Joy
Finding Joy, #2
I want to speak to you about finding joy.
The scripture says “Men are that they might have joy.” Mankind’s joy is the whole purpose of the plan of salvation. Bringing His children to where they experience joy is God’s whole thrust. Appropriately the plan of salvation is also known as God’s plan of happiness, and joy is the stratospheric level above happiness.
Finding Joy
Doctrine and Covenants, section 89, promises that those who keep the Word of Wisdom and walk in obedience to the commandments “shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures.” (D&C 89:18-19)
Read MoreHidden Treasures
Chance is my grandson. When he was small his dad purchased an old safe at an auction for $10. No one knew how to open it. For years it sat unopened in his shop.
Chance became a teenager. The sealed safe intrigued him. One day as he was studying it he decided that he could open the safe by attacking its hinges. With punches and a grinder he finally succeeded in breaking into the impenetrable safe. What was thought to be an empty safe contained $5,000 in five dollar bills. There was no way of knowing who had placed the money there. It all belonged to Chance, except for ten dollars which his dad demanded as reimbursement for the purchase price of the safe.
Our Marriage
Loving and lovable, that’s my wife,
Comforting and comfortable, describes our life;
Worthy and worthwhile, I try to be,
Joyful and happy I hope is her,
And is certainly me.
The Equinox
September 22nd, the fall equinox. I’ve positioned myself here in the middle of the road with my camera so that I can record the rising of the sun. It will come up in the east, right straight down our county road.
Read MoreRepentance—The Key
Samuel the Lamanite astutely observed that “all mankind, by the fall of Adam being cut off from the presence of the Lord, are considered as dead.”
From God’s perspective, we are dead. Did you know it? Because of sin, and because no unclean thing can be in His presence, we are dead.
What I’ve Learned as a Patriarch
Last night I still had not a clue what to say to you here tonight. As I got into bed I knelt and prayed for the inspiration that would give me a starting point for my talk. The little voice in my head said, “Tell them what you’ve learned as a patriarch.”
Read MoreJoy in Your Posterity
I look out my kitchen window at Amy Geese, the Canada goose that nests in my nesting box. She and her mate come to our pond every year. She lays a clutch of six eggs, and dutifully sets on them for 30-35 days. Once a day she carefully covers her precious eggs with the hay that I’ve put in the nest and the down that she has plucked from her own body, and briefly leaves the nest to get a drink and a quick bite to eat. Then it’s back to the nest where she patiently sits for day after boring day. Why does she do it?
Read MoreJoy Cometh in the Morning
Psalms says that “joy cometh in the morning (Psalms 30:5). “Thou hast … girded me with gladness.” (Psalms 30:11).
I like those statements a lot. Morning is my favorite time. The world is beautiful. Everything is new. The sun comes up. Darkness is dispelled. Opportunity lies ahead. My strength and energy are renewed. I’m eager to see what the day will bring, what adventures are in store, and what I might accomplish. Yesterday’s problems have faded, and I’m ready to take on the world.
What Would I Tell 12-Year-Old Me?
The title of this article is a question asked in the April 2021 general conference.
Twelve-year-old me was timid, shy, afraid, unsure, ignorant, full of self doubt, weighed down by sin, and unable to break free of habits; but desirous of being good, doing good, and of becoming better.
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 MoreJoy, 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.
Can 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 MoreGolden Anniversary
What is 50 years?
Fifty years is half a century.
Fifty years is a long time.
Life Got Good at 20
I did not enjoy high school. I was miserable. For this reason I have never attended a class reunion. I used to say that I’d attend our 50th reunion
Read MoreThoughts Upon a Grandchild
Life and creation are miracles
That I have contemplated
A Drop In Eternity
“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” (James 4:14)
Read MoreAnd the Fairy Moved In
“James, I want you to make me a fairy house on your lathe,” Marjorie said.
“What does a fairy house look like?” I asked