Every Knee Shall Bow

by Shauna V. Brown 

     Recently, I sent out a mass email to parents who wanted their students to take early morning seminary.  I received in return a rather startling email.  It simply said:  

   “Wrong ( name withheld).  I am an atheist. Please take me off your list. I don’t have a kid.  

I don’t believe in god, jesus, ghosts, santa clause or any other make belief being.” 

     I must admit my mind went blank for a moment. It clearly isn’t a common communication response. I am employed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  

    I re-read the email, and then my first emotion was to send a convincing testimony of contrast. An affirmation that would take his breathe away, cause an instant flush of heart burn, vibrate throughout his soul.  I hesitated, since I was representing the church (as a secretary).   Then within a moment a scripture came to mind.  

       “ Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.”  D&C 18:10 

 So with a careful “tip-toe” I responded: 

        “Wow – I believe nothing is coincidental.  Perhaps you should ponder your statement.  Not even Santa Claus – or any other belief? I bet there is more to you than meets the eye. 

Clearly you must have an interesting outlook on ‘purpose.’    You might be interested in  

researching C.S. Lewis. He too also made the statement that he didn’t believe in God.   

     He came to have a change of heart and perspective: 

        A man can no more diminish God’s glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, ‘darkness’ on the walls of his cell.  C. S. Lewis  

__________ 

     Thank you C.S. Lewis for your words of bold significance.  OK, so I allowed someone else to speak up. Throughout the day I continued to dwell upon his words.... “I am an atheist.”  

Then I highlighted in my mind a few of the phrases shared by C.S. Lewis :“Refusing to worship” “diminish God’s glory.”  

         As I look around today, I see a time when so many are forgetting that they are sons and daughters of God, refusing to worship, selecting alternative purpose. Diminishing God’s glory by not being true to their creator.  

      I find comfort in knowing that some day that  ‘every knee shall bow, every tongue confess - that there is a God, and a son, Jesus Christ.  

      Some day each one of us will stand in their presence. Death bed repentance will have no place. It will be a time of self reflection and self examination.  The truth of our life will be revealed within our faces and soul. I know as well, that great HOPE surrounds each of us. God’s love is infinite and eternal. He is our Father in Heaven, and most forgiving.   He wants each of us to return home.  

        Growing up I loved singing this hymn. It always makes me want to try harder to simply --follow, to seek eternal truths, walk in the light, serve freely, stand stronger.  

  

Know this, that ev’ry soul is free 

To choose his life and what he’ll be; 

For this eternal truth is giv’n: 

That God will force no man to heav’n. 

He’ll call, persuade, direct aright, 

And bless with wisdom, love, and light, 

In nameless ways be good and kind, 

But never force the human mind. 

    Many of you know that I enjoy Max Lucado. He is a preacher in San Antonio, Texas, as well as a good writer. I love his books and quotes. Let me share a couple to conclude: 

      “If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it.  He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning...  Face it, friend. He is crazy about you! ”  

     

“Let God have you, and let God love you - and don’t be surprised if your heart begins to hear music you’ve never heard and your feet learn to dance as never before.”  

                     

Enjoy your Sabbath and Earthly Journey 

Rejoicing that God is God and loves you back. 

Shauna 

Making the Grade by Shauna Brown       When I was a little girl and learning to write my name was quite the experience. Van Wagenen is hard to say, let alone try to spell it correctly.  Shauna Van Wagenen would take up most of the space on the paper. Mother patiently work with me, encouraging that it would get easier with time. I cried because I couldn’t get the ‘a’s to look right, and the big S was too slanty. For me at times it was frustrating and I had to use an eraser frequently. One day mother gave me a nickel to purchase another large pink eraser.  I wrote my name “Shauna” proudly upon it, it was mine.  Mother even bought me special lined paper that they used in schools. She felt the added lines would help with my upper and lower case letters.   I practiced and practiced.  Let me just say my large eraser was a constant companion.   I was dedicated in trying to make it look good, as well as receive praise and compliments from my mother and father.  Each day I got better and skilled in writing my name.       I remember mother telling me how difficult it was for her to learn to spell her own name, Genevieve.  She shared, how she got the e’s and v’s mixed up.  It took her forever to learn to spell it. That motivated me even more to learn to spell my ‘whole name’ as quickly as possible.            Then history repeated itself. My first born, Heather, reminded me so much of myself. She wanted everything ‘perfect’.  One day when she came home from kindergarten she was in tears.  I  immediately asked Heather what had happened. No response, just more tears. I checked for clues. No cuts or scratches. I wondered if someone had been unkind to her on the bus.  I was stumped. She was clearly an upset five year old. After questioning her, and continued tears, I determined to call her teacher.  Gratefully, we both put together the pieces of my puzzlement.         “Heather is  trying to make everything picture perfect. She starts over and over again, and she's getting behind. So I gave her a pencil without an eraser. She’s probably upset because she can’t fix her mistakes,” her teacher informed me.        For years that little story has been held close to my heart. Fixing mistakes, making life corrections, striving for perfection, is part of why we are here on earth.  Sometimes it takes a while to get it right, and it doesn't always have to be perfect. Just like little hands learning to write names, we find growing experiences can be challenging.         With each of my children I have sat down beside them, practiced their letters, bought lined paper, bought big erasers, gave squeezes of approval, stickers of smiley faces for success. Cheered with them when they were pleased as well. Isn’t that what parents do?        So does God.      I can only imagine the joy in heaven when we choose to stay close, live within the lines, strive, seek to do our Father’s will, and learn of Him.      Life's school is hard.  I continue to fret that I sometimes give meager attention to things that truly matter- capital letters if you will.  There are days when I want to rewind, back up, redo, start over, and rewrite.  But like Heather’s teacher said, “She getting behind.”           Gratefully, because of Jesus Christ, we can remember He holds the eraser.  I love to visualize  “ . . . I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.”        Our Savior is more than eager to instill within each of us that he will wipe away the tears, erase the smudges, correct and give comfort as well as cheer us on.       “... tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet.”                                    ~ Anne of Green Gables           And if by chance we do make a mistake, and we will.  We can take comfort knowing: “Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.”         As a child I loved running home from school to show Mama my papers marked with a huge letter “A”.  There is just something good about seeing your parents smile.  I continue that practice, though I carry no paper in hand. One might think it funny, but I give myself a daily grade.                How we doing today?           Enjoy the Sabbath - make it an “A” day      Love to all  Shauna

                         Never on Sunday 

 
         by Shauna V. Brown  
 
     Well, I have a modern day miracle to share.  Years ago, and I mean years ago when our little family lived on Hunts End Drive, in Sandy, Utah, our washing machine gave out. With a growing family of eight members one cannot imagine trying to keep clothes clean without a washing machine.  However, things were tight.   A new washer was out of the question.   
        It was a television commercial that guided our direction of purchase.  “Used appliances= washers, dryers.  Dan, Dan, the Maytag man."
       At that point of time the pile of laundry was reaching proportions of  a growing mountain.  I tried the best I could to wash the necessities, but it was impossible to keep up with it.  In fact, it reminded me of my childhood days when laundry was only done on Saturday with the help of every family member.  That was before we had a dryer.  I can see us now all working in the basement.  Everyone had their positions.  One rinsing, one cranking the ringer, one running the clothes through the two rollers, one shaking the clothes ready to hang, one securing the clothes to the clothes line.   Wow, what a memory of childhood.
         So Rick went to “Dan, Dan the Maytag Man” appliance store  and purchased a used washer and dryer.  When the men delivered the washer and dryer they looked just like it was indicated “used”.   I thought: Well if it makes it through a couple of months -- till we can afford to buy a new set  - it will be a miracle.   
        Then I decided to give that “miracle” thought a test of time.  I remember saying a prayer and expressing to my Heavenly Father a little promise.  I offered in faith,  “Father,  I will not wash on Sundays.  It will be a day of rest. Wilt Thou bless this washer and dryer that they will run and not be weary.” 
        Well, here’s the miracle.  We lived in that home another six years and never needed a new washer or dryer.  Then we moved to Pepperwood and lived there for thirteen years. Each time we loaded up the pair and then we moved to Cedar Hills. Are you doing the math?  All the time our washer has been most faithful and dependable.   Now, remember we purchased my Maytag washer and dryer “used”- very used.  Thankfully they are still running!   
    I am a firm believer in miracles, prayers, and promises.   So if anyone wants to see a miracle.  It’s been washing clothes for a good thirty five years for the Browns. 
        It’s like the Lord saying, “Take a load off-- your mine.”

Shark Bait?  by Shauna V. Brown        There is a popular television show that I enjoy watching. It’s called Shark Tank . It features business pitches from aspiring entrepreneurs to a panel of potential investors. The series has become very popular averaging 7 million viewers an episode.  It now holds the title as the most watched program on Friday nights for those 18-49.     I have observed some creative gimmicks, unique products, simple ideas, obvious passions, and dreams that have hooked the “sharks” into investing thousands and hundreds of thousands of dollars.  It’s interesting to listen to the sales pitches and see the excitement for those presenting the products. The ultimate hope is to make millions, not only for the sponsored ideas, but greater wealth for those sharks who invested.   Sharks.     I find it interesting as my mind explores the vast opportunity many have that seek for wealth, seek for more, and to have it all.     Not too long ago a couple we know well listened as a good friend and highly sought after therapist shared that he had been offered millions of dollars to profess that pornography has little effect on the family.       Imagine it!  Because of his background, influence, notoriety, knowledge, he was in a position that was valued.   If he would put his name to a few statements, simply validate, signoff, he could become a wealthy man, over night.        “What ever you want, why you can write your own check. Simply fill the amount in. Have what you  have always dreamed of, ” he was encouraged.            Thankfully he couldn’t do it. The enticement and hook of money had little influence on his integrity and the truth concerning pornography. He then said, “Sadly, I know that once he left my office he would  find someone else, someone willing to perpetuate a lie.”           None of us would eagerly jump in and swim in a shark infested water. We understand some of the risks involved, even the ultimate cost of life. Yet, it seems that many today are lured and enticed by the louder voices, the stronger causes, money,  new scientific data, the letters behind the name, research and books written.      Whether we choose to see them, there are sharks swimming so very close.        Brigham Young warned, “It is your duty to study ... We should not only study good, and its effects upon our race, but also evil, and its consequences.”      It’s the consequences and hooks that I am concerned with. Sadly, it is a fact of time:  there have always been deceivers, people who appear confident, all knowing, well educated, who enjoy dangling hooks in deep waters of deception.  They seek to persuade, invite, entertain and seduce  many - even unto the peril of  lured distraction.  Seldom are they around to witness the rippled currents of  fear, distrust, and questioning. While some others enjoy watching the dog-paddling moments of another’s despaired.   In all reality - they have become bait - hooked by deception.       I take heart, as I continue to trust that I can follow the invitation for all. I believe there is no ‘bait and switch” here: “Learn of me, listen to my words, walk in the meekness of my spirit, and ye shall have peace in me. “  It’s a promise and a guide for each of us.   I am ever grateful that Jesus Christ shows the way. In all things He seeks to lead, guide and stand beside us, until we have finished our work.           Jonah had to learn a lesson the hard way. I can’t imagine how it must have been to realize he was sucked into a whales gut.  I can almost hear Jonah yelling aloud, “gird up your loins.”        Let’s pray we  don’t get hooked on things that don’t matter in the eternal perspective of life.    Enjoy the Sabbath Love to All  Shauna

 

Keepers of the Light 

by Shauna V. Brown

   Years ago I lay very sick in a hospital bed in Okinawa. My performing group had left me and were headed to the Philippines. I felt alone in a far away country. Doctor's concerns had led me to feel hopeless.  I thought of my family, and future dreams.  Currants of tears were shed. Then in a dark moment  a hymn came to mind.  

Lead, kindly Light, amid th’en circling gloom, lead Thou me on! 

The night is dark, and I am far from home; lead Thou me on! 

Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see 

The distant scene; one step enough for me.  

     From that moment the dark thoughts changed to a bright hope and dwelt within my heart. 

         Lead Thou me on.   

         Like a lighthouse the melody brought a stream of light into my mind. I knew I wasn’t alone. I knew I would get well. I knew I would sing again. Most of all I knew just how close the spirit of Christ can be.  

     Why am I talking about lighthouses.  Especially on Easter?  

     Jesus Christ - is the keeper of the everlasting lighthouse--hopefully seen by all. He is the way. He stepped forth and courageously said “Send me.” As keeper He has climbed the steep stairs. With patience he felt the winds of the whip against his flesh. One by one he felt and knew of the personal journey of each of us. That is when we were engraven upon his bloody palms.   

    He stands ready night and day, our lighthouse, to still the waters and calm the seas of fear. He eagerly awaits to rescue anyone. Anyone who calls out His name. Anyone who seeks for the light. Jesus provides a constant light that burns for all of us to see, to find, and to follow.   He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  

        Each of us - at birth -automatically became “keepers of the light. “ 

 “the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world--” The light of Christ.  That newborn light was small then. 

      Imagine if we give ourselves a daily routine that ensures that we trim our wicks with wisdom, shine our souls in service, generate our thoughts to “talk of Christ, rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ. 

    As “Keepers of the Light” we need to continually fill our lamps with oil. Prepare so we will be day and night ready, becoming -wise keepers.  Polishing the windows with prayer to see more clearly, seeking the word.... In Psalms... it reads... ” Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. "

      As we draw unto Christ , and follow him --our abilities to push away the darkness -will increase. Our abilities to discern will be enhanced.   

        Pres. Boyd K Packer said: “If you have made mistakes, and all of us have, whether minor or serious, then you have an enormous need to find out how they can be erased so that you are no longer in darkness. 

        “Jesus Christ is the light and life of the world,” he continued. “As we fix our gaze firmly on him and his teachings, we will be guided to the harbor of spiritual safety.” 

    Christ has walked the walk, talked the talk, and holds the light for all.  

        Long before Jesus came to earth Plato, the famous Greek philosopher said: 

   “We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.” 

        The Lord is my light - then why should I fear 

        By day and by night - his presence is near.  

This is a small portion of a talk I gave this Easter morning. Might we all rejoice in the light of truth. Jesus is the Christ, our Redeemer, our lighthouse.

Enjoy the gift.

Love to all

Shauna 

Smile You’re Just a Click Away!  

by Shauna Brown  

            Recently I received a notice - from Facebook - that an old friend wanted me to accept her invitation of friendship.  I was tickled with the invite, as well as an instant mind review of sweet memories that her name conjured up. With a click of the computer key I was stepping into her world, looking at pieces of her life. I smiled as I scanned  the pictures. She had married, had children, taught school, loved cooking, drove a BMW, and was now enjoying time being a Grandmother. It was simple fun connecting with an old friend.  I was happy for her. 

             I find Facebook an interesting, while yet revealing place. I don’t spend much time there.On occasion I do a quick run and scroll through. Thankfully I have discovered births, marriages to be, funerals, birthdays, anniversaries and such. It also has revealed some thought provoking moments as well. I have observed some friends and family going through difficult times. 

        I know too well what it means to be tagged by someone with one of their most ‘beautiful, candid pictures’ . 

      “Hey!” I want to say - “Erase! Erase! Take that picture off.”  I don’t want to be remembered looking like that!”   Not only was it a bad hair day, the lighting was horrible, the wrinkles showed, it wasn’t my best side, and the more than plenty unwanted pounds were so visible.  But life happens, and it is what it is, in living, breathing color. No time for Photoshop. There is no pretending. With unknown clicks of phones and cameras today-- well, every move, every moment is clicking away.  So you just grin and live it! That’s my positive spin. 

            I wish to liken those Facebook reveals to the moment when we, each one of us will stand in heaven someday. When our time here on earth is finished. We are there for the big reveal and review of our life. However, there are no surprises, as we realize that by our personal choices - it is - what it is. No time for touchups, Photoshop changes, rewinding or quick repentant modifications. Our life choices, values, focus, are clearly evident. Interesting, God just stands by and listens. We realize that we are the judge for ourselves how we did.  We will giggle at some moments, and cry at other times. We will evaluate how we spent our time, how we used the talents given. How we loved, how we served, how we gave. It will be most evident as we observe how our trust, hope and faith in a Savior grew. Did we believe? Did we follow?  We will see those moments - upclose and very personal.  

         I believe we will also recall a tender moment when Jesus Christ held our face within his hands, ‘engraved us upon his palms’ and shed blood and tears for each of us.  

     He will look into our face as our eternal Facebook reveals the story of the choices and changes we willingly made.  Our wrinkles won’t matter. The color of our hair will be of little importance. He will see our best and beautiful side. The perfect lighting will only come from God.  

        I guess someday we all will ‘face’ the reality of how we used this life to prepare to meet God again.  

Change is like a bumper car of opportunity.  

~ Shauna Brown

Enjoy the ride this Sabbath Day

Love to all

<Bear hug.jpg>

--

     Enjoy the Fragrance of Forgiveness

by Shauna V. Brown

Last Friday afternoon a young mother entered my office. She was concerned about the numerous times her two daughters had missed seminary.  I quickly pulled up their attendance records. It was instantly clear that something had occurred during the last couple of months.  I counted the days. I looked into the face of the young mother. “We’ve got some work to do,” I said with a smile, but can be done."          With a clear sense of regret she said,  “I’m going through a divorce, and it has been a difficult time for all of us. I’ve got seven young children and each are handling the separation in a variety of ways.”      Excusing the absences was simple. With just a click of the mouse the missing days were changed.      “That was easy,” she said. I explained how the girls could complete make up work.       "Wish I could fix life that fast," the young mother responded.          I then asked what she was doing to remain so positive during such a trying time. She smiled even bigger and shared:  “I have discovered that no matter what, I forgive.  I forgive him as quickly as I can. I forgive him for the mean text messages. I forgive him for not seeing the children like he said he would. I forgive him for his poor choices.  I am teaching my children to forgive him quickly and then the hurt doesn’t stay as long. I won’t be held down by his choices.” Then she added, “ You know what?” A sweet smile found place, “ I have discovered we can live in peace.”       Her outlook was positive as she said, “The Lord has helped me. A few months before my husband  left us I literally fell into an opportunity to be a translator. I can work from home and be with my family. I know God is watching over us.”       This young woman had come to a dark moment in her life and had chosen to seek the light.  She had done just as Apostle Paul wrote to the Romans: 13:12  The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.        I couldn’t see her armour, but I could sense she was aware of it. From her brightness I could rejoice with her as she moved forward with confidence and trust in Christ.  She was leading her little band of seven. Onward good soldier!        “Good cheer is a state of mind or mood that promotes happiness or joy... With God’s help, good cheer permits us to rise above the depressing present or difficult circumstances. It is a process of positive reassurance and reinforcement. It is sunshine when clouds block the light.”   ~ Marvin J. Ashton           I liked her message for me and for all of us : FORGIVE QUICKLY.   Say you’re sorry. Write it off for experience. Let it go. Apologize and accept apology. Choose the better.             “Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.”                         Mark Twain    Don’t you love the smell of violets? Good things are happening!     Breathe in and enjoy the peace. Especially this Sabbath day. Love to all, Shauna p.s. FORGIVE my spelling mistakes - I do make them on occasion.