Musings of the Kevin

Author: Kevin

  • Darden Insights & Experience

    Darden Insights & Experience

    In my closing remarks at the Darden School of Business, I shared the following…

    Cults or tribes find ways to entice new members into the fold.  They may develop unique forms of communication including symbology.  Strangely enough, over the last few weeks, we all [referring to my fellow classmates] have been enticed by plentiful sustenance and seem to have developed methods of communication using strange symbols, most of which would’ve meant nothing to me a few weeks ago.

    Along with communication, a tribal culture will also seek to establish social and cultural norms.  Considering that we’ve all apparently been inducted into some sort of tribe, our group [the class was divided into groups of 6-7 students] pondered this new culture into which we’d been introduced and came up with new norms we deemed as most significant in our assimilation.

    More on these new norms in a moment…

    It’s probably too strong of a statement to say that I squandered an opportunity at a world class business school but I sort of feel that way.  I recently completed the US Navy Insights into Industry Management Course at University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business – essentially a mini-MBA over the course of 10 days.  Honestly, until classes began, I wasn’t actually aware that this was in fact a world class institution but, without doubt, it’s truly the Staff and Professors that make it world class.

    The course began on Sunday evening.  I had requested to attend the course based on recommendations from folks who had attended the course previously and still didn’t really know what I was getting myself into at this point.  The staff recommended reading the first three days material in advance – which I did not do.  I’d attended DAU classes before and I knew good and well how they worked and wasn’t worried at all.  As I’m sitting in a parking garage and gathering my thoughts, I’m essentially more worried about being away from home than anything else.

    At this point, I grab all my belongings and head to the front desk for the Inn at Darden.  The staff at the Inn is super attentive and I’m greeted as soon as I come into the building.  I provide my identification, they find me on their list of attendees, and I get my room assignment, room key, gym pass and my choice of a selection of soft drinks, water and snacks from a table prepared for my class.

    As I enter the building where the rooms are located, I’m a little surprised as the door automatically swings open when I insert my room key.  That’s not actually the weirdest thing though.  Once I enter I’m presented with three additional doors with no clear identifying marks as to where I should go next.  It took me a bit to realize that, with the building constructed on a hill, I had actually entered on the second floor.  Without going into too much additional detail, let me just say that Darden has lots of doors and hallways and it will initially take a bit to figure out how to get where you want to go.

    As for daily structure, classes essentially began Sunday evening at 1800 with a social event followed by dinner.  The food during the entire class was nothing less than outstanding.  Each day begins with 7 am breakfast followed by 8 am classes, lunch, 4 pm personal study, 6 pm dinner and a group study session each evening.  I quickly learned that reading two or three days ahead allowed the flexibility to meet with the study group right after class before dinner.

    It took me a few days to realize that learning methods used during the classes were a bit different than what I was used to.  I’m typically used to learning a new topic in class, doing homework to reinforce the new material and then getting tested on that material.  For these classes, the process was to assign reading assignments with new topics and then cover those topics in the study groups the night before class.  It was initially difficult for me but I eventually accepted the fact that I didn’t need to go to class each day feeling like an expert.

    My classmates were outstanding.  I learned a tremendous amount from them and was grateful for their insight and patience.  I’m not really a social creature and didn’t really put forth my best effort to make connections within the class.  When you attend, don’t be like me – reach out on the first night and make connections with your classmates.

    Jumping back to the new norms my group identified…

    First, find ways to create and distribute value.  It can’t be “all about me.”  We ultimately win or lose as a team and we’ve got to work together and find ways to win together in order to survive.  The “win” is to be sure that your efforts and the efforts of those you work with add real value to the end product.

    Second; navigate the terrain, guide the process, and seize the initiative.  We’ve got to understand where we are, where we want to go, and what it will take to get there.  Then, once known, we need to move without hesitation and make things happen.  It’s far too easy in government service to get stuck in a “thinking loop” even though we’ve likely already decided on a course of action.

    Third, take time to build relationships.  Humans form communities, that’s what happened during my time at Darden and that’s what needs to happen over the weeks and months ahead as we return to our own commands.  We (our class) have a responsibility to take what we’ve learned and bring others into the “tribe.”  The more we have in the community, the healthier we’ll be as a whole.

    Next, align resources with opportunities as well as with problems.  As we grow the “tribe,” we have to be vigilant and resourceful.  If we continue to just stamp out today’s problems and not look ahead, we simply will not make the efficient forward progress needed to establish a more effective culture.  This is the clearest example of how we can “do more with less.”

    Other items; recognizing that industry faces similar challenges as we do in government, using our cultural differences to strengthen our position and elevate our game, and improving our options prior to negotiation – among the other items we identified – are all choices we can make as we leave Darden and head back to our commands.  Good strategy for implementing change involves making good choices and putting forth our best effort.

    A few additional points to mention…

    – We need a better process to partner with industry.  They have great ideas that can help us to meet mission objectives.  If we don’t allow them to sit at the table then we lose their insight and will lag behind countries that are embracing what industry has to offer.  It is vital to our programs to develop long term partnerships with industry, leverage sourcing opportunities to drive improvements, and encourage balanced sourcing through both competitive and cooperative opportunities.

    – We influence the commercial sector through buying, not talk.  We can’t just tell them what we think is important.  Patriotism is a wonderful thing but our commercial partners need us to buy things – labor or products – in order to be an active participant in national defense.  There’s nothing wrong with being frugal but we simply cannot afford to price the commercial sector out of business.  We should also develop a strategy for procurements; we need to think and plan, not just buy.

    – Do peers and subordinates really feel like they can speak openly?  We had an amazing presentation on diversity, nothing like our typical diversity training in the government.  Bottom line; we don’t need to be afraid of how our brains work, but we can’t afford to stop with first impressions or stereotypes.  We are going to see differences; it’s natural for us to notice them regardless of race or color.  The real magic is to not let those differences hold us back; they should elevate us to the next level.

    – Be aware of the Zone of Potential Agreement – ZOPA.  As we negotiate within NAVSEA or outside, we need to develop an understanding of things on which both sides already agree and acknowledge that there is a foundation for a final solution.  Far too often we zero in on differences, areas of disagreement, without realizing that we may have already achieved an acceptable 80%+ agreement between parties.  That said, even with an 80% solution, it’s still vital to evaluate and understand the downside of any agreement and have a walk-away plan prepared if there is no other alternative.  We shouldn’t feel obligated to make a bad deal at any cost.

    It’s was great to meet with people from commands across the Navy enterprise who share similar goals and visions for what can happen within organizations that set and strive for high performing goals.  I’ve almost always been driven to find and execute solutions for problems within my sphere of influence; sort of like a mountain climber going up a mountainside – solve one problem then move to the next.  It was refreshing spending two weeks with people similarly motivated and not stuck in typical government status quo.

    Unfortunately, at least in my organization, there are still a number of institutional or organizational processes that don’t effectively work and, in many instances, inhibit creative solutions and limit our potential for forward progress with anything considered “non-standard.”  Too often we accept these processes as status quo even though members of the organization may actually have better ideas.  Over time, I’ve allowed myself to grow cynical and rather critical toward these processes and too often find myself doubting we can collectively find solutions for challenges we face due simply to the inertia it takes to produce a change within the government.

    My first goal leaving Darden was, over the weeks following the class, to essentially reevaluate what I could contribute towards ongoing initiatives within my organization that I previously disregarded as unachievable or without sufficient value, many of which may actually offer benefits.  I committed to shifting my focus towards eliminating the cynicism I’ve allowed to invade my perspective and refocus on propelling the organization forward.

    Also, recognizing that I’m an influencer among my peers, I intend work to encourage teaming efforts to address issues within my command that will have the greatest impacts on organizational efficiency.  My focus will be on building interest, inspiring buy-in and reducing implementation times for initiatives, both new and existing, that will most benefit my organization and our customers.

    The US Navy Insights into Industry Management Course at University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business was a refreshing and invigorating event for me.  I’m glad I was encouraged to go.  I’m glad I was selected to attend.  I’m especially grateful to all those who attended with me from across the Navy Enterprise and to the staff who organized and executed the course.

  • Grasping the Dash

    Grasping the Dash

    Today, I’d like to focus on “grasping the dash,” recognizing that something eternal is at stake in each event, in every moment of our lives. Genealogists frequently talk about the “dash,” all that “stuff” that happens between a date of birth and date of death.

    To start, a touch of history drawn from a book titled “Our Father Abraham: Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith” by Marvin Wilson; “the Hebrews did not hold to a circular concept of history tied closely to the cycles of nature.” What does that really mean? In my life, I’ve found myself at times falling into a mindless routine tied to nothing more than the clock and the calendar. I think that’s the point Mr. Wilson is trying to make.

    “Hebrew history was not a monotonous, purposeless, and eternal cycle of happenings.” The Hebrews didn’t “view life as a race toward death in which one desperately seeks to escape from the clutches of time.  Rather, in sharp distinction, the Hebrew view of time and history was essentially linear, durative, and progressive. In short, it was going somewhere; it was en route to a goal, a glorious climax at the end of this age.” Events in life mattered then as events in our lives should matter now. They are leading to a day when our world will be transformed as all evil is removed from the earth and righteousness prevails. Our Lord will then reign as King over the whole earth.

    In that context, I’ve looked over my life to date and identified 10 nuggets of wisdom, things I’ve learned both as a father and as a son.

    10. What you want to do in any given moment isn’t always the best thing for you to do; for example, I initially wanted to fly jets for the Air Force but ended up on ships in the Navy. My parents worked hard all their lives and didn’t always get to do the things they wanted to do. They did, however, do what was needed and were there for people when needed. They routinely worked hard, did a good job at whatever life threw their way and taught me that it’s far better to do your best, regardless of the circumstance, than to feel sorry for yourself or your consequences. They we’re true examples of guidance in Alma 37:34, “to never be weary of good works…”

    9. I learned that one of the most valuable traits as a leader or team member is patience. Whether at home, in the workplace, or at Church, everyone has something to contribute and it’s our responsibility to know the people we work with and provide opportunities for each to contribute. We have a duty to help those around us feel and actually be successful in this endeavor called life. We cannot force people into a box of compliance or simply disregard them as irrelevant. By no means can we take away their agency or personal choice but we should instead provide worthwhile opportunities and encouragement to others as we feel inspired to do so. Persuasion, patience, long-suffering; these take courage. In today’s world it’s so much easier to do things yourself or force your will on others rather than risk accepting responsibility for someone else’s actions but, realistically, you may find things rather unrewarding, unfulfilling and lonely if you seek them out alone.

    8. Fatherhood itself really has little to do with biology. As a child, I was the product of a series of divorces and remarriages. Easy to endure, no, but not insurmountable. The Lord recognizes that throughout our lives we will each have to deal with challenges that result from the decisions of others. He knows this and will support us as we endure and seek His help. I’ve served with men and women throughout my life, inside and outside both the Church and the military, to whom I look as “parents” in a sense. They’ve been there for me when I’ve needed an assist. I’ve seen goodness sent from our Father in Heaven through my fellow man and feel I’ve been blessed in being able to recognize it.

    7. No earthly father is a perfect father. My grandfather, father and stepfather were all good, well-intentioned people. I learned wonderful things from each of them. When my mother and father divorced, my grandfather stepped up to fill in as a mentor. He was my best friend for many years. When my mother found the man who later became my stepfather, he took over and guided me to adulthood. None of them perfect but each had significant contributions that kept me moving along my path leading to this specific moment, to the decisions that made me the person I am today.

    6. A 20-minute workout is better than no workout. I’ve often been guilty of not working out because I don’t have “enough” time. Similarly, I may not read my Scriptures or say personal prayers because I don’t have “enough” time. The impact is that once you lose control of your health it can be very difficult to get it back. I’m obviously not at the peak of health now but I am still better off than some members of my family for my age. Note that I’m talking about more than just physical health; this counsel applies across the board; physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. All require work, effort and time to maintain. All require eternal perspective. We can fit fitness in to our routines if we choose to do so.

    5. Enjoy the journey, don’t get lost in unessecary minutiae. It doesn’t always matter HOW things get done. I often want things to be scripted and perfectly planned before I proceed. I want people to do things MY way. When things don’t work out my way I have, at times, become frustrated. My stepfather, on the other hand, was a cool customer and remained fairly calm and cordial regardless of circumstance. From my perspective, he had done a little of pretty much everything, and had lots of experience to draw on. People wanted to work with him. He didn’t always like things that were going on but recognized things he couldn’t change and focused on those he could.

    4. People you think have it all together generally don’t. Everyone has problems. Everyone has challenges. Don’t assume someone leads a perfect life because you don’t see them experiencing grief and aggravation. On the flip side, if someone is rude to you don’t feel obligated to return the rudeness. On the contrary, we’re counseled to do the opposite and show an outpouring of love, especially to those who are upset. Ultimately, I’m talking about resisting the urge to judge unrighteously, in the moment, in your moment, and in so doing end up coveting your own or another person’s life or situation. The Lord knows where you are and you’re given all abilities you need to find your way and be happy. We should each do what we can, whenever our path crosses another’s path, to ensure that, as those paths part, we’re both headed in the right direction.

    3. Everyone is an individual and we each require unique guidance, unique training. My parents provided this for my siblings and me and we’ve tried to do the same for our kids. Fatherhood, and motherhood, are perfecting processes, two of many, and our Father in Heaven provides these experiences for us as we work our way towards perfection.

    2. From the parable of the sower (Luke 8:15) we learn “…that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.” I’ve learned that a good heart acts as an amplifier for Priesthood power. No matter the worldly status of the bearer, true Power of the Priesthood comes via a good heart. We should each strive for a good heart; a vessel for channeling Priesthood power in the service of the Lord. Again, it really doesn’t matter whether your male or female; anyone who’s attended the Temple or seen a Relief Society President in action solving a crisis knows that we all are capable of exercising Priesthood authority and leadership.

    1. Proverbs 15:20 states “A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.” As is typical for children, I was instructed on a number of occasions to 1) be nice to your sister and 2) be nice to your mother. Those lessons later extended to being nice to folks regardless of who they are and how they treat you. This is really nothing more than an interpretation of the Golden Rule; interpreted by me as “Do unto others as you’d have the Lord do unto you.” We simply need to be kind to those around us and realize that we’re all headed down unique paths, carrying our unique burdens, to what we hope is a common destination; reunion with our Father in Heaven.

    In all, I’ve learned that earthly parents are an extension of, a vehicle for, the eternal love felt by our Heavenly Parents for each of us.

    I have a modern day parable that tech-savvy folks will hopefully appreciate. As fathers, mothers, sons & daughters we’re challenged by network bandwidth. Prior to this life, we had direct “wired” access to our Heavenly Father in the pre-existence. Now, on the earth, we have cruddy WiFi that only seems to work part of the time. That said, are we moving to get the best reception or just waiting for someone to come along and fix the interference for us? Are we taking ownership of the communications problem or just living with it and assuming it can’t get any better?

    Truth doesn’t have to remain hidden; we have the capability to receive guidance, light & truth from our Eternal Father in Heaven. He wants to communicate with us. Our Heavenly Parents want us to feel of their love.

    Why does the family unit exist? These 10 truths or life lessons I’ve mentioned came to my awareness through a family unit of some sort. If not my own family then through other families that reached out to support me. These families functioned both inside and outside the “confines” of Church membership. The Plan of Salvation itself relies upon the existence of these family units. I have been given wonderful gifts from my Father in Heaven through the earthly influence of mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters throughout my life.

    Mosiah 13:20 states “Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” Similarly, 1 Nephi 17:55 states “…wherefore, worship the Lord thy God, and honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God shall give thee.” This is a commandment with promise. As I previously stated, earthly parents are gifts from loving Eternal Parents. As we acknowledge the divine role assigned to parents and sustain them we will be blessed.

    While fatherhood and motherhood both hold a key role in a successful life, these roles can most certainly be overcome for better or worse. We each have our agency and can make choices that negate any good influence in our life. We can also make good choices to counter past errors made by ourselves or others. Our future really is in our hands and we can choose the better path.

    In order to travel, or complete any journey, we need a starting point and and end point. In this life, we are likely starting from different places but we all hopefully want to end up back with our Father in Heaven. That said, we all can be on a straight and narrow path that is unique to us. Everyone who walks through this life chooses a path for their journey. There is both a “way of the wicked” (Proverbs 15:9) and a “way of the righteous” (Psalms 1:6). Our Father in Heaven is very aware of which we choose (Job 23:10).

    Day-to-day we can tend to get so wrapped up in worrying about what the Lord intends for us without realizing that its our decisions and choices that matter. We ask in desperation “I don’t understand, do you want me to do this or this; what do you want me to do?” At these moments we may need to worry less about trying to figure out what the Lord expects us to do and worry more about simply choosing what we think is right and seeking confirmation. He doesn’t orchestrate one single correct path for us and I find prayers for confirmation answered far more often than prayers for specific guidance. He holds agency very dear so He’s not going to override your agency or anyone else’s such that only one decision or one option is right for you and your future. Our futures lie in our hands. It is wonderful that He provides earthly parents to help us along the way.

    Don’t be afraid to make a decision but do the best you can to make sure it’s the right one. The Lord knows the path we’ll take but forces us down no single path, that responsibility is ours alone. We can successfully navigate this life and can overcome hardships with His ever present guidance and love. We are all blessed with the capability to be happy in our given circumstances. We can do it. He’s given us lots of help along the way if we’ll accept it.

    Though we may not always like it, we are fixed in this one moment, the Lord is not. He sees us in the frame of eternity. He doesn’t see us as what we can become, He sees us as we are and will be throughout the eternities. He doesn’t see the “dash” but sees us as eternal beings. As parents, sons and daughters our challenge is to try to see each other and ourselves as He sees us and choose the better path in the moment in which we’re now living.

  • Belief Should Lead To Action

    Belief Should Lead To Action

    As mortal beings, we frequently define “living” in terms of death or infirmity. We too often measure our progress, position or condition based on what we don’t have or what we’ve lost. I have little doubt at this point in my life that part of my journey here on earth is to come to grips with death, infirmity, and loss. I suppose I’m not the only one but, still, it’s taken me a while to realize this. Like you, I’ve lost people I love; great-grandparents, grandparents, parents and friends far too early in their lives. With little doubt, for me, the loss of my mother was the worst. Anger kept me from church for quite a while; frankly, just because “it wasn’t fair.”

    In dealing with grief, I and most others go through a series of stages; shock, denial, pain, guilt, anger, depression, acceptance and hope. We grieve, we mourn, we anger and then eventually hope to go on. Not everyone follows the same path of course, we’re all different in some ways, but generally we grieve a loss, possibly anger that it came to pass, and are ultimately challenged to understand some sort of purpose in it. In a much, much lesser way we go through the same sequence when we’ve worked real hard for something and it just doesn’t work out the way we wanted it to work out.

    When discussing life itself, humans understand it in terms of blood, heartbeat, and breath. We also throw around phrases like “quality of life” as we move down the path as some sort of ambiguous measurement of how we’re doing. This narrow view of life overrides what should be a personal sense of divine heritage. We frequently forget that we were alive before we came to earth and will yet be alive after we leave. We are immortal beings. And yet, even with this revealed truth, many times, we struggle to find some sort of purpose in events that happen around us and we continue to struggle with death and loss.

    Despite what some in society believe, our mortal lives and subsequent mortal death lead us to immortal life. Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, taught us this and has shown us through His own example. How or when we die in this life is far less significant than who we become before we die. Will we seek out all truth available to us? Will we abide by truth we’ve already been given? Are we prepared or at least actively preparing to live in celestial glory?

    Jesus taught that “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil…” He continued with, “why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:45-46) Two takeaways; 1) what are the fruits of our labors and 2) if we say we have faith and are numbered with the believers then do our actions reflect such?

    During this life we learn about, and hopefully accept, covenants ultimately leading not just to immortal life but to eternal life with our Heavenly Father. These covenants lead to the binding together of eternal families, ensuring family ties established here on earth remain in effect throughout eternity. In accepting these covenants we learn of our eternal heritage, the nature of man, the plan of happiness, the miracle of forgiveness, and the true purpose of life. Based on the truths we learn, we should be continually preparing ourselves to live in celestial glory, preparation demonstrated regularly through good and faithful works. Far too frequently, however, we’re less committed to the truth than we should be and we settle for far less. We are very quick to excuse our own behavior rather than correct it. We “set aside” our Divine potential for things of the world worth far less.

    For thousands of years Prophets foretold of Christ. We read many examples of this in the standard works and, though many did believe, many also did not and rejected the truth. In this “enlightened” age it’s fairly obvious that many still don’t believe. Where do you stand? Simply being present in church doesn’t testify of belief. How we live our lives day-to-day is what really testifies of our belief. Each day as we kneel to thank the Lord for another day, we must choose to believe the living Christ and abide His teachings. Note the distinction, I said believe Him, I didn’t say believe “in” Him. In consciously making the choice to believe what He tells us, will we next follow through and act on His counsel? Do we seek to understand His teachings with our hearts and believe them and act on them or do we maintain that merely an academic study will suffice? Hopefully, it’s understood that an academic study of scripture will not lead any of us to the living Christ. It may point us in His general direction but much more is required to make it safely along the “straight and narrow path” leading to the Tree of Life.

    Consider again the term “living.” In human terms, a living document is something that changes and is not in a final state. I’ve already mentioned human understanding regarding “biological life” related to physical processes of the body. The celestial version of living is not fleeting nor is it tied to human understanding of the word. Life is everlasting. When we refer to the “living” Christ we must deliberately acknowledge a deeper meaning of the word.

    Both inside and outside the Church, many go through mortal life barely acknowledging His presence. When the time comes, we will all ultimately discover that He frequently carried us through painful and difficult times all throughout our lives. While it’s true that the faithful are promised that they may indeed see Him face-to-face in this life, generally, that will not be the case, especially considering that we don’t frequently enough acknowledge His involvement in our everyday lives. However, if we look and remain watchful, we may see His countenance in the face of others through the day. Though we may not feel the touch of His hand on our shoulders as we struggle through the day, we will feel His comforting influence through family and friends who help us. Jesus Christ is the source of all goodness and all truth.

    Speaking from personal experience, some seem to go through life allowing themselves to “feel” less and less, as if feeling or really connecting to the world makes them less capable or too soft. They miss opportunities to recognize the Savior through the day because of whatever “important work” they’re involved in, seemingly failing to recognize that acknowledgment of the hand of the Lord in day-to-day life does nothing but add value to their efforts regardless of whether or not it’s related to church activities. Contrary to popular opinion, even in our regular day-to-day lives, faith and hope in the Savior of the world is not a sign of weakness.

    Others still, seemingly allowing themselves to “feel” and “connect” more with those around them, remain so busy that they fly right by opportunities to witness the living Christ. Some essentially go into spiritual and emotional seclusion working on little projects, completely missing opportunities for face-to-face companionship and exposure to miracles happening around them each and every day.

    Nephi, in speaking with his brothers said that (1 Nephi 17:45-46) “Ye are swift to do iniquity but slow to remember the Lord your God. Ye have seen an angel, and he spake unto you; yea, ye have heard his voice from time to time; and he hath spoken unto you in a still small voice, but ye were past feeling, that ye could not feel his words; … why is it, that ye can be so hard in your hearts?”

    Whether male or female, introvert or extrovert, we cannot allow ourselves to be or become past feeling. We cannot allow ourselves to become so distracted that we miss out on making connections with our fellow travelers along the path of life. We should always allow ourselves “to mourn with those that mourn; … comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that [we] may be in, even until death, that [we] may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that [we] may have eternal life” (Mosiah 18:9). Jesus Christ showed us how to care and how to connect. Our hearts and their openness and receptiveness to promptings from the living Christ are essential to our success in this life and the next.

    Taking into account the various perspectives of life and death already mentioned, we should consider Easter a time of renewal. As we study the New Testament, we should take time to pause, open our hearts and really feel the impressions the writers intended to share. I know that their effort to preserve records of the life of Christ was not merely an academic exercise. Through their writings we can read of His acts of service. We can gain our own vision of this man from Galilee who changed the world forever. His actions serve as a guide for our actions, each and every day. As we reflect during this special season we should feel hope and not despair, excitement and not dread, for we are here in this time, in this age, exactly when and where we’re supposed to be.

    We should certainly acknowledge that Christ suffered at Gethsemane for our sins. We should also recognize that, when Christ experienced mortal death, he was fully prepared for His role as the Savior of the world. He had done all things necessary for His preparation. There was no randomness in the event, it was foretold and He knew. We need to spend little, if any, time wondering how it was done and spend much more time rejoicing that it was done. We should do more, even all we can, to become like Him. Easter should be a joyous occasion during which we focus on Christ’s victory with full acknowledgment of the price.

    We also need to acknowledge the opportunities His death and resurrection provide to us. Christ’s victory enables our victory, He put choice within our grasp. Easter is a time of hope and, though He suffered in ways we cannot imagine, through His experience He knows how to succor us. He can and will carry us through to the dawn of a brighter day if we allow Him to do so. That said, make a commitment to rise above any adversity in your life. Make the choice to be faithful. Make the choice to be believing. Make the choice to look beyond simple academic study of scripture and truly feel His presence. True belief should lead us to action.

    Christ doesn’t change. Today, He is that same person that we read about in the scriptures. Sure, we may have a variety of doubts from time to time, after all, it’s the forgetfulness, the veil, that really tests our faith. That said, as we continue down the path of mortal life each day, we need to realize that mortal death is just the doorway to eternal life. Jesus Christ experienced this for Himself and walked the path ahead of us. We should not be fearful of days ahead. Fear of the future will do nothing but interfere with receiving divine inspiration. We must believe and trust Jesus Christ.

    Our commitment to the truth will lead to understanding allowing us to live good lives here on earth and preparing us for celestial glory awaiting just around the corner. Have faith. If you must, today, begin with simply desiring it to be true. Allow your desire to lead you to genuine hope and faith. Allow that hope and faith to lead you to confidence in all things that are true. Christ showed us the way. He showed us that, through His sacrifice and by following His example, we too can be happy both here on earth and in the celestial kingdom with our Heavenly Father.

    Christ Lives. I don’t doubt this. That said, I certainly don’t feel I exercise nearly enough faith on a consistent basis where I allow it to actually change my life. However, I still try to do a little bit better each day than I did the day before. Jesus Christ lives today just as much as yesterday or even 2000 years ago. He lives and will not leave us to stand alone as long as we keep trying to do our best and stay near to Him.

  • An Open Challenge for 2016

    An Open Challenge for 2016

    For this new year, I’m posting an open challenge to family and friends. It will likely take you out of your comfort zone but I’m going to throw it out there anyway. My feelings will not be hurt, I will not be forever scarred, nor will our friendship suffer in any way if you disregard the challenge.

    I’m sure that most of you know I’m a Latter-day Saint, commonly known as a “Mormon” in the general media. Yes, I only have one wife and no, I don’t drink alcohol, coffee or tea. You all should already know me so you should also be aware that I generally speak my mind and rarely go along with the crowd on just about anything. That said, my faith is, in fact, very important to me and I would like to offer you an opportunity to learn more about it.

    In 2016, I ask you to reach out to the Latter-day Saint missionaries and invite them over to your house. There’s a series of lessons, in total no more than 6-8 hours or so, spread out as long as you would like be it days, weeks or months. The lessons are presented by young men and young women who spend 18-24 months away from home spreading the Gospel message on their own dime. Really listen to the lessons and take time to consider the messages. There’s no obligation to attend church and no obligation to have them back once the lessons are done. At the end, if you never want to see them again then tell them so and they will not come back.

    For those family and friends who are already Latter-day Saints, at a minimum, hold regular Family Home Evenings and have regular family prayer throughout 2016. During your Family Home Evenings, mix in some spiritual lessons covering the material taught in the New Member Lessons. Take time to remember those truths taught in Primary that will lead us as eternal families back to our Father in Heaven and focus less on the distractions that we allow to be thrown in our path.

    We are sent here to Earth to be happy, not only in the life to come but also today. The media would certainly try and convince you otherwise. Face it; drama, disaster, violence, and despair draw people in so that’s what you’ll see on the news. Regardless of all the rotten things that happen in the world each and every day, unmeasurable goodness happens as well. We are eternal beings and this life is a but a very small, though very significant, part of our existence.

    It may sound funny to some but I know why I’m here on Earth. I know what’s expected of me and I know where I should be going. I also know that I’m far from perfect and require regular repentance and forgiveness in order to get where I need to go. I would hope that accepting this challenge will help you and your family to know the same things.

    To invite the missionaries to your home and learn more, visit https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist

  • Simon Peter, Answering the Call

    Simon Peter, Answering the Call

    Centuries ago when Jesus walked out of the wilderness after 40 days and nights, his eye fell upon a man who made his living sailing turbulent seas. Simon, commonly known as Peter, was the son of Jona and by vocation was a fisherman. He and his brother Andrew were partners with James and John in the fishing business. Peter, by no means an untested youth when he met Jesus, was married (Mark 1:30) and had pitted his strength against the sea for many years.

    Peter’s early home had been at the fishing village of Bethsaida on the west shore of the Sea of Galilee; about the time of his first association with Jesus he and his family moved to Capernaum. The fishing business was apparently going very well since they owned their own boats and employed other men to work them. When Peter spoke of having “left all” to follow Jesus, the Lord never denied that Peter’s sacrifice of temporal possessions was great.

    In temperament Peter was impulsive, stern and, until trained by experience, lacking in firmness. Jesus taught and trained Peter at every opportunity. He walked with him in the hills outside Capernaum and sat with him beside the sea. Jesus stayed in Peter’s home, ate at his table, and gave blessings to his family and friends. Peter watched the Son of God cast out devils, heal the sick, and restore the blind. Like us, Peter had many human weaknesses, yet in spite of them he ultimately overcame the temptations of the Adversary and the frailties of the flesh, and faithfully served his Lord as the appointed leader of the Twelve.

    Peter’s faith reached heights essentially unequaled in the New Testament. It so surged within him that upon the Lord’s invitation Peter climbed out of his fishing boat and “walked on the water, to go to Jesus.” (Matthew 14:29) This act of faith has never been recorded of any other mortal man.

    Despite the miracles, with such rigorous challenges and “hard sayings” in Jesus’ teachings, many followers simply could not endure “and walked no more with Him.” However, as the number of followers dwindled, Peter was the more conspicuous by his presence. He knew no other way and declared, “Lord, … thou hast the words of eternal life.” (John 6:60–68)

    With Jesus leading the way, Peter, James, and John ascended “an high mountain” and there witnessed the transfiguration of the Son of God. His face shone as brightly as the sun at noonday and his raiment was as radiant as sunlight itself. Heavenly messengers appeared, bestowing upon this First Presidency every needful key for their ministry. They heard the voice of God declare, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” (Matthew 17:5)

    Peter still had many lessons yet to learn in the days ahead. With his brethren he was to receive the Lord’s supper, to hear Jesus pray for their unity, and to discover that one of their number was “a devil.” (John 6:70) Regardless of what lay before him, the transfer of authority was now complete. Endowed with power from on high and armed with certainty of conviction, he descended with Jesus into the valley of the shadow of death. The supporting circle around Jesus continued to get smaller and smaller.

    When men came to take Jesus, Peter was restrained by the Lord himself as he offered a defense. He could not go with him, but neither could he flee. Denying that he knew him, Peter stood in the courtyard of the accusers and saw the indignities his Lord and Savior suffered. Then, he did what all repentant men have cause to do. Silently and alone, he “went out, and wept bitterly.” (Luke 22:62) Peter had been so certain that his strength was sufficient for such times and that, if necessary, he could withstand the evil alone.

    The Lord [had] said [to Peter], Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. And [Peter] said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. (Luke 22:31-33)

    Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. Jesus [then] said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. (Matthew 26:33-34)

    But [Peter] spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. (Mark 14:31)

    …and so they came for Jesus and…

    Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? (John 18:10-11)

    Still not fully understanding what was to come, Peter watched as they took Jesus, his dear friend, his beloved Savior, away…

    And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. (John 18:15-16)

    Now Peter sat without the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. And again he denied, I do not know the man. And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee. (Matthew 26:69-73)

    And Peter said, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And Peter went out, and wept bitterly. (Luke 22:60-62)

    In the kingdom of God no man’s strength alone is sufficient. This sobering and sorrowing realization—realization that he was not, of himself, capable of what God required—was likely the final ingredient in Peter’s preparation.

    It was Peter who held the keys of presidency in Christ’s church. Peter’s bravery was not perfect at first. Three times in the courtyard of the house where the Lord stood trial for His life, Peter denied that he knew Jesus. Yet this incident shows a strength, for Peter and John were the only apostles seen in the den of their enemies.

    Peter must be measured by his success in carrying out the instructions of the Lord. He denied that he knew Jesus, but not the truth of the gospel. Peter’s actions both before and after demonstrate clearly his conviction to the Lord. Christ was his friend. Christ entrusted him to lead after His death. Peter watched his Lord, his Savior, his friend suffer and die resisting every desire to reach out and provide immediate rescue.

    Peter learned the truth of all he’d been taught by the Lord. The road itself was clearly difficult. Regardless, he carried out the instructions with which he’d been entrusted and served diligently and faithfully as the Lord expected and knew that he would do.

    In our service within our homes, in the church or even elsewhere in the world, Christ doesn’t really call the person whom we are today. As in the example of Peter, He calls the person whom we can and must become on our path to perfection. When He calls, have faith and follow.

    References:

  • Tolerance, Compassion and Offense

    Tolerance, Compassion and Offense

    Tolerance is not the same thing as acceptance, and acceptance is not the same thing as an endorsement.

    Larry Alex Taunton, The Atlantic

    Such a simple truth…

    In this country do we not have the simple right to be offended? Isn’t it okay? Isn’t it enough? Can’t we simply be offended by something someone says or does without becoming intolerant of their right to an opinion or position? Do we really need to silence and punish those who disagree with us or think differently? I’m not talking about any sort of right to protest on someone’s front lawn but simply the right to have personal beliefs and principles and to share them when appropriate.

    Why is this relatively simple concept so difficult for so many to understand? I seem to remember guidance and direction from my childhood that is pertinent even in this day and age. After my feelings had been hurt by something someone said to me I was told, “just don’t pay them any mind, they simply don’t know any better.”

    It is entirely possible to abhor sin in all its forms without hating the sinners themselves. This is very fortunate since we’re all sinners.  Choose compassion and don’t compromise your morals. As a result, you will live a happier life and our society as a whole will benefit.