Witness

Dear Loved Ones, Jan.18,2007
Thank you for this opportunity to reflect and share with you my feelings for my Savior, Jesus Christ and to witness for him anew. The world, (ol ' Scratch) never stops. He wants to cheat my soul and I am always amazed at how easily he distracts me, or seduces me away from my resolve to do what I know is right. I guess that is the nature of this earth life.
The Bible tells the account of when the Lord spoke to Elijah the prophet. In 1 Kings 19:11-12 the Word of the Lord says; "And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: "And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice."
My witness to you today is that still small voice is the Holy Ghost. There is no more powerful witness of truth and light than the confirmation that comes from the Spirit. I am amazed at how this world, with the noise of its loud, obnoxious, incessant messages influences us. But I am grateful that the Lord is always there. If I will seek Him out I know I can receive the still small whisperings of the Holy Spirit. I know that this gift is unto all.
I am also grateful for what the Prophet Joseph Smith has taught me about the Holy Ghost, based on his own experience. He said: “The gift of the Holy Ghost confers upon one, as long as he is worthy, the right to receive light and truth. Obtaining the gift of the Holy Ghost is preceded by faith, repentance, and baptism. Retaining the spirit, power, and guidance of the Holy Ghost requires a righteous life—a dedicated effort to constantly comply with the laws and ordinances of the gospel." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 199.)
I can testify to you that the Spirit has confirmed to me that my Heavenly Father lives, and that He loves me. I know that my Savior, Jesus Christ suffered and died for me, and that if I will repent, I can take advantage of His Atoning sacrifice. I am grateful for the witness of the Spirit regarding the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in these latter days through a living prophet, Joseph Smith; and I am glad that he brought forth and translated the Book of Mormon which stands as his witness to the world that he was doing God's work. I know that a living prophet guides the Lord's work today. President Thomas S. Monson is a prophet indeed. I know that he communes with the heavens. I am appreciative of the saving ordinances of the Gospel, administered in the Holy Temple, which allow me the hope that I can be together with my loved ones for eternity, not just until death do we part. I am glad to be a thread in that eternal tapestry that holds us all together. I am so glad to know you all. I feel like we are all family. I just hope we can all be faithful to the witness we have recieved.
Sincerely, Danny Hastings
(P.S. Here are some resources, shared by Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, published in LDS Church magazines that have been of value to me. (See the following on the internet at LDS.org)
-James E. Faust, “Communion with the Holy Spirit,” Ensign Magazine, Mar. 2002, p.3
-Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Unspeakable Gift,” Ensign Magazine, May 2003, p.26
-Robert D. Hales, “Receiving a Testimony of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ,” Ensign Magazine, Nov. 2003, p.28

Bears

BEARS

One of the greatest experiences of my adult life was participating in Wood Badge, which is Boy Scout adult leader training. In Wood Badge, the course participants are divided into patrols,named after various animals.

I, of course belong to the Bear patrol.

My totem is Ursa Major, with the North Star as my focal point.

The theme song for the Woodbadge program is "Back to Gilwell", which refers to Gilwell Park, at Epping Forest outside London, given to the Boy Scouts by Lord MacLaren. The lyrics include the following:

"I used to be a Bear, and a good old Bear too, but now I finished Bearing, I don't know what to do. I'm growing old and feeble, and I can Bear no more, so I'[m going to work my ticket if I can;

(Chorus) Back to Gilwell, happy land, I'm going to work my ticket if I can."

Internationally known as one of the best leadership training courses, Wood Badge provides an opportunity for Adult Scout leaders to take what you learn and set significant goals for yourself. Upon successful completion of this "ticket" you are awarded your Wood Badge beads, a representation of the handcarved African tokens that Lord Baden Powell, the founder of the Scouting movement brought back with him to England from his adventures in the Boer Wars.

True to form, the Bear has become an important symbol to me. I have numerous carved, sculpted and painted Bears adorning home and office.

Welcome to my Stuph

Welcome to my way overdue Web Page (Blog). It's good to finally be able to open my "STUPH" page. I want to learn, as quick as I can how to post important stuph as well as to help visitors navigate to other pages that have stuph that is meaningful to me.

Glad is what I am that Blogger Extraordinaire, my daughter Julina has helped me put this together. Thanks to all the rest of you who have said, time and again; "When are you going to get your blog up and running?"

I just hope that what you see on this page reflects my better nature; those things that help you and me to find and share happiness all around.