August 21, 1974 – more info needed

Today another spiritual occasion in our family prompts me to write of its nature. It is a sequel and another manifestation of that which I recorded on page 56 (*** add entry date as p. #'s will be lost***). This morning after breakfast, Carol, Jane, Chris and myself were reading the scriptures in front of the fire – each of us reading in silence and in our own way. Then Norma suggested that she wanted to play for us a tape from Br. Richard Cown (BYU) on the Doctrine and Covenants. 15 of us then gathered together to earnestly learn together. How can I ever thank the Lord enough for this rich blessing and spiritual atmosphere of learning that our family enjoys. He is truly leading us by the hand. My confidence waxes strong in giving blessings and using the power of the priesthood in our home because I know that as long as we are righteous our prayers will be answered as they have in the past.

PG 107 [No Date Provided] – This letter is a sequel to my notes on page 98 (see Aug. 12th entry regarding his visit with his father). I wrote to Pres. Ezra Taft Benson and told him how much his gesture of friendship to my father meant to our family and to the generations to come. I also told him how I sustain him as an Apostle of the Lord because I have a testimony of what and who he really is.

[The letter is dated Sept 3, 1974 and reads:]

            Dear Dr. Anderson:

            For your very thoughtful and generous letter of August 12, I am deeply grateful. It was a real joy and inspiration to see your father at the funeral of Aunt Carmen. It called to mind many memories, all of them pleasant, of my association with your father and mother, and you and your brother as boys of the Aaronic Priesthood. I have no doubt that your father is might proud of you.

            God bless you in all the days to come. Thank you so much for sending the letter. It gave a great uplift to Sister Benson and me.

            With prayerful wishes for your welfare.

            Faithfully your friend and brother,

                        Signed Ezra Taft Benson

August 20, 1974

We have just returned to McCall from a road trip to Salt Lake City. Being able to fly has been a blessing to our family beyond measure. When we spend two weeks at McCall in the summer I have flown close to 20 hours taxiing member of the family and friends back and forth between Boise, McCall, Seattle, and Salt Lake City, etc. Also, I have been able to fly with Kirk several hours and have been able to impart to him many of the things I have learned. We have had a wonderful time together this summer. Perhaps this is the last time we will have so many family members together. Tom will be on his mission, Jane and Carol may be working, but I keep hoping for continued family unity and this year I have stressed and made a fervent plea that we offer up our prayers in unison for a family business.

            I feel a sense of satisfaction in having completed my reading and abstracting of the book of Alma and Helaman and also the Book of Joshua. In addition, I have studied considerably on the Airline Pilot Transport Rating. I will drop this endeavor immediately if it interferes with the Lord’s work and responsibilities I have in this area.

August 15, 1974

Today, Eric, Kirk and I went to the practice area to shoot golf balls. I thoroughly enjoy their company, it’s great to be able to learn together, whether it be things that strengthen our mortal bodies, things political, things that embrace the majestic beauties of this world, or things spiritual. This is the way celestial life will be. Mortal life is simply a forerunner and a place for preparation and repentance so that we can unlock the mysteries of Heaven and catch a glimpse of the eternal verities.

August 13, 1974

Tonight we had a wonderful family home evening. There were 17 people present. Jane has just returned home from the Hill Cumorah Pageant and she and Carol sang a very beautiful song. We then, each one, told how and what we had been doing this past year. I told the family that I feel a special compelling drive by the Spirit that we should have a family business, I feel so strongly about this that I feel I can prophesy that it will come about. If we do not we may tend to splinter off as the children marry. Our family solidarity and unity will continue if we are held together. Now, I know that we can have a family business if we will combine our faith and prayers to this end.

            This was what I told the family, that if they desire this then they too should pray about it. Otherwise, it will only be known as a pipe dream of mine. I feel that Jacob’s family was a model to us and any family that desires to live the Lord’s way. There is no reason why we cannot have the same blessings if we go about things in the way that has been shown to us. I desire to do everything that will bring this about for this family.

August 12, 1974

Kirk James and I spent a wonderful day with Dad, one of the finest visits ever. He is now 84 years of age and very sharp mentally as well as physically. His ability to work is unbelievable. He arises at 3:30 AM and works from 4:30 AM until noon. He has 8 people working for him. My sister Ruth directs the office force. He told us that he paid $135,000 in income for last year. His contributions to the Church are also larger. He indicated that his contribution to the ward budget alone was over $12,000 last year. If his longevity is any indication then I may be living quite a while yet.

            After we had attended church Dad told us some events in his life that bear recording and will be interesting and edifying for those who read about him in my journal.

            Dad told us that he attended the funeral of Carmen Smith in the past few weeks. Ezra Taft Benson, who is President of the Quorum of the Twelve and one who may become the next President and Prophet of the Church; also a nephew to Carmen Smith spoke at her funeral and he asked to see Leland David Anderson (my father) as soon as possible. When Dad sought him out Pres Benson greeted him with outstretched arms and indicated his high respect for my father. He asked Dad if there was anything he could do for him. Dad replied – “When you become President of the Church then call me to be your 1st Counselor”. Pres Benson replied – “There isn’t a better man that I could find.” Then he said: “Do you remember the Weiser incident?” and Dad said yes, he surely did. When President Benson was President of the Stake MIA in Boise Dad was called as one of his counselors. A man had absconded with $260 which had been raised for an MIA function. Pres Benson sent Dad to Weiser to recover the funds. A Bishop told Dad in a meeting the destitute circumstances of the involved person and how he would be unable to repay the money. All of a sudden, Dad saw red and told the Bishop – “Bishop, I want you to get the Go*-Da** SOB in my office with that money on Monday or he will go to jail”. The following day, Pres Benson called Dad and said “What happened in Weiser?” and “What about your language?” Dad replied: “I guess in my anger I called on the Lord in a forceful way”. The next day, Pres Benson received a check for $260. [See Aug 21, 1974 entry for a follow-on to this story/entry]

[editor note: this entry was shortened]

August 3, 1974

Today I officiated at my first marriage. If anyone had told me that I would one day do such a thing I would not have believed it. Doing the Lord’s work takes us into so many avenues of life. The families involved were genuinely happy to have me there!! There is no question in my mind that when one is doing Church work that his life ultimately becomes one of true greatness that far surpasses the “honors of men” and yet the world extends recognition to those who live such lives. Our Church leaders today constantly receive recognition for their devotion to such causes as the Boy Scouts, etc.

            The wedding was held in the home and involved a sweet young man and woman who is pregnant. How grateful I am that I could care about them personally and not judge them. I only have feelings of concern and love for them because I was once at the same age able to stand with Norma in the Temple to be married. I remember how I cherished her and longed to have children with her. That we were able to start our lives free of such an encumbrance through transgression was a blessing. But when children are not taught – truly taught, the Gospel of Jesus Christ they are easily deceived and enter into transgression that brings unhappiness. Oh! How I prayed and “cared” that I might say just a few words by the Spirit that would touch and change the lives of the Bride and Groom that they might find the pathway to true happiness.

            How I love my Father in Heaven because He has loved me and helped me. Norma accompanied me, what a strength she is!! – more and more I respect her and revere he as my wife, as a friend, as a righteous person.