Thoughts on a Day: Sunday, a Day of Rest, a Day of Fasting

Sunday, July 31, 1990

Sunday is the day of rest and rejuvenation for the spirit. I used to think that ‘fast’ Sunday was not fast at all. How could it be a ‘rest’ day when we hurried to meetings and home to hurry through dinner so we could hurry to another meeting?

Dad was gone from early morn til night. There was no time for rest. I hear my mother’s voice saying, “There is no rest for the wicked and the righteous do not need any.” I never figured out if we were wicked or righteous because I tried to do good but I felt I could use some rest.

I did know that the realization, that the fast Sunday did not mean the day would go speedily by, came to me through years of maturing and experiencing beautiful spiritual feasts.

At an early age I began to understand the feelings which permeate my soul. I feel a great uplift to my spirit. I realize that by participating in fasting and prayer I am fed. ‘Fast’ is to hold me ‘fast’ to the gospel.

-EHG

Thoughts on a Day: Claude's Call into the Stake Presidency

Special Stake Conference in Heber City, Utah, April 28,1991

Out of respect for President Howard W. Hunter, the entire congregation became silent, and quietly arose from their seats. It was a spiritual feeling to know we are all in the Lord's house on the Sabbath. We are here to be edified and hopefully can edify another. 

The children are singing a quiet music medley. "I Am a Child of God," "Jesus Once Was a Little Child," "Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam," "I Will Follow Jesus," "I Wonder When He Comes Again," "Jesus Came to John the Baptist," "Keep the Commandments," and "Love Is Spoken Here." Think how good we would be if we just followed the counsel in these songs.

After the beginning business, the time was turned to Elder Hunter. He said there are many hues to Stake conference--some preaching and some business. This conference is to take care of business. He then released President Harvey Hornet and said, "What will be loss to Heber City Stake will be a blessing to those in China."

He explained how some of the authorities are appointed to attend to seek a new Stake President. They talked with each member of the Stake Presidency, High Council, Bishops and some former Bishops. Their recommendations were considered. 

President Jones presented the changes. He spoke of what a wonderful experience it was to be with Brother Hunter. He then made the change: President was Randall K. Proust, with Phil B. Lyons and Claude R. Hicken as counselors. 

What a thrill and joy for us and how great it would have been for his mother to see him truly be back from his teenage detour.

Claude's response to his new call. 
He was thankful for the gospel which allows him to serve. The gospel brings blessings. How fast four years have gone since he has been on the High Council. He expressed his love and respect for the outgoing presidency. 

He pledged his love and support for the new Presidency. He expressed love for brothers and sister and said he had been slow to listen to them. He expressed love for his father, "He may be small in stature but he is big in spirit. He is blunt and plain but what he says is right."

He expressed thanks for two mothers. He thanked June for her effort to knock of his rough edges. 

Keep the commandments. Love the Lord. Prophets walk the earth. 
Elder Hunter mentioned he had said to President Jones,"We'll divide time equally." That reminded him of President Le Grand Richards. Elder Hunter remembered, "We said we'd go 50/50 for the balance of time. I went first. They had come to hear President Richards. I said a few things about him and set down. President Richards leaned forward and said, 'What kind of 50/50 is that?'" 

Elder Hunter then told of a man who advertised rabbit meat for sale. Some had complained about the meat, so he appeared before the Judge. The Judge said, "Do you add other meat?" 

He nodded yes. 

"What do you add?" asked the Judge. 

The man replied, "I add horse meat." 

The Judge asked, "How much?" 

The man answered, "50/50: one horse and one rabbit."

Elder Hunter continues:
He spoke of the lepers where ten were healed and only one returned to give thanks. We should have appreciation for all we have. Some seminary students were given a sheet of paper and asked to write the names of all they owed a debt of gratitude. One by one they realized it was an impossible task to list all of those who have served them.

As Elder Hunter talked to us before he set Claude apart, he joked with Dad about his family. He wanted to hear about them, and Dad said that would be bragging. He told him that was all right and he should be proud of his family. Dad was delighted to do so, and Elder Hunter was pleased to hear of a good active family who has served the Lord. That is the recipe to life and the path to Eternal life.

We are proud of Claude and know he will serve well.

-EHG 

Thoughts on a Day: Driving Up Provo Canyon

A Topic of Conversation Which Came as We Drove Up Provo Canyon

Sunday 1991

There was a man fishing in the middle of the river. We saw him stamp his foot very hard as if he were angry. We determined he had either stomped on a fish or one had just gotten off his hook.

Perhaps it could be, he was fishing on the Sabbath day to get frustrations out of his soul. Maybe he should become active in catching the spirit of love of the gospel and stamp his feet firmly at Church rather than in a river. That would catch his soul and put it where it should be for the Lord who is the Fisher of Men.

We always drive that canyon in awe. The weather and seasons change the aesthetic view every time. We talk of the ruggedness of the mountains. Grandma Vay always spoke of those mountains as being formed and pushed up in Book of Mormon days during the tumult of the earth at the time of the crucifixion of the Savior. As we look from the lower parts to the majestic peaks, we think she could have been right. That makes us think of the blessings we have and the faith of those who survived that change in the earth.

We wonder if we could have been survivors. Or for that matter could we have been strong resilient pioneers? We know we believe in the gospel, but we have to get ourselves more dedicated and committed to not falter in the course we take.

-EHG