"Du Blave", as Max said in "Princess Bride" means, "to bluff". Farmboy Wesley was obviously saying "true love", an inspiring and powerful motivating force in the world. I've had the opportunity now as bishop to perform four weddings. They were all motivated by true love and the young couples involved have great hopes for the future. I counselled each one to remember the love they felt that day, but to depend more on their commitment to keep their covenants than to count on 'true love' keeping them happy. We all go through periods of up and down in our feelings for our spouses. That does not mean that we do not love them, but it can be distracting and allow the temptor to entice us with younger and happier, or freedom, or whatever we may be vulnerable to.
This morning I had the opportunity to assist in vicarious sealing for time and eternity. The power exercised there and the promises given reminded me of the weddings I had performed. Those weddings were beautiful and provided an opportunity for great expressions of love and commitment. Covenants were made and happiness and joy are in store for the couples involved. What struck me this morning were the promises that were not, and could not, be made by me. There was no promise of sealing power extended through the eternities, no blessings in the celestial kingdom, no promise of family associations in heaven, no intimation of eternal increase. Still, those who make marriage covenants these days are to be commended, and prayers should be extended that the light of Christ may yet lead them to the Temple.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Friday, December 25, 2009
Christmas 2009
Our household was full today. Full family, full of joy, and I am full of food. I've eaten all day, at least while I was awake. You know, feed a cold, starve a fever. Well, no fever here.
Mark got to talk to most of his siblings. He is in Delicias, Mexico with his old companion Matamoros. They are both due to leave the mission field February 1st. As he told me, everything has to end sometime.
We are happy in our home and comfortable in our circumstances. I am hopeful we can remain so. I enjoy the association with the Miller ward. Certainly the love and respect given to a bishop more than reward him for the time he may spend in their service. I am more invigorated by the secrets shared than encumbered by them. I know that is a blessing to me. May the Lord bless those who struggle.
I am blessed beyond measure. I feel grateful for my life and health. I have a wife most suited to my needs and one who blesses the lives of my children and grandchildren all that I could ask. My children have chosen beautiful and ambitious companions. The grandchildren are most beautiful, smart, and funny. They are all so precocious it would be difficult to name one without leaving out another.
The most noted gifts were two rodents given to Gabe and Claire. Animals tend to become a larger part of our lives than we expect.
Of course we missed Emily and Brandon. Their kids are so hilarious, they would have fit right in. Good thing we got to see them at Thanksgiving.
Merry Christmas to all. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Mark got to talk to most of his siblings. He is in Delicias, Mexico with his old companion Matamoros. They are both due to leave the mission field February 1st. As he told me, everything has to end sometime.
We are happy in our home and comfortable in our circumstances. I am hopeful we can remain so. I enjoy the association with the Miller ward. Certainly the love and respect given to a bishop more than reward him for the time he may spend in their service. I am more invigorated by the secrets shared than encumbered by them. I know that is a blessing to me. May the Lord bless those who struggle.
I am blessed beyond measure. I feel grateful for my life and health. I have a wife most suited to my needs and one who blesses the lives of my children and grandchildren all that I could ask. My children have chosen beautiful and ambitious companions. The grandchildren are most beautiful, smart, and funny. They are all so precocious it would be difficult to name one without leaving out another.
The most noted gifts were two rodents given to Gabe and Claire. Animals tend to become a larger part of our lives than we expect.
Of course we missed Emily and Brandon. Their kids are so hilarious, they would have fit right in. Good thing we got to see them at Thanksgiving.
Merry Christmas to all. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Papa Buddha
Buddha hasn't had much time to write, watch movies, read novels, vacation, etc., but in some ways he is having the time of his life.
Being in-between election years makes the "for mitt" moniker a little out-dated, but I continue to follow politics with a little too much interest. I expect that I shall post again with a little more spiritual and/or religious connection. Some comments may be referenced to mormon scriptures or to modern-day prophets which may seem obscure to some readers.
I continue to enjoy the writings of those who are able to express political ideologies persuasively and with humor, thus, I have added Mark Steyn's website to my favorite links. I still support Mitt Romney's political ambitions. His positions parallel many of my own and his demonstrated abilities in politics and the real world would make him an effective leader. I appreciate the talents and commitments of Nancy and David French and their continued example of cooperation between religious faiths. I look forward each week to the posts of Charles Krauthammer and Ann Coulter.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Happy Marriage
To my wife and married daughters (and daughters-in-law).
You have all discovered by now that, contrary to much teaching in schools especially universities, men and women have highly different natures. They do not think alike. They do not act alike. One is not better than the other (except women are obviously by nature better). Heavenly Father, in his wisdom, knows that having a family and raising children is best done by a man and a woman together, each sharing their own nature and talents. Our modern prophets have issued a proclaimation to help us understand the spiritual roots of families.
Dennis Prager, a Jewish rabbi with a talk show, has a penchant for clarity. He does an outstanding job of discussing the differences between men and women and helping to understand what brings happiness to married couples. I refer you to his work. After reading his articles you may think I am posting this for selfish reasons. Maybe I am, but think about what you read. Evaluate your own marriages. It is obviously not a cure-all to everything, but if you love each other, I think you can help make your marriages happier.
I've obviously had too much time on my hands over the holidays. I'll try to return to less frequent and more political blogging.
You have all discovered by now that, contrary to much teaching in schools especially universities, men and women have highly different natures. They do not think alike. They do not act alike. One is not better than the other (except women are obviously by nature better). Heavenly Father, in his wisdom, knows that having a family and raising children is best done by a man and a woman together, each sharing their own nature and talents. Our modern prophets have issued a proclaimation to help us understand the spiritual roots of families.
Dennis Prager, a Jewish rabbi with a talk show, has a penchant for clarity. He does an outstanding job of discussing the differences between men and women and helping to understand what brings happiness to married couples. I refer you to his work. After reading his articles you may think I am posting this for selfish reasons. Maybe I am, but think about what you read. Evaluate your own marriages. It is obviously not a cure-all to everything, but if you love each other, I think you can help make your marriages happier.
I've obviously had too much time on my hands over the holidays. I'll try to return to less frequent and more political blogging.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Sergeant Nibley, PhD
"Memories of an unlikely Screaming Eagle"
My wife presented me with a fascinating book for Christmas. For anyone interested in WWII, especially those familiar with Hugh Nibley, this is a highly interesting read. Who would have known that Professor Nibley road a Jeep onto Utah Beach on D-Day, flew in on a glider in Operation Market-Garden (A Bridge too Far), reported to his commanding officers the probability of the German attack at the Battle of the Bulge, and returned to the same area of Germany where he had served his mission just years earlier during the war's wrap-up.
A thought-provoking memoir of war, Nibley's son Alex admits to confusion and many contraditions about war. He concludes with this quote from his father, "There I was in the middle of a battle, and I was completely happy. It came to me very strongly: I shouldn't be happy in this circumstance! But it's not what happens to you that matters. It's not what becomes of you, it's what you become that's important." Amen.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Merry Christmas
If I had had "the talk" with my daughters, this is close to what I wish I had said. There is nothing in life that is more joyful than a happy and fulfilled married life, such as I have. When glowing couples communicate freely about everything they solve more problems and have better relations in all of their family, business and other interpersonal relationships. They are able to keep their marriage relationship prime and allow their other associations to maintain their proper priorities.
I wish all my children a happy Christmas season. May you each remain perfectly loyal to your spouse in body, mind, and spirit. Be careful with your resources, pay your tithing, bless your family and your neighbors with your good spirit and service. Spend less time with the TV and the computer. Cherish your Mother. Be kind to her and visit with her and tell her stories sometimes without asking her for anything.
I wish all my children a happy Christmas season. May you each remain perfectly loyal to your spouse in body, mind, and spirit. Be careful with your resources, pay your tithing, bless your family and your neighbors with your good spirit and service. Spend less time with the TV and the computer. Cherish your Mother. Be kind to her and visit with her and tell her stories sometimes without asking her for anything.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Lame Duck is now Dead Duck
It is nice to have someone really smart enunciate the vague, unsettled feelings one has and put them into words. Such is the case with the recent article by George Will.
In Arizona we have had a governor very fond of the "executive order". She has loved to issue directives of a controversial nature, watch the sparks fly, and then the dust settle, and measure the results. So many times they have settled in her favor that she has learned that it is far easier to govern by dictate than to go through the normal legislative process. Such has been the case with renaming Squaw Peak and the Iraq war memorial. Finally, she is sending a goodbye kiss to the citizens of Arizona, much like the shoe thrown at President Bush, to show her complete disdain of our rights by proclaiming that not only do government employees have the right to organize, but that the unions must be a part of the budgeting process. I don't remember voting them in.
We have another elected official who refuses to be guided by legislative counsel. Our sheriff is much more interested in his own perceived "toughness" and grandstanding immigrant policies and political investigations than he is in actually protecting the citizens against crimes against persons and property.
President Bush, as he walks out the door, is locking the doors to Congress and handing the keys to Barry Obama. I think that Barack's lack of legislative accomplishment is a sign of his recognition that the power of Congress has been in decline and that he believes, as does President Bush, that it is no longer necessary to have the approval of Congress to accomplish his agenda. The liberal's preference for judicial fiat has long been apparent. The hard work of legislature, involving compromise and consent, is far too difficult. The arrogance of the elite gives its own approval of whatever it is that they decide is most important for us, regardless of what we think is important for ourselves. This declaration by the President that billions would be loaned to the auto companies, immediately after rejection by congress of the same proposal, is a slap in the face of congress and the people. It says, we don't care what you want. We know what is best for you.
The choice of Janet Napalitano as Homeland Security Director is a sign that the President is likely to surround himself with pragmatic (meaning "believes government is the best solution to all our problems"), effective (meaning "willing to press forward with the chosen program irrespective of laws or legislative approval") bureaucrats who will relentlessly pursue the liberal agenda they all share.
It may be, that for as long as it remains intact, the Supreme Court will remain our last bastion of protection from what looks to me like a steamrolling Executive branch with a power-less, if not complicit Legislative branch about to squash the life out of the private sector (that's you and me).
In Arizona we have had a governor very fond of the "executive order". She has loved to issue directives of a controversial nature, watch the sparks fly, and then the dust settle, and measure the results. So many times they have settled in her favor that she has learned that it is far easier to govern by dictate than to go through the normal legislative process. Such has been the case with renaming Squaw Peak and the Iraq war memorial. Finally, she is sending a goodbye kiss to the citizens of Arizona, much like the shoe thrown at President Bush, to show her complete disdain of our rights by proclaiming that not only do government employees have the right to organize, but that the unions must be a part of the budgeting process. I don't remember voting them in.
We have another elected official who refuses to be guided by legislative counsel. Our sheriff is much more interested in his own perceived "toughness" and grandstanding immigrant policies and political investigations than he is in actually protecting the citizens against crimes against persons and property.
President Bush, as he walks out the door, is locking the doors to Congress and handing the keys to Barry Obama. I think that Barack's lack of legislative accomplishment is a sign of his recognition that the power of Congress has been in decline and that he believes, as does President Bush, that it is no longer necessary to have the approval of Congress to accomplish his agenda. The liberal's preference for judicial fiat has long been apparent. The hard work of legislature, involving compromise and consent, is far too difficult. The arrogance of the elite gives its own approval of whatever it is that they decide is most important for us, regardless of what we think is important for ourselves. This declaration by the President that billions would be loaned to the auto companies, immediately after rejection by congress of the same proposal, is a slap in the face of congress and the people. It says, we don't care what you want. We know what is best for you.
The choice of Janet Napalitano as Homeland Security Director is a sign that the President is likely to surround himself with pragmatic (meaning "believes government is the best solution to all our problems"), effective (meaning "willing to press forward with the chosen program irrespective of laws or legislative approval") bureaucrats who will relentlessly pursue the liberal agenda they all share.
It may be, that for as long as it remains intact, the Supreme Court will remain our last bastion of protection from what looks to me like a steamrolling Executive branch with a power-less, if not complicit Legislative branch about to squash the life out of the private sector (that's you and me).
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