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.

Follow the prophet, he knows the way!

Because I revere our prophet, AND because his words here are beneficial to all of us, I am reposting a blog post of his from earlier this week, from the Washington Post. Source citation is below.

9/11 destruction allowed us to spiritually rebuild
By Thomas S. Monson

The calamity of September 11th, 2001 has cast a long shadow. Ten years later, many of us are still haunted by its terrible tragedy of lost lives and broken hearts. It is an episode of anguish that has become a defining moment in the history of the American nation and the world. This week, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, along with Tom Brokaw, will pay its own homage to the unforgettable events of September 11, 2001.

There was, as many have noted, a remarkable surge of faith following the tragedy. People across the United States rediscovered the need for God and turned to Him for solace and understanding. Comfortable times were shattered. We felt the great unsteadiness of life and reached for the great steadiness of our Father in Heaven. And, as ever, we found it. Americans of all faiths came together in a remarkable way.

Sadly, it seems that much of that renewal of faith has waned in the years that have followed. Healing has come with time, but so has indifference. We forget how vulnerable and sorrowful we felt. Our sorrow moved us to remember the deep purposes of our lives. The darkness of our despair brought us a moment of enlightenment. But we are forgetful. When the depth of grief has passed, its lessons often pass from our minds and hearts as well.

Our Father’s commitment to us, His children, is unwavering. Indeed He softens the winters of our lives, but He also brightens our summers. Whether it is the best of times or the worst, He is with us. He has promised us that this will never change.

But we are less faithful than He is. By nature we are vain, frail, and foolish. We sometimes neglect God. Sometimes we fail to keep the commandments that He gives us to make us happy. Sometimes we fail to commune with Him in prayer. Sometimes we forget to succor the poor and the downtrodden who are also His children. And our forgetfulness is very much to our detriment.

If there is a spiritual lesson to be learned from our experience of that fateful day, it may be that we owe to God the same faithfulness that He gives to us. We should strive for steadiness, and for a commitment to God that does not ebb and flow with the years or the crises of our lives. It should not require tragedy for us to remember Him, and we should not be compelled to humility before giving Him our faith and trust. We too should be with Him in every season.

The way to be with God in every season is to strive to be near Him every week and each day. We truly “need Him every hour,” not just in hours of devastation. We must speak to Him, listen to Him, and serve Him. If we wish to serve Him, we should serve our fellow men. We will mourn the lives we lose, but we should also fix the lives that can be mended and heal the hearts that may yet be healed.

It is constancy that God would have from us. Tragedies are not merely opportunities to give Him a fleeting thought, or for momentary insight to His plan for our happiness. Destruction allows us to rebuild our lives in the way He teaches us, and to become something different than we were. We can make Him the center of our thoughts and His Son, Jesus Christ, the pattern for our behavior. We may not only find faith in God in our sorrow. We may also become faithful to Him in times of calm.

Thomas S. Monson is president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Posted at 11:38 AM ET, 09/08/2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/guest-voices/post/911-destruction-allowed-us-to-spiritually-rebuild/2011/09/08/gIQAbkjKCK_blog.html?fb_ref=NetworkNews&fb_source=profile_multiline

Because I have been given much, I too must give

During the four-plus years I have served on the High Council in the San Bernardino California Stake, it has been suggested that I post my talks publicly to share them with others (I have had the privilege of giving some fifty talks during that time). With that in mind, I have finally created a separate blog called Several Sunday Sermons, at http://brother-bob-speaks.blogspot.com/. I have posted a copy of today's talk. I will update it each time I speak, and will occasionally post some of my older ones as well.
I hope that all who choose to read will be blessed for their efforts.

In my time of dyin', don't want nobody to mourn

Remembering my Grandmother, who passed away on 28 May 2011, at age 101. Here is the Eulogy I delivered at her graveside service:

For much of my youth, I thought that Grandma was a strange old lady. She was very tidy, very exacting, and everything had to be “just so.” When I was on my mission in the Netherlands, I came to realize that even the young Dutch housewives were that way. Grandma wasn’t weird; she was very Dutch. And I am proud of our Dutch heritage.
Pethronella Sophia Alberts was born in Utrecht, South Holland on Sunday, 27 June 1909, to Peter Cornelis Alberts and Mietje Rhynsburger, just a year after her family had joined the Church. Grandma writes that her father was a Sunday School teacher, but was unable to attend that morning.
Peter and Mietje were disowned by both sets of parents for being baptized and uniting with such a wicked organization. Because of this, they decided to journey to Zion. When Grandma was 2 years old, her father left the family and journeyed to Ogden, Utah to prepare the way for them. He worked for Brother Dalebout, whose son later served as Stake President in Long Beach and Mission President in the Dutch Mission.
In Peter’s absence, Mietje, her brother Lawrence, and the rest of the family endured persecution, but remained faithful. Finally, after two years, when Grandma was 4, the family was reunited in Ogden.
Nellie was a sickly child, and was not allowed to participate in many activities as a youngster. She writes that she had every known childhood disease, plus a few more, including appendicitis, scarlet fever, and influenza. She continued to struggle with various illnesses for the rest of her life. It is amazing that such a sickly child would live be nearly 102!
She was an A student, but fell far behind in third grade because of the appendicitis. Her efforts to catch up caused her to become anxious and ill, and led to a nervous condition.
The Alberts were a hard-working family, but they also took time for fun, and had weekly family activities. Grandma writes that friends were always welcome in their home, and they enjoyed get-togethers of all types.
The Church was central in the life of the Alberts family. They attended Primary during the week, and their Sunday meetings. Frequently the Elders were called to administer to an ailing family member, and they often gave inspired counsel along with the blessing. These experiences helped to strengthen Nellie’s faith in her Heavenly Father. She writes: “I, myself, have been saved and healed many times by the power of faith and the laying on of hands by those in authority.”
Of her baptism, Nellie writes: “It was in the Ninth Ward that we attended church. On 26 January 1918, a cold Sunday afternoon, I was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I went into the waters of baptism feeling cold, nervous and shaky, but came out of the waters feeling warm and well.”
Because of her poor health, Nellie was not allowed to attend Mutual, which made her feel cheated. But she did attend her Sunday Meetings, and sang in the choir. At age 18, she was put in charge of the Mount Ogden 12th Ward Junior Sunday School, with 24 teachers and 200 children. With characteristic modesty, she said “We had the best Sunday School in the Stake at that time.”
She was no recluse, though, for she had many friends, and was involved in many activities. She worked in the notions and jewelry department of a store for $9 a week, an impressive sum back then.
Grandma first saw Grandpa at a missionary homecoming, and knew that he was the one. They were introduced at a dance, and soon began dating.
Nellie and Rulon were married in the Salt Lake Temple for time and eternity on 27 March 1930. They were blessed with four children:
Wayne 1 Oct 1930
Ronald 17 Apr 1932
Donna 4 Oct 1933
Gerald 24 Apr 1935.
In typical orderly fashion, they were born every 18 months. Grandma writes that they were blessed financially and continued to prosper as their family grew. Vacations, education and family activities were an important part of their home.
On 14 January 1944, Grandma became a citizen of the United States. At that time she had her name legally changed to Nellie. She thought it wasn’t right to be called by one name and be on the records by another.
Grandma held many callings in the church, including:
Visiting Teacher
Primary Teacher
Secretary of the YWMIA
Manual Counselor in the YWMIA
Stake Junior Girl Advisor
Beekeeper in Mutual
Relief Society Literary Teacher
Relief Society Welfare Counselor
Secretary of Ward Welfare Committee
Ward Choir Member
Stake Relief Society Theology Advisor
Sunday School Teacher
Ward Checker (family history)
Temple Worker
On 1956, the Los Angeles Temple was dedicated. Grandma and Grandpa served as tour guides, then were set apart as temple workers, which they did until they left on their mission in 1973.
In fact, when I think of Grandma and Grandpa, one of the first things I think about is genealogy and the temple. They felt the Spirit of Elijah back when the name submission process was an ordeal. Grandma and Grandpa gave me one of my best Christmas gifts ever: my first Book of Remembrance, which I still have.
In my younger years, Grandma and Grandpa began taking vacations to many exciting places. They loved showing their slides to friends and family alike. We may have joked about watching the long travelogues, but it was a good education. Years later, the slides continued to provide entertainment for our family.
In 1972, Grandma noted that she and Grandpa had done endowment work in all 15 temples in the world. What joy she and Grandpa must feel now with 134 operating temples.
Grandma and Grandpa were called to serve a mission in Nauvoo in 1973. They loved Nauvoo and their service there. Their mission was an example to their grandchildren, many of whom served missions themselves. Of course, this required that they sell their beautiful home on Sawyer (which is still beautiful, and still a nice area). After their mission, they settled in Huntington Beach, and it was nice to have them so close.
We have many happy memories of swimming, eating lunch on the patio and flicking peas over the fence, and playing games or watching shows with them. And the ice cream.
Shortly before Grandpa died, Heidi and I visited him, and he told us not to forget Grandma. We did our best to remember her, and I will always be grateful that we were able to visit her twice in Folsom. At age 95, she was grateful for her long life, but the deepest desire of her heart was to be with Grandpa again. At her 100th birthday party, I’m not sure how aware she was, but I know that Grandpa knew, and that pleased him.
As I look back on Grandma’s life, several memories stand out. And as I read her personal history, there were some key things that stood out in my mind.
The first was family. Grandma loved all of us, and took pride in our accomplishments. She was grateful for the things we all did. It was not always evident in her responses, but I believe that her greatest joy was her family. She was proud of her grandchildren, and mentioned each of us in her personal history. We enjoyed our visits with Grandma and Grandpa.
Of course, Grandma’s love for family extended far beyond the here and now. She and Grandpa began a great work for our ancestors. And their example of temple service lives on in our family.
I mentioned her attention to detail. This was not only true in her housekeeping, but also in the beautiful needlework she did. She tatted an altar cloth for the Los Angeles Temple, a work of art in itself. And who can forget our Christmas ornaments, each with a five-dollar bill inside? I treasure the framed doily we received one Christmas.
Grandma loved board games and jigsaw puzzles. They were a chance to visit with people and have fun.
Above all, Grandma’s testimony of the restored gospel stood out. After our son Robby died, we held an extended family home evening to share our feelings about Heavenly Father’s plan. Grandpa and Grandma each bore their testimonies, and said, in essence, that they had lived a full life, and they were not afraid of death, because they knew what came next. A year later, Grandpa passed away. Who would have thought, in 1995, that we would not be gathered here again until 2011?
From Grandma’s personal history, in her own words:
“I feel grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and for the opportunity to serve. It is a comfort and a joy to be active. It is a help in raising our children. It serves as a guide and milestone in my life.”
“We know that through our prayers and keeping the commandments, the Lord blesses us.”
“It is nice to be busy and feel useful, but sometimes we do get very tired.”
“We continue to work at the Los Angeles Temple from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. We arise at 3:45 a.m. and get back home and to bed at midnight. It is a long day and is hard work, but very rewarding. With all of our church meetings, visiting and home teaching, and entertaining, we keep very busy.”
“We are thankful for our many blessings and grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
“We take the Church News and the Ensign and I read them from cover to cover, besides reading the scriptures. I don’t seem to have time to read many books.”
“We go to the temple once a month and do 3 sessions. I always look forward to it. We go to all our meetings and do our Visiting and Home Teaching every month.”
“Rulon keeps busy with different things at the Family History Center. We are happy that we can still take care of ourselves and keep up with all of our assignments. We work at the Family History Center a lot and we enjoy it.”
“We have been privileged to live another year. Having the gospel of Jesus Christ, we are blessed in many ways.”
“We thank our Father in Heaven that we are able to take care of ourselves.”
“We are still able to do our Visiting and Home Teaching. We enjoy doing it.”
“We do all of our church assignments and keep the commandments. We have many blessings.”

I am grateful that Heavenly Father's Plan for our eternal happiness has been revealed to us. It truly takes away the pain of death. Of course we miss Grandma, but know that death is not the end. We will be together again, and I know that Grandma will be eager to greet each of us when our turns come to pass through the veil.