Monday, March 29, 2010

March 2010

What a beautiful Sunday we had yesterday. In a chapel in Lindon, Utah, not far from Chelsea and Lane's home, we gathered to participate in the naming and blessing of little Ellie. All of our children were there along with some very good friends. It was a very happy occasion. Hard to imagine that just a few short years ago, it seemed as if the sun would never shine again. Tragedy and trial had brought heavy burdens and grief. As we sang the opening song...."I know that my Redeemer lives", I could not help but weep. He is my "kind, wise, heavenly friend" who has lifted my burdens and at times carried me as well. How blessed and enriched our lives have become. This is now Easter Week, when all of Christendom celebrates the the resurrection. I add my voice to the angelic message heard first at the empty tomb...."He is not hear...He is Risen."

Saturday, February 27, 2010

February

Well. I made a goal to write something on this at least once a month. Tomorrow is the last day of the month and so while I have a moment:
I am working hard on a new venture with my friend Bob. We have know each other for 30 years (missionary companions). It is a lot of work and a huge commitment. Hopefully the payoffs will be there in the end.
Raye continues to work at Clear Horizons...a very taxing assignment. The only thing is she really does love the kids she works with.
The kids, are all busy with school and activities etc. I will fill in the details next time.
Chelsea and Lane delivered us a new grandchild, Ellie Mae (enough with the Clampett jokes). See Chelsea's blog for the details.

Sunday, January 31, 2010

I heard this today at Church

Many of us take the blessings of the gospel for granted. It is as if we are passengers on the train of the Church, which has been moving forward gradually and methodically. Sometimes we have looked out the window and thought, “That looks kind of fun out there. This train is so restrictive.” So we have jumped off and gone and played in the woods for a while. Sooner or later we find it isn’t as much fun as Lucifer makes it appear or we get critically injured, so we work our way back to the tracks and see the train ahead. With a determined sprint we catch up to it, breathlessly wipe the perspiration from our forehead, and thank the Lord for repentance.

While on the train we can see the world and some of our own members outside laughing and having a great time. They taunt us and coax us to get off. Some throw logs and rocks on the tracks to try and derail it. Other members run alongside the tracks, and while they may never go play in the woods, they just can’t seem to get on the train. Others try to run ahead and too often take the wrong turn.

I would propose that the luxury of getting on and off the train as we please is fading. The speed of the train is increasing. The woods are getting much too dangerous, and the fog and darkness are moving in. (Glen L. Pace, Nov 1992 Ensign)