Merry Christmas

Since my mother's passing, I have been under quite a bit of stress and pressure from work and time commitments at the Church. I did not get a Christmas letter out to family and friends. I would like to discuss a bit of these last four weeks.

Week 1

The week of Thanksgiving was wonderful. Matt, Lecia and Kennedy were here. It ended way too soon, although the trip to the zoo was a pleasant way to end the trip.

Week 2

The next weekend was Inventory. I had to work the weekend. I didn't do too much as far as actual inventory work, but it was important for me to be at work when every other person in the company had to work. (No Pictures)

Week 3

The next weekend was quite busy. In the morning we had "Breakfast with the Bishop" as a Primary Activity Day. I thouroughly enjoyed talking to the Primary Children. I had to leave early to head for Mesa. Congratulations to Tanner and Jessica.

We had to leave Mesa right after the sealing to attend the Ward Party.

Week 4

We again went to Mesa. This time we spent Friday evening looking at the Christmas lights at the temple.

After the lights, we went back to the hotel and, for the first time in our married lives, we had room service together. (I had had it before when traveling on business). In the morning, we attended the temple and came home. On Saturday evening we went to the Holiday Party for work. It made for a late night and harder day at Church the next day.

Work

During this time, I had been behind at work because of being gone for Mother's Funeral. In addition, we were working on next year's budget, which meetings and projects took up about 50% of available working hours.

Tithing Settlement.

I really don't need to say much more than those two (2) words. Although it was often fun and I do enjoy the time with the members, it does take a lot of time.

BUT==> We finished the budget on Thursday the 23rd. I handed November's financial package to the owners on Friday the 24th. I am almost caught up with miscellaneous projects. I am all but done with Tithing Settlement. The stress is gone, and I am at peace.

So, to all of my friends, family and any lurkers on this blog,

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Bonus coverage - I will not do a 2010 recap yet, as I will surly miss something important. But pictures of Hawaii are always good.

Here is a picture from the top of Diamond Head Crater. Yes, we did the hike.

On what was supposed to be our last day, we experienced a Tsunami. It was interesting, but not dramatic.

Miles to go, before I sleep

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

by Robert Frost

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

My mother used to quote this poem to us, sometimes several times a day. I think the poem gave her strength. She knew that there were places along life's path, that seemed to long for us to stop, to think, to ponder, and to perhaps lie down for lack of ability or strength. It helped her at times, to stop and to enjoy peace and beauty in places where we would not normally think of peace. And the poem gave her a reminder, that in spite of fatigue or conflicting options, the call of duty and responsibility moves us onward, towards fulfilling our mission.

I had a good day today. I met with several families for Tithing Settlement. But there was one sister that needed words of help and encouragement. I had felt that I needed to meet with her. My first question set her to tears. We talked of life, of imperfection and of parental duty. I saw some of my mother's fatigue. Yet this sister will go on, for she loves her children. I asked her to go to the temple, alone, without family or friends, and to just spend time with Father. The words that came from my mouth, that I had never before thought of, were, "As you help Father with His children, He will help you with yours." She has miles to go before she sleeps. She has faith and hope, and she wants the best for her family. She knows that she is imperfect. Where and how do we find the strength to continue?

The Master issued this invitation, "Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matt 11: 28-30)

So we accept the invitation. We turn around and face Him. We strive to change our actions, our habits, and yes, finally, our character. As we try to live as He did, his actions become ours. His habits become our habits. His character becomes our character. And just as we have been "graven on the palms of [His] hands", we have the image of Christ graven upon our countenances.

That is our goal. That is our end, if we endure well the mortal experience. For most of us, we "have miles to go, before we sleep."

Light vs. Dark

The Savior declared, "I am the Light of the World. He that believeth in me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

In DC 93, the Lord gives us 5 things to work on, and when we have done those 5 things, He promises that we shall "see his face..." The section then talks about how Jehovah achieved His current stature, by growing from grace to grace, until He achieved a fullness. We are then promised that we can receive the same blessings, if we grow from grace to grace until we fill the measure of our creation, just as He did. We are then taught that we grow and gain truth and light (A) as we obey. The devil tries to keep us from being obedient, and he therefore, taketh away truth and light (A) Vs. 31 - Here is the Agency of man, and here is the condemnation of man. Because that which was from the beginning is plainly manifest unto man, and they receive not the light. (A) Vs 32 And every man whose spirit receiveth not the light (A) is under condemnation.

Question ... Should light (A) be capitalized -at least in our minds ? Are we not really seeking to add Christ like characteristic to our lives through obedience. Is not this contrary to what Lucifer's goal? Has Christ been so plainly manifest, through the creation, through out history, and through the witness of the Holy Spirit, that we become condemned if we do not receive Him?

I am not suggesting that we change the scriptures. They are as they have been established.

Any thoughts?

The Time has Come...

Season of Change

"The time has come," the Walrus said,

"To speak of many things,

Of shoes, of ships, of sealing wax,

Of cabbages and kings."
And why the sea is boiling hot,

And whether pigs have wings."
(Louis Carroll)

I have been thinking of changing the direction of what I am doing with this blog. I'm not sure exactly where we will go with the posts. I love my family and the pictures, but I am thinking I need to use this partly to organize my thoughts on various subjects, mostly related to LDS doctrines. Bruce R. McConkie became a great gospel scholar by writing church talks in his head as he walked each day to and from his law school classes. It’s probably too late for me to become a great gospel scholar, but I do enjoy reaching the point of greater understanding by organizing the eternal truths in my mind.

I have toyed with the thought of doing this entirely in private, and then with a thought of perhaps allowing, or inviting others in for additional perspective. But do I draw a line, or should I allow free access? I’m not here to start my own missionary site, nor do I wish to invite negative remarks on doctrines or on Priesthood Leaders.

In case I decide to go private, please send your name and email address to gjbtucson@msn.com.