On December 21, 2011 my dear mother passed away. She was truly the most Christ like person I ever knew. She was kind and loving and never said an unkind thing about anyone. She always saw the good in every person and in every situation. She will be missed by all. Thank you to all who expressed their condolences and sympathies. I truly felt the influence of your prayers.
I would like to write today on a really wonderful experience that happened the day of her passing. It shows how much our Savior and our Heavenly Father really loves us, and it shows how we can receive some of the greatest blessings of our lives if we give ourselves the time and space to listen to the whisperings of the Spirit.
The night before my mother’s passing, the entire family, siblings and spouses, met at her bedside. The kind people at hospice had told us that the time was very near. The hospice nurse explained to us everything that was happening in her body, and what we could expect during the next few hours until her death. She hadn’t had anything to eat or drink for several days and her face was very frail and thin. Her heart was racing at about 130 beats a minute and she was very warm. Her body was simply shutting down. She was not conscious.
As we gathered together, there was a strong unity between all of us. There were no hard feelings. We were able to whisper things to our mother and tell her good bye. We had a family prayer. Then most of us left. I never expected to see my mother alive again.
The following morning was Wednesday, the day I go to the temple, and I awoke at my normal 4:15 in order to read my scriptures and say my prayers before going to the temple. I thought in my heart that there wasn’t a better place for me to be at my mother’s passing than at the temple. My prayers that morning were particularly earnest and my emotions were near the surface. I had expected a call or text overnight telling me of her passing but had received neither.
As I finished my prayers, and passed through the kitchen to go take a shower, I glanced at a picture of the Savior that hangs in that room. Without much thought I paused on the picture for a moment and said under my breath “please hold her hand today.” As I turned to walk away I felt the sweet promptings of the Spirit say to me “no Scott, you should hold it yourself.” I was a little taken back by the prompting. As I hopped in the shower I continued to ask the Lord if going to be with my mother, or going to the temple where I could pray in peace for my mother was more important. I had the distinct feeling I needed to go to my mother’s side. I dressed quickly and arrived at her side about 5:45 am.
When I arrived at my mother’s home (assisted living), my sister Carolyn was standing at my mother’s door. When I asked her what was wrong, she said that a couple of nurses ad just run by and entered another room. We soon learned that our sweet friend Arva had just passed away.
Arva was another angel. She was only 81 years old and in relatively good health. She had been in a car accident and had a serious brain injury that left her nearly unable to speak. She had, however, a huge heart and treated us, and especially our mother, with great love and respect. In her very labored speech, she always asked about our mother and expressed her concern. Everyone was shocked that she had passed and we were all saddened. I honestly feel however that she passed to help my mother make this important transition.
When entering my mother’s room, I found her nearly in the same state as the previous night. Julie, Carolyn and Lance had spent the night. Lance left just prior to my arrival. I sat next to my sweet mother and held her hand. I kissed her and whispered in her ear how much I loved her and how it was okay to go. There was no response but I know she could hear me.
At about 7 am, Carolyn expressed that she didn’t think that mom would leave while she (Carolyn) was there. She knew how upset Carolyn would be. Carolyn decided to leave.
Within a few minutes my brother Steve arrived. He too had had an impression to come. Over the past few months he had been very sweet and tender with my mother and had really taken care of her.
Soon after Steve came Susan. She was very kind and wonderful. Now it was just the four of us. We each took time holding mom’s hand and talking to her. We talked about the passing of our dad and our various experiences with that occasion. I was living in Maryland when my dad passed and despite my best efforts, was not able to make it before he passed. I was always disappointed I wasn’t there.
About 7:35 my mother threw up. All that came out was the mucus in her throat. As Steve turned to wipe it up she seemed to roll on her back a little and relax. Her breathing changed; she was taking a breath only every 10 or 15 seconds. We all jumped to her side. Susan indicated that this was probably it. We pulled the bed away from the wall so we could stand on both sides and we each held her hand or arm and wept. She took only 10 to 15 of these deep breaths- exhaled a final time- and slipped into eternity.
I will never really be able to express the peace that was in that room. There was a deep love and bond between those of us that were there that morning. It was among the most spiritual events of my life. I was so happy I was there.
I am certain that I could have gone to the temple that morning and had a wonderful experience. Instead, I had a once in a lifetime sacred experience. I am so grateful for a Savior that cares enough about me to whisper a small prompting to choose between two good things. I love Him and honor His Holy Name.
Showing posts with label Savior. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Savior. Show all posts
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Thursday, December 31, 2009
The Year's End
My post today is a little more like a journal entry than my typical post. I guess it is the Christmas season, or another year winding up, but my heart has been pretty full and I feel so blessed. I hope to be able to share some thoughts intelligently.
Over the past 10 days or so, I have been greatly influenced by three books. They are “Beloved Enos” by Denver Snuffer, “The Hidden Christ” by James Ferrell, and “The Beloved Bridegroom” by Donna Nielsen.
Donna Nielsen is a wonderful woman that lives here locally in Salt Lake City. She has built a name for herself as an expert in ancient Jewish culture. She has been a speaker at Education Week and also has a couple of talks on CD. On one of these CD’s she told a story that I could really relate to.
When I was a child and went to the doctor’s office, one of my favorite things to do was to look at Highlights magazine. My favorite part of Highlights was a drawing that at first glace was simply some kind of landscape drawing. Upon greater inspection, however, it became apparent that there were “hidden items” in the picture. These were items like a comb, or a teacup, or a pencil. It was fun to find all of them. Donna Nielsen’s point is that the gospel similarly has many hidden symbols that are not apparent until close inspection.
During the course of 2009, I have been blessed in so many ways… certainly in more ways than I deserve. I have learned so much about the gospel. It seems I have learned more about the Savior in the last year than I have through my entire life. I have learned more about sacred symbols than at any other time. I have learned these from personal revelation or from reading the books of great men and women like those listed above. Many times it has been a combination of the two.
Denver Snuffer, an author most of you have never heard of, has taught me that it truly is possible to have a personal witness of the Savior Jesus Christ in this life. He taught me that the books of first and second Nephi do indeed contain the fullness of the gospel. I attend the Temple differently and much more frequently since reading his first book “The Second Comforter”. His book “Beloved Enos” takes the single chapter of the book of Enos and teaches a profound lesson about symbols and personal revelation.
I’ve learned from James Ferrell’s “The Hidden Christ” that Christ can be found throughout the entire Old Testament. I have always heard this to be true but I guess I am too dense to see the parallels myself. When someone else shows them to me, they seem so obvious.
From Donna Nielsen I have learned that Christ’s parables make much more sense if you understand the context in which they are written. To understand the parable of The Wedding Feast, and of the Ten Virgins it is important to know about Jewish culture of the day. Nielsen writes “An knowledge of the Biblical marriage imagery can greatly enrich our understanding of how God relates to us through covenants. Biblical covenant marriage imagery encompasses principles as diverse as Sabbath observance, the Atonement, temple worship, and missionary work. It literally begins with Adam and ends with Zion.”
I went to the LDS Conference Center during the Christmas Season and saw “Savior of the World”. It was really great. Much of the first act of the play has to do with Zacharias and Elizabeth, the parents of John the Baptist, and Mary and Joseph and the significance of their betrothal and marriage. Reading Donna Nielsen’s book has shed an unbelievable amount of light on everything that happened in those two stories and why they are significant.
In addition to great books, I have had many great experiences just brought about by life. Not all of them have been pleasant but they have taught me that Heavenly Father is in charge…and that he loves us. I have learned so much about being a parent this year by following the pattern of our Heavenly Father and His parenting methods to me. I have learned much by the example of faithful saints with whom I have served.
Yesterday I attended the funeral of Steve McAllister, a man I greatly admired. After his funeral, and all the things that were said, I admire him even more. Steve was the Stake Clerk in the Holladay North Stake. I don’t know exactly how many years he served but he was the clerk while I was on the high council; under the leadership of two Stake Presidents.
A really great poem by Rudyard Kipling titled "The Sons of Martha" was read. It was one of Steve's favorites. It deals with the story of Mary and Martha in the New Testament and goes on to explain how some are destined to be "behind the scenes". It was very moving. That was Steve... happy to be a clerk. I have so much to learn.
The Sons of Martha
Rudyard Kipling 1907
The sons of Mary seldom bother, for they have inherited
that good part;
But the Sons of Martha favour their Mother of the
careful soul and the troubled heart.
And because she lost her temper once, and because she
was rude to the Lord her Guest,
Her Sons must wait upon Mary's Sons, world without
end, reprieve, or rest.
It is their care in all the ages to take the buffet and
cushion the shock.
It is their care that the gear engages; it is their care that
the switches lock.
It is their care that the wheels run truly; it is their care
to embark and entrain,
Tally, transport, and deliver duly the Sons of Mary by
land and main.
They say to mountains, "Be ye removed." They say to
the lesser floods, "Be dry."
Under their rods are the rocks reproved-they are not
afraid of that which is high.
Then do the hill-tops shake to the summit-then is the
bed of the deep laid bare,
That the Sons of Mary may overcome it, pleasantly
sleeping and unaware.
They finger death at their gloves' end where they piece
and repiece the living wires.
He rears against the gates they tend: they feed him hungry
behind their fires.
Early at dawn, ere men see clear, they stumble into
his terrible stall,
And hale him forth a haltered steer, and goad and turn
him till evenfall.
To these from birth is Belief forbidden; from these till
death is Relief afar.
They are concerned with matters hidden - under the
earthline their altars are-
The secret fountains to follow up, waters withdrawn to
restore to the mouth,
And gather the floods as in a cup, and pour them again
at a city's drouth.
They do not preach that their God will rouse them a
little before the nuts work loose.
They do not teach that His Pity allows them to drop
their job when they dam'-well choose.
As in the thronged and the lighted ways, so in the dark
and the desert they stand,
Wary and watchful all their days that their brethren's
day may be long in the land.
Raise ye the stone or cleave the wood to make a path
more fair or flat -
Lo, it is black already with blood some Son of Martha
spilled for that!
Not as a ladder from earth to Heaven, not as a witness
to any creed,
But simple service simply given to his own kind in their
common need.
And the Sons of Mary smile and are blessed - they
know the Angels are on their side.
They know in them is the Grace confessed, and for
them are the Mercies multiplied.
They sit at the Feet - they hear the Word - they see
how truly the Promise runs.
They have cast their burden upon the Lord, and - the
Lord He lays it on Martha's Sons!
Both Stake Presidents spoke at the funeral yesterday—President Steven J. Scott, and President David C. Marriott. Both men have been great influences in my life. President Scott was the stake president that called me to the high council. He is the greatest mentor I have had in my life. At a time of a serious trial in my life—he was my closest friend. I hope that I can be as faithful as he has been throughout my life. His wife Carol is equally wonderful. Both talks by both men were wonderful and I was blessed.
As the year draws to a close, I want all who are reading this blog to know that I know that our Heavenly Father lives and that He loves us. I know that His dear Son Jesus Christ is the Redeemer of the world. I know that we can be forgiven of our own sins and that we can forgive others through the example of the Savior.
May we all be better in the year to come!
Over the past 10 days or so, I have been greatly influenced by three books. They are “Beloved Enos” by Denver Snuffer, “The Hidden Christ” by James Ferrell, and “The Beloved Bridegroom” by Donna Nielsen.
Donna Nielsen is a wonderful woman that lives here locally in Salt Lake City. She has built a name for herself as an expert in ancient Jewish culture. She has been a speaker at Education Week and also has a couple of talks on CD. On one of these CD’s she told a story that I could really relate to.
When I was a child and went to the doctor’s office, one of my favorite things to do was to look at Highlights magazine. My favorite part of Highlights was a drawing that at first glace was simply some kind of landscape drawing. Upon greater inspection, however, it became apparent that there were “hidden items” in the picture. These were items like a comb, or a teacup, or a pencil. It was fun to find all of them. Donna Nielsen’s point is that the gospel similarly has many hidden symbols that are not apparent until close inspection.
During the course of 2009, I have been blessed in so many ways… certainly in more ways than I deserve. I have learned so much about the gospel. It seems I have learned more about the Savior in the last year than I have through my entire life. I have learned more about sacred symbols than at any other time. I have learned these from personal revelation or from reading the books of great men and women like those listed above. Many times it has been a combination of the two.
Denver Snuffer, an author most of you have never heard of, has taught me that it truly is possible to have a personal witness of the Savior Jesus Christ in this life. He taught me that the books of first and second Nephi do indeed contain the fullness of the gospel. I attend the Temple differently and much more frequently since reading his first book “The Second Comforter”. His book “Beloved Enos” takes the single chapter of the book of Enos and teaches a profound lesson about symbols and personal revelation.
I’ve learned from James Ferrell’s “The Hidden Christ” that Christ can be found throughout the entire Old Testament. I have always heard this to be true but I guess I am too dense to see the parallels myself. When someone else shows them to me, they seem so obvious.
From Donna Nielsen I have learned that Christ’s parables make much more sense if you understand the context in which they are written. To understand the parable of The Wedding Feast, and of the Ten Virgins it is important to know about Jewish culture of the day. Nielsen writes “An knowledge of the Biblical marriage imagery can greatly enrich our understanding of how God relates to us through covenants. Biblical covenant marriage imagery encompasses principles as diverse as Sabbath observance, the Atonement, temple worship, and missionary work. It literally begins with Adam and ends with Zion.”
I went to the LDS Conference Center during the Christmas Season and saw “Savior of the World”. It was really great. Much of the first act of the play has to do with Zacharias and Elizabeth, the parents of John the Baptist, and Mary and Joseph and the significance of their betrothal and marriage. Reading Donna Nielsen’s book has shed an unbelievable amount of light on everything that happened in those two stories and why they are significant.
In addition to great books, I have had many great experiences just brought about by life. Not all of them have been pleasant but they have taught me that Heavenly Father is in charge…and that he loves us. I have learned so much about being a parent this year by following the pattern of our Heavenly Father and His parenting methods to me. I have learned much by the example of faithful saints with whom I have served.
Yesterday I attended the funeral of Steve McAllister, a man I greatly admired. After his funeral, and all the things that were said, I admire him even more. Steve was the Stake Clerk in the Holladay North Stake. I don’t know exactly how many years he served but he was the clerk while I was on the high council; under the leadership of two Stake Presidents.
A really great poem by Rudyard Kipling titled "The Sons of Martha" was read. It was one of Steve's favorites. It deals with the story of Mary and Martha in the New Testament and goes on to explain how some are destined to be "behind the scenes". It was very moving. That was Steve... happy to be a clerk. I have so much to learn.
The Sons of Martha
Rudyard Kipling 1907
The sons of Mary seldom bother, for they have inherited
that good part;
But the Sons of Martha favour their Mother of the
careful soul and the troubled heart.
And because she lost her temper once, and because she
was rude to the Lord her Guest,
Her Sons must wait upon Mary's Sons, world without
end, reprieve, or rest.
It is their care in all the ages to take the buffet and
cushion the shock.
It is their care that the gear engages; it is their care that
the switches lock.
It is their care that the wheels run truly; it is their care
to embark and entrain,
Tally, transport, and deliver duly the Sons of Mary by
land and main.
They say to mountains, "Be ye removed." They say to
the lesser floods, "Be dry."
Under their rods are the rocks reproved-they are not
afraid of that which is high.
Then do the hill-tops shake to the summit-then is the
bed of the deep laid bare,
That the Sons of Mary may overcome it, pleasantly
sleeping and unaware.
They finger death at their gloves' end where they piece
and repiece the living wires.
He rears against the gates they tend: they feed him hungry
behind their fires.
Early at dawn, ere men see clear, they stumble into
his terrible stall,
And hale him forth a haltered steer, and goad and turn
him till evenfall.
To these from birth is Belief forbidden; from these till
death is Relief afar.
They are concerned with matters hidden - under the
earthline their altars are-
The secret fountains to follow up, waters withdrawn to
restore to the mouth,
And gather the floods as in a cup, and pour them again
at a city's drouth.
They do not preach that their God will rouse them a
little before the nuts work loose.
They do not teach that His Pity allows them to drop
their job when they dam'-well choose.
As in the thronged and the lighted ways, so in the dark
and the desert they stand,
Wary and watchful all their days that their brethren's
day may be long in the land.
Raise ye the stone or cleave the wood to make a path
more fair or flat -
Lo, it is black already with blood some Son of Martha
spilled for that!
Not as a ladder from earth to Heaven, not as a witness
to any creed,
But simple service simply given to his own kind in their
common need.
And the Sons of Mary smile and are blessed - they
know the Angels are on their side.
They know in them is the Grace confessed, and for
them are the Mercies multiplied.
They sit at the Feet - they hear the Word - they see
how truly the Promise runs.
They have cast their burden upon the Lord, and - the
Lord He lays it on Martha's Sons!
Both Stake Presidents spoke at the funeral yesterday—President Steven J. Scott, and President David C. Marriott. Both men have been great influences in my life. President Scott was the stake president that called me to the high council. He is the greatest mentor I have had in my life. At a time of a serious trial in my life—he was my closest friend. I hope that I can be as faithful as he has been throughout my life. His wife Carol is equally wonderful. Both talks by both men were wonderful and I was blessed.
As the year draws to a close, I want all who are reading this blog to know that I know that our Heavenly Father lives and that He loves us. I know that His dear Son Jesus Christ is the Redeemer of the world. I know that we can be forgiven of our own sins and that we can forgive others through the example of the Savior.
May we all be better in the year to come!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Here am I, send me
It is tradition in the Young Men’s program in our ward to have a “combined quorum” meeting once a month. This is where the Deacons, Teachers, and Priests all meet together for a priesthood lesson. We hold it on the 3rd Sunday of each month. Traditionally the instructor is a member of the Bishopric or a member of the YM’s Presidency. For yesterday’s lesson I asked a member of our Stake Presidency to teach; President Craig Wilson, the 2nd Counselor.
President Wilson taught a lesson that was thoughtful and inspiring. This morning I haven’t been able to get it off my mind so I would like to write about it. I hope that you will be inspired as was I.
The actual lesson title was “Respect for Womanhood”. Interestingly if you Google this topic, only LDS references are available: Is this not taught anywhere else? President Wilson came to the topic a bit differently so I hope I can do it justice. He related the following story.
“A couple of weeks ago, while driving to an appointment, I was listening to NPR. It just happened to be the day of the memorial service for the men and women of the armed forces who lost their lives at Fort Hood earlier in the month. A general from the Special Forces spoke where he with great emotion, told of a saying they have in the Special Forces… A saying that comes from the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.”
This verse has obvious application to the Special Forces. When a job or a mission is hard, or dangerous, or scary… who will go? The men and women of the armed forces stand and say ‘Here am I, send me’; meaning I am ready… and willing! We also know that these are the words of the pre-mortal Savior when asked by the Father “who will go and be the Savior of the world”. But what do these words have to do with holders of the Priesthood… young and old?
It is obvious that we live in the last days of this earth. Sin, greed, calamity, and destruction are very pervasive throughout the world. Who will carry the sword of truth and virtue in the world today? It must be the Priesthood of God. In order to do so we must be as the Special Forces; trained, prepared, brave, and willing. But how do we do this?
It is my experience that the greatest place to receive the strength we need to be the defenders of all that is “virtuous, lovely, of good report, or praiseworthy” is in the Temple. For young and old, the Temple is the place to receive the special training the Lord offers to those who really want to follow him.
The reason the Temple is the training ground spoken of is for several reasons: First of all, we all know that only those worthy of a recommend are allowed into the Temple. Just as the Special Forces has a ‘weeding out’ process, so does the Temple. As people go to the Temple worthily, they are in essence going to the Lord’s ‘advanced training’. Only those in tune with the Spirit will receive the special instructions they need to advance.
Second, Temple attendance requires continued faithful service and obedience. Please know that as I share the following I do so to prove the point; not to draw attention to myself.
Those of you who know me well know that the only thing I listen to in my car is Conference and “Mo Tab”. I do this because I believe that I am a little denser than most people and it takes things longer to get into my thick skull that it does yours. My experience is that it takes till about the 5th time that I hear a conference talk to realize what is being said.
About 6 months ago, as I was listening to Elder Richard G. Scott’s talk... for about the 5th time, that I heard him say that he attended the temple every week… and had done so for 14 years… and never missed! As I thought about my own life, I realized this is something I needed to do. As a result, I have been to the Temple every week since that time. If I need to miss for any reason, I make it up by going twice the following week. This effort has changed my life!
The first benefit I get from attending the temple weekly is that it is a constant reminder to ‘choose the right’. When I am tempted to make a bad choice during the week, which is pretty much constantly, I think to myself “I am going to the temple in a couple of days… or I have just come out of the temple”, and the temptation wanes.
The second benefit is receiving special instruction form the Lord. This is a topic far too sacred do discuss in this setting, but I have learned by experience that revelation happens on the Temple like nowhere else. The Lord does indeed have mysteries he is willing to share with those who are willing to listen and to learn. As we attend the Temple, and diligently strive to keep the commandments, and to repent of all of our sins, we become prepared to say ‘Here am I, send me’.
President Wilson taught a lesson that was thoughtful and inspiring. This morning I haven’t been able to get it off my mind so I would like to write about it. I hope that you will be inspired as was I.
The actual lesson title was “Respect for Womanhood”. Interestingly if you Google this topic, only LDS references are available: Is this not taught anywhere else? President Wilson came to the topic a bit differently so I hope I can do it justice. He related the following story.
“A couple of weeks ago, while driving to an appointment, I was listening to NPR. It just happened to be the day of the memorial service for the men and women of the armed forces who lost their lives at Fort Hood earlier in the month. A general from the Special Forces spoke where he with great emotion, told of a saying they have in the Special Forces… A saying that comes from the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.”
This verse has obvious application to the Special Forces. When a job or a mission is hard, or dangerous, or scary… who will go? The men and women of the armed forces stand and say ‘Here am I, send me’; meaning I am ready… and willing! We also know that these are the words of the pre-mortal Savior when asked by the Father “who will go and be the Savior of the world”. But what do these words have to do with holders of the Priesthood… young and old?
It is obvious that we live in the last days of this earth. Sin, greed, calamity, and destruction are very pervasive throughout the world. Who will carry the sword of truth and virtue in the world today? It must be the Priesthood of God. In order to do so we must be as the Special Forces; trained, prepared, brave, and willing. But how do we do this?
It is my experience that the greatest place to receive the strength we need to be the defenders of all that is “virtuous, lovely, of good report, or praiseworthy” is in the Temple. For young and old, the Temple is the place to receive the special training the Lord offers to those who really want to follow him.
The reason the Temple is the training ground spoken of is for several reasons: First of all, we all know that only those worthy of a recommend are allowed into the Temple. Just as the Special Forces has a ‘weeding out’ process, so does the Temple. As people go to the Temple worthily, they are in essence going to the Lord’s ‘advanced training’. Only those in tune with the Spirit will receive the special instructions they need to advance.
Second, Temple attendance requires continued faithful service and obedience. Please know that as I share the following I do so to prove the point; not to draw attention to myself.
Those of you who know me well know that the only thing I listen to in my car is Conference and “Mo Tab”. I do this because I believe that I am a little denser than most people and it takes things longer to get into my thick skull that it does yours. My experience is that it takes till about the 5th time that I hear a conference talk to realize what is being said.
About 6 months ago, as I was listening to Elder Richard G. Scott’s talk... for about the 5th time, that I heard him say that he attended the temple every week… and had done so for 14 years… and never missed! As I thought about my own life, I realized this is something I needed to do. As a result, I have been to the Temple every week since that time. If I need to miss for any reason, I make it up by going twice the following week. This effort has changed my life!
The first benefit I get from attending the temple weekly is that it is a constant reminder to ‘choose the right’. When I am tempted to make a bad choice during the week, which is pretty much constantly, I think to myself “I am going to the temple in a couple of days… or I have just come out of the temple”, and the temptation wanes.
The second benefit is receiving special instruction form the Lord. This is a topic far too sacred do discuss in this setting, but I have learned by experience that revelation happens on the Temple like nowhere else. The Lord does indeed have mysteries he is willing to share with those who are willing to listen and to learn. As we attend the Temple, and diligently strive to keep the commandments, and to repent of all of our sins, we become prepared to say ‘Here am I, send me’.
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