"Misery is Optional"

During a Sunday morning LDS (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Fast & Testimony meeting in Hagerstown, Maryland on June 5th, 2005, Brother Francis Vancour quoted a homily that I had previously heard but since forgotten:
"Trials and tribulations are mandatory. Misery is optional."
That wise counsel struck a particular poignant chord within me as I reflected anew about my own life's history.
How grateful I am for the multitude of blessings that have been created for me as a direct result of my personal trials and tribulations.
Truly, the truths and principles of the restored gospel have brought me much understanding, appreciation, and joy in my journey through life.
Following the testimony of Brother Vancour, Sister Autumn Betts came to the pulpit to announce that "we are pregnant again.", and then tearfully expressed her joy for her family, and especially her worthy and faithful husband, who loves her and their children with all his heart.
She went on to express her profound gratitude for her marriage to such a humble Priesthood holder, who always is available to bless her and their children, by means of the Priesthood and also his own eternal love for them.
Shortly thereafter, Sister Sandy White arose and pointed out to us how the movie, "Spiderman II", reminded her of the importance of being true to what we know is true and the trust laid upon us.
As I further reflected upon all of this, I remembered how much I have been blessed whenever I strove to be true to my faith and my Priesthood ordination, despite otherwise distressing and discouraging circumstances.
For example, more than once in my life, my financial affairs have been in such peril that I despaired of ever making ends meet or even to provide a roof over my head,
However, by always paying my tithes and offerings to the Lord as my first budget priority, "the windows of Heaven" were opened for me, so much so that I could scarce receive it all. (King James Bible: Old Testament, Malachi, Chapter 3, Verse 10)
Also, as I have striven to live the health code and other commandments for Latter-day Saints, God's promise to us that "the destroying angel shall pass by..." has been fulfilled in my life many times over. (LDS Church Doctrine & Covenants: Section 89, Verse 21)
And so it is, that none of us are exempt from life's trials and tribulations, but the restored gospel strengthens us to better cope with and overcome them, so that we find joy in our journeys.

To a Romantic Defender of the Downtrodden, in Memoriam

Although my personal heroes include the great latter-day American prophet Joseph Smith and also my kinsman Patrick Henry, Thomas L. Kane ("The Little Colonel") likewise claims a special place in my heart.

He never met Joseph Smith, but perhaps became Brigham Young's best non "Mormon" friend, and spent much of the rest of his life championing the cause of the struggling Latter-day Saints, beginning after they were forcibly expelled from Nauvoo, Illinois and driven, on bare and bloody feet, out of the United States of America into what then was part of Mexico (now Utah).

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) Patriarch John Smith gave Colonel Kane one of the few Patriarchal Blessings ever bestowed upon a non-member.

Although from a well-respected and politically powerful Pennsylvania family, the Colonel was a sickly and diminutive man.

He believed that he would end his days as a lonely bachelor, but the Patriarch promised him an eventual companion and comforter to be his partner and loving help-mate.

The Colonel found great joy when he later met and married Elizabeth, and later said that his only regret was that John Smith no longer was alive to witness the fulfillment of that promised blessing.

The Patriarch also blessed Thomas that he always would be remembered and beloved by the Saints, and this also has been so.

When Thomas finally passed away and crossed the veil, I believe that both Brigham Young and John Smith were there to gratefully welcome him.

Recommended Reading: "Liberty to the Downtrodden: Thomas L. Kane, Romantic Reformer", by Matthew J. Grow, Yale University Press. 2009.

Please visit www.LarryKump.us, share this message with others, and ask them to go and do likewise!

Adieu Larry!

The death of Larry LaPrise, who died peacefully at age 93, previously escaped the attention of most of the world.
Larry wrote "The Hokey Pokey".
The most traumatic part for his family was getting him into the casket.
They put his left leg in, and then the trouble started....

Visit www.Mormon.org/Me/4Y8B to truly turn yourself around to a marvelous work and a wonder. Ask others to go and do likewise!

Please tell my Mother!

Something especially wonderful recently happened to me at the Washington, D. C. Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

There was a small multi-racial/ethnic group of us performing vicarious marriages and family sealings for others, some of whom had waited for over 200 years for this Priesthood blessing.

These Priesthood blessings (sealings) provide the means whereby husbands, wives, and children continue together in their marital and family relationships, not only here and now, but throughout Eternity.

Sister Salazar was participating in these sacred ordinances with us, and was pregnant with her next child.

Then, as she and her husband were at the altar, the realization came into my mind that her forthcoming baby's spirit also was there in the sealing room with us.

This child was ever so grateful and proud of soon being "Born under the Covenant" to this humble sister and brother, as their previous Priesthood Temple marriage sealing also would cover their yet unborn child.

The prompting from this spirit child grew stronger and stronger, and, as the sacred work progressed, I basked in this realization.

Finally, and with more than a little impatience, a small voice softly pleaded with me, "Please tell my Mother!".

And so I did!

Visit www.Mormon.org/Me/4Y8B for more about me and how I was led to my faith.