Last week's post - just in case Oct 15

We biked down 9th Avenue when we looked up to see the sun saying good by for the evening. We saw deep red with yellow and orange. The colors eventually faded into the purple night and then the black abyss. A subtle reminder that God loves and watches over Texas. It gives me the quiet confidence that He is aware and ever watchful. A scene that can only be rivaled in the Sierra Nevada's.

Brother Nausin took us on the Deacon's high adventure up in the mountains and glacial valleys near Yosemite. The 12 year old boys struggled from inexperience as they hefted the over sized back packs full of tents and other paraphernalia meant to make hiking a luxury. At the end of the second night I remember setting up camp near the summit. We looked over mountains, lakes and forests. Brother Nausin challenged us to find a quite place and watch mother nature for half an hour. So I did. And I learned a lesson I already new in my mind. Whenever there is a great design, there is a Designer. 

It's in all seriousness that we tell Chris and Audrey that they have a Father in Heaven who loves them. The spirit bears witness of this (Romans 8:16). And it is evident in the tear from Audrey's eye. 

During my high school career I often wondered why books like "To Kill a Mocking Bird", "House on Mango Street", and "Tuesday's with Morrie" were so popular. They made these great national lists. What difference do we find in these books than any other books? Recently I've realized that these books get you inside the mind of the character better than any others. You feel what the character's feel and empathize as they go through the plot-line. 

For example, we feel the tension Atticus feels when he realizes his children's live's are in danger. We see the innocence of poor Scout as she navigates the darkness and hears someone lurking behind her. We feel the love and relief Atticus has when he realizes Boo Radley saved his children. That Boo Radley had grown fond of the children over the years as he watched from a distance. When the sheriff pieces together the mystery we feel the weight of the decision he has to make. Will he turn in Boo for stopping the perpetrator or let the murder slide?

When we read the scriptures we need to try our best to understand the big picture as well as the potential feelings each person has-- How did the man feel when Jesus healed his son and helped his unbelief? What did the man tell his family and friends back home? How was that boys life altered years later knowing Jesus Christ healed him? 

If we read the scriptures like a history book its going to be like a history book. The fun is when you see the drama unfolding. 

In my limited understanding and memory I never remember Jesus Christ preaching mediocrity. All I remember is His encouraging to expand and grow--to hit your full potential. He taught, if you have one talent get two. If you have five, double them. If you have ten, do like wise. He praised the widow for giving her all, the single mite. In a far, far distant time after this life he expects his disciples to be perfect. Which makes it easier to weed out teachings that aren't from Him. If someone doesn't teach you to be your best you may want to question the source. 

I remember well President Monson's talk "Be Your Best Self". I read and reread that talk during high school. His words remain. Study diligently, pray fervently, live righteously. I know he is the Prophet of God for our day. 

I love you