The Veil and the Sun

The other day I left Heber Valley and drove down Provo Canyon. While driving in the upper part of the canyon, there was a soft, white blanket of clouds that settled over the valley. The cloud ceiling was around 100 feet.  As I rounded a corner, there was an abrupt end to the fog and low cloud deck. On the backside of the clouds it was a crystal clear, blue sky.

While driving I took a couple of pictures (there were no cars around) of the clouds and sun. A mile prior to these pictures being taken, the shape of the Sun wasn't apparent through the clouds. There was a dim light, it was bright enough to see without headlights, but it was still a pale, dim light. Approaching this break in the clouds, I noticed the brilliant Sun beginning to shine and the round shape of the Sun beginning to become noticeable through the clouds. As I passed the cloud deck and was able to see the Sun, it was set against a beautiful ocean blue sky. It was brilliant and I couldn't look in its direction without being blinded.

It was an inspiring moment. I was reminded of the Nauvoo Sunstone. Layered with symbolism, one of the symbols is that of the Sun representing the Father. If we look closely we notice the Sun rising through three layers of clouds. One interpretation of the clouds is that of the veil.

This experience driving through the canyon was almost like the temple and the Sunstone - that of increasing light. At first it was a dim light, then I began to make out something bright and round, and then after passing the line of clouds it burst forth in a brilliant and magnificent light.

Our lives our similar. Some walk their entire lives with just a small amount of light - some consider that sufficient; for this group the veil will stay firmly in place. Others begin to grow and develop that light and they watch it become brighter and brighter until at some point, it becomes a perfect light - that of the Son and the Father. Driving in the canyon, it was amazing to think that a thin layer of clouds separated myself from a beautiful blue sky and a brilliantly bright Sun. Sometimes in our lives, the veil is significantly thinner than we might imagine and there are glorious things awaiting us just beyond the veil - they are within our grasp according to the time and will of the Lord (D&C 88:67-68). When our eye is single to his glory, we will be filled with light!

Temple Dedication

I am excited about the Brigham City Temple dedication today. I've had the opportunity to be at the Mt. Timpanogos, Madrid, and now the Brigham City dedications. Each of the previous dedications have provided special experiences, I'd like to share one of them today.

One of the most special experiences in my life happened at the Mt. Timpanogos dedication, that was a special day! I arrived home from the mission the same Saturday morning and we drove directly from the airport to the American Fork Stake Center where the temple dedication was being broadcast. I was still wearing my black missionary badge. It was a beautiful dedication and then it came time to participate in the Hosanna Shout - a special ritual used in the dedication of temples. Following the Hosanna Shout, those assembled in the room sang The Spirit of God, along with those actually seated in the temple. Therein was a beautiful and sacred experience in my life. I heard beautiful choruses and many more voices singing than were actually present with us physically in the room. The song was incredible and penetrated my soul - I'll never forget the beautiful voices which seemed to number in the thousands. That day, there were many more present at the dedication than we could see with our physical eyes. The heavens must have rejoiced that day, for it sounded that way when we sang The Spirit of God.

President Woodruff later (after the Salt Lake Temple dedication)  told a congregation of Saints that “the Heavenly Host were in attendance at the [first] dedication [service] . . . and if the eyes of the congregation could be opened they would [have] seen Joseph and Hyrum [Smith], Brigham Young, John Taylor and all the good men who had lived in this dispensation assembled with us, as also Esaias, Jeremiah, and all the Holy Prophets and Apostles who had prophesied of the latter day work.” President Woodruff continued, “They were rejoicing with us in this building which had been accepted of the Lord and [when] the [Hosanna] shout had reached the throne of the Almighty,” they too had joined in the joyous shout.

As we participate in the Brigham City Temple dedication later today, I pray my heart is humble and ready to receive instruction from the Lord. This is a time when heaven and earth come together. These opportunities are unique, real, and sacred!

If you would like to read a good article regarding the Hosanna Shout, you can view one at: http://rsc.byu.edu/blog/?p=307

A Heavenly Light

This past Friday we hiked up Timpanogos and slept in the basin. We woke up at 4:30 a.m. on Saturday and hiked to the summit to watch the sunrise. Rarely can I get a camera to capture the moment, but I think this photo actually came pretty close. It was truly a heavenly light!

A verse in Mosiah 16:9 came to mind:

"He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless,that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death."

It's no wonder many of the marvelous experiences we have record of came while the individual was on a mountain - Nephi, Enos, Mahonri Moriancumr, Moses, etc.

This Is The Christ

This beautiful hymn was written by President James Faust. Consider carefully the words of the poignant hymn as you listen to and watch this video:

They heard His voice, a voice so mild;

It pierced them through and made their souls to quake;

They saw Him come, a man in white,

The Savior who had suffered for their sake.

They felt the wounds in hands and side,

And each could testify; This is the Christ;

This is the Christ, the holy Son of God,

Our Savior, Lord, Redeemer of mankind.

This is the Christ, the healer of our souls

Who ransomed us with love divine.

I read His words, the words He prayed

While bearing sorrow in Gethsemane;

I feel His love, the price He paid.

How many drops of blood were spilled for me?

With saints of old in joyful cry

I too can testify; This is the Christ;

This is the Christ, the holy Son of God,

Our Savior, Lord, Redeemer of mankind.

This is the Christ, the healer of our souls

Who ransomed us with purest love divine!

So many things compete for our time and attention, but truly we are preparing for his return and must bear witness that He is the Christ!

A Fun Story: President Monson

I had no intention of writing about this, but it was a fun and light moment that made our children's day. We were traveling from Heber valley to American Fork for a soccer game. The fall colors lit up the mountainside with a deep red, which makes the drive all the more enjoyable.

In the canyon we passed two nice cars and I wondered who the passengers might be. I didn't pay any more attention until we pulled up to a red light in Orem. Those two same cars approached us from behind and pulled up next to us. I looked in the back of the car and was surprised to see President Monson and his wife sitting there. I told our kids to look and see if they could tell us who pulled up next to us. It took them a minute and then they realized it was President Monson.

Although he probably gets it all the time, I rolled down our sons window and let him and our daughters wave to them. As soon as they saw our kids waiving, they leaned forward with a big smile and vigorously waved back.

He may not be perfect, I realize he's still a man, but he's been an inspiration to me on multiple occasions. He has a heavy load to carry...one I couldn't even begin to imagine. Yet, he finds time to smile and lift those around him. We've had a chance to be close to him on other occasions and in those times he's always lifted those around him.

Nothing doctrinal in this post, just a fun story about something that made our children's day. They were pretty excited the rest of the evening and it brought a smile to our faces as well!

Lessons of Love and Service

I came across this story shared by President Monson. This story involves two men in Midway, Utah (near where we live). There are numerous lessons to be learned in this simple story.

The story is told as follows:

Long years ago, Roy Kohler and Grant Remund served together in Church capacities. They were the best of friends. They were tillers of the soil and dairymen. Then a misunderstanding arose which became somewhat of a rift between them. 

Later, when Roy Kohler became grievously ill with cancer and had but a limited time to live, my wife, Frances, and I visited Roy and his wife, and I gave him a blessing. As we talked afterward, Brother Kohler said, "Let me tell you about one of the sweetest experiences I have had during my life." He then recounted to me his misunderstanding with Grant Remund and the ensuing estrangement. His comment was, "We were sort of on the outs with each other."

"Then" continued Roy, "I had just put up our hay for the winter to come, when one night, as a result of spontaneous combustion, the hay caught fire, burning the hay, the barn, and everything in it right to the ground. I was devastated," said Roy. "I didn't know what in the world I would do. The night was dark except for the dying embers of the fire. Then I saw coming toward me from the road, in the direction of Grant Remund's place, the lights of tractors and heavy equipment. As the "rescue party" turned in our drive and met me amidst my tears," Grant said, "Roy, you've got quite a mess to clean up. My boys and I are here. Let's get to it." Together they plunged in to the task at hand. Gone forever was the hidden wedge which had separated them for a short time. They worked throughout the night and into the next day, with many others in the community joining in.

Roy Kohler has passed away, and Grant Remund is getting older. Their sons have served together in the same ward bishopric. I truly treasure the friendship of these two wonderful families. (General Conference Report, Apr. 2002, 22)

If we really ponder this story, there are many life lessons:

- What caused the rift in the first place? Why did they it allow it to cause a rift?

- How many memories were lost during that time when they were "on the outs" with each other?

- What would have happened through the generations had Grant not come to help that night with his children?

- How many wonderful memories came to these two men and their posterity as a result of forgiveness and charity?

I conclude with this wonderful admonition and thought from Moroni: 

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—" (Moroni 7:46)