Plastic for Real Pearls

I was sitting in sacrament today and I realize that some of the things that I am asked to give up are small and insignificant while other things I keep in my life are things that I would never give up for the life of me. For example, I was a trumpet player and would never give my trumpet for the life of me, one mission later, that instrument was sold and I have never picked up the instrument again. Its not to say that the experience is forgotten, its to say that each experience as it comes and goes is showing me that life is more fluent. Some talents are relevant in its time but then later in life needs to be reevaluated.
A while ago there was a talk given in General Conference (I cant remember the talk) but here is the reference. In it was a realization that the things that we desire most should be something that we can sacrifice for better and greater from God. The talents that we have, the wealth we acquired it is all a learning for something greater.
It was hard at times to realize that the temporal things that we are desperate to hang on to, are perishable and meaningless. The experience with that 'stuff' though is eternal and its important that we screen and decern what we are willing to allow into our lives. Like the trumpet, a skill, appreciation of music, joy from the experience and the friends made, that's valuable.
Mortals are going to go through a lot of stuff. If we follow the prophet and scriptures, pray often and really attempt to do the will of God, we will see that the 'stuff' we acquire is the stuff that we want to put in our mansions in the next life.

The True Measure of a Man

While this is late for someone so valiant I wish to convey a few words about a great man, father, husband and uncle. Ken died recently and has joined his angel and sweetheart Maralee. I was reflecting on what I would of said had I attended his funeral and they asked me to speak. I have known Ken for a very long time. When he was younger he had to learn to be a father very quickly but as time went by I watched through his sons a man become more then a father to sons but a real dad.

That reminded me of tempered steel what was one a man who knew nothing of being a husband and father through being put to the fire and gently molded became a tool that his family and God could use to raise a family and be a true patriarch. 

I watched as seven valiant boys mimic a great example of virtue and character and become the men that they are today. From Kens example he showed more then how to treat a woman but how to love one too. He showed a reverence for his maker by going regularly to the house of his God. His testimony was shared and likewise his priesthood. His home was more then a house or home but it was a house of God and a home of love. He and his companion worked hard to show that family was very important. 

I do not know what else to say about my dear sweet uncle but I was always cherish the experience and opportunity to know him. To my cousins I encourage to follow his legacy. Be men of valor and virtue. Be men like your dad who did his best to be like Christ.