Prone to Forget: Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving Speech

While in college, I was asked to paint some portraits for a "mastermind group" collection. Two of the inspiring figures chosen by the commissioner were Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. The more I learn about each of these good men, the more I respect and appreciate what they have done for the world.

Each year as I gather with family for Thanksgiving, I make time to reread Abraham Lincoln's 1963 Thanksgiving speech. It's a personal tradition--an anchor that pulls me back and puts things into proper focus.

Painted from a photograph taken by Alexander Gardner in 1863
(archived in the Library of Congress)

My rendition of President Washington based on 1853 painting by Rembrandt Peale (currently held in the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.)

Thanksgiving traditions far predate Abraham Lincoln and George Washington, but both presidents formally acknowledged the divine hand of providence in this blessed country.

In 1789, George Washington issued a proclamation designating a national day of thanksgiving for that year. Almost a century later, at the persistence of Sarah Josepha Hale, and in the turbulent wake of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving Day to be an annual event celebrated throughout the United States.  While remarking on the “blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies,” President Lincoln made the following observation:

To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.

Then, recounting the current struggles of a civil war “of unequaled magnitude and severity,” he noted that the American people somehow continue to prosper.  Despite the “waste” of war, he observed, the Nation increased in population and development, and the land “yielded even more abundantly than heretofore.”

President Lincoln concludes:

No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. 

I thank God for inspired leaders like Presidents Washington and Lincoln. I thank God for this country with its foundation rooted in true and eternal principles. I thank Heaven for this beautiful earth with all its variety, simplicity, and breathtaking grandeur.

I thank my Father in Heaven for a loving plan that is both perfectly just and perfectly merciful; for the gift of His Son who makes salvation possible for all; and for the knowledge that families can be together forever through covenant.

May we who are "prone to forget" make the simple effort to see what is always before our eyes--our freedom, our faith, our family, and all with which the God of Heaven and Earth has blessed us.

For more information, see:

President George Washington's Thanksgiving address and historical background.
President Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving address and historical background.

To Whom Shall We Go? Response to LDS Church Policy on Children of Same-sex Couples

When the Lord miraculously fed thousands with bread and fish, it is no wonder they followed Him (see Matt. 14:13-21 and accompanying Bible Video).

When He declared unto them "hard sayings," it is also no surprise that many "walked no more with him" (John 6:60-66).

The question, "Will ye also go away?" (John 6:67) asked by Jesus to His apostles, required an honest, personal examination of which type of bread they were after. Were they just following the happily-fed crowd; or were they prepared to feed His sheep (see John 21:15-17)? Were they merely enjoying the 'bread' that satisfies the temporal needs of nourishment, stability, belonging, etc.; or did they truly hunger and thirst after righteousness (see Matt. 5:6)? In short, the question the Lord was asking His apostles is whether they were after the bread of convenience or the bread of covenants.

Temporal Bread

The truth is the Lord has the power and desire to feed us physically. He declared, "it is my purpose to provide for my saints, for all things are mine. . . . [T]he earth is full, and there is enough and to spare" (Doctrine & Covenants 104:15-17).

For 40 years, the God of Heaven and Earth, the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament fed the Children of Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 16:35).

During His mortal sojourn on earth, Jesus again fed and taught the multitudes:

"Consider the ravens . . . . God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? . . . Consider the lilies . . . . If then God so clothe the grass . . . how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?" (Luke 12: 24, 27-28)

As a Latter-day Saint, I have witnessed, participated in, and received this 'temporal' bread. The Church's welfare and humanitarian efforts have literally blessed millions, one person at a time (see LDSPhilanthropies.org, the Church Welfare Program, and ProvidentLiving.org for some examples; for a recent example, see the Church's encouragement to assist European refugees). While many are losing trust in governments, charities, and non-profit relief organizations, The Church continues to prove effective and efficient in temporal salvation. I take great comfort in knowing my contribution (albeit comparatively minuscule) is getting to the people who need it. When the dust settles, I think many will begin to see the good the Church has done and is doing for individuals, communities, and nations worldwide.

The Church provides additional kinds of 'temporal' sustenance. Everything from addiction recovery to youth programs—fulfilling social, mental, emotional and other needs. Each member has a friend and a responsibility. And at a very basic level, the Church is reliably the same wherever I go. (If you don't trust me, join the church and try moving around a bit.) Everywhere I have been—Indiana, Texas, Utah, Ohio, Kansas, Missouri, England, and Italy—the Church and its teachings are the same. This consistency and reliability provides an invaluable sense of stability and belonging.

Truly, the Lord has provided a church structure to meet all our needs. But the Lord's work of salvation is more than temporal.

Everlasting Bread

Jesus fed bread to multitudes out of compassion. But He had a higher purpose in mind.

Instead of reading my attempt to relay the Lord's powerful teachings, just read and/or watch it (John 6:1-71 and the accompanying Bible Video: I Am the Bread of Life).

Do you see how short-sighted many of his followers were? Is it any wonder they left when he declared "hard sayings" unto them?
Can you see what He is inviting them to do? And, in the end, who are the real beneficiaries of the covenants He invites us to make with Him—us or Him?

Will ye also go away?

"The road of discipleship is not for the spiritually faint of heart" (see full address, which I recommend wholeheartedly: Elder Neil L. Anderson, "Never Leave Him," Oct. 2010 General Conference).

The Lord, though infinitely compassionate, requires full commitment. He does not ask for ten percent of our heart or one day in seven for our devotion. Rather, He commands we give all our heart, soul, and mind, and our service to others (Matt. 22:37-40). "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me;" and then the paradoxical promise: "whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it" (Matt. 16:24-25 and Bible Video).

The Lord asks for it all--at least all we have to give. And in return for our 'sacrifice,' He promises "all that the Father hath" (Doctrine & Covenants 84:38).

I am increasingly amazed at God's desire to bless us more than we could ever deserve. Here are some of my favorite examples. Follow the links to read them in context for greater meaning:

• "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse . . . and prove me now . . . if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it" (Malachi 3:10).
• "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12:32).
• "[I]if ye should serve him who has created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another—I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants. And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments; and . . . ye should prosper in the land" (Mosiah 2:21-22).
• "For thus saith the Lord—I, the Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end" (Doctrine & Covenants 76:5, italics added).

To whom shall we go?

Peter's answer to the Lord's question, "Will ye also go away?" is logical and resolute: "Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. . . . we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God" (John 6:68-69).

Many are struggling with the LDS Church's policy requiring children of same-sex couples to wait until the age of majority to be baptized. Many are leaving the Church or redefining 'their' Mormon beliefs. But this is not the first potential offense and it will not be the last. Each time I see or hear statements regarding how the Church leaders are "wrong" or "mistaken," I am reminded of the principle taught by Wilford Woodruff and others that the Lord will never allow His chosen prophets to lead His church astray:

The Lord will never permit [the] President of this Church to lead you astray. It is not in the programme. It is not in the mind of God. If I were to attempt that, the Lord would remove me out of my place, and so He will any other man who attempts to lead the children of men astray from the oracles of God and from their duty. (Official Declaration 1; for an in-depth discussion on this truth, see Teachings of the Living Prophets Student Manual, Ch. 2: The Living Prophet: The President of the Church)

To be clear, "[w]e cannot separate Christ from His servants," and we cannot expect to stay connected to the gospel and atoning power of Jesus Christ "by jumping out of the boat and trying to swim . . . by ourselves" ("God Is at the Helm," Elder M. Russell Ballard, Oct. 2015; Elder Ballard continues: "It is the Church wherein we learn the works of God and accept the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ that saves us. It is within the Church that we form the commitments and covenants of eternal families [and] exaltation. It is the Church that is powered by the priesthood to propel us through the unpredictable waters of mortality.").

How we answer the Lord's question, "Will ye also go away?" depends on our relationship with Him and an understanding of His true character. He is perfectly just and perfectly merciful. He lived a perfect life, and suffered infinite temptation, pain, sorrow, and all kinds of suffering. He knows us and understands our struggles perfectly. He will never forsake us, and He will not allow His chosen prophets to lead us astray. He is aware of (and will address in His own time and in His own way) every question and concern we have. He is at the helm of the Old Ship Zion. Of this the Spirit has born witness to me and will to you if you if you are sincere (see Moroni 10:2-7).

If the Savior stood beside me...

Occasionally, I imagine the Savior nearby--at church, at school, and at home. Each Sunday in our meetings, I imagine Him sitting in the corner watching and listening. I imagine Him seeing my wife and me try to sit with three small children. I wonder what He thinks of what is being said and the way we (as covenant members of His Church) interact with one another and accept or reject His doctrine.

He invites us to believe in Him, to follow Him, and to always remember Him and keep His commandments that we may always have His Spirit to be with us. He pleads with us to be faithful until the day of His return.

May we never forsake Him is my prayer.




Related posts: Walking by faith with both feet (parts 1-2).

FAITH: Substantial Evidence or Blind Obedience?

"In every change, He faithful will remain"

(Be Still My Soul, a familiar Christian hymn)

Life as a believer has become increasingly demanding as the morale of the world changes. What was once expected as common decency is largely considered old-fashioned. What was once right and true is now considered relative or even wrong (an irony of its own). In a strange turn of history, Christianity, which found its strongest roots in the Western European and American world, is now hardly welcome at home.

Holding onto one's faith is becoming increasingly difficult, but the God of Heaven is not an absentee landlord. The narrow path of discipleship is not easy, "[b]ut they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31).

Persecution: The Test of Faith

I am a Mormon—a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My people have a hard history of persecution. Some of my not-so-distant ancestors were abused and driven out of their homes—even while calling upon the United States government for Constitutional protection and redress which was never granted. Though Latter-day Saints have enjoyed some tranquil years, we know persecutions will continue (and even increase) until the Savior returns.

But Mormons are not the only people to suffer persecutions. Jews—the Lord's ancient covenant people—have possible suffered more for their faith and heritage than any other people. Muslims also have a rough heritage. And there are many more. Virtually all believers have suffered to some degree at one time or another.

Living one's faith may not be difficult when it is consistent with popular belief. But when society's standards begin to slip, it can make life uneasy for the believer. This is no surprise, however. It was not convenient for the only One who lived a perfect life either (for a wonderful analysis of inconvenient discipleship, see Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Inconvenient Messiah," from a 1982 speech at BYU).

One question faced by many believers is this: if the world is telling me I am wrong, how do I know I am following the right path? How do I know God's laws are true and still relevant? And, for me as a Latter-day Saint, how did I know this Church is still true?

I hope my explanation will resolve some of these questions. Specifically I will discuss the concept of "blind obedience" in contrast to what I think it means to walk by the light of faith.

Now, please remember that I am just another member of the Church. I do not speak on behalf of the Church. However, I have tried to highlight and hyperlink true sources which cut to the core of the issues of faith, truth, and revelation. This post is motivated by reactions to LDS Church teachings, doctrines, policy and procedure.

Let's start with a definition.

Faith: Substantial Evidence or Blind Obedience?

What is faith? Is it a feeling? A belief? A person's religious views? Or is it an assurance? Or even actual knowledge? Though I used "faith" above in reference to religious heritage or belief, I am now focusing on faith as a principle of action and power.

The Apostle Paul described faith as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrew 11:1). Substance? Evidence? These sound like concrete words. But where is the concreteness in things that are merely "hoped for" and "not seen"? Where is the evidence if we cannot see it? And where is the substance if we cannot hold it, touch it, or taste it?

The truth is we do have real evidence—which I will touch on in a moment. But these types of questions assume that knowledge and truth are limited to the sensual—touch, taste, sight, sound, and smell. There is so much more, and it is just as real as what we can discern with the common five senses (for an excellent and thorough discussion on truth, see "What is Truth?," Dieter F. Uchtdorf).

The Lord Jesus Christ performed miracles, but condemned those who sought after 'signs of the flesh.' His miracles did not produce faith (if they did, then all who saw them would have had faith in Him). But to those who believed He gave substantial physical evidence as a foundation for belief in His spiritual power.

My favorite example of this pattern is found in Mark 2, in which Jesus heals a man sick with palsy. After being criticized for saying he forgave the sins of the palsied man, Jesus asks this question: "Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?" (v. 9). And then He followed the question with evidence:

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)
I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.
And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion. (vv. 10-12)

(here is a link if you want to watch the Bible Video or read the verses yourself)

To the faithful His miracles confirmed and increased their faith and allowed them to believe Him when he spoke of "heavenly things" that were sometimes hard to hear (see John 3:1-36 in which Jesus teaches Nicodemus of spiritual rebirth using the example of physical birth; or John 6:25-71 in which Jesus teaches the people of the Bread of Life--Himself--after feeding them loafs of real bread).

To each of us, the Lord compassionately provides enough substantial evidence to move forward, but wisely withholds the complete picture. "For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Cor. 5:7).

So is faith blind? Consider the following from a prophet I admire:

     When men obey commands of a creator, it is not blind obedience. How different is the cowering of a subject to his totalitarian monarch and the dignified, willing obedience one gives to his God. The dictator is ambitious, selfish, and has ulterior motives. God’s every command is righteous, every directive purposeful, and all for the good of the governed. The first may be blind obedience, but the latter is certainly faith obedience. …
     Is it blind obedience when one regards the sign “High Voltage—Keep Away” or is it the obedience of faith in the judgment of experts who know the hazard?
Is it blind obedience when the air traveler fastens his seat belt as that sign flashes or is it confidence in the experience and wisdom of those who know more of hazards and dangers?
     Is it blind obedience when the little child gleefully jumps from the table into the strong arms of its smiling father, or is this implicit trust in a loving parent who feels sure of his catch and who loves the child better than life itself? …
     Is it then blind obedience when we, with our limited vision, elementary knowledge, selfish desires, ulterior motives, and carnal urges, accept and follow the guidance and obey the commands of our loving Father who … created a world for us, loves us, and has planned a constructive program for us, wholly without ulterior motive, whose greatest joy and glory is to “bring to pass the immortality and eternal life” of all his children? [See Moses 1:39.]
     It is not blind obedience, even without total understanding, to follow a Father who has proved himself. (from Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball)

I know Him and love Him, and I will follow Him in faith.



Related posts: Walking by Faith with Both Feet (parts 1-2)

The Divine Gift of Intellect

The following is an introduction to my book: The Divine Gift of Intellect. I still have much to do, but wanted to share a snapshot of what it is about. The chapter titles are listed after the introduction.

Introduction

In 1842, a woman by the name of Augusta Ada King developed what is considered the first computer program. Her discoveries came long before twentieth-century electrification; and the first ‘official’ computer would not take form for over 100 years. Yet at age 27, this remarkable woman envisioned things well into the future—even beyond the technology we possess today.

This seemingly rare woman—Ada Lovelace as she is called—is not alone in her accomplishments or her foresight. Hundreds like her have discovered and contributed to the explosion of invention and information over the past 200 years. Inventors, authors, scientists, musicians, religious reformers, and a host of other "discoverers" have continued to move the world forward at an ever-increasing pace. And just to bring it up to speed, in 2014 alone the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) granted over 326,000 patents. That is a lot of “new” and “useful” inventions.

Some may consider this acceleration nothing more than a fortunate evolution of technological advancement, or a natural outgrowth of economic and new-frontier conditions; and this would certainly be a good start. But a true examination of the miraculous and unprecedented growth in the past few centuries reveals evidence of the divine hand of providence. For thousands of years no progress has been this rapid. The acceleration is not coincidental, and neither is your placement in it.

The God of Heaven and Earth is hastening His work in preparation for His coming. He will come just as prophesied, and it will be glorious! The signs are all around us, including the acceleration of technological advancements. Ours is the opportunity to participate in this marvelous work. Ours is the responsibility to take advantage of these great discoveries, and to join the cause of truth—to prepare the world for His return.

Like the light of the sun to seedlings under the soil, the Light of Christ is illuminating the minds of men and women to discover, invent, and perpetuate useful tools, information, and ideas for His purposes. A number of discoveries seem to have appeared simultaneously—as if the authors' plucked them from the same tree that was just coming to fruition. The discovery of oxygen, the theory of evolution of species, the telephone, the airplane, and even calculus are some well-known examples. Though some may take issue with these examples, and explain them away with this or that circumstance, none can ignore the unprecedented growth at a time of religious revival, restoration, and preparation for that which is to come.

Communicative technology—particularly social media—has a specific purpose, though few acknowledge it. And no, it is not to share cat videos or pictures of your lunch. There is a higher purpose.

One of my greatest heroes is a man by the name of William Wilberforce—the subject of the book and film entitled Amazing Grace. In the early years of his life young Wilberforce felt drawn to God, and began examining and developing his spirituality. But it did not take long for his mother and some fellow students at Cambridge to pull young Wilberforce away from his new-found faith. After some riotous but regretted years, Wilberforce came to himself and to God through a traveling companion named Isaac Milner—a mathematician, inventor, preacher, and President of Queens’ College in Cambridge.

Wilberforce’s conversion was deep and continuous, and was the motivation for his remarkable efforts. He felt an ever-present sense of accountability for his time and resources. He sold a substantial portion of his inheritance, and He championed numerous causes—everything from the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to the number of misfit servants he kindly employed. But the abolition of the slave trade was his first and great objective. Listing his accomplishments would be exhausting, and numbering the people impacted by his efforts is impossible. Truly, Wilberforce changed the world.

One would think that abolishing the British slave trade (and throughout much of Europe and the Western world) would be enough to merit a peaceful rest. And if that were not enough, then surely Wilberforce’s reformation of the entire middle- and upper-classes of British society toward a more moral civilization would be sufficient for his resume. The man was called the “conscience of the nation;” what more could he have done? But this is exactly how he felt. He regretted not having done more. Even in his old age, after six decades in the houses of Parliament and endless international efforts on all issues moral, he could not rest. When the news was delivered to him personally of the long-awaited emancipation bill that would finally be successful, Wilberforce rose and asked to present the bill himself. He did not have to, nor did he do so for his own glory. Rather, it was the fire of truth in his soul that could not be contained. He had to be a part of it—to do it for the glory of God. And it was a glorious day indeed!

Wilberforce knew who he was. He knew he was a natural man, without even a hope of attaining holiness on his own. But he also understood that he had within him something divine. Wilberforce knew he was, in some small way, a creator like the God he knew and loved. And he used that knowledge to plan, prepare, and perpetuate truth and goodness across the globe.

Wilberforce also understood that he would give an accounting for how he used what God had given him—time, resources, and his gift of intellect. Though none of us is the final judge of any other, I suspect that Wilberforce’s welcome in heaven was glorious. He did not live a perfect life, but he was firmly attached to one who did. And with that firm attachment, he obtained the vision and power to prepare the world for that which is to come.

We each have a part to play in preparing for the return of the Great Creator. May it be a glorious day for each of us!

The Gift of Intellect - chapters:

1-He is Coming

2-Inspired by the Great Creator

3-The Gift of Intellect

4-Intellectual Property

5-Inspired Discoveries

6-Our Place in His-Story

7-His Return

Look Up

Look up! It feels good. Doesn't it?

While walking the streets of Heckmondwike, England, my very Spanish missionary companion asked me in his very Spanish accent why I always look up: "You see de clouds, and de buildings; I always look just at de walkway. Why you always look up?" I think he asked the question while I was taking this picture. Beautiful, isn't it?

Upper Independent Chapel, High Street, Heckmondwike, England

Until he mentioned it, I hadn't thought much of it. I just like looking up at all there is to see. But it was a good moment for me--to realize I had a healthy habit of looking heavenward.

Recently, I have found myself looking down more. I guess three kids and three years of law school have added some weight to my responsibilities, making it harder to remember what's up there. But just this afternoon, my sweet, three-year-old [oldest] daughter asked, "Why are you looking down, Daddy?" Instantly, my inner tension was diffused as my mind went back to my Spanish companion. I was also reminded of the words of Carl B. Cook from his 2011 address, "It Is Better to Look Up". I looked up at her with a smile.

And [Jesus] said . . . Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. (Matt. 18:3)

I have often wondered if one of the reasons children are so happy is because of how much they look up. By nature, children are always looking up. They look up to parents and other adults out of necessity; they look up to the birds and planes out of curiosity; and they look up to heaven out of pure belief.

Here are a few 'snapshots of heaven' followed by one of my favorite passages of scripture. Although a camera lens can never capture the breathtaking beauty of a majestic mountain range, or an open sky sunset in the mid-west, these photos lift my spirit nonetheless.

I will start with a sample of my Utah photos:

Ivins, Utah: one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

Wasatch Front north of Bountiful, Utah.
I always thought these mountains looked like the profile of a battlefront-line of  horses galloping into the valley.

Sunset over the Great Salt Lake from my parents' front porch.

Daytime moon above shear wall along Angel's Landing trail in Zions National Park, Southern Utah.

Looking up at a small sunflower -- which is also looking up  :)

Looking upward to the late-summer warmth on Mount Timpanogos.

Winter shot of Mount Timpanogos from Provo, Utah (reminds me of my Grandma).

Balloon over St. George, Utah from Dixie State University.
When I was in my early teens, I got to ride in a hot air balloon thanks to my dad's friend, Smiley. What an experience!

St. George, Utah temple -- where Tiffani and I were married for time and all eternity. In our first apartment, we lived nearly across the street from the temple. What a remarkable place. So grateful to have lived in St. George for four years.

The following several images I took on a trip to Italy in 2006 (just before I left for my mission in England). A friend who was living in Italy at the time invited me to visit him, and we saw as much of the country as we could in 14 days. What a great time, and what a wonderful country!

Beautiful flaking-plaster stone walls in Città della Pieve, Italy

Detail of Cathedral atop the tuff-cliff city of Orvieto, Italy

Enjoying the powerful wind and breathtaking view on the Rocca Maggiore castle in Assisi, Italy -- probably my favorite place in all of Italy

The Saints surrounding the courtyard of St. Peter's Bascillica in Rome, Italy

Giotto's Campanile across from the Cathedral in Florence, Italy. I climbed every step. (And it was worth every step!)

Tower over St. Mark's Square in Venice, Italy (climbed that one too).

Spiral staircase exiting the Vatican museum.

While sitting in the Pantheon, I noticed what looked like a droplet of light descending from the oculus (upper opening). I rose from my seat and slowly walked toward the center of the floor as the light fell. We (the light and I) reached the center of the room at about the same time, and when the droplet of light touched my hand, I could see it was the soft feather of a pigeon, no doubt perched atop that historic structure. I kept the light feather as a souvenir.

View from the plane window -- love that clear, huge, dark-blue sky .

And now for some of England:

Hartlepool sunrise (view from second-story "flat" window in first area).

Sunrise over Hartlepool Harbour.

Foggy morning at Hartlepool Harbour.

Sunrise, Hartlepool.

Spen Valley sunrise. Loved being on foot (most of the time); saw the sunrise every morning on the way to the bus stop (during some winter months); spent a lot of time on long walks talking to my two great companions (Elders Echarri and Williams) and people by the way.

View from my study desk in Newcastle flat. Minister gave us a tour of the church and tower. Joined in sermon and singing Christmas day.

Church bell-tower.

Castle ruins near Newcastle, England.

View of Newcastle horizon and streets. Walked this way nearly every day to get to town for street contacting.

Newcastle

Durham Cathedral.

Bridge near Durham Cathedral.

Durham Cathedral. Apparently took 40 years to build.

Looking up through the Durham Cathedral courtyard.

Looking up to the light in the Durham Cathedral courtyard.

Sunset above Newcastle rooftops.

Lindisfarne (Holy Island). 

Others:

Morning-run sunrise before a rainy day in Gladstone, Missouri.

Thanks to my daughter's reminder, I feel renewed commitment to "lift up [my] head and be of good cheer" (3 Ne. 1:13).

Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.
And again, believe that ye must repent of your sins and forsake them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in sincerity of heart that he would forgive you; and now, if you believe all these things see that ye do them. (Mosiah 4:9)