2/20/2005
We had a discussion in our priesthood quorum today on Elements of Worship from The Teachings of David O. McKay. One of the reasons I enjoy blogging is the opportunity of introspection and contemplation it affords. Clearly much of that introspection never graces these pages but believe you me it is happening! Here are a few of President McKay’s thoughts on Reverence:
Inseparable from the acceptance of the existence of God is an attitude of reverence, to which I wish now to call attention most earnestly to the entire Church. The greatest manifestation of spirituality is reverence; indeed, reverence is spirituality. Reverence is profound respect mingled with love. It is �a complex emotion made up of mingled feelings of the soul.�
Reverence embraces regard, deference, honor, and esteem. Without some degree of it, therefore, there would be no courtesy, no gentility, no consideration of others� feelings, or of others� rights. Reverence is the fundamental virtue in religion. It is �one of the signs of strength; irreverence, one of the surest indications of weakness. No man will rise high,� says one man, �who jeers at sacred things. The fine loyalties of life,� he continues, �must be reverenced or they will be foresworn [or rejected] in the day of trial.�
Largely, I think I can be reverent, and hope I am not irreverent with sacred things. I know I can be too abrasive and sarcastic at times which shuns the virtues President McKay lists above. Alas, sarcasm is my bane�at times a witty friend but in an instant a cruel enemy. I think if I could remove one character trait in an instant, sarcasm would be it.
President McKay continues:
If there were more reverence in human hearts, there would be less room for sin and sorrow and more increased capacity for joy and gladness. To make more cherished, more adaptable, more attractive, this gem among brilliant virtues is a project worthy of the most united and prayerful efforts of every officer, every parent, and every member of the Church.
Three influences in home life awaken reverence in children and contribute to its development in their souls. These are: first, firm but Gentle Guidance; second, Courtesy shown by parents to each other, and to children; and third, Prayerin which children participate. In every home in this Church parents should strive to act intelligently in impressing children with those three fundamentals.
Tonight our young Joshy prayed at the dinner table; intuitively, he is already reverent when praying. His voice changes to a quieted meekness. Patiently he takes instructions on what to say and then repeats, often shortened to his own words. A grin with slightly teared eyes appear on his parent’s faces at the end of the prayer when I say “In the name of Jesus Christ” and instead of repeating Joshua says “Amen.” read more »
12/5/2004
I’ve found my next book of fiction to read. It’s The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom and what I watched on ABC tonight. I was so intrigued by the title, and the t.v. movie didn’t disappoint with a good performance by Jon Voight. It was one of those movies that grabs you with a sense of wonder and leaves you time to contemplate while you watch. I’m always drawn to these types of films because they actually mean something 10 minutes after the movie. I was touched and emotional at many points in the show. Daria and I held hands in the movie, which we often do in powerful moments in our lives. It’s a silent communication that says: I’m so glad I’m experiencing this with you, I love you, I need you, and more then I could write here. I feel like she can read my very thoughts, or more accurately feel my very feelings.
I’m so lucky blessed to have her.
After doing some research Albom seems drawn to insightful life lesson writing. He also wrote a non-fiction book about an old professor, and mentor, that he was reunited with after some 20 years.
I read fiction (at least fiction that purports to be fiction) about once a year. With the holidays coming I’m excited to maybe sink my teeth into this wonderful story. For those who read this that is a definite Christmas gift hint-I’ll let you read it when I’m done 
8/8/2004
Sure. I’ll admit it my mom was right about a lot of things. And now that I am raising my own children in my own marriage I can’t help but think about what was done in my parent’s home and now in mine. I’m sure all of us have picked at our childhood and said “I liked that” or “Never Ever will I ever (fill in the blank).” More recently, I have found many of those defining events at the Grandparents house where a parenting moment arrives. Sometimes these moments go by without hesitation on my part with total disregard for what anyone anywhere might think and mostly because I’m unaware or oblivious to observation. But other times I find myself assuming (a dangerous pasttime…I know) what those around might think is the acceptable course of action. There is nothing like a discussion of parenting techniques to rile you up like a cat’s raised back. Now in fairness I can and do take lots of advice on parenting with open arms. Case in point: I started reading a book which I am now certain my mother memorized many parts of called Dare to Discipline by James Dobson. If anyone knows my Mom they should know this already—when it comes to discipline in parenting the words Triple-Dog-Dare-You aren’t required for action. The book was recommended by my mother and already we have recognized, practiced and lauded its pages. A new edition has come out which would be interesting to read since the first edition refers to the 60’s and 70’s a fair bit. I am a fan of informed, consistent parenting done with love and firmness like this scripture. The book has some good question and answer periods at the end of each chapter dealing with practical situations which I wish were more dominant in its pages.
If anyone knows of any other good books on parenting I’m all ears. I’d also love to hear successful potty-training stories.
7/27/2004
I’m trying to devote a little bit of time to “self-improvement” so I picked up a book I loved but never quite finished. The book is called Spiritual Roots of Human Relationships and I love the style of writing employed by the author. He uses smart straightfoward thoughts to build up beautiful undeniable principles assisted by analogy and solid wisdom. An excerpt from the book:
When Borrowing Strength Builds Weakness
In addition to parents, many employers, leaders, teachers, and others in position of authority may be competent, knowledgeable, and skillful (at day six) but are emotionally and spiritually immature (at day two). They too may attempt to compensate for the deficiency, or gap, by borrowing their entire strength from their positions or from their authority.
From what sources, then, can we borrow strength without building weakness? Only from sources that build the internal capacity to deal with whatever the situation calls for.. a surgeon borrows strength from developed skill and knowledge; a distance runner from his or her disciplined body, strong legs, and powerful lungs; a missionary from the developed capacity to love and teach and testify.
Obviously the possessions, the appearances, or the credentials of the surgeon, the athlete, or the missionary are only symbols of the things that are needed, and as symbols, they are therefore worthless without the substance.
The book is rich with ‘heart of the matter’ material and I cannot help but see my own problems and deficiencies. But that is the beauty of it! Knowing my problems and weaknesses gives me the opportunity to now grow.
I’m excited.
