I have to clarify and correct your moms memory. It was actually an early morning as I was getting ready for Sunday meetings and I felt the weight of the ward on my shoulders. So I laid down in bed for a few minutes, in the fetal position. And your mom put her arms around me and did comfort me.
I had a great birthday last week, thanks for your birthday wishes. mom set up a late night meeting with the Smiths, Tom and becky, at Claimjumpers. We didn't each much, but we just talked for about two and a half hours. The waitress, i am sure felt frustrated since we spent all that time with no drinks and not much food. I always come away from time with tom and becky feeling uplifted and wanting to do better. This time was no different.

tom mentioned something that stuck out in my mind. He expressed his faith that God really does stand ready to bless us and help us, in whatever area of our life that we wanted the help. He really emphasized the depth of God's willingness to help. Meaning all areas of our life, and that we are the ones who limit Him due to our disbelief that God would be concerned with trivial matters.
I had a chance to put this to the test a few days later while on the golf course. I haven't golfed in about one year. Last time was with Caleb, I believe. We had the stake golf tournament last saturday and I played with president osbornes team. I wasn't really helping the team much, playing pretty erratic. Toward the end of the round, we came to the 16th tee. A 185 yard 3-par, with a strong wind blowing across our face. As I was debating what club to use, I realized, I didn't have a club in my bag that could hit this shot. In other words, I couldn't hit this shot, and I commented to the others that there was no way I could get the ball on the green.

As I placed my ball on the tee box and stood over getting ready for the shot, Tom's statement came back into my mind. I remember thinking, something to the effect of, "well, lets see how willing God is to help." I then had a remarkable thing happen. Whereas usually when i stand ready to hit a golf shot, i don't feel very comfortable. Its not natural. I feel much more at home shooting a basketball or throwing a football. But as I stood there, a sense of peace came over me and suddenly everything felt natural. I took the club back and hit the ball. In all the times I have ever hit a golf ball, never have i hit one like this. It exploded off my club face into the air. It went straight toward the flag without a hint of fading one way or the other. It literally was the perfect shot. By far the best shot I have ever hit. i was fully expecting the ball to end up in the hole. The green was actually over a hill and behind a bunker, so we couldn't see what happened until we drove up to the green. It wasn't in the hole, but had landed within five feet of the flag and had rolled by the hole about a foot to the right.
On the next hole my same erratic and unnatural feeling golf returned. So it was only for that one shot. But since it was the only shot of the day during which I had specifically thought about God's willingness to bless us in our life, in ALL AREAS, I choose to believe that it was a small tender mercy, not just a coincidence. I had made some personal commitments in my life last week to elevate my faithfulness and I think this was God's way of putting an exclamation point on the end of a revelatory week.
I am thankful to be your father/husband
dad

A Post from Mom...

Well...yesterday morning turned bad after Dad left for work....Corrie wouldn't budge or obey and her girls camp ride was soon to leave . After a good time of trying to coax/manipulate/threaten her, I lost my patience. I yelled at her and she burst into tears, sobbing uncontrolably.. Anger lingered in the air far too long. It became apparent that I had broken her heart and thankfully after a time this awareness softened mine. The spirit went to work and nudged me to lead her to the couch where I held her in my arms while communicating my love for her and how sorry I was for yelling. Corrie gave me the gift of forgiveness as we lay there together soaking in the moment.

After finally getting her and all her stuff to the Scott's by 10:30 am----I broke. Thankfully Leslie was there for me as I crumbled emotionally. She led me to her couch, wrapped her loving arms around me and listened with understanding. I sobbed for 20 minutes and was given the gift of friendship and love which I desperately needed. I left feeling better and felt encouraged in my efforts to be a better mother.

The moral of this story is.......there's no substitute for human touch and physical presence when we're struggling.

It reminds me of a time when Dad was serving as Bishop, carrying the burdens of the ward....he came home late one night especially heavy. Nothing was said and confidences were kept. Comfort came to your dad as I lied next to him and communicated my love in silence.

Physical Touch is a beautiful language ! I hope we speak it often :)

Me again. I decided that since nobody else pays attention to this blog I will make it my own personal blog. Feel free to comment whenever you so desire. (Then again, I'm not sure anybody actually reads this; however I find documenting my thoughts therapeutic.)
So in sacrament meeting last week a girl mentioned going to efy, and one of the speakers asked the youth to draft their own scriptural "dream team." As the NBA finals come to a close, I thought about the top five people from the scriptures I would want on my team, and why. So here's my pick:
1. Nephi, son of Helaman-There are very few times when God has given a human as much power and authority as He gave Nephi. He could do this because he knew that Nephi would never do anything against his will. I would love to be that aligned with my Maker. Also, Nephi and Lehi converted over 8,000 people. That's quite an accomplishment.
2. Captain Moroni- Alma 48:17 says if every man were like Moroni, "the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever." A statement like that denotes unwavering righteousness to me. But Moroni wasn't a sissy either. He was a mighty warrior, and never shied away from conflict in order to defend truth. His title of liberty was a visual sign of that.
3. Paul: I have found that those who fought with the most energy and conviction against the church, and then were converted, fought with even more energy and conviction for it. Paul is one of those men. I admire his 180 degree turn around, proof of the power of repentance and forgiveness. Also, he has so many incredible discourses in the new testament on the doctrines of the church.
4. Joseph of Egypt-He got dealt a pretty unlucky hand in the beginning. If his brothers weren't selling him off into slavery, Potiphar's wife was accusing him of rape. And what did he do to deserve it? And yet he remained faithful and worked his way to the top. He even forgave his brothers and helped them survive the famine. Joseph didn't let adversity define him.
5. Ruth-One, because I want a girl on my team. Two, because I love how she is described in the scriptures. She is loyal-- She cleaves unto her mother-in-law, even when it would have probably been better for her to go back to her family after her husband dies. She is "steadfastly minded," which means that her beliefs and decisions weren't swayed by others. She knew what she wanted, and went for it. Also, the whole city knew Ruth as a "virtuous woman." She was pure in action and thought, and her reputation reflected it.

Anyone is welcome to comment on their own personal dream team!

Fortifying our lives

Hey Fam! It's been a while since anyone has posted... Let's not let the blog die!

In Alma 50 Moroni fortifies his city in preparation for war. He uses many strategies, including towers, heaps of earth, and stones. I urge you all to read Alma 50, and share how one of these strategies is symbolic of a way we can fortify our own lives against the adversary. I look forward to your insights!

loving our neighbors

I love blogs. After scanning over a few of my favorites this morning (namely, this one, Justyn & Jeff's, Cakewrecks.com, and mylifeisaverage), I was looking for another one that my friend Maria told me I would like. I couldn't remember the name--just that it had something to do with a family in utah. So I googled it. I couldn't find the blog, but the first hit that popped up was a blog where people who are moving can find out about a certain area before they move there. The question: "We are non-LDS and are moving to Utah. What will our experience be like there?" Unfortunately, a majority of the responses teetered on the negative side. One in particular said, "If you aren't LDS and are moving to Utah, expect to be lonely. My family moved there, and we never felt welcome. Some families wouldn't even let their kids play with ours because we weren't Mormon."
In temple prep today we discussed covenants, and I reflected upon the sad experience that this family had in "Zion." At baptism we make promises to "mourn with those that mourn" and "comfort those that stand in need of comfort." What have we learned if not to love those around us? We have promised God that we will take care of his children. It made me reflect on how I treat the people on the "fringe." I have always admired the way Corrie loves unconditionally, and I think I could be a little better at inviting those who are a little different into my circle--regardless of their beliefs.

Lessons in Humility and Gratitude

So I got a healthy serving of humble pie this morning. The Clyde building was evacuated and locked down due to an electrical mishap leading to the release of carbon monoxide to the building. As a result, my books were locked up. While bemoaning my fate (instead of being grateful for not being injured, that no one was hurt, etc.) and whining via text to friends I turned a corner toward my car while walking and slipped on a smooth sheet of black ice. The cell phone in one hand flew across the street and the textbook I was holding was launched in the air, only to land squarely in my face. Dizzy and sore, I tried to get up and fell right back down...twice, much to the enjoyment of passing vehicles. Looking up at the sky from my new perspective it was as if I heard, "Fine. You want something to cry about? Here ya go." I got up laughing and embarrassed.

However, we are often so consumed by the inconsequential details of life that we become negative about the silliest things. It is interesting that while hundreds of thousands suffer in Haiti (Read First Presidency statement) and other places, we can be frustrated by that which is of no consequence. Hopefully, we can all seek to concern ourselves with that which matters most and turn our talents and resources outward to those in real need.

Just finished my first day of P90X and I'm already feeling tight and sore in my shoulders and back. Sorry for the temporal statement on a spiritual blog site, but its the first thing that came to my mind.
I am grateful for the stake conference weekend. One of the speakers in conf. was Pres. Slusser's daughter in law. A couple of months ago while at a stop light in temecula, an 18 year old driver, looking down at his cell phone, hit her from behind going about 70 mph. She has broken bones, vertebrae and hasn't fully recovered yet, but the blessing of the accident was that instead of taking her two kids with her, she had decided to leave them at home, saving their lives.

She shared that one night during her rehab she had feelings of anger toward this teenager and his thoughtless act. He could have taken her children away from her. As she was sitting on her son's bed the impression came to her that if she was faithful to gospel and temple covenants she would always have her son, whether in this life or not. The impression then came to her that maybe the prompting to leave her kids at home wasn't for her, but was for the benefit of another of God's children; this young teenager. If he would have killed her children, it may have very well destroyed his earthly life. It was a profound insight.

Another realization I had this week came from my pat. blessing. I received this blessing when I was 18 years old. I've read it many times and it still helps bring insight into my life. One line from my blessing states that through much prayer and hard work I will be able to withstand the "buffetings" of satan. At one point in my life I had looked up the definition of a buffeting. It means to hit or strike repeatedly, either by a person or the wind. I never have felt that our family or I have really faced that kind of adversity.

This past week I looked up another definition. Buffet, as you know, can be pronounced, in French, "buf-ay" and mean a table set up with a lot of side dishes, from which, one serves him/herself. Suddenly, this part of my blessing made much more sense to me. I am surrounded by the buffetings of satan. There are many items in my life, laid out in front of me, as if on a buffet table, that wet my appetites and when I partake, I inevitably end up serving myself.
I am thankful for personal revelations that come to us, to help us become "more profitable servants". Whether it is intended to help us use our time more wisely, of bless the lives of family or friends, it still builds the kingdom.
love you all
dad

Wow! This is a great thing.....your "technically challenged" mom finally made it in. This is my first time into the blog world. Thank you Justyn for getting us started.

After reading all your profound comments, I'm a little intimidated....but this is a familiar feeling since marrying your dad. I have loved reading your thoughts and impressions and am excited to learn from each other in this way.

My thoughts during gospel doctrine last week were how I love our current teacher. She is a very plain, ordinary, old fashioned woman but teaches with the spirit and has the ability to pull a meaningful discussion out of us each week. I then thought of my institute teacher, who is very much the same type of individual and again has the ability to teach with the spirit. She had us studying Mosiah 4 and we read verse 13 it hit me with great force..."And ye will not have a mind to injure one another, but to live peaceably". Sister Sevy pointed out that if the Atonement is working in our lives, it will show in the way we treat others. I then remembered an incident that happened earlier this week. I went to Rite Aid (our pharmacy of choice) to pick up a prescription for Corrie. The lady at the counter apologized and said it wasn't in yet and to return the following day. The next morning I got a call from the pharmacy telling me that the medicine hadn't arrived and would be in the next day which was Wednesday. On Wednesday I again went into Rite Aid to get the prescription, this time with Corrie in toe and not very compliant. I was in a hurry and she was stopping to touch every item in the store and wanting to visit with the ice cream counter help. My patience was wearing thin and I had to gently push her from behind to the pharmacy counter. I asked for the prescription and several minutes later the technician returned with news that they have no record of the order. This was not good news and I could feel myself getting frustrated. I assured her that the medicine must be somewhere as I had gotten their calls and related the history of events I have explained above. While we were conversing, Corrie had managed to slip through the barrier door wanting to help the pharmacist find her medicine. By the time I got her out of there, my frustration had reached it's peak...only to have the woman declare there was nothing more she could do. I then heard myself snap at her and say, "That's impossible... It's got to be here somewhere!" So, it was somewhat of a face-off.....and we just both sat there in silence until I relented and drug Corrie out of the store to the car. I was not happy!

Well, the story goes that I got in the car and gathered myself and then called your dad. And when I told him the story he calmly replied...."Oh, I called that prescription into Albertsons."
I knew right then I had an apology to make and have felt ashamed of my actions ever since. It is obvious I need to make some changes in my life and grateful I have a loving, forgiving Heavenly Father.

Mom

Like in Moses 1, God also taught Abraham in similar manner. First teaching him that he was a son of God and then proceeded to "show" Abraham the "works of His hands".
With God there is no hidden secrets or hypocrisy. So in confidence He can ask a son to watch him, what he does, how he acts, how he treats others.... the list goes on.

It is humbling to think back at all of the things I have done as a father that I'm not proud of. As I have been studying the past few weeks I have really felt a desire to become better, stronger, more in tune. I want to be a father that can confidently ask his children to "do as I do" rather then "do as I say, not as I do"

One of the things that has helped me the past several days is in my personal prayer. Too often I found myself distracted during prayer or just plain tired and falling asleep. For the past week I have been saying my prayers kneeling at the bed of Corrie. I found as I held her hand and prayed, I felt love for her, as well as an increased accountability and desire. My prayers have been more ernest and sincere.
thanks for all of your posts
dad

My Heavenly Father Loves Me...

I enjoyed reading Lindsey's comments and dads' as well about being a parent. I don't have quite as insightful thoughts about the Old Testament lesson on Sunday because I was teaching 10 year olds...and really how insightful can you be when they are having a contest to see how many sour smarties they can put in their mouth without gagging???

I do however want to share some thoughts about a sacrament talk given by a man in our ward. He talked about the fact that we can improve our lives and be better, but we need to be doing what God wants or needs us to do. There are many times when we want to be at a specific point in our life, and even though we are being richeous and doing the things we are supposed to be doing, God might have a different plan for us. He shared a story about a man who was walking down a road and saw a curry??? bush. Curry bushes are supposed to bring forth fruit, but this specific bush was all intertwined with itself, and producing no fruit. He tried to cut off some of the limbs, but in the end, decided the only thing he could do is cut the whole bush down to the roots. Once he had done this, he heard the bush say, "why did you do this? I was the biggest and tallest bush in the whole area, and I was doing just fine. I thought you were my Gardener...why would you do this to me?" The man responded that he was indeed the Gardener, and he new what was best for the curry bush, and that one day, when the bush is full of fruit, he will then realize that the Gardener was right. He tells the bush, I love you enough to hurt you.

The "Gardener" goes on his way, and joins the army. He works his way up and aspires to be a General. There becomes an opening to be the next General, and there really are only two people being considered...the "Gardener" and another man. The "Gardener" has had much more experience, is liked by everyone, and is very confident that his dream of being a General will come true. However, when he goes into the office to hear the news, he is told he was not chosen. As he is standing in the office reflecting on why he wouldn't get the position, he sees his file on the desk, and in big bold letters the word "MORMON." He realized then that the reason he didn't get the position was because he was a mormon. When he went home, he began to ask God why??? He had done everything he was ever supposed to do, been richeous, and all he ever wanted was to be a General. Why would God do this to him??? Just then, he heard a voice say, "I am the Gardener, and I know what is best for you curry bush, and one day, when you are full of fruit, you will then realize that I was right. I love you enough to hurt you." He then realized that being a General was not part of the Lord's plan for him. He went on to be a successful businessman, and eventually an Apostle of the Lord (I am not sure which apostle...that was mentioned as I was practicing the next organ song in my head).

So many times in life we don't see the bigger picture. God knows what is best for us...he will never betray us or hurt us for no reason. I find myself trying to figure out why I am so blessed? There have been times in my life when I have not done the things I was supposed to do. Even now there are days where I go without saying my prayers or reading the scriptures. For the longest time, and even now, I think of ways God is going to get back at me...The last year or so I thought it would be my ability to have children. I worried so much that I wouldn't be able to get pregnant, and that I would have to deal with that challenge in my life. When I found out I was pregnant, I was so excited, and humbled. I realized God is very forgiving, and he wants us to be happy. He doesn't sit up in Heaven trying to think of hardships we can go through depending upon what we did wrong in life. He loves us...he loves me. I am so thankful for the life I have right now....I really don't deserve to be so happy.

Another thing mentioned on Sunday was "the best time to plant a tree was 30 years ago...the second best time to plant a tree is today." Now is the time to change our lives, and start doing the things we are supposed to be doing. There is no better time than right now. I have made several New Year's Resolutions, and I hope that I can commit and keep with them for the remainder of my life. I have so much to be thankful for, and doing the things I am supposed to be doing is my small way of saying thank you to my Heavenly Father.

Abraham 3

In gospel doctrine today we had a great lesson about Abraham 3. In verses 22-23 God shows Abraham the "noble and great" ones of His human family. These souls were foreordained to be rulers among the children of men. Abraham is included in this group, as God says, "Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou was born." Our teacher posed an interesting question: "How do we know when we have done all we were foreordained to do?" As I pondered this question, Richard G. Scott's conference talk came to mind. Elder Scott shares an experience when he received some personal revelation in a Sunday school class. As he wrote down his impressions he asked, "Was there yet more to be given?" And more was given. I think the same applies to us in regards to our foreordained missions on this earth. Our potential is not limited to one grand accomplishment. We can ALWAYS be doing more to further the work. I'm sure Joseph Smith did not think to himself after the first vision, "Wow, that was great. Now that I have discovered the answers to my questions, things can go back to normal." He not only discovered the truths about the nature of God that were lost centuries before; God had even more in store for the young prophet. He later translated the Book of Mormon, restored the priesthood and temple ordinances, and brought us other scripture such as the Doctrine and Covenants and the JST of the Bible. Eventually he would seal his testimony with his blood. Perhaps death is the only thing that can determine if we have done all we were foreordained to do. As Elder Scott testified, God will always give us more if we ask. The trick is to have an attitude of humility. No matter how much positive influence we have had already in our lives, we will always have a capacity for more if we turn our lives and our will over to the Lord.

Moses 1

I am at work and have a few moments to express some thoughts about last weeks lesson, Moses 1. As I ponder my role as a father (something Jeff may be doing right about now), I am grateful for Moses 1. It is full of doctrine, but is a great example of what parenting was intended to be. A great work, which brings great glory. Sometimes we get caught up with the challenges of the work part. That seems to be the default position or the natural man in all of us. Notice how a loving Father contacts his son and from the start of that conversation, encourages him with his devine potential. "I am God and.... thou art my son" Moses is shown his divine potential and the workmanship of God's hand.
Talk about a father who builds up this children and see's their potential, not their limitations.

Once God leaves and Moses is left to himself, the natural, earthly influences drag him down to the earth and satan comes tempting. satan chooses to focus on the limitations of Moses, calling him a "son of man" and trying to get him to focus on the worldly, carnal and devilish.

Clearly we are the son/daughters of man, subject to all manner of weaknesses and limitations. But we are also the sons/daughters of God who have potential and possibilities for "exaltation and eternal life"

As a father I need to be better at putting off my natural default. We can do this by drawing nearer to God, overcoming gravity or the earthly pull, to ascend to the mountain (temple) to meet God. To be shown His creations and ultimately enter into His presence.
Moses 1 is a great pattern for parents and life.

I really look forward to this family blog. Had a great experience reading Moses 1 yesterday. I hope to share some of my thoughts later this week, in preparation for this coming sunday
love you all
brad

Snell Family Blog

We have decided to create a blog!!! Mom and Dad wanted a place where we could all go to share our thoughts, ideas, and spiritual experiences in studying the Old Testament this year in church. Hopefully this will better prepare us for our classes on Sunday, and help us grow closer and more united as a family.