Alignment of life

I have studied and taught a number of times in the past weeks about some interesting perspective on the doctrine of Christ and the steps of salvation.  

As a foundation I will layout the steps and doctrine side by side.

Faith-----Commitments

Repentance------Commandments

Baptism------Covenants

Gift of the Holy Ghost-------

---------------------------------------Character of Christ

Endure to the end-------------

So see if this makes sense.

As we begin to exercise faith in Christ, we learn to make and keep commitments.  Simple they may be to begin, but we start making and keeping them.

Then as we do that, we begin the process of repentance, which leads us to begin living the commandments outlined by the Savior.

As we live those commandments, we qualify ourselves to enter into our first covenant, being baptism.  

So here we are, we have exercised the first principles and the first ordinance of the doctrine of Christ.  And we have traveled the path of starting commitments, keeping the commandments, and entering covenants.

Then later we receive the gift of the holy ghost and start our journey of enduring to the end.  As we use that gift, and endure in faith, we then take upon ourselves the character of Christ.  This transforms us into better people, better mothers and fathers, and better saints.

So there you have it, in a nutshell.  The doctrine of Christ laid along the path in the work of salvation.  As you study and learn in, you can see it woven into nearly all principles of the gospel.

Today in the 3rd hour we all talked about the doctrine of the family and this is again woven in.  All that we do in this life is to travel that path, transforming ourselves and entering the ordinances required (all possible through the atonement of Christ) that help us to be mothers and fathers that help us be like our father in heaven, qualifying ourselves for eternal life.  Or life like God.

If you have not, take the chance to read Sis. Becks address on teaching the doctrine of the family.

This was another crazy week.  With my job changing so much it has been a whirlwind.  But when I have trusted in the Lord and the gospel as an anchor, it has meant calm in the soul.  Busy, yes.  New challenges, yes.  Uncomfortable times, yes.  But trust that all will work for our good and that I will still be able to deliver valuable service to the company and be trusted to continue on and help others.  In fact they asked me to manage a new high potential person that is hired by Emerson corporate because they like what I do in positive outlook, big thinking and supportive nature.  It is another load but also a vote of confidence.  I have to trust in Him to help me see how to accomplish all that is needed and to help others do the same.

Just like at church, the more time I spend building and developing others, the more gets accomplished.  If I tried to do it myself I would accomplish only so much.  But if I spend my time on others, more happens and more gets done.  Then I "get" more done with really "doing" less myself.  It's a glorious principle when you are able to get to management and leadership.  Even without a formal "manager" role, as you lead others in this way, things are better and more is done.

Saturday was fun.  We set out to replace the outside lights with all matching ones.  We have been mismatched and hand me down since we came to this house.  But we saved part of our tax refund and finally felt OK to spend that on this that we have been saving for since we moved in.  They look great.  Mom and Lys even did a ton of the removal and replace with the new.  They are pros at doing electrical work.  They learned so fast!

Ty and I were going to do a lot of it, but we also were doing a "simple" job on the brakes for Buzz.  Well, you know how that can go.  We spent a ton of time dealing with challenges.  A broken caliper bracket bolt (sheared the head right off), rotors frozen to the hubs, not knowing they were frozen and thinking they were one piece, etc.  We removed and replaced things we did not need to, but in the end, Ty found the clues, and with the help of the sledge hammer we separated them and replaced the rotors.  We had the hubs back on, got the brakes reset, and all is well.  A great learning exercise on hubs, spindle nuts, cotter pins, rust frozen rotors, broken bolt heads, lug studs, dust caps, press fits, and others.

When we finished we rushed to clean up and we all went to the temple to do baptisms.  Even mom did some!  It was wonderful.  Ty and I helped officiate int he confirmations and Ty was a witness for a few baptisms.

Then we went to dinner and were going to pick up Sam White from the Columbus airport.  But times were misunderstood, rides home for Ty and Alysia with the Bennett's (saw them at the temple as we left) were arranged, and mom and I had a wonderful time talking as we waited until Sam arrived, then drove back to Tyre to drop him off.  It has not been that late (1 AM) that I have arrived home in a long time.  I am not so sure I would recommend it.  But a wonderful day, especially with mom, Ty and Alysia.  We missed Kieren, Gavin and Skjelse/Jeff.  Some day!

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart.  It works.

Love you forever,

Dad

3 John 1:4

The Temple and the Atonement

What a fantastic sabbath today. It was Ward conference and I loved it. Early early day with daylight savings, but worth it. I got up at 5:30 and finished at 9PM. But a delightful day. Sacrament meeting was just myself and president Valencia speaking. I talked about the connection between the temple and the Atonement and he talked about sabbath day observance and the Atonement. 

I have learned much more about the atonement and the role of it from the learning in the temple than anywhere else. You use the atonement to qualify for the temple, and when you are in the temple you learn to use the atonement. It's a cycle. 

I also shared thoughts about both the redemptive side of the atonement which brings us back to whole, and the enabling side of the atonement which is for all of us to move us forward, to help us become what He wants us to be and knows we can be. 

I also shared the concept of the infimate atonement. It is both infinite and intimate. The more far reaching the effect, the more personal the impact. It is a wonderful doctrine that can really bring it home to in personally if we let it into our hearts. 

Then tonight we had our first ever OSYD. Optional Sunday youth discussion. I had just the priests and laurels and we had round table discussions. We reviewed a few of the questions from the recent face to face for YSA. I figured since they are there soon, it would be good. We had a great time, wonderful comments and insight, and good feedback that they want it more often. It was valuable to them. 

We had a really wonderful sacrament too. The priests did a remarkable job of bringing the spirit with that covenant prayer. 

Saturday mom and I went to the temple and, wow, is it awesome. I still find so many things to know, learn, understand, and discover. Mom helped me too in thinking about how God deals with us, and how we can deal with others. We picked up some family file names we had left before, along with the ones we completed ourselves. 

Right before we left for the temple, we had the missionaries and zone leaders over for a bishops vision meeting. We go through the results of last month, and then they get direction of what we need in the Ward to focus on. We really see that as they increase lessons taught with members present, they got more to sacrament meeting, better progress, and have more members will I to go out. As we finished that, we had lunch which the marvelous mom had prepared. Then when we ate, they wanted to hear our engagement  story. Mom tells it sooooo good. But we only got part way before time ran out!  

I was frantic as I tried to fix the front brakes on the car. Ty had one car at the school while he was at science Olympiad regional competition. (He did very well and team took first overall as well, state here  they come). The mountaineer takes so much gas I didn't want to drive all the way to the temple. But I had the car apart doing the front, and of course it has to have issues. One one side the caliper pin was rusted in a locked position, so the. Rakes would not work right. After beating on it, and working it with PB Blaster, I finally got it out.  It took like 20 mins just for that one pin. I had to run and get a new set of pins so it will slide correctly. I finally get it back together and start on the other side. I get it apart and then it's time to come in for the missionary meeting. I try to compress the caliper and guess what, it's frozen, locked in place. I sprayed it and went in. I called to get the part (not like I wanted to spend the money but.....) but no one has it in stock, and it would take 3-4 days to get it. Sigh!  So I do the meeting and eat. The. I run out while mom is finishing the story and surprise, the PB Blaster has loosened it enough that I can get the caliper to move a little. Not perfect but it begins to free up. Solved problem number two. Then on this side both caliper pins are rusted and going nowhere. I had to beat on this one even more. I put it in the vise to try and break it loose. Of course I finally did, but it was a pain. But replace the pins, and it's magic how it all works right now. I would have had to pay a fortune to get that done. But the parts were not much at all. I am so grateful to my dad for helping me learn so much. 

Make sure you believe inside yourself each day that it is a fantastic day. Then make it that way. 

Love you forever,

Dad

3 John 1:4

Apply This Unto Yourself

I learned a great deal this week from studying the account of the Savior on gethsemane from the four gospels. I was comparing them and likening them to our lives. In each of the first three I learned that when we have hard things, it is good and wise to surround ourselves with good friends, a support network. That is what He did. But even though we have a great support team, in the end we are the ones that individually have to face the trials. We have to change in ourselves, or overcome within. To gain the true strength to be captain of our souls. 

Then I saw in Luke a few other interesting things. When we decide to turn our wills over to God, when it is tough He will send added help. And then as it gets down to the worst, the best thing to do is to intensify our prayers. To plead more earnestly. Elder Baxter said it in this way, "prayer is ignored in the very hour it needs to be intensified."  Finally even though our friends may "sleep" they still want our best and try to be there for us. We have to recognize that people are pulling for us always. 

I had a great week. We had such fun for Alysia's birthday. Lys and mom shopped away while Ty and I shopped for about 5 minutes then worked on homework or other things to be done. It was great!  But we did have fun. Then we stopped for lunch and I happened to just take a nap while they continued. It was a great success.  I did not do much around the house as we spent time doing other things. It was kinda weird for me. Work was busy and we have some current major issues that almost made a guy travel next day from China, but we got enough info late on Saturday that we got ahold of him at the airport so he could cancel the flight before he got on. 

Ty did wonderful conducting BYD and wrapping up with a great message. He is a fine leader as many of you have shown also. I am so grateful for the good influences you are and hope you will always work to inspire people to be better. 

It is tax season again and I have been gathering documents and data to file taxes. I don't like it but like it at the same time. I like the challenge to get it all together and find the best savings I can get. And it plays so much into our budget each year as we make so many decisions about taxes, savings, witholdings, spending, retirement, and such. Such joy!  And mom does not experience that same joy that I do:). 

Love you forever,

Dad

3 John 1:4

The Parable Of The Rusted Nut

Wow, what a week.  Work was crazy and most days saw too much to do, and not enough time.  But it was really fun to carpool with Kieren to work and back.  It seems like she is learning a lot that she will use during the summer at the internship.

We also had a fantastic Bishop's Youth Discussion tonight and we got to go because Kieren was on the panel of the 5 RM's that answered questions that had been submitted.  It was very fun, funny, amazing and just all round awesome to be there.  Everyone had such different but similar experiences.  Austin, Kiana, Lauren, Kieren, Miranda.

So this past week we had the Mountaineer have a really loud and odd noise.  As I tried to listen I could not tell where it came from, but in the way the sound acted, I believed it to be something with exhaust and not the internal engine.  Hoping it was reasonable I took it to a shop for a diagnosis.  They found the noise internally in one of the three catalytic converters.  I thought there was only one!  And I know they are not cheap.  Estimate?  Over $1300.  Die on the spot!

So there is no way I can do that, so I return home tail between legs.  I research and find I can get the parts for around $500.  So I think, well if they will do the work I can get the parts and save $4-500.  So I call them the next day and discuss it, but they really won't do that.  They don't want to risk with other's parts.  So I figure, well, I can make this happen.  So I set to work, I get underneath the car and get out my long breaker bar and all.  I put it on the bolts form the manifold to the exhaust and tuuuuuuuggggg.  Not a thing.  It won't move at all.  I spray it with PB blaster, wait an hour and uuugggghhhh.  Nothing.  No budge at all.  Once again tail between legs.  I hate it when something gets the better of me.  I take it back to the place and see if they will just break the 4 bolts at the manifold.  The rest I can get (all the O2 sensors or the muffler bolts that I know I will just cut off and replace, but the manifold ones you can't do that to).  After some pleading and talking, they agree to just work the 4 bolts.  I leave it overnight, and the next day they call.  "We got the lower right bolt but the rest won't move.  And we don't want the liability of we break the bolt off in the manifold".  So I am stuck again.  

So here is the parable.  I bring it home and set to work.  The bolts are so rusted in place, and are hardened and impenetrable.  They won't let anything inside and refuse to change.  For nearly a week I went out and sprayed them with PB blaster, and then used an impact wrench and breaker bar on them.  Each day I did this 3 times (before work, right when I get home, and right before bed).  After two days I got one of them to budge.  I think "oh, no, I just broke it", but no, it actually moved.  And I get it off.  What did it take?  Patience, constant effort, faith that the PB blaster and the constant movement would eventually loosen the nut.  The next day one more, and then 2 days later the last.  I felt like a champion!  But this process took time, patience and a willingness to keep trying even when it looked like it was doing nothing.  I just had to believe and keep at it.  

And the 2nd analogy, it's the PB blaster.  Even when something looks and acts impenetrable when you have the right tools and patience, anything can be penetrated.   That hard and crusted rust, no matter how bad it looked, eventually allowed that PB blaster to work it's way in and slowly loosen the elements.  Little by little allowing penetration to loosen years of build up and eventually free the nut.

You can let your mind race with additional details.  But it was insightful to me. 

I hope you enjoyed the picture of Alan, we had such a nice time seeing him and his family.  After we had been at their house for some hours on Saturday, the Elders called and needed help fixing a bike they could not ride.  So I picked them up, got their bike, and in only 15 mins had their bike fixed and tuned up.  Amazing what tools and knowledge does.

We had such a great time listening to Kieren's talk today, what a wonderful use of principle woven with stories to illustrate and witness to back it all up.  Thanks for the great message Kieren!

Gavin, We hope the baptism went well, and that you really love seeing people make their lives better through Christ.

It was so fun to see Skjelse and Jeff at church for a little while.  Since I missed them at home earlier I was glad to see you.  

Work hard and learn all you can this week.  The glory of God is intelligence!

Love you forever,

Dad

3 John 1:4

The Power Of Personal Revelation

I was speaking in Springboro this week.  I had the topic of missionary work (which is awesome) and had written the missionaries form that ward.  It was really great as I shared 5 principles that all of us can use to be better in our lives, and with each I used a story or principle as taught by the letters I got form the Springboro missionaries (and you Gavin, I used some of your letters too!)

Well, as I listened to the other talks, they both focused on the atonement and while they were speaking, I had a flood of thoughts that opened my understanding more about the atonement.  Now you will see its a decent analogy, but for me it went deeper.  You know how when you REALLY learn by the spirit and it is spirit speaking to spirit?!

So here are my thoughts, as I hastily wrote them down trying to capture what i had been taught.

The master carpenter goes around building bridges. Amazing bridges. In fact many would post these on Instagram, or pin them to their wall they are so epic.

​ Whether it spans a small creek, or even just a dip in the terrain of a beautiful garden, or up to a vast canyon. In fact he completes a feat of engineering impossible to man's understanding. And this bridge makes the road seamless. It as if the canyon is not even there. Except for the unimaginable vistas that we view with awe as we travel along. All the time forgetting that we are crossing that deep canyon that before we thought uncrossable. And I the Lord remember them no more. I love to build and create things. I remember the exacting details of what I did, and always can look back with personal pride in what the finished work accomplished. After such masterful craftsmanship, and such a level of work we cannot comprehend, it is a wonder that He remembers that no more.In fact we can burn the bridge but by His amazing craftsmanship it is built again before we realize what is done. We look back and see the bridge we burned, but under the cover of flames he is rebuilding. Just like trick Candles that cannot go out. We cannot destroy what he is able to build. In fact His bridge is straight and narrow. How much easier can it be!In fact he builds the bridge in our life before we even know the canyon is there.  When we get to the canyon we can choose to cross the bridge or take the long and difficult path down the canyon.  Struggling along the way, slipping and falling, and in general making it much harder than it needs to be. But, even if we do choose to go down the canyon and we later get stuck, He is the rescue crew, always at the ready, with tools to extract us from even the most precarious settings. Even a hovering helicopter with rescue basket if needed. And he brings us back up to the bridge that was always there, always ready for us. And look at the view!  It is glorious. And the sunrise is better than ever. And yet the only thing that changed is our position, our view, our outlook. He, His bridge, and His creations didn't change.

As i talked with Mom about what I had learned, she thought of these two poems that I immediately likened to this concept.  The first referenced in a talk by Pres. Monson, and the 2nd we learned about from John Bytheway.

Will Allen Dromgoole “The Bridge Builder.”            

An old man, going a lone highway,            

Came at the evening, cold and gray,            

To a chasm, vast and deep and wide,            

Through which was flowing a sullen tide.            

The old man crossed in the twilight dim;            

The sullen stream had no fears for him;            

But he turned when safe on the other side            

And built a bridge to span the tide.                    

“Old man,” said a fellow pilgrim near,            

“You are wasting strength with building here;            

Your journey will end with the ending day;            

You never again must pass this way;            

You have crossed the chasm, deep and wide--            

Why build you the bridge at the eventide?”            

The builder lifted his old gray head:            

“Good friend, in the path I have come,” he said,                      

“There followeth after me today            

A youth whose feet must pass this way.            

This chasm that has been naught to me            

To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be.            

He, too, must cross in the twilight dim;            

Good friend, I am building the bridge for him.”

THE AMBULANCE IN THE VALLEY

Joseph Malins

'Twas a dangerous cliff, as they freely confessed,
Though to walk near its crest was so pleasant;
But over its terrible edge there had slipped
A duke, and full many a peasant.
The people said something would have to be done,
But their projects did not at all tally.
Some said "Put a fence 'round the edge of the cliff,"
Some, "An ambulance down in the valley."

The lament of the crowd was profound and was loud,
As their tears overflowed with their pity;
But the cry for the ambulance carried the day
As it spread through the neighboring city.
A collection was made, to accumulate aid,
And the dwellers in highway and alley
Gave dollars and cents--not to furnish a fence--
But an ambulance down in the valley.

"For the cliff is all right if you're careful," they said;
"And, if folks ever slip and are dropping,
It isn't the slipping that hurts them so much
As the shock down below--when they're stopping."
So for years (we have heard), as these mishaps occurred
Quick forth would the rescuers sally,
To pick up the victims who fell from the cliff,
With the ambulance down in the valley.

Said one, in a plea, "It's a marvel to me
That you'd give so much greater attention
To repairing results than to curing the cause;
You had much better aim at prevention.
For the mischief, of course, should be stopped at its source;
Come, neighbors and friends, let us rally.
It is far better sense to rely on a fence
Than an ambulance down in the valley."

"He is wrong in his head," the majority said,
"He would end all our earnest endeavor.
He's a man who would shirk this responsible work,
But we will support it forever.
Aren't we picking up all, jut as fast as they fall,
And giving them care liberally?
A superfluous fence is of no consequence
If the ambulance works in the valley."

But a sensible few, who are practical too,
Will not bear with such nonsense much longer;
They believe that prevention is better than cure,
And their party will soon be much stronger.
Encourage them then, with your purse, voice and pen,
And while other philanthropists dally,
They will scorn all pretense and put up a stout fence
On the cliff that hangs over the valley.

Better guide well the young, than reclaim them when old,
For the voice of true wisdom is calling,
"To rescue the fallen is good, but 'tis best
To prevent other people from falling."
Better close up the source of temptation and crime
Than deliver from dungeon or galley
Better put a strong fence 'round the top of the cliff
Than an ambulance down in the valley.

So that is a lot to read this week so I won't go on much more.  Just contemplate where you stand.  This is a glorious life.  Its wonderful to be here with you.  So enjoy the vista as you cross any bridges in your life.  

Love you forever, Dad

3 John 1:4