President Faust 1920-2007
August 14, 2007 | Filed Under Church | 1 Comment
Not too long ago, I remember when President Faust came to visit the ward. Brighton and the rest of the children were on the stand and they sang for him. During the meeting, I remember him sitting there, very quietly, and I watched him. An elderly gentleman quietly looking into the faces of the congregation, and back down to his scriptures. Now when it was his turn to speak, however, he rose and stretched his arms out, smiling, and his body seemed to take on a new energy. He spoke about how special our ward was. He pronounced a blessing on the children that sang, and then on the whole congregation. A personal, special witness for us, from a living Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. I was happy to be there that day. I was glad that my son could sing for one of the Lord’s servants. President Faust has a certain quality in his voice that I really enjoy hearing. It has a certain timbre that makes me smile.
Four days ago, our Father in heaven brought President Faust back home.
Just On My Mind…
July 30, 2007 | Filed Under Politics, World, Church | 3 Comments
This blog doesn’t really touch much on politics, (that’s not really it’s purpose), but…our family is unique in its ties to Asia and so we keep up a bit on Taiwan and China and that whole mess from time to time. Without delving into it too much on this site, let me just make a few points.
First off, hat’s off to Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia for his position on access to media in the world. I think any group that doesn’t bow down to the censoreship that China imposes, is good in my book. For more thoughts on the firewall on information there, read on.
As members of the Church, naturally we hope that the gospel will thrive in China sooner rather than later, and there are encouraging signs that eventually the Communist government there will fall, (long overdue in my view) allowing that to happen more quickly. Meanwhile, Taiwan is a lighthouse, along with Japan and Hong Kong (even in transition at the moment) in that part of the world.
When we visited Taiwan last, I soon found out that discussing politics was a hot issue, with Kuei’s family and friends. And I know some of you guys read up on this blog too, (so I’ll try not to encite you too much to flame this entry!) 
But…
All interpretations aside, wouldn’t it be an interesting strategy during the Olympics next year, say…opening ceremonies….if Taiwan “officially” declared (or in some circles..restated) its independence? Ha! 
Earth-like? 10, 9, 8…
April 26, 2007 | Filed Under Architecture, Futurist, Church | 3 Comments
Maybe you’ve heard: scientists have discovered some interesting details about a planet 20 light years away, and of course the buzz is that it may be habitable, as it is believed to have similar tempertures to our earth and that it may have liquid water too. Oh, and does anyone else get the urge to play some Jamiroquai after hearing about all this space stuff? 
CNN didn’t think much of the discovery (but who really is hanging on every word they write anyway?) In any case, I like reading about this stuff.
But that’s just because I’m a bit of a futurist at heart and the whole idea of people blasting off into outer space to visit other worlds (growing up with Star Wars and Back to the Future will do that to you) is just plain cool.
As it happens, my focus at school is very much aligned with this type of idealism–clean cities, advanced building technology, architecture that integrates renewables, etc. There are a lot of modernists out there, but that crowd is a mixed bag, and I don’t know if I fall into that category. My undergrad in city planning cured me of the Le Corbusier-like architectural perspective and for that I’m grateful, but you have to appreciate the overall concept. Flying cars and all that. So I’m on board with people like Richard Branson, and others, who want to push the envelope.
Of course, when stories like these come around, the planet discoveries anyway, I tend to think about the these verses in Moses 1:
30 And it came to pass that Moses called upon God, saying: Tell me, I pray thee, why these things are so, and by what thou madest them?
31 And behold, the glory of the Lord was upon Moses, so that Moses stood in the presence of God, and talked with him face to face. And the Lord God said unto Moses: For mine own purpose have I made these things. Here is wisdom and it remaineth in me.
32 And by the word of my power, have I created them, which is mine Only Begotten Son, who is full of grace and truth.
33 And worlds without number have I created; and I also created them for mine own purpose; and by the Son I created them, which is mine Only Begotten.
34 And the first man of all men have I called Adam, which is many.
35 But only an account of this earth, and the inhabitants thereof, give I unto you. For behold, there are many worlds that have passed away by the word of my power. And there are many that now stand, and innumerable are they unto man; but all things are numbered unto me, for they are mine and I know them.
36 And it came to pass that Moses spake unto the Lord, saying: Be merciful unto thy servant, O God, and tell me concerning this earth, and the inhabitants thereof, and also the heavens, and then thy servant will be content.
37 And the Lord God spake unto Moses, saying: The heavens, they are many, and they cannot be numbered unto man; but they are numbered unto me, for they are mine.
38 And as one earth shall pass away, and the heavens thereof even so shall another come; and there is no end to my works, neither to my words.
39 For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.
Having the added perspective that comes from the restored gospel makes all of these things much more interesting to contemplate, don’t you think?
Nice Conference Weekend
April 2, 2007 | Filed Under Church, Family | 2 Comments
Here Brighton is drawing during Conference. This lasted for a little while, but then he had to find something else to keep him busy. Kuei and I listened to the talks as much as we could when Keane wasn’t needing to be changed or fed, but we brought him into the living room and let him listen to some of the music from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Saturday, I jumped on the train and went to the Priesthood meeting in the newly rededicated Tabernacle building. I agree with the Prophet’s comment that the benches are just as hard as the old ones were. But the talks were really great and it was nice to sing and be part of that great assembly of brethren there. I also heard a great adaptation of one of my favorite hymns at the close of the meeting and the arrangment was awesome.
Sunday, Brighton and I took a walk on Temple Square after the final session, to stretch the legs a bit, and that was nice.
At the moment, some notable talks that I remember enjoying, were given by: President Hinckley (Priesthood Meeting) and Elder Hales (Priesthood Meeting), Elder Eyring, Elder Packer, President Faust, Elder Coleman, and Elder Kikuchi.
Here’s the Deseret News’ coverage of the Conference here and here and here.
General Conference Soon
March 30, 2007 | Filed Under Church, Family | 1 Comment
It’s almost time for General Conference again (that link allows you to listen to it via the web…and in Mandarin if you’d like…very cool. Now listening to it via Windows Media Player, keep in mind, the coolness factor drops a ton…but still).
Yes, thousands will again descend upon downtown SLC, from near and far, to hear modern-day Prophets, Seers, and Revelators. Well, most of them. Minus the token protestor, of course.
I, for one though, am usually way excited about Conference. Probably because it is a time that easily signals that part of my faith that I have a solid testimony of–the Restoration.
Most people close to me know I like church history. None of that Work and the Glory stuff. Don’t get me wrong, that’s entertaining and if it helps someone that’s good, but I prefer a biography or the hundred-year-old-book with dust on it inside Sam Wellers. Anyway…We usually try to head over to Temple Square and just take in the vibe there, between sessions–walk around, see a Legacy Theatre film (the new one on the prophet Joseph Smith is probably my favorite there), see the Christus, etc. It’s nice in the spring. Brighton loves getting up close to the fountains and looking into the reflecting pool. The weather is supposed to be nice enough. But this time around we will be staying indoors, with Baby Keane.
A great thing about Utah is you can watch the sessions on TV in your own home. I remember when I was younger and it was a huge thing (in the midwest) just driving to church and watching the satellite broadcast, then having a meal or something in between sessions, and then watching the rest. It was cool. Either way, we are excited to hear the talks this weekend.
It’s kinda like the Superbowl for Mormons. Seriously. It’s awesome.