The Gift of Pain

This is my last entry on my 2018 resolution! Some days were more gospel oriented than others. But I can say that I still love the Savior and want to be the best person I can and influence  y family.

{My New Year resolution was to bring the light of the gospel into my home by:
1.  Greeting the day with a song
2.  Recording my "Tender Mercies" from the Lord
3. Serving others gladly
Today, January 11th, I decided to blog each day of this month and at least post the name of the song I sang before getting out of bed. Hopefully I will also post my thoughts and feelings, tender mercies or service experiences. Later I changed it to blog once a week.}

Song: Lean On My Ample Arm

Talk: "The Gift of Pain" by Derrel Higgins

December 17-23

Song: Angels We have Have Heard On High

Talk: Marvin J. Ashton

Ponder this:

From D&C 46:11–12, we have this truth: “For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.

“To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby.”

Let us review some of these less-conspicuous gifts: the gift of asking; the gift of listening; the gift of hearing and using a still, small voice; the gift of being able to weep; the gift of avoiding contention; the gift of being agreeable; the gift of avoiding vain repetition; the gift of seeking that which is righteous; the gift of not passing judgment; the gift of looking to God for guidance; the gift of being a disciple; the gift of caring for others; the gift of being able to ponder; the gift of offering prayer; the gift of bearing a mighty testimony; and the gift of receiving the Holy Ghost.

We must remember that to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God. It is our right and responsibility to accept our gifts and to share them. God’s gifts and powers are available to all of us.

1st snow creation of the season...December12,2018

December 10-16

Song: 

Talk: Light the world by John Parker

Another song of Christ  by Evie Clair

Dec 3-7 Four Gifts of the Savior

Song: The Greatest Gift

Talk: What Gifts has the Savior Given You?
1st Presidency Christmas Devotiona     President Russell M. Nelson


Ponder:
Indeed, our desires influence each of us in profound ways, not just here and now but beyond,” he said.
Desire is important in this season of gift giving, when we are particularly mindful of the desires of those whom we love, added President Nelson, inviting Latter-day Saints to also consider their own desires this Christmas season.
“What are your deepest desires? What do you really want to experience and accomplish in this life? Do you really want to become more and more like Jesus Christ? Do you really want to live with Heavenly Father and with your family forever and live as He lives?
“If you do, you will want to accept many gifts offered by the Lord to help you and me during our time of mortal probation.”

First, Jesus Christ gives the unlimited capacity to love.
Second, the Savior offers the ability to forgive. 
Third, the Savior gives the gift of repentance. 
Fourth, is the promise of life everlasting.

President Nelson said the four unique gifts will bring Latter-day Saints more and more joy as they accept them. “They were made possible,” he said, “because Jehovah condescended to come to earth as the baby Jesus. He was born of an immortal Father and a mortal mother. He was born in Bethlehem under the most humble of circumstances. His was the holy birth foreseen by prophets since the days of Adam. Jesus Christ is God’s transcendent gift—the gift of the Father to all of His children. That birth we joyfully celebrate each Christmas season.

Nov 19-25 The Carpenter's Son/ Lamb of God

Songs:

Talks:

November 12-18 Perfection

Song:      watch below or click here to view on youtube



Speech:    watch below or click here to view on BYU Idaho speeches


Resources to read and ponder:
Books:
Within Reach, by Robert Millet, former dean of religious education at BYU. Many Church members don’t feel that they personally are “celestial material” because perfection seems so far away. Brother Millet helps us see that we’re doing better than we think we are and that perfection really is within reach.

Odds Are, You’re Going to Be Exalted, by Alonzo Gaskill. Similarly, this book emphasizes that the Lord’s work is to exalt as many of His children as He can—and He definitely knows how to do His work. Of course, this doesn’t excuse us from following the commandments, and this book doesn’t take the “eat, drink, and be merry” approach, but it does provide comfort for when we are unsure, and evidence that heaven is attainable.

Weakness Is Not Sin, by Wendy Ulrich. Sister Ulrich helps us to see that limitations and inadequacies are not sins and do not keep us from being clean and worthy of the Spirit. As I’ve understood more about this concept, Ether 12:27 makes more sense. The Lord gives us weakness not so that we can repent but so that we can be humble. Weakness brings us to Him. Then He doesn’t remove our weak things; He makes them strong. If you can’t read the whole book, see her condensed version in the April 2015 Ensign: “It Isn’t a Sin to Be Weak.”

The Gifts of Imperfection, by Brené Brown. With a title like that, it took me a while to even begin reading the book. She outlines three gifts we are able to receive when we allow ourselves to be human, which she calls the three C’s: courage, connection, and compassion. This is a landmark book for anyone caught in the throes of perfectionism. If you don’t have time to read it, at least listen to her TED Talk where she explains how shame is the birthplace of perfectionism.

Conference Talks:
Russell M. Nelson, “Perfection Pending,” Ensign, Nov. 1995.

 Jeffrey R. Holland, “Be Ye Therefore Perfect—Eventually,” Ensign, Nov. 2017.

 J. Devn. Cornish, “Am I Good Enough? Will I Make It?,” Ensign, Nov. 2016.

 Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “You Matter to Him,” Ensign, Nov. 2011.

 Joy D. Jones, “Value beyond Measure,” Ensign, Nov. 2017.

 Brian K. Ashton, “The Father,” Ensign, Nov. 2018.

 Henry B. Eyring, “O Remember, Remember,” Ensign, Nov. 2007

Novermber 4-11 Joy & Service

Song:

Talk:

The Best You

With all the great talks at General Conference to listen to and my busy days I've decided to focus on one song and one topic for October. Therefore, this post is for the entire month of October.

Song: Savior Redeemer of My Soul

click here for male voices

Lyrics
1. Savior, Redeemer of my soul,
Whose mighty hand hath made me whole,
Whose wondrous pow’r hath raised me up
And filled with sweet my bitter cup!
What tongue my gratitude can tell,
O gracious God of Israel.
2. Never can I repay thee, Lord,
But I can love thee. Thy pure word,
Hath it not been my one delight,
My joy by day, my dream by night?
Then let my lips proclaim it still,
And all my life reflect thy will.
3. O’errule mine acts to serve thine ends.
Change frowning foes to smiling friends.
Chasten my soul till I shall be
In perfect harmony with thee.
Make me more worthy of thy love,
And fit me for the life above.

Talk: The Best You by Diane Soelberg

Click here

So, in summary, and you don't have to be perfect in all of this right now, but use these as a guide to keep a steady course that will draw you more near to the Lord each day and become your best you:

Follow your dreams
With faith
With love and charity and
With gratitude
Don't settle--for anything
Expect the best from yourself
Be an example for others to follow
Do what you say you are going to do.  You don't have to do everything, but do what you say you will do. If you do the Lord's will, He won't let you fail.
Live close to the Spirit of the Lord
Defy Gravity--don't let anything or anyone get you down. Don't allow the evil one to influence your choices
Be service oriented
Believe in yourself--remember who you are
Work hard--be obedient--stand up for what you believe
Be kind, and tolerant of others
Philippians 2:3 reads, "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."
Be Happy
Enjoy the handiwork of God in the universe and the beauties of nature
Look to the bright side of life
See the good in others, and learn to forgive--have eyes to see and a heart to understand
Associate and surround yourself with great people
Be humble
Love the Lord
Follow his admonition to "Come, Follow Me"
"Press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men" (2 Nephi 31:20).

September 24-30 Honest & Humble

Songs: 
Honest:  click here for lyrics and music
Humble:click here for lyrics

Talk: click here for talk
Complete Honesty,Unselfish Humility by Neil L Andersen
Ponder:
Advances in science, medicine, manufacturing, transportation, and communication will continue throughout your lifetime. There will be variety in entertainment and innovation never imagined. These are your days, and it's a beautiful time to be alive.

However, in this time of prosperity and advancement, there are also real challenges. You live in a world that is sometimes divisive and contentious. Information is everywhere, and with it, a host of enticing voices attempts to pull you one way and then another. There is confusion and commotion, with many moving away from God and His commandments and away from the Savior. Think about these U.S. statistics:

Beliefs about God and Jesus     

Believe in God: my generation--81 percent; your generation--64 percent

Believe Jesus is God or the Son of God: my generation--74 percent; your generation--58 percent

Believe in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ: my generation--72 percent; your generation--55 percent

You hear and read on your mobile devices the exact words of those who shot the arrows at Samuel: "It is not reasonable that such a being as a Christ shall come"--or that an angel would deliver the Book of Mormon to the Prophet Joseph.

You hear and read on your mobile devices modern-day Korihors saying or texting, "[You] that are bound down under a foolish and a vain hope, why do ye yoke yourselves with such foolish things?"

Your days are a time of sifting in the Church. It will be very important for your eternal welfare that, as the Apostle Paul said, you are grounded, rooted, established, and settled in spiritual things.

There are great privileges, possibilities, and opportunities in this wonderful time of life. I admire you and respect you for your worthiness and preparations in being here at BYU-Idaho.


Be wise in what you are learning. In today's environment, you need to know how to think, adjust, and mold yourself to a changing world.

Sept. 17- 24 The Way To Fulfillment

Song:                   Text:  Steven K. Jones  Music:  Sam Cardon

                                                      clilk here for printed lyrics

Talk:  by Lawrence E. Corbridge

Ponder:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

“In him was life; and the life was the light of men.”

He said, “I am Alpha and Omega, Christ the Lord; yea, even I am he, the beginning and the end, the Redeemer of the world.”

He said, “Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”

He said, “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.”

He said, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

He said, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

“And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.”

He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

Jesus Christ is the Way. He is Light and Life, Bread and Water, the Beginning and the End, the Resurrection and the Life, the Savior of the world, the Truth, and the Way.


There is only one way to happiness and fulfillment. He is the Way. Every other way, any other way, whatever other way, is foolishness.

Life is hard, but life is simple. Get on the path and never, ever give up. You never give up. You just keep on going. You don’t quit, and you will make it.

                       

September 10-16

Scripture:

Song:

Talk: A Loving, Communicating God by Marion D. Hanks click here 

Ponder: 

But much that happens to us in this life we cannot control; we only respond. Knowing what God has promised can provide the courage and faith we need. We are assured in the scriptures that we may know of a surety that the Lord does visit his people in their afflictions. (See Mosiah 24:13–14.) And 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.)

Song: Hymn # 226

Talk: A Successful Life by Lowell M. Snow

Ponder:

"How can you live a successful life?" asked Elder Lowell M. Snow of the Seventy during a campus devotional at BYU-Idaho on June 7.

One's definition of success changes over time, he noted. For youth, success might include doing well in school, being popular, becoming independent. As a missionary, success might mean finding, teaching and baptizing investigators. Then as an adult, he said, it is tempting to gauge success according to worldly goods.

"Obviously, success means different things to different people but one thing is clear: for all of us today, those who truly desire to be disciples of Jesus Christ must somehow come to understand and embrace His definition of success for us, which to me seems to be embodied in His words: 'therefore, what manner of men [and women] ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am' " (3 Nephi: 27:27).

REXBURG, IDAHO

"How can you live a successful life?" asked Elder Lowell M. Snow of the Seventy during a campus devotional at BYU-Idaho on June 7.

One's definition of success changes over time, he noted. For youth, success might include doing well in school, being popular, becoming independent. As a missionary, success might mean finding, teaching and baptizing investigators. Then as an adult, he said, it is tempting to gauge success according to worldly goods.

"Obviously, success means different things to different people but one thing is clear: for all of us today, those who truly desire to be disciples of Jesus Christ must somehow come to understand and embrace His definition of success for us, which to me seems to be embodied in His words: 'therefore, what manner of men [and women] ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am' " (3 Nephi: 27:27).

Some people are content with merely appearing successful, Elder Snow said. He compared this appearance of success to reality television where "lives are often filled with more drama than direction."

"[Virtual success is virtually no success at all — especially in the context of being a disciple of Jesus Christ," Elder Snow counseled.

To be a disciple of Jesus Christ means more than being a spectator, it means being a participant, Elder Snow said. It means to " 'come to Christ' not just 'come to Church.' " Latter-day prophets have counseled that the Church must be in members' lives and the gospel in their hearts. Elder Snow referenced Preach My Gospel: "Our Father's plan for us to be successful in this life and to return to live with Him is called the gospel of Jesus Christ, with Jesus' Atonement at the center of that plan."

To be successful in this life one must follow the example of the Son to return to the presence of the Father.

"It is the level of our commitment to pursue a course that is pleasing to God that determines whether we will be successful in this life," Elder Snow advised.

Elder Snow referred to Moses 7:32-33 and recounted the conversation between Enoch and the Lord. As they viewed the people of the earth, the Lord wept because of their poor choices and what they were becoming. The people had not observed the commandments to love one another and to choose the Lord.

"Our choices reveal our true nature and we will become what our choices reveal us to be … and it is only through choosing Him that we can become like Him."

Elder Snow spoke of Will Hopoate, a Church member and a star in Australian rugby who made a choice to leave professional rugby at the end of the season and serve a mission for the Church. In a press conference, he told the media, "This is who I am and this is what I want to do."

"Those words ought to be part of every important decision you and I make in this life," Elder Snow said.

"In one way or another you and I will inevitably face a decision like Will Hopoate faced a few weeks ago," Elder Snow told students. "Such choices are an essential and inevitable part of God's great plan for us to discover for ourselves whether or not we will choose Him."

When individuals choose to love one another and follow the Lord they will see that these commandments will lead to a successful life, he declared.

"When we choose Him, He asks us to love one another as He loves us," Elder Snow said. "We become like Him by choosing Him and the way He wants us to choose Him is by loving one another."

"Faith, Inspiration & Forgivness"

Song:  Read about the Hymn and Issac Watts click here

Talk: Amy Staiger talks about living a life of faith, finding inspiration from family history, and the power of forgiveness.

Radio interview With Amy Staiger & addition thoughts click here

Today this post (and future posts) is for Rick & I. 

We will both sing the song and re- listen and ponder on the talk. 

While he is driving we will share our thoughts and improve our time together. 

Thus looking for a better relationship to enter into our retirement together. 

What Lack I yet? (Aug. 20-26)

Vignette:

Song: 

Talk:

August 13-19 Can't sleep!

Can't sleep? 

Count your blessing or talk to the shepherd or perhaps both!

Guaranteed to work.

Song: "Count Your Blessings" 

Song: "A Little Prayer"

Song: "Jesus Is My Shepherd" click here

Thoughts & Talks:

#1

#2

#3  "Shepherds, Why This Jubilee? click here

Elder Jeffrey R.Holland Shares the Powerful Rebuke He Received While with His Dying Father on Christmas Morning.

August 6-12 -The Lifeguard-

Song: Miracle


Talk: The God That Doest Wonders by Howard W. Hunter

July 30 - August 4 “A Straw Thrown Up Indicates the Direction of the Wind”

“Each one of us in our own journey of life, and we really can’t compare ourselves with anyone else, we can’t measure our progress against anyone else. We can only know what the Lord is teaching us by the Spirit, and how we are feeling the Spirit in doing the things we know we should be doing and so we have to ask ourselves constantly the question ‘am I where the Lord wants me to be?’" 

Song:


Talk: “A Straw Thrown Up Indicates the Direction of the Wind”
by Kent Richards

Grace---July-23-29

Well, what a busy two weeks! I'm back to starting the day with a song after those busy weeks.

Song: O Lord of Hosts click to listen

Talk: My Grace Shall Attend You by Kim B. Clark


About the speaker: click here
About the composer:
George Edward Percy Careless (September 24, 1839 – March 5, 1932) was a prominent Latter-day Saint composer and conductor.

Careless was born in London, England.[1] As a child he studied at the Royal Academy in London. He performed at Exeter Hall, Drury Lane and the Crystal Palace.

In the early 1860s Careless joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and in 1864 he immigrated to Utah Territory. It was while on the ship crossing the ocean that he wrote a musical arrangement for Parley P. Pratt‘s hymn The Morning Breaks.

Shortly after coming to Salt Lake City, Careless became the conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir as well as of the Salt Lake Theatre orchestra. He also conducted performances by the Salt Lake Opera Company. Among his students was the future conductor of the Tabernacle choir, J. Spencer Cornwall.[2]

Besides The Morning Breaks (hymn #1), Careless also composed the music to the following hymns in the 1985 Latter-day Saint hymnal: #40 “Arise, O Glorious Zion”, #122 “Though Deepening Trials”, #145 “Prayer Is the Soul’s Sincere Desire”, #150 “O Thou Kind and Gracious Father”, #178 “O Lord of Hosts”, #186 “Again We Meet Around the Board”, #191 “Behold the Great Redeemer Died” and #192 “He Died! The Great Redeemer Died”.

Amazing grace:

My severed finger and healing progress 2018

June 27th
 I was trimming bushes with an electric hedge trimmer. I reached to move a branch or the cord (I can't remember which) and severed my left index finger. It stayed attached and didn't fall off  by a small portion of my fingernail. I grabbed it went inside and rinsed it under cold water and took a peek...determined I need emergency help... wrapped it tightly in a clean cloth... Rick took me to instacare and the Doctor there stitched it up. Here is are photos to document the healing process.

_______________________________________________________________________

July 3rd

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July 12th 
Stitches taken out 
(There is still a lot of black & hard parts, it means the skin is dead and will probably fall off eventually, time will tell if the tissue underneath is "alive" healthy. The positive is the tip is alive and getting blood)

________________________________________________________________________
July 25th

______________________________________________________

August 1 
My skin is cracking and pealing off. It is still swollen and  it is very tender.
 I cut the fingers out of a glove to protect it and so no one has to see it and be grossed out.

________________________________________________________________________________

August 10, 2018

I pealed off all the black dead skin...some spots weren't quite ready. But I'm glad I did. I dead skin was  very tight and was restricting my healing.

 _________________________________________________________________________________
August 30,2010

_________________________________________________________________________________
September 10, 2018

July 2-8

I severed my finger last Wednesday...so just now his on posted late, 

not Monday but Thursday this week.

Song:


Talk:


"The Lord Is My Light" by other artists
By Firefly
Young Women
Heather Bosshardt (piano)
Fatai

Ponder:
The clamor that reverberates across the earth because of worldly wickedness creates feelings of vulnerability. With modern communication the impact of iniquity, inequality, and injustice leaves many feeling that life is inherently unfair. As significant as these trials can be, they must not distract us from rejoicing in and celebrating Christ’s supernal intercession in our behalf. The Savior literally “gained the victory over death.” With mercy and compassion He took upon Himself our iniquity and transgressions, thus redeeming us and satisfying the demands of justice for all who would repent and believe on His name.2


His magnificent atoning sacrifice is of transcendent significance beyond mortal comprehension. This act of grace provides the peace that surpasses understanding.3

If the grim realities you are facing at this time seem dark and heavy and almost unbearable, remember that in the soul-wrenching darkness of Gethsemane and the incomprehensible torture and pain of Calvary, the Savior accomplished the Atonement, which resolves the most terrible burdens that can occur in this life. He did it for you, and He did it for me. He did it because He loves us and because He obeys and loves His Father. We will be rescued from death—even from the depths of the sea.

Our protections in this life and for eternity will be in individual and family righteousness, Church ordinances, and following the Savior. This is our refuge from the storm. For those who feel they are alone, you can stand resolutely in righteousness knowing that the Atonement will protect and bless you beyond your ability to fully understand.

June 25-July 1 Teacher, Do You Love Me?

Feeling unloved, lonely or just down today. Then listen to this song and know that you are love not only by a teacher but, your family, your friends, God our Father & His son Jesus Christ. Oh, and by me!
Song:


Talk:

June 18-24

Song:


Talk:

June 10-17

Song: LDS Hymn #10

Talk: Blessing of the Priesthood by Robert D. Hales 1995

My ponderings: (for talk in church, Sunday June 17th.)

Introduction

Last month a group of ladies from our Ward (including Michelle Badger, Ruth Rich, Kay Durrant, Lou Jean Whittaker, Sandra Tolley, Gloria Barrett, Eva Carpenter, Lee Kingsford, Cecelia Benson, Voni Roat and me) went on Daughters of the Utah Pioneers field trip to the Family Discovery Center, in Salt Lake City.  When we first walked in we were each given an I-pad and told to sign in with our lds account and take a photo of ourselves. After we all did that (some of us with much help) we went to a wall filled with large monitor/ screens and a docking station for each. We then attached our I-pad to a docking station and were linked to the interactive FamilySearch database. Fun! We were able to see on our screen pictures of our friends and others who were connected. One of the interactive ways to research was seeing the relationship of our ancestors and how we were related to those who were logged on at the center. It was amazing! Eva Carpenter and I discovered we are 3rd cousins. I was related to others as well but they were 6 or more generations back. It was so interesting to see the connections to my friends. We could also see how we were related to political leaders, movie stars and other famous people.

The LDS FamilySearch datebase is one of the largest in the world. In 2015 it had over 15 terabytes of images and 112 million grave records. With individuals indexing records the database grows as information is added regularly. This database links family members together, has photographs and memories, important documents and histories. It is extensive, however; it does not contain everything. It is fallible, flawed, and, yes, imperfect.

Do I see some you falling asleep already? I bet you think I’m going to speak about genealogy, right?  Nope I’m not. I’ve been asked to speak on Fathers, the priesthood and blessings. 

Priesthood & Blessings 

What, you ask, did my introduction about linking to the Family History database or being related to Sister Carpenter or how complete the FamilySearch database is have to do with this topic? Let me make an analogy.

• Picture God our Father in Heaven as the database. He is the comprehensive, complete and, yes, perfect database. 

• Think of the I-pad as the priesthood, (the power to act for God our Heavenly Father).  

When we use our lds account and sign into the I-pad (the powerful priesthood) then attach it to the docking station we are linked to the database, the perfect database- (God our Heavenly Father.)  We are able to receive all the enduring, eternal blessing of saving ordinances of the gospel from a Father who loves us and want us to rerun home to Him. Such as: 

1. D&C 58: 42 Through baptism the priesthood links us to forgiveness as our wrongs and

sins are washed away and remembered no more.

2. D&C 130:23 Through confirmation we are linked to the constant companionship of the

 Holy Ghost.  With its comfort, direction, protection. 

3. Romans  15 Through the washing/anointing and endowment ordinances in the temple

the priesthood links us to truth, light, peace and love, knowledge, perspective and power.

4. D&C 138:51 Through the sealing ordinances we are linked to the 1st resurrection, with

D&C 130:37 glory, immortality and eternal lives, forever families, and becoming kings & queens, gods & goddesses.

5. Mosiah 8:17 The priesthood links us to sanctification and parts the veil to allow us to see

 things as they were, as they are and they will yet become. 

Fathers & Blessings

There are other blessings the priesthood can link us to. It is through non-saving ordinance, such as:  naming/baby blessing, and father’s blessings. These blessing come in multitude of magnificent, miraculous, individualized, personal, unique blessings from our Father who loves us and wants to have joy in this life.

Several weeks ago I taught my Primary class the lesson, “The Priesthood Blesses Me.” My students Addy Penrod, Johnny Perkins, Logan Skidmore, and Malia Murdock shared with me how the priesthood their father’s holds has blessed them.

• Johnny said he was very sick when he was younger, he can’t remember much about it now, but he knows his dad gave him a blessing of healing and he was made well.

• Addy told that sometimes she is afraid. When she gets a blessing from her daddy she feels better and isn’t afraid any more.

• Both Milia and Logan said before the start of the school year their dads give them a blessing-- a father’s blessing. 

o Logan said he wasn’t afraid to go to school after the blessing and 

o Malia said she just loves school.

When my sons Max & Nick were taken in the arms of their father and other priesthood holder and given their names they also received specific individual blessings. 

• Max was blessed to be physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight. (That’s right he was bless with the qualities of a good boy scout…his father loved scouting.) Anyone who knows Max recognizes these quantities in him.

• Nick was given the blessing to be a peacemaker in our home and be the glue to hold the family together. My son Max and daughter had power struggles throughout their growing up years as many siblings do. Nick was there to make a joke to lighten the mood and bring peace. Now as adults those childhood power struggle still continue and they don’t like to get together. Nick lives in California but when he comes home he is the glue that brings us together for enjoyable family gatherings. All who know him see he is a peacemaker who keeps the family together.

More Blessings

Have you ever noticed an older person struggling with balance issues, who are unsteady on their feet? It is difficult for them to walk without swaying, stumbling or even falling. Have you watched as a friend or family member offers them an arm or hand to hold onto? If you have, you’ve seen the older person walking in a straighter line again. They seem more confident and stronger. 

Here is another analogy: If we, the stumbling person, hold onto the arm of the priesthood we are linked to God who gives us blessings to those who are sick/ afflicted, to those receiving their patriarchal blessings, and those who are set apart to a calling or priesthood ordinations. The blessings we receive give us confidence, make us stronger and even keep us on the straight and narrow path. 

When I was young I lived in a home with much contention. We brother and sisters argued, blamed, weren’t completely honest, and disobeyed our parents. There was yelling and crying. From my parents there were threatenings, spankings, and revoking of privileges,  I wasn’t having good thoughts about myself. I was sure I was a wicked person who would never get back to God.  At the age of 14 I received my patriarchal blessing. I received great comfort  from this phrase in my blessing…” You were an obedient spirit before you came to this earth. You were not born to this earth by accident and were given special responsibilities and special purposes when you were born…so you shall find the opportunity to do much good upon the earth.” It gave me the confidence and strength I needed to stay on the straight and narrow path leading back to God!

My Father 

I’d like to pay a short tribute to my father, Horace Langlois Baugh. He provided me with these saving ordinances

• he gave me my name and a blessing, 

• he baptized me

• he was there when I went through the temple for my endowment 

• he was with me for my temple marriage

But he was more than that! In 2002 I wrote this poem about him. I hope you get a glimpse of who he is and how much I love him.

Testimony

 I express my gratitude for AII the blessings I have received from MY loving Heavenly Father. I know that He loves each of us and will continue to bless us. I pray that, I with you,  will be there on that perfect day when the righteous are presented to Him by His Son Jesus Christ. I and I hope that WE are among the ones who will receive exaltations and eternal life with Him. Amen 

Bear A Song Away-- May 28- June 3

Song: How Gentle God's Commands (Hymn # 314)





Video: Cast Your Burdens Upon the Lord  (Jack Hibbs)




Talk: The Lord Can Ease Our Burdens (Maury W. Schooff)

Ponder this: 
We need to trust the Lord. The Lord’s view is much broader than ours, and He has promised that He will not try us beyond our ability to withstand.

Men Are That They MIght Have Joy - May 21-27

Song: Men Are That They Might Have Joy


Talk: Men Are That They Might Have Joy by Susan Ward


Ponder This:
How we feel inside is important. How we feel guides our thoughts and actions. The scriptures teach us how our Heavenly Father would like us to feel inside: "Men are that they might have joy."

There have been times in my life when I have felt joy. In fact, I can say that I spend most of my time feeling happy inside, and I hope that you do also. However, there have been times in my life when I recognized that joy was missing. In these times, I have pondered, "Why am I unable to feel joy?"

As I have considered this question, I have realized that I can trace the source of my unhappiness to one of three areas: area number one, what I call the "mortal condition"; area number two, my own poor choices; and area number three, the poor choices of those close to me.

In my own personal journey, gratitude, forgiveness, patience, and a godly perspective are some of the traits that have enabled me to feel joy amid turmoil.

Song: "Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy"


Talk: Banishing All Shadows  Jeffery R. Holland


Ponder this:
With the help of William Shakespeare, who sends his congratulations to you and asked to be remembered, I invite you to think on Cardinal Wolsey’s “farewell” lament. To BYU graduates today, he says:

Farewell! a long farewell, to all my greatness!
This is the state of man: to-day he puts forth
The tender leaves of hopes; to-morrow blossoms,
And bears his blushing honours thick upon him;
The third day comes a frost, a killing frost,
And . . . nips his root,
And then he falls, as I do. . . .
. . . My high-blown pride
At length broke under me and now has left me,
Weary and old with service. . . .

. . . I charge thee, fling away ambition:
By that sin fell the angels; how can man, then,
The image of his Maker, hope to win by it?
Love thyself last: cherish those hearts that hate thee;
Corruption wins not more than honesty. . . .

Had I but served my God with half the zeal
I served my king, he would not in mine age
Have left me naked to mine enemies.2

Here is the reason that you can succeed—my second and only other reminder to you today. I give you encouragement from another Englishman, the gifted son of an ironmonger, a brilliant young man who studied law, traveled the world, and came home to find his true calling in poetry and the pulpit.

John Donne was arguably the greatest of all the metaphysical poets but was, as well, one who reached the pinnacle of ministerial success, becoming the dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral and preaching regularly before Charles I and the royal family. The best of his sermons are unequaled in the history of the English Church. Almost totally neglected for more than 300 years before being discovered, as it were, a century or so ago, John Donne returns from his grave to give BYU graduates a final word of confidence as you step out onto the path leading firmly to your future.

I have just said that the world you now enter holds challenges and difficulties. In the days and years ahead, you may suffer some discouragement and disappointment. On occasion you may feel genuine despair, either for yourself or for your children or for the plight and conditions of others. You may even make a personal mistake or two—serious mistakes, perhaps, though I hope not—and you may worry that any chance to be happy and secure in life has eluded you forever.

When such times come, I ask you to remember this: This is the Church of the happy endings. Troubles need never be permanent nor fatal. Darkness always yields to light. The sun always rises. Faith, hope, and charity will always triumph in the end. Furthermore, they will triumph all along the way.

Our English preacher said of this:

We ask our daily bread, and God never says you should have come yesterday, he never says [I have run out,] you must [come] again to-morrow, but to-day if you will hear his voice, to-day he will hear you. . . . God . . . brought light out of darkness, not out of a lesser light; he can bring thy summer out of winter, though thou [had] no [hope of] spring; though in the ways of fortune, or [mis]understanding, or conscience, thou [hast] been benighted till now, wintred and frozen, clouded and eclipsed, damp and benumbed, smothered and stupefied till now, . . . God [yet] comes to thee, not as in the dawning of the day, not as in the bud of the spring, but as the sun at [full] noon, to [banish] all shadows, as the sheaves in harvest, to fill all penuries, all occasions invite his mercies, and all times are his seasons.5