Another year ends. Not all I wanted to accomplish this year has been done, but there were many things that have been completed. All in all, it was a good year and we saw a lot of progress.
I got a text message from Shawn McCraney about his continuing post-Mormon efforts. I appreciated him reaching out. I also got a recent email from Rob Smith, which I also appreciated. There are no reasons for people who hold different views to attack one another. We should explain what we understand and believe, and let people be persuaded or not.
This year some people I have been close to have died. There are others who, as this year ends, are suffering from serious, even life-threatening illnesses. It has made me appreciate just how frail and temporary life is for us all. I broke my arm early in the year, and have struggled to get range of motion and strength back. It was an experience that reminded me that we only make progress through effort. And we do suffer from set-backs from time to time, the most serious of which are to our spirits. But whether it is physical, spiritual, emotional, financial or social, we often have an opportunity to fight back to reclaim our lives. I assume next year will have its own unique set-backs and difficulties. I’m hoping to face them cheerfully, even if it requires a struggle.
I appreciate the efforts others have made this last year that blessed my life. Conferences have been organized, meetings have been held, publications have come into print, and active work on so many good causes have continued. It is amazing to watch the work being done. An interview that just came on-line illustrates the progress made by one small group. It is linked here: Rescuing the Restoration with Chris VanCampen
I look forward to the upcoming conference in May: Spring 2023 Conference I’ve been invited to speak then and have been preparing a talk for the conference.
Although there has been no commandment to proceed, there are nevertheless preparations underway for a temple. We know the Lord expects to give that command, and will provide instruction there. Many things “are ordained by the ordinance of my holy house, which my people are always commanded to build unto my holy name.” T&C 141:12
We have these words given to us by the Lord just a few short months ago: “I will visit my house, which the remnant of my people shall build, and I will dwell therein, to be among you, and no one will need to say, Know ye the Lord, for you all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.” T&C 158:15 Perhaps the coming year will see such a command given.
In 2023 let’s all struggle to overcome our set-backs, strengthen our commitment to the Lord, and be generous with one another. Let’s help where we can and try to do no harm. May we all prosper this coming year. And may we draw nearer to God.