Tuesday, December 31, 2019
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
Faithfulness wears many faces – it is not given for us to judge – which of these faces is true – or – which is false!!
Monday, December 30, 2019
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
It always seems a much easier task – when a neighbor is being counseled to conquer a fear – than when we are trying to conquer our own!!
Sunday, December 29, 2019
MISSIONS OF LIFE
It was several weeks earlier than when I actually sat down to write this Thought, that I started thinking about what the Thought would be about. What started me thinking was a conversation Kathleen and I had had about her feeling that life is made up of a series of different missions.
During these weeks of pondering I come to the conclusion that some times these mission follow quickly upon one another, sometimes we even find ourselves involved in more than one mission at a time and there may be times when we aren’t sure
what mission we are currently called upon.
A brief and very incomplete review of what I perceive to be the missions Kathleen has served and continues to serve would include:
Born into the mission of being nurtured through the learning of the fundamental movements and skills necessary for the daily activities and adaptations of life.
Assigned to the mission of sitting with teachers and mentors in man made classrooms and in God created nature to learn and practice the skills needed to maintain and advance herself in society.
Given the blessed mission of bearing, birthing and nurturing heaven lent children of Heavenly Parents through the process of maturation. She even took on the additional role of fulfilling this mission for some who were absent during the day because they were serving in conflicting missions.
Called on missions to bring order to offices she managed in the educational, dental and legal professions. She even served an overtime mission bringing order to the office of a trucking company.
She was called to serve in a variety of zones in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She served in the Primary zone as president and teacher, she served in the Sunday School zone as a teacher, she served in the Relief society zone as teacher and music director…
She served as a full time leader and missionary in the Colombia Bogota North Mission with her husband.
She currently serves a mission as a full time caregiver.
I am positive that my beloved could add a great many missions to this list, but I feel a need to divert from that path and call our attention to the thought, that as important as it is to fulfill the missions we are called to serve during life to the best of our abilities, even more important is what we should be learning from those missions and how humbly and graciously we accept releases from those missions.
Once again my efforts will be found lacking, but I have observed that Kathleen has learned many marvelous things while serving on the missions of her life.
Those little feet which were taught to walk have remained steadfastly upon the path of righteousness. Those little hands which were taught to grasp have served and comforted countless children of our Heavenly Parents. Those little eyes which were shown the wonders of God’s creations have helped others see colors more brilliantly, mountains more majestic and others more kindly.
That mind which was so attentive in classrooms and witnessed nature with such wonder has never grown weary of expanding in knowledge and understanding and has especially been drawn to seek that learning which will be useful eternally.
Through the bearing, birthing and nurturing of her mortal children she has begun the process of learning the qualities of the one mission we know has eternal significance. They call her mother!
As she has faithfully fulfilled her missions of keeping others organized in many arenas, she has learned the importance of order, rules, laws and procedure which are essential to helping one another progress, find fulfillment and success.
By serving in the missions peculiar to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints she has learned that stewardship fulfillment can be magnified when we serve with all our might, mind and strength, when we seek and hearken to the counsel of the Holy Spirit and the essentialness of the need for the service of many, with many different talents, in various areas of the Kingdom.
While serving her mission among the wonderful people of Colombia her understanding of the brotherhood of humankind was magnified along with her circle of loved once being greatly extended.
Her mission as full time caregiver was simply an extension of a part time mission she had already been serving during which she has learned and taught the importance of co-dependence, the wonders of eternal companionship and the beginnings of the attributes and characteristics of Eternal Oneness.
Although my heart has been brought to the verge of bursting with the appreciation I have for Kathleen and what she has been, what she is and what she is becoming, and although the testimony I have born of her goodness would be reason enough for the writing of this Thought I feel it would be less than complete if I didn’t add the following:
As we prepare to enter the New Year, along with the traditional resolutions we might spend a moment or two and review the missions of our own lives.
Most importantly we would be well served to review the extensive learning and meanings of life with which we have been blessed because of serving these missions.
It might be advantageous to prayerfully ponder upon what missions of life you will be serving during the coming year and petition a blessing that you will be led to know the important lessons you are to learn.
One of the resolutions you make this year which might be the most important is that you will make a daily reminder to be attentive to what the Lord would have you learn each day as you serve the missions of life you are called to serve in this year.
My personal prayer for us all is that the true purposes of our mortal experience will be emblazoned upon our hearts and minds more powerfully and inspire us to be engaged in that which is most meaningful as we serve this coming year’s mission of our life.
THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY
EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY
THINK + PLAN + PREPARE + DO + HUGS + PEACE + JOY + LOVE + INTEGRITY + FAITH + HOPE + CHARITY = THE GOOD LIFE❣️❣️
During these weeks of pondering I come to the conclusion that some times these mission follow quickly upon one another, sometimes we even find ourselves involved in more than one mission at a time and there may be times when we aren’t sure
what mission we are currently called upon.
A brief and very incomplete review of what I perceive to be the missions Kathleen has served and continues to serve would include:
Born into the mission of being nurtured through the learning of the fundamental movements and skills necessary for the daily activities and adaptations of life.
Assigned to the mission of sitting with teachers and mentors in man made classrooms and in God created nature to learn and practice the skills needed to maintain and advance herself in society.
Given the blessed mission of bearing, birthing and nurturing heaven lent children of Heavenly Parents through the process of maturation. She even took on the additional role of fulfilling this mission for some who were absent during the day because they were serving in conflicting missions.
Called on missions to bring order to offices she managed in the educational, dental and legal professions. She even served an overtime mission bringing order to the office of a trucking company.
She was called to serve in a variety of zones in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She served in the Primary zone as president and teacher, she served in the Sunday School zone as a teacher, she served in the Relief society zone as teacher and music director…
She served as a full time leader and missionary in the Colombia Bogota North Mission with her husband.
She currently serves a mission as a full time caregiver.
I am positive that my beloved could add a great many missions to this list, but I feel a need to divert from that path and call our attention to the thought, that as important as it is to fulfill the missions we are called to serve during life to the best of our abilities, even more important is what we should be learning from those missions and how humbly and graciously we accept releases from those missions.
Once again my efforts will be found lacking, but I have observed that Kathleen has learned many marvelous things while serving on the missions of her life.
Those little feet which were taught to walk have remained steadfastly upon the path of righteousness. Those little hands which were taught to grasp have served and comforted countless children of our Heavenly Parents. Those little eyes which were shown the wonders of God’s creations have helped others see colors more brilliantly, mountains more majestic and others more kindly.
That mind which was so attentive in classrooms and witnessed nature with such wonder has never grown weary of expanding in knowledge and understanding and has especially been drawn to seek that learning which will be useful eternally.
Through the bearing, birthing and nurturing of her mortal children she has begun the process of learning the qualities of the one mission we know has eternal significance. They call her mother!
As she has faithfully fulfilled her missions of keeping others organized in many arenas, she has learned the importance of order, rules, laws and procedure which are essential to helping one another progress, find fulfillment and success.
By serving in the missions peculiar to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints she has learned that stewardship fulfillment can be magnified when we serve with all our might, mind and strength, when we seek and hearken to the counsel of the Holy Spirit and the essentialness of the need for the service of many, with many different talents, in various areas of the Kingdom.
While serving her mission among the wonderful people of Colombia her understanding of the brotherhood of humankind was magnified along with her circle of loved once being greatly extended.
Her mission as full time caregiver was simply an extension of a part time mission she had already been serving during which she has learned and taught the importance of co-dependence, the wonders of eternal companionship and the beginnings of the attributes and characteristics of Eternal Oneness.
Although my heart has been brought to the verge of bursting with the appreciation I have for Kathleen and what she has been, what she is and what she is becoming, and although the testimony I have born of her goodness would be reason enough for the writing of this Thought I feel it would be less than complete if I didn’t add the following:
As we prepare to enter the New Year, along with the traditional resolutions we might spend a moment or two and review the missions of our own lives.
Most importantly we would be well served to review the extensive learning and meanings of life with which we have been blessed because of serving these missions.
It might be advantageous to prayerfully ponder upon what missions of life you will be serving during the coming year and petition a blessing that you will be led to know the important lessons you are to learn.
One of the resolutions you make this year which might be the most important is that you will make a daily reminder to be attentive to what the Lord would have you learn each day as you serve the missions of life you are called to serve in this year.
My personal prayer for us all is that the true purposes of our mortal experience will be emblazoned upon our hearts and minds more powerfully and inspire us to be engaged in that which is most meaningful as we serve this coming year’s mission of our life.
THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY
EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY
THINK + PLAN + PREPARE + DO + HUGS + PEACE + JOY + LOVE + INTEGRITY + FAITH + HOPE + CHARITY = THE GOOD LIFE❣️❣️
Saturday, December 28, 2019
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
The possibility of embarrassment may be one of the principle reasons – we enter into many adventures during our lives!!
Friday, December 27, 2019
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
Since life was designed to be a trial by faith – knowledge which comes as a result of frequently sharing miracles – could interrupt the lessons designed for wandering by faith!!
Thursday, December 26, 2019
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
One of the reasons we are counseled not to speak too frequently – about the miracles which have been part of our lives – is that by speaking of them too openly – and – frequently our faith might become knowledge – or – they might become common – rather than faith promoting experiences!!
Wednesday, December 25, 2019
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
Since I don’t expect my gleaning of knowledge – and – understanding – to end when I slip from mortality – I likewise expect my faith – and – testimony will continue to grow!!
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
If you want to see peace – and – calm miraculously restored to a 21st century teacher – just look at them as a technician – restores their power point presentation!!
Monday, December 23, 2019
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
If you want to see a 21st century teacher – go into full panic mode – just watch them when they have technical difficulty – with a power point presentation!!
Sunday, December 22, 2019
A GIFT TO REMEMBER
I am pretty sure that almost all of us have at least one time in our lives faced the task of trying to buy a Christmas gift for someone who seems to have everything. I think my sister-in-law, Wendy, thought of me as one of those people, because every year she bought me another more unique and unusual gift than the year before. I have no idea the order they came in, not that it really matters. They included a fork which had been attached to a golf shaft, because my body had recently made my playing golf a past pleasure and I wondered what I would be doing with my clubs. Her silly present left me to wonder how I was supposed to use a three foot long fork. Then there was a year when she sent me a delightful framed picture of a little girl with a wonderous facial expression as she first experienced roller skating. Actually, I have no idea what made her think that picture had anything to do with me except the girl’s expression indicated she anticipates going very fast and my speed was all in my imagination by then. Or maybe it was because of the happiness which always attended our being together. One year she sent me a metal plaque which could be hung on the wall which she labeled the God of Chocolate because I had taken that delightful delicacy out of my diet. One of my favorites was a wool sculpture entitled ‘Earthman’ to which she added the postscript ‘primitive, but still melting hearts’.
Although, none of the gifts have any practical use, many times when I glance at them each morning, sitting on the shelf just behind me when I am at the computer my mind is immediately filled with memories of Wendy’s warm, selfless, loving, caring and thoughtful character. She could have easily sent a common gift which undoubtedly would have long ago been used up, broken or discarded, but instead she sought out something which was meaningful in my life and which became a lasting reminder of her and how wonderful she was.
In just a few days we will be gleefully watching with anticipation hoping that the gift we bought for someone on our list will help them remember how special they are to us. Many of us have probably spent some time wondering how the exchanging of gifts between each other came about when it was really the birth of the Savior of mankind and we should be bestowing gifts upon Him. Perhaps, the reason we have substituted bestowing gifts upon each other rather than upon Jesus the Christ is because like no other person born of women on this earth, He truly has everything.
Taking a clue from my beloved sister-in-law, Wendy, I have pondered upon what could be gifted to Him whose world this is, and hopefully what I am wrapping up for Him will strengthen our relationship as did Wendy’s with me.
I know that whatever I give must be sent with all my might, all of my mind and all of my strength.
Searching the scriptures I understand the my gift must include all my thoughts, all of my words and all of my actions.
My gift will be found wanting if it does not include a commitment of all of my self, all my time, all my talents and all the resources which are included in my stewardships.
My gift will be less than all if my heart is not renewed through being broken and if my soul is not changed through the process of contrite-ness.
I know that my gift must be given with the ultimate sacrifice of the Widow’s Mite.
I know that my gift must be wrapped with the simplicity of the Drummer Boy’s tune.
I know my gift should be accompanied by me adding my adoring voice to angelic choirs.
If my gift is to be of efficacy it must be renewed both daily and everlastingly.
Probably the greatest gift I can give in reality is actually, the returning of a gift He gave to me when I entered mortality: my Agency.
I am convinced that every light will be brighter, every package more beautifully wrapped, every meal more wonderful, every decoration more meaningful if we add Him to all of our giving and celebrating during this season, which after all, has been set apart as a time of remembrance of His Birth.
THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY
EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY
THINK + PLAN + PREPARE + DO + HUGS + PEACE + JOY + LOVE + INTEGRITY + FAITH + HOPE + CHARITY = THE GOOD LIFE
Although, none of the gifts have any practical use, many times when I glance at them each morning, sitting on the shelf just behind me when I am at the computer my mind is immediately filled with memories of Wendy’s warm, selfless, loving, caring and thoughtful character. She could have easily sent a common gift which undoubtedly would have long ago been used up, broken or discarded, but instead she sought out something which was meaningful in my life and which became a lasting reminder of her and how wonderful she was.
In just a few days we will be gleefully watching with anticipation hoping that the gift we bought for someone on our list will help them remember how special they are to us. Many of us have probably spent some time wondering how the exchanging of gifts between each other came about when it was really the birth of the Savior of mankind and we should be bestowing gifts upon Him. Perhaps, the reason we have substituted bestowing gifts upon each other rather than upon Jesus the Christ is because like no other person born of women on this earth, He truly has everything.
Taking a clue from my beloved sister-in-law, Wendy, I have pondered upon what could be gifted to Him whose world this is, and hopefully what I am wrapping up for Him will strengthen our relationship as did Wendy’s with me.
I know that whatever I give must be sent with all my might, all of my mind and all of my strength.
Searching the scriptures I understand the my gift must include all my thoughts, all of my words and all of my actions.
My gift will be found wanting if it does not include a commitment of all of my self, all my time, all my talents and all the resources which are included in my stewardships.
My gift will be less than all if my heart is not renewed through being broken and if my soul is not changed through the process of contrite-ness.
I know that my gift must be given with the ultimate sacrifice of the Widow’s Mite.
I know that my gift must be wrapped with the simplicity of the Drummer Boy’s tune.
I know my gift should be accompanied by me adding my adoring voice to angelic choirs.
If my gift is to be of efficacy it must be renewed both daily and everlastingly.
Probably the greatest gift I can give in reality is actually, the returning of a gift He gave to me when I entered mortality: my Agency.
I am convinced that every light will be brighter, every package more beautifully wrapped, every meal more wonderful, every decoration more meaningful if we add Him to all of our giving and celebrating during this season, which after all, has been set apart as a time of remembrance of His Birth.
THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY
EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY
THINK + PLAN + PREPARE + DO + HUGS + PEACE + JOY + LOVE + INTEGRITY + FAITH + HOPE + CHARITY = THE GOOD LIFE
Saturday, December 21, 2019
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
It is amazing – how much of their personal lives – people are willing to make public!!
Friday, December 20, 2019
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
Growth will never come from a trial – until – we become grateful for the experience!!
Thursday, December 19, 2019
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
It could be that our world – would be a place with a lot more peace – and – joy – if the inhabitants were to use the same measurements to judge each other – as we use to judge ourselves??
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
We tend to judge others of seeking the spot light – while – we just can’t help our natural glow!!
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
We tend to judge others of over reacting to life’s experiences – while – we are just explaining our life’s trials!!
Monday, December 16, 2019
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
We tend to judge others of being two faced – while – while we are just say things in two different ways!!
Sunday, December 15, 2019
MAKING SPECIAL TIMES SPECIAL
T’was the dance before Christmas, and all through the hall
Everything was decorated for the Christmas Ball
The mistletoe was hung by the doorway with care
In hopes that the dates would soon be there.
The kids started arriving at the front door
While visions of romance awaited the dance floor
Brother Grover in his track shoes, Jensen in his cap
Had just jogged in from their two mile lap.
When in the back of the room there arose such a clatter
We sprang from our seats to see what was the matter
Away to the kitchen we flew like a flash
Tore open the doors after undoing the latch.
The light on the crest of the unwaxed floor
Gave a luster to the objects we saw through the door
What to our wondering eyes did appear
But an Institute Teacher playing ping-pong there.
A cute little man, so quick and so lively
We knew in a moment, it must be Bill Riley
More rapid than eagles his kids they all came
And he whistled and shouted and called them by name.
Now Cevin, now Sean, now Troy and Brendan
On Rynn, on Erin – He called out to them
To the back of the table, in front of the wall
They all grabbed paddles and started hitting the ball.
Then in a twinkle, we heard through the wall
The running and jumping of feet in the hall
As we turned our heads and looked all around
Grover and Jensen jumped in with a bound.
They were dressed all in sweats from their heads to their feet
And both looked quite nervous, starting their meet
With brand new paddles, they both had in hand
We all started cheering and taking the stand.
They spoke not a word but went straight to the match
When Riley got ahead he was sure hard to catch
Then Jensen, laying the ball right into the net
Gave Billy the point which he knew he would get
After winning the game to his kids gave a shout
They all jumped the net as each one ran out
But we heard him exclaim and without any mumble
‘When you’re as great as I am, it’s hard to be humble!’
Without any reservation I can boldly proclaim that I will have to wait for my corrupted mind to have the shadows of forgetfulness removed before I will be able to recall who wrote the preceding parody or the exact events to which it refers. In fact, I am pretty sure it is based on a collection of events and not just one Christmas Ball at the Reno, Institute of Religion. In fact, I am positive we never had a dance at the Institute when any of the instructors came dressed in sweats or my children jumped over the net on the ping-pong table. If pressed I would guess that whoever wrote this delightful ditty was involved at the Institute in the later part of the 1970’s or the early part of the 1980’s. I would be filled with endless joy if anyone who reads this Thought would be able to fill in any of the missing details.
When Kathleen first showed me this long lost document last week, we both had images of long ago delightful experiences pass through our minds. During the week since that initial reminder, each time I have glanced at the tattered original copy of what I will label ‘Night at the Institute Christmas Ball’ it has opened my mind to an avalanche of eventful memories which have enriched our lives and filled them with joy.
I have also spent some time pondering about what it is, for me, that makes special times special and have come up with the following, which I am sure constitute only a partial list.
WHO
Those with whom I share an event will always head the reason it will be special and will remain special in my memory. Those included in this category are called family, friends, mentors, students, colleagues, team members etc. Probably even more important than the title by which they are identified is the attitude they bring to the event and the positive contribution they make.
WHERE
I only have to spend a few minutes in thinking about the special times of my life before I realize the places they happened was of paramount importance. One of the ‘old man’ things I do as Kathleen and I are enjoying watching television in the evenings is to say ‘been there’ when it is appropriate to where the scene is taking place. Along with realizing the marvelous gift we have been blessed with to travel to some of the wondrous places of this planet, as I express these words comes at least brief memories of the special times we had in those places. Even those which were not so special at the time, now with the passing of time, fill my heart with gratefulness.
ATMOSPHERE
Since calm and peaceful have always been much more attractive to me than noisy and riotous; ballads make events more special than grunge, mountains and beaches are more special than cities and clubs and respectful exchanges are more memorable than heated arguments. As years have passed I have come to realize that large groups deenergize me while the more intimate the gathering the more I feel myself being reenergized. This is one area where I am pretty sure that the atmosphere that multiplies the specialness of events for me will probably be different than many who are reading this Thought.
UNIQUENESS
It doesn’t have to be a once in a life time event to qualify for uniqueness, but repetition has a tendency to make things common and non-memorable. However, there are times when a like event is made unique because it is shared with a different group of WHO. or in a different WHERE, or the ATMOSPHERE has changed. Although I probably stood in front of thousands of groups as an instructor there was always a uniqueness to the experience, although some are more remembered as being more special because they were more unique. It is always remembering ‘that one time’ which indelibly engraves oft times repeated events on our minds and hearts as special.
I hope the list I have made will act as a stimulus for each reader to begin their own list as a reminder that stuff is only stuff and special-ness comes from much more important stimuli.
I hope that with but a few days remaining before we culminate the wonderful days of celebration which started for some with Halloween, some with Thanksgiving, but for all will end with the ushering in of the New Year, you will add to your already over filled ‘to do list’, which has been filled with shopping, decorating, wrapping etc. the more important things that for you will make the coming days special.
THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY
EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY
THINK + PLAN + PREPARE + DO + HUGS + PEACE + JOY + LOVE + INTEGRITY + FAITH + HOPE + CHARITY = THE GOOD LIFE
Everything was decorated for the Christmas Ball
The mistletoe was hung by the doorway with care
In hopes that the dates would soon be there.
The kids started arriving at the front door
While visions of romance awaited the dance floor
Brother Grover in his track shoes, Jensen in his cap
Had just jogged in from their two mile lap.
When in the back of the room there arose such a clatter
We sprang from our seats to see what was the matter
Away to the kitchen we flew like a flash
Tore open the doors after undoing the latch.
The light on the crest of the unwaxed floor
Gave a luster to the objects we saw through the door
What to our wondering eyes did appear
But an Institute Teacher playing ping-pong there.
A cute little man, so quick and so lively
We knew in a moment, it must be Bill Riley
More rapid than eagles his kids they all came
And he whistled and shouted and called them by name.
Now Cevin, now Sean, now Troy and Brendan
On Rynn, on Erin – He called out to them
To the back of the table, in front of the wall
They all grabbed paddles and started hitting the ball.
Then in a twinkle, we heard through the wall
The running and jumping of feet in the hall
As we turned our heads and looked all around
Grover and Jensen jumped in with a bound.
They were dressed all in sweats from their heads to their feet
And both looked quite nervous, starting their meet
With brand new paddles, they both had in hand
We all started cheering and taking the stand.
They spoke not a word but went straight to the match
When Riley got ahead he was sure hard to catch
Then Jensen, laying the ball right into the net
Gave Billy the point which he knew he would get
After winning the game to his kids gave a shout
They all jumped the net as each one ran out
But we heard him exclaim and without any mumble
‘When you’re as great as I am, it’s hard to be humble!’
Without any reservation I can boldly proclaim that I will have to wait for my corrupted mind to have the shadows of forgetfulness removed before I will be able to recall who wrote the preceding parody or the exact events to which it refers. In fact, I am pretty sure it is based on a collection of events and not just one Christmas Ball at the Reno, Institute of Religion. In fact, I am positive we never had a dance at the Institute when any of the instructors came dressed in sweats or my children jumped over the net on the ping-pong table. If pressed I would guess that whoever wrote this delightful ditty was involved at the Institute in the later part of the 1970’s or the early part of the 1980’s. I would be filled with endless joy if anyone who reads this Thought would be able to fill in any of the missing details.
When Kathleen first showed me this long lost document last week, we both had images of long ago delightful experiences pass through our minds. During the week since that initial reminder, each time I have glanced at the tattered original copy of what I will label ‘Night at the Institute Christmas Ball’ it has opened my mind to an avalanche of eventful memories which have enriched our lives and filled them with joy.
I have also spent some time pondering about what it is, for me, that makes special times special and have come up with the following, which I am sure constitute only a partial list.
WHO
Those with whom I share an event will always head the reason it will be special and will remain special in my memory. Those included in this category are called family, friends, mentors, students, colleagues, team members etc. Probably even more important than the title by which they are identified is the attitude they bring to the event and the positive contribution they make.
WHERE
I only have to spend a few minutes in thinking about the special times of my life before I realize the places they happened was of paramount importance. One of the ‘old man’ things I do as Kathleen and I are enjoying watching television in the evenings is to say ‘been there’ when it is appropriate to where the scene is taking place. Along with realizing the marvelous gift we have been blessed with to travel to some of the wondrous places of this planet, as I express these words comes at least brief memories of the special times we had in those places. Even those which were not so special at the time, now with the passing of time, fill my heart with gratefulness.
ATMOSPHERE
Since calm and peaceful have always been much more attractive to me than noisy and riotous; ballads make events more special than grunge, mountains and beaches are more special than cities and clubs and respectful exchanges are more memorable than heated arguments. As years have passed I have come to realize that large groups deenergize me while the more intimate the gathering the more I feel myself being reenergized. This is one area where I am pretty sure that the atmosphere that multiplies the specialness of events for me will probably be different than many who are reading this Thought.
UNIQUENESS
It doesn’t have to be a once in a life time event to qualify for uniqueness, but repetition has a tendency to make things common and non-memorable. However, there are times when a like event is made unique because it is shared with a different group of WHO. or in a different WHERE, or the ATMOSPHERE has changed. Although I probably stood in front of thousands of groups as an instructor there was always a uniqueness to the experience, although some are more remembered as being more special because they were more unique. It is always remembering ‘that one time’ which indelibly engraves oft times repeated events on our minds and hearts as special.
I hope the list I have made will act as a stimulus for each reader to begin their own list as a reminder that stuff is only stuff and special-ness comes from much more important stimuli.
I hope that with but a few days remaining before we culminate the wonderful days of celebration which started for some with Halloween, some with Thanksgiving, but for all will end with the ushering in of the New Year, you will add to your already over filled ‘to do list’, which has been filled with shopping, decorating, wrapping etc. the more important things that for you will make the coming days special.
THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY
EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY
THINK + PLAN + PREPARE + DO + HUGS + PEACE + JOY + LOVE + INTEGRITY + FAITH + HOPE + CHARITY = THE GOOD LIFE
Saturday, December 14, 2019
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
We tend to judge others of being sarcastic – while – we are just realistic!!
Friday, December 13, 2019
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
We tend to judge others of always trying to impress others – while – we are just trying to achieve goals!!
Thursday, December 12, 2019
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
We tend to judge others of saying demeaning – and – hurtful things – while – we are just trying to help others improve!!
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
We tend to judge others of mumbling their words – while – we just speak softly!!
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
We tend to judge others of being pompous about their religion – while we are just sincere believers!!
Monday, December 9, 2019
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNDED!!
We tend to judge others of being too emotional – while – we are just sensitive – and – empathetic!!
Sunday, December 8, 2019
A FOREVER AVOCATION
With the writing of last week’s Thought, I finished my 100th Thought based on The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ which completed the fifth volume of the series Thoughts for 100 Sabbath Days which I have been self publishing. Several thoughts came to me almost immediately: First, I would be spending significant time during the coming weeks getting that volume ready for publication and second, I wasn’t in a place in The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ which would stimulate thoughts appropriate for the Christmas/New Years season. I immediately came up with two possible solutions: One, I could skip forward in The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ to Third Nephi which would surely fill my mind with thoughts based on the Savior, or, I could take a break from basing my Thoughts being stimulated by The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ and just write thoughts based on the end of year and the beginning of year themes. Since my mind immediately was filled with possible Christmas themed thoughts I chose the latter option.
I am pretty sure that perhaps only some of and maybe none of the decisions I have made about possible life long avocations happened during December or January. I am likewise pretty sure that very few and possibly there never has been a year that has ended or begun without my having pondered about a hobby or activity in which I could be involved for the rest of my mortal life.
Some years ago I wrote a Thought which included my having been gifted a train set by a neighbor when we lived on North Arthur in Pocatello, Idaho, and how I was absolutely certain that being a model train ‘aficionado’ would be something I could do for the rest of my life. When we lived in Reno, Nevada, I made one real serious attempt at building a model train setup. It only took me a few months of trial and error and purchasing of expensive train engines and cars for me to realize that my temperament wasn’t really compatible with model trains. It didn’t take me long to understand that I need to be involved in activities which can be resolved in short time frames and do not involve a lot of failed attempts. These many decades later I still have boxes filled with train sets and tracks which I haven’t seen or touched for years. However, I can attest that a year never ends without me thinking of those train sets and tracks in those boxes.
Another hobby, leather working, which I was sure would be desirable as an activity to fill my leisure years, also had its short lived existence while we were living in Reno, Nevada. Since we were deeply involved in renovating a home at the time and I was probably averaging 60 hours a week at work and fulfilling callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I have no idea why I was moved to try to find anything else to do. Never the less, I dove headfirst into acquiring the tools and leather needed to become a leather carver. I did several projects which were instructional in nature and became fairly adept in the processes. I did some projects for family and friends, but it wasn’t long before I came to the understanding that keeping my current proficiency and improving my talent in artistic leather work would only come by sacrificing many other activities which I found enjoyable or necessary. These many decades later I still have a box filled with tools and patterns which I haven’t seen or touched for years.
Since sports have been a pleasure or a plague, depending on who you might ask, I have been on the look out during my life for a sport in which I could be involved for the rest of my life. Basketball was only on the list until because of damaged ankles I had to crawl to the bathroom the morning after a game. Softball enjoyed a run until I pulled an oblique muscle making a play that at one time came very naturally, but now was disabling. Volleyball headed the list for a long time, but lost its elevated position when the pain in my knees and ankles far out weighed any pleasure on the court. Golf had a long and expensive run until spinal stenosis made standing, balancing and swinging a club impossible. The golf clubs still are prominent in the garage along with the remaining golf balls which our son Rynn has as yet not hit into some hollow in Cedar City, Utah. Though the balls involved in those joyful years of being actively involved in sports have now been given to progeny or landfills, I can attest that a year never ends without me thinking of those enjoyable moments which were spent on courts, fields and courses.
After retiring as a professional teacher I continued to stand in front of classes for another five years and then I had the thought that maybe I could have voluntary teaching as an end of life avocation. This dream came to a quick end when I had to have a succession of surgeries; first, to have my bone knee replaced with one of titanium and then, a triple laminectomy to relieve the pressure on the nerves in my spinal column caused by spinal stenosis, ended my standing in front of a classroom filled with students.
It wasn’t long after the computer had become a predominant part of my everyday activity when Kathleen declared that I hadn’t quit teaching, I was just doing it in a different way. It has become abundantly apparent since she opened that vision to me that in the ten years since I wrote my first Thought for a Sabbath day entitled My Littleness, and published it on Sunday, June 21, 2009, in both English and Spanish that my life long avocation would mirror my vocation of teaching. Since I now am about to publish my fifth volume of Thoughts for 100 Sabbath Days and am about to begin to compile a third volume of Life's Lessons Learned and because I feel it best describes what my life has been all about I now think of myself as a publisher. A Publisher of Peace. A Publisher of Joy. A Publisher of Love. A Publisher of Faith. A Publisher of Hope. A Publisher of Charity. Which all adds up to a very good avocation.
A Publisher of Peace.
Wherefore, with the help of these, king Benjamin, by laboring with all the might of his body and the faculty of his whole soul, and also the prophets, did once more establish peace in the land. (Words of Mormon 1: 18)
A Publisher of Joy.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. (Luke 2: 10)
A Publisher of Love.
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. (1 John 4: 7)
A Publisher of Faith.
And now as I said concerning faith—faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true. (Alma 32: 21)
A Publisher of Hope.
That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil… (Hebrews 6: 18, 19)
A Publisher of Charity.
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him. (Moroni 7: 46, 47)
What a wonderful end to my quest to find an avocation which will last till the end of mortality, which will give me glorious ponderings during the endings and beginnings of each year of the remainder of my life and which will endure.
THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY
EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY
THINK + PLAN + PREPARE + DO + HUGS + PEACE + JOY + LOVE + INTEGRITY + FAITH + HOPE + CHARITY = THE GOOD LIFE
I am pretty sure that perhaps only some of and maybe none of the decisions I have made about possible life long avocations happened during December or January. I am likewise pretty sure that very few and possibly there never has been a year that has ended or begun without my having pondered about a hobby or activity in which I could be involved for the rest of my mortal life.
Some years ago I wrote a Thought which included my having been gifted a train set by a neighbor when we lived on North Arthur in Pocatello, Idaho, and how I was absolutely certain that being a model train ‘aficionado’ would be something I could do for the rest of my life. When we lived in Reno, Nevada, I made one real serious attempt at building a model train setup. It only took me a few months of trial and error and purchasing of expensive train engines and cars for me to realize that my temperament wasn’t really compatible with model trains. It didn’t take me long to understand that I need to be involved in activities which can be resolved in short time frames and do not involve a lot of failed attempts. These many decades later I still have boxes filled with train sets and tracks which I haven’t seen or touched for years. However, I can attest that a year never ends without me thinking of those train sets and tracks in those boxes.
Another hobby, leather working, which I was sure would be desirable as an activity to fill my leisure years, also had its short lived existence while we were living in Reno, Nevada. Since we were deeply involved in renovating a home at the time and I was probably averaging 60 hours a week at work and fulfilling callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I have no idea why I was moved to try to find anything else to do. Never the less, I dove headfirst into acquiring the tools and leather needed to become a leather carver. I did several projects which were instructional in nature and became fairly adept in the processes. I did some projects for family and friends, but it wasn’t long before I came to the understanding that keeping my current proficiency and improving my talent in artistic leather work would only come by sacrificing many other activities which I found enjoyable or necessary. These many decades later I still have a box filled with tools and patterns which I haven’t seen or touched for years.
Since sports have been a pleasure or a plague, depending on who you might ask, I have been on the look out during my life for a sport in which I could be involved for the rest of my life. Basketball was only on the list until because of damaged ankles I had to crawl to the bathroom the morning after a game. Softball enjoyed a run until I pulled an oblique muscle making a play that at one time came very naturally, but now was disabling. Volleyball headed the list for a long time, but lost its elevated position when the pain in my knees and ankles far out weighed any pleasure on the court. Golf had a long and expensive run until spinal stenosis made standing, balancing and swinging a club impossible. The golf clubs still are prominent in the garage along with the remaining golf balls which our son Rynn has as yet not hit into some hollow in Cedar City, Utah. Though the balls involved in those joyful years of being actively involved in sports have now been given to progeny or landfills, I can attest that a year never ends without me thinking of those enjoyable moments which were spent on courts, fields and courses.
After retiring as a professional teacher I continued to stand in front of classes for another five years and then I had the thought that maybe I could have voluntary teaching as an end of life avocation. This dream came to a quick end when I had to have a succession of surgeries; first, to have my bone knee replaced with one of titanium and then, a triple laminectomy to relieve the pressure on the nerves in my spinal column caused by spinal stenosis, ended my standing in front of a classroom filled with students.
It wasn’t long after the computer had become a predominant part of my everyday activity when Kathleen declared that I hadn’t quit teaching, I was just doing it in a different way. It has become abundantly apparent since she opened that vision to me that in the ten years since I wrote my first Thought for a Sabbath day entitled My Littleness, and published it on Sunday, June 21, 2009, in both English and Spanish that my life long avocation would mirror my vocation of teaching. Since I now am about to publish my fifth volume of Thoughts for 100 Sabbath Days and am about to begin to compile a third volume of Life's Lessons Learned and because I feel it best describes what my life has been all about I now think of myself as a publisher. A Publisher of Peace. A Publisher of Joy. A Publisher of Love. A Publisher of Faith. A Publisher of Hope. A Publisher of Charity. Which all adds up to a very good avocation.
A Publisher of Peace.
Wherefore, with the help of these, king Benjamin, by laboring with all the might of his body and the faculty of his whole soul, and also the prophets, did once more establish peace in the land. (Words of Mormon 1: 18)
A Publisher of Joy.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. (Luke 2: 10)
A Publisher of Love.
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. (1 John 4: 7)
A Publisher of Faith.
And now as I said concerning faith—faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true. (Alma 32: 21)
A Publisher of Hope.
That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil… (Hebrews 6: 18, 19)
A Publisher of Charity.
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him. (Moroni 7: 46, 47)
What a wonderful end to my quest to find an avocation which will last till the end of mortality, which will give me glorious ponderings during the endings and beginnings of each year of the remainder of my life and which will endure.
THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY
EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY
THINK + PLAN + PREPARE + DO + HUGS + PEACE + JOY + LOVE + INTEGRITY + FAITH + HOPE + CHARITY = THE GOOD LIFE
Saturday, December 7, 2019
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
We tend to judge others of being shy and retiring – while – we are just humble!!
Friday, December 6, 2019
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
We tend to judge others of being controlled by fashion – while – we just keep ourselves well attired – and – groomed!!
Thursday, December 5, 2019
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
We tend to judge others of seeking praise – and – glory – while – we have just been blessed with personalities – and – talents others seem to be drawn to!!
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
We tend to judge others as being overly dramatic – while – we just make our conversations more interesting by stimulating them with a variation of expressions!!
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
We tend to judge others to be in captivity to their habits – while – we just constantly do those things we enjoy!!
Monday, December 2, 2019
LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!
We tend to judge others to be slaves to television viewing – while – we just watch our favorite shows every night!!
Sunday, December 1, 2019
EQUALITY
By the time we reach chapter 28 of the Book of Alma in The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ we are reading about one of history’s great ironical twists. The Anti-Nephi-Lehies who were descended from Lehi’s rebellious sons Laman and Lemuel were now the most righteous people in the Lands occupied by those who had followed Lehi’s righteous son Nephi, while the Lamanites were now sustained in their hatred of the Nephites by rebellious descendants of Nephi.
Alma describes this juxtaposition in these verses from the afore mentioned chapter which recounts a tremendous battle between those who at that point identified themselves as Lamanites and those who were counted among the Nephites.
Nephites
5 Yea, the cry of widows mourning for their husbands, and also of fathers mourning for their sons, and the daughter for the brother, yea, the brother for the father; and thus the cry of mourning was heard among all of them, mourning for their kindred who had been slain.
6 And now surely this was a sorrowful day; yea, a time of solemnity, and a time of much fasting and prayer.
12 While many thousands of others truly mourn for the loss of their kindred, yet they rejoice and exult in the hope, and even know, according to the promises of the Lord, that they are raised to dwell at the right hand of God, in a state of never-ending happiness.
Lamanites
13 And thus we see how great the inequality of man is because of sin and transgression, and the power of the devil, which comes by the cunning plans which he hath devised to ensnare the hearts of men.
All of Heavenly Father’s Children while in this Telestial World
14 And thus we see the great call of diligence of men to labor in the vineyards of the Lord; 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.
It is important to note that all of Heavenly Father’s children while in mortality have the freedom to make choices which will lead them to follow the cunning plans of he who has devised to ensnare their hearts, or to choose paths which will further them along the way towards eventually dwelling on the right hand of God, in a state of never-ending happiness.
It is interesting to note that Alma identifies that the root of all this bloodshed stemmed from the inequality of men because of their sin and transgression. Therefore, I don’t believe it is a very big stretch to say that anything which causes inequality between the mortal offspring of Heavenly Father can be labeled sin and transgression.
Choices which lead to inequality and eventual destruction:
Believing and proclaiming sentiments of superiority because of race, nationality or social status.
Using belittling and caustic words to demean others.
Acting on the belief that a difference of belief is a reason to hate others.
Acting on the belief that God has given you the blessings of privilege because of your obvious righteousness.
Acting on the belief that others are not blessed of God because of their obvious inferiority and unworthiness.
Acting on the belief that leaders are in positions which merit them the privilege of being served by others.
Acting on the belief in their superiority because of wealth, education or position of birth.
It must be noted that Alma believes the only way this sinful inequality among men will end is for those who received the call to labor diligently to bring the joy of the light of Christ into the lives of their brothers and sisters.
Choices which lead to experiencing the joy which comes from receiving the light of Christ:
Acting on the belief in the declaration of the Lord that all are alike unto him,
Acting on the belief that we should only speak about others in words which will edify, strengthen and build them.
Acting on the belief that all blessings which are received are but a means whereby we have the capacity to lift others.
Acting on the belief that any teachings which invite us to treat each other with greater degrees of equality are of God.
Acting on the belief when viewing the suffering of others, that ‘there but for the grace of God go I’ and put forth a hand to lift and sustain.
Acting on the belief that all positions of leadership in which one might find themselves, is a gift given to them to be able to magnify their service to others.
Acting on the belief that wealth, education and birth rights are blessings which should be used to better the conditions of others.
In no way do I consider these lists to be exhaustive, but hopefully they will stimulate moments of pondering upon how we might all become less involved in those beliefs and actions which lead to inequality and more involved in those beliefs and actions which move us along the path leading to the joy of the light of Christ.
I feel impressed to add a word of caution to those who would cast aside this Thought into the heap of Pollyanna-ish-ness, that it would be well to contemplate where continuing along the path of inequality, which caused thousands of widows to mourn for their husbands and thousands of fathers to mourn the death of their sons will bring us.
We have been given a warning voice from the ashes of those who perished 2093 years ago because of the fruits of the sins produced by rampant inequality. May the Lord bless us to be enveloped with His light and thereby partake of the fruits of His joy.
THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY
EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY
THINK + PLAN + PREPARE + DO + HUGS + PEACE + JOY + LOVE + INTEGRITY + FAITH + HOPE + CHARITY = THE GOOD LIFE
Alma describes this juxtaposition in these verses from the afore mentioned chapter which recounts a tremendous battle between those who at that point identified themselves as Lamanites and those who were counted among the Nephites.
Nephites
5 Yea, the cry of widows mourning for their husbands, and also of fathers mourning for their sons, and the daughter for the brother, yea, the brother for the father; and thus the cry of mourning was heard among all of them, mourning for their kindred who had been slain.
6 And now surely this was a sorrowful day; yea, a time of solemnity, and a time of much fasting and prayer.
12 While many thousands of others truly mourn for the loss of their kindred, yet they rejoice and exult in the hope, and even know, according to the promises of the Lord, that they are raised to dwell at the right hand of God, in a state of never-ending happiness.
Lamanites
13 And thus we see how great the inequality of man is because of sin and transgression, and the power of the devil, which comes by the cunning plans which he hath devised to ensnare the hearts of men.
All of Heavenly Father’s Children while in this Telestial World
14 And thus we see the great call of diligence of men to labor in the vineyards of the Lord; 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.
It is important to note that all of Heavenly Father’s children while in mortality have the freedom to make choices which will lead them to follow the cunning plans of he who has devised to ensnare their hearts, or to choose paths which will further them along the way towards eventually dwelling on the right hand of God, in a state of never-ending happiness.
It is interesting to note that Alma identifies that the root of all this bloodshed stemmed from the inequality of men because of their sin and transgression. Therefore, I don’t believe it is a very big stretch to say that anything which causes inequality between the mortal offspring of Heavenly Father can be labeled sin and transgression.
Choices which lead to inequality and eventual destruction:
Believing and proclaiming sentiments of superiority because of race, nationality or social status.
Using belittling and caustic words to demean others.
Acting on the belief that a difference of belief is a reason to hate others.
Acting on the belief that God has given you the blessings of privilege because of your obvious righteousness.
Acting on the belief that others are not blessed of God because of their obvious inferiority and unworthiness.
Acting on the belief that leaders are in positions which merit them the privilege of being served by others.
Acting on the belief in their superiority because of wealth, education or position of birth.
It must be noted that Alma believes the only way this sinful inequality among men will end is for those who received the call to labor diligently to bring the joy of the light of Christ into the lives of their brothers and sisters.
Choices which lead to experiencing the joy which comes from receiving the light of Christ:
Acting on the belief in the declaration of the Lord that all are alike unto him,
Acting on the belief that we should only speak about others in words which will edify, strengthen and build them.
Acting on the belief that all blessings which are received are but a means whereby we have the capacity to lift others.
Acting on the belief that any teachings which invite us to treat each other with greater degrees of equality are of God.
Acting on the belief when viewing the suffering of others, that ‘there but for the grace of God go I’ and put forth a hand to lift and sustain.
Acting on the belief that all positions of leadership in which one might find themselves, is a gift given to them to be able to magnify their service to others.
Acting on the belief that wealth, education and birth rights are blessings which should be used to better the conditions of others.
In no way do I consider these lists to be exhaustive, but hopefully they will stimulate moments of pondering upon how we might all become less involved in those beliefs and actions which lead to inequality and more involved in those beliefs and actions which move us along the path leading to the joy of the light of Christ.
I feel impressed to add a word of caution to those who would cast aside this Thought into the heap of Pollyanna-ish-ness, that it would be well to contemplate where continuing along the path of inequality, which caused thousands of widows to mourn for their husbands and thousands of fathers to mourn the death of their sons will bring us.
We have been given a warning voice from the ashes of those who perished 2093 years ago because of the fruits of the sins produced by rampant inequality. May the Lord bless us to be enveloped with His light and thereby partake of the fruits of His joy.
THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY
EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY
THINK + PLAN + PREPARE + DO + HUGS + PEACE + JOY + LOVE + INTEGRITY + FAITH + HOPE + CHARITY = THE GOOD LIFE
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)