"I have decided to keep a journal because I believe that my life is important not only to myself but also to others. Perhaps I can stimulate others in my family to do likewise so that the family may be strengthened through deeper communication. Only that material which keynote the central themes of my life and its experiences will be recorded. Certainly it will not always be serious because I enjoy a sense of humor and do not take myself serious enough to think that everything that happens to me is earth-shattering. In fact, I enjoy a good laugh with others when my antics and habits are in review. It would be more than I could ever hope for, if my wonderful and choice family – those now living and those yet to embrace life here upon this earth – would read my thoughts and come to understand me as I desire to understand them. Then a love would develop in all our hearts for our God; for one another; for life; and for the quest for eternal life together. And so whenever a record is being made I pray that the Spirit might be with me that it will be felt by those who read these words in the spirit of truth. Only the decisions that pertain to our relationships with our Father in Heaven and the Savior are important. All other decisions will be of little consequence."

Sunday, December 29, 1974

December 29, 1974

Several things have happened in the last few days I wish to record.

I: After driving our relatives to the airport to fly home on Friday, I was driving home. While engaged in prayer, really a recitation to the Lord of my list of unlimited things to be grateful for, I received a definite spriutal impression that Warren and Wilda had received the Gospel. The veil was extremely thin. I followed the direction as given to us in D&C 9:7 and the answer came back an unreserved "YES!!" I am sure that they, Warren and Wilda, are in close contact with us and are directing or assisting us in our direction and affairs here upon the earth.

II: Warren was married on 12/28/74 to Margaret Sandmayon of Boise. She comes from a Catholic family of nine and is a great girl with many talents. There is no question that Warren and Margaret are devoted to one another. I am sure that now they are thinking of "family things" we will have a chance to draw closer with better communication and understanding and love for one another. I am sure that now they are thinking of "family things" we will have a chance to draw closer with better communication - understanding - and love for one another.

We were able to fly over and arrive in Boise at 1:30 before the wedding and then fly home afterwards. The weather here in Seattle en route and in Boise had been so treacherous because of cold fronts, moist, unstable air. Severe icing and a barometric pressure of 29.35 that I didn't think we would make it. It was as if we had been given a reprieve for a few hours so we could make this important trip to attend Warren's wedding.

III: Kirk James talked to me ad told me of a talk he had heard given by Elder Boyd Packer. Kirk counsels me--this is a unique wonderful experience to be counselled by my son. He has been very strong in his stand that we must learn, study, and concern ourselves about the BASICS of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Elder Packer stated that in his work as an apostle he always asks Stake Presidents, etc. if they have any questions or if there is anything that he can do for them. He said most of the time the question will be "how can we improve our computer readout service?" or "How can we get better delivery service, etc." Occasionally a question will relate to the mysteries. Elder Packer said that only occasionally would the most important question be asked, "How can we become more clean?" If we learn the basics of the Gospel and cleanse ourselves, then the veil will become so thin that the mysteries will be made manifest to us and we may speak about the mysteries when the Spirit is right without the question even being asked.

Kirk tells me such things in concern that he is too critical. But I accept it as guidance for me as an individual to rebalance my perspective and study of the Gospel. {Perhaps, I see why Kirk and Leland did not enjoy the BYU --as I would expect--because in the religion department there are many things expounded which are presented as "truth" when they are really "the precepts of man" who though their intellectual pursuits and research come to believe what they believe and say is true without depending more on the Spirit. Even the elect can be deceived!!!

IV: This morning a man that I admire very much, Brother Luis Fife--one of our LDS Institute teachers approached me and addressed me in a special way as "his beloved brother" -- I asked him to tell me why he approached me this way because he has done it before. His reply was because our encounters were very special to him (they are to me because he is such a fine man and teacher) and because I have attributes that he desires most such as empathy, integrity, being people oriented and not program oriented.

As I walked into the church this morning I saw him sitting in a room in his High Priest Quorum group. His face was like a light to me and in all that group of men I could only see him. I am not being melodramatic in saying this. I honestly believe that there is spiritual attraction and "chemistry" between men or women that draw them to one another for spiritual nourishment--direction and encouragement. That another person of such quality should feel this way about me is a humbling experience to me.

V. Tom called us the day after Christmas from London. We surely missed not having him home for Christmas but his voice sounded good--he is happy--hardly complains and adapts to new situations so well.

Its been a marvelous Christmas spirit--How can we be the recipients of such marvelous blessings?

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