Kansas State Senate Prayer

Bishop Richard C. Edgley of the Presiding Bishopric shared the following in the Daybreak Stake Conference last week:

The following prayer was offered in the Kansas State Senate on January 23, 1996 by Pastor Joe Wright:

Heavenly Father, We come before You today to ask Your Forgiveness and seek Your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, ''Woe to those who call evil good,'' but that's exactly what we have done. We have lost our Spiritual equilibrium and inverted our values. We confess that; we have ridiculed the absolute truth of Your Word and called it pluralism; We have worshipped other gods and called it multiculturalism; We have endorsed perversion and called it an alternative lifestyle; We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery; We have neglected the needy and called it self preservation; We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare; We have killed our unborn and called it choice; We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable; We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self-esteem; We have abused power and called it political savvy; We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition; We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression; We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, O God, and know our hearts today; try us and see if there be some wicked way in us; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Guide and bless these men and women who have been sent here by the people of this state and who have been ordained by You, to govern this great state of Kansas. Grant them your wisdom to rule and may their decisions direct us to the center of Your Will.

I ask in in the name of your Son, The Living Savior, Jesus Christ

The Brave Little Soul

http://sadiehuish.blogspot.com

Not too long ago in Heaven, there was a little soul who took wonder in observing the world. She especially enjoyed the love she saw there, and often expressed this joy with God. One day, however, the little soul was sad, for on this day she saw suffering in the world. She approached God and sadly asked, “Why do bad things happen; why is there suffering in the world?” God paused for a moment and replied, "Little soul, do not be sad, for the suffering you see unlocks the love in people’s hearts.” The little soul was confused. “What do you mean?” she asked. God replied, “Have you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering? Look at how people come together, drop their differences and show their love and compassion for those who suffer. All their other motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone.” The little soul began to understand and listened attentively as God continued, “The suffering soul unlocks the love in people’s hearts much like the sun and the rain unlock the flower within the seed. I created everyone with endless love in their heart, but unfortunately most people keep it locked up and hardly share it with anyone. They are afraid to let their love shine freely, because they are afraid of being hurt. But a suffering soul unlocks that love. I tell you this - it is the greatest miracle of all. Many souls have bravely chosen to go into the world and suffer - to unlock this love – to create this miracle - for the good of all humanity." Just then the little soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly contain herself. With her wings fluttering, bouncing up and down, the little soul excitedly replied, "I am brave; let me go! I would like to go into the world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people’s hearts! I want to create that miracle!" God smiled and said, "You are a brave soul, I know, and thus I will grant your request. But even though you are very brave you will not be able to do this alone. I have known since the beginning of time that you would ask for this and so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey. Those souls will help you create your miracle; however they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls are most special and will care for you, help you, and suffer along with you, far beyond the others. They have already chosen a name for you.” God and the brave little soul shared a smile, and then embraced. In parting, God said, “Do not forget little soul that I will be with you always. Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will do so through my strength. And if the time should come when you feel that you have suffered enough, just say the word, think the thought, and you will be healed.” Thus, at that moment, the brave little soul was born into the world, and through her suffering and God’s strength, she unlocked the goodness and love in people’s hearts. For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love. Priorities became properly aligned. People gave from their hearts. Those that were always too busy found time. Many began new spiritual journeys – some regained lost faith – many came back to God. Parents hugged their children tighter. Friends and family grew closer. Old friends got together and new friendships were made. Distant family reunited, and every family spent more time together. Everyone prayed. Peace and love reigned. Lives changed forever. It was good. The world was a better place. The miracle had happened. God was pleased.

Update

It certainly has been awhile since we last posted! Lots to catch up on! Life has been busy, as always.

Family: We took an Easter break trip to southern Utah. We stopped at Zions National Park for a couple days (beautiful!) and hiked around. We then continued on to Las Vegas where we spent easter weekend; went to church with my sister and her family, and had a BBQ.

James: Stays very busy with work; not too much travel recently. Is slowly learning the guitar, and has picked up biking as a new hobby to help stay in shape.

Michelle: Has finally fallen victim to scrapbooking. Is doing a great job organizing our family history, and the whole family has had a wonderful time looking at old photos, videos, etc.

Justine: Continues to excel and progress in dance. She has had several competitions, and her team does very well. Loves being in Young Women's and adores her leaders. She is growing up fast. She is very independent, and has lots of friends. She doesn't seem to need to have friends around all the time. She is very confident and secure, and is comfortable with her family. She does have a teasing streak like her dad, though.

Emilie: Has moved on to baseball, and loves to play! Her true love is going to be basketball, I think. We bought her a hoop recently, and she begs to play Jr. Jazz. Who knows? Maybe Emilie and Rylee Holmes will be running the Lady Jags backcourt one day. C'mon Stacy...lets get Rylee going! :)

Emilie taught me a great lesson the other day. We were over at the Sandy park watching cousin Austin play baseball. We wandered over to the skate park and were having fun watching all the kids skate, bike, blade, etc. After a few minutes, we started to head back and passed some boys playing b-ball without shirts on. She immediately turned her head and said "I am not going to watch those dudes with no shirts on!" A few seconds later, one of the boys made a comment about smoking, and she immediately covered her ears. She had made some pre-determined decisions about how she was going to respond in those situations. She is a strong little spirit!

Maddie: Is a little Justine. Loves to dance, since, color, and is overall a happy little girl! She is excited to start kindergarten next fall.

Our bishop shared a scripture in Welfare Council today...D&C 6:36-37. It talks about trusting the Lord and his atonement. I really felt the Spirit as he taught. Alma taught that Christ experienced all, so that he would know how to succor us if we turn to Him. It has helped me to remember that I need to rely on Him as I face decisions and challenges in my life. As Elder Holland so beautifully taught in General Conference: He walked the road alone so that we would not have to. I love Bishop Woodruff...he is humble and truly cares for our ward members.

Christ-like Love, Through the eyes of a 6-year old

Wow! What a week. Being sick for the last 6 days certainly hasn't been much fun. Tonight I am keenly aware of how blessed I really am. I am healthy...my kids are all healthy and happy...I have a wonderful wife who teaches me and supports me in all that I do. A kidney stone is no walk in the park, but overall I feel very blessed. My Bishop has come by twice, his counselors, as well the EQ Presidency. And many friends!

Last week, in the midst of my suffering, I found this sticky note attached to my dresser:


This is a note left by my 6-year old daughter, Emilie, last week while I was sick. Now, over last week or so my kids have only seen me either moaning/cringing in pain, or in a Percoset-induced haze on the couch! Needless to say, I have not been a ton of fun to be around. No bedtime stories, no sitting on dad's lap, really no interaction at all. So when I saw Emilie's note, it was hard because I had been so miserable I couldn't interact with my family in a normal way. I get very grumpy when I get sick. I look back with guilt, wondering...even as I was so sick, could I have done anything better? But Emilie's heart emulated that of the Savior...she loved me "even when I was sick". Even when I am not at my best, my 6-year old daughter sees through the "muck" and loves me for who I am.

One of the most cherished lessons that I have ever experienced!

Kidney Stone is OUT!

Had quite the week! Things started off innocently enough on Thursday night with a trip up to Spokane with Carl to go see a prospect. On the way from the airport to the hotel, I developed a very intense pain in my lower abdominal flank. It continued to worsen, so shortly after checking into our hotel, we headed to the ER. After a CT scan, a kidney stone was diagnosed. They prescribed some pain and nausea meds, and sent me on my way. I returned to SLC the next day and started to wait things out; these stones usually pass in a few days. After a few days of suffering (the pain meds did help) and throwing up, we headed back to the ER. They recommended a Urologist, who I went to see on Monday. They recommended that I continue to wait it out. Then, this morning, after the pain increased even more (as if that were possible) and more vomiting, I went back in and they decided to go in and get the stone via a procedure called a Ureteroscopy. They basically go up the wrong way down that one-way street, through the uretha, bladder, and into the ureter and grab the stone. The procedure went well; and, it was a good thing they did it. My kidney and bladder were in pretty bad shape from the blockage, and the stone, though only 3mm in size, wasn't going anywhere...it was lodged pretty good. They left a stent in place in the ureter to assist in drainage. I actually feel so much better without all that back pressure on my kidney. 5 days of that was enough for me!

Preparing for an unpleasant precedure, but happy to be getting the stone out!!!

Update

The new year has started off with a bang!



Dominican Republic: Michelle and I have been invited to attend the company trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. It's an all-expenses paid trip that my company does for the sales teams that exceed their sales quota each year. About 1/2 the company gets to go each year. We will be there Feb. 25th - March 1st. Well, maybe it isn't all the way free...so far we have had to spend $400 on passports. The last time I was out of the country was my mission (can you believe it? OK, Mexico, but that doesn't really count). Here is the agenda for the trip:



Wednesday - Take the red-eye to Atlanta, then to DR

Thursday - Snorkeling at an offshore reef; ziplining through the tropical forest

Friday - Deep sea fishing; ride 4-wheelers through the forest

Saturday - Hang out at the beach ALL DAY

Sunday - Fly home



Michelle has never been out of the country, so she is very excited! She served her mission in Oklahoma, so she stayed stateside.



Last night Justine had 8 or her friends over for her 12th birthday party. We took them all to see Inkheart; then we came home for pizza and they did a murder-mystery: Death of a Teen Idol.



Tonight, as I pondered my Sunday School lesson, a thought came to my mind. It was a quote given by Carlfred Broderick, a prominent member of the church in the mid to late 20th century:

The term "savior on Mount Zion" is ordinarily reserved for those engaged in vicarious work. Truly, Saints who selflessly devote themselves to genealogical and temple work deserve the title. They perform Christlike service in lovingly opening the gates of exaltation to others who without their work would not have that opportunity.

But I believe that the term might also be applied to another group of the Saints. These have been called to sacrifice for the sake of saving the living, often of their own household.

Children need not merely replicate the sins of their fathers, but that each generation is held accountable for its own choices. [Ezekiel 18:2-4]

Indeed, my experience in various church callings and in my profession as a family therapist has convinced me that God actively intervenes in some destructive lineages, assigning a valiant spirit to break the chain of destructiveness in such families. Although these children may suffer innocently as victims of violence, neglect, and exploitation, through the grace of God some find the strength to “metabolize” the poison within themselves, refusing to pass it on to future generations. Before them were generations of destructive pain; after them the line flows clear and pure. Their children and children’s children will call them blessed.

In suffering innocently that others might not suffer, such persons, in some degree, become as “saviors on Mount Zion” by helping to bring salvation to a lineage...”

Last week, Michelle and I were able to attend the temple with Justine, her first time. She was so excited! Our ward temple night actually fell on her 12th birthday, and Bishop Woodruff signed her recommend early that previous Sunday so that she could go with us that day. She rode over with the youth (we had around 20 in the temple with us), and we met her in the baptistry. I had been working to prepare some names of my immediate family: My maternal/paternal grandparents, a couple aunts and uncles, a cousin, and others. It was the first time I had prepared names (thanks Stacy and Dessa for helping me get started!). I felt a real spirit of Elijah as we visited Indiana this past spring; my sister and I were able to gather a lot of information while we were there. The Spirit was strong as Justine and I participated in the baptismal and confirmation ordinances. A couple of the young men who I had become close to when I served as the YM President last year assisted me with the male names...it was such a wonderful experience!



I am grateful for my dear sister for bringing the Gospel to me; our upbringing wasn't great, and the Gospel saved us both. For wonderful friends both before and after my mission who helped teach me and bring light into my life. For my wonderful wife who saw the good in me early, and who has helped me become a better husband and father. But most of all to my Heavenly Father, who has blessed me with a wonderful family and has entrusted chosen spirits to come to our home. I feel truly blessed!

Justine's 1st Temple Trip

We had a wonderful time in the temple last Wednesday! Justine turned 12 on Jan 14th, the same day of our Ward Temple Night and Dinner. We were able to attend together as a family (James, Michelle, Justine) and initiate work for names of several of James' immediate ancestors. It was a wonderful time!




Justine also danced at the halftime show at the Jazz game last week...

Justine is right on the halfcourt line, in the front row

Michelle's aunt and uncle also returned from a mission to Cambodia recently...on New Year's Day, we all got together for bowling and lunch.