Author: Sagacity

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Journals galore

This is in response to why I keep a journal.
I am sure you are a fine teacher.  It would be fun to watch and listen to you.  I am sure you do much better than what you think.  I am glad you are enjoying it.  You commented about that in your last e-mail.  You have an excitement about life and are an optimist.  That is a good thing and it shows cords of faith worked throughout your character.
Thanks for asking for comments now.  You have asked a question about a topic that I have come to have a testimony of and have been converted to.  In the path of time though, I found it hard to have a reason from the gospel for a journal, so it has been a search since I started my journal.  I started my journal on the 31st of August 1997.  I had just graduated from high school that summer and right before moving up to Logan for school, a couple of friends and I went shopping in Twin Falls.  While there, Altan Hardcastle, a great friend of mine, wanted to stop at Barnes and Noble.  We walked through the store and I saw the journals on the shelf there.  The thought crossed my mind that I needed to start a journal.  I grabbed one of the shelf, passed out the 12.99 for it, and took it home.  I pretty much kept it hidden from them and anticipated getting home.  I was not quite sure why.  They dropped me off at home, I went downstairs to my room, and started to write.  I have been regularly writing in my journal ever since.  The current journal, Amanda purchased and sent to me just about a month back, is number 16.  I have averaged two a year ever since then.  In the two years of the mission, I kept 5.  Before the mission it was just about every day.  The shortest journal I have ever kept was during that time frame and it covered 3 months.  The last journal covered about 8 months.  Life now doesn’t have as much happen during the week.  I have found that when I am caught in a schedule like work, much of the activities to report become mundane.  However, you let me have the time to myself and I am always finding new things to experience and record.  It has been a sort of goal to always have something new to record and report.  So why did I start?  I can only say it was a prompting I acted upon and have continued.  However, I have since then found many reasons for continuing.  I will give you a bunch of scriptures and my personal ties to them.  Hopefully you find this of some value.
2 Nephi 29:11-12, “For I command all men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them; for out of the books which shall be written I will judge the world, every man according to their works, according to that which is written.  For behold, I shall speak unto the Jews and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the Nephites and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the other tribes of the house of Israel, which I have led away, and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto all nations of the earth and they shall write it.”
Well from the above, it is a commandment.  When the Lord speaks to us, he expects us to write it.  I have always made a point of making sure I record all the spiritual experiences and how life is (as much as I feel I can or am allowed to record)  I attempt to point out my blessings and look at life as one big one.  I try to make sure that I point out my blessings and life’s course as a blessing from heaven.  In doing so, the blessing comes that I am more fully capable of recognizing my blessings, and more importantly of what I am doing with the blessings.
Next, the Lord expects us to record his doings that he may judge all men according to the things which are written.  I attempt to record all of those individuals who bless my life and who I recognize for their faith and good works.  I attempt to analyze and portray those who are good and their redeeming qualities.  For those who do bad things, are dishonest, I make sure I record them as well.  While in doing so, I always attempt to find redeeming qualities, not focusing on the bad, but always telling of my interactions with other people.  Especially those, good or bad, that have great bearing on my life.  I honestly believe that people will be held accountable for those things in relation to even me, the least of brethren, in the day of reckoning.  Plus there is always some of that self interest in there as well.  I feel that if I am recording my thoughts and actions and perceptions, the Lord will be more likely to judge me by the books I record than that of other people.  My own witness is more powerful than others when it comes directly to myself.  Now the thought is always brought up, “Well, you will be able to speak at that day.”  Yes, that may be true, but the evidence at that time, while with a body, is the greatest evidence.  But there is a great power in the written word as opposed to the spoken word.  Elder Packer told us as missionaries that if a persons baptism and confirmation was not recorded on earth, it was not recorded in heaven, even if they really had been baptized and confirmed.  Without that record, they would have to be baptized and confirmed again.  Hence those early pioneers that the records cannot be found concerning their baptism, their work is done for them again so that there is a record.  I believe much of a similar thing is true of our world today.  The written is very important.
Lastly concerning this scripture, I recognize that many people later will read these things.  I would like to make sure my character and life are recorded for those who come after me who may be interested in knowing of me.  Whether they be family, or people interested in a certain place, or just a random Idahoan.  I would like my testimony, works, life all recorded so that my witness will stand up against anyone else who may wish to say otherwise.
As a comment, the journals have already come into valuable use in my life.  With the murder of Meta by my mother, I was a suspect for a while.  When it was shown I was not a suspect, but that I had dealings with the murderer, the journals with their testimony allowed me to give my testimony without having to be present.  Those journals, still in the possession of the state, provided a character witness for my mother for the years of my life.  My dealings with my mother during my time at Utah State were nearly all recorded.  They provided a character witness that my mother was indeed the type of person that could do these things.  The threats that she had made to me were real and what is more important they were not memories or hearsay given at the pulpit.  There were recorded incidences and times written at that time concerning topics that were in question.  Those journals made it possible that if the trial had gone on, I was not required to come home from the mission field.  The testimony in those journals was actually of more value to the court than were my living witness after the fact.  While I had nothing to do with the events, I would not have testified concerning them, but the events leading up to and comments were all recorded already.  That is one powerful blessing in this life, and I am sure those journals will come to play in my own judgment and the lives of others later.
In keeping with the above, due to the fact that we believe in a resurrection and a judgment, I believe there is great solace in this fact.  That even though I may have been wronged in the greatest of ways, by recording them and leaving to the master judge, I have no need of carrying them myself.  Even though there are those who would have taken my life, all animosity, all grief, all pain, all anguish, all sorrow, have been left behind and healed by the fact that I could write them down unto God.  They were not my burdens, I was recording them before the Lord, and I need not worry about them anymore as that he would take care of them.  My comment after the murder and other events was simply, “Why carry them, when I can give them away to the pages of a book?”  Classic comments like “fools mock, but they shall mourn” (Ether 12:26) are brought more fully to life.  “And ye ought to say in your hearts–let God judge between me and thee, and reward thee according to thy deeds” (D&C 64:11).  By recording them, and leaving them to be before them and the Lord, I find I can move on with my life.  If they repent not, that is between them and the Lord.
The commandment is written elsewhere too.  3 Nephi 27:23, “Write the things which ye have seen and heard, save it be those which are forbidden.”  As I commented before, inasmuch I felt I could write it, all those things which were spiritual and important to me are recorded.
3 Nephi 5:16-17, “Therefore I do make my record from the accounts which have been given by those who were before me, until the commencement of my day; And then I do make a record of the things which I have seen with mine own eyes.”  Here is another reason why I keep a journal.
Over a year ago, I stumbled upon a copy of my Grandmother’s journal.  I did not even know that she had kept one at any point in her life.  I was able to borrow it for a space of time and I went through the whole thing.  Due to the fact that I could not keep it, plus the owner of it I could not trust, I set out to record all those events from the journal I thought were of note to record.  I literally filled scores of pages in my journal with excerpts of the pages of my grandmother’s journal.  In reading her journal I was profoundly glad she had kept this journal for three years of her life while she was in high school.  The time when I was of most wanting to learn of her life, she was gone.  I never really had the opportunity when I was alive to learn from her because I was not ready.  Even though I had her journal, she never wrote more than two sentences per day.  Oh what I would have given for her to have written four or five pages a day!  Or kept the two sentences a day for 10 years rather than just those three years ending a few days after she got married.  What I would not have given to go back and counsel her to write twice as much as she did at that time.  How much I yearn to know of her life, but she was not mindful enough of coming generations to record what she thought was a boring mediocre day to day life.  How terribly wrong she was (if she thought that).
Herein lies two lessons.  Oh what I would have given as a later generation to have had more.  What I would have given to know her more in person, but since I couldn’t, the next best thing is her own writing.  While others can tell me about them, they cannot tell me the exact thoughts and writings of the individual.  It is a great family history tool for those who will come after.  But also in referencing what Mormon wrote above (a different Mormon than the abridger of the Book of Mormon) he was taking the history from other histories and piecing them in his.  I went through and took the important highlights of her life and recorded them into my own journal.  Since I knew her journal may be lost or never again found, I recorded those things which I considered most precious and desirable above all else (sounds like why the Book of Mormon was compiled as it was!  Oh it is that very reason why it was compiled).  I wanted to record those things from before me for the generations after me to possess.  What is more, I don’t just do it from the writings of others, but I try to record every story I hear about my ancestors.  Especially those from my aunts, uncles, great aunts, great uncles, grandfather, ect.  I have recorded my Grandpa’s war stories.  Ever time he would tell me one, I would try and record it in my journal.  Even with all the dirty details.  Since it affected me, I record it.  It obviously affected him, especially for him to remember it 50 years later.  The stories and journals I keep are not just mine, but they tell of the lives of my family and of those living in my times.  They give background information and tell the tale of the era.  For example, my recording that I gave away copies of the Book of Mormon in Senator Smith’s office automatically assumes responsibility for myself and the others in the office for have even been in the vicinity as the truth.  Each of us will now have to act and be judged according.  My failure to act, or their failure to act is all recorded.  Hopefully those who come afterwards will learn many things and be wiser than I.
3 Nephi 24:16, “Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another, and the Lord hearkened and heard; and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.”
3 Nephi 26:6, “And now there cannot be written in this book even a hundredth part of the things which Jesus did truly teach unto the people.”
Revelations 20:12-13, “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.  And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.”
I always hear people commenting about how they will speak for themselves when the day comes.  There are those who claim they will be testifying against others at the day of judgment.  However, in most of my searching, while not exhausting, I cannot find us speaking or testifying at that day.  All I can ever find is the records of those who were on the earth.  It appears our lives are judged according to the things which were already written, not our testimony at the last day.  The records of the church are obviously important, the temple records, the ordinance records, and of course the official records of our life.  But what about those Judges of Israel who keep a faithful record of our dealings with our fellow man.  What about those records of how well we served in our callings.  What about the testimony of those who were about us.  What about the testimony about those who were our family?  They will all be important as well.  Tainted, perhaps.  Wrong, perhaps.  But when compared with the whole host of all the records kept, I am sure a pretty clear painting will emerge from our lives without a witness being called to vocally speak.
Jeremiah 30:2, “Thus speaketh the Lord God of Israel, saying, Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee in a book.”
Moses 6:5, “And a book of remembrance was kept, in the which was recorded, in the language of Adam, for it was given unto as many as called upon God to write by the spirit of inspiration.”  Verse 8, “Now this prophecy Adam spake, as he was moved upon by the Holy Ghost, and a genealogy was kept of the children of God.  And this was the book of generations of Adam, saying: In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;”  Verse 22, “And this is the genealogy of the sons of Adam, who was the son of God, with whom God himself, conversed.”  Verse 46, “For a book of remembrance we have written among us, according to the pattern given by the finger of God; and it is given in our own language.”
Here is a reference of all the scriptures of which I have linked to 2 Nephi 29.
Mosiah 24:6
Revelations 1:19
3 Nephi 27:23
3 Nephi 5:8-14
Ether 12:27
3 Nephi 23:13
Revelations 20:12-15
3 Nephi 29:16
Moses 6:5
Jeremiah 30:2
All of this is wrapped up in D&C 128:6-8 which I will not type up since it is so long.  However, all of which I spoke of concerning the judgment is clearly delineated.
Now, the last two points I wish to make.
First deals with the perspective and analysis of life.  In the writing and recording of life as it goes along, we have to view the inscription as we write it.  We have to take the thoughts and present them in a fashion which requires us to place them as if we were recording them for another person to understand.  As we place our thoughts upon the page, we get a glimpse of who we are and of our thinking.  We can see our shortcomings, we can see our weaknesses, we can see our view of the world, and we can see nearly aspect of ourselves.  All things are constantly being brought into our view because we are literally interpreting our thoughts and actions for others to browse.  We can be dishonest, which I admit I do sometimes by leaving out information or tweaking things slightly, or face the harsh truth.  I have learned it is most difficult for me to be completely honest with my journal.  But to do so with myself I have found that achieving that means I don’t care about being honest with others.  If I can be honest with myself, and not fear what others will think of me in the silent pages of my own journal, then surely another person will not phase me.  When I can achieve honesty with myself, I have little or no difficulty in doing so with others.  I can tell when my thoughts are coherent, and when they are not.  Over time I have really struggled to place feelings and thoughts into the structure of words.  This is a talent and a gift which must be nurtured.  Learning to explain myself not only physically but also spiritually has become a great liberator.  By coming up with the words and strength of being able to communicate them, I am more able to understand and fathom my thoughts.  I learn many things about myself, my experiences, and all aspects by placing them into words.  That medium allows us to structure our lives and to analyze and view with accuracy more fully everything about us.  As we can do with ourselves, it becomes more easy to discern all things, of the spirit, and of other people.  Your comments about my ability to analyze people is directly attributable to my journal writing.  I am also watching for detail so that in describing my life and actions to the silent listeners in my journal, I find I am more aware of my surroundings and all things that take place.  It is a great liberator.
Now in a side note, I will not touch much upon, one of the classic stories of those who are trying to lead a people into oblivion is to remove their language.  By removing their ability to express themselves, they are less likely to understand themselves, and when they cannot understand themselves, then they can be more easily molded and lead into a certain way of thinking.  Current trends of watering down language and not seeking to know the English language is a dangerous field.  The English language was considered the great liberator, but as we lose our own language, we also lose our liberty.  Just some extra thoughts which have more to do with education and politics than with the spiritual reasons of journal writing.
Second deals with the memory.  As I record things, I find that I have a reference for the future to recall.  Those things which are recorded I have little or no difficulty in recording down the road.  Even aspects of life on the journal may be entirely forgotten.  However, breaking open the book from 1998 and reading just a little bit, I can bring back with clarity and clearness events that happen then that are not contained in the journal.  Often when I do review, I will record the extra memories for later generations.  My memory I believe is what it is because I have a framework of a past which is remembered.  Since it is remembered, the framework is greater for which to analyze the events of the present.  The memory is a powerful thing.  Plus by writing down the links and thoughts which are in our minds allows for us to place in language the structure of those thoughts and we can analyze them in a new light of whether they are still able to connect one with another.  It is a great tool of remembering all things.
Anyhow, those are my thoughts about journal writing.  If you have more questions, please let me know.  If I think of anything else, I will respond and send them to you.  I have given you quite a few scriptures to work with, some examples which will hopefully recall some of your own.  You are free to use some of my own if you wish.
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Blessed Monticello

I must write of an experience that has changed my life.  While I have always been impressed with Thomas Jefferson, somehow it was in visiting his home that I came to really appeciate the man.  While in nearly every sentiment I feel and agree with his writings and thinking, it was in him home I felt our kinship even more closely.
 
What an amazing man.  What an amazing intellect.  A man who said he could not live without books.  He also swore that on the altar of God he would do everything to tear down the ignorance of man, in every form and ramification.  A man who all his life sought to learn greater light and truth.  He lived it, which was obviously manifest in his home.  The design of the home to the artifacts found within.  What a wonderful occasion.
 
In visiting the home on Saturday, I was impressed with how well it has withstood the elements.  In visiting Mt. Vernon, it was a sad relic compared to Monticello.  Washington’s home was obviously given to him, but the poor thing looks like the foundations and frame have not held up.  That could be partially upkeep over the years, but Monticello’s past seem to be more uncared for than Mt. Vernon.  It was simply astounding and beautiful.  The use of space, the architecture, the simplicity yet elegance.  It was a treat.  I am ready to move in tomorrow. 
 
In younger years I drew all these house plans that I would someday build.  As I read books and refined my plan over the years, it was in 5th grade I really completed what the home I wanted some day would look like.  I did not think it could be bested.  I thought it used the space the best, put on an impression of grandeur while being small, and was very good at accomodating the library and other things I wanted to have later in life.  Come to find out, my home is very much like Monticello’s design except mine had the wings at an angle.  Over the years I have added a few things.  Like after reading about Anson Call having a prayer room that was a floor up and would provide solitude, I provided the same in my design.  I wanted a meditation/prayer room as well.  Monticello has something of this sort.  While I could not visit it personally, I knew of its design and presence.  (Take a 3-d tour of the house at www.monticello.org)  That room for me would be one of study and prayer.  One of silence and only reverence for the heavens and learning.  His use of basement space and storage is great.  I loved how he made it so openly accessible to the outside, yet it is still the basement.  While I obviously don’t plan on having slaves (I guess children could be…)  Another thing I always did not like is what I perceived as a waste of space dealing with staircases.  Jefferson addresses it perfectly and I was very impressed with the smallness of halls and stairs.  As a side note, beds and such are not a problem as the windows and design is such to allow those to come in from the outside rather than hallways.  I always had such a problem with the waste of space and what big furnature does, especially beds.  While I knew Jefferson incorporated them into walls, I did not think that was very feasible.  I stand corrected.  I love and appreciate his design and hope to incorporate it into the home I would someday like to build.  What a genius. 
 
Charlottesville town center was beautiful and quaint.  The surrounding countryside was very beautiful and the estates expansive.  It was very heartwarming to be and appreciate the territory surrounding.  I loved every part of it.  Charlottesville is not necessarily laid out the best from its inception, but it works. 
 
I also took the time to pay a visit to the University of Virginia Campus.  I found it to be beautiful.  While it does stretch and cover quite a bit of ground, I did not visit the main campus.  I went mostly up and around the Law School.  I walked through the entire school and liked the design and feel.  Walking out the front doors and looking over the lawn was breathtaking.  I felt it was a good place and desired to go to school here. 
 
Gavin and I very much enjoyed our trip to Charlottesville.  While we discussed a wide variety of subjects on the trip, a thing that struck me was passing the Fredericksburg Battlefield, and driving through the Chauncellorsville and Wilderness Battlefields of the Civil War.  We even stopped at the Visitors Center and visited the spot where Stonewall Jackson was fatally wounded.  It was sobering to know that this country and so many soldiers fought on this ground, died here.  While I am not a Civil War history buff, I know some of the overall outline.  It was interesting to me.  Somehow deeply saddening that people are so prideful and unwilling to compromise and work out alternate conclusions.  It is also fascinating to see how much Virginia reveres Robert E Lee and Stonewall Jackson, despite their fighting a losing battle. 
 
Anyhow, it was an amazing weekend.  A great excursion out through some of the expanse of Virginia.
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Little things show character

What a fascinating day it has been. I have met ministers and priests, relatives of top individuals in government, and walked probably miles. With all that, I want to share a couple of heart warming thoughts of some things I saw today.

I was told to take a family on tour of the Capitol. I was not really looking forward to it, but I like to meet and be with people. It was a set of grandparents, parents, and two children.

They were open and friendly and I could tell it was going to be an enjoyable tour. They were all bright eyed and very attentive. Even the grandfather, was very attentive and I could tell was listening to every word I was sharing. The littlest girl would always stand beside me and lean her head against my hip. She was so adorable and would turn out to be quite the asset.

When we were in the Russell Rotunda, I was telling about the old rail car when I saw Senator Kerry coming up the way. I discreetly informed my group that if they would casually look, they would see Senator Kerry. She turned around and ran over to him and asked if he was Senator Kerry. He reached down and shook her hand and confirmed that he was. He walked her back over to the group and shook everyone’s hands and excused himself. While they were all Republicans and had only moments before implied they did not like Democrats one bit, they were impressed by the occasion. I found it very heartwarming and encouraging of people who are protrayed as so cold and impersonal.

That is not the end though. The little girl was really excited to have met two Senators and was telling me about it. We got on the rail car to go over to the Capitol when Senator Thune got on the car. I told them about him and when we got off, she asked him if he was Senator Thune. He assured her he was, shook her hand, met all the rest of us, and went on his way. She was thrilled about three Senators. The grandfather was excited to meet him since he removed Daschle from his seat.

In the Brumidi corridors, I explained the frescos and the grandfather saw Senator Biden coming down the corridor and again told the little girl. She went and asked if he was Senator Biden. Again, he shook her hand, came over and shook all of ours, and went his way. Now she was up to four and almost giddy. She asked for us to point out any and all Senators so she could shake their hands. Now she was up to four.

Near the Senate Rotunda, I was explaining the tour when Senator Warner came by. Again, the grandfather indicated who he was and she announced herself asking if he was Senator Warner. He was kind, shook her hand, came and shook all of ours, and excused himself. Now she was at five. (She met Senator Smith that morning at the Welcoming Oregonians to Washington)

The tour continued and we didn’t run into any Senators in the meantime (at least that any of us recognized) However, by halfway through the tour she was asking if she could walk with me and hold my hand. With permission, I said she could. I had a "buddy" the rest of the tour, at least that is what she called me. She was so darling and sweet.

Towards the end as we were about to go downstairs to get on the rail back to Russell, Senator Inhofe got off the train. I told her who he was, and she followed suit. Again, we all shook hands and he left us.

At Russell, we piled in the elevator on the way up to the fourth floor. At the second floor, Senator Dodd climbed aboard the elevator. Nobody could tell the little girl who he was though without being obvious. However, without a miss, she turned and asked if he was a Senator. He turned and acknowledged he was and we parted in the hall way of the fourth floor. She was up to 7.

Well, it appeared that all our adventures were over and she was in tears at having to leave me. I was holding her and she didn’t want to let go. Come to find out they were going to the Capital South stop of Metro and it was pouring outside, so I offered to walk them through the tunnels to the Cannon Building, which is just across the street from the Capital South entrance. She was delighted and I got to spend some more time with this obviously close family.

Back downstairs to get on the train for the Capitol. The train car was coming in, I didn’t see him, but this time the father announced who their arrival was going to be. Senator Kennedy got off the train, asked who the cute little girl was, and ushered her into the rail car. When he put his hand to the side, she gave him a hug on the leg and he gave her a pat on the back. She stepped in the car and put out her hand to shake his. He shook it, let out a little chuckle, ushered everyone onto the car shaking our hands in the process, and then walked away. By the time we were at the Capital she in delightment was proclaiming she had shook eight Senator’s hands and the brother of a President. It was adorable. Too bad there were not more on the rest of the trip. It was a bit of a story for me as well to shake 7 Senator’s hands in one day.

We said our good-byes, she wept at our parting, beaming parents and grandparents sent many thanks, and I offered my services if they ever needed them. Walking back to Russell I thought about the singularity of the experience of the tour. It dawned on me that it was not the thought of shaking these Senator’s hands that made the difference, or that we even saw them, but I was struck by the smile and happiness in each of the Senator’s eyes with this darling little girl. It was beautiful. She brightened my day, and each one of these Senator’s days. In my conversations with others, especially those who have worked in Kennedy’s office, they always made him sound like such a grouch and unhappy. I will never forget the smile on Senator Kennedy, Senator Kerry, or Senator Warner’s face and in their eyes. I felt and saw the goodness in their souls, despite what anyone might say each of these individuals belief or thoughts.

It was a day which was life altering and beautiful. I hope this little girl never loses her innocence nor her happiness. What an amazing family. Their unity and love for one another was evident and easily spread. There is so much of beauty in the world, too bad we all forgot how to let it shine.

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Life goes on…

It seems sometimes there isn’t really anything to be told. The days of our lives sometimes seem as mundane as the turning of a door on its hinges. One moment it is day, another it is night, day in and day out, going back and forth. I thank heaven it is not usually like this, but sometimes it is.

Things have been interesting. Department of Defense appropriations seems like the endless debate about things which don’t matter. It is like saying do you prefer coffee or tobacco, when in reality neither are good or desired. Nevertheless it seems we debate about these things while the important things miss our attention. Our minds have been decoyed to lesser and more mundane.

We had General Conference this last weekend. What a powerful time. It was especially a great time for me to catch a cold. I could stay home and veg in front of the television and feel okay about it. The recovery did take the whole weekend so I was glad I did not have to face church as well. I am glad to have my yearly cold overwith and hopefully it will stay that way. I did allow myself to get a bit run down so it is my own fault.

President Hinckley’s opening remarks were very good. I really enjoyed his enthusiasm and power. President Faust gave a very animated and enlightening talk on light. I kinda laughed to myself when I could see his youthful vigor. Elder Wirthlin’s talk about trials, tribulation, and adversity I felt was much needed and very timely. I did not attend Priesthood so I look forward to reading it. Sunday was a good day of talks. I really
appreciated Elder Hales’ talk about the Restoration. President Packer’s talk was especially good about continuing revelation. I liked Elder Uchtdorf’s talk about the basics. Overall it was a very rewarding conference and I will have to be sure to return to my notes.

A new highlight in my life is that one of the other interns has moved to Northern Virginia. Of all fortune, which often seems to always be in my path, he turns onto the main road the same point I caught the Metro. I now have a ride to church which means I can save $10 a day in parking and riding the metro. That definitely works out for one trying to save money from an internship that pays next to nothing in Washington. I must be grateful though, for most internships don’t pay at all.

What adds to the trip and privilege of riding to work, it is that he is full of questions. So far at work I have had the privilege of giving three copies of the Book of Mormon to my colleagues, with one other shortly to come. The one that asks the most is my riding partner and we have done nothing but discuss religion, scripture, and the restoration since our rides together. Forty five minutes is plenty of time to get a good discussion in and we get the chance twice a day. I am loving it. Missionary work is something I have loved. What I would not give to go again. D.C. is helping to fulfill and keep that starvation at bay for the moment. Going to lunch with three for an hour and being quizzed about the spirit world is something sublime and a dream come true. What an opportunity. I hope and pray that all of these might come to some type of fruition at some point in their lives.

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Dupont Circle

Another amazing weekend has flown by.  I would never have thought I would have as much fun as I would.  Evan and Amber Fetters came from Lexington, Virginia for a visit.  They are both graduates from USU and Evan and I became good friends there.  He is currently enrolled in Washington and Lee Law.  They wanted to come up to DC, hit the temple, and visit some friends.  Evan and Amber planned to pick me up and then we would go to the temple.  But since it was General Relief Society Meeting tonight the temple was closed.  Oh well.  We still wound our way through a congested Washington (due to a load of protests) to the BYU building at L Street.  We found it, picked up Ambers friend, a Kristine Willie and made our way to eat at Raka just off Dupont Circle.  Kristine is from Mendon, Utah and is indeed of handcart fame.  (She works for Senator Reid too)  I had some great szechuwan (sp?) beef and we all had some great laughts.  We really enjoyed ourselves.  Made our way back to BYU where Evan and I went to a Washington Nationals vs New York Mets game.  We lost by a whole 3 points, but they scored all 5 of their points in the first inning, so the game was not very interesting.  Amber and Kristine took the auto and were horribly lost finding the General Relief Society Game.  I think they finally caught the last 30 minutes.  Gavin Bruce met Evan and I at the baseball game.  They talked about sports, something I know and care little.  We made our way on the Metrorail back to BYU housing, said good night to Kristine, and found ourselves sleeping soundly at the Thompson Household in Springfield, Virginia.
We arose early to get ready for church.  We rode the Metrorail to Friendship Heights, Maryland and attended the Washington 2nd Ward.  It was a singles ward with probably 400 individuals present.  It was packed.  It is the Chevy Chase Chapel which looked like an old colonial building.  I remember my old roommate Samuel Allred speaking about the Chevy Chase Ward.  I was excited to be there.  There were some cool people.  Sacrament was not too terribly interesting.  I got a couple of chapters read in my Book of Mormon.  But afterwards before the ward separated, all guests were expected to introduce themselves basically at the end of Sacrament meeting.  It was great though that afterwards all these Idaho people came up and visited with me.  I met a Mary Pope from Rexburg who is nannying on Connecticut and Cherry Hunsaker who graduated from Minico High.  I remembered her face but could not remember where I knew her from.  I even doubled with her on a date in high school.  I felt pretty bad for not remembering.  It was 8 years ago though!  They are both going to come up and take a Capitol tour.  I hope they do come.  It is always good to make new friends.
We made our way back to BYU after and ate a dinner with the rest of Kristine’s floor.  We finally made our way back to Franconia-Springfield despite a whole mess of Metrorail construction.  It took ages.  So that was the weekend.  A new ward, new people, new places.  I loved Georgetown, it reminded me of England so much, definitely American though.  It was nice to have a friend in Senator Reid’s office.  I told her I wanted to take her to lunch to get a full scope of the office and what it is like in a Democrat’s office, and especially Reid’s.
Well, things are going better in the office.  I think I was a bit negative about stuff.  I do expect the Senator to be more personable to the whole staff and make himself more accessible, but however, I do enjoy where I am.  I see him like once a week.  I see Senator Dodd more than that.  He even talks to me in the elevator.  Some comment today about how the marble floors are nice, but they get harder the older he gets; or his feet are getting more sensitive.  He was very friendly, more than some of the others I have visited with lately.  I am always the perpetual analyst looking for ways to improve and sometimes that attitude causes me to be overly critical.  I must always keep my judgement in tune with the spirit of charity and faith.  That is not always easy to do.
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The usual

A short entry in update of the events of the days.  I continue to be fortunate to see and run into the most fascinating people.  I visited with a lady today whose husband is a 3 star general.  She invited me to dinner and said she would like her husband to give me a tour of the Pentagon (I gave her a tour of the Capitol).  That will be something I look forward to cashing in as a great learning experience.
Judge John Roberts paid a visit to the office today.  I had run some things to the Senator’s car for him and was returning his keys to him.  As I was walking from his office, Judge Roberts was ushered in.  He shook my hand, I stood aside, and he went into the offices.  I did not even know he was coming, but nevertheless, I was more than happy to shake his hand.  I felt fortunate to shake the hand of the future Supreme Court Chief Justice.  What an honor.  I feel his power, I can sense a certain awe at the intellect and goodness of this man.  I do not sense this with most others I meet, they just don’t radiate power.  I sense the power of their office, but as individuals I don’t sense it.  This man though, I feel the power of his person.  I can only imagine what he could do for the highest court of the land.  I am completely comfortable with him and his person.  After some of my experiences lately, he gives me strength that some things are working for the benefit of our government.
Walking through the tunnels to get to Capital South Metro stop, I was walking through the basement of Cannon with Gavin, my fellow intern.  We were walking behind a man who seemed familiar.  I then said in a distinct voice, Mr Bishop.  He turned around and it was indeed Mr. Representative Rob Bishop from northern Utah.  I was pleased to walk and visit with him for a few hundred feet.  Nothing really interesting.  He seemed tired or down.  I hope he is well.  It was good to visit and meet him and shake his hand.  What I would not give to sit down with one of these individuals and pick their brain for a while.  I sensed a good man, but downtrodden.  I wish him all well, especially in the House of Representatives, one can get lost in there.  Such confusion!
I love the opportunities to meet and visit with these people.  I am impressed with the amount of power these people hold.  I am impressed with the strength and ability of Washington.  I only wish and pray I felt more individuals who held this power within.  Bishop seemed like one who could, but was tired or down.  Roberts is a moving individual.  Well, I close another entry.  The little run ins are great, but I wish I could learn more!
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More Brigham Young

Letter to Brigham Young Sr from Brigham Young Jr
8 Dec 1864
“I have enjoyed myself well while on this mission and altho it has been short I think it will make me look into my own heart, and in a small measure realize the blessings with which I am surrounded.  Altho I do try to do my duty and live as I know you would have me, in placing my whole mind upon the work in which I am engaged, yet I will occasionally wander away to the valley, and I can see you in my minds eye, and I can’t help but exclaim in the depths of my heart, that the day I see you again and grasp your hand and those of the brethren will be the happiest of my life, and I look forward to it as the day of the beginning of my existence.  I never could appreciate those blessings before and I am afraid I do not sufficiently at the present time, but I know I thank God from my very soul that he has given me such a father and altho I may err in many things, yet my desire will ever be that I may be a source of rejoicing to you and never for a moment give you pain or grieve the spirit of God within me.  I know I have your prayers for my welfare with the rest of my brethren who are in missions, and I feel to thank you for the good advice and very kind letters you sent me, for those few words from you do me a world of good, and as I have stated before in my letters that as often as you write me so often will you confer a blessing upon me, that I am hardly worthy to receive.  If I gave the Lord sufficient thanks for all his blessings poured out upon me through you, it would take an eternity and as little as I feel like
I could do will be to spend the life he has given me in his praise and to glorify his name upon the earth.”
Letter to Daniel H Wells and Brigham Young Jr
8 Dec 1864
“…It is to be regretted that at this late day, after the Latter-day Saints have had so much instruction upon the plan of salvation, men should fail to perceive that there is nothing that the adversary can offer as a temptation to seduce them from the path of righteousness and truth which they cannot obtain by treading in that path undeviatingly.  There is no good thing which is not comprehended in the gospel of Jesus.  Every gift and blessing that can enhance the happiness of man, or add in the least to his enjoyment and to the development of his God-like nature, is promised unto man through his obedience to the truth, and he can receive all these things as fast as he prepared himself
for them.  Strange to say, however, not only are the people in the world blind to this great fact, but men and women, who call themselves Latter-day Saints, and who have been taught to principles of salvation, fail to recognize
it, and desert the substantial pleasures which they would enjoy eternally, and go in pursuit of their shadows.”
Letter to Brigham Young Jr
8 Feb 1866
“The time for the election of our city officers is next Monday.  Active steps have been taken of late to have all our people naturalized, so that they may be fully qualified as voters.  This subject has not received that attention of the past that it will doubtless in the future.  While we have a subtle and designing foe to contend with we must take every precaution to maintain our position and influence here and the government which the Lord, thus far, has given unto us.  Were the Saints to be negligent in availing themselves of their privileges as American citizens, and not go to the polls and vote, our enemies would be delighted, as such neglect would give them such an opportunity as they desire.  There is some talk about their nominating a ticket to run in opposition, but they will accomplish nothing, and it is a glorious consolation to know that they never can obtain any success over the church and kingdom of God unless the  Saints should be careless and off their guard.”
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Brigham Young

Just something I thought you may find interesting.  These are some excerpts of letters from Brigham Young I thought you may enjoy.  I am not giving any segway to tell what comes before or after, but I think they stand on their own.
Letter to Joseph A Young in Manchester, England
3 Feb 1855
“I look upon this mission as a sort of probation—a kind of middle period between boyhood and manhood—a time which as you improve or neglect, will make or mar your future career.  Therefore, my son, give heed to the instructions of those who are placed over you to counsel and direct you in the thorny and dangerous paths you now tread, and in no instance let me hear of your having neglected or disobeyed their injunctions.
“While you are absent from the Valley, I wish you to lose no opportunity of making yourself familiar with all that is useful and likely to benefit you, for to be able to combat with the world we must make ourselves acquainted with the ways of the world.  This can only be one by keeping your mind constantly on the alert and when in society never allow anything to escape your notice.  Listen attentively, and observe minutely the manners, customs, and remarks of all, for form the most humble of our fellow creatures an observing man can learn something that will be useful to him in after life.  Such has been my course and, from daily and hourly experience of its benefits, I recommend you to pursue the same.
“There are many things you can inform you mind upon, the laws of England, her form of government; lose no opportunity in your travels of visiting her manufactories, her works of art, her grand and spacious buildings, and all that
is worthy of note, not from a mere idle curiosity, but to store your mind with that which will benefit yourself and your brethren in after years.
“When in society (for you will be called to mingle in it a great deal) use every endeavor to improve your address, and always exert yourself to be agreeable, and no matter whether poor or rich, treat them with equal courtesy.  Do not be pompous to the needy, nor condescending to the wealthy, but show by your manner that you do not respect a man because of his money.  By this you will gain the love and admiration of those worthy of your esteem, and at comparatively little expense, for it costs but litter labor and attention to be polite and civil to those around you.”
Letter to Brigham Young Jr at 42 Islington, Liverpool, England
30 Aug 1862
“So far as you may have opportunity I wish you to improve yourself to the utmost in studying good books and in associating with, and listening to, and profiting by, the conversation and experience of good persons, that when you speak to the people, they may be persuaded that they are not only listening to one having authority, but also to one appreciating and preaching the good, sound, saving doctrines and precepts he teaches.  Cease not to lift up your voice in all faithfulness, teaching the people the way of life and salvation, which you know.
“As I advised you on the 6th inst., I wish you to carefully observe how poor folks get along, which you will have excellent opportunities for doing, and to be prudent and economical in all your expenditures as much so as consistent
and reasonable with your calling and duties, realizing that means unwisely or luxuriously expended had far better be husbanded for gathering the poor. Whenever necessity and your judgment dictate, you are at liberty to apply to Br.
George Q. Cannon for such funds or other assistance as you may need, who is authorized to supply your prudent wants.
“Ever strive to be humble, faithful and obedient, calling upon the Lord in faith and sincerity, and he will fill you with wisdom and understanding, give you power to influence the honest in heart, guide, bless and protect you, and
crown your faithful labors with a success that it has not entered into your heart to conceive possible in your youth and inexperience.  Though going forth at an early age to proclaim salvation to mankind, yet you start under many
very favorable circumstances, and I doubt not you will seek to and rely upon our God, striving with your might to aid in building up his kingdom and strengthening the same upon the earth, with an eye single to His glory, that he will enable you to overcome, and win many souls to His cause.”