Arthur's Court » Family http://www.ryanmendenhall.com/blog thoughts & musings of a would be king Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:02:51 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 Mothers http://www.ryanmendenhall.com/blog/2009/05/09/mothers.htm http://www.ryanmendenhall.com/blog/2009/05/09/mothers.htm#comments Sun, 10 May 2009 05:37:29 +0000 kingarthur http://www.ryanmendenhall.com/blog/?p=349

If hearts could be gold

The treasure to be found

Within a mother’s love

Would vast coffers make quite sound

Her words speak hope and confidence

They lift and build and grow

Each one so blessed to be called her child

Does such inspiring words surely know

Her prayers do rally heaven

When in fear her children flee

The Lord dispatches legions

Each time she raises need

Her songs bring peace to troubled hearts

The melody she raises, so sweet

Each tune, each strain, each heartfelt note

With no worldly verse competes

Her devotion is divine

Her affections are sure true

Consistency her haulmark

All things she appears to do

With nothing less than teary eyes

I thank those mothers kind

Who, like angels, have shared their hearts with me

And in whom I can God’s love find

- K. Arthur

Mothers]]> http://www.ryanmendenhall.com/blog/2009/05/09/mothers.htm/feed 1 Testimony http://www.ryanmendenhall.com/blog/2008/05/22/testimony.htm http://www.ryanmendenhall.com/blog/2008/05/22/testimony.htm#comments Fri, 23 May 2008 01:45:57 +0000 kingarthur http://www.ryanmendenhall.com/blog/?p=168 Testimony is a declaration of the things you have come to know through he who testifies of all truth, the Holy Ghost.

Doctrines studied and practiced with the hope that they are indeed God’s word allows us the gift of the Spirit, who testifies to us, strengthening our testimony. This process is known as faith: Hope that some thing’s real, act upon what you know, receive a witness that the thing you hoped for is true.

I know this to be true. By simply following the doctrine, we’ll know it through the spiritual, deep rooted proof that only the Holy Ghost can provide.

Testimony]]> http://www.ryanmendenhall.com/blog/2008/05/22/testimony.htm/feed 2 My Mother http://www.ryanmendenhall.com/blog/2008/05/11/my-mother.htm http://www.ryanmendenhall.com/blog/2008/05/11/my-mother.htm#comments Sun, 11 May 2008 21:00:30 +0000 kingarthur http://www.ryanmendenhall.com/blog/my-mother.htm My mother in so many ways has done so much for me that I feel I stand in a very similar position to that detailed by the ancient and wise King Benjamin. The righteous king told his people that their Father in Heaven not only had provided them with all they had, but that he continues to bless them each time they show, through obedience, their gratitude. Because of this none can ever expect to repay him.

I owe so much to my mother that no amount of honor I bring her, no dollar value, no amount of words can adequately express how much she’s done to bless my life.

Though this is the case, I want to note several ways in which my mother has consistently blessed my life. Her example in each of the following areas has meant more to me than I can adequately express.

Faith – My mother has stepped into the darkness with the hope that the way would be lit for her. She was a convert to the Church at age 26 and has continued on to receive her temple endowments, serve faithfully in her callings and open the way for many of her ancestors to receive the blessings & ordinances of the gospel. She’s helped build my foundation of faith.

Hope – My mother reminds me often that Christ has power to overcome all fears, doubts and challenges that face me. She reminds me that there are many people praying for my success in life. She remains firm in the hope that she will one day receive the greatest blessings that can be afforded the faithful in this life. Her hope has been a strength to me.

Charity – My mother gives of her time to lift others. Preparing meals for those in need, making holiday treats to let neighbors know that she is thinking of them and taking the time to visit the sick and afflicted are living memories that I have of my mother. The noblest action is for one to care for another who cannot care for themselves. This is my mother.

Love – My mother makes a point to remember important things in my life and ask me about them. She has always encouraged me throughout my life, whether it be in dating, school or in sports…and believe me, I needed a LOT :) . Her oft expressed words, “I love you” hold weight because I see that they are accompanied by thoughtful actions, words of encouragement and meaningful attention. I am lifted by my mother’s love.

This is my mother. She means so much to me and in the shadow of her greatness I seek only to do what is good and right and true.

Thanks Ma! I love you!

Your Eldest and Only Son,

Ryan

My Mother]]> http://www.ryanmendenhall.com/blog/2008/05/11/my-mother.htm/feed 1 Restoring Faith in the Family http://www.ryanmendenhall.com/blog/2008/04/12/restoring-faith-in-the-family.htm http://www.ryanmendenhall.com/blog/2008/04/12/restoring-faith-in-the-family.htm#comments Sat, 12 Apr 2008 17:48:09 +0000 kingarthur http://www.ryanmendenhall.com/blog/restoring-faith-in-the-family.htm Elder Kenneth Johnson
Of the Seventy

“Stable families provide the fabric that holds society together, benefiting all mankind, even those who may feel they live in less-favorable circumstances.”

There have been a handful or two times in this life where I have felt so overwhelmed with the Spirit of God that both His existence and the truth of the moment were undeniable. I consider those times my “tender mercies” from a loving Father. Most of those treasured moments have been experienced when I have been taught truth about the importance of the family. They are precious and special to me.

“Although spiritual truths may appear less tangible, to the humble heart their impact is undeniable.”

I have also had many moments of quiet peace in which I realize small and simple truths that help support the deeply personal moments I mention above. I cherish those moments as well and feel the Lord teaching me line upon line and precept on precept. Each time I am quiet enough and ready to hear these soft impressions I have a calm sense of gratitide because I know that my Father in Heaven loves me, is mindful of me and delights in teaching me things of eternal significance.

The things of eternity can only be taught by the Spirit. When we learn things that way, we have eternal truths imprinted on our souls, never to be forgotten. Elder Kenneth Johnson of the Seventy spoke humbly and gratefully about gaining “an appreciation for the core values that are necessary for the development of a sound character.” I’m sure in his home atmosphere of love these qualities are some of his most valuable possessions:

Loyalty, dependability, integrity, selfless service, honor, respect for the daughters of God, provident living, dignity of work, ability to make important decisions, accountability, consideration for others, and encouragement to pursue educational opportunities.

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More:

Restoring Faith in the Family]]> http://www.ryanmendenhall.com/blog/2008/04/12/restoring-faith-in-the-family.htm/feed 0 Matt’s Not Dead http://www.ryanmendenhall.com/blog/2006/08/27/matts-not-dead.htm http://www.ryanmendenhall.com/blog/2006/08/27/matts-not-dead.htm#comments Sun, 27 Aug 2006 23:33:00 +0000 kingarthur http://www.ryanmendenhall.com/blog/?p=59 Just talked to my cuz Matt. It’s been a LONG time, over a year perhaps. Good man. He suggested a couple really good books he’s been reading. They’re cheap and have really impacted him it sounds like. Thought I’d post:

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