I have a notebook that was given to me 2.5 years ago with a picture on the front that was colored by my wife. The purpose of this book was for me and my oldest daughter, Sarah, who is 9 to write letters back and forth in the notebook. There have been long breaks as well as months where we have exchanged many letters. Even though the content is often not deep and more about interests and topics of a 7-9 year old girl, it has been meaningful for the both of us. We are nearing the end of our first notebook and I know that this is something that we will continue and I look forward to the topics of our letters growing with my daughter and with our relationship.
Anyway, while reading the book mentioned in my previous entry about Harold B. Lee, I came across a section that references a letter that he wrote to his youngest daughter, who was living out of state and was gone for the first time around her birthday and Thanksgiving. She had recently married and was about to turn 21. He gives some great advice to her, though it certainly is great advice for anyone. He writes the following to his daughter:
"As with everyday of your life, you can never relive any part of it except in memory and if any day be wasted or misspent, that day becomes only one of regret or remorse. To live one's life to the fullest then becomes a daily responsibility for which you need the constant guidance of divine powers to avoid the pitfalls that make for long detours back onto the path of safety and truth.... There lies yet ahead greater joys and, yes, greater anxieties than you have yet known, for remember that great love is built on great sacrifice and that a daily determination in each other to please in things that are right will build a sure foundation of a happy home."
I was grateful for this insight into how an Apostle communicates and builds a relationship with one of his children. Part of the letter (not shared above) talks about her strengths as an individual and how to best utilize those strengths in returning home to our Father in Heaven. It reminded me of what President Eyring said in this most recent Priesthood Session of General Conference about identifying our kids strengths/talents and helping them develop those in their lives.
I look forward to more letters and exchanges in the future with Sarah and my other kids as well.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Election Thoughts 11/2012
Since last night, I have been feeling a little (and sometimes a lot) down about the election results yesterday. However, today I was buoyed by something I read. I am currently reading a biography about President Harold B. Lee, the 11th President of the LDS church, titled "Humble Servant, Spiritual Giant: The Story of Harold B. Lee" by Blaine Yorgason. It's an enjoyable read thus far. Tonight, while reading about his first experience as an Apostle with a Prophet of God passing away (Heber J. Grant), the following is stated regarding his experience - citing a previous biography written by a relative:
"[Harold B. Lee] was struck by the simple, orderly way in which the transfer of such vast authority was effected, without dissent or controversy, and without any divisive "campaigning", which often accompanies changes in ecclesiastical or other leadership."
I am so grateful for this process and the knowledge that our Father in Heaven is in charge of His church and kingdom on the earth. He selects his Apostles through revelation and then whomever is the senior Apostle when the Prophet of God dies has been specifically selected by a loving Heavenly Father to be the next Prophet. I have such trust and feeling of certainty when a new prophet is called and I love the opportunity to sustain him. I am grateful for the stability that this process provides to the individual members specifically and the Church as a whole. In the nearly 200 years since the organization of Christ's church in the latter-days, there have been just 16 Prophets. I am grateful for this stability as well. And, while each of them have some different focuses or teachings/encouragements/cautions that they emphasize, the message and the Gospel of Jesus Christ is always the same. I am so grateful for this reassurance in my life and, especially, for the timing of this reminder for me today.
"[Harold B. Lee] was struck by the simple, orderly way in which the transfer of such vast authority was effected, without dissent or controversy, and without any divisive "campaigning", which often accompanies changes in ecclesiastical or other leadership."
I am so grateful for this process and the knowledge that our Father in Heaven is in charge of His church and kingdom on the earth. He selects his Apostles through revelation and then whomever is the senior Apostle when the Prophet of God dies has been specifically selected by a loving Heavenly Father to be the next Prophet. I have such trust and feeling of certainty when a new prophet is called and I love the opportunity to sustain him. I am grateful for the stability that this process provides to the individual members specifically and the Church as a whole. In the nearly 200 years since the organization of Christ's church in the latter-days, there have been just 16 Prophets. I am grateful for this stability as well. And, while each of them have some different focuses or teachings/encouragements/cautions that they emphasize, the message and the Gospel of Jesus Christ is always the same. I am so grateful for this reassurance in my life and, especially, for the timing of this reminder for me today.
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