April - Steve

Dear Family,

 

 Being in the bishopric (as many of you will testify to) I get the opportunity to witness and be a part of (unfortunately) the pettiness of the ward members. Today in Sunday school I watched the teacher and one of the class mates argue over how many generations can come to be over a period of 400 years ( who cares? And so what?). This lasted only for about a couple of minutes before they moved on but it got me thinking of and reminded me of  several scriptures verses recorded in 3^rd Nephi. Before Christ visited the Nephites and before all of the destruction occurred it is recorded in chapter 8 that “ the people began to look with great earnestness for the sign which had been given by the prophet Samuel, the lamanite for the time that there should be darkness for the space of 3 days over the face of the land. And there began to be GREAT DISPUTATIONS AMONG THE PEOPLE, notwithstanding so many signs  had been given.”  Chapter 11 tells of his coming to the people and the point that I am trying to make is that after everyone present came forth to feel the prints in his hand and side he then called Nephi and others to come forward in which he gave them the authority to baptize and after he explained how this was to be done the first thing he said to them was, “AND THERE SHALL BE NO DISPUTATIONS AMONG YOU,  as there have hitherto been, neither shall there be disputations among you concerning the points of my doctrine, as there have hitherto been. For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another. Behold this is not my doctrine…”. Then I thought what does it mean to be one with God. Do we as members of his church have to think, act, and do everything exactly the same, to think the same things and be exactly alike? Everyone one of us is a distinct individual. To be one in Christ is to be one in his doctrine and remembering that it is only through him that we come to the Father. Each of us has our own personalities and talents and gifts, and it is through these personalities and talents and gifts that makes a ward a success. I remember Moroni in the 10^th chapter explaining that everyone has certain talents and gifts of the spirit, he said, “ I exhort you…that ye deny not the gifts of God, for they are many…for behold to one is given by the spirit of God, that he may teach the word of wisdom and to another that he may teach the word of knowledge by the same spirit. And to another…great faith…to another the gifts of healing…to another that he may work mighty miracles…to another that he may prophesy…to another the beholding  of angles…to another to speak in tongues…and to another the interpretation of languages…And all these gifts come by the spirit of Christ; and they come unto every man severally. According as he will. And I would exhort you, my beloved brethren, that ye remember that every good gift cometh of Christ.”  This is why were all different, to help one another grow and to be one in Christ.

 

 Upcoming news, Christopher will be sustained and ordained an elder on June 13^th. This is hereby your official invitation to come to my home and share in this occasion. Any family member is welcome to attend so if you desire to come I would love to have you. I am very grateful to have a son such as he is, he is truly becoming a man of maturity and responsibility. I couldn’t be happier with him at this time. He turns 19 this month and it will be interesting to see what he does with his life. I am truly excited to have in my home someone that can help me give blessings and such.

 

 I also extend an invitation to anyone who would like to join me in Yellowstone park on May 15^th through the 20^th. Diane and I will there in Madison camp ground on the west entrance. It would be fun to have you experience the luke warm days (average day temp. is around 65) and the cold nights (average temp. is around 37) with us. Because of this my next month’s news letter may be a week late. Mom, Dad if you are coming you need to let me know by Tuesday because I need to make reservations. I am willing, for you two, to change plans and stay in a cabin at a KOA camp ground if you prefer that over a tent in the camp ground. I don’t want you sick. All you need to bring is yourselves and personal items, bedding and such, and I will have everything else. Come when you can and stay as long as you want.

 

 On the lighter side Allen you forgot to mention the nuclear wedgies that we would give when we would try to pull your undies up over your head. I have to admit that we sure played rough with you at times and am surprised we never hurt you badly. You always took it with a smile and  I am proud to call you my brother. I to have a hard time dealing with others children and like you I love mine with all my heart. I will admit that the only other children that I will express love to are the children of my child. Grand kids are the neatest things to hold and to love.

 

 I can’t tell you Sandra just how much you mean to me. I have always admired your dedication to the church and the love and patients that you have for your kids and others. Mom is the most charitable person I know but I would place you right there with her because of you kindness and soft heartedness. I can’t tell you how proud I am to call you sister. Grant and your kids are very lucky to have you.

Dennis, my elder brother when I look at you I see courage and hope. I see that despite of whatever may happen having a true faith and determination in doing good you can overcome anything in life and become what a true man is to become. You remind me captain Moroni as described in Alma chapter 48 by Mormon where he says that Moroni was, “ a man of perfect understanding…a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom…a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God for the many privlidges and blessing which he has bestowed…a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people…a man who was firm in the faith of Christ…yea verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni…the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.” I really believe Dennis that you are a man of God. I hope to see you in May when I come down for a visit if I can get the time I need.

 

Got to go family members, know that I love you all and think of you often. I can’t tell you how lucky I am to have a family such as yourselves. I can’t begin to express what my heart feels when I think of you Mom, and Dad, the best parents that any child could have. Till next month. Steve