The Reason for Education and a Career

A few years ago, while Jeri Lynn and I were taking a class at the USU Institute of Religion, our teacher asked us why we were pursuing a university education. The members of the class offered up several responses. Of course there were obvious answers, but it was clear that he had a particular answer in mind. I don't remember if we came up with it or if he eventually just told us, but I do remember the answer.

We were seeking and receiving an education in order to build the kingdom of God.

If we didn't intend to do that, then what would be the point? Our first area of concern is still the family, and so it's easy to see a link between our education and being able to provide for our family's needs. In other ways we are also able to serve Heavenly Father and build His kingdom through our education and careers.

Last thoughts for now:
I would hope for everyone to take this into consideration when they are deciding on their education and career. The course of my future is yet uncertain, but I will ensure that I keep a proper focus as I keep figuring out what to do.

Practical Preparedness

Some of these thoughts are very much inspired by other people's inspired thoughts.

This evening we've had heavy snow and a power outage in the neighborhood for several hours. It was a good opportunity to test some of our emergency equipment.

Some people complain about members of the Church having a supply of food and water, thinking that we're a bunch of nuts getting ready for "the end of the world". Well, should things get really bad, we'll be ready for that too, but in the meantime, there are a lot of more immediately practical uses. A family shared their thoughts on this matter stating that the father had been out of work for a year and during that time they lived off of their food storage.

It's that simple.

Our family is comfortable knowing that if roads are shut down and we can't get to the store, we have enough to last us for quite a while.

We probably should have a bit more firewood.

It's not even necessary to be a member of the Church to practice this kind of preparedness; a fellow lieutenant here at Ft. Lewis recognized a water pump for our 55-gallon barrel and told us that he has things of this nature at home, too.

Last thoughts for now:
Being prepared is being wise. Sure, people may think we're nuts. It doesn't matter. As with anything else, we'll take care of ourselves, and God will make up the difference if somehow we come up short.

Temples and Sacred Things

I like to ask people a certain question. It goes like this: "Answering in one or two words, what do you value?" I explain that their answer doesn't have to be what they value most, just something they value. It's interesting to hear people's answers. (On a side note, my answer used to be friendship, but currently I would say "commitment".)

Another good question for people (one that I've never yet asked) is, "What is sacred to you?"

There have been some who complain about temple ordinances being "secret", refusing to accept the fact that they are sacred. A woman once explained the difference by comparing the temple to another sacred thing: sexual relations between a husband and wife. The woman stated that while it was no secret what they were doing, she certainly wasn't going to talk about it to anyone. Similarly, the body itself is a temple, and while it's not secret what a body generally looks like, it's inappropriate for us to share too much of it with others.

Some people still won't understand, even in light of clear comparisons. I wonder how they would answer my second question. Some people hold nothing sacred.

Last thoughts for now:
I know I should be reserved in speaking of things that are too sacred. Of course, where the temple is concerned, it's good to remember that temples are for everyone. Everyone is invited to come to the temple; if a person is going to fulfill their purpose in living on Earth, they're going to do the same things they would do to get ready for the temple. If everyone did, it would be clear why it's not a matter of "secrets".

What Really Satisfies

I have long thought that it's better for us to study scripture in the morning rather than at night, because then we carry the influence with us during the day. It's not happening enough, though. My excuse is that I have to be to work so early. My work hours are also irregular, so I can't have a daily scripture-reading time until the evening. Perhaps what would be best for me right now is to get in bed around 9:00 and study scripture in bed. The "when", though, is not my biggest concern. It's the "how" that is key.

I find that when I get in some scripture reading at work or at some other times, I often am just concerned with getting it done. If I complete a chapter, I call it good, and move on to whatever else needs to be done. The problem is that it's just not satisfying. We are to "feast upon the words of Christ" and to "search the scriptures", then ponder and pray. I think the key is not to read until I have reached a certain point (like the end of a chapter), but rather to study until I have the Holy Ghost with me to reveal truth and sanctify me. That's searching and feasting.

That being said, I think chapters (or sections) and subsections (that I designate for myself) are useful in containing particular themes.

The point is that scripture study must be more than cognizance of words and sentences. I need it to be something that fills me and humbles me.

Last thoughts for now:
I have the right to have the Holy Ghost with me always. I need to truly search the scriptures and feast upon the word, and I need to do it daily.

Death of an Apostle

Joseph Bitner Wirthlin: 11 June 1917 – 1 December 2008

There are things I just don't understand. A beloved apostle of the Lord has died, and I think back to the passing of our last president. Some reacted with great sadness, like the guy in this picture:

(AP) Thomas Richardson, a Brigham Young University student, pays his respects at a makeshift memorial in front of the Gordon B. Hinckley building on the campus of BYU after it was announced that Gordon Hinckley, the 97 year old leader of the Mormon Church died January 27, 2008 in Provo, Utah.

A fellow in my old ward bore his testimony the next Sunday and mentioned how sad he was.

I don't get it. For people who don't understand eternity, death can be frightening. But for us? I just don't get it.

What reason was there to mourn? If his life had been cut short, that would be unfortunate. If we had no hope of ever seeing him again, that would be bad. If he had been wicked and we knew he was going to face punishment before God, that would be horrible. If the Church was going to founder because of his loss, that would be absolutely terrible.

But none of these are the way things are! He was old. There's no doubt that he was righteous, and is in the next step of a glorious eternity. His wife had passed away years earlier, and (I'm certain that because they are sealed) they are now reunited. The Church prospered under his leadership, and it will continue to prosper with Thomas S. Monson as our president.

So why mourn?

If I died right now, it would be sad that my wife would face the challenge of raising our kids alone, and it would be sad that my children would have to grow up without a father. We'd miss out on a lot of wonderful experiences as a family. But ultimately, things would be fine; for the righteous, death is only a temporary separation.

If I live to be seventy or eighty or ninety years old, and then I die, I don't want anyone to mourn. If people have reason to believe that I've lived well, I want them to celebrate.

Last thoughts for now:
I have no doubt that Elder Wirthlin has been greatly blessed for his service. I also have no doubt that another apostle will be called, and that the work of God will continue and "the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent" as it has done. And we should have joy.