Creating Our Own Pioneering Moments by Spence Udall

Thinking about Pioneer Days has given me a good opportunity to look back in time at my ancestors and my own pioneer heritage. I feel lucky and blessed that I have this heritage and am able to review the lives of those that came before me and learn from them. You never know beforehand what a person is capable of; time is always the ultimate judge. The passing of time also provides us with perspective.

This last week my boys and I had the opportunity to go to the ranch to gather some cattle for this weekend’s rodeo. When we gather cows we always make sure the gates are open and set and a way is prepared so that when we return with the cattle we are able to put them in the corral. When we start to gather a pasture the cows are moved easily, and it takes little effort on our part keeping them headed in the right direction.  As we get closer to the corral the area in which the cows have to move gets smaller and smaller as we try and push them through the gate. Invariably there are always a few animals that need a little extra persuasion to get in the corral, and occasionally there will be one so rank that the decision is made to let that one go rather than jeopardize the entire herd. But eventually, with a little patience and coaxing, we are able to get the cattle into the corral.

 

It makes me wonder if the Lord worked this way to get the Saints out West, a mob here, disease and famine there, eventually gathering them together, pushing them west to this Zion. In May of 1830 Joseph Smith and Parley Pratt visited Nelson, Ohio where they testified of the restored gospel in the Hulett home. Elisha and Sally Whiting were among those that listened. While Sally immediately was convinced of its truthfulness, Elisha was not. To say that Elisha tolerated his wife’s new religion would be an exaggeration. He was no fan of the Mormons nor of their Prophet, and he made life generally miserable for those family members that had joined the church. He was quoted as saying he wished that he had ‘ol Joe Smith on his work bench, that it’d be a pleasure to saw his head off with a hand saw. But like the cowboy driving cattle to their destination, sometimes the Lord drives us. His conversion did not happen until he had become so sick that death was imminent. It was to the point that the doctor refused to render any further care to spare the family any more expense and Elisha’s fate seemed sealed. Elisha’s jaws had become set to the point that they had to pry them open to give him any kind of nourishment. His wife Sally who had converted years earlier asked him one more time if she could call the Elders to administer to him. The account goes on to say that, although he could not speak, she felt sure he consented. I find it interesting that not only does the Lord sometimes have to drive us to our destination, and if it so be that our hearts are so hard, he might even need to take our speech and let someone more “in tune” speak for us. Needless to say, the Elders did come and administer to him, and his condition improved immediately, to the point that Elisha was baptized four days later. Although it took what the family considered a miracle to convince Elisha to join the church, he still had to make the decision to step forward into the waters of baptism. And with that step, Elisha’s and Sally’s future would change dramatically. From that time forward he was a staunch defender of the faith. It is worth noting that this was not the only time in my family’s history that it took near death to prompt conversion.

Now this story of Elisha and Sally sadly does not have a fairy tale ending. In fact, Elisha’s and Sally’s story to the outside world might be considered a failure. From the moment Elisha was baptized the misery that he hoped that would befall the saints and their prophet befell him. They would be driven from their homes and had businesses burned to the ground on numerous occasions. They would eventually die in Iowa, penniless and their family divided among two religious factions. But like I said, the passing of time provides us with perspective. Six of twelve children accompanied Elisha to Iowa; of those six, only two, Edwin and his sister Emeline continued west, while the others remained with the Cutler faction. Even though the way is prepared for us, brothers and sisters, we still have to step forward in the right direction.

Time doesn’t permit me to go into detail about what happened next in the lives of Edwin and his sister Emeline Whiting, but I can tell you that the blessings that our families have received by their decisions have been many.

It occurs to me that many of you may not have this type of pioneer history to lean on. Some of you might be the first in your family to have joined the church, but your pioneer legacy is no less important. While it might be difficult to measure what the steps you take today will have on generations to come, I testify that those steps will add up to something. Elisha Whiting had no way of knowing that his choice of stepping into the waters of baptism would play no small part in me standing here today. But like I said, time gives perspective. Every day we get up in the morning and proceed to make choices all day long. Admittedly some choices are more important than others, but all choices add up to some whole. The question becomes for us, is what do we want our choices to add up to?

Now more than ever the Lord needs people to choose to step forward. Every step you take now may very well be a pioneering moment for your future generations. I think of my own family and friends that I have grown up with, who have great pioneer histories that can see the choices and sacrifices made that for whatever reason have chosen to step back rather than step forward. I wouldn’t suppose to tell you why they made their choice nor to judge them for it. I wish I could stand here and tell you that I had always stood firm and made correct choices, but the truth is, I’ve had a tremendous amount of help along the way by people who have led me, driven me, and sometimes dragged me in the right direction. You’ll notice that the Lord always organizes his people into groups. That is not by coincidence, but by design. As the early companies started the trek west, the trail was difficult. Some families were able to move faster than others, and sometimes only a half mile was achieved in a day's time. Brigham Young became more and more frustrated as the lead of the company would often be many miles in front of the tail. Communication became difficult as messengers had such a great distance to cover relaying messages. Eventually Brigham Young stopped and reorganized, making sure no group fell below 50 people. There is strength in numbers, there was then, and there is now. It is important that we surround ourselves with people whose goals are aligned with ours. I’ll try and refrain from drawing any more parallels of gathering and driving cattle across the pastures to ourselves. Although I do have to wonder if when the Lord is gathering us and trying to get us somewhere if he thinks we are as stupid as I think those cows are?

As I look at my own kids as they start to have families of their own, I realize now how the choices I made as a young father have impacted our family today. Some of the choices I made were of great success and others miserable failures. Like I said, time gives perspective.

Brothers and sisters, as we go out it is my prayer that we will be the pioneers that God intended us to be, that we will look at the choices we are faced with in an eternal perspective. That we will have the strength to step forward and not back in His Gospel. That a hundred years from now time will give perspective to our descendants, that they will be able to look at our lives and the choices that we have made and will be able to use it as a guide in their lives. The way has been prepared; we just need to step forward.

Making it to the Flag by Sandy Liston

Several years ago I went to visit my oldest daughter and her family in Utah. She lives at the base of Bryce Canyon, surrounded by beautiful mountains. One particular mountain, located directly behind her house, has a flag that stands at its peak. Almost as soon as I arrived, my grandsons began begging me to climb that mountain with he goal to reach its peak and stand together under the flag. I had not anticipated this climb, but I gave in to their pleadings and reluctantly went with them. I soon discovered just how out of shape I was! The boys went all over that mountain trying to find an easy way for me to climb, all the while telling me that getting to the flag was a must. They pulled, they pushed, they even offered ropes to pull me to the next level, but, no matter how I tried, I was just too out of shape to make that climb. We all left very disappointed that day. I promised to go home and get in better shape so that I could reach the goal of making it to the flag with them.

A few months later I returned to Utah, and, once again, as soon as I arrived, the boys were begging me to try to climb the mountain. I was better prepared this time and had worked at getting in shape so that, together, we could reach the peak and walk to the flag. I also had some help this time as my youngest daughter had made the trip with me. With great anticipation, we walked to the mountain and began the climb. Again my grandsons were right there to assist me in any way they could think of. They cleared rocks out of my way, looked for easier routes, and cheered me on, and slowly I began making progress. As we neared the top, the boys ran to the flag and began jumping and cheering as they could see me getting closer. As I reached the top and began walking toward the flag, my sweet little Treyson came running toward me, jumping up and down as he exclaimed, "See Grandma, I told you it was better when we could all be here together!"

I have thought of this event many times and likened it to our earthly journey and Eternal goal. We help each other, cheer each other on, move rocks out of the way, and do our best to assist each other in any way we can. I can picture us jumping up and down as each member of the family makes it safely to our eternal home where we will all exclaim, "See, it is better when we are all here together!"

Delicious Days by Kyla Crosby

I am honored to speak to you tonight as your co-salutatorian of the class of 2015. Never before in my life have I received such a prestigious honor that includes such merits as to write an extra homework assignment, and to then read it publicly in front of the biggest crowd I’ve ever stood before. But all jokes aside, I truly am grateful to be here.

I have been born of goodly parents. I have been taught; therefore, much is expected. Frighteningly, my dad sees me just as I am. His wisdom finds me, and pierces my heart. My mother is the wisest woman I know and annoyingly, she’s always right. Sandwiched between brothers and sisters, I have been protected and protective, bossed and bossy, counseled and counselor. Gratefully, my parents taught and expected.

Our house was red, nestled in a deliciously perfect neighborhood – thanks to Aunt Brandee’s baking. Adventurously, I assisted big brother Brock in perilous snake hunts. Around the corner we raced our bikes to the tree house where we fought battles in Rome, rode atop a camel’s hump, and ate worms. What delicious days!

One day, my mother suggested I could be valedictorian, planting in me this desire and goal for eighth grade. So, I worked, doing everything I could; I made sacrifices and did my best. However, some of my fellow classmates were also driven and I became salutatorian. But, still determined, my goal grew on to high school. Again I worked and did my best, yet still, second-place is my fate again. Of course, it has been a hard fact for me to accept, but given the caliber of students in our class I’m okay with it now, and through these experiences I have learned valuable lessons. I’ve realized that we, the class of 2015, have all learned these valuable lessons in one way or another, unique to our own experiences. We’ve learned the value of setting high goals because even if we don’t attain them, we’re still reaching new heights and personal bests in whatever we’re trying to do. We’ve learned the importance of hard work. We’ve learned to never lose sight of our end goal and to perservere, not letting setbacks derail our plans. We’ve made it this far, and now it's up to us to take these lessons into adulthood, out on our own, and use what we have learned to be successful and valuable contributors to society.

In closing, I’d like to express my gratitude to all of you; to my family, teachers, coaches, friends, and most importantly my parents. Without all of you none of us would be here today. You have taught us, inspired us, and made us believe in ourselves. Thank you.

Battle for FREEDOM - By Chief Dan Brown (4th of July speech delivered 2015, St. Johns, AZ)

Like most of you, I really enjoy July 4th.  After all, it's a national holiday, a family day and there's usually a great picnic somewhere with hotdogs,  watermelon, and at least one three-legged race or softball game.  And the day is always topped off with a grand display of fireworks.

For a veteran such as myself, however this holiday takes on a different meaning.  You see, I had the  privilege to serve my country in both the United States Marine Corps and the Army National Guard, along with men and women who were more than fellow Marines and soldiers.  They were my very good friends.  And while I am here with you today, a few of those I served with cannot be.  So it is in their honor that I share some 4th of July thoughts with you today.

This is a great holiday and it honors our great nation.  Independence Day - The 4th of July - this is perhaps the most celebrated family holiday other than Thanksgiving and Christmas and that's appropriate because the 4th of July is all about our families.  Our nation declared its independence in order for our families to live free - not just for one generation, but for future generations.

When the Continental Congress unanimously adopted a resolution on July 2nd calling for independence, within two days the Congress endorsed the Declaration of Independence in its final form.  The 4th of July would  ultimately become the most revered national holiday in our country.

Over 200 years ago our forefathers went up against the world's most colossal empire encountered since ancient Rome.  No colony had ever successful left a mother country to set up a self-governing state.  Not only were the historical odds set against them, they were set to fight against the world's most powerful Navy.  King George III sent a massive armada for what became the largest amphibious assault of the 18th century- over 300 ships and 32,000 men.

On July 12th the British decided to test the rebel defenses by sending the Phoenix, a 44 gun battleship and the Rose, a 28 gun fig ate past southern Manhattan into the Hudson River.  With guns blazing and cannonballs falling of rooftops, one to the first battle for independence occur in New York.  The rebel response was led by Alexander Hamilton who commanded four of the largest cannons in the American arsenal which stood directory in the line of fire.

New York was eventually lost to the British.  By mid August, only 20% of the citizens of New York City remained = a mere 5,000 citizens.  General Washington's soldiers, whom included elderly men and young boys, would dwindle to fewer than 3,000 as British sea power and Hessian troops overran Fort Washington in Manhattan.  General Washington retreated to New Jersey and it would be seven years before New York was taken from British control.  But you know how the story ends…General Washington led his rag-tag troops across New Jersey.  He would avoid large-scale confrontations that played to the British strength and began a new battle strategy.  "We should on all occasions avoid a general action or put anything to risk unless compelled by a necessity into which we ought never be drawn," he told congress. Small Scale skirmishes and guerrilla tactics which favored American forests and landscape would replace traditional methods of battle.  And, it worked.  He won.  We won.  And the  "United Colonies of America" became "Free and Independent states."  The United States of America was born.

Perhaps it is ironic that our battle against terrorism also began with New York City as one of the first battlegrounds.  The attack on September 11th initiated a new war - a war on terrorism.  As then Deputy defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz told the troops in Fallujah, Iraq as that city was fallen, "What you're doing is fighting another kind of evil.  It's not fascism; it's not communism; but it's every bit as evil.  And I think it's every bit as dangerous to our country."  And in this war, there is no armada of British ships visible across the New York harbor.  The enemy is present but hidden.  Battle plans have been rewritten to combat this pervasive enemy.  Our children will never experience the world as it was before 9/11.  That event changed our outlook on the future, but it did not change our love for America. Our ability and agility will form the foundation of future war-fighting.  Our determination to win, however was forged over 200 years ago when the insurmountable odds were overcome.  The 4th of July is truly our Independence Day - a day of celebrations, of remembrance, and of rededication to our country.

I know that you share with me your pride in being an American.  Our country has rapidly evolved in the past tow decades, and we must remember our birthright.  A birthright which was founded on moral values by God-fearing men with integrity and a will to overcome unsurmountable odds.  The American colonies became the United States of America because of our determination, our self-discipline and most of all, our dreams.  Our desire for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness in not a coined phrase, but a day-to-day philosophy celebrating free expression, freedom of religion, freedom of speech and the right to be and remain free.

It is in this spirit of freedom that the 4th of July should be celebrated.  Our Marines, soldiers, sailors and airmen are working all over the world to support the vision that became a reality over 200 years ago.  They are willing to spend the 4th of July away from their families so that we can be with ours.  simply put, our military members do the job many Americans wither cannot do, or simply will not do.

So I hope between the softball and the BBQ and the picnics and the fireworks, each of yo will take a few moments to send a prayer of thanks.  Thanks to our forefathers for their vision and thanks to our military men and women around the world for their dedication.

President Ronald Reagan said in his 4th of July message, "Let the Fourth of July always be a reminder that here in tis land, for the first time, it was decided that man is born with certain God-given rights; that government is only a convenience created and managed by the people, with no powers of its own except those voluntary granted to it by the people."

I challenge each of you to thank a veteran for their sacrifices made on and off the battle field.  I challenge yo to proudly splay our American Flag wherever and whenever you can.  And lastly, I challenge yo to pray for America.  Pray that the values that our country was founded upon will remain for future generations of Americans - our descendants.  Freedom was not simply given to us by our forefathers…it was fought for!  Happy 4th of July to each of you.  May you continue to celebrate our freedom, and may God Bless America.