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Tag Archives: service

Shoveling the Cabin Deck

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A few weeks ago we had a family vacation up to our family cabin. I have more memories and lessons learned at the cabin than almost any other place I can think of. The cabin sits at about 9500 ft in the Rockie mountains in northern Utah. During the winter months it is accessible only by snowmobile. My brother and I (in a moment of insanity) decided it would be fun to take ALL of our family up there… only 18 were able to make it… but it was still quite the task. Through some tender mercies of the Lord we were able to get everyone in and had a great time.

brad-desk-shoveling

While we were there my (crazy) brother decided he wanted to shovel the deck off… as you can see in the picture to the right, that is no easy task. That balcony he is standing on is normally about 9 feet off the ground. All the snow from the roof falls on the balcony and then off the cabin. It was not a particularly heavy snow year, but there was at lest 5 1/2 feet of snow tall, 8 feet wide, and about 40 feet long (the deck goes for a while down the whole side of the cabin). I’m not mathematician, but I’m guessing that is around 1000 cubic feet of snow…

And it was wet and heavy in some spots…

And frozen solid in others…

I loved the idea of having the balcony for folks to go outside on and enjoy the beautiful view… but wow… I was already exhausted from getting everyone into the cabin (a post for another day).

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But that didn’t discourage Brad. He went to work… shoveling… and digging… and shoveling… and digging. It didn’t take too long before he broke the shovel… but he found a new one… and kept digging. My 11 year old son joined him. I helped a little bit here and there… but mostly he did it himself. A few hours later he had cleared the deck except for a few spots for our cabin ‘fridge” and a bench for sitting. It was amazing, and a WONDERFUL place to go and sit while we were there.

There are so many lessons I could take from this experience, but the one that I find most powerful is how sometimes… every once in a while… there are people around us that are examples of the Savior in our lives. My brother was that example to me that day. There was a task that he saw that needed to get done. I looked at it and agreed it would be nice… but I could not do it. I could not. I was utterly exhausted. So Brad stepped in (which he did many times during this trip) and took the burden on himself. He shoveled the deck. He created a wonderful space for us to go and be together as a family. I’m sure he was tired, but he did not shrink from the task and he finished it for us.

Here is a great quote from M. Russell Ballard from the last general conference along the same lines

Pray and Serve

How grateful I am for a brother that sees a need and fills it, and for a Savior who did not shrink, but finished the job for us so we can have a heavenly home.

Sunday… day of rest? But how?

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day-of-restOh how I love the Sabbath day.  A day of rest (kind of), a day of peace.  This week I ran across this wonderful article written about bishops.  As some of you may know, I have the privilege of serving as a bishop right now.  My heart felt the burden of this calling as I read this article…. but my heart also wept for joy at the opportunity I have to do such a great work.  To try to be an influence for good in the lives of others.  This good brother hit it right on the head in so many ways.

So, I am led to ponder… amidst all the work that needs to be done, how I can make today a day of rest?  Well… I think I’ve given up on the rest one.. :)  But how I can make today a day of peace and worship while I fulfill my calling?  I’m guessing that many of you are in the same boat.

There are certainly still times during the day when it is quiet.  The Sacrament comes to mind.  Do I sit and ponder about the atonement of the Savior during that time, or do I wonder and worry about all I have to do and look around the ward members.  What needs to get done will get done.  That  is why I have an amazing Executive Secretary.  During those quiet times I need to allow the Spirit to touch me. I need to close my eyes and talk to my creator about how my life is going.  Ask him for his guidance and repent.

I am going to try to make sure that happens today!  I pray you can as well!

What other things do you do to make sure today is a day of rest?  How do you keep the Sabbath holy?

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The Divine Quality of Service

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“Service makes us strong in our faith and useful in His kingdom. Service gives us purpose and courage in life. It brings us closer to God and helps us refine our divine nature. It teaches us to love and understand our fellowmen, and it helps us forget about our personal desires, eliminating selfishness, pride, and ingratitude. It teaches us to think of the needs of others, which allows us to develop the virtues that the Savior possesses.”

–Carlos H. Amado, “Service, a Divine Quality”, Ensign, May 2008, 35-37

Service Through the Priesthood (Bednar)

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The priesthood is the authority of God delegated to men on the earth to act in all things for the salvation of mankind (see Spencer W. Kimball, "The Example of Abraham," Ensign, June 1975, 3). Priesthood is the means whereby the Lord acts through men to save souls. One of the defining features of the Church of Jesus Christ, both anciently and today, is His authority. There can be no true Church without divine authority.

Ordinary men are given the authority of the priesthood. Worthiness and willingness--not experience, expertise, or education--are the qualifications for priesthood ordination.

The pattern for obtaining priesthood authority is described in the fifth article of faith: "We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof." Thus, a boy or a man receives the authority of the priesthood and is ordained to a specific office by one who already holds the priesthood and has been authorized by a leader with the necessary priesthood keys.

A priesthood holder is expected to exercise this sacred authority in accordance with God's holy mind, will, and purposes. Nothing about the priesthood is self-centered. The priesthood always is used to serve, to bless, and to strengthen other people.

The higher priesthood is received by a solemn covenant that includes the obligation to act in the authority (see D&C 68:8) and the office (see D&C 107:99) that have been received. As bearers of God's holy authority, we are agents to act and not objects to be acted upon (see 2 Nephi 2:26). The priesthood is inherently active rather than passive.

- David A. Bednar, “The Powers of Heaven” – April 2012 General Conference

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The What Informs, But The Why Transforms (Uchtdorf)

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We need to be constantly reminded of the eternal reasons behind the things we are commanded to do. The basic gospel principles need to be part of our life's fabric, even if it means learning them over and over again. That doesn't mean that this process should be rote or boring. Rather, when we teach the foundational principles in our homes or in church, let the flame of enthusiasm for the gospel and the fire of testimony bring light, warmth, and joy to the hearts of those we teach.

From the newest ordained deacon to the most senior high priest, we all have lists of what we could and should do in our priesthood responsibilities. The what is important in our work, and we need to attend to it. But it is in the why of priesthood service that we discover the fire, passion, and power of the priesthood.

The what of priesthood service teaches us what to do. The why inspires our soul.

The what informs, but the why transforms.

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Why of Priesthood Service“, April 2012 General Conference

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Organize and Lead Your Battalions (Ochoa)

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Dear young men of the Church, let me ask you a question that I hope you will carry in your heart for the rest of your life. What greater power can you acquire on earth than the priesthood of God? What power could possibly be greater than the capacity to assist our Heavenly Father in changing the lives of your fellowmen, to help them along the pathway of eternal happiness by being cleansed of sin and wrongdoing?

Like any other power, the priesthood needs to be exercised to accomplish any good. You are called to "arise and shine forth" (D&C 115:5), not to hide your light in darkness. Only those who are brave will be counted among the chosen. As you exercise the power of your sacred priesthood, your courage and confidence will increase. Young men, you know that you are at your best when you are in the service of God. You know that you are happiest when you are anxiously engaged in a good work. Magnify the power of your priesthood by being clean and being worthy.

I add my voice to the call Elder Jeffrey R. Holland made to you six months ago from this pulpit. "I am looking," he said, "for men young and old who care enough about this battle between good and evil to sign on and speak up. We are at war." He continued, "... I ask for a stronger and more devoted voice, a voice not only against evil ... , but a voice for good, a voice for the gospel, a voice for God" ("We Are All Enlisted," Liahona andEnsign, Nov. 2011, 44, 47).

Yes, Aaronic Priesthood holders, we are at war. And in this war, the best way to defend against evil is to actively promote righteousness. You cannot listen to foul words and pretend you don't hear. You cannot watch, alone or with others, images you know are filthy and pretend you don't see. You cannot touch any unclean thing and pretend it's no big deal. You cannot be passive when Satan seeks to destroy that which is wholesome and pure. Instead, stand up boldly for what you know is true! When you hear or see anything that violates the Lord's standards, remember who you are--a soldier in the army of God Himself, empowered with His holy priesthood. There is no better weapon against the enemy, the father of lies, than the truth that will come out of your mouth as you exercise the power of the priesthood. Most of your peers will respect you for your courage and your integrity. Some will not. But that doesn't matter. You will gain the respect and trust of Heavenly Father because you used His power to accomplish His purposes.

I call on every Aaronic Priesthood quorum presidency to once again raise the title of liberty and organize and lead your battalions. Utilize your priesthood power by inviting those around you to come unto Christ through repentance and baptism. You have the mandate and power of Heavenly Father to do it.

-Adrian Ochoa, “Aaronic Priesthood: Arise and Use the Power of God“, April 2012 General Conference

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Lightening Our Burdens (Baxter)

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In the general Relief Society meeting of September 2006, President Gordon B. Hinckley related an experience shared by a divorced single mother of seven children then ranging in ages from 7 to 16. She had gone across the street to deliver something to a neighbor. She said:

"As I turned around to walk back home, I could see my house lighted up. I could hear echoes of my children as I had walked out of the door a few minutes earlier. They were saying: 'Mom, what are we going to have for dinner?' 'Can you take me to the library?' 'I have to get some poster paper tonight.' Tired and weary, I looked at that house and saw the light on in each of the rooms. I thought of all of those children who were home waiting for me to come and meet their needs. My burdens felt heavier than I could bear.

"I remember looking through tears toward the sky, and I said, 'Dear Father, I just can't do it tonight. I'm too tired. I can't face it. I can't go home and take care of all those children alone. Could I just come to You and stay with You for just one night? ...'

"I didn't really hear the words of reply, but I heard them in my mind. The answer was: 'No, little one, you can't come to me now. ... But I can come to you.'"2

Thank you, sisters, for all that you are doing to raise your family and maintain a loving home where there is goodness, peace, and opportunity.

Although you often feel alone, in truth you are never totally on your own. As you move forward in patience and in faith, Providence will move with you; heaven will bestow its needful blessings.

Your perspective and view of life will change when, rather than being cast down, you look up.

Many of you have already discovered the great, transforming truth that when you live to lift the burdens of others, your own burdens become lighter. Although circumstances may not have changed, your attitude has. You are able to face your own trials with greater acceptance, a more understanding heart, and deeper gratitude for what you have, rather than pining for what you yet lack.

You have discovered that when we extend lines of hopeful credit to those whose life accounts seem empty, our own coffers of consolation are enriched and made full; our cup truly "runneth over" (Psalm 23:5).

- David S. Baxter, “Faith, Fortitude, Fulfillment: A Message to Single Parents“, April 2012 General Conference

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Salvation Is A Family Affair (Eyring)

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President Ezra Taft Benson taught:

"In an eternal sense, salvation is a family affair. ...

"Above all else, children need to know and feel they are loved, wanted, and appreciated. They need to be assured of that often. Obviously, this is a role parents should fill, and most often the mother can do it best."10

But another crucial source for that feeling of being loved is love from other children in the family. Consistent care of brothers and sisters for each other will come only with persistent effort by parents and the help of God. You know that is true from experience in your own families. And it is confirmed each time you read of the family conflicts faced by righteous Lehi and his wife, Sariah, in the Book of Mormon record.

The successes they won provide a guide for us. They taught the gospel of Jesus Christ so well and so persistently that children and even some descendants over generations had hearts softened toward God and toward each other. For instance, Nephi and others wrote and reached out to family members who had been their enemies. The Spirit at times softened the hearts of thousands and replaced hatred with love.

One way for you to reproduce the successes of Father Lehi is by the way you lead family prayers and family time, such as family home evenings. Give children opportunities to pray, when they can pray, for each other in the circle who need blessings. Discern quickly the beginnings of discord and recognize acts of unselfish service, especially to each other. When they pray for each other and serve each other, hearts will be softened and turned to each other and to their parents.

- Henry B. Eyring, “Families Under Covenant“, April 2012 General Conference.

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