Words from Bruce

Thursday, July 15th, 2004

Current mood:	good
Current music:	Police "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic"

Last night Emily and I chatted for the first time since we went out to Kneaders for her b-day. Funny how we always SAY we are going to get together more often, and it doesn't seem to happen. I do know that I am so grateful to have her as my friend. Most times when I'm having a dilemma...the advice she gives me seems to be much more relavent to my situation than anyone else's. She gave me a link to a Bruce R McConkie Talk, which has given me a lot to ponder about. This was a good snippet...

Well, do you want a wife? Do you want anything that's right and proper? You go to work and you use the agency and power and ability that God has given you. You use every faculty, you get all the judgment that you can centered on the problem, you make up your own mind, and then, to be sure that you don't err, you counsel with the Lord. You talk it over. You say, "This is what I think; what do you think?" And if you get the calm, sweet surety that comes only from the Holy Spirit, you know you've reached the right conclusion; but if there's anxiety and uncertainty in your heart, then you'd better start over, because the Lord's hand is not in it, and you're not getting the ratifying seal that, as a member of the Church who has the gift of the Holy Ghost, you are entitled to receive.

"Yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day" (Al. 37:37). If you learn how to use the agency that God has given you, and if you try to make your own decisions, and if you reach conclusions that are sound and right, and you counsel with the Lord and get his ratifying seal of approval upon the conclusions you've reached, then you've received revelation, for one thing; and for another thing, you're going to have the great reward of eternal life, be lifted up at the last day. Now, we're not all equal by any means; some have one talent and capacity and some another. But if we use the talents we have, somehow we'll come out all right.

Not only did I like that because of the counsel, but it includes one of my favorite scriptures...

Alma 37:35-37
35 O, remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God.

36 Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.

37 Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.

Now a few quotes that have been on my mind....

"Even if you cannot always see that silver lining on your clouds, God can, for He is the very source of the light you seek. "
—Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

"When you push against the boundaries of experience into the twilight of the unknown, the Lord will strengthen you. The beauty of your eternal soul will begin to unfold."
-Elder Richard G. Scott

"The devil is ready to blind our eyes with the things of this world, and he would gradly rob us of eternal life, the greatest of all gifts. But it is not given to the devil and no power will ever be given to him to overthrow any Latter-Day Saint that is keeping the commandments of God. There is no power given to the adversary of ment's souls to destroy us if we are doing our duty. If we are not absolutely honest with God, then we let the bars down, then we have destroyed part of the fortifications by which we are protected, and the devil may come in. But no man has ever lost the testimony of the Gospel, no man has ever turned to the right or to the left, who had the knowledge of the truth, who was attending to his duties, who was keeping the Word of Wisdom, who was paying his thing, who was responding to the calls and duties of his office and calling in the church."
-President Heber J. Grant

Tonight Rosie and I are going down to Provo to see Taylor. I'm so excited. It seems like ages since Sunday when I saw him last. Unfortunately I'm not feeling so hot...I've got a sinus infection. Started antibiotics yesterday afternoon and feel better this morning than I did in the evening....so hopefully I'll be feeling good tonight. Rosie's still got her cough and runny nose, but not feverish and achy like Monday. Guess I'd better not kiss Taylor tonight...don't want him to get sick. Made my infamous broccoli salad, and we'll be having steaks on he grill.
Hopefully traffic won't be too bad getting down there...I'm going to take Bangerter I think.

Only 4 days till Sarah!