Fragile and Precious Life

My Mom

Also My Mom (Really Kathy's Mom, but I love her like my Mom.)

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,
     Today was brought home the fragility of life and the ephemeral time that we have on this Earth.  For a time today Ma Brown was really sick and the very real possibility that her time was complete on the Earth was brought home.  When I lost my Mother over 11 years ago now, I didn't think that anyone else would bring up such a well of emotion  and sense of loss as had losing your mother in your 30's.  I was wrong.  When I heard about my mother in laws illness and potentially life threatening surgery and illness, all the sense of loss and love came crashing home.  I found myself walling that emotion behind defenses to allow myself to function at my job.  In the back of my mind all day were thought of the love, joy, and happy and sad times I shared with both these women whom I consider to be my MOM.  Even now the tears well up and the emotion is close to the surface as I contemplate the time not far distant when I will be the Elder generation.  When I will be what kids think of as grandparents and the generation that is totally out of touch, but one that loves nonetheless for lack of understanding. 
      Today as I was brought face to face with the reality of my own mortality, I prayed more fervently, spoke more kindly, thought more clearly, loved more fully, sang more joyously, and thanked God more for the blessings of this life and for having had these two wonderful women in my life to teach me about compassion, joy, and living meaningfully.  I am also thankful that, at least for the moment, God has chosen to leave my Mom here for me to learn from for a little while longer.  I pray that it is for years to come and that I will be learning life lessons from my Mom for years to come.  I hope that today you can take the time to communicate your love and thanks to those who so deeply affected your growing.  That you can thank your Father in Heaven for the plan which allows us to enjoy the bonds of family and of love beyond this Earthly Veil.  Once again, and probably not for the last time, the Lord has reminded me of how empty the afterlife would be without the bonds of love forged in this life.  To spend the Eternities without those people who are most dear to my heart and soul would be a tragedy.  Thank God for His Tender Mercies in allowing us to be family for time and all Eternity.  My brothers and sisters, I am so thankful that you are a part of my Eternal Family.  May this day bring joy and love to your heart. 

Brother Carv

The Process of Conversion

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,
     I am often struck by the emails I receive, or heaven forbid, the Facebook posts that seem to attempt to destroy faith, seed doubt, or make someone question their ideals.  In the United States today, it seems that faith is mocked, devote people ridiculed, and anything touching on God is TABOO!  Faith in a higher power has always been a central tenant of our Republic.  It has been the source of much of our Judicial system and laws and was certainly on the minds of our Founding Fathers.  The quotes are long and specific about the need for a religious compass or moral grounding that comes from the Bible and in many cases organized religion.
      With the moral decay that seems to have beset our world, it is more important to have that internal compass, that moral rudder, that helps me to see what is true and right.  For me, that is Jesus Christ and His Gospel.  For me, the spiritual support I receive means I have more up days than down.  Even when life seems to be conspiring against me, I feel his love.  His light, and I believe eventual victory, brings light to increasing darkness and despair.  To those who know me, I am not a perfect man.  I work hard each day to be just a little better, reach just a little higher, and when I fall, I turn to Him and ask for help. 
     For those who may have wandered far from the light and comfort of home (this is what the Gospel means to me.), come back and rejoice with us in His love.  If you know his Gospel, delve deeper and serve with great vigor!  If you have no idea who Jesus Christ is, but would like to know, please feel free to message me (lots of option here) and I will happily discuss it with you.  I will be forever thankful to my friend for introducing me to Jesus Christ.  As Robert Frost so eloquently said, "that has made all the difference!"  May the Lord bless you this day!  May you find joy in serving in his kingdom.  May his light shine through your words, acts, and life.  May you find, as I have, that Jesus Christ can be your best friend, He is your elder brother, and He is our Savior!


Carv Wilson

Nothing is Impossible with Christ our Lord!

     Today as I sat correcting papers late into the night, I was struck by how often I seek for THE answer.  As if in life, there is only one solution.  I teach Geography, which as many of you know is a Social Science in which one plus one CAN equal three!  The answer in Social Studies mentality is often grey.  Many factors play a role in how History happens.  What would have happened if we hadn't spoken English during WW2 (we speak it by one sole vote.)?  What is Washington hadn't been able to cross the Delaware?  What if the French had stayed out of the Revolutionary War or Heaven forbid came in on the side of the British (yeah, I know, fat chance of that ever happening!)?  What if Germany had developed the Atom bomb first?  What if the Japanese had found our injured carriers instead of us finding their fleet?  For many, this is a world filled with random circumstance, pure chance, an alignment of the stars if you will.  But for the faithful, it is a testimony that God is with us in the small and great moments. 

     In the heavy rush of the day, it is so easy to mistake the miracles for simple luck.  Was it luck that I hugged my daughter?  Am I just one of the lucky ones to have good kids, or is it a freaking miracle that such stellar kids came from me?  (Those who really know me, know it is the latter.)  How many times each day am I blessed by my guardian angel (Hi Mom!) with safety, security, or just a feeling of love that I desperately needed?  Can we slow down and recognize the blessings of the Allmighty?  (Maybe turn off the music and TV for an hour. (Boy this is the pot calling the kettle black!  I am a slight TV/Computer addict.))  Can we take the special moment to make that person feel appreciated?  I have found that more often than not when I need to feel the love of The Lord that it is the people around me who bear His love to me!  Indeed, I stand as a witness of the Love of God.  Thank you Paul for your unselfish help when I so dearly needed it!  Thank you Kat for loving me despite my faults!  Thank you Aaron for recognizing my love of the little children and finding the perfect calling in Nursery!  Thanks to my friend Diamond for the hug of a brother each time we meet and for making me feel so very loved!  Thanks to Brent for being such fun friend to blow things up!  Thanks to Todd for taking my on a trip to so many cities as a chaperone!  Thanks to Vince for being my friend for over two decades through thick and thin!  (Mostly thick for me!  I may have gained some weight over the years!) (p.s. thanks for not shooting me like I asked. ;)) Most of all, thanks for eternity to my Savior for blessing me far beyond measure, for making it possible to have a forever family, to fix what is broken, restore that which is lost, and for being my true friend no matter how I acted.  Yes, my friends, with Jesus Christ on our side there is nothing, no nothing that we cannot do!

The Lord is in Charge

2014 State of the Union Address

 

 

     The amount of rhetoric in the State of the Union Address, no matter which party is in office, is difficult to find meaning or purpose for our country in.  Do you find meaning in the non-functional Obamacare which most of America is afraid to signup for?  Do you find meaning in job creation that barely keeps pace with retirements and people quitting?  Do you find meaning in an economy that is as bad or worse than the one we inherited from Jimmy Carter in 1978?  Perhaps you find meaning in the cutting of food stamps that mostly affects those least able to afford it.  Perhaps you find meaning in the rhetoric about how proud the President is of the military, but doesn't support the any branches of it or those in harms way overseas.  Perhaps you look forward to a state that takes from the rich and gives to the poor at unprecedented rates, yet the lifestyle and outlook of the average American is worse than any in the last 20 years.  Average rates of income are down, full time employment is down, gas prices are way up, home ownership is at a decade low and declarations of Bankruptcy is at an all time high in the history of our nation.  All from a President who doesn't seem to like America very much.  A President who wants to change how the American Dream works.  Who wants to gift prosperity to the next generation, while the previous generation would have said hard work and dedication are what is required.  It is then that I most need to remember that no matter what happens here in America or what calamity strikes in the world, The Lord is in Charge.
     I know that my Savior has already paid the price for my sins and the sins of the world.  I know that the endgame is already written and God wins.  I know that if I have faith and stay focused on His kingdom and the service I offer here, then the rest of the stuff will all work out.  The opponents of God's Laws may win an ephemeral victory now and again, but it is at best fleeting and transitory.  God will heal all wounds, change minds, and help the world to see things as they really are, not as people seem to want it to be.  Yes, God is in Charge of your life and mine.  He is the architect of perfection and someday every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ.  All of this is already written.  May you find Peace this day and Always in the sure knowledge that God loves us, and he is indeed in charge of this world.  It will all work out in the end.

 

The Storm Rages

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
      Have you ever felt as if you were being blown to and fro by hurricane strength winds?  Weighed down by the accumulation of snow like troubles?  Have you ever been so tired that it is difficult to keep your head above water in the choppy sea of life?  The waves of calamity keep crashing down, so that you can barely stand?  Have you ever wondered how you could endure one more moment?  As the storms of life mount, the noise grows, and my strength wans, I find myself increasingly turning to Christ to buoy me up and support what is too often an impossible weight. 
     In my experience, Christ calms the troubled waters of my soul and speaks peace to my excited mind.  In my darkest hours, through death and pain, Christ has comforted me and continues to do so.  With the untimely death of my mother, now almost 12 years ago, I would find myself lost in the depths of mourning.   A sadness would overtake me so much so that I could almost taste it.  I can remember picking up the phone and dialing part of her number before realizing that she wouldn't answer in this life.  I am forever thankful to my Savior Jesus Christ who applied the Balm of Gilead to my wounded, bleeding heart.  He helped me to see that my family could still be a Forever Family in the Gospel.  He is my friend, my brother, and my Savior.  He can lift up the broken hearted, lift up the lame, help the blind to see, and even restore life where it has fled.  I KNOW that Jesus Christ lives and loves me.  I feel his spirit so often in so many ways.  If you have need of a friend, a brother, or a Savior, I know that you can find all three in Jesus of Nazareth.  He can help you to find peace and joy in the midst of whatever trials currently assail you.  The Captain of my Soul will do far more with my life as I listen to his Holy Spirit than ever I can. 
     To my friend who wonders, you are not alone.  The Savior of the World loves you far more than I do and is waiting for you to ask for help.  He will provide you help in your time of need.  When you can no longer go on, He will carry you.  Know that I will be there anytime, and anyplace, even if your Ox isn't in the mire.  Christ can and is always with those who love and obey Him.  Place your Faith in Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ and they will never fail you.  May he guide you in all that you do and bless you for your obedience.  May he literally calm your personal storm.  God Bless!

The Power of the Scriptures

My dear brothers and sisters,
       Life seems to have so many questions.  Questions about our purpose, questions about our pathway, and the ever important question of why.  So many people search the world's wisdom to try and find solutions.  We create endless agencies, policies, and patterns intended to solve the problem.  In my life, I have found that the easiest solution is to turn to the Lord in word and deed.  On bended knee, I have often found solutions to the mazes of life that seemed impossible before.  Within the Holy Scriptures I have often found ideas, plans, and pathways that made my journey easier, offered comfort to my aching heart, and joy to my needy soul.  The lights of prayer and scripture study can solve any problem and help you see the best in those around you.  They illuminate my soul and help me seek out imperfections within myself and with the Lord's help repair them and draw closer to Him.  May you find the joy of communing with the Lord.  May you find the rest you need within his arms and in his word. 

I wrote the following poem about how the scriptures enlighten my life and I hope you enjoy it.

Illumination

Scriptures illuminate a pathway to Jesus,
Followers seek it and kneel at his feet,
Searching for wisdom within its pages,
Laying personal foundations of eternity.
Chosen in small, insignificant moments,
Nourish and strengthen the light inside,
Simple habits seemingly so meaningless,
Have planned effect not just randomness.
Life's decisions a Saintly testing place,
While in the world a big, nasty, rat race,
Each challenge fire to burn off our dross,
Refined, defined by natural weakness lost.
Gospel light now shines brilliant bright,
Reflected from our Savior's Holy Light.



by L. Carvel Wilson

Saving Grace

My dear brothers and sisters,
     Each week as I attend church and worship Christ, I am inspired by the talks given during Sacrament meeting.  I dabble in poetry and hope that you can see how much I adore my Savior.  He is my hope of salvation.  He helps me to be the best person I can be.  I owe him so much more than I can ever hope to repay.  Please know that he can have a profound effect on you as well.  May you find joy in your relationship with him. 

Saving Grace

How can we know the unknowable?
A spirit without any discernible shape?
Everywhere yet nowhere present,
Oh what a confusing sad state.
For God is literally our Father,
Of our souls that inside reside,
He knows of your sore struggles,
Upon mankind he patiently waits.
He saw that we have failings,
Weaknesses of heart and mind,
Falling so short of expectations,
So the Atonement was His plan.
To save us from crimson sin stains,
Sacrificing His only Begotten Son.


by L. Carvel Wilson

      I know that regardless of where you are in your life.  Christ can wash you clean of your sins.  We can be as clean as the day we were born on a regular basis.  He can make the same difference in your life as he has in mine.  Let me know if you want to know more.