Letters...

November 2001

Dear Family,

I have probably said this before, so either forgive me or chalk it up to ‘approaching the top of the hill’ time in my life. You are doing so well, trying so hard and succeeding. We love you so much.

The theme in primary this past year has been Follow the Prophet. I’ve watched and listened to mom all year long work to assist the ward primary leaders teach this to the children of the stake. This has been a worldwide effort, not just in our stake.

This is good council for all of us. For example: Do we have our pantries filled with sufficient food and staples? Are we out of debt, or striving to become so? Are our houses in order?

This has been on my mind, and I want to encourage and support you in your strivings. This morning my thinking was stirred again, after attending a meeting where we were told that there would not be the usual merit increase for this year. There will only be a 1% across the board compensation, to cover the increase in our insurance premiums.

It is clear that economy difficulties are a great concern to everyone, businesses and families alike. The Church is also affected because when people are out of work or have had pay cuts, donations from tithing decrease.

I have never known hard times; I mean real hard times. But because I have a testimony of the gospel, sustain the brethren and strive to keep my covenants, I do not fear. However, I don’t want to find myself falling prey to wandering a bit off path by becoming complacent in my staying close to and living the gospel. Do I tolerate or even embrace things I didn’t years ago? My film class has brought this vividly to mind. I remember the 1939 film Gone With the Wind ending with the line that included the word ‘damn’. It was a shock back then; it is nothing now.

I’m reminded of Alexander Pope’s Essay on Man where he says, in epistle 2, part V:

“Vice is a monster of so frightful mien,

As, to be hated, needs but to be seen;

Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face,

We first endure, then pity, then embrace.”

I pray we will continue to polish our testimonies, sustain the brethren and keep our covenants. I also pray our pantries will be full, we can get rid ourselves of debt, where possible, and otherwise have our houses in order.

I want to say, like mom’s dying great-grandfather said to his children, while crossing the plains, “Go on with the saints to the Salt Lake valley, stay close to the Church and Follow the Prophet.

Love from Dad and Grandpa. Page 39

Dad’s Final Interview/Counsel (before marriage)

Story of telling my mom and dad to always knock – try to look ahead

Sacrifice to move forward the 5 races of life:

1. School

2. Home

3. Church

4. Work

5. Social

Set goals – don’t just maintain

Communicate and listen to each other

Learn and fulfill your roles as mom, dad, and spouse – Vaughn in righteousness

Story of blessing the food on our first meal in our first apartment

Say prayers regularly:

1. Personal

2. Together

3. Family

Hold Family Home Evening – you became a family on your wedding day

Read the Scriptures -- alone and together

Read your patriarchal blessings often – make them come true

Go to the Sunday block time – always attend

Accept Church callings and ht/vt – be faithful, you are serving others

Attend the temple – always carry a ‘CTR’ card

Keep Journals:

1. Personal

2. Family

Establish a date night once a week – always do ‘something’ together

Control your spending and buying habits – be patient

Attend wholesome activities, movies, etc. – if not good for kids probably not good for you

Give service – selfishness is only for your own exaltation

Be accepting of each other – some things won’t change much

Story of honeymoon at Christmas time

Be helpful – little things mean a lot and make the difference

Honor and care for parents – especially as they age

Remember brothers and sisters – especially birthdays

Live gospel principles (some will never be a bishop or stake RS president because of their spouse)

Be unified but allow for individuality – remember the story of the 10 cow wife

Remember, obedience is the first law of Heaven – story of Adam’s ‘I know not…’

Story of Ammon and King Lamoni… – be 100%

If you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all – Family Slogan

Remember who you are – Family Motto