Posts by JamesEKerns
Bearers of Light
I had a wonderful visit recently with a former atheist. She is the soon-to-be-80 friend of Danny and Sarah. I asked if she had always been a member of the Church, or if she was a convert. Here is Jadine’s story:
Read MoreGroping in the Dark
Our former stake patriarch, Elmer Perry, once told of a terrifying experience he had while driving on a dark night on a highway with no center line or shoulder lines during a heavy rain storm. With limited vision, and no lines to guide him, he couldn’t tell whether he was on the road or not.
Read MoreRoping the Bear
Each Friday morning we four siblings get together to walk and visit. Today Ellen repeated a story about our father that, surprisingly, neither Tim nor Mac had ever heard.
Read MoreOld Testament Observations
Today, 27 December 2020, I completed a reading of the Old Testament. It has taken a long time. I read the Old Testament in the left-over days between scheduled readings of the Book of Mormon. On numerous occasions I have undertaken other readings of the Old Testament, have gotten halfway through, and have had to quit because my spirit wasn’t being fed. This time I stopped and started many times, but always resumed where I’d left off.
Read MorePower of the Priesthood
Matt, suggested that I should gather my young grandsons and conduct a Priesthood preparation session. He wondered if that should be expanded to include all of my grandsons. I wondered if perhaps it should be expanded to include all of my Melchizedek Priesthood sons as well.
Read MoreMoroni
I finished reading the Book of Mormon a few minutes ago for the 83rd time. I could have read the final chapter last night, but I saved it for this morning so that I’d finish on Joseph Smith’s birthday. (23 December 2020). I note that this is the 4th time that I’ve finished on his birthday.
Read MoreGratitude
I am grateful for the talents with which the Lord has blessed me, and which He has helped me to develop. I am grateful that I can study, and write, and think. I am grateful to be able to create. I am grateful to be a father, and a husband, and a disciple. I am grateful for the peace which I feel, the happiness, and the joy. I am grateful for a clear conscience, and for the ability to repent. I am grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost and for personal revelation. I am grateful to be able to look upon everyone with feelings of love and compassion. I am grateful for health and for strength and for the ability and the desire to serve. I am grateful for the opportunities that are given to me to serve my fellow men. I am grateful to be able to live in this choicest of places in the choicest land in all the earth. I am grateful for each ancestor who preceded me and who opened the way for me to be in this particular place at this particular time under these particular circumstances. I realize that I am here to serve them, and to serve my Savior and Redeemer. I am grateful for my Priesthood, my covenants, and the eternal family which I have because of those covenants.
Read MorePearls Before Swine
I am nine days away from finishing my current reading of the Book of Mormon. I read 10 pages per day. I’ve done that all year, and therefore finish the book every two months. I’ve read the book six times this year. This will complete my 83rd reading, and my 47th reading in this decade (2011-2020).
Read MoreThe Lord Is In Charge
I found some comfort and pertinent counsel for our modern-day political conundrums in the ancient book of Daniel:
“The most high God rule(s) in the kingdom of men, and … he appointeth over it whomsoever he will.” (Daniel 5:21).
A Fairy Tale
Once upon a time there was a girl who lived an idyllic childhood. She grew up on a farm that had animals, an orchard, a garden, and wide fields to play in. They lived beside the woods, and under a big mountain. She had nine brothers and sisters. She had plenty to do, and plenty of siblings with whom to do it.
Read MoreEzekiel
It has been many a year since I last read the book of Ezekiel in the Old Testament. I am rereading it to see what I may have missed, and to make note of the valuable and usable things that are therein. They are few. Most of the book is a compilation of prophecies against the Jewish nation, and against her enemies, which were long ago fulfilled.
Read MoreMarjorie’s Warmth
I have often accused Marjorie of marrying me for my heat. In marrying her, I signed up for the job of keeping her warm.
Read MoreInstruments in the Hands of God
There is a phrase repeated a dozen times in the Book of Mormon that needs to be explored. It was first used by Lehi who said that Nephi had been “an instrument in the hands of God” in bringing them to the land of promise. (2 Nephi 1:24). Lehi used the phrase again as he prophesied of the calling of Joseph Smith. (2 Nephi 3:24). The phrase, “instruments in the hands of God” was picked up and used by Alma and other prophets.
Read MoreWhere Is the Difference?
I am reading the book of Ezekiel in the Old Testament. Ezekiel became a prophet shortly after Lehi left Jerusalem. He was among the captives who were carried away to Babylon from whence he prophesied.
Read MoreThe First Convert
While reading the story of king Lamoni’s conversion, it occurred to me that he was likely the first Lamanite convert to Christianity in their 500-year history. His conversion was the catalyst that led to the conversion of thousands more.
Read MoreYa Gotta Have a Cadence
While visiting with my brother, Tim, today he said, “Ya gotta have a cadence.” I like that. I like that a lot. It puts into focus what I’ve always felt and believed.
Read MoreGive Thanks
This week will be Thanksgiving. This week President Nelson gave us each a challenge. He asked us to use our social media to give thanks. I’m afraid that my social media is limited to my family. Maybe I can say something to them that can motivate and inspire their own thanksgivings.
Read MoreOrnithological Errors
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland made an ornithological error in his October 2020 conference address. Ornithology is the study of birds. He said that Elijah received a skimpy sustenance “in a raven’s claw.” I’ve never seen ravens or other corvids carry anything in their claws. I’ve seen them carry things in their beaks, but I think they lack the ability to grasp and carry things with their feet.
Read MoreYou Have Enough
I’ve complained to my wife that I need more scripture. At the approach of each general conference I wonder if President Nelson might announce the publication of the Brass Plates, or of the writings of Joseph which were on the other papyrus which was discovered with the Egyptian mummies, or perhaps he’ll announce the publication of some other ancient scripture that we have been promised to someday have. I have even prayed for additional scripture.
Read MoreTwo Math Problems
Bob has 36 candy bars. He eats 29. What does Bob have now?
Diabetes! Bob has diabetes!
Spiritual Traction
Ulisses Soares used a term in his October 2020 general conference address that arrested my attention. He spoke of “spiritual traction.” I want to explore that term.
“Traction” is defined as “adhesive or rolling friction, as of wheels on a track.”
Things in Commotion
As I wrote the date just now I realized that it is an important one. On this day in 1964 Marjorie and I had our first date. Jim Howard had invited me to be his friend and companion at a Boy Scout activity that his troop in Sumpter, Oregon was sponsoring. The activity was a dinner. Each scout was to invite a friend, and each scout and his friend were to invite dates. Jim’s girl friend was Sharon (Narn) Reagan. Sharon’s friend was Marjorie Hunt. Jim and I invited the two girls, and we had a wonderful time. That date led to many others, and Jim and I both eventually married our dates.
Read MoreWilliam and Delilah
Yesterday (7 November 2020) I completed my family history research for the family of William and Delilah Frizelle. They were my 3rd great grandparents. My objective was to find all of their children, and to check and correct the vital information of each. I traced each descendant in all of their lines down to at least the year 1910. I made sure that each person either had all of his or her temple ordinances completed, or was put on my own reservation list where I could see to it that the work is done. I sifted through hundreds of people, made scores of corrections, and am now in a position to offer the precious temple ordinances to dozens of people who have not yet had their temple work done.
Read MoreThe Necessities of Life
Recently as I was praying I found myself thanking the Lord for the necessities of life. As popularly understood, the necessities of life are food, clothing, and shelter. Some people in the world lack one or more of those things. I feel badly for them, and was expressing gratitude that I have those basic things.
Read MoreWas Lehi the Only One?
As I began another reading of the Book of Mormon last night, I only got six verses read before I got bogged down in thought. Lehi was obviously touched by the warnings of the many prophets who came into the land “prophesying unto the people that they must repent, or the great city Jerusalem must be destroyed.” (1 Nephi 1:4).
Read MoreHearts of Flesh
I read in Ezekiel 11:19 that the Lord “will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh.” That set me to thinking about hearts, specifically about Kerns hearts.
Read MoreExquisite Creations
As a boy wandering around the woods above my house, I fixed May 20th in my mind as the date on which I could find a fairy slipper. A fairy slipper is a pink, exquisitely-formed flower into which you can imagine a fairy’s dainty foot being inserted. Its real name is calypso orchid. It is a low-growing plant which sends up a 5-inch stem topped by a one-inch-long mottled, pink blossom. “Exquisite” is the best word to describe its shape and color. It is unique, and somewhat rare. It belongs to a genus that contains just this one species.
Read MoreIvy’s Rawr
A true story, written hoping that some family artist might illustrate it for a children’s book.
Little Ivy was scared of Rawrs.
Ivy didn’t exactly know what a Rawr was. All she knew was that she was supposed to be scared of them.
The Road to Jericho
The road to Jericho is littered with people in need of help.
You remember the Savior’s parable of the man on that road who was set upon by thieves, and was left for dead. There were bad guys back in those days, too. There were also those who were uncaring, and those who were too busy to get involved. The priest and the Levite passed the unfortunate man by, but the Samaritan stopped and bound up the man’s wounds. “Samaritan” back in those days was a derisive word, but because of Jesus’ parable it has since evolved to become synonymous with goodness, kindness, and compassion. The Samaritan saved the man’s life. The word “good” has thus forever become affixed to the word “Samaritan.”
Joy, a poem
Joy requires your gentle presence,
I’m happiest when you’re around:
Life takes on a special essence:
Brilliant lights with symphonic sound.
The Lord Knows the Details
Last week I had a struggle with my check book. It wouldn’t balance. Not only would it not balance, but my figures and the bank’s figures were hundreds of dollars apart; and if the bank’s figures were correct, I was severely overdrawn.
Read MoreChildren of the Evangelist
This morning in my study I found this:
“And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven, and abode with him.
Family Letter, October 2020
At 2:20 I sat bolt upright in bed when a bull elk bugled right above the house. I wasn’t able to see him in the dark, but he bugled eight times before resting for a while. Periodically he’d tune up again. After 4:00 I put my sweat suit on, wrapped my blanket around me, and went out into the back yard and stood under the aspen tree. By the light of the three-quarter moon I imagined that I could see two cow elk eating potatoes about 50 yards away, and two more above them. The bull was over by where the old barn stood. He bugled about once every minute for the 15 minutes that I stood there. In the morning light, the cow elk turned out to be the wheels to Adam’s pivot.
Read MoreBy Small and Simple Things
I am at loose ends and confused this morning. I don’t know what to do. I reached my goal yesterday of indexing general conference talks, and have no more to do. I’m a creature of habit, and this is going to upset my whole daily routine.
Read MoreThe Restoration Was For Me
The Restoration is an individual thing. Elder D. Todd Christofferson said, “The revelations of the First Vision were not for Joseph Smith alone but are offered as light and truth for any who ‘lack wisdom.'” (Ensign, May 2020, 110).
Read MoreLadders
President Russell M. Nelson says that “most people do not embrace … truth–either because they do not know where to look for (it) or because they are listening to those who do not have the whole truth or because they have rejected truth in favor of worldly pursuits.” (Ensign, May 2020, 89).
Read MoreCan A Coyote Feel Happiness?
I found myself wondering, “Can a coyote (or any animal) feel happiness?” I decided probably not. An animal can feel contentment when its belly is full and its appetites are satisfied; but in order to feel happiness, one must be able to feel and to express gratitude. When one knows from whence one’s blessings come, then one can experience not only happiness, but joy.
Read MoreCount Your Many Blessings
I’m a counter. I count everything. While looking at Marjorie’s flower gardens it occurred to me that she has literally thousands of blossoms. She has hundreds of plants, and each one produces bloom on top of bloom. For about half a second I considered the possibility of numbering her blossoms, but it would be an impossibility even for me.
Read MoreThe Tables Suddenly Turn
Daniel was an adviser and high official working under king Darius. The king’s other officials were jealous of his status, and were irritated by his steadiness and righteousness. They cunningly used his righteousness to bring an accusation against him which caused him to be cast into a den of lions. They then congratulated themselves on their success and cleverness in ridding themselves of their irritant and the man who they saw as their political competitor.
Read MoreDifferent Wavelengths
Mac’s three siblings went to see him at his home on 18 September 2020 instead of going for the traditional Friday morning walk. He had just gotten out of the hospital, and was not up to a hike. His son, Wesley, was there, and reported on his father’s condition on a previous occasion as he was getting out of the hospital. Wes said, “On my way there to get him, I took note of a road sign that warned, ‘6% grade for next 6 miles.’ I wondered out loud how many feet drop in elevation that would amount to. Dad was groggy coming out of the hospital, but without any hesitation, he looked up and said, ‘1,200 feet.'”
Read MoreThat Which Has Been
It is said, “That which has been is that which shall be,” or that “history repeats itself.”
It occurs to me that two of the world’s most momentous and significant events are going to be repeated, and we’d better be ready for them.
Patriarch
I have spent my adult life preparing for the next church event. I’ve either been thinking about the upcoming lesson or church talk that I was to give, or planning and preparing for an activity. There has always been something. When one was over and done with, there were the next ones to get ready for.
Read MoreGun Safety
I just awoke from a dream. I pay attention to my dreams, especially when they’re vivid and meaningful as this one was.
Read MoreChrist Is God
Several years ago Marjorie was invited by one of her piano students to attend her baptism in another church. The baptism was to be done following the pastor’s Easter sermon. Marjorie found the pastor and the sermon interesting. He was dressed in an Hawaiian shirt and Bermuda shorts. He said that he had been reading the Bible, and had come to the conclusion that he thought that Jesus was a God.
Read MoreI Have A Project
I wake in the morning feeling excited. I’m excited because I have a project. I’m eager to start the next step, and to continue putting together my creation. I’m bringing something into existence which has never existed before. I’m developing an idea, and the result is going to be beautiful and useful.
Read MoreLanguages
I am reading The Two Islands by Thomas Condon. It is a narrative of the geological history of Oregon written for the purpose of (in Thomas Condon’s words) “increas(ing) the interest of the young.” (Introduction, pg 5).
Read MoreSunrise
I have an appointment each morning with the rising of the sun. I try to be in front of my big window as the sun slowly prepares to make its appearance.
Read MoreWhat I Learned at College
What did I learn at college that is of most value to me?
I learned how to draw boxes in the texts of magazines.
Little Nash-Rambler
Driving to church today I looked in my rear-view mirror and saw a shiny, red, refurbished classic car coming up fast behind me. I have no idea what it was, but it was obvious that it was considerably older than I was. It was also obvious that the owner was very proud of it. It was spotless.
Read MoreDisoriented
I have prepared a talk this morning just for Jan. She’ll understand it even if the rest of us don’t. She has been a pilot, and none of the rest of us have ever flown a plane.
Read More