Today is the last day of 2011 and the beginning of 2012 tomorrow. It is a time of reflection. Where have I been? What have I done? Is my path leading me toward where I want to go? Am I making progress toward my goals and dreams? And most importantly, is Father pleased with my progress?
I review Elder Hollands statement and question if I am taking "every opportunity" as he counsels. I am more than half way toward my goal of serving with Bonnie. At least I am more than half way using the calendar. Am I half way there in taking every opportunity to prepare for our mission using the calendar. Am I half way in preparation?
We just finished the Book of Mormon and I am excited to begin anew, "I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents..." Bonnie suggested in the next six months rather just read the Book of Mormon again, we should add reading and studying together "Preach My Gospel." Since most things are in storage, we will have to do some searches, but that too is a great new goal to work on this next 161 days. (The goal to find it and the goal to read it...)
Are we learning, growing, and progressing toward a mission call? What more can we do? What more can I do? What new goals should I adopt for the next five months?
I can work on having the Holy Ghost more in my life, feeling that sweet Spirit directing me daily. I can exercise more faith in Father in being aware of what is going on in my life and watching over me. I can study the Atonement in diligence to understand it better. I can be more of an example of Faith, Hope, and Charity, showing forth compassion to all, even strangers. Most importantly, I can be more true to who I am in words, actions, and in thoughts.
Taking a few moments during these few days as we enter a new year is a great idea. Take a few moments and evaluate whether my Father is pleased with me or is wishing I would be more diligent in convenants, commandments, and going the extra mile in many aspects of life.
Who am I? Where am I? And what am I? Elder Holland there are still mountains to climb and visions to see and dreams to dream. Time to get moving at a faster pace, for the time is rapidly moving along toward our mission. It will be here before long and I will be shocked how fast we arrived at June 9.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
DAY 162 -- My Mother ..... and Mother
Mom died three days after that ugly 9-11 event ten years ago. For a time before she died, after serving in the Timp Temple in the Baptistery, I went up to Sandy and had lunch with her every Thursday. We created wonderful memories, remembering growing up years, remembering dad, and many things. Now those special days are only memories for me. She was a wonderful mother and taught me most of what I know. She was definitely a great influence in my life.
Fathers teach often by saying nothing, but mothers are most often with us through our learning, formative years. Thank goodness for mothers. I remember one time when I was 18 years old, preparing for a mission. I had a girl I was fond of and she was sitting next to me in sacrament meeting. I held her hand and we did as young kids do.
Mother had a "concerned meeting" with me late that night. She said she was concerned because of my actions toward this girl. She was concerned that I would never serve a mission. Needless to say I was crushed. I worried, and because of my feelings toward my mother, I was really considering never seeing her, no not my mother, the girl, again. The next day, I went to talk to my father. I told him the whole scenario and told him I thought mother was over reacting. After I was done telling him everything, I looked into his eyes, and he looked into mine and said nothing, just smiled. It relieved the pressure, the worry, and the concern I had and I realized that all was well. He taught me a boatload of things without saying anything. (Now there were countless other times when he did not lack for words in his teaching.)
Getting back to mother. In "O My Father" the famous hymn that I have not sung for a million or so seconds, it proposes that we do have a Mother in Heaven. Knowing the feelings I have for my earthly mother and she has for me, I multiply that by a gazillion and try to imagine my Mother in Heaven. When I ponder about Her, I feel peace, comfort, and know there is a Mother who loves me and knows me as much as my Father in Heaven. I try to imagine what She looks like, Her compassion, and the relationship we once had, and we will have again, and I feel a loss, a desire to be caressed by Her once again. In fact as I think about Her, and what She must be, I get tears in my eyes. She must be all things pure, beautiful and loving. I miss her. A few times when I have been pondering about my Mother in Heaven, I have felt a thinning of the veil separating us. She is there, aware of me, supporting me, and loving me. I would assume it is hard for Her in this temporary separation, also.
I miss my Mother, and my mother, both of them. I love them both. Because of my age, I know I am closer to seeing them again than the many years since leaving Mother in Heaven. That gives some comfort, but not much. I know She is not far away from Her children, that includes me.
Fathers teach often by saying nothing, but mothers are most often with us through our learning, formative years. Thank goodness for mothers. I remember one time when I was 18 years old, preparing for a mission. I had a girl I was fond of and she was sitting next to me in sacrament meeting. I held her hand and we did as young kids do.
Mother had a "concerned meeting" with me late that night. She said she was concerned because of my actions toward this girl. She was concerned that I would never serve a mission. Needless to say I was crushed. I worried, and because of my feelings toward my mother, I was really considering never seeing her, no not my mother, the girl, again. The next day, I went to talk to my father. I told him the whole scenario and told him I thought mother was over reacting. After I was done telling him everything, I looked into his eyes, and he looked into mine and said nothing, just smiled. It relieved the pressure, the worry, and the concern I had and I realized that all was well. He taught me a boatload of things without saying anything. (Now there were countless other times when he did not lack for words in his teaching.)
Getting back to mother. In "O My Father" the famous hymn that I have not sung for a million or so seconds, it proposes that we do have a Mother in Heaven. Knowing the feelings I have for my earthly mother and she has for me, I multiply that by a gazillion and try to imagine my Mother in Heaven. When I ponder about Her, I feel peace, comfort, and know there is a Mother who loves me and knows me as much as my Father in Heaven. I try to imagine what She looks like, Her compassion, and the relationship we once had, and we will have again, and I feel a loss, a desire to be caressed by Her once again. In fact as I think about Her, and what She must be, I get tears in my eyes. She must be all things pure, beautiful and loving. I miss her. A few times when I have been pondering about my Mother in Heaven, I have felt a thinning of the veil separating us. She is there, aware of me, supporting me, and loving me. I would assume it is hard for Her in this temporary separation, also.
I miss my Mother, and my mother, both of them. I love them both. Because of my age, I know I am closer to seeing them again than the many years since leaving Mother in Heaven. That gives some comfort, but not much. I know She is not far away from Her children, that includes me.
DAY 163 -- Father Knows Best
I miss my father. He died in 1999 of cancer. But I also miss my Father in Heaven. My fathers gave me life. They both were influential in who I am, my name, my personality, my dreams and visions.
My earthly father will end up being my brother after this life. I owe so much to him for the training, the upbringing, the teaching, the setting a good example, the insights into the gospel and so many other things. So many people ask me if I am his son. I am proud to say yes I am.
I miss my Eternal Father also. I don't "remember" His tender nurturing and understanding, but I can feel His interest in my life and what I do. I know He is the author of paths I trod, and the lessons I am learning. I know He has so many blessings in store for me one day. I know He is on my side through thick and thin.
Knowing that He is aware of and interested in me and what is happening to me, gives me great comfort. I know there are reasons for all things that happen.
One day not long ago, I was getting ready to go to work, and some unforeseen happenings happened. I don't even remember what they were, but they delayed me from leaving for work. Of course since I am a "be on time" freak, I was disturbed. I pride myself in being on time.
Then I "felt" a message from my Eternal Father. (He uses the Holy Ghost, whispers to my mind, and even ideas that pop into my musty, cluttered mind of mine.) This message hit me hard and there was no chance to misinterpret the message. It said in essence, "Quit being so disturbed and out of sorts. Things happen for a reason. You are being delayed going to work because I want you delayed. You may not ever find out the reason, but there are reasons, so buck up and quit worrying about YOUR timing." (No the Spirit didn't say that exactly, it wouldn't say BUCK UP, but that was the message, I promise.)
I went to work and never did know why. But I knew that there were reasons why I was delayed that day. So if I can remember this lesson, there are reasons behind even the smallest things. Neal Maxwell often preached that if we knew how involved He is in our lives, we would be totally surprised. ...Even when small insignificant things happen...
Father knows best. I must always remember that things happen for a reason. In 2 Nephi 2:24, "...all things have been done in the wisdom of Him who knoweth all things." ...even me getting to work late one day.
My earthly father will end up being my brother after this life. I owe so much to him for the training, the upbringing, the teaching, the setting a good example, the insights into the gospel and so many other things. So many people ask me if I am his son. I am proud to say yes I am.
I miss my Eternal Father also. I don't "remember" His tender nurturing and understanding, but I can feel His interest in my life and what I do. I know He is the author of paths I trod, and the lessons I am learning. I know He has so many blessings in store for me one day. I know He is on my side through thick and thin.
Knowing that He is aware of and interested in me and what is happening to me, gives me great comfort. I know there are reasons for all things that happen.
One day not long ago, I was getting ready to go to work, and some unforeseen happenings happened. I don't even remember what they were, but they delayed me from leaving for work. Of course since I am a "be on time" freak, I was disturbed. I pride myself in being on time.
Then I "felt" a message from my Eternal Father. (He uses the Holy Ghost, whispers to my mind, and even ideas that pop into my musty, cluttered mind of mine.) This message hit me hard and there was no chance to misinterpret the message. It said in essence, "Quit being so disturbed and out of sorts. Things happen for a reason. You are being delayed going to work because I want you delayed. You may not ever find out the reason, but there are reasons, so buck up and quit worrying about YOUR timing." (No the Spirit didn't say that exactly, it wouldn't say BUCK UP, but that was the message, I promise.)
I went to work and never did know why. But I knew that there were reasons why I was delayed that day. So if I can remember this lesson, there are reasons behind even the smallest things. Neal Maxwell often preached that if we knew how involved He is in our lives, we would be totally surprised. ...Even when small insignificant things happen...
Father knows best. I must always remember that things happen for a reason. In 2 Nephi 2:24, "...all things have been done in the wisdom of Him who knoweth all things." ...even me getting to work late one day.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
DAY 164 -- New Beginnings
New Years Day, Eve, Celebration, all these things give me pause this morning. On the one hand it is a time to start new. On the other hand it is a time to renew goals and dreams. It is a time to pause and evaluate where we are and question if we want to be where we are, and if there needs to be changes made. Or it could be a time to rededicate our life to a past goal or dream. It is a time of new beginnings.
In my case, it is a case of all of the above. In a few days we will start the year 2012. It is the year when the world is supposed to end. I heard that it was prophesied by one who was correct in other predictions. So I guess we should all get our lives in order since the world will end, at least as we know it. When Christ comes, the wicked will be burned and this world will go through a big change. I guess that is what this prognosticator "guessed." The scriptures say that no one knows the day, the hour of His coming. I guess we will wait and see, in December, right?
Back to beginnings.... There are a few goals I have set that I need to be more diligent in working towards. There are a few goals that I need to lengthen my stride towards. There are a few others that will need to be modified. There are even new ones I am setting today that I need to work on. I am sure there will come newer ones as we get into 2012.
For me, it is a good time to look at where I am, where I should be, and review my progress toward the master goal of serving a mission in about five months. It is a time to analyze those goals I have set and evaluate the progress toward them, or lack of progress toward them. It is a time of reflection, of pausing, of pondering, and of evaluating my destination of each goal.
So, often rather than be a new beginning, it should be a time of assessment and evaluation. January 2012. I will spend the next few days before the year change to evaluate my path and make changes where I need to. I plead for the Holy Ghost to be with me as I do so, so I can do according to the wants and purposes of Father.
In my case, it is a case of all of the above. In a few days we will start the year 2012. It is the year when the world is supposed to end. I heard that it was prophesied by one who was correct in other predictions. So I guess we should all get our lives in order since the world will end, at least as we know it. When Christ comes, the wicked will be burned and this world will go through a big change. I guess that is what this prognosticator "guessed." The scriptures say that no one knows the day, the hour of His coming. I guess we will wait and see, in December, right?
Back to beginnings.... There are a few goals I have set that I need to be more diligent in working towards. There are a few goals that I need to lengthen my stride towards. There are a few others that will need to be modified. There are even new ones I am setting today that I need to work on. I am sure there will come newer ones as we get into 2012.
For me, it is a good time to look at where I am, where I should be, and review my progress toward the master goal of serving a mission in about five months. It is a time to analyze those goals I have set and evaluate the progress toward them, or lack of progress toward them. It is a time of reflection, of pausing, of pondering, and of evaluating my destination of each goal.
So, often rather than be a new beginning, it should be a time of assessment and evaluation. January 2012. I will spend the next few days before the year change to evaluate my path and make changes where I need to. I plead for the Holy Ghost to be with me as I do so, so I can do according to the wants and purposes of Father.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
DAY 165 -- Mercy of Christ
Christ is on my mind these days. I guess that is because we just spend about four months singing Christmas music, we just had a beautiful program right after we partook of the sacrament, we watched a few Christmas programs on the video, we just tried to show our love for so many with small tokens of our love through gifts, and we are reading the Book of Mormon, finishing it again on December 31 to start again.
Christ is dwelling in my mind. It is hard to fathom how much He must love each one of us as we remember His birth, and also covenant to remember Him as we remember the atonement. When I start to think of my mis-deeds, the weakness of my soul, and as Nephi said, "Oh wretched man that I am, .... the sins that do so easily beset me.." I can't help but feel gratitude in my heart, but pained to know that I caused Him pain due to my weaknesses.
Without His mercy, His love, and His understanding of each of us, we would all be doomed. None of us would return to our Father again. Hope would be totally gone. Oh how grateful I am for His all knowing and acceptance of us in all phases of our life.
I am so grateful for the scriptures in Alma 41 where it promises that we will be judged upon the desires of our heart. He knows my heart. He knows yours, and every one's. He can't ignore painful mistakes, but He continues to love us and support us. How wonderful it is to each of us.
This directly ties in with our mission because we will be helping teach this concept to strangers. I am so excited about going on a mission in about FIVE months. All proceeds as planned, but I must do many things to be ready.
Christ is dwelling in my mind. It is hard to fathom how much He must love each one of us as we remember His birth, and also covenant to remember Him as we remember the atonement. When I start to think of my mis-deeds, the weakness of my soul, and as Nephi said, "Oh wretched man that I am, .... the sins that do so easily beset me.." I can't help but feel gratitude in my heart, but pained to know that I caused Him pain due to my weaknesses.
Without His mercy, His love, and His understanding of each of us, we would all be doomed. None of us would return to our Father again. Hope would be totally gone. Oh how grateful I am for His all knowing and acceptance of us in all phases of our life.
I am so grateful for the scriptures in Alma 41 where it promises that we will be judged upon the desires of our heart. He knows my heart. He knows yours, and every one's. He can't ignore painful mistakes, but He continues to love us and support us. How wonderful it is to each of us.
This directly ties in with our mission because we will be helping teach this concept to strangers. I am so excited about going on a mission in about FIVE months. All proceeds as planned, but I must do many things to be ready.
Monday, December 26, 2011
DAY 166 -- Merry Christmas
Well, it is over for another year. But what a beautiful celebration, gathering around beloved ones, sharing the sacrament and music with those in our ward family, gaining about 50 pounds, and eating pumpkin pie. I long for my mother's fruit cake. There are so many jokes about fruitcakes that I hesitate to go there, but I loved her fruit cake. She has been gone for about 10 years and thus my longing will continue.
I didn't remember, but could have remembered that time when many of us sang at Christ's birth. One of the most important days in the history of this world, His birth, I am sure we were there and many singing. . I am sure most of us were there singing praises to Christ in His birth, because that birth touches the lives of every mortal who has ever lived on this earth, or will. I am just as sure we were there as I am sure we will all be either singing or doing something when He comes for His second advent on earth. That event will be another of the greatest events involving this earth.
There is so much beautiful, inspiring, uplifting music now, I wonder if there is more beautiful music being created even now for that glorious Second Coming. I know the Church is doing many things these days and these years in preparation for the Second Coming. I wonder about the music. (Bonnie and I have been involved in singing and praising Christ this whole month of December, thus music is on my mind.)
Today is the second largest shopping day of the year. I wonder if people will continue in the Christmas Spirit during their battles, their fighting with others, their fighting for parking spots, as they hurry and hustle and bustle in this continued season of "getting." Bonnie and I sang one song with a phrase, "Keep the light of Christmas shining in you." It was a wonderful one. But it is also a challenge when others don't seem to remember the reason for the season we just went through.
Decorated trees are still sitting in the room, lights are still on the house, gifts are still being broken and not fitting and even not wanted, batteries are being purchased, etc. Leftovers are sitting in the refrigerator screaming, "Eat Me." Sweets are also fighting for the attention that so many other things are getting, like the nut bowl, the turkey, ham, and hot dogs.
I loved the season. I felt a bit melancholy since we shall be somewhere else next Christmas if all goes as planned. The memories we created through the last little while will have to suffice as we create other memories with those who are strangers to us now. But we are so excited, days drawing closer, and excitement hard to contain. Merry Christmas
I didn't remember, but could have remembered that time when many of us sang at Christ's birth. One of the most important days in the history of this world, His birth, I am sure we were there and many singing. . I am sure most of us were there singing praises to Christ in His birth, because that birth touches the lives of every mortal who has ever lived on this earth, or will. I am just as sure we were there as I am sure we will all be either singing or doing something when He comes for His second advent on earth. That event will be another of the greatest events involving this earth.
There is so much beautiful, inspiring, uplifting music now, I wonder if there is more beautiful music being created even now for that glorious Second Coming. I know the Church is doing many things these days and these years in preparation for the Second Coming. I wonder about the music. (Bonnie and I have been involved in singing and praising Christ this whole month of December, thus music is on my mind.)
Today is the second largest shopping day of the year. I wonder if people will continue in the Christmas Spirit during their battles, their fighting with others, their fighting for parking spots, as they hurry and hustle and bustle in this continued season of "getting." Bonnie and I sang one song with a phrase, "Keep the light of Christmas shining in you." It was a wonderful one. But it is also a challenge when others don't seem to remember the reason for the season we just went through.
Decorated trees are still sitting in the room, lights are still on the house, gifts are still being broken and not fitting and even not wanted, batteries are being purchased, etc. Leftovers are sitting in the refrigerator screaming, "Eat Me." Sweets are also fighting for the attention that so many other things are getting, like the nut bowl, the turkey, ham, and hot dogs.
I loved the season. I felt a bit melancholy since we shall be somewhere else next Christmas if all goes as planned. The memories we created through the last little while will have to suffice as we create other memories with those who are strangers to us now. But we are so excited, days drawing closer, and excitement hard to contain. Merry Christmas
Saturday, December 24, 2011
DAY 168 -- Continuing
It seems like Christmas is carrying on this year for many days. With it being on Sunday, it is a super day to dedicate to the reason for the Season, even Jesus Christ. Many started partying on Thursday, continued last night, will continue tonight and even then tomorrow. It is a four day Christmas. Wonderful.
I would assume those who enjoy drinking the beverage that lets one forget who they are, where they are , and what they are.... would thoroughly enjoy this four day celebration. Whether you drink or not it is a time to totally celebrate with beloved ones.
We continue today celebrating. Last night Bon and I were privileged to sing in the Assembly Hall on Temple Square. What a joy, to a packed house. The sound were ringing through the rafters and beyond. With a hundred voice choir, it was a joy. I still have those hymns going through my mind. No, not the hymns we sing weekly, but hymns to Him that we sang.
I feel so blessed to consider my family, extended, but also my immediate family. Yesterday we heard of two more grand children that are in the oven, but we must wait a few months, like six or seven to see them brought forth. Whether they wrap them in swaddling clothes we will have to wait and see. I mean if they are born in July, it will be sort of warm and no need, right?
Don't know if I will continue on this blog tomorrow, on Christmas Day or not, but if not, please be aware that I wish you, whoever you are, readers of this word, the greatest of Christmases. Whether or not you realize that or not is totally dependant upon you, how you celebrate, what extra miles you go, how you treat the season, and others. I know it means me too, and I have much to do to make this a great season.
There are always problems present when we pause to celebrate or commemorate a certain event, but the challenge is ridding ourselves of constant thinking of our trials and think of our blessings and the reason of this season. If we do, always remembering Him, then this should be a great Holiday Season.
I love my Savior. I am nothing without Him. There would be no goals, no mission, no life without Him. There would be no Hope for tomorrow. They would be no reason to carry on, carry on, carry on. Mostly on this Christmas Eve Day, I would like Jesus Christ to know that William N Partridge loves Him and appreciates all the blessings flowing into my life because of His life, that would also include birth, death and resurrection. Merry Christmas!! You make it a good one, for the Spirit is always there to compliment it.
I would assume those who enjoy drinking the beverage that lets one forget who they are, where they are , and what they are.... would thoroughly enjoy this four day celebration. Whether you drink or not it is a time to totally celebrate with beloved ones.
We continue today celebrating. Last night Bon and I were privileged to sing in the Assembly Hall on Temple Square. What a joy, to a packed house. The sound were ringing through the rafters and beyond. With a hundred voice choir, it was a joy. I still have those hymns going through my mind. No, not the hymns we sing weekly, but hymns to Him that we sang.
I feel so blessed to consider my family, extended, but also my immediate family. Yesterday we heard of two more grand children that are in the oven, but we must wait a few months, like six or seven to see them brought forth. Whether they wrap them in swaddling clothes we will have to wait and see. I mean if they are born in July, it will be sort of warm and no need, right?
Don't know if I will continue on this blog tomorrow, on Christmas Day or not, but if not, please be aware that I wish you, whoever you are, readers of this word, the greatest of Christmases. Whether or not you realize that or not is totally dependant upon you, how you celebrate, what extra miles you go, how you treat the season, and others. I know it means me too, and I have much to do to make this a great season.
There are always problems present when we pause to celebrate or commemorate a certain event, but the challenge is ridding ourselves of constant thinking of our trials and think of our blessings and the reason of this season. If we do, always remembering Him, then this should be a great Holiday Season.
I love my Savior. I am nothing without Him. There would be no goals, no mission, no life without Him. There would be no Hope for tomorrow. They would be no reason to carry on, carry on, carry on. Mostly on this Christmas Eve Day, I would like Jesus Christ to know that William N Partridge loves Him and appreciates all the blessings flowing into my life because of His life, that would also include birth, death and resurrection. Merry Christmas!! You make it a good one, for the Spirit is always there to compliment it.
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