These are a few of my favorite things:

My goodness. It has been far too long since I posted here.

There are many silly challenges issued on Facebook. But this one got me thinking: name your top ten favorite albums. And I started thinking “Can I name just ten?” Well, I can’t. Oh, well. But it was fun to look and determine which ones are my current favorites. The newest album on the list is actually from 1995, so these have all stood the test of time in my life. And there are so many from 1967-1974. One would think that this was a great era in rock music. (It was).

There are quite a few I could listen to over and over again (desert island albums), but I narrowed it down to my top ten, and then a second ten. No greatest hits compilations were listed. I will have to follow up with a favorite songs list sometime. That will be bigger challenge.

So here goes the first ten (in no particular order):

Kind of Blue—Miles Davis

Time Out—Dave Brubeck

Close to the Edge—Yes

Tapestry—Carole King

Chicago Transit Authority

Wish You Were Here—Pink Floyd

My Favorite Things—John Coltrane

Caravanserai—Santana

Prisoner in Disguise—Linda Ronstadt

Bridge of Sighs—Robin Trower

My second ten (honorable mention) are:

Texas Flood—Stevie Ray Vaughan

South of I-10—Sonny Landreth

Eat A Peach—The Allman Brothers Band

Holland—The Beach Boys

Boston—Boston

Desperado—Eagles

Brain Salad Surgery—Emerson Lake & Palmer

Layla and Other Love Songs—Derek and the Dominoes

Led Zeppelin IV (Untitled)

Who’s Next—The Who

Let me introduce the top ten, again, in no particular order:

1.      Kind of Blue is probably the best jazz album ever. It’s full of great rhythms and catchy tunes that stick in my head and I don’t mind. Miles and band were really cooking on this one.

2.      Time Out is Brubeck’s exploration of alternative time signatures and pitting one time signature against another discordant time signature. Take Five is the showpiece, with Dave playing in 5/4 on piano while the rhythm section is playing 4/4 against it. Again, some wonderful earworms here.

3.      Close to the Edge was the first magnum opus by Yes. Only three songs on the album, but to me they were marvels of composition and performance. Who cares if the words don’t make sense; the vocals were considered the fifth instrument. And the musicians all perform far beyond my level (another plus). Down at the end, close by the river.

4.      Tapestry augmented my commitment to the piano by showcasing its value as a lead instrument. I learned some of the songs when I was young, and love to hear them. Do you feel the earth move?

5.      Chicago Transit Authority was the double debut album for Chicago. This album is more jazz than rock, but it’s a good mix of the two. This was a new band finding their way in a marvelous way. Lots of good improvisation, and where else will you find trombone solos in rock? Does anybody really know what time it is?

6.      Wish You Were Here was Pink Floyd’s follow-up to the incomparable Dark Side of the Moon. I first heard it in the apartment of one of my youth leaders from church. To be honest, this was a favorite soundtrack to dental school studying because it was sufficiently mellow, and full of instrumentals. But I still love listening to it. By the way, which one’s Pink?

7.      My Favorite Things was John Coltrane’s take on the Rogers and Hammerstein tune. This just floored me the first time I heard it. It is a great pick-me-up tune, but not for the faint of heart. This was a good hard bop approach, and the counterpoint in the rhythms spoke to me.

8.      Caravanserai is a highly underrated album by Santana (their fourth, I believe). It is has a very jazzy feel to it. Full of improvisation. It is not as heavily Latin as Abraxas, but it is obviously Santana. Also good study music. Just in time to see the sun.

9.      Prisoner in Disguise was from Linda Ronstadt’s heartache era, along with Don’t Cry Now, Heart like a Wheel and Simple Dreams. A favorite because she taught me harmonies. I still love to sing along with this. Especially the challenge of singing J.D. Souther’s part on the title song. And when Linda sings I will always love you, you can feel the emotion (unlike Whitney Houston’s just blasting it: hideous).

10.  Bridge of Sighs by Robin Trower was definitely the blues, which I have always loved, but it was a spacey kind of blues with a power I hadn’t heard before. The title song captured the feel of one’s last walk across the bridge of sighs. Living in the day of the eagle!

Now let me introduce the second ten, also in no particular order:

11.  Texas Flood was the first effort by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble. I was introduced to this in Texas and fell in love with the music. Raw, powerful blues played with feeling. From beginning to end, this grabbed my attention. She’s my sweet little thang; she’s my pride and joy.

12.  South of I-10 came from Sonny Landreth, a slide guitar player from Louisiana who combines the blues with a smidgen of zydeco and Cajun and creates a wonderful musical gumbo. He has a unique style of playing, and a decent voice. Another desert island choice. Been to New Orleans, sho’ had a wonderful time.

13.  Eat A Peach was the Allman Brothers’ effort in the midst of tragedies that struck the band in rapid succession. Virtuosic guitar and bass work combined with the Hammond B-3 and dual drummers. Our neighbor across the street introduced me to this one. I loved Mountain Jam (two whole album sides), and Ain’t Wastin’ Time no More. Last Sunday morning, the sunshine fell like rain.

14.  Holland was a unique album by the Beach Boys. This was introduced to me by another youth leader in church, and I fell in love with it. Besides Sail On, Sailor and Leaving this Town, my favorite is California Saga. It featured the poetry of Robinson Jeffers, and includes some great old Beach Boys harmonies. Get yourself in that cool, clear water.

15.  Boston debuted in 1976 with an album that was top notch from beginning to end. More Than a Feeling and Long Time were two of the highlights. Incredible chemistry in a debut album. There was something about you that brought a change over me.

16.  Desperado was the Eagles sophomore effort. It compared the life of a rock star to the gunfighters of the Wild West, and pulled it off in grand style. To me, there are no weak points in this album. I loved learning the harmonies and even some of the instrumentals. Take another shot of courage.

17.  Brain Salad Surgery was ELP at their peak. Karn Evil 9 was a magnum opus of sorts for the band, and it introduced me to the British hymn Jerusalem. Some called it bombastic, but I liked their combination of classical themes with good rocking. It spoke to me as teenager, and still does. Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends.

18.  Layla and Other Love Songs was an amazing compilation of blues songs, old and new. Layla caught everyone’s attention, but I soon fell in love with Bell Bottom Blues and Anyday. The interplay between Clapton and Allman is almost unequaled in recorded rock. And I enjoy Bobby Whitlock’s organ work, too. There are two tunes now that I can listen to anytime: Have You Ever Loved a Woman? and Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out. Blues that can make me feel good on bad days. Gonna hang on to it until that old eagle grins.

19.  Led Zeppelin IV is a favorite that goes beyond Stairway to Heaven. Rock and Roll was one that always got me up. I loved the mystical Battle of Evermore, and the beauty of Going to California. But the clincher for me was When the Levee Breaks. The power of the drums, then the wailing of the harmonica floored me the first time I heard it. Zep introduced me in a roundabout way to many of the older blues musicians and their songs. Going to California with an aching in my heart.

20.  Who’s Next and Quadrophenia were a tossup in my mind. But the music from their Lifehouse project is the best. I think this one was good from beginning to end. Yes, there are the usual favorites Baba O’Riley and Behind Blue Eyes, and of course, We Don’t Get Fooled Again. But The Song is Over and Getting in Tune struck a chord with me, perhaps because of their introspective nature. And Pure and Easy is probably the best reject ever (it didn’t make the album). I’m singing this note coz it fits in well with the way I’m feeling.

I couldn’t stop with just 20. Even college football has a top 25 now.

21.  The Lord’s Prayer was in our home for many, many years. I grew up on this one. I wish the Mormon Tabernacle Choir would consider recording this one again. The arrangement of O, My Father still brings tears to my eyes. It introduced me to Handel’s Messiah with For Unto Us a Child Is Born. It features the Wilhousky arrangement of Battle Hymn of the Republic, with Alexander Schreiner rocking the Tabernacle organ (they do it with orchestra now, and it isn’t the same). The highlight for me is Blessed Are They That Mourn from Brahms’ Requiem. Mine eyes have seen the glory …

22.  Harvest was Neil Young’s breakthrough. Our bus driver loved this one, and I came to love it, too. It covers Neil’s many moods, from folky to rocking to ballads and he does it all well. Old man, take a look at my life.

23.  Rumours demonstrates a truism that conflict can produce great art. Another album that is great from beginning to end. Great harmonies and great musicianship, but more on my level than many of the others. And this album spawned another great “reject:” Silver Springs. If you don’t love me now you will never love me again.

24.  Cosmo’s Factory was Creedence Clearwater Revival’s tribute to their musical influences. Of course, I didn’t know that when I first got it. I just liked the songs and the way the band interpreted them. The rhythm section was unique, but I didn’t know why. And I wonder, still I wonder, who’ll stop the rain.

25.  The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys is an album by Traffic that has provided me with some moments of serious enjoyment. Steve Winwood is an amazing talent, and Chris Wood soloing on sax with a wah-wah pedal was brilliant. The man in the suit has just bought a new car with the profit he made on your dreams.

This was difficult to distill down to just a few favorites, but I think that these albums represent those that I can listen to over and over again, as well as those that have had meaning in my life. After all, isn’t a classic something that is timeless?

The reader will note some omissions. There are no Beatles’ albums, nor are the Rolling Stones included here. I couldn’t pick out a best by Ray Charles, B.B. King or Buddy Guy. I did not include any classical albums, either. These were strong influences, but it is hard to pick out individual albums.

I am certain that anyone who reads this will feel that I didn’t include one of their favorites, or that I included something they particularly dislike. That’s fine. It’s all a matter of taste, anyway.

What are your favorites? If you are commenting, please limit it to three to five albums, please.

It's Christmas, and Christmas is sharing joy and giving

This is an adaptation of what Van Dyke called a "short Christmas sermon." I like the idea of "keeping Christmas." If we keep Christmas, we will have the love of Christ in our hearts all year long. Is there a better gift we could offer the Savior?

Keeping Christmas

Henry Van Dyke

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There is a better thing than the observance of Christmas day, and that is, keeping Christmas.

Are you willing

•       to forget what you have done for other people, and to remember what other people have done for you;
•       to ignore what the world owes you, and to think what you owe the world;
•       to put your rights in the background, and your duties in the middle distance, and your chances to do a little more than your duty in the foreground;
•       to see that men and women are just as real as you are, and try to look behind their faces to their hearts, hungry for joy;
•       to own up to the fact that probably the only good reason for your existence is not what you are going to get out of life, but what you are going to give to life;
•       to close your book of complaints against the management of the universe, and look around you for a place where you can sow a few seeds of happiness.

Are you willing to do these things even for a day? Then you can keep Christmas.

Are you willing

•       to stoop down and consider the needs and desires of little children;
•       to remember the weakness and loneliness of people growing old;
•       to stop asking how much your friends love you, and ask yourself whether you love them enough;
•       to bear in mind the things that other people have to bear in their hearts;
•       to try to understand what those who live in the same home with you really want, without waiting for them to tell you;
•       to trim your lamp so that it will give more light and less smoke, and to carry it in front so that your shadow will fall behind you;
•       to make a grave for your ugly thoughts, and a garden for your kindly feelings, with the gate open—

Are you willing to do these things, even for a day? Then you can keep Christmas.

Are you willing

•       to believe that love is the strongest thing in the world—
•       stronger than hate, stronger than evil, stronger than death—
•       and that the blessed life which began in Bethlehem nineteen hundred years ago is the image and brightness of the Eternal Love?

Then you can keep Christmas.

And if you can keep it for a day, why not always?

But you can never keep it alone. 

Six Days of the Week, NY: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1924 and 1952.

Eulogy for my Mother, Virginia Ellen Peart Stevenson (10 Aug 1936 - 28 Apr 2013)

It is a privilege to be here to pay tribute to my mother. She is probably overwhelmed seeing how many of you are here today.

When Dad and I met with Bishop Baker, he told us how his children were asking which Primary Teacher had died. As he described her, they realized who it was, and said, “Oh, the laughing teacher.”

That is how many of us remember Mom. Friends have commented on her smile, her laughter, and best of all, the love they felt from her. She spread happiness, and many have remarked that she “always treated me like she loved me.”

Perhaps the best tribute I read was “Being her friend was like being encircled in the arms of the Savior’s love.” “She made life seem like a sweet, happy party and each person feel like the guest of honor.”

A good friend of mine pointed out that we, Mom’s posterity, are a living breathing tribute to Mom, and he loves Mom because of what I became.

She is survived by a loving, devoted husband, Ronald Dee Stevenson, a younger brother, Robert Harvey Peart, by five children, 26 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her older brother Donald Aris Peart, a grandson, Robert D. Stevenson, Jr., and a great-grandson, Andrew John Love.

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Virginia Ellen Stevenson came from pioneer stock. That probably doesn’t surprise anyone who knows her. One grandmother was Swedish, the other grandparents were of British descent. Her parents were both Salt Lake City natives, but came to California on their honeymoon, ran out of money, and stayed. Mom was born in San Leandro on 10 August 1936, the second of three children born to John Aris Peart and Evelyn Gertrude Cox. In 1942, she and her family moved to Los Angeles, where her father was working. By 1947, they had put down roots in Los Angeles.

When Mom started kindergarten, she said she cried every day on her way to school. Soon her mother made her walk to school alone, and then the crying stopped. This is hard to imagine in light of the Virginia Stevenson we all know.

Before Mom started third grade, a mean girl told her that her new teacher, Mrs. Darnell, wasn’t nice and would flunk her. Her mom consoled her, and mom soon learned that Mrs. Darnell was a wonderful teacher who provided many opportunities for her students to learn. They kept in contact with each other for many years afterward.

Mom couldn’t wait to be baptized, and wrote of how good it felt to be baptized a member of the Church. Even at that early age, she was developing a strong faith and testimony. For a time after that, her family wasn’t active in the Church, but when she turned 12, a loving leader invited her to MIA, and she has been active ever since. Her first calling came at age 13, as a helper in the 5-year-old Primary class.

At age 14, Mom went on her first temple excursion. Four adults and six girls went to the Mesa Arizona Temple to do baptisms. (You have to remember that for many years, we were in the Mesa Temple District, until the Los Angeles Temple was dedicated.) She writes “I had such a peaceful feeling as we went into the [temple] and then sat and listened as one of the sister temple workers talked about the important things of our church.” She added: “It helped me know my goal of going to the Temple was what I really wanted.” How thankful we all are that set this goal early on and remained true to it. She also had the opportunity to serve in the Open House for the Los Angeles Temple prior to its dedication.

Mom worked hard to earn her various awards as she progressed in MIA. She sewed many of her own dresses, and knitted things for her family as well. She babysat frequently and worked at Karl’s 5 and 10. She balanced all of this with school and family activities.

In junior high, Mom began to be involved in student government. She was president of a service club in junior high, and continued to be busy in high school activities, including the Hostess Club, Student Senate, Girl’s League and other activities.

She writes that she was sometimes torn between her friends in student activities and her friends in church.

Mom began modern dance in tenth grade. She loved basketball, too, but dance was better for her asthma. She was able to dance in many performances including competitions at University of Redlands and other colleges.

Mom was a good student, too, and won the Bank of America Achievement Award in Business Education and in Vocational Arts.

In 1954, she left for BYU and quickly became involved in student government and other activities. She took advantage of all the activities that life at BYU had to offer, social and spiritual, and of course, educational. She formed many lasting friendships there.

After two years, she decided to come home and complete her studies at UCLA in order to be with her family, but she said that had she known her brother Don would get married so soon, she probably would have stayed at BYU, partly because she was in line to become student body secretary.

However, as luck (or fate) would have it, she became involved in Lambda Delta Sigma, and this led to her meeting Dad. They were married in the Los Angeles Temple on 29 August 1958. She also graduated from UCLA in June 1958.

Dad and Mom headed to Provo so Dad could finish his degree. Mom writes that she found their first basement apartment dreary and disappointing, but after unpacking their things and making cookies and seeing where others lived, they were glad to be there. They came home for summer break, so I was born in Inglewood instead of in Provo.

After another year, Mom and Dad returned to California, living first in Downey, then in the Baldwin Hills area, where we lived when Vicki, Bonnie and Mike were born. During this time, Dad was called to serve in a Bishopric, and Mom served as a Primary teacher. Mom loved her Primary girls. After Mike was born, she wanted to get back to her class as soon as she could so they wouldn’t give it to someone else. But when they knew she was coming back, she was called to serve in the Primary Presidency.

Around this time, Dad and Mom began preparations for a move to Huntington Beach. In 1965, they purchased the home where Mom lived until her death, for the astronomical sum of $29,500. Actually, that was a lot of money in 1965, and they felt that they had stretched themselves pretty thin. We moved in September 1965, and became one of the founding families in the Huntington Beach Second Ward and the Huntington Beach Stake. Here also, Chrissy was born, to complete our family until we started getting married.

(I could talk about Primary in the “tin shack,” and sacrament meetings in the Huntington Beach Recreation Center before this building was built, but this is about Mom.) Her first callings here were also in the Primary: teaching, then in the ward presidency, then in the Stake Primary Presidency. The rest, you know.

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I would like to change focus now, from what Mom did, to who she was. I have found that in studying the lives of others, we can learn many things about bettering our own lives. As I review this, it is difficult to separate Mom from Dad. They were an amazing example of unity and love. So much of what I will now say applies to both. They were, and are, and will be forever, a team; an eternal partnership.

There are some characteristics Mom displayed that we can all emulate.

1.      LOVE: Mom was a great example of selfless love. That is probably why many of you are here today.

a.    There was never any question that she loved Dad. When he came home from work, she greeted him as if he had returned from months at sea. She also honored him in his role as priesthood leader in our home. That was very clear to us.

b.   There was never any question that she loved us. That was apparent to all. She took pride in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and in their accomplishments. She repeatedly told us that we were good parents and that made her feel proud.

c.    Mom loved us even when we disappointed her. We tried not to do that very often, because I know I did not like to see the hurt in her eyes. The funny thing is, as Mom grew older, I became the perfect son. She said many times that I never gave her a bit of trouble when I was growing up. (She also taught me not to argue with my parents.)

d.   We felt her love whenever we were leaving to go home. In our family, an old tradition developed called the “Peart goodbye.” There may have been a similar tradition in some of your families. It seemed like it took forever to actually say goodbye to everyone and get on the road. There was always one more hug and one more kiss. And even as we drove away, Mom would blow kisses and give hugs until we were down the street. I wish she would have indulged us in a Peart goodbye last weekend.

e.    Mom was one of those people who could make almost anyone feel like she was their best friend. That is a special gift. It seems that she made everyone feel that they were family, whether they were blood relatives or not.

2.      HIGH EXPECTATIONS: Her love was manifest to us through these expectations she had for us.

a.    Mom, as many mothers do, had a vision of our potential. She knew what we could become and encouraged us to discover the path to get there. I think this is because she was goal-driven herself. 

b.   Each accomplishment, no matter how small, was recognized. Whether it was a baby’s first steps or a scholastic achievement, Mom would be excited. She would praise us, and often brag to others as well.

c.    She encouraged us to develop our talents. Each of took piano lessons, and as children, we had no idea what a blessing this would be to others. The same is true for my sisters’ skills in homemaking and crafts, and other skills we learned as well.

d.   We were expected to be married in the temple and to get an education. Mike and I were expected to serve missions. As a girl, she set goals to be married in the temple and to go to BYU, and worked hard to achieve those and other goals.

e.    She expected us to do well in studies, in Scouting and in Mutual.

f.     Half-hearted efforts were not tolerated. I learned this as an eight-year-old. Dad had back problems, and I started mowing the lawns. Mom made it clear that they had to be done just so. I could not be sloppy or leave unmowed strips anywhere. Attention to detail was important.

3.      TEACHING: A mother is always teaching.

a.    When I think of Mom, I always think of the poem that ends: “Richer than I you can never be: For I had a mother who read to me.” Mom taught us to read, and I recall many happy summer hours reading with her.

b.   Mom also told stories. We can still recite the story of the Three Billy Goats Gruff, of the little piggy who wouldn’t jump over the stile, and the “Story of Jack Anorry.” And many others. I’m sure the grandchildren know these stories, too.

c.    We took regular trips together to the library. During the summer, we went every week.

d.   Mom taught us all basic homemaking skills, and even some advanced ones. I remember learning how to make white sauce. We learned how to set the table and how to clean house. We took turns helping her do the dishes after Sunday dinner. I didn’t realize it then, but it was an opportunity for her to visit with us as we worked.

e.    Mom taught us to do needlework. I learned to do cross-stitch when I was very young, and also learned some embroidery. She didn’t realize it then, but she was teaching me a useful career skill. Every time I place sutures in someone’s mouth, I think of Mom. In fact, the sewing is so engrained in us, that when we were discussing which hymns to sing today, Vicki suggested we sing “We Are Sewing.”

f.     Mom also taught us the gospel. She and Dad taught us together. We had our first family home evening when I was about four, and we all continue the habit. She and Dad also taught by example. When I was young, I remember going visiting teaching with Mom. In fact, we were visiting a sister on our street the day Kennedy was shot (I was four), and I can remember that sister’s upset that day. Mom and Dad took the gospel very seriously.

4.      FUN: Teaching and learning can also be fun, and Mom saw to that for us.

a.    Mom frequently played games with us. Sometimes she just refereed them.

b.   We (and the grandchildren as well) would frequently pull the couches apart and make blanket forts and have adventures in the family room.

c.    Mom enjoyed cooking with the kids, even when the results weren’t optimal. I remember her excitement about 20-month-old Emily being able to crack eggs without getting the shells in the dough.

d.   Mom always had cookies or some other treat around for us or for visitors. She enjoyed baking.

e.    Mom had a good sense of humor.  She even laughed at my jokes. And some of my jokes were old when she was young.

f.     According to Scotty, the happiest place on earth is not in Anaheim. He said it is “Grandma’s house!”

5.      INTUITION: Mom always knew what was going on with us. We could not hide a thing.

a.    It was an old Peart family joke that we needed to buy Mom a “fur-lined cookie jar.” She could be upstairs in her bathroom and still hear me getting a cookie, no matter how quiet I was. How do moms do that? I know she inherited that skill from her mother, but still.

b.   Both Mike and I became seriously ill on our missions. Communication was difficult, and our Mission Presidents were nearly silent, but Mom knew.

c.    When I struggled in college, Mom knew. Her radar was amazing. Of course, that was good motivation for me to be a good boy.

6.      SERVICE: Of course, Mom showed her love readily through serving others.

a.    Mom lived to serve, and it began at home. She made many sacrifices for us.

b.   At times, it seemed that she lived in the kitchen. She was always baking something or fixing a casserole for someone. And of course there was some for us as well.

c.    Mom loved doing for others. Food, treats, sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, and on and on. One event that touched me was when Mom, Vicki and Chrissy had a sewing marathon to make missionary dresses and jumpers for Eliza before she left on her mission. I got teary then, and still do, as I think about it. The torch has been passed.

7.      CHURCH ACTIVITY: Mom showed her love through church activity, and this has several facets.

a.    We all attended our meetings together – happily. Now prior to 1980, that meant that we were continually coming and going from one meeting to the next. Mutual was always on a weeknight. Relief Society was a weekday meeting, as was Primary. Sunday meetings were spread throughout the day. We did it all and had time for service in between. And we did it with a smile.

b.   Mom supported Dad in his church callings. I don’t ever recall hearing her complain. Now I have to say, that after reading her personal history, perhaps this was because she also had many demanding callings and knew what he was up against. But the fact remains that he felt her support every time he went to “one more meeting.”

c.    Mom wasn’t afraid of the challenging callings. She served in every class, in every calling in Primary, including 11-year-old Scout Leader, nursery, and Stake Primary leadership. She served in the Young Women’s organization, as a Den Mother, in the ward Relief Society, and as “Relief Society Queen,” the Stake Relief Society President. She learned from her leaders, and she surrounded herself with strong leaders when she was in charge.

d.   Mom’s biggest concern with her callings, apart from stepping out of her comfort zone, was the time she would have to spend away from us. But as I look back, I don’t feel that we were neglected. She still had time for us.

e.    Mom enlisted our help in fulfilling her callings. I served with her in her Scouting roles. We would help with set up and with decorations and other projects.

f.     She supported us in our church callings and encouraged us to magnify our callings.

g.    Along with Dad, Mom was exemplary in temple attendance and family history efforts. They attended the temple monthly when that meant making the long trek up the 405 to the LA Temple. Frequently they performed ordinances for family members.

h.   Mom loved her family, her ancestors and their traditions. She loved to share her memories of various ancestors and the things they did. I loved hearing their stories. Emily also commented on this. What a privilege it is to feel that my ancestors are real people and not just names on a chart. I will always appreciate mom’s and Dad’s efforts to preserve that for their posterity.

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Mom set a great example for each of us. Some things she didn’t do: she didn’t overindulge us; she didn’t compare us to others; she didn’t unfairly criticize us.

The challenge for each of us as her posterity is to remember her example and to carry on the traditions that she has established. In particular, we should strive to love as she loves, and to serve as she serves.

We honor her legacy as we continue to build on it. That is no small order. I can see it in the lives of my siblings even now.

I know with all my heart and soul that Mom is only separated from us by a thin veil. She is aware of our sorrows at her departure. But be assured that this is only temporary. We will see her again. At her father’s funeral, it was said that he had gone on ahead to help build our mansions in heaven. Mom is there to help decorate them.

I pray that we will live our lives so that we can be reunited with her in eternal joy and happiness in the kingdom of our Heavenly Father.

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

There's nothing like a mother's love

In honor of my mother, who passed away early this morning, and because Mother's Day is approaching, I want to share a talk I gave for Mother's Day in 2008, five years ago. Below are my speaking notes (I didn't use a printed text), so the outline near the end doesn't include all the stories I told. I apologize for that omission, but that's how I gave this one. Mom, we will miss you, and we look forward to being with you again.

It’s a privilege to speak on Mother’s Day.

It is difficult to properly express the reverence and respect I have for women. You bless our lives in so many ways, and we men have difficulty demonstrating our gratitude. But be assured, sisters, that we do love and appreciate you.

My mother helped me to develop a love of good poetry, so I would like to share a few poems about mothers today. The first is a fun one that we can all relate to:

Mothers are people who cook things,

Like breakfast or lunch or a snack;

Dexterous people who hook things

Which button or zip up the back.

Mothers are people who blow things,

Balloons and kisses and noses;

Green-thumbish people who grow things,

Like ivy and puppies and roses.

Mothers are people who send things,

Like letters and strawberry tarts;

Magical people who mend things,

Like blue jeans and elbows and hearts.

Mothers are people who find things,

Like mittens and homework and germs;

Fussbudget people who mind things,

Like cusswords and snowballs and worms.

Mothers are people who sweep things,

Like porches and cobwebs and rugs;

Softhearted people who keep things,

Like artwork, report cards, and hugs.

Mothers are people who nurse things,

A boy or a girl or a spouse;

And, all in all, there are worse things

Than mothers to have in your house.

I would like to share a well-known poem that has always meant a lot to me:

I had a mother who read to me
Sagas of pirates who scoured the sea,
Cutlasses clenched in their yellow teeth,
"Blackbirds" stowed in the hold beneath.

I had a Mother who read me lays
Of ancient and gallant and golden days;
Stories of Marmion and Ivanhoe,
Which every boy has a right to know.

I had a Mother who read me tales
Of Gelert the hound of the hills of Wales,
True to his trust till his tragic death,
Faithfulness blent with his final breath.

I had a Mother who read me the things
That wholesome life to the boy heart brings--
Stories that stir with an upward touch,
Oh, that each mother of boys were such!

You may have tangible wealth untold;
Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.
Richer than I you can never be--
I had a Mother who read to me.

(Strickland Gillilan)

And another poem:

  BLESSINGS on the hand of women!
        Angels guard its strength and grace.
      In the palace, cottage, hovel,
          Oh, no matter where the place;
      Would that never storms assailed it,
          Rainbows ever gently curled,
      For the hand that rocks the cradle
          Is the hand that rules the world.

      Infancy's the tender fountain,
          Power may with beauty flow,
      Mothers first to guide the streamlets,
          From them souls unresting grow—
      Grow on for the good or evil,
          Sunshine streamed or evil hurled,
      For the hand that rocks the cradle
          Is the hand that rules the world.

      Woman, how divine your mission,
          Here upon our natal sod;
      Keep—oh, keep the young heart open
          Always to the breath of God!
      All true trophies of the ages
          Are from mother-love impearled,
      For the hand that rocks the cradle
          Is the hand that rules the world.

      Blessings on the hand of women!
          Fathers, sons, and daughters cry,
      And the sacred song is mingled
          With the worship in the sky—
      Mingles where no tempest darkens,
          Rainbows evermore are hurled;
      For the hand that rocks the cradle
          Is the hand that rules the world.

            (William Ross Wallace)

A mother’s influence is felt for generations.

In the Proclamation on the Family, we read:

            “Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. . . . Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. . . . Successful . . . families are established and maintained on the principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.”

Please note that these are shared responsibilities. Then the individual responsibilities are mentioned:

            “By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children.”

All these responsibilities are suited to our God-given natures. The father is the provider and presider, and the mother is the nurturer.

Mothers are our best examples of Christ-like service and sacrifice. They exemplify, better than any others, the first and second great commandments: to love God and keep his commandments, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. It is no surprise that a man would ask the Savior about these commandments: I think the women already knew.

I was blessed to be born to a noble mother. I have also been blessed with a noble wife. What I have become in my life is largely due to their refining influence, combined with Heavenly Father’s blessings.

I would like to focus on my mother’s contributions.

1. HIGH EXPECTATIONS.
1. Vision of my potential
2. No half-hearted efforts allowed (even mowing lawn)
3. Pushed me to do well in my studies, Scouting, etc.
4. Encouraged us to develop our talents
5. Mission, temple marriage, etc. were expected
6. Praise always followed the little improvements, and still does
2. TEACHING.
1. Helped me learn to read
2. Regular trips to the library
3. Needlework: a career skill
4. Taught us the gospel
3. CHURCH ACTIVITY.
1. We attended our meetings---happily
2. She was not afraid of challenging callings:
   i. Primary

ii. Scouting

iii. Relief Society Queen

iv. Young Women

3. Temple attendance.
4. Supported my Dad in his callings: I don’t ever remember hearing complaints
5. Supported us in our church activities
3. SERVICE.
1. Mom has lived her life in the kitchen
2. In addition to delivering food & treats, also sewed, quilted, etc. for others
4. INTUITION.
1. Mom always knew what was going on
2. Fur-lined cookie jar
3. Mission illness
4. Many other times
5. LOVE.
1. There was never any question that Mom loved us
2. Even when we disappointed her
3. There was never any question she loved Dad
4. Prayed frequently for us
5. Breakfast before seminary
6. SHE DIDN’T:
1. overindulge us
2. compare us to others
3. criticize

I closed with some quotes from the prophets, which I cannot locate. But if you really want some good ones, here are a few:

“The true strength that is America's, the true strength of any nation, lies in those qualities of character that have been acquired for the most part by children taught in the quiet, simple, everyday manner of mothers. What Jean Paul Richter once declared of fathers is even more true of mothers-and I paraphrase it just a little to make the point-"What a mother says to her children is not heard by the world, but it will be heard by posterity."   

God bless you, mothers. When all the victories and defeats of men's efforts are tallied, when the dust of life's battles begins to settle, when all for which we labor so hard in this world of conquest fades before our eyes, you will be there, you must be there, as the strength for a new generation, the ever-improving onward movement of the race.” (Salt Lake Exchange Club Mother's Day Program, May 11, 1977.)    -Gordon B. Hinckley

“You mothers, read to your children. Read the scriptures to your children. You may not think they understand. They won't understand everything you read. But they will develop within themselves a feeling, an attitude, a spirit that will be wonderful. And I don't hesitate to promise you that the day will come, if you nurture your children and love and teach in righteousness, you will get on your knees with tears in your eyes and thank the Lord for His blessing to you. (Nottingham England Fireside, August 30, 1995.)   

To you wives and mothers who work to maintain stable homes where there is an environment of love and respect and appreciation I say, the Lord bless you. Regardless of your circumstances, walk with faith. Rear your children in light and truth. Teach them to pray while they are young. Read to them from the scriptures even though they may not understand all that you read. Teach them to pay their tithes and offerings on the first money they ever receive. Let this practice become a habit in their lives. Teach your sons to honor womanhood. Teach your daughters to walk in virtue. Accept responsibility in the Church, and trust in the Lord to make you equal to any call you may receive. Your example will set a pattern for your children. Reach out in love to those in distress and need. . . .   

It is the home which produces the nursery stock of new generations. I hope that you mothers will realize that when all is said and done, you have no more compelling responsibility, nor any laden with greater rewards, than the nurture you give your children in an environment of security, peace, companionship, love, and motivation to grow and do well.

The more surely you rear your children in the ways of the gospel of Jesus Christ, with love and high expectation, the more likely that there will be peace in their lives.   

Set an example for them. That will mean more than all the teaching you can give them. Do not overindulge them. Let them grow up with respect for and understanding of the meaning of labor, of working and contributing to the home and its surroundings, with some way of earning some of their own expense money. Let your sons save for missions, and encourage them to prepare themselves, not only financially, but spiritually and in an attitude to go out to serve the Lord without selfishness of any kind. I do not hesitate to promise that if you will do so, you will have reason to count your blessings. . . .    

May the Lord bless you, my beloved sisters. You are the guardians of the hearth. You are the bearers of the children. You are they who nurture them and establish within them the habits of their lives. No other work reaches so close to divinity as does the nurturing of the sons and daughters of God. ("Stand Strong against the Wiles of the World," Ensign, November 1995, pp. 99-101.)   ” ("Stand Strong against the Wiles of the World," Ensign, November 1995, p. 99.)    -Gordon B. Hinckley

“The positive influence of mothers is priceless. I say to you mothers, if you ever have sons and daughters who amount to what they should in the world, it will be in no small degree due to the fact that your children have a mother who spends many nights on her knees in prayer, praying God that her son, her daughter, will not fail. I remember at the foolish years of my teenage life, my mother came to me with an intuitive impression and warning which I brushed off as foolish teenagers do. "Oh, Mother, that's silly," I said, then within only a month, to stand face-to-face with the temptation about which Mother had warned. I never had the courage to go back and tell her how right she was, but I was on guard because someone warned-my mother.” (63-09, p. 85)   -Harold B. Lee  

He Is Risen!

Today was our Fast and Testimony Meeting. Ordinarily, I would just bear my testimony and encourage others to do the same. But because it is Easter, President Garvin assigned those of us who were conducting the meetings to bear a longer testimony, centered on the atonement and resurrection of Christ. Here is the message I prepared. Happy Easter! He is risen!

In Russia there was an Easter tradition among the believers to greet one another with the exclamation “He is risen!” The proper response was “He is risen indeed!”

It is in this spirit that I wish to testify of the atonement and resurrection of Jesus Christ. By assignment from President Garvin, I will be speaking a little longer than I normally would, but as Ammon said, “Who can glory too much in the Lord? … Behold, I say unto you, I cannot say the smallest part which I feel” (Al. 26:16).

The atonement of Jesus Christ is the most significant event that has ever occurred. Nothing has such a far-reaching effect. It is both universal and personal.

When Heavenly Father presented his great plan for our eternal happiness, we rejoiced. We knew that there would be challenges along the way. We knew we would face difficulties. Above all, we knew that we would sin, and need to repent. We knew that we could never earn our own salvation based on our works alone.

Heavenly Father knew that we would make mistakes; he knew that we would stumble and that we would need help. As a part of his plan, he provided a Savior for us, to help bring us back into his presence.

And so the Father sent his Firstborn Son, his only begotten Son to sacrifice himself in our behalf. There was no other good enough to make this sacrifice. Jesus alone was sinless, which qualified him to give himself for us. This was not just a limited sacrifice, but it was infinite and eternal, as Amulek testified in Alma 34:9-10, 14-15:

“For it is expedient that an atonement should be made; for according to the great plan of the Eternal God there must be an atonement made, or else all mankind must unavoidably perish; yea, all are hardened; yea, all are fallen and are lost, and must perish except it be through the atonement which it is expedient should be made.

“For it is expedient that there should be a great and last sacrifice; yea, not a sacrifice of man, neither of beast, neither of any manner of fowl; for it shall not be a human sacrifice; but it must be an infinite and eternal sacrifice.

“And behold, this is the whole meaning of the law, every whit pointing to that great and last sacrifice; and that great and last sacrifice will be the Son of God, yea, infinite and eternal.

“And thus he shall bring salvation to all those who shall believe on his name; this being the intent of this last sacrifice, to bring about the bowels of mercy, which overpowereth justice, and bringeth about means unto men that they may have faith unto repentance”

(Alma 34:9 – 10, 14-15).

The term “atonement” suggests a reconciliation, and a reuniting in love and happiness.

This offering was made out of the great love that both Heavenly Father and his Son, Jesus Christ have for us. I truly stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me. I try to think of that each time we partake of the sacrament. (There are great sermons in our sacrament hymns. I hope that you ponder the messages contained in them.) His precious blood he freely spilt; his life he freely gave. He did this willingly for each us.

Alma described the extent of the Savior’s suffering for us in Alma 7:11-12:

“And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

“And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities” (Alma 7:11 - 12).

This is one of the most comforting passages of scripture I know. What a blessing it is to know that the atonement does not just apply to my sins – which would be a rich blessing in itself – but that it applies all my sorrows and infirmities; that when life’s challenges begin to be overwhelming, I can call upon the power of the atonement, and Christ will help me to carry my burdens.

Howard W. Hunter testified: “Think of it! When his body was taken from the cross and hastily placed in a borrowed tomb, he, the sinless Son of God, had already taken upon him not only the sins and temptations of every human soul who will repent, but all of our sickness and grief and pain of every kind. He suffered these afflictions as we suffer them, according to the flesh. He suffered them all. He did this to perfect his mercy and his ability to lift us above every earthly trial.”

Jesus Christ himself testified to Martin Harris in D&C 19:15-19:

“Therefore I command you to repent—repent, lest I smite you by the rod of my mouth, and by my wrath, and by my anger, and your sufferings be sore—how sore you know not, how exquisite you know not, yea, how hard to bear you know not.

“For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;

“But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;

“Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—

“Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men” (D& C 19:15 - 19).

In return for this great gift, Heavenly Father asks very little. He asks that we repent of our sins, and asks that we strive to be true to our covenants. If we refuse to repent, we deny ourselves the blessings of the atonement. The Savior asked: “What doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed on him, and he receive not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift” (D&C 88:33).

I pray that we will all accept this great gift of the atonement of Jesus Christ, and that we will lay aside our sins and do our best to follow him. I encourage you to learn of your Savior. Study his life and his works. If you have not done so, gain your own personal witness of the power of the atonement in your life. Gain a testimony of Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Redeemer. This will provide great strength to you as you deal with the trials and temptations of this life.

The Savior’s death was not the end. On the third day, he rose again, which we celebrate today. Because he rose from the grave, we have the promise that we will all rise again. All of our loved ones will rise again and we will be with them again.

This has been a great comfort to us as we await the reunion with our son, and with grandparents, siblings and others who have died. The grave is not the end! They will live again, and so will we.

God lives! He loves us, and desires that we return to live with him again. I testify that he sent his Son to redeem us from our sins.

I know that the atonement of Jesus Christ is real. It is powerful. I have felt its power in my own life. I will be eternally grateful for Christ’s sacrifice on my behalf.

I testify to you that Christ is risen! I know that my Redeemer lives. What comfort this sweet sentence gives!

The scriptures contain the word of God to us. They testify of Christ and his mission. We are led by a living prophet who also testifies of Christ and shows us how to follow him.

I pray that we will strive to follow him, and that we will not lose sight of the true meaning of this Easter Day. He is risen!

As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.

The following thoughts are my own. I do not claim to speak for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, nor would I pretend to do so. I write as a member and an observer. I have watched people; and I watched the operations of the Church long enough to understand how the organization works with God, and how God works with the organization. If there are any doctrinal errors below, do not judge the Church, and judge me mercifully, for I write based on my understanding: my intent is to warn, not to condemn.
   The recent discussions on pants in church have been disturbing to me. Not because I am a man, but because I think I can see what lies beneath. The same “progressive” force that is shaking the foundations of our nation is beginning to shake many good members and their faith. The noise of the world and its sophistries is more than sufficient to cause us to lose focus on the still small voice. Once we lose that focus, it becomes more difficult to stay on the strait and narrow path. When we begin to question our steps, or the steps of our designated guides, a fall is often imminent.
   One issue is that of willing obedience to God’s word. The Savior stated that “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: …” (Luke 16:10). The scriptures contain many promises of reward to those who are obedient (see D&C 64:34 and 82:10). But it is difficult to be obedient in the big things if we have trouble being obedient in the small things.
   Another issue is what we are willing to give in exchange for our souls. Esau foolishly traded his birthright because he thought he was starving to death. Saul could only “kick against the pricks” for so long.
   “Satan need not get everyone to be like Cain or Judas …,” said Elder Neal A. Maxwell. “He needs only to get able men … to see themselves as sophisticated neutrals.” (Deposition of a Disciple, 88.)
  “With self-justification of petty sins, Satan triumphs. For a bottle of milk, a misspelled name, a mess of pottage, birthrights and inheritances have been traded.” (Gay, RC; CR Oct 2012) Or over a pair of pants?
   Christ paid an infinite price to redeem our eternal souls. Keeping that in mind, what are you willing to give in exchange for your soul? Would you sell low?
   This is the exchange the Savior is asking of us: we are to give up all our sins, big or small, for the Father’s reward of eternal life. We are to forget self-justifying stories, excuses, rationalizations, defense mechanisms, procrastinations, appearances, personal pride, judgmental thoughts, and doing things our way. We are to separate ourselves from all worldliness and take upon us the image of God in our countenances.
   The core issue, in my mind, is recognition of the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the Prophet, Seer and Revelator and as the only person entitled to receive revelations for the entire Church. I know and willingly accept that Thomas S. Monson is this Prophet today. He, and he alone, is ordained to speak for God.
   Priesthood authority to direct the affairs of the Church comes from God. It is given through his ordained servants as he has directed, to those who are qualified and worthy to receive it. It is His authority, given under His direction. It is not up to man or woman to question God’s motives in giving this gift and responsibility to men alone. As long as this priesthood authority is exercised in righteousness, then we can be assured that what is done is according to God’s will.
   The doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ is not determined by social pressure or popular opinion; it is not determined by the political climate of the day; nor is it determined by the whims of mortals. Rather, it comes from revelation from God, through the power of the Holy Ghost, to the Lord’s anointed servants the prophets, who have been called and chosen in our day to speak the mind and the will of the Lord. If it comes in any other way, we can be assured that it is not from God.
   We need not blindly accept these truths. God has given us the priceless gift of the Holy Ghost, who testifies of all truth. We may know, by the power of the Holy Ghost, the truth of all things. This requires that we be living so as to merit the companionship of the Holy Ghost. We must be keeping the commandments of God to the best of individual abilities. We must not criticize the leaders of the Church, the general and local authorities, whom God has placed to lead us through the wilderness of sin. To the degree we oppose the doctrines and practices of the Church, we cut the ties that bind us to the Church, and begin to tread dangerous paths that may place our everlasting salvation in jeopardy.
   Because I seek my own salvation in the Kingdom of God, and hope to be exalted along with my wife and our children and their families, I choose to conform to the doctrines, principles and practices of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I love the words of the Prophet Joshua, who challenged the Israelites “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).
   This is my choice. We fought a war in heaven to give each of us the right to make our own choices. I respect the right to exercise one’s agency, but I pray that my family and friends will all choose to follow the Lord, without hesitation. I know that his choicest blessings await those who choose the right.

I lived in heaven a long time ago, it is true ...

In memory of my Aunt Shirley Peart, who passed away 24 May 2012, at age 80. These were my remarks given at the Graveside Service on 2 June 2012. This week we have celebrated the life of Shirley Joan Peart, and we mark a life well-lived by a beloved mother and grandmother, among other important titles. I am thankful to call her my aunt. I was going to try to speak just from notes, but as a tribute to Aunt Shirley, I will speak from a printed text. As we listen to tributes, and as we give them, we are led to ask “what is my legacy? What will my heritage be?” I was touched by the comment that when Shirley met her ancestors on the other side of the veil, she could report to them: “I took what you gave me, and I built upon it.” This is what we should all seek to do. David asked us; “what do we do with these memories of a great person?” Then challenged us to use them as guideposts in our own lives, to try to follow the example she set, as a step toward becoming like our Savior. I am both humbled and honored by this assignment today. I pray that what I have to say will bring you all a measure of strength and comfort, though it is the Holy Ghost who truly provides this comfort. This has been a celebration mixed with tears, as the death of a loved one marks a new beginning: a step into a world of which we know very little. Few of us have met a resurrected being, so we really don’t know what lies on the other side. Fortunately, we have the words of the prophets to provide insight and hope. Job asked: “If a man die, shall he live again?” and answered himself, “Though worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.” Ezekiel spoke of the dry bones taking on flesh and rising again. Paul asked “Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you that God should raise the dead?” Alma described death and resurrection thus: “Now, there is a death which is called a temporal death; and the death of Christ shall loose the bands of this temporal death, that all shall be raised from this temporal death. “The spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form; both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame, even as we now are at this time; and we shall be brought to stand before God, knowing even as we know now, and have a bright recollection of all our guilt. “Now, this restoration shall come to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost; but every thing shall be restored to its perfect frame, as it is now, or in the body, …” (Alma 11:42 - 44) Christ himself testified: “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.” (Now of course, Christ did not mean that no one who believes in him will ever die, but that resurrected beings will not die.) At times like this it is natural for us to reflect on the meaning of life: Where did I come from? Why am I here? Where will I go after this life? I testify that Heavenly Father has a plan for our eternal happiness. Even our youngest children know that we are children of God. We lived with him before our mortal birth as his spirit children. We literally are his children! The Psalmist testified: “I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.” (Psalms 82:6) He developed a plan for us to grow and progress, and ultimately, to become like him. We can all be assured that his life does have a purpose: we are here to receive a body, to make choices between good and evil, and to prepare to meet God. Alma spoke of this life as being a preparatory state, and taught his son that his good choices prepared him to meet God. At some point in each of our lives, death will come. Death is an important part of the plan. The spirit and the body must be separated for a short time. We will all lay down our bodies, with their weaknesses and imperfections until the resurrection. In the resurrection, our spirits will be reunited with our bodies in a glorified, perfected state. (I have often wondered what our perfect bodies will be like. David spoke of envisioning his mother as a young lady. I believe that our resurrected bodies will reflect what we were in the prime of our lives.) We will all be resurrected. We do not know when; we do not know how. But we do know that through the power of Christ’s death and resurrection, we will all rise again. There is no power on earth that can provide this; but there is power in heaven to do it! It is a marvelous thing to contemplate. I think about the glorious promise of the resurrection whenever I visit my son’s grave. Our family relationships need not end at death! Through the sealing power of the holy priesthood, families are united forever. I am certain that Shirley had a testimony of temple work and the eternal nature of the family. We will all be together again! And won’t that be a glorious day? That is a part of receiving eternal life, which is the greatest gift Heavenly Father has for us. As we bid farewell to Shirley’s earthly remains, we weep because we miss her, and because we love her. But we rejoice also, because she has been reunited her Heavenly Father and with loved ones who have gone before. Shirley’s spirit lives! It has cast off her weak, imperfect body for a brief time. Her loving heart no longer beats, but she does live! She still loves each of you, and she knows of your love for her. In time, her spirit will be reunited with her body, in a glorious, perfected form, never again to be separated, and she will have everlasting life. We, too, are assured of this same promise. Death will come to each of us, but we will all rise again! “For God so loved the world, that he gave his Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” I know all this to be true. The Holy Ghost has borne witness to me through several sacred experiences that life is eternal. Our son Robby died shortly after birth. The Spirit bore witness to me, to my wife, and to each of my children, that Robby lived, and is still a member of our family. That witness has been a strength to each of us. Shortly after this, we had a special family home evening with all of my family. We shared our testimonies with each other. I will never forget my Grandma Stevenson telling us “We do not fear death. We know Heavenly Father’s plan, and we have lived a good life.” I would like to speak to the younger members of our family for a moment. Each of you can have a testimony of these things for yourself, and you should! I know that if you will ask Heavenly Father if his plan is true, the Holy Ghost will whisper to your spirit that it is true. You will feel the comfort and peace that only he can give. You may even feel like your grandma is close by you, even though you can’t see her. This is another witness that she lives and still loves you and is thinking about you. It is important for you to understand Heavenly Father’s plan, so that you can feel this peace and know that Heavenly Father really does love you. Having this witness will help you to choose the right. May I close with the words of Paul, then with the words of Jesus: “May the peace of God, which passeth all understanding keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” And from Christ: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” I know that God lives. he is our loving, kind Heavenly Father. He sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem us from the effects of our sins. I know that through his death and resurrection, we will all live again. I testify that the family is eternal, and I look forward to that wonderful day when we will all be reunited in eternal happiness. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.