We could all take a lesson from a cow...

Driving into Logan tonight, I passed a field full of black cows. Come to think of it, I pass them about three to six times a day, and last night, in the blizzard, my children and I expressed our compassion towards said bovine for having to weather the storm. Today, however, it struck me that we, the human race, could sure take a lesson from these cows in the field...a lesson in endurance, faith, coping skills, and optimism.

First off, these poor cows were getting hammered last night. They were covered with snow, buffeted by the wind, and left standing in the middle of a field with no escape...no run in shelter. Several of them huddled together, perhaps finding comfort from the companionship of their peers, or the heat of extra bodies. They have no choice but to deal. They endure. I can't help but think they are prewired with the knowledge that "this too will pass." They've been through storms before, and they know that they end. To me, this serves as an example of endurance through our trials and faith in a future free of, at least, the particular trial at hand. When times are tough and the wind buffets and the snow swirls around us, we can find comfort in the companionship of others - friends, family, pets, Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ. We can find warmth in their smiles, their words, their hugs, and their acceptance.

Secondly, I noticed this evening that the cows were already pushing the snow aside to find the remnants of green grass perhaps hiding underneath. They made it through the night, through the subzero temperatures, and on the new day, pushed away the evidence of their trial to find new hope of fresh comfort. How many of us, after the tempest of our trials, stomp around on the evidence, curse it, nurture it, cling to it? How much happier would we all be if we had the smarts of a cow to stick our noses in the cold snow and push it aside? They don't get rid of it, but merely shift it to another place, in order to move on with their duty of survival.

Now, I haven't talked to a cow, recently at least, and therefore know not their thoughts on these matters, but am pretty sure one might say, "Donna, you think too much. We're just hungry and we don't give a rat's butt about endurance, faith and optimism. It is what it is. Enjoy your steak and think of me." And with that, I bid you adieu.

Sincerely,

Donna van Uitert
a.k.a "The Cow Whisperer"
11/24/10 11:15 p.m.

Limber Pine Trail Pictures :0)

Limber Pine Trail Pictures

Limber Pine Trail

Today, Kev and I and the kids took a drive up Logan Canyon for a little hike. There's a great trail that is easy breezy up at the top of the canyon, overlooking Bear Lake. The quakies were changing colors, the air was crisp and just a bit chilly, and the trails were moist, but not wet, from the rain we received a few days ago. We weren't prepared for the cooler temps being quite so cool and didn't pack any sweatshirts, so....we had to improvise. All we had in the car were Gerrit's and Dayton's shirts from Priesthood conference, that were inadvertantly left in the back. So, when you see all the white shirts, you'll understand! We don't typically go for a hike in white church shirts, but there's always a first! We had a great time and snapped some photos to share with y'all. Hope you enjoy them!

History Repeats Itself

I am feeling very thoughtful tonight after reading a friend's post on facebook about Boyd K. Packer's talk in conference this weekend. The gay and lesbian community is in an uproar over his words...words that have not changed over the history of time...words about homosexuality. I was troubled to read that the President of the HRC painted a picture of his conference talk as one of hate and condemnation. He even went so far as to say that our church deems gays and lesbians as undeserving of love. Where he got that, I do not know. My friend posted something I did not understand, but when I read the name Packer in her post I asked her what she meant. After much thought and inspiration I wrote her the following and wish to share it with you:

With all due respect, because you know I have that for you, I felt none of the hatred and scorn that the HRC paints of Elder Packer's conference talk. But you know, Prophets and Apostles have always been hated because they deliver messages that are going to be unpopular to different groups of people. Eleven out of the twelve original apostles were put to death because they would not recant their testimony of the resurrection of Christ. I would say that there are plenty of people who would like to see Boyd K. Packer deceased for his words...words that should come as no surprise to anyone. It was Dallin H. Oaks who was hated last year over the same issue. I have no doubt they would willingly suffer death rather than recant what they know in THEIR hearts to be true. I would do the same. I love Boyd K. Packer. I have a testimony of his apostalic calling and those of the other twelve and first presidency of the church. Perhaps in the next few years they will say something that offends me or that I don't want to hear. I wonder if I will suddenly lose my testimony and belief in prophets and apostles because my lifestyle is no longer in harmony with their teachings. I hope not, but many have. How many left the church when the blacks received the priesthood, because they didn't think it was right? How many left when President Benson taught from the pulpit that mothers who could, should stay home with their children? Many women who had a testimony of the divine calling of President Benson suddenly lost their faith in him as a prophet because they now disagreed or felt defensive at what he was saying. How many have left the church over their stance on gay marriage and Prop 8? Plenty, I'm sure. But, you see, it's not them who are changing what they preach. They have always taught these principles, but when they are reiterated at a politically charged time when the majority seems to be bowing to the wants and desires of the minority, folks get bent out of shape and decide the church is no longer true and that the Prophets and Apostles are no longer men of God. I feel love from President Monson, and that's not because I am a straight girl...I feel his love for the gay and lesbian community. The church has never preached hate, but to read that HRC president's remarks, he makes it sound like that is exactly what Elder Packer did. I guess we heard/read two different conference addresses. Elder Packer, Elder Oaks, President Monson...they are all just modern day "Samuel the Lamanite" figures and the world is desperately trying to shoot them off of the wall they are standing on. I hope to never find myself as one of the crowd shooting the arrows at the Prophets of the Lord. I love you, my friend, and I barely know you. I sense a deep, compassionate, loving, hurt, confused, and good heart in you. I hope you can come to a peaceful resolution with your thoughts and feelings about your life as a member of the LDS faith. Perhaps you are no longer a member and have requested your name taken off the records of the church. Whatever the case may be, I know God loves you, the Prophets and Apostles love you and me and everyone on this beautiful earth. Jesus loves you and is mindful of your situation and your feelings. Please don't buy into the hatred that certain groups are propagating, because it simply is not there being directed at the people they say it is. I really feel this in my heart to be true.

Gerrit's Poems

Here are a few poems that Gerrit wrote at EFY...

A Change

I feel a change
Within my heart.
I do not know
How it did start.

There is a change
In who I am.
To be better
I know I can.

It's a good change,
One of the best.
It comforts me
And helps me rest.

"I wrote this on the second to last day of EFY when I noticed that something had changed inside of me."

The Spirit

I feel my heart beat
Deep inside.
My happy limits
Are defied.

The Spirit's here
Deep within.
And I know God
Can forgive all sin.

I am filled
With so much joy.
And I know this
None can destroy.

"I wrote this at EFY Nauvoo 2010 during testimony meeting. The poem explains the rest."

EFY 2010

Gerrit had the opportunity to speak in church today about his experience at EFY - Nauvoo. He had a fabulous time and grew tremendously spiritually. What a blessing to have programs such as this that help strengthen our children's testimonies and love of the Lord and the Savior.