Dad's Answers

1. As you look back, do you have any favorite years?

I have many years I look back on that bring good feelings to mind.  Some of my favorite years are centered during the times when each of the children where born.  However, I would need to say that perhaps my favorite years where after Heather was born—because I had my wife and five of the kids at home and knowledge and testimony that we would have Allyson with us some day also.  I still have the testimony concerning raising Allyson some day.  It was a wonderful time of life to have all of us together and I honestly do look back with wonderful feelings of joy.  Is there a time in your life that you'd like to live over again?  The above referenced time and also any time I have all the kids and grandkids at home.

 

2. What holiday traditions did you have in you home while growing up?  

Visiting family members on Christmas day for a great feast, visiting cousins and other family members.    

 

3. What historical events stick out in your mind that you lived through?  

The 200 bicentennial of the USA—I was on my mission and it was time when I felt a great love for this great nation and also the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I gained a stronger testimony of how the Lord’s hand was in the founding of this great country. 

 

4. What do you love most about your life right now?

This is an easy one—the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ and my family.

 

5. When you were dating and first married, what kind of long-term goals did you have as a couple, and which of those goals have been met?

- Always be a full tithe payer—we have met this goal.  Unless a valid reason have 100% church attendance to all church meetings--I believe we have met this goal.  Always have a temple recommend—we have met this goal.  Attend the temple at least once a month—sorry to say that we have not met this goal.  Go a “missions” as a couple—we are still working to reaching and fulfilling this goal.  We had a goal to save money each month and I “believe” we have met this goal.  I must admit that some months the “savings” amount was pretty small—maybe a few dollars—but we have been consistent savers and this has brought us blessings and comfort.  Having our home paid for prior to retirement—we have met this goal.  I always wanted a pick up truck and a 1966 Chevy Camaro—the suburban counts as the truck and I doubt we will ever own a 1966 Camaro. 

 

6. As a child, what did you do with your spare time? 

swam, played football, played baseball, played basketball, wrote motorcycles,hunting, shooting guns and fishing--Just about anything related to sports.  What were your favorite pastimes? sports, hunting and fishing.  .

 

7. After 29+ years of marriage, what are some of your favorite bits of advice for a happy marriage? 

Keep the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ the center of your life, pray daily, read the scriptures, spend as much time with your spouse and kids--quality and quantity time.

 

8. What do you remember about your wedding day?  

Just how beautiful Joyce was (and she still is)--how grateful I was to marry the right woman, in the right place and at the right time.  Looking into the eyes of Joyce, across the temple alter, and having the spirit tell me this was/is my eternal companion.  

 

9.  Please share your testimony. 

Because I have taken the time to read, pondered and pray about the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ I know that the gospel and the true church as been restore to the earth--it is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Because of these same actions in my life I know that God's Priesthood is on the earth again to day.  Because of the Priesthood Prophets and Apostles have been called today and, under the direction of Jesus Christ, they lead and teach the words of God that need to be heard today.  I know I hold God's Priesthood and have received it from those how can trace their Priesthood authority line back to Jesus Christ.  I've read, pondered and pray about the Book of Mormon and know it is the word of God.  The Bible, Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price are also the word of God.  I also know that the words of the modern day Prophets and Apostle are also modern day scriptures.  I testify that the Holy Ghost inspires and direct each of us.  I have felt His direction and I'm grateful for this.