Trial By Fire
As much as a loving parent would like to shield their child from all pains, sickness, disappointments, and failures... they cannot, they must not. We must realize that in our very limited understanding it is difficult for us to comprehend The Plan. It is a plan of free agency combined with loving persuasion from above - And it must be so with our families and parenthood.
A parent must let the child go out into the world and into the battle... yes, they may be on the front line, but if they have been properly armed with the shield of righteousness and the sword of truth they will not become a casualty - ever.
It is necessary that we fall and pick ourselves up again - It is essential that we learn by experience in some cases. This is part of our eternal development - And it is inevitable that we will shed tears, experience sickness, have disappointments, and experience failures. It is the coward who doesn't enter into the arena for fear of failure or mockery - As President Roosevelt so properly said : "It is not the critic who counts, ... (see entire quote)"
So arm your beloved child with truth and righteousness, and let him into that purifying fire - Just as God did with his beloved son Jesus Christ.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
[Book 3] Spirituality
The most important aspect of our existence -- If we do not recognize the need for spirituality, or the absolute need for it, we will NEVER achieve our full potential in this life nor the life to come.
Spirituality intrigues me because there is so little written about it, so much confusion, yet so many searchers. I have found the answer and road map to spirituality - and it is called the Gospel of Jesus Christ ~ which today is manifested in the doctrine, principles, and organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I offer my thanks up to my Heavenly Father daily for letting me come to know this pure truth.
To the reader of my thoughts: I hope that in some way you may take a little something from these pages and in turn apply it with an act of kindness.
Please know that these are my deepest, religious feelings and that I hold these things very sacred - and I would hope that you (as well as I) could follow the Saviors counsel, "trifle not with sacred things." Spirituality is true existence in the fullest sense of the word.
Spirituality intrigues me because there is so little written about it, so much confusion, yet so many searchers. I have found the answer and road map to spirituality - and it is called the Gospel of Jesus Christ ~ which today is manifested in the doctrine, principles, and organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I offer my thanks up to my Heavenly Father daily for letting me come to know this pure truth.
To the reader of my thoughts: I hope that in some way you may take a little something from these pages and in turn apply it with an act of kindness.
Please know that these are my deepest, religious feelings and that I hold these things very sacred - and I would hope that you (as well as I) could follow the Saviors counsel, "trifle not with sacred things." Spirituality is true existence in the fullest sense of the word.
[Book 3] Life
Those who are truly successful in life, and I would also submit in the eternities, are those who can see the end from the beginning and throughout their entire ordeal are able to rise above the everyday problems and complexities and keep their view fixed on the summit. Many say, "I would love to learn a new language," or "I would love to play the piano," but those who actually sit down and do the task find it takes much more than words to get it done. Those who are successful leave the petty excuses to one side and just keep going, knowing it will not be easy but that in the end it will all be worth it. Accomplishers are those who decide what their purpose and goals are in life, plan out how to accomplish them, and then just go to work. Those who move happily forward no matter what the circumstance, and free themselves from the chains of cynicism and negativism by remembering the end and finality of it all. For them, every thought is geared toward the grand prize and not one moment is wasted. These are the noble and great ones.
Many see the results and say, "How lucky, I wish I could do that someday" or "What good fortune, he must have been in the right place at the right time." What a happy lie this is!
Behind every great endeavor - every intellect, every successful businessman, every spiritual and influential person, there are years of painful and necessary experience and sacrifice. What is not seen at first glance is that profound determination to overcome no matter what the price - and that determination has been cultivated by years of pure thoughts and correct decisions. Those weak souls who never enter the arena and merely remain criticizing bystanders don't understand the value of tripping, hitting hard, and then immediately picking yourself back up again to continue the journey. They can't comprehend the faith necessary to succeed, nor the unseen hands that support us when we place our trust in He who has already overcome and condescended above and below all things.
Many see the results and say, "How lucky, I wish I could do that someday" or "What good fortune, he must have been in the right place at the right time." What a happy lie this is!
Behind every great endeavor - every intellect, every successful businessman, every spiritual and influential person, there are years of painful and necessary experience and sacrifice. What is not seen at first glance is that profound determination to overcome no matter what the price - and that determination has been cultivated by years of pure thoughts and correct decisions. Those weak souls who never enter the arena and merely remain criticizing bystanders don't understand the value of tripping, hitting hard, and then immediately picking yourself back up again to continue the journey. They can't comprehend the faith necessary to succeed, nor the unseen hands that support us when we place our trust in He who has already overcome and condescended above and below all things.
[Book 3] Life
The biggest, most noble and important acts in life have and do happen without anyone knowing but the individual and the heavens. The miracle of a changed soul or strengthened character happens in those quiet, lonely moments of study, meditation, and prayer, or in those unseen decisions that build virtue and integrity. And it is in those moments that the channel of communication opens between the Earth and Heavens and the purest contact is made. It was that way for the Savior in Gethsemane, for young Joseph in the Sacred Grove, for Enos on his hunting trip, for Nephi throughout his life, for Mormon and Moroni during their miraculous compiling and preserving of the plates, for Abraham in his greatest trial, and it has been for me throughout my mission.
[Book 3] Life
LOVE
Do we not understand that it is a great privilege to be able to love someone?! What greater gift could there be than to have a human soul grow or experience joy because of a small word or act that you gave. And the best part is, we don't have to wait! We can give love and happiness to the next person we meet. There is such a basic, fundamental need - the need to be loved. It doesn't matter how hard the exterior, how cutting the retorts, how difficult it is to penetrate that stony defense - when you get inside, it is all the same. There we find a beautiful heart who just needs a compliment, to be listened to, a huge, or perhaps just a smile. Why is it that a baby cries when not being cradled in his mother's arms? Because the mother is that source of love, life, and virtue... she is the one who day in and day out is fulfilling those basic necessities, the one who listens to her children when they need an understanding ear, the one who gives them that warm embrace and loving kiss. Do not pass up the opportunity to give out your love, for as you give this gift, the return is one-hundred fold. It does not run out. In fact, it is the very opposite, it grows, matures, and refines as it is given.
Do we not understand that it is a great privilege to be able to love someone?! What greater gift could there be than to have a human soul grow or experience joy because of a small word or act that you gave. And the best part is, we don't have to wait! We can give love and happiness to the next person we meet. There is such a basic, fundamental need - the need to be loved. It doesn't matter how hard the exterior, how cutting the retorts, how difficult it is to penetrate that stony defense - when you get inside, it is all the same. There we find a beautiful heart who just needs a compliment, to be listened to, a huge, or perhaps just a smile. Why is it that a baby cries when not being cradled in his mother's arms? Because the mother is that source of love, life, and virtue... she is the one who day in and day out is fulfilling those basic necessities, the one who listens to her children when they need an understanding ear, the one who gives them that warm embrace and loving kiss. Do not pass up the opportunity to give out your love, for as you give this gift, the return is one-hundred fold. It does not run out. In fact, it is the very opposite, it grows, matures, and refines as it is given.
[Book 3] Life
Integrity
There is something about Integrity... the more you exercise it the easier it becomes, or put better, the stronger it becomes. Every small choice can add or take away from your well of integrity. We only need to understand the big picture - comprehend that giving that 50 cents extra change back that was accidentally given to us will click something inside of us, will add a strength not seen by mortal eyes. Giving that 50 cents back will give us an investment of a hundred fold - it will not come by way of money, because "moth and dust corrupt,...and thieves break through and steal..." That investment is a "treasure in heaven..." that has it's dividends in the eternities. Every act of integrity tunes that spiritual machine so that it can 'hit on all cylinders' and so that every time a temptation arises, the decision is already made and our honesty and uprightness are reinforced with a correct choice. Integrity is the sum total of a lifetime of honest decisions. Integrity is not born overnight, but the choice to be a person of integrity can be. When the determination of a true person of integrity is set, not the might seas or terrible storms can ever break it. When the heat is on and that group of buddies that you thought were best friends is encouraging you to break - it will not happen. Integrity is the might fortress and refuge from the storm.
There is something about Integrity... the more you exercise it the easier it becomes, or put better, the stronger it becomes. Every small choice can add or take away from your well of integrity. We only need to understand the big picture - comprehend that giving that 50 cents extra change back that was accidentally given to us will click something inside of us, will add a strength not seen by mortal eyes. Giving that 50 cents back will give us an investment of a hundred fold - it will not come by way of money, because "moth and dust corrupt,...and thieves break through and steal..." That investment is a "treasure in heaven..." that has it's dividends in the eternities. Every act of integrity tunes that spiritual machine so that it can 'hit on all cylinders' and so that every time a temptation arises, the decision is already made and our honesty and uprightness are reinforced with a correct choice. Integrity is the sum total of a lifetime of honest decisions. Integrity is not born overnight, but the choice to be a person of integrity can be. When the determination of a true person of integrity is set, not the might seas or terrible storms can ever break it. When the heat is on and that group of buddies that you thought were best friends is encouraging you to break - it will not happen. Integrity is the might fortress and refuge from the storm.
[Book 2] Impressions
The Parable of the Dirty Castle
On the way out of San Felix going towards Upata, there is a castle called El Castillito. It is actually a motel. I had always passed by on trips admiring it's large outer walls and towers, it's flags waving in front of the entrance. I was very impressed by this structure.
One Thursday on the trip towards Fto. Ordaz I passed by and the large door of the front right wall was open, revealing the contents of the castle.
It was a dump ~ there was an old car and trash spread over the ground. A complete difference when compared with it's outside image.
At times we too build outer walls of image and appearance to satisfy our selfish desires of praise and recognition. Things are done to please and impress others, to look good and build this "image."
One day someone will open that outer wall, someone will get inside the castle and truly know you. It is my prayer that they find a beautifully organized, well-built, and effectively designed structure - one that evolves with experience and depends on an unseen power of prayer - one that has beautiful gardens of memories and open rooms of listening - one that has an outer defense from 'the world' yet inner furnishings of charity, service,and pure love.
Let us ever build the castle that the grand designer and constructor has in mind for us.
On the way out of San Felix going towards Upata, there is a castle called El Castillito. It is actually a motel. I had always passed by on trips admiring it's large outer walls and towers, it's flags waving in front of the entrance. I was very impressed by this structure.
One Thursday on the trip towards Fto. Ordaz I passed by and the large door of the front right wall was open, revealing the contents of the castle.
It was a dump ~ there was an old car and trash spread over the ground. A complete difference when compared with it's outside image.
At times we too build outer walls of image and appearance to satisfy our selfish desires of praise and recognition. Things are done to please and impress others, to look good and build this "image."
One day someone will open that outer wall, someone will get inside the castle and truly know you. It is my prayer that they find a beautifully organized, well-built, and effectively designed structure - one that evolves with experience and depends on an unseen power of prayer - one that has beautiful gardens of memories and open rooms of listening - one that has an outer defense from 'the world' yet inner furnishings of charity, service,and pure love.
Let us ever build the castle that the grand designer and constructor has in mind for us.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
[Book 2] Impressions
How does one get to know someone? You speak with them, find out about what they've done, accomplishments they've had, people they've dealt with, talk to people that know them and have dealt with them, perhaps read of them. It is said that at times one can find out who a person is by what they do or have done.
John 17:3 : ...This is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou has send."
Speak with God, get to know him and ask him who he truly is. Study about him. Find out all he's done for you, for the world. Think about his accomplishments: everything he could claim but he says we are his work and his glory. Does that say something about the importance of our mortal probation? Talk with people that perhaps know Him better. Listen to the inspired words of the people who know Him best. His hand-picked agents here on earth: prophets and apostles. Read his autobiography - the holy scriptures - and if it's not all an autobiography, it's a first-hand account, a biography from first-hand witnesses. And we, this very moment, are experiencing what he has done -- His creations and spiritual peace. Eternal life is more than knowing about him, it is knowing him personally. To know him is not an easy price... in fact it is very high and the chosen are few. BE THE FEW.
John 17:3 : ...This is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou has send."
Speak with God, get to know him and ask him who he truly is. Study about him. Find out all he's done for you, for the world. Think about his accomplishments: everything he could claim but he says we are his work and his glory. Does that say something about the importance of our mortal probation? Talk with people that perhaps know Him better. Listen to the inspired words of the people who know Him best. His hand-picked agents here on earth: prophets and apostles. Read his autobiography - the holy scriptures - and if it's not all an autobiography, it's a first-hand account, a biography from first-hand witnesses. And we, this very moment, are experiencing what he has done -- His creations and spiritual peace. Eternal life is more than knowing about him, it is knowing him personally. To know him is not an easy price... in fact it is very high and the chosen are few. BE THE FEW.
[Book 2] Impressions
Let's compare spiritual progress to aircraft in a simple analogy. In aircraft, one must check the relative flight speed indicator often to assure safe and stable flight. If the aircraft reaches below indicated safety limits, it is possible for the plane to simply fall out of the sky if sufficient thrust or lift is not produced. In other words, if we are not moving forward we fall.
Our spiritual progress is no different. We my analyze often our relative flight speed indicator with regular priesthood interviews, honest prayer, and review of objectives and progress (on paper). If our spiritual progress reaches low emergency speeds due to our disobedience, pride, or indifference we will not produce enough spirituality (thrust and lift) to stay in flight, and we will inevitably fall.
Our spiritual progress is no different. We my analyze often our relative flight speed indicator with regular priesthood interviews, honest prayer, and review of objectives and progress (on paper). If our spiritual progress reaches low emergency speeds due to our disobedience, pride, or indifference we will not produce enough spirituality (thrust and lift) to stay in flight, and we will inevitably fall.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
[Book 1] Apr. 7, 1990 Saturday
Last week I was baptiszed. It was fun. It started out that, Dad started talking then we sung a song. Then my sister gave a talk. My mom sang a song called, "Baptism." Then it was time for the baptism. My Dad and I practiced one more time before we got in the water. Then it was time. I went into the font. Then he said a kind of prayter. And He dunked me under And I came back up. I did'nt even look at the people! I got dressed and went out to the room where they were watching a show called, Man "search for happiness". After that brother Melton gave a talk on the "Holy Ghost". Then we sang another song, I am a child of God. Then my Dad welcomed me into the ward and gave me the book of mormon. And that was the end of the baptism. It was the special thing that ever happend or that I ever wrote in m diary.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
[Book 1] 25 Mar 1990 Monday
today my teachers third grade teacher viseted the class. Mrs. Hanes and her talked and it was lots of fun.
[Book 1] 24 Mar 1990 Saturday
Today I had an interview with the bishop (My Dad). and we talked about the ten commands. He asked if I follow them. And I told wel most of them. And it was a fun inteview.
[Book 1] 17 Mar 1990 Saturday
Today it was St. Patricks Day. And I got to pinch a couple of people. I got to pinch My Brother Luke, my mom But nobody Else. I had a fun day. But now it's over.
[Book 1] 11 Mar 1990 Sunday
The thing that I'm going to write about happend along time ago. We were cleaning up and I went into Julie's room And I saw two baby birds out of the nest. And I said, to mom can I go get Julie. And she said no. And she said, what are you Doing And I said, just watching the birds that come out of the nest. She said go get Julie. I said, why couldn't I get her last time. because I didn't know.
[Book 1] 5 Mar 1990 Monday
Today aunt sandy called and said, that she couldned come to my baptism. i was sad. but she said that she could come to my next birthday part.
Today at round table luke won a prize. it had a indian prayer he wone it because his birthday was closest to the one the lady said.
Today at round table luke won a prize. it had a indian prayer he wone it because his birthday was closest to the one the lady said.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
[Book 1] 23 Feb 1990 Friday
Today my ant Debbie called me and told me something very sad she told me that Jimmy the guy who lived on the ranch died. it was a sad expierence. He had heart problems.
[Book 1] 19 Feb 1990 Monday
Today we went to a cook out on base somwre [somewhere?]. And we had lots of fun. we made pizza out of pie iron. and cherry pie out of a pie iron to and we roasted marshellows too and had lots of fun.
[Book 1] 18 Feb 1990
today we had our first play "Hansel and Grettle." And it was fun. My sister was Grettle I was Hansel and mom was the wife and we had the play at the libray on Base. And there was the most crowd the libray ever had!
[Book 1] 14 Feb 1990
Today i had my valintines party at school and we got to open our valentines cards and we had cupcakes and had a very fun time and it is feb. 14 1990
[Book 1] 4 Feb 1990
Today my dad and i stayed home. while mom went to the tempele and Julie went to her friends house and lwke went to the garisons and had lots of fun.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
[Book 1] 23 Nov 1989
My Grandma and Grandpa are comeing in thirtey day's. For chrismas and I am going to get a fire engine and some thing from the thrift shop. and it is Nov. 23 1989.
We were going to yellosprigs And a monarch Butterfly hit our window. We stoped and tryed to save it by keeping it in the car, then in the house, And giving it honey water. We kept it three days But it died and I was sad and I kept it a while and here are its wings.
[no wings included]
We were going to yellosprigs And a monarch Butterfly hit our window. We stoped and tryed to save it by keeping it in the car, then in the house, And giving it honey water. We kept it three days But it died and I was sad and I kept it a while and here are its wings.
[no wings included]
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
[Book 1] 18 Jun 1989
This was Lukes first talk on talents, Sunday June 18, 1989 and he did the best talk that I'd ever seen of a sunbeem. I gave my dad a present that he liked a lot.Today was the first day that I wrote in my journal which I am right now, and it is June 18, 1989.
All the sunday's I get to go to the Painters House were baby twins are with Julie, my sister, and they are so cute and I get to take care of them
Monday, March 28, 2011
[Book 1] 1 MAY 1983 - SUNDAY
TODAY IS JOHN HAROLD'S LAST SUNDAY ON HIS ISLAND OF BIRTH. IT WAS DISTRICT CONFERENCE OF THE AZORES DISTRICT, THE FIRST DISTRICT OF THE CHURCH IN THESE BEAUTIFUL AZORE ISLANDS. MANY PEOPLE SPOKE BEARING SPIRITUAL TESTIMONIES. ONE IN PARTICULAR SPOKE OF LITTLE JOHN HAROLD.
PRES. SILVA, ELDER'S QUORUM PRESIDENT OF THE PRAIA BRANCH (OF WHICH JOHN'S DAD -- THE PERSON WRITING THIS -- WAS FIRST COUNSELOR IN THE BRANCH PRESIDENCY) SAID HOW MUCH HE LOVED AND APPRECIATED JOHN'S DAD AND FAMILY. HE ALSO HOPED JOHN COULD RETURN TO HIS BIRTHPLACE AS A MISSIONARY. MAY THE LORD BE WILLING.
PRES. SILVA, ELDER'S QUORUM PRESIDENT OF THE PRAIA BRANCH (OF WHICH JOHN'S DAD -- THE PERSON WRITING THIS -- WAS FIRST COUNSELOR IN THE BRANCH PRESIDENCY) SAID HOW MUCH HE LOVED AND APPRECIATED JOHN'S DAD AND FAMILY. HE ALSO HOPED JOHN COULD RETURN TO HIS BIRTHPLACE AS A MISSIONARY. MAY THE LORD BE WILLING.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
[Book 1] 15 May 1983
My Dearest Little John Harold,
What a privilege it is for me to write a few words about my feelings concerning your birth. As I look back now it almost seems like a dream that I was able to make the trip clear from Laramie, Wyo. to that tiny little Azores Island, Terceira in the North Atlantic Ocean where you were born, and be there on that March 28th day, 1982 of your birth.
Actually I left Laramie on March 21st but because of missing my plane from New York directly to the Island and with no other flight there for 3 days, I had to spend those days in New York City all by myself. I was so afraid I wouldn't arrive on Terceira in time for your birth, but I did get there on the 24th, in plenty of time.
So it was in the early morning hours on Sunday March 28th that I was awakened by your Daddy taking a shower and soon I witnessed him calling Dr. Hammond and being told it was time to bring your Mother to the hospital. I stayed home with your sister Julie Jeanne.
Not too much later, it seemed, as Julie and I were getting ready for Church, the phone rang and it was your Daddy telling me that I had a new grandson born at 12:20 and that you weighed 7 lbs 10 1/2 oz. and were 21 inches long. What a thrill it was to hear that our little John Harold Alley was here - our number 6 grandchild and the boy who would carry our line of the Alley name! Your Daddy was so excited and happy and all was well with your Mother. Best of all, you were perfect in every way.
Julie Jeanne and I went to church with friends, then just as church was over your Daddy came and said he was taking us to the hospital to see you. My first glimpse of you through the nursery window reflected a tiny baby boy who looked so very much like his Grandpa Harold Alley. Then to my amazement and pleasure I was told that I could scrub, put on a hospital gown, go to your Mother's hospital room, then you would be brought in and I could hold you in my arms - my tiny 5 hr. old grandson. Oh, the wonder of holding, feeling and loving your soft little body and gazing at you knowing you had so recently come from our Father In Heaven. I can't fully express in written or spoken word how I felt at that moment and each following day when I could come hold you.
Then the wonder of having you at home at the end of three days to love and to hold! How very grateful I was to be there and to have witnessed and be part of the special event of your birth and earthly beginning, then to be there for the beautiful and inspiring blessing pronounced on you by your Daddy on April 4th, in Church.
What a wonderful heritage you have to be born of such goodly parents who will always be near to guide you and keep in you the desire to live a life worthy to some day return to the presence of our Father In Heaven.
This too is my strongest hope and wish for you.
Much love,
Grandma Jeanne Alley
What a privilege it is for me to write a few words about my feelings concerning your birth. As I look back now it almost seems like a dream that I was able to make the trip clear from Laramie, Wyo. to that tiny little Azores Island, Terceira in the North Atlantic Ocean where you were born, and be there on that March 28th day, 1982 of your birth.
Actually I left Laramie on March 21st but because of missing my plane from New York directly to the Island and with no other flight there for 3 days, I had to spend those days in New York City all by myself. I was so afraid I wouldn't arrive on Terceira in time for your birth, but I did get there on the 24th, in plenty of time.
So it was in the early morning hours on Sunday March 28th that I was awakened by your Daddy taking a shower and soon I witnessed him calling Dr. Hammond and being told it was time to bring your Mother to the hospital. I stayed home with your sister Julie Jeanne.
Not too much later, it seemed, as Julie and I were getting ready for Church, the phone rang and it was your Daddy telling me that I had a new grandson born at 12:20 and that you weighed 7 lbs 10 1/2 oz. and were 21 inches long. What a thrill it was to hear that our little John Harold Alley was here - our number 6 grandchild and the boy who would carry our line of the Alley name! Your Daddy was so excited and happy and all was well with your Mother. Best of all, you were perfect in every way.
Julie Jeanne and I went to church with friends, then just as church was over your Daddy came and said he was taking us to the hospital to see you. My first glimpse of you through the nursery window reflected a tiny baby boy who looked so very much like his Grandpa Harold Alley. Then to my amazement and pleasure I was told that I could scrub, put on a hospital gown, go to your Mother's hospital room, then you would be brought in and I could hold you in my arms - my tiny 5 hr. old grandson. Oh, the wonder of holding, feeling and loving your soft little body and gazing at you knowing you had so recently come from our Father In Heaven. I can't fully express in written or spoken word how I felt at that moment and each following day when I could come hold you.
Then the wonder of having you at home at the end of three days to love and to hold! How very grateful I was to be there and to have witnessed and be part of the special event of your birth and earthly beginning, then to be there for the beautiful and inspiring blessing pronounced on you by your Daddy on April 4th, in Church.
What a wonderful heritage you have to be born of such goodly parents who will always be near to guide you and keep in you the desire to live a life worthy to some day return to the presence of our Father In Heaven.
This too is my strongest hope and wish for you.
Much love,
Grandma Jeanne Alley
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