Although pedestrian to many, patience stands as one of life's greatest virtues and a defining characteristic of Christ and our Heavenly Father who sent Him. And yet, patience is only developed through our experiential course in life. "The Lord simultaneously tries the patience of His people even as He tries their faith" (Mosiah
23:21). On our pathway of discipleship, it is through the refiner's fire that we are tried, tested and become more patient.
"Patience is not indifference. Actually, it is caring very much, but being willing, nevertheless, to submit both to the Lord and to what the scriptures call the “process of time.”
Patience is tied very closely to faith in our Heavenly Father. Actually, when we are unduly impatient, we are suggesting that we know what is best—better than does God. Or, at least, we are asserting that our timetable is better than his. Either way we are questioning the reality of God’s omniscience, as if, as some seem to believe, God were on some sort of postdoctoral fellowship.
Saint Teresa of Avila said that unless we come to know the reality of God, our mortal existence “will be no more than a night in a second-class hotel” (Malcolm Muggeridge, “The Great Liberal Death Wish,” Imprimis, Hillsdale College, Michigan, May 1979). Our second estate can be a first-class experience only if we have patient faith in God and his unfolding purposes."1
Paul wrote to the Hebrews, "For ye have need of apatience, that, after ye have done the bwill of God, ye might receive the cpromise" (Heb. 10:36). The enduring and patient do not become weary amid the struggle, and yet how often in our striving to endure do we falter and become wearied under the stress and burden of it all? Even so, at the inflection point of default, if we are "yoked" with Him who is perfectly patient, we will be lifted up and enabled even unto our "enduring well," for it is by and through the refiner's love and perfect empathy that we are perfected in our patience, for the moment. And it is in our continued striving and enduring well amid recurring experiential moments that patience becomes perfected in us. Paul further counseled, "...run with patience the race that is set before us" (Heb 12:1) - it is not a sprint.
"Patience is not only a companion of faith but is also a friend to free agency. Inside our impatience there is sometimes an ugly reality: We are plainly irritated and inconvenienced by the need to make allowances for the free agency of others. In our impatience, which is not the same thing as divine discontent, we would override others, even though it is obvious that our individual differences and preferences are so irretrievably enmeshed with each other that the only resolution which preserves free agency is for us to be patient and long-suffering with each other.
The passage of time is not, by itself, an automatic cure for bad choices. But often individuals, like the prodigal son, can “in process of time” come to their senses. The touching reunion of Jacob and Esau in the desert—so many years after their youthful rivalry, is a classic example of how generosity can replace animosity when truth is mixed with time (see Gen. 33).
When we are unduly impatient, however, we are, in effect, trying to hasten an outcome when acceleration would abuse agency. Enoch, brilliant, submissive, and spiritual, knew what it meant to see a whole city-culture advance in “process of time.” He could tell us so much about so many things, including patience.
Patience makes possible a personal spiritual symmetry which arises only from prolonged obedience within free agency!
There is also a dimension of patience which links it to a special reverence for life. Patience is a willingness, in a sense, to watch the unfolding purposes of God with a sense of wonder and awe—rather than pacing up and down within the cell of our circumstance.
Too much anxious opening of the oven door and the cake falls instead of rising! So it is with us. If we are always selfishly taking our temperature to see if we are happy, we won’t be.
When we are impatient, we are neither reverential nor reflective because we are too self-centered. Whereas faith and patience are companions, so are selfishness and impatience."1
Contrarily, there is a calming influence in our lives when patient and within such we are tutored and enhanced in our capacities to do that which is asked of us. Many in our society today are absorbed with self interest, seeking for immediacy and instant gratification and/or response, whereas the willingly patient who defers to the process of the Lord's time receives the ultimate reward. The hallmark of individual maturity and self mastery is the one who willingly accepts and acknowledges, with patience, the deferred dividends thereof. It is also in these calming patient moments that we discover greater opportunity for discernment as to what truly matters and "what mattereth not," that we like Mary may choose the "good part" (Luke 10:42)
"Patience helps us to use, rather than protest, [the] seeming flat periods of life, becoming filled with quiet wonder over the past and with anticipation for that which may lie ahead, instead of demeaning the particular flatness through which we may be passing at the time.
We should savor even the seemingly ordinary times, for life cannot be made up of all kettledrums and crashing cymbals. There must be some flutes and violins. Living cannot be all crescendo; there must be some counterpoint.
Clearly, without patience, we will learn less in life. We will see less. We will feel less. We will hear less. Ironically, rush and more usually mean less. The pressures of now, time and time again, go against the grain of the gospel with its eternalism.
The patient person assumes that what others have to say is worth listening to. A patient person is not so chronically eager to put forth his own ideas. In true humility, we do some waiting upon others. We value them for what they say and what they have to contribute. Patience and humility are special friends."1
Amid our struggles and personal experiences our patience is tried, tested and refined, whether such struggles are significant or routine, such is the pathway of the disciple. Patience enables and strengthens our faith when we are caught in boisterous winds or stormy seas, and though we may feel that we are being tossed to and fro, we are progressing along the pathway. As written in Romans, "tribulation worketh patience," and it shall "be for our good."
“For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God” (1 Pet. 2:20).
May we be constant in our striving, recognizing the interdependence of all Christlike attributes, with further acknowledgement of the foundational nature of meekness, patience, faith and obedience.
1 NA Maxwell
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Catching Up
A couple of weeks ago we trundled south in the Jammer, leaving the uncommon beauty of Sundance to share in some special moments with our extended family. Not only a celebration of my dad's 80th, but a celebration of his and my mother's contribution to Chapman University, and more importantly to their progeny. Thanks to everyone who made the sacrifice, both in coming and going without those that they loved, that they might attend. It was great seeing everyone and spending a short day at Disneyland. Fortunately, we had to Padawan's to watch over us! A few photos stolen from the files of our family.
At 80 you can wear anything and get away with it!
After defeating Darth Vader
Where it all began - what's with the mustaches? A great day!
Lauren and the girls
Why families matter - that which is of greatest worth!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Sabbath Reflections - Meekness
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5)
“Meekness is one of the attributes of Deity. Instructively, Jesus, our Lord and exemplar, called attention to Himself as being ‘meek and lowly in heart.’ (Matt. 11:29.) Paul extolled the ‘meekness and gentleness of Christ.’ (2 Cor. 10:1.) The Greek rendition of the word meek in the New Testament, by the way, is ‘gentle and humble.’”1
Meekness is needed in order to be spiritually successful, whether in matters of the intellect, in the management of power, in the dissolution of personal pride, or in coping with the challenges of daily life. Jesus, the carpenter – who, with Joseph "undoubtedly had experiences making yokes" – gave us that marvelous metaphor. "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart." (Matt. 11:28-30.)
“Actually, meekness is not an attribute which is essential only in itself, said Moroni. It is also vital because one cannot develop those other crucial virtues—faith, hope, and charity—without meekness.
In the ecology of the eternal attributes, these cardinal characteristics are inextricably bound up together. Among them, meekness is often the initiator, facilitator, and consolidator. In fact, if one needs any further persuasion as to how vital this virtue is, Moroni warned, “none is acceptable before God, save the meek and lowly in heart.” (Moro. 7:43–44.) If we could but believe, really believe, in the reality of that bold but accurate declaration, you and I would find ourselves focusing on the crucial rather than the marginal tasks in life! We would then cease pursuing lifestyles which, inevitably and irrevocably, are going out of style!”1
As noted in Matthew we are tenderly entreated to Come, to learn and to know our Savior and Redeemer, to become one with Him. If we submissively heed the counsel offered, we are promised peace, or rest unto our souls, being a spiritual rest or comfort. Notwithstanding, it requires a proactive effort on our part to, learn of Him, to know Him and to be one with Him. In repetition, it is interesting to note that of all the qualities perfected in Christ, He encourages us in our own perfection by stating, in conjunction with the tender call to “come unto Him,” that He is “meek and lowly.” Of all His qualities, He highlights that of being meek and lowly with the clarion call that such is what we should become. For it is in meekness and humility that we become submissive. And it is in submissiveness that we become obedient and teachable. Therefore meekness becomes the basis of our progression on the pathway of discipleship, thereby leading to a submissive heart. And it is with a submissive heart that we become one with the Master and our Heavenly Father.
Even so, as counseled by further by Mosiah, we must “become as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.” (Mosiah 3:19)
We must adopt the perspective of spiritual beings in a human, or “natural man,” environment, rather than human beings seeking for a spiritual environment. Accepting the atoning gift, freely and submissively given by He whose love is infinite, can only be accomplished in meekness and submissiveness.
Fundamental to the development of Celestial Attributes, or in our discipleship to He whose love for us was manifest in His Atoning sacrifice, is the foundational attribute of meekness. Gordon B. Hinckley said, “Meekness implies a spirit of gratitude as opposed to an attitude of self-sufficiency, an acknowledgment of a greater power beyond oneself, a recognition of God, and an acceptance of his commandments” (“With All Thy Getting Get Understanding,” Ensign, Aug. 1988, 3–4).
Notwithstanding the tugs and pulls of the world that would have us believe there is strength and reward in pride, even the bounty of the earth, it is ironic that in the antithesis of pride or in Meekness, the meek will inherit the earth.
1Neal A. Maxwell
“Meekness is one of the attributes of Deity. Instructively, Jesus, our Lord and exemplar, called attention to Himself as being ‘meek and lowly in heart.’ (Matt. 11:29.) Paul extolled the ‘meekness and gentleness of Christ.’ (2 Cor. 10:1.) The Greek rendition of the word meek in the New Testament, by the way, is ‘gentle and humble.’”1
Meekness is needed in order to be spiritually successful, whether in matters of the intellect, in the management of power, in the dissolution of personal pride, or in coping with the challenges of daily life. Jesus, the carpenter – who, with Joseph "undoubtedly had experiences making yokes" – gave us that marvelous metaphor. "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart." (Matt. 11:28-30.)
“Actually, meekness is not an attribute which is essential only in itself, said Moroni. It is also vital because one cannot develop those other crucial virtues—faith, hope, and charity—without meekness.
In the ecology of the eternal attributes, these cardinal characteristics are inextricably bound up together. Among them, meekness is often the initiator, facilitator, and consolidator. In fact, if one needs any further persuasion as to how vital this virtue is, Moroni warned, “none is acceptable before God, save the meek and lowly in heart.” (Moro. 7:43–44.) If we could but believe, really believe, in the reality of that bold but accurate declaration, you and I would find ourselves focusing on the crucial rather than the marginal tasks in life! We would then cease pursuing lifestyles which, inevitably and irrevocably, are going out of style!”1
As noted in Matthew we are tenderly entreated to Come, to learn and to know our Savior and Redeemer, to become one with Him. If we submissively heed the counsel offered, we are promised peace, or rest unto our souls, being a spiritual rest or comfort. Notwithstanding, it requires a proactive effort on our part to, learn of Him, to know Him and to be one with Him. In repetition, it is interesting to note that of all the qualities perfected in Christ, He encourages us in our own perfection by stating, in conjunction with the tender call to “come unto Him,” that He is “meek and lowly.” Of all His qualities, He highlights that of being meek and lowly with the clarion call that such is what we should become. For it is in meekness and humility that we become submissive. And it is in submissiveness that we become obedient and teachable. Therefore meekness becomes the basis of our progression on the pathway of discipleship, thereby leading to a submissive heart. And it is with a submissive heart that we become one with the Master and our Heavenly Father.
Even so, as counseled by further by Mosiah, we must “become as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.” (Mosiah 3:19)
We must adopt the perspective of spiritual beings in a human, or “natural man,” environment, rather than human beings seeking for a spiritual environment. Accepting the atoning gift, freely and submissively given by He whose love is infinite, can only be accomplished in meekness and submissiveness.
Fundamental to the development of Celestial Attributes, or in our discipleship to He whose love for us was manifest in His Atoning sacrifice, is the foundational attribute of meekness. Gordon B. Hinckley said, “Meekness implies a spirit of gratitude as opposed to an attitude of self-sufficiency, an acknowledgment of a greater power beyond oneself, a recognition of God, and an acceptance of his commandments” (“With All Thy Getting Get Understanding,” Ensign, Aug. 1988, 3–4).
Notwithstanding the tugs and pulls of the world that would have us believe there is strength and reward in pride, even the bounty of the earth, it is ironic that in the antithesis of pride or in Meekness, the meek will inherit the earth.
1Neal A. Maxwell
A Slippery Slope - Home school in our future?
The previous post was poignant with humor. Although a more serious view, the video below is worth the watch and illustrates the reality of the slippery slope if we fail in passing Prop 8 in California.
Please support the effort by going to the Protect Marriage website.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Proposition 8 and Why it Matters - California's Ridiculous New Marriage Laws
Although a serious and critical issue facing voters in California, below is a humorous and enlightening bit on how ridiculous California's New Laws on Marriage have become.
Enjoy, but please take this issue seriously and spread the word. Our nation cannot abide the fallout of California's judicial follies!
Enjoy, but please take this issue seriously and spread the word. Our nation cannot abide the fallout of California's judicial follies!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Sabbath Reflections - Celestial Attributes
In pondering the prospects of this Sabbath Reflection and those that are to follow, my thoughts have turned to reflections past. For many years I have pondered upon the divine and perfected character traits of the Savior, and His charge that we become like He and His Father, even perfect (Matt 5:48, 3 Nephi 12:48). To be so will be born of our personal desire to emulate Him in all things, even unto our striving to become men and women of Christ through the development of that which is perfect in Him. Even so and notwithstanding our desires we can only become as He is by and through His Atoning Love and Sacrifice born for each of us so many years ago. It is in His tender mercy and grace that we are enabled with capacity to meet the full measure of our creation and know the joy He desires in us. The efficacy of His Atoning Love conjoined with a willingness to yield our hearts unto Him, even unto our striving emulation of our Friend and Master, determine where we are on our pathway to discipleship.
“The traits of character to be focused on in the precious process of character building are all interactive; development of one hastens the development of another. You are likely to be doing much better than you realize. Paul notes one spiritual sequence when he says, “Tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope” (Rom. 5:3–4), and hope brings more of the love of God. If you and I will meekly submit to “our light affliction,” whatever it is, this will lead later to a far greater “weight of glory” (2 Cor. 4:17).
The development of Christlike character clearly qualifies as truly being “about [our] Father’s business” (Luke 2:49). The wonderful thing about this process is that amid the seeming mundaneness of daily life we can be about our Father’s business day by day, achieving imperishable things to be taken with us through the veil of death and to rise with us in the Resurrection.” Neal A. Maxwell
As disciples of the Master we can still, and must, live in the world and not be of it. As men and women of Christ we are, as stated in Ephesians 4, to "be kind to one another, tenderhearted and forgiving." Howard W. Hunter further counseled us to “treat each other with more kindness, more courtesy, more humility and patience and forgiveness.” Our ability to do so is wholly dependent upon our discipleship in Christ, or in effect our proximity to the Savior.
In the coming weeks it is my hope that these Sabbath Reflections will focus on specific celestial attributes of Christ, such as love, patience, mercy, meekness, forgiveness, submissiveness …, all of which embody that which we are to become. As further stated by Neal Maxwell, “…They are not just a litany of qualities to be recited; Awareness of them—even articulate awareness—without their application will not do. The divine attributes of love, mercy, patience, submissiveness, meekness, purity, and others are attributes we have been directed to develop in each of us (see 3 Ne. 27:27; Mosiah 3:19)—and they cannot be developed in the abstract. These require the clinical experiences—those things through which we are asked to pass. Nor can these attributes be developed in a hurry. Thus the scripture says, “All these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good” (Doctrine and Covenants 122:7), referring to the mix of mortal experiences, immortal individuals, and immortal principles. When that interplay occurs and we see things through the lens of the gospel, then we can see more clearly and navigate the road of discipleship. The relevant experiences are required, even when you and I would try to avoid them. Moreover, in an ultimate sense our individual developmental schedules reflect God’s timetable, not ours, for God will not withhold from us certain growing experiences that He, in His infinite wisdom, allows us to undergo for our eternal benefit. His timetable, if followed, prepares us incrementally for the journey of discipleship and for going home.”
Truly we are in the midst of challenging times and many are struggling; parents are overwhelmed, marriages are taxed, families stressed and at times dysfunctional, markets and economies are in disarray, and the situational and shifting standards of our society bear sway on the hearts of good and hopeful people. Whatever lot we are facing today, there needn’t be fear, despair or despondency as would be the hope of the adversary who desireth “that all men might be miserable like unto himself.” (2 Ne. 2:27) For in our tutorials there is a greater hope that manifests itself in resplendent joy as we apply the principles of obedience, discipleship and perspective and thus realize the abundant bounty in the Savior’s plan of happiness.
Notwithstanding our individual tutorials in life, we must remain valiant and constant in our striving with assurance of the tender mercies and love without measure of He who gave all in Gethsemane and on Calgary. We may not “know the meaning of all things” (1 Ne. 11:17), but we persevere notwithstanding, and in our enduring with yielded hearts we can know a tender peace and joy amid the sorrows and trials. As significant as the demanding tuition may be, we are strengthened and enabled in our enduring well when we are yoked with the Master. It is in our striving emulation in becoming as He is, even in developing His divinely perfected character traits that our well of capacity is filled beyond measure resulting in the promised rest. (Matt 11:28-30)
Friday, October 10, 2008
Sabbath Reflections - Prophets in Our Day
This Sabbath Reflection comes a little late as we have been traveling and enjoying the blessings of family. Even so, last Sunday was a great day for reflection.
During the past 12 months, and even more so in the past 30 days, we have seen a constant barrage from the purveyors of news and information - fear and panic are sweeping the global capital markets and a serious recession, even depression, is upon us; society has fallen into a fractured and partisan state of liberal and conservative thought; contention abounds in the intellectual circles of society over social policy, and on and on... It is among the headlines of the day that we, at times, can be overwhelmed, distracted and even disillusioned with what the future holds. Some are even proffering that the end is near, having become consumed within the myopia of panic and fear. Many have become so debilitated by fear and panic that they have severely limited their capacity to function in the ordinary course. Even so, amid the tumult of it all, it is by patience with hope that we have the capacity to endure well.
We are a blessed and abundant people in that which truly matters, and in that which doesn't really matter. In spite of the doom and gloom prognosticators, we live in an abundant time! We live in a nation endowed by a loving Heavenly Father with freedom and capacity. We are an educated and capable people with tremendous resource and means. We live in a time foretold, and time when all things shall be fulfilled. We have Prophets in our day to guide, counsel and lead us. But to what end, and in what manner are we to live? The constantly shifting and situational standards of society would have us think that it was all about us. Contrarily, where much is given much is expected. Thankfully there is a constant and unified voice; the conjoining of the still small, but piercing voice of the Spirit and that of the Prophets who stand as especial witnesses of the Master. Be we members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or not, the messages from the Prophets have profound application.
It is an interesting exercise to study the recent spoken words of the Prophets and how they compare with the turmoils of today. Illustrated below is the text given by President Gordon B. Hinckley in October General Conference 2002:
"... I wish to mention is family home evening. We are fearful that this very important program is fading in too many areas. Brethren, there is nothing more important than your families. You know that. This program was begun back in 1915, 87 years ago, when President Joseph F. Smith urged the Latter-day Saints to set aside one evening a week devoted specifically to the family. It was to be a time of teaching, of reading the scriptures, of cultivating talents, of discussing family matters. It was not to be a time to attend athletic events or anything of the kind. Of course, if there is family activity of such a kind occasionally, that may be all right. But in the increasingly frantic rush of our lives it is so important that fathers and mothers sit down with their children, pray together, instruct them in the ways of the Lord, consider their family problems, and let the children express their talents. I am satisfied that this program came under the revelations of the Lord in response to a need among the families of the Church.
During the past 12 months, and even more so in the past 30 days, we have seen a constant barrage from the purveyors of news and information - fear and panic are sweeping the global capital markets and a serious recession, even depression, is upon us; society has fallen into a fractured and partisan state of liberal and conservative thought; contention abounds in the intellectual circles of society over social policy, and on and on... It is among the headlines of the day that we, at times, can be overwhelmed, distracted and even disillusioned with what the future holds. Some are even proffering that the end is near, having become consumed within the myopia of panic and fear. Many have become so debilitated by fear and panic that they have severely limited their capacity to function in the ordinary course. Even so, amid the tumult of it all, it is by patience with hope that we have the capacity to endure well.
We are a blessed and abundant people in that which truly matters, and in that which doesn't really matter. In spite of the doom and gloom prognosticators, we live in an abundant time! We live in a nation endowed by a loving Heavenly Father with freedom and capacity. We are an educated and capable people with tremendous resource and means. We live in a time foretold, and time when all things shall be fulfilled. We have Prophets in our day to guide, counsel and lead us. But to what end, and in what manner are we to live? The constantly shifting and situational standards of society would have us think that it was all about us. Contrarily, where much is given much is expected. Thankfully there is a constant and unified voice; the conjoining of the still small, but piercing voice of the Spirit and that of the Prophets who stand as especial witnesses of the Master. Be we members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or not, the messages from the Prophets have profound application.
It is an interesting exercise to study the recent spoken words of the Prophets and how they compare with the turmoils of today. Illustrated below is the text given by President Gordon B. Hinckley in October General Conference 2002:
"... I wish to mention is family home evening. We are fearful that this very important program is fading in too many areas. Brethren, there is nothing more important than your families. You know that. This program was begun back in 1915, 87 years ago, when President Joseph F. Smith urged the Latter-day Saints to set aside one evening a week devoted specifically to the family. It was to be a time of teaching, of reading the scriptures, of cultivating talents, of discussing family matters. It was not to be a time to attend athletic events or anything of the kind. Of course, if there is family activity of such a kind occasionally, that may be all right. But in the increasingly frantic rush of our lives it is so important that fathers and mothers sit down with their children, pray together, instruct them in the ways of the Lord, consider their family problems, and let the children express their talents. I am satisfied that this program came under the revelations of the Lord in response to a need among the families of the Church.
If there was a need 87 years ago, that need is certainly much greater today.
The decision was made that Monday evening would be devoted to this family activity. In those areas where there are large numbers of Church members, school officials and others honored the program and did not schedule events on that evening.
Now there appears to be a growing tendency to schedule other events on Monday night. We respectfully request that our public school officials and others let us have this one evening a week to carry forward this important and traditional program. We ask that they not schedule events that will require the time of children on Monday evenings. We are confident that they will realize that it is most important that families have the opportunity, at least once a week, to be together without conflicting loyalties. We shall be grateful indeed if they will cooperate in this matter. And we urge, in the strongest terms possible, that fathers and mothers regard most seriously this opportunity and challenge to make of Monday evening a time sacred to the family.
I have received not a few invitations to participate in community Monday gatherings of one kind or another. I have uniformly turned down these invitations with appreciation, but with the explanation that I have reserved Monday as family home evening time. I earnestly hope that each of you will do the same.
The next item.
...I wish to urge again the importance of self-reliance on the part of every individual Church member and family.
None of us knows when a catastrophe might strike. Sickness, injury, unemployment may affect any of us.
We have a great welfare program with facilities for such things as grain storage in various areas. It is important that we do this. But the best place to have some food set aside is within our homes, together with a little money in savings. The best welfare program is our own welfare program. Five or six cans of wheat in the home are better than a bushel in the welfare granary.
I do not predict any impending disaster. I hope that there will not be one. But prudence should govern our lives. Everyone who owns a home recognizes the need for fire insurance. We hope and pray that there will never be a fire. Nevertheless, we pay for insurance to cover such a catastrophe, should it occur.
We ought to do the same with reference to family welfare.
We can begin ever so modestly. We can begin with a one week’s food supply and gradually build it to a month, and then to three months. I am speaking now of food to cover basic needs. As all of you recognize, this counsel is not new. But I fear that so many feel that a long-term food supply is so far beyond their reach that they make no effort at all.
Begin in a small way, my brethren, and gradually build toward a reasonable objective. Save a little money regularly, and you will be surprised how it accumulates.
Get out of debt and rid yourself of the terrible bondage that debt brings.
We hear much about second mortgages. Now I am told there are third mortgages.
Discipline yourselves in matters of spending, in matters of borrowing, in practices that lead to bankruptcy and the agony that comes therewith."
May we take note with the counsel given this past weekend, and with Hope, know the peace that can be ours; that we might be free of contention, fear and the consequences born in a society that defines good as bad and bad as good; that we might love and serve our families and neighbors; that we might be prepared in all things, temporal and spiritual. May we take comfort by abiding in obedience the truths taught of He who seeks only for our happiness and return to our Heavenly home, that we may know the peace and calm amid boisterous winds and stormy seas.
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