The Path

I read a portion of this quote in the Liahona this morning.  I really liked it, so I went to the source and found the full quote.  I'm not going to elaborate because I just want to get this posted today.  But I really love this quote by Elder Renland.

"No matter how long we have been off the path or how far away we have wandered, the moment we decide to change, God helps us return. From God’s perspective, through sincere repentance and pressing forward with a steadfastness in Christ, once back on the path, it will be as if we were never off. The Savior pays for our sins and frees us from the looming decrease in happiness and blessings. This is referred to in the scriptures as forgiveness. After baptism, all members slip off the path—some of us even dive off. Therefore, exercising faith in Jesus Christ, repenting, receiving help from Him, and being forgiven are not onetime events but lifelong processes, processes that are repetitive and iterative. This is how we “endure to the end.”

"We need to choose whom we will serve. The magnitude of our eternal happiness depends on choosing the living God and joining Him in His work."  – Elder Dale G. Renlund, "Choose You This Day", October 2018 General Conference

I love this quote so much because so many people feel like they've been off the covenant path so long that there is no hope for them to return.  But this is not true!  There is hope for everyone.  No matter how far off the path we wander or for how long we've been gone.  That's the beauty of our Savior's atonement.

I really like the part that says that once we are back on the path it was like we never left.  I love that.  So beautiful. 

So if you've wandered off the path, please choose to come back.  The magnitude of our eternal happiness depends on whom we choose to serve.  Please choose to serve God on His covenant path.

That's my two cents.

Happy 100th Birthday Grandma Stone

Today would have been my paternal grandmother's 100th birthday.  She was born April 17, 1924.  My memories of her include riding horses, her playing honky-tonk music by ear on the piano, and feeding cattle.  She died on October 28, 2016 at the age of 92.

Grandma Stone and Tammy
Stone Ranch – Clearlake Oaks, California
Early 1971

Happy 100th birthday Grandma Stone!

We Are Doomed

We are doomed.  I know that the younger generation – Millennials/Gen Z – are lazy, entitled, and selfish.  But I had no idea how bad it really is.  It is much worse than I ever thought.

They are addicted to their phones to the point of thinking they will lose their life if they can't stare at their cell phone like a zombie all day. All the while ignoring real life going on around them.  What is with people in the same room text messaging each other?  It makes no sense to me.  Apparently the younger generation doesn't know how to communicate verbally.  It's pathetic.

These young parents don't want to parent.  They have kids and then expect their parents to raise their kids for them.  I know several examples of whole families moving in with their parents/in-laws to have them raise their children for them.  While the young parents selfishly sleep or stare at their cell phones all day, just doing what they want – totally ignoring their children.  All the while the grandparents are chasing the kids around all day, keeping an eye on them because the parents won't.  And having to feed them because the parents won't.  Trying to teach them so they will grow up to be good, productive members of society.  And just giving them the love that they crave – because the parents don't.  It's pretty sad.

Or the parents will drop the kids off all day while they work so that the grandparents will raise the kids for them.  Because going to work is a lot easier than raising children.  The poor worn out grandparents willingly raise their grandkids because they love their grandchildren and don't want them to be neglected, ignored, or abused.

Numerous times I've seen little ones going up to mommy and daddy trying to get their attention while the parent is staring at their cell phone yelling at the kid to go away or ignoring them completely.  I'm surprised these poor kids survive physically let alone emotionally.  They are not fed either way.  The poor kids today have no hope.

These kids are going to grow up not knowing how to function in society because they were never taught the basics of life by their parents.  All they are going to learn is what they are indoctrinated with at school.  Schools don't even teach reading, writing, and arithmetic anymore.  Not even basic skills.  But they do teach liberalism, transgenderism, LGBTQ, DEI, racism, false history, pseudoscience, nonsensical math, and all manner of lies. So not only do kids nowadays not learn the 3Rs, they are being destroyed by evil lies of leftist indoctrination.  And Millennial parents don't seem to care, they just want the kids out of their hair.

What baffles me is these Millennials who were raised by good parents, who taught them how to be good parents, yet themselves are terrible parents.

These Millennials think everybody owes them everything.  They move into their parents' house to have them raise their kids for them while acting as if they are doing their parents a favor by gracing them with their presence.  This is how prideful, conceited, egotistical, and selfish they are.  It's all about me.  They take over the house as if they own the joint,, yet contribute nothing.  Always taking, never giving.  They are easily offended at every little thing, and are always negative and angry.  It's a sad life.

And heaven forbid you ask a Millennial to work.  Perish the thought!  How could they stare at their phones or sleep all day if they had to work?  They wouldn't have time to go play or do what they want to do if they had to work.  They exist, therefore they should get everything handed to them on a silver platter.

I guess this is, in part, the result of being raised in an environment where everybody gets a prize for everything, even losing.  There are many reasons to explain what's going wrong with Millennials and the younger generation.  I would put turning away from God and religion at the top of the list.  Which goes hand-in-hand with moral degradation.  But regardless of the causes, the degradation of society for future generations is in a downward spiral.  We are doomed.

That's my two cents.

Uncle Holland

General Conference just ended.  It was another wonderful weekend of inspiration, counsel, and encouragement.  I just love General Conference weekend.  Before I give my summary of what stood out to me, I want to share a story about what happened yesterday morning.

Yesterday morning while Lisa was getting me ready we were talking about how trying counts.  Lisa mentioned that a lot of people lose hope because they think they are too far gone and there is no saving them.  But they are mistaken because trying counts.  I was trying to say that Elder Holland said in a recent talk that we shouldn't get discouraged because trying counts.  But what came out was, "Uncle Holland said…".  

Lisa and I had a big laugh about that.  I later said that I hoped we get to hear from "Uncle Holland" today (in General Conference).  Then Lisa mentioned "Uncle Holland" in her breakfast prayer.  And guess what?  "Uncle Holland" was the first speaker in the Saturday morning session.  It was awesome!  Because of illness, "Uncle Holland" missed speaking in the last two conferences (April and October 2023).  So, it was the first time he had spoken in General Conference since October 2022.

"Uncle Holland" gave an amazing talk as usual.  He talked a lot about prayer.  He mentioned that Heavenly Father hears and answers every prayer – although not always in the way we want.  He talked about his wife, Pat, and how many people were praying for her to live, but she died.  So those prayers were not answered in the way everyone wanted.  But, even though we don't understand, Heavenly Father in his infinite wisdom knows what's best.  Then he talked about how 48 hours after he buried his wife, he had a medical crisis and was in the hospital for six weeks, mostly in ICU.  He mentioned that his memory is vague of being in the hospital but he does have a memory of being in the Spirit World.  But those experiences are too sacred to mention in General Conference.  He did talk about all the people that prayed for him while he was ill and that those prayers were answered in the way we were all hoping for, because he made a full recovery from the brink of death.  He mentioned how grateful he was to everyone who prayed for him.  Like "Uncle Holland", I too know that Heavenly Father hears every prayer and answers in a way that is for our eternal benefit – even though we may not fully understand His reasoning.  With Elder Holland being an apostle for most of my adult life, I can honestly say that he is like an uncle to me.

Now, I just want to summarize my take on General Conference while it's still fresh in my mind.  Some of the things that stuck out to me are prayer, temples and temple worship, trials and keeping covenants.

There were a handful of talks about prayer.  Which, in this evil, wicked world is vitally important in keeping our communication open with God.  As I just mentioned, God hears and answers every prayer.

Several talks on temples and temple worship.  In fact that was our prophet, President Russell M. Nelson's, main message was about the importance of temple worship and the blessings we receive from it.

There were a few talks about trials and how trials are part of our mortal journey.  We can't grow and progress without them.  They are necessary for our spiritual development and progress.  We are never alone in our trials.

A few talks on keeping covenants and staying on the covenant path.  Enduring to the end.  We need to feed our spirits every day like we feed our bodies.  Only feeding our spirits once a week on Sundays is not enough to survive spiritually. 

Those are just a few of my thoughts.  I'm excited to rewatch conference, in the coming weeks, to be able to glean more from all the wonderful talks.  It was truly a wonderful conference.  Always edifying and uplifting.

Just an aside, Uncle Gary – my actual, biological uncle :-) – A.K.A. Elder Gary B Sabin, was released as a General Authority Seventy effective August 1.  He will receive emeritus status on that date as he turns 70 this year.  His birthday is actually today!  Happy Birthday Uncle Gary!  General Authority Seventies, unlike prophets and apostles, only serve until their 70th year.  Then they are given emeritus status.

If you didn't take the opportunity to watch General Conference this weekend, I would highly recommend you do so.  The transcripts will be out in a few days but I believe you can watch the talks immediately.  Here is a link to the Saturday morning session . From that link you can find the other sessions.

I am so thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ, and His true church.  I'm thankful for living prophets and apostles that lead and guide His Church.  I'm grateful that we get to hear from the Lord through His living prophets and apostles every six months via General Conference.  I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the joy, happiness, and peace it brings to me.

That's my two cents.

Fifth Annual Myron Hampton Stone Memorial 2 Mile Awards

We just got the awards for this year's race.  Here are some photos:

The trophies aren't quite as nice as the past couple of years but they were discontinued so these will have to do.

I hope you're all getting excited for the race in July.  Should be fun!

That's my two cents.

Happy Easter!

Today we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  I don't have words to express my gratitude for Him and His atoning sacrifice for me, including His resurrection.  I'm eternally grateful.

The atonement of Jesus Christ is the single most important event in the history of mankind.  His resurrection made it possible for each of us to overcome death and be resurrected like Him someday.  Because of our Savior's resurrection we will all be resurrected one day.  We will overcome death.  This is a free gift to everyone who has ever lived on earth or who ever will live on earth.

Living in a scarred, broken body for over two decades makes me even more thankful for Christ's resurrection because I know that through Him, I will also be resurrected with a perfect body one day.  I am so looking forward to that day.  So looking forward to it.

I know that my Redeemer lives.  He is risen!

That's my two cents.

Fifth Annual Myron Hampton Stone Memorial 2 Mile Run

I would like to announce that this year's Myron Hampton Stone Memorial 2 Mile Run will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024.  We will plan on having it at Eatonville track as usual around 10 AM.

There will be trophies for first place, medals for second and third, and ribbons through 10th place.  And of course, don't forget about the drawing.

Afterwards we will meet back at the house for hoagies and hopefully a concert by Michael and his boys.  There will also be a talent show for anyone who wants to showcase their talents.

More details to follow.  Any questions, please email me.

Hope to see you all there!

Panserification

I'm sick and tired of the panserification of society.  Yes, I made that word up.  It means everybody's becoming a pansy.  My last post titled, "Teddy Bear Jesus" was about the panserification of Jesus.  Or I should say people's perception that He is a pansy.  Because He certainly is not a pansy.  By pansy I mean soft, weak, tolerant, always nice, a pushover.  No, Jesus is the opposite.  Jesus does not tolerate sin – not in the least degree.  He lays down the law and expects it to be followed.  Yes, He is merciful and forgiving to repentant persons, but is also just.  Anyone living the eat, drink, and be merry philosophy is in for a rude awakening come Judgment Day.

I mention the panserification of Jesus in society's eyes because panserification is rampant in our current society.  Almost everybody is now a pansy.  Nobody wants to work.  Everybody wants to get paid for doing nothing.  Everybody feels entitled to whatever they want and expects others to cater to their every whim.  People are easily offended at the slightest thing.  Men are no longer masculine.  They are weak, panseric, pathetic creatures.  Real men are fewer and far between.  Each generation gets worse.  Men and women are becoming more and more indistinguishable.  Men and women are supposed to be different.  That's the way God designed us.  Men should be masculine and women should be feminine.  But everyone is becoming a pansy.

I miss the days when everyone knew their place in society.  When people took pride in their work.  Whether it be men working hard to provide for their families or women taking pride in nurturing their children and raising up a righteous, moral, productive generation.

I miss the days when people had thick skin and were not offended at everything.  Calling people by their actual, correct pronouns is now offensive?  Teaching truth is now offensive.  Because, heaven forbid, people realize that what they're doing is wrong and feel bad.  We can't have people feeling guilty for their sins.  We must be nice and tolerate, accept, and embrace their sinful lifestyles.  Because if we don't, they are offended.  And we wouldn't want anyone thinking that we don't love them in their sins.  After all, they are just being true to themselves.  Do prophets embrace sin?  No, their charge is to teach truth and call people to repentance.  Not to be nice to everyone and embrace their sins.

Alma 11:37 

"And I say unto you again that he cannot save them in their sins; for I cannot deny his word, and he hath said that no unclean thing can inherit the kingdom of heaven; therefore, how can ye be saved, except ye inherit the kingdom of heaven? Therefore, ye cannot be saved in your sins."

There goes the eat, drink, and be merry philosophy.

I miss the days when people were accountable for their choices and actions.  Now everybody wants to blame everybody else for everything.

I miss the days when truth was universally accepted as truth.  

I miss the days when people were patriotic and took pride in our country.  

I miss the days when people earned the respect of others, and didn't demand it.

I miss the days when people took pride in their appearance and dressed nicely, even at home.  

I miss the days when people respected their elders and those in authority and honored their family name.  

I miss the days when profanity was considered disrespectful and frowned upon by society.  

I miss the days when people went to church to worship the Almighty God because they love and respect Him.  

I miss the days when Jesus was honored and respected as our Savior and not looked upon as a teddy bear.

I miss the days when everyone was not a pansy.

The panserification of people is one of the most detrimental and sad things to happen to our society.

That's my two cents. 

Teddy Bear Jesus

I heard the term Teddy bear Jesus the other day, for the first time, describing the way the world portrays Jesus.  I think it's an accurate description of the way the world wants us to see Him.  But it's certainly not an accurate description of how Jesus actually is.

The world wants us to think that Jesus is soft – a pansy, a pushover, all mercy and love and no law nor justice.  Jesus is not a teddy bear.  Jesus is not a pansy.  Yes, Jesus is loving and merciful, but Jesus also lays down the law and is just.

The example that immediately comes to mind is the woman taken in adultery.

John 8:3-11

3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,

4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.

5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.

7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.

9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

The woman caught in the act of adultery was brought before Jesus.  He was reminded that the law of Moses called for her to be stoned to death.  But, Jesus came to fulfill the law of Moses and replaced it with a higher, holier law.  So when asked, Jesus told the adulterous woman's accusers that he who is without sin should cast the first stone.  Since we are all sinners, everybody left.  

Then, interestingly, Jesus told the woman that he did not condemn her.  Why?  Because the law already condemned her.  Committing adultery breaks God's law.  Laws demand justice.  Justice and mercy will be sorted out at final judgment when we face our Savior there.  But what did Jesus tell the woman immediately after He told her He did not condemn her?  He told her to go, and sin no more.  He did not immediately tell her she was forgiven, nor did He offer mercy – because at that point she was not yet repentant.  Mercy and forgiveness are certainly available to the adulterous woman should she choose to repent.  

My point is that just because Jesus did not immediately condemn the adulterous woman does not mean that she gets a get out of jail free card.  Justice demands that she be held accountable for her sins.  Mercy and forgiveness are available if she chooses to repent.  Jesus told her to go and sin no more.  He did not say that what she did was okay.  He was not a teddy bear.  He told her to sin no more.

But that's what the teddy bear Jesus mentality is – commit whatever sins you want (eat drink and be merry) and a loving, merciful Jesus will save you in the kingdom of Heaven.  That is Satan's philosophy and it is false.

I hate to break it to everyone who buys into the teddy bear Jesus philosophy – but there are laws, God's laws or commandments, that must be followed. When those laws are broken justice must be served.  Whether by suffering your own consequences or by forgiveness and mercy through repentance available through Christ's atonement.

I'm just so sick of people pushing the teddy bear Jesus agenda on everybody.  Even many members of the Church believe it.  I see it at church every Sunday i.e. parable hater.  People are so easily buffaloed by the philosophies of men. Satan is so pleased at how quick people are to believe his lies.

Jesus is not a teddy bear.  He is loving and merciful – but He is also just and fair.  His laws demand justice.  Thankfully, through His atonement, mercy is available to us through repentance.  The Scriptures explain this clearly and simply.

The prophet Alma explains it best in the Book of Mormon:

Alma 42:13-15

13 Therefore, according to justice, the plan of redemption could not be brought about, only on conditions of repentance of men in this probationary state, yea, this preparatory state; for except it were for these conditions, mercy could not take effect except it should destroy the work of justice. Now the work of justice could not be destroyed; if so, God would cease to be God.

14 And thus we see that all mankind were fallen, and they were in the grasp of justice; yea, the justice of God, which consigned them forever to be cut off from his presence.

15 And now, the plan of mercy could not be brought about except an atonement should be made; therefore God himself atoneth for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice, that God might be a perfect, just God, and a merciful God also.

Alma 42:17-18, 21-25 

17 Now, how could a man repent except he should sin? How could he sin if there was no law? How could there be a law save there was a punishment?

18 Now, there was a punishment affixed, and a just law given, which brought remorse of conscience unto man.

21 And if there was no law given, if men sinned what could justice do, or mercy either, for they would have no claim upon the creature?

22 But there is a law given, and a punishment affixed, and a repentance granted; which repentance, mercy claimeth; otherwise, justice claimeth the creature and executeth the law, and the law inflicteth the punishment; if not so, the works of justice would be destroyed, and God would cease to be God.

23 But God ceaseth not to be God, and mercy claimeth the penitent, and mercy cometh because of the atonement; and the atonement bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead; and the resurrection of the dead bringeth back men into the presence of God; and thus they are restored into his presence, to be judged according to their works, according to the law and justice.

24 For behold, justice exerciseth all his demands, and also mercy claimeth all which is her own; and thus, none but the truly penitent are saved.

25 What, do ye suppose that mercy can rob justice? I say unto you, Nay; not one whit. If so, God would cease to be God. 

Mercy cannot rob justice.  That is why Jesus atoned for us.  His atonement satisfies justice while granting mercy through repentance.

The concept of a teddy bear Jesus actually spits in the face of His infinite atonement.  But that's exactly what Satan wants to do with his lies and evil philosophies.

That's my two cents. 

Doors of Death

I just came across a quote from a talk by President Russell M Nelson from the April 1992 General Conference.  I was a 21-year-old missionary serving in Florida at the time.  The quote intrigued me so I wanted to read the whole talk.  Here is President Nelson's quote that I read this morning.

"As a special witness of Jesus Christ, I testify that He lives! I also testify that the veil of death is very thin. I know by experiences too sacred to relate that those who have gone before are not strangers to leaders of this Church. To us and to you, our loved ones may be just as close as the next room—separated only by the doors of death."  – Russell M Nelson, Doors of Death, April 1992 General Conference

After reading this quote, I looked up the talk and read it.  The whole talk was really good.  Basic doctrine, but a good reminder.  In reading the talk I came across this paragraph from the talk which I love.

"Life does not begin with birth, nor does it end with death. Prior to our birth, we dwelled as spirit children with our Father in Heaven. There we eagerly anticipated the possibility of coming to earth and obtaining a physical body. Knowingly we wanted the risks of mortality, which would allow the exercise of agency and accountability. “This life [was to become] a probationary state; a time to prepare to meet God.” (Alma 12:24.) But we regarded the returning home as the best part of that long-awaited trip, just as we do now. Before embarking on any journey, we like to have some assurance of a round-trip ticket. Returning from earth to life in our heavenly home requires passage through—and not around—the doors of death. We were born to die, and we die to live. (See 2 Cor. 6:9.) As seedlings of God, we barely blossom on earth; we fully flower in heaven."  – Russell M Nelson, Doors of Death, April 1992 General Conference

The whole talk is an excellent reminder of the doctrine surrounding death.  I would highly suggest you click on the link above to read the talk in its entirety.

Because I was, thankfully, raised in the gospel knowing the plan of salvation and the doctrines surrounding death, I have always considered death a graduation from mortality.  A relief from the pains and trials we experience here.  I like President Nelson's analogy of a round-trip journey to mortality and back.  Birth is embarking on the journey and death is returning home from our mortal journey.  I am certainly looking forward to returning to my heavenly home.

The longer I live the more people I know that have crossed over to the other side of the veil.  I am now the oldest living member in my direct ancestral line.  Everyone on the family tree wall is gone, including my parents.

A lot of people who I did not know personally, but certainly knew of, from my youth are also gone now.  Most recently, Toby Keith, who was only nine years older than me.  (In fact, I'm still listening to my Toby Keith playlist even as I write this.)  :-)  And most of those I know who aren't dead yet, are certainly well past their prime now.  It really is astonishing how fast time flies and how fleeting this mortal journey is.  That is why it is so important to do our best to follow God, keep His commandments, and stay on the strait and narrow covenant path.  Because sooner than later, we will all be crossing through the doors of death to return to our heavenly home and meet our maker.

Another great quote from President Nelson's talk:

"If physical death should strike before moral wrongs have been made right, opportunity for repentance will have been forfeited. Thus, “the [real] sting of death is sin.” (1 Cor. 15:56.)

"Even the Savior cannot save us in our sins. He will redeem us from our sins, but only upon condition of our repentance. We are responsible for our own spiritual survival or death."

But, if we are trying to follow Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ and strive to stay on or come back to the covenant path through repentance, we have no need to fear death.  Death will indeed be a glorious reunion with loved ones and a respite from the pains and trials of mortality.  I longingly anticipate that glorious day. 

President Nelson said this at the end of his talk: 

"With the help of the Lord, your deeds and desires will qualify you to receive everlasting joy, glory, immortality, and eternal lives."

Present Nelson's words are my prayer for all of us.

That's my two cents. 

I Miss My Friend

Eight years ago today I lost my friend, Samson.  He died on February 22, 2016.  I miss him.  Samson was my favorite dog ever.  I look forward to the day when I, too, get to cross over to the Spirit World to see him again.  What a glorious reunion that will be.

RIP my big, white, fluffy friend.  I love and miss you, Samson.  Can't wait to see you again, my friend.

That's my two cents.

Addressing a Cowardly Commenter

Today I received a comment on my post I did a few days ago called, "Mask of Tolerance".  I was going to post it and reply but the reply would be too long so I'm going to do a separate post to address the comment.

Here is the comment I received: 

[My Two Cents] New comment on Mask of Tolerance.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Mask of Tolerance":

Interesting. The sins of the LBGT lifestyle are sins yes, yet everyone sins. So will you shun everyone then and judge them all? Seems like your post is all about shunning and not loving. Is not the second great commandment to love thy neighbor? I think you may have forgotten that. Christ wants us to love all and tolerate everyone without losing our beliefs.

Posted by Anonymous to My Two Cents at Feb 8, 2024, 10:47 AM

First of all, the commenter was too cowardly to post their name, but their location came up as Pocatello, Idaho.  Which could be just a general vicinity.  The location is not always accurate.  But most likely somewhere in Idaho.  So, anonymous person in Idaho, I will address your comment. (By the way, I have a good idea of who you are.)

I'm posting your comment to highlight your ignorance.  You obviously did not understand the point of my post.  So let me explain it to you, in perhaps simpler terms.  My point was to elaborate on President Monson's words of wisdom, "The face of sin today often wears the mask of tolerance.  Do not be deceived…" (April 2008).  I used the example of sin masquerading as tolerance as members of the Church tolerating and embracing LGBT sin as loving their neighbor.  (Which is exactly what anonymous in Idaho is doing – and is exactly what President Monson warned about.)  That is not what Christ taught.  He never embraced sin.  Loving our neighbor does not mean we must embrace sin.  Yes, we all sin – that doesn't make it right. But according to your comment, anonymous in Idaho, we should all tolerate sin because everybody does it.  That is messed up – and not true.

We can love people and get along with those who don't share our beliefs while still maintaining our commitment to truth while not tolerating and embracing sin.

President Dallin H. Oaks clarified this in a talk given at BYU on September 11th, 2011 titled "Truth and Tolerance".  You would be wise to go read it.  I will give a few excerpts here:

"Our tolerance and respect for others and their beliefs does not cause us to abandon our commitment to the truths we understand and the covenants we have made.  …We do not abandon the truth and our covenants. We are cast as combatants in the war between truth and error.  There is no middle ground. We must stand up for truth, even while we practice tolerance and respect for beliefs and ideas different from our own and for the people who hold them.

"While we must practice tolerance and respect for others and their beliefs, including their constitutional freedom to explain and advocate their positions, we are not required to respect and tolerate wrong behavior. Our duty to truth requires us to seek relief from some behavior that is wrong."

President Oaks makes it clear that we should not tolerate nor respect wrong behavior – of which breaking the law of chastity is.  It doesn't mean that we shun the sinner nor judge them unrighteously.  That is absurd.

Never once in my post did I state that people should be shunned. Nor did I even suggest shunning anybody.  Again, that is absurd.  I have no idea where you got that from, anonymous in Idaho, except that maybe you are so indoctrinated with Satan's lies and believe that loving our neighbor means tolerating and embracing their sins.

Present Oaks clarified the seriousness of breaking the law of chastity when he spoke of cohabitation.  Which also applies to homosexuals as well as heterosexuals.  Here's what President Oaks said: 

"Cohabitation we know to be a serious sin in which Latter-day Saints must not engage, whatever the circumstances. When practiced by those around us, it can be private behavior or something we are asked to condone, sponsor, or facilitate. In the balance between truth and tolerance, tolerance can be dominant where the behavior does not involve us personally. If the cohabitation does involve us personally, we should be governed by our duty to truth. For example, it is one thing to ignore serious sins when they are private; it is quite another thing to be asked to sponsor or impliedly endorse them, such as by housing them in our own homes."

We live in a world where breaking the Lord's law of chastity is not only tolerated but is condoned and embraced.  Does that mean that we should also tolerate, condone, and embrace sin in the name of loving our neighbor, while betraying truth?  The answer is emphatically NO.

We must always honor people's agency and their choices to break God's commandments if they so desire.  But, we must not "condone, sponsor, or facilitate" sin. 

As I said in my original post, we can love people without embracing their sins.

In response to your question, "Is not the second great commandment to love thy neighbor?"  Yes it is.  Is not the first great commandment to love God?  I think you may have forgotten that, anonymous in Idaho.

When we first love God, loving our neighbor comes naturally.

Christ does not want us to tolerate everyone to the point of embracing their sins.  He told the woman taken in adultery that He did not condemn her, but He also told her to go and sin no more.

Christ refrained from a final mortal judgment on the woman taken in adultery, but He also did not tolerate, condone, nor embrace her sin.  We should do likewise.  We should love others and refrain from unrighteous judgment, yet we must always stand for truth and defend truth wherever we are.  That is being Christlike.

Hopefully anonymous in Idaho can understand the truths taught in this blog post addressing her comment.  I will give you some free advice, anonymous in Idaho, perhaps you should spend more time studying and defending truth and spend less time indoctrinating your mind with the philosophies of men and Satan's lies.

That's my two cents.

RIP Toby Keith

When I think of Toby Keith I think of my life at Utah State University after my mission and my days living in California.  I was big into country music at that time in my life.  Toby Keith was a big part of my musical influences in the nineties and early 2000s.  I have all of Toby's albums from that time period.  I played them often.

Sadly, Toby Keith died yesterday at the age of 62 after battling stomach cancer for a couple of years.

Toby was diagnosed with stomach cancer in the fall of 2021.  He battled the cancer with chemotherapy and surgery but ultimately the cancer won. 

Toby was looking pretty sick lately and I'm surprised that he was able to perform a few sold-out concerts in Las Vegas in December as a last hurrah. Toby was a fighter.

Toby was a true patriot and performed many times overseas for the troops.

I don't know if Juliet will remember this but one of my favorite memories of listening to Toby Keith is when Juliet and I were driving through Long Beach, California and singing along with Toby to "My List" at the top of our lungs – just having a great time.  I also love "Should've Been a Cowboy", "Does That Blue Moon Ever Shine On You", "He Ain't Worth Missing", "Who's That Man?", "Strangers Again".  And many more.

I wasn't there but Michael and Jason changed the lyrics to "Should've Been a Cowboy" – instead making it a missionary song titled "Should've Been an Elder".  They performed it at Utah Valley State College and brought the house down according to Lisa.  She said she has it on film.  That would be fun to see again.

Toby has a great voice and is a talented songwriter.  He will be missed.

My Toby Keith catalog has been playing on iTunes all morning, and will continue to play throughout the day.

In one of his last interviews Toby mentioned that his faith is getting him through his cancer battle and it's what got him through life in general I suppose.  

"You gotta have your faith…" "Thank God that I got it too. You take it for granted on days when things are good and you lean on it when days are bad. It's taught me to lean on it a little more every day."

He also said he experienced a "peace that surpasses all understanding."

"I finally got to a point in the Spring...I was diagnosed in October of '21. And I was going through all the chemo and been through chemo, radiation, and surgery. And I just got to the point where I was comfortable with whatever happened. I had my brain wrapped around it and I was in a good spot, either way. People without faith don't have that…"  

"I lean on my faith and I just pray and lean into it…" "You gotta' do what you gotta' do, and I don't know how people do it without faith ... that's what I did, it was my rock." – Toby Keith

I admire him for acknowledging his faith.  Of all of Toby's excellent qualities, his faith is his most impressive.

RIP Toby Keith.

July 8, 1961 - February 5, 2024

That's my two cents.

Happy Groundhog Day

Happy Groundhog Day everybody!  Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow this morning, thus predicting an early spring.  :-)  Hopefully winter is on its way out and spring is just around the corner.  Thanks for the prediction Phil.  

Mask of Tolerance

Back in 2008 the prophet at the time, President Thomas S. Monson, warned that the philosophies of men surround us and that the face of sin often wears the mask of tolerance.  He encouraged us to stay strong and don't be deceived.  Here is his quote: 

"My young friends, be strong. The philosophies of men surround us. The face of sin today often wears the mask of tolerance. Do not be deceived; behind that facade is heartache, unhappiness, and pain. You know what is right and what is wrong, and no disguise, however appealing, can change that. The character of transgression remains the same. If your so-called friends urge you to do anything you know to be wrong, you be the one to make a stand for right, even if you stand alone. Have the moral courage to be a light for others to follow. There is no friendship more valuable than your own clear conscience, your own moral cleanliness—and what a glorious feeling it is to know that you stand in your appointed place clean and with the confidence that you are worthy to do so."  – President Thomas S. Monson, Examples of Righteousness, April 2008 General Conference

The mask of tolerance and philosophies of men are becoming pandemic in the Church.  Tolerating sin is not Christlike.  Yet that's all I hear from Church members nowadays – that we just need to love everybody (because it's the Christlike thing to do).  And as a consequence of our love for our fellow neighbor that we should tolerate (and in the name of tolerance even embrace) their sins.  That is not what Christ taught.  That is the philosophy of men.  Yes, Christ loves everybody.  But He also did not tolerate sin.  He told the woman taken in adultery to go and sin no more.  He turned the money changers' tables over in the temple.  We need to be less worried about offending people and more worried about defending truth.  Which is actually the Christlike thing to do.

We can love sinners without tolerating and embracing their sins.  This is what people don't understand.  I know many people who flaunt their sins – homosexuals, adulterers, fornicators of all kinds, etc. – yet I still love them.  I don't love what they're doing, it makes me very sad.  But I know they are all children of God and still love and pray for them. 

Satan has been pushing the LGBT agenda for decades.  It is now to the point where many, if not most, members embrace the LGBT agenda in the name of "love".  This is what President Monson warned us about.  The LGBT lifestyle is sinful.  Yet so many Church members not only tolerate but embrace it.  I hate to burst their bubble but living the LGBT lifestyle will always be sinful.  Same-sex "marriage" will never be sanctioned nor accepted in the Church.  There will never ever be same-sex marriages in the Temple nor in Latter-day Saint churches.  This is basic, simple doctrine.  Yet many deceived members hope for the doctrine to change one day.  Never gonna happen.  All members should know this.

The mask of tolerance is extremely dangerous.  We must not tolerate sin in the guise of loving others.  We must defend truth.  If others are offended by truth, then so be it.  As members of the Lord's true Church, it is our responsibility to teach and defend truth regardless of whether we stand alone or are persecuted for our efforts.  It is our responsibility as Disciples of Christ to defend truth, regardless of consequence.

President Monson went on to teach:

"Ours is the task to be fitting examples. We are strengthened by the truth that the greatest force in the world today is the power of God as it works through man." – President Thomas S. Monson, Examples of Righteousness, April 2008 General Conference

As Disciples of Christ, it is our job to defend truth and be examples of righteousness.  It helps to know that we are on the winning side, and that we have the power of God behind us.

 "If we are on the Lord’s errand, brethren, we are entitled to the Lord’s help. Never forget that truth. That divine help, of course, is predicated upon our worthiness. Each must ask: Are my hands clean? Is my heart pure? Am I a worthy servant of the Lord?" – President Thomas S. Monson, Examples of Righteousness, April 2008 General Conference

A great reminder from President Monson that when we are on the Lord's errand, He will help us – if we are worthy.  This is why it's so important to try our best to live worthy lives, so that we can have the Lord's help as we serve Him.

In this talk, President Monson quoted President N. Eldon Tanner who said:

“Nothing will bring greater joy and success than to live according to the teachings of the gospel. Be an example; be an influence for good."

This quote sums it up.  No greater joy can be found than to live the gospel of Jesus Christ.  

Let us all be worthy servants of the Lord.  Let us all strive to live according to the teachings of the gospel.  Let us all be an influence for good.  Let us all be Christlike examples willing to stand for truth.  Let us not be deceived by the philosophies of men.  Let us see through the façade of sin masquerading as tolerance.  Let us defend truth at all times and in all places.  

That's my two cents.

Family Photo

My brother and nephews graced us with their presence on Saturday.  We had a nice visit.  It's always fun to get together with family.  Here's a photo of the good looking bunch.  :-)

Back row: Richie, Cody, Brandon, Michael, Elijah
Front row: Lisa, Tammy
January 27, 2024

Almost felt like old times.  :-)

Being a Disciple of Jesus Christ

Today in Sacrament Meeting we had a bunch of youth, their leaders, and a couple of bishopric members (including the Bishop) speak about what it means to them to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.  I heard a lot of "we need to love people", but never once did I hear anyone say that we need to keep the commandments to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.

I'm not the most observant person in the world, actually I'm probably the least observant person in the world.  But even I noticed the glaring omission of anyone stating the need to keep the commandments to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.  I was sorely disappointed.  Now, it's entirely possible that someone did mention it and I didn't notice.  But even so, it came across as everyone expressing how important it is to love everyone and a few mentioned serving and not judging others – but most, if not all, omitted mentioning the importance of keeping the commandments and serving God.

Now, don't get me wrong, the second great commandment – loving our neighbors as ourselves – is vitally important in being a disciple of Jesus Christ.  But what about the first great commandment?  I believe there's a reason that loving God is the first great commandment.  There's a reason why the scriptures emphasize loving God first, then loving our neighbor second – in that order.

Just to remind everybody what the actual scripture says here it is:

Matthew 22:37-39

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” 

If we keep the first great commandment to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind – then the second great commandment comes naturally.  But, loving God with everything we have includes keeping His commandments.

It just seems to me that nowadays everyone emphasizes loving everybody as the definition of true discipleship or Christianity – which by worldly definition includes tolerating everybody's sins.  And that is not true.  Yes, loving everybody is important but it is secondary to loving God and keeping His commandments.  And being a disciple of Jesus Christ certainly doesn't include tolerating sin.

I just feel like there needs to be more emphasis in the Church on keeping the first great commandment and less emphasis on just loving everybody.  As I said before, loving our neighbors comes naturally when we first love God and keep His commandments.

That's my two cents.

True Latter-day Saints

I posted this quote back in a 2012 post I did.  But I feel it's worth posting again because it is more pertinent now than it was even in 2012, and certainly more pertinent now than it was in 1961.

“No true Latter-day Saint and no true American can be a socialist or a communist or support programs leading in that direction. These evil philosophies are incompatible with Mormonism, the true gospel of Jesus Christ.” – Secret Combinations by Elder Ezra Taft Benson of the Council of the Twelve Apostles. General Conference, October 1961

It's unfathomable to me how many Latter-day Saints ascribe to the evils of communism and socialism.  Even those Latter-day Saints who are very active in the Church and even those in high leadership positions.

It was made clear, 63 years ago, by one of the Lord's prophets, seers, and revelators – Ezra Taft Benson – that communism and socialism are evil.  And that being a member of the Lord's true church and being a socialist/communist are incompatible.  You cannot be a true Latter-day Saint and be a socialist/communist at the same time.  You're either one or the other.  You cannot serve God and mammon (Matthew 6:24).

If you are a Latter-day Saint and support the evil philosophies of socialism and communism you are a Latter-day Saint in name only and do not follow the true gospel of Jesus Christ.  President Benson clarified that even if you support programs leading in the direction of socialism/communism you are not true Latter-day Saint, nor a true American.

It truly baffles me how many so-called Latter-day Saints support the evils of socialism/communism and the programs that destroy not only America but individuals' lives.

It's really not that hard to see through Satan's lies if you live in the world but are not of the world.  If you are trying every day to live the gospel of Jesus Christ, it's easy to see the truth.

But, these are the last days before Christ's Second Coming.  And as Matthew warned, even the very elect will be deceived in the last days (Matthew 24:24).

There are rocky, steep, treacherous roads ahead as we prepare the world for the Second Coming of our Savior.  We must hold fast to the iron rod and stay on the strait and narrow path or we will be lost like so many of our fellow Saints.

That's my two cents.

My Outburst

I did something on Sunday that I've never done before in my life.  I voluntarily piped up in a church class.  I couldn't even believe that I did it myself.  Still can't actually.  This may be hard for some people to believe, since I've been going to church for 53 years, but I've never voluntarily spoken in any class by raising my hand and being called on.  The only time I've ever spoken in church is when I've been asked to pray, give a talk, or I've taught a lesson.  I am just shy and I guess old habits die hard because I just figure that there are other people who always pipe up so I don't need to.  But, lately, things are getting crazy at church.  False doctrines and philosophies of men are being taught.  People are cussing in their comments during class.  And everybody thinks it's just fine.  Not me!  I don't know what happened but when she started talking about my truth and your truth, I just couldn't take it anymore and piped up.  I guess, from past experience, I figured that no one else would correct her, so I had to.

This was my first time going to the missionary Sunday school class with Lisa (she has to go to the missionary class because she's a Ward missionary).  I think there were about 20 people in there.  Anyway, the ward mission leader was leading a discussion about truth before the actual lesson started.  I don't remember the exact question he asked but it was something about truth.  Several people raised their hand to comment and everything was going fine.  Until one lady raised her hand and started commenting.  She said that there are different truths.  My truth might be different than your truth, etc. Well, that triggered something in me and I burst out.  I said something to the effect of "That's not true.  There's no such thing as my truth and your truth.  Truth is truth.  There is only one source of all truth, and that's God."  I may have said a few other things but that was the gist of it.

I was a little surprised that no one else corrected her – Bishop was in the class as were several returned missionaries and four current missionaries – but honestly, I didn't give them much of a chance.  :-) I doubt anybody would have said anything to correct her anyway.  That's why I piped up.  Then, of course, after my outburst, the teacher and sister missionaries made some comments to try to not make the lady feel bad that I just corrected.  But the comments didn't really make sense.  Regardless, I defended truth.  And, I don't know why everybody is so worried about offending people at church.  Or anywhere for that matter.  Truth needs to be defended everywhere.  And if people are offended by truth, then that's their problem.

It's a crazy world we live in where the philosophies of men are increasingly being taught at church.  My patriarchal blessing tells me to teach and defend truth wherever my lot is cast – and that's exactly what I did.  Even if I piped up without being called on and even if people were offended.  Truth must needs be defended at all times, and in all places.  So many people, including members of the Church, subscribe to the philosophies of men as being truth.  This is why we have always been taught to be in the world but not of the world.  So many members are now of the world and confused.  I wish more people would defend truth instead of worrying about offending people.

I'm not good at speaking off the cuff.  So I hope I got my point across about truth.  This is what I wanted to convey in my outburst: Truth is eternal and unchanging.  God is the source of all truth.  There is no such thing as MY truth and YOUR truth, just THE truth.  I also wanted to mention (but failed to) that we can know the truth of all things by the power of the Holy Ghost.  (Lisa actually made this point during class.  Which I was so glad she did.)  "All things" covers everything, not just spiritual matters.  For instance, if you are in a school class or anywhere, you can know, by the power of the Holy Ghost, whether what is being taught or said is true or not.

I wish I was better at public speaking, but I tried.  Hopefully I won't have to pipe up again in future church classes.  But, as I learned on Sunday, I will if I have to defend truth.

That's my two cents.

Marshmallow Men

I came across a talk – a BYU Devotional – by Elder Neal A. Maxwell, who at the time was an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.  It was from 1974 – 50 years ago!  But, I would argue, more pertinent today than then.  Anyway, it was a 45 minute talk but I just took my very favorite excerpts from it to share with you. 

"I believe with all my heart that because God loves us there are some particularized challenges that he will deliver to each of us. He will customize the curriculum for each of us in order to teach us the things we most need to know. He will set before us in life what we need, not always what we like." – Neal A. Maxwell,  BYU Devotional, "But for a Small Moment", September 1, 1974 

 I love this quote because it teaches that the reason we have challenges in life is precisely because God loves us, not despite it.  Most people complain that because they have trials, God must not love them.  But the complete opposite is true.  Because God loves us so much, He allows us to face trials because we need them to grow.

"But, for the sake of righteousness, to endure, to be patient in the midst of affliction, in the midst of being misunderstood, and in the midst of suffering—that is sainthood!" – Neal A. Maxwell,  BYU Devotional, "But for a Small Moment", September 1, 1974 

To endure affliction and suffering with patience is sainthood.  I love this definition of sainthood by Elder Maxwell. 

"… we may at times assume that the plan of salvation requires merely that we endure and survive when, in fact, as is always the case with the gospel of Jesus Christ, it is required of us, not only that we endure, but also that we endure well…" – Neal A. Maxwell,  BYU Devotional, "But for a Small Moment", September 1, 1974 

It's true that we always hear the phrase, "endure to the end".  I've been taught that my whole life.  But, as Elder Maxwell points out, it's not enough to merely endure our pains, afflictions, trials, and temptations, etc. Everybody eventually gets through their trials.  It's how we survive and make it through.  Do we endure life's challenges with patience, grace, and trusting the Lord?  Do we endure it well? 

"We must be Christ-centered individually. We must have his and God’s power to do our work, and we must take seriously the challenge of becoming more Christlike. You’re soon going to go out into a world full of marshmallow men. Like the act of putting a finger into a marshmallow, there is no core in these men, there is no center, and when one removes his finger, the marshmallow resumes its former shape. We are in a world of people who want to yield to everything—to every fad and to every fashion. It is incredibly important that we be committed to the core—committed to those things that matter, about which our Father in heaven has leveled with us through his Son, Jesus Christ, and his prophets." – Neal A. Maxwell,  BYU Devotional, "But for a Small Moment", September 1, 1974 

Elder Maxwell was talking to BYU students 50 years ago but the marshmallow men of today are even more prominent.  The fads and fashions of the world are more sinister, evil, degrading, and dangerous now, than they were 50 years ago.  Yet, people are still eager to yield to every fad and fashion of the world.  That's why it's so much more important now to be Christ centered individuals.  As Elder Maxwell stated, "it is incredibly important that we be committed to the core".  If we are not committed to Christ and His gospel, we will become the very marshmallow men of which Elder Maxwell warns.

Don't be a squishy marshmallow man.  Be a committed disciple of Jesus Christ and endure it well.

That's my two cents.

32 Years

You may wonder why, every year, I post the anniversary of my starting and finishing my mission.  A couple of reasons.  First of all, my mission had a significant impact on my life.  It taught me so much because it was a lot of work and often difficult.  Yet I consider it one of the greatest blessings of my life.  The opportunity to serve a full-time mission for my Savior and His church was a huge privilege.

Secondly, not only was it a huge blessing and privilege to be able to serve a mission, but it was arguably my greatest accomplishment in life.  Therefore I consider it worthy of a blog post twice a year.

It was 32 years ago today that I entered the Provo Missionary Training Center and began my mission.  I spent three weeks in the MTC – from January 15, 1992 to February 5, 1992.  Then I hopped on a plane to Tampa Florida, where I spent the next 18 months serving the Lord full-time.  I returned home on July 23, 1993.

Fun fact: It's been longer since I embarked on my mission than I was alive before I was paralyzed.  It's been 32 years since I started my mission.  I was 31 when I was paralyzed.  Isn't that crazy?  

Another fun fact:  I've been paralyzed longer than I was old when I left on my mission.  I was 21 years and one month old when I left on my mission.  It's been 21 years and almost 4 months since I was paralyzed.  Insane.

Here are a few photographic highlights from my mission:

If any of you have the opportunity and privilege to serve a full-time mission for the Lord, I would highly recommend it.

That's my two cents.

College Football Picks Season Results

1. Rex 32 points
2. Clint 34 points
3. Tammy 42 points
4. Lisa 43 points
5. Savannah 74 points

*Michael only participated one week so was not included.

Just a reminder as to how points are tallied.  The number of your place each week is how many points are added together.  Lowest point total wins.  Since Savannah missed most of the season she was given five points (equal to fifth-place) for each game she did not participate in.

Congrats to Rex on his win this season.  Clint was right on his heels.  In fact, the bowl games results changed the outcome of the season.  Before the bowl games, Lisa tells me, that Clint (29) was ahead of Rex (30) and Lisa (40) was ahead of me (41).  So the bowls were good to me and Rex but not to Lisa and Clint.  But it was pretty close between Rex and Clint all season and between Lisa and me all season.

Thanks to all who participated.  It was a lot of fun each week.

Now, sadly, there's no more college football for about eight months.  But here's looking forward to next season!  :-)

Congrats again to this year's winner, Rex!

Good job everybody.

College Football Picks Bowl Game Results

1. Tammy -14 tie breaker 67

2. Rex -16 tiebreaker 71

3. Lisa -17 tiebreaker 74

3. Savannah -17 tiebreaker 60

5. Clint -22 tiebreaker 64

Actual tiebreaker 67

Lisa and Savannah tied for third place as they were both seven points off the actual tiebreaker score.  Kudos to me for getting the tiebreaker score spot on, and for coming in first.  :-) 

Lisa will tally the season results and I will post them later. It was a fun season.  Thanks to everyone who participated.

My Testimony

My Testimony

By Tammy Stone

January 3, 2024

 

I have written many religious posts on my blog over the years.  But I've never actually written my testimony out and posted it.  Until now.  This is my testimony and witness as of January 3, 2024.

 

God, our Heavenly Father, lives and loves us all.  We are His children. We are created in His image. He loves us so much that He created a plan that would allow us to become more like Him, and be able to return to live with Him again for eternity.  Part of that plan included the need for a Savior.

 

Our eldest brother, Jesus Christ, volunteered to fulfill that role of Savior and Redeemer.  Jesus atoned for us by suffering on the cross and in the Garden of Gethsemane.  He was resurrected, that someday, all of us will be resurrected and receive our perfected bodies for eternity.

 

Having lived over 21 years in a broken body that doesn't work, I am truly, eternally grateful for my Savior's resurrection that makes it possible for me to be resurrected with a perfect body someday.  I am eagerly looking forward to my own resurrection with a body that is no longer broken, but perfected.  What a glorious day that will be for all of us.

 

Our Savior, Jesus Christ, overcame sin and death that, through Him, we may also overcome sin and death through repentance and resurrection.  I'm eternally grateful and forever indebted to my Savior for His sacrifice for me.

 

Another part of Heavenly Father's plan is that we got to choose to come to Earth to gain a body and experience mortality.  We were given agency to make our own choices as to which path we will follow.  Moral agency is key to Heavenly Father's plan for us.  We decide our eternal destiny.

 

When life gets really hard, sometimes I wonder what I was thinking when I chose to experience mortality.  But I know that these hard times are for my experience and for my good.  The hard times are like the refiners fire in purifying us and honing, in us, the qualities and characteristics that our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have.  This is how we become more like Them.  So, even though our mortal experience here on Earth is hard, and sometimes unbearable, I am still eternally grateful for the opportunity to come to Earth to experience mortality, so that I can progress to becoming more like my Heavenly Father, and my Savior, Jesus Christ.  And remember, though seemingly long, our life in mortality here on Earth is merely a nanosecond compared to eternity.

 

I am so grateful for our Heavenly Father's plan of happiness.  I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I'm so thankful for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Without which I would be lost.  My knowledge of the gospel plan is what keeps me going, especially in hard times.

 

I'm so thankful for the prophet, Joseph Smith.  Who, as a young 14-year-old boy, prayed in a grove of trees seeking for truth.  Despite all the fierce persecution he faced, he persevered and through him, the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ was restored to the Earth, including God’s priesthood power.  Because of Joseph Smith, the ancient Church of Jesus Christ was restored on April 6, 1830, in Fayette, New York, as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Through the prophet Joseph Smith, we were also given The Book of Mormon which is another Testament of Jesus Christ. 

 

The ancient record was translated by the prophet, Joseph Smith, from golden plates buried in the Hill Cumorah.  The Book of Mormon, a record of ancient prophets covering a thousand years of ancient American history (from 600 B.C.-421 A.D.), is a book of scripture similar to the Bible, the ancient Jewish record.

 

I have been listening to the Book of Mormon every morning, now, for over 21 years.  And I must say, it really sets a positive tone with which to start the day.  I really do notice a difference in days when I don't listen to the Book of Mormon.  My day just seems off, and doesn’t go as well. 

 

I had always heard that The Book of Mormon was written for our day.  I never really thought much of it, until recently.  Every day, as the world becomes more and more wicked, it gets increasingly apparent how much The Book of Mormon was written for us in these last days.  It's uncanny how everything written in The Book of Mormon is so similar and pertinent to what's presently going on in our world.  It truly was written specifically for us in these last days before the Second Coming of our Savior, to help us navigate the difficulties we face in these trying times.

 

I'm so thankful to Joseph Smith for sacrificing so much to bring us The Book of Mormon and the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.  Both of which have been a tremendous blessing in my life.

 

I am also grateful for the institution of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and for modern prophets and continuing revelation.  I'm thankful for our current prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, for his guidance and revelations from the Lord.  I’m filled with gratitude for all of the latter-day prophets who have helped further the work of the Lord.  I'm so blessed to be a member of the Lord's true church, restored in its fullness.  I'm so thankful for the happiness, peace, and joy that it brings me.

 

I'm sure many people look at me with sorrow and pity, seeing my broken body in a wheelchair.  But, little do they know, that I am probably a lot happier than they are, because I know the truth and have the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life.  Joy can be found in any circumstance in life if we are striving to follow Christ.  Pure peace and joy can only be found in living the gospel of Jesus Christ.

 

I feel extremely blessed to have been born into a family where gospel truths were taught.  I'm so grateful for goodly parents who raised me in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and for the truths I was taught.

 

I'm eternally grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ and for His atoning sacrifice for me, and for all of us.  I'm thankful for the doctrine of repentance, that I may be cleansed from unrighteousness, through our Savior’s atonement.  Words cannot express my gratitude for my Savior for taking upon Himself my sins, and for His redeeming power, made possible through His atoning sacrifice for me, and for all of us.  

 

The doctrine of repentance is real, and available to everyone.  Regardless of how far you think you've fallen, or how far off the covenant path you think you've gone.  No one is beyond the Savior's redeeming power.  There is always hope. 

 

I'm so thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who sent His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to save me through grace.  I'm full of gratitude for His redemptive power of repentance, that all may overcome sin.  I'm thankful for His resurrection, that all will overcome death.

 

I'm thankful for the guidance and comfort of the third member of the Godhead, the Holy Ghost.  I'm so blessed to have been given The Gift of the Holy Ghost, after my baptism.  The constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, throughout my entire life, is my most treasured gift.  My life has been blessed immeasurably by the gift of the Holy Ghost.  The companionship of the Holy Ghost– his comfort, guidance, and warnings– is an unspeakable gift for which I am eternally grateful.

 

I'm so excited to once again, be in the presence of my Heavenly Father, and my Savior, and be reunited with Them, soon.  I can't wait for that glorious day.  I am also so looking forward to being reunited with all my love ones on the other side of the veil. I've graduated many times in my life, but graduation from mortality will be an unfathomably glorious experience.

 

I know that God lives.  I know that my Redeemer lives.  I know that there is peace in following Them.

 

It is my hope and prayer that we will all strive to live as Jesus lived.  Also, that we may remember the first and second great commandments – to love God and to love our neighbor.  I know that as we strive to follow our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, and to keep Their commandments, that we will find much joy, happiness, and peace in this life and in the eternities.

 

Of these truths I testify and bear my solemn witness.

 

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.