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.