Rikushpa Shamuni

Rikushpa Shamuni

Takishpa Shamuni

Takishpa Shamuni

29 December 2011

Happy New Year/Feliz Año Nuevo

Janeen had her gall bladder surgery on 30 December.  Roy's DBS implant (brain surgery) is after the trip to Ecuador.  Confirmed: arriving Guayaquil 11 January.

Merry Christmas/Feliz Navidad 


The word "Praise" appears 233 times in the Old Testament; for example: "Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises." (Psalms 47:6).  In the new year, let us praise God for the birth, ministry, atonement, resurrection, and look forward to the second coming of our Savior.




CONFIRMADO.  Roy Howard (el jaguar silvestre) va a llegar a Guayaquil el 11 de Enero a las 11:45am.

Cientos y cientos de los versos de escrituras nos llaman a cantar alabanzas a Dios; por ejemplo: ¡Cantad alabanzas a Dios, alabanzas cantad! ¡Cantad alabanzas a nuestro Rey, alabanzas cantad! (Salmos 47:6). En el año nuevo, demos alabanzas por el nacimiento, ministerio, expiación, y resurrección, y prepararnos para la segunda venida del Salvador.



"
But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God.  And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good---to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted." (Jacob 2:18-19)
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Brigham Young

"If I had only seen in my young days an interest manifested by those who had wealth, power and influence to reach down a hand to take the suffering, ignorant poor and elevate them to the standard they occupied, and to place them in possession of every comfort, it would have been a matter of great joy to me.  But it was not so then, neither is it now.  Men generally use their wealth for selfish purposes, and do not seek to devote it to God and to the glory of his name" (Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 315-316).

17 December 2011

Gifts of Christmas


"Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law." Romans 13:8

"I wanted something to please them, and to mark the Christmas day from all other days---but not a cent to do it with!  I walked up and down Main Street, looking into the shop windows . . . and then slunk out of sight of humanity and sat down and wept like a child, until my poured-out grief relieved my aching heart; and after awhile returned home, as empty as when I left, and played with my children, grateful and happy only for them" (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, p. 163).

"No debáis a nadie nada, sino amaros unos a otros: porque el que ama al prójimo ha cumplido la ley". Romanos 13:8

"Quería algo a favor de ellos, y para conmemorar el día de Navidad de todos los demás días --- pero ni un centavo para hacerlo! Me acerqué y por la calle principal, mirando los escaparates... Y luego se escabulló de la vista de la humanidad, se sentó y lloró como un niño, hasta que mi derramada dolor alivia mi corazón dolorido, y después de "un tiempo regresó a su casa, tan vacío como cuando me fui, y jugar con mis hijos, agradecido y feliz sólo para ellos (Enseñanzas de los Presidentes de la Iglesia: Joseph F. Smith, p. 163)

08 December 2011

Man of Sorrows



I often sing "Silent Night", but I really believe that His birth went unnoticed by most due to the noise and distractions of the day.

We can depend on Christ to understand our sorrows, because he suffered all his life, and overcame all for us.  The singing shepherds in this video are the young men of Bel Aire ward, Kansas, and their YM president, my son Jess.  The setting of Christ's birth is a stable in a busy, noisy city, too crowded and busy to make room for a mother to give birth.  That was the beginning of the sorrows that prepared Him to understand our needs and atone for us.

Isaiah prophesied that the Savior would be "despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not." Isaiah 53:3

 "... and thus we see the great reason of sorrow, and also of rejoicing—sorrow because of death and destruction among men, and joy because of the light of Christ unto life." Alma 28:14

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.  A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.  And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you."  John 16:20, 21, 22

"...Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ." Acts 17:3

Let's not allow the noise and distractions of our day keep us from noticing that which is most important.

25 November 2011

Happy Thanks Giving



"It is a mistaken notion that wealth makes people happy.  Cattle, sheep, houses, possessions would not bring you happiness.  The scriptures tell us that he that hath eternal life is rich: and the Lord has told us to seek after the riches of eternal life"  (John Taylor, The Gospel Kingdom, p. 266).

And now, I give unto the church in these parts a commandment, that certain men among them shall be appointed...and they shall look to the poor and the needy, and administer to their relief that they shall not suffer; ...And if ye seek the riches which it is the will of the Father to give unto you, ye shall be the richest of all people, for ye shall have the riches of eternity; and it must needs be that the riches of the earth are mine to give; but beware of pride, lest ye become as the Nephites of old. (D&C 38:34-39)














24 November 2011

Thanksgiving 2011 in Kansas

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.(James 1:2-4)
 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?  (James 2:5)
Annie paints

The Howard girls decorated our tree

Lillie ponders the angels

Genevieve love everyone

Jess and family crash at the end of the day at our house

Pizza today, turkey tomorrow

Smoothies and juices

Heidi and Hanna help

Pizza for everyone

Thanksgiving pizza

I think Christopher has eaten pizza before...
Thanksgiving is Autumn in Kansas

We attend the Spanish Branch

A rod and a staff they comfort me...

Coldwater deadsticking for largemouth bass

Trout on the table

Fly fishing

Fall fly fishing in Wichita

I kept a limit

16 November 2011

A Rod and a Staff They Comfort Me


A Rod and a Staff They Comfort Me
a dream of heaven on earth 
(Psalm 23 interpreted for fishermen by Dr. Roy E. Howard)


A rod and a staff they comfort me.

No one asked for my resume.
No one asked me sing or play.
No one asked me where I had been.
No pay was needed to get in.

1. A smile in my face, a loving embrace,
A kiss and a laugh, and a sturdy walking staff.
A rod and a staff they comfort me.

2. A friendly, "hello" with eyes all aglow.
A wave and a nod and a rugged fishing rod.
A rod and a staff they comfort me.

3.  The pastures are green, enough the cuisine.
The waters are still, I can drink to my fill.
A rod and a staff they comfort me.

4.  Love all that you see and soon you will be
Where war is no more, and your cup is running o'er.
A rod and a staff they comfort me.
A rod and a staff they comfort me.


Psalm 23
 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.



"Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently." 1 Peter 1:22

"Let us not forget Paul's wise urging when he said 'confirm' our love to those around us, especially to those who may be swallowed up in sadness (see 2 Corinthians 2:7-8).  Peter said much the same thing . . . In the kingdom our capacity to love is crucial because we live in a time when 'the love of men shall wax cold' (D&C 45:27).  We must do all we  can to see that that doesn't happen between leaders and people in this church"  (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, p. 606).

I dreamed of the high school class reunion I attended. No one asked me for my resume.  No one asked me to sing or play an instrument. No one asked me where I had been the past 45 years.  I did not even have to pay to get in.  Everyone was smiling and hugging and glad to see each other.  There was no judgement, no resentments, no regrets.  In my dream, I imagined that this must be what heaven is like.  Then I awoke and thought, we should live now as if we were in heaven.  I added those thoughts to my one fishing photo of me carrying a fishing rod and a staff to safely cross the river.  I was suprised to see that I had composed a song that carries so well the message of Psalm 23.  When I fish, a rod and staff comfort me.  The Psalmist used the same words to convey to his shepherding culture that God will lead and comfort us.  So, if we are to live now for heaven, let's all use our rods, our staffs, or whatever it takes to care for one another.
Roy E. Howard, composer

02 November 2011

Be Creative


"But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand."  Isaiah 64:8

"God left the world unfinished for man to work his skill upon.  He left the electricity in the cloud, the oil in the earth.  He left the rivers unbridged, the forests unfelled and the cities unbuilt.  God gives to us the challenge of raw materials, not the ease of finished things.  He leaves the pictures unpainted and the music unsung and the problems unsolved, that we might know the joys and glories of creation"  (Teachings of Thomas S. Monson, p. 76).

28 October 2011

Study the scriptures daily


"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."  Joshua 1:8





Our cousins, the Grahams:
Annette, Lynn, David, Joel, Mary, Glen, Ruth,  Paul
"Strive in your homes, and teach others, to take some time of each day to have a quiet hour, meditation.  Let there be study of the scriptures at least thirty minutes of each day.  At an early morning hour, or late night, as best suits your schedule, allow yourself an hour of prayerful meditation where you can tune in with God and discuss with Him problems that are too much for human understanding, too great for human strength"  (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, p. 152).

01 October 2011

Come, listen to the prophet's voice


General Conference
Here are links to watching live, or viewing any conference session of any year.
http://lds.org/general-conference/watch?lang=eng

http://lds.org/general-conference/watch?lang=spa

"O that cunning plan of the evil one!  O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men!  When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not.  And they shall perish.  But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God." 2 Nephi 9:28-29

"I wish to remind the Latter-day Saints that the advantages we receive today or tomorrow, while gathered here, will be according to the spirit that we exercise individually.  The elders may address you here, and yet no particular advantage is secured unless you have the Spirit and exercise faith that it is our privilege to exercise, that we may be blessed to understand such things as may be spoken"  (The Teachings of Lorenzo Snow, p. 112).

27 September 2011

I have been sharing the idea that serving others is a remedy for many of your own personal problems, because I have a testimony of that principle.  


"How God anointed Jesus of Nazereth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him." Acts 10:38 
"Only when you lift a burden, God will lift your burden.  Divine paradox this is!  The man who staggers and falls because his burden is too great can lighten that burden by taking on the weight of another's burden.  You get by giving, but your part of giving must be given first" (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 251).  

Bloom where you are planted


From: "howaru@juno.com"
To: manymac@comcast.net; 2rhoward@att.net
Sent: Tue, September 27, 2011 12:01:58 PM
Subject: plots

I finally received some facts about the "hole" issue, of plots in Marion.
There is a registry at the cemetery confirming that we have 14 plots left of the original 16. No record is kept at the Summit County office. (I asked them if the records were buried in some file)  They are under the name of Edward L Howard. I told them (Ronie Wilde@allwest.net) (Rick Gines, Sextan) that the family wanted to not sell. If we out live the above, the registry will be passed on to their replacements. If you need one of the plots, simple call the funeral service (example: Crandall - Scott at 435-783-4786) and they will verify the registry...so no problem...we are in. For your interest... if you are considering cremation...hang on to the urn if you'd like for as long as you want for convenience sake (of travel or for any other reason) then call Crandall. Marion cemetery allows only one urn per plot.
Nathan


Nathan,
Thank you for rooting out these long buried files.  It is clear that your many years in the gravel pits have grounded you in foundational research skills.  When the plot thickens and I need a long rest, I will call Crandall who will plant me Scott-free.  My accountant will be pleased.
Agradecimientos from the Howard who never could get into anything concrete (except at the Marion Cemetery).
 
P.S. to my kids: If you don't know the prerequisite to inheriting one of these paid for plots, let me know (but keep in mind that Edward L. Howard has more than 14 descendants - first come, first served).
Roy,

you havent lost your literally skill, nor your Lambert humor.
I dont think your kids will have to worry about space...they don't bury folks in the Millenium

Nathan

Nathan,

The Millenium is coming soon?  Then I won't have to lie still too long?

Pioneer cemeteries are for insiders and mainstreamers, not outliers; but I understand why they don't like to stack the bodies: it is bad enough being surrounded by liers, you don't need backbiters, too.

It is nice to have all these relatives in one plot - potential suitors can visit and get a sense of what kind of family they are Marion into.  Besides, not every bachelor is the Marion kind.  Anyway, the Lamberts are well-bread; they should rise well.

What I wonder, is which of our ancestors noticed how we gather at the cemeteries and dig in the earth, and saw us as their "descend ants"?  I guess it makes sense.  However, the latinos must have been poor. Can you imagine digging and finding just teeth, because they could not afford embalming and concrete crypts? So that must be why they call us their "descen dientes".

For all of you looking forward to a career (or a job), don't discount the mortuaries and cemeteries - people are dying to receive your services.  Imagine, 6,964,855,039 people on the earth, and growing, every one a future customer! I wonder about the sales pitch: "...all you future stiffs gather 'round.  You can't stay ceased, you know; soon you will be deceased; all of you functs will soon be defuncts, the mised will be demised, the parted will be departed, the animate will be inanimate and the sensate will be insensate.  Bloom where you are planted, but choose now to be planted in the right location... a great location with a view, that is how you want to spend eternity, with your friends and family all around and above and beneath you. Discounts for mass burials, family unit cremations, and cash payments in advance!...  
If you dig it, go with the flow.

So far, 100 billion have died on this planet.  Thanks to Jesus Christ, all will live again.  Thanks to you temple attenders, many won't have to wait so long to qualify for the best that the next life has to offer.  Plan for the future, anchored in an understanding of the past.

Roy E. Howard





25 September 2011


Finding Love Through Serving As A Missionary
J. Janeen Howard

Serving is our way of life as we live the Gospel in its fullness.  I never thought our health would be good enough for us to serve a mission.  The papers we had to fill out and send to Salt Lake were very detailed about the health of the prospective missionary.  You need to have good health to be able to do all the things needed to be done.  My sister-in-law said, “ A mission is a marvelous gift of time when you can experience glimpses of heavenly life.  It is a time of cleansing and refreshing.  It is a time to become a celestial candidate.  To sanctify yourselves you must serve others.  The highest of all service is to teach them truths and bring them to the temple.  My brother-in-law wrote that our mission would be just one phase of a continuous life style of serving others, and that after Ecuador it will continue forever.....added  upon many fold, with experiences and talents gained from each passing year.  
During this time of service we learned to put Christ first in our daily life and follow His teachings.  “come unto me all ye that are heavy laden, for my yoke is easy and my load is light  (Matt. 11:28).  Whatever we sacrifice, we must return to Christ and allow Him to be our guide now....no one else.  He is the healer, the master teacher, the one and only way back to our Heavenly Father.  Serving in the temple 5 days a week was the most humbling, spiritual, and inspirational time of my life.  There we receive the further light and knowledge and insights our Father wishes for us to learn.  We are taught how to serve and how to love one another through this sacred service rendered in His sacred holy house.  It is hard to explain the feelings I had as I entered the temple each day.  I just knew that was where I was to be at that time in my life and the Lord helped me do as much as I could with my limitations.  He doesn’t care what limitations we  have, He is interested in our intent and desire to serve.  He knows our heart and understands when we have no words to express what we feel.  It was such a joyous time to be able to be so near to a temple 24 hrs. a day, 7 days a week for 15 months.  How I miss it!
You never know who you might be serving and may even be surprised when you find out!  The love we felt from the temple workers and members of the ward was so strong and palpable!!  The warm abrazos or hugs, and little kisses of the cheek.  This is their way of greeting you and it is a wonderful way to greet one another!  I miss that here at home.  I have been taught to listen to the spirit and act upon those feelings and promptings  knowing the Holy Ghost was my constant guide.  
Those couples who are able and willing to serve a mission will never regret it, I promise.  You will be blessed to do what is needed.  I learned to pace myself and only work a certain amount of time knowing if I did more that my health would be in jeopardy.  It was a hard lesson to learn, because I was so anxious to do everything.  I learned to pace myself and listen to my body when it was time to stop.  I didn’t realize there are so many different types of missions for couples, even ones you can do from your own home!  The Lord will take us however He can get us and He will fill in the gaps when we are unable to do so.  
Brothers and Sisters I don’t know your circumstances, rather I just want to share my testimony of the growth and knowledge I have gained from serving with my husband.  It was not all easy and there were many rough spots to walk over and try to smooth out, but the Lord was right there to help us each and every day.  It is a miracle that my husband who has Parkinsons Disease was even allowed to go to another country and serve a mission.  He was healthier than I was and was so busy when he wasn’t in the temple teaching music lessons, going to other wards and stakes to teach people how to lead a choir, to perform, he even got a fishing club organized!  He only took rests when I made him because he said he had so much to do before we came home.
  I have a 15 yr. old grandson in Lubbock, Tx. who had a very interesting experience the other day.  He and his mother are not active in the church and he hasn’t even received the Priesthood yet, which is a concern of ours.  But he found a friend who needed help the other night, a place to sleep as he was going to run away from home.  Brandon let him sleep in their shed, giving him a blanket and a pillow, unbeknownst to his mother.  The boy said his friend told him Brandon would help him and he did.  The next day he told the boy he would ride the bus to school if he would come too so he could get some help.  The boy did.  He had been in a horrible family situation where there were many other foster children who were being abused.  To make this short, the police went to the home and took all the children away.  The principal, the police and the sheriff kept saying what a good boy Brandon is and that he didn’t do anything bad.  HE probably saved those children’s lives.  I know he learned the virtue of kindness from his mother and someday she and Brandon will find their way back to church.  
I may not know much  brothers and sisters, but I know we have a living prophet at the head of Christ’s church today and very shortly we will have the blessing to listen to what the Lord wants to tell us at this time through the voice of Pres. Monson, his counselors, and the 12 apostles and other quorums.  Our Father in Heaven is mindful of us.  He knows us.  Our Savior Jesus Christ gave His life that we might once again live and return to our Celestial Home.  What greater blessing is this?  I am blessed as a wife, mother and grandmother to have a most wonderful family.  I testify with all my heart that as you reach out to serve and love others the way will be paved for greater things to come to you in your life.  I has mine!  And I say this in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

29 August 2011

The next life


Yesterday my home teaching companion and I gave a priesthood blessing to a woman in hospice.  Here daughter does not expect she will be long for this world.  Even when we know a loved one is sealed to us in the temple, we miss them and sorrow in their passing.  How grateful we are for the temple that unites our families through covenants and ordinances and teachings about the eternal nature of each one.

"And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow." Alma 40:12

"I am thinking now, as I stand here talking to you, that more of my dear ones are on the other side than are here, and it will not be long in the natural course of events before I, too, will receive my summons to pass on.  I am not looking forward to that time with anxiety and distress but with hope and with the assurance that the change, when it occurs, will be for increasing happiness and advantages that we cannot know in mortality" (The Teachings of George Albert Smith, p. 25).

May we all overcome the temptations of this world and keep our baptismal and temple covenants.

27 August 2011

Blessings In Adversity


Blessings In Adversity
J. Janeen Howard
Derby Stake Conference, Kansas
My dear brothers and sisters, I am very humbled to be asked to speak tonight in this session of our stake conference.  My thoughts have been centered on making our house a home for the past few weeks since returning from our mission to the Guayaquil, Ecuador Temple.  How I miss not being able to look out my door and see the temple only a few steps away!  To be able to go to the temple any time of day or evening that it was open and walk there in 2 or 3 minutes from our apartment is an experience I shall never forget.  The dear friends we made there are tucked away in a special place in my heart.  What glorious memories we have brought with us to remember with such love.  I thank Heavenly Father for giving us the opportunity to serve the saints of the Guayaquil Temple area.  We felt the presence of His angels guarding us and caring for us each day. How blessed we are!
I have chosen to speak about the urgent need to continue faithful during these times of trial and adversity.  Look around you, is there anyone who is not touched by some type of trial in their life, whether small or large? Are there times when you felt you wanted to give up or run away?  Each of us will face trials and tests in our life here on earth.  It is how we react to those difficulties that will determine our success and happiness.  Each of us will face adversity no matter where we are, and the question is not when we will face it but how we face it.
The Apostle Paul taught an interesting lesson only a few years before the Saints in Rome were to face some of the most violent persecution of any Christian era.  Paul reminded the Saints that "all things work together for good to them that love God."  Our Heavenly Father, who loves us completely and perfectly, permits us to have experiences that will allow us to develop the traits and attributes we need to become more and more Christlike.  Our trials come in many forms, but each will allow us to become more like the Savior as we learn to recognize the good that comes from each experience.  As we understand this doctrine, we gain greater assurance of our Father's love.  We may  never know in this life why we face what we do, but we can feel confident that we  can grow from our experience.
We know it is easier to look back when a trial is over and see what we have learned from the experience, but the challenge is to gain that eternal perspective while we are going through our trials.  To some, our trials may not seem so great, but to each of us who are passing through these experiences, the trials are real and require us to humble ourselves before God and learn from Him.  To learn from the Savior, what a blessing!!
It is the Savior we want to emulate in all our actions.  Elder Martino of the 2nd Quorum of the Seventy has taught us 5 things that we can learn from the last hours of the Savior's life on earth to help us face our own trials.  They are so important that I would like to share them with you tonight.  
First:  The Savior sought not to do His will but only the will of His Father.  He remained committed to His sacred mission to the end.  In the Garden of Gethsemane, He asked, "Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done."  Sometimes we pass through pain and sorrow that we might grow and be prepared for potential trials in the future.  I didn't understand the disease of alcoholism as a child growing up.  My mother had this insidious disease and I worried so much about her but didn't know what to do.  It was a difficult time for me. Then when we found out our oldest child was abusing alcohol and drugs, I thought, "Why do I have to go through this again?"  After many tears, much struggling, reaching out to 12 step groups, and especially fervent prayer I began to understand more and had an inkling of how we could help her.  We loved her no matter what she did, and she knew this.  Fifteen years later she was able to quit, and she now has 10 years of sobriety.  She often tells us, if she didn't know we loved her she probably would never have made it.  Our Father in Heaven knows the end from the beginning and we must follow the example of the Savior and trust in Him.  I had to trust the Savior and in His promises in order to get through what I went through during those difficult years.
Second:  When we are faced with trials, we must learn to not complain or murmur.  We must always attempt to correct the problem and overcome the trial, but instead of asking "Why me?" or "What did I do to deserve this?", maybe the question should be "What am I to do?  What can I learn from this experience?  What am I to change?"
Third:  When we face our challenges, we must seek greater help from God. Even the Savior of us all found a need to pray "more earnestly" as He was in the Garden of Gethsemane.  We can gain great faith through prayer.  We must remember that often the answers from our Heavenly Father do not remove the trial from us, rather He helps strengthen us as we pass through the experience.   One of my very favorite parts in the Book of Mormon that has helped me when I became weary of the battle is found in Mosiah 24 when the children of God cried out because their afflictions were great.   Amulon put guards over the people to watch them so that anyone found calling upon God to help them would be put to death.  The account tells us that the people didn't raise their voices to the Lord their God.  Instead they poured out their hearts to God, and He knew the thoughts of their hearts.  And the voice of the Lord came to them in their terrible times, and they heard His voice, telling them to be of good comfort and to lift up their heads for He was mindful of them.  Then came these precious words from God,  "And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.  And.....the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord." I am certain that this promise applies to us as much in our day, in our adversity, as to those of another generation. 
Fourth:  learn to serve and think of others even in our times of trial.  Christ was the epitome of service.  His life was filled with examples of helping and serving others, and His greatest gift of all was what He did for us.  His Atonement prepared the way that we might live again.  We must follow the Savior's example of service.  Haven't you noticed that when we serve others, we forget our own problems, and by working to relieve the pain or discomfort of others, we strengthen ourselves?  Pres. spencer W. Kimball said, "My life is like a shoe to be worn out in the service of others."  There are many out there who can learn from what we have gone through, and perhaps that is one of the reasons for our having gone through a certain tribulation:  to help someone along their journey.  The Lord will bless us as we render this service to others.
Fifth:  Forgive others and do not seek to pass the blame of our situation to them.  Sometimes we like to say, "If they had not done this, then I would not have reacted the way I did."  There is a tendency for the natural man to pass blame to someone else so as not to be accountable for his or her own actions.  The Savior looked at those who had nailed Him to the cross and pled with His Father in Heaven to "forgive them; for they know not what they do."  Can we not be more forgiving?
Our ultimate goal is to be like Him so that we may dwell in the presence of God throughout all eternity.  And meanwhile, we'll know inner joy and greater peace as we push through the problems of this life.  Let us welcome opportunities to learn and to show greater devotion to His will and the will of the Father.  
One last scripture and blessing that we may find strength in is found in Isaiah 40: 29, 31.  "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might,  He increaseth strength.....They that wait upon the Lord shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
Now, as we go home let us keep an eternal perspective, let us not complain, let us become even more prayerful, let us serve others, and let us forgive one another.  As we do this, "all things will work together for good to (us) who love God."  
I testify my  brothers and sisters that God lives and loves us, His Son was sent to show us the way.  Jesus Christ died, was resurrected that we might live, and He desires that we might have joy, even in our trials of life.  If we lean on Him, He will carry our burdens or give us the strength to carry them ourselves.  I love my Savior.  I love you brothers and sisters, and pray that our times of trial and tribulation will be learning experiences,  that we may come through them a stronger and better person ready to meet our Maker and dwell with Him and our families throughout eternity. 
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

20 August 2011

Time, talents, and energies

In our case, people really seemed to appreciate our time spent with them.  Many came to the Guayaquil airport late Sunday night to sing "God be with you 'til we meet again".

"To devote your time and abilities in the cause of truth and a suffering people may not be the means of exalting you in the eyes of this generation, or securing you the riches of the world, yet by so doing you may rely on the approval of Jehovah, 'that blessing which maketh rich and addeth no sorrow'" (Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 4:177).

16 August 2011

How to address challenges


When I have a calling, responsibility, or priority in my life, I ponder and pray.  That usually results in dreams at night so vivid, that I have to wake up and start typing.  If I don't get up at that moment and record the idea, I lose it.  My wife is does not think that I should wake up at 3, 4, or 5 am, but that inspiration is precious to me.

"God shall give unto you knowledge by his Holy Spirit, yea, by the unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost, that has not been revealed since the world was unto now." Doctrine & Covenants 121:26

"The Lord will increase our knowledge, wisdom, and capacity to obey when we obey His fundamental laws. This is what the Prophet Joseph Smith meant when he said we could have 'sudden strokes of ideas' which come into our minds as 'pure intelligence' (see Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 151).  This is revelation.  We must learn to rely on the Holy Ghost so we can use it to guide our lives and the lives of those for whom we have responsibility" (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p. 114).

15 August 2011

Service to Others

The bishop and the high priest quorum help us move in.
I have a testimony that focusing your attention on the needs of others is good for you... a remedy for many of your own personal problems.  Try it, you'll like it!

"Only when you lift a burden, God will lift your burden.  Divine paradox this is!  The man who staggers and falls because his burden is too great can lighten that burden by taking on the weight of another's burden.  You get by giving, but your part of giving must be given first" (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 251).

"How God anointed Jesus of Nazereth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him." Acts 10:38

27 July 2011

The Abundant Life

Our lives have been enriched by relationships and friendships; therefore, we are rich!

"And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. . . . But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?  So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." Luke 12:15, 20-21

"The abundant life, of course, has little to do with the acquisition of material things, though there are many wonderful individuals who have been blessed materially and who use their wealth to help their fellowmen---and this is most commendable.  The abundant life noted in the scriptures is the spiritual sum that is arrived at by the multiplying of our service to others and by investing our talents in service to God and to man"  (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 352).


Juan Josè Luzuriaga S 
PERSONAS COMO ROY HOWARD SON DIFICIL DE ENCONTRAR, UN POCO COMPLICADO EN VOLVER A VERLO, PERO MUY, MUY FÀCIL DE RECORDARLO...... "LO QUEREMOS MUCHO Y LO EXTRAÑAMOS UN MUNDO"

Martha Ninfa Encalada Torres 
De acuerdo, personas como él son únicas entre las creaciones de Dios. Nunca podremos encontrar otra igual. Es especial y con muchos talentos. Ha sido un placer poder contarme entre sus amigos en Ecuador. No sé cuándo volveré a verlo ni a saber más de él. Pero me siento agradecida con Dios por haberlo conocido y aprendido de todo lo que él es.



Thank you for your letters. I enjoy reading each and everyone of them. Everyone here will love it when you come home. We miss you here with us.
The letters you write tells so much. Of the people and of the love that you can share with them. My Dad was bald, I have brothers that are bald. I wonder if the rubbing on the head happens often. You and all those wonderful people will be in our prays and hearts.

Have a wonderful, good day!

LOVE YOU MUCH,
FRANK AND KATHY COOT

Dear Janeen and Roy,

Your very letter is why Marion and I love and respect you and your family.
Mend quickly, Hugs, and a safe return home. To quote my Dad--and you know this so well, not to mention the magical Carleen-- "God will provide."

Geoffrey

I have been thinking about you lately, but wasn't sure what your current
e-mail address was.  I am sorry to hear about the health issues, but
glad that they are and will be taken care of.  It seems as if you just
left for your mission.  The time passes so fast!  

The Church has such need for older couples serving missions.  I know you
and Roy have made an impact that will be felt for generations on the
Saints in Ecuador.

Our big project goes live on Oct. 1.  I had hoped to work until December
31, 2012, but the job may end next June.  I have already gone to my
bishop and expressed my interest in serving a mission when I retire.  I
hope to serve in the immediate area because of Kim.  She has Multiple
Scerosis (MS), and although she is doing well, that could change
overnight.

Have a safe trip back and let me know how your eye is doing.

Toni


Bless you for serving the Lord the way you have.  Let us know your address when you become settled in your home. Both of you are in our prayers.  We love you two and are looking forward to seeing you again .
May you have a wonderful and safe flight home. 

Richard & Marjorie Wright 


Gracias mil Elder Howard, amo mucho a su familia, tiene una linda esposa . Adoro ese detalle tan maravilloso con mi Noelita Estrella Vera ella hizo la voluntad del Padre, aunque su corazon queria quedarse en esta tierra. Estoy tan conmovida por su gesto queridos hermanos ESPOSOS HOWARD, los amo desde el fondo de mi corazon AUN ME DUELE EL ALMA, LA VIDA, EL CORAZON DE VER A MI NENA TAN BELLA QUE A PESAR DE QUE ESTA CON DIOS, Y SE QUE ESTA SIN DOLORES NI PESARES, la extraño MUUUUUUUUUUUCHIIIIISISIIMO

Lourdes Vera