In the Morning

At about five minutes to two o’clock this afternoon (Pacific Daylight Savings Time), my grandfather, Richard Harley Vietor, passed on to the other side of the veil. In some way I regret not being there at his bedside like all the other members of my family. The last time I saw him was May 20, right before I started EFY. But what can you do when you’re 800 miles away? I’m just glad that the Lord prepared me for this day in advance. There was a chance he was going to pass the day before I started EFY in Cedar City. And so I was able to get myself ready for it. And it’s funny how the Lord works some times, the lesson in priesthood meeting was on the topic of death from the Teaching of the Prophet Joseph Smith.

Joseph Smith said the following: “More painful to me are the thoughts of annihilation than death. If I have no expectations of seeing my father, mother, brothers, sisters and friends again, my heart would burst in a moment and I should go down to my grave. The expectation of seeing my friends in the morning of the resurrection cheers my soul and makes me bear up against the evils of life. It is like their taking a long journey, and on their return we meet them with increased joy. . . .” History of the Church, 5:361-63.

With that thought in mind, I’ve been able to receive the peace and consolation that comes from above in these times of sadness and woe. The Lord has been with me and with my family these past few days. I am grateful for the knowledge that has been given to me by the Spirit.

I know that my grandpa has gone to paradise in the spirit world to await the resurrection that is so plainly spoken of in the scriptures. I know at this very moments he is reuniting with the loved ones that have gone on before him. How happy I am for him in that regard. I also know that I too shall see him again. We shall embrace once more in bodies that will be glorified and perfected. Oh, what joy shall fill our hearts when we all come together as one family, bound for eternity, and sing praises to Him who has overcome the bands of death! The prophet Abinadi spoke these words: “But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ” (Mosiah 16:8).

I spent last night thinking about something I saw while watching season two of “Heroes.” The character of Hiro, speaking at his father’s funeral, said that he refused to give a eulogy. Doing so would admit that his father had passed away. Instead, the things that he taught Hiro kept him alive. In a similar way, I am too like Hiro. The love that my grandfather gave me keeps him alive. The fact that at certain times in life (as my mother pointed out one day) one may look just like a relative. I look like Grandpa Vietor and my sister like Grandma Jewel. So, I submit to you that our loved ones live on in us.

Grandpa, I’ll see you in the morning.

Up to You

The following is a poem that my friend, Preston, wrote. He reads this at EFY to his boys every morning. I thought it was pretty cool for the fact that it works for more than just EFY. We are the main factor in our progression.

The boy that went to EFY
Who came to learn with much to gain
Opened his heart enough to try
And left with more then when he came.

The boy who went to EFY
With hardened heart and would not stand
Did not learn and did not change
But came and left as he began.

Love for the Youth

First off, I just want to say that everything denotes there is a God. Second, everything in life (at least in mine) denotes that He knows me and is constantly teaching me.

While working one of my weeks at Especially For Youth, I had an experience that I won't soon forget. At the time it was a very serious incident, but later it became an analogy for the Atonement. To keep the story short and confidential, I ended up following a young man out into the dark night after lights out. I happened to be in the lobby of the dorm and called out after him. I began to follow him, trying to persuade to come back to the dormitory. Instead, he kept his pace and told me he was going home by means that weren't great for his health. After making a quick phone call and getting back up assistance, we were able to rescue the boy from the choices he had made. Thankfully, he was able to return to EFY the next day.

But the story doesn't stop there. Upon my return, I explained to my roommate what had kept me away from my duties that evening. In doing so, he shared a similar story that happened to him the week previous. At the completion of his story I found myself crying. "These youth have so much to deal with!! They have so much they have to put up with!!", I said to him.

I cried myself to sleep that night. But not before I kneeled down and poured out my heart to God. I asked him to bless the youth of the Church. I told him of my inexperience of dealing with divorced parents, friends committing suicide, serious transgressions, etc. I plead with Him to bless me with gifts that would allow me to be an instrument in His hands and bring the youth to Christ. The sweetest part of the experience on my knees is that He heard me. It was then how much I love the youth of the Church and that I will do anything for them. I fell asleep with the Spirit whispering thoughts of how glad the Lord was that I understand Him a little better. And it's true! Are we not the youth that walk out into the dark hoping to escape to something better when all we ever needed is back where we left from. And does the Lord not follow us; beckoning to come back to Him in his arms of safety?

It is my constant prayer that the Lord will sustain and comfort the youth while in these latter-days.


Me (kneeling) with some of the young men I shared my testimony with.

Steady and Sure

This summer I've been working with the youth of the Church (ages 14-18). The program is Especially For Youth. And I have a big testimony of how it helps these youth become closer to Christ. It amazes me even after having done three sessions now of what these youth become in one week's time. On the first day most are shy, homesick, or bitter that their parents sent them this summer camp. But by Thursday night they are all unifed and don't want to leave. To see the change in them is a blessing. My heart is overflowing with joy because these youth come to know their Savior so much better. I didn't realize until now, but the youth of the Church have so much to deal with in these last days. And yet some how they survive the trials of our day.

I went to EFY as a participant many years ago and it made all the difference in my life. It gave a better understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I walked away knowing my purpose in life. And I made friends that lifted me up to a higher plain.

This is the best job I have ever had and wish that the summer would never end. It's given me a spiritual high as well. The theme this year is "Steady & Sure" from the following scripture in Mosiah 5:15 :

"Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen."

Choosing the Better Part

Last night I had the fantastic opportunity to participate in proxy baptisms for the dead. This time was different than the other times I've gone to the temple to do this. This time, I was the one performing the ordinance. I must have performed the ordinance for 70 or 80 people. Submersing a person that many times was a lot of work. I felt it in my legs this morning when I woke up. But the aches in my legs were worth every minute of it. Performing a service for those I've never met and who may in the end choose to reject the ordinance is fulfilling.

After washing off and changing back into my Sunday best, I sat with Glen in the lobby of the baptistry. He hadn't been feeling good since his return from Mexico, so he sat out on doing any work. We were able to catch up and share insights on the scriptures. I had been reading in the Book of Mormon how unsteady our hearts can be. We can be foolish and are quick to do evil. I asked myself (and then Glen), "Why are we unstable?" Glen offered that we aren't perfect. He also mentioned that the reason is because it is an effect of the Fall of Adam. I then remembered that we are able to overcome with the Lord's help. We are each battling ourselves trying to choose the good over the bad.

This morning I was thinking on my way to class that life is great. It really is!! Yes, our world is plagued with so many evil, depressing, and heartbreaking things. But let us no forget that we live in an exciting time. There is so much happening in the world right now that are amazing. I'm so happy to have the direction in life that I do. I know how to make the most of time that has been given to me.

For A Moment

This morning when my mom called me back she had some news--bad news. "Melissa just got in a car crash," was the first thing she said to me after I said hi. My heart raced when she said that. For a moment I almost had the unhappy reality of being an only child. "She's fine, but she said her back and hand hurt bad," was what my mom said next. Thank Heaven! The Miata's front end doesn't look so good anymore I guess. Luckily it wasn't Melissa's fault for the accident. After I talked with Mom, I called the St. George Temple and put Melissa's name on the prayer roll. Melissa called to tell me she was fine. I could tell she was a little shaken about what happen. I'm glad she's okay.

I realized today that we are mortal. We are subject to the laws of the universe. But I also realize that God blesses us even if we aren't obedient all the time. And I think that happens because others petition for us in our behalf. Thank you for listening to me, Father.

Melissa, I love you. Don't forget that.

Walk With Me

I was taught today how that there are some things that can't be measured.

There is a wonderful thing that happens when someone "walks" with you. I was reminded of a leader I had while in high school. And he showed up at my house one night just because. We talked and he showed interest in my well being. He cared. And because of his actions and love for me, I was rescued from hopelessness, doubt, and depression.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks has said, "To our hundreds of thousands of home teachers and visiting teachers, I suggest that it is good to visit our assigned families; it is better to have a brief visit in which we teach doctrine and principle; and it is best of all to make a difference in the lives of some of those we visit. That same challenge applies to the many meetings we hold—good to hold a meeting, better to teach a principle, but best to actually improve lives as a result of the meeting" ((Good, Better, Best, April 2007 General Conference).

Making a difference in the the life of one makes all the difference.

Why Do This?

I just got done reading an article from the Wall Street Journal. I was linked there via the Church's Newsroom. The article was titled, "Tabernacle on Trial." It wasn't until today that I realized how many attacks have been made on my faith. When I was a missionary serving in Edmonton, Alberta, I knew of anti-Mormon tactics and talked to people who believed that propaganda. I found it actually funny that people believed some of the stuff they told us. And the best part about these conversations was asking them questions that actually caused them to think about what they just said. In turn it would leave them speechless. At that time we would say, "Sir, we are sharing a message about Christ. Are you interested in learning more or not?" Of course they would say no and our reply would be, "Thanks for your time. Have a great afternoon."

But now that I'm home and living in Utah, it seems things have gotten more malicious and unfounded. I'm glad that the leaders of the Church are taking the time to answer some of these "attacks." They are even using You-Tube as a medium.

The article I was reading brought back memories of an event in high school. A girl that had known me for many years came up to me one day and said, "Daniel, my pastor told me that Mormons are evil people. Is this true?" I then asked her, "Julie, how long have you known me?" She had acknowledged that she knew me for many years, and my family as well. "Julie, do you think I'm an evil person? Do you think my parents are evil?" She replied, "No! You and your parents are the nicest people I know!" I then said to her, "Then do you think your pastor knows what he's talking about?" Julie looked at me and started to laugh, "No he doesn't. He's kinda weird anyway."

I realize that things are going to get worse for the Church as far as the publicity goes. But I know that no matter what anyone says about the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith, or my belief in Christ, is not true. I know that being a member of this church has brought me unparalleled joy and happiness. I will "fight the good fight with all my might."

Praise to the Man

It's hard to believe that a man that I've loved like my own grandfathers has left this life. President Hinckley has been the prophet since I was baptized. I'm sad that he's gone, but happy that he is now back with his sweet dear wife, Marjorie. I remember being in the Conference Center when he entered the room. The Spirit was so strong. He has made such an impression upon my life and helped my testimony grow. Of the many quotes he's given to us, this is what I think speaks who he is:

"In all of life, have much fun and laughter. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured."

Thank you, President, for all the love and testimony you've given to us, the children of God. God bless you!

(photo is of where President Hinckley passed away, right next to Church HQ):

Not Just A Number

Today I received a calling. I've been asked to be a secretary to my Elders Quorum President, Glen. I said I would be happy to serve the Lord in the capacity. I'm not entirely sure what I'll be doing, but I know that I get to help the members of the ward. I think having a calling in the Church is one of the ways that God blesses us. It's an opportunity to learn and grow. What's even cooler about how the Church works is that no one is paid to do any of this. We all do it because we want to. I'm really excited for this chance to help build up the ward; make each member stronger.

The Stake Presidency is having us work with smaller groups of members so that three things happen. These three things are what President Hinckley (the President of the Church) want for each new member of the Church.

1.) To make sure everyone has a friend. This is important because we all need each other. A friend has done a lot for me.
2.) A calling within the ward. When we are involved, giving our time to others, we in turn feel good about ourselves and feel the love of the Lord.
3.) Be nourished by the good word of God. This goes along with having a friend. But in this sense we look out for each others' spiritual welfare.