Callings
Carlton and Ruth Darnell
I awoke suddenly and looked at the clock. 3:22 A.M.. My mind was full of thoughts–and full of gratitude–for a couple who greatly influenced my life 56 years ago. I laid there and thought about them for two or three minutes, and then felt compelled to get up and to write about them.
Read MoreStand Ye in Holy Places
Each year I am assigned to speak in all of the units of the La Grande Oregon Stake. I was surprised to learn that all stake patriarchs aren’t given that same assignment. I am grateful that I have the privilege. I actually enjoy doing it.
Read MoreA Has Been
In his declining years my father was fond of saying, “I’m a has been. I has been a better man.” Similarly it occurs to me that I has been a lot of things in the nearly 56 years of my church membership.
Read MoreChoice
I am struck by the faithfulness of three very young men who were called in their youth as prophets of God. Joseph (who was sold into Egypt), Nephi, and Joseph Smith were all just boys when they began having manifestations which ultimately positioned them to become powerful leaders. All three thereafter experienced terrific hardships which might have discouraged and broken lesser men, yet there is no indication that any of them ever faltered, murmured, or complained. Instead of succumbing to their troubles (which they could easily have done), they chose to believe that their situations had a purpose, and that things would work out. Their optimism and steadfastness seem almost super-human.
Read MoreVisiting General Authorities
Yesterday (5 December 2021) was a good day. Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the quorum of the twelve came to La Grande to hold a special stake conference. The last time that an apostle visited our stake was 33 years ago, in 1988. It was special to be here for this conference.
Read MoreFuller Family Connections
Jim has asked me to write about the Fuller connection to my conversion story. I first became acquainted with him in Don Hunt’s French class in the 8th grade. Jim became my best friend in high school. He and I did many things together. He came out to my farm at Haines, but I was more often at his house on 17th Street. I became well acquainted with both Grandma Tanner, and with Grandma Burris, who lived in the house next door.
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 MorePatriarch
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 MoreHere Am I; Send Me
At least once a year, in ward conference, members of the Church have the opportunity to sustain their ward and stake leaders. As we raise our hands to sustain our bishoprics and stake presidencies we are saying, in effect, “I believe these men have been called by the Lord, and that they are the Lord’s authorized representatives. I support them, and I will strive to do the things they ask me to do.”
Read MoreThe Purpose of Meetings
What is the purpose of stake priesthood leadership meetings? More particularly, what is the reasoning behind stake priesthood leadership meeting on stake conference weekend? The meeting happens twice a year, right in the middle of a busy Saturday afternoon. Everyone with anything at all to do must choose between 10 other worthy projects and attendance at priesthood leadership.
Read MoreGet The Spirit
On a Saturday evening in March, Brother Quebbeman, the stake executive secretary, called to inform me that President Chadwick wanted to come see me Sunday at 3:00.
Read MoreWrought Upon
Some people get “wrought up” about things. As I started another reading of the Book of Mormon several days ago, I noticed a related phrase I’d never tuned into before,
Read MoreSelf-Estimation
In the talk Dieter F. Uchtdorf gave in the Priesthood session of the October 2014 general conference, he cited an interesting study:
Read MoreYou Feared
Oliver Cowdery sat on the other side of the table from Joseph Smith, and recorded the words that Joseph spoke as he read the golden plates.
Read MoreTested, Tried and Stretched
In the conference just past (October 2014), Elder Richard G. Scott spoke about our being “tested, tried, and stretched.” As he said “stretched,” he held his fists close to one another, and pulled them apart as if stretching an object between them.
Read MoreTraction
David A. Bednar told the story of his friend who bought a pickup, took it up in the snowy mountains to get a load of firewood, and promptly got stuck. He was unable to extricate the pickup from where it was stuck in the snow.
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