tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68586067607865590122024-03-13T03:29:18.599-07:00Banners and EnsignsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858606760786559012.post-4706076500248434262020-06-19T13:54:00.000-07:002020-06-19T13:54:14.413-07:00Juneteenth - A Day of Jubilee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jqiMTo85-7Q/Xu0k-pfl_mI/AAAAAAAAJuU/U_nSvjk8TM8liL48EuqgJZfT-vaVwbApgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/juneteenth-750x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="750" height="340" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jqiMTo85-7Q/Xu0k-pfl_mI/AAAAAAAAJuU/U_nSvjk8TM8liL48EuqgJZfT-vaVwbApgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/juneteenth-750x400.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Juneteenth
is the annual holiday celebrating the end of slavery in the United States, and
commemorates the day when news of their emancipation finally reached the slaves
that were held in the deepest parts of the Confederacy. Although the holiday is
well known in some parts of the country, many of us are simply unaware of what
the holiday celebrates and why it is so significant to many of our fellow
citizens.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">On June 18,
1865, General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, TX with 1,800 Union soldiers
to occupy Texas and enforce the laws of the Federal government.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The following day, on June 19<sup>th</sup>,
General Granger went out on the balcony of a large home in Galveston and read
out multiple General Orders establishing the military authority in the area and
setting up the provisional government and its laws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Among the orders read by General Granger was
General Order No. 3:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jYu2Vein794/Xu0ld3ClanI/AAAAAAAAJuc/yCRtzKLJVXUrE_rfGZ0uy_tXIyvfxCFEACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Juneteenth_general_order3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="307" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jYu2Vein794/Xu0ld3ClanI/AAAAAAAAJuc/yCRtzKLJVXUrE_rfGZ0uy_tXIyvfxCFEACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Juneteenth_general_order3.jpg" width="131" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“The people
of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive
of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality
of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves,
and the connection hereby existing between them becomes that between employer
and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present
homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to
collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness
either there or elsewhere.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">General
Granger’s announcement electrified the now former slaves who spontaneously began
celebrating their freedom with prayer, singing, and general rejoicing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iBPAzr7fEF0/Xu0li5Ceb5I/AAAAAAAAJug/5U61aQZ7tXoGM2SszR7FEN51TGI0YNZDACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Emancipation_Day_celebration_-_1900-06-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1280" height="155" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iBPAzr7fEF0/Xu0li5Ceb5I/AAAAAAAAJug/5U61aQZ7tXoGM2SszR7FEN51TGI0YNZDACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Emancipation_Day_celebration_-_1900-06-19.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A year
later, the freedmen in Texas organized the first “Jubilee Day” celebration to
commemorate General Granger’s announcement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The celebration on June 19<sup>th</sup> became an annual tradition, with
former slaves and their families gathering in their finest clothes to celebrate
their freedom with religious services, the singing of traditional spirituals, readings
of the Emancipation Proclamation and General Order No. 3, and plenty of the
families’ best cooking to share and enjoy with their neighbors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the years passed, Jubilee Day became known
by several different names, including Freedom Day, Ce-Liberation Day,
Emancipation Day, and the name it is known by today – Juneteenth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Early Juneteenth
observances were church-centered celebrations that doubled as opportunities for
the freedmen to learn how to exercise their new rights, such as the right to
vote, and to organize schools and other institutions designed to improve their
lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gbl-UqEyxNU/Xu0lmo2ySEI/AAAAAAAAJuk/xRFegS2DGYU_P8yqw_90O7E0wTWKrDW2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Emancipation_Day_in_Richmond%252C_Virginia%252C_1905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="800" height="254" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gbl-UqEyxNU/Xu0lmo2ySEI/AAAAAAAAJuk/xRFegS2DGYU_P8yqw_90O7E0wTWKrDW2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Emancipation_Day_in_Richmond%252C_Virginia%252C_1905.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As former
slaves in Texas began exercising their freedom to move about the country, many
returned to the states they had been dragged from to look for their families
and loved ones that had been left behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Others migrated to northern states, or out west.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wherever they went, the tradition of
Juneteenth went with them, and Jubilee celebrations began spreading throughout
the nation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Like the
struggle for civil rights, Juneteenth celebrations have also faced obstacles
imposed by bigotry and racism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many
cities prohibited African-Americans from gathering together in public parks and
facilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In those cities the Black
community celebrated Juneteenth on river banks, or by lakes away from town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In some cities, Black citizens pooled their
resources to purchase land and create their own parks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Historic Emancipation Park in downtown Houston,
TX, was originally purchased by members of the Black community in 1872 as a
place to hold their annual Jubilee Day celebrations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In the years since General Granger read
General Order No. 3, the number of Juneteenth celebrations have increased or
diminished depending on what has been happening in the country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some eras in particular, such as the end of
Reconstruction and the Great Depression, saw fewer communities celebrate
Juneteenth. Other eras, such as the 50’s and 60’s, saw a regular increase in Juneteenth
celebrations as African-American GI’s returned from World War II, and the Civil
Rights movement grew and gathered momentum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the late 1970’s, the Texas Legislature declared Juneteenth a “holiday
of significance,” and in 1980 Texas became the first state to declare
Juneteenth a State Holiday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today 47
states and the District of Columbia officially acknowledge Juneteenth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">June 19,
1865 marked the end of slavery as a legal institution in the United States of
America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also marked the beginning of
the long and tortuous road that African-Americans have walked over the past 155
years to get the equal rights that are their due as free men and women. Juneteenth
is not just a celebration of freedom from slavery, it is a call to continue the
struggle for civil rights until everyone is valued for who they are, not what
they look like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a day to reflect
on how we regard and treat our fellowman, and to break off any chains of bigotry
and prejudice that may still bind our own hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Happy
Juneteenth!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858606760786559012.post-30477418252221954852020-06-07T15:41:00.001-07:002020-06-07T15:42:26.966-07:00Where Can I Turn For Peace?<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">Peace seems to be a rare and precious commodity in our world today and the questions asked by the first two verses of the hymn, Where Can I Turn for Peace?, seem to be especially appropriate:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">Where can I turn for peace? Where is my solace?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">When other sources cease to make me whole?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">When with a wounded heart, anger, or malice,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">I draw myself apart, searching my soul?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">Where when my aching grows, where when I languish,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">Where in my need to know, where can I run?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">Where is the quiet hand to calm my anguish?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">Who, who can understand? He, only one.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">Hymns 129<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<a href="https://d1hdlz9ljonw49.cloudfront.net/product-images/000/737/800/detail/Peace_in_Christ_Print_-_Kate_Lee.png?1579805195" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Peace in Christ Print - Deseret Book" border="0" height="320" src="https://d1hdlz9ljonw49.cloudfront.net/product-images/000/737/800/detail/Peace_in_Christ_Print_-_Kate_Lee.png?1579805195" width="226" /></a><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">The answer to the pressing need for peace in our lives is to draw near to the Savior, not just by reading the scriptures and praying, but by finding other ways to bring Him into our lives. Several days ago a member of my ward posted an inspiring video of her and her fellow Young Performing Missionaries singing a beautiful song called “Invocation.” The song takes its text from Matthew 18:20 – the Lord’s promise that “…where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (The video can be found </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/teri.g.crockett/videos/3208400635838631/" style="color: #954f72;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">HERE</span></a><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">). Although we miss gathering to worship together on Sundays with our fellow congregants, we can each draw on the Lord’s promise to feel his presence when we gather to worship Him in our homes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"> The Lord’s promise to be in our midst is not just restricted to formal worship services either. Anytime we gather together with someone else with a desire to lighten their burdens - whether it be in our homes, through a phone call, a text message, or an online meeting – we qualify to have him be with us. In fact, whenever we do anything to serve another person we are doing the Lord’s work and he will smile upon us and magnify our efforts. The peace we will feel from spending this time with our Savior, however small the gathering, can carry us through the difficulties we face in these uncertain times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">And why do we want to have the Savior in our midst? Because there is nobody that is as intimately acquainted with our trials and difficulties as he is, and he knows how to mend us! The third verse of Where Can I Turn for Peace? speaks eloquently of the help He provides us:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">He answers privately, reaches my reaching,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">In my Gethsemane, Savior and friend.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">Gentle the peace he finds for my beseeching,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">Constant he is, and kind, love without end.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">Shortly before going to Gethsemane and facing the awful agony of the atonement, our Savior gave his apostles these beautiful words of comfort:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"> “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">I testify that Christ has overcome the world, and that he is the Prince of Peace as a result. He knows our needs, and he will heal us as we reach out to help and heal those who are hurting around us. I know that as we strive to be kind in the way that we address each other, respond to each other, and serve each other we will find that the greatest healing will come into our own hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">May the Lord grant all of us the peace we are longing for as we work together to lift each other up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858606760786559012.post-1118334691491283012020-05-24T11:47:00.000-07:002020-05-24T11:47:12.377-07:00Memorial Day 2020 - Remembering the Fallen<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9TEkPc68F_o/XsrAoCaXlII/AAAAAAAAJq0/bYyt1yLomDg59BmDyIrFyVz0EYDUqnwqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Front%2BFlag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9TEkPc68F_o/XsrAoCaXlII/AAAAAAAAJq0/bYyt1yLomDg59BmDyIrFyVz0EYDUqnwqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Front%2BFlag.jpg" width="320" /></a>Ever since I became a Scout leader I wanted a flagpole so our family could raise and lower a flag in our front yard. Specifically, I wanted us to be able to participate in our nation’s annual tribute to its fallen by flying the flag at half-staff on Memorial Day. So, shortly before Memorial Day in 2001, we purchased a flagpole and installed it on our front lawn. On Memorial Day that year we felt greater reverence for our country’s honored dead as we performed this small ceremony at home for the first time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
A little over 3 months later we watched the TV in horror as the second plane flew into the World Trade Center in New York City. I quietly went outside and lowered our flag to half-staff, and then my family gathered together to pray for our country and our brothers and sisters in New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. We felt solidarity with our fellow citizens as flags came out across the nation to acknowledge the terrible loss and express our resolve that this outrage would not go unanswered. We were all changed by that September day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U_KWY8blegI/XsrAozJJW4I/AAAAAAAAJq8/we0ILtTJdJklHgGyHOTC7hVLq2rq_aXPACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Old_Guard_tomb_unknown_2015_t800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U_KWY8blegI/XsrAozJJW4I/AAAAAAAAJq8/we0ILtTJdJklHgGyHOTC7hVLq2rq_aXPACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Old_Guard_tomb_unknown_2015_t800.jpg" width="200" /></a>In February of 2002 I was given the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong desire to visit Washington D.C. and took some time to visit Arlington National Cemetery. I felt a solemn reverence come over me as I walked to the Tomb of the Unknowns. As I looked out over the silent, snow-covered landscape, I was impressed by the awful arithmetic of freedom – conveyed by row after row of pure white headstones stretching as far as the eye could see in all directions. I left with a resolve to never take my freedom for granted, and have strived to live up to that inner commitment in the years that followed. Memorial Day after visiting Arlington was different for me. I had seen some of the price of my freedom quantified, and it changed me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
At the end of last year I went on a business trip to Baltimore, and took the time to drive to Gettysburg and spend the day touring the battlefield. I have read multiple volumes on the Civil War, and countless chapters in those books are devoted to the battle at Gettysburg. I thought I had an idea of what to expect there – but I was unprepared for the emotions I felt. The size of the battlefield, the sweltering heat, the marches and countermarches, the ferocity of the fighting and the sheer numbers of soldiers who fought and died all over that ground were almost incomprehensible. Words fail me. Even now, words fail me as I remember that day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
Later that afternoon, I toured Fort McHenry in Baltimore. Although I felt a reverence there, I was still so overwhelmed by what I had felt at Gettysburg that I didn’t fully appreciate where I was walking. The next day I went back to Fort McHenry to briefly fly a flag over the Fort that I could take home with me. On the second visit, I felt what I was expecting to feel in that hallowed place. I marveled at the tenacity of Fort McHenry’s defenders as they endured the unremitting bombardment of the mightiest military in the world at the time. I was grateful for the patriotic defiance they demonstrated as they raised a larger flag the following morning so the whole world could see “that our flag was still there.” I was inspired, and the flag I brought home with me is a precious reminder of what I felt there. My storehouse of gratitude for the sacrifice of others grew. I was changed by what I felt there. I will remember the feelings from that trip as we observe Memorial Day this year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
In spite of how these visits and these experiences have increased my feelings of gratitude for my freedom, they pale in comparison to the experience that lives with our family every day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
On March 12, 2010 my dad called to let me know that my cousin, SFC Jake Whetten, had been killed by an IED in Afghanistan earlier that day. When I hung up the phone I immediately walked out of my house and lowered the flag in our front yard to half-staff to honor Jake and the ultimate sacrifice he had just made. The next few days were full of emotion as we gathered with Jake’s family to receive his body at Luke AFB and then participate in his funeral services – complete with the full military honors due to one who has lost his life in combat. Jake’s mother, Aunt Amy, requested that my siblings and I sing America The Beautiful at his funeral. Somehow we all made it through the song without breaking down, but in the past 10 years I have never been able to sing the third verse of that beautiful song without breaking down and crying:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><i>Oh, beautiful for heroes proved<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><i>In liberating strife,<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><i>Who more than self their country loved,<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><i>And mercy more than life!<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sEJGUPttUaY/XsrAoEEqkHI/AAAAAAAAJqw/UTWBRCKIUvMgiir_UL5C6Hxh-6MluRHfQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Jake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="493" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sEJGUPttUaY/XsrAoEEqkHI/AAAAAAAAJqw/UTWBRCKIUvMgiir_UL5C6Hxh-6MluRHfQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Jake.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
Our family was changed by Jake’s sacrifice, and Memorial Day that year took on a meaning that was orders of magnitude deeper than it was for us only the year before. Memorial Day in 2010 – ten years ago – and every Memorial Day since then has been different, because we were all changed by Jake’s sacrifice. We saw, firsthand, the indescribable grief felt by Jake’s daughter, his mother, his brother and sisters, his fiancé, and all of the members of his extended family who gathered to honor him that day. We felt overwhelming sorrow ourselves at all that was lost when Jake was killed. The Hall of Heroes is no longer an anonymous and faceless concept to us. It now contains someone we knew and loved and respected – someone we watched grow up. We came face-to-face with the true cost of freedom, and how that price is not only extracted through the life of the soldier that is lost, but in the grief and loneliness and sorrow and regret that is left behind in its wake. The price is borne by those left behind who carry the heavy burden of an unwanted honor.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
God bless them, and the memory of their loved ones! May the “peace that passeth all understanding” be theirs as we all reflect on their sacrifice this weekend!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MKelZYPP8Gw/XsrAom3Ij6I/AAAAAAAAJq4/QptYhDwN4bguxv9WORK7ia-M4NfZ4rKKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG-0210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MKelZYPP8Gw/XsrAom3Ij6I/AAAAAAAAJq4/QptYhDwN4bguxv9WORK7ia-M4NfZ4rKKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG-0210.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858606760786559012.post-50897649360740435352019-07-11T08:05:00.000-07:002019-07-13T11:13:19.135-07:00The Other Side of the Equation<br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Recently my daughter
Haeley posted on social media that she no longer believes the teachings of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is no longer a member of the
Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was immediately surrounded
by love and support from those that know her - believers, non-believers, and
former believers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was good to see
that she has such a supportive group for what has been a challenging change in
her life.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Haeley's
announcement wasn't news to me, because I am on the other side of this
experience as Haeley's father - someone who continues to believe in and follow
the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Reading her post made everything new, and raw, and fresh again - and I
feel compelled to tell what my experience has been like too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This experience hasn't been easy for Haeley
or for me, but I am going to follow her example and be vulnerable about
something very personal in the hopes that others who care can know what the
other side of this experience is like.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
What is it like on
this side of the fence?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a word:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Agonizing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My oldest three children have left the Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Half of my family has left.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
It hurt when it
started, it still hurts, and I imagine that it will continue to hurt for the
foreseeable future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course this
hurts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it didn't it would mean one of
two things - Either that I didn't love my daughters or that I didn't believe
the Gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And neither of those is true
- so it hurts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">In the spirit of
keeping it real - here are some of the (unfiltered) thoughts, emotions, and reactions that
I have had as a result of this experience:</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="disc">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">If I wasn't such a weak
individual this wouldn't have happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Therefore I have failed my family as a father.</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Why didn't we stay absolutely
consistent with our family prayer, scripture study, and family home
evening?</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I should have attended the
temple more often and taken my children to the temple more often.</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Why would my kids
deliberately choose to not be a member of our family for eternity?</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Did my son-in-law drag Haeley
down or did she drag him down?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Has
anyone else been a part of this?</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">What kind of influence are my
non-believing children going to have on my other children?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Should I limit their contact?</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">How could I be such a
miserable failure at parenting?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
couldn't be my wife, so it must be me.</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Lots of heart
wrenching, racking, sobbing, ugly crying when I am alone.</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Will it ever NOT hurt to see
Haeley, her husband, and my other children who have left the Church?</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Will I still have the love
for them that I have had in the past?</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Will I lose the youngest
three too?</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
In many ways, the
pain has been similar to what I have experienced when a close family member has
passed away, but without the comfort that comes as a result of my beliefs about
the next life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, many of my beliefs
about the next life in this case have just added to my sorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have woken up in the middle of the night
and immediately felt the agony of this loss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It has come over me in waves while I am at work, at Church, in the
Temple, or just driving down the road or quietly reading a book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At times the pain has been almost paralyzing.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I have thought about
what the future no longer holds - how there will probably not be baptisms or
priesthood ordinations, missionary farewells and temple weddings for many of my
grandchildren - some of the milestones in LDS life that I have looked forward
to participating in since becoming a father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have wondered if there will be a distance between me and my future
grandchildren as a result of this.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I have also
re-examined my own beliefs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
intersection between my belief and my children's disbelief has been a source of
enormous pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would just be easier
to give up the fight and join them, wouldn't it?</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
But I can't deny
what I know is true, can I?</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
So I have pushed
through it and have learned a lot of things that perhaps I couldn't have
learned any other way.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="disc">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I do love my children as much
as I did before this happened, and I love being around them, and I am
proud of them for the good people they are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a tremendous amount of
joy in being their father.</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">My kids are each other's best
friends, and I love that and hope that it continues for the rest of their
lives.</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">The principle of agency is a
hard doctrine, but it is a true doctrine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My children and I are free to make our own choices and experience
the consequences of those choices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Yes - there are a ton of
things I could have done better as a father, but my kids know I love them
and love their mother - and that is the most important thing a father can
give his children.</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Other people may have
influenced their decisions - but ultimately my children are strong enough
to make up their own minds.</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I have been far too
judgmental of others in the past for the "failings" of their
children and I need to repent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Judgement just adds to an already heavy burden.</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt;">There is still joy in the
Gospel for me, in spite of this agonizing experience.</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Several people have
known about this before it was broadcast<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> to the world and have been, in turns, helpful and hurtful in their responses. </span>What has been helpful have been expressions
of love and concern and sharing of their own experiences with their loved ones
who have left the Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This has
helped me not feel so alone and has been very comforting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What has been hurtful has been telling me
that I need to "call on my children to repent"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or to "lay down the law."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This has only contributed to the guilt I have
felt about being a crappy father and ignores the fact that they do not understand the intricate dynamics of my family nor the relationship I have with my kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In all
cases, I am sure that those who have interacted with me have only sincerely
wanted to help me because of the love they have for me and my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This experience is awkward, and I'm sure it
is hard for the many people who love me to know just how to respond to me and the circumstances
of my family.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-znE_EJZ0xCE/XSdNvIoGmHI/AAAAAAAAIYA/8qHh2oaeNk4TV7Sqn-R2X59MfdS2PvcAQCLcBGAs/s1600/My%2Bfamily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-znE_EJZ0xCE/XSdNvIoGmHI/AAAAAAAAIYA/8qHh2oaeNk4TV7Sqn-R2X59MfdS2PvcAQCLcBGAs/s320/My%2Bfamily.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My whole world in a snapshot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt;">So now what?</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I will continue to
love all of my family members the same way I have loved them in the past, and
find joy in the experience of being their father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn't experience the joy if I didn't
experience the sorrows too.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I will continue to
learn through this experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
learned some unpleasant truths about my own character that I need to work on
and improve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope that I can become a
better husband, father and human being as a result of this experience.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<div style="font-family: calibri; font-size: 11pt;">
I will also continue
to hope and pray and do everything in my power to be faithful so that my
youngest kids will know how to gain their own testimonies of the Gospel and
stay faithful, and so that my oldest kids will come back to the fold one day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until Christ wraps up his work, nothing is
final.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have infinite trust in his love
and power to make up for my shortcomings and theirs.</div>
<div style="font-family: calibri; font-size: 11pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: calibri; font-size: 11pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: calibri; font-size: 11pt;">
UPDATE: 7/12/19</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My wife and I have been overwhelmed by the incredible outpouring of support, both for us and for all of our children, that we have received as a result of this post. To those who have reached out to us in love, thank you so much.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.6667px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For a little context - before I wrote this I ran the idea past my daughter Haeley. She was enthusiastic about the idea, read the post before I published it, and has stayed abreast of the comments being made on my FB page. She has been as supportive of me as I have tried to be of her.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have disabled comments because some of them were going far afield from the purpose of this post. This is about my experience as a believing parent of children who have left the faith they were raised with. My experience is as real and genuinely felt as my daughters', and my beliefs are as dear to me as theirs are to them. I have rarely, if ever, seen a post from a parent about their side of this experience - usually the only mention the parents receive is from their children who have left, and the portrait they paint of their parents is rarely flattering. Coming to terms with this is a process for all parties and we ALL make mistakes as we feel our way through it. Dismissing the pain parents go through or condescendingly telling them to "get over it" is neither helpful nor productive.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you for your understanding.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858606760786559012.post-23063436488686155052012-07-04T06:49:00.001-07:002012-07-04T06:50:51.132-07:00What I hope my children will remember about Independence Day<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-44fT9Ci7KuA/T_RI58WY_eI/AAAAAAAAAo0/grfA1rXKIP8/s1600/Declaration+Signing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-44fT9Ci7KuA/T_RI58WY_eI/AAAAAAAAAo0/grfA1rXKIP8/s320/Declaration+Signing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today is Independence Day.
Today we remember the brave men who mutually pledged to each other their
lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor so that we could have the freedom
God intended us to have. In the words of
another great American - “It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do
this.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gbnB5e0HTQ8/T_RI02P0uoI/AAAAAAAAAok/0BMqWHYJY_4/s1600/declaration-of-independence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gbnB5e0HTQ8/T_RI02P0uoI/AAAAAAAAAok/0BMqWHYJY_4/s320/declaration-of-independence.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As luck would have it, my family is not home today and I
will be celebrating my favorite holiday alone. I have thought a lot about my family, freedom
and what I hope they remember about this day.
Here are a few of my thoughts:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Freedom is always given to us by others. It is a priceless gift that is only ever
obtained through struggle and sacrifice.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is no way to ever repay our benefactors. It is simply a gift that must be paid forward
to our children – improved upon.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The state of freedom is always precarious. Tyrants will always seek to stamp it out
wherever they find it springing up around them, often with violence. Others, men and women with “good intentions”,
will quietly chip away at our freedoms in subtle ways; slowly forging our
chains a law, regulation or tax at a time until our freedom is lost.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dtb4bHSbBIg/T_RI8xIXwcI/AAAAAAAAApA/vGvFjs4X7Dk/s1600/Colonial+Soldier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dtb4bHSbBIg/T_RI8xIXwcI/AAAAAAAAApA/vGvFjs4X7Dk/s200/Colonial+Soldier.jpg" width="171" /></a>Constant vigilance and a willingness to stand up and fight are
freedom’s only safeguards. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we celebrate our nation’s birth today we will recall the
names of Washington, Franklin, Adams, Jefferson and others who gave us this
great nation. I hope my children will
always remember and revere these names. I
also hope that they will prize, as their own personal gems, the names of their
ancestors who stepped into the breach over 230 years ago:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pvt. Richard Chamberlain – CT</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Capt. Hope Lothrop (Lathrop) – CT</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Soldier – Jesse Barbre – NC</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1<sup>st</sup> Lt. Wakeman Burr – CT</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pvt. Samuel Young – MA</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pvt. Supply Reade – MA</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Capt. William Neill (Neal) – NC</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cpl. Jonathan Bidlack – CT</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2<sup>nd</sup> Lt. Zaccheus Clough – NH</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cpl. Moses Curtis – MA (Fought at <st1:city w:st="on">Battle</st1:city>
of <st1:place w:st="on">Bunker Hill</st1:place>)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w0KsSq26hqw/T_RI3HsaTDI/AAAAAAAAAos/q97xjGQ9ojM/s1600/Battle_of_Bunker_Hill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w0KsSq26hqw/T_RI3HsaTDI/AAAAAAAAAos/q97xjGQ9ojM/s200/Battle_of_Bunker_Hill.jpg" width="200" /></a>Pvt. Enoch Wellington – MA</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pvt. Martin Harmon – MA</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pvt. Samuel Meacham – NH</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pvt. Asael Smith – NH<br />
Isaac West – SC </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
George Booth Malone – VA</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pvt. James Collins – NC</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally and above all, I hope that they will always remember
He who makes us “free indeed” – Almighty God, the author and finisher of our
faith and freedom.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GSBqeL0rTBk/T_RI_Qrp7II/AAAAAAAAApI/PXlDrsEZBVc/s1600/Betsy+Ross+Flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GSBqeL0rTBk/T_RI_Qrp7II/AAAAAAAAApI/PXlDrsEZBVc/s400/Betsy+Ross+Flag.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Independence Day!</span></b></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858606760786559012.post-6570877570256689272012-04-07T23:36:00.000-07:002012-04-07T23:36:20.240-07:00He Lives!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XTEoT3xYcrE/R37Dn2KbSjI/AAAAAAAAACU/qsMCFmFb1ok/s1600/He+is+Risen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XTEoT3xYcrE/R37Dn2KbSjI/AAAAAAAAACU/qsMCFmFb1ok/s400/He+is+Risen.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
Six years ago my little brother Timmy passed away. I was on the phone with my dad as he counted down the readings on the pulse/oxymeter device. "50... 40... 30... 10... He's gone." I can't even begin to describe how bad it hurt to listen to my baby brother slip away like that and then know that Mom and Dad were now alone down home. I remembered that day 14 years earlier when I had said goodbye to Tim when I left to serve my mission. I really didn't expect him to be there when I got home because he had so many health challenges. As I walked down the jetway to board the airplane I felt that my heart would burst from the pain. Now I felt it all over again, only now it wasn't a possible separation - it was an actual separation.<br />
<br />
I wanted to be home immediately to be with my parents, but there were certain experiences I knew were waiting for me down home that I did not want to face. I knew that Mom and Dad expected my brothers and I to dress Tim in white clothes before the viewing and funeral, but I knew it was going to be an awful struggle for me to contain my emotions. Seeing him cold and unresponsive would just make it too real and final. But I also knew that this was one of the last services I could do for Tim, and I wouldn't shy away from it. With a fervent prayer in my heart I accompanied my parents, two of my younger brothers, and an uncle to the preparation room.<br />
<br />
An overwhelming spirit of peace filled the room as they wheeled Tim in for us to dress him. I knew that what was laying before us was not really Timmy anymore, just the mortal shell that we had known and loved him in. The real Tim was somewhere else; close by, but unseen. And at that moment I knew that he was every bit as alive as I was. I felt a calm assurance that I would see Tim again because of the marvelous gift of my Savior Jesus Christ.<br />
<br />
When I remember Christ's atoning sacrifice I most readily remember the price that He paid for my sins, and that He died and was resurrected so that all of us can be resurrected too. But the atonement was so much more than that. He also took upon Himself all of our sorrows, heartaches and sicknesses. He experienced them personally in a way that I cannot comprehend or fully appreciate - but I believe that He did it. <br />
<br />
I had often been puzzled by the Savior's actions right before he raised Lazarus from the dead. Here was the Son of God, master of life and death, going with a sure knowledge that he was about to raise Lazarus from the grave to continue his mortal life. He knew it was going to happen, yet when he got to the grave we read that "Jesus wept." (St. John 11:35) Why did He weep? I believe it was because he "felt after" Lazarus' loved ones who were mourning his loss. There in that room, as we prepared my little brother for his burial, I felt that the Savior was feeling after us. He was sad because He loves us - and we were sad.<br />
<br />
I am grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It not only provided the needed comfort at a time of immense grief, it provided (and still provides) tremendous hope for the future. Because of this great gift I know that I can be with my family once again. His atonement covers all wounds and heals all hurts. There is NOTHING that cannot be made right by Christ.<br />
<br />
At the end of a very beautiful funeral service my family gathered at the cemetery to say our final goodbye's to Tim. As we lowered his casket into the grave my 5 year old daughter Blondie looked at all of us like we were crazy. Looking down into the grave at Timmy's casket she said in a loud voice: "How is he going to get out?" and then quickly answered her own question - "I guess Jesus will just have to go down there and get him."<br />
<br />
Indeed - Jesus has come down here and will "get" all of us who are waiting and anxious for His uplifting hands. There is joy and sweet comfort in the sentence: "I know that my Redeemer lives!"<br />
<br />
I know that He lives! I know that He suffered for our sins, died and rose again the third day to open the way back to our Heavenly Father's presence. He is there now, beckoning us towards Him. He is the only way back. May we each find Him and feel after Him on this sacred Easter Sunday.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858606760786559012.post-32005765333289810942012-02-08T18:45:00.001-07:002012-02-08T18:45:30.248-07:00Missing TimTimmy, my baby brother, had a tremendous impact on my life. He blessed our family in person for 17 years and then moved on ahead of us 6 years ago today. Although it has been a while since Tim's passing, memories of his life continue to bless me. Here are a just a few of the things I remember about Timmy:<div>
<ul>
<li>Tim's absolute joy in living - he laughed and enjoyed the very simplest of things with a zest that could hardly be contained in his little body.</li>
<li>His life was surrounded with love - with the exception of one isolated incident Tim never knew anything but love in his life, and he radiated the love he felt for others.</li>
<li>His spiritual sensitivity - he recognized when spiritually significant events were occurring. This didn't always happen, but it happened on enough occasions for us to recognize it and appreciate it. </li>
<li>His laugh - Tim laughed with his entire body</li>
<li>His patience - Tim had to endure a lot of discomfort and illness in his life, but he just dealt with it and remained the sweet, happy person he always was in spite of it all. </li>
<li>His love for his family - Of course he loved his parents and siblings, but he adored his nieces and nephews, and got the biggest kick out of watching them play with and around him.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Tim was only 3 years old when I left on my mission, so I didn't really expect him to remember me when I got home two years later. When I arrived at the airport he obviously enjoyed having so many family members around, but I could tell he didn't really remember who I was. He picked up on the fact that the rest of the family was happy to see me and I must have seemed familiar to him, but he couldn't quite fit me in. Throughout that first day home he kept looking at me trying to figure out where exactly he had seen me before. I was familiar, but why was I familiar? Then it happened - he remembered who I was and his whole face just lit up. He laughed, straightened up his whole body and leaned over to reach for me. For the rest of the day he laughed and giggled when I was near him. It made my day.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Te hecho de menos carnalito.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858606760786559012.post-34233371857006937062011-12-11T20:44:00.001-07:002011-12-11T20:44:14.752-07:00Day 22 - HomeA year ago today my family made a heart-wrenching move from the family home to a new home several miles east. Both my wife and my oldest daughter have posted about their feelings about this move. (Dulcinea's blog can be read <a href="http://theanticsofus.blogspot.com/2011/12/one-year-ago-today.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)<br />
<br />
The experience of getting here was intense. In fact, it was like going through a fine strainer at high speed. When we got to the other side of the strainer there was just us left. And so we picked up and moved on.<br />
<br />
I cannot express enough how much we love our new home, the ward we are in and our new neighbors. We have felt like honored guests here from day one.<br />
<br />
I am grateful for the opportunity to be here, however long that may be.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858606760786559012.post-33782826266153440012011-12-11T20:38:00.004-07:002011-12-11T20:38:49.946-07:00Day 21 - Trains<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7_LeTBjrrcA/TuV16uJoEvI/AAAAAAAAAng/3wyI9pP7uxQ/s1600/Sirrine+Train.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7_LeTBjrrcA/TuV16uJoEvI/AAAAAAAAAng/3wyI9pP7uxQ/s320/Sirrine+Train.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
If we are talking about Christmas gifts, the quintessential gift is an electric train. I remember getting one for Christmas and thinking it was the best thing since sliced bread. Yesterday I took my four youngest children to Dennis Sirrine's house (on 24th St. just south of McKellips in Mesa). He has 4 acres of yard filled with over 2500 feet of garden scale train track. The landscaping is phenomenal and the train setup is beyond belief. Tailgunner's jaw dropped. I could not believe the attention to detail that went into this guy's hobby. There was a roundhouse, bridges, a lake, observation platforms, several train stations,a hobo sleeping underneath one of the miniature bridges and even a derailed train. He will be opening it up again this coming weekend (Friday and Saturday) from 5:30pm - 8:30pm. You gotta see this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uIhgViDfK1s/TuV27OVvsrI/AAAAAAAAAno/wGTkqDYl0t4/s1600/Sirrine+Train+Garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uIhgViDfK1s/TuV27OVvsrI/AAAAAAAAAno/wGTkqDYl0t4/s320/Sirrine+Train+Garden.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HBjNJCrN3Bk/TuV3DSYdcBI/AAAAAAAAAnw/2MQ3msTdcVQ/s1600/Sirrine+with+Train.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HBjNJCrN3Bk/TuV3DSYdcBI/AAAAAAAAAnw/2MQ3msTdcVQ/s1600/Sirrine+with+Train.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858606760786559012.post-88501291444628468072011-12-11T20:27:00.001-07:002011-12-11T20:27:27.990-07:00Day 20 - NoelMy sweet Dulcinea is a member of a phenomenal choir. How that all came about is a story for another time (told by her) but, suffice it to say, it is a tremendous blessing for us.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uPT12cLtBE4/TuVvtqwMJPI/AAAAAAAAAnY/ImDrtGlKuFE/s1600/rve-2011+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uPT12cLtBE4/TuVvtqwMJPI/AAAAAAAAAnY/ImDrtGlKuFE/s320/rve-2011+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /><div>
Friday night the choir visited the home of a sweet lady who is dealing with a debilitating illness, and is not able to leave her house very often. I got to tag along, and was overwhelmed by the beauty of the music they sang. To my ears their pitch was perfect, their timing impeccable and their harmony divine. Their music filled that home with a beautiful spirit that complimented and amplified the sweetness of their sound.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I felt the Christmas Spirit touch me in a way I haven't felt for years. It wasn't an excitement for Christmas and seeing the kids open their presents. Rather, it was a calm assurance that He lives. That He really did come to earth. Angels did announce His birth. And His promises are sure.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
During their opening number, "The First Noel", I couldn't help but watch their audience - this wonderful lady and her husband who were facing a grim future over the weeks and months ahead. Their hope and faith in the Savior was radiating from their faces as they listened.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Christmas Spirit was in that home - because the choir was giving service and because their audience was echoing their song with faith in the Savior.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My heart sang.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858606760786559012.post-37621501073986660172011-12-08T12:22:00.001-07:002011-12-08T12:48:44.181-07:00Day 19 - Decorating the HomeThe Christmas season is replete with creativity. People go to incredible lengths to sell their products or to proclaim their enthusiasm for the holidays, and we get to see some pretty cool things as a result. <div>
At home we are not extravagant but we get into the spirit as well. This morning I took time to notice some of the decorations my wife has been putting up. She filled a glass bowl with pine cones from the tree outside with several of the burned out Christmas lights mixed in for a little color. A new wreath hangs on our door (mostly red - my favorite color), and a poinsettia plant is peaking out of a large vase in the entryway. Mistletoe hangs from the entryway light, and pine boughs cover the edges of bookshelves and music cabinets. A small village of Christmas themed objects grace the top of the bookshelf, and a Santa Clause figure joins a menorah and a glass jar of Christmas ornaments on one of the decorative shelves in the living room. I am sure I will see more things set up as the season progresses. Why do we do these things? Well, it seems to me that decorating our homes with Christmas paraphernalia is one of the ways we express the</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dpiKUnL5CVo/TuETIIGJiLI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/KZjR9a8WHpM/s1600/Post+Joy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dpiKUnL5CVo/TuETIIGJiLI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/KZjR9a8WHpM/s320/Post+Joy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
this season brings to our hearts.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858606760786559012.post-43854709771030998632011-12-07T17:27:00.001-07:002011-12-08T12:17:58.572-07:00The Catch-Up PostThe busyness of the season has hit our household with full force and I am now a week behind in my posts. (Which my wife pointed out with a subtle - "You need to get back to posting." this morning)<br />
<br />
Without further ado -<br />
<br />
<b><u>Day 12 - Christmas Lights</u></b><br />
Christmas would not be Christmas without the lights that ring the house. My wife pulled out and sorted the various strings of lights into "working" and "not working" piles. We decided on what we were going to do and then I dutifully climbed the ladder and began stringing lights. My wife handed them to me and gave me great encouragement like: "You look cute while you string Christmas lights."<br />
<br />
<b><u>Day 13 - Mesa Temple Lights</u></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hAJa9nE7Fis/TuAIu_uWA2I/AAAAAAAAAnI/9aB8gz9Nl7s/s1600/Mesa-Temple-Lights-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hAJa9nE7Fis/TuAIu_uWA2I/AAAAAAAAAnI/9aB8gz9Nl7s/s320/Mesa-Temple-Lights-.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Going to the Temple to see the lights is an annual family tradition. We went this past Sunday and thoroughly enjoyed it. This year we had some really cool 3D glasses that acted like prisms with each point of light. It made tens of thousands of lights look like hundreds of thousands of lights. Way cool.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Day 14 - Ward Party</u></b><br />
This is our second Christmas in our ward (we celebrate our first year here on Sunday) but we moved the weekend after the ward party last year and so we missed it. We thoroughly enjoyed it this year. The theme was "Christmas Around the World". Centerpieces were made out of different artifacts from countries around the world and the cultural hall was festooned with flags (my kind of decorations). Members of the ward who had lived or who were from other countries told stories about their Christmas experiences in those countries. I told the legend of the Poinsettia from Mexico. Dulcinea played a flute solo, Teeney Bopper and Sweet G sang in a youth Choir, Dulcinea, Sweet G and I sang in the choir and Dr. D was Joseph in the nativity. We made centerpieces with stuff from Mexico and Chile and Dulcinea and her friend Naunee made empanadas. Yum! <br />
<br />
<b><u>Day 15 - December's Testimony Meeting</u></b><br />
Our monthly Fast and Testimony meetings are generally inspiring and uplifting, but there is always something special about the one in December. We come to Church with tender hearts, reviewing the year and remembering the true meaning of Christmas. Fast and Testimony meeting this past Sunday was a feast. Each person who stood up bore their simple witness that Jesus is the Christ. The diversity of experiences and stages of life that were represented during the meeting added to the spirit that was there. We heard from two members of our ward who have recently lost their spouses, a sister missionary who had just completed her mission three days earlier and a mother who had just sent her only child off on a mission to her home country of Japan. Each person gave their witness and their perspective on the Atonement of Christ and the great gift of his life. I was grateful for the testimonies that were shared.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Day 16 - Christmas Concerts</u></b><br />
Friday we attended Sweet G's dance recital, Monday night we went to Blondie's orchestra concert and tomorrow we go to Teeney Bopper's ballroom dance recital. Seeing our children perform is one of the things that warms our hearts in December. We have fun trying to find parking, then seats and then cheering for our favorite performers (who share our last name and DNA, of course).<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Day 17 - Jacket Weather</u></b><br />
Although I bragged earlier about the lovely AZ weather in the winter time, we have been going through a cold spell lately that has required jackets to be worn when outside. I actually had to brush dust off my coat before I put it on. We even had snow in some parts of the valley this week that stayed on the ground until around noon. (For those of you who routinely have to shovel the stuff I realize that this is no biggie, but for us it is almost the event of the year.)<br />
<br />
<b><u>Day 18 - Freedom</u></b><br />
70 years ago today the United States was attacked at Pearl Harbor Hawaii. In the years that followed, a generation of men and women stood up and faced a determined enemy, ultimately winning the war. I realize that war is the antithesis of Christmas, but the themes of loving something more than oneself, sacrifice and preserving freedom run through both topics. And, of course, there is the promise that when He comes again war will end and we will live with real peace on Earth.<br />
I am grateful for the men and women who have stood up against tyranny to defend freedom. And I am most grateful that, because of their sacrifice, I have the freedom to worship according to the dictates of my own conscience. Above all I am a grateful for the ultimate freedom that the Savior provides to all of us - freedom from death and sin.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858606760786559012.post-65218081845679480692011-11-30T22:10:00.001-07:002011-11-30T22:38:07.873-07:00Day 11 - Time and Reckoning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PRvi6yezCvw/TtcMPdVNHJI/AAAAAAAAAnA/SwQaxY67xxw/s1600/Time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PRvi6yezCvw/TtcMPdVNHJI/AAAAAAAAAnA/SwQaxY67xxw/s320/Time.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
In just a couple of hours it will be December 1, 2011. Although I have 11 months to prepare for its coming, December always catches me off guard. A year that I still consider almost new marches inexorably towards its end. In a few short days 2011 will be nothing more than a memory and, without skipping a beat, a new year will begin to run its course.<br />
<br />
This intersection of old and new naturally invites reflection. We look back on the changes we experienced during the year and look forward to new changes with anticipation. December usually finds me in a poignant state of mind as I think back on what the year has brought and ahead to what the future might hold. <br />
<br />
At the beginning of 2011 I knew there were two milestones my family would experience: Little Miss getting baptized and Teeny Bopper's getting her driving permit. Of course my wife and I would celebrate another year of married life together, and each of us would get a year older during this time. Other than that, I didn't know what 2011 would hold. The possibility of losing a close family member each year is always there, but 2011 took two members of the family I was not expecting. One in an instant and another in a short but intense span of 35 days. Both losses were keenly felt, and both taught me about forgiveness, personal growth, faithfulness, enduring to the end, and priorities. I am grateful that a kind Heavenly Father provides comfort, growth and understanding in all of life's experiences - including the most difficult ones.<br />
<br />
Although there is still a month to go before 2011 is "in the can" and, obviously, there are still experiences to be had this year, I am already looking forward to 2012. My oldest daughter will be turning 16, become a Laurel at Church and a Junior in High School and begin dating (oh the horror!). My second daughter will start High School and become a Mia Maid at Church. My third daughter will turn 12, become a Beehive in the Young Women's program, go to the Temple for the first time to do baptisms and start Junior High. Daughter number 4 doesn't have any major milestones this year, but she will be starting a new year in school and will be attending a new school. Dr. Destructo will start Kindergarten and Tailgunner will be an only child for each day of the week. I will hit a couple of anniversaries that are significant over the course of the year - 20 years since I went on my mission, 18 since I returned and 18 years of marriage. Where did <i style="font-weight: bold;">that </i>time go?<br />
<br />
That is what I know about 2012 - what I don't know is what will make it an adventure. Just like all of the years before it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858606760786559012.post-18640344347217398852011-11-30T06:25:00.001-07:002011-11-30T06:55:54.488-07:00Day 10 - My Bride<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
My sweet Dulcinea and I were married 17 years ago this month. We had a reception here in Mesa the day of our wedding and then went down home to Mexico for a second reception right after Thanksgiving. My Uncle Bob graciously allowed us to hold our reception in his Hacienda (pictured below courtesy of my Prima Camille). About halfway through the night my wife realized that her wedding dress was not well suited for the energetic dancing typical of Mexican receptions and quietly slipped away for a few minutes. When she reappeared she was wearing a pair of jeans, one of my button down shirts and her wedding veil. We danced until 1am and had a blast! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_IKjEDXLhnU/TtYxmNhMPuI/AAAAAAAAAm4/7v7r8yKbpQE/s1600/Hacienda+El+Refugio.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_IKjEDXLhnU/TtYxmNhMPuI/AAAAAAAAAm4/7v7r8yKbpQE/s400/Hacienda+El+Refugio.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Dulcinea absolutely loves Christmas! If she hears a Christmas song in the middle of the year she lights up and gets excited. During the season itself, her enthusiasm will not be contained or dampened. (Believe me - I've tried!)<br />
<br />
She loves to sing with her beautiful voice and is anxious to decorate the house. In fact - I'm pretty sure we are hanging Christmas lights today if she hasn't already done it by the time I get home from work. As I mentioned on Day 3, she loves to find/bargain for/make presents for the Children. She has a gift for loving our children, and it shows in her enthusiasm for Christmas. Some of the many attributes I love about my sweet bride are:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Her eyes - I can't get over how beautiful they are</li>
<li>Her smile - lights up an entire room</li>
<li>Her modesty - both physically and personally. A very attractive feature in such a beautiful woman</li>
<li>Her voice - absolutely beautiful</li>
<li>Her love for our children - I knew she would be the kind of mom she is, which is why I married her</li>
<li>Her love for me - I am still in awe</li>
</ul>
<div>
Christmas would not be nearly as much fun without my wife. Love ya Dulcinea!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l2ZoIdmYJRE/TtYvxgum63I/AAAAAAAAAmg/IVYHASUOrac/s1600/Pablo+%2526+Dulcinea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l2ZoIdmYJRE/TtYvxgum63I/AAAAAAAAAmg/IVYHASUOrac/s320/Pablo+%2526+Dulcinea.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858606760786559012.post-64344451672401468342011-11-28T20:25:00.001-07:002011-11-28T22:07:48.063-07:00Day 9 - MusicWhere Christmas music is concerned I find that I am somewhat of a traditionalist. Although I enjoy the "modern" Christmas songs, it is the old Christmas Carols that move me the most. They are the essence of Christmas to me.<br />
<br />
Some of my favorite songs are:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Angels We Have Heard on High</li>
<li>I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day</li>
<li>Silent Night</li>
<li>Mary's Lullaby</li>
<li>Joy to the World (I know - this is an Advent song - I still like it for Christmas)</li>
</ul>
<div>
Christmas would not be Christmas without music. I'm grateful to have music in my holiday celebrations.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858606760786559012.post-74683676016397861362011-11-28T19:56:00.001-07:002011-11-28T20:24:39.884-07:00Day 8 - What I Love About the TempleOne of the many blessings I enjoy is the opportunity to serve as a Temple Ordinance Worker in the Mesa AZ Temple every Saturday morning. Before the start of our shift all of the workers gather in a preparation meeting where we receive instruction and counsel from our coordinators and a member of the Temple Presidency. The meeting helps set the tone for our shift.<br />
<br />
This past Saturday Brother Palmer, one of the coordinators, shared a few of the things he loves about serving in the Temple. President Hatch then stood up and invited each of us to go home and write a similar list down in our journal so that our children would have it for future reference. Here are some of the items from my list:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I love seeing small children in the Temple who are being sealed to their parents. It never fails to bring a smile to my face.</li>
<li>I love walking up to the Temple in the early hours of the morning when it is still dark outside and the Temple's lights are brightly lit. </li>
<li>I thoroughly enjoy associating with the other workers on my shift.</li>
<li>I enjoy our preparation meetings at 5:45am each Saturday</li>
<li>I love putting on the white suit that I wear in the Temple. It reminds me who's house I am in.</li>
<li>I enjoy eating breakfast in the Temple cafeteria with the Camerons.</li>
<li>I am grateful for the opportunity to learn more about Heavenly Father's Plan for his children</li>
<li>I love the Spirit that I feel every Saturday</li>
<li>I am thankful for the "softening" effect that Temple work is having on my character.</li>
<li>I love working with the four members of my ward who work on the same shift.</li>
<li>I love seeing people who I know inside the Temple</li>
<li>I love sharing my experiences in the Temple with my wife when I get home.</li>
<li>I am grateful for the clarity I experience in the Temple. This was especially comforting during the past couple of months as our family has dealt with the sudden illness and death of a beloved uncle.</li>
<li>I am profoundly grateful for the sacred covenants I have made there with my sweet bride.</li>
<li>I appreciate the other members of my ward who serve in the Temple.</li>
<li>My testimony of Jesus Christ and His love for each of us is increased when I serve in the Temple. </li>
<li>It is a privilege to officiate in the ordinances of the Temple.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gy0tms39VVM/TtRPkvogGmI/AAAAAAAAAmY/kD0PVzgD2Cs/s1600/Mesa+Temple+at+Night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gy0tms39VVM/TtRPkvogGmI/AAAAAAAAAmY/kD0PVzgD2Cs/s320/Mesa+Temple+at+Night.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Mesa Arizona Temple - Photo taken by Seth Seaman</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858606760786559012.post-85637362017778359822011-11-26T22:20:00.001-07:002011-11-26T22:29:12.717-07:00Day 7 - Family VisitsYesterday I didn't get a post in, and I have been up since 4am, so this post is going to be short and sweet.<br />
My parents came up from Mexico and brought my baby sister and her husband with them from El Paso.<br />
My two sisters that live on opposite sides of the valley came to visit us twice in the last couple of days.<br />
My brother-in-law came down from Utah for not even 24 hours so he could see us and say "hi".<br />
My wife's dad and his siblings got together for a visit with Grandma Goodman.<br />
I had a very good father-daughter visit with one of my girls last night<br />
Each sentence in this post is smaller than the preceding one.<br />
Visits from family are pretty awesome.<br />
I am really grateful they happen.<br />
This time of year is wonderful.<br />
I really love my family.<br />
This post is done.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858606760786559012.post-6426046566628907122011-11-26T22:19:00.001-07:002011-11-26T22:20:24.002-07:00Day 6 - ShootingOK - shooting has nothing to do with Christmas or Thanksgiving, but it is a DeWitt family tradition. After Thanksgiving we all go out and shoot clay pigeons till the cows come home. Lots of fun.<br />
This year we didn't go to Snowflake, but I was determined to keep up the tradition here.<br />
<br />
Guess what?<br />
<br />
It didn't happen.<br />
<br />
:-(Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858606760786559012.post-76246595666972291242011-11-24T19:39:00.001-07:002011-11-24T23:27:35.341-07:00Day 5 - Memories of ThanksgivingOne of the things most associated with the holidays are memories of holidays past. Today we had the blessing of hosting my parents, my sisters and their families as well as an aunt and a cousin and her family. As Dad offered the prayer before we began eating I thought back to my first Thanksgiving in Col. Juarez - 30 years ago this month. <br />
<br />
My uncle John and his family along with our family, the Duncans, the Toscanos and Myrna Salgado all went over to Grandpa and Grandma Whetten's house. Long tables were set up end-to-end in Grandma's front room with seats all around it. I don't remember the conversations we had, but I do remember Grandpa Whetten's prayer. It was a long one for an 8 year old boy to sit through, and I remember thinking "Grandpa sure is thankful for a LOT of stuff!" I loved hearing Grandpa pray. I know that he had tremendous faith, and when he prayed I knew that he was actually talking with God.<br />
<br />
I felt that way while my Dad was praying in our home today. He is thankful for a lot of stuff, and I know that he talks to our Heavenly Father when he prays. I hope my children picked up on that so that it will be a memory they can have of their own Grandpa Whetten when they are adults.<br />
<br />
After the dinner was over at Grandpa and Grandma's house all of the neighborhood kids would go out to Grandma's yard and play endless games of hide and seek, werewolf, kick the can and who knows what else. Grandma's yard was the best place for these games and we could stay there for hours on end playing.<br />
<br />
Today after our meal we went out to the greenbelt in front of the house and played Frisbee, threw footballs and had a good time. When it got dark we came inside and played a card game and then gathered around the piano to sing songs. It was wonderful!<br />
<br />
I am most thankful for my family. I am grateful they were able to come today and love being around them.<br />
<br />
Happy Thanksgiving!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k1IFN4QMmnk/Ts81HIEeeGI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/oXOZ_sh9zyw/s1600/Paul+and+G+and+G+Whetten.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k1IFN4QMmnk/Ts81HIEeeGI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/oXOZ_sh9zyw/s320/Paul+and+G+and+G+Whetten.jpg" width="311" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Grandpa and Grandma Whetten with me on my 1st B-Day</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858606760786559012.post-11234424501101142632011-11-23T21:56:00.001-07:002011-11-23T22:17:06.001-07:00Day 4 - EmploymentEmployment is probably not one of the first things you think about when you are contemplating Christmas, but tomorrow is Thanksgiving and this is something I am definitely thankful for.<br />
<br />
Until I had been there myself I had no concept of the despair that comes from being unemployed. I had frequently imagined what it might be like, but until you live it you can't fully grasp it. Now that I have "been there, done that, got the t-shirt" I have a new found appreciation for employment.<br />
<br />
Almost two years ago a wonderful neighbor that I have looked up to for years called and offered me a job working for one of his companies. At the time I was catatonic with worry and didn't have a clue where I could go to find a job. The pay wasn't spectacular but it met all of our basic needs and, more importantly, helped me feel like I was contributing once again. I know that this kind man did not need to fill the position I took, but he knew that I needed a job - both to provide for my family and to get me back in the game of life. During the course of my employment with him I had the opportunity to work with a very knowledgeable accountant who taught me several principles of accounting that I now use in my current job. There were so many tender mercies extended to me during my 7 months with that company. I will be forever grateful for my neighbor's unselfish concern for the welfare of my family and me.<br />
<br />
A year ago this week another friend invited me to work for him. The pay was a significant step up for me and it put into practice the training I had received over the previous 7 months at my other job. It has also given me the opportunity to collaborate with other individuals as we have worked to build a business. Being able to provide for my family while working in a stimulating environment has been a huge boost to my confidence. I love my job and am grateful for my employer.<br />
<br />
I am so grateful for my job. I acknowledge God's hand in inspiring good men to give me a chance and allowing me to stand once again on my own two feet. During this season of Thanksgiving I express my gratitude for God's tender mercies. He is ever mindful of me, even when I don't always recognize it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858606760786559012.post-72218258392525303622011-11-22T21:08:00.001-07:002011-11-22T21:51:14.231-07:00Day 3 - ChildrenChristmas would not have nearly the magic it does without children. They take delight in so many things about the season and see things from a perspective we once had but, in some instances, have long forgotten. My own children are a constant reminder of the importance of keeping the big picture in mind when dealing with Christmas.<br />
<br />
If you know me personally or have read previous posts on this blog you know that my family, like so many others, has had some frightful financial struggles recently. During this time I frequently allowed my expectations of Christmas to needlessly stress me out. Several Christmas miracles (one of which I recorded <a href="http://bannersandensigns.blogspot.com/2008/12/thank-you.html" target="_blank">here</a>) helped me regain my perspective, but far and away the greatest miracle to me was my wife and my children.<br />
<br />
My wife would somehow come up with presents - trading things with friends, doing pedicures or taking on other projects to earn a little money - and she relished doing it. She still does. Although I would frequently retreat into my grinch alter-ego, it is impossible not to feel the excitement my wife has about doing something for her children. And that is always the focus - the children. She doesn't spoil them with fancy presents, but she has a talent for making our kids feel loved on Christmas morning. And it is so fun watching her feel sneaky about the presents she gets for them. She calls me up the minute she has put a plan into action.<br />
<br />
On Christmas morning the children don't disappoint either. They squeal with delight at every little thing and, oddly enough, it is the little things that seem to make them smile the most. Last year Tail Gunner would not leave his stocking to open his other presents. I watched my kids get excited about toothbrushes and their own personal tubes of toothpaste two years ago - and it wasn't a put on, they were genuinely thrilled. Somehow my children know that it really is the thought that counts, or maybe it is the sheer joy they see in their mom's face as they open their presents, but they just bask in the love on Christmas morning and their smiling happy faces make even an old grinch like me smile.<br />
<br />
Children fill a home with the Christmas spirit, because children have a natural ability to detect love. During this sacred season they instinctively react with joy as we celebrate the greatest love ever manifest to mankind. <br />
<br />
I am grateful for my children, and the love they bring into my life.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sfreoh2l4K4/Tsx5hF12WOI/AAAAAAAAAmI/d1dgd7XKJmA/s1600/Lepes+Piramide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sfreoh2l4K4/Tsx5hF12WOI/AAAAAAAAAmI/d1dgd7XKJmA/s320/Lepes+Piramide.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858606760786559012.post-49063744338025660202011-11-21T19:21:00.001-07:002011-11-21T20:05:08.074-07:00Day 2 - Arizona Winter WeatherWhile the rest of the country dreams (or digs out) of a white Christmas, here in AZ we wear shorts. In fact December weather is one of the great blessings of living in Arizona. (We won't mention May thru September)<div>
The days are absolutely beautiful!</div>
<div>
I love being outside, going for walks, enjoying the winter rye grass lawns and just plain enjoying the freedom of lower temperatures. </div>
<div>
While I do miss the dramatic changes of the seasons I enjoyed growing up in Mexico, the change in temperature is dramatic enough to keep me smilin'.</div>
<div>
Yep - Arizona is mighty fine in wintertime. Just ask half of Canada, 3/4's of Minnesota and all of the Dakota's. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858606760786559012.post-55968869151159306632011-11-20T16:55:00.001-07:002011-11-20T18:10:39.064-07:00Season of Distraction or of Inspiration?<div>
From the first day of our marriage, my sweet Dulcinea and I have gotten along famously and have had very few serious disagreements. That being said, we do have pet peeves, and of all the little pet peeves my wife has about me, there is one that really gets her. Fortunately it only comes out once a year:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rgjBnrwh7mg/TsmVn2Tn70I/AAAAAAAAAmA/UBUFPxwcPzM/s1600/grinch.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rgjBnrwh7mg/TsmVn2Tn70I/AAAAAAAAAmA/UBUFPxwcPzM/s320/grinch.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>My alter ego - November 1 through December 24th</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
My list of things I don't like about Christmas is very cliche, and boils down to how much the commercialization of Christmas bugs me. I know - very original (I said it was cliche).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What a self-righteous rant!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The scriptures and God's prophets are constantly counseling us to "be in the world but not of the world." Certainly this counsel should apply to our attitude towards one of the holiest days in the Christian calendar. If I allow my own self-righteous indignation to crowd out the Spirit of Christmas, don't I trivialize it far more than the retailers whose advertisements drive me nuts?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To help me overcome this fault and fill my heart with the Spirit of Christmas this season I am embarking on a project of personal improvement. From now until December 25th I will spend time each day writing about Christmas. It will include memories of Christmases past, Christmas stories, family traditions or simply an expression of gratitude for my Savior and His great gift to me.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Day 1 - Longing for Home</u></b></span></div>
<div>
I love how the hearts of so many people grow more tender towards their family during the Christmas Season. Something about the Christmas Spirit draws us closer together as a family. We long to be with those we love, and often we long to be with them in our old homes or home towns. Gifts given or received may briefly cross our minds, but mostly we remember being around our family.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am thankful for my family, and I have been blessed with a large one. My wife and children, my parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts and cousins are all a joy to be around. I love each one of them and the promise we have of being a family on into the eternities.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am thankful for the central role that families play in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858606760786559012.post-37693155956465324092011-09-14T22:16:00.000-07:002011-09-14T22:16:08.953-07:00Uncle Clifford<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f5efde; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="heading" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="obitname"><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">On Sunday our family lost a cherished member. I have tried to write about the feelings I have had as our family has exercised our faith on Uncle Cliff's behalf over the past five weeks, but I feel that perhaps they are too personal and sacred to share here. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I sure am going to miss Uncle Cliff. I'm grateful for his example and wish I could be with the family this weekend as we remember him.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Godspeed Tio.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0067a6; font-weight: bold;">Clifford Leon Whetten</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"> </span></span><br /><span class="content" style="color: #0067a6; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 12px;"><span class="obitlink">(February 10, 1946 - September 11, 2011)</span> </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><img alt="" border="0" height="5" src="http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/images/spacer.gif" width="1" /></span></span><br /><a class="obitlink" href="http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/fh/obituaries/tributes.cfm?o_id=1259756&fh_id=13348" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12px;">Guest Book</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"> </span></span><span class="obitlink" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12px;">| </span><a class="obitlink" href="http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/fh/obituaries/tribute.cfm?o_id=1259756&fh_id=13348" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12px;">Sign Guest Book</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"> </span></span><span class="obitlink" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12px;">| </span><a class="obitlink" href="http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/fh/condolences/home.cfm?o_id=1259756&fh_id=13348" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12px;">Send Private Condolences</a><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 12px;">
</div>
<table align="right"><tbody>
<tr><td style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px;"><img height="1" src="http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/images/spacer.gif" width="5" /></td><td style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px;"><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="236" style="width: 186px;"><tbody>
<tr><td height="11" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px;" width="10"><img alt="" border="0" height="11" src="http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/images/frames/BurlWalnut/11.gif" width="10" /></td><td style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="11" style="width: 158px;"><tbody>
<tr><td height="11" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px;" width="158"><img alt="" border="0" height="11" src="http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/images/frames/BurlWalnut/41.gif" width="158" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td><td height="11" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px;" width="18"><img alt="" border="0" height="11" src="http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/images/frames/BurlWalnut/71.gif" width="18" /></td></tr>
<tr><td style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="207" style="width: 10px;"><tbody>
<tr><td height="207" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px;" width="10"><img alt="" border="0" height="207" src="http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/images/frames/BurlWalnut/14.gif" width="10" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td><td align="right" height="207" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px;" width="158"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="207" style="width: 158px;"><tbody>
<tr><td height="4" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px;" width="4"><img alt="" border="0" height="4" src="http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/images/frames/Liners/RidgeGold/11.jpg" width="4" /></td><td background="http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/images/frames/Liners/RidgeGold/21.jpg" height="4" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px;" width="150"></td><td height="4" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px;" width="4"><img alt="" border="0" height="4" src="http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/images/frames/Liners/RidgeGold/31.jpg" width="4" /></td></tr>
<tr><td background="http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/images/frames/Liners/RidgeGold/12.jpg" height="199" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px;" width="4"></td><td align="right" height="199" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px;" width="150"><img alt="Clifford Leon Whetten" border="0" height="199" src="http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/fh_live/13300/13348/images/obituaries/1259756.jpg" width="150" /></td><td background="http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/images/frames/Liners/RidgeGold/32.jpg" height="199" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px;" width="4"></td></tr>
<tr><td height="4" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px;" width="4"><img alt="" border="0" height="4" src="http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/images/frames/Liners/RidgeGold/13.jpg" width="4" /></td><td background="http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/images/frames/Liners/RidgeGold/23.jpg" height="4" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px;" width="150"></td><td height="4" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px;" width="4"><img alt="" border="0" height="4" src="http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/images/frames/Liners/RidgeGold/33.jpg" width="4" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td><td style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="207" style="width: 18px;"><tbody>
<tr><td height="207" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px;" width="18"><img alt="" border="0" height="207" src="http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/images/frames/BurlWalnut/74.gif" width="18" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
<tr><td height="11" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px;" width="10"><img alt="" border="0" height="18" src="http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/images/frames/BurlWalnut/17.gif" width="10" /></td><td style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="18" style="width: 158px;"><tbody>
<tr><td height="18" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px;" width="158"><img alt="" border="0" height="18" src="http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/images/frames/BurlWalnut/47.gif" width="158" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td><td height="18" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px;" width="18"><img alt="" border="0" height="18" src="http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/images/frames/BurlWalnut/77.gif" width="18" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="content" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 12px; padding-right: 10px;">
<div align="justify">
Clifford Leon Whetten</div>
Clifford Leon Whetten left this mortal existence on September 11, 2011 surrounded by his loving family. His passing was sudden yet sweet, due to complications from pancreatic cancer. At the time of his diagnosis, Clifford was serving as the MTC President for the LDS Church in Lima, Peru.<br />
Clifford was born February 10, 1946 in Colonia Chuichupa, Chihuahua, Mexico to Glen and Ada Whetten. He was the seventh of ten children. His siblings were his best friends throughout his life.<br />
After graduating from the Juarez Stake Academy, he served his first mission in Northern Mexico. He married Rosalyn Hatch in the Mesa, AZ temple on December 21, 1968. Together they were blessed with four children.<br />
After earning degrees from BYU and UTEP, Clifford moved his family to College Station, TX. Upon earning his PhD from Texas A&M, he remained at the university as a professor of education administration and multi-cultural studies. They spent many happy years in Texas raising their family. During that time, he served as a branch president, bishop and as a member of the stake presidency.<br />
Clifford retired from teaching early, at the age of 59, when he was called to serve as president of the Mexico Tuxtla Gutierrez Mission from 2005-2008. Upon completing their mission, Clifford and his wife settled in Utah to be closer to their children and grandchildren. But their love of missionary work was put into action once again when he and his wife went to serve at the MTC in Lima, Peru in January 2010. Clifford received an honorable release from his earthly missionary service on September 7, 2011, four days before his passing.<br />
Clifford is survived by his eternal companion, Rosalyn; their children Diana Windley (Ryan), Carolyn Smith (Jacob), Renee Christensen (Gary), and David (Natalie); their grandchildren Jett, Lauren, Luke, Jenna, Tommy, Carter and Sammy; and his siblings John, Velma, Amanda, Robert, Edward, Earline, and Don.<br />
He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Glen and Bert.<br />
Funeral services will be held Friday, September 16, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the Valley View Ward, 2455 North Valley View Drive, Layton. Friends may visit family Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road and Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.<br />
Interment, Croydon Cemetery.<br />
The family gives appreciation to Dr. Mark Ott and the many nurses at IMC who provided our husband and dad with compassionate care during the last five weeks.<br />
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the LDS General Missionary Fund.</div>
</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858606760786559012.post-64221173962323629562011-09-05T21:47:00.000-07:002011-09-05T21:49:25.986-07:00I love you but...A couple of days ago my oldest son, Dr. Destructo, was tap dancing on my very last nerve. Someone had come home from Jamba Juice a few minutes earlier and the remnants of a smoothie were being shared between the three youngest members of the family. (I know, gross, but they didn't care so who was I to insist on hygiene? They're related anyway.)<br />
Inevitably there was a screaming match going on between the youngest one and his two older siblings as they took to the smoothie like a school of piranhas. I had a massive headache at the time and had watched the two older ones take sip after sip without letting the little guy get his head in there for a chance. This, of course, set him off.<br />
<br />
<i>(Before we go any further you should know, if you don't already, that two-year-olds of both genders have been blessed with the most piercing high-pitched wail known to man. If you happen to have a headache when the wail goes off it will instantly reduce you to a blubbering pile of goo on the floor.)</i><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><br />
Tailgunner was getting his wail worked into a fine crescendo, so I stepped in before he did irreparable harm to my head. I had just told the two older ones to back off when Dr. Destructo swept in for one more shot of smoothie, setting off Tailgunner like an air raid alarm. I lost it.<br />
<br />
Nailing my oldest boy to the floor with a look of death I began the roaring for which I am known (unfortunately) in my house. As I looked at him the most interesting thing took place. I could see from the look on his face that he was about to argue with me that it really was his turn at the smoothie. "Dad..." he began saying, but then he caught the expression on my face. His eyes widened and then his voice got very small and said: "Dad, I love you Dad."<br />
<br />
His expression (undoubtedly one of self-preservation) took almost all the steam out of my boiler, but I was still too worked up to completely think through my response:<br />
<br />
"I love you too son, but you have to be obedient."<br />
<br />
I was irritated that he had been disobedient and because his actions were aggravating my headache. No doubt my son needed correction, however by putting that conditional "but" in the middle of my sentence I'm afraid that I communicated a very damaging message to my son. It no sooner came out of my mouth than I realized I had failed the test of that moment.<br />
<br />
There are no "buts" when it comes to the love a parent has for their child. It is not conditional on their performance, they do not have to be constantly earning it and they should never feel that they are in danger of losing that love.<br />
<br />
Could I re-do this moment I would have said "I love you too son, <b><i>and</i></b> <b><i>because</i></b> I love you I want you to learn to be obedient." <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-26BCKqlW-AE/TmWlScsHFiI/AAAAAAAAAk8/7fc3X_U4GY4/s1600/Whetten+Fam+Reunion+09+035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-26BCKqlW-AE/TmWlScsHFiI/AAAAAAAAAk8/7fc3X_U4GY4/s320/Whetten+Fam+Reunion+09+035.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Dad, I love you Dad"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In my mind's eye I can see Heavenly Father saying: "I love you Paul, <i style="font-weight: bold;">and because</i> I love you I will give you another opportunity to take this test down the road. Be sure you don't forget the lessons you learned from failing this test."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1