March 24, 2014
All,
Our madness has nothing to do with basketball. We have the soccer induced insanity around these parts. This was a successful soccer weekend for all of our boys. Tracen especially had a good weekend wherein his team both won and he scored 4 goals. Two of his goals came right off of the ol' noggin as well and were particularly exciting to see. I am really excited to see how Tyler and Tate will do as they will both start having games this week as well.
So I filled out one NCAA tournament bracket this year. Just one. I did not enter it into any contests or put any money down and it would appear that this is a good thing. I think that I have two teams left out of all my picks. I am notoriously bad at guessing the outcomes of sporting events. I know that Warren Buffet offered 1 billion dollars to the person who filled out the perfect bracket... it looks like his $ is safe for this year and probably for any year that he decides to do this offer.
Our Lester Leprachaun did make it (barely) to our house!! We love this holiday and love traditions!
So our entire family was part of that musical program depicting the Willie and
Martin handcart companies. Deanne's parents and grandparents were there
along with Leah this time. I think that everyone in attendance was
touched by the spirit. It is inspiring to feel of the pioneer dedication
to the cause of the Gospel and Zion. There are still lessons to be
learned from their experiences. Our boys did a fine job and really seemed
to enjoy their first little foray into the acting world, Tracen especially.
Perhaps the Jacobs will yet produce another generation of thespians.
Deanne's parents took us all skiing this weekend. All of us but Trev that is. He stayed back with Leah and Joel (thanks guys). All of the boys did very well, especially Tate who for his third time skiing, really surprised me. I don't know if I will ever be able to afford to take the kids up skiing as much as I would like to, but I am glad that they are at least getting the experience a couple of times per year. Many thanks to Keith and Janelle for making this happen.
I was shocked and saddened to hear of one of my dear friends struggle with his testimony this week. It would appear that in his attempt to answer the questions of one his co-workers about some of the sensitive early church historical events and circumstances, that he read some anti-LDS literature that sent him reeling. He and I had a very heart-felt and tender conversation about faith and hope. Through my tears and sorrow for his aching heart I bore a simple testimony of Christ. I told him that I believe in our Redeemer. I expressed my belief in trying to pattern our lives after Him. I told him that I have hope that there is a life after this that is made possible through Him. Our conversation seemed to lift his spirits a bit, though I am certain that he has some work yet to do on his testimony.
I don't claim to have even a fraction of the answers to his many sensitive questions, other than simple faith-based ones. Ultimately, I accept that my faith and hope will have to be enough of an answer for the time being. I realize that there is nothing scientific about this, and for me that's ok. I may never have all of the scientific, historical, or archaeological evidence to prove my faith, but if I did, then it wouldn't really be faith then would it? I have a testimony borne of hundreds of simple spiritual experiences over the course of my lifetime. I have had truth whispered to my heart time and time again. I can feel it now as I write this. I choose to stay the course of my faith in spite of the logic of men. Does this make me weak? In the eyes of men it may, but I am less concerned about what men may think of me then what my God thinks of me. At some point in this life I hope that I can replace my faith with knowledge. I pray for that time, but even if I never attain it in this life, I will continue on my imperfect path back to my real home. I pray that my loved ones will follow, allow me to lean on them, and in my weaker moments, carry me there. This is my belief, my hope and my simple testimony. I love you.
Our madness has nothing to do with basketball. We have the soccer induced insanity around these parts. This was a successful soccer weekend for all of our boys. Tracen especially had a good weekend wherein his team both won and he scored 4 goals. Two of his goals came right off of the ol' noggin as well and were particularly exciting to see. I am really excited to see how Tyler and Tate will do as they will both start having games this week as well.
So I filled out one NCAA tournament bracket this year. Just one. I did not enter it into any contests or put any money down and it would appear that this is a good thing. I think that I have two teams left out of all my picks. I am notoriously bad at guessing the outcomes of sporting events. I know that Warren Buffet offered 1 billion dollars to the person who filled out the perfect bracket... it looks like his $ is safe for this year and probably for any year that he decides to do this offer.
Our Lester Leprachaun did make it (barely) to our house!! We love this holiday and love traditions!
Deanne's parents took us all skiing this weekend. All of us but Trev that is. He stayed back with Leah and Joel (thanks guys). All of the boys did very well, especially Tate who for his third time skiing, really surprised me. I don't know if I will ever be able to afford to take the kids up skiing as much as I would like to, but I am glad that they are at least getting the experience a couple of times per year. Many thanks to Keith and Janelle for making this happen.
I was shocked and saddened to hear of one of my dear friends struggle with his testimony this week. It would appear that in his attempt to answer the questions of one his co-workers about some of the sensitive early church historical events and circumstances, that he read some anti-LDS literature that sent him reeling. He and I had a very heart-felt and tender conversation about faith and hope. Through my tears and sorrow for his aching heart I bore a simple testimony of Christ. I told him that I believe in our Redeemer. I expressed my belief in trying to pattern our lives after Him. I told him that I have hope that there is a life after this that is made possible through Him. Our conversation seemed to lift his spirits a bit, though I am certain that he has some work yet to do on his testimony.
I don't claim to have even a fraction of the answers to his many sensitive questions, other than simple faith-based ones. Ultimately, I accept that my faith and hope will have to be enough of an answer for the time being. I realize that there is nothing scientific about this, and for me that's ok. I may never have all of the scientific, historical, or archaeological evidence to prove my faith, but if I did, then it wouldn't really be faith then would it? I have a testimony borne of hundreds of simple spiritual experiences over the course of my lifetime. I have had truth whispered to my heart time and time again. I can feel it now as I write this. I choose to stay the course of my faith in spite of the logic of men. Does this make me weak? In the eyes of men it may, but I am less concerned about what men may think of me then what my God thinks of me. At some point in this life I hope that I can replace my faith with knowledge. I pray for that time, but even if I never attain it in this life, I will continue on my imperfect path back to my real home. I pray that my loved ones will follow, allow me to lean on them, and in my weaker moments, carry me there. This is my belief, my hope and my simple testimony. I love you.
Dan and Dee
1 comment:
What a BEAUTIFUL testimony. I feel the same way you do. I really don't have to have scientific evidence. I believe with all my heart that the Gospel is true. In the next life...it will ALL make sense. Thank you, for sharing your testimony. I know that if you just keep your friend in your prayers and keep lifting him...he will see. He is lucky to have a friend like you.
Post a Comment