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.

July 12, 1974

At this time I want to write about Duncan Biddle. He is Carol’s boyfriend. I personally love the young man very much because he is a special spirit. He spent last summer at the Lake (Payette) with us and we all enjoyed him so much. He has regularly attended church with us this entire year. We accept him as a dear friend and literally a member of our family. We have felt pride in his accomplishments as a student, football player, a wrestler, a skier, etc. He is now meeting with the missionaries and growing in the Gospel. He has fine parents and brother and sisters who have enjoyed a close family relationship but he now feels concern for them regarding the Word of Wisdom. He has been offered a scholarship to the U. of W. to play football but he told us tonight that he intends to go to the BYU after much prayer. This is a difficult decision for him because his father distinguished himself in playing football at the U. of W. and he would like to please his father.

            I really “feel” for this choice young man – that he will confront the “issues of life” as we now experience them and make decisions that will tear him apart from his family unless they choose to follow. He has also found that his best friend now wants to compromise his life in many ways – according to the world – which he cannot accept. Duncan has also seen fit to confide in Norma about his feelings for Carol.

            I pray that we, as a family, will support him in a way that he will always find a haven here. It is this experience that indicates to me that the power of the family is unbelievable. Just by being ourselves but by openly demonstrating our love and concern for others we can do a great missionary work.

What a blessing it would be if we all, as a family, could be called on a mission. How I pray it will be in the Celestial Kingdom as I envision it to be, that what we enjoy now will be so magnified many times and that we can all be called together to function as a family in various endeavors – even to the time we will become creators of new worlds, and be engaged always in that which “will bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man”.