelve and First Presidency met in President McKay’s apartment a few days before Christmas. As they each bore their testimonies, they expressed their love for President McKay. Tears came to his eyes and he said, “I am not worthy of your love and trust.” Now that was the Prophet speaking! There is no doubt that he is a prophet, Brother Hinckley said. It was appropriate for him to speak of the Prophet—today is President McKay’s 96th birthday.
Often we sing, “We thank Thee, O God, for a prophet to guide us in these latter days.” But if we would really follow the Prophet, the Church would be twice as strong as it is, and we would be twice as blessed as a people. Brother Hinckley assured us that the Lord was preparing a successor to President McKay—a man who would have wide and deep experience, years of long service, of capable judgment, of character molded by life and tempered by the Holy Spirit of God. He felt the Lord was taking His time in preparing such a replacement. President McKay’s body is old and worn and weak, but his mind and spirit are firm and clear. When he passes away, there will be no politicking, no power plays—the Lord’s choice will be evident.
Brother Hinckley spoke of missionary work and the great miracle it is. He told us of how the Church is growing in the Far East, his responsibility for eight years, of how it is surging forward in California. He said he felt a special spirit about Brazil. Years of slow and long preparation will be giving way to a time of rich and fuller harvest. At times he feels concerned about São Paulo baptizing too fast. Twelve years ago (when President Hibbard, now president of the Brazilian Mission, was working there), São Paulo had one branch of 80 members, seven of which were active. This year over 2,000 converts will swell the wards of the two stakes there now. It is difficult to integrate so many new members.
He moved into other areas to share other missionary experiences with us, an area he has directly worked with since 1933. He mentioned a letter from their son, who was called from the North Argentine Mission to open up the missionary work in Spain. One thing that impressed me from this letter was that he mentioned their most effective missionary tools were fasting and prayer.
He closed his brief remarks—he was not really delivering a talk but just chatting—with an admonition to remain virtuous and faithful. He bore his witness, as a living Apostle, that God lives and that Jesus is the Christ and that this is indeed His Church here upon the earth today.
Brother Hinckley is a great man. He carries with him the Spirit of the Lord. He is intense in his untiring and devoted service. The Spirit bore witness to every soul that here was indeed a servant of the Lord.
Our meeting closed with a brief word of prayer given by our district leader, Elder Michael Morrell.
Brother Hinckley walked around the circle, shaking every hand, piercing into every soul, offering his best wishes. Tight schedules and other business beckoned, but our hour and a half with this great man is an experience long to be cherished.
35. Seek the Spirit
An account from my missionary journal of a talk I gave in a zone conference in the Jardim Botânico chapel in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Tuesday, July 29, 1969, while I was serving in the mission office as mission historian–recorder. Elder Monte Stewart, my companion, also spoke. I wrote in my journal, “Elder Stewart gave a fine talk on the subject of challenging and testifying. He is certainly a great elder, and each day my appreciation grows for having him as a companion.”
“Seek the Spirit” was the theme of a brief talk I was assigned to give. I tried to follow such advice both in the preparation and delivery of the discourse. Briefly I touched on three divisions of the subject, as follows:
What is the Spirit? The Holy Ghost is a revelator by whose power men gain testimonies of the truth, His mission being to bear record of the Father and the Son and to sanctify and cleanse the souls of the righteous.
The light of Christ is (1) sent to strive with all men, giving guidance into all truth; (2) in accordance with ancient prophecy (Joel 2:28–29), is being poured out upon all flesh in the last days and not to be confused with the Holy Ghost, which the world never had (John 14:7); and (3) “the agency or power used by the Holy Ghost in administering his affairs and in sending forth his gifts” (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 753).
Why seek the Spirit? The Lord has commanded us to do so (see D&C 50:13–24 and 42:14).
The Savior said, “My sheep know my voice” (John 10:2–5). Hence, it is the only way to know the things of God (Alma 5:45–46; Matthew 16:13–19; D&C 50:21–23).
Bishop Robert L. Simpson explains: “The great gift of personal revelation is unmistakable; it is direct. It is a more sure communication than the audible spoken word; for that which we hear through mortal ears is sometimes distorted, so often misunderstood. This precious gift of spirit speaking to spirit is infallible and direct” (Improvement Era, Dec. 1965, 1136).
In sublime allegory in one of the most beautiful chapters of Holy Writ, the Savior declares, “I am the vine, ye are the branches . . . without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). The entire chapter continues in this profound and instructive vein of thought.
How to seek the Spirit? Personal worthiness is a requisite: “Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord” (D&C 38:42). “My spirit shall not always strive with man” (D&C 1:33). “The Spirit of the Lord doth not dwell in unholy temples” (Helaman 4:24). “Cease to be unclean” (D&C 88:124).
All actions need to be from a pure heart; otherwise we are fooling ourselves. Purity of heart, not brilliance of action, is the key.
“It is not,” says Hugh B. Brown, “merely a matter of conformity to rituals, climbing sacred stairs, bathing in sacred pools, or making pilgrimages to sacred shrines” (BYU speech, May 13, 1969).
Godliness is the only thing that will make one a God. As missionaries, these questions must be answered: (1) Are our thoughts clean? (2) Do we love the people? (3) Do we love our companion? (4) Do we follow direction and counsel of those above us? (5) Do we follow a well worked out daily schedule? (6) Do we live by every word proceeding from the mouth of God, hungering and thirsting after righteousness?
And finally, do we pray always? (see D&C 19:38–41 and 121:45–46). The promise follows that the Holy Ghost will be our constant companion, exactly that which we are seeking.
“Seek the Spirit” was the theme of a brief talk I was assigned to give. I tried to follow such advice both in the preparation and delivery of the discourse. Briefly I touched on three divisions of the subject, as follows:
What is the Spirit? The Holy Ghost is a revelator by whose power men gain testimonies of the truth, His mission being to bear record of the Father and the Son and to sanctify and cleanse the souls of the righteous.
The light of Christ is (1) sent to strive with all men, giving guidance into all truth; (2) in accordance with ancient prophecy (Joel 2:28–29), is being poured out upon all flesh in the last days and not to be confused with the Holy Ghost, which the world never had (John 14:7); and (3) “the agency or power used by the Holy Ghost in administering his affairs and in sending forth his gifts” (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 753).
Why seek the Spirit? The Lord has commanded us to do so (see D&C 50:13–24 and 42:14).
The Savior said, “My sheep know my voice” (John 10:2–5). Hence, it is the only way to know the things of God (Alma 5:45–46; Matthew 16:13–19; D&C 50:21–23).
Bishop Robert L. Simpson explains: “The great gift of personal revelation is unmistakable; it is direct. It is a more sure communication than the audible spoken word; for that which we hear through mortal ears is sometimes distorted, so often misunderstood. This precious gift of spirit speaking to spirit is infallible and direct” (Improvement Era, Dec. 1965, 1136).
In sublime allegory in one of the most beautiful chapters of Holy Writ, the Savior declares, “I am the vine, ye are the branches . . . without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). The entire chapter continues in this profound and instructive vein of thought.
How to seek the Spirit? Personal worthiness is a requisite: “Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord” (D&C 38:42). “My spirit shall not always strive with man” (D&C 1:33). “The Spirit of the Lord doth not dwell in unholy temples” (Helaman 4:24). “Cease to be unclean” (D&C 88:124).
All actions need to be from a pure heart; otherwise we are fooling ourselves. Purity of heart, not brilliance of action, is the key.
“It is not,” says Hugh B. Brown, “merely a matter of conformity to rituals, climbing sacred stairs, bathing in sacred pools, or making pilgrimages to sacred shrines” (BYU speech, May 13, 1969).
Godliness is the only thing that will make one a God. As missionaries, these questions must be answered: (1) Are our thoughts clean? (2) Do we love the people? (3) Do we love our companion? (4) Do we follow direction and counsel of those above us? (5) Do we follow a well worked out daily schedule? (6) Do we live by every word proceeding from the mouth of God, hungering and thirsting after righteousness?
And finally, do we pray always? (see D&C 19:38–41 and 121:45–46). The promise follows that the Holy Ghost will be our constant companion, exactly that which we are seeking.
34. Trust in the Lord
I received my call to the Brazilian North Mission on Saturday, August 24, 1968. Scheduling problems required my talk in sacrament meeting to be the day after my call came and nearly a month before I was leaving home. I spoke in the sacrament meeting of the Nampa Fifth Ward, Nampa Idaho Stake, on Sunday, August 25, 1968. The following account of that meeting is taken from the introduction to my missionary journal.
Scheduling problems with meetings and such related complications required my talk in sacrament meeting to be the day after my call came and nearly a month before I was leaving home. This prevented our contacting many friends and relatives who might otherwise have been able to be there. Only the family living right at home was able to attend.
The bishop had asked me to select a speaker. I immediately considered Sister Ruby Hurren, a beloved friend, teacher, and neighbor. But she was ill at the time. I thought next of another favorite teacher and friend, Sister Myrtle Leavitt. She was happy to participate with me, even on the short notice. In the meeting she delivered an outstanding sermon, using some of my favorite Book of Mormon passages and characters as illustrations of certain points.
“He That Hath Clean Hands and a Pure Heart” was sung as a special musical number after Sister Leavitt’s talk. That too was a favorite. As I started to talk next, I quoted the scripture (Psalm 24) upon which the song was based and thanked them for singing it. The same number had also been sung at my last brother’s farewell.
After those comments I then offered my humble thoughts from brief notes as the Spirit directed. First I quoted the following passage:
“When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
“And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
“He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
“And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
“And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
“And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:13–19).
I then developed the theme that testimony comes only from the Spirit. I emphasized the importance of living by the Spirit, using this passage:
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
“Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:5–7).
How? By preparation, by study, by prayer. I used statements by Presidents David O. McKay and Hugh B. Brown about preparation.
President Brown said, “The war which began in heaven and has been going on ever since—a war in which the immortal souls of the children of men are at stake—is about to reach a climatic point. This appeal, therefore, is in a very real sense a call to arms.
“The call to be prepared is sent to each one of you by and from the President of the Church, the Prophet of God. It is of vital and of paramount importance. The preparation must begin at the center of your hearts and extend to the end of your fingers and toes. Each one of you may become the master of his fate, the captain of his soul. . . .
“We need stout hearts to meet the future, a future pregnant with unborn events and big with possibilities. We need faith to try, hope to inspire, and courage to endure” (Conference Report, Apr. 1968, 106).
“Begin today to be the person you want to be; . . . immortalize today and all the tomorrows that lie ahead in order that your life may have eternal significance” (Conference Report, Apr. 1968, 100).
And President McKay said, “With all my soul, I plead with members of the Church, and with people everywhere, to think more about the gospel; more about developing of the spirit within; to devote more time to the real things in life, and less time to those things which will perish” (Conference Report, Apr. 1968, 144).
I mentioned this teaching from the Doctrine and Covenants:
“Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distill upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.
“The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever” (D&C 121:45–36).
When we pray we need a child’s faith. I quoted the song “I Am a Child of God.”
And the motivation for it all? Charity.
“But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure” (Moroni 7:47–48).
I closed by telling of my call to Brazil, where they speak Portuguese and not Spanish, and with my testimony that these things were true and I knew them to be true, for which knowledge I was grateful.
Bishop Eldon J. Yorgason stood next and started reading a letter from a young man in Seattle, Washington. I soon realized it was from Bob Russell, a special friend I had known from my previous year at BYU. He had written to the bishop about me. The closing lines that the bishop read were something like this: “I never knew Matthew Cowley, who was supposed to be a great man of faith. But I have known Dean Cleverly, and he has been a man of faith in my life.”
How humbled can a 19-year-old boy be after realizing the influence he wields in others' lives? I assure you he is very humbled. And very grateful. The nice things said after that, as the bishop finished and after the meeting, in all their sincerity, remained anticlimactic to those few moments earlier in the bishop’s remarks. Oh, what a challenge and a responsibility that meeting made me realize were to be mine! If met fully they were responsibilities to be shouldered only by a man, not a boy, and that a man of God.
My father and my brother Jerry offered the opening and closing prayers for the meeting.
Scheduling problems with meetings and such related complications required my talk in sacrament meeting to be the day after my call came and nearly a month before I was leaving home. This prevented our contacting many friends and relatives who might otherwise have been able to be there. Only the family living right at home was able to attend.
The bishop had asked me to select a speaker. I immediately considered Sister Ruby Hurren, a beloved friend, teacher, and neighbor. But she was ill at the time. I thought next of another favorite teacher and friend, Sister Myrtle Leavitt. She was happy to participate with me, even on the short notice. In the meeting she delivered an outstanding sermon, using some of my favorite Book of Mormon passages and characters as illustrations of certain points.
“He That Hath Clean Hands and a Pure Heart” was sung as a special musical number after Sister Leavitt’s talk. That too was a favorite. As I started to talk next, I quoted the scripture (Psalm 24) upon which the song was based and thanked them for singing it. The same number had also been sung at my last brother’s farewell.
After those comments I then offered my humble thoughts from brief notes as the Spirit directed. First I quoted the following passage:
“When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
“And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
“He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
“And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
“And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
“And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:13–19).
I then developed the theme that testimony comes only from the Spirit. I emphasized the importance of living by the Spirit, using this passage:
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
“Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:5–7).
How? By preparation, by study, by prayer. I used statements by Presidents David O. McKay and Hugh B. Brown about preparation.
President Brown said, “The war which began in heaven and has been going on ever since—a war in which the immortal souls of the children of men are at stake—is about to reach a climatic point. This appeal, therefore, is in a very real sense a call to arms.
“The call to be prepared is sent to each one of you by and from the President of the Church, the Prophet of God. It is of vital and of paramount importance. The preparation must begin at the center of your hearts and extend to the end of your fingers and toes. Each one of you may become the master of his fate, the captain of his soul. . . .
“We need stout hearts to meet the future, a future pregnant with unborn events and big with possibilities. We need faith to try, hope to inspire, and courage to endure” (Conference Report, Apr. 1968, 106).
“Begin today to be the person you want to be; . . . immortalize today and all the tomorrows that lie ahead in order that your life may have eternal significance” (Conference Report, Apr. 1968, 100).
And President McKay said, “With all my soul, I plead with members of the Church, and with people everywhere, to think more about the gospel; more about developing of the spirit within; to devote more time to the real things in life, and less time to those things which will perish” (Conference Report, Apr. 1968, 144).
I mentioned this teaching from the Doctrine and Covenants:
“Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distill upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.
“The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever” (D&C 121:45–36).
When we pray we need a child’s faith. I quoted the song “I Am a Child of God.”
And the motivation for it all? Charity.
“But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure” (Moroni 7:47–48).
I closed by telling of my call to Brazil, where they speak Portuguese and not Spanish, and with my testimony that these things were true and I knew them to be true, for which knowledge I was grateful.
Bishop Eldon J. Yorgason stood next and started reading a letter from a young man in Seattle, Washington. I soon realized it was from Bob Russell, a special friend I had known from my previous year at BYU. He had written to the bishop about me. The closing lines that the bishop read were something like this: “I never knew Matthew Cowley, who was supposed to be a great man of faith. But I have known Dean Cleverly, and he has been a man of faith in my life.”
How humbled can a 19-year-old boy be after realizing the influence he wields in others' lives? I assure you he is very humbled. And very grateful. The nice things said after that, as the bishop finished and after the meeting, in all their sincerity, remained anticlimactic to those few moments earlier in the bishop’s remarks. Oh, what a challenge and a responsibility that meeting made me realize were to be mine! If met fully they were responsibilities to be shouldered only by a man, not a boy, and that a man of God.
My father and my brother Jerry offered the opening and closing prayers for the meeting.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
33. Our Ward's Fortieth Anniversary
A final bishopric message written for the April 2001 issue of the Bountiful Twentieth Ward Newsette. Two months later—on Sunday afternoon, June 10, 2001, I was released as the eighth bishop of the Bountiful 20th Ward, Hyde Frederickson as first counselor, and Lionel Farr as second counselor. Hyde Frederickson was sustained as the ninth bishop of the ward with Keith Riley and Trevor Austin as counselors.
Forty years ago this month—on Sunday, April 30, 1961—the Bountiful Twentieth Ward was created with Jack White as the new bishop. Three months earlier John F. Kennedy had become president of the United States. David O. McKay was president of the Church. George D. Clyde was the governor of Utah. Bountiful, according to the 1960 census, had a population of 17,039 (compared to 41,301 in the 2000 census).
Four months later—in August 1961—the Soviet Union began building the Berlin Wall, that enduring symbol of the Cold War. At the October conference the Church announced that all its programs were to be correlated through the priesthood to strengthen the family and the individual. A significant shift. It would be nearly a year later before John Glenn in February 1962 would become the first American to orbit the earth. Vietnam had not yet entered into the national consciousness, the Beatles were unheard of, and the social upheavals of the late 60s were still years away.
The priesthood brethren of this new ward still did ward teaching (home teaching wouldn’t be introduced until nearly three years later). The reemphasis on family home evening was nearly four years away. Stake conferences—morning and afternoon sessions—were still held four times a year. General conferences in April and October lasted three days each. And there was a June conference for the Mutual Improvement Associations. And road shows and dance festivals and all-Church tournaments and Gold and Green Balls.
The children (and there were a lot of them in those days) went to Primary on a weekday afternoon, the sisters to Relief Society on a weekday morning, not on Sundays as we do now (the revised schedule wouldn’t consolidate meetings into a single three-hour Sunday block until 1980).
We still subscribed to The Improvement Era and The Relief Society Magazine and The Children’s Friend. And paid for our own building projects and raised ward budgets and held Relief Society bazaars.
Eight bishops presided over the ward during these four decades:
- Jack White (1961–1967)
- Keith Beazer (1967–1972)
- Glen Taylor (1972–1977)
- Don West (1977–1980)
- Jay Anderson (1980–1985)
- Delbert Strasser (1985–1991)
- Gail Anger (1991–1996)
- And now Dean Cleverly (1996–present)
We have seen a lot of change these past forty years: The Church has grown and matured. Man walked on the moon. The Cold War ended. Iron curtains fell. Presidents and prophets have come and gone. The economy flourished. Our society and culture changed. Computers and the Internet and other manifestations of technology became such a part of our lives. There were comings and goings. Births and missions and marriages and deaths. A new century and millennium dawned. And through it all we are reminded, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
And yet there have been constants too: Our community is still a peaceful haven where families keep struggling with the enduring problems of life, neighbors keep caring and serving, children keep learning and growing, the fruits of the Spirit are still evident, and the love of God is still manifest. And through it all we are reminded, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
Forty years ago this month—on Sunday, April 30, 1961—the Bountiful Twentieth Ward was created with Jack White as the new bishop. Three months earlier John F. Kennedy had become president of the United States. David O. McKay was president of the Church. George D. Clyde was the governor of Utah. Bountiful, according to the 1960 census, had a population of 17,039 (compared to 41,301 in the 2000 census).
Four months later—in August 1961—the Soviet Union began building the Berlin Wall, that enduring symbol of the Cold War. At the October conference the Church announced that all its programs were to be correlated through the priesthood to strengthen the family and the individual. A significant shift. It would be nearly a year later before John Glenn in February 1962 would become the first American to orbit the earth. Vietnam had not yet entered into the national consciousness, the Beatles were unheard of, and the social upheavals of the late 60s were still years away.
The priesthood brethren of this new ward still did ward teaching (home teaching wouldn’t be introduced until nearly three years later). The reemphasis on family home evening was nearly four years away. Stake conferences—morning and afternoon sessions—were still held four times a year. General conferences in April and October lasted three days each. And there was a June conference for the Mutual Improvement Associations. And road shows and dance festivals and all-Church tournaments and Gold and Green Balls.
The children (and there were a lot of them in those days) went to Primary on a weekday afternoon, the sisters to Relief Society on a weekday morning, not on Sundays as we do now (the revised schedule wouldn’t consolidate meetings into a single three-hour Sunday block until 1980).
We still subscribed to The Improvement Era and The Relief Society Magazine and The Children’s Friend. And paid for our own building projects and raised ward budgets and held Relief Society bazaars.
Eight bishops presided over the ward during these four decades:
- Jack White (1961–1967)
- Keith Beazer (1967–1972)
- Glen Taylor (1972–1977)
- Don West (1977–1980)
- Jay Anderson (1980–1985)
- Delbert Strasser (1985–1991)
- Gail Anger (1991–1996)
- And now Dean Cleverly (1996–present)
We have seen a lot of change these past forty years: The Church has grown and matured. Man walked on the moon. The Cold War ended. Iron curtains fell. Presidents and prophets have come and gone. The economy flourished. Our society and culture changed. Computers and the Internet and other manifestations of technology became such a part of our lives. There were comings and goings. Births and missions and marriages and deaths. A new century and millennium dawned. And through it all we are reminded, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
And yet there have been constants too: Our community is still a peaceful haven where families keep struggling with the enduring problems of life, neighbors keep caring and serving, children keep learning and growing, the fruits of the Spirit are still evident, and the love of God is still manifest. And through it all we are reminded, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
32. Happiness, the Object of Our Existence
A bishopric message written on Monday, January 1, 2001, for publication in the January 2001 issue of the Bountiful Twentieth Ward Newsette.
“Happiness,” taught the Prophet Joseph Smith, “is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it” (History of the Church, 5:134).
All of us want to be happy. It is the way we were programmed. It is our nature and our inheritance if we seek it in the right ways and in the proper places. The path that leads to happiness, the Prophet continued, “is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God. . . . In obedience there is joy and peace unspotted” (History of the Church, 5:134).
At the dawn of this new year, I have no greater desire for you whom I love than the simple wish that you find true happiness, the peace and the joy that come as precious gifts from a loving Father to all the obedient. That desire is my invocation upon the year and my blessing upon you and your families, as I bear my witness that God lives, that He is our Father, that Jesus Christ is His Only Begotten Son, our Savior and Redeemer, and that Joseph Smith was and is His prophet, through whom the knowledge and power and authority were restored that allow us to come unto Christ and be perfected in Him.
May that be our happy lot during this new year and always.
“Happiness,” taught the Prophet Joseph Smith, “is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it” (History of the Church, 5:134).
All of us want to be happy. It is the way we were programmed. It is our nature and our inheritance if we seek it in the right ways and in the proper places. The path that leads to happiness, the Prophet continued, “is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God. . . . In obedience there is joy and peace unspotted” (History of the Church, 5:134).
At the dawn of this new year, I have no greater desire for you whom I love than the simple wish that you find true happiness, the peace and the joy that come as precious gifts from a loving Father to all the obedient. That desire is my invocation upon the year and my blessing upon you and your families, as I bear my witness that God lives, that He is our Father, that Jesus Christ is His Only Begotten Son, our Savior and Redeemer, and that Joseph Smith was and is His prophet, through whom the knowledge and power and authority were restored that allow us to come unto Christ and be perfected in Him.
May that be our happy lot during this new year and always.
31. Glad Tidings of Great Joy
A bishopric message written on November 28, 2000, for the December 2000 issue of the Bountiful Twentieth Ward Newsette.
Christmas. What a glorious time of year! A time when love and hope and light fill our darkened world for a brief moment. A season when generosity and good will and charity enlarge our souls just a little more.
And all this because a baby was born. In every age the glad tidings of great joy center in one pivotal truth: “the great and wonderful love made manifest by the Father and the Son in the coming of the Redeemer into the world” (D&C 138:3).
To the shepherds of ancient Judea: “I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10–11).
To the prophets of ancient America: “I am come to declare unto you the glad tidings of great joy. . . . For behold, the time cometh . . . that with power, the Lord Omnipotent . . . shall come down from heaven” (Mosiah 3:3–5).
The witness of the resurrected Christ Himself: “This is the gospel [literally the good news, the glad tidings] which I have given you—that I came into the world to do the will of my Father” (3 Nephi 27:13).
And in our own day: “This is the gospel, the glad tidings, which the voice out of heaven bore record unto us—That he came into the world” (D&C 76:40–41).
Why? “To be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness; that through him all might be saved” (D&C 76:41–42). “That through his atonement, and by obedience to the principles of the gospel, mankind might be saved” (D&C 138:4). Good news indeed!
I close this message, my witness that Love Personified came into the world that first Christmas 2000 years ago, with a little Christmas poem I wrote some years ago:
He came,
The one bright perfect Light,
He came
To chase away the misted darkness of the night
And make my narrow pathway plain.
He died,
The sinless Son of God,
He died
To ransom me from sin's exacting, heavy rod,
And death, my death to set aside.
He lives,
The wondrous name of Love,
He lives
Who lifts my earth-stained soul, now cleansed, to home above,
And glory there forever gives.
Christmas. What a glorious time of year! A time when love and hope and light fill our darkened world for a brief moment. A season when generosity and good will and charity enlarge our souls just a little more.
And all this because a baby was born. In every age the glad tidings of great joy center in one pivotal truth: “the great and wonderful love made manifest by the Father and the Son in the coming of the Redeemer into the world” (D&C 138:3).
To the shepherds of ancient Judea: “I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10–11).
To the prophets of ancient America: “I am come to declare unto you the glad tidings of great joy. . . . For behold, the time cometh . . . that with power, the Lord Omnipotent . . . shall come down from heaven” (Mosiah 3:3–5).
The witness of the resurrected Christ Himself: “This is the gospel [literally the good news, the glad tidings] which I have given you—that I came into the world to do the will of my Father” (3 Nephi 27:13).
And in our own day: “This is the gospel, the glad tidings, which the voice out of heaven bore record unto us—That he came into the world” (D&C 76:40–41).
Why? “To be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness; that through him all might be saved” (D&C 76:41–42). “That through his atonement, and by obedience to the principles of the gospel, mankind might be saved” (D&C 138:4). Good news indeed!
I close this message, my witness that Love Personified came into the world that first Christmas 2000 years ago, with a little Christmas poem I wrote some years ago:
He came,
The one bright perfect Light,
He came
To chase away the misted darkness of the night
And make my narrow pathway plain.
He died,
The sinless Son of God,
He died
To ransom me from sin's exacting, heavy rod,
And death, my death to set aside.
He lives,
The wondrous name of Love,
He lives
Who lifts my earth-stained soul, now cleansed, to home above,
And glory there forever gives.
30. Remember Him and Keep His Commandments
A pastoral message written on Friday, September 1, 2000, as the bishopric message for the September 2000 issue of the Bountiful Twentieth Ward Newsette.
Members of our family traveled this summer to parts of the Midwest and the East Coast. We marveled at the beauty and diversity of this vast country, a land we believe is “a land of promise, a land which is choice above all other lands” (2 Nephi 1:5). And we were reminded of the rich heritage we enjoy as American citizens and of the cost paid by those who went before us in founding our nation and defending our freedoms and bringing us to these mountain valleys we call home.
A warning issued to ancient Israel as they entered their promised land applies in principle to us in our day: “And it shall be, when the Lord thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not,
“And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full;
“Then beware lest thou forget the Lord, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage” (Deuteronomy 6:10–12).
Each of us, through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, has been purchased out of bondage, has been redeemed out of slavery, and has been blessed with a multiplicity of blessings we neither earned nor deserve. We cannot afford to forget the Lord and what He has done for us.
“Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him” (Deuteronomy 6:13) was the command anciently as the remedy for not for-getting the Lord, and it still applies in our day. A recurring theme of the Book of Mormon, which was written to our day, is that we remember the Lord and His divine deliverance. Each week as we partake of the emblems of His body and blood, we witness afresh and covenant anew to “always remember him and keep his commandments” (D&C 20:77).
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
Members of our family traveled this summer to parts of the Midwest and the East Coast. We marveled at the beauty and diversity of this vast country, a land we believe is “a land of promise, a land which is choice above all other lands” (2 Nephi 1:5). And we were reminded of the rich heritage we enjoy as American citizens and of the cost paid by those who went before us in founding our nation and defending our freedoms and bringing us to these mountain valleys we call home.
A warning issued to ancient Israel as they entered their promised land applies in principle to us in our day: “And it shall be, when the Lord thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not,
“And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full;
“Then beware lest thou forget the Lord, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage” (Deuteronomy 6:10–12).
Each of us, through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, has been purchased out of bondage, has been redeemed out of slavery, and has been blessed with a multiplicity of blessings we neither earned nor deserve. We cannot afford to forget the Lord and what He has done for us.
“Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him” (Deuteronomy 6:13) was the command anciently as the remedy for not for-getting the Lord, and it still applies in our day. A recurring theme of the Book of Mormon, which was written to our day, is that we remember the Lord and His divine deliverance. Each week as we partake of the emblems of His body and blood, we witness afresh and covenant anew to “always remember him and keep his commandments” (D&C 20:77).
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
29. Deliverance and Redemption
A pastoral message written on Tuesday, May 30, 2000, as the bishopric message for the June 2000 issue of the Bountiful Twentieth Ward Newsette. The same thought was also printed as “A Final Word” in the June 2000 issue of the Cleverly Newsletter. It was also posted on June 4, 2008, on the blogsite The Dawning of a Brighter Day.
When the Lord God brought our fathers, the children of Israel, out of Egypt into the promised land, He reminded them that He was giving them cities which they had not built, houses full of good things they had not filled, wells they had not dug, and vineyards they had not planted (see Deuteronomy 6:10–11). Sort of like us today at the dawn of the 21st century.
“Beware,” He cautions them, “lest thou forget the Lord, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage” (Deuteronomy 6:12).
“And thou shalt remember,” He says unto them later, “that thou wast a bondsman in the land of Egypt, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee” (Deuteronomy 15:15).
This pattern of remembrance runs throughout the scriptures: We are in bondage and the Lord delivers and redeems us. And we are to remember that deliverance and redemption.
Indeed, an important purpose of the scriptures is that “they have enlarged the memory of this people . . . and brought them to the knowledge of their God” (Alma 37:8).
We are enjoined in many places throughout the scriptures to remember the Lord our Redeemer and what He has done both for our fathers and for us. The word “remember,” in some form or another, appears 454 times in the scriptures.
The summer that spreads before us is strewn with opportunities to remember our past, to recall what the Lord has done for our fathers, to recount what blessings we enjoy at His hand.
This past Monday was Memorial Day, a day set aside to remember specifically those who sacrificed their lives in the defense of freedom and more generally all loved ones who have passed on to the other side.
In another ten days is Flag Day, a chance to remember the symbol of our God-given freedoms, a chance to reflect on the opportunities and responsibilities of living in this “sweet land of liberty” (Hymns, 339), “the land of the free and the home of the brave” (Hymns, 340). The Lord Himself referred to it as “a land which is choice above all the lands of the earth” (Ether 1:42).
Three weeks later, on the Fourth of July, we celebrate the birthday of our country and remember again that the Lord has particular designs for the destiny of this nation. He declared, “And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I have raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood” (D&C 101:80).
And finally, we celebrate Pioneer Day, a wonderful commemoration of the great migration of our forebears to these western valleys. We remember their sacrifices, their devotion, their faith as they fulfilled the ancient prophecy that “the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose” (Isaiah 35:1) as the Lord “set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people” (Isaiah 11:11; 2 Nephi 21:11).
Deliverance and redemption. May each of us remember. And may each of us declare, as did the Psalmist anciently, “I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old” (Psalms 77:11).
When the Lord God brought our fathers, the children of Israel, out of Egypt into the promised land, He reminded them that He was giving them cities which they had not built, houses full of good things they had not filled, wells they had not dug, and vineyards they had not planted (see Deuteronomy 6:10–11). Sort of like us today at the dawn of the 21st century.
“Beware,” He cautions them, “lest thou forget the Lord, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage” (Deuteronomy 6:12).
“And thou shalt remember,” He says unto them later, “that thou wast a bondsman in the land of Egypt, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee” (Deuteronomy 15:15).
This pattern of remembrance runs throughout the scriptures: We are in bondage and the Lord delivers and redeems us. And we are to remember that deliverance and redemption.
Indeed, an important purpose of the scriptures is that “they have enlarged the memory of this people . . . and brought them to the knowledge of their God” (Alma 37:8).
We are enjoined in many places throughout the scriptures to remember the Lord our Redeemer and what He has done both for our fathers and for us. The word “remember,” in some form or another, appears 454 times in the scriptures.
The summer that spreads before us is strewn with opportunities to remember our past, to recall what the Lord has done for our fathers, to recount what blessings we enjoy at His hand.
This past Monday was Memorial Day, a day set aside to remember specifically those who sacrificed their lives in the defense of freedom and more generally all loved ones who have passed on to the other side.
In another ten days is Flag Day, a chance to remember the symbol of our God-given freedoms, a chance to reflect on the opportunities and responsibilities of living in this “sweet land of liberty” (Hymns, 339), “the land of the free and the home of the brave” (Hymns, 340). The Lord Himself referred to it as “a land which is choice above all the lands of the earth” (Ether 1:42).
Three weeks later, on the Fourth of July, we celebrate the birthday of our country and remember again that the Lord has particular designs for the destiny of this nation. He declared, “And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I have raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood” (D&C 101:80).
And finally, we celebrate Pioneer Day, a wonderful commemoration of the great migration of our forebears to these western valleys. We remember their sacrifices, their devotion, their faith as they fulfilled the ancient prophecy that “the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose” (Isaiah 35:1) as the Lord “set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people” (Isaiah 11:11; 2 Nephi 21:11).
Deliverance and redemption. May each of us remember. And may each of us declare, as did the Psalmist anciently, “I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old” (Psalms 77:11).
28. Come unto Christ or Perish
A bishopric message that appeared in the March 2000 issue of the Bountiful Twentieth Ward Newsette.
“For we labor diligently to write,” wrote Nephi in the Book of Mormon, “to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do. . . .
“And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins” (2 Nephi 25: 23, 26).
The Book of Mormon, which we are studying again this year in Sunday School, is drenched in Christ. It is, as President Ezra Taft Benson taught some years back, the keystone of our religion and therefore the keystone of our understanding of Christ, the keystone of our faith in Christ, the keystone of our testimony of Christ. There is no more powerful witness of Him and His goodness to be found anywhere.
The overriding message in the Book of Mormon, in my opinion, could be summarized in five simple words: Come unto Christ or perish.
We must come unto Him, give our whole souls unto Him, be reconciled to Him. “Yea, come unto Christ,” concluded Moroni at the very end of the record, “and be perfected in him, . . . and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ” (Moroni 10:32).
My humble prayer is that each of us may do exactly that: Come unto Christ and be perfected in Him.
“For we labor diligently to write,” wrote Nephi in the Book of Mormon, “to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do. . . .
“And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins” (2 Nephi 25: 23, 26).
The Book of Mormon, which we are studying again this year in Sunday School, is drenched in Christ. It is, as President Ezra Taft Benson taught some years back, the keystone of our religion and therefore the keystone of our understanding of Christ, the keystone of our faith in Christ, the keystone of our testimony of Christ. There is no more powerful witness of Him and His goodness to be found anywhere.
The overriding message in the Book of Mormon, in my opinion, could be summarized in five simple words: Come unto Christ or perish.
We must come unto Him, give our whole souls unto Him, be reconciled to Him. “Yea, come unto Christ,” concluded Moroni at the very end of the record, “and be perfected in him, . . . and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ” (Moroni 10:32).
My humble prayer is that each of us may do exactly that: Come unto Christ and be perfected in Him.
27. Devoting Our Best Efforts
A bishopric message that appeared in the November 1999 issue of the Bountiful Twentieth Ward Newsette.
In a message addressed earlier this year to members of the Church throughout the world, the First Presidency wrote, “We call upon parents to devote their best efforts to teaching and rearing of their children in gospel principles which will keep them close to the Church.” This same statement was repeated in a second letter just last month.
The commandment to teach and rear children is not new. Parents have always had that responsibility (see, for example, D&C 68:25–28; 93:40–49; and Mosiah 4:14–15). Our prophets seem to sense some urgency, however, in our getting about the task. “We counsel parents and children,” the First Presidency continued in both their February 1999 and October 1999 letters, “to give highest priority to family prayer, family home evening, gospel study and instruction, and wholesome family activities.”
In the February letter, they also added, “However worthy and appropriate other demands or activities may be, they must not be permitted to displace the divinely-appointed duties that only parents and families can adequately perform.”
We are to give highest priority to these things. There are some things that only parents and families can perform to survive what must surely lie ahead and to go where the Lord wants us to go as we enter the new century and the new millennium. Both parents and children need to be wise in not letting other activities and demands, however worthy and appropriate they may seem, divert them from focusing on these stated family duties (family prayer, family home evening, gospel study and instruction, and wholesome family activities).
“Husbands and wives—fathers and mothers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations,” we read in the proclamation on the family. “We warn that individuals . . . who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God.”
As we approach the holiday season, may each of us may find the joy, happiness, and fulfillment in our family associations that the Lord intends us to enjoy. May we take our leaders’ counsel seriously when they call upon us to give these things our highest priority. And may the Lord bless us as we do so.
In a message addressed earlier this year to members of the Church throughout the world, the First Presidency wrote, “We call upon parents to devote their best efforts to teaching and rearing of their children in gospel principles which will keep them close to the Church.” This same statement was repeated in a second letter just last month.
The commandment to teach and rear children is not new. Parents have always had that responsibility (see, for example, D&C 68:25–28; 93:40–49; and Mosiah 4:14–15). Our prophets seem to sense some urgency, however, in our getting about the task. “We counsel parents and children,” the First Presidency continued in both their February 1999 and October 1999 letters, “to give highest priority to family prayer, family home evening, gospel study and instruction, and wholesome family activities.”
In the February letter, they also added, “However worthy and appropriate other demands or activities may be, they must not be permitted to displace the divinely-appointed duties that only parents and families can adequately perform.”
We are to give highest priority to these things. There are some things that only parents and families can perform to survive what must surely lie ahead and to go where the Lord wants us to go as we enter the new century and the new millennium. Both parents and children need to be wise in not letting other activities and demands, however worthy and appropriate they may seem, divert them from focusing on these stated family duties (family prayer, family home evening, gospel study and instruction, and wholesome family activities).
“Husbands and wives—fathers and mothers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations,” we read in the proclamation on the family. “We warn that individuals . . . who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God.”
As we approach the holiday season, may each of us may find the joy, happiness, and fulfillment in our family associations that the Lord intends us to enjoy. May we take our leaders’ counsel seriously when they call upon us to give these things our highest priority. And may the Lord bless us as we do so.
26. Let Us Live the Gospel in Our Homes
A pastoral message written on Monday, July 26, 1999, as the bishopric message for the August 1999 issue of the Bountiful Twentieth Ward Newsette. The same thought was also printed as “A Final Word” in the July 26, 1999, issue of the Family Journal.
In the last general conference President Gordon B. Hinckley urged, “Let us live the gospel in our homes. Let there be an honest manifestation of love between husbands and wives, between children and their parents. Control the voice of anger. Be absolutely loyal one to another” (Ensign, May 1999, 51).
Simply put, that is the message of the Lord to us in our day. It comes from our prophet. It is fully consistent with what apostles and prophets have been teaching us for many years.
In His preface to the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord declared, “What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same” (D&C 1:38).
How are we doing at hearkening to the voice of the Lord through His servants? How are we doing at living the gospel in our homes, the place where surely it matters most? These are thought-provoking questions that deserve our honest attention. Every husband and father, every wife and mother, every son and daughter might ponder such additional questions as these:
• Am I doing my part to make my home a nice place to live?
• Am I carrying my fair share in the chores and responsibilities of the home?
• Am I spending the time I should with each family member?
• Do I take part in daily family prayer?
• Do I study the scriptures alone and with my family?
• Do I participate willingly in a weekly family home evening?
• Do I contribute to the success of that home evening?
• Do I control my anger?
• Do I show love and respect to the members of my family?
• Am I willing to forgive and forget the offenses, real or perceived, of other family members?
• Am I loyal to the members of my family?
“No other success,” taught an earlier prophet, “can compensate for failure in the home” (David O. McKay, in Improvement Era, June 1964, 445). That is not just nice sounding rhetoric or a trite cliché. It is literally true.
Another prophet said, “The greatest of the Lord’s work you brethren will ever do as fathers will be within the walls of your own home” (Harold B. Lee, in Ensign, July 1973, 98). The truth in that simple declaration surely applies to the sisters as well.
May the Lord preserve, protect, and bless our families—fathers, mothers, children, all of us—as we seek to follow the Lord by living the gospel in our homes.
In the last general conference President Gordon B. Hinckley urged, “Let us live the gospel in our homes. Let there be an honest manifestation of love between husbands and wives, between children and their parents. Control the voice of anger. Be absolutely loyal one to another” (Ensign, May 1999, 51).
Simply put, that is the message of the Lord to us in our day. It comes from our prophet. It is fully consistent with what apostles and prophets have been teaching us for many years.
In His preface to the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord declared, “What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same” (D&C 1:38).
How are we doing at hearkening to the voice of the Lord through His servants? How are we doing at living the gospel in our homes, the place where surely it matters most? These are thought-provoking questions that deserve our honest attention. Every husband and father, every wife and mother, every son and daughter might ponder such additional questions as these:
• Am I doing my part to make my home a nice place to live?
• Am I carrying my fair share in the chores and responsibilities of the home?
• Am I spending the time I should with each family member?
• Do I take part in daily family prayer?
• Do I study the scriptures alone and with my family?
• Do I participate willingly in a weekly family home evening?
• Do I contribute to the success of that home evening?
• Do I control my anger?
• Do I show love and respect to the members of my family?
• Am I willing to forgive and forget the offenses, real or perceived, of other family members?
• Am I loyal to the members of my family?
“No other success,” taught an earlier prophet, “can compensate for failure in the home” (David O. McKay, in Improvement Era, June 1964, 445). That is not just nice sounding rhetoric or a trite cliché. It is literally true.
Another prophet said, “The greatest of the Lord’s work you brethren will ever do as fathers will be within the walls of your own home” (Harold B. Lee, in Ensign, July 1973, 98). The truth in that simple declaration surely applies to the sisters as well.
May the Lord preserve, protect, and bless our families—fathers, mothers, children, all of us—as we seek to follow the Lord by living the gospel in our homes.
Friday, April 18, 2008
25. Looking for the Good
A thought written on Monday evening, April 26, 1999, for publication in the May 1999 issue of the Bountiful Twentieth Ward Newsette. Henry Haurand served as a counselor in the stake presidency when F. Michael Watson was president of the Bountiful Utah South Stake. Later he served as president of the Frankfurt Germany Temple.
President Henry Haurand spoke in our sacrament meeting a little over a month ago. He shared tender feelings about the Savior, recounting some of the pivotal events from that final week of the Lord’s mortal life. He also mentioned some experiences from the three years he and Sister Haurand served in the Frankfurt Germany Temple.
In the late 1980s, before his call to serve in our stake presidency, President Haurand had been in Germany supervising construction of the Frankfurt Temple, little realizing that a decade later he would return there as temple president.
He once shared an experience he had in 1987 in the not-yet-completed temple: “President and Sister Carlos E. Asay visited the temple. As we were standing in the celestial room Elder Asay asked me if the workers could feel the spirit of the sacred work they were performing. I answered that I did not think so. It is my experience that when you go through the temple looking for things that are not completed yet, that still need to be cleaned up, you cannot feel the Spirit of the Lord. But when you look with your spiritual eyes and see how it will look when it is completed, then you can feel the Spirit. Elder Asay said this is an eternal principle. When you look for fault, you can not have the Spirit of the Lord, but when you look for the good, then you can.”
This principle, President Haurand observed, is true in marriage, with our children or friends, with our neighbors and coworkers. When we look for fault, we cannot have the Spirit of the Lord, but when we look for good, we can.
The Prophet Joseph Smith may have had this same principle in mind when he penned the thirteenth Article of Faith: “. . . If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things” (emphasis added).
President Henry Haurand spoke in our sacrament meeting a little over a month ago. He shared tender feelings about the Savior, recounting some of the pivotal events from that final week of the Lord’s mortal life. He also mentioned some experiences from the three years he and Sister Haurand served in the Frankfurt Germany Temple.
In the late 1980s, before his call to serve in our stake presidency, President Haurand had been in Germany supervising construction of the Frankfurt Temple, little realizing that a decade later he would return there as temple president.
He once shared an experience he had in 1987 in the not-yet-completed temple: “President and Sister Carlos E. Asay visited the temple. As we were standing in the celestial room Elder Asay asked me if the workers could feel the spirit of the sacred work they were performing. I answered that I did not think so. It is my experience that when you go through the temple looking for things that are not completed yet, that still need to be cleaned up, you cannot feel the Spirit of the Lord. But when you look with your spiritual eyes and see how it will look when it is completed, then you can feel the Spirit. Elder Asay said this is an eternal principle. When you look for fault, you can not have the Spirit of the Lord, but when you look for the good, then you can.”
This principle, President Haurand observed, is true in marriage, with our children or friends, with our neighbors and coworkers. When we look for fault, we cannot have the Spirit of the Lord, but when we look for good, we can.
The Prophet Joseph Smith may have had this same principle in mind when he penned the thirteenth Article of Faith: “. . . If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things” (emphasis added).
24. That Ye May Not Remember Your Guilt
A bishopric message published in the February 1999 issue of the Bountiful Twentieth Ward Newsette. On February 28, 1999, Kevin Thueson was released as my first counselor. Hyde Frederickson moved from second to first counselor, and Lionel Farr became the new second counselor.
A few weeks ago I had to go to LDS Hospital to have my esophagus dilated. I have had the procedure done a few other times over the years and was not looking forward to the unpleasant experience. Although partially sedated, I could not be put all the way out because I had to cooperate with the doctors during the procedure by swallowing the tube they stuck down my throat.
This time, however, they used a new type of sedative that actually made me forget the whole experience. Although I was apparently awake for the entire procedure, I remember absolutely nothing from when the medication went into my arm until I was being walked back to the recovery area. Pretty nice.
It occurred to me that there is one type of pain that is even more excruciating than physical pain and that is the pain that results from sin. Wouldn’t it be nice if there were some way to induce amnesia to forget that type of misery? Fortunately, there is. It’s called repentance.
Notice what Nephi says about not remembering our sin at the day of judgment: “Prepare your souls for that glorious day when justice shall be administered unto the righteous, even the day of judgment, that ye may not shrink with awful fear; that ye may not remember your awful guilt in perfectness” (2 Nephi 9:46).
The only way that happens is to repent of our sins before that great and dreadful day. That’s the only way to prepare our souls so that it will be a glorious day. Otherwise, we will remember our guilt most exquisitely.
If we do repent, however, the Lord promises that even He Who knows all things past, present, and future will forget our transgression: “Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more” (D&C 58:42). The choice is ours.
A few weeks ago I had to go to LDS Hospital to have my esophagus dilated. I have had the procedure done a few other times over the years and was not looking forward to the unpleasant experience. Although partially sedated, I could not be put all the way out because I had to cooperate with the doctors during the procedure by swallowing the tube they stuck down my throat.
This time, however, they used a new type of sedative that actually made me forget the whole experience. Although I was apparently awake for the entire procedure, I remember absolutely nothing from when the medication went into my arm until I was being walked back to the recovery area. Pretty nice.
It occurred to me that there is one type of pain that is even more excruciating than physical pain and that is the pain that results from sin. Wouldn’t it be nice if there were some way to induce amnesia to forget that type of misery? Fortunately, there is. It’s called repentance.
Notice what Nephi says about not remembering our sin at the day of judgment: “Prepare your souls for that glorious day when justice shall be administered unto the righteous, even the day of judgment, that ye may not shrink with awful fear; that ye may not remember your awful guilt in perfectness” (2 Nephi 9:46).
The only way that happens is to repent of our sins before that great and dreadful day. That’s the only way to prepare our souls so that it will be a glorious day. Otherwise, we will remember our guilt most exquisitely.
If we do repent, however, the Lord promises that even He Who knows all things past, present, and future will forget our transgression: “Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more” (D&C 58:42). The choice is ours.
23. Confess His Hand in All Things
A bishopric message published in the November 1998 issue of the Bountiful Twentieth Ward Newsette.
In a few weeks we will celebrate another Thanksgiving. As we think about the Lord’s goodness to us, as we contemplate the abundance He has bestowed upon us, as we marvel at the blessings and opportunities that are ours, we have every reason, as the Psalmist has written, to “enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name” (Psalm 100:4).
With this poetic invitation before us, we are reminded of the everlasting goodness of our God: “For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations” (Psalm 100:5).
Few things, however, bother Him more than the ingratitude of His children: “And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments” (D&C 59:21).
Rather, we are to do all “things with thanksgiving, with cheerful hearts and countenances” (D&C 59:15). And if we “do this, the fulness of the earth is [ours], . . . for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart; . . . to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul” (D&C 104:16, 18, 19).
“For the earth is full,” the Lord reminds us, “and there is enough and to spare; . . . therefore, if any man shall take of the abundance which I have made, and impart not his portion, according to the law of my gospel, unto the poor and the needy, he shall, with the wicked, lift up his eyes in hell, being in torment” (D&C 104:17–18).
The Lord is really quite serious about this matter of our sharing with others. Indeed, if we hope to retain a remission of our sins, we are required to “impart of [our] substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally” (Mosiah 4:26), as many among us do so very well.
At this season of the year, we thank you for the goodness of your lives. We thank you for being the kind of decent, Christian neighbors you are supposed to be. We thank you for all that you do to enrich and bless and lift those about you. May God grant you the joy and peace that come from having grateful hearts, from confessing His hand in all things, from sharing your substance with those less fortunate, and from keeping His commandments.
In a few weeks we will celebrate another Thanksgiving. As we think about the Lord’s goodness to us, as we contemplate the abundance He has bestowed upon us, as we marvel at the blessings and opportunities that are ours, we have every reason, as the Psalmist has written, to “enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name” (Psalm 100:4).
With this poetic invitation before us, we are reminded of the everlasting goodness of our God: “For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations” (Psalm 100:5).
Few things, however, bother Him more than the ingratitude of His children: “And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments” (D&C 59:21).
Rather, we are to do all “things with thanksgiving, with cheerful hearts and countenances” (D&C 59:15). And if we “do this, the fulness of the earth is [ours], . . . for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart; . . . to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul” (D&C 104:16, 18, 19).
“For the earth is full,” the Lord reminds us, “and there is enough and to spare; . . . therefore, if any man shall take of the abundance which I have made, and impart not his portion, according to the law of my gospel, unto the poor and the needy, he shall, with the wicked, lift up his eyes in hell, being in torment” (D&C 104:17–18).
The Lord is really quite serious about this matter of our sharing with others. Indeed, if we hope to retain a remission of our sins, we are required to “impart of [our] substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally” (Mosiah 4:26), as many among us do so very well.
At this season of the year, we thank you for the goodness of your lives. We thank you for being the kind of decent, Christian neighbors you are supposed to be. We thank you for all that you do to enrich and bless and lift those about you. May God grant you the joy and peace that come from having grateful hearts, from confessing His hand in all things, from sharing your substance with those less fortunate, and from keeping His commandments.
22. Bishopric Changes
A bishopric message in the September 1998 issue of the Bountiful Twentieth Ward Newsette, which was also published as “A Final Word” in the August 31, 1998, issue of the Family Journal. Larry Young had been released as my first counselor in the bishopric to be sustained as ward mission leader. Kevin Thueson was moved from second to first counselor, and Hyde Frederickson was called as the new second counselor.
Words do not begin to express the love and appreciation I feel for Larry Young, who two weeks ago was released as first counselor in the bishopric to serve as our new ward mission leader. He has been a capable and faithful servant of God. He has ably served the Lord and each of you. I am confident that he and Iris will do well as stake missionaries.
The inspiration behind Larry’s new call came clearly, obviously by surprise, and in a manner reminiscent of the calls to Barnabas and Saul described in the second verse of the 13th chapter of Acts. I relied heavily on Larry in my administration of the ward, and I suspect the Lord had to intervene so directly to overcome my natural reluctance to give up my right arm, as it were.
I am grateful for Kevin Thueson’s willingness to continue his service in the bishopric, serving now as the new first counselor. Kevin is an uncommonly sensible person, sound in his counsel and judgment, devoted to your welfare. He is a faithful warrior, something like a Captain Moroni, who “was a strong and mighty man; . . . a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and freedom of his country; . . . a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people; . . . a man who was firm in the faith of Christ” (Alma 48:11–13).
And I am thankful that the Lord has called Hyde Frederickson to serve as the new second counselor in the bishopric. I look forward to working with him.
Larry and Iris replace Clyde and Carol StClair, who for the past three years have served with distinction as stake missionaries. The StClairs have patiently, quietly, and effectively gone about proclaiming the gospel and in marvelous ways have touched hearts, blessed lives, and brought souls unto Christ. They are rightly regarded by some as though they were “like unto angels of God” (D&C 42:6).
The gratitude and affection I have expressed concerning these few people is the same I feel for all of you who seek in your respective assignments to magnify your callings and bless the lives of those about you.
My earnest prayer is that each of us may live to merit the Divine approbation, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).
Words do not begin to express the love and appreciation I feel for Larry Young, who two weeks ago was released as first counselor in the bishopric to serve as our new ward mission leader. He has been a capable and faithful servant of God. He has ably served the Lord and each of you. I am confident that he and Iris will do well as stake missionaries.
The inspiration behind Larry’s new call came clearly, obviously by surprise, and in a manner reminiscent of the calls to Barnabas and Saul described in the second verse of the 13th chapter of Acts. I relied heavily on Larry in my administration of the ward, and I suspect the Lord had to intervene so directly to overcome my natural reluctance to give up my right arm, as it were.
I am grateful for Kevin Thueson’s willingness to continue his service in the bishopric, serving now as the new first counselor. Kevin is an uncommonly sensible person, sound in his counsel and judgment, devoted to your welfare. He is a faithful warrior, something like a Captain Moroni, who “was a strong and mighty man; . . . a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and freedom of his country; . . . a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people; . . . a man who was firm in the faith of Christ” (Alma 48:11–13).
And I am thankful that the Lord has called Hyde Frederickson to serve as the new second counselor in the bishopric. I look forward to working with him.
Larry and Iris replace Clyde and Carol StClair, who for the past three years have served with distinction as stake missionaries. The StClairs have patiently, quietly, and effectively gone about proclaiming the gospel and in marvelous ways have touched hearts, blessed lives, and brought souls unto Christ. They are rightly regarded by some as though they were “like unto angels of God” (D&C 42:6).
The gratitude and affection I have expressed concerning these few people is the same I feel for all of you who seek in your respective assignments to magnify your callings and bless the lives of those about you.
My earnest prayer is that each of us may live to merit the Divine approbation, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).
21. All Things Bear Record
A bishopric message written on Monday and Tuesday, July 27–28, 1998, and published in the August 1998 issue of the Bountiful Twentieth Ward Newsette.
Summer is passing quickly—a little too quickly for those who enjoy the longer days and warmer temperatures. And yet the passing of the seasons, as the earth makes its annual orbit about the sun, reminds us that “all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator” (Alma 30:44).
The Savior, in His premortal role as the Lord Jehovah, declared that “all things are created and made to bear record of me, both things which are temporal, and things which are spiritual; things which are in the heavens above, and things which are on the earth, and things which are in the earth, and things which are under the earth, both above and beneath: all things bear record of me” (Moses 6:63). That doesn’t leave much out.
“Behold, my soul delighteth in proving unto my people the truth of the coming of Christ,” wrote the prophet Nephi, “and all things which have been given of God from the beginning of the world, unto man, are the typifying of him” (2 Nephi 11:4).
A later Nephi testified concurrently, “Ye have received all things, both things in heaven, and all things which are in the earth, as a witness that they are true” (Helaman 8:24).
Recently we celebrated Pioneer Day. Those of us who have traveled to other parts of this great country or even to distant parts of the earth know that there is much of beauty and goodness and opportunity across the face of the earth. Yet, we are privileged to live in a peaceful, blessed area that was preserved by the hand of God for His peculiar purposes.
This desert area, in fulfillment of ancient prophecy, has blossomed as a rose. Among other things, that should remind us ever and always that we are the Lord’s covenant people, the sheep of His pasture. It should remind us that the Lord God Almighty has set His hand again to gather scattered Israel and bring them home. It should remind us that He keeps His promises, all of them, and that nothing will ever fail of all His goodness toward us if we keep the covenants we have made with Him.
May we “with thanksgiving, with cheerful hearts and countenances” (D&C 59:15), always be found among “those who confess . . . his hand in all things, and obey . . . his commandments” (D&C 59:21).
Summer is passing quickly—a little too quickly for those who enjoy the longer days and warmer temperatures. And yet the passing of the seasons, as the earth makes its annual orbit about the sun, reminds us that “all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator” (Alma 30:44).
The Savior, in His premortal role as the Lord Jehovah, declared that “all things are created and made to bear record of me, both things which are temporal, and things which are spiritual; things which are in the heavens above, and things which are on the earth, and things which are in the earth, and things which are under the earth, both above and beneath: all things bear record of me” (Moses 6:63). That doesn’t leave much out.
“Behold, my soul delighteth in proving unto my people the truth of the coming of Christ,” wrote the prophet Nephi, “and all things which have been given of God from the beginning of the world, unto man, are the typifying of him” (2 Nephi 11:4).
A later Nephi testified concurrently, “Ye have received all things, both things in heaven, and all things which are in the earth, as a witness that they are true” (Helaman 8:24).
Recently we celebrated Pioneer Day. Those of us who have traveled to other parts of this great country or even to distant parts of the earth know that there is much of beauty and goodness and opportunity across the face of the earth. Yet, we are privileged to live in a peaceful, blessed area that was preserved by the hand of God for His peculiar purposes.
This desert area, in fulfillment of ancient prophecy, has blossomed as a rose. Among other things, that should remind us ever and always that we are the Lord’s covenant people, the sheep of His pasture. It should remind us that the Lord God Almighty has set His hand again to gather scattered Israel and bring them home. It should remind us that He keeps His promises, all of them, and that nothing will ever fail of all His goodness toward us if we keep the covenants we have made with Him.
May we “with thanksgiving, with cheerful hearts and countenances” (D&C 59:15), always be found among “those who confess . . . his hand in all things, and obey . . . his commandments” (D&C 59:21).
20. Springtime
A bishopric message written on Monday, April 27, 1998, and published in the May 1998 issue of the Bountiful Twentieth Ward Newsette.
Springtime. What a glorious time of year. A time of rebirth and renewal. A time of hope and promise. A time when the very earth bears record of Him who made it (see Moses 6:63; 2 Nephi 11:4 Alma 30:44; and Helaman 8:24).
Although in concert with the rest of the Christian world we celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus at Christmas time, we believe from latter-day revelation that it really happened in the spring of the year, during that season when shepherds would be “abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night” (Luke 2:8).
It was also in the spring of the year, at the season of Passover, when the Lamb of God worked out what Elder Neal A. Maxwell has called “the awful arithmetic of the atonement,” causing the Savior “to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit” (D&C 19:18) that He might take upon Him the pains and the sicknesses and the infirmities and the sins of His people (see Alma 7:11–13).
It was also on an early spring morning, the first day of the week, when faithful women arrived at an empty tomb to become the first witnesses of His glorious resurrection.
And it was on the morning of a beautiful, clear day, early in the spring of 1820 that the boy Joseph walked into a grove of trees near his New York farmhouse and, in answer to his humble prayer, saw the Father and the Son in that glorious vision that opened the dispensation of the fulness of times.
These and a score of other springtime events associated with the gospel of Jesus Christ—such as the restoration of the priesthood in May 1829 and the organization of the Church in April 1830—all remind us of “the great and wonderful love made manifest by the Father and the Son in the coming of the Redeemer into the world; that through his atonement, and by obedience to the principles of the gospel, [we] might be saved” (D&C 138:3–4).
May God bless us, as we enjoy this season called spring, to remember always these evidences of His love.
Springtime. What a glorious time of year. A time of rebirth and renewal. A time of hope and promise. A time when the very earth bears record of Him who made it (see Moses 6:63; 2 Nephi 11:4 Alma 30:44; and Helaman 8:24).
Although in concert with the rest of the Christian world we celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus at Christmas time, we believe from latter-day revelation that it really happened in the spring of the year, during that season when shepherds would be “abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night” (Luke 2:8).
It was also in the spring of the year, at the season of Passover, when the Lamb of God worked out what Elder Neal A. Maxwell has called “the awful arithmetic of the atonement,” causing the Savior “to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit” (D&C 19:18) that He might take upon Him the pains and the sicknesses and the infirmities and the sins of His people (see Alma 7:11–13).
It was also on an early spring morning, the first day of the week, when faithful women arrived at an empty tomb to become the first witnesses of His glorious resurrection.
And it was on the morning of a beautiful, clear day, early in the spring of 1820 that the boy Joseph walked into a grove of trees near his New York farmhouse and, in answer to his humble prayer, saw the Father and the Son in that glorious vision that opened the dispensation of the fulness of times.
These and a score of other springtime events associated with the gospel of Jesus Christ—such as the restoration of the priesthood in May 1829 and the organization of the Church in April 1830—all remind us of “the great and wonderful love made manifest by the Father and the Son in the coming of the Redeemer into the world; that through his atonement, and by obedience to the principles of the gospel, [we] might be saved” (D&C 138:3–4).
May God bless us, as we enjoy this season called spring, to remember always these evidences of His love.
19. The Only Day We Have Is Today
A bishopric message written on Wednesday, January 28, 1998, and published the following Sunday in the February 1998 issue of the Bountiful Twentieth Ward Newsette.
The passing of loved ones—as has happened in recent weeks to a couple of people in our neighborhood—is a fresh reminder to each of us of the transitory nature of this mortal life. We are here for such a brief moment.
A loving Heavenly Father has sent us here to this earthly boarding school to obtain our physical bodies, to gain experience, to learn to use our agency to see if we will “choose . . . this day, to serve the Lord God who made you” (Moses 6:33). As the Book of Mormon reminds us, “this life became a probationary state; a time to prepare to meet God” (Alma 12:24).
Our Father designed an excellent test for us here in this mortal curriculum. The nature of that test is to see how we will use our agency to make it through life. Every day we are confronted with choices. We make decisions. We determine how we will use our time, our talents, our opportunities. Since there is never quite enough time to do or have or be everything we want, the nature of our choices reflects what we really desire out of life. Day by day we are selecting what we really deep down inside want to become.
“There is only one day that you and I have to live for,” said Harold B. Lee, “and that’s today. There is nothing we can do about yesterday except repent, and there may be no tomorrow. The thing for us to do when we arise from our beds, as God gives us a new day, is to take whatever comes to our hands and do it to the best of our ability.”
That sounds like good advice to me, as does this bit of counsel from the Old Testament: “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalms 118:24).
The passing of loved ones—as has happened in recent weeks to a couple of people in our neighborhood—is a fresh reminder to each of us of the transitory nature of this mortal life. We are here for such a brief moment.
A loving Heavenly Father has sent us here to this earthly boarding school to obtain our physical bodies, to gain experience, to learn to use our agency to see if we will “choose . . . this day, to serve the Lord God who made you” (Moses 6:33). As the Book of Mormon reminds us, “this life became a probationary state; a time to prepare to meet God” (Alma 12:24).
Our Father designed an excellent test for us here in this mortal curriculum. The nature of that test is to see how we will use our agency to make it through life. Every day we are confronted with choices. We make decisions. We determine how we will use our time, our talents, our opportunities. Since there is never quite enough time to do or have or be everything we want, the nature of our choices reflects what we really desire out of life. Day by day we are selecting what we really deep down inside want to become.
“There is only one day that you and I have to live for,” said Harold B. Lee, “and that’s today. There is nothing we can do about yesterday except repent, and there may be no tomorrow. The thing for us to do when we arise from our beds, as God gives us a new day, is to take whatever comes to our hands and do it to the best of our ability.”
That sounds like good advice to me, as does this bit of counsel from the Old Testament: “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalms 118:24).
18. None Other Object
A bishopric message published in the November 1997 issue of the Bountiful Twentieth Ward Newsette.
Near the end of his life, after blessing his sons, Father Lehi said, “I have none other object save it be the everlasting welfare of your souls” (2 Nephi 2:30). What a marvelous sermon in only fourteen words!
As your bishopric, we echo that same sentiment: We have none other object save it be the everlasting welfare of your souls.
Would that that would be the desire of every home teacher and visiting teacher in our ward. Just think how we might treat the individuals we are assigned to visit if we had none other object than the everlasting welfare of their souls. Just think of the lessons we might teach them. The service we might render. The love and compassion and tenderness we might show.
Is not our Heavenly Father’s and our Savior’s objective the same? “This is my work and my glory,” the Lord declared, “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:37). Everything They do in our behalf is to help us return home, if we desire it enough, to enjoy immortality and eternal life with Them. Clearly, They have none other object than the everlasting welfare of our souls.
Should not each of us—regardless of where we serve, whether as a teacher or a quorum president, as a pianist or an adviser, as a member of an auxiliary presidency or a secretary—desire the same for the people we are called to serve? Is not that what it means to have “an eye single to the glory of God” (D&C 4:5), as we seek to do the same work the Savior does?
May the Lord bless us so to do.
Near the end of his life, after blessing his sons, Father Lehi said, “I have none other object save it be the everlasting welfare of your souls” (2 Nephi 2:30). What a marvelous sermon in only fourteen words!
As your bishopric, we echo that same sentiment: We have none other object save it be the everlasting welfare of your souls.
Would that that would be the desire of every home teacher and visiting teacher in our ward. Just think how we might treat the individuals we are assigned to visit if we had none other object than the everlasting welfare of their souls. Just think of the lessons we might teach them. The service we might render. The love and compassion and tenderness we might show.
Is not our Heavenly Father’s and our Savior’s objective the same? “This is my work and my glory,” the Lord declared, “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:37). Everything They do in our behalf is to help us return home, if we desire it enough, to enjoy immortality and eternal life with Them. Clearly, They have none other object than the everlasting welfare of our souls.
Should not each of us—regardless of where we serve, whether as a teacher or a quorum president, as a pianist or an adviser, as a member of an auxiliary presidency or a secretary—desire the same for the people we are called to serve? Is not that what it means to have “an eye single to the glory of God” (D&C 4:5), as we seek to do the same work the Savior does?
May the Lord bless us so to do.
17. Remembering the Past
A bishopric message written on Monday, June 23, 1997, for publication in the August 1997 issue of the Newsette, the monthly newsletter of the Bountiful Twentieth Ward. Some of our children, 18-year-old Anna, almost-16-year-old Camilla, and 14-year-old Eliza, represented our family June 11–14 in the stake Pioneer Trek referred to in the second paragraph. (Michael and Rebecca had participated in a similar trek experience six years earlier, when they were 17 and 16.) Our family visited the Wyoming handcart sites mentioned in the third paragraph in mid-July, just a week before the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the first pioneer company into the Salt Lake Valley. And all of us participated in the 150 hours of service our ward donated on July 19 (my 48th birthday) at Bountiful Elementary School, paying back in very small measure for the twenty years the school has benefited the children of our family.
This sesquicentennial year has been a wonderful season of remembrance for us. We have been enriched, strengthened, and inspired by the examples of faith, courage, and perseverance of those who have gone before.
The youth who participated in the stake Pioneer Trek in early June had life-changing experiences that will, if they keep them in remembrance, forever alter the way they think about themselves, their families, their ancestors, and (most important of all) the long-suffering goodness and tender mercies of their God.
Others have had the privilege of standing on the desolate and windswept highlands of Wyoming—at places like Martin’s Cove and Devil’s Gate and Rocky Ridge, places that are hallowed because of what the Martin and Willie handcart companies experienced there in late 1856. Many gave their lives for the cause they had espoused, while the survivors in the hour of their extremity came to know their God.
Many of us also participated two weeks ago, in concert with fellow Saints across the face of the earth, in giving community service as a part of the worldwide Pioneer Heritage Service Day. In the words of the First Presidency, inviting us to this effort, “As modern-day beneficiaries of the sacrifices made by pioneers who have gone before, we [were able to] show our gratitude by unitedly rendering charitable service to others in our community.”
A common theme in all the Lord’s dealings with His people in every age of the world’s history has been the importance of remembering the past and, in particular, remembering Him and His doings.
• For example, from the beginning of time a book of remembrance was kept among those who called upon the name of the Lord (see Moses 6:4–5).
• The scriptures help enlarge the memory of the people (see Alma 37:8).
• From the days from Moses until the coming of Christ the children of Israel were to keep the Passover and the other revealed feasts as a two-way remembrance: The types and shadows and signs, the ordinances and commandments and performances were all designed to remind them, first, of their past deliverance from Egypt, and second, of their future deliverance at Gethsemane and Golgotha.
• In the meridian of time, at the hour of that promised deliverance, the Savior instituted the sacrament as a memorial—in remembrance of His body and His blood—to help us “always remember him” (D&C 20:77, 79).
• Alma posed challenging questions to the church in his day: “And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, you that belong to this church, have you sufficiently retained in remembrance the captivity of your fathers? Yea, and have you sufficiently retained in remembrance his mercy and long-suffering towards them? And moreover, have ye sufficiently retained in remembrance that he has delivered their souls from hell?” (Alma 5:6).
• Helaman gave his sons the names of their ancestors, telling them “that when you remember your names ye may remember them; and when ye remember them ye may remember their works” (Helaman 5:6).
And so in that same pattern of remembrance, stretching from the very beginning of recorded time, we in 1997 have been remembering our pioneer forebears.
“We have been reminded that ours is a great inheritance,” said President Gordon B. Hinckley at the April general conference. “The past is behind us. It is the future with which we must be concerned. We face great opportunities and great challenges. . . . We have nothing to fear and everything to gain. God is at the helm. We will seek His direction. We will listen to the still, small voice of revelation. And we will go forward as He directs” (Ensign, May 1997, 83).
Seventeen years ago—as we celebrated another sesquicentennial, the 150th anniversary of the organization of the Church—another prophet, President Spencer W. Kimball, declared in similar fashion concerning the future, “One of the best ways to celebrate righteous history is to make more of it, make more righteous history!” (Ensign, May 1980, 4).
In a spirit of love and appreciation for all that you already do, that would be our invitation to each of you: Look to the future, go forward, and make even more righteous history.
This sesquicentennial year has been a wonderful season of remembrance for us. We have been enriched, strengthened, and inspired by the examples of faith, courage, and perseverance of those who have gone before.
The youth who participated in the stake Pioneer Trek in early June had life-changing experiences that will, if they keep them in remembrance, forever alter the way they think about themselves, their families, their ancestors, and (most important of all) the long-suffering goodness and tender mercies of their God.
Others have had the privilege of standing on the desolate and windswept highlands of Wyoming—at places like Martin’s Cove and Devil’s Gate and Rocky Ridge, places that are hallowed because of what the Martin and Willie handcart companies experienced there in late 1856. Many gave their lives for the cause they had espoused, while the survivors in the hour of their extremity came to know their God.
Many of us also participated two weeks ago, in concert with fellow Saints across the face of the earth, in giving community service as a part of the worldwide Pioneer Heritage Service Day. In the words of the First Presidency, inviting us to this effort, “As modern-day beneficiaries of the sacrifices made by pioneers who have gone before, we [were able to] show our gratitude by unitedly rendering charitable service to others in our community.”
A common theme in all the Lord’s dealings with His people in every age of the world’s history has been the importance of remembering the past and, in particular, remembering Him and His doings.
• For example, from the beginning of time a book of remembrance was kept among those who called upon the name of the Lord (see Moses 6:4–5).
• The scriptures help enlarge the memory of the people (see Alma 37:8).
• From the days from Moses until the coming of Christ the children of Israel were to keep the Passover and the other revealed feasts as a two-way remembrance: The types and shadows and signs, the ordinances and commandments and performances were all designed to remind them, first, of their past deliverance from Egypt, and second, of their future deliverance at Gethsemane and Golgotha.
• In the meridian of time, at the hour of that promised deliverance, the Savior instituted the sacrament as a memorial—in remembrance of His body and His blood—to help us “always remember him” (D&C 20:77, 79).
• Alma posed challenging questions to the church in his day: “And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, you that belong to this church, have you sufficiently retained in remembrance the captivity of your fathers? Yea, and have you sufficiently retained in remembrance his mercy and long-suffering towards them? And moreover, have ye sufficiently retained in remembrance that he has delivered their souls from hell?” (Alma 5:6).
• Helaman gave his sons the names of their ancestors, telling them “that when you remember your names ye may remember them; and when ye remember them ye may remember their works” (Helaman 5:6).
And so in that same pattern of remembrance, stretching from the very beginning of recorded time, we in 1997 have been remembering our pioneer forebears.
“We have been reminded that ours is a great inheritance,” said President Gordon B. Hinckley at the April general conference. “The past is behind us. It is the future with which we must be concerned. We face great opportunities and great challenges. . . . We have nothing to fear and everything to gain. God is at the helm. We will seek His direction. We will listen to the still, small voice of revelation. And we will go forward as He directs” (Ensign, May 1997, 83).
Seventeen years ago—as we celebrated another sesquicentennial, the 150th anniversary of the organization of the Church—another prophet, President Spencer W. Kimball, declared in similar fashion concerning the future, “One of the best ways to celebrate righteous history is to make more of it, make more righteous history!” (Ensign, May 1980, 4).
In a spirit of love and appreciation for all that you already do, that would be our invitation to each of you: Look to the future, go forward, and make even more righteous history.
16. Put Our Trust in God
A bishopric message published in the May 1997 issue of the Bountiful Twentieth Ward Newsette.
There is much to be grateful for as we look around and count our blessings—starting with our very lives, our health, our friends and families, our homes, this peaceful community in which we live, our citizenship in this great land of America, our faith, the talents and gifts and blessings a gracious Father has showered down upon us. The list could go on and on.
Appropriately, we are pausing this year to commemorate the sacrifices of our pioneer ancestors. As we reflect on the faith and courage of those who have gone before, we realize that in all the history of the earth, never has a people been blessed with such temporal and spiritual opportunities as we are.
Yet, for some people (and for nearly all of us at certain times in our lives) life can also be full of heartache, disappointment, and hassle. Sometimes there is injustice and hurt. And even death. And things may not seem fair. That’s simply the way life works. It is clearly a part of the test we agreed to before we came here to this earthly school. And, oh, what a test it is at times!
We find a nugget of insight in the Book of Mormon: “For I do know,” Alma taught his son Helaman, “that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day” (Alma 36:3).
Note that our trust in God does not eliminate our trials, troubles, and afflictions. The people of God have always had their full share of them. They are indeed a fact of life. But our trust in God and His purposes allows Him to support us in those very trials, troubles, and afflictions we are called upon to endure. And, if we endure them well, that same trust allows Him to lift us up at the last day.
“My son, peace be unto thy soul,” came the tender words to the Prophet Joseph Smith, who knew more of trials, troubles, and afflictions than any of us will ever likely know. “Thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; and then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high” (D&C 121:7–8).
Our challenge then is to endure and to trust and, at times, to simply hold on. And to be filled with kindness and gentleness and love unfeigned. And to help and lift and bless those around us. And to live in thanksgiving daily.
There is much to be grateful for as we look around and count our blessings—starting with our very lives, our health, our friends and families, our homes, this peaceful community in which we live, our citizenship in this great land of America, our faith, the talents and gifts and blessings a gracious Father has showered down upon us. The list could go on and on.
Appropriately, we are pausing this year to commemorate the sacrifices of our pioneer ancestors. As we reflect on the faith and courage of those who have gone before, we realize that in all the history of the earth, never has a people been blessed with such temporal and spiritual opportunities as we are.
Yet, for some people (and for nearly all of us at certain times in our lives) life can also be full of heartache, disappointment, and hassle. Sometimes there is injustice and hurt. And even death. And things may not seem fair. That’s simply the way life works. It is clearly a part of the test we agreed to before we came here to this earthly school. And, oh, what a test it is at times!
We find a nugget of insight in the Book of Mormon: “For I do know,” Alma taught his son Helaman, “that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day” (Alma 36:3).
Note that our trust in God does not eliminate our trials, troubles, and afflictions. The people of God have always had their full share of them. They are indeed a fact of life. But our trust in God and His purposes allows Him to support us in those very trials, troubles, and afflictions we are called upon to endure. And, if we endure them well, that same trust allows Him to lift us up at the last day.
“My son, peace be unto thy soul,” came the tender words to the Prophet Joseph Smith, who knew more of trials, troubles, and afflictions than any of us will ever likely know. “Thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; and then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high” (D&C 121:7–8).
Our challenge then is to endure and to trust and, at times, to simply hold on. And to be filled with kindness and gentleness and love unfeigned. And to help and lift and bless those around us. And to live in thanksgiving daily.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
15. Faith in Every Footstep
A bishopric message published in the February 1997 issue of the Bountiful Twentieth Ward Newsette. The year 1997 was the sesquicentennial celebration of the arrival of the Mormon pioneers in the valley of the Great Salt Lake.
Throughout this year we have a marvelous opportunity to celebrate the pioneer sesquicentennial, which marks the 150th anniversary of the July 1847 arrival of the first pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley. “Faith in Every Footstep” is the theme of the year-long celebration.
Reflecting that tens of thousands of those hardy pioneers walked virtually half-way across the continent to reach the Great Basin, the “Faith in Every Footstep” theme reminds us that the pioneering spirit is alive and well across the earth today as hundreds of thousands of new converts each year take the courageous steps necessary to leave the world behind—often at great sacrifice, sometimes alienating family and friends—by taking the name of Jesus Christ upon themselves in the waters of baptism.
Whether or not we are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whether or not our own ancestors came across oceans and plains during that pioneer era, each of us here in our own little corner of Bountiful is blessed by the legacy of faith the pioneers left for us. Each of us is benefited by the great inland commonwealth they established here in the tops of the mountains for us now to enjoy.
One of my wife’s distant ancestors—in a letter written to his son nearly two hundred years ago, more than a decade before the restoration of the gospel—wrote an important admonition that every righteous parent would wish for his or her children and grandchildren: “See that you outstrip us in purity of heart and holiness of life.”
This admonition reflects the Apostle John’s sentiment: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John 1:4).
What greater way could we honor our pioneer heritage than making sure that we walk in truth, with faith in every footstep, and that we outstrip those who have gone before in purity of heart and holiness of life?
Throughout this year we have a marvelous opportunity to celebrate the pioneer sesquicentennial, which marks the 150th anniversary of the July 1847 arrival of the first pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley. “Faith in Every Footstep” is the theme of the year-long celebration.
Reflecting that tens of thousands of those hardy pioneers walked virtually half-way across the continent to reach the Great Basin, the “Faith in Every Footstep” theme reminds us that the pioneering spirit is alive and well across the earth today as hundreds of thousands of new converts each year take the courageous steps necessary to leave the world behind—often at great sacrifice, sometimes alienating family and friends—by taking the name of Jesus Christ upon themselves in the waters of baptism.
Whether or not we are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whether or not our own ancestors came across oceans and plains during that pioneer era, each of us here in our own little corner of Bountiful is blessed by the legacy of faith the pioneers left for us. Each of us is benefited by the great inland commonwealth they established here in the tops of the mountains for us now to enjoy.
One of my wife’s distant ancestors—in a letter written to his son nearly two hundred years ago, more than a decade before the restoration of the gospel—wrote an important admonition that every righteous parent would wish for his or her children and grandchildren: “See that you outstrip us in purity of heart and holiness of life.”
This admonition reflects the Apostle John’s sentiment: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John 1:4).
What greater way could we honor our pioneer heritage than making sure that we walk in truth, with faith in every footstep, and that we outstrip those who have gone before in purity of heart and holiness of life?
14. A Thanksgiving Message
A bishopric message published in the November 1996 issue of the Bountiful Twentieth Ward Newsette.
As we approach another Thanksgiving season, we express our thanks for the Lord’s tender mercies in all our lives. He has greatly blessed us as a people. We are witnesses of His enduring goodness and grace. We feel of His love and peace.
Each of us, of course, experiences our individual share of life’s challenges, heartaches, and disappointments. Sometimes we feel we are hit with more than our share when severe illness strikes or loved ones die or our hopes and dreams and aspirations seem to go unrealized. And yet, through it all, we really know—or can come to know if we don’t already—that it all has purpose, that it’s part of the Lord’s tutoring plan for our growth and development, that it’s a part of the schooling we signed up for before we came here. And so, once again, we have cause to be thankful and rejoice.
With the Psalmist, we can declare, “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalms 118:24).
As your bishopric, we also say thanks to each of you for your support, your prayers, your love, and your friendship. They mean a lot to us. We love you. We pray for you constantly. And we invoke the blessings of heaven upon you as you seek to love and serve one another, knowing full well that “when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God” (Mosiah 2:17).
May God bless you ever and always.
As we approach another Thanksgiving season, we express our thanks for the Lord’s tender mercies in all our lives. He has greatly blessed us as a people. We are witnesses of His enduring goodness and grace. We feel of His love and peace.
Each of us, of course, experiences our individual share of life’s challenges, heartaches, and disappointments. Sometimes we feel we are hit with more than our share when severe illness strikes or loved ones die or our hopes and dreams and aspirations seem to go unrealized. And yet, through it all, we really know—or can come to know if we don’t already—that it all has purpose, that it’s part of the Lord’s tutoring plan for our growth and development, that it’s a part of the schooling we signed up for before we came here. And so, once again, we have cause to be thankful and rejoice.
With the Psalmist, we can declare, “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalms 118:24).
As your bishopric, we also say thanks to each of you for your support, your prayers, your love, and your friendship. They mean a lot to us. We love you. We pray for you constantly. And we invoke the blessings of heaven upon you as you seek to love and serve one another, knowing full well that “when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God” (Mosiah 2:17).
May God bless you ever and always.
13. Our Earth Life Is a School
A bishopric message written on Tuesday, July 30, 1996, and published in the August 1996 issue of the Newsette, the monthly newsletter of the Bountiful Twentieth Ward.
The summer has been passing quickly and within a few weeks the children will be headed back to school. The changing of seasons, the transitions in our lives, the comings and goings of loved ones, births and marriages and deaths—all these are a part of the normal flow of life and can be important reminders to us of the transitory nature of our existence here on the earth and the critical need of our preparing for the life to come.
Our earth life is a school. Each of us is a student. We are here to learn and grow and experience and discover. We are here to master the lessons and take the tests that will better equip us to live everlastingly with our Heavenly Father. “For behold,” the Book of Mormon teaches us, “this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors” (Alma 34:32).
Elder Neal A. Maxwell has reminded us that “one’s life is brevity compared to eternity—like being dropped off by a parent for a day at school. But what a day! There is so much to get done in this mortal classroom” (Ensign, June 1996, 16).
Concerning what we are to get done in this mortal classroom during our day at school, Elder Orson F. Whitney taught in the early years of this century: “This earth was made for God’s children, his spirit sons and daughters, who take bodies and pass through experiences of joy and sorrow for their development and education, and to demonstrate through time’s vicissitudes that they will be true to God and do all that he requires at their hands.
“When we have done the things that we were sent to do, when we have gained all the experience that this life affords, then is the best time to depart. School being out, why not go home? The mission ended, why not return? That is what death means to a Latter-day Saint. The only sad thing about it is parting with the loved ones who go, . . . but it is simply a passing into the spirit world, to await the resurrection, when our bodies and spirits will be reunited—the righteous to enjoy the presence of God. . . .
“If we can be patient and resigned, and by God’s help do his holy will, all will come out well. Trials purify us, educate us, develop us. The great reason why man was placed upon the earth was that he might become more like his Father and God. That is why we are here, children at school. What matters it when school is out and the time comes to go back home?” (Improvement Era, Nov. 1918, 9–11).
May the Lord bless each of us to pass all the tests a gracious Father has in mind for us during this brief day at school—that we need not lament with those who say, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved!” (D&C 56:16). Rather, may each of us return home with honors, celestial diploma in hand, to the loved ones who have gone on before and to our Heavenly Parents who sent us here.
The summer has been passing quickly and within a few weeks the children will be headed back to school. The changing of seasons, the transitions in our lives, the comings and goings of loved ones, births and marriages and deaths—all these are a part of the normal flow of life and can be important reminders to us of the transitory nature of our existence here on the earth and the critical need of our preparing for the life to come.
Our earth life is a school. Each of us is a student. We are here to learn and grow and experience and discover. We are here to master the lessons and take the tests that will better equip us to live everlastingly with our Heavenly Father. “For behold,” the Book of Mormon teaches us, “this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors” (Alma 34:32).
Elder Neal A. Maxwell has reminded us that “one’s life is brevity compared to eternity—like being dropped off by a parent for a day at school. But what a day! There is so much to get done in this mortal classroom” (Ensign, June 1996, 16).
Concerning what we are to get done in this mortal classroom during our day at school, Elder Orson F. Whitney taught in the early years of this century: “This earth was made for God’s children, his spirit sons and daughters, who take bodies and pass through experiences of joy and sorrow for their development and education, and to demonstrate through time’s vicissitudes that they will be true to God and do all that he requires at their hands.
“When we have done the things that we were sent to do, when we have gained all the experience that this life affords, then is the best time to depart. School being out, why not go home? The mission ended, why not return? That is what death means to a Latter-day Saint. The only sad thing about it is parting with the loved ones who go, . . . but it is simply a passing into the spirit world, to await the resurrection, when our bodies and spirits will be reunited—the righteous to enjoy the presence of God. . . .
“If we can be patient and resigned, and by God’s help do his holy will, all will come out well. Trials purify us, educate us, develop us. The great reason why man was placed upon the earth was that he might become more like his Father and God. That is why we are here, children at school. What matters it when school is out and the time comes to go back home?” (Improvement Era, Nov. 1918, 9–11).
May the Lord bless each of us to pass all the tests a gracious Father has in mind for us during this brief day at school—that we need not lament with those who say, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved!” (D&C 56:16). Rather, may each of us return home with honors, celestial diploma in hand, to the loved ones who have gone on before and to our Heavenly Parents who sent us here.
12. Each Life That Touches Ours for Good
A bishopric message written on Thursday, April 18, 1996, and published while we were traveling in Brazil in the May 1996 issue of the Bountiful Twentieth Ward Newsette, the monthly newsletter of the Bountiful 20th Ward. As bishop, I prepared such messages for the February, May, August, and November issues each year. My two counselors in the bishopric—Larry Young and Kevin Thueson—wrote the messages in the other months of the year.
Three weeks ago—with the peaceful passing of Phil Pack—we lost a good friend and wonderful neighbor. His gentle life reminds us of the poet’s words:
Each life that touches ours for good
Reflects thine own great mercy, Lord;
Thou sendest blessings from above
Thru words and deeds of those who love.
What greater gift dost thou bestow,
What greater goodness can we know
Than Christ-like friends, whose gentle ways
Strengthen our faith, enrich our days.
When such a friend from us departs,
We hold forever in our hearts
A sweet and hallowed memory,
Bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee.
For worthy friends whose lives proclaim
Devotion to the Savior's name,
Who bless our days with peace and love,
We praise thy goodness, Lord above.
(Karen Lynn Davidson, Hymns [1985], 293)
We are abundantly blessed in our neighborhood with many such friends whose lives proclaim devotion to the Savior, who strengthen and enrich us, who reflect in countless quiet ways the Lord’s goodness and love. They are among the angels and ministers of grace the Lord places in our path to help us return to Him.
May each of us, every day of our lives, seek some quiet way to bless the lives of those around us—by helping a neighbor, lifting a burden, sharing a smile, mending a quarrel, visiting one who is lonely, saying hello to a child—little things every one of them, but little acts that show we really are serious about being His disciples.
As a prophet once invited us, may we each “live with ever more attention to the life and example of the Lord Jesus Christ, especially the love and hope and compassion he displayed. I pray that we will treat each other with more kindness, more patience, more courtesy and forgiveness” (Howard W. Hunter, Ensign, Nov. 1994, 8). That would be our earnest prayer for each of us.
Three weeks ago—with the peaceful passing of Phil Pack—we lost a good friend and wonderful neighbor. His gentle life reminds us of the poet’s words:
Each life that touches ours for good
Reflects thine own great mercy, Lord;
Thou sendest blessings from above
Thru words and deeds of those who love.
What greater gift dost thou bestow,
What greater goodness can we know
Than Christ-like friends, whose gentle ways
Strengthen our faith, enrich our days.
When such a friend from us departs,
We hold forever in our hearts
A sweet and hallowed memory,
Bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee.
For worthy friends whose lives proclaim
Devotion to the Savior's name,
Who bless our days with peace and love,
We praise thy goodness, Lord above.
(Karen Lynn Davidson, Hymns [1985], 293)
We are abundantly blessed in our neighborhood with many such friends whose lives proclaim devotion to the Savior, who strengthen and enrich us, who reflect in countless quiet ways the Lord’s goodness and love. They are among the angels and ministers of grace the Lord places in our path to help us return to Him.
May each of us, every day of our lives, seek some quiet way to bless the lives of those around us—by helping a neighbor, lifting a burden, sharing a smile, mending a quarrel, visiting one who is lonely, saying hello to a child—little things every one of them, but little acts that show we really are serious about being His disciples.
As a prophet once invited us, may we each “live with ever more attention to the life and example of the Lord Jesus Christ, especially the love and hope and compassion he displayed. I pray that we will treat each other with more kindness, more patience, more courtesy and forgiveness” (Howard W. Hunter, Ensign, Nov. 1994, 8). That would be our earnest prayer for each of us.
11. Angels and Ministers of Grace
A bishopric message written on Monday, January 29, 1996, the day after I was sustained as the eighth bishop of the Bountiful Twentieth Ward in the Bountiful Utah South Stake. The message was published in the February 1996 issue of the Newsette, the monthly newsletter of the Bountiful 20th Ward. Larry Young and Kevin Thueson were my counselors in the bishopric.
In one of Shakespeare’s immortal plays, Hamlet wisely implores, “Angels and ministers of grace defend us!” (Hamlet, act 1, scene 4, line 39). Angels and ministers of grace! All of us need and in fact receive far more help than we realize in our daily lives from the angels and ministers of grace who surround us—on both sides of the veil.
This last Sunday we released a beloved bishopric. Bishop [Gail] Anger and his counselors were just such angels and ministers of grace in the lives of many ward members. We may never know the countless, quiet ways they went about blessing lives and ministering to the needs of people in our ward, but virtually all of us can think back with gratitude on instances of their love and attention in our own lives and in the lives of our families.
The greatest thanks we can give them, the ultimate tribute we can pay them is the way we continue to live our lives in quiet devotion to the cause of the Master whom they loved and followed while serving as our bishopric.
And now you have a new bishopric. We are grateful for the inspiration that lead to our calls and the sustaining vote of confidence we received from the membership of the ward. Your faith and prayers will mean a lot to us as we move forward with the next chapter in the history of the Bountiful Twentieth Ward.
God lives. His beloved Son lives. This is Their work in which we are engaged. They send angels and ministers of grace into our lives to bless us everlastingly. May we, like all who have gone before us, be as the Book of Mormon writer described, “instruments in the hands of God in bringing many to the knowledge of the truth, yea, to the knowledge of their Redeemer. And how blessed are they! For they did publish peace; they did publish good tidings of good” (Mosiah 27:36–37).
May each of us go and do likewise.
In one of Shakespeare’s immortal plays, Hamlet wisely implores, “Angels and ministers of grace defend us!” (Hamlet, act 1, scene 4, line 39). Angels and ministers of grace! All of us need and in fact receive far more help than we realize in our daily lives from the angels and ministers of grace who surround us—on both sides of the veil.
This last Sunday we released a beloved bishopric. Bishop [Gail] Anger and his counselors were just such angels and ministers of grace in the lives of many ward members. We may never know the countless, quiet ways they went about blessing lives and ministering to the needs of people in our ward, but virtually all of us can think back with gratitude on instances of their love and attention in our own lives and in the lives of our families.
The greatest thanks we can give them, the ultimate tribute we can pay them is the way we continue to live our lives in quiet devotion to the cause of the Master whom they loved and followed while serving as our bishopric.
And now you have a new bishopric. We are grateful for the inspiration that lead to our calls and the sustaining vote of confidence we received from the membership of the ward. Your faith and prayers will mean a lot to us as we move forward with the next chapter in the history of the Bountiful Twentieth Ward.
God lives. His beloved Son lives. This is Their work in which we are engaged. They send angels and ministers of grace into our lives to bless us everlastingly. May we, like all who have gone before us, be as the Book of Mormon writer described, “instruments in the hands of God in bringing many to the knowledge of the truth, yea, to the knowledge of their Redeemer. And how blessed are they! For they did publish peace; they did publish good tidings of good” (Mosiah 27:36–37).
May each of us go and do likewise.
10. Searching the Scriptures
A bishopric message written on Thursday afternoon, January 29, 1987, and published in the February 1987 issue of the Bountiful Twentieth Ward Newsette. This would be my final message as a counselor in the bishopric. In March 1987, after having served as Bishop Delbert H. Strasser’s second counselor for only twenty months, I was called by President F. Michael Watson to serve as a high councilor in the Bountiful Utah South Stake.
The Savior, during His earthly ministry, taught us the importance of studying the scriptures. He said, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39).
On other occasions He taught similarly. To the Nephites He said, “Behold they [the scriptures] are written, ye have them before you, therefore search them” (3 Nephi 20:11).
In our own day He has said, “Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled” (D&C 1:37).
Apparently the Lord is serious about our searching the scriptures. Why? So that we might come to know Him better. So that through Him we might have eternal life.
The Apostle John wrote that “these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:31).
We know that the Book of Mormon was written for the express purpose of convincing people in our day that “Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations” (Book of Mormon title page).
President Ezra Taft Benson has repeatedly counseled us to make a daily study of the Book of Mormon a lifetime pursuit. From his seeric vantage point, he can see the blessings that will come to us as individuals, as families, and as a people if we make the Book of Mormon a thorough and complete part of our daily lives.
In addition to our daily reading in the Book of Mormon, we have this year the great opportunity of studying the New Testament as the adult curriculum in Sunday School. We have sensed an excitement among ward members as we have begun anew the study of the four gospels. We also deeply appreciate the faithful efforts of our two Gospel Doctrine teachers— Eugene Hamilton and Jody Pratt—who are helping to engender this excitement. Their efforts in their classes each Sunday and their marvelous sermons in sacrament meeting on January 11 are helping to promote the kind of love affair we hope each of you will come to have with the holy scriptures.
As I search the holy scriptures,
Loving Father of mankind,
May my heart be blessed with wisdom,
And may knowledge fill my mind.
As I search the holy scriptures,
Touch my spirit, Lord, I pray.
May life's myst'ries be unfolded
As I study day by day.
As I search the holy scriptures,
May thy mercy be revealed.
Soothe my troubled heart and spirit;
May my unseen wounds be healed.
As I search the holy scriptures,
Help me ponder and obey.
In thy word is life eternal;
May thy light show me the way.
(C. Marianne Johnson Fisher, Hymns [1985], 277)
Such is our earnest wish for each of you.
The Savior, during His earthly ministry, taught us the importance of studying the scriptures. He said, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39).
On other occasions He taught similarly. To the Nephites He said, “Behold they [the scriptures] are written, ye have them before you, therefore search them” (3 Nephi 20:11).
In our own day He has said, “Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled” (D&C 1:37).
Apparently the Lord is serious about our searching the scriptures. Why? So that we might come to know Him better. So that through Him we might have eternal life.
The Apostle John wrote that “these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:31).
We know that the Book of Mormon was written for the express purpose of convincing people in our day that “Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations” (Book of Mormon title page).
President Ezra Taft Benson has repeatedly counseled us to make a daily study of the Book of Mormon a lifetime pursuit. From his seeric vantage point, he can see the blessings that will come to us as individuals, as families, and as a people if we make the Book of Mormon a thorough and complete part of our daily lives.
In addition to our daily reading in the Book of Mormon, we have this year the great opportunity of studying the New Testament as the adult curriculum in Sunday School. We have sensed an excitement among ward members as we have begun anew the study of the four gospels. We also deeply appreciate the faithful efforts of our two Gospel Doctrine teachers— Eugene Hamilton and Jody Pratt—who are helping to engender this excitement. Their efforts in their classes each Sunday and their marvelous sermons in sacrament meeting on January 11 are helping to promote the kind of love affair we hope each of you will come to have with the holy scriptures.
As I search the holy scriptures,
Loving Father of mankind,
May my heart be blessed with wisdom,
And may knowledge fill my mind.
As I search the holy scriptures,
Touch my spirit, Lord, I pray.
May life's myst'ries be unfolded
As I study day by day.
As I search the holy scriptures,
May thy mercy be revealed.
Soothe my troubled heart and spirit;
May my unseen wounds be healed.
As I search the holy scriptures,
Help me ponder and obey.
In thy word is life eternal;
May thy light show me the way.
(C. Marianne Johnson Fisher, Hymns [1985], 277)
Such is our earnest wish for each of you.
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