Memorial to that which is Important

It’s Memorial Weekend and we are called to reflect on our American siblings; men and women who gave their lives for a country that in some cases did not return for the sake and freedom of those that they left behind. One such American was a sailor named Henry ‘Bessy’ Bingham, my dad’s uncle. Because of our loss so many years ago Bessy’s brother David (grand'pap) was the only one left to carry on the family name and through David’s family I am here. Soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines have all given their all to this country and I am so grateful. For this article I just wanted to just give a moment for those that have died to give us liberty that we now enjoy in a great country represented by the ole red white and blue.

Now the subject I wanted to discuss. While we are reflecting on the memories of men and women that have given us a great example following prophets and the savior by giving their lives for that witch they believed in so that we would not have to I want point out a poison that has infected not just our country but the whole world; complacency. Brothers and sisters we have been seduced by the ‘Coolness’ and have been quick to accept that someone else will take care of the problem even telling ourselves that Father will do it when we ourselves will not. Some have allowed fear to cripple us so that we cry what can be done while others who are small race into the fray praying that God will direct their path only to die with the cause that they went into the fray with.

We have spent too much time allowing us to be seduced by a ‘dark side’ that is all around us. Satan talks to us in advertisement, music and pulls every which way with his doctrine; good intentions mixed with crap.  He has tricked us into believe that the law of ‘happy rainbows and sunshine’ will be a better replacement for the structure of law that hold men accountable and show us a right and wrong. Flawed or not, being mortal who attempted to do what is right has lead us through better moments then a demand for social justice and equal outcome. There was a time when men and women were punished for their sins against society and swift was the sword of justice. Now the sword stays dormant and rusting from lack of use.

This error has not been just my country but all the countries of the world. The bigger the government got the worse it got. We no longer push and explore because we are told not to. We no longer educate ourselves because we are told not to. We no longer get justice though it is demanded because it will hurt someone’s feelings and finally we no longer win because someone will lose. We have been seduced by the ‘Coolness’.

What will we do to correct this course? Though it must be done at an individual level, we must rapidly turn to God, demand accountability and choose righteous leaders and not just ‘good’ leaders. The pot that is government is a corrupt and black pot; a cesspool that ‘unicorns and puppy dogs’ have poisoned. We are encouraged not to remember those that have given their all and look at cartoons and photo shopped pictures instead of calling for accountability. When we break down the doors of those that are accountable and hold their feet to the flame will they continue to misbehave? We must remember that many countries are in bankruptcy because of war, famine, pestilence and death. We are facing a famine of the word of God and our children have been taught to ‘shut up’ about ‘Him’, the God of Israel or cease to talk about such offensive things. If we want it to stop we must talk of Christ, rejoice in Christ, preach of Christ, prophesy of Christ and write according to our prophecies.

I hope that this has encouraged you to seek to be part of something bigger than yourself and to stand tall for yourself, community, city, state (province) and country. If you can’t go big then start small. Start with the very thing that the founders did liberty and justice for all. Let men be accounted for their own sins and not for your father’s transgression and if we are left to pay then let us pay it quickly. We can correct our corruption but we must seek repentance and encourage others to do the same. We are from divine inheritance and we must show it.

Brothers and sisters, please take some time this weekend and perhaps everyday from this weekend to remember those that who have given their all so that we might enjoy time with our families, freedoms and the ‘Coolness’ that is ever present. Let us be in the world and not of it. Be diligent.

In the precious name of the Master, Jesus Christ, Amen.

I find your lack of faith disturbing

Today there was several talks that by themselves were just impressive but together in my mind were a great teaching lesson on what I needed to do next with my faith. In sacrament meeting the one talk that stood out was on the words that we use and how to use them as a teaching mechanism and the means to create great roads of dialog with those that we associate with. In gospel doctrine we talked about Joshua and his struggle to gain courage to lead Israel and take Canaan. Finally, the topic in priesthood we talked about gaining wisdom and applying it to our knowledge, also gaining knowledge so that we can go beyond our faith. All of the lessons were by themselves unrelated. It was at the end of the lesson of priesthood that I realized what I had been sent there to learn (as I was curious this morning).

The lesson was that despite what the Lord attempts to say to me and the need to exercise faith that I had not seemed to stretch and the fact that my faith had not grown much these past few weeks had been both disturbing to the Lord and, when I opened my eyes, to myself. This was not to say that I had not grown in wisdom and knowledge but my faith had not really improved. I realized that I had become as Luke of Star Wars who after seeing all these miracles of the Force could only mutter "I don't believe it." This has been why I have failed to get a new job or change my circumstance is because, though like the children of Israel, have seen the Red Sea parted still struggle with belief that I was there.

There are times in life especially for the Saints when we read the stories of crossing the Mississippi on ice, or causing the great walls of Jericho to fall, that we falter in our faith thinking that we are not sufficient to witness those miracles. I then think of the home teacher of young Howard W. Hunter who came from an inactive family. He (the home teacher) perhaps didn't think hat he would witness a future prophet come from one of the homes that he visited. He was glad that he got the Hunter family to attend church. I think that we need to continually remember that 'size maters not' and that is especially true in our roll in the church. Those with a fervent desire to do good will witness the miracles because their faith will increase. The callings that we are called to do with faith and diligence will increase our understanding. Above all, our faith will increase when we make an effort to seek for wisdom in all things.

Let us make a better effort to 'do or do not' and not just 'try'; clearly define our roll in the Lords church. We need to search, ponder and pray that might be given the opportunity to expand our mind and faith. God is not attempting to block us and cut us off from crossing the street, but as a parent seeks to teach us and lead us by the hand, so by showing us the way, we cross the street on our own. As it was with Israel so it should be with us, let the Lord guide us by day with a pillar of smoke and a pillar of fire by night. We may not know where we are going in life but if we have faith we will get there.

Mothers Day

It’s Mothers Day. On this day we cherish the very person that did more than someone that birth us but taught us charity and faith. The woman that would spend the rest of their lives loving and thinking about the success and welfare of each person that is part of her home. Friends and neighbors old and young alike are part of that. To some of us even that single woman that always took care of the neighbor kids is part of that roll as Mother and is a delightful memory that can be shared over and over again.

I want to extend my appreciation for the woman that was my mother (she pass away a few years ago) and let her spirit know that I am still attempting to be the very person that she knew that I could be. I attempt to daily think of what mom would want of me and how I can pass those precious lesions to my children.  On this day, I reflect on the various mothers in my life; my wife, my step mom, mother-in-law, sisters (all mothers each of them), Grandma and several of my cousins that are either mothers or husbands to mothers. We live in an age that allows us the opportunity to share our experiences about life and the experiences of rearing great kids and the lessons that they have taught us all.

Mom would say that it was the lessons that I would teach her but I know that she was being humble exemplary of a good teacher by giving me the credit for the great experiences in my life. I only wish that I could tell you of the many stories that have happened (I’m coming up blank). I do remember that mom always had a smile for everyone, was creative and energetic, she taught health and awareness and encouraged us to explore our world and learn what it had to offer. There was plays and music in our life. Talent was encouraged and exercised. Because of my mom I learned to act, play three interments and dance. That being great, more than that, mom taught me to love and laugh; she taught to roll with the punches and cry when it was needed. She taught courage and the power of prayer; faith in God and a strong testimony of the Atonement.

Mom you will be missed by me and my four siblings. You are a legacy that I hope that I can share with my children’s children. Thank you for all you did.

Nathan.

The image is of my mother Margot (1952-2011)