11/29/2008
Nephi said:
Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.
His words are words to live by, and landed among my favorites some 14 years ago. They serve me in every season of life, in the ups and downs, and most importantly dampen the downs and magnify the highs. Recently we experienced a miscarriage, the loss of a little dream we thought we were building; and yet there is still a brightness of hope. There is much to love, look forward to and feast upon. We have felt the love of God and of all men in this time, and we thank you all for your many kindnesses expressed and felt in our hearts. We have come to appreciate our little (and not so little) boys even more this past week. We continue to press forward with the adoption of our new little girl. There is sadness for certain, but we have found that it has bound us closer together. Thank you all for your prayers, thoughts, gifts and meals, it has been an angelic time that has matched the sorrow.
2/5/2008
The first chapters of the Book of Mormon are truly a treasure, even despite having read them dozens of times in the past. What is so refreshing is how stimulating the Book of Nephi really is. I find as I read the verses they are so rich. It is interesting to me how in summarizing the Book of Nephi we tend to focus on the migration of Lehi’s family rather then on the intensely spiritual and family-centric nature of the book. In fact, the whole Book of Mormon gives a far more relationship oriented approach to scripture then the majority of all other canons of scripture. And yet the doctrine is all there to be had wide out in the open. As to it’s authenticity, I think the first four chapters of Nephi are among the most compelling. Certainly I would also include King Benjamin’s words in the early chapters of the Book of Mosiah, and selected chapters of the Books of Alma and Third Nephi, as well as the gripping sadness found in Mormon and Moroni. I also find this genuine sense strikes harder any time Mormon chimes in with his summary narrative commentary. Some of these chapters are also doctrinally rich but I’m speaking more to the sense of wonderment I feel that these are real chapters of history, and even an analytical like me cannot escape that sense of real authorship that comes through. As I move through the text over the next 97 days I will be highlighting my favourite portions of this book that changed(s) my life.
10/21/2007
Sage advice on choosing between good, better and best in your life.
We should begin by recognizing the reality that just because something is good is not a sufficient reason for doing it. The number of good things we can do far exceeds the time available to accomplish them. Some things are better than good, and these are the things that should command priority attention in our lives.
As we consider various choices, we should remember that it is not enough that something is good. Other choices are better, and still others are best. Even though a particular choice is more costly, its far greater value may make it the best choice of all.
Consider how we use our time in the choices we make in viewing television, playing video games, surfing the Internet, or reading books or magazines. Of course it is good to view wholesome entertainment or to obtain interesting information. But not everything of that sort is worth the portion of our life we give to obtain it. Some things are better, and others are best. When the Lord told us to seek learning, He said, “Seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom”
I highlyrecommend reading and watching the entire talk.
6/24/2007
Being a Dad is one of the choice roles in my life. When I think of the learning, the feelings, the love, the happiness, the growing, the nurturing, the fulfillment, pride and satisfaction that come from this mantle I am in awe. The film Together Forever (1988) helped me understand as a teenager why this is so. One of the characters comes to the realization that if God gets his happiness from His role as our Father then that is precisely where our happiness should come from. That truth has always stuck with me. Now as a father of four, I feel that truth reinforced daily. I also feel such a bond with my own father that adds to my life evidence of this principle.
My own father’s day was filled with a scrumptious breakfast and gifts. Though what I will continually cherish are the feelings as my boys and wife entered the room singing in their sweet voices, the love in their faces, their excitement and eagerness in presenting their selected gift and their loving sentiments, written or otherwise. I felt so honoured and loved. A homemade clay frame, socks, candy and a tv season on dvd rounded out the occasion.
Thank you my boys and my loving wife for all of the days that make Father’s Day a true celebration.
4/1/2007
This morning I watched prophets and apostles from the comfort of my living room. That statement is an absolute marvel! I feel so fortunate to live in a day and age where God’s representatives speak. In a world full of so many voices, it is nothing short of a miracle in my life to hear these men and women speak within the walls of my own home.
This morning I found their words so relevant to our life and times. Each time I attend this worldwide conference, whether in person or at home I inevitably get this feeling/thought: “I wish this person where here.” Where this person is someone I love and know that hearing these messages would have an impact. Today those people are my family out in B.C., my persian friends in Saskatchewan, and a new friend and friends of old.
To hear, read, or view these messages visit lds.org
