Week Sixty-seven

WEEK SIXTY-SEVEN October 13, 2014

We had a sweet visit with the Four family this week. Her new job is promising and exciting and both our in school, she to complete her degree and he to obtain a special certification at University of California Irvine. They continue to express their great appreciation for our visits each week.

We also met with the Twenty-one family this week and completed the last temple preparation sequence with them. They are both well-prepared, excited, and willing. He has been called to the YM presidency and she is teaching Primary. “Our whole lives have changed,” said the wife, “This is wonderful.”

We missed the first Sunday of the new Aliso Creek Ward following the ward alignment and split the week before general conference. Everyone we have talked to is excited about the change, the nearness of the new chapel assignment, and their new bishop.

I remember when Nike was branded. We didn’t know how to pronounce the word, was it Nīk or Nigh-key. They then came up with the eponymous swoosh logo. So why am I thinking about that. Let me tell you. One of our dear friends now serving as a bishop shared that during conference weekend he took his twelve year old son to the general session of Priesthood. In one of those sweet tender mercies the Lord so willing shares with those alert and listening, the young man told his father of the "woosh" that he felt as the President Monson entered the room. I too have felt that “woosh” confirming not only the Lord’s anointed, but the will of the Lord. The father truthfully averred, “The Lord is always gentle and kind to ensure that his children receive opportunities to have the confirming witnesses of the Spirit of those events and opportunities.” Such a confirming scene is gratefully also seen in the lives of those we share the gospel with as missionaries.

The bishop noticed the strong theme of conference was the blessings of living prophets. He has noticed that many, questioning their faith, conclude the Brethren have been wrong before, pointing to the Priesthood ban or the practice of polygamy following the issuance of the Manifesto), and wonder if they can follow the brethren in trust.

My reply was that I had encountered the same in the mission field and that like him and his wife, it was not something I had ever encountered in my own thoughts. Every time I see a flaw in the Brethren, including the Prophet Joseph Smith, I find myself overjoyed with the thought that since the Lord sustains them, even in their flaws, there is hope for me. Furthermore I have yet to encounter an event, a principle, or teaching of the Brethren that challenged my testimony in any way. I hear all the time these “what if’s” but have never experienced one.

I found myself considering these initial truths that I hold dear—

•                  This is the Lord’s church and kingdom, not ours.

•                  If anyone needs to worry about what is happening in His church it is the Lord, not us.

•                  The Lord, out of His love for us, and His desire for us to receive all the joy and happiness we will allow Him to bestow upon us, not only gave us agency but sustains us in our agency.

•                  He has chosen to operate His church through priesthood keys which He has generously made available through His church and kingdom.

•                  Holy and sacred writ tells us He always has, does now, and always will sustain those who hold such priesthood keys.

•                  Scriptures teach the flow of knowledge comes to man always in a line upon line, precept upon precept manner, here a little and there a little.

•                  The Lord’s pattern of line upon line is the same for the Brethren as it is for us.

•                  Likewise the principles of revelation are not any different for the Brethren than they are for the rest of us.

•                  Our personal experience with revelation teaches great effort is required to be in tune with, hear, understand and implicitly follow the voice of the Spirit.

•                  To protect His church and kingdom the Lord requires the Brethren to operate in unanimity which necessitates changes being much slower than would be otherwise, but also blends in the necessary protection and certainty.

•                  All of the Brethren, as are we, imperfect and the Lord deals with that nonetheless and so must we.

I’ve seen a lot of changes in my lifetime in church practices and some seemingly even in doctrine. To my knowledge there has never been an occasion in which the Lord gave a comprehensive treatise on a doctrinal subject, rather again, it has always come line upon line; that is we never see the end from the beginning. If one is exposed somewhere along the line as that doctrine is being revealed, it may appear to change, but taken in total I suspect, when our perspective is perfect, it will not look so.

Since the Lord’s practice is not to give a full picture, but to guide us line upon line, to fail to sustain the Brethren, because the Lord “may” give more at a later time or because we in our foolish wisdom have a different agenda, is tantamount to casting out our confidence and depending solely on the arm of flesh. It bespeaks of someone who, at their core, doesn’t really believe the Lord is guiding the church anyway. It also invites the adversary to disrupt our happiness by sowing seeds of doubt which are happily planted and nourished to our destruction.

Members and non-members are overly agitated with fringe doctrines, i.e., doctrines not essential to the salvation and eternal life of man. It is a trap carefully developed and laid by the adversary. For some reason fringe doctrines hold great appeal, occupy much needed time, but they erode testimonies, confidence and peace.

I have yet to see an individual who struggled with faith, repentance, baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost, the very doctrines of Christ, or enduring to the end. You know, the things that bring exaltation. It is always some fringe thing, either an event or a doctrine, not yet fully developed by the Lord or explained. We have statements in the King Follett discourse concerning Heavenly Father’s process in becoming God and Lorenzo Snow’s couplet, but that is all. So how God became God, or who was God before he became our God are unproductive fringe questions. The Lord hasn’t seen fit to reveal the answers, so why do we spend any time on them at all? They are not necessary to our salvation and that is all we have time and energy to pursue in this mortal journey.

For example, the Lord has revealed very little about the creation and yet I am asked continually about “creation doctrine” and I have to repeatedly confess we do not know but the Lord has promised it will be revealed in the future (see D&C 101). We know as Elder McConkie so astutely stated, enough about the creation to know that something had to happen for the mortal journey essential to the plan of salvation to commence. That’s it. Everything else about the creation is a fringe doctrine, i.e., unnecessary to us now. We are not now in the creation business.

The event that evoked the multiplicity of opportunities to become as God we call the Fall. What do we know about the fall? Well practically nothing. We know it had to occur, we know there was a geographic change, we know it brought about procreation and all the opportunities necessary to become as God. Everything else about the creation is a fringe doctrine, not necessary to salvation, with the sole exception, we know because of the Fall, without the Atonement of Jesus Christ there was no way to return to our Father and our God. But that is it.

What then do we know about the atonement, how was it wrought, what made it possible, how did it work, why does it work? Well we don’t have those answers… yet! Instead we use terms such as “in some incomprehensible way” or “in some way not yet known to us” or “in some way yet to be revealed” Christ was able to take upon him the sins and afflictions of all mankind.

So here we have the three pillars of eternity, just the title sounds impressive and important: the creation, the fall and the atonement. However the Lord has only shared there had to be a creation and it was necessary for a fall to occur and except for the atonement the fall would have robbed all mankind of eternity with God. That’s all we know.

Just as the Lord in answering Moses’ two questions: 1) tell me how you made all these creations; and 2) tell me about these other worlds, (“Tell me, I pray thee, why these things are so, and by what thou madest them?” [Moses 1:30]), the Lord replied: “For mine own purpose have I made these things. Here is wisdom and it remaineth in me. And by the word of my power, have I created them, which is mine Only Begotten Son, who is full of grace and truth… But only an account of this earth, and the inhabitants thereof, give I unto you.” (Moses 1:31-32, 35.) In other words, “Moses my son I know you want to know all the things you need to know about the world, the environment, in which you live, but the rest are fringe doctrines. The key for you is to learn that “My work and my glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39).

The message to me is that I cannot comport my life by guessing what is going to happen or be revealed or by what may or may not be revealed at some time in the future. To do so sounds like gambling my eternal life with no evidence to support the reasons for the risk I am taking. There is nowhere in the scriptures where the Lord says, “Guess what I am going to do and you will enjoy eternal life.” Rather He says “Keep my commandments,” “Follow and sustain the Brethren,” “Hold fast to that which I have already revealed.” Furthermore, gambling on what “might happen” seems right in line with the taunting’s spewed by the adversary. Isn’t that what he did in the pre-mortal existence? It would seem obvious that following Satan’s path to find God makes no sense whatsoever.

I never place limits on my God. I am willing to accept whatever comes, whatever God reveals, I have placed no restrictions on what He can or may do or say. But for now the path is clearly before me, I have my direction clearly defined and I am confident in the Lord accepting my humble offering, as I willingly sustain the fallible Brethren He has placed at the head of His church.

“Perhaps there are very few men now living,” Lorenzo Snow testified in 1900, “who were so well acquainted with Joseph Smith the Prophet as I was. I was with him oftentimes. I visited him in his family, sat at his table, associated with him under various circumstances, and had private interviews with him for counsel. I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God; I know that he was an honorable man, a moral man, and that he had the respect of those who were acquainted with him.”

“I saw the imperfections in (Joseph). I thanked God that He would put upon a man who had those imperfections the power and authority He placed upon him ... for I knew that I myself had weaknesses, and I thought there was a chance for me. ... I thanked God that I saw these imperfections.”

“I told them I was but a man and they must not expect me to be perfect,” Joseph Smith said. “If they expected perfection from me, I should expect it from them, but if they would bear with my infirmities and the infirmities of the brethren, I would likewise bear with their infirmities.”

As bishop I felt with and for those so challenged, even to recognizing and expressing an understanding of things might look that way to them. I find myself with the same thoughts as a senior missionary. All I can offer is a simple testimony in the form of stating why I believe as I believe and why I am confident in following that path, including putting on the shelf for later exploration those things I don't understand and leaving fringe doctrines alone. I suspect when all is said and done safety is in trusting the Lord, that He is in control, that He knows what is going on, that His timing and ways are right. If we don't have that trust then there is no protection

A couple of months ago we received an unsolicited email from our missionary president instruction us to go home for our last grandson’s baptism. It has been difficult for me to contemplate doing this and even when we purchased the airplane tickets to return I was quite apprehensive. But this Friday we flew home to Provo, Utah for our grandson’s baptism and returned on Monday.

At the baptism we were greatly pleased to see Elder and Sister Litchfield, now honorable released and home from our mission, waiting at the chapel. It was good to renew our friendship with them. Our grandson had asked Sister Haddock to give the talk on baptism. She shared that our Savior walked approximately 60 miles to be baptized of John which was about the same distance driven when the family attended the Ogden Temple open house. In doing so Jesus showed us how important is baptism. She pointed out that his day today held the same authority that John had in baptizing the Savior and in being baptized he was promising to follow Jesus. That a promise with the Lord is called a covenant. Because of his love for us He also gives us a bunch of “how to’s.” These “how to’s” are commandments. A commandment is our Savior telling us, “If you want to have my spirit to guide you, keep my commandments.

If you want a blessing, Jesus gives us a How To showing us how to get it

•         If you want to be blessed in this life, pay your tithing

•         If you want best health, live the word of wisdom

•         If you want never to be alone, pray to Heavenly Father always

She then showed the pained rock that he had sent her last Christmas telling him she used it to remind her of what Jesus Christ has done for her and what He expects of her in following His example. She concluded the talk by giving the rock back to him as a reminder to always look to Jesus for safety and support.

We had a great visit. We were able to see “Meet the Mormons” with the family.

The drive to our apartment was quite strange to me. One would think going to our home in Provo would provide a comforting returning feeling and it was nice to be there, happy to see everyone, and no bad feelings at all. But strangely as we drove into Brittany Apartment Homes I felt I was coming “home.” Returning to the mission field felt like coming home. I was surprised by the feeling I talked with Jan about it for some time. I think it was a tender blessing of the Lord assuring us we are where we are supposed to be as seasoned missionaries. Also it came as an assurance that the trip had been approved by the Lord and we were being welcomed back. The final thought was that it is going to be harder to leave those we love in the mission field than it was to leave loved ones in Provo. Those in Provo were left with the assurance that in eighteen months we would be returning to them. Yet those loved ones here in the mission field we may never see again and they now hold a large place in our hearts.

The time has flown much faster than it did even as a young missionary and I thought that was quick. Our children and grandchildren can't believe 16 months have flown by and were shocked when we told them our release date. I think it has sent a message to our grandchildren that serving a mission doesn't take much time out of your life, which eliminates a substantial worry for young folks. I have shared with them that they will be the sixth consecutive generation of our family to serve full-time missions. What a joy and what a blessing.

Week Sixty-six

WEEK SIXTY-SIX October 6, 2014

Our son noted after 14 years of emergency medicine that about 95% of the accidents he has dealt with, the injured party knew before hand, or at least had a thought, that what they were doing was dangerous and should be avoided. Believing in their own skills they proceeded anyway disregarding the thought. Certainly the Light of Christ not only leads us Christ but gentle guides and directs us, if we will listen, to safe harbors. As just as clearly, we, thinking too highly of ourselves or abilities, reason that we are okay and dismiss the gentle and caring thought of a kind Heavenly Father. How wisely did the prophet Nephi conclude: “O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.” (1 Nephi 4:34.)

We shared a sweet experience together this week, our son and I, when he asked me to pray about one of his children concerning what the Lord had in mind. The answer I received I thought would not be what our son wanted to hear. But when I shared it with him it was a specific confirmation to an answer he had received earlier. I have often thought, and then heard anew at the recent general conference, that Lehi’s joy as a father was not that his son Nephi was going to obey him, but that he realized it was the Lord directing his father and therefore determined to go and do what the Lord had commanded. My joy in that experience with our son was multiplied a hundred fold as his son prayed and came to the same conclusion himself. What a fine young man. I'm proud of him and feel blessed to be his grandfather and the father of such a wonderful son.

Had a good meeting with the Four family. The wife following a blessing, received a promotion at work, the husband started school for his new profession. We spent so much time talking about the day to day and sharing in their joy, that they suggested for the lesson I give them the talk I had prepared for a week ago Sunday, but never gave. We have been trying to learn the whereabouts of a senior couple who served in South Carolina nearly twenty years ago who first introduced Brother Four to the restored gospel, but have been unable to do so. Just received word from the church membership department that it is against policy to share that information. If it necessary to happen I believe the Lord will create the opportunity.

At our district meeting I had a couple of thoughts. A discussion was had on one minute introduction lessons. For me it felt like better would be 10-15 seconds. Followed by an invitation along the lines of the introduction. So I wrote for mine: God is our Heavenly Father. He is always there. He has not forgotten you. You are not alone. May we share a message of His son with you? Invitation: Do you know others who may need to feel God’s love?

Met with Pastor Forty-two this week. They are loving their experience in New York. The meeting today was very cordial, more of a social visit than it has been in the past. It appears he may be coming to the conclusion he is not going to unseat testimonies of the truth, but still enjoys the friendship.

We met with the One family. He said he went through the script I had written for him on terminating the real estate agreement he had to lease his home and everything worked out perfectly. I told him “Either you proved that all your worries paid off, or that you didn’t need to have so much anxiety about the whole matter.” “No,” he said, “I think it was knowing how to present my case, as you showed me, that made the difference.” We began a discussion on the existence of God from a scientific perspective which will be followed up next.

The Twenty-one family had a sweet temple interview experience with a very loving stake president and called and we joined them at Distribution to select their temple clothing. They said at the interview they told the stake president “we have been hanging out a lot with Elder and Sister Haddock and he responded ‘well I can’t think of anyone better for you to hang out with.” Later he sent us a note about the family expressing their love for us when he met with them. Their littlest daughter put her face into the candy bowl the stake president has on his desk, breathed two long breaths and exhaled with a sigh. President said, “Would you like a candy?” An obvious question.

One of our daughters called and shared a sweet story about one of our grandsons who went out of his way to show love for another in his fifth grade class. When asked by his mother how the other responded, he said, “Mom, I made her speechless.” I am in the midst of preparing material for a Bible Study class next week and our topic is Christ’s ministry to the poor an downhearted. I think our grandson’s story will be part of that presentation.

We received a request from one of the young missionaries about how to respond to an investigator who is suffering such sorrow and anger over her husband’s affair that she can’t listen, think or reason. He asked if I had anything on forgiveness or handling despair. I shared with him that as bishop I noticed and pled for direction in handling those situations when ward members came feeling they were alone, God had abandoned them, their prayers were not answered, that the heavens were as brass and wondering how to maintain their faith when it appeared to them that God was no longer there. I gave him a number of articles that I had found useful in such counseling, including “In the Strength of the Lord,” by Elder David A. Bednar, April 2013 Ensign.

Sister H and I had a very enjoyable two days of conference this week. Both of us feeling unusually energized. I was able to take both Brother Two and Brother Six to the priesthood session with me. When I asked Brother Six about the theme of the first two session he said, “How to get a testimony, keep a testimony and share a testimony.” I asked him if he found himself wondering why the first two sessions of conference were tailored by the Lord just for him. He smiled, “I think I know.” He was struck as was I by the speaker who said, “Fast offerings support life, not lifestyle.” I had received from Brother Two earlier in the day, “I just read Alma chapter 7. I really think it’s very good.”

There was one young Aaronic Priesthood brother was baptized just about a year ago and although he attended the priesthood session of general conference with me in April did not accept my invitation this October. I sent him a text that he had let me down as this would be my last opportunity to attend a session with him before we return home from our mission. He replied that he had watched it on television, but while watching wished he had accepted my invitation and then shared a number of things he learned from the session including the need to nourish his own tree.

One conference observer shared with me that sometimes when the brethren speak so glowingly about the immediate blessings of faithfulness, significant pain is often felt by those other faithful sons and daughters who like Aaron of the Sons of Mosiah it is just their “lot” not to receive immediate blessings. I suggested it must be so difficult to sow seeds of hope, which is very necessary, while all the while recognizing that the lot of some will be only to maintain faith in circumstances that defy hope. But as I've gotten older it appears to me that we all have Abrahamic tests although each tailored and different, but eventually requiring each to maintain faith regardless of consequence. Looking back now over 70+ years it appears that the statement in Alma 31:38 has proven true for me that all my afflictions have in reality been swallowed up in my joy of Christ.

We watched the final session of conference with the Six and Sixty-five families and presented the Plan of Salvation discussion.

Week Sixty-five

WEEK SIXTY-FIVE September 29, 2014

Having finished the Restoration lessons with Sister Sixty-five before learning of surgery in two day, we offered to give her a blessing. She however demurred, saying “it was not necessary.” She did accept our invitation to pray in her behalf that evening and thereafter and on the day of her surgery wrote, “Hi, I'm done with the procedure and am fine, just resting. Wanted to let you know. Thanks for the prayers and kind thoughts.”

The next afternoon we met with her and had a nice social visit. [So happy to hear that Julie. Can we stop by tomorrow day for a short visit?

One of the member families we have been visiting are shut in’s and told us that they hadn’t received the sacrament in the last couple of weeks. Concerned I contacted the YM president who informed me the “bishop asked that we take it by once a month.”

Our topic for our Bible study this week was sharing the Gospel, suggested by our investigator Brother Four. Then learned a day later that Brother Two needed a ride to the hospital in Long Beach where he learned the “early prognosis is dehydration and pneumonia with malnutrition.” He thought he was coming home after the IV but they kept him the night and he missed the Bible study.

We were able to attend the screening of the new movie “Meet the Mormons.” This was a terrific presentation of six vignettes of Mormon life dispelling many wrong ideas. There will be a nationwide rollout 10 and 11^th October and the Church is encouraging everyone to invite others that first weekend. In focus groups over 74% of non-member viewers said they would recommend it to a friend.

At the Bible study I started by reading Doctrine & Covenants 123:12-13, “For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it—Therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven—“

I suggested that too often paradigms, preconceptions and premises which can sometimes guide, also act as philosophical strait jackets limiting or impeding inquiry. For those who encounter the gospel with such preconceptions it is very difficult for them to step outside those paradigms, but necessary if they are to discover truth.

I shared a few examples, when the paradigm was that everything revolved around the earth, astronomy had a difficult time grappling with understanding; likewise when the earth was flat and the paradigm was that ships would fall off the edger, sailors sailed within the sight of land.

Preconceptions can send us in a wrong direction, for example:

•                  If one believes there is no God, difficult to find God

•                  If believe God and Christ no longer speak then restoration and modern day prophets hard to digest

•                  If believe only in a Church of Believers, then necessity of priesthood authority hard to understand

•                  If believe Bible is the only word of God other scripture and continuing revelation impossible to grasp

If our paradigms, premises and preconceptions are wrong we may never find the truth as truth requires a willingness to question, to consider, and open one’s mind. I concluded with this statement by Elder Holland, “In our heartfelt devotion to Jesus of Nazareth as the very Son of God, the Savior of the world, we invite all to examine what we have received of Him, to join with us, drinking deeply at the ‘well of water springing up into everlasting life,’ (John 4:14) these constantly flowing reminders that God lives, that He loves us, and that He speaks. I express the deepest personal thanks that His works never end and His ‘words … never cease.’” (Jeffrey R. Holland, Ensign, May 2008)

The Lord has never revealed the whole at once, rather his plan has always been to give us line upon line giving us the opportunity to act upon that truth before additional truths are given. Thus the words of God never cease. We don’t have all the truth today although we have more than was apparent in the days of Joseph Smith. So we too as members must willingly accept new or additional truths as God reveals them.

The Twenty-one family cancelled for the third time in a row. Since school has started they have picked up every bug running through that elementary school.

Saw somewhere during the week this quote that has given me considerable pause and reflection: “The world is bad enough as it is and you have no right to make it worse!" I think I could have used that in counseling others and myself over the years.

Received from the Aaronic priesthood son of the Two family a request to join him in prayer as he had another test and was seeking a blessing from the Lord.

Friday we received a call from Brother Four asking us to come to Long Beach to pick him up. We arrived about 1 and about 2:30 were finally ready to leave with the required meds. Had a good visit which took about four hours of our day. It is a different kind of missionary work we do as a seasoned couple. He is in good spirits.

Sister Two has been struggling with some issues recently. Jan and I watched the Women’s Conference on TV which was very well done then heard Sister Two and her son had watched as well. The whole theme was on things that had rested heavy on her heart so when I saw her I asked, “Did you think we had some sort of connection and geared the women’s conference to you.” She smiled and then laughed, “No, but it was very pointed wasn’t it?”

Taught the lesson in gospel essentials class in the Lake Forest Ward, with two of our investigators there. Knowing they were going to be there felt impressed to really focus on the blessings of the Gift of the Holy Ghost rather than the mechanics. Later in the day when teaching them I asked if they had any questions about the lesson today. Brother Six responded stridently and loudly, “Oh, I think I got what you were saying alright.” We presented the Book of Mormon to sister Sixty-five had a good discussion about the same. She promised to read it as she has every pamphlet we have given her. Sister Six after I had explained the writings of Isaiah to Sister Sixty-five said, “You have a gift in explaining the scriptures in a simple way. I read and am confused. But when I hear you teach so simply and clearly, it all makes sense to me and I find myself wondering why I didn’t see that.” I responded, “I’m thinking that since I’ve probably never had an original thought I have tended to look at things simply.”

During the gospel essential class in the Lake Forest ward I first shared some personal experiences I had before my mission and how it became apparent to me that commandments were but invitation from Heavenly Father to enjoy certain prescribed blessings. Somehow I was able to make that connection at an early age. Then on my mission I heard Elder Marion G. Romney’s talks at October conference when he said you need never made a wrong decision if living to be guided by the Holy Ghost which also had a profound effect on me. Marion G. Romney: “You can make every decision correctly by following the Holy Spirit I tell you that you can make every decision of your life correctly if you can learn to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit.... When you learn to walk by the Spirit, you never need to make a mistake....The key to happiness is to get the Spirit and keep it.” (CR Oct 1961)

Then, also on my mission I came across a talk by President Wilford Woodruff in the late 1880s in which he shared a number of experiences with angels and concluded that the gift of the Holy Ghost was more important than the ministry of angels. President Wilford Woodruff: “The gift of the Holy Ghost is the greatest gift we can receive in mortality” (see The Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, ed. G. Homer Durham [1990], 5).

We talked about the 4^th Article of Faith in some detail and then the same with this quote from Elder Joseph b. Wirthlin, paragraph by paragraph: The Holy Ghost is a personage of Spirit, a separate and distinct member of the Godhead.  He is a witness or testifier of the power of God, the divinity of Christ, and the truth of the restored gospel....

The gift of the Holy Ghost, which is the right to receive the Holy Ghost as a constant companion, is obtained only upon condition of faith in Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion, and the laying on of hands by authorized servants endowed with the Melchizedek Priesthood. It is a most precious gift available only to worthy members of the Lord’s church.

In the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord calls the gift of the Holy Ghost the unspeakable gift.”  It is the source of testimony and spiritual gifts. It enlightens minds, fills our souls with joy, teaches us all things, and brings forgotten knowledge to our remembrance. The Holy Ghost also “will show unto us all things what we should do.” (Ensign, May, 2003, 25-28.)

We spent some time on the requirement of worthiness after receipt of the gift. I shared this quote from Elder Neal A. Maxwell: “The Holy Ghost never waits to leave until he is formally asked to leave, for his influence has already departed even as we, by our thoughts, slide toward sin.” (That My Family Should Partake, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1974], 86.)

We then reviewed in detail 2 Nephi 32:1-3; 5-6 and the difference between being told and being shown, followed by a discussion on why we each need the Gift of the Holy Ghost, in which a lot of examples were shared by the class.

I concluded that the greatest witness one can receive is the Holy Ghost confirming to them the words they have spoken are true and that developing a relationship with the Holy Ghost may be the wisest choice we ever make.

There was a special spirit throughout the class, mentioned by the brother in the closing prayer. I remarked to Sister H what a privilege it was to be there and feel that spirit in such rich abundance.

We attended the Aliso Creek ward for the split and realignment of the Ward. They split it along the north to south boundary which was good because the ward before was so long east to west. Bishop John Bennett was called to preside over the new Altisima Ward on the hill and Bishop Jeff Robinson was called to preside over the Aliso Creek ward. Several in what is now the Altisima Ward came to me wanting to assure themselves that we were staying with “their ward.” I simply told them that decision was in the hands of the Mission President. The young missionaries are wondering what the realignment means for them having heard nothing from the mission yet so I sent an email to the MP about their concerns and received “would you be kind enough to contact the Assistants and review the details with them?” Which I did after giving the matter prayerful consideration.

Received a nice note from one of my former counselors which gave us a great lift. Of all the blessings the Lord has shared with us we greatly prize the wonderful relationships that have been ours along the highway of life.

Received word that Sister Sixty-six concluded that she was not welcome at Bible Study and wasn’t going to come again unless she was invited. We are thinking perhaps since she shared so much at the last meeting she is wondering if she wore out her welcome, so a special invitation is coming to assure her that she is welcome.

Sister Thirty-nine missed her second consecutive appointment even after confirming with her face to face the day before. Cancellations are not much different as a seasoned couple than as a young missionary.

Week Sixty-four

WEEK SIXTY-FOUR September 22, 2014

Just completing our second week of triple digit heat here in Southern California, capping off the third year of a devastating drought with 100+ days and nearly 70% humidity. Made us happy our call was not to Sister H home state of Louisiana. At least we don’t have the bugs. Had a 2 and ½ hour transfer meeting, mercifully cut short by our MP as the A/C in the building failed in the heat as it has in the Newport Beach Temple.

Had a couple of gospel thoughts this week. One in preparing for a gospel essential’s lesson on the importance of living in a sinful society and its relation to hell. Came to the conclusion that Satan’s objective in the Garden of Eden was not that Adam and Eve would know the things of God but rather that by eating the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, they would be miserable (2 Nephi 2:17-18) forever; misery being what Hell is all about. Hell is not a fixed geography as much as it is the condition of suffering that results from our own alienation from God. It’s our choice.

Some, without the benefit of latter-day revelation, think but for Adam and Eve, we would have no sin and life as we know it would be better off. Leaving aside for a moment the consideration that there would have been no posterity but for the fall and thus no “we” to begin with, sin itself is part of the sanctifying process of we mortal beings. We must know the difference between good and evil, make the choice to be good thus a sin strewn environment is necessary to our exaltation.

Therefore the Atonement was not an afterthought to clean up the mess made by Adam and Eve. Rather sin, introduced through the fall, assists us through the Atonement to return as glorified beings in the presence of our Father in Heaven. Let me say that another way, the Atonement is not a backup plan in case we happen to fall short in the process of mortality, rather the Atonement is the ordained means whereby we gradually become complete and whole, in a sin-strewn process of sanctification through which our Father in Heaven patiently guides us. As Elder David A. Bednar said, “One of the principal purposes of our mortal existence is to be spiritually changed and transformed through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”

Adam and Eve could have chosen misery, been overwhelmed with their guilt, given up and quit as I suppose Satan desired, rather they saw their redemption and that of all mankind arising out of their transgression through the Atonement. (Moses 5:10-11.) So their hope remained intact and happiness replaced misery.

The second gospel thought that occupied me was in preparing for a talk I never gave at Sacrament meeting. A young missionary sister and elder were to precede me and at the time I was asked to speak I suggested to the counselor in the bishopric that there would be no time. As the meeting proceeded, with a baby blessing and all, 40 minutes were consumed before the Sister arose to speak and she took 16 minutes rather than 5. The elder then took five and a counselor in the stake presidency was there to follow me with a special announcement. The announcement was that the Aliso Creek ward was going to be realigned next Sunday into two wards.

The baby blessing was for a non-member, member grandmother. As I was awaiting my time to speak the spirit spoke to me: We have witnessed a beautiful baby blessed in the name of Jesus Christ and two young missionaries bearing testimony of truth in the name of Jesus Christ. I now confirm my love for my Savior, that He lives, and I do so in his sacred and holy name even Jesus Christ. Amen.

Several said it was the best talk they have heard in a long time. But of interest was the comment of the counselor who had called me to speak, “While you were speaking the non-member family there for the blessing caught my attention. They never took their eyes off of you. Something happened to them as you spoke.” They did seek me out after the meeting to shake my hand.

The inspiration that came to me in preparation was to speak to those who, on occasion or more frequently, feel to express the Prophet Joseph Smith’s heartfelt plea: “O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?” (D&C 121:1); when it seems as if the heavens are brass, when our prayers seem to be left unanswered, and we are near despair; the heavens are silent!

In August 1831 the Prophet wrote of the nightmare in Missouri—“I cannot learn from any communication by the spirit to me. I am ignorant of the reasons for our plight and the Lord will not show me. My prayers go up to God day and night.” But silence met his anguished appeals. I considered some possible answers before dismissing all of them as the impression of the Holy Spirit revealed four standards that work in every case.

Possibilities briefly touched upon were to include sometimes God’s answers are too indirect, too oblique, for us to recognize because we are looking for something else; we impose expectations and preconditions on the kind of answer we anticipate; God may be speaking in ways we have yet to recognize as speech such as 3 Nephi 9:20 when the Lamanites “were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not;” sometimes if may be that our expectations are too modest, not grandiose enough (we are looking for the light in the east and the whirlwind is upon us); other times our expectations are too grandiose and not modest enough (such as when the answer comes simply, or from another); maybe we are praying too much with our knees and not enough with our feet (even God cannot steer a parked car); timing is wrong (revelation comes “in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will” [D&C 88:68]); maybe we have not persevered long enough (“For some of us that test may come in our challenge to keep trying, to keep planting seeds and nurturing them, without feeling any clearly recognizable swelling motions, or spiritual confirmation, but simply enduring is hope and desire until, after long and patient service in love, the joyful taste of the fruit comes “as a natural sequence to the performance of duty” (Philip L. Barlow , Quoted The Crucible of Doubt, 129); or maybe it’s our inability to relinquish all our preconceptions of how God may choose to answer our entreaties.

I was going to offer these four some suggestions of how to proceed when the heavens seem as if they are brass, for some this may be their Abrahamic test—

1.       Believe that God is there. Believe that He has heard your prayer. Believe that he can and will answer your prayer. Believe in His omniscience. Believe He will succor you. Believe in all His promises. Believe regardless of circumstance.

2.       Trust your Heavenly Father. Trust that He will answer your prayer in the best way possible. Trust that He knows what and when to act. Trust His love for you as His son or daughter. Trust Him enough to allow Him to take your worries. Trust that all your afflictions will be consecrated by Him for your gain. Trust regardless of consequence.

3.       Choose to joy in other’s success. Recognize the hand of God in answering prayers of others. Seek to express gratitude for others’ success. Allow God to disseminate His blessings as He sees fit. Rejoice in all such manifestations of His love. Love God and all mankind regardless of consequence.

4.       Get off your knees and onto your feet. Make a new bow. Do what you alone can do. Do what you are able to do. Exercise the limited talents you may have. Never, never surrender your hope regardless of consequence.

Richard G. Scott has taught: “What do you do when you have prepared carefully, have prayed fervently, waited a reasonable time for a response, and still do not feel an answer? You may want to express thanks when that occurs, for it is an evidence of [Heavenly Father’s] trust. When you are living worthily and your choice is consistent with the Savior’s teachings and you need to act, proceed with trust. As you are sensitive to the promptings of the Spirit, one of two things will certainly occur at the appropriate time: either the stupor of thought will come, indicating an improper choice, or the peace or the burning in the bosom will be felt, confirming that your choice was correct. When you are living righteously and are acting with trust, God will not let you proceed too far without a warning impression if you have made the wrong decision.” (Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer,” Ensign, May 2007, 10.)

We saw anew the great blessing of fellowshipping from members this week. The One family in response to a dinner party with us and two other couples from the ward said, “Dear Jan and Jerry, We wanted you both to know that we truly enjoyed the dinner party. My husband was especially pleased with your comments about how he is helping to advise his gardener Sammy. He is a good friend to people he enjoys. He really enjoys you and all those friends that were at the party. We will get a little better organized and then we'd love to have a gathering here. Hope you enjoyed a birthday bite of pie. It was really nice that everyone brought something. I loved that fruit dip with the marshmallow and whipped cream cheese that Jan made.  I'll be trying that out at another birthday party on this Saturday! Hope you guys are staying cool. Hugs!”

Following the dinner Sister H and I made a presentation and showed a video on how our actions in serving others demonstrates our commitment to the Savior. I said, “I love to embarrass those who have done good deeds” and told how Brother One had gone out of his way to advise his gardener, teaching him pricing and invoicing among other things and even gave him a flower design which the gardener used on his neighbor to win a neighborhood beautification award. Later in the week we dropped in and Brother One who was down a bit from some things that occurred in the rental of his house. He said as we left, “I always love your stopping by. We are both happier and in a better mood for your having visited us.”

In our new member discussion with Sister Thirty-Nine she shared how her sister and her always fight, “likes cats and dogs.” She then shared how when her sister was driving she ran over a large board that had fallen on the highway causing Sister Thirty-Nine shriek, which put her sister over the edge who began hollering and screaming at her. She said, “I thought I need to do what the gospel teaches. So I bit my lip and let her rant without saying anything. After some time she calmed down, surprised that I had not yelled back at her. She commented that I had changed. We talked and our relationship has been different ever since.”

Had dinner with the Two family this week. They are doing great. Their 14 year old son has been relying on the Lord to make friends at school and being a light and shared some heartwarming experiences including acing his first math examination.

  

Received a call from Brother Four asking if I could provide transportation for him to get to Newport Beach early one morning this week. I told him I could make some changes to make that happen and then learned he had reached a court summons for something “unknown” to him to report to the Harbor Justice Court. He had no idea what it was he said. I picked him up at 7 a.m. which started a long day that didn’t end until 3 p.m. We drove to the Superior Court building where I was finally able to read his summons. Noticing the VC designation before the file number I told him it was a Vehicle Code violation. Then he remembered. He had been given a ticket for driving on a Washington State license and a moving violation. The code was for driving without a license. I asked him how long he had been in California and he told me 18 months. I pointed out that California law requires a valid California license within 30 days. He argued his Washington license was still valid so the officer was in error. I told him that was not the case. We got to the court house and a line was forming on the north end for traffic violations and we got into line only the 11 back. There were over 200 before we got to the window when it opened. I discreetly pocketed my name tag. When we got the widow he admitted having been given the ticket, but said the officer told him he would be receiving a letter in two weeks regarding the hearing and he never received it. The clerk told him that was not why he was here. He missed the hearing date shown on the ticket and he was now here in lieu of a bench warrant and had to report to Department H8 upstairs. So we went up. In all over 100 in the courtroom. I felt comfortable there but he did not. In walks the judge, who is a member of one of the wards we serve, but who didn’t act as he recognized me in the courtroom.

Brother Four and about 15 others came to the bar for the same offense, driving without a license. They were given three options: 1) If they then had a valid DL they could plead guilty and their fine would be reduced to $30 plus fees and all moving violations waived; 2) If they didn’t have a valid DL they could plead guilty and their fine would be reduced to $100 plus fees; of 3) The could plead guilty and give a DNA sample for a $75 processing fee and all violations would be waived. Should they wish to plead not-guilty, as this was only for arraignments, a court date would be set for a trial where they could present evidence and take their chances. Brother Four saw the wisdom in offering the DNA sample.

During the first recess the clerk called for a “Mr. Haddock, the judge wants to see you in chambers.” Brother Four was very surprised as was I. I went through the well to the door and was ushered in by the bailiff. We had a good discussion in which I learned a great deal about some changes in California law. He told me that officers have been told again and again that there will be no letter, the ticket is the summons to appear. Two had been convicted of felonies, one for murder, since the DNA sample program, only in Orange county, was instituted. We next went to the District Attorney’s office for the DNA sample, then to DMV for materials to get a California license, then to lunch at Polly’s Pies before taking him home. Received the following note of appreciation: “Elder Haddock, your selfless act of generosity really confirms that there are men and women of God on this earth who are constantly be revealing God in our words and actions and without realizing that we're increasing other people's faith. Thank you for increasing mine. It had to be God's favor. We are so convinced that God is ordering our steps, that our faith is increasing daily as God moves obstacles and sends His people to answer prayers. You and your wife are true angels sent by God to deliver good news. God bless you.”

Week Sixty-three

WEEK SIXTY-THREE September 15, 2014

At our last visit with our minister friend, Brother Forty-two he left me with a book to read that is unflattering of the LDS faith. I decided to take a take twenty comments from the book and explore if they were really true, to sort of set the record straight. So I sent him the following—For over past fifty years I have listened to, watched, and read sufficient materials allowing me to render an informed opinion concerning those seeking to distort the truths of the LDS faith. I have also read the opinions of scholars, whose wisdom far surpasses my own, who have neatly put to rest each and every objection I have ever encountered. I have noticed that those seeking to distort “pretend” that no such opposing scholarship even exists as it is never acknowledged in their works. Therefore I affirm my request to you, encouraging you to review the “other side” of all these issues as well, the ones not shared in their works, and to do so honestly and sincerely, noting what truly makes sense.

As a young missionary over fifty years ago I first came in contact with Walter Martin’s book, The Rise of the Cults, (1955) and have noticed the ebb and flow and the rationalization supporting the same over the years. It seems to me the “anti-Mormon movement,” if that be an accurate label, has transitioned over time from only distorted facts and fringe doctrines as the basis for “proof,” to unsupported claims of the Bible as the final authority rather than God. It has not been hard to notice the circular logic employed here, something written even by inspired men somehow has the power to bind the all-powerful God. Why is this so? The Bible is the final authority because it is the Bible. Where in Bible does it even say it is the final authority? Well actually nowhere. So why is it the final authority? Because we say it is. Then the movement shifted back to distorted facts and a myopic view of the Journal of Discourses and now on to acceptance of faith driven events in LDS history but claiming they are of demonic source (the so called New Age Anti-Mormonism).

I include in this sequence Walter Martin and his several books, Floyd McElveen, Fran Sankey, Jerald and Sandra Tanner, Wesley Walters, Ed Decker, Loftes Tryk, and James R. Spencer. Each in turn seemingly spurred by a desire to create a divide among Christian people of God.

If I could offer a seeming generality, if the Bible says something other than their stated belief, they claim it doesn’t mean what it clearly says, has been interpreted incorrectly, the words have been used wrong, etc., etc., and on and on. All of which flies in the face of the Bible being an unerring authority upon which one can rely. I find myself coming to the conclusion as I read their works that I believe more literally in the Bible than they do.

Let me take just one example and then I will treat the Floyd McElveen book you gave me to read. It clearly states in the Bible, in several places that those who believe are saved. LDS doctrine believes that as well, but asks does the Bible say anything else? The answer clearly is that it does.

We read in the Bible that one must believe and be baptized to be saved (Mark 16:16) and when the jailer asked Paul what was required to be saved he said to believe and then took him out and baptized him (Acts 16:25-33; and there are others). So it appears to be saved we need to believe and be baptized if we are to follow the Bible. Does it say anything else?

Yes on the day of Pentecost Peter taught must also repent (Acts 2:31 and other places as well). So to be saved we are to believe, repent, and be baptized. Anything else?

Well we read we are also to receive the Holy Ghost (Acts 1:5, 11:16). So we are to believe, repent, be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost. Anything else?

Yes, the Savior himself said it is not enough just to believe but we must also do the will of our Father in Heaven (Matthew 7:21-23). So the Bible says we are to believe, repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost and keep the commandments of God.

From all this one might conclude we are saved by grace absolutely and unconditionally, but we are judged by our works. Belief is the beginning. Nothing else can follow unless we first believe. Likewise baptism avails us nothing unless we first repent and choose to live obedient to God’s direction and commandments. Each of which seems to be part of the whole package of being saved. Isn’t this starting to look like the gospel taught in the Bible is the same as God restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith?

Well, as I read The Kingdom of the Cults (1965), The Maze of Mormonism (1984), God’s Will, Final, Infallible, and Forever (1985) et. al, it is clear their goal is not to inform but to distort. It is as if they have come to a conclusion and choose to only use fringe doctrines, unproved “facts,” or nebulous statements of individuals rather than actual doctrines of the Church and construct their arguments accordingly. In addition they seemingly discard such Bible verses as are problematical to them. I keep finding myself saying I believe this and so and yet hearing these authors say, “No you don’t! You believe that and the other.” It is offensive to be told what one believes, especially when it runs counter to the truth. My beliefs are between me and God. I know what they are as does the God whom I worship.

The reasoning in disrupting my peace is the claim that “your house is on fire and we are trying to protect you.” But what is really happening is my house is filled with the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ, something apparently so foreign to these authors they mistake the light and glory of God for a fire and foolishly rush to quench that which is holy, true and unquenchable. Truly did the ancient prophet Alma say of such “fire fighters”— “Why do ye go about perverting the ways of the Lord? Why do ye … interrupt their rejoicings?” (Alma 30:22). (I then followed with my little two statement treatise but have yet to hear fro Brother Forty-two as of this writing.)

Some changes are coming in the stake we serve in and I shared with our Mission President what those changes are going to be and how I felt we could best handle them. He agreed with our suggestions.

Did quite a lot of Family History for Brother Four this week which he greatly appreciated. He is looking at assisting a local pastor in bringing an outreach of fellowship into the congregation but still wants to hear our message and has finally begun reading the Book of Mormon and we had a good discussion about the chapters he has read. He asked, “So what is going to happen to me when I finish? Is this going to change my feelings about the Bible?” I told him as to the latter I hoped not, but as to the former that was a question I would have to be asking him when he finished. His wife agreed, “Honey only you will know how it changed you.”

We strolled into District Meeting a few minutes before the appointed hour at 10:30 commenting to each other that it sure looked like a lot more cars than usual only to learn it was a Zone Training meeting which started at 9 a.m. Neither the DLs of the ZLs remembered to notify us. Jan thought it was great only a two hour meeting instead of a 3 ½ hour meeting. The final exercise was on obedience. Then a punched card was passed to each one there to write on something you could get rid of to be more obedience. Which we did. Jan put on things about being more patient. Then they brought in about two dozen helium balloons which we were going to let go as a district to symbolize letting goal of those issues that got in the way of our obedience. As we went outside for the “letting go” it kept going on and on with nothing happening when Jan commented about getting things rolling. We both remembered her remark dealt with being patient and we both cracked up. Finally the balloons were released and at the end of this blog is a picture of the same.

We were able to visit for a couple of hours with family, Jan’s sister Carol and her oldest Teri Hill and her clan, at San Clemente. It was great catching up with them.

One of our granddaughter’s had some needs and I wrote a story for her about The Mouse Family. We are anxious to see what she gathered from the story.

THE MOUSE FAMILY

The McDonald family lived in the town of Mapleton, a small, pastoral setting against majestic, snow clad mountains. At the end of a lane shielded on both sides by tall, leafy Maple trees, stood their house, white and imposing, rising three stories high. This was a special home because it was filled with love and caring for one another. But our story is not about the McDonald family.

Behind the small crevice at the base of the grand staircase that curved and rose triumphantly through the house, lived the Mouse family composed of Millie and Mitchell, the parents, along with their small brood of Miller, Moo, Montforth, Miranda, and Miles.

This was a happy family. You may wonder why? It was because of their love for one another and was demonstrated in the way they treated each other. This make their small home a safe place for everyone. It was as if the love generated in each heart wove itself though the fiber and being of each member of the Mouse family. Each looking after the comfort and well-being of one another caused a special light of warmth and comfort to fill every heart. It was their gifts of service, love for, and kind gentle manner of treating one another that caused the light to infuse into each member in the family.

With this special light, family members cast about the neighborhood, developing inspiring relationships with others. Sharing their love, kindness and service easily because of the blossoming light each family member enjoyed. They quickly became known in the community for their generosity, caring and service, and the community, in turn, continually reflected that same light back to the Mouse family. They learned that the more light they gave the more light they received.

However, there was also a dark force in the neighborhood who believed he could only grow in power and dominance by destroying the light found in others. He learned the easiest way to interfere with the light was to interfere with relationships. If he could get those in the community to concentrate upon their own needs, while forgetting the needs of others, the light would quickly extinguish itself. So he put his plan into practice, reminding each how important THEY were and teaching them to believe that whatever bad that happened was the fault or blame of others. “Blame everything on others,” he cried in their ears.

He tricked them into seeing only their own needs and believing their happiness could only come at the expense of those around them. He stoked their frustrations in big bold colorful letters, making them feel further diminished by the small mistakes of others. Urging them to notice that “everyone is against me.”

Millie and Mitchell could see this darkness spread through the neighborhood and were fearful it would creep into the McDonald home. They warned Miller, Moo, Montforth, Miranda, and Miles with love, scripture reading and prayers and it appeared for a time their efforts to combat the darkness was working until ……

Moo, of a sudden, began to lash out at all about her. It was as if relationships no longer mattered to her. Everything in Moo’s mind was about Moo. She, blinded by the power of darkness seeping into her life, accelerated that darkness within the family by her actions.

She wasn’t doing this on purpose. Moo’s objective was not to destroy the light the family enjoyed. She didn’t see it that way. But darkness had clouded her mind and she fought desperately to again be filled with light.

Moo could see that if she did not change she would be forever unhappy, that there was no happiness in living in the dark and seeing only her own needs. She knew she needed to extend her forgiveness and love to others, not because they needed it, but because she needed it, to bring back the light into her own life.

The power of dark reminded her again and again, “Moo, this is unfair. You are right. All others are wrong. It’s all about you isn’t it? The others, even your family, deserve to be treated this way. It’s your life after all.” But Moo who had ever been valiant knew deep down inside that only in the light could she blossom and become the daughter of God that he would have her be. This darkness couldn’t be right she reasoned with herself, because now she was feeling miserable. Moo saw that only when filled with light, and bringing light to others, could she regain the fullness of happiness that once had lifted her spirits and brought the image of Christ to her face.

So mustering all her courage, Moo set out to make the necessary changes. They came slowly because the dark had taken a strong hand and was not willing to easily let go. She began by preparing herself, immersing herself in the scriptures so she could be reinforced by the Holy Spirit, praying for her Father in Heaven to forgive her, seeking forgiveness of those she may have offended, which may have been the hardest of all, and keeping a journal of the good things Miller, Montforth Miranda and Miles did to remind her of their goodness and to build a defense for her against the forces of dark.

In the process, Moo learned unhappiness always followed when she was critical. Even when she felt justified in being critical, she was unhappy. She noticed that even in trying to be good, to serve faithfully, she would slip into being critical. How could this be?

One night as Moo poured out her heart in prayer, earnestly seeking the guidance of the Lord, the hint of an idea began to form in her mind. “Could it be that in focusing on my own personal needs I have lost focus?”

As Moo meditated upon this singular revelation to her very soul, she began to see clearly that in the pursuit of her goals maybe she was going about it the wrong way. It didn’t make sense that she could build a better self by destroying the worth of others. “Am I really loving and serving as I should be?” she asked herself.

Moo saw focusing on herself had promoted her frustrations and irritations with others. She saw “Everyone is messing up my life” had mysteriously become her mantra and she saw it was slowly leading her away from the light.

Each morning thereafter, her heart was set on discovering the needs of those around her, just as her mother Millie’s had always been, and then loving, helping and guiding them in her own special way. Moo’s objective became one of serving the Lord by serving those around her, and not one of accomplishing what only she wanted but truly loving and serving. Of a sudden the frustrations and irritations disappeared as did the dark.

As Moo allowed the promptings of the Spirit to work within her, she began to love others with all her heart, and in so doing, that love became her personal desire as well. In forgetting herself in the service of others, an immediate transformation began, almost unnoticed to her, but noticed by her family and friends—she became filled with light. So much light that she could easily share the light with others making many, many happy.

Moo learned that light and happiness are achieved only as we give ourselves in the loving and caring service of others, treating others in kindness and respect, and continually touching and blessing those about us.

At our Bible Study tonight we focused on hard things the Lord asks of His children. WE followed the elders, sisters and the ward mission leader. I wanted to show that our obedience did not necessarily have to be tied to “success” but that our success would come anyway in just being obedient. I shared Doctrine & Covenants 117:12-13 about Oliver Granger that his sacrifice would be more sacred to the Lord than his increase and 58:2-6.

Had a couple of visits with the Two family including a dinner. The young Brother Two has marveled about his blessing concerning starting a new middle school in 8^th grade and how the promises have come true in making friends.

Attended the evening session of stake conference. The 2nd counselor in the Aliso Creek ward called and asked if I would speak next Sunday on prayer. During the session had some ideas of for the talk about living water. We choose to believe in prayer, real intent a willingness in advance to comply with direction to be given, eliminating pre-determined methods of how the lord must respond to us as in setting aside signs and substituting willingness, and given equal passion to desires and nevertheless willingness. Also had a thought come to my mind regarding the baiting we receive from non-members, “You mean if we don’t do this and so we can’t have that.” Which I never feel comfortable in answering. Thought was “I can’t certify what you won’t get in choosing your path, only what the Lord promises in choosing this path.”

One of the sisters was invited up to be interviewed of sorts by high councilor over missionary work. She joined the Church in March. Told us she was a member of a large mega church with a famous pastor. He encouraged the members to meet in bible study groups of 10-15 to feel part of something real as the size of the church mitigated against such feelings. Said, “We need to love and serve each other like the Mormons.” Said the sister, “You could have heard a mouse pee in the corner.” Everyone laughed. What an inspiring testimony she bore about the members of the church. We were encouraged to log on to social.lds.org for ideas on using social networking in missionary work which is something we have to learn about.

During both the evening session and morning one I found myself listing things I have learned as a senior missionary making me a different person. I believe they are for our homecoming talk.

In the Sunday session a sister shared a story about implementing the Brady Family approach. She said in the TV series an upset teenager would bound up the stairs followed quickly by one of both parents. Then a serious talk would ensure on the bed and everything resolved. She tried it. Upset she bounded up the stairs, slammed the door for point of emphasis so her mother would know she was upset and the sat on her bed waiting. She waited. Waited. Waited some more. Then came down stairs and her mother was washing dishes. She explained how upset she was that her mother didn’t even bother to come up to help her and her mother replied, “Honey, I knew you could resolve this on your own. You knew how to handle the problem. So I let you alone to handle it yourself. If there is something you can’t handle, I will be there just like a promised.” She taught about the poor results that usually follow when we do everything for our children and then they have to fend for themselves with no skills and likened it to Heavenly Father helping us to develop skills and use them. 

Week Sixty-Two

WEEK SIXTY-TWO September 8, 2014

Learned from Brother Two that their son woke up with unbearable stomach cramps and pain that wouldn’t go away. So they took him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with appendicitis. They operated immediately and were able to extract the organ before it burst. So just three small scars and home the day of surgery. How times have changed. At seven years of age I was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery, spent a week in the hospital, and left with a long scar on my side.

This was on a Tuesday and Thursday and Friday were the first two days of school. He asked for blessing so he could attend school. His father anointed and I spoke the blessing and nearly over his mom’s objections he went to school and told us he made it through both days with no pain or discomfort whatsoever expressing his faith and testimony in the power of the priesthood.

Mom sent us this note that first night still worrying about him going to school that first day: “Thanks for stopping by yesterday and bringing the kids gifts that was really nice of you. Jacob was determined to go to school today I went ahead and let him go. He doesn't carry any books but say a prayer that he's OK and that he comes home if he needs to. I just don't want him pushing himself.”

We attended the San Diego Temple with the Fifty-five family who were going through the temple for the first time. We had taught them in the temple preparation this summer. A recent convert and her husband were their escorts. Both had big smiles on their faces as we entered the ordinance room and afterwards expressed how touched they were that we changed our schedule and made the trip down.

It was good to be in the San Diego Temple again. With all the history involved in raising funds for its construction, selecting the site, serving on the Temple Open House Committee, being an ordinance worker in the temple with my folks, a son and daughter being married there, this temple has a different feel for us. I am sure it is the coloration of our history. Enjoyed a sweet experience with the Lord in the Celestial Room following the session. Didn’t get back home until after 10 p.m. and we both were reminded of our age again.

Were able also to visit with some dear friends while passing through Encinitas which was a great joy to us.

Had a good meeting with the Twenty-One family. He auditioned and was accepted into the country band and they are holding auditions for others now. He is excited. Impressed with the lead singer, songwriter, organizer. No drugs, etc. Read together 1 Nephi 2-3 tonight and discussed thoroughly as Brother Twenty-one has struggled to understand just what is going on in the Book of Mormon. We spent a hour an done-half on just those two chapters to lay the foundation for the entire book.

Visited with the Four family tonight. He wanted me to fill him in on the Bible Study class I conducted the previous week which he missed. I’d put together a several page document specifically for him entitled They Saw God, listing bible scriptures referencing the same, then latter-day scripture and revelations regarding the same. I submitted that when faced with all these scriptures many try to explain them away, but the words say they saw God. It’s as if many think language in the bible about not seeing God in John and 1 John limits what God can do, as if he is controlled by the language of the Bible. I said I believed in a God that can do whatever His will may be and the references in question refer to man’s limitations rather than God’s. Thus man cannot see God unless invited to do so by God and protected by God such as happened to Peter, James and John on the Mount of Transfiguration. Then shared scriptures outside the bible to support my position. We had a good discussion and when he tried to explain away the words of Jacob, I said, “But his words are that he saw God. We either agree to take the words of the bible as stated or we do not. And you will notice we are not talking about a few such verses but many that deal with inspired men seeing God.”

Contacted Brother Two asking him if he felt ready to confirm his daughter following her baptism Saturday. He replied, “If you don’t mind. I would like you to confirm her. It’s a privilege a true one that I will get to baptize her. It’s a privilege to have you do that for her! I know the blessing you give her will be honored of God.”

Stretched over more than a year now Brother Two was baptized, later Sister Two, later still their oldest son and now their middle children and daughter who has just turned 8 years of age. We have been with them to receive their Patriarchal blessings; to prepare him to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood and to confirm such priesthood upon him; to prepare both of them to attend the temple; to be their escorts in going through the temple. We now claim them as part of our family.

I was asked by the stake to give the talk on the Holy Ghost for the baptism service. I described the many virtues of my father and how when his arms were around me I felt strong and protected. Then described the many virtues of my mother and how when her arms were around me I felt warm and comforted. I then described how the Holy Ghost give us both strength and protection as well as warmth and comfort and suggested that commandments were but invitations from God to enjoy strength, protection, warmth and comfort through his holy spirit. That commandments are not a list of do’s and don’ts but invitations to enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost.

Received the following from Sister Haddock’s cousin who is now serving with her husband—

Starting a Mission is like Dying

Being on a MLS mission, as seniors, has been a unique experience. The preparation was extremely a lot of work. Leaving our house in Wyoming and everything that entailed was daunting and difficult: getting rid of “stuff,” organizing “stuff” we’ve been collecting for 39 years, packing clothes and books and a few dishes, etc., then turning our “lives” over to our daughter and her husband. It was a crazy and exhausting time for us. But then, suddenly, we found ourselves in the MTC, wondering if we should have spent more time preparing spiritually and studying Preach My Gospel. One week later, the fast pace ended. Basically, we woke up one morning and it hit us that we are full-time missionaries! The long to-do lists are now replaced with our ward lists and phone numbers.

 

We are living in … a little apartment with very few material things. Our belongings are a bed, a couch, a table and chairs and the basic necessities. It is very quiet.  Each day we eat together, plan and study together, exercise together and teach together. Very gradually we quit thinking so much about our former life in Wyoming. It must be a little like dying. One leaves the clamor, the noise, and the troubles behind and suddenly finds themselves in a quiet place and wonder how they got there. There is a no longer a selfish “Bucket List.” Although we never quit praying for our family, now our thoughts and prayers are consumed with the people we have met: their sufferings, their struggling’s, their desires to reach God and gain strength to overcome their challenges. About 10:30 at night, we fall into our beds with exhaustion.

When the Rubber meets the Road

When we visit people in their homes, things usually don’t turn out the way we had imagined. The husband may be late or not present at the meeting, the children may be crying or bouncing around and the dogs and cats jumping on us. Sometimes we search for a spot to sit down on the couch, covered with toys or laundry. We never know what to expect.  These are not “fake investigators” at the MTC, but real people with real lives. Amidst the situation we have a constant prayer in our hearts that we will be able to say something that will inspire or strengthen them in their lives. And then when we return back to our apartment, we always get a sweet feeling in our hearts that our Heavenly Father is pleased with our efforts. Our testimonies are growing. Our confidence is getting stronger.

When we read and ponder the scriptures we feel the peace and know our Savior is very near. It’s good to be serving the Lord on a mission at this time in our lives. Yes, our old lives have died, but we are being reborn.

Spent our 49th Wedding Anniversary in the Lake Forest ward. During priesthood opening exercises, among the missionary stories shared were two I really liked. One brother told about his six year old daughter receiving a birthday invitation from a girl in her class, the family explained to the parents of the girl that Sunday’s were reserved as a family day. The little girl undaunted asked the member’s daughter later why she couldn’t come to her birthday party. The girl replied, “It is a special day for Jesus.” To which the birthday girl replied, “Well, bring him too.” This opened an opportunity for a gospel discussion with this non-Christian family.

The other story was brother who described it as a Spam missionary experience. He said Costco had Spam on sale and he purchased a couple of cases. When checking out the cashier commented, “What is Spam?” In giving his answer he explained that his church believed in food storage for emergencies and that Spam was a great addition to that storage. And so began a brief missionary moment, “as long as one can be in a cashier line at Costco” said he.

Received a strong impression Sunday to bear my testimony today on the necessity for priesthood authority and its restoration sharing three experiences that had been mine.

Had a wonderful meeting with the Six family finishing the restoration i.e., Moroni’s visit in detail, the lost 116 pages and the result, restoration of the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods; why the book was named after Mormon, and what happened to the plates. I describing Mormon’s efforts to condense the writing of others, pointing out that experts now see that each author’s book carries each individual author’s imprint. Then to our surprise Brother Six then bore his testimony of the Book of Mormon to his adult daughter saying “In reading this book it is clear that no one person could have written it. Further that at that time things never known have now come to light hundreds of year later that are supportive of what the book says. I have always wondered about some of the stories in the Bible, many seem very farfetched. The book itself has passed through so many hands and scribes it is difficult for me to put a lot of trust in what is written. But the Book of Mormon hasn’t gone through all those things. It is here and now. We have it right in our hands as it was given by God without all those changes. The Book of Mormon bears witness of itself as it is read.” Wow, what a testimony. Hard to imagine that testimony can come from one who has yet to make the commitment to be baptized.

We had met with the One family earlier in the week, but accepted their invitation Sunday evening to have dinner with them. We got tied up a bit with an earlier appointment but they had waited for us. “Just want to visit with you. We love the spirit you bring.”