The Foister Family

SpongeBob Is Bad For Kids' Brains

2011-09-16T15:53:00.005-04:00

On my way home from work yesterday, a story on NPR caught my ear. Scientific (as scientific as a limited sample can be) proof, that SpongeBob and other fast-paced television is not good for our children.

The researchers said that the cartoon's fast-based scenes may make it more difficult for young children to pay attention and think. The article states a test was given to children after watching SpongeBob, coloring, or a slower paced PBS show. Those who watched SpongeBob performed significantly poorer than children in the other two groups.

We have thought for years that this type of entertainment overstimulates and dulls their minds. As a result we do not watch any television in our home. We also miss the commercials, which are often worse than the show itself.

We do allow the occasional family movie, but even this is critically selected from a short list of older films we know they will enjoy, mainly because we knew and enjoyed them at the same age. The added benefit is obvious lack of anti-family messages seen in programs today. And as Julie Beck said, anti-family is anti-Christ.

Here is the link to the NPR article if you are interested:

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2011/09/12/140401099/spongebob-may-be-too-speedy-for-preschool-brains

New Family Photos

2011-08-22T15:11:00.007-04:00

I performed the wedding ceremony for my cousin Josh and his bride Shannon on Friday at the Manor House. The wedding was outdoors in a beautiful garden. After the ceremony, I took advantage of the setting and snapped these photos of our family. I think they turned out well.

Anna and me (obviously I didn't take this one. I set-up the shot and had my brother take it.)

My beautiful bride.

My wonderful family.

All of the grandchildren on my side.

My brother Kevin and his girls.

My sister Rachel and her husband, Alan Capone, and their two.

My brother Matt and his wife, Brandy, and their daughter.

My parents, Fred and Joyce.

Bagpipes & the Memorial Day Parade

2011-06-01T13:37:00.005-04:00

Wesley has taken up the bagpipe, and joined a pipe and drum band, mainly because of the influence of the pipe and drum band in Nauvoo. Though he is very much a beginner, and still on the chanter, the band allowed him to march in the parade with some of the pipes stopped.

The kids were all there to cheer on Dad, and got a big kick out of seeing him wear a kilt.

Memories of Christmas Accidents & Miracles

2011-01-05T15:00:00.004-05:00

When we had our accident traveling out west for Christmas in December of 2004, I vowed I would never again drive cross-country in the winter. However, like many times when we say we won't do it, we are made to eat our words. With Heber's wedding in Salt Lake City just before Christmas, and the Ray family reunion in Mesa just after Christmas, we found ourselves once again preparing for a winter trip. We have made this trip many, many times during the spring or summer; at least annually, but occasionaly semi-annually. So it's not the trip itself that worried me. It was the potential bad weather.

As we were driving on 191 from Rock Springs, WY to Vernal, UT and neared the very spot where it occured, we began to see snow covering the rode. Like a bad nightmare, flashbacks of the accident came flooding back and I had to pull-over to allow Anna Marie to drive the rest of the way. Bethany, who was an infant at the time and doesn't remember the experience, but contributed her thoughts as we discussed it. She said, "Dad, it doesn't matter if we are all killed. We'll just live again." What faith in the Savior, atonement and resurrection. I wish I were more like her.

Well, I dug out this email I remember sending to Andy Hobbs to let him know what had happened. It is dated December 23, 2004. Over the years I had forgotten several of the miracles that had occured and am grateful I have this written history recorded just after the event.

Here it is without editing:

At 1:30 AM Tuesday night, we were traveling across the mountains from Wyoming to Utah. As we came around a bend, we found a semi jack-knifed in the road. We were aimed for a head-on collision. In the snow storm, I had no control of the van, but managed to veer to the right far enough to only clip the front of the truck.

The impact was great enough to spin us around and off the side of the mountain. We traveled another 200' before coming to a stop, just shy of going thru a fence and falling into a ravine. Had we gone 5’ further, we would have dropped into the ravine.

We spent the night that way, on the side of the mountain. Thankfully the heater remained on, so we didn't freeze in the -10 Wyoming weather. Towards morning, I woke and realized we were still there, the semi had been towed off (they didn't know we fell down the mountain, he thought it was a hit and run) and we were alone on a road very infrequently traveled. The thought came to me, "you hold the Priesthood, use it!" So I spoke with Heavenly Father and called for assistance to arrive within 10 minutes. Only two minutes later, I saw lights coming down the mountain so I jumped out of the van and scrambled up the side of the mountain. I stopped the car whose lights I saw, which turned out to be a police man. He didn't know we were down there, and would not have seen us. From the tracks on the road in the snow, not a single person had passed all night. He had a large semi-tow truck drop a cable down the side, and wince the van back up the side. We finally left the van around 7 a.m. We had been there for 6 hours, and the gas gauge never changed. Had we run out of gas, we would have frozen. The temperature never raised above zero.

We are unable to drive it. There was a lot of damage. We are all safe, not even a scratch on anyone. How grateful I am that my family was protected and guarded.

After having been up most of the night, I slept from 5 p.m. until 5 a.m. this morning. I got up and attended the temple to perform initiatories and then an endowment session. I thanked Father in Heaven for keeping us safe. There could have easily been fatal results from an accident like this. We saw so many miracles occur during this experience. The Lord just kept blessing us. Tears of gratitude flowed freely while I was in the Celestial room this morning. The Lord is so merciful.

The insurance is looking into repairing the van. Not sure if it will be done before next Thursday when we planned on returning.

Candid Moments

2010-12-13T09:23:00.004-05:00

Recently I sat Bethany and Maryann down for an impromptu photo-shoot. We took a lot of pictures and had fun. Some of the photos turned out very well. Others, well, it is great to see their personalities come through on print.

Family Photo

2010-10-31T20:39:00.002-04:00

This photo was taken while we were in Nauvoo in July. Though already outdated (missing Hannah who was yet unborn), it is a good likeness of our family. What fun we had. Sometimes, when life seems to become unnecessarily complicated, we long for a day gone by when a man's word was a contract, and faith was something to be lived by. In the Book of Mormon, four generations passed between the appearance of the Savior and the falling away of the youth due to lack of learning the things their ancestors experienced. About four generations have passed between the Saints experiences in Nauvoo and today. Many are falling away having never experienced the need for great trust in the Lord needed to leave their homes and life as they new it, to follow the prophet across the plains to an unknown desert. The experiences of the pageant are needed to help us remember, and learn.

Spencer's Artwork

2010-10-27T15:17:00.003-04:00

For the past few years, Spencer has displayed a real streak of creativity. I'm not sure where this came from, but he can spend hours drawing, coloring, and creating artwork in various mediums. We thought we would share a few here. I also added a recent school paper he completed for writing; the fourth Article of Faith from memory. Enjoy!

Dad and Son as Boy Scouts

Grandma Ray Comes to Ohio

2010-10-25T10:21:00.003-04:00

This summer Anna's grandma, Ethlyn Ray, flew from Mesa Arizona for the Hill's family reunion they were having in our area. They were kind enough to allow us to collect her from the airport. Of course Sister and Elder walker didn't miss a chance to see their aunt.

More on Nauvoo

2010-09-12T21:04:00.013-04:00

The pageant script has so many wonderful quotes that one can not help but build their testimony and increase their faith while being entertained.

At one point after the arrival of a new boat load immigrants, Parley P. Pratt states, "You'll find that here in Nauvoo the arrival of every new neighbor is an occasion to open our hearts. The Prophet Joseph taught that friendship is one of the grand fundamental principles of everything we are. We tray to carry one another's burdens, literally. To give what was needed, we gave all we had, and to give more than we had, we gave of ourselves."

Robert Laird, not a member of the church, arrived on that boat with his wife Becky, who joined the church in Scotland. They lost a three year old son on the boat ride over. Grieving the loss of his son, he storms up to the Prophet Joseph and says, "What do you think you are doing?" He describes the hardships of the journey, and says, "There are fourteen more that you'll never meet, because their graves are at the bottom of the sea. And one of them is our own little boy; our little Jaimie. He was barely three. He smiled up one last time at his mother, then gave-up the ghost. "

He then asks the prophet, "You can stand stand there and tell me that your god accepts such terrible sacrifices from children He supposedly loves?"

Joseph responds, "Yes, I can. Because I know that He also knows what it means to loose a son."

At another point in the pageant when Joseph Smith is organizing the Relief Society, he states, "This society shall rejoice, and knowledge and intelligence shall flow down from this time. If you will live up to your privileges, the angels can not be restrained from being your associates."

Parley Pratt tells Robert Laird as Robert is beginning to accept the gospel, "If it's good, it comes from Christ, and He gave His life so you could have it."

At another point while speaking of the passing of King Follet, Joseph says, "They are only absent for a moment. Life on earth is fragile. It is a blessing to be cherished." Moments later he says, "This is the purpose of the temple. To bring together those who dwell on earth with those who dwell in heaven. That the hearts of our family members may be bound together for eternity. "

Such powerful doctrine. I think everyone should see the pageant at least once.

I have had time to post more photos from the Nauvoo Pageant. These were taken by our good friend Theresa Junkunz.

Nauvoo Pageant - Online Slideshow Creator

Announcing Hannah Ray Foister

2010-08-29T12:53:00.002-04:00

Hannah was born Friday, August 27, at 6:54 p.m. weighing 8 lbs 11 ounces. That makes Hannah the heaviest of all the children at birth. She has quite a bit of black hair.

We are so grateful she arrived healthy and safe. Shortly before the birth, Anna had received a blessing promising her that angels would be present to assist. I asked her afterward if she had felt their presence, and she said yes.

Here is the whole gang. Our new family!

Mother and daughter.

Maryann is so excited to have a little sister. We have to keep a close eye on how loving she is.

This was the children's first time to meet their new sister. Look at her hair.

Nauvoo Pageant

2010-08-26T13:50:00.005-04:00

This past month we had the opportunity to participate in the Nauvoo pageant. It was a lot of work, but tremendously rewarding. We really enjoyed every aspect of participating from the heat and humidity, to the chiggers and mosquitoes. Most of all, we enjoyed the wonderful people we met, and the strong spirit felt participating in such an event in such a place. It was a blessing to our life we hope to repeat in future years.

Nauvoo is such a beautiful place!

Participating in the pageant can be very tiring. How did the pioneers do it?

Boy was it hot and humid. Especially if you are eight months along. Anna is such a trooper!

Maryann enjoyed all of the new sites. Here she is with her security badge.

The children in costume waiting to begin.

At the sack race preparing for work.

Bethany with the Laird's. She had the largest part of our family. She was the daughter of Robert and Becky Laird, main characters in the pageant. What a great thing for her.

Here is a close-up of Bethany with the Laird's.

The finale! If you see the dots in the upper left-hand section, that's us!

Saint Louis

2010-08-26T13:34:00.002-04:00

Earlier this summer Wesley, Emma and I took a trip to Saint Louis for the day. We enjoyed being together, and seeing the sites. We went to the temple, and took the tram to the top of the arch. Peering out the little windows made Wesley very nervous.

View from the top of the arch.

Beneath the arch looking up.

The museum and the tram are both located underground beneath the arch.

The base of the arch is massive

Wesley and Emma in front of the temple.

Struggles and Charity

2010-07-21T13:40:00.007-04:00

I was reminded recently of a story Elder Quieten L. Cook told in General Conference regarding difficult times. He said,

Last winter my daughter had a white-knuckle experience driving in a severe snowstorm. She reminded me of a similar situation I had with my two sons many years ago. My youngest son, Joe, was three years old, and my son Larry was six. We were traveling by car from San Francisco to Utah in June. The weather had been very good.

As we started our ascent to the Donner Pass summit in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, suddenly and without warning an enormous snowstorm hit us. None of the drivers was prepared. A semitruck in front of us had jackknifed and was spread across two lanes. Other trucks and cars had slid off the freeway. One lane was open, and many vehicles, including ours, were desperately trying to gain traction to avoid the other vehicles. All traffic then came to a halt.

We were not prepared for this blizzard in June. We had no warm clothing, and our fuel was relatively low. I huddled with the two boys in an effort to keep us warm. After many hours, safety vehicles, snowplows, and tow trucks began to clear up the massive logjam of vehicles.

Eventually, a tow truck hauled us to a service station on the other side of the pass. I called my wife, knowing she would be worried because she had expected a call the prior evening. She asked if she could speak to the two boys. When it was the three-year-old’s turn, with a quivering voice, he said, “Hope ya know, we had a hard time!”

I could tell, as our three-year-old talked to his mother and told her of the hard time, he gained comfort and then reassurance. Our prayers are that way when we go to our Father in Heaven. We know He cares for us in our time of need.

As we were talking about hard times with the children, trying to help them recognize suffering around us, and have a desire to do something about it, Wesley remembered the video portraying Elder Holland's experience as he attempted to move across the country. I posted it below for your convenience. Yes hard times do pass, but if we have the ability to eliminate any about of suffering someone feels, we are obligated to do so. I think the entire gospel can be summed-up in one word, charity. Charity is how we feel and act towards each other, and this determines who we become. I think the video of President Hinckley's talk, Lessons I Learned As a Boy, portrays this point very well.

Hot Air Balloon at Camp Timberhill

2010-07-21T11:26:00.002-04:00

The cub scouts were able to help inflate and pack away a hot air balloon at camp this month. It was exciting to handle such a neat thing.

Inside the envelope.

Wesley stretching it out.

Fishing

2010-07-21T11:12:00.002-04:00

Spencer with his seaweed catch!

Wesley's first catch ever!

Board of fishing.

Happy Emma.

New Year's Eve with the Youth

2010-01-06T11:22:00.003-05:00

Wesley spent New Year's Eve with about 25 youth from the ward and the YM and YW leaders. They had a great time full of clean wholesome fun. The church has produced some fabulous media in connection to New Years titled A Brand New Year. They watched just as much of the 2009 video as we did the 2010. It is marvelous to see to the faith of the youth.

Sister Dalton, Young Women General President said, "I think they need to be reminded of who they are. They need to know their identity. They are not ordinary, they are not common. They are sons and daughters of our Father in Heaven. The world wants Latter-day Saint teens to be average. Our message is to live on a higher level. The Lord is with these youth. The Lord knows who they are. He trusts them. We trust them. We have great confidence in them.” Church News Week Ending December 5, 2009

The clip below is from the 2009 DVD. It is amazing to see the Conference Center filled with youth, watching a performance consisting entirely of youth. Our youth have enjoyed singing the 2009 songs throughout the year. The 2010 DVD does not have the same feel or sing-able songs as the 2009 production, but it is powerful in its own right, hence the reason for showing both years.

Letter to his Wife (1861)

2010-01-06T11:20:00.003-05:00

INTRODUCTION TO SULLIVAN BALLOU'S LETTER

Love of country is not unique to Americans, but in a democracy, sending citizens to war requires far more than a dictator's fiat. In 1861, men on both sides of the conflict were willing to lay down their lives for what they believed to be right. Southerners fought for states' rights and a society built upon human slavery, which many considered the natural order of the universe. When the war started, few volunteers in the northern army marched off to end slavery, but many were ready to fight and die to preserve the Union.

One such soldier was Major Sullivan Ballou of the Second Regiment, Rhode Island Volunteers. Then thirty-two years old, Ballou had overcome his family's poverty to start a promising career as a lawyer. He and his wife Sarah wanted to build a better life for their two boys, Edgar and Willie. An ardent Republican and a devoted supporter of Abraham Lincoln, Ballou had volunteered in the spring of 1861, and on June 19 he and his men had left Providence for Washington, D.C.

He wrote the following letter to his wife from a camp just outside the nation's capital, and it is at once a passionate love letter as well as a profound meditation on the meaning of the Union. It caught national importance 129 years after he wrote it, when it was read on the widely watched television series, "The Civil War," produced by Ken Burns. The beauty of the language as well as the passion of the sentiments touched the popular imagination, and brought home to Americans once again what defense of democracy entailed.

Ballou wrote the letter July 14, while awaiting orders that would take him to Manassas, where he and twenty-seven of his men would die one week later at the Battle of Bull Run.

My very dear Sarah:

The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days --perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write you again, I feel impelled to write lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more.

Our movement may be one of a few days duration and full of pleasure --and it may be one of severe conflict and death to me. Not my will, but thine O God, be done. If it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my country, I am ready. I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in, the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am willing -- perfectly willing -- to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt.

But, my dear wife, when I know that with my own joys I lay down nearly all of yours, and replace them in this life with cares and sorrows -- when, after having eaten for long years the bitter fruit of orphanage myself, I must offer it as their only sustenance to my dear little children -- is it weak or dishonorable, while the banner of my purpose floats calmly and proudly in the breeze, that my unbounded love for you, my darling wife and children, should struggle in fierce, though useless, contest with my love of country?

I cannot describe to you my feelings on this calm summer night, when two thousand men are sleeping around me, many of them enjoying the last, perhaps, before that of death -- and I, suspicious that Death is creeping behind me with his fatal dart, am communing with God, my country, and thee.

I have sought most closely and diligently, and often in my breast, for a wrong motive in thus hazarding the happiness of those I loved and I could not find one. A pure love of my country and of the principles I have often advocated before the people and "the name of honor that I love more than I fear death" have called upon me, and I have obeyed.

Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me to you with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly on with all these chains to the battlefield.

The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. And hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when God willing, we might still have lived and loved together, and seen our sons grow up to honorable manhood around us. I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me -- perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar -- that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name.

Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have oftentimes been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness, and struggle with all the misfortune of this world, to shield you and my children from harm. But I cannot. I must watch you from the spirit land and hover near you, while you buffet the storms with your precious little freight, and wait with sad patience till we meet to part no more.

But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the garish day and in the darkest night -- amidst your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours -- always, always; and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath; or the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by.

Sarah, do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again.

As for my little boys, they will grow as I have done, and never know a father's love and care. Little Willie is too young to remember me long, and my blue-eyed Edgar will keep my frolics with him among the dimmest memories of his childhood. Sarah, I have unlimited confidence in your maternal care and your development of their characters. Tell my two mothers his and hers I call God's blessing upon them. O Sarah, I wait for you there! Come to me, and lead thither my children.

Sullivan

Advice from Elder F. Enzio Busche

2010-01-05T10:39:00.000-05:00

I came accross this little clip of a talk Elder Busche gave as part of a BYU Devotional May 14, 1996. It is well worth your time watching. Enjoy!

Our Cruise to Cozumel Mexico

2009-12-20T23:22:00.000-05:00

Anna's sister Esther flew in to watch the children for us for the week so we could take a cruise to celebrate our 11th anniversary.

We sailed on the Carnival Fantasy ship.

Anna Marie near a breach front store in Cozumel Mexico.

It was very fun to rent a scooter and ride around the island.

We happened to find the church in Cozumel.

Wesley and Anna Marie

2009-12-20T23:19:00.000-05:00

This is a photo we had taken during our recent cruise.

Family Fun on the Trampoline

2009-12-04T12:41:00.000-05:00

We celebrated Wesley's birthday at Grandma and Grandpa's house. The highlight is always jumping on the trampoline with his siblings and cousins. Thankfully the weather was warm enough to permit us to be outside without bundling up.

The whole gang!

Emma and Autumn

Maryann!

Spencer and Wesley

Maryann and Mommy

Anti-Christ is antifamily

2009-10-21T13:45:00.000-04:00

I came across a powerful talk given by Julie Beck August 4, 2009 at a Seminaries and Institutes of Religion Satellite Broadcast. I share just a few small portions below from the nine page talk. Let me know your thoughts.

...There are media messages everywhere that are antifamily, and our young people are very connected with media—Internet, television, the things they receive on their phones, all electronic devices are delivering antifamily messages to them every day. Increasingly, our youth are seeing no reason to form a family or get married in spite of all the teaching you give them. They are being desensitized about the need to form eternal families.

...They don’t even know what they’re being taught in the messages. It’s just seeping in, almost through their pores. Because Satan can’t have it, he’s luring away many women, and also men, and they’re losing confidence in their ability to form eternal families.

Korihor was an anti-Christ. Anti-Christ is antifamily. Any doctrine or principle our youth hear from the world that is antifamily is also anti-Christ. It’s that clear. They need to know that if it’s antifamily, it’s anti-Christ. An anti-Christ is antifamily.

The Easy Life

2009-10-21T09:27:00.000-04:00

I came accross the following quote by Boyd K. Packer I wanted to share.

"We are indoctrinated that somehow we should always be instantly emotionally comfortable. When that is not so, some become anxious - and all too frequently seek relief from counseling, from analysis, and even from medication.

It was meant to be that life would be a challenge. To suffer some anxiety, some depression, some disappointment, even some failure is normal.

Teach our members that if they have a good, miserable day once in a while, or several in a row, to stand steady and face them. Things will straighten out.

There is great purpose in our struggle in life."

The complete text is well worth reading. “That All May Be Edified” [1982]

Re-roofing Our House

2009-07-08T12:19:00.000-04:00

It was a long week, and a lot of work, but small leaks contributed to the need for us to replace the roof. He are glad Joseph and Melina are here for the summer and were able to assist along with the several others from the ward who stopped by to help.

Favorite Quotes

2009-07-08T09:40:00.000-04:00

The best way to inspire people to superior performance is to convince them by everything you do and by your everyday attitude that you are wholeheartedly supporting them. – Harold Geneen
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Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. – President Gordan B. Hinckly
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Our families are not yet ours. Heavenly Father has given them to us to see how we will treat them. – President Gordan B. Hinckly
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"Dads, there truly is a dad-shaped hole in the souls of your children that they desperately need you to fill. Filling this hole will cost you dearly in humility, time, and all-out effort. But, the price you and your children will pay if you don't do it will be devastatingly high." Mike Potter, "There Are Holes in Their Souls...In the Shape of Their Dads!" Parenting Teenagers, April 28, 2003.
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“I’ve had a hard life, but my hardships are nothing against the hardships that my father went through in order to get me to where I started.” - Bartrand Hubbard
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“To obey means to follow and to accept direction. Our prophet today has given us a direction to ‘lengthen our stride,’ to extend ourselves, to stretch forward and to seek goals which require extra effort to achieve. If we are obedient to this direction, we will find ourselves achieving things we never thought were possible. I was impressed by the remarks of Elder A. Theodore Tuttle of the First Council of the Seventy, when he asked a young man if he was preparing to go on a mission. The young man replied, ‘I don’t want to go on a mission.’ Elder Tuttle’s response was, ‘What does that matter? The Lord wants you to go.’ This is a perfect example of how the law of obedience should be exercised” Keith Brian Rutledge, in Conference Report, Melbourne Australia Area Conference 1976, p. 18.
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Wherever you live, whatever your occupation or focus in life, you will be drawn into the battle for the souls of men and women. Be valiant in that struggle. It is waged on the basis of character. Satan and his troops have defined their character by resolute opposition to the will of our Father and consistent violation of His commandments. You solidify your character by consistent correct choices.

Neither Satan nor any other power can weaken or destroy your growing character. Only you can do that through disobedience. That is why Satan is so intently focused on tempting you to make decisions that will undermine your character. Satan is an accomplished master at making devastating choices appear attractive, even reasonable. So be careful. The decisions you make will profoundly affect life now and for eternity. Make them wisely. Richard G. Scott, “Living Right,” Ensign, Jan 2007, 10–15
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"The powers of heaven are available to everyone through righteousness," said Young Women Gen. Pres. Janette Hales Beckham at the October 1995 general conference. "Mormon teaches that 'every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ.' (Moro. 7:16; italics added.)

"Revelation concerning power was given to Joseph Smith when political power had turned against him and he was a prisoner in Liberty Jail. His first plea to the Lord was for help to avenge his enemies. His prayer: 'Let thine anger be kindled against our enemies.' (D&C 121:5.) Our Father in Heaven responded with a greater blessing: 'My son, peace be unto thy soul.' (v. 7.) Then He made a promise if Joseph would endure and be faithful: 'God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.' " (v. 8.)

Pres. Beckham said it was in that prison setting that God taught Joseph Smith about priesthood power. " 'No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned.' (D&C 121:41.) Priesthood power is used to minister, to preach, to teach, to baptize, to ordain, to heal, to seal, to restore, to bless, to prophesy, to testify, to do good,” she said. Powers of heaven available to all; LDS Church News, Sept. 6 1997

Children's Museum

2009-03-08T23:39:00.000-04:00

Vernal Rodeo

2009-03-08T23:29:00.000-04:00

This was a rest stop outside of Cheyenne, Wyoming. The weather was warm, around 70 degrees, so we decided to spend a little time before heading to the much cooler Vernal and Provo.

Ben and I had the children while the women went to the Andersen Family Legacy Conference. We decided to have a rodeo with the calfs. Wesley actually stayed on for a few seconds. He walked around with dirt in his teeth afterwards, but had a blast getting it there.

Council for Marriages and Families

2009-02-09T21:53:00.000-05:00

Ruth Ann, Anna's sister, sent us a letter last week. She enteres the MTC next Wednesday to serve in Chile. The letter included a talk by Elder C. Scott Grow titled, "Building an Eternal Marriage and Family by Following the Counsel of the Living Prophets." It was given as a devotional at BYUI, January 29, 2002. It was so good, I thought I would include a few highlights here, with a link to the full talk at the bottom. As young parents of six children, we are often asked why, either directly by very forward people, or indirectly by looks and actions. I remember back to council given by Elder Gene R. Cook on my mission in Spain, when someone asked him what we should say to those who attempt to use scientific studies to claim drinking wine is actually good for you. His response, testitify. Testifiy it is a commandment from God given through His holy prophets. Though we may not understand as mortals all of the reasons why, we can have faith in His promises as we follow the council we have been given. I again heard this same response given during a financial fireside when someone questioned the wisdom of paying off a mortgage early. A dear sister responded, "Because the prophet has asked us to, we will be blessed for doing it." Below is council given through a servent of the Lord regarding marriage and family life. It may not be easy, but we can have faith the Lord will bless us, and sustain us in our efforts to follow Him.

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"Now, understanding the Lord's counsel and the blessings promised when we follow the teachings of the prophets, I want to address five specific teachings regarding MARRIAGE AND FAMILY that have been taught repeatedly by prophets of our day. Like most teachings from prophets, these teachings are not popular with the world.

The FIRST is the counsel that we should not postpone marriage; SECOND, that we should not postpone having children, nor should we limit the number of our children; THIRD, the encouragement that mothers not seek employment outside the home; FOURTH, giving spiritual leadership in your home and family; and FIFTH, staying true and faithful to your covenants. Just a few decades ago, many of these principles were widely accepted by the world at large. However, with the passage of time, now, not just the world but even some Latter-day Saints question the relevance of these teachings.

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Have you ever thought about what the world would be like today if Adam and Eve had decided that two children were enough and then all of their descendants decided the same thing? If they had done so, they would have failed to keep God's commandment to REPLENISH the earth and God's great plan of happiness would have been seriously affected."

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In October 1996 general conference, President Gordon B. Hinckley spoke extensively on this subject. He said:

Some years ago President Benson delivered a message to the women of the Church. He encouraged them to leave their employment and give their individual time to their children. I sustain the position which he took.

Nevertheless, I recognize, as he recognized, that there are some women (it has become very many, in fact) who have to work to provide for the needs of their families. To you I say, do the very best you can. I hope that if you are employed full-time you are doing it to ensure that basic needs are met and not simply to indulge a taste for an elaborate home, fancy cars, and other luxuries. The greatest job that any mother will ever do will be in nurturing, teaching, lifting, encouraging, and rearing her children in righteousness and truth. None other can adequately take her place.

It is well-nigh impossible to be a full-time homemaker and a full-time employee. I know how some of you struggle with decisions concerning this matter . . . .

To the mothers of this Church . . . I want to say that as the years pass, you will become increasingly grateful for that which you did in molding the lives of your children in the direction of righteousness and goodness, integrity and faith. That is most likely to happen if you can spend adequate time with them.

As you listen to those teachings by modern prophets, is it possible that a course correction might be needed in your own life or in the attitudes that you have about these subjects. It is so easy, even for Latter-day Saints, to buy into the popular philosophies of the day.

How grateful I am for my mother who was always there when I was growing up. How grateful I am for a wife who chose as her full-time career the role of wife and mother.

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Young men, after you are married it is your responsibility to call the family together for family prayer, family home evening, and daily family scripture study. The Lord will hold you accountable for whether or not these things are happening in your home.

In 1999 the First Presidency issued two letters regarding these subjects to the members of the Church throughout the world. In the February letter they state, "We call upon parents to devote their best efforts to the teaching and rearing of their children in gospel principles which will keep them close to the Church." They go on to say, "We counsel parents and children to givehighest priority to family prayer, family home evening, gospel study and instruction, and wholesome family activities. However worthy and appropriate other demands or activities may be, they must not be permitted to displace the divinely-appointed duties that only parents and families can adequately perform" (emphasis added).

What does it mean to give your "best efforts" or to give "highest priority?" I am confident that each day you do the things that you wantto do, even though these may not be things that you know you should do. As we talk about those things that really matter in your life, somehow you have got to put the spiritual leadership in your own home at the top of the list. Thus say the prophets of God.

In October 1999 the First Presidency issued a letter entitled "Monday Night Activities." This letter states:

Monday nights are reserved throughout the Church for family home evenings. We encourage members to set aside this time to strengthen family ties and teach the gospel in their homes (emphasis added).

Somehow, a tradition has developed in the Church. In fact, you may have heard members say, "We hold our family home evenings on Sunday, and on Monday nights we have activities." Note that the First Presidency letter says that Monday Night is the time for family home evenings. Also note that Monday night is not for activities, but as they counsel, "to teach the gospel in their homes."

My young brothers and sisters, I hope that you can have vision to see what the prophets are seeing as they give us this counsel. Satan is targeting our homes and families. The day has passed when we can be casual in holding family home evening, daily family scripture study, or family prayer and still have real hope to hold our children close to the family and close to the Church.

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http://www.byui.edu/Presentations/Transcripts/Devotionals/2002_01_29_GrowS.htm

Visit from a Nephite

2009-01-05T21:46:00.000-05:00

I came across the following while reading a family history I copied during our trip to Vernal last summer. It was so inspiring I felt I should share it. It is titled Testimony of Lydia Eliza Porter Fisher. It states it is from a personal interview conducted April 9, 1946 in Bountiful, Utah by Dr. Paul Richardson, Norma Richardson, Sullivan Richardson, Betty Richardson and Merida Huntsman concerning the appearance of a Nephite to a member of her family and the miracles associated with his visit. The event she describes occurred in the Fall of 1900, when she was 27 years old.

Lydia Fisher was a first cousin of Sullivan Richardson’s wife, Amy Teressa Leavitt Richardson. Sullivan and Amy are Anna’s great, great grandparents.

For brevity of this posting, I am not including the complete interview, but feel free to let me know if you are interested in seeing the rest and I will make a complete posting.

Question: Can you tell us about your physical condition when you were young?

Lydia: I was born without a voice. Mother said she had a lot of trouble before I was born. I learned to talk, but I could only whisper. When I was young, I cried a lot because I could not speak. Most of the time I whispered to make myself understood. I learned to play the mouth organ and whistle to make noise.

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Question: Now would you tell us about when the Nephite came, how he came, etc?

Lydia: Well, as I said, I had gone to Grandma’s and brought her here to my house to live with me (she was about 87 years of age). For about a year she couldn’t hear me when I spoke, and I had to write all my messages to her. Then one day she said, “I’m going to pray for a blessing for you from God, and I’ll never stop praying until my prayers are answered.” So she started. She prayed aloud every morning and night and had a secret prayer at noon.

After she had prayed a month, I asked her if she wasn’t tired of praying for me. She said she wasn’t tired and she would pray until her prayer was answered. She prayed another month. One day I went into her room to tell her how much I loved her, and I told her she was getting weak, because she prayed to the Lord so much. But she prayed another month – making 3 months in all. I went to her and said, “God bless you, Grandma, for you have done a wonderful lot for me:, and she said, “Throw your pencil away. You won’t need it much longer.”

Then I heard a knock at the door, and I went to the door and pulled the curtain aside. I saw a man standing there, with a dark hat, a frock-tailed coat, a light shirt, a dark pair of shoes and dark pants. Something said to me, “He’s a Nephite of the living God. Let him in quick or he will be gone.” I couldn’t say, “Come in”, so I opened the door and took hold of him and pulled him into the house.

He said, “Go get the good old lady that prayed three months for you to get your voice.” I went in and took her by the arm and helped her into the kitchen. When se looked at him, she said, “I have lived nearly 88 years to behold a Nephite of the Living God.”

I asked him who he was. He said he was a Mormon. He told us his mission was to travel the universe and comfort those in trouble and bring souls unto God. He looked unto me and said, “You can go pray.” I whispered, “All right,” and I went in to the other room. I asked God to let me know by what power I had received that beautiful feeling that I had when he came into our home.

When I returned to the room, he placed his left hand on my throat, and when he put his right hand on my head, I wanted to shout, “Hosanna to God.” Then he said, “I am going to pray a prayer that no mortal on this earth has ever heard, and thee will not hear it, but every word of it will be fulfilled.” Then he said, “Our Father who art in Heaven,” and I never heard any more until he said “In the name of they beloved Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.”

Then he blessed us. He blessed our home, and he blessed the surroundings, and he said, “If you never have tobacco, whiskey, tea or coffee, and you never play cards or profane in the name of God, your place shall be a hallowed, sacred place, and everyone that comes and goes on it will know it.” Then he blessed Grandmother and told her that she had been a faithful, wonderful woman, and God loved her.

Grandma told him of her baby being killed while they were coming across the plains, and that had made her faith stronger. Then he said to me, “There is a great work for you to perform. When you are asked to give, don’t refuse – not for anything.” Then he said he was going to bid us goodbye and that he would have to hurry.

When he went away, Grandma and I went to see him leave. There was not a hedge here then. We saw him go as far as our big gate, and we didn’t see him any more. I went out and looked a long ways, and there was not sign of him. Just down the street there was a lady, Sister Olsen, sitting outside her house. I asked her if she had seen a man pass by. She said, “No, not even a bird has passed by here.” Brother John W. Taylor had prophesied that there would be a Nephite coming before the week was gone. This was the Thursday after the Sunday of the prophecy. I did have a work to do, and I never could have done it without having a voice to speak with. I had only gotten my voice for a little while, when I was asked to be a Relief Society teacher. I have been a Relief Society teacher for 46 years, and I have found piles of work to do. I still go to the young girls and help keep them together. I have also had 36 years with the Primary boys and girls in religious class.

Now I am 72 years of age and I am still going. That is the work I have done, besides raising a family. But I could never have done it if Grandma hadn’t prayed unto the Lord. I am the mother of 9 children. I have 30 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

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Christmas Mishap and Current Events

2008-12-27T19:16:00.000-05:00

Christmas Morning!

Well that was Christmas! I wish I were more on top of things. We will not divulge all of our New Year resolutions but one of my #1's is to be more effective by being more organized. Christmas Eve I spent running to three different hospitals trying to get help for little Maryann. The Urgent Care took x-rays and said her left arm was broken but nobody would put a cast on it. Finally, a paramedic at Children's Hospital put a splint on. Maryann fusses more now with that big awkward thing on then she did before. I was having the children fold laundry and I was putting away the piles. I left Maryann on the couch and somehow she rolled (which I still haven't seen her do) and fell off the couch. There was a small pile of clothes there to break her fall and she only fell about one foot. I guess she just fell just right - or just wrong - however you look at it. That was a week ago. She seemed fine but fussed every time I put her left arm in a sleeve so I figured something was wrong so I took her in. I feel bad and wish it were me - but then who would put away the laundry. Poor Maryann!

Wesley and I are playing in a soccer league. I love it but it is frustrating when I have an open road to the goal but I don't know HOW to get there. I have never played soccer before and the ball doesn't go anywhere when I kick it if my food actually makes contact with the ball. The team was frustrated also- that is our team, the other team didn't bother playing defense when I was playing offense. But, it is fun anyway. Today it was 65 degrees ABOVE so I got to practice a little with the kids - I didn't stand a chance.

At this time of year we think of so many friends and family. The whole holiday season I wish I could get together with one of you - any of you! Is anyone going to be around our area for New Year's? We love you all and miss you even more - or vise versa. May the spirit of Christ feel your homes and your hearts!

Gene R. Cook

2008-12-22T16:06:00.000-05:00

Elder Gene R. Cook has been a personal hero to me since my mission in Bilbao Spain. He was then a councilor in the area presidency to President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, and I believe the only Spanish speaker in the presidency. As a result, I remember multiple mission conferences he presided over. I still read and re-read some of the notes I took during the conferences. I count them as gems of wisdom from a faithful man. One example is when he told us that whenever you stick-up for the truth, some people will hate you for it, but others will embrace it because of you. I have found this to be so true over the years. After my mission I compiled my notes and various talks into what I titled The Cook Book. His insights on faith and families have been a blessing to me and my family.

I was saddened when he received emeritus status in the October 2007 General Conference, but suspected it was due to health. In 2005 he said this in a devotional at BYU, "All of my adult life I have suffered with very difficult health problems, some of which have been life-threatening. What lessons were taught in the process of all those years! I believe they could not have been learned any other way. They have helped me to be more Christ like. Truly the Lord knows the end from the beginning and will tutor, correct, mold, and even refine you in the furnace of affliction. He will do so until He has accomplished His purposes in purifying you, sanctifying you, and helping you draw closer to Him. These kinds of gifts from the Lord are not always easy to understand, but I count them as priceless gifts to me and my family."

Recently, while reading in the book Teachings of H. Verlan and Shirley H. Andersen, I discovered that my mother-in-law's uncle, H. Verlan Andersen served in the Area Presidency of the Mexico Central America Area as the first counselor under President Cook. Imagine realizing a connection (however so slight), with one of your favorite heroes and mentors. It is very exciting. I know a lot of people think me silly, but that's how I felt. I think a man needs to have heroes at any age. That's magic that one should never out grow.

Joy School Nativity

2008-12-17T11:52:00.000-05:00

On Monday night we went to the Fairfield township municipal building along with the other Joy School families for a joint family home evening lesson. The children presented a nativity play. It was a lot of fun, but difficult to keep the older children from giggling as the funny mishaps occur when 4 and 5 year olds put on a play.

Spencer with his Joy School group performing the nativity.

Joseph and Mary by the manger.

Wesley Jr's Baptism

2008-11-23T21:28:00.000-05:00

Wesley with Mom and Dad.

Daniel and Wesley with Bishop Hazelton.

All eight of us!

Family

2008-11-23T20:37:00.000-05:00

Seeing pictures and hearing news from others is so nice. I must admit at holiday time I long to see family - any of you! Maybe it is because of good memories from childhood that makes me homesick for friends or family. This holiday time is no different.

Wesley Jr’s baptism was yesterday. We had a parade in the morning where the children were part of the nativity and Daddy and I handed out pass-along cards on the sides. It was a very cold morning but we thawed out in time for the baptism. Half the people that came were not members of the church, so that was great. After the baptism we had family and a few friends over to the house. It was a little hectic of a day but a wonderful day to celebrate.

It was hard for me, as it always is, to see the priesthood forming a circle around my child without one is my brothers or father in it. I have so much gratitude for my good husband! Part of the reason I fell in love with Wesley was because he honors his priesthood like my dad and brothers. I hope that someday we can enjoy these important events with my brothers and my dad. I long to see them blessing my children's lives as they have my own!! I never thought I could love anyone more than I do my own father and brothers but my feeling for my Wesley has taken my love to a whole new level! I guess Heavenly Father knew I couldn't do this or be here without him.

I wish I could take an hour and tell you about him and who he has become, but he is a little shy you know. He is such a doting father to his little Maryann. Whenever she is crying he asks if he can take her, and sure enough he settles her down. He has developed quite a touch. I am so grateful! He has the touch I don't.

Everyone seems to laugh when they see Maryann, especially when I change her diaper - because of all her rolls. She has really chunked up. She looks more like Emma's or Becky's babies. I love having a baby! She is making funny faces and talking a lot - almost as much as she spits up. Today at church she spit up all down the front of me so I wiped it off put her over my shoulder and she spit up all down my back and the seat. Next was a puddle on my skirt. Thank goodness it was during sacrament meeting so it dried before Relief Society - but the smell didn't go away I'm afraid.

On our way home from church we were listening the Handel’s Messiah. The children were singing along to All We Like Sheep, when we noticed Spencer (4) singing his own version, “Oh we like sheep, Do you like sheep? Oh we like sheep, Oh we like goats too.” We had quite a laugh over that one. Everyone started singing along with Spencer. The children wanted to be fair to Granddad’s goats.

Older Flake Family Photos

2008-11-21T10:11:00.000-05:00

We came across these older photos of Anna Marie and her family. They were too good to keep to ourselves.

Anna Marie's school piture from the Berean Baptist School in Texas.

Dale and Cynthia Flake Family around 1980. Notice they have six children, with six more to come. Our entire large family is still only half of their family.

Anna Marie and Becky.

Anna Marie's baby photo.

Anna Marie and Heber (yes, Heber!?) at home in Texas.

Our Beautiful Daughters

2008-11-14T10:19:00.000-05:00

Anna Marie recently had pictures taken of the girls. We think they turned out very well and thought we should share them with all of you. We need to have the boys photos taken now.

How blessed we are to have such wonderful children. People often stare when we are all together. Last evening at Sam's Club, a man actually stopped and counted as we passed. I wouldn't dismis any one of them so we could be a more typical family. They are all very valuble to us.

Sailing on Utah Lake

2008-11-10T19:31:00.000-05:00

Gary and Sharon took Wesley sailing on there 29' yacht. They had a blast.

Priesthood Session of General Conference

2008-11-07T15:01:00.000-05:00

Joseph, Ben, Wesley, Heber and Ammon were all able to attend the Priesthood Session of General Conference together. What a marvelous experience for them to sit at the feet of prophets.

Successful Families

2008-11-06T23:35:00.000-05:00

First, we need to strengthen families.

We must recognize that the family is the cornerstone of civilization and that no nation will rise above the caliber of its homes. The family is the rock foundation of the Church. We therefore call on the head of every household to strengthen the family.

We believe marriage was ordained by God for a wise, eternal purpose. The family is the basis of the righteous life. Divinely prescribed roles of father, mother, and children were given from the very beginning.

God established that fathers are to preside in the home. Fathers are to provide, love, teach, and direct.

A mother’s role is also God-ordained. Mothers are to conceive, bear, nourish, love, and train. They are to be helpmates and are to counsel with their husbands.

There is no inequality between the sexes in God’s plan. It is a matter of division of responsibility.

Children are likewise counseled in holy writ in their duty to parents: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth” (Eph. 6:1–3), said the Apostle Paul.

When parents, in companionship, love, and unity, fulfill their heaven-imposed responsibility and children respond with love and obedience, great joy is the result.

Every family has problems and challenges. But successful families try to work together toward solutions instead of resorting to criticism and contention. They pray for each other, discuss, and give encouragement.

Ezra Taft Benson, “Counsel to the Saints,” Ensign, Aug 1993, 2
From an address given by President Benson in general conference on 7 April 1984.

Dale and Cynthia Flake Family

2008-11-05T20:54:00.000-05:00

This photo was taken July 2007 in Vernal, Utah. For the first time all the family was together except Wesley, who flew home to Ohio for work, and Ruth who was at BYU Idaho. Both were added to the photo later. Four more grandchildren have been born since then so it did't stay up to date for very long.

The "originals" (minus Ruth).

An orderly photo with their grandchildren.

What you can't see in the photos.

Welcome Maryann Ethlyn!

2008-08-16T02:57:00.000-04:00

Maryann was born 8/15 and weighed 7 lbs 9 ozs.

A tired Anna Marie and daughter.

Look at the cute face.

She has quite a bit of hair!

Another cute picture!

The first time her siblings met her!