Category Archives: My People

Making a Difference, Walk The Talk

My Words Never Cease

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I’d like to dedicate this post to my friend Charles.

It’s been a little while since I took some time to get out of myself. The other week I stepped out of my usual self-absorbed role to wear the hat of a missionary again. Our ward mission leader had asked for several ward members to go to the Missionary Training Center to spend some time in the referral center. This is where those who see or hear one of the Church’s ads can call in and request a free Bible, Book of Mormon or church video.

I opted that evening to help with the Mormon.org chat feature and was lucky enough to get a 26 old man from FL. He was kind in his questioning and I talked with him the entire hour that I was there. I appeared to answer his questions to his satisfaction as he would say “I believe that too” after I answered.

As Charles and I chatted with one another this talk by Elder Holland came to my mind. We talked about prophets and the necessity of revelation in our day. I felt a strong spirit of goodness as I testified to him that I know that God loves us as much as his children in any age of time.

Elder Holland speaks powerfully about the misconceptions behind LDS not being Christian. A definite MUST watch for anyone looking to get to the bottom of this topic.

I believe that God speaks to us and that he wants to speak to anyone willing to seek him out. Truly the invitation, “Seek and ye shall find” is real. This is how I will Walk the Talk…I will show that I know my Father’s words never cease by recommitting to study them daily. I often come to this point and I’ll keep doing it until it becomes part of my daily habit and until I crave the word of the Lord and it is part of me in every way.

Faith, Family, Gratitude, Relationships

My Mother

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My mother in so many ways has done so much for me that I feel I stand in a very similar position to that detailed by the ancient and wise King Benjamin. The righteous king told his people that their Father in Heaven not only had provided them with all they had, but that he continues to bless them each time they show, through obedience, their gratitude. Because of this none can ever expect to repay him.

I owe so much to my mother that no amount of honor I bring her, no dollar value, no amount of words can adequately express how much she’s done to bless my life.

Though this is the case, I want to note several ways in which my mother has consistently blessed my life. Her example in each of the following areas has meant more to me than I can adequately express.

Faith – My mother has stepped into the darkness with the hope that the way would be lit for her. She was a convert to the Church at age 26 and has continued on to receive her temple endowments, serve faithfully in her callings and open the way for many of her ancestors to receive the blessings & ordinances of the gospel. She’s helped build my foundation of faith.

Hope – My mother reminds me often that Christ has power to overcome all fears, doubts and challenges that face me. She reminds me that there are many people praying for my success in life. She remains firm in the hope that she will one day receive the greatest blessings that can be afforded the faithful in this life. Her hope has been a strength to me.

Charity – My mother gives of her time to lift others. Preparing meals for those in need, making holiday treats to let neighbors know that she is thinking of them and taking the time to visit the sick and afflicted are living memories that I have of my mother. The noblest action is for one to care for another who cannot care for themselves. This is my mother.

Love – My mother makes a point to remember important things in my life and ask me about them. She has always encouraged me throughout my life, whether it be in dating, school or in sports…and believe me, I needed a LOT 🙂 . Her oft expressed words, “I love you” hold weight because I see that they are accompanied by thoughtful actions, words of encouragement and meaningful attention. I am lifted by my mother’s love.

This is my mother. She means so much to me and in the shadow of her greatness I seek only to do what is good and right and true.

Thanks Ma! I love you!

Your Eldest and Only Son,

Ryan

Family, Walk The Talk

Restoring Faith in the Family

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Elder Kenneth Johnson
Of the Seventy

“Stable families provide the fabric that holds society together, benefiting all mankind, even those who may feel they live in less-favorable circumstances.”

There have been a handful or two times in this life where I have felt so overwhelmed with the Spirit of God that both His existence and the truth of the moment were undeniable. I consider those times my “tender mercies” from a loving Father. Most of those treasured moments have been experienced when I have been taught truth about the importance of the family. They are precious and special to me.

“Although spiritual truths may appear less tangible, to the humble heart their impact is undeniable.”

I have also had many moments of quiet peace in which I realize small and simple truths that help support the deeply personal moments I mention above. I cherish those moments as well and feel the Lord teaching me line upon line and precept on precept. Each time I am quiet enough and ready to hear these soft impressions I have a calm sense of gratitide because I know that my Father in Heaven loves me, is mindful of me and delights in teaching me things of eternal significance.

The things of eternity can only be taught by the Spirit. When we learn things that way, we have eternal truths imprinted on our souls, never to be forgotten. Elder Kenneth Johnson of the Seventy spoke humbly and gratefully about gaining “an appreciation for the core values that are necessary for the development of a sound character.” I’m sure in his home atmosphere of love these qualities are some of his most valuable possessions:

Loyalty, dependability, integrity, selfless service, honor, respect for the daughters of God, provident living, dignity of work, ability to make important decisions, accountability, consideration for others, and encouragement to pursue educational opportunities.

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Faith, Relationships, Self Discovery

Insight on Parenting for a Single Uncle

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When I was down in St. George for Christmas I had the chance to tend my nephew and neice. I learned that I’m not as patient as I’d like to be. I came home the next night and this talk was on T.V. It was amazingly insightful. It helped me see the kids the way they were, and not through my eyes of impatience. Incredible. I’m very grateful for the insight.

The Art of Parenting Teens and Other Miracles
Speaker: John Lund
Event: Family Expo 2000
Date Given: April 3, 2000

http://byubroadcasting.org/familyexpo/2000/asx/lund.asx