Independence
July 7, 2013
We enjoyed the last week of celebrating the freedoms we have
as citizens of the United States of America. In one short week we were able to
meet with, eat with, visit with, and chat with almost all of our children and grandchildren.
We had the added pleasure of having a fantastic blast from the past as we had
lunch with Bob and Jean Lewis – the family I mentioned a few weeks ago. While
Jean and Jean discussed all the exciting news of our respective families; Bob
and I solved all the problems of the world. We single-handedly created new
communities in Socorro, Holbrook, and Toquerville using relatively inexpensive
property and homes build in nodes (bathroom, kitchens, family rooms, bedrooms,
roofs, etc); then set on pre-manufactured basements and/or foundations. You see
at seventy we have determined ourselves to be independent of old thinking and
are adapting very nicely to understanding that we are very young in the eyes of
history and the eternities.
Incredible as it may seem, we are blessed with opportunities
to do and be whatever we choose. Imagine for a moment that we lived in a
country such as Egypt. Imagine living under the monster threat of Muslim
insurrectionists. Now, imagine thinking the kind of thought that we had as we
visited with Bob and Jean. Imagine living in fear of honoring and loving God.
Imagine what it would be like to live in a country that has as its primary goal
the annihilation of our very best nation friend - Israel! The most amazing part
of our great American heritage is that we are still welcoming those from other
countries; even those who do not wish to participate in the great American
experiment. They come by the millions each year because they know the power and
the rights they will have in the United States of America.
On July 2, we shared the day with a sendoff for our first
LDS missionary of our grandchildren and a reunion of our Duane and Jean Jacobs’
family. I never cease to be amazed at the level of intensity which prevails in
each of our family members. They are dedicated to all the right things. They
want to make good decisions and have the innate intelligence and determination
to do so. They question all things as they should; then, gather from history,
family, and God those things which will craft their beliefs and destiny. They
each have more knowledge of Gospel, God, and the universe at their young ages
than I did ten times over.
At 18 Sykler has a testimony of Jesus Christ. He is fully
capable of sharing his love of the Gospel with others through love and charity.
He beams with anticipation as he looks forward to his treck in into the great
unknown waters of life in beautiful Cardston, Alberta, Canada. He will meet
challenges of every conceivable nature and face them squarely with the Holy
Ghost on one arm and our Savior Jesus Christ on the other. He will love people
and they will love him. Most importantly, he will find great joy in growing and
learning about all the important things in life.
Freedom is a two-edged sword. We can do anything we wish. We
will always be responsible for our actions. If we are angry at others, we will
reap anger. If we love others, we will reap love. If we choose to ignore the
opportunities offered by our Constitution and citizenship, we will provide fodder
for the enemies of freedom and risk the loss of all that has been created for
us in this Garden of Eden.
May God shine his countenance upon you. May he bless each of
us as we strive to live our lives as examples of solid Christian principles by
serving and loving others who are less fortunate!
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