Time Experience Thoughts

Eulogy for “Grandma Lee”

2012-01-07T20:49:00.000-05:00

Lola Lenore (Bull) Allen, 1928–2011Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at Union City, CA

Opening
"The things of God are of deep import; and time, and experience, and careful and ponderous and solemn thoughts can only find them out." (Joseph Smith)

Lola Lenore Allen – Grandma Lee to most of us – has experienced over time the joyous heights of what life here on earth can offer; also, she has suffered (patiently) the painful depths of some of life’s most difficult trials. The nature of her experience -- and especially her response -- has seared into her very soul the most important of life’s key lessons.

Of all women who bore their suffering well, Grandma Lee stands out as one of life’s preeminent, exemplar queens.

Thanks
On behalf of her daughter (my wife Becky), her sons Fred and Craig, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and her entire family on this and the other side of the veil – and especially Lenore’s lone surviving sibling, her sister Jolinda Resa -- I express heartfelt thanks and love to everyone here; to and from all of us here, and those who could not make it. Care, concern, and a spirit of loving forgiveness seems to permeate the air and penetrate our hearts.

Remember
We remember and honor Lola Lenore (Bull) Allen. As a child Jolinda grew up calling her Lenore. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grew up calling her Grandma Lee. But, Fred, Becky and Craig grew up calling her mother. Mom: the sweetest name under heaven; and for good reason. Abraham Lincoln attributed all that he was to his loving Angel Mother. George Washington stood and acted in awe of his strong, powerful mother.

Fred, Becky, and Craig’s mother embodied the best of these and other important character traits of all the great women in history; especially the tough, strong, steady traits of the sturdy pioneer women of her own ancestors. Together as one, her combined strength and love are the most beautiful things a child can see, and a true friend can appreciate.

Preview
In the face of adversity, she was firm and dependable. She did not break. In the hard times, she was the one they all, the one we all, looked to. She was the rock.

Life
Lenore was born in 1928, and grew up in 1930s during the depths of the depression in Arizona and in Southern California. She went to a one-room schoolhouse across the street from the family ranch for first through third grades. Jolinda remembers sitting on the floor of their parents’ bedroom, looking at their mother's trunk, handling the bone buttons, a vial of jewels, and their father’s gas mask from World War I.

Lenore and her younger sisters used to put on plays for the kids in the neighborhood. When she was 10 or 11 years old she was sent to her Uncle Walt and Aunt Bessie's ranch in Arizona all by herself to work full-time as a nanny and care-giver for her brand new cousin Kaye.

During the war years of the 1940s her mother went to work at Lockheed building P-38s 10 hours a day, six days a week. So Lenore had to take over raising her three younger sisters. Her sisters depended on her in so many ways, for their daily care; for comfort when their father, who suffered through the horrors of trench warfare in France during WW I dealt poorly with the struggles of the depression and the misfortune of bad business partners. When her sisters got older, Lenore went to work as a teen at Montgomery Wards.

During the war years Jolinda recalls that after they moved back to Arizona for a six months’ stay, Lenore was the bell of the ball her sophomore year in high school going to all the school dances. Growing up and during the war, her sister Jolinda relates that the church was so important to them. Lenore was called to be one of the dance instructors at church. Lenore both danced and taught the tango, the samba, the rumba, and led the conga line. Since Monday, since Lenore has been freed from an atrophied body, Jo says she imagines Lenore finally being able to dance again. Jo relates that she and Lenore served in the Drum and Bugle corps, where Lenore played the bugle all over Southern California, marching in parades, performing in Beverly Hills, Hollywood, downtown Los Angeles, the Pantages Theatre, the Shrine Auditorium, and Pershing Square. (They rubbed shoulders with movie stars such as Loretta Young, Robert Taylor and Bob Hope.) This was a welcome escape from the shared sacrifice of the war years. They also remember the searchlights, the sirens, the air wardens, the war bond rallies, and the booming cannon practicing on the Air Force bases on the coast.

After the war, she graduated in 1948 from Mark Keppel High School in Alhambra, California. Later she married and began raising her three children in Duarte during the 1950s, working alongside her husband in a bookkeeping business in El Monte, California.

In the 1960s, left alone as a single mother, she dug deep, worked long and hard, and did her very best for her three children. She gave love when that was all she had to give.

She was devoted to her own mother, who moved back to Arizona. Lenore would drive the three kids across the hot desert with a wet towel draped across the back of her neck. As her kids went outside to play with grandpa, she stayed inside and spent time with her beloved mother.

Ultimately, Lenore prevailed and bought a house on her own in Rowland Heights, California. A favorite pastime for Lenore and Jolinda was to get together to sew dresses for their daughters. Jolinda reports that Lenore was always so smart; she could rework and devise her own dress patterns. Lenore used to enjoy taking her kids to Oak Glenn in the autumn for mini-family reunions – a tradition she re-instituted as a grandmother years later. A particular favorite escape at these times was an annual week at Laguna Beach.

At NCR she found and married in the early 1970s, the love of her life, Rol Allen. After they married, she moved to Whittier, California, and continued to improve her skills, grew in her profession and secured a good job as Comptroller, handling millions of dollars as she managed the finances of two manufacturing companies in Southern California.

I was so very fortunate to have Lee and Rol as my in-laws. The day I married Becky, they sat us down and gave us one specific, pointed piece of advice. “Be friends. With ALL that marriage is and all that it provides a young-and-in-love couple: Be friends. Be best friends.” They continued, that, in addition to all the other roles we would have and enjoy, being true friends would see us through any hard times, and in the end, when there would be an empty nest, we would have our ‘best friend’ there to live out the rest of our lives together. We took that advice and now enjoy the benefits from following their advice and their example.

On more than one occasion, Lenore and I had frank conversations, where she offered wise advice, not so much correcting any specific thing, but offering good, general principles and perspective. She surely COULD have given me very specific advice to help correct this or that issue which I needed to address, but it was the wise overarching principles she shared – about life in general, about work and finances, and about serving in the church. I have tried to follow, and see now, if I didn’t then, the wisdom of her advice and her example in these things.

Not long after marrying Rol, they took in his aging mother – who was in her early 80s. Basically, Lenore both worked full-time long hours in finance, AND took care of Rol’s mother Grace, till Grace was about to turn 100. This she did without complaint and without many verbal thanks from Grace – who otherwise was quite delightful.

Lenore was in her prime in the 1980s, bringing us all together for family get-togethers at their beautiful home in Whittier, especially memorable were her Christmas Eve dinners.

Finally, during the capstone of her life, the 1990s, Lee and Rol enjoyed a good measure of the peace and contentment that she so richly deserved. They enjoyed focusing on their grandchildren and taking some time off, to tour the East Coast, cruise the Great Northwest and Alaska, and travel to Hawaii with Lee’s sister Jolinda. After Rol’s mother Grace passed away at age 102, Grandma Lee planned and moved them to a brand new house in Las Vegas, Nevada. This offered them a handful of golden years.

Lee and Rol were totally devoted to one another. Everyone could see this. Over the years they took turns caring for the other, when some type of illness befell one of them. A few years after they moved to Las Vegas, Grandma Lee’s memory began to be negatively impacted because of a stroke. Still they had some great and satisfying years there. In 2002, they moved here to this wonderful Masonic Home in Union City, California. After only a few years here, Rol passed away in 2005.

Dignity, Last Days, Hours, Minutes
The past ten years were more and more difficult for Lenore. She lost ability to talk, then to walk. She was dignified, elegant, classy and beautiful all through her life, and especially at the end. She did not complain about the poor hand she was dealt. She went to work, caring for her loved ones, till, literally, she wore out.

No matter the circumstance, no matter the difficulty, no matter the trial or the pain or the illness, Lenore Allen was still a strong Bull woman.

Description
Not just strong, but beautiful -- in so many ways. Her lovely, gentle face, her beautiful hair, her rock-solid dependability, her excellent example of long and hard work, her devotion to us all, her generous and forgiving and loving heart; her whole life.

Pioneering
Yes, Grandma Lee was strong. She was respectful of her ancestors, especially the women pioneer ancestors. In her own time, she was one of those post-war single women who found themselves alone (not by choice), who had to pick themselves up and care for a young family. She was a single woman who pioneered making her own way in the cold hard world of business. And she ultimately succeeded.

Her own pioneer grandmother wrote these words, and boys, this is also from your OWN great, great, great grandmother:

"Yes, I’ve pioneered in Arizona, but my mother was a pioneer before me – she came from Illinois to Utah with the first handcart company, and my husband’s father, James Craig, was a bugler for the pioneers of 1847 and crossed the Plains into Salt Lake City with Brigham Young… Yes, I suppose you’d say that pioneering in those early years was hard, but we were all trying to develop the country and build a better nation. No one was trying to destroy it or tear it down. Everybody worked together and tried to follow the teaching of one of the Apostles who said, ‘Stick to the good and work for the right.’

"Of course we worked hard, but hard work is good for the souls of men. Hard work kept our children out of mischief and kept men from getting into trouble. If I had my life to live over, I believe I’d take the hardships of our times rather than the problems of today. We built the nation. A lot of people now are trying to tear it apart. No matter how hard, it is easier to build a country than to keep the enemies from destroying it afterwards.

"There’s a tremendous job of pioneering for our young people today—pioneering in a wilderness of unrest, selfishness, intolerance, greed, and dishonor. True courses must be charted through this wilderness just as we broke trails through nature’s wilderness sixty-nine years ago."

Purpose of Our Extremities
A survivor of one of the worst handcart tragedies wrote on the value of their suffering. Please hear these words as though they were from Grandma Lee speaking from the spirit world about her suffering, and our own:

"Every one of us came through with the absolute knowledge that God lives for we became acquainted with Him in our extremities! I have [pushed on] when I was so weak and weary from illness . . . that I could hardly put one foot ahead of the other. I have looked ahead and . . . have said, I can go only [so] far and there I must give up for I cannot pull the load [alone]. I have gone to that [point] and when I reached it, [I felt I was being carried along]! I have looked…many times to see who was [supporting me], but my physical eyes saw no one. I knew then that the Angels of God were there. . . . The price we paid [in our sufferings] to become acquainted with God was a privilege to pay…."

*

Never Give Up
I can hear Lenore say, with Joseph Smith: “Never be discouraged. If I were sunk in the lowest pits of Nova Scotia, with the Rocky Mountains piled on me, I would hang on, exercise faith, and keep up good courage, and I would come out on top.”

Angels
A keen observation from an apostle of the Lord, “Now, this is the truth. We humble people, we who feel ourselves sometimes so worthless, so good-for-nothing; we are not so worthless as we think. There is not one of us but what God's love has been expended upon. There is not one of us that He has not cared for and caressed. There is not one of us that He has not desired to save and that He has not devised means to save. There is not one of us that He has not given His angels charge concerning. // We may be insignificant and contemptible in our own eyes and in the eyes of others, but the truth remains that we are the children of God and that He has actually given His angels invisible beings of power and might charge concerning us, and they watch over us and have us in their keeping.” (George Q. Cannon -- Gospel Truth 1:2)

We can consider that Grandma Lee is now one of those angels. Joseph Smith said of “the spirits of [our departed loved ones]” that “they are not far from us, and [that they] know and understand our thoughts, [and] feelings….”

President Spencer W. Kimball wrote (Ensign, May 1978) “When we sing that doctrinal hymn and anthem of affection, ‘O My Father’ (taken from a poem by Eliza R. Snow originally titled, “Invocation, or the Eternal Father and Mother), we get a sense of the ultimate in maternal modesty, of the restrained, queenly elegance of our Heavenly Mother, and knowing how profoundly our mortal mothers have shaped us here, do we suppose her influence on us as individuals to be less…?”

So, I can see Grandma Lee on the other side of the veil, with her mother, singing with the angels, guarding and guiding us back home through the trials which will come our way. She will not be able to prevent trials from coming our way. But she will be there to comfort and guide us through them. She wants us to hold firm, she wants us to be tough, wants us to never give up.

Yes, we shed tears of sadness that she was in pain, and now is gone -- but we also shed tears of joy, recognizing the greatness of her soul; thankful for her influence for many years in the past and for so many years to come. We remember her, and honor her.

Conclusion
In conclusion, Jesus offers us consolation in a sometimes hard and unforgiving world.

"I say unto you, That ye shall weep… and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. . . . These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:12, 20, 33)

Lee has now overcome this world and has passed into a better. Joseph Smith taught that, All our loses will be made up to us in the resurrection, with Christ. In fact, these very loses themselves will make our ultimate triumph with Jesus that much more sweet.

I pray we remember Grandma Lee with honor and with fondness and with love . . . in the precious name of our Exemplar and our Friend, even Jesus the Christ, Amen.

# # #

*Written, but not delivered in eulogy.

Purpose of Life
The following paragraphs are from the seminal movie, Man’s Search for Happiness, prepared by the church for the 1960 World’s Fair in New York City. (By the way, Lenore’s mother and father attended this fair.) I have inserted Lenore into the text of the movie’s point of view. Please also put yourself in Lenore’s shoes as I share these this.

"Lenore entered mortality to further prepare for the everlastingness of life after death. Her mortal body, in which her spirit dwelt, was subject to pain, to difficulties, even to death. For it is only in opposition that she could grow in strength of character. She had to know pain to appreciate well-being; difficulties to develop courage; death to understand eternal life. . . .

"After death, though her mortal body will lie in the earth, she, her spirit self—being eternal—continues to live. . . . Like coming out of a darkened room into light—through death she will emerge in a place of reawakening—and find loved ones there waiting to welcome her. There with her loved ones, she will await the resurrection—which is the reuniting of her spirit and her body. There she will continue towards the limitless opportunities of everlasting life.

"As a daughter of God, is it any wonder that she is an eternal part of His plan and purpose; and coming from such a noble heritage, that she has possibilities far beyond our greatest dreams. Be assured that her life had real purpose. Be assured that her life was worth living (and that our life is worth living).

"This Jesus has promised her and you, ‘I am the Resurrection and the Life. He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.’

“Be assured that she was here, not by accident or chance; but as part of a glorious everlasting plan.”

Destiny
“…to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize…her divine destiny as an heir of eternal life. . . ."

Becky's mother passed away on December 26

2011-12-26T09:25:00.000-05:00

Lola Lenore Allen, September 17, 1928 - December 26, 2011

Graveside Service/Funeral for Lola Lenore Allen, Friday 3:30 p.m.

Hello all,

We will conclude the funeral for Becky’s mother, Lola Lenore Allen, with a Graveside Service today, Friday, December 30, 2011. The service begins at 3:30 p.m. this afternoon at Rose Hills. See address below.

Rose Hills Memorial Park (Cemetery)
3888 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, Calif. 90601

Thank you for all your messages of love,

Scott

P.S. We held her funeral on Wednesday, December 28, 2011 in Union City, CA.

Merry Christmas Friends and Family

2011-12-20T16:37:00.000-05:00

Overthe last two years we have fallen in love with one of the sweetest Christmascarols, The Little Drummer Boy. Last year in California we sang it with ourgrandsons who, in turn, sweetly sang it for my mom keeping the beat on bongosfrom the recreation room. This year in Kansas we all sang it again just afterThanksgiving for Scott’s mom, and her sister convalescing at home.

Wewere asked to make a presentation at this year’s ward Christmas party. We choseto focus on this song. Last week we enjoyed a sweet spirit as two littlechildren sang about the little drummer’s gift to the Savior. Scott added threebeautiful overhead slides helping everyone visualize the scene. Interpretingthe song (see below), Scott suggested we can think of ourselves as the littledrummer boy. So, what is our drum? What gift of ourselves might we give thisbabe who grew to become the Redeemer of all mankind? It is in and through ourcontinual gifts to Him that we, through His grace, become more like Him. Scottwrote:

Soto honor him, pa rum, pum, pum, pum -- “Picture yourself a poor, young (orphan)boy, living in Bethlehem, over two thousand years ago. Magi arrive in yourlittle village. They notice you alongside the road, playing a crisp beat onyour sole possession, a simple small drum. Appreciating your smile, and yourobvious talent, they ask you to come along with them to see a new King. Youhave heard of the prophecies of a newborn King. So, you go with them to honorHim. As you walk, you notice their golden gifts and all their other finery.Other than your smile and your heart, what gift could you possibly offer thenewborn King?

ShallI play for you, pa rum pum, pum, pum, On my drum? -- “After walking a shortwhile to the edge of town, you finally see this King. But you do not see apalace; you do not see colorful, kingly rich robes. You do see him dressed inclothing as simple as your own. You also seem to notice around him a soft, glowing,warm light. Perhaps you are not so much seeing it, as feeling it. You do seethat, like you, this King is (for now) very small, and poor. In a moment, youknow what you can offer this special king!

Marynodded, pa rum, pum, pum, pum -- “You ask his mother, his beautiful mother, ifyou can play for Him. Your drum. You felt loved and accepted as she nods and asyou begin to play. It is a new tune you play, a new beat you create that verymoment. It seems to flow from deep within. You never heard or felt thisparticular beat before; but now it seems as natural and as sweet a beat as youever imagined.

Theox and lamb kept time pa rum, pum, pum, pum -- “Even the animals seem tobreathe in and resonate with the rhythm of what you are sharing. You never feltso in tune with your music, and with this good/new feeling you now enjoy. Younever want it to stop.

Thenhe smiled at me, pa rum, pum, pum, pum -- “As you focus on the babe -- thisnewborn King -- you see him look at you, and smile. Right at you. Somehow younow know, for yourself, that the rumored prophecies have come to pass. Morethan that, you now know the King himself; his eyes, his heart, and his love.

Meand my drum -- “And even further, that He has accepted you and your talent --and your heart. And as you smile inside and out, he is smiling right back atyou. Decades later, as you look back and recall those precious moments all‘alone’ with him, you still smile -- deep inside. And you still feel his love-- and his smile – just for you.”

Ourprayer is that we all feel the love of the Savior deep in our hearts as we lookfor ways to give Him the kinds of gifts that only our heart and soul can give.

Weknow He lives! Joy to the World!

I’mholding Cade, Becky is holding Kyle. Cade is putting his right hand on Sean’shead, and his left one on Ryan’s. At Ryan’s baptism.

Wevisited Carrie and her family in the Summer for Ryan’s baptism, 4th of July atLake Tahoe, and a we hiked Yosemite. El Cap behind us.

Sydney and Mike on right, Carrie and Scott on the left, with Cade (1),Sean (6), Kyle (3) and Ryan (8) in the middle.

Weheld a Vanatter family reunion at great-grandma Dot’s house in Kansas. Thefamily history, American and Mormon history were phenomenal.

Afterteaching Gospel Doctrine for over three years, Becky was released and nowserves as ward education and employment specialist. She still serves as shiftcoordinator on Thursday evenings at the DC Temple, and continues to work forBYU coordinating the McKay School of Education’s student teaching program herein the DC Public Schools.

Afterserving in the bishopric for over seven years, Scott was released and nowserves as ward membership clerk. He is executive vice president and chief operatingofficer for a conservative think tank based in the Washington DC area. Scott isco-author of a book published in December 2011, Discoveries in Chiasmus: APattern in All Things, available at Amazon.com (and soon also at Deseret Book).

Whata joyous year this has been reconnecting with old friends from Utah and acrossthe world.

Inmost ways it has been the best year ever and in some ways it was the mostchallenging year ever. But we are grateful the challenges melt away and are farovershadowed by our love for the Lord and the grace He offers us continuously.

Withall our love, Scott and Becky

Power Words

2011-11-14T22:15:00.001-05:00

See three new power words for the boys below -- for discusssion during our week together in Kansas visiting Grandma Dot for Thanksgiving. (New words in blue.)

~
Passion
Focus
Honor
~

Think, Tough
Habits
Excellence

Attitude
Numbers
Skills
W . . .
E . . .
R . . .

I . . .
S . . .

L . . .
O . . .
V . . .
E . . .

. . .

"Just wanna ride on my motorcycle..."

2011-11-12T02:42:00.001-05:00

Found it! I was looking for a photo of Terry Tenove -- he was number 11, and was our quarterback and defensive back. Today being 11-11-11, I thought of him. Especially a photo of him jumping high into the air to intercept a pass (as a defensive back). I can see the number 11 on his back. Well, I never found his photo, however, I did (finally) locate this drawing of a motorcycle I did in the late 60s.

It is the third in a series of three motorcyles I drew when I was a mid-teenager.

On this one I actually wrote the Arlo Guthrie verse, "I don't want a pickle, just wanna ride on my motorcycle." (Page is partially riped.)

I don't want a pickle
Just want to ride on my motorsickle
And I don't want a tickle
'Cause I'd rather ride on my motorsickle
And I don't want to die
Just want to ride on my motorcy...

(See the first two motorcyles here: http://scottvanatter.blogspot.com/2008/10/i-dont-want-pickle.html)

"America the Beautiful" (Carrie on the 4th of July)

2011-10-02T20:25:00.000-04:00

More items found in a box in the garage today.

We lived in Irvine in the 80s. Every Fourth of July there was a parade. This photo of Carrie (in a local weekly newspaper) was taken on a very hot 4th of July. You can sorta see her red face. Sydney would probably have been in a stroller this year.

"Red Fish, Blue Fish . . . Purple Fish"

2011-10-02T20:10:00.000-04:00

Sydney's Early Art

I found a box in the garage today, found some old art, papers, etc. The bottom picture Sydney drew when she was almost 4 years old in Primary in Irvine; it is a fish. A while later, before we moved to Virginia, she wrote her name in multiple colors.

Autumn

2011-10-02T14:21:00.000-04:00

Autumn

By Scott Vanatter, 1964 poem (Grade 5)

Red, yellow, green leaves,

Tiny bee flying over trees,

Fall singing for me.

This Boy (Like His Brothers)

2011-09-21T23:13:00.002-04:00

ThisBoy (Like His Brothers)
ByScott L. Vanatter, September 21, 2011, poem in honor of Cade’s birthday

Thisboy,
Likehis brothers, can cover a lot of
Ground!

Wecan feel that in this boy,
Asin his brothers, real faith and true joy
Abound.

Thisboy that follows his leaders -
Hismother, his father, and others - thus also Becomes
One.

We plainly see the shine of this boy’s deep inner smile -
Andall his brothers’ - which lights our way back into the bright presence of
TheSon.

Lest We Forget 9-11

2011-09-09T11:28:00.000-04:00

Lest We Forget 9-11

By Scott L. Vanatter, poemwritten 9 September 2011

Everyday evils are often, evenpurposely,

Forgotten.

Ultimate evil, barely evenconceivable by us, rarely

Pierces the mind.

Though it is all around the world. Everyday. It's tuned out.

Some other thought takes its place, anyother thought.

Attack.

Remember

The day,

Remember

That act.

Never forgetting

The surreal sight,

The first image, that second image,

Unremitting, unreal images,

Unknown questions, unformed thoughts,

Disconnected shock.

Terror, numbed fear.

The horror. The horror.

Shear.

The vulnerability.

And our resolve, our purpose.

Our shared identity.

Lest we forget, (while their)

Hate is strong,

It shall be overcome.

And we shall overcome

Though not through hate,but design and resolve.

Recall the

Surreal planes, the

Pilots and plotters.

This evil, overt act of War.

The towers and buildings shaken

And the world.

Disturbed and awakened

Once more.

In air and on ground

Heroes both perished and alive.

Survivors stumbling out.

Rescuers rushing

In, and up,

Though not returning.

Passengers rushing

Headlong, confronting terror and

Immortality.

Feel

The Fall,

That sinking feeling.

Across a blue sky, the spreading, billowedgray cloud of ash, the dark dust and debris of noise, of pain.

Of death.

Of emptiness.

Again.

Giant, twisted metal shards,

Sharp, jangled angles mark whereangels once stood.

A hole burrowed into the groundof a deathless field,

Through crumbled burned walls,

And in the world.

Flags flown,

Heads bowed.

Taking a deep breath,

We stand.

Now

Loved ones

In homes partially empty, buthearts mostly filled,

Are dedicated to their memory.

And the rest of us?

Our culture? Our families?

Our leaders? Their policies?

Dedicated to, and aware of,

Accomplishing

What?

Memories touch our feelings.

Of lives lost -- and some saved.

Of heroes, of evil,

Of that day.

Either two hundred fifty miles,or twenty,

Far away, or much tooclose,

In another ten years, or infifty,

Remember the sorrow, the sight,the significance,

Remember that act.

Lest we forget our resolve -- our purpose.

Lest we forget our core identity.

Lest we forget our faith, our freedom.

No faded fear

Can overcome

Real freedom here.

Or around the world.

Sooner or later, some day,

The strength of love melts away

Any futile fear.

Think,

In the face of the unthinkable.

Clearly.

Plan,

Honorably protect the innocent.

Re-discovering innocence.

Create,

A positive

Good.

Responsible and Invincible.

Only then

We can get to the place where

We can purposely, productivelyforget. When

We remember.

# # #

Thomas S. Monson on 9-11 "Rebuilding"

2011-09-09T00:42:00.001-04:00

President Monson in the Washington Post. [Emphasis added.]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/guest-voices/post/911-destruction-allowed-us-to-spiritually-rebuild/2011/09/08/gIQAbkjKCK_blog.html

9/11 destruction allowed usto spiritually rebuild

By Thomas S. Monson, Posted at 11:38 AM ET, 09/08/2011,Washington Post “On Faith”

The calamity of September 11th, 2001 has cast a long shadow.Ten years later, many of us are still haunted by its terrible tragedy of lostlives and broken hearts. It is an episode of anguish that has become a definingmoment in the history of the American nation and the world. This week, theMormon Tabernacle Choir, along with Tom Brokaw, will pay its own homage to theunforgettable events of September 11, 2001.

There was, as many have noted, a remarkable surge offaith following the tragedy. Peopleacross the United States rediscovered the need for God and turned to Him forsolace and understanding. Comfortable times were shattered. We felt the great unsteadiness of life andreached for the great steadiness of our Father in Heaven. And, as ever, we found it. Americans ofall faiths came together in a remarkable way.

Sadly, it seems that much of that renewal of faith haswaned in the years that have followed. Healinghas come with time, but so has indifference. We forget how vulnerableand sorrowful we felt. Our sorrow moved us to remember the deep purposes of our lives. The darkness of ourdespair brought us a moment ofenlightenment. But we are forgetful. When the depth of grief haspassed, its lessons often pass from ourminds and hearts as well.

Our Father’s commitment to us, His children, is unwavering.Indeed He softens the winters of our lives, but He also brightens oursummers. Whether it is the best of times or the worst, He is with us. Hehas promised us that this will never change.

But we are less faithful than He is. By nature we are vain, frail, and foolish. We sometimes neglect God. Sometimeswe fail to keep the commandments that He gives us to make us happy. Sometimes we fail to commune with Him inprayer. Sometimes we forget to succorthe poor and the downtrodden who are also His children. And our forgetfulnessis very much to our detriment.

If there is a spiritual lesson to be learned from ourexperience of that fateful day, it may be that we owe to God the same faithfulness that He gives to us. We should strivefor steadiness, and for a commitment to God that does not ebb and flowwith the years or the crises of our lives. It should not require tragedy for usto remember Him, and we should not be compelled to humility before giving Himour faith and trust. We too should bewith Him in every season.

The way to be with God in every season is to strive to benear Him every week and each day. We truly “need Him every hour,” not just in hours of devastation. We must speakto Him, listen to Him, and serve Him. If we wish to serve Him, weshould serve our fellow men. We willmourn the lives we lose, but we should also fixthe lives that can be mended and healthe hearts that may yet be healed.

It is constancythat God would have from us. Tragedies are not merely opportunities to give Hima fleeting thought, or for momentary insight to His plan for ourhappiness. Destruction allows us to rebuild our lives in the way He teaches us,and to become something different than we were. We can make Him the center ofour thoughts and His Son, Jesus Christ, thepattern for our behavior. We may not only find faith in God in our sorrow.We may also become faithful to Him intimes of calm.

Thomas S. Monson is president of The Church of Jesus Christof Latter-day Saints.

Power Words

2011-08-29T22:41:00.001-04:00

Power Words

~
Passion, Focus, Honor

~

Think, Tough
Habits
Excellence

A
N
S
W
E
R

I
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L
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V
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"Footstompin' Music"

2011-08-28T22:00:00.001-04:00

Cade is 11 months old. Look at him go! Love his face, love his excitement in walking (he was giggling half way through), and love him -- and his wonderful family. SO much.

[When I rotated the video 90 degrees to turn it right-side up, I somehow lost the audio. I couldn't figure out how I lost it, or how to put it back in the video, but I could figure out how to put some music on top of the video. I wanted to overlay a version of "[Do] The Locomotion" but could only quickly figure out how to insert a song from the beginning. Hence, Footstompin' Music.]

Still, Terry

2011-08-08T01:11:00.005-04:00

By Scott Vanatter
Poem written 8/8/2011 about my friend Terry Tenove (1954-1978)

Still, I think of him and often.
Happily, and with affinity.

Sometimes, still, my heart aches then is softened --
Subtly, and I see.
His time with us, though shortened, still is not forgotten.
Not by me.

What he could have created here, is foregone.
But one day may still be.

Who he was here, doesn’t alone determine who he shall one day become
Eternally.

Smiling inside, I know he’s happy even now,
And free.

In our future reunion all will be compensated, corrected, and perfected,
Boldly.

No longer in our time, he is forever in God’s.
Nobly.

Her Heart's Desire

2011-07-21T18:45:00.000-04:00

Her Heart’s Desire

Poem by Scott L. Vanatter for Becky on her 57th birthday

The power and clarity of her word,

The strength and surety of her promise,

Shows us that she knows.

The breadth and depth of her experience,

The focus and extent of her knowledge,

Helps us grow as she grows.

Because of . . .

The light and truth that fill her mind,

The yearning and warmth and conscience of her heart,

Our soul’s comfortoverflows.

Basking in the shower ofher love, we are whole.

Her Heart’s Desire (2.0)
Poem by Scott L. Vanatter for Becky on her 57^th birthday, alternate version.
Ver. 2.0 is another take on the same ideas, only more declarative. Becky prefers the original above, as do I.

Her words are clear and powerful.

Her promises are sure and strong.

We know she knows.

Her experience is broad and deep.

Her knowledge is focused and extensive.

We grow as she grows.

Because . . .

Her mind is filled with light and truth,

And because of her heart’s conscience, yearning and warmth,

We are comforted and our soul overflows.

We bask in the shower of her love, and are whole.

For Becky, with Love
Happy Birthday!

While the poem was written for and about Becky, it also has reference to all those in our lives who exhibit such divine feminine characteristics. Those qualities which draw us to them -- whether they are those angelic/divinely feminine women who reside in the heavens, or here on earth. All exert such a powerful, sometimes unrealized (perhaps consciously unknown) influence on our lives and heart. Thank heaven for Love, thank heaven for them. And to me, thank heaven for Becky -- My Eternal Sweetheart.

Religion and Freedom

2011-07-07T22:19:00.000-04:00

From the Newsroom at LDS.org

Religion and Freedom

01 JULY 2011 — POSTED by VAL EDWARDS

Freedom of religion has been, and still is, an essential moving force in the grand experiment of American democracy. Planting that principle of religious freedom in early America brought about two profound results—the rejection of a “divine right of kings” doctrine, and breaking the 1,500-year European tradition of upholding a state-established church.[1] And with that, a heritage of self government, not to mention distinctly different congregations, sprang up.

Yet no one could take freedom of religion for granted. Baptists, Catholics, Jews, Mormons and others have all faced, at one time or another, overt prejudice and serious attempts to curtail their liberties (sometimes coming from fellow religionists). Yet looking back over the long narrative of American religious history and the experience gained, the principle of religious freedom is prevailing.

Respecting freedom of religion has brought about the remarkable plurality and autonomy of religious thought in America. Among the various religious traditions in the United States today, the Pew U.S. Religious Landscape Survey identified over 100 different denominations. Intense religious experience is found alongside religious apathy and nonaffiliation. Long established faith traditions exist with the new and emerging. Moreover, a sizeable portion of parishioners is migratory. The Pew study found that more than one quarter of American adults have “left the faith in which they were raised in favor of another religion — or no religion at all.”

Yet we get along relatively well and manage to live with our differences. In fact, living peacefully with our deepest differences is necessary in our pluralistic society, and religious freedom is an example of how to do it. It’s a lesson we really can’t live without and still be true to our national ideals.

That’s because religious freedom provides what is essentially a “network” of freedom. It’s a network because every single church and congregation throughout this country is interconnected by the same laws and constitutional rights to believe, express and act according to its doctrines. An abridgement of those rights in Alabama will necessarily affect those rights for a believer or church in Washington. Cut a distant root and the whole tree is affected.

But this network, this connectedness, does more than protect religious belief. The established practice of freedom of religion, and the lessons and habits we’ve learned from it, upholds and sustains the same freedom of conscience for any individual, group or association to believe, to express and to act.

That’s because the maintenance of this broad freedom in a pluralistic society like ours, even for those with whom we disagree, naturally becomes a powerful influence and protection against any singular, exclusive force or requirement that would limit freedom. Freedom of conscience for Protestants, Catholics, Muslims, Jews and everyone else guards against ill-gotten authoritarianism and abusive inequality — secular or religious, liberal or conservative.

Thomas Jefferson put it this way: “It behooves every man who values liberty of conscience for himself to resist invasions of it in the case of others, or their case may, by change of circumstances, become his own.”

This is one of the great advantages of our national experience with religious freedom that goes beyond religion and churches. We’re trained and practiced in our history and culture against autocracy. Maintaining this “network” of religious freedom is, in a fashion, our 21st century way of rejecting the “divine right of kings.” And these freedoms, religious and secular, Elder Dallin H. Oaks of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reminds us, must necessarily “be qualified by the government’s responsibility to protect the health and safety of all.”

It’s not without purpose or intent that freedom of religion is the first right secured in the First Amendment.

This is the lesson and the experience of religious freedom. It’s certainly not an exaggeration when it’s called our “first freedom.”

[1] See Robert Booth Fowler, Allen D. Hertzke, Laura R. Olsen, Kevin R. Den Dulk,Religion and Politics in America, Faith, Culture and Strategic Choices (pp. 2-4)

Permanent Things: Toward an Understanding of Mormons

2011-06-28T14:37:00.001-04:00

Permanent Things: Toward an Understanding of Mormons

Editorial from the Newsroom at LDS.org.

Religion in America is in a state of flux. The 2008 American Religious Identification Survey shows that the number of those who claim no religious affiliation nearly doubled from 8.2 percent in 1990 to 15 percent in 2008.

In addition, Pew’s 2009 Faith in Flux survey found that “about half of American adults have changed religious affiliation at least once during their lives.” A study published in 2010 entitled American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us maintains that in America “it seems perfectly natural to refer to one’s religion as a ‘preference’ instead of as a fixed characteristic.”

In this shifting religious environment it is easy to talk of the fleeting and superficial rather than the deeper foundations of spiritual life. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints understand their message to be the full gospel of Jesus Christ, as set forth in the Bible and other scriptures. What transcendent ideals do they aspire to? How do their beliefs answer the needs of contemporary religious seekers concerned about the great, permanent questions of human life? Among the many ways to approach their religious experiences and beliefs, here are a few basic principles that Latter-day Saints hold to as enduring truths.

Identity: We know ourselves by knowing God

From the very beginning, human beings have sought to understand the meaning and source of their existence. “Know Thyself” has been a call to personal reflection since ancient times. But in this inward quest for self-knowledge, it is easy to get lost. Individuals cannot know themselves without knowing God, their Creator. Joseph Smith, the founding prophet of the Church, taught, “If men do not comprehend the character of God, they do not comprehend themselves.” The dignity and worth of mankind is grounded in its divine origin.

God is a personal Father of perfect love. He is a distinct and knowable being engaged in the details of mankind’s hopes and struggles. Latter-day Saints believe that God the Father, His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are personages separate in substance but one in purpose. The full expression of God’s love and character is embodied in Jesus Christ, whom He sent to save a fallen world and offer a tangible ideal of perfection.
God has instilled divine attributes in His children, whom He created literally in His own image and likeness, both physical and spiritual. Human virtues, therefore, descend from divine virtues. As each individual possesses a seed of divine potential, this likeness ennobles the human quest for self-improvement and gives meaning to our natural desire for understanding. Much expectation and promise come with being children of God, “and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17). According to one author, Joseph Smith brought about “the greatest intellectual fusion of his age,” namely that “the majesty of God does not exist at the expense of the dignity of man.”
In ancient Athens people made offerings to an unknown god. Across the ages people of faith have also sought reconciliation with a god they did not fully know. Love, however, is not borne of obscurity. Neither God nor mankind wishes to be a mystery to the other. This mutual yearning fulfills the end of existence — friendship between divinity and humanity. To know God is our highest aspiration.

Community: No man is an island unto himself

Throughout history, civilizations have aspired to build an ideal society. This collective effort has taken many forms, from tribe and township to kingdom and commonwealth. From the earliest days of the Church, Latter-day Saints have worked toward creating a community of fellowship and belonging where unique persons come together under a common obligation to God and each other. As human beings are social creatures by nature, so happiness best thrives in a social context. The nature of religious life is communal rather than solitary. Likewise, the Latter-day Saint social ethos is not cloistered, but interwoven in society. Mormons engage with and reach out to people around the world. “Friendship,” said Joseph Smith, “is one of the grand fundamental principles of ‘Mormonism.’”

The Latter-day Saint worldview is rooted in two different perspectives — mastering the practicalities of this life while striving for our home in the next. The two are tied together. The aim of Mormon community life, therefore, is to achieve not only happiness here but also spiritual flourishing there. An oft-cited passage of latter-day scripture reads: “That same sociality which exists among us here [in mortality] will exist among us there [in eternity], only it will be coupled with eternal glory” (D&C 130:2).
The desire to belong to something larger than oneself is part of human nature. The Church unites people of all types and classes in mutual responsibility, teaching that “every man should esteem his neighbor as himself” (Mosiah 27:4). The heart of community is the family, where character is first nurtured and cooperation first learned. Local congregations of the Church are geographically designated so as to bring neighbors closer together and provide opportunities to serve each other.
The love of Christ, also called charity, is the highest of all virtues. It is best cultivated and practiced in a community setting.The warmth of Mormon community life extends beyond Sunday worship services and blesses everyday social interactions. These connections provide rootedness where the individual and the collective are attached to each other through mutual experiences, shared burdens, collective memory and a common language of meaning. Yet Mormons are not content to help their own. Individual members, as well as the Church, look outward to assist the poor and needy in local communities and countries around the world. Church President Thomas S. Monson urged: “I think we should not be sequestered in a little cage. I think we have a responsibility to be active in the communities where we live.”

Eternity: How we fit in the big picture

Measuring life beyond that small space between birth and death is a commonality among virtually all religions. Mormons view themselves as players in a grand historical drama that spans the stages of eternity. God’s great plan of happiness can be likened to a three-act play. In the premortal life of act one, God nurtures His spirit children, who freely learn the principles of truth and happiness, form individual identity and prepare for this mortal experience that they chose to undertake. Act two is the test of mortality on earth. Here God’s children, as embodied individuals, deepen their understanding, knowledge and experience by making choices, exercising faith and relying on the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Act three is the great expanse of life after death when, as one Church leader put it, “the mysteries are solved and everything is put right.” Hereafter, the never-ending course of experience moves onward.

Freedom of choice is the engine that propels human progression forward. In Mormon thought there is no beginning and no end to purposeful activity. Human intelligence, accomplishment and character continue into eternity: “Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life” will follow us in the hereafter (D&C 130:18).
God gives all His children talents and understanding to fulfill their individual destiny here on earth. They then take the knowledge and experience they gained in this world and continue to grow and develop in the afterlife.
The affinity of human associations is a source of great happiness in this life and serves as a model for relationships in the next. Through the highest sacraments of Mormon temples, the bonds of family relationships can be forged across generations and sealed for eternity. For Mormons, these many relationships and friendships, expanded into eternity, are what constitute heaven and happiness.

From time to time Mormons are thrust into the public spotlight. Yet the permanent things that ground their inner lives in this changing religious landscape are often left out of the picture. The Mormon understanding of what it means to be human and to belong to the larger human family rarely finds a place in the public narrative. That bigger picture is essential to understanding who Mormons are. One religion scholar said: “Mormonism is a really complex theological system. All its parts fit together beautifully. But if you just know a little bit about one of them, or part of them, it seems weird.” Yet it is these same beliefs that animate Mormons’ public engagement, inspire good works and bless their interaction with family, friends, co-workers and neighbors. Indeed, theirs is an enduring pursuit.

On Priesthood Leaders

2011-06-11T11:18:00.000-04:00

How Priesthood Leaders Have Blessed Me and My Family And Helped Us Come Closer to Christ

Talk by Scott Vanatter at Oakton Stake Priesthood Leadership Meeting, June 11, 2011

INTRO

Melchizedek priesthood leaders are taught that “…this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth . . . the key of the knowledge of God.” That “…in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest.”(DC 84: 19-20)

Good morning brethren.

My topic is, “How Priesthood Leaders have Blessed Me and My Family -- and Helped Us Come Closer to Christ.”

My family and I have been blessed by inspired words of ward and stake priesthood leaders. We’ve also been blessed by their dedicated lives– by what they do, by who they are.

Their eternal perspective, and their connection with us, has created within us a lively, real world hope. This ‘hope in Christ’ provides us calm assurance that we can do it -- we can live the gospel, repent and progress and come unto Christ…. [1]

ORDINANCES

As important as inspired wordsand dedicated lives are, the priesthood provides something even more concrete. When priesthood leaders teach core principles with the added focus on the blessings of priesthood ordinances, this combination provides a firm and tangible “anchor to [our] souls.” Ordinances not only hold the promise of future, eternal blessings, they also bless us -- in their very nature -- today. The Atonement itself promises both an ultimate blessing, and also important blessings in the here and now -- or, as the Prophet Joseph termed it, the One Eternal Now. (See HC 4:597)

KEY OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

Through the “greater priesthood [we, as priesthood leaders] administer…the gospel.” It also facilitates our ministering to those we serve. In both formal and informal ways, the priesthood also holds not only “the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, [but especially] the key ofthe knowledge of God.” // (See D&C 84:19)

DEFINITION OF MYSTERY

What is the real definition of a mystery? Anciently, and biblically, it is assuredly not something that was unknowable. Something unknowable can best be described as an enigma. A mystery, on the other hand, is something that was or is not known, but can now be made known. Especially by revelation, most particularly based in and around ordinances. Temple ordinances. Previously unknown mysteries – once revealed to the world – are intended to be known by any and all those who are prepared to receive them.

Note: The word ‘mystery’ comes from related Latin and Greek words, whose root meaning is to be ‘initiated.’ Again, think temple ordinances. [2]

WHY ORDINANCES?

Why do ordinances exist? Many entities in the world, churches, fraternal organizations, governments, etc., have their ritual. In the Gospel sense, ordinances create a real-world tangible thing on which the person receiving the ordinance can focus. This tangible thing, or touch by laying on of hands, or contact with water, or oil, or bread, or a veil, etc., has deep inner meaning, and power to focus our mind on the eternal principle at hand. These ordinances stand for “vast realities” in the heavens, in our inner selves, and between our God and our selves -- too vast for solely casual contemplation.

In his first letter, John remarks that this symbolic focal point, quote,

“which ye have received of him abideth in you, and…teacheth you of all things, and [is real] is truth, and is no lie.” He continues, “as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” End quote. // (See 1 John 1:27.)

Lesson 5 of the Temple Preparation Course (which can be downloaded from LDS.org by anyone in the world), says that ordinances, quote,

“help us remember important things . . . [they] can teach us abstract truths that might be hard to learn in other ways. . . . When [ordinances] are repeated, we learn to understand them better. [3]

“In a symbolic way, [temple ordinances] take us on an upward journey toward eternal life, ending with a symbolic entrance into the presence of God. The characters depicted, the physical setting, the clothing worn, the signs given, and all the events covered in the temple are symbolic. When they are understood, they will help each person recognize truth and grow spiritually.

“[Ordinances provide] a visual and tactile reminder of [our covenants…].” End quote. [4]

Joseph Smith spoke of the power of symbolism in the King Follett Discourse, “All things whatsoever God has seen proper to reveal to us are revealed to us in the abstract…” He also reminded us that, “The Holy Ghost is God's messenger to administer in all [these] priesthoods.” (Teachings, p. 323) [5]

MANIFEST [6]

So, priesthood leaders ought to clearly teach, “Therefore, [that] in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest” (DC 84:20). Something is manifest when it is ‘easily understood or recognized by our mind.’ This happens both in our teaching about the ordinance, and when the person actually receives it, or ponders on it afterwards. [7]

RELATIONSHIP

I have been blessed – and my family has been blessed -- by priesthood leaders in and out of the temple pointing us to the ordinances, to the “vast realities” and eternal relationships for which the ordinances stand. We are, indeed, the offspring of God. We are indeed, that close to Him, in our relationship and in our nature. Closer than we usually think: from the seminal King Follett Discourse, Joseph Smith revealed, “If men do not comprehend the character of God, they do not comprehend themselves.”

So, then, we priesthood leaders are, as Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 4:1, “the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.” The mysteries of godliness are found both temples in Primary songs, such as “I am a Child of God.” [8]

HELP US COME UNTO CHRIST

Priesthood leaders have blessed me and my family by making it easy to see who Christ really is, and into his heart; that He is real; that He loves us, and cares for us; [9]

A few specific examples:

· Before I joined the church, young men leaders at a ward youth conference, taught me and the rest of the young men in attendance, about the law of chastity. I was blessed with a deep appreciation for their frank and wise counsel.

· At the same ward youth conference the bishop challenged everyone in attendance to bear their testimony. Not yet a member, but recognizing something different in Mormons, I arose, stated that, whatever it was, perhaps someday I could be a part of it. I was blessed by responding to the bishop’s challenge to vocalize what was happening inside me. [10]

· A few weeks later, after the missionaries taught and interviewed me for baptism, the bishop also sat me down and asked pointed and searching questions, ensuring I had a real testimony, and intended to be faithful and active no matter what. I was blessed to recognize his spiritual position and respect it. [11] [12]

· I changed wards, and after receiving the Melchizedek priesthood, the quorum president assigned me, as a 19 year old convert, to be a home teacher to some less active families. I was blessed that he facilitated my learning to stretch and give and serve.

· At the same time a priesthood leader made the decision to assign a stake high councilman to be my home teacher. As a recent convert, and new in this ward, they didn’t know me from Adam. Yet, they took me under their wing, and helped focus me on the priesthood and my responsibilities as a priesthood holder. I was blessed to see that the elders quorum presidency took their quorum responsibilities to heart. They were diligent and thorough and, in a word, real “men.”

· Shortly after this, as I was preparing to serve a mission, my second bishop taught me about the temple ordinances and personally escorted me to the temple to receive my endowment the Friday before I reported to the Mission Home (there was no MTC back then). I was blessed by his emphasis on the spirit and connection of temple worship. [13]

· My family has been blessed to have felt the Lord’s love for us when being set apart by the power of the priesthood. [14]

· Clerks and secretaries have shown that we matter by carefully and promptly communicating with us, personally brining us into the fold, and with those who hold the keys, and via the records. [15]

Priesthood leaders have blessed me and my family in coming unto Christ, because they have made real the hope described by Hugh B. Brown,

“A sense of relationship and co-partnership with God involves the concept of universal brotherhood; and that will help to develop intelligent tolerance, open-mindedness, and good-natured optimism. Life is really a battle between fear and faith, pessimism and optimism. [16]

HELP US BRING SOULS UNTO CHRIST

Priesthood leaders who help us see, feel and Come unto Christ, make it easy for us to say in our hearts and to our neighbors, with Joseph Smith,

“We don't ask [you] to throw away any good [you’ve] got; we only [invite you] to come and get more. … [17]

CONCLUSION

I conclude with two observations about us as priesthood leaders, one from Joseph and another from Jesus.

Eliza R. Snow recorded Joseph Smith recommending to leaders,

“Nothing is so much calculated to lead people…as to take them by the hand and watch over them with tenderness. When persons manifest the least kindness and love to me, O what power it has over my mind – [18]

In his Great Intercessory Prayer, Jesus prayed to the Father for us, his priesthood leaders:

“9 I pray for them. . . 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. . . . 20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: . . . 23 . . . that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou . . . and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

“24 Father, I will that they . . . be with me where I am; . . . 26 . . . that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.” // (John 17)

TESTIMONY

I bear witness that priesthood leaders fit together as one body in drawing down the blessing of heaven, such that if we will receive it, the blessing will come to overflowing.

I thank heaven for these priesthood leaders, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

# # #

NOTES

[1] that, with the Lord, we can overcome any obstacle. Their decisions made in council after careful deliberation, or on the fly, as inspired “in the very moment” provide tailored individual direction. They mark the wayand lead us in the paths of righteousness.

Their “power [and] influence... by virtue of the priesthood, [comes to us] by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; By kindness, and pure knowledge….” By their actions and manner, we can tell “that [their] faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death.” (See DC 121:37-44)

[2] We might think of the phrase, the “key of the mysteries of the kingdom” as applying in large measure to how we run the church, the kingdom. We know how to more perfectly organize and run wards, stakes, quorums, etc., around the world. This “key” is held by presidents.

We might also think of the phrase the “key of the knowledge of God” as ultimately referring to temple ordinances. Additionally, we can see how this “key” applies generally to ward and stake priesthood holders, when they point to, speak about, and prepare those they are called to serve to “make and keep sacred covenants.” And not just temple ordinances; all priesthood ordinances point to the temple – and to the Lord – in their core symbolic meaning.

[3] ‘All things have their likeness, and all things are created and made to bear record of me, both things which are temporal, and things which are spiritual (Moses 6:63).’

[4] … Each person should prepare to be as spiritually sensitive as possible to the symbolic nature of the temple [ordinances].

[5] What applies to the “fulness of the Priesthood” (see D&C 124:28), also applies to all priesthood ordinances, if we let it. If we foster it. If we, as priesthood leaders, teach it.

[6] When babies are given a name and a blessing, the idea of their being held in loving arms can be seen as representations of God carrying and supporting the babe.

In baptism we can be seen to be washed over completely with the waters of life and fully enveloped in His love. Being gently laid into a soft, watery grave, by a strong arm we are then lifted up by power into a new life.

Hands laid on our heads, for the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and other anointing, blessings, or settings apart, serve as a tactile, tangible reminder of God reaching down to touch our very souls. If Jesus himself were in our presence, he would lay hand on our heads and bless us as he did the little children in the Book of Mormon.

[7] The next verse in D&C 84 reads, taking out the double negatives:

In “…the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is…manifest unto men in the flesh; …with…[these ordinances]…man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live.” // (DC 84:22-23)

So, power here can simply be thought of as drawing down the blessings of heaven; and authority as providing a means for access to the ordinances.

We can understand the word “live” here, not so much as our being in jeopardy of literally dying in his immediate presence, but to really, and fully live -- to live a godly, aware, connected, full useful life. I might suggest another way to understand this sentence could be, “the power of godliness is manifest unto men in the flesh; [and] with… [the ordinances of the priesthood], man can [live to] see the face of God, even the Father, [‘in the flesh’].”

[8] Often, when a mystery is finally made known to us, we might say within our heart, “Even though I am just now recognizing and seeing this great, yet simple truth, it seems like I have always known it.”

We need to be essentially ‘born again’ -- time and time again, seeing afresh the great eternal truths – and appreciate them in a new way in every phase of our lives. If we see these truths anew, we can help those we are called to serve, also see anew.

[9] that our faith results in a lively, personal hope in Christ.

[10] FIRST PERSONAL EXPERIENCE BEING BLESSED BY PRIESTHOOD LEADER

Before I joined the church, my future priesthood leaders – the bishop, his counselors, and young men leaders -- blessed my life as an investigator.

During wrestling season my senior year, a few weeks before I began taking the missionary discussions, I attended a two-day youth conference, with my future wife, held in the mountains of Southern California. I had pinned my first thirteen opponents, but (stupidly) lost a close match to my opponent at our arch rival, San Marino High School. As I had expected to go undefeated the entire year, I was in somewhat of a humbled attitude at we arrived a bit late at the cabins. The conference included various fun activities, horseback rides, free time in the snow, and also combined conference sessions where various young women and young men leaders spoke. After the opening session, the young men were taken into one room, and the young women in another where we were given presentations on chastity, tailored to the male or female point of view. As a non-member, I appreciated and agreed with the forthright and wise counsel I received in these frank lessons. At the end the conference, the bishop said we would now hold a testimony meeting then announced, “And I expect to hear from everyone.” Becky leaned over to me and said, “That doesn’t mean you.” Nevertheless, towards the end of the meeting, after most all of the youth bore their testimonies, I stood up, and said, in effect, “I don’t know what it is, but, you have something. Whatever it is, maybe someday I can part of it.”The youth of the ward included most every clique you can imagine, jocks, intellectuals, surfers, hippies, loud ones, quiet ones, etc. I had friends like these at my own high school. Still, there was something different about this motley crew. Through my future wife’s testimony and also seeing these leaders and peers live the gospel, and after taking the missionary discussions, I had to be part of it. The bishop’s decision to hold the testimony meeting and, essentially, challenge me to bear a testimony

[11] SECOND PERSONAL EXPERIENCE BEING BLESSED BY PRIESTHOOD LEADER

The week after my wrestling season ended in the CIF southern sectionals, I formally began the missionary discussions. By the second or third lesson I knowingly recognized that I had a testimony. A real testimony. I knew it. I finally knew there was a God. I knew I had to be baptized; I had to join the church. I had to and wanted to honor God, follow Jesus, and keep the commandments. I knew Joseph was a prophet. No matter what.

Now, this same wise bishop made the decision to hold the testimony meeting, and who encouraged, or rather, challenged us all to bear testimony, also decided to carefully interview me after, and in addition to, the district leader interviewing me.

He sat me down in his office and said, after a few niceties,“You should know that most young men who join the church because of a young woman fall away within a year. Are you going to fall away within a year?” For a split second I thought this was a rude question to me, of course I was not joining for this reason. After the split second, I immediately had the thought, No, the Bishop has every right and even the responsibility to ensure that guys don’t join the church, the true church, JUST to get close to a young woman. I calmly replied, “No, I am not going to fall away within a year.” The bishop probes further, “Well, what if you and Becky break up in a few months? What would you do then?” I was being baptized in her ward, twenty-five miles away from where I lived. I replied, “Well, if we break up, I will continue attending but in my own ward.” I almost wanted Becky to break up with me so I could prove to him, to anyone, that I was NOT joining for the wrong reasons. The bishop went on to ask me if I had any questions for him. I asked him only one question, about blacks and the priesthood and whether we proactively sent missionaries into Watts. He replied, in effect, that blacks could not yet hold the priesthood, that one day they would, and that ultimately no blessings would be withheld. As I recall, he did not think that we did have missionaries in Watts. For me, being baptized was not dependent on his answer, however, as he offered, I appreciated his being open to my asking what could have been a tough question. And especially, I appreciated his eternal, generous, point of view –and the spirit with which he offered it.

Now, this bishop’s wise decisions at the youth conference, his pointed questions, and of course, his exemplary personal life, family life, and Christ-like manner -- all of which were carefully and appreciatively noticed by me -- played an important part in confirming my decision to act on the testimony I was sure I had received.

[12] This same bishop advised us all to read the church magazines, and to go to Institute. Though he did not overtly talk to me about a mission, I was blessed by following his counsel to engage in these activities, and then to see for myself that I needed to serve a mission.

He continually emphasized DC 121, “let virtue garnish thy thoughts…” and the all the rest. Including, how the doctrine of the priesthood would descend upon us as gently, as im-perceptively, but a thoroughly as “dews of heaven.”

[13] After my mission, as a young married father, we were blessed in another ward to have the entire elders quorum presidency visit our humble apartment.

In subsequent wards and stakes Becky and I were extended calls to -- and trusted with -- positions where we were needed and where we could make a difference. We were blessed to have the confidence and – in a couple instances with my wife – written thanks from the stake president on a successful Girls Camp. Once, I was called over the pulpit in stake conference to be a 70s president, without being told ahead of time.

[14] I have been blessed at times to have had loving, building, effective PPIs.

We have been blessed by bishops, counselors, and members of the stake presidency who have gone out of their way to get to know us, and greet us with a smile, and interact with us. To personally connect with us, to reach us, to teach us.

[15] I have been blessed by witnessing bishopric members, elders and high priest leaders, high councilmen and members of a stake presidency exerting constant care for years, for, e.g., the stake YSAs.

[16] Fear and pessimism paralyze men with skepticism and futility.” // (Hugh B. Brown (1883 - 1975), The Abundant Life, p. 50)

Faith and Hope make us alive in Christ; they perfect our love of the Father and the Son; and make us one with them.

[17] They would then see eye to eye, and the blessings of God would be poured out upon [them], which is my whole soul.” // (Joseph Smith --Sunday 22 Jan. 1843 at the Nauvoo Temple. Teachings, p. 274)

[18] while the opposite course has a tendency to harrow up all the harsh feelings and depress the human mind.” // (Relief Society minutes, June 9, 1842)

The Lord revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith:

“I give unto you these sayings that you may understand and know how to worship, and know what you worship, that you may come unto the Father in my name, and in due time receive of his fulness.” // (DC 93:19)

The Lord encourages priesthood leaders in the concluding verses of D&C 84,

“And verily I say unto you, the rest of my servants, go ye forth as your circumstances shall permit, in your several callings, [in] the great and notable cities and villages…setting forth clearly and understandingly…[the gospel]. . . . For I, the Lord, have put forth my hand to exert the powers of heaven; ye cannot see it now [but] ye shall see it, and know that I am….” (DC 84:117, 119)

Of his leaders, Jesus said,

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, andthat your fruit should remain: ….” // (John 15:16)

And also,

“I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” // (Luke 22:32)

# # #

For our Mothers...

2011-05-08T11:59:00.002-04:00

[A poem written for my Mother’s 75th birthday.]

We all yearn for, discover over and over again, and live in and deeply feel the love of our mothers. And those who have mothered us. Today, this poem is offered to all the mothers out there, birth and otherwise -- those who yearn to be mothers, who will be, and those who may never be… We love you all -- and your heart.

Sure: Our Mother’s Love (Nothing Wavering)

Gentle words

Washing over us

Since before we can remember

Loving heart

Entwining with ours

Every minute we’re together

Acceptance

Without condition

Effortlessly felt in our soul

Genuine

Impulses of love

Constantly, gently make us whole

The Fullness

Of this pure sweet love

Penetrates to our very core

Filling us

With such perfect peace

Forever never wanting more

Scott L. Vanatter, 11-12 March 2008

http://scottvanatter.blogspot.com/2008/03/sure-our-mothers-love-nothing-wavering.html

Before and After the Summer of Love

2011-04-25T19:10:00.003-04:00

Doodling another motorcycle in 1970.

Loved motorcycles. Drawing them. Riding them.

I think I did this in elementary school, or 7th grade.

Loved math, geometry, patterns.

More patterns.

I used to love to draw leafless trees.

Thought I was REAL good.

A Valentine (I think in 7th or 8th grade).

More patterns.

7th grade art project. Teacher gave me a C.

I thought it was quite impressionistic.

6th grade art? Loved the hot red sun.

Elementary school, or 7th grade art.

Really loved this tree.

Still do!

"You are the Sunshine of My Life"

2011-04-04T04:38:00.001-04:00

Scott and Becky Wedding Photos, January 2, 1976

https://picasaweb.google.com/svanatter/WeddingPhotosUSE#

Easter

2011-03-26T13:59:00.000-04:00

Just received our April 2011 Ensign on Easter.

It includes a reprint of Elder Bruce R. McConkie's final testimony given in the April 1985 General Conference.* I have posted a suggested chiastic outline of this excellent and poignant talk here: http://www.davidicchiasmus.com/blog/authors-lds/mcconkie-bruce-last-talk/

Enjoy . . .

Scott

*Original report: http://lds.org/general-conference/1985/04/the-purifying-power-of-gethsemane?lang=eng. This month's link will be available the first day of April.

Quoted in an article about a conference held on the subject of chiasmus

2011-03-04T15:45:00.004-05:00

The following quote is taken from an article reporting on a conference held at the American Heritage School in American Fork, Utah on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010. The conference was titled, Discoveries in Chiamus: A Pattern in All Things.* I was one of the presenters.

Here's how I was quoted:

Scott Vanatter said chiasmus follows a set thematic pattern called "Davidic Chiasmus and Parallelisms" after King David who was a symbol of Christ. Vanatter overlaid this particular pattern on a wide range of literature from the Declaration of Independence, Gettysburg Address and Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream Speech" to Mormon sacramental prayers, the King Follett Discourse of Joseph Smith and the LDS Church's "The Family: A Proclamation to the World."

"Chiasmus speaks to the reader," Vanatter said, " … whether they have awareness of these patterns or not."

(See the Deseret News here, http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700066633/Chiasmus-everywhere-everywhere-chiasmus.html; or see the Mormon Times here, http://www.mormontimes.com/article/17284/Chiasmus-everywhere-everywhere-chiasmus)

*For the website on the conference, Discoveries in Chiasmus: A Pattern in All Things, click here, http://discoveriesinchiasmus.com/. For my website on Davidic Chiasmus and Parallelisms click here, http://www.davidicchiasmus.com/.

Terry Tenove (February 5, 1954 - August 19, 1978)

2011-02-05T00:36:00.002-05:00

Funeral Service for Terrance Richard Tenove

Prelude Music, "Amazing Grace"
Welcome and Eulogy, by Scott Vanatter
Music, "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother"
Remarks and Eulogy, by Abe Ohanian
Music, "Trees"
Prayer, by David Peale

Graveside

Graveside Remarks, by Abe Ohanian
Prayer, by Mr. Douglass

[Welcome and Eulogy by Scott Vanatter]

Welcome.

We are gathered together to pay tribute to Terry; to extend our love and sympathy to his family, Mr. and Mrs. Tenove, his brothers Glen, Michael, Brian, and other relatives (including his grandmother, Dovie Belle Wales); and to comfort one another.

We've each had our own quiet reflective times alone in the past couple of days. We may need more, but for now, we meet together to find strength in our unity and fellowship.

Your presence and kindness is appreciated by Terry's family.

~

We all acknowledge that this is a difficult thing to understand. It takes time and patience to sort out our feelings on this tragic, untimely death.

Each of us has our own personal memories of him. Each of us knew him in a unique way. He was a friend to many.

My objective is to share some personal thoughts and memories of the Terry I knew.

When I remember Terry, the first thing that comes to mind is that Terry loved to have fun. Terry had the capacity to enjoy. To live. He thoroughly enjoyed life and things -- from baseball, to biology, to the blues.

Terry enjoyed winning. In sports he strove for excellence and achieved it.

Terry was courageous. When things didn't go quite right at Cal Poly, he took inventory of himself and had the courage to make a new start. He went to Citrus J.C., then back to Cal Poly to finish school in the area he enjoyed. Some might have quit. Not Terry.

His major was Agricultural Biology. You should have heard him when he came back from a vacation to Canada with his family. He was enthralled with the outdoors and its beauty. For these reasons Mrs. Tenove has set up the "Terry Tenove Memorial Tree Fund."

But some of us might also remember that Terry experienced some "hard luck" in his life. As the blues lyrics goes, "If it wasn't for bad luck, I wouldn’t have no luck at all." I bring this up to illustrate something about Terry. He wrecked the VW at least twice. He had an accident on his motorcycle and injured his foot. Other such things plagued Terry. Through it all he stuck it out. He saw it through. He remained flexible -- and likeable. One of those situations I helped create was a fight we has in Chemistry class. As we scuffled, beakers, test tubes, Bunsun Burners, and even a gas line were broken. The fight caused us to miss Spring training for football. (Terry had gone to quarterback camp during Easter vacation.) Someone told Mr. Brooks, vice principal at Duarte High, who used to play football for the Cleveland Brown, that “Tenove and Vanatter got in a fight!” Smiling and excited he replied, “Oh yeah, who with?” The reply, “Each other.” Frown. Was he disappointed. He expected us to be an example.

Most of us remember that Terry was a great (gifted and practiced) athlete.

Baseball was his first love. I never got a hit off him in Pony League. Did you ever see him pitch?! What an experience. But in football there are two things I remember that show his true self even better than the touchdown passes, or strikeouts, or the points he scored in basketball.

The first occurred our sophomore year in 1969. Coach Fessler gave Terry the responsibility of calling his own plays in the huddle. Roger Staubach of the World Champion Dallas Cowboys just got that responsibility last year. Terry was 15 years old. It was a heavy responsibility but he handled it. And with pleasure.

The second was in our senior year in 1971. Usually the quarterback on a football team is either a running quarterback or a passing quarterback. Terry was both. We ran the brand new Wishbone option. The quarterback takes the snap, sticks the football in the fullback's stomach and reads the defense. If the fullback is going to get tackled right away, Terry would pull out the ball and run down the line of scrimmage himself. If he himself is about to get tackled he would pitch the ball to the halfback. If not, he would run for yardage himself. (Alternatively, we might run a pass play on a sprint out, where he ran outside the pocket by design to throw to one of his receivers.) It is a difficult, complicated offense to run. (By the way, I caught the first first-down pass of our senior year. But it wasn’t me, it was him. He threw it so hard, it stuck in my facemask.)

Terry could handle heavy responsibility.

A final quick story about his family. One day, with his whole family, he was painting the eves of their house. This was neither fun, nor easy. Unexpectedly, I dropped by his house to pick him up to go do something. But he matter-of-factly and unabashedly let me know he was going to stay home to help his family. He felt responsible. I could tell.

~

Now, I loved Terry.

I admired Terry for his courage, his competitiveness, his capacity to enjoy life, and his ability to endure pain.

We are here to comfort one another. But there is another reason. It is to help us accept the reality of his death.

He is gone from our midst. We cannot bring him back. But we can honor his memory.

We loved him.

The Tenove family thought it fitting to bury Terry not wearing a tie. Casual. And easygoing. This is the Terry we knew and will remember.

Let us not dwell on the sadness of this situation, but rather let us be glad and thankful we knew him -- is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

#
Funeral: Rose Hills Hillside Church, 3:45pm, Tuesday 22 August 1978.
Place of Internment: Rose Hills Cemetary, Gr. 4, Lot 14104, Lakeside

Closing Prayer by David Peale at Terry's Funeral

2011-02-05T00:02:00.001-05:00

CLOSING PRAYER AT THE MEMORIAL SERVICES OF TERRY R. TENOVE

Would you bow your heads and join with me in prayer:

Our Heavenly Father, we come to you today in sorrow. We feel sorry for ourselves, for the loved one we have lost, and sorrow for the vibrant life which has been taken from us.

Yet we are also thankful. Thankful for the influence of Terry on his classmates and friends, on his team mates, on the youngsters he coached, and for his family whom he loved very much. But, Heavenly Father, I want to thank you most of all for Terry's influence on me.

We pray that you will now comfort and abide with those of us who mourn today.

We would also ask that you would provide Terry with that measure of Peace equivalent to the measure of joy that he gave to all of those who knew him.

This we pray in your precious Name.

Amen.

Given by David Peale on Tuesday, August 22, 1978

#

DAVID PEALE LETTER TO TERRY’S PARENTS
RE: PRAYER AT TERRY'S FUNERAL

August 29, 1978

Dear Gordon and Rose:

I really appreciated the opportunity of participating in some small way in Terry's funeral. You cannot realize how much I thought of Terry, because, I saw so much of myself in high school in him and Scott. I always enjoyed Terry's wit, and at the same time his creativity. I felt he was one of the more mentally creative students I had ever had at Duarte High School.

I realize that there is going to be a very large void in your life for the next months and years, and if there is anything I can do to help fill that void, please don't hesitate to call.

Please find here enclosed a copy of the prayer said at the funeral; also find enclosed a check in the amount of twenty dollars to be used in the Terry Tenove Memorial.

Sometimes it is difficult to know why a loving God allows such tragedy to happen to His people. Maybe we will all understand it better later. I love you and your family--please try to keep in touch.

With all my love and prayers,

David E. Peale

Abe Ohanian's Eulogy for Terry

2011-02-05T00:01:00.001-05:00

EULOGY GIVEN BY ABE OHANIAN FOR TERRY TENOVE

How did Terry touch your life? What did Terry mean to you? Join me in this reflection on the life of Terry Tenove.

On March 2, 1967 this article appeared in the local newspaper. "Before a highly partisan crowd, Duarte's Hawks captured the B Division Championship in the first Regional Golden State Tournament edging the Pico-Rivera All-Stars in overtime, 30-28, on Terry Tenove's two free throws with three seconds to play." Terry went on to win the Most-Valuable Player Award that evening.

Terry played his heart out that day, but then he always did. He lived his life the same way realizing his maximum possibilities and developing himself to his fullest capacity.

He was an achiever.

He was a Cub Scout and a Boy Scout, where he won the Order of the Arrow.

He found a great means of expression through sports.

He played baseball from the 2nd grade on thru Cal Poly and semi-pro ball. From Babe Ruth to Connie Mack Leagues to Duarte High School and to Citrus and Cal Poly he pitched. At Duarte he made All-League both in his Junior and Senior years. In his Senior year he was Most-Valuable Player.

In basketball he was Golden State's first little league "super-star". He went on to make all-league in his junior year at Duarte High School.

Terry played football and was a quarterback and a defensive back, at DHS.

After Duarte, he went to Citrus and Cal Poly where he started out as a civil engineering major; but he found his greatest interest in the area of Agricultural Biology. He had one more year to go before graduation.

But the other side of Terry was his devotion to his fellow man.

The entire Tenove family are involved in community affairs. At Christmas time the family and Terry delivered baskets to the needy. During basketball season he either coached little league or was an official. Whenever Carl and I needed help Terry was always around. He also was an umpire for little league at DYA. He always wanted to ref the 8-10 year old because he loved to watch them play. He asked me once "did I ever play that way?"

Terry was kind and gentle.

He had a love and devotion that he shared with his brothers, and a comradely feeling and respect that so obviously flowed between himself and his parents.

He touched all of us.

We are experiencing today, Terry's loss.

Yes, Terry touched us all.

We grieve in a very personal way for it is a very personal loss.

We grieve not only for ourselves we grieve for Gordon and Rose, for Glen, for Michael for Brian for his grandmother Dovie Belle Wales for his aunts and uncles and his many cousins that are here today.

Take a minute now and look around you. There are many of Terry's friends here today and Terry would have liked that.

When Terry touched our lives he became a part of us. That part of Terry will never leave us--for the spirit and love of Terry will always be with us.

Terry will always be 24.

What did Terry mean to you?

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to the Terry Tenove Memorial Tree Fund. Money will be used to plant trees at Cal Poly and the South Coast Botanical Gardens.

After the grave-side services, the family requests you join them at the home of Mr and Mrs. Vanatter at 1964 Broach Avenue in Duarte.

No man is an island, entire of itself;
Everyman is a piece of the continent, a part of the main;
Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind;
And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls;
It tolls for thee.

John Donne

#

Service delivered for Terry Tenove who passed away August 18th, 1978 at the age of 24. Service held at Rose Hills Hillside Chapel, Tuesday, August 22, 1978.

Abe Ohanian

ABE OHANIAN’S GRAVE-SIDE DEDICATION

In committing this body to its final resting place we do so with deep reverence for that body as the temple during life, of a unique and beloved personality. And we think of the words of Socrates “that no evil can befall a good man either in life or after death.” Here under the wide and open sky Terry Tenove will rest in peace. We dedicate this simple plot, amid these natural surroundings to every beautiful and precious memory associated with him.

We lay this body in the gentle earth which has been the chief supports of man since first he walked beneath the sun. To all human beings, to all living form, the soil has ever provided the sustenance that is the staff of life. May we leave this place in peace and charity.

Amen.

"Then He Smiled at Me..." (Christmas Letter 2010)

2011-01-02T10:30:00.005-05:00

Scott and Becky

We took our annual trips with grandkids and student teachers to Mount Vernon, George Washington’s home. Becky spent two heavenly weeks with her Aunt Jo and cousins in Bonita, AZ. They all attended the Gila Valley Temple Dedication where their pioneer ancestors settled (in Pima, AZ). During that trip she met up with her childhood best friend, Nancy, after more than 20 years. The family all gathered together in June for Sydney and Mike’s wedding. While Sydney and Mike were on their honeymoon, we took the Carrie, Scott and their boys to a Baltimore Orioles baseball game at Camden Yards, and did a “heart attack” on the newlywed’s home. We hosted an Australia Sydney Mission Reunion in Washington D.C., an amazing 3-day event with President Earl C. Tingey and Sister Joanne Tingey. Carrie and Scott had another baby boy on Sep. 21, named Cade Ellis. Cade’s middle name, Ellis, is after Becky’s Grandpa Ellis (EJ) Hunter who built a beach house in Laguna Beach where Becky fell in love with the ocean, beaches, rocks, cliffs, seashells, and marine life. We were delighted with a surprise visit from Colin Rogers, a dear, dear friend, who Scott taught and baptized in Australia in 1975. We spent Thanksgiving weekend in Williamsburg, Virginia enjoying Colonial history, food, dress, and events with historic actors… and a little shopping. AND, we, along with Sydney and Mike, spent Christmas with Carrie and Scott and our four grandsons in Lincoln, CA.

This year Becky joined the world of Facebook and is enjoying reconnecting with family and friends near and far. She teaches Gospel Doctrine--finished the Old Testament and will start the New Testament this Sunday. She also serves as shift coordinator on Thursday evenings at the DC Temple with President and Sister Earl C. Tingey. Now both of us have served with them. (Scott in 1973-75, and Becky over the past two years.) What a privilege! And, she still works as Coordinator for BYU’s Student Teaching Program in DC Public Schools.

In September Scott was one of the speakers at a conference on chiasmus in Utah. He still serves in the bishopric. He is executive vice president for a software firm. Scott’s blog: http://scottvanatter.blogspot.com/

Sydney and Mike

In June, Sydney married Michael Kearns in the Washington D.C. Temple. They live just south of Baltimore. They both serve in the DC Temple on Becky’s Thursday evening shift. Sydney plays the organ for Sacrament meeting, teaches the youth in Sunday School, and is a counselor in the Young Women organization. She has now formally started her photography business (http://www.sydneykearnsphotography.com/). Mike is elders quorum president. He works for the Department of Defense. Sydney’s blog: http://photogal98.blogspot.com/

Carrie and Scott (and the boys)

Carrie gave birth to Cade in September. They now have four boys, Cade (3 mo), Kyle (2), Sean (5), and Ryan (7). Cade sleeps and smiles and coos. Kyle pulls cute/funny faces and is the life of the party. Sean tells funny stories, has a heart of gold, and pals around with his big brother. Ryan reads all sorts of stories, including the Book of Mormon with his family every evening. He leads the way, caring for his brothers, with a special love and attention for baby Cade. They love their new home, north of Sacramento in Lincoln, CA. Carrie teaches Primary. Scott serves as ward executive secretary. Carrie’s new blog URL: http://www.forevermotts.blogspot.com/

"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!" (Christmas 2010)

2011-01-02T10:24:00.001-05:00

… The Son of God cometh in his glory,

in his might, majesty, power, and dominion.

Yea, my beloved brethren,

I say unto you, that the Spirit saith:

Behold the glory of the King of all the earth;

and also the King of heaven shall very soon

shine forth among all the children of men. (Alma 5:50)

“This joyful season brings to all of us a measure of happiness that corresponds to the degree to which we have turned our minds, feelings, and actions to the Savior, whose birth we celebrate.

“There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus the Christ. Let it be a time that lights the eyes of children and puts laughter on their lips. Let it be a time for lifting the lives of those who live in loneliness. Let it be a time for calling our families together, for feeling a closeness to those who are near to us and a closeness also to those who are absent.

“Let it be a time of prayers for peace, for the preservation of free principles, and for the protection of those who are far from us. Let it be a time of forgetting self and finding time for others. Let it be a time for discarding the meaningless and for stressing the true values. Let it be a time of peace because we have found peace in His teachings.

“Most of all, let it be a time to remember the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the Wise Men. May the spirit of love which comes at Christmastime fill our homes and our lives and linger there long after the tree is down and the lights are put away for another year.” (President Thomas S. Monson, First Presidency Christmas Devotional, December 5, 2010.)

This has been an amazing year for our family. Sydney married Mike. Carrie and Scott added another son to their crew of boys. A Merry Christmas to you all, hoping this sacred season brings you joy and the New Year many more happy memories.

All our love,

Scott & Becky Vanatter

Trusting Sisters

2010-11-27T23:36:00.003-05:00

With wisdom beyond their years
They were trusted by us -- and their peers.

Their beauty was apparent, inside and out;
As to their faith, there was never a doubt.

The light of eternal truth fills up their minds
While the warmth of their love spreads through all time...

Scott L. Vanatter, 27/28 November 2010 (Poem for Carrie and Sydney, sisters, for their birthdays).

Sydney Kearns Photography

2010-11-18T00:12:00.003-05:00

Sydney's new website (http://www.sydneykearnsphotography.com/) is now up and running.

She has quite an eye.

Check out her fine art shot of the Lincoln Memorial, her black and white photo of the DC Temple, her close up of some dogwoods, and . . . well, you get the idea.

Good work Sydney!

Kyle singing "Chim Chiminey Row"

2010-11-16T00:25:00.000-05:00

After church meetings on the day Cade was blessed, Kyle took off his shoes and walked along the curb which rings the planter area outside in the front of the chapel. He walked back and forth singing "Chim Chiminey Row." (His own version of the song, with special voice inflection. His father and mother had recently attended a Halloween party dressed as Mary Poppins and Bert. Kyle heard them sing the songs from the movie and this is how he remembered the song.)

Sydney Kearns Photography: 2011 Calendar

2010-11-15T19:15:00.001-05:00

http://www.lulu.com/product/calendar/2011-fine-art-calendar/13622003

Vibrant colors, beautiful images, interesting composition. Good eye Sydney!

"Stand By Me"

2010-11-05T15:10:00.002-04:00

Cade's three older brothers, Ryan, Sean, and Kyle being silly.

Ryan squishing his neck.

Sean making a funny face/mouth.

Kyle doing his grinning Winston Churchill.

Sean acting surprised, Kyle sticking out his tongue, Ryan slouching.

"Time Flies on Wings of Lightning . . . "

2010-11-01T10:11:00.000-04:00

Our project this trip was to design and create three paper airplanes from the Star Wars saga, a Tie Fighter, an X-Wing fighter, and the Millennial Falcon. Sean and Ryan came up with these three. We researched online double-checking the coloring and physical form of the three. We experimented with multiple designs.

On his own, Sean made (based on my previous design), then painted Super Sonic paper airplane red and blue. Sean had also stumbled upon a way to make a Tie-Fighter, taping two other planes together. I thought we might try the same tactic in creating an X-Wing (taping two "wings" together onto a fuselage). Ryan liked my idea of how to proceed, but said that if it failed he had a backup plan. My plan failed. We had previously acknowledged that, like Edison, there may be successes and/or failures. (We knew that some designs which LOOKED good, might not fly, and vice versa.) We would build upon any "failures" to adjust to some other potential design. Turns out my X-Wing looked okay, but did not come close to "flying."

So, it was Ryan's turn to create HIS version of the X-Wing. He completed one of our Super Sonic planes, THEN took to cutting off parts of the wings and body, etc., till it looked like his long skinny iteration above. This both looked pretty good and sorta flew. We thought to put a ballast in the plane body (a popsicle stick). Ryan thought we should tape the two sides of the wings together. We also decided to put a slight bend on the ends of the wings. Half way through bending the front wings, Ryan suggested we bend the second set of wings the opposite direction (IOW, two bend down, two bent up.) THIS configuration worked. Really well. It both looked good and flew. Sweet.

Good work boys. Loved making the planes with you and loved being with you once again. Thanks for the planes, and the games, and the football, and the capture the flag, and our talks, and your love.

Kyle launched a few planes and brightened up the place with his smiles and energy. Cade brought a sweet peace to all. O how his brothers love him and hold him so gently.

Carrie and Scott are capable, caring, and concerned captains of this crazy crew.

Mike and Sydney

2010-10-01T16:11:00.001-04:00

One

Waiting, longing,
Searching for that one.

Finding, discovering,
Yearning to become.

Seeing, loving,
Becoming at last One.

Scott L. Vanatter, 1 October 2010 (Poem in honor of Mike and Sydney. What a wonderful, special, beautiful couple.)

Carrie and Scott's new baby, Cade Ellis

2010-10-01T15:42:00.002-04:00

Again

He sighs
And comforts our very soul.

His eyes
Reveal our every goal.

Then he testifies
And now we really know. Again.

Scott L. Vanatter, 30 September 2010 (This poem, in honor of Cade, can be read in at least a couple ways. First, when we encounter him -- taking care of him when he is 4 weeks, or 4 months old, etc. Second is when he is forty or fifty years old – when he might be caring for us.)

Conference: "Discoveries in Chiasmus" (speaker)

2010-09-12T19:00:00.001-04:00

Becky and I will be in Utah this weekend. I’ve been invited to speak at a conference: “Discoveries in Chiasmus.”* See conference website, http://discoveriesinchiasmus.com. The conference is being held Saturday, September 18, 2010 at the American Heritage School, 736 North 1100 East, American Fork, UT from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Tickets are $35; I’ve got a handful of complimentary tickets for the conference and a few more for the concert that night.) The conference concludes with a concert that evening at 7:00 p.m.

We’ll be arriving in SLC late Friday night from So Cal. (We’ll be in the LA area for my Aunt’s funeral). We’re returning home to Virginia Sunday evening. Wish we could stay longer in So Cal and in Utah, to visit with friends and family.

*I’ll be speaking on the topic of Davidic Chiasmus and Parallelisms. See my website, www.davidicchiasmus.com, which I created I collaboration with Jared Demke (1957-2006).

"The 1812 Overture"

2010-07-21T16:44:00.000-04:00

Another science experiment/project. Mentos in Diet Coke.

Carrie built a delivery mechanism for the Mentos (a curled up piece of paper to fit inside an open soda bottle top). The boys carefully placed the Mentos in the ammunition cartridge, then dropped the charges into the soda. The blast of fizzing soda went about 6-10 feet in the air. Over my head, and way over the boys heads. Note the boys faces. See movie below.

More Art from the Boys

2010-07-08T20:27:00.002-04:00

We did a thoudand things. One was to draw the gold plates on the computer. Ryan entitled his, Gold Plates in the Dark. Sean's is the colorful one on the bottom.

Ryan's Collection

2010-06-20T18:22:00.006-04:00

Ryan chose the following images to draw on this Sunday afternoon. First, he drew a picture of the actual sword that George Washington used in the Revolutionary War. We visited Mt. Vernon again a few days ago, and Ryan saw the sword in a glass case. His picture below shows the sword resting in the display case. The second picture is of the Declaration of Independence. The initial R and D stand for Ryan and Declaration. He chose all by himself, the yellow background to look like the actual paper, and he chose the caligraphy pen to represent the words of the Declaration. The third picture is of a Revolutionary War pistol. The fourth picture he called Heart Lightsaber and sent to his Dad for Father's Day.

Sean Collection

2010-06-20T17:58:00.000-04:00

A collection of Sean's art work on the computer. He is an artist! He did the design and chose the colors all by himself. The first one is a Fish in a Dirty Green River. The second one is a boat in a storm on the ocean. The third one is a cow. The last one is a Happy Father's Day card to his dear Dad.

"The flowers that grow so incredibly high . . . "

2010-05-05T18:00:00.000-04:00

This picture was taken at the Clum-Kennedy Gardens (a small local park) bear the Washington DC Temple in Kensigton, MD.

We were sitting at a picnic table there in the gardens, after having gone to the temple, eating some soup and a sandwich from a local deli. A young father was walking by as his young daughter was riding her bike. I asked him to take our picture.

"There was Love all around..."

2010-04-12T18:08:00.004-04:00

A couple of Sundays ago, Becky & I drove out to Bull Run Park with Sydney & Mike to walk through the Bluebells.

"If You're Going to San Francisco"

2010-03-04T21:29:00.004-05:00

This week I have been in San Francisco at the RSA Conference.

At the conference I got this caricature done by Zach (www.caricaturesbyzach.com). He asked me if I was a retired military colonel. Told him I wasn't, but that I used to be a wrestler and a football player.

"Looking Out My Back Door" [Blizzard of 2010]

2010-02-06T17:32:00.013-05:00

This afternoon, Becky and I got all bundled up and took a trek around our back yard where the boys (Ryan, Sean, and Kyle) would run and play. In many places the snow was up past our knees. We enjoyed exploring the deep, white snow drifts right in our own backyard.

"And Your Bird Can Sing"

2010-02-04T16:17:00.006-05:00

"This Bird Has Flown"

Freckles, our beautiful and personable cockatiel, passed away last night or early this morning.

Sad day. However, as she was pretty old in bird years (approx 14 years), this was not so unexpected. Really, she gave us so much pleasure and joy over the years. While sad, I have such fond memories of how fun, loving, and yes, sometimes ornery, she was. (Well, she was not that ornery with Becky!) She was so sweet (at times), so teeny tiny, delicate, and with SUCH personality!

The past night or two, she spent some extra fun time boxing a leather toy Becky gave her -- and ringing the little bell connected to it. Over the past couple days and nights, she seemed to spend some extra time sitting on the floor of her cage resting. In years past, this meant she was getting ready to lay some eggs. Not this time.

When I opened her cage today, she was sitting peacefully there on the floor of her cage, with her head elegantly dipped down, and her chin gently tucked under just a bit. (I knew right away this was not good. I called her name 2-3 times. Well. Perhaps 5-6 times. A couple times just a bit louder – perhaps I could wake her in case she was just in a deep sleep.)

Well, that is all. Don’t want to go on for too long. The lump in my throat has changed to a warm smile on my face and in my heart. (Oops, and now again reverting a bit back into a lump in my throat.) “Freckles, we’ll miss you.”

With much love to you all!*

Scott/Dad/Grandpa

P.S. Dang. Time moves on. (Doesn’t it.) [smiles]

*As much as we loved this bird, we treasure our dear family and friends infinitely more. Love to you all. Wish we were closer and could spend more time lots more often with you all.

2010-01-25T16:48:00.004-05:00

Becky was sitting at her desk. She glanced outside and knew that, as the sky was of a certain hue and contrast, there would be a rainbow. Sure enough. She called out to me, and we found this rainbow on our street. It was dusk, with a high level of contrast and color.

Rainbows remind me of one of my favorite songwriters, and one of his best songs.

See below.

Ribbon in the Sky

(Stevie Wonder)

Oh so long for this night I prayed
That a star would guide you my way
To share with me this special day
Where a ribbon's in the sky for our love.

If allowed may I touch your hand

And if pleased may I once again

So that you too will understand

There's a ribbon in the sky for our love.

Do...do...
Do do do do do...
Hmm hmm...

This is not a coincidence
And far more than a lucky chance
But what is that was always meant
Is our ribbon in the sky for our love, love.

We can't lose with God on our side
We'll find strength in each tear we cry
From now on it will be you and I
And our ribbon in the sky

Ribbon in the sky
A ribbon in the sky for our love

Do...do...
Do do do do do...

Hmm hmm...

There's a ribbon in the sky for our love.

Christmas 2009 Message

2010-01-08T04:11:00.007-05:00

Grandma's Christmas Thoughts

Someone recently said
that in the doldrums of winter while all the earth goes to sleep
and the gardens die and the trees go bare (at least here in Virginia)
that this is truly the best season of the year…

There is a spirit that permeates the world.

Imagine a world without Thanksgiving and Christmas.
To me, as the years roll by, the two holidays become inseparably connected.
Thankfulness turns to honor and worship
of that One Sacred Life that gave us ALL.

It is a season in which we celebrate new life…
the birth of our Savior… the hope of the world.

It was also in this season of the year that new life came to our family—twice.
Every year, I remember rocking my tiny little infants in front of the Christmas tree,
gazing into the sparkling lights, and singing Silent Night as a lullaby.

Imagine a new mother, holding her infants in her arms,

and deeply contemplating the layers of meaning in that song not only for the world,

but for our family. To me, they were holy infants… asleep in a heavenly peace.

The sacredness of new life, and of that One Life…
our hopes and dreams wrapped up in them both…

Oh what Joy they have brought to the world!
All of them… the Christ child, and all children and all grandchildren.

What joy it is
to have Thanksgiving ring in the sacred Christmas season,
to sing songs and decorate the tree,
to read stories and make good food together,
to laugh and remember days gone by and family and friends…

We are grateful for you all, for your love and for your lives.

Our love extends to you all
with wishes of joy and peace and love and laughter in your lives.
May this holiday season stay with you the whole year through.

Happy New Year

Becky and Scott Vanatter

Christmas 2009 Pictures/Update

2010-01-08T01:22:00.010-05:00

Scott

Serves now as first counselor in the bishopric.
Works for a competitor to his last company.
Finalized move of three wards into a new chapel—including ours.
Drove to Kansas to spend Christmas with mother and sister—just got home.
http://scottvanatter.blogspot.com/

Becky

Serves as the shift coordinator every Thursday evening at the Washington D.C. Temple (with President and Sister Tingey—Scott’s former mission president!).
Teaches the Adult Gospel Doctrine Sunday School class.
8th year working for BYU—Coordinating the Washington D.C. Student Teaching Program.

Sydney

Moved to Arlington (Crystal City) this year. Now in the Colonial Ward.
Works in the Washington D.C. Temple on Thursday evenings on Becky’s shift.
Traveled to Greece this fall.
Is dating Mike! (“Love is in the air!”)
http://photogal98.blogspot.com/

Carrie and Scott (along with Ryan, Sean, and Kyle)

Summer and Thanksgiving in Virginia.
Bought and moved into their first house a few days before Christmas!
They now live in a new ward and new stake in Lincoln, CA.
http://www.motley4.blogspot.com/

"We are the Champions..."

2009-12-28T21:50:00.004-05:00

That's me, the tight end on the left side of the picture, number 87 for the Citrus Junior College Owls. We were Mission Conference Champions that year, the Fall of 1972.

(Gina used Photoshop to 'warm up' the pic.)

"Are you ready for some football?!"

2009-12-23T15:05:00.005-05:00

After playing football at Citrus JC (1972 season) and before my mission to Australia (1973-75), I coached the sophomore football team at my alma mater, Duarte High School (1973 season).

Head Coach Whalen is on the right; I am on the left -- Assistant Coach, and Offensive and Defensive Line Coach.

Commitment to Excellence

2009-12-11T12:57:00.002-05:00

Just Win . . .

2009-12-11T12:04:00.007-05:00

This week the Washington Redskins visit Oakland Raiders. "Just Win . . . "

"Like a Fire . . . "

2009-09-15T04:22:00.012-04:00

Becky and I drove to the Washington DC Temple late Sunday afternoon. A wonderful day. Clear, cool, bright. We walked around the temple, sat and read and talked or a while. Becky is blessed to work/serve in the Temple every week (Thursday evenings). Beautiful place, beautiful feelings, beautiful company.

"It's a Beautiful Morning . . . "

2009-09-11T08:19:00.001-04:00

It was a beautiful, crisp morning. Perfect for football. (Taken from our front yard.)

"Are you ready for some football?"

2009-09-10T16:46:00.006-04:00

FOOTBALL. Love it! Even though I only watch a handful of games. (Hardly any from beginning to end. Good to know it is there if I want it.)

I won bragging rights last year -- if not a little respect from the small group I competed against in ESPN's Pigskin Pick 'Em game -- by picking the most winners for the entire year.

We shall see what this year brings. (Though I am hoping against hope that the Raiders will not embarrass themselves yet again. Blast.)

"Round, round, get around . . . "

2009-09-09T12:34:00.008-04:00

Becky and I went to a local car show with some friends, Karl and Belinda. (Karl builds hot rods for fun.) I'm guessing there were over 200 cars, including at least five '55 Chevys!

The camera angle is pretty low here because we had Becky sitting in a wheelchair. No real need; we're just being extra careful so as to not mess with her recent surgery.

"I've looked at clouds from both sides now . . ."

2009-08-13T19:30:00.001-04:00

On the way home from work I snapped a few pictures of what appeared to be a snow-capped mountain hovering above Northern Virginia -- our own version of an ephemeral Mt. Rainier.

"Good Day, Sunshine"

2009-08-02T00:11:00.006-04:00

Sydney dropped by for a quick visit today. I took these pics out in the sunlight. (Well, one turned out a little dark.) Beautiful.

"American Graffiti" (Sean's rendition of my 55 Chevy)

2009-07-19T15:27:00.008-04:00

Sean remembered that we hadn't done any computer drawing yet this trip. First Ryan drew his picture. Then Sean thought what he could draw. He chose to draw the rear tail light of a 55 Chevy. MY 55 Chevy. So, I drew the curved chrome (gray) part, and he drew he red tail light line and filled in the red, green, and gray parts all by himself.

We thought we might end with just the chrome part with the red light. Ryan suggested we draw the actual green part of the car. Sean said, "If we draw the car you'll be more impressed!"

How could we not?

"Da-da-da Dah Dah da-da-da DAAH dah, da-da-da DAAH dah, da-da-da-daah..." (Ryan's Lightsaber)

2009-07-19T15:06:00.011-04:00

Ryan chose to draw from scratch and from memory Mace Windoo's purple lightsaber. He designed and drew it 100% all by himself. Including the red button, and the yellow light (which, he says, if on, signifies how much damage the lightsaber can do).

Note the two colors of the actual lightsaber; the outer/lighter color being the "glow" of the inner/actual lightsaber itself. Ryan's idea, design, and accomplishment.

Ryan further informs me that the tan color is part of Luke's Obi-Wan's cloak/robe on the Jedi's arm.

"Tough Enough"

2009-07-17T18:52:00.016-04:00

"Dancing in the Streets!"

2009-07-04T23:40:00.007-04:00

Tonight Becky and I experienced the Fourth of July fireworks show in DC with grandsons Ryan, Sean, and Kyle (and their parents and Sydney).

As usual, the show was over-the-top fabulous. All three boys were transfixed. Though, about 3/4 the way through the show, Sean (4 years old) got a little distracted, maybe even a bit bored with the constant flow of color and light and sound. However, he could not keep from being drawn back into the drama of the "Finale." Always a crowd pleaser. This year was no exception. As it got going, he re-engaged and could not help from dancing and bopping to the sight and sound of beat of the constantly exploding fireworks. I caught him on video in a freeform joyous dance. Towards the end of it all, he was so excited he let loose with a spontaneous sommersaut. Enjoy. We sure did!

"Take Five" on your Birthday and on Father's Day

2009-06-12T20:54:00.005-04:00

[NOTE: Double-click on the arrow in the center of the movie immediately below.]

Dear Scott,

We are so glad we met you.

So glad we know you. So glad we know you and your heart so well. So glad you love and respect Carrie. So glad you love your boys. So glad you are who you are. So glad you are part of us. So glad you love and honor the Lord. We are SO glad.

With all our love,

Scott & Becky

"What a Wonderful World" (Happy Birthday, Ryan)

2009-06-11T12:00:00.004-04:00

[NOTE: Double-click on the arrow in the center of the movie immediately below.]

Dear Ryan,

'What a wonderful world' it is because you're in it.

Happy birthday. See you next month!

With love,

Grandma Becky & Grandpa Scott

"Ten Years After"

2009-05-29T10:47:00.004-04:00

Just ran across a print of this photo. Carrie, you are GLOWING!

Happy Anniversary you two!

Love,

Scott & Becky

A PRAYER FOR THE WIFE OF MY YOUTH

2009-05-16T13:25:00.005-04:00

MY ONE TRUE LOVE

With such comfort as time lends,
With such longing as hopes yield,
With such love as tears reveal
-- Hear now our Hope and Desire.

As great and precious promises anchor our souls,
As eternal ties bind us,
As experiences knit us together
-- Grant us true Companionship.

Being strengthened in struggles,
Being tried in trials of faith and will,
Being refined in furnaces of affliction
-- Help us Overcome all.

Together learning through love,
Together stretching through service,
Together growing through giving
-- Make us Instruments in thine Hand.

How we worship thee,
How we understand thee,
How we commune with thee
-- So reveal thyself, thy True Nature.

With experience we truly know thy character,
With yearning we find our true selves,
With true love we see our destiny.
-- Wrap us in the everlasting arms of Thy Love.

Scott L. Vanatter, 24 December 2000 (Christmas Poem for Becky, my Love)

"My Funny Valentine"

2009-05-12T18:31:00.006-04:00

Sean pulling funny faces

Ryan pulling funny faces

Both boys pulling funny faces, plus

(Reminds me of Calvin and Hobbes pulling funny faces.)

"She'll be coming 'round the mountain . . . "

2009-05-10T20:54:00.009-04:00

Within seconds of Carrie getting down onto the floor to play, the boys jumped onto her back playing horsey, etc. (with light sabers)! They are full-on boys, rough-housing, and having fun, fun, fun whenever feasible. (Always a good thing!)

Grandma Becky reminds me that the boys are as quick to play horsey, etc. with their dear ol' Mom when she gets down on the floor with them, as they are with their Dad.

The boys love love LOVE their Mother. They tell her so; they tell her she's pretty; they follow her; and respect her. She is -- along with her dear hubby -- raising a team of righteous sons. A sight to behold (their interaction, their eyes, their council, their nightly prayers, their Family Home Evenings, etc.).

Happy Mother's Day Carrie. (And Grandma Becky, and Grandma Lee, and Grandma Dot, and all.)

"Everybody was Kung Fu Fighting"

2009-05-08T00:01:00.003-04:00

The boys have MOVES! A little bit of Kung Fu Panda, add in some Star Wars lore, and a lotta BOY, and you get excellent martial arts moves. See the movie for a long strectch of Ryan's improvisational Kung Fu moves.

Loved being with and watching and admiring and loving these boys.

"I've Just Seen a Face"

2009-05-07T23:59:00.001-04:00

Ice Cream, Episode I

2009-05-05T19:00:00.006-04:00

[During the last half of April Becky and I visited Carrie and all the Motley Boys: Kyle, Sean, Ryan, and Scott Motley. Of the 1,000 stories I could tell of the experience, here's one.]

Well. I missed shooting Part I. (And boy did I miss something.)

After spending a Saturday afternoon walking up and down a river in Auburn, CA, skipping stones, and taking in the blue sky and mountain air, we stopped by McDonalds for a soft ice cream cone. It was a pretty hot day.

Everyone got their own one, except Kyle. He was just turning one year old. I ate the top portion of my cone, then handed the cone and a short mound of ice cream to Kyle. He was sitting wedged in the corner next to Grandma Becky.

So, he puts the cone up to his mouth, and begins tasting, then eating it. After a few seconds of getting the full measure of the vanilla taste, he suddenly realizes how REALLY good this ice cream stuff REALLY is. He raises both his hands (cone still in one hand), and with a wide-eyed, big wide smile he let's loose with a gleeful, joyful, superbly-satisfied laugh. He was SO pleased with his new discovery.

I perceived also that he really liked the idea that he could personally control the amount of intake of said soft, sweet vanilla goodness. IOW, constant intake. He didn't have to wait till someone doled out small bites, one at a time. For the next 10 minutes or so, he kept the ice cream pressed up to his mouth, barely taking time to breath (except through his ice cream-covered nose). He ate the ice cream, then consumed the remaining cone. The base of the cone in one fell swoop. (BTW: The very bottom of a regular ice cream cone that has had soft ice cream pushed down into it, is one of life's great simple pleasures. The last bite! And what a bite it is. A cool, sweet, combination of sweet, soft, and crunchy. Always a pleasure. (Well, if you take the time to push the ice cream down into it, it is.)

Anyway, Kyle was all grown up, handling and consuming with his big brothers an ice cream cone. Half the way through, we took the cone away from his face for a few seconds to see his face, etc. The skin around his mouth was red, I think, with coldness. But he didn't care. I think his tender baby skin was being "frozen" just a bit with the constant frozen ice cream pushed up against his face. But he loved it. No pain. Later, Grandma Becky took his cone away from him for just a few seconds. He was not happy. He let it be known how this was not good. He began a continued protest until his Mom put the cone back into his mouth. Instant reminder; instant gratification.

Never to be forgotten is his joyful, facial declaration to us all of his wonderful discovery. Pure joy. ("Except ye become as little children.")

Ice Cream, Episode II

2009-05-05T18:00:00.002-04:00

Ice Cream, Episode III

2009-05-05T17:00:00.002-04:00

Ice Cream, Episode IV

2009-05-05T16:00:00.004-04:00

Ice Cream, Episode V

2009-05-05T15:00:00.004-04:00

Ice Cream, Episode VI (Finale)

2009-05-05T12:00:00.002-04:00

Becky, May 2009

2009-05-04T19:23:00.000-04:00

"A New Hope"

2009-04-15T14:05:00.004-04:00

"Beautiful Boy" (Happy Birthday, Sean)

2009-04-08T04:42:00.011-04:00

Dear Sean,

Happy Birthday, you "beautiful, beautiful, beautiful boy."

We like to listen to this song every now and then before we fall asleep at night -- and think of you, "darling Sean."

Can't wait to see you ride your bike! See you soon . . .

With lots of love,

Grandma Becky
Grandpa Scott

Unaware

2009-01-06T21:44:00.013-05:00

The light of the night shadows o'er the sun.
The darkness of day spares none.

In plain sight we miss, while not discerning,
And seek what we're unknowingly yearning.

It never was lost, but always right there.
We find deep inside that now we're aware.

Scott L. Vanatter, 6 January 2009 (Poem on turning 55 years young. Grateful for seeing what I see. Thanks Becky.)

"I'll be home for Christmas . . . " (Vanatter Christmas 2008)

2008-12-23T16:56:00.010-05:00

The family at Kyle's blessing

Sydney

Carrie & Sydney

Carrie & Scott Motley

Ryan, Kyle, and Sean Motley

Ryan, swinging and jumping

Sean, swinging and jumping

Kyle, jumping

"Awake...I am come to declare...glad tidings of great joy." (Vanatter Christmas 2008)

2008-12-23T16:25:00.008-05:00

[ Becky wrote our Christmas letter this year. ]

Greetings family and friends,

Our thoughts over the last year have been enlightened by the events of the world. We sense a need for greater spiritual strength in the face of overwhelming adversity. Our Stake President recently made the observation using a line graph that the increase of evil in the world parallels the increase in the building of temples—good and evil both on the rise. I think the case can also be made that the amount of good and evil trail the breakthrough of the Information Age. Our choices in this life have never before been so vast… the choice to live a life in pursuit of an inner strength to become a person of integrity or the choice to live a life in pursuit of every carnal whim. Each would claim its victory in the pursuit of happiness, but one would give lasting joy —eternal— joy and happiness while the other gives fleeting pleasure and feeble attempts at lasting joy.

“Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.” (Prov. 15: 21, 23)

Joy is what this season is all about beginning with our inspired Thanksgiving holiday. Giving thanks seems to be a fitting opening prayer to a season where the hearts of the men, women, and children through out the world in all religions seem to be drawn toward heaven. As you read the following, may your Christmas season be filled with the spirit of Christ and the glory of His birth, His life, and His eternal sacrifice for all mankind.

“And [Jesus] said unto me: Awake, and hear the words which I shall tell thee; for behold, I am come to declare unto you the glad tidings of great joy.” (Mosiah 3: 3)

“Let the mountains shout for joy, and all ye valleys cry aloud; and all ye seas and dry lands tell the wonders of your Eternal King! And ye rivers, and brooks, and rills, flow down with gladness. Let the woods and all the trees of the field praise the Lord; and ye solid rocks weep for joy! And let the sun, moon, and the morning stars sing together, and let all the sons of God shout for joy! And let the eternal creations declare his name forever and ever! And again I say, how glorious is the voice we hear from heaven, proclaiming in our ears, glory, and salvation, and honor, and immortality, and eternal life; kingdoms, principalities, and powers!” (D&C 128: 23)

“O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock [speaking of Christ] of our salvation.” (Ps. 95: 1)

“Yea, and the voice of the Lord, by the mouth of angels, doth declare it unto all nations; yea, doth declare it, that they may have glad tidings of great joy; yea, and he doth sound these glad tidings among all his people, yea, even to them that are scattered abroad upon the face of the earth; wherefore they have come unto us.” (Alma 13: 22)

My simple prayer for this sacred season is that we will awake to the glory of the Savior, and shout for joy and sing praises unto the Lord… as we all are his angels—each with our own divine spark of trailing glory which had its beginning in the life before this.

Our joy in Christ is fulfilled in our eternal family—in our strivings to come unto Him. Here are some of the joys we recount this year.

A Year of Learning—one of our greatest joys and past times…

New arrivals:
Scott and Carrie became the proud parents of their third son Kyle Reese Motley—named for Carrie’s ‘Reese’ ancestry—in 1853 the Reese family migrated from England to America and then walked across the plains to settle in Cache Valley in order to be with the Saints. There, John Reese built the first log cabin in what is now known as Hyrum, Utah. Kyle will need that legacy of faith, determination, and hard work in the world he will come to know.

New Callings to Serve the Lord:

Scott V. continues to serve as second counselor to a new bishop
Becky was released as Relief Society President and is now serving in the Washington D.C.
Temple and teaching the Gospel Instruction Course
Scott Motley was called as second counselor in the bishopric
Carrie shifted from being in the Young Women Presidency to an advisor—a real super mom!
Sydney serves in the Washington D.C. Temple and on the Activities Committee

New Jobs:

Sydney is now the Government Affairs Assistant for the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers at aiam.org
Everyone else is maintaining the same ol' routines

New Challenges:

Sydney continues the quest to find that special one… Her calendar is always full; Learned about Europe on her two week tour; and loved taking pictures—starting to sell a few and is looking to increase her talents with her new computer.
Carrie is blogging and getting the new baby and school routine down with Ryan in kindergarten this year; enjoying her second home—her new Toyota van; what amazing boys she has—an AMAZING mom… My favorite memory this year was singing Primary songs while pushing Sean on the swing and taking Ryan and Sean to meet their new baby brother and listening to them sing Primary songs to Kyle. It was a truly sacred moment filled with inexpressible joy.
Scott Motley worked tirelessly as a zip code director for the passage of Prop 8 in California—an amendment to define marriage as between one man and one woman. He is also weathering the country’s financial crisis—superbly I would add… his cancer is gone… all is well... Scott and Carrie’s church was attacked [ . . . ]—a sad chapter in American politics…
Becky (me) learned to fill my extra time and the hole in my heart with gardening this summer—what a joy it was to cherish each new flower and each new blade of grass… I get the meaning of toiling by the sweat of my brow to bring forth that which is beautiful and good; near tragedy one evening as I stepped out the back door and was greeted with the back end of a skunk—tail and all were perched and ready for fire… near heart failure.
Scott’s father passed away in January. Scott's love and perspective have brought such comfort and love to his family… A very enjoyable family reunion in spite of the circumstances.

A year in which the eternal cycle of life in which God’s eternal plan for us all grows brighter as our learning deepens through life’s experiences…

May the Love of the season comfort you throughout the year, and may you choose to draw nearer unto Him and find the joy He is anxious to share with you…

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas . . . "

2008-12-20T03:52:00.006-05:00

Walk into our house at Christmas and there, in the middle of everything, is our beautiful Christmas Tree -- warm, inviting, delicate, interesting, varied, colorful, meaningful . . . full of love and memories. Every ornament placed on the tree a cherished memory of family and friends.

While it is a reflection of our family's history and interests and connections, really it is a mirror image of the love and breadth of my beautiful wife. This is her gift which she gives to us and all those who cross our doorway (or for those who drive by and glance into our living room) at this enchanting and sacred time of year.

I look at the tree and see the love with which we've been blessed. Every day I look at my beautiful, warm, inviting, delicate, interesting, varied, colorful, and meaningful wife (My Eternal Sweetheart) and bask in the love and memories and the future we share.

Thank you Becky for such beauty and love.

"Remember (Christmas)"

2008-12-05T19:13:00.004-05:00

In December 1967 we had been going together for over 6 months. (Note: It took me a whole five months to muster the courage to give Becky a smooch.)

This is our earliest Christmas pic together.

"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night."