Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel

I have a great and wonderful love for Jesus Christ, my Savior. This season helps people reflect on the birth of our Lord. We remember His birth and His life and we do things to be like Him. Though the things of the world have invaded the Christmas season with temporal distractions, it is the birth of Jesus (the single most important event in all history) which must hold our complete focus. Remember that all we do is with the purpose of facilitating our return to Heavenly Father and His only begotten Son. Whatever we do, whether with our families or in our writing or whichever other talents we choose to expand upon, we should ask ourselves will our Lord be pleased. We should always be respectful of the Lord's sacrifice in our behalf and make every effort to do as He commands us. We must rise up and repent when we do stumble, as all of us will do repeatedly. This blog is meant to me whoever reads it think of one thing. May your heart be filled, as mine is filled, with a love for Jesus Christ, your most powerful and strongest love. Remember Jesus is our advocate with the Father and none of us return to live with Heavenly Father except through Jesus Christ. In this coming year I will rededicate my goals to better follow the example of my Savior and I challenge anyone reading these words to do the same.

Merry Christmas.

Color, color, color ... Indian Night 2010

Have you ever seen an Indian sari? This is a colorful, beautiful garment worn mostly by Indian women. My wife and I attended Indian night last night at the local university (our second time) and enjoyed an incredible evening. First we got in line for a small buffet of Indian dishes (way spicy for my wife's stomach, but I enjoyed it.) Then several local Indians (people from India, not Native Americans) put on a show that brought out multiple rounds of clapping. Native dances were performed. Native songs were sung. And a fashion show of sorts, with runway and everything, capped off the night as many colorful saris and other Indian dress were displayed.

The thing I enjoyed most about the evening was getting to learn more about such an interesting culture. It is wonderful to see the good parts of such a diverse world. With all the turmoil seeing good people with a different way of living and who worship in a different way than I do makes my heart sing. These are good people with a rich culture that dates back many years. If you have an opportunity to see people of a culture you may be unfamiliar with showcasing that culture, you owe it to yourself to take advantage of the opportunity. You'll learn, you'll enjoy, and you just might come away with a new love for the people who are slightly different than you are.

It's OK to be LDS

In the world many people have limited contact with Mormons and as a consequence are taken aback by the limitations of our lifestyle. I am referring to the temporal, or worldly limitations. For, as Mormons our opportunities in spiritual matters are endless. The ultimate prize is a return to live with our Heavenly Father and His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Everyone has this opportunity available to them, but as Latter day Saints we have a special knowledge that gives us a sort of inside track. Some Mormons, like me, live in an area populated with folks who believe as I do and that helps in a way, but it can also lead to complacency.

When you live in an area where the Church isn't predominate it is sometimes difficult to stand up for your beliefs. The natural man in all of us often craves the attention of those around us. We know what we believe, but we want the acceptance of our neighbor. Those who sometimes snicker in our direction cause us to feel uneasy. We find it hard to stand up for what we believe in. What we always have on our side is the gospel and its truth. We have Heavenly Father to always shield us. And we have the right and responsibility to say I'm LDS and that is okay.

Helaman's Army (The Song)

In Sacrament we often have a song in between talks. I think most wards follow this practice because the Lord's heart delights in hearing a gospel song. And my heart is also warmed by hearing ward members (with beautiful voices) sing. Today's song was about the 2000 strippling warriors, or son's of Helaman. I'm not sure of the title, but it is something like the Army of Helaman or Helaman's Army. Someone can help me out with that.

Anyway, three young sisters sang this song beautifully with their mother accompanying on the piano. The song was in support of a young elder preparing to enter the mission field who'd just spoken. I guess I was blessed with a certain writing ability, but when it come to voice (carrying a tune) I was not so blessed. So when I hear a song beautifully sung I take it in and cherish it, just as I know the Lord does.

If you have a singing voice put it to good use and sing.

Chapters

One thing I find interesting (and complicated) about writing is chapters. I've heard many people talk about what is contained in a chapter is essential in keeping a reader tuned in and hooked on the overall story. And each and every chapter must meet the criteria for making this happen. And this all must happen while keeping the flow of your story constant, making your characters believable, setting up your plot twists (for every good story has those) and convincing the reader your story is logical.

My question is what constitutes a perfect chapter, since writing is encapsulated in well written chapters. Does the length of a chapter matter? Can a one page chapter be as good as a ten page chapter? I find my chapter vary greatly depending upon what I've trying to tell. I have written chapters with only a 1000 or so words which I felt hit the mark and I've written chapters of several thousand words where I wondered if I'd adequately addressed the topic and issues of that chapter.

Also important is the opening and closing of a chapter. What makes for a great chapter first sentence? Obviously, drawing the reader into your story and keeping them there is important, even within the confines of a chapter. Their wanting to read on and see what happens is also key. And when we close a chapter our intent is to motivate the reader to move on the next chapter. So what makes an average chapter a great chapter? What does every great chapter contain? Great writing to me means incorporating the elements of a chapter people can't stop reading while being true to what is important to you.

For me a chapter has to include a thought, or progression of thoughts, that tell of something meaningful. Whether it is a one sentence narrative or several sentences of descriptive passage, it should captivate. When I reread and hopefully edit I look at each individual sentence and paragraph to see how I can make each chapter really shine. In writing, how do you tackle the chapter?

Prophet

For some time now religion has weighed heavily on my mind. Being a Latter Day Saint I have a unique perspective in that I belong to the Lord's church. I belong to the church because of the simple, humble prayer of a young boy in a grove (it would be called sacred). The prayer offered by this young boy was answered as all other prayer are, but perhaps this was something special because this young boy was visited by his Heavenly Father and His only Begotten Son, our very Lord, Jesus Christ. When the prayer and Heavenly visitation was complete the young boy, Joseph Smith, Jr. returned home changed for the reminder his mortality and beyond and we were soon treated to the restoration of the gospel, the dispensation of the fullness of times, and a prophet who would take his place with Moses, Abraham, Enoch and one who other latter day prophets would call the greatest man to walk the face of the earth, save the Savior only. I have such a strong love and respect for Joseph Smith and wholeheartedly concur with what those prophets have said of him.

I am so lucky to say many my ancestors were early church converts. Their faithfulness has helped prepare me for what is true and right and I am encouraged to follow in their faithfulness. Like any human, I make my share of mistakes, but I have such a wonderful base.

Remember, all my LDS friends, that we belong to the greatest organization in the world and Jesus stands at the head. And all of this we have because young Joseph Smith kneeled down and spoke in humble prayer.

Charlie

Hierarchic of passions

What is the LDS writer passionate about? The ones I've met (in cyberspace) are passionate about writing. And that is a good thing. Their passion is reflected in some very well told stories. In addition, LDS writers are passionate about helping other writers. And that is also a good thing. Also, LDS writers are passionate about praising the books their fellow authors have written and filling them up with encouragement. But, it is my belief that if you ask an LDS writer what he/she is most passionate about their answer will probably be being LDS. They would probably say that giving a blessing (Melchizedek Priesthood holders) is something they'd always stop writing for. They would always say being a mother comes before being a writer. I believe most LDS writers would say their passion for the Lord come first, followed by passion for their family (and all that that entails) and then passion for writing a wonderful story of clean engaging fiction or non-fiction that would hold the interest of anyone. And that is a very good thing.

I am so grateful

Each Sunday I listen to the talks, lessons and miscellaneous conversations and search for a phrase or something among all the important things discussed to remember and stick with me. The speaker in sacrament meeting today talked about cleaning the building and the spiritual benefits of doing it. I sort of glossed over his words until he drew near the end. He talked about the pleasure and spiritual uplift he received when he was asked to clean the temple. And then those four words, spoken often, but rarely given justified attention, perhaps because of repetition, came out his mouth. "And I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who gives me the chance to grow, to give back to Him. I am so grateful to my Savior who sacrificed all for me." And on it went and for some reason my ears perked up and I knew I felt the same way.

I am so very grateful for a wonderful loving Heavenly Father and perfect older brother and my Savior, Jesus Christ. I am grateful for friends who like to write, like me, and who are LDS and know the encouragement each of us needs. Each of my friends at latterday authors, even though I have not met any of you, I know you are the most wonderful people. You couldn't be any other way.

The Lord's Suffering

Sunday evening and time to talk about something that bothers me now and again. It bothers me because I am the type of person I'm going to talk about now. We all have our struggles - the challenges our Lord places in our path back to Him - and we each cope with them in different ways. But one thing I've noted as strikingly similar and that is we all finds ways to complain.

At work we complain about the long hours or our boss who doesn't understand us and has his/her own agenda. We are frustrated with the long lines at the store, or the heavy traffic, or the children who also have their own agenda. We wonder why we were chosen to have to bear so much.

Now, when I begin to realize these feelings have overtaken me, and they do, I make an effort to refocus. I refocus and I encourage all who fall into this complaining trap to also refocus on the one person who suffered most of all. Our Lord and Savior, who I love more than anyone else, suffered at Gethsemane to the point of bleeding from every pore. And yet not a single word of complaint came forth from His mouth. So when we think about the things that weigh us down and overwhelm us in our mortal journey let us consider the Lord's suffering. For me, at least, my trials are really put in perspective.

Charlie

Showing off

This is our grandson, Calan. I guess since his parents have him plastered all over Facebook I can show him off here. I'm pretty attached so more photos may be forthcoming. Enjoy.

Charlie

Mother Eve

I think the veil is placed over our eyes when we come to our earthly estate, but through our faithfulness we're allowed a glimpse of little snippets from the side we came from. I believe this first happened with Adam. We all know the breath of life was first given to Adam and then to Eve. When Heavenly Father came to visit Adam and Eve He asked Adam what name he'd given the woman and Adam answered "Eve." Heavenly Father then asked why he would call her Eve, to which Adam replied, "because she is the mother of all living." Heavenly Father then said that is correct.

There are many people I look forward seeing when I cross the other side of the veil. Some, like my mother, who I knew well here on earth and others, like my aunt Bonnie and grandma, who I only knew in the first estate. Along with family members from a more recent past, I am also greatly looking forward to seeing once again father Adam and mother Eve.

I believe Adam and Eve look down upon our generation with great love as we continue to bring together all of their children through temple work. As this work passes on to our children and future generations it will continue to grow and the love of our first parents will grow with it.

It is a beautiful thing.

There is beauty all around

I can go almost anywhere within two to three hours and see the most incredible scenery. To the northeast is the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. And I travel through gorgeous country just getting to those locations. To the northwest is Sun Valley. To the south is the Wasatch mountains. Well, the idea is that there is beauty all around.

But it is the unknown to the regular tourist locations that are really the best. Places off the beaten path where I can enjoy the beauty in relative solitude. Places like Panther Creek in central Idaho where my grandparents once had a ranch. Or Diamond, McCoy, Deep and Slug Creeks in eastern Idaho near the Wyoming border where I loved working for the Forest Service.

And if you're up for some traveling I would recommend seeing Alaska. If you're a lover of natural beauty you will not be disappointed. I can guarantee it.

Truthfully, right out my front window I enjoy a wonderful view of Mt. Bonneville (and Pebble Creek Ski Area) as well as lava rock outcroppings to my left less than a quarter mile away. But, wherever it may be that you live I believe you won't have to go far to experience incredible beauty. I do believe it was planned that way.

Getting to know Jesus Christ

As I listened to several talks this past weekend I felt of the Spirit. I felt the closeness of the Savior and the love of my Heavenly Father. Then Monday came and I wondered (and worried) about how quickly those things I'd listened to just a few hours before would leave me. Today I read passages from an article in the Church News. It referenced remarks shared by Robert L. Millet, professor of ancient scripture at BYU. The thing he emphasized was getting to better know and understand our Savior. "It is important for individuals to know who they worship," he said. "In the end it matters precious little what we know about a myriad of things, if we have not come to know through the power of the Holy Spirit, the God we worship."

It is only through Jesus Christ, who is our Savior, our Redeemer, our Lord, our Advocate of with Father, that we can return to our Heavenly Father. We can not do this on our own. Without our Lord, Jesus Christ, we have nothing, and with Him we have everything. I ask everyone who reads this blog to know that I always put Jesus Christ first in my life and try to learn more and more about Him with each passing day. I rely on Him to help me battle the evils of mortality. I encourage all of you to follow your Savior, to learn about Him and His mission, and to always remember that only through Jesus Christ can you be saved. As Elder Millet said, "As Latter Day Saints, our religion is life, 24/7."

We must seek out the Savior and live according to His commandments and will at all times. We need to learn more about our Savior so that we can always have His perfect live to guide us.

Review of Tombs of Terror by T. Lynn Adams

T. Lynn Adams debut novel is Tombs of Terror. It is an exciting fast paced adventure. Jonathan, a 16 year old, has gone to Peru with his father to reconnect. Instead, he finds himself lost in the Peruvian jungle facing one challenge after another. He stumbles upon a network of caves and tunnels built centuries before. Through the darkness he finds his way to a room where mummies are kept along with gold coins. Soon he is found unconscious by a local teenager and his sister and taken to their home to recover.

Jonathan realizes he does not know who he can trust and wants only to find his father. A terrorist group called the Shining Path cross Jonathan's path and want him dead because he has seen their faces. Soon a race through the underground tunnels is on as Jonathan and a network of "runners" who know the ancient tunnels very well try to escape the Shining Path terrorists.

T. Lynn Adams weaves Peruvian history and culture into this adventure. There is humor interlaced in the drama. She keeps the reader turning page after page until the final scene is reached. I highly recommend this novel.

Reviewed by Charlie Moore (aka novelist Joshua Berry)