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
2/7/2007
I had the opportunity to give two blessings this past week, one a blessing of peace and counsel the other a blessing to heal. I’m in awe of the beauty of priesthood power and its attending peace. It’s sacredness feels at once equal with nature, and yet more.
As some of you may know my sweetheart has struggled with health as long as I have known her. Her struggle has become my struggle, as it should, however I have found my faith tested in her illness as we have searched for answers for her ailments. Interestingly, I was discussing this with those present at the first blessing I mentioned. Not two days later Daria requested a blessing. I admire her faith so much, she said “I know if you give me a blessing my headache will go away.” Circumstance prevented any time for my faith to waiver. Strengthened by my recent priesthood experience, I pronounced the simplest of blessings. It felt good. I then left for church with the older three boys.
As I sat in church I continued to contemplate this subject. The Spirit comforted and counseled me, which counsel I omit here, and it was of great service to my faith and soul.
Later Daria related, that the instant my hands were removed from her head her headache of no small stature vanished. She waited to tell me, not daring to speak or disturb her relief.
What great faith she has! How amazing is the Lord’s power! How thankful am I to have faith strengthened through this experience. The priesthood is a marvelous gift and blessing that allows us to exercise our faith and receive comfort from God. All praise be to his name.
Special Note: I know that for some the discussion of the sacred, personal or religous may seem taboo or unusual. I think discretion is highly important, but I also feel complete censure deprives us of sharing and recognizing what should be a common experience for all-enlightenment and the uplifting peace knowledge and love that is only obtained from one source. Therefore, I continue to share —but a hint and portion—of what in the final analysis is most meaningful to me; and to the soul.
I also have a poor memory.
11/20/2005
This past week, as on other nights, I had the moment to reflect on my wonderful brood of boys. The last of the Muirhead boy birthdays past this week (excepting myself), with Noah turning one on Friday. The last few nights I’ve been able to hold Noah until he fell asleep in my arms and peacefully observe his gentle baby breaths. As I enjoyed him, it conjured up other nights with other sweet breaths of my little children. I have a very sweet set of boys, still full of affection. My heart stirs each time Joshua insists on a hug and a kiss before I leave for the door. My reentry nearly always starts with the running of Brigs into my arms, his eyes abright with expression and his valiant smile in tow. Dylan always brings news of his latest accomplishments, and though towering over his brothers, still a boy, and still just as tender, as we say goodnight. I never knew that little lips and arms could have such a big impact, until I had little boys. Perhaps that sounds strange in our day, or in our culture, but nonetheless it is altogether beautiful in its righteous form, in their pure offering of loving affection. I write this for a future day, so my sons may read of my great love for them and what for me is precious and dear. Dylan also had his cast “sheared” this week and bears the honour of the first Muirhead boy (in our family) to wear a cast. In true form Dylan handled his temporary accessory with mature acceptance. I don’t recall one complaint while he had it on, or even one refusal to take on a task, however awkward it might have been. Of him I am so ever proud. Dylan had a priesthood preview event this month to prepare him for receipt of priesthood power and responsibility. We look upon Dylan as the trailblazer in our home for his younger brothers and their behaviour proves this role.
There are many traits Daria and I would hope to have in our home among our members; as I remember moments both recent and foregone, I am certain that tenderness abounds. May it always be so.
7/17/2005
There is a great podcast available via the iTunes music store entitled LDS voices. This blog/podcast provides a new audio talk from the best of LDS speakers over the past century. There is a new talk each day to help keep your gospel knowledge, testimony and interest sharp and bright. Best of all once you subscribe (for free, of course) a new talk arrives each day in your iTunes Podcast Library or any other RSS podcast aggregator (try iPodder, iPodder X for example).
We listened to two talks this afternoon by John Bytheway, and another from President Gordon B. Hinckley. Brother Bytheway’s talk on The Best 3 Hours of the Week was inspiring, and insightful. President Hinckley’s talk was addressed to the young women of our day and beautiful and simple in its counsel.
Today our church services discussed having a broken heart and a contrite spirit. I learned and felt a great deal from those who spoke. This doctrine seems so crucial and important to becoming Christ-like. What I appreciate and love is how easy it is to feel this teaching, and realize by my own experience its importance. In Psalms 34:18 we read: “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” What peace and patience enters ones life when we are of this attitude and aura. My favorite scripture today comes from Doctrine & Covenants 101:38 “And seek the face of the Lord always, that in patience ye may possess your souls, and ye shall have eternal life.” I love the part about possessing your souls because I frequently toil and struggle with self-mastery and this scripture provides a simple building block to achieve that feeling of godly composure. Ponder on that beautiful thought with me this week-and let me know if you find a talk on LDS voices you really enjoy-at the rate of one a day I haven’t quite kept up, and I’d be interested in your reviews.
