We Heeded Them Not

This was another post I put up on Facebook:
"I thought this was a great thought for tonight from 1 Nephi 8:31-34. It seems pretty applicable.
31 And he also saw other multitudes feeling their way towards that great and spacious building.
32 And it came to pass that many were drowned in the depths of the fountain; and many were lost from his view, wandering in strange roads.
33 And great was the multitude that did enter into that strange building. And after they did enter into that building they did point the finger of scorn at me and those that were partaking of the fruit also; but we heeded them not.
34 These are the words of my father: For as many as heeded them, had fallen away." (1 Nephi 8:31-34, LDS.org) 
There's a lot of crazy things happening in the world right now. There's a lot of people calling evil good and good evil. Yesterday same sex marriage became legalized in Utah. Many people celebrate it. Many people point their fingers at the "religious folk" and mock. Many others listen to them and wander off. 
Everything I have learned about God compels me to believe in marriage between a man and a woman, to hold the family as a sacred vehicle for returning to heaven, and to share what I believe with others. 
Sharing what I believe on this topic has become scary for me. Almost every time I state my belief there is some one decrying my "close mindedness". That is fine. If I am closed to the idea of a course, that in my belief, carries a person far from the path I believe God intended, then that's my choice. 
The problem comes for us when we begin to heed the voices of the world that encourage behavior (of any type) that we know is in conflict with the plan of our Father in Heaven. There are so many of these detracting voices. They mock. They put down any type of religious belief. They call names. They get courts and judges on their sides. 
This conference came at a good time. We need to be peaceful people, but we need to stand for our beliefs. I am not going to pick a fight with anybody. I don't like that contention, I don't need it in my life. BUT...and that's a big "but"...I am not going to change or alter my beliefs that I have sacrificed, fought, and defended because of a popular idea or opinion. This road we are on scares me. Many people will say, "There's nothing to be afraid of! Nothing bad is going to happen." 
Okay. 
Sure.
I just worry about families, and individuals, and their future happiness. Perhaps it is none of my business, but there are many roads in life that lead to dead ends, and I believe that what I witnessed in Utah (and across the nation) is a dead end, but that's just my belief. So don't hate me. 
I am grateful for God. I am grateful for what I have because of Him. I feel like I owe Him something. Some people may ask if I really know Him. I think I do. I have seen evidence of Him in my life. I feel like I have been blessed over and over by Him. Because of that I think He deserves my loyalty. So I commit according to my belief and experience. We cannot know Him unless we try Him and His commandments. Do I do this perfectly? Nope. But I hope I am doing better and better. He's merciful. 
So if I don't heed the world out there, it's nothing personal. I don't want to fight. I just believe in another way...and betraying that, despite my imperfection, is worse than death to me. 

Father in Heaven

This afternoon I read a great article on LDS.org and thought that I would link it here to my blog. 
Sister Reeves makes some great points in her article. When we feel that we are privy to truth, we have an obligation to share. She also reinforces that even though we need to share, we should try to do our best not to offend. So here I am sharing, hoping I don't offend!

This is just a little taste of Heaven.

This quote was especially powerful:
"How remarkable that our all-powerful, omniscient eternal Father loves each of us so much that everything He does is directly related to bringing you and me back home to his presence so that He can share all that He has, all that He knows, and all the He does."
I am grateful that God is better than we are. I don't spend all my time seeking the well being of others. I spend more of it now doing so than I did when I was younger, but I have yet to offer my "whole soul". I suppose it takes time. 
I am grateful for a Father in Heaven who loves us. That when we need Him, he is there. He was willing to sacrifice a lot on our behalf. I don't know that I could send one of my sons to sacrifice for someone else. I would try to teach them to help others though. But it seems that I am to willing to draw a line on my willingness to help. Perhaps I can work on that.
Anyway. The article is great. We really are blessed with truth concerning how central marriage is to God's plan. I am grateful for it!
https://www.lds.org/church/news/sister-reeves-boldly-testify-to-world-of-marriage-gods-plan?lang=eng&cid=facebook-shared

He Hath Borne Our Griefs

Just something to think about when our load is a bit too heavy to bear. (Isaiah 53:3-5):

3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

4 ¶Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

I am grateful for the healing we receive from Jesus and the willingness with which he freely gives it. I get wrapped up in my problems too often, and sometimes I want to "hide my face", forgetting there is real help. I don't know how it is real, but I know it is, for me, and for anyone who will ask.

Too often I face the school day, or other stresses, and feel very alone in it all. At other times, I realize, and remember that He really will give me guidance, even at work, especially with students. Even yesterday after a pretty long day at school, I received gentle reminders that I am doing better than I think and that I have what I need to help the students already in place.

For anyone dealing with issues, grief, sorrow, sin, depression, any weakness: I know that help is available from the Lord. I know also that getting help is as simple as taking the first step of asking God for wisdom and strength. This scripture from Ether 12:27 reinforces the willingness our Savior has to assist us when we ask:

"27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."

I know this works. I know He loves each of us and will help us bridge the gaps and fill the holes in our lives. I'm still learning more about this, I am still asking and begging for help all the time, but I am grateful that I know where to turn for help. 

Scriptures retrieved from: https://www.lds.org

An "Effectual Struggle" and Trusting in God to Deliver Us

I am posting again! Two days in a row. There have just been things I have read in the scriptures lately that I felt were worth sharing. This scripture today, discussing King Limhi was very good. As I state in my Facebook post, the verses are very applicable to our day. They are especially applicable to each of us:

Raising this cat...has been a struggle-mostly for Jenna!

I love these words from King Limhi in Mosiah 7:18, 30. It may have been to his people who were in bondage at the time, but it is very applicable for us today. I also believe it is also very personal, that whatever "bondage" we may find ourselves in, and whatever "effectual struggle" there is to fight, God will be with us and deliver us. I'm grateful for that. We need to trust Him and turn to Him for that help. It is there.
18 And it came to pass that when they had gathered themselves together that he spake unto them in this wise, saying: O ye, my people, lift up your heads and be comforted; for behold, the time is at hand, or is not far distant, when we shall no longer be in subjection to our enemies, notwithstanding our many strugglings, which have been in vain; yet I trust there remaineth an effectual struggle to be made.
---
33 But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage.
Each of us has burdens we are facing. Some are self-inflicted. Some are given to us through our mortal experience, and some are inflicted on us through the choices of others. All of these trials (if you will) are given to us. We can respond to them as we choose.
These verses remind us that we can choose, if we desire, to trust God. They promise (and I believe) that despite the "effectual struggle" God WILL deliver us from bondage.
That struggle is good for us. It is how we gain strength. It is how we grow our faith. I may not always enjoy the struggle, but I am grateful for it.

Faithful in Tribulation: D&C 58:2-4

These are just a few of my very favorite verses in the Doctrine and Covenants. I haven't posted much on my blog lately and I need to be a bit better. So perhaps I'll just share small things from my reading here. I share many of them on Facebook, so I'll just double post on some of them.
If I remember!
Anyway. This was my Facebook post:

This little boy is a wonderful blessing.

I love the promise in these words from D&C 58:2-4. They have been on my mind for the last several days. I especially love the reminder in verses three and four. We can't see all that God has prepared, but our troubles prepare us for those things. I really believe that.
2 For verily I say unto you, blessed is he that keepeth my commandments, whether in life or in death; and he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven.
3 Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation.
4 For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand.
There is a lot of power in these words. They require faith in our Heavenly Father and in Jesus and their plan for us. I have faith that they are true and I hope to continue living the gospel (and repenting) the best I can to be worthy of the things the Lord has in store for me, specifically, and all of us also.
I know God lives. I know I belong to the Church that has his seal of approval, despite the limitations and imperfections of the people who are members of it. I have felt His power often because of it. It has shaped my life for good.

A Lot of Thoughts Build Up in a Year...

Look up!

It's been almost a year since I last wrote. A whole lot has happened. A lot of really good things. A few hard things, but things I am grateful for.
Last summer we spent a lot of time just being at home. I was also in a lot of trainings and such, trying to improve myself as an educator. It's a job that is never ending. I love it and yet sometimes I wonder why I do!
Anyway. The school year was really great. I had a class, that while large, was really fun. A lot of very interesting personalities and just super neat students. The beginning of the year was pretty good. I had a bit of a struggle at first. I think I was still struggling with not getting the job I had hoped for and it really ate into my self-confidence. I would see our principal (who is amazing) do some new thing and wonder if I really could have been as good as that. It was a hard time. Though I tried to put on a smile and ignore my feelings. Thankfully some very in tune ladies could tell I was struggling and they asked. I needed someone to ask so I could express what I felt. Not many of us like to gripe about things when we feel there is no reason, but sometimes we need someone to listen. Jenna has always been really good to be there for me, but it was also nice to have others who cared.
Our holiday season was fast and furious. We attended Thanksgiving at Jenna's parents in Santa Clara. It was an excellent feast. My mouth still waters if I think too much about it. Really. It was that good. Christmas went well also. We were able to put a little more money away this year and had a really nice time without quite so much duress (of course we still had some!).
I was also "blessed" to experience the repercussions of voicing my beliefs and opinion during the Christmas season. So be it. I will share them anyway. I believe them. I feel that is what the Lord would want me to do. But to do it as lovingly as I can. I do not believe that in order to love someone I have to agree with them! Just ask my students and my children!
Winter was cold. We didn't get a lot of snow this year. So we worry a little, but we pray. School continued to go well, though I ended up with a lot of students at the end of the year. Twenty-six, up from twenty-three, which is where I started. That made things a little more stressful. But, I was grateful for these students that moved in.

This is my send off crew when I drive to work.

In February, Mr. Bateman asked me to move up to teach 6th grade. I had had thoughts and feelings that had brought that possibility to my mind, but I hate to tell people what to do. So, when he asked it was a witness to me that it was the right thing for me to do. Students in fifth grade were super excited to have me again, and I am very excited to teach them again also.
With that though, I have been working with two amazing teachers in 3rd grade and it will be hard to not work so closely with them anymore, though thankfully I will see them often. They have become close friends and I value that friendship.
In our family news we all celebrated our birthdays in the space of three months: the beginning of March until the end of May...and we're done for another year.
One huge highlight of all this was that I was able to baptize and confirm Dallin. That was really special for me. I am really proud of Dallin and how much he understands about life. He is a good boy and wants to be good. I am grateful for that.
Allison graduated from preschool, which is crazy to me. She'll be starting kindergarten next year. It is fun to watch my children grow up and become capable young people.
Parker has been fun also. Really fun. He is a comedian, and he does it all with a really low vocabulary! We are really hoping that he catches up, but we are still so proud of how he is growing. He is happy and that means a lot to us.
During the school year we, as a community, also had the privilege of seeing a girl go through, fight, and eventualy succumb to cancer. As sad as it may have been, she did it with grace and courage. Mostly though, she blessed all of our lives through her faith and example. The worst way to die is fade and never influence anyone. This gal didn't have to worry about that! She is (still!) a special kid and I feel it was a privilege to know her.

The streets were lined for Jayci! She certainly deserved it!

This year ended about as tumultuous as last year, as far a school goes. The job for Principal/Teacher opened up at Valley Elementary School opened up and I really wanted to go for it. I was nervous about it and spent the more than a month before preparing very seriously for it. It consumed my thoughts. Which, for an interview and application, I believe is a good things. Getting my mind where it may need to go. Did I get the job? No...and again, it's been hard. So many things go through my mind when I am rejected for something. Feelings of peace mostly. Because that's what I felt. I really do feel that the Lord is watching out for me and my family. Was I upset? Of course. It never feels good to be told you aren't "good enough" for the job. Especially when I believe I am and when so many in my community were pulling and praying for me. But with that effort comes an ability to understand that the Lord has a plan for me...and there are kids in Kanab that need me and I need them. I appreciate the nice things many people have said to me since. I surely couldn't to this life with out friends.
My biggest worry about possibly moving back to teach at Valley was that there were students coming into 6th grade and staff that I needed to touch and I need to be touched by. Well. I don't have to worry about that!
I was told in a blessing before I interviewed that the Lord had my life mapped out for me...and if this is not a part of that map at this time, then so be it. Yet frustration still arises from impatience. Of course being told my life is mapped out...makes me wonder how much choice I have! But I believe it is mapped out because I want to do the Lord's will in my life. Period. All my blessings have come from listening to Him.

Vroom. Vroom.

One scripture, in particular, came to mind during this period. First D&C 111:11, which says, "Therefore, be ye as wise as serpents and yet without sin; and I will order all things for your good, as fast as ye are able to receive them." I think that this is pretty self-explanatory. He will bring us blessings when we are ready for the
m. It has worked constantly in my life that way. Perhaps I was not ready for the job, perhaps I need to be somewhere else at this time. In a classroom with some amazing kids, being home with my family at an amazing time (4:00 p.m.). Perhaps there are lessons I need that can only be learned in the classroom. I cannot say which direction my future will take me, but knowing that I have peace about where I have been planted is encouraging.
Proverbs 3:5-6 also rang through my head after the call. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not to thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he will direct thy paths. It is easy for us to compare ourselves (and myself) to others based on our station in life. I do it way too often. But if the Lord led me to be a teacher (which He did) and he leads others to be other things...then we must all play our parts with dignity.
I learned this again while talking to a nice man at Jenna's 10 year reunion over the weekend. He builds homes. Perhaps he builds them for doctors and lawyers. Is his job any less important? I don't think so. He may not make as much money, but he builds homes for families. I teach students to think for themselves and develop good study habits. A doctor helps my family and I stay healthy, and an honorable lawyer and bring justice to those who need it. We all have a place and it is not the same as someone else's. What is mostly sad is that we treat certain professions as honorable and others as less than. When really, where would we be without the construction worker, trash collector, and the custodians? They impact our lives just as much as the higher paid professions.

Heaven can be close anywhere. 

The Lord will not abandon us. I have not been abandoned. Perhaps I have been put off of taking a track that would lead to less happiness and potential than the Lord has in mind for me. I do not understand at this time. We humans tend to measure value by the honors of men and worldly goods. Perhaps I need to look harder next time I think about leaving the place I have been planted. I am sure, that when the time is right for change the Lord will bring it to me. He brought me Jenna. He brought me to Orderville, and Kanab. He brought me three beautiful children and a wonderful home to raise them in. He orders things for our good, as fast as we are able to receive them. Part of that is requisite on our preparation, part of that is doing well the job He has asked us to do. He will not withhold blessings, real blessings, from us when we are trying to do our best and trusting Him.
So here I am at the beginning of another summer. Are there going to be great times? Yep. Are there going to be stresses? Yep. Jenna's step dad has had some serious medical issues. So we just keep praying.
If I can help someone with their stresses and they can help me through mine, and we can trust the Lord and try to do our best to follow Him...everything will be okay. Even when it's not...there can still be peace, and then it's okay.

Just a Little Summer

I really picked the right profession. I mean...if you aren't really concerned about being a multi-bajillionaire...then yeah. Teaching is the way to go. Especially this time of year.

Of course you'd buy from her.

Don't get me wrong. I love teaching. I love the education system (well...MOST of the time...). I even love going to different trainings and meetings because of the people I work with. It is a blessed career. Except the money...but...yeah. Whatever right? Who needs...money...
This summer has been really great so far. I haven't really done much. That's probably been one of the best parts. It has been strictly time with my wife and our three kids. Sure...we have traveled...a little: Cedar City and St. George. Definitely nothing fancy, but it has been nice.
So what have we been doing?
Jenna has been running around to different parties to sell Usborne books. I am really glad she has this going for her. She likes to stay busy and I like to see her happy finding ways to fulfill herself.

Scott came home in June! This is him and Grandpa Hefley.

Dallin has been playing with his friends, swimming with his family, and playing some video games...with his dad and sister...and alone. He's also been reading a lot. We are pretty proud of how much he loves to engage in activities that push his mind. He's got a real thirst for knowledge and he even tries to apply it! Jenna took Dallin down to St. George today and he was able to participate in his first Karate lesson. We are excited about this. This little guy needs something like Karate. I mean...he's already fighting with swords and such to video game music...so why not be a little ninja too?
Allison, is doing really well. She dances and sings. While they were in St. George today she was able to go to a little camp at Diamond Talent. When I talked with her on the phone she was very proud of herself and how she had done. I love to see her confidence grow in her abilities. We all need to have that confidence.

These guys love Papa Bill!

Parker and I have been spending the day together here in O-town. I love that little guy and it has been really good for me as a dad to just spend one on one with him. It is a rare commodity with three children. All of them need time and patience and that runs short some days, when we are caught up in our own "stuff". I have enjoyed seeing him develop and grow...and even develop his own quirks. He's a funny dude. Seriously.
So what about me? I did have a nice training last week in Kanab. Our grade level team was able to get a lot of work done for the coming year. I love working with those ladies, they are pretty awesome. It is exciting to see how we each fill different roles in our team and yet working together we are extremely effective. Extremely. That's a little bit of a brag...but...I believe it is true.
I have also been working on a book this summer. The book was my backup plan if I didn't get the principal job...
So...I didn't get the job, but you know...it's okay. In fact it's better than okay. I have been able to still use the skills I gained through my Master's program to help the new principal get situated...and lets face it. He's an awesome guy. I have known him since the Elementary Block at SUU and I have the highest respect for him.

Parker loves the animals!

Things are nice for us right now. Don't get me wrong, we have ups and downs in the family and other stress sometimes. That's learning and growing for you! We work it out. We are anchored in the gospel. The more I am with my family the more I realize how the family is a school for life. The Lord set it up pretty well. I am grateful for that.
Anyway. That's it for now. Just needed to catch up!

What Matters?

Hello. I haven't written since February. That's nice isn't it? Things have been really busy and honestly, it has been kind of annoying. I love to do things and be social, but sometimes it gets to the point where I just want to have a night at home...with nothing else.
But, we don't always get what we want do we? Darn.

This is what being a Dad is all about.

Anyway. We have successfully spent all our tax money. That was fun. Really. It was really fun. But of course it didn't last. I should probably read Dave Ramsey's Money book. A lot of the ladies at Community Council were talking about it. We spent some time in St. George at a hotel. It was nice to have the kids there and just be able to relax for a few days. We paid for a lot of things that needed to be paid for, stocked up on some supplies, and got a few things we had been wanting for a while. So...that's always nice. Right?
Besides all that things have been going nuts with my job and calling. I work in the Young Men's in our ward and there is ALWAYS something to do. I don't know that I am very great at it, but I am learning and hopefully growing. Being willing is kind of tough on days that school, family, and my own interests seem to conflict. But growth happens when we sacrifice our time, talents, and energy to the betterment of those around us. I have to remember that. I know it is true.

I am proud of this guy.

At school things have been going pretty well. We are in the middle of our Core Testing. We (my team) have worked really hard to get our students ready. I mean...really, really hard. This group of kids is a very fun bunch to have. My own class has a lot of...personality. I love them. They are just really funny sometimes. At least I have seen a lot of improvement over the year. They are neat kids and I feel like I have grown pretty close to most of them. At least they put up with an ornery teacher.
In other events at school. I have been applying for the principal job at Kanab Elementary. Twice. Not too mention applying for the Kanab High School Principal job. Just because. This has been a very interesting ordeal to say the least. I know I can do the job. I want to do the job. I also know how many variable there are in this process and it can be annoying to wait for things to pan out. I think when all is said and done and the new principal is chosen, I want to know that I am in the right place in my life. A place where I can do good for others and be an influence for excellence. It is a big deal to me to be important to people. It is an even bigger deal to help people be successful. Whether that be in my classroom or in a new position I am glad to be in a profession that demands my time, patience, service, and love for those around me. I can't think of anything I would rather do now that I am here.

One has been there. One will be.

So...I am waiting, but at the same time I am learning and growing...and boy have I learned a lot. The first time the job closed, I was devastated. Everything happened so unexpectedly and I didn't know what to think. I cried a bit. I reevaluated. I transferred my application over to the high school position and got an interview. I am very grateful for that opportunity. No, I didn't get that job, that's okay. I was more grateful to have the opportunity to learn about the interview process, recognize some of the mistakes I made, receive some mentoring and re-apply for the elementary position after it re-opened. I hope that regardless of the outcome I will present myself as well as possible, I will be considered highly, and I will move forward with peace in my life that I am going in the right direction. I am kind of depending on the Lord with this one. I have enough faith in Him to know that "He will direct my paths" if I "trust in the Lord with all [my] heart; and lean not to [my] own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5-6).
In all these things that are going on lately I have my family to consider. I want and need to be able to spend time with them. My kids need me home. Jenna needs me to be useful around the house and with the kids. Besides that, I really like my family. Weird huh? I enjoy hanging out with Dallin, Allison, and Parker. They are really cute kids. I don't want them to grow up without me. In addition to that I have Jenna and we need our time too! This life is a balancing act. Finding the correct balance by staying in tune with Heavenly Father, being a productive member of a community, and being a good father and husband is pretty challenging, and I know that I don't always get that balance right. But regardless of all the things that are happening all around us, or in our own personal lives, there are really only a few things that really matter. I will boldly say that those things are our families, our faith, and our direction in life. We go where we are pointed. President Monson sums it up pretty nicely in this video I have linked.

They need time and love. 

What Matters Most? I think most things in our lives can be put into their proper place with the answer to that question.

My Worst Fear

Fear seems to be a huge part of our lives. We fear what other people think of us, we fear how we will do on certain tests, (school and trials), we fear for the safety of ourselves and our loved ones. I have all these fears at times and I hope I can manage them as they arrive, so far I think I have done fairly well for the most part. Maybe I would get a B if we were graded...maybe a B-.

What are their lives going to hold?

These things are definitely things I think about more often than I should and they loom ever present at times, but I think many of them are underlined by one fear-at least in my life-and that is the fear of not being good enough.
We have all been taught from an early age that there are things that we shouldn't do. Many of those things fall under the jurisdiction of the 10 Commandments. For the most part, most people I know, even with their weaknesses, do pretty well at living these standards. There have been other things we have been taught to avoid, and I think generally most of us also do a good job here. We have been taught to avoid many things because of what they can do to our lives. We have been taught to be good. So we try.
We are not always 100% successful in this. In fact more often than not we stumble regularly. I have been taught about the Atonement and the sacrifice of the Savior for my sins. I believe this is a real thing. Not because "someone said so" but because of my own struggles with sin and weakness, which are ongoing and the change that has taken place when my trust has been placed in God. It's kind of like you have to try it to find out if it is real.
This leads back to my worst fear. Not being good enough.
Unfortunately our measuring stick for this is usually centered around the judgments and comments of other, well-meaning, but misinformed people. Sometimes that "worst critic" is ourselves.  Our lack of understanding of who God really is and the patience and love He has for us can cause us to judge ourselves too harshly. We take what others say to heart because we worry about our standing with them and with God and we struggle with the idea that we can never be good enough. We beat ourselves up, we cry, we keep getting up, but after awhile, some of us quit trying, throw our hands in the air and walk away from that which would save us, help us, comfort us, and guide us.

A lot of my faith was built in this building...

My understanding of the Lord has evolved over the semi-short period of my life. I started being deathly afraid of making any kind of mistake in my life. I was afraid that if I made a mistake I would be given a one way ticket to...the bad place...;). I feel like I have matured and experienced a few things since that time. I also feel that I have spent a good amount of time seeking to understand the Lord and reconciling what I read in scriptures, what I hear at church, and what I experience into a complete truth.
I feel I am making progress. I have to remember that many of the things I hear from other people are based on their understanding of the Lord and what He currently means to them. The scriptures deal with all sorts of situations, and those situations are given to us to be a "type" or a "shadow" of what could befall us in our lives.
If I have learned anything in my life to this point, it is that when we are on the Lord's side: There is NO need to fear. We are in His hands, we are on His errand, and we will stay on His course. Some may beg the question: What is the Lord's side. Scriptures tell us. Our own observations of this world and its course can tell us. Many people doubt what they have never sought to understand. But we can understand, and through that understanding our fears can be driven away because we begin to see a picture of this life, its purpose, and Who is willing to help us along the way.

...and in this chapel.

I have experienced debilitating fear in my life. I have suffered and given in to it, whether I masked it as anger, sadness, or pride- those fears slowed and hindered my progress. I often picture the Lord shaking His head as He watches wondering why it is so hard to trust in Him. I can't say it any more strongly than I do now, but I know He lives. I know He'll guide and help us all. There is a price and that price is commitment to Him and a true understanding of who He is.
Fears that I still have are because I allow my doubts to take hold, because there is opposition and there is an Adversary-who is not nice and who is cunning. Because of this we need to do the things that pull us closer to God. That is where there is safety. It has always been this way.  I believe it will always be so.
I wanted to finish up with one of my favorite scriptures, D&C 6:33-36, because nobody says it better than the Lord himself:
33 Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow good ye shall also reap good for your reward.
34 Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.
35 Behold, I do not condemn you; go your ways and sin no more; perform with soberness the work which I have commanded you.
36 Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.

It's hard to be too afraid surrounded by these people!

Of Elections, Contentions, and on another note...Christmas

I just thought I'd pepper my post with pictures.

I am still thinking - I just haven't been writing. I need to work on that. It isn't for lack of having something to write about. I think it is a lack of doing things that are of lasting value more often! The things we write last longer than some of the things that we think we need to do. I am guilty.
It has been a crazy few months in the world. It seems that we have been faced with a lot of contention in the country. Obviously the election was a huge point of contention. It was frustrating for me to see the amount of hate put on my choice of candidate by others. But I know that the fingers can point both ways. The whole process is combative and I wonder what any of us really accomplish by fighting about such things. It has been interesting to read articles online about each candidate after and see that people still fight about it even though it has been resolved! I had some hard feelings for a bit, but I think all I can do is pray for our President to do his best and hope that he does. What good does my negativity add? None.

Special thanks to Ann Hepworth for the amazing pictures!

I have also found it easy to get upset at things that don't matter at school during the last little bit. I think I get upset sometimes because I am not expecting certain changes that happen. I am a guy that doesn't like to fix things that aren't broken. That is well and good, but sometimes change for the sake of change can help to enliven and invigorate a tired process. So, I guess there needs to be good reason. I also need better understanding of the people I work with. A little empathy and charity goes along way. I can work on that. I need to. People usually have a reason that they want or feel that they need things a certain way. While I may not always agree it is agreeable to at least try for an understanding.

The pictures may be unrelated to my post, but they're nice!

I think all this contention and negative is a waste of time and I feel foolish for getting caught up in some of it. Especially since we are in the Holiday season.
Election day was in November - a time to be grateful. So I may as well be grateful for what I have and what we have in this country. Things are not all okay with our country. Things need to be fixed and changed and it will take leaders with courage to do that, but we do have a great country. We have our freedoms.

Geez. I am a bit biased, but I have a good looking family.

Christmas is coming up soon. Last I checked it wasn't a time to put my personal feelings in front of everyone else's. Especially when my personal feelings probably don't really matter when all is said and done. If I look back when I am 100 and I am concerned with the few things that didn't go my way 70 years ago...I think I will have failed to learn essential life lessons.
Christmastime is a time to help others. To give. Most importantly to forget oneself. It is easy for me to get caught up in what I want for Christmas or even just for daily life. It is embarrassing really. Especially when I can think about people who live on my street and in my home that could use some Christmas cheer and Christlike service.
So that's it. My goal, then, for this Christmas is to be a bit of help for somebody else: At home, at school, at play, (A Sunbeam a Sunbeam...) in my job setting and in my community. Merry Christmas to all!