Brian Taylor's letter, June 2, 2013

My best to you

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Brian L Taylor 8:00 PM (11 hours ago) to me Dear Elder and Sister Scott,             I believe I have mentioned in some previous letters that some of my grandsons have been coming to my home on Saturdays to record my remembrances of different members of my ancestry.  This little exercise causes me to reflect upon their tribulations and wonder how they ever endured their trials and emerged as stronger individuals.  Just like the saints of old, they did not get to choose the time of their adversity so they could never plan for it.  And a number of my ancestors experienced all of the major persecution that we read about in church history.  When we read in 2 Timothy 3:12, "All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution," we know that a wise Father is not allowing such a pattern for entertainment.             Consider the words of Elder Orson F. Whiney:  "No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted.  It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility.  All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God. . . and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we came here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven."             I suppose we all understand that we somehow benefit from the "rough waters" that we encounter in our voyage through life, but this does not make the suffering any less intense.  Yet we can rest assured that the Lord never abandons us during our periods of adversity.  In fact, just the opposite is true; I love Elder Neal A. Maxwell's expression on the subject:  "(God's) grace will cover us like a cloak--enough to provide for survival but too thin to keep out all the cold."             I have often referred to the history of the Martin and Willie handcart companies of 1856.  Late in leaving England, they arrived in Iowa City to find supplies severely depleted by other immigrants heading westward at an earlier date.  To make matters worse for them, Brigham Young, not knowing of these late arrivals from England, had called in the resupply wagons that had been meeting the other companies in eastern Wyoming with needed assistance.             One delay after another forced the two handcart companies to leave Iowa City about July 15th, knowing that the high terrain through which they would be forced to travel was known to have some early severe weather.  But would they be safe because they had exerted their faith already in an effort to come to Zion?  Not so.             I know I have cited their experience in previous letters, but I would like you to remember one thing today:  their exhibition of faith did not exempt them from trials beyond their imagination.  Those who survived were much stronger because of their experiences, and those who were unable to complete the journey certainly inherited a great reward because they demonstrated their being willing to accept the will of the Lord.             Isn't life wonderful!  Each day brings a new experience (even for a retired person like me.)  I just had a funny thought--has anyone come to an understanding of what specific plans a person can make for post-retirement years?  I can still chuckle about it, even though I am approaching that era.  But I am still young at age 92.             Have a wonderful week.  I'm praying for you.  Love, EldER Taylor

19 May 2013, letters from the Taylor's

Letter from Farr West

David Taylor 10:50 PM (9 hours ago) Sunday, May 19, 2013 Dear Elder and Sister Scott, I hope everything is going well for you.  Bob Rauzi passed away a few weeks ago.  Our son, Danny, received the Melchizedek Priesthood and was ordained an Elder today at Church.  I ordained him an Elder.  Tonight he graduated from Seminary.  Tomorrow afternoon, he will graduate from Fremont High School at the Dee Events Center.  This coming Friday, Danny will go to the Brigham City Temple to receive his endowment.  Late Tuesday night on June 11, our son will leave for his mission to Guatemala.  He has to be at the MTC there in Guatemala on June 12and will study the Spanish language.  It will help him with all 6 years of Spanish he had in school.  He can hardly wait to go on his mission.  We have been trying to go shopping to get as much of the things he needs for his mission before he has to leave home.  I have to chuckle when my oldest son, Michael, said that since so many of the girls in the single adults ward are going on missions or are getting married, he said there is nobody to date.  I said to keep going to college, work and save his money.  After 18 months go by, there will be lots of returned sister missionaries to choose from to date.  I heard that Jordan Roe is planning to get engaged to a girl he met in the single adults ward.  He will be getting married sometime earlier this summer. We got to Skype with our missionary in the Philippines.  Jeremy was sweating a lot because it is so hot and humid there.  He looked and sounded wonderful.  He loves his mission, even though he is struggling to learn Tagalog.  We heard that Joe and his wife bought them a new house.  How are they enjoying it?  I'm happy for them.  Best wishes from me and David Jay.  Keep up the good work!  All of us Farr West neighbors are proud of you!  You are terrific missionaries. Love, David Taylor Any trials lately? 8:24 PM (12 hours ago) 19 May 2013: Dear Elder and Sister Scott,                                     I recently read an article by an ex-mission president that I found rather interesting.  While I know this may not apply to all of the recipients of my letter, I hope it may give you some ideas to use during your missionary experiences.  The article was entitled "Life is good; life is bad."                                     "So there is the paradox: Life is good in so many ways.  We are blessed in so many ways.  There is joy and peace and happiness to be had.  But just around the next corner, even lurking close by, we may find, as Brigham Young said, 'sorrow, grief, mourning, woe, misery, pain, anguish and disappointment.'                                     "This is because we were sent to earth  to gain experience and to prove ourselves.  Unfortunately, the strongest and most resilient plants grow outside of the hothouse.  That means that the Garden of Eden just wouldn't do as a proving ground.  Or, to use another metaphor, the most precious metals are refined in the fire.  As the Lord said, 'Behold I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work.                                     "For those who desire to become an instrument in the hands of God, those are sobering words.                                     "Elder Bruce R. McConkie tied adversity, in its many forms, to this testing, purifying process:                                     "I say that this life never was intended to be easy.  It is a probationary estate in which we are tested physically, mentally, morally, and spiritually.  We are subject to disease and decay.  We are attacked by cancer, leprosy, and contagious diseases. We suffer pain and sorrow and afflictions.  Disasters strike;  floods sweep away our homes; famines destroy our food;  plagues and wars fill our graves with dead bodies and our broken homes with sorrow . .                                     "Temptations, the lusts of the flesh, evils of every sort--all these are  part of the plan and must be faced by every person privileged to undergo the experiences of mortality."                                     George q Cannon of the First Presidency explained it this way:                                     "The Saints should always remember that God sees not as man sees; that he does not willingly afflict his children, and that if  he requires them to endure present privation and trial, it is that they may escape greater tribulations which would otherwise inevitably overtake them.  If He deprives them of any present blessing, it is that He may bestow upon them greater and more glorious ones by-and-by.             Threshing is the process whereby the edible kernals of various cereal grains, such as wheat or oats, as separated from the inedible  chaff that surrounds them"  The ancient Romans had a threshing sled that in Lain they called tribulum.  Do you see its similarity to "tribulation?"  So often our trials do not come in a steady streams of trial, but in short bursts.             Someone once quipped, "The thing about life is that it's so daily"  We must recognize that  tribulation and adversity are "equal employers" in that they come to both rich and poor.             Tribulation will not always be a part of our lives.  We live with the hope--as indicated by the scriptures--that if we have been faithful in this life, we will enter into a state of happiness.             We should really be grateful that the Lord trusts us enough to send a few tests. Let us vow to meet the trials with a smile and thank the Lord for His confidence in our ability to meet life's challenges well.             All my love,  Brian

20 May 2013, a note from Sister Ballard

We had district meeting last night. It started at 6:00 pm and ended at 8:55 pm. Although a little long, it was very enjoyable. Everyone participated and seemed to be enjoying themselves. This is a note from Sister Ballard about it.

Kristene Ballard 7:57 AM (15 minutes ago) Dear Sister Scott, Thank you so much for your words of wisdom and encouragement last night.  I really needed them.  I have been struggling with putting my trust in the Lord and Holy Ghost.  I worry that I am not worthy for them be with me and so I doubt, but I am on the Lord's errand and I know He won't fail me.  I admire you so much and you have been such a good example to me and been so kind and patient.  Thank you for your friendship and love. I love you dearly, S Ballard

David Taylor's letter, April 30, 2013

         Letter from home

David Taylor <tdvdbtylr@gmail.com> 10:02 PM (8 hours ago) Tuesday, April 30, 2013 Dear Elder and Sister Scott, The first news I wanted to tell you about home was that Bob Rauzi passed away last week.  His viewing was last night at the Poplar Stake Center; his funeral was today.  I couldn't go to the funeral since I had to work alone at Jimmy's Flower Shop.  My oldest son, Mike, just graduated with an Associate Degree of Arts at Weber State University last Friday.  He also graduated from Weber Institute of Religion last Sunday night.  Our youngest son, Danny, will graduate from Fremont High School on May 20 and from Seminary on May 19.  He will leave for his mission to Guatemala on June 12.  During General Conference earlier this month, we were told that there will be a new temple built in Cedar City.  Delbert and Doris Dabb's friends, the Shirley's live there.  I hope all is going well with you.  I know you are very busy.  Your mission is a wonderful place to serve the Lord.  Your blog site is very popular.  Keep up the good work!  You have told me that many people, members and non-members alike, have enjoyed following your blog.  That is a great missionary tool you have.  Our prayers are offered every day for you.  May the Lord bless your efforts. Sincerely, David Taylor

Brian L. Taylor's letter, April 28,2013

Have a great week!

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Brian L Taylor 10:01 PM (10 hours ago) to me Dear Elder and Sister Scott,             This has been a FULL day for a 92-year old youngster.  My daughter Coral picked me up to attend a 9 A.M. sacrament meeting where her daughter played a piano solo with her neighbor.  I was so proud of their lovely rendition of an LDS hymn.  Then we went to my daughter's ward, where her daughter-in-law accompanied a friend from her mission.  He did a cello solo arrangement of "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief," which was one of the best I have ever heard.  Also, my son Blaine represented the high council in speaking in their ward--a real treat for me.  Coral brought me home for the two final meetings of our ward conference, which were among the best ever.  Tonight I will be attending a viewing for the widow of a man who had served as my ward clerk 'way back when I was bishop of the Farr West Ward.  I think I will sleep well tonight!             During the final session of our ward conference the stake president arranged for the showing of results of a survey he had conduted among the youth of the ward in an earlier session (confidential answers).  The general result of the survey indicated excellent results for the youth's attitudes and performance on gospel teachings, but a little less exciting results for parents' performance.  We were all challenged to LIVE as we have been taught.  As you would expect, most of us do well in some respects, but we have room for improvement.  Such meetings are great to have us all decide where we are going to start on demonstrating for the Savior that we want to follow Him--seriously.             During the week I read a story about a man who had been called to serve as a bishop.  One of his friends, a former bishop, related that early in his term of service, he would see a new family in the audience and think, "Oh, those must be newcomers in the ward.  I wonder what we can call them to do.  After a year or two, the arrival of a new family in the ward brought the thought, "I wonder what problems they are going to bring us."             Not all challenges that arrive with new families are caused by open rebellion against the Church or broken marriages.  As Mormon taught in the Book of Mormon, sometimes when the Lord blesses and prospers people, that is when they harden their hearts and turn away from spiritual matters.  One good man made the statement that we must learn to endure faithfully even in times of peace and prosperity.  A former mission president and later a member of an area presidency cited an example of a missionary who wanted to go home because missionary work "is not fun."  Many families are surrounded with such affluence and luxury that it is difficult for their youth to really "seek first the kingdom of God."  One case was cited where the missionary who wanted to go home was asked what he intended to do if he left his mission early, and he replied that he intended to achieve level 7 of a video game he had been playing before accepting the missionary call.  Of all the shallow reasoning!!!             I know that none in the group who receive this letter has been guilty of such negative thinking, but you can be grateful to Heavenly Father for the things in your life that have helped you make the right choices.  Really, we should have reason enough in knowing that the Savior, who brought about the Atonement, is relying on us to bring about a marvelous work in our day.  I'm proud of you for being a part of it!             God bless you for making those right choices for the right reasons.             Love, G-pa Taylor

Brian L. Taylor's letter, April 21, 2013

Great Day!

Brian L Taylor 6:55 PM (11 hours ago) Dear Elder and Sister Scott,,             Another lovely Sabbath--not only because of the beautiful spirit that comes from meeting together, but today a warm breeze was blowing when we came out of the church building.  Isn't it great to have good feelings for more than one reason!  Actually there was another reason, because we had an adult fellow confirmed in our meeting, and as we separated to go into quorum work, I noticed that a couple of brethren were giving him a friendly slap on the shoulder and guiding him to his classroom.  We love to see new converts, just as you do in the mission field.             In our priesthood meeting I noticed that we had a few young children with their fathers.  My neighbors' little 18-month old boy left his father's custody and walked across the front of the room to take our young chorister's finger.  It was interesting to see the self-conscious chorister try to hold the boy in place, but the little one was determined to take his new-found friend back toward his father.  Finally the chorister gave in and slowly followed the little one for several steps--just before the priesthood separated for classwork.  Since little ones hold such a special place in the heart of our Savior, I was pleased to see the young man show special kindness to his new-found friend.  Our chorister is learning how to be an effective missionary, right?             In our priesthood class today an idea was presented that I had not given much thought to in the past.  It was the idea that some of our Saints take part in church activities or assignments just to be seen doing the right thing.  I would hope that this would involve only a very small minority of those who respond to assignments.  I can understand that someone who is in the business world (or perhaps a political candidate) might entertain this attitude just for the material benefit that might come from their action.  The thought hit me that those individuals would be among the number "who already have their reward" and could not expect to receive further blessing from the Savior.  As I have thought about the members who I see regularly  in church, I honestly cannot think of one who might fall in this category.  If there were any who fit this mold, I would guess that the individual is an adult.  I think our younger generation is doing the right things for the right reasons.  I especially notice the young men who help with the sacrament each week.  What excellent examples they are setting in the ward!             I want to commend each of you--youth and adults--for being such excellent examples of what the Church stands for.  I like to think that your lives have a positive impact on the future missionaries who will be engaged in the Lord's service.  However, your dedicated service helps to fuel my Gospel fire, also.  Perhaps you have never thought about having a positive influence on adults other than your own family circle, but I am sure it is true.  I know what a joy it is to read the letters from my own grandson, and I look forward to reading letters from THREE grandsons in the near future.  The work will roll forth, BECAUSE IT IS TRUE.             May the Lord continue to bless you richly because of your dedicated service.             Love, G-pa Taylor

Brian Taylor's letter, April 7, 2013

Wonderful conference!

Brian L Taylor 8:36 PM (11 hours ago) Dear Missionaries,             What a wonderful general conference--so spiritually uplifting!  While much of the doctrine we hear is not new, it is given in just a little different way so we recognize the words and know their source.  Isn't the Gospel wonderful!  And of course it is interesting to hear how it has touched many lives through the years and brought joy and peace to them.  I have had similar blessings in my own life.  I am deeply grateful for my own experiences of spiritual growth in the mission field, and that makes me think how very blessed you are-- to be devoting this part of your life in the Lord's service.  I'm so happy that you made that right decision to become engaged in saving souls!  You'll have precious memories to enrich your whole life.  (I must mention that when my extended family gathered this evening, one little 6-year old great-grandson came over to me and said, "I'm going on a mission!")             I must tell you of an experience I had between conference sessions yesterday.  One of my grandsons bought some special lighting and recording equipment to come here and have me begin a series of family history "episodes."  He and his brother are both interested in preserving info I can recall about my earlier days and things I remember about some of the ancestors.  I frequently wish I could talk to one of my departed family members as I am working on my updated history of Farr West.  I hope you will begin  your own life history soon so you can keep adding to it as you move along through life.             Anyway, I rather enjoyed the experience yesterday, which was supposed to be my recollections of how I met my wife and some details of our courtship and marriage.  I decided to begin the story by referring to my own "scripture"--my patriarchal blessing.  I read the section which indicated I would be sealed in the Lord's House to a worthy companion and we would be blessed with sons and daughters, who would be ours for eternity.             I was much slower at finding a mate than most of my friends.  And I am glad that I did wait.  I had the secret desire of meeting a returned sister missionary, and she made her appearance when I was age 28.  One of my missionary friend's stepmother told me one day that she had a niece that she would like me to meet, so I gave her the go-ahead signal.  Her niece lived in Pocatello, so after we met and I began to realize that she was "the one," we only had a few dates because of the distance that separated us.  In those days we didn't have such things as texting or Facebook to communicate frequently.  And I was a child from the great depression, so use of the telephone was infrequent.  We met July 24th, got engaged 3 Oct. and married 8 December.  In those days it was rather uncommon to have such a short engagement period, but Jean was as anxious as I to get on with our lives together.             I was happy that Jean and I could serve a mission together in the Oregon Portland Mission in 1986.  Once again we met some very wonderful people--both IN and OUT OF the Church.  Family History work had been my "specialty" in life, so we promptly joined the LaPine Genealogical Society and soon got special assignments to teach the group.  When our mission was over, that society held a special meeting in which they served a beautifully decorated cake and put together 20 one-dollar bills folded and arranged to form a fan.  It was so cleverly done that I hated to dismantle the gift.  On the back of the fan they listed all the projects we had conducted with/for them.             I believe I had given you some of my history in a previous letter; however, this one covers a few different details.  I have not forgotten the thrill of teaching and baptizing.  I know of nothing that is more wonderful than seeing contacts dressed in white as they enter the waters of baptism and begin a wonderful, new life.             God bless you with success and happiness in this important work.             Love, "Grandpa Taylor"