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?

Feb 20, 1974

This week we had a wonderful, memorable family home evening. The highlight was a discussion regarding “calling and election made sure”. While I was accumulating material, I came upon a most exciting bit of information that indicates that Bishop David Evans, my great-grandfather had his calling and election made sure in the celestial kingdom when he was a member of Zion’s Camp. I am enclosing the information for perusal by those who are interested. This gives me great hope and assurance that I might do the same – also, it is reassuring to know that David Evans is a member of the Church of the Firstborn and is concerned about his family, including us, on this side of the veil, in helping us to work out our salvation and contribute to the geneaology of this family.

[Pg 54 & 55 are enclosed documents with significant dates/events in the life of Bishop David Evans. It appears that Kirk wrote this sketch and attached it in this journal. It is two pages and includes this on the 2nd page, which seemed a particular interest to Kirk: “Note! Apparently David Evans had his calling and election made sure when a member of Zion’s Camp. Some members of the camp were sealed by the Prophet early but later this blessing was given to all members of the camp – “We were called together again and were sealed up unto eternal life the same as in Kirtland”(from journal of Reuben McBride, BYU Library)”]

PG. 56 – [No Date Provided] Last night I attended Br. Jerry Wilson’s class. The subject was in reference to miracles performed by the Savior and he used as his material the Book of Matthew and Mark. Toward the end of the class I suddenly had a “spiritual understanding” regarding a miracle in our family.

            A few months ago Carol was distraught about school and her ability to learn. At her request I gave her a father’s blessing. In the blessing she was promised that if she would search the scriptures her mind would be cleared of confusion and she would be awakened to the joy of learning. This she earnestly tried to do, but almost simultaneously, Leland began working with Ricky (who has astounded many people in our ward by his knowledge of the Doctrine and Covenants) – and Leland and Shirli in our Family Home Evening created an atmosphere for scripture learning and “scripture chasing”. Since then our FHEvenings have been scripture oriented.

            It was made evident to me that this is the way in which the Lord works and in the case of our family it was by this method that my father’s blessing is being fulfilled. As a result, through promise to Carol, the whole family is profiting.