Thursday, December 11, 2014

The significance of December 11

On this date in my history I can think of some significant events.  There are a few events on this date that I've documented elsewhere and would need to revisit journals to recall.  Today however I will share a couple that come to mind.

On this day in 1972 my cousin Dawna was born.

On this day in 1992 I returned home from my mission.

On this day in 1993 I spoke at the mission farewell of a good friend who I ordained an Elder and conferred the Melchizedek Priesthood on.

On this day in 1996 I felt impressed to visit the Christus at Temple Square in Salt Lake City.  Once there I ran into a member from my mission who was struggling.  The opportunity I had to share my testimony buoyed them up and had significance.

Today I am reading 3 Nephi 11 on pace to finish the Book of Mormon before the end of the year.  A couple of months ago I felt impressed to embrace a challenge, that President Hinckley had issued at October Conference many years ago, to complete the Book of Mormon before the end of the year.  There were then, and are again now, many blessings that have come from applying this challenge.

Of course the 11th chapter of 3 Nephi is where Christ visits the inhabitants of ancient America and I thought of the visit to temple square and hearing the verse, "Behold, I am Jesus Christ...." and this reminded me of all the significant things that have happened on this particular day of the year.

Coincidence perhaps but it does not change the fact that I know God lives, the Jesus is his son and our redeemer.  That the gospel has been restored to the earth and the priesthood authority with it.

I know these things and many others pertaining to the kingdom of God without reservation.

Today my little Angel Miss Madelyn is singing in her Christmas Concert for 4th grade.  Carter and I will unfortunately miss this because we are in Arizona and Liz and Madelyn are in Maryland.  I've done my best to attend all of these things for my children and I am hopeful that missing this one will be the rare exception.  My Madelyn is the sweetest little girl I know.  She really takes after her mother.

Sunday, September 21, 2014

September 21-22

This date has significant meaning in both church history and my own.

On the evening of September 21, 1823 and in to the morning hours of the 22nd The Angel Moroni appeared to the prophet Joseph Smith to instruct him regarding the Book of Mormon.

On the 22nd and again every year after for the next three years Joseph went to the hill where he was instructed to until he received the year 1827 when he received the gold plates at the age of 20.

On September 21, 1990 my Grandmother Marie Olson passed away.

On September 22, 1990 I received my mission call to the Japan Tokyo South Mission.

On September 21, 2014 Carter and I spent the weekend with my parents in Tuba City, Arizona where they are church service mission to help the Native Americans (Navajo & Hopi) plant gardens and do church history.

This date has significance to me and it marks many things important in my life.

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

The Faith of my Children

Carter and I came home today to discover the door nob from the garage into the house was broken and we couldn't get into the house.  After about 5 minutes of unsuccessful attempts Carter suggested we pray.  We paused, we prayed, we turned the handle, and the door opened.  The childlike faith that Carter and Madelyn consistently exhibit lifts my spirit because I know Elizabeth and I have taught them well and they are see the miracles that come by exercising their faith.

In this world of so much wickedness I'm encouraged by their growth in the gospel.  I'm hopeful that they will one day be able to stand against the adversary with strong resolve that God lives, he loves them, and it is his work and glory to bring about their immortality and eternal life.
Heavenly Father Is At The Helm

The winter this year has drug on into a wet and dreary spring.  We've had a few nice days but lots of rain and cold temperatures.  I'm grateful we haven't been affected by all the tornadoes across the country but I'm ready for some nicer weather.

My life has followed a pattern and I see it at work again in my life right now.  When I've worked and persevered like everything depended on me, and prayed like everything depended on our Heavenly Father, things have come together to bless my life and the lives of my family.

It's to early to tell too much but there are some great opportunities before me that will return me to my knees in gratitude as well as supplication for guidance from Father in Heaven.

I measured the kids against the wall last night in the play room and they've both grown about 3 1/2 inches since we last measured in November.  Interestingly enough they've both grown about 11 1/2 inches total in the 7 years they've been here in Maryland.

They are growing so fast and I am so proud of them and their individual accomplishments.  It's true that in order to multiply love you must divide it.

Madelyn plays the piano like an Angel and she will one day be very accomplished I have no doubt.

Carter is wrapping up several more merit badges and could have an Eagle Project within a couple of weeks.

Elizabeth is much happier in her new job but it too is not without it's challenges.  She has made quite an impression and will leave an indelible mark on the county with her introduction of Focus on the Family and bringing in a great program from Utah.

We've been meeting at the Newark chapel while construction on our building in North East is completed.  We expect to be back in by Thanksgiving and no later than Christmas.  What a great present that will be. 

Thursday, April 24, 2014

I Become a BeeKeeper

I've always been fascinated by bees.  I've also thought it very cool that they are referenced in the Book of Mormon.  Deseret.  I also love honey.  I'm still new but I hope I can be successful in keeping these bees and getting some fresh honey.  Who knows maybe someday I'll have enough to share :o)





Dar Bear's Honey




Sunday, April 13, 2014

Order of The Arrow

I remember when I was a young man how cool I thought the Order of The Arrow was.  Of course I did not understand it completely but I knew I wanted to be part of that select brotherhood of scouts.  I don't remember things as well organized back then so it's no wonder I did not have the opportunity.  30 years later I was elected and inducted.  

It is an honor and something I look forward to many years of participation in.


Wednesday, April 2, 2014

6 & 6 1/2

For me it's been 6 1/2 years living on the East Coast.  The Family came roughly six month after I did.  General Conference is always the reminder because for me it was Conference weekend October 2007 and for the family it fell on April Conference weekend 2008.

It's been quite a ride to say the least.