The Currant Bush -You sometimes wonder whether the Lord really knows what he ought to do with you. You sometimes wonder if you know better than he does about what you ought to do and ought to become. I am wondering if I may tell you a story that I have told quite often in the Church. It is a story that is older than you are. It’s a piece out of my own life, and I’ve told it in many stakes and missions. It has to do with an incident in my life when God showed me that he knew best. -I was living up in Canada. I had purchased a farm. It was run-down. I went out one morning and saw a currant bush. It had grown up over six feet high. It was going all to wood. There were no blossoms and no currants. I was raised on a fruit farm in Salt Lake before we went to Canada, and I knew what ought to happen to that currant bush. So I got some pruning shears and went after it, and I cut it down, and pruned it, and clipped it back until there was nothing left but a little clump of stumps. It was just coming daylight, and I thought I saw on top of each of these little stumps what appeared to be a tear, and I thought the currant bush was crying. I was kind of simpleminded (and I haven’t entirely gotten over it), and I looked at it, and smiled, and said, “What are you crying about?” You know, I thought I heard that currant bush talk. And I thought I heard it say this: “How could you do this to me? I was making such wonderful growth. I was almost as big as the shade tree and the fruit tree that are inside the fence, and now you have cut me down. Every plant in the garden will look down on me, because I didn’t make what I should have made. How could you do this to me? I thought you were the gardener here.” That’s what I thought I heard the currant bush say, and I thought it so much that I answered. I said, “Look, little currant bush, I am the gardener here, and I know what I want you to be. I didn’t intend you to be a fruit tree or a shade tree. I want you to be a currant bush, and some day, little currant bush, when you are laden with fruit, you are going to say, ‘Thank you, Mr. Gardener, for loving me enough to cut me down, for caring enough about me to hurt me. Thank you, Mr. Gardener.’ ” -Time passed. Years passed, and I found myself in England. I was in command of a cavalry unit in the Canadian Army. I had made rather rapid progress as far as promotions are concerned, and I held the rank of field officer in the British Canadian Army. And I was proud of my position. And there was an opportunity for me to become a general. I had taken all the examinations. I had the seniority. There was just one man between me and that which for ten years I had hoped to get, the office of general in the British Army. I swelled up with pride. And this one man became a casualty, and I received a telegram from London. It said: “Be in my office tomorrow morning at 10:00,” signed by General Turner in charge of all Canadian forces. I called in my valet, my personal servant. I told him to polish my buttons, to brush my hat and my boots, and to make me look like a general because that is what I was going to be. He did the best he could with what he had to work on, and I went up to London. I walked smartly into the office of the General, and I saluted him smartly, and he gave me the same kind of a salute a senior officer usually gives—a sort of “Get out of the way, worm!” He said, “Sit down, Brown.” -Then he said, “I’m sorry I cannot make the appointment. You are entitled to it. You have passed all the examinations. You have the seniority. You’ve been a good officer, but I can’t make the appointment. You are to return to Canada and become a training officer and a transport officer. Someone else will be made a general.” That for which I had been hoping and praying for ten years suddenly slipped out of my fingers. -Then he went into the other room to answer the telephone, and I took a soldier’s privilege of looking on his desk. I saw my personal history sheet. Right across the bottom of it in bold, block-type letters was written, “THIS MAN IS A MORMON.” We were not very well liked in those days. When I saw that, I knew why I had not been appointed. I already held the highest rank of any Mormon in the British Army. He came back and said, “That’s all, Brown.” I saluted him again, but not quite as smartly. I saluted out of duty and went out. I got on the train and started back to my town, 120 miles away, with a broken heart, with bitterness in my soul. And every click of the wheels on the rails seemed to say, “You are a failure. You will be called a coward when you get home. You raised all those Mormon boys to join the army, then you sneak off home.” I knew what I was going to get, and when I got to my tent, I was so bitter that I threw my cap and my saddle brown belt on the cot. I clinched my fists and I shook them at heaven. I said, “How could you do this to me, God? I have done everything I could do to measure up. There is nothing that I could have done—that I should have done—that I haven’t done. How could you do this to me?” I was as bitter as gall. -And then I heard a voice, and I recognized the tone of this voice. It was my own voice, and the voice said, “I am the gardener here. I know what I want you to do.” -The bitterness went out of my soul, and I fell on my knees by the cot to ask forgiveness for my ungratefulness and my bitterness. While kneeling there I heard a song being sung in an adjoining tent. A number of Mormon boys met regularly every Tuesday night. I usually met with them. We would sit on the floor and have a Mutual Improvement Association. As I was kneeling there, praying for forgiveness, I heard their voices singing: “It may not be on the mountain height Or over the stormy sea; It may not be at the battle’s front My Lord will have need of me; But if, by a still, small voice he calls To paths that I do not know, I’ll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in thine: I’ll go where you want me to go.” -I arose from my knees a humble man. And now, almost fifty years later, I look up to him and say, “Thank you, Mr. Gardener, for cutting me down, for loving me enough to hurt me.” I see now that it was wise that I should not become a general at that time, because if I had I would have been senior officer of all western Canada, with a lifelong, handsome salary, a place to live, and a pension when I’m no good any longer, but I would have raised my six daughters and two sons in army barracks. They would no doubt have married out of the Church, and I think I would not have amounted to anything. I haven’t amounted to very much as it is, but I have done better than I would have done if the Lord had let me go the way I wanted to go. -I wanted to tell you that oft-repeated story because there are many of you who are going to have some very difficult experiences: disappointment, heartbreak, bereavement, defeat. You are going to be tested and tried to prove what you are made of. I just want you to know that if you don’t get what you think you ought to get, remember, “God is the gardener here. He knows what he wants you to be.” Submit yourselves to his will. Be worthy of his blessings, and you will get his blessings. -Elder Hugh B. Brown, “The Currant Bush,” New Era, Jan. 1973

Poem- Just fallen snow --The snow just fell. -After, the sun just hung there in the haze; The afternoon just cold, drear, grey. All around, the snow just heavy, wet; the tall weeds in the meadow just sticking out of the sodden ground, like a field of just cut straw, just recovering. -by Danny Hastings

Obituary - Andrea Hastings Lemmon --It goes without stating that the most profound change in my life this past year, let alone for many years was the passing of my daughter Andrea. She died on her mother's birthday, July 9, 2012 very suddenly and unexpectedly of a silent killer, spinal meningitis. We had no warning, no way to intercede and counter the desease, which was not identified until after her death. I thought it fitting, considering my intent to update this blog and write a little in the future to include her Obituary.. Andrea, we all miss you. Love you. Andrea Hastings Lemmon who currently lives in Houston, Texas passed away unexpectedly, Monday, July 9, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada at age 32. A beloved and devoted wife, mother, and daughter, Andrea was born in Provo, Utah, January 21, 1980. From early childhood, she was a resident of Las Vegas, Nevada. She was active in music, dance, sports, and worked as a lifeguard and swimming coach. She attended Valley High School and graduated from Silverado High school in 1998. Andrea received her Bachelor’s degree teaching Physical Education from Brigham Young University. Andrea met the love of her life, Kyle David Lemmon in college and they were married in the Las Vegas Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on August 16, 2002. She was a lifelong, faithful member of the Church, devoting her time in teaching and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Andrea taught high school until the birth of the first of her three precious daughters. Her family was the focus of her love, time, and effort. She found great joy in encouraging those around her to exercise and was always willing to help and support others. She loved spontaneity, going on family adventures, everything BYU, going to the beach, reading books, spending time with her family, and doing all she could to make her husband and three daughters to feel happy and loved. She is survived by her husband, Kyle; daughters, Brooklyn Michele, age 7; Karalee Jo, age 4; and Katelyn Jane, age 2; her parents Danny and Michele Hastings and siblings, Nathan (Liz), Ryan (Kacy), Loralee (Taylor) Warner, Julina, and Karalyn (Paul) Groesbeck. A funeral was held Saturday, July 14 at 10:00 AM at the Paradise Stake Center, 1725 Palora Ave. in Las Vegas. There was visitation Friday evening, July 13 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Palm Mortuary, 7600 S. Eastern Ave., Las Vegas and at 9:00 AM at the Palora chapel on Saturday before the funeral service. (Note; It rained the day before the funeral and dramatically cooled down the temperature in Las Vegas. During the viewing there was a beautiful rainbow across the Eastern sky and many people saw it, and commented on it, and were comforted by it as a sign.)

January 2013 update

I haven't done anything with this blog for a long time. Over the last couple of years, I have focused much of my communicating in the spider Web over Yahoo email (which is dependable)and then on facebook (which is very rewarding, but tedious and which is a drama queen in and of itself) and then in my facebook group, 'Stuph', which has been OK for me as a sub category in which to put more spiritual things, but which has been a disappointment to me personally, considering that there are almost 500 members and only a hand full have ever responded or used it as a means of expanding a base of spiritual awareness, sharing of testimony, etc. Although facebook has it's place,I am weary of those formats. I also enjoy Goodreads, which is more interesting and horizon broadening. As I get older I feel more intensely the need to spend more time reading/writing and less time chatting in social media. A friend encouraged me to write more. It seems that this is a more appropriate format for sharing what may come from time to time. So I may be putting more posts up in the coming days. (As Stephen Stills wrote, "For what it's worth")

The Atonement - A study guide for Easter

The Atonement- The last week of the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ

Study Guide for Easter - April 2012

compiled by Danny Hastings



Sources:
The Scriptures; Bible Dictionary, p.693- Harmony of the Gospels;

Our Lord of the Gospels, J. Reuben Clark, p.361;

Jesus the Christ, James E. Talmage, Chaps.29-37;

Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, Bruce R. McConkie, pp. 573-851.



Introduction- John 11:1-46 Jesus raises Lazarus from the Dead, Effect upon the Jewish

hierarchy; Talmage, pp. 496-8; McConkie, pp. 518-523.

Luke 18:31-34 Jesus foretells his own death

Notes- 1. Jewish Days- Begin at sunset, not at midnight; Talmage, p.593, fn. K.

2. Differences in the Four Gospels:

- Matthew- Publican, educated, eyewitness, Apostle, written to the Jews.

- Mark- Peter’s Gospel- “living picture of a living Man”.

- Luke- Paul’s missionary companion, physician, miracles, to the Gentiles.

- John- Beloved Disciple, written last, contrasts Jesus with Jewish authority.



Sixth Day before the Passover- SUNDAY, (begins Saturday Evening); Talmage, p. 510.

John 12:1-9 Dinner in Bethany with Lazarus, Mary, Martha

esp. vs. 3 Mary anoints Jesus’ feet

John 12:10-11 Chief Priests plot against Lazarus; McConkie, pp.573-4.

Matt. 21:1-11 Triumphal entry into Jerusalem; (see also John 12:12-16).

Luke 19:41-44 Jesus weeps over Jerusalem



Fifth Day before the Passover- MONDAY, Spent at the Temple; Talmage, p. 524.

Mark 11:15-18 Cleansing of the Temple



Fourth Day before the Passover- TUESDAY, In the Temple at Jerusalem

Matt. 21:23-27 Pharisees challenge Jesus’Authority, Jesus responds in parables

Matt. 21:28-32 Two sons

Matt. 22:1-14 Marriage of the King’s Son; McConkie, pp. 596-9.

Matt. 22:15-22 Tribute to Caesar

Mark 12:1-12 Wicked husbandman

Mark 12:28-34 The Great Commandment

Mark 12:41-44 The Widow’s Mite;

Matt. 23:1-36 Jesus condemns the Pharisees, (woes)



Third Day before the Passover- WEDNESDAY, (Tues evening), Mt. of Olives; Talmage, p.569

Matt. 24:1-51 Discourse, signs of the Second Coming

(see also Mark 13:9-13, Luke 21:7-31, 34-37).

Jesus then gave the following “Parables of Passion-tide” to the Disciples

Matt. 25:1-13 Parable of the Ten Virgins; (see also D&C 45:56-59)

Matt. 25:14-30 Parable of the Talents

Matt. 25:31-46 The Last Judgment, (sheep/goats)



Second Day before the Passover- THURSDAY, Bethany to Jerusalem

(First Day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread); Talmage, p.592.

Matt. 26:1-5 Prophecy of His own death

Matt. 26:6-16 Feast with Simon the Leper; McConkie, pp. 697-700.

Luke 22:3 Judas conspires with the Sanhedren, (see also John 12:4-6).

Mark 14:12-16 Disciples sent to prepare Passover



Eve of the Passover- FRIDAY, (Thursday evening); Talmage, p. 593, fn. I.

Matt. 26:19-30 Last Supper, (elements:)

Matt. 26:20 Eating the Paschal Lamb; Talmage, p. 617, chap. note 1.

Matt. 26:21-25 Betrayer identified

Matt. 26:26-29 Sacrament instituted

John 13:3-17 Disciples feet washed; McConkie, pp. 707-11.

John 13:10-11, 21-30 Judas goes out to betray Jesus, (and it was night)

John 13:31- Chaps.14-16 Jesus’ discourse, instructions to 11 Disciples

John 17:1-26 Intercessory Prayer

Mark 14:27-31 Disciples declare their loyalty

Matt. 26:30 Journey to the Garden of Gethsemane, Mt. of Olives

Mark 14:32-42 Suffering in the Garden, (amazed); Talmage, p. 610.

(see also D&C 19:15-19; Mosiah 3:7, Blood from every pore)

Mark 14:43-45 Betrayal, arrest; (see also Luke 22:47-48).

John 18:12-14, 24 Hearing before Annas

Mark 14:53-64 Hearing at night to find false witnesses, (before Caiaphas)

Matt. 26:69-75 Peter’s denial

Luke 22:63-65 Officers mock, smite Jesus



FRIDAY Morning From Jerusalem to Golgotha (Calvary)

Luke 22:66-71 Formal Jewish Trial; Talmage, p. 644, chap. note 4.

John 18:28-38 First hearing before Pontius Pilate

Matt. 27:3-10 Death of Judas Iscariot

Luke 23:6-12 Hearing before Herod, Tetrarch of Galilee

Luke 23:13-23 Second Hearing before Pilate; (see also Matt. 27:17-19).

Matt. 27:24-25 Pilate washes his hands

Mark 15:15-20 Jesus is scourged, mocked by the soldiers

Luke 23:26-31 Jesus led away to Golgotha, (Daughters of Jerusalem)

Mark 15:22-25 Crucifixion (Third hour, 9:00 AM); Talmage, pp. 654-662.

Luke 23;44-45 Darkness covers the earth (Sixth hour, Noon)

Matt. 27:50-54 Death of Jesus (Ninth hour, 3:00 PM); McConkie, pp. 814-7.

John 19:31-37 Messianic prophecies fulfilled; McConkie, pp. 834-5.

Luke 23:50-56 Burial of Jesus’ body by Joseph of Arimathaea

John 19:39-42 Nicodemus’ interaction



Passover SATURDAY, (Friday evening)

Matt. 27:62-66 Sepulchre made sure, (seal and watch); Talmage, p. 665.

D&C 138:1-60 Jesus visits spirits of the dead; Talmage, pp.670-677.



First day of the week SUNDAY, Easter morning

Matt. 28:1-8 Angel opens the sepulchre

John 20:1 Mary Magdalene visits the empty tomb

John 20:2-10 Mary runs to tell Peter and John, who run to the tomb

John 20:11-17 Mary sees Jesus

Luke 24:1-8 Other women visit the tomb

Matt. 28:11-15 Chief priests bribe the soldiers

Luke 24:13-32 Road to Emmaus, the Lord appears; McConkie, p. 850.

Luke 24:33-50 Other appearances to the disciples; Talmage, p.699,
chap. note 3.

Being Dad, and Being There

Being Dad, and Being There
by Joseph Walker

It would be something of an overstatement to say that I played on the school basketball team in junior high.

I was on the team. I practiced with the team. I ran out on the floor and did lay-ups before the game started, then I sat on the bench and waved a towel and cheered for the guys who were actually going to play in the game.

As far as I was concerned, it was a pretty good arrangement. I enjoyed the camaraderie with the players, the workouts kept me in shape, and I had a great seat for all of the games. But I didn’t feel any of the pressure that comes with knowing that the outcome of the game may rest on your bony adolescent shoulders.

I don't know how my dad felt about my bench-warming status. In retrospect, I imagine it was hard for him. Two of my older brothers were high school sports stars. Dad was used to going to games to watch his sons play.

Still, Dad was always there. I'd make eye contact with him during pre-game lay-ups - it would've been uncool to smile or wave. And then I forgot about him until after the game, when he'd come up to me and smile and shake my hand and tell me: "Good game!" Even though I never actually did anything to make the game good—until the last game of the season.

We were playing our archrivals. It was a great day for the Mustangs, as we galloped off to a big lead. We were up by about twenty points with two minutes to play when Coach finally felt comfortable enough to look toward my end of the bench.

"Walker!" he barked. "You're in!"

The next two minutes are still kind of surreal to me. I remember running up and down the court a few times. I remember getting a rebound on defense and then running up the floor as the Pep Club started counting down the last seconds of the game. I remember hearing the guys on the bench behind me shouting "Shoot!" as I faced the basket. I remember watching the ball bounce off the backboard and through the hoop as the buzzer went off. I remember hearing everyone scream and yell like I had just won the game, even though it just meant that we had won by twenty-two points instead of twenty.

And I remember wondering what to do. I mean, I knew what to do when we won a game while I was sitting on the bench. But I was completely unprepared for what to do when we won a game and I had hit a last-second shot - meaningless though it may have been. Instinctively, I looked for Dad. And he was there, where he always was, smiling at me as he always did.

For the next thirty-five years, that was always the case. Through good times and bad, Dad was always there to smile, to encourage, to support, and to love. I came to depend on that, even toward the end of his life when smiling was about all that he could do. It helped to know that, no matter what, Dad was there.

And now I'm the one who is in my fifties, struggling to keep pace with a teenage basketball player in my family. I think about Dad on Father's Day, or whenever I'm tempted to not be there for my children. To be honest, I'm not as good at it as Dad was. But I keep trying because I know how much it can mean for Dad to be there you hit that big shot.

Or especially when you don't.

The Ancient Tale of the Blind Girl

There is an ancient tale of a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind.
She hated everyone, except for a boy, who was her best friend.
He was always there for her. She told her friend,
'If I could only see the world, I would marry you.'

One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her.
When the bandages came off, she was able to see everything, including her friend.
He asked her,'Now that you can see the world,
will you marry me?'

The girl looked at her friend and saw that he was blind.
The sight of his closed eyelids shocked her.
She hadn't expected that. The thought of looking at them the rest of her life led her to refuse to marry him.

Her friend left in tears and days later wrote a note to her saying:
'Take good care of your eyes, my dear, for before
they were yours, they were mine.'
_________________________________________________________

Too often this is how we react when our life condition changes
for the good. Only a very few remember what life was like before,
and who was always by their side in the most painful situations.

Life Is a Gift!
Today before you say an unkind word -
Think of someone who can't speak.
Before you complain about the taste of your food -
Think of someone who has nothing to eat.
Before you complain about your husband or wife -
Think of someone who's crying out to GOD for a companion.
Today before you complain about life -
Think of someone who went too early to heaven.
Before complaining about the distance you drive -
Think of someone who walks the same distance on their feet.
When you are tired and weary of your job -
Think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your job.
And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on your face and think: you're alive and still able to give and share and love!