Therefore, what manner of men ought you to be?

by Shauna Brown           
     
        Every morning , my father would open the kitchen window wide, breathe in the fresh morning air and then announce aloud, “It’s a beautiful day!  Oh, what a beautiful morning.”  Frequently I expected him to go into a musical rendition of Oklahoma. It was as if he wanted the world and everyone around to appreciate it and take note.   I loved waking up to Daddy. 
        Our family had little need for alarm clocks, as daddy was consistent and punctual in making his proclamation. I smile just thinking about it, just thinking about him.    
        Can you imagine it? Waking up each day to a positive person that had great expectations and outlook for the day? Even if it was raining outside --it was still beautiful. If storm clouds surrounded the house--it was beautiful. If snow had nearly frozen the window shut-- it was still beautiful.  Daddy clearly loved life and shared of his appreciation freely. I can never recall a morning growing up that wasn’t started out with a positive greeting.  
    Years after, even when my father had the debilitating, Parkinson’s Disease and could barely move he tried his best to instill within us his positive nature. Through difficulties he smiled. He kept trying. 
           I remember hearing my Sunday School Teacher, Don Harris, share that we learn the most in our lives from worthy examples. He asked the class if we knew of someone who was a  good example.  I  immediately thought of my father. He had been such a good model of manhood to many.  
    In my book of life he has numerous chapters. Daddy was a tender, sensitive, devoted and loving husband. He was a wonderful provider.  He was honest in his dealings and was described by many as Mr. Integrity. Daddy loved his children and I knew with every fiber within me that he loved the Lord.  He honored his Priesthood and served faithfully for years, so many years that I only recall sitting on the church bench a couple of times with him. Gratefully, in my life I have been blessed to be inspired and motivated by my Father.   Truly he followed the supreme exemplar.  Which leads me to ponder upon the scripture when the Lord questioned: “Therefore, what manner of men ought you to be?  Verily I say unto you, even as I am. “  
     The Apostle Paul provides great indicators of what manner of men: “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Then came the concluding charge: “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”   
               Oh, I feel gratitude that I have been surrounded by some pretty incredible men in my life.  They have stood upon the shoulders of their fathers. Fathers who asked themselves, “ What manner of men ought I to be? and strived diligently to be positive examples.  I have brothers, uncles, grandfathers, sons, and to top it off, I have a wonderful husband who I think stands as worthy example to many.   
        Happy Fathers Day to all the men who have sought to live up to their divine potential, who open the windows to discovery, and inspire us to step up and lead.

Enjoy your Sabbath
Love to all
Shauna 

                                     "Be True to You!"

by Shauna V. Brown 

In high school some of my friends and associates referred to me by a word that I came to dislike intensely --“WEIRD.”  “You’re, weird Shauna.” “People can’t be happy all the time.”  “Don’t you ever quit smiling?"  "You’re weird.” “You’re strange.”      As I made plans to attend college away from home, friends and family I determined to change my persona-- a new Shauna.   I was desirous to pattern my actions after a few I had observed.  I would try to be quiet like Joanna, smile like Sara Jane, be more delicate like Ann, be softer spoken. I would develop a more reserved personality like Peggy. I believe I was on the pinnacle of becoming the new and improved Shauna Van Wagenen.      I went to Utah State University where I knew no one, and no one knew me.      After a brief period, a little over two weeks, of self seeking transformation ,  I was called to come and visit with my new Bishop. I imagined that he was going to give me an opportunity to serve in the church, probably someone to lead the music.     Now realize, this was my first conversation, and meeting with the bishop. I sat quietly across the desk from him.  There was no friendly chit chat, no get acquainted conversation. He cleared his throat. Then, looking directly into my eyes he said:  “Shauna, your Heavenly Father loves you very much. He wants you to know that you must be true to yourself.  You are not acting your part.”           I was stunned. It was as if someone had sucked all the air out of my lungs. He sat quietly waiting for me to take in the simple message he had presented.  Then he added,  “Shauna, be true to you.”  “Just be yourself.”     The words vibrated within my heart and I clearly recognized, and felt a sense of guilt.  The truthfulness of the statement was deeply impressed. I knew it, the Bishop knew it, God knew it and I could not deny it.  I was trying to be a composite of personalities, someone that I wasn’t meant to be. I had been untrue to my divine creator’s purpose.  I cried.      Through my tears I came to realized a surge of freedom. I was expected to be 'Shauna.'  I wasn’t meant to be carbon copy of anyone. I wasn't meant to act like Peggy, Ann, or Joanna.  Through the mouthpiece of a sensitive and inspired Bishop - I was directed, corrected and prompted to make an adjustment in my behavior and outlook.         That fall afternoon is forever written on my heart, “Be true to you.”     I left his office a far different young lady.  I welcomed back the spirit I had tried to suffocate. On the long walk back to my apartment I spent time in self talk and prayer.  I realized that no matter where we live, our Father in Heaven is very much aware of each of us. God had revealed so tenderly one of the missions in my life.           Imagine Martha Washington as she wrote: “I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition.”           In John 16:33, it reads:  “Be of good cheer”.  It’s not a limited command, it is meant for all. Regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in, what others may say of us, they are merely challenges with purpose that we must over come.  Developing an attitude of good cheer is a choice.         Descriptive words like weird, strange, screwy, odd, still on occasion brush against my sensitive soul, but I have found it’s a blessing to dispel it, I simply respond:  “I’m unique.”  Fully knowing that I was gifted with a cheerful heart, I am meant to spread sunshine.         Enjoy the Sabbath         Love to all         Shauna