“The scriptures can also help us obtain answers to highly specific personal questions. It is obvious, of course, that the scriptures do not contain a comprehensive list of specific answers to every question we could ask about a particular subject. The scriptures are not like a telephone book or an encyclopedia.
“We often hear it said that the scriptures have the answers to all of our questions. Why is this so? It is not that the scriptures contain a specific answer to every question—even to every doctrinal question. We have continuing revelation in our Church because the scriptures do not have a specific answer to every possible question. We say that the scriptures contain the answers to every question because the scriptures can lead us to every answer.
“… The reading of the scriptures will help us obtain a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They will also put us in a position where we can obtain inspiration to answer any doctrinal or personal question, whether or not that question directly concerns the subject we are studying in the scriptures. That is a grand truth not understood by many. To state it again, even though the scriptures contain no words to answer our specific personal question, a prayerful study of the scriptures will help us obtain such answers. This is because scripture study will make us susceptible to the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, which, as the scriptures say, will ‘guide [us] into all truth’ (John 16:13), and by whose power we can ‘know the truth of all things’ (Moroni 10:5).
“We may also find that a specific verse of scripture that was spoken for quite a different purpose in an entirely different age will, under the interpretive influence of the Holy Ghost, give us a very personal message adapted to our personal needs today” (“Studying the Scriptures,” 19–21).
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Grandpa Miller
About 6 weeks ago I dreamed of my Grandfather. In my dream he was a young man. I have pictures of him when he was young. He was handsome, thin and smiling wide. He looked happy. Beside him was a man who looked just like him. No words passed between us, but I knew the man beside him was his father. I remember thinking they looked alike. When I woke though, I remembered the image of my Grandfather very clearly, but I could not remember what is father looked like any longer.
I shared the dream with my Mother-in-Law and she suggested that maybe my Grandfather wants me to get his Temple work done. That sounds right to me.
I shared the dream with my Mother-in-Law and she suggested that maybe my Grandfather wants me to get his Temple work done. That sounds right to me.
He bears his testimony
On November 4th, 2012 DG 9 bore his testimony in Sacrament meeting for the first time. It was clear and brief. It was what he believes. I was proud of him.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
A boy and a booger
Recently Grandma and NHL found a giant booger on the wall. They were unable to discern the culprit and so NHL declared that there would be no swimming until the guilty party came forward. WG6 fessed up.
Immediately after swimming WG6 stepped out of the pool and said, "Mom, that really wasn't my booger on the wall."
Little stinker.
Immediately after swimming WG6 stepped out of the pool and said, "Mom, that really wasn't my booger on the wall."
Little stinker.
Charity Never Faileth
When my wife and I bought our first house there was also a guesthouse on the property. My plan was to remodel the guesthouse over the Christmas Holiday and rent it out immediately. My wife's family chipped in a significant portion of manual labor to help us get the job done. We saw them everyday, much to my relief.
You see, I was in over my head. Way over my head. I was feeling overwhelmed. During this time my Father-in-law said something which has always stuck with me, "What time do you want us back tomorrow?" He didn't ask, "Do you want us back tomorrow?" He didn't make me ask him to come back, he just asked me what time he should be there. It was a great comfort to me to know he was going to be there, that he was planning to be there. He didn't know it, but he taught me a very powerful lesson about how service should be given and I've never forgotten it.
I'm grateful for my Father-in-law.
You see, I was in over my head. Way over my head. I was feeling overwhelmed. During this time my Father-in-law said something which has always stuck with me, "What time do you want us back tomorrow?" He didn't ask, "Do you want us back tomorrow?" He didn't make me ask him to come back, he just asked me what time he should be there. It was a great comfort to me to know he was going to be there, that he was planning to be there. He didn't know it, but he taught me a very powerful lesson about how service should be given and I've never forgotten it.
I'm grateful for my Father-in-law.
Personal Revelation
When Mom died in February NHL and I started talking about moving back to where we had family. The move to Waco was supposed to be an adventure and an opportunity to get back into manufacturing, which I felt I was good at. I think it has ended up being both of those things.
But we have three young boys who have grandparents and a big sister in Tucson and after Mom passed it just seemed more important to be where they were. So we began to fast and pray each Sunday. We wanted to understand God's will regarding the move. After a few weeks NHL was there. She believed that God had answered her prayer and that we should move. To me however, it felt that my prayers had gone unanswered.
Month passed. NHL and the boys travelled home for Summer vacation. While they were gone I received an e-mail from the agent who manages the home we were renting. He was telling us that the folks who owned the home wanted to move back to Texas and we would have to be out by the end of July.
The need for a little guidance was suddenly more pressing. If we moved locally we'd surely have to sign a lease for another year. We didn't want to wait that long. So, I went to the Temple in Dallas. After the session I sat in the Celestial room and I prayed. I asked Heavenly Father what I should do....nothing. Then I felt prompted to say, "Heavenly Father, I'm going to pack up my family and move back to Tucson, will you please let me know if you'll bless that effort?" Immediately I was overcome with emotion and a certainty that God would bless us if we moved.
When I left the Dallas Temple I began to remember guidance from our scriptures. Doctrine and Covenants 9:7-8 reads, "You must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.” I had not made up my mind. I was asking God to make the decision and I was getting nowhere. So, not only did God answer my prayer, he also deeply rooted the process for making decisions in my mind.
I called NHL and shared my experience with her. We spoke with her parents and made arrangements to move in with them and move back to Tucson. My work asked me to stay on another month to help with the transition and so as of now I'm here and they're there. I miss them very much.
Interestingly enough, a week after we'd made arrangements to move back to Tucson we received a call from the property manager stating that the owners had changed their minds and we could stay. If we had never been pressed to make the decision we would not have made it until I found work there.
I find I'm excited about our return.
But we have three young boys who have grandparents and a big sister in Tucson and after Mom passed it just seemed more important to be where they were. So we began to fast and pray each Sunday. We wanted to understand God's will regarding the move. After a few weeks NHL was there. She believed that God had answered her prayer and that we should move. To me however, it felt that my prayers had gone unanswered.
Month passed. NHL and the boys travelled home for Summer vacation. While they were gone I received an e-mail from the agent who manages the home we were renting. He was telling us that the folks who owned the home wanted to move back to Texas and we would have to be out by the end of July.
The need for a little guidance was suddenly more pressing. If we moved locally we'd surely have to sign a lease for another year. We didn't want to wait that long. So, I went to the Temple in Dallas. After the session I sat in the Celestial room and I prayed. I asked Heavenly Father what I should do....nothing. Then I felt prompted to say, "Heavenly Father, I'm going to pack up my family and move back to Tucson, will you please let me know if you'll bless that effort?" Immediately I was overcome with emotion and a certainty that God would bless us if we moved.
When I left the Dallas Temple I began to remember guidance from our scriptures. Doctrine and Covenants 9:7-8 reads, "You must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.” I had not made up my mind. I was asking God to make the decision and I was getting nowhere. So, not only did God answer my prayer, he also deeply rooted the process for making decisions in my mind.
I called NHL and shared my experience with her. We spoke with her parents and made arrangements to move in with them and move back to Tucson. My work asked me to stay on another month to help with the transition and so as of now I'm here and they're there. I miss them very much.
Interestingly enough, a week after we'd made arrangements to move back to Tucson we received a call from the property manager stating that the owners had changed their minds and we could stay. If we had never been pressed to make the decision we would not have made it until I found work there.
I find I'm excited about our return.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Poetry
I've always loved poetry. This is from DG8s first attempt in second grade. I love what he's done.
The star is a little tough to read, but is beautiful.
The Star: Gleaming. Glowing. Always growing happier in the dark black sky.
Well done DG8. Well done.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Tractors don't go moooo
GM1 is a freak for the movie Cars. He could watch it all day and at times demands to do so. Today he brought a toy tractor to his Mother and said, "Mooo." When the kid thinks tractors mooo he's been watching Cars too much don't you think?
A Piano Recital
Yesterday DG8 had his first piano recital. He played Three Blind Mice and The Library. He was a little stiff at the keyboard and said he was afraid, but I was impressed. At the last minute his teacher informed him he would be doing Three Blind Mice without being able to see the music AND HE DID IT! He slowed in the middle for a minute, but all in all, WOW! I was proud. Good job DG8.
DG8 was shy about bowing and wouldn't bow by himself. When the other kids stood at the end to bow he stood in the back. One day he have to find the courage to bow, but for now the recital is plenty.
DG8 was shy about bowing and wouldn't bow by himself. When the other kids stood at the end to bow he stood in the back. One day he have to find the courage to bow, but for now the recital is plenty.
When will I get taller?
Today WG6 asked Mom, "When will I grow taller?"
That book they're holding has 100 reading lessons in it. WGs Mom acquired the book on the recommendation of a friend and reviewed almost every lesson with him herself and togther they worked to make sure the kid can read.
I think they can both stand a little taller. What a good kid. What a great Mom.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Pinewood Derby #1 The Debut of DG8
Dg8 is our local, neighborhood scout. As an 8 year old he has the opportunity for the next few years to participate in the pinewood derby races with his troop. This year was his first year, and I do mean his. I'm not a fan of father's who put more effort into their son's pinewood derby car than their sons do.
So we bought the kit. He marked the profile of the shape he wanted from his car and I cut it out on the bandsaw. He sanded the car, stained it...yes stained it because he wanted the natural wood to show through, polished the axels while I held the drill and adivsed, determined the placement of the weight, put on the cars number, placed graphite on the wheels and axels and made sure the wheels were square and level.
I advised. I looked up ideas on the internet, bought the weights, showed him how to sand and stain, let him put on the numbers even though I didn't think they were perfect (he did though), taught him how to polish the axels as he did so and I did push on the wheels instead of using a hammer.
It was his first race. As we sat there pre-race he said, "I don't think I'm going to do very good." I said, "Son, you don't plant a seed thinking the things not going to come up. You did your best, let's see what happens." Later he admitted he was doubting himself.
Race 1 Heat 1: 2nd place
Race 2 Heat 1: 1st place
Race 3 Heat 1: 1st place
Race 4 Heat 1: 1st place and advance to the 2nd and final heat
Race 1 Heat 2: 1st place
Race 2 Heat 2: 1st place
Race 3 Heat 2: 2nd place
Race 4 Heat 2: 1st place
Overall Performance: 2nd place out of 37 cars and 3 troops. Not bad for a Doubting Thomas!
We looked up some stuff on the internet, but in retrospect I think it was the profile shape he chose. It may have been serendipitous, but I believe it allowed for the center of gravity to be an inch or so in front of the rear axle. I think the distribution of weight made the car very stable and allowed for a smooth ride. Dg8s car was simple and beautiful. Way to go Dg8.
So we bought the kit. He marked the profile of the shape he wanted from his car and I cut it out on the bandsaw. He sanded the car, stained it...yes stained it because he wanted the natural wood to show through, polished the axels while I held the drill and adivsed, determined the placement of the weight, put on the cars number, placed graphite on the wheels and axels and made sure the wheels were square and level.
I advised. I looked up ideas on the internet, bought the weights, showed him how to sand and stain, let him put on the numbers even though I didn't think they were perfect (he did though), taught him how to polish the axels as he did so and I did push on the wheels instead of using a hammer.
It was his first race. As we sat there pre-race he said, "I don't think I'm going to do very good." I said, "Son, you don't plant a seed thinking the things not going to come up. You did your best, let's see what happens." Later he admitted he was doubting himself.
Race 1 Heat 1: 2nd place
Race 2 Heat 1: 1st place
Race 3 Heat 1: 1st place
Race 4 Heat 1: 1st place and advance to the 2nd and final heat
Race 1 Heat 2: 1st place
Race 2 Heat 2: 1st place
Race 3 Heat 2: 2nd place
Race 4 Heat 2: 1st place
Overall Performance: 2nd place out of 37 cars and 3 troops. Not bad for a Doubting Thomas!
We looked up some stuff on the internet, but in retrospect I think it was the profile shape he chose. It may have been serendipitous, but I believe it allowed for the center of gravity to be an inch or so in front of the rear axle. I think the distribution of weight made the car very stable and allowed for a smooth ride. Dg8s car was simple and beautiful. Way to go Dg8.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Mom
On February 10, 2012 @ 5:55 am Mom passed. Her husband of 21 years was with her, as was her mother and her Aunt Pauline. She had a short bout with Cancer. The doctors called it Adenocarcinoma NOS (not otherwise specified). Dr. D explained the cancer was "wild and fast." Wild because it was spreading everywhere and fast because the tumors/lesions were fast growing.
We visited at Thanksgiving. She was having some pain then between her shoulder blades and hips. A scan identified serious deterioration in C5, C6, and C7 between her shoulder blades. She had torn her meniscus in her left knee and thought the pain in her hip was from compensating for the bum knee. It wasn't from compensating. The cancer was deteriorating the hip closest to the spine she just didn't know that yet. It was a good visit. She and Steve took us and the kids to the Imagination Station and we all had fun. She got to see her GM1 toddling around and generally being very demanding.
On Dec 8th the doc told my Mother that if she were 80 he'd tell her to go home and enjoy the rest of her life, but since she was 61 and healthy it would be worth an attempt at treatment. At first she was very matter of fact about it all. "I'm dying," she said. I think Steve talked her into trying treatment. She did. The chemo was a shot in the dark because they couldn't type the cancer, they couldn't determine the origin. As such, they weren't sure which chemo cocktail might be effective.
She lost her hair and the pain meds put her down for much of the time. In the end, not only did the cancer spread, but the existing tumors grew. It was only a matter of time then.
The Monday before I arrived she felt a great presssure in her chest. It scared her. She asked her husband to get her Mother and Sister next door. She told Steve to call the kids. She went to the hospital to stay.
In the beginning there was talk of getting her home, but her pain management required close attention and pills were not an option. I arrived late Tuesday and showed up at the hospital on Wednesday morning about 10:30. When she saw me she said, "My son." The only time I saw her cry was very shortly after that. It seemed a cry of sorrow. It was very brief and it was with Steve very close. She was strong about her prognosis.
That day over 30 people came to visit her in the hospital. Though she kept saying they had just given her meds and she was probably going to sleep she only dozed about 40 minutes between my arrival that morning and 5:30 that night. She was funny and consoling. She comforted as much as she was comforted. Grandma said, "She needed that." I agree. It was good for her. What we learned though was that she wasn't pushing her pain pump so she would be awake for her company. It took some time after that to get her pain back under control. Dr. D chided her the next day and asked that she pare back the company so she could rest. That Wednesday was her best day.
We visited at Thanksgiving. She was having some pain then between her shoulder blades and hips. A scan identified serious deterioration in C5, C6, and C7 between her shoulder blades. She had torn her meniscus in her left knee and thought the pain in her hip was from compensating for the bum knee. It wasn't from compensating. The cancer was deteriorating the hip closest to the spine she just didn't know that yet. It was a good visit. She and Steve took us and the kids to the Imagination Station and we all had fun. She got to see her GM1 toddling around and generally being very demanding.
On Dec 8th the doc told my Mother that if she were 80 he'd tell her to go home and enjoy the rest of her life, but since she was 61 and healthy it would be worth an attempt at treatment. At first she was very matter of fact about it all. "I'm dying," she said. I think Steve talked her into trying treatment. She did. The chemo was a shot in the dark because they couldn't type the cancer, they couldn't determine the origin. As such, they weren't sure which chemo cocktail might be effective.
She lost her hair and the pain meds put her down for much of the time. In the end, not only did the cancer spread, but the existing tumors grew. It was only a matter of time then.
The Monday before I arrived she felt a great presssure in her chest. It scared her. She asked her husband to get her Mother and Sister next door. She told Steve to call the kids. She went to the hospital to stay.
In the beginning there was talk of getting her home, but her pain management required close attention and pills were not an option. I arrived late Tuesday and showed up at the hospital on Wednesday morning about 10:30. When she saw me she said, "My son." The only time I saw her cry was very shortly after that. It seemed a cry of sorrow. It was very brief and it was with Steve very close. She was strong about her prognosis.
That day over 30 people came to visit her in the hospital. Though she kept saying they had just given her meds and she was probably going to sleep she only dozed about 40 minutes between my arrival that morning and 5:30 that night. She was funny and consoling. She comforted as much as she was comforted. Grandma said, "She needed that." I agree. It was good for her. What we learned though was that she wasn't pushing her pain pump so she would be awake for her company. It took some time after that to get her pain back under control. Dr. D chided her the next day and asked that she pare back the company so she could rest. That Wednesday was her best day.
A big number
Today WG6 went to his first soccer practice. At practice he got his jersey, a sporty bright green thing with the number 34 on the back. When WG6 saw the number he exclaimed, "How many people are on my team?"
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Words fill my soul
This morning I left the house around 7:15. School is out and everyone was still asleep when I quietly shut the front door. It was cold outside. Ice on the windshield. I crawled into the Suburban, turned the ignition and the wipers on. I waited for the ice to melt. As the wipers brushed away the bottom part of the ice I noticed WG6 at the top of the driveway waving to me.
I waved back and then motioned for him to get in the vehicle with me. When he climbed up I wrapped my arms around him and held him close. "What in the heck are you doing waving at me, outside and in your underwear pal?" "I was waving because I love you so much."
It's these moments I hold close when the world crowds in. I am grateful to live, to love and to be loved. I am grateful.
I waved back and then motioned for him to get in the vehicle with me. When he climbed up I wrapped my arms around him and held him close. "What in the heck are you doing waving at me, outside and in your underwear pal?" "I was waving because I love you so much."
It's these moments I hold close when the world crowds in. I am grateful to live, to love and to be loved. I am grateful.
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| GM1, Me, and WG6 picking out a tree: Christmas 2011 |
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