whitestone wisdom

2 Nephi 27 The Book of Mormon Prophecy

2012-02-13T07:46:00.000-08:00

2 Nephi 27
In this chapter, we go back to Isaiah for a view of our day and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. I marvel that Isaiah not only saw the large brush strokes of the Restoration, which he refers to as a “Marvelous Work and a Wonder,” but also the details of conversations between individuals. Case in point is the conversation Isaiah observed and reported between Martin Harris and Professor Anton in which the professor told Martin that he couldn’t read a sealed book. Latter-day Saints have a particularly clear view of this chapter of Isaiah’s prophesies.

2 Nephi 26

2012-02-10T11:50:00.000-08:00

2 Nephi 26
Nephi sees his posterity and how they do in America after his death. It causes him intense pain and sorrow. However, he sees the latter-days and is excited to know that his family is not forgotten; that the Lord will do a marvelous work among them. He sees his writings being preserved to come forth in the latter-days. He is reassured that salvation is for every person who will come unto Christ; he will turn away no one who believes in him.

2 Nephi 25 Plainess

2012-02-09T11:48:00.000-08:00

2 Nephi 25
Nephi delights in plainness. In 2 Nephi 4:32, he said that he had a strong desire to “walk in the path of the low valley, that I may be strict in the plain road.” Nephi likes things to be simple and humble and straight forward. I’ve enjoyed knowing that if I turn to page 100 (easy to remember) that I can find a verse that sums up what I believe. In verse 26 we read, “And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.” I also like that he says in verses 28 and 29 that the “right way is to believe in Christ.”

2 Nephi 23-24 Satan defeated, Irsael gathered

2012-02-01T10:57:00.000-08:00

2 Nephi 23
“…I will be merciful to my people, but the wicked shall perish.” (v.22) The great and terrible day of the Lord: It will be great for the righteous and terrible for the wicked.
2 Nephi 24
We learn Lucifer was a “son of the morning.” Yet he fell because of his arrogance and personal desire for glory. When we see him again we will be inclined to say in sarcastic wonder, “Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms?” (v.16) Or in other words, when we see his lack of light and spiritual stature, we might ask, “is this the wimpy little rascal that caused all that trouble?”

2 Nephi 21-22 I will trust, and not be afraid.

2012-01-27T09:00:00.000-08:00

2 Nephi 21
Jesus Christ rules this earth and when the time is right he will come here and reign. “The cow and the bear will feed; their young ones shall lie down together.” V.7 Think of it! No more war or contention on the earth. No more fear of hurt or pain or any bad stuff happening. We can strive for this kind of peace in our hearts and lives right now by having faith in Christ. Stone family, have faith.
2 Nephi 22
Nephi and Jacob must have loved this chapter! Their hero Isaiah feels just the way they do about Christ. “I will trust and not be afraid; for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also has become my salvation….Sing unto to the Lord; for he hath done excellent things.” As we look forward to changes in our lives we must look to God the Father and his son, Jesus Christ, and trust that they will walk beside us in our choices. Yes, it is appropriate to have our hopes about where we will live and what we will be doing. But don’t be afraid to give him the reigns and go where he wants us to go. Thy will, not mine, be done. Surprises are part of the journey.

2 Nephi 19-20 Isaiah reveals some of Christ's names

2012-01-26T11:12:00.000-08:00

2 Nephi 19
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and hi s name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” V.6

2 Nephi 20
When we know someone well, we get to know there nick names. In the previous chapter we learn many of Christ’s names. Isaiah knew the Lord intimately. As we read Isaiah it is fun to look for these names and ponder their meaning. In verse 27, Christ is referred to as “the anointing.” We know that anointing is a part of sacred ceremonies reserved for those who will become kings and queens, priests and priestesses. We are anointed in the process or receiving all that Christ has received from the Father.

2 Nephi 18 Waters of Shiloah

2012-01-25T08:45:00.000-08:00

I have taken the name "Shiloah" to mean "Shiloh," the name found in Genesis 49:10 referring to the Messiah. It could also mean "Siloam" found in John 9:7, which was a pool of healing. Even if Shiloah and Shiloh are not the same thing/person, with a little poetic license the two nouns come together in their meanings: pool of healing/Messiah.

2 Nephi 18
Isaiah quotes the Lord as saying, “…waters of Shiloah that go softly,” in reference to the nourishment of the living waters of Christ’s words. Notice that the Lord tells Isaiah that his words come “softly” inferring that his voice is a still small voice. I hope Jon Stone will write a song about the waters of Shiloah going softly. As he writes, I hope Michelle will collaborate and sing with him. And as they sing together softly, I hope the words will find the ears of their little brothers and sister and their hearts also.

2 Nephi 17 Wading through Isaiah

2012-01-24T10:38:00.000-08:00

2 Nephi 17
In the midst of a prophesy about impending war in his country, Isaiah gives the king of Judah a sign—“Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and shall bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” It as if to say, don’t worry about the future of our nation; someday Christ will come here through the line of Judah to save his people.

2 Nephi 16 Clean through the ordinance of the sacrament

2012-01-23T08:55:00.000-08:00

2 Nephi 16
Isaiah saw the Lord in the temple! He felt “undone.” The Lord understood his feelings and had an angel take a live coal from the altar of incense and touch it to Isaiah’s lips. It didn’t hurt! Isaiah’s feelings of guilt and inadequacy melted away under the fire of the Holy Ghost. In our setting, God sends young angels we call deacons with bread and water to touch to our unclean lips. When we partake we too are made clean through this holy ordinance and faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

2 Nephi 12 through 15

2012-01-19T08:55:00.000-08:00

2 Nephi 12
With his spiritual eyes focused on the latter-days, Isaiah sees temples being built in the mountains of Utah. “Come ye and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob….”

2 Nephi 13
Wimpey men, unwilling to use their priesthood v.6 and worldly women vs. 16-24, this is the scene Isaiah sees pertaining dualistically to the church members in his day and in the latter-days. It appears to me to be a description of what was in the past but also a warning to us in the latter-days to step up to our responsibilities and to avoid worldliness and pride along with the negative consequences.

2 Nephi 14
Those who abide the Lord’s second coming will be clean through the Atonement.

2 Nephi 15
If I planted a garden carefully and lovingly and nurtured it, water it, and diligently weeded it, then, when it was time to pick the vegetables I notice that the undersides of the leaves are covered with stink bugs and slugs who are destroying the plants; when I pick the vegetables and take my first bites, I find them to be bitter, pithy, and yucky tasting; how great would be my disappointment! What more could I have done to care for my garden? This is the point the Lord is making regarding the House of Israel at the time of Isaiah. Yet, looking forward to our day, there is hope! An “ensign” is posted. The Book of Mormon comes forth. Living prophets again walk the earth. The gospel will go to every kindred, tongue, and nation. Yet, we must still be careful to avoid those who “call evil good, and good evil.”

1 Nephi 11 through 2 Nephi 11

2012-01-18T11:08:00.000-08:00

1 Nephi 11
Nephi wanted to see the things his father, Lehi, had seen. He sat pondering those things and was caught away to a mountain top by the Spirit of the Lord—I assume either the Holy Ghost or Jehovah. The Spirit showed him the Tree which Lehi had seen. The Tree was Jesus. The Spirit showed Nephi the Tree’s mother, Mary. He showed him that Mary was beautiful and was a virgin. He showed him that Mary was caught away by the Spirit and conceived the Tree by way of the Father. God the Father is the father of Jesus; Mary is his mother. I believe this vision to be true. Jesus was given mortality and the ability to die from his mother. He was given immortality and the power to perform the Atonement from God the Father. He was privileged to see the Savior’s mortal ministry, his apostles, his healings. He was shown the sufferings of Christ on the cross.
1 Nephi 12
Nephi saw the land of promise. He saw that he had made it there safely. He saw his family down through time to the coming of the Savior among them. He saw the apostasy take place here in the Americas. When I first read that Christ had come to America, it changed my life forever. I was comforted at the start of my mission. With the knowledge that Christ had come here, I was able to go forth with confidence among the Children of Lehi teaching them about the gospel of Christ that he had preached while visiting the Native Americans.
1 Nephi 13
Nephi saw the history of the Bible, how it came from the Jews. He also saw the history of the Book of Mormon and other books of scripture coming forth in the last days. He saw Gentiles coming to the Americas and the great wars upon this continent. He saw Christopher Columbus. He saw that the gospel would come forth in the latter-days first to the Gentiles and then the Jews. Nephi was a prophet and a seer.
1 Nephi 14
Nephi is promised that millions of Gentiles will come to the Promised Land. Those who join the church will be adopted into the family of Lehi. What a huge role for Manasseh to play in the latter-days. A marvelous work will be done in the latter-days. The Spirit, who is revealing things to Nephi, frequently refers to the Savior as “the Lamb of God.” Nephi, himself, does it too. This is because Christ would be the sacrificial lamb of this world, vicariously dying for all of us so that we might live forever if we will repent. Nephi has all things revealed to him down to the end of the world but is forbidden to write all of these things. It is revealed to him that John was given that privilege. Other accounts would be sealed for now.

1 Nephi 15
Nephi asks the following question: Have ye inquired of the Lord?” I want to be diligent in calling upon my Father in Heaven. Nephi’s pattern for receiving answers is: (1) Don’t harden your heart, (2) ask the Lord in faith, (3) believe you will receive an answer, and (4) diligently keep the commandments. Notice how little Nephi tells his brothers when they ask the meaning of the dream. He has had a panoramic view of the world including the ministry of Christ and the latter-days. Yet, he gives very simple, concrete answers to his brothers. And, even with these very simple answers they can’t handle it. They don’t think the Lord will tell them anything so why ask. It makes me wonder what I could learn through revelation if I was willing to knock and seek.
1 Nephi 16
Laman was lazy and immoral. That is my opinion. Otherwise, why does he take Nephi’s admonitions as being so difficult? With the Spirit, life is hard enough; without it everything seems hard. Lehi receives the Liahona from the Lord. I have wondered: did Lehi or Nephi need a Liahona? I don’t think so. It was given to the family so Laman and Lemuel could have a more concrete, hands on experience: something to see and touch. It was a remarkable instrument. It had a pointer and a place where the Lord could text them with messages. It had no batteries: it ran off of the Spirit according to their faith. Breaking his bow, Nephi and his family were put through a severe test. Even Lehi murmured this time. But Nephi remained true. The lesson here is when you break down, don’t just sit there, do something to correct the situation asking for the Lord’s help as you go. “Nephi broke his bow,” are the words I heard from the Spirit when the moving van I was driving broke down just out of Mesquite, Nevada, when I was attempting to move our stuff to Las Vegas. I had to get off my duff and run up the hill and beg some motorists to help me by calling a tow truck when they came to the next town. Of course, there were no cell phones in those days and I didn’t have my Liahona handy. This is the only time I remember being given such a direct instruction. Usually the Spirit speaks to me in my feelings.
1 Nephi 17
I wish Nephi would have told us a little more detail about his 8 years in the desert. I think it would have been fascinating. However, he did not. He uses the words “nourish, “strengthen,” and “provide means” to describe what happened as they kept the Lord’s commandments. He does describe how happy they were to arrive at the beach; at a place they called “Bountiful.” Here are some more words from this chapter: “construct a ship,” “find ore,” “bellows,” “tools.” Laman and Lemuel thought Nephi was a fool.
He told them not to touch him or they would wither up. The Lord had him “shake” and “shock” them. They were humbled for a few days, long enough to get the ship built.
I loved this one liner: “He loveth those who will have him to be their God.” I want to be one of those. I am one of those.

1 Nephi 18
“Work the timbers” is an interesting way of describing the process of building a ship. Nephi tells us that he went about building the ship as he was shown by the Lord. He went to the mountain to pray and receive revelation. When his brothers saw that he was succeeding, they helped out.
When they finished the ship they packed it with goods including honey. They entered the ship and were assigned their places and responsibilities. Think of it! Having never sailed before, they were now going to do it based on instructions from the Lord, trial and error, practice and patience. How thrilling it must have been to be upon the ocean sailing toward a far off land. They went by way of the Indian Ocean, around Australia and the through the islands of the Pacific landing somewhere on the west coast of the Americas, perhaps somewhere in Central America.
But the trip was not without its severe challenges. Nephi records being tied to the mast of the ship for four days by his brothers while they and their wives danced and partied. When Nephi confronted them about their “rudeness” they left him tied up. Not even Lehi or Sariah could convince them to free Nephi. Their tears and those of Nephi’s wife and children didn’t sway them. But a storm came upon them and they had to release Nephi or be drowned in the ocean. The Liahona had stopped working but resumed functioning when Nephi was released and the storm abated. He was then able to steer the ship to the Promised Land.
Nephi’s ability to pray and receive the needed revelation to build a ship gives me faith that I can learn to pray with faith and receive instructions from the Lord. The mountain where he prayed makes me think of the temple. I can receive needed revelation when I am there.
1 Nephi 19
Nephi explains the difference between “these” and “those” plates: “these plates” are the small plates which contain the sacred writing and “those plates” are the large plates that contain the history. But later writers included the sacred with the secular in their writing so that when Mormon did his editing, he chose to include a great deal of sacred material even though he was abridging the large plates.
Nephi also explains that he wants his people (and us) to liken the scriptures unto ourselves that we will obtain a hope in Christ. Don’t miss the reference to hope in verse 24. This is also the reason Nephi included so much of Isaiah’s writings in the small plates.
1 Nephi 20
Isaiah tells us that we have been chosen in the “furnace of affliction.” He points to Christ, the “Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” He says if we will keep the commandments we will have peace like a river and righteousness as the waves of the sea.

1 Nephi 21
“Behold, I have engraven thee upon the palms of my hands.” Christ will never forget us. V.16
1 Nephi 22
The church will come out of obscurity and out of darkness; and they shall know that the Lord is their Savior and their Redeemer, the Mighty One of Israel.
2 Nephi 1
One of the main behavioral objectives of the Book of Mormon is stated by Nephi: “Wherefore, if ye shall be obedient to the commandments, and endure to the end, ye shall be saved at the last day.” Zoram was a true friend to Nephi. My wife, Jean, is my true friend.
2 Nephi 2
This chapter is full of meat. Jesus is the Christ. There must be opposition in all things. Satan is real. The Fall occurred when Adam and Eve transgressed the law of the Garden. Their fall allowed them to have children. If not, they would have stayed in the Garden and we would not have come to Earth. Christ redeemed all men and women from the Fall. We are free according to the Agency of God to choose between God or Satan, happiness or sadness, good or evil, eternal life or captivity.
2 Nephi 3
Lehi gives a blessing to Joseph, his youngest child, who was born “in the days of my greatest sorrow.” Lehi reads from the book of Joseph that was found in the Brass Plates (missing from our Bible). Joseph prophesies of a choice seer who would be raised up in the latter days to lead the church. This is Joseph Smith. He also says this seer’s father would be named Joseph. The name Joseph is especially sacred to members of the Church today. Joseph also prophesied of Moses and said Joseph Smith would be like him. He said Joseph Smith would write the inspired words written by the ancient prophets into a book. Lehi’s son is promised his seed will not be destroyed.
2 Nephi 4
Before he passes away, Lehi blesses and warns Laman, Lemuel , their children, and the sons of Ismael. But “not many days after” they are angry with Nephi because of the things he said. Boneheads. Nephi, no doubt pondering on their boneheadedness, laments in what is called “Nephi’s Psalm.” I love this moment of humanness that Nephi discloses to us. He captures the essence of the struggles of this life. We want to rejoice, but often we feel “wretched” because of our weakness. Nephi moves through his feelings of self doubt saying, “I know in whom I have trusted.” Then he cries out: “Awake my soul!”… “Do not anger”…”Do not slacken”…”Rejoice.” Then he resolves to trust in God forever, and cry unto the “rock of righteousness.”
2 Nephi 5
Nephi leads his people up into the mountains to place his family calls “Nephi.” There they build a temple and become prosperous. Nephi says, “And it came to pass that we lived after the manner of happiness.” Separation from his wicked brethren must have brought some relief, although it was temporary as Nephi tells us it isn’t long before they are at war with each other. It makes me wonder if Nephi had to actually defend his life to the death against Laman or Lemuel. I hope is that my own children and grand children will be united. The Lord cursed Laman and Lemuel with a skin of blackness. It could have actually been a change of skin color. Having lost the Spirit and the Priesthood would have been the true curse. Perhaps they put a colored mark on themselves (or God did it) to distinguish them from the Nephites when they went to battle.
2 Nephi 6
Juxtaposed to the Lamanite wickedness is Jacob and Nephi’s righteousness including their being called “after the manner of his holy order.” Priesthood authority gave the Nephites access to the ordinances and thus access to the Atonement of Christ. Priesthood holders are to be protectors: someone to be counted upon for safety. Jacob is speaking to his people regarding the scriptures from Adam down unto his time. He turns his focus to Isaiah because Isaiah’s words center on Christ and the House of Israel. For me and my family, Isaiah’s prophecy of the restoration of the Gospel to the people living in the Americas (Gentiles) is especially important because it is about Joseph Smith and the restoration in these the latter days. In our day, we are waiting for the coming of the Messiah. “He will manifest himself unto them in power and great glory….” Christ, in this prophesy, calls himself “…thy Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.”
2 Nephi 7
One line stands out in 50th chapter of Isaiah, quoted here by Jacob: 2 Nephi 7:6: “I gave my back to the smiter, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair. I hid not my face from shame and spitting.” In this verse we hear the voice of Jehovah (through Isaiah) speaking of future events where he is given false and mocking trials by the Jewish and Roman leaders. We know of Christ being spit upon and coming under the cruel strokes of the lash, but we discover here in Isaiah’s words that Christ had the hair of his beard yanked out most likely by the Jewish leaders prior to Christ’s crucifixion.
2 Nephi 8
I was struck by the phrases “ye that follow after righteousness” and “ye that know righteousness” in verses one and seven. This is a message from God to his faithful followers and everyone else better look out! I felt that God has my back! So when God says “awake, awake” he is not reprehending, rather, he is encouraging: like a mother inviting her children wake up to a beautiful summer morning. (See verses 9, 17, and 24) As for the “two sons” mentioned in vs. 19, they are the warm up act in Jerusalem, setting the stage for Christ to come and deliver the Jews from their enemies. The “two sons” are most likely modern day apostles.
2 Nephi 9
Jacob, brother of Nephi, teaches of the fall of Adam and our complete dependence upon the “great Creator.” He speaks of His “infinite atonement” whereby we can overcome death and hell both of the body and the spirit. The resurrection is the glorious gift of the merciful Christ. Our “joy shall be full forever.” Our God is “holy” and “he knoweth all things.” Our job is to repent, be baptized in his name, and have perfect faith in “the Holy One of Israel.” S.M.I.L.E. (vs. 39) to be “spiritually minded is life eternal. “To be learned is good” if we “hearken unto the counsels of God.” “Shake of the chains of him that would bind you fast; come unto God who is the rock of your salvation.” “Pray unto him continually by day, and give thanks unto his holy name by night. Let your hearts rejoice.”
2 Nephi 10
The Americas are a choice land. God wants everyone who lives here to worship him. God has prepared this land as a place for the gospel to flourish in the latter-days. The gathering of Israel will begin here; God has covenanted with Israel that he will bless them and cause them to prosper if they will have him to be their God. I want to be patriotic in my heart and actions. I am proud to be an American citizen. God bless this great country. Greater things are ahead. I am optimistic.
2 Nephi 11
Nephi loved Isaiah. He shared with the prophet, Isaiah, his father, Lehi, and his brother, Jacob, the experience of seeing the Savior in person. Nephi loves the fact that “all things which have been given of God from the beginning of the world, unto man, are the typifying of him.” He also loves the covenants the Lord made to his people. He loves the Lord’s grace, his justice, his power, his mercy, and the plan of deliverance from death. He bears witness of the reality of the Living Christ, that without him all of us would perish both physically and spiritually. He tells us the words of Isaiah so we can rejoice with this same knowledge and testimony.

More from the Book of Mormon: 1 Nephi 6-10

2012-01-10T10:50:00.000-08:00

1 Nephi 6
Nephi’s father, Lehi, was from the tribe of Manasseh. He would have established this through is father’s line. Using the same method, Nephi could have said, “I am from Manasseh.” But both he and Lehi were content to say they were descended from Joseph (coat of many colors). A modern day application is for me to think about Joseph as my great ancestor. Ephraim is my tribe. But I know nothing of him except his tribe became very wicked and was eventually taken captive by Assyria and scattered. Like Nephi, I prefer to think of myself as from Joseph. The tribe of Ephraim is not superior in any way to his brother’s tribe, Manasseh. Just think to Lehi and Nephi and you will see this.
I love Nephi’s decision to keep his small plates simple and sacred. I think that “small” meant few. And I think “large” meant many. So, Nephi created the “Small Plates,” meaning few and the “Large Plates” meaning many. I don’t think that it means the size of the plates.
1 Nephir 7
Nobody complained when it was time to go back to Jerusalem and bring Ismael’s family back. Future wives and husbands sounded good to everyone. On the way back Laman and his wife to be and a few others rebelled and tied Nephi up. The Lord loosed him and finally the rebellious ones calmed down. I like that Nephi “frankly” forgave them.
1 Nephi 8
In some ways Lehi’s vision of the Tree of Life is similar to the story of Adam and Eve. Both are very symbolic, revealing God’s Plan of Happiness. In Lehi’s case, we must consider ourselves as if we were his children. Or we must put ourselves in his parental place and consider the situation of our children. Lehi tells of a tree with fruit. Eventually, he tells us the tree is the Tree of Life and bears fruit representing Eternal Life. Christ is symbolized by the tree; partaking of the fruit is partaking of His love. In the Garden of Eden version, Eve represents the bride, or in other words, the members of the Church. Adam represents the bridegroom, or in other words, Christ. More personally, Eve represents me. Adam represents Jesus. Eve partakes of the fruit and dies; Adam resists temptation, but must partake of physical and spiritual death like Eve in order to be able to save Eve (me). Eve (me) makes covenants through her husband (Christ), whereas, Adam (Christ) covenants directly with the Father. Because of his great love for us, Christ has atoned for our sins and has overcome physical and spiritual death so that we may live again with Him and our Father. If we hold on to Christ’s love, the iron rod, or to His words and his covenants, we can eventually be with Him again.
1 Nephi 9
Nephi explains the purpose of the Large and Small Plates. He explains that he has created the Small Plates “for a wise purpose in him (the Lord).” I think the words “large” and “small” in this context refer to the number of plates. Thus, there were a large number of plates (Large Plates of Nephi) and a small number of plates for the more sacred part of the record (Small Plates of Nephi).
1 Nephi 10
Nephi recalls the words of his father, Lehi, who saw in vision the Messiah. He saw that he was killed by the Jews and then was resurrected bringing to pass the resurrection for all mankind. He called Christ “the Redeemer,” indicating he paid for our sins. If we exercise faith in the Redeemer, we can know all things. Nephi wanted to see and know for himself the things his father had spoken. We must repent and come unto Christ. I want to know for myself these things. Therefore, I must repent and exercise faith in Christ.

1 Nephi 3-5

2012-01-06T11:17:00.001-08:00

1 Nephi 3
Lehi received revelation from the Lord that his sons should return to Jerusalem to the house of their cousin Laban and obtain the Brass Plates which contained the scriptures from Adam down to Isaiah and also the genealogy of Lehi’s family. Evidently, families at this time didn’t have copies of the scriptures but relied on the family record keeper to guard them. Scriptures written on metal plates must have been extremely valuable. Scrolls containing the scriptures were used by the priests or rabbis within the synagogues, but again, individuals didn’t have copies. Lehi knew that his family would not be able to remember all the things written in the scriptures; therefore, he was not going to continue their journey without the Brass Plates as commanded by the Lord. My testimony is based on the knowledge I have that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. Therefore, Joseph Smith is a prophet, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church of God on the earth. I hope all of my children and grandchildren will obtain their testimonies of the Book of Mormon by reading and praying to know it is true. I will go and do the things the Lord commands.
1 Nephi 4
Fresh from the experience of seeing an angel (and being beaten by Laman and Lemuel), Nephi exercised faith in the words of the angel. He told his brothers that they would be going back to Jerusalem to get the plates; the Lord would provide the way. When they arrived Nephi went alone into the city following the promptings of the Spirit. He didn’t know where those promptings would lead but he trusted them. When Nephi came upon Laban, drunk and passed out in the street, the Spirit told him to slay Laban saying that the Lord wanted it done now so that a whole nation would not perish in unbelief. Nephi wrestled with the instructions, but promptly drew Laban’s own sword and cut off his head. Then he took Laban’s robes and put them on. He then went to Laban’s home and, imitating Laban’s voice, told his servant to get the plates. Zoram was the servant’s name and he obeyed Nephi thinking it was his master. When they left the city with the plates and came upon his frightened brothers, Nephi called out to them, reassuring them of his identity. Then, Zoram panicked and tried to escape but Nephi grabbed him and held him. Into a frightened and struggling Zoram’s ear, Nephi spoke covenant words, promising Zoram’s safety and freedom. He must come with them or Lehi’s family would be discovered and killed. Zoram believed and accepted the words of the covenant Nephi made with him, covenanting to join the family and live out his life with them. He would prove to be a faithful friend to Nephi.
1 Nephi 5
While her sons were back at Jerusalem, Sariah, complained to her husband. She was afraid the boys had been killed and was uncertain her husband had received revelation regarding leaving Jerusalem. Lehi wisely agreed with his wife saying he was indeed a visionary man. Yet, he held firm speaking kindly and gently to her, demonstrating his tender love and compassion. When the boys returned, Sariah was overjoyed and rock solid in her faith in her husband’s revelations from the Lord. After giving thanks to the Lord and offering sacrifice, Lehi searched the plates finding the scriptures from Adam to Isaiah and a genealogy of the family. Notice that Lehi was a descendant of Joseph (sold into Egypt) and so was Laban, who Nephi slew. The plates had been kept in the family, most likely being passed from father to son.
I am sure that Jean, like Sariah, wondered what would come of our many moves. But she always showed support and never made me feel like we had made a mistake by going from place to place in our journey. I have always felt the deepest love and respect for Jean for her strength and courage, also her grace and common sense. Our years in Laramie were the most difficult for her. The cold and isolation were hard on her. But she loved our house and made the best of things. She was thrilled when she learned we could come back to Utah. This is our promised land. Many adventures still await us in our journey home.

Starting the Book of Mormon

2012-01-04T08:53:00.000-08:00

1 Nephi 1
Nephi was raised by righteous parents who had sufficient means to provide him with an excellent education. Nephi lived in Jerusalem when Zedekiah was made king about 600 B.C. Many prophets, including Lehi and Jeremiah told the people to repent or the people and the city would be destroyed by the Babylonians. When Lehi prayed, he had a vision confirming the destruction would happen if the people didn’t repent. He saw Jesus Christ and his apostles in this vision. When he continued to testify to the people of their wickedness and the pending destruction of the city, they wanted to kill him. Yet, as Nephi’s record shows, many tender mercies of the Lord were extended to his family and are available to us as well if we exercise faith in Christ. Tender mercy of Christ and hope in Christ are central to Nephi’s message.
1 Nephi 2
Lehi took his family into the wilderness. We can relate to this experience. We traveled first to Las Vegas, then Tucson, Laramie, and then American Fork. Unlike Lehi’s children, we heard very little murmuring from Jon, Michelle, Nick, Eric, or Emily. We learned great lessons from each place we lived and loved the people in each place. They loved us too. We were able to take our stuff with us. Lehi left all of his riches behind. The thing that made Nephi not rebel like his brothers Laman and Lemuel was his testimony. The Lord truly softened his heart so he believed all of the things his father said. Here is a great key: to avoid the tendency we all have to rebel, cry unto the Lord in humble prayer and ask him to soften your heart.

Farewell to 2011

2011-12-31T21:45:00.000-08:00

What an interesting year. Worst thing: numbness and tingling in my right foot and leg. Best thing, the birth of Eric and Hayley's baby, Lauryn Brooke Stone. Teaching at Lindon Junior Seminary has been very fulfilling and fun. Jean still loves me. My kids too. My love for them grows with each passing day. Jean is the best friend, mother, and grandmother. She is just right for the job. She is beloved by all. Jon, Michelle, Nick, Eric, and Emily are so amazing. They have chosen well. I am so proud of their accomplishments. I love Brandon, Tina, and Hayley. I can't wait to see what the new year brings for Seth, Maryn, Jonas, Zane, Annie, and Lauryn. The new babies are anticipated with great joy! May the Lord bless our family in 2012.

Frankie

2011-11-04T07:09:00.000-07:00

Frank the cat passed away today, November 4, 2011, after a long and happy life with the Stone family. He came to us in Laramie, Wyoming, from neighbors who wanted to give him a good home. Frank and the Stone family were a perfect fit. We think he lived to be 12 or 13 years old. He will be remembered as being a very smart, affectionate cat. He would communicate with his voice in two syllable bursts that sounded more like words than cat meows. He loved to hunt prairie dogs and mice. He loved to play with cat toys and balls. He would chase and jump and bat them with his paws. He and his adopted brother, Oreo, loved to rumble and hiss at each other. They loved to chase and pounce and pretend to bite. Frank gave Oreo a final hiss today as if to say, "Be tough little brother--don't be sad." Frank's best attribute was his love for his people. He was just part of the family. He loved to snuggle in the warm laps of Jean, Michelle, and especially Emily. He and Emily had a special connection: a bond of love that best friends enjoy. He was known to all who loved him as "Frankie." He will be greatly missed, but always have a special place in our hearts.

Lauryn Brooke Stone

2011-04-24T10:19:00.000-07:00

Our new grand daughter arrived April 22nd 2011 on Good Friday. Hayley and Eric went to the hospital that morning and things got started with the doctor about 10:30 a.m.. Twelve hours later Lauryn Brooke was born. Thirty seconds later, Jean, Emily, and I entered the maternity waiting room and were greeted by Cory Duckworth, Hayley's dad, who told us the baby was just born! She and Hayley snuggled "skin to skin" for about 45 minutes then we got our first peek at her. Her eyes were wide open and she was adorable with deep blue eyes and curly, light brown hair. Her cute little nose and mouth resembled her mother and her ears and eyes resembled her father. As I write this, Lauryn is getting the blue light treatment for a little jaundice. She is scheduled to leave with her parents some time this evening. What an amazing Easter gift to the Stone and Duckworth families!

Room #36

2010-08-16T20:28:00.000-07:00

Recently, my brothers and I took a trip to Yellowstone. We picked a very rainy day making it almost impossible to fish. After a soggy day, we finally arrived at our motel in West Yellowstone at about 9:30 p.m. We had stayed at this motel 2 years earlier and kind of knew our way around. So, after checking in and getting our room (#36) key, we went back to our car to get our bags and then climbed up the stairs to the room. From our previous stay, we knew our room was upstairs and our host had said #36 was the last room on the end. At the top of the stairs, turning left, we came to room #40. Room #39 came next. After that: room #38. Then we came to room #37. But, alas, the next door had no # posted on the door, but it had to be #36 since it was the last room in the hall. I tried the key and sure enough the door opened. When we turned on the light we entered a very strange motel room. It had a large living room with several couches, a TV, a stove, and a refrigerator. Checking the bedroom, which was separated by a door, we found only one bed! Dang, one bed for 3 very tired travelers. "Oh well," we said, "she must have had to give us the left overs." We looked in the bedroom closet for extra bedding but only found torn, soiled, stained sheets, and an old bed spread. "Oh well," we said, "I guess it will have to do." So, Dave took the bed, Dan took the couch, and I took the floor. Dave and Dan took a shower before we retired but I was too tired from driving all day. We all went to sleep but were roused about 2:00 a.m. by a phone ringing. Dave and Dan thought it was my phone, but I knew it wasn't because my phone was dead. I figured it was one of their phones so I didn't worry about answering it. We went back to sleep but were awakened again at about 4:00 a.m. by a door opening and closing. Dan and I just thought it was Dave getting up to go to the bathroom. Dave figured it was one of us. At 6:00 a.m. Dan was sitting up reading when the door to our room opened and a slightly perturbed white haired fellow poked his head in and asked what the heck we were doing in his room! He went on to tell Dan that he was the maintenance man and stayed in the room from time to time. Dan asked why our room key worked and he said that he just left his room open since he didn't keep any personal stuff there. (There was no food in the fridge, no clothes in the drawers, no shaving kit, etc., which would have given us a clue that someone stayed there.) He also told Dan that our room was at the end of the hall just below his room but on the 1st floor. If we had gone down the stairs and looked, we would have seen it. So we gathered up our stuff, folded the soiled and torn sheets and bedspread, and high-tailed it down to room#36 where we found two queen sized beds and a sofa bed waiting patiently for us to arrive. Well, we didn't sleep in the beds, but I took a shower. Before we left, I decided to go talk to the motel owner to see if she had heard what had happened. She had. I apologized but she just said, "Did you really think I would put you in a room with one bed and no clean linen? Why didn't you call and check with me when you saw the room? What were you thinking?" I apologized and took responsibility. "It was our fault," I said.
"Yes, it surely was!" she agreed. "Please don't hold this against Mark and Halli. We are the 3 stooges not them." I saw a little smile on her lips when I turned to go. I felt the wind from the disgusted shake of her head as I went through the door of shame back to the car.

Jean's baptism

2010-04-13T17:26:00.000-07:00

I thought you'd like to read the account of Jean's baptism from my journal: "Monday, November 24, 1975. Saturday morning has got to be the most wonderful experience of my whole life. I got there early about a half hour and the baptismal fount was full. I found the janitor and he turned off the water and gave me some paper to make a sign. I took it over to the other stake center so nobody would go to the wrong place. It was a very crisp and clear day and the tape wouldn't stick and the sign was holding by one corner when I drove back to the North Stake Center. Jean was there and we talked for a minute. My parents were the first to arrive with Larry, Danni, and the two kids, Matt and Brandon. But many more soon came. Jean's Dad, Clark, Holly Seeholzer and mom, Roger Wilson, Ned Nelson, Bryon Anderson, John and Barbara Bennion, Bill Emmett, Kristy Larsen, Bruce Jensen, Jay Haws, Brad Sorenson, Mike Egan, Diane Galbraith, Sue Brown, and many others.
"The program was Brother Tingey, conducting; opening prayer: Kristy Larsen; talk by Holly Seeholzer, who told about Jean and their experiences in California and about their close friendship. She did such a good job. Then Paul Thurston gave a good talk about taking time for God and how Jean had taken time for God. Then Brother Tingey added some choice remarks about baptism and the Holy Ghost.
"Then Lynn Broadbent and Deb Olsen sang two very special songs: By my Side and God's Love, Pass it On.
"Jean looked so pure and glowing in her white dress the missionaries supplied. We sat together before the baptism. Jean's excitement was pretty evident. Her eyes were bright and a little extra shiny. Tears came a little when the talks were given and the music played. Then we went down into the water and I whispered to Jean and she seemed relaxed.
"The words of the prayer of baptism are so simple--yet so very sacred. Jean went down completely under the water and back up. Those watching chuckled as they would to see a new born babe gasp for new air--the breath of life--Jean was born again by water. I signaled the OK sign to the people after Jean went up out of the water into the dressing room. They chuckled humbly--a prayer of thanks.
"A few minutes passed. We both dressed and I was a little quicker than Jean. She came out and chair was placed in the front of the room. All of Jean's friends that were there joined the circle. I remember President Baird, Roger Wilson, Brad Sorenson, Jay Haws, and others.
"I remembered the words just before placing my hands on Jean's head and my knees shook just a little.
"Jean Marie White, in the name of Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy Melchizedek Priesthood which we hold, we lay our hands upon your head and confirm you a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and say unto you--receive the Holy Ghost.
"The prayer that followed mentioned Jean being cheerful and an example to others. I'm sure Jean remembers the words.
"The testimony meeting that followed was the climax. Roger Wilson (my high school coach and friend of Jean and I) started the testimony meeting. He said some nice things about the growth he had seen in both Jean and I. Deb Dance added her sweet testimony and it was nice to have her stand because she and Jean were good friends. She expressed that this was something she had always hoped for. Deb's baby was 12 days old.
"When I stood up and looked around there wasn't a dry eye to be seen. Everyone was so full of love for our sweet friend, Jean Marie White. I found it hard to keep from letting the tears go when I saw Mr. White's strong face show emotions.
"Soon, Jeannie sprung to her feet and bursting with love and excitement, bore the most wonderful testimony I've ever heard. She said, 'I know I'm doing the right things and I know this is the true church.' The meeting ended with Ken Tingey, the man conducting, quoting chapter 4 of the Doctrine and Covenants. Diane Galbraith gave a wonderful closing prayer.
"Everybody stayed around and hugged each other for a while after the baptism. Lare took our picture together. It was such a crisp, cold, clear, beautiful day.
"That afternoon, Jean and I packed a couple of sandwiches and headed for Blacksmith Fork Canyon. We realized that we were meant for each other and we talked about getting married. It was a most sacred and wonderful afternoon. We spent some time by the old family fishing hole.
"I think this was the most wonderful day in both of our lives."

signing off

2008-10-31T15:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Fellow Bloggers,
This will be my last post on this website. I thank you for tuning in. Love to all.

Frankie is back

2008-10-01T15:24:00.000-07:00

Frank, our blue eyed cat, (named after blue eyed Frank Sinatra) has come back from the dead again. After a three day journey on his own in the neighborhood, Frank found Jean and I as we were taking a walk. Jean thought we should go home a different way (three wise men did the same thing) so we walked near the place where Emily had seen him last. Not far from there, we stopped to see another cat and as we paused to look, there was Frankie, walking toward us from who knows where. We took him home, 7 lbs of mostly bones, and started feeding him and giving him water and milk. That night and throughout the next morning he had a seizure about every 30 minutes. It was awful, so we took him in desperation to the vet. The vet wanted to do blood tests, but when he saw Frank have a seizure, he started talking about whether we were ready to say "goodbye." I wanted the doctor to give him seizure meds, but he said they take a month to start working. We settled on valium given in pill form for a week to see if we could calm Frank down and help him rest. Jean went to Smith's pharmacy where she found out there is another Frank Stone living in American Fork (no relation to me or Frankie). Frank has responded to the pills by resting and not having any more seizures. Little miracles are the best!

turn, turn, turn

2008-09-10T14:19:00.000-07:00

The kid I kicked out of seminary, his parents, and I met on Monday afternoon. The kid had done a complete turn around. He promised to make a positive difference in class--and a day later--he came through on his promise. It was a miracle; a softening of the heart by God and a affirmation of the Atonement.

A teaching first

2008-09-05T19:41:00.000-07:00

So, today I kicked one of my students out of seminary. It's a lousy feeling. But it's done. Now I know a little of what a mission president must go through when he sends an elder home. I tell you it is the lowest moment I can remember feeling as a teacher. The offense: refusal to do what the teacher asked X twenty, with attitude. I called his dad and we will be meeting on Monday. Why is it when I try to help someone, that they turn it around so it's my problem instead of theirs? Isn't that why I got out of counseling as a profession? Maybe it is my problem. Age. Lack of funniness. Failure to connect. Lack of patience and charity. I can here him saying to his parents, "he's so mean; everyone hates him; everyone wants to transfer to the other teacher; why is he picking on me, I'm not the only one who talks out of turn; he's so boring." Aging athletes have to face the fact they are not able to keep up any longer. I think it's time to think about a change. Brett Farve went to New York. That was dumb. Just stop when you're not able to throw the long pass anymore and do something else. I sure wish I could talk to Dad right now. He'd probably say "maintain contact" this will pass.

Son and Daughter-in-Law

2008-08-27T16:44:00.000-07:00

Here's a big hip hip hurrah for Tina and Brandon. They are the best. Thank you for being such unique and talented individuals. Thanks for your laughter and your quirkiness. Thanks for your deep beliefs and spirituality. Thanks for being such good companions and loving parents. I love you both.

Here we go again

2008-08-22T17:43:00.000-07:00

The first week back to school always brings sweetness and a few worries. For me, this time, it's been mostly sweet with some mild worries. The students have been terrific as always. Many new faces and new names must be learned quickly, or my effectiveness wanes. The new challenges are exciting and the good outweighs the negatives. I have, as always, a deep sense of awe for a loving Father who knows how to succor His children. It's in His capable and loving hands. JMNEE, we love you. SMJZA, you too.

Priesthood Blessings

2008-08-03T10:30:00.000-07:00

Our dear home teacher, Bob Lee, and I gave Emily a blessing on Sunday morning. She has been quite sick for 3 days with strep and a fever. I was struck by the sacredness of the blessing and the Spirit attending. An amazing feeling of love for Emily swept over me. Family relationships are so amazing. I am so grateful for all of my children, grand children, and of course, Jean.

Answers

2008-07-30T17:01:00.000-07:00

The first line of "yarns" was true. I went Yellowstone with Mark and Dan. We did see two bears and one moose. We did see a buffalo walking down the center of the road leaving doo doo in two spots. We saw lots of elk including some new little ones near the road. We did see lots of tourist in shorts. We did see a bald eagle. We did catch a lot of fish, mostly little brookies between 4 and 8 inches. We did not see any wolves or pelicans or huge biting insects. It was wonderful to hang out with two of my brothers. They are both great examples. Dan is heading to South Africa for a CES mission in a couple of weeks. We are in awe of the Ross family stamina as they make their way east. Hats off to the Illinois Stones for finishing their first year in the heartland. Nick has about a year to go at BYU and Eric has 7 more months in Colombia. Emily will be in 8th grade and she was just called as Beehive president. I went golfing today and shot 3 over par with a birdie at the last hole. The church is still true.

Yarns from Yellowstone

2008-07-19T13:03:00.000-07:00

Last week I went to Yellowstone with Mark and Dan, two of my older brothers. We caught 500 fish altogether and saw 40 moose, 300 bald eagles, and 4 different packs of wolves. A buffalo, who was walking down the middle of the road stopped to talk to Mark, so, Mark rolled down his window and they discussed the chemical makeup of mountain grasses. We also stopped to examine the two pies deposited exactly on the yellow line about two and four miles from where we stopped to talk to the buffalo. They were definitely his. The elk herd was near 1000 with baby elk walking in a single line along the road so that the 32 buses could stop and admire. I counted 500 pairs of burmuda shorts and at least 150 men wearing black knee socks with their shorts. Yel-owl-stone is what the early explorers called the place because of a certain yelling noise by an owl species who made their nests among the stone formations. But somebody misheard and thought it was yellow-stone. We didn't see any owls but we did see a pelican with a 5 pound mosquito on its back. Old Faithful was spewing coins and the mudpots smelled like pizza. Your job is to find the one sentence in this yarn that is true.

Jury Duty

2008-06-16T17:38:00.000-07:00

Today, I had the distinct privilege of going through the jury selection process. I was not selected. But, (we all have them) I had a great experience. It was a rare moment when I felt really proud of our country, our founding fathers, and the principles of the Constitution. Doing one's duty to one's country comes with a spiritual experience akin to doing one's hometeaching--only better somehow. I really wanted to get selected! The fact that I was willing to do my duty heightened my spiritual feelings. Most of my peers who were there were joking about how they could get out of being on the jury. I have to admit, I felt that way initially. But as the day wore on, I started to get into it. I felt something in my constitution about the Constitution. It was cool. I'm not dejected over the fact I was dismissed. But it would have been fun to go all the way to trial.

Moving on, moving out.

2008-06-11T21:30:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am supportive of my children moving out of the house. Yes, I am supportive of the idea of them moving to far off places. A mission is acceptable. But this moving so dang far away that it has to be a earthshaking-logistical nightmarish-how-are-we-ever-going-to-do-it type of thing, well, that just isn't right. Jon and Michelle you are causing me to wish I'd never left Cache Valley and you never learned how to drive on the freeway farther than Ogden. What makes you think you can put this many miles between us? Well, when you're done with your running off and leaving your aging parents so you can get educated, we might just go off ourselves one day. Mission to the Canary Islands. Or Maui. That would serve you right.

So you think you can teach seminary?

2008-05-28T19:29:00.000-07:00

Most of you know how much I wanted to help out my Mom and Dad when they were so ill. We asked for a transfer and ended up at Orem Institute. We were shocked but felt good about the assignment. It meant I wouldn't be giving care to my parents, but at least we could make monthly visits. First Dad died of old age. Then Mom followed, two years later. With them gone, I have become the patriarch of my family here on Earth. What a lousy way to obtain a stewardship. I have missed them terribly and I have wanted to council with them so many times. Now, I must count on God as my Counselor. Maybe that's why Christ is called by that name by Isaiah. The same thing happened to him: lost his parents. Yet, my beloved children have become so wise. They don't need a lot of direction from me. Just a word here and there. Jean is so grounded and secure in her testimony of Christ, I never worry about her spiritually. Physically, she is pioneer stock. But she has a gene or two she could do without. Breast cancer runs deep in her family. Most recently, her mother and sister. We pray she got her dad's genes there. But he suffered Alzheimer's disease. Bad gene number two. Her mom's side doesn't have that problem. The reason I titled this post "seminary..." is because I made a leap of faith to teach at this level. And we finish the school year on Friday. It was an amazing experience. Harder than heck. But self-fulfilling. Right now I'm ready to retire. I'm tired. But I made it through one more year. Maybe I have 6 or more in me. More and more I become dependent on the Counselor. He must love me. Lord, help my unbelief. I am so prone to wander. I love my dear family. Please be patient with my less than polished patriarchal ponderings: pitiful.

talking to Elder Eric Stone

2008-05-13T19:25:00.001-07:00

I must say that Eric the boy has turned into Eric the man. What a great accent. He said he had spoken only Spanish for 8 straight months. Talking to him on Mother's Day was wonderful. He is 100% obedient and is reaping the spiritual rewards. He is fully committed to the Lord and we were all inspired by talking with him. May the Lord continue to watch over him, keep him safe, and bless him with his Spirit.

Born in '54; Turn 54; May 1, 2008

2008-05-01T14:36:00.000-07:00

The planets have aligned and all who were born in 1954 are turning 54 this year. My day was greeted by white frosting on the lawn. Thanks, Mother Nature, for remembering my birthday.

A quiver full

2008-04-21T18:02:00.000-07:00

I am so proud of my kids. Jon, Michelle, Nick, Eric, and Emily. Jon and Tina make such a great team. Juggling care giving, school, and church in masterful style, they carefully take care of each other's feelings and manage to make things sweet, living a day at a time in joy. Seth, Maryn, and Jonas. They are real and amazing and crazy fun. Each one with special gifts and talents. Each with powerful spirits in small and wiggly bodies. Michelle and Brandon. Strong, brave, sensitive, and smart, mixing common sense with vision, head strong with penitent, creative with concrete, they make it work because they understand God's plan and His ever present hand, shaping and creating new hearts within them. Zane and Annie. Brilliance and beauty. Nick. Becoming the man he wants to be. Reaching forward with high hopes and faith. Full of goodness and grace. Lover of good. Gifted with children. Eric. Elder Stone Loves Christ and His gospel. Loves the people of Colombia and is lost in the service of God. Emily. A special gift of caring about and loving her nephews and nieces that shows the depth of her character. Somehow she is the oldest, even though she is the youngest.

2008-04-20T14:04:00.000-07:00

Missin Momma,
I miss my mom today. I remember her voice. She never raised it. She frequently laughed to tears. She distracted the grandkids when both wanted the same toy by a word. She cooked the gourmet concoctions. She gave guidance. She loved her garden. She grew squash just for fun. She asked how things were going. She never was vulgar--ever. She visited her neighbors every day. She gladly took care of my dad when his mental health went south. It went south a long time ago. I love you my dearest Momma.
Walter Boy

grama bee part2

2008-04-03T19:54:00.000-07:00

Now, a day after Mom past away, the memories are flooding in. One time I fell through the ceiling because I stepped on the pink insulation instead of the truss. I blasted through the ceiling tile and landed right next to her ironing board where she was busy with the clothes. She screamed, then laughed, then cried with me, then laughed with me. I must have been pretty skinny to fit through those trusses. Not a scratch.

Once I came home from a basketball tournament with a trophy. She said,"well maybe I ought to come to one of your games sometime." She put sports in perspective.

Like everyone else, she made me feel like I was her favorite, Jean was her favorite daughter-in-law, and our babies were by far her favorite grand kids.

gramma bee

2008-04-02T17:21:00.000-07:00

My dear mom is preparing to leave this world. She has been suffering for many years since her stroke. Last night she had trouble swallowing and possibly aspirated some food so she was taken to the emergency room of the hospital. While there she had a heart attack. The doctors thought she'd pass away last night, but her heart decided to get going again and she made it through the night. Today is my brother, Larry's birthday. It seems like the perfect day for Mom to die. Larry would be so happy for her. He and his dear wife, Tammy, have been there the past 6 years as she has tried to bounce back from a devastating stroke. He told me today he is hoping she can go very soon. And what a glorious reunion it will be for her. We love Larry and Tammy for being such wonderful caregivers. Eternal perspective is grand. Precious corridors of memory are so sweet. We luv you Gramma.

'tis a gift to be simple

2008-03-30T20:12:00.000-07:00

When Ann Morrow Lindberg wrote Gifts from the Sea, she had gone to Hawaii and found a few weeks of peace among the sand and the sea. I love that book; it spoke to my heart about simplicity, but it was somehow artificial because it was a manufactured peace lasting only for a few weeks. Perhaps she learned principles that could translate into a better lifestyle for her and her family. The kind of simplicity I have come to live in my life is driven by something quite unexpected: anxiety. When I was a boy, I was very active. Driven as I was, sports was a perfect match and I played and played. When I became a school boy anxiety was my friend once again pushing me to study and achieve. As a missionary, anxiety got me through a new language and endless memorizing. When I returned, anxiety got me through a college degree and a rocky relationship with my mother-in-law-to-be. If I worried enough, I could always find a way to make things work out. But at some point, anxiety became a dark friend. Instead of providing the creative energy to work things out it became a whirlpool of distraction, a rat's maze, a box. Of course, those are just ways of describing a state of mind. Because I was in the counseling profession, I learned of medication for depression and anxiety. I tried it at about age 30 and it became a help. Now that I am 53 I have over 20 years experience with this type of medication. All I can say is, medication is necessary for me, just like insulin is essential for the diabetic. One positive that comes from anxiety is you begin to simplify your life. The more you can make it simple the lower the anxiety level. Anxiety becomes a gift. People like me must have a simple life so from time to time I meet up with those who really make me up tight. Not because what they do is wrong; no, it's because they want to do things in a complicated or complex way. Their gift is different from mine. Knowing what He knows about me, God has given me the gift to be simple, and recently, I am becoming more appreciative of those who can take care of the the details, the planning, the administering, and the organizing, so that I can be myself. I don't hate complexity, I just can't do it; but God bless those who can! Every once in a while, a person who is more able to biggy size than I, will ask by opinion about something. I am able to give them a simple solution. Sometimes they will say "I never thought of that." That makes me feel happy to be the person I am. There is a place in the world for simple folk. This weak thing (anxiety) has become a strength. Praise be to the Lord.

Precious Corridors of Memory

2008-03-29T20:57:00.000-07:00

President Monson uses this phrase occasionally in his talks: Precious Corridors of Memory. He loves to tell us stories from his amazing memories. I look forward to sustaining him as our new prophet. I am excited to open this new chapter of church history. I can't wait to hear more of his stories. I especially like the "Tommy" stories. I love it when he acts a little goofy. I love his slicked back hair and his smile. I love his poetic prose. If you want a recent treat, look at the "live in the present" portion of the his lead Ensign article this month. Hope we can continue to build good memories together.

The Martian Child

2008-03-08T18:08:00.000-08:00

Well, we just saw a good movie: The Martian Child. It's about a boy from Mars trying to fit in to Earth life (at least that's what he thinks). He is adopted by a science fiction writer dad, who has lost his wife two years previous to something we aren't told about. Maybe it's the Mars connection or maybe it's his longing for meaning in his life that brings him to want to adopt this boy. The whole time I felt myself being the Martian Child. This earthly experience seems so foreign and strange sometimes. Surely, this can't be where we are really from. At 53 I feel that only half of my life here on Earth has been lived. But I am so afraid of the rest of it. Muscles that were once flexible and strong, aren't. A mind that was full of imaginings is fearful. Experience, which is supposed to be a friend, isn't. Here in the birth canal called "midlife" I find myself being squeezed: not knowing where to conform or to rebel; not knowing when to sit or where to stand. Obama? Clinton? What's his name? Are those really the best we've got? Oh ya, did I mention my memory is going? What about the future? you ask. Isn't it bright with grand kids, and retirement, and leisure time? Well, maybe if I were from Earth. But I'm a Martian. I don't know how to act here. I am afraid of gravity. What if the ones whom I love leave? What if I'm bored without the routine of work? What if I'm too sick to travel or worse, what if I'm afraid to leave the house? Is "endure to the end" really all there is left in the Plan? Was this post fiction?

calling parents

2008-03-05T14:48:00.000-08:00

Two Sundays ago, a member of the Primary presidency called me on Sunday night and asked me why I hadn't yet called to tell her how the students who had not attended were doing. "Well" I said, "laziness, I guess." "What are you going to do to rectify the situation Brother Stone?" she queried. "I'll have to think about that," I muttered, rather perturbed. "Some of these kids just need to know you care," she said with too much enthusiasm. "I think it's the parents that are responsible to get their kids to Primary, not me," I retorted rudely. "So when are you going to contact them? You could at least bring them the handout you used in class. You do have a handout prepared each week don't you?" She didn't sound the least bit upset with me, just persistent. "Actually, no," I replied, now ticked. The rest of the conversation was about her telling me how much the Primary presidency felt inspired when I was called, and how she felt I would do a great job. And she thanked me, sincerely, for the progress I was making with her son who is in my class. I hung up and felt like a dingleberry. I got the ward list out and called 5 parents. Each thanked me for my love and concern for their child. I called my presidency lady back and reported, then I told her how sorry I was for being a bum.

Singing in the Tabernacle

2008-03-01T18:19:00.000-08:00

Jean and I had a rare opportunity to sing for a world wide broadcast (move over American Idol) with 180 seminary teachers and spouses from Utah Valley. We formed a choir and sat in the actual seats of the MoTab and were accompanied by the MoTab choir organist, on the MoTab organ--pipes and all. Suddenly I'm craving Tab. Anyway, it was a great experience to be there and to sing. President Boyd K. Packer was the speaker. Also in attendance were Elders Nelson and Oaks. Pretty special indeed. One funny and human moment was when President Packer forgot President Eyring's name and had to turn to Elder Oaks to be prompted. They both laughed and President Packer said he is finding that 83 he is much older than he was at 82. I'm sure Elder Oaks can't wait to tell the Quorum, especially Elder Eyring. President Packer shared events from his life that shaped his teaching. He said that being church members is "good enough," stressing that members do their best and that is good enough. He said, "I'm nothing special--it's the office I hold." He warned of perilous times ahead and said anyone with the role of teacher "absolutely must" measure up to preserve our people. He said the words "absolutely" and "must" are rarely said by the General Authorities. They usually say "are to" instead of "must." For example, "Church members are to do the best they can." He "turned the keys" of the priesthood in our behalf, blessing us and our families. He stressed that the apostles hold all the keys. It was a once in a lifetime experience. To those aspiring to be in the Tabernacle Choir, beware, the seats are squished together and there is little foot room. But the view of the back of the General Authorities' heads: priceless.

208,451,008th born of Heavenly Parents (me)

2008-02-27T16:25:00.000-08:00

Well, somewhere thereabouts. I've been pondering my premortal self. Birth order is only one of the many mysteries. Nick is the oldest, then me, then Jean, then Jon, then Michelle, then Emily, then Eric. Of course we're talking fiction here. We lived in a home together, 100 individuals per home. All of these residences were occupied by significant others. Parents to be, children to be, siblings to be, and so forth. We lived together in the same village for 1000 years, then...

You write the next few sentences.

shake your cheerios

2008-02-22T15:08:00.000-08:00

I used an object lesson you may like: Take a bag of cheerios out of the cardboard box so that all you have is a see-through container. Put a ping-pong ball at the bottom of the bag and cover it completely with about 6 to 8 inches of cheerios. Then shake the bag gently. After about 10 shakes the ping-pong ball will magically pop out on top! There are many applications but try this one:

From the May Ensign, 1997, Henry B. Eyring:

"Sometimes we will receive counsel that we cannot understand or that seems not to apply to us, even after careful prayer and thought. Don't discard the counsel, but hold it close. If someone you trusted handed you what appeared to be nothing more than sand with the promise that it contained gold, you might wisely hold it in your hand awhile, shaking it gently. Every time I have done that with counsel from a prophet, after a time the gold flakes have begun to appear and I have been grateful."

Today in seminary, one of my students said she never wants kids. So I told her to shake her cheerios and not chuck them out too soon. In other words, don't throw away the idea of motherhood before some significant time has passed and opportunities have come your way.

Ruth and Boaz

2008-02-15T15:36:00.000-08:00

So, Ruth's mother-in-law had Ruth go and lay by Boaz's feet on their first date. Boaz is so classy that when he wakes he doesn't freak, he just say, who dat? Ruth's request was for his mercy and grace to cover her. Here were two virtuous and upright people going through a ritual: Boaz, acting as goel, or redeemer, covers her with his skirt (blanket). He reassures her all is well: he will be her protector and bridegroom. They marry and become a covenant couple. Ruth is the convert to the church; Boaz the life-time member. They have a son, Obed, who has a son, Jesse, who has a son, David....who has a daughter, Mary, and a son, Joseph, who have a Son, Jesus. Boaz typifies our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Ruth typifies our adoption into the family of Christ, our conversion, rebirth, and covenant relationship with him. Christ has us covered. He loves us.

Whitestone

2008-02-13T18:02:00.000-08:00

Jean and I have thought our last names combine into a rather romantic sounding pen name. So, when Michelle said she'd set me up with a blog, I decided to use it. The words on this blog will be my own unless I credit Jean. It's just a start. A place to say a few things as they come. I want to find my voice and share a few thoughts from time to time. Don't take what I write too seriously. Most of my thinking is incoherent. Writing it down is like trying to get Seth, Maryn, Jonas, Zane, and Annie to agree on who should be president. So just roll with it and don't hold me to some high standard of grammar.

First thought: I love my family.

a beginning...

2008-02-13T17:37:00.001-08:00

here's to many words of wisdom...