Question to ponder: Do you think this life is all there is, and once you die, your soul shrivels up and dies along with your body?
Question to ponder: What if your soul lives on?
FREEDOM
Have you ever thought that freedom boiled down is the ability to make choices. We have the freedom to make many choices in any given situation. For example we can make a good, better, or best choice, conversely, we can also make a bad or worse choice.
How would you feel if you could make no choice at all, all your choices were made for you, would you call that freedom.
In life our choices are often limited. They may be limited by law, we can still choose to obey, or disobey the law, each choice brings a consequence.
Our choices can be also limited by the choices of others. For example; the choice of two young individuals to injure others in the Boston Marathon, in 2013, limited the choice of several who would have liked to walk, or run, on their own two legs, every choice made that day and every other has consequences.. When the nazi’s imprisoned the Jews, they took away all their basic freedoms, one thing they could not take away from them was their choice of attitude. Many of the Jews chose to serve and comfort others, many chose to openly defy the Germans in the face of certain death. No matter the cruelty and depravations heaped upon the Jews, they still had their spirit.
Then there are the choices we make that limit our freedom. Disobeying the law is our choice, which sometimes leads to a loss of personal freedom, the freedom to come and go at will. We may use mind altering drugs, which could lead us to lose the ability to make clear and reasoned choices. We may choose to jump off a one mile high cliff, which could result in our losing our life, or losing control over our body parts and functions. We could choose to make a wise choice by wearing a parachute, or hang-glider when we jump off the cliff. Under the influence of drugs or alcohol we seriously impair our freedom to make good choices. Experience is something that is hard earned, and of great value, experience is earned by making choices, good or bad, each choice’s consequences adds to our bank of experience. The way we ‘grow’ or expand our capabilities is through drawing on this bank of experience, through time we know that not all good consequences result from good choices, but experience will most often tell you the right choice to net the right outcome. Our experience tells that a very hot stovetop can cook a wonderful meal, however that same stovetop can produce third degree burns when leaned on.
I have found that choices come in two sorts, short term, and long term, by short term I mean for the period of one’s life. Last night I watched the biography of Benedict Arnold, Benedict mad a series of wrong choices that severely limited his personal freedoms and lifelong happiness. In my opinion, Benedict Arnold, was not only the second greatest general, next to George Washington, in Americas war for freedom, but was the Lord’s instrument to unite the American forces at a time they sorely need to be united. He chose to be a traitor to the American cause, thereby giving the American militia’s a ‘bad guy,’ besides the British, spurring them to re-enlist and win the war. Benedict lost the freedom to live in the land of his birth, the land and freedom from tyranny he fought so bravely to win, the land he loved. Looking at the long term consequences of his actions, he never murdered anyone, nor committed any act impair his eternal progression. Which brings me to a point regarding choices. Every consequence should be weighed before making choices, therefore weighing the choice to believe or not believe in eternal life, may or may not bring monumental consequences.
How many times in our lives have we weighed the consequences, considered the choices, and then hedged our bets by making a choice that even at its worst would not be too bad, but at its best would be great. Ask yourself, what if there really is a God? Are the choices I am making now going to bring me happiness in the long run, or am I only concerned with the short term, life. Before you answer that consider the comparison of length between a man’s life and eternity.
I believe with all my heart and soul there is a God. A God who loves us, hears and answers our prayers, not always in the timeframe or the way we wanted, but nonetheless answers every time. He wants what is best for us and will, if we ask him, be our constant companion.
How? You ask do I know this with such surety. I chose to believe in Him, the choices I have made over the past thirty or so years have given me a bank of experience. Experience I have gained by making wrong as well as right choices. I experience a freedom billions would envy, a freedom that any who read this could enjoy by making the right choices.
How would you feel if you could make no choice at all, all your choices were made for you, would you call that freedom.
In life our choices are often limited. They may be limited by law, we can still choose to obey, or disobey the law, each choice brings a consequence.
Our choices can be also limited by the choices of others. For example; the choice of two young individuals to injure others in the Boston Marathon, in 2013, limited the choice of several who would have liked to walk, or run, on their own two legs, every choice made that day and every other has consequences.. When the nazi’s imprisoned the Jews, they took away all their basic freedoms, one thing they could not take away from them was their choice of attitude. Many of the Jews chose to serve and comfort others, many chose to openly defy the Germans in the face of certain death. No matter the cruelty and depravations heaped upon the Jews, they still had their spirit.
Then there are the choices we make that limit our freedom. Disobeying the law is our choice, which sometimes leads to a loss of personal freedom, the freedom to come and go at will. We may use mind altering drugs, which could lead us to lose the ability to make clear and reasoned choices. We may choose to jump off a one mile high cliff, which could result in our losing our life, or losing control over our body parts and functions. We could choose to make a wise choice by wearing a parachute, or hang-glider when we jump off the cliff. Under the influence of drugs or alcohol we seriously impair our freedom to make good choices. Experience is something that is hard earned, and of great value, experience is earned by making choices, good or bad, each choice’s consequences adds to our bank of experience. The way we ‘grow’ or expand our capabilities is through drawing on this bank of experience, through time we know that not all good consequences result from good choices, but experience will most often tell you the right choice to net the right outcome. Our experience tells that a very hot stovetop can cook a wonderful meal, however that same stovetop can produce third degree burns when leaned on.
I have found that choices come in two sorts, short term, and long term, by short term I mean for the period of one’s life. Last night I watched the biography of Benedict Arnold, Benedict mad a series of wrong choices that severely limited his personal freedoms and lifelong happiness. In my opinion, Benedict Arnold, was not only the second greatest general, next to George Washington, in Americas war for freedom, but was the Lord’s instrument to unite the American forces at a time they sorely need to be united. He chose to be a traitor to the American cause, thereby giving the American militia’s a ‘bad guy,’ besides the British, spurring them to re-enlist and win the war. Benedict lost the freedom to live in the land of his birth, the land and freedom from tyranny he fought so bravely to win, the land he loved. Looking at the long term consequences of his actions, he never murdered anyone, nor committed any act impair his eternal progression. Which brings me to a point regarding choices. Every consequence should be weighed before making choices, therefore weighing the choice to believe or not believe in eternal life, may or may not bring monumental consequences.
How many times in our lives have we weighed the consequences, considered the choices, and then hedged our bets by making a choice that even at its worst would not be too bad, but at its best would be great. Ask yourself, what if there really is a God? Are the choices I am making now going to bring me happiness in the long run, or am I only concerned with the short term, life. Before you answer that consider the comparison of length between a man’s life and eternity.
I believe with all my heart and soul there is a God. A God who loves us, hears and answers our prayers, not always in the timeframe or the way we wanted, but nonetheless answers every time. He wants what is best for us and will, if we ask him, be our constant companion.
How? You ask do I know this with such surety. I chose to believe in Him, the choices I have made over the past thirty or so years have given me a bank of experience. Experience I have gained by making wrong as well as right choices. I experience a freedom billions would envy, a freedom that any who read this could enjoy by making the right choices.
Special Forces at the FamilySearch Library
28 march 2013
Its Thursday night at the Family Search Library in St. George, Utah. I had the opportunity to speak about the library to the Stake Presidency and high councilors of the Green Valley Stake. What I did not know, or expect, was that my very good friend, Rand Packer, would be there as one of the high councilors. Rand and I have been good friends from the time we met on the golf course. My two golfing partners, Bill and Kent Davis have two wonderful sisters, Joelene, and Shirley, Rand is married to Shirley. While in the meeting Rand prompted me to disclose that I had served with the special forces when in the British Army. Part of me wanted to share a ‘blood and guts’ story, but a greater part whispered caution, which I obeyed. After the meeting I reflected on the encounter. Every week I read in the Senior Sampler stories by Sam Wyrouck, who served as a WWII bomber machine gunner, his exciting stories he and his associated experienced. I tried thinking back to stories my friends from Britains 22 SAS, and New Zealands SAS, those I served with, had shared. I could not remember one story, in fact I cannot remember them ever sharing what happened on Opps., except as a formal report to their leaders. I cannot remember anything more violent, than loud arguments among themselves, or with others they encountered off base. Paratrooper, Royal Marine Commandos, Navy, and Infantry were known for their outwardly aggressive behavior, often resulting in physical confrontations. But the SAS, even when out drinking, were civil to others and always careful not to get into trouble. While in Borneo, both 22 SAS, and NZSAS were billeted together, and one of my NZ friends has previously been a ‘kingpin’ in one of New Zealand’s toughest prison. A kingpin is the prisoner that calls the shots, usually by force, to the other prisoners. I really liked this man, he was someone you could trust with your life in any situation. I never heard this man be unkind to another. It would be fair to say that these ‘special’ men cared for others, and considered control over self to be their main asset. Their loyal to team and country came before life.
Its Thursday night at the Family Search Library in St. George, Utah. I had the opportunity to speak about the library to the Stake Presidency and high councilors of the Green Valley Stake. What I did not know, or expect, was that my very good friend, Rand Packer, would be there as one of the high councilors. Rand and I have been good friends from the time we met on the golf course. My two golfing partners, Bill and Kent Davis have two wonderful sisters, Joelene, and Shirley, Rand is married to Shirley. While in the meeting Rand prompted me to disclose that I had served with the special forces when in the British Army. Part of me wanted to share a ‘blood and guts’ story, but a greater part whispered caution, which I obeyed. After the meeting I reflected on the encounter. Every week I read in the Senior Sampler stories by Sam Wyrouck, who served as a WWII bomber machine gunner, his exciting stories he and his associated experienced. I tried thinking back to stories my friends from Britains 22 SAS, and New Zealands SAS, those I served with, had shared. I could not remember one story, in fact I cannot remember them ever sharing what happened on Opps., except as a formal report to their leaders. I cannot remember anything more violent, than loud arguments among themselves, or with others they encountered off base. Paratrooper, Royal Marine Commandos, Navy, and Infantry were known for their outwardly aggressive behavior, often resulting in physical confrontations. But the SAS, even when out drinking, were civil to others and always careful not to get into trouble. While in Borneo, both 22 SAS, and NZSAS were billeted together, and one of my NZ friends has previously been a ‘kingpin’ in one of New Zealand’s toughest prison. A kingpin is the prisoner that calls the shots, usually by force, to the other prisoners. I really liked this man, he was someone you could trust with your life in any situation. I never heard this man be unkind to another. It would be fair to say that these ‘special’ men cared for others, and considered control over self to be their main asset. Their loyal to team and country came before life.
Dennis
- The first Sunday in November 2012 Dennis Kingsley, a member of our ward asked me if I would help him do his family history. Dennis has been in a wheelchair most of his seventy one years, suffering from cerebal palsey. He cannot read or write, and at this point in his life, felt a strong desire to confront the nagging thoughts of family history, which sometimes filled his mind, and he knew he needed help. Dennis's older brother ........had always been the family historian, but now he was sick and suffering from too many years. That Sunday I asked Dennis a few questions, such as the name and approximate birth year of his father, which he readily gave me. The name, maiden name and birth year of his mother, he knew his mother was called Bee, and guessed that her age would be close to his fathers age, but other than that no more information. This information I wrote on the sacrament program for use when I had an opportunity. Dennis was then wheeled back to the Danville Home where he lives.
During the ensuing week I looked at what information was on FamilySearch Family Tree and found Dennis' father easily, but no mother, so the search was on. The week was filled with discoveries of Dennis's family, I was compiling sources and names, about four generations back on his mothers side. I was excited to see him this coming Sunday and report my findings. Sunday came but I was assigned to speak at a rest home, after which I went to my ward expecting to find Dennis, he was not there. My afternoon was filled with appointments, either for home teaching or Priesthood visits, or family history help. There was a window between four and five pm, when I could go and see Dennis. The three pm appointment was with an older couple who wanted indexing computer help, after what I had figured to be an hour I asked the time. The lady said "its on the computer," so I looked and was surprised to see it was only 3:15pm, at 4pm (according to the computer) I left to go home, pick up my laptop, and share my findings with Dennis. On arrival at home I glanced at the clock and was shocked to see it was already 5pm, time for my home teaching appointment. By the time I returned home, it was too late and I was too tired to see Dennis.
On one of the days that followed I once again looked on FamilySearch Family Tree and was surprised to find that Dennis' mother was there, and so was the rest of the family that I had found, and most of the work had been contributed by DEugeneKingsley. When I related all that happened during the past two weeks, I asked Dennis if he knew a Dean Kingsley, he replied he only knew one and that was his father. Dennis' fathers name was Dean Eugene Kingsley. Assuming that Dennis' dad had done some good genealogy research I told Dennis this. Dennis replied that his dad was a non-member when he died and to his knowledge was not into family history. I left Dennis wondering who had done this work, promising him that I would visit him that afternoon, after my Priesthood visits. As promised Dennis and I met and talked about our next step, he mentioned he was worried he might get into trouble from his brother for getting involved in his family history. I assured him he would not, and that I would not be printing any family ordinance requests, unless his brother asked me to. There was a lot of 'green arrows,' work to be done for both sides of his family.
Dennis then told me of a vision his mother's sister, Marie, had had, she had dreamed she saw her husband, Lonnie, rising out of the grave, being covered in dirt, and asking for help, begging Marie to do his work. Marie at the time was not a member of the church and did not know what the dream meant. Dennis' mother Beatrice told Dennis of this vision many years ago, and it had been bothering Dennis lately. Marie and her husband Lonnie, Uncle Lonnie, had been Dennis' favorites and he wanted me to find out about them..He could not remember Lonnie's surname, or even guess at their ages, however, he did say they had lived in Omaha, Nebraska.
Soon after arriving home I spent a couple of hours searching for Marie and Uncle Lonnie with no success on Family Tree. His mom was listed with six siblings, her parents and grandparents, but no Marie. On Thanksgiving day I had decided to work on Dennis' family and after a short time I found a headstone on Find-A Grave that opened up a day of discovery for Lonnie and Marie. Lonnie was on FamilySearch Family Tree without wife or children. I was able to add Marie to her parents, including sources linking her to her parents, Lonnie, and to his parents, with birth, marriage, and death dates and places. I entered their two children, one with birth and death date, and the other child with a year and location. All Marie's ordinances are now available because of her vision, and the listening to the Spirit by her nephew Dennis.
O Ye Of Little Faith
March 6, 2013 marked the end of my Family History Mission in St George, and for months following the date I still, and still am, putting in at least 16 hours per week at the Family History Library. For the past three plus years Linda and I have been living very frugally, often depending on our food storage, and credit cards to help us over the low spots. Living with a credit card that is close to being maxed out can be very stressful, and has served many times to raise my blood pressure. Thankfully I have survived the ordeal so far. I could not have survived alone, Linda has always been there to stop me taking myself too seriously, and many had me laughing at our situation and myself. It has been tough turning down invitations to go out to eat, or limit doctor or dentist visits because of no way to pay for it. I can’t remember all who have returned from missions, and expressed their gratitude for blessings received following their service, but there are a lot. To my mind almost all if not all had benefited, not only spiritually, but temporally for their service. Months have passed since both Linda and I have been released, things seemed to have worsened, our small savings had reduced to tiny, and no sign of our properties, which had been up for sale for over two years, selling. I can say one thing, I had complete, I mean complete confidence that things would work out. Unexpectedly, we had an offer on one of our properties, far below what we would accept, but an offer none-the-less. We told our agent that we would stick by our original price, and nothing happened for another week, then another offer, halfway between their original price and the price we wanted. Linda and I agreed to counter halfway between that offer and our original price. They accepted. We sold a Property! We lost quite a bit on it due to the economy, but it relieved us of the property tax bill in a couple of months. We have been waiting for this time for years, however, now we had to make decisions on what to do with the money. After much discussion, we had two viable options. 1. Pay off this house, which would free up about $125 per week from the mortgage, which would allow us to keep on top of the credit card and give us both some money each week. This option would not leave excess cash which we could visit our child, grand children, and great grandchildren with. 2. Option #2 would be to build a house up on the hill with everything we would like to make us comfortable, with a spectacular view, and possibly have a few thousand left over to travel. We could accomplish this through the reverse mortgage plan, a plan that requires you own 40% of the home, no payments except taxes, utilities and necessities for life. I really liked option 2, I would love to look out of my bedroom window and view the temple and the great city of St. George. I remember wondering if this day would ever come, and remember saying to myself O ye of little faith, be patient. After much fasting and praying, we got an answer, It was not the answer I wanted. However, I did get the impression that maybe later my dream would be realized. If our choice would‘ve been the mansion on the hill, I would have left my friends behind. People who have become very dear to me. We also would be living in a house which would never truly be our own. Today I mailed a payoff check to my mortgage company, and went online and paid off one credit card. This left us with about two hundred in the black. I can’t tell you what that feels like. It’s something you have to experience for yourself. What a relief. The weight of the world has been lifted from my shoulders. I know we made the right decision. Life will, I hope be a lot easier from now on. We have been blessed by the Lord for doing his work.
