The Joy of the Saints

Since returning to the Medicine Lake ward, my current calling is serving as the 2nd Assistant in the High Priests Group Leadership.

My responsibilities are for Temple, Family History and Indexing, as well as Home Teaching.  What a privilege and thrill to return  to service with my beloved Fine Old High Priests group members.

While we were serving in Uptown, the missionaries taught and baptized a large number of saints formerly from Western Africa:  Liberia, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Ivory Ghost, Nigeria. 

Last fall, plans were made to begin a temple preparation glass for many of these members.  Starting in January, we have taught the lessons to these dear people. 

They are like sponges.  They can’t seem to get enough Gospel knowledge in their lives.  They are developing a wonderful appreciation for the temple and what it does and will yet mean to them.

Yesterday, 25 February 2012, the 8th Annual Medicine Lake Ward Temple Excursion took place.  Some 30+ youth and leaders did baptisms for the dead. Then they went to the Adjacent Stake Center and provided childcare for parents so they could go to the temple.

11 people from our ward went to the temple for the first time yesterday, doing Baptisms for The Dead.  7 brothers and sisters also participated.  A wonderful and powerful experience for them.

 

Additionally, there were 36 ward members serving as Patrons + 4 officiators,  I officiated.   1 sister received her Endowment yesterday, one on Wednesday.  A marvelous and powerful experience.    (about 120 total attendees)

As the Saints entered the temple, it was my privilege to greet many of them at the entry.  The joy that overcame me to see these amazing saints come to the temple for the first time was powerful.  It was true joy, yea even the joy that brings tears to your eyes.

Today in our Sunday School class, Bro. Sorenson, our Group Leader, asked the participants what they took away from their temple experience.  The reports from these people; the depth of their knowledge; the understanding of what they were doing there; why they were doing it; wanting more.  It was one of the most profound classes I have ever experienced.   

One of the individuals was responding to the question and as he spoke, an impression as to why this man has been led to the Church and is so keen to participate came into my mind.  An indication of some of the things in his future was given.  These are powerful, tried, tested and true people.

Later in the class period, Bro Sorenson said that he had come to understand why these powerful, committed individuals had joined the church and it had to do with a lot more than what they may realize.  An amazing confirmation from another source of the strength and vitality of these people.

Pat & I have had the privilege to have several of them in our home.  These have been most enjoyable experiences.  Wonderful stories of their conversions and things that have helped shape them into the people they are.  We love these dear people and treasure our association with them.

Our Precious Heritage!

We live in a country that was set up after a long series of events, to prepare a place for the Gospel of Jesus Christ to be restored to the earth.  This country, because of the freedom of religion that it guarantees,has made it possible for people all over the world to learn of it.

Currently, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is receiving far more publicity and attention in the public eye.  This attention is both favorable and unfavorable.  But in the words of those great sages from Hollywood, "I don't care what you say about me, just spell my name correctly!"

Now, we are in the midst of an election cycle to return incumbents to office, to change incumbents in office and to let the "voice of the people be heard".  The Church has a neutral position in political matters but strongly encourages members to be participant in the political/governmental matters of its citizens.

Yesterday in our state was Caucus Day.  A true town hall style of interaction on a very local level.  It was my privilege to participate as a citizen.   I was asked to be a "convener" for one of the local precincts.  Frequently, the turnout is not large at the caucus', but last night there was a tremendous turnout.  There were over 20 participants in virtually every precinct, over 500 people participating.  This was wonderful.  The "Voice of the People" was given and great things will come to pass because of it.

As a convener, it was my responsibility to conduct the affairs of the caucus.  This included selecting officers for the event of the evening,  Precinct Officers to serve for 2 years,  Delegates and Alternate Delegates for local, District and possibly State Convention Delegates.  To conduct a straw poll regarding the candidates for President of the USA, to have individuals give their reasons why those running for office should receive our vote, to discuss The Party Platform and make suggestions or resolutions for changes.

Frequently, at caucus', all of the business is conducted in literally minutes.  Then the attendees leave and the convener stays in the room for at least 1 hour.  Last night, we started at 7 PM and at 9 PM had to close because the building had only been rented until then.

What was the difference this time versus most others?  People are passionate and caring.  They have and are watching what is going on and are concerned enough about it to want to let their voices be heard.  Most in attendance last night were "first-timers" or very unfamiliar with what went on.  It was a wonderful time to be able to give information to people who wanted to know how this great civil process works. 

They looked to me as the convener to provide this help.  It was a marvelous experience to have given to me in that very moment that which needed to be taught.  It was delivered in a manner that people's minds were opened and their hearts were touched.  They wanted to participate, to express their passions, insights.  To do the things that will be the best for the "common good" of this great land.  It was an opportunity to share wonderful information about this country and the genius behind  its constitutional form of government.  To encourage the people to never take lightly their right to vote, that it is the "Power of the People" to be certain that those elected to serve do so with honor and integrity.

The evening ended in our precinct on a wonderful and positive note.  The participation was excellent, the selection of excellent people to serve and afterwards many kind comments of support were given to one another.  A very fulfilling event for me.  A terrific reinforcement of the amazing power and vision given to those who "pledged their lives, their fortunes and their Sacred Honor" to the formation and development of this country which has become and, even with all its "warts", still is the "Shining City on a Hill".

This has been a wonderful reminder to me of the great love that God has for all of us on the earth.  All of us are His Children and He wants each and everyone of us to return to Him.  It is a privilege to be alive in this day and age.  We live in the Dispensation of the Fulness of Times, when "all things are gathered together in one".  We have been and are being blessed in so many ways. 

We must have Liberty and Freedom in our land in order to make the proper choices to help us become Sons and Daughters of God.  Freedom and Liberty are essential for the exercise of Religion.  " Freedom of Religion" is essential for the proper functioning of good, honest and moral government.  Religion teaches its adherents these wonderful principles.  These principles then become the basis for the way that we treat each other.  

There is great wickedness in the "land".  Satan has had much experience over the millenniums to learn how to foment hatred, stir up great envy and to seek for riches and power.  Satan knows that most of his work must be done "in the dark", that the things he wants to happen have to be done stealthily because they cannot stand the light of day.  When something or someone comes along that can thwart his plans, he unleashes his minions who do his beck and call to overthrow, subvert, defame and thus destroy the institutions and/or murder those involved.  Killing and mayhem, fear and scarcity are some of his most frequently used tools. 

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is just the opposite.  As Pres. Hinckley said, " the Church always goes in the front door."  It is open, a Light to the world.  It seeks to bless all, to teach us how to get along well with and to serve others.  Its work is done in the bright light of day.  It strives to lift people up, not to tear down or destroy.  What an honor to be part of this great work.  Truly, a Precious Heritage!

Lifted by our children

One of our special children teaches music in a distant land, "far from the home...(she) loves."

Communication is often intermittent and frequently non-existent for extended  periods.

It has been months since any posts were made on her blog but this week, one appeared.  It thrilled me as she recounted some of her thoughts, feelings and experiences and shared information that has helped her be who she is.

Alma met Ammon and his brothers after 14 years of being apart. 
Alma 17:2 Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel ^afirst appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren (or sisters) in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had ^bsearched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God.

 3 But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and ^afasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with ^bpower and authority of God.

They were over-joyed to see one another.  What made the meeting even more special is that they were still "fellow-citizens of the Saints and of the household of God!"

Such was the case yesterday as I read this special post from our dear daughter.  After describing some challenges being faced in the school she works at, she decided to do the following by making this statement: 

"I'm coming out of the silent majority, and will no longer be so silent. I have a voice. I read. I think. I analyze, and though my conclusions may be different than those who are louder than I, it does not make me wrong or them right. I'm mustering my courage, and I am going to be open and honest in my opinions on a variety of issues."  

Expressing her realization about what she is doing in one very short, exclamatory word, "YIKES", she gives her name and then states the following.
 

"I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am a practicing member. I believe in the doctrines and tenets of the Church. Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ, and he translated the Book of Mormon. I try to live my life as God wants. I don't always succeed, in fact I often fall very short. That's why we have church."

I have never doubted her love for God, Christ or the Church.  We have had very little interaction with each other for almost 13 years.  I have felt that she was true and faithful to the Church and its teaching.  But to have her begin her "coming out" by announcing her membership and belief in the Church brought a feeling of joy and happiness to me that is indescribable.   It is easy to relate to Alma and Ammon and their joy as they met.  It is so wonderful to know that your children love God and Christ and His Church.  What a blessing.

Thanks to my brave, strong, courageous daughter for being willing to "confront" some of her family and fellow acquaintances.  As a father, it would be difficult to be more pleased with her than I am.  As my 3 previous posts have stated about Amy, she is a Queen amongst women.  What a wonderful privilege to have her born through my lineage!

For her full post, go here. http://mscampgoestochina.blogspot.com/

The Birthday of a Queen: Part III

This is it.  THIS is the day that another amazing queen joined our family.  She started as a beloved and special princess, just like her sisters, but, she has truly blossomed and become a QUEEN!

The family of Steven R Camp changed a lot on this day, all for the better.  This is the day of new beginnings.  To make the day even more special, November 25th in this great year was Thanksgiving Day as well.  And thankful we were for the safe arrival of this precious spirit and for the health and strength of her mother who bore her.

Robyn, Heather and Amy on her 2nd birthday.

Amy Ruth Camp graced our precious world, arriving in good shape with all fingers and toes accounted for.  With an amazing head of dark hair, she was just perfect.  She was loved and received with grate joy.  I think she came on that special Thanksgiving Day because we were so grateful to have her.  She was, like each of the other children, so wanted and so loved before ever getting here!

Amy, Mom and Jon, at home on Pratt Drive, Palatine.

Amy had a sweet and happy childhood.  Early on in her life, she learned to read.  And read she did, is doing and will yet do.  She loved all kinds of genre, but during her growing up years, she read lots of "Mormon Fluff".  She also studiously spent time with the scriptures, along with Mormon History books, fictional and non-fictional.  (The Work and the Glory, oh yeah!)

Special young woman

She had the sacred ordinances of being blessed  in Sacrament meeting when she was just a few weeks old. 

At age 8, she willingly took upon her the sacred covenant of baptism and confirmation.

At Amy's baptism, with cousins Jared and Ben Forsberg, Jonathan and her name sake, Aunt Ruth Waite.

During her high school years, she attended early morning seminary for 4 full years.  She was a very consistent attender and a willing participant in class.  It was my privilege to be her Seminary teacher for part of that time.  What a choice blessing that was for me.

A wonderful picture of Amy during her school career.

Amy participated in the Young Women's program.  She went to Girl's Camp each year and the last year, she was a Youth Camp Director, (YCL).  (See the previous post for more about this.)

At the Idaho Falls Temple for Heather and Greg's Wedding, 13 July 1995

After high school graduation, she departed for the thriving metropolis of Rexburg, ID to attend Ricks College.  She enjoyed, for the most part, her time there.  After completing her studies at Ricks, she transferred to Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL.  As a music major, she specialized in voice as well as conducting.

Amy has a unique ability to mold a group of singers together into one cohesive whole and have chorus  sound like a professional group.  When Jared had his missionary farewell, he asked several of his family members and friends to perform a special arrangement of a very lovely song, I believe it was the Army of Helaman. 

We held a rehearsal and just weren't getting it together.  Amy came forward and suggested we do a couple of things.  Uncle John said, why don't you just lead us.  She did and it was marvelous.  It was one of those special times singing in sacrament meeting when Angelic Hosts joined with us.  What a treat.

Amy sang in Madrigals in high school.  One Sunday, she was asked to sing a solo in sacrament meeting.  She invited a friend from madrigal to come and hear her sing.  A beautiful song had been composed called "His Hands".  As Amy sang this number, the Spirit filled the chapel.  We felt it as she sang with clarity and conviction this wonderful song.  It was heart stopping and life changing.  When she sang, "His hands, pierced in agony, as he hung bleeding...on the cross", we, as a congregation could feel through her singing,  carried by the Spirit, the impact and import of those words.  Our love for the Savior was increased and we sat a little taller in our seats, knowing that his love carried him through this agony.  His love enabled Him to complete the Atonement so that we, through repentance, can inherit Eternal Life with him.  Amy's gift to sing has touched, is touching and will yet touch many lives for the good.

After the meeting, Amy's friend said to her, "I knew you could sing well but I didn't know you sang that good!"  And I couldn't agree more.

Singing Christmas Songs in her mind.  Can't you hear Joy To The World or Silent Night?

On occasion, I would get to take Amy to her voice lessons and we would sometimes stop on the way home for Subs or pizza or some other item for dinner.  Amy was fun to be with.

After one year at NIU, her desire was to serve a mission for the Church.  After submitting her papers, when asked where she'd like to go, the typical comment, "wherever I'm sent", came out.  However, she was candid enough with us at one time to say she'd like to go to Russia. 

When the call arrived, her wish, dream, desire were fulfilled.  She was called to serve in the Russia, Samara mission.  Her first area was in Saratov, Russia.  She and her companion replaced a set of missionaries who had been recently kidnapped, beaten and taken into the country.  They were kicked out of the vehicle and left to find their way back to town. 

When people asked if we were worried about her safety, we said no, that this is probably the safest place in the world for a Missionary right now.  Everyone is aware of them and are looking out for them.

Her mission was an amazing experience.  She fell deeply in love with the Russian people, history, music, and almost all things Russian. She even learned to enjoy fresh cucumbers and tomatoes.  Now that was a miracle.

At Brigham Young Park, Salt Lake City, Christmas 1999

 

 

Returning to NIU after her mission, she continued her musical studies.  What an honor to be at her Senior Recital.  As she sang her heart out performing some of the most difficult numbers a composer could compose for a vocalist, she was stunning.  Her range seemed to be over 3 octaves. Her high notes were high, crisp, clear.  The low notes were also.  What an experience. 

After graduation, she has had many wonderful experiences.  She has been teaching school for 10 years now.  She is the go-to person wherever she works.  The sunshine lady, the delightful one, the person with their head on straight.

At Grandpa Camp's 90th birthday party, April, 2000.

Being far from Amy on this wonderful birthday of hers, a song she would sing from Fiddler on The Roof, "Far From The Home I Love," comes to mind.  Also, another wonderful song, "Faraway Places" "with Strange sounding names."

We don't get to see Amy very often and when we do, the time is far to short. 

How this wonderful and precious woman has impacted my life. Amy I love you!

On this day of days, my love is sent to a Far Away Place with a strange sounding name and wish you the Happiest of Birthdays ever.

The Birthday of a Queen: Part II

1994 was an exciting and tumultuous year.  Things were happening fast and furious.  Excitement was all about.  You see, our precious Queen, Miss Amy was graduating from High School and departing for College.

24 April 1994  Robyn's friend Tiffany was visiting along with Heather and Greg.  Dinner at Knickers in Des Plaines(?)

 What a whirlwind of activities.  They were wonderful and enjoyable.  Amy graduated from Palatine High School and, in keeping with the traditions of her siblings, she did so with honors.

A fond and favorite family activity, singing around the Piano.  Amy is an accomplished pianist.

Amy had attended Girl's Camp for all of the years she was in Young Women.  She chose to be a YCL at Camp Far Horizons for this summer and she seemed pretty excited about it.

It was my privilege to spend at least one day of the week while the girls were at girls camp during the previous 14 years.  Sometimes I was a cook or doing something else.  Most of the time, I was there as a Priesthood Representative.

This particular summer was different tho'.  As a High Councilor, it was my privilege to work with the wonderful Young Women's program in the great Schaumburg Stake.  Under the effective leadership of Jan Whitsitt and her two able counselors, it was a marvelous experience for me.

Amy is a very talented musician.  She can play more instrument than I can think of!  Here she is at the front end of her musical journey, playing clarinet in the elementary school band.

One of the things I was most looking forward to was being able to spend the entire week at Girl's Camp.  Not only because it was wonderful, inspiring and fun, but, because my sweet and precious Amy would be there for the entire week as well.

One of the first years Amy went to Girls Camp. 

The YW Presidency decided that they wanted to have the most wonderful Girls Camp experience possible.  To make sure things went smoothly, they decided to arrive at the girls camp Sunday Evening, so that they would be there with everything in place for Monday morning when the Wards and their girls started to arrive.

I went up Sunday evening as well, but because of other assignments, wasn't able to leave until about 8 PM.  It was a 2+ hour drive to Camp Far Horizons so it was after 10 before I got there.  Previous to my arrival, I had received a call from Pres. Whitsitt.  When the leaders had arrived that evening, several felt uneasy and wanted a Priesthood blessing pronounced on the camp, for the girls, the leaders and safety and peace over the course of the week.

Upon arrival with Amy, we went to the staff area, had a special meeting, sweet testimonies were shared and then a Priesthood blessing was delivered.

We had used this Girl's Camp for many years.  It sits on a bluff, not far from the Mississippi River.  Most of the time, because of the lushness of the trees and area, the air was pretty still and quite heavy with humidity.  The temperatures were usually in the upper 80's-low 90's.  So, weather-wise, it wasn't always as cooperative and pleasant as we wanted.  Frankly, it was usually quite miserable.

That night, all rested well and by 7 AM, things were in place as the arrival of the girls drew near.

Amy had found her "bunk" and moved in.  She was up early, helping, singing, showing her terrific personality.  Seemed like everyone was so excited to have her there!

A favorite meal, pancakes.  Eaten in the tulip garden cafe.  Heather, Amy, Mom and Jon.

This was a week never to be forgotten.  Heavenly Father moderated the weather so that it was in the upper 70's-low 80's.  The humidity hovered around 40-50% and there was a gentle breeze that seemed to touch the camp almost 24 hours a day.

So much love and service were shown by the girls to one another.  One young lady had a leg problem.  But, for the girls in her ward, this was not a problem at all but a great opportunity for service.  They had a small garden cart that they sat her in so they could transport her all over the camp.  And, they were Singing the songs of Zion as they did so.

Multiple types of service were given.  Talents were displayed, testimonies shared, strengthened and shared some more.  Dear Amy was so involved with all of the girls.  She had some specific assignments but none were more well received and enjoyable than her story of "Rindercella".  Her singing was campfamous (pun intended) amongst all the girls and the leaders.  She was such a joy to be with.  Sometimes, it would appear to me that she was the "Pied Piper" as so many girls would be following her around.

How I treasured those special moments!

All too soon, Friday night arrived and with it, the final meal and a wonderful Campfire program, filled with stories, talents, songs and the sharing of testimonies.  It was one of those Spirit-filled meetings that you just can't get enough of.  You just wanted it to go on and on and on.

But alas, it did end and everyone retired for the night.

Saturday morning dawned bright, beautiful and superb.  Father's moderation of the weather continued throughout the entire week.  The nights were sweet and pleasantly cool, wonderful sleeping weather.  The skies were sunny by day and moon filled by night.  It is hard to imagine better weather than we enjoyed.

One of the wonderful things that showed itself during the week was the love and camaraderie the girls developed.  My quarters were right in the center of the camp and everyone passed by them going to and from.  It amazed me how many of the young women would sing as they passed by.  Often they were alone and it was so joyful to hear them sing as they walked.  Some were praying out loud.  What joy!

Amy's influence on the other YCL's as well as the girls and leaders was very special.  She set such a wonderful example of good cheer, joviality, service, charity and kindness.  Can a father be more pleased with a daughter than I am with this stalwart, faithful young woman?

The camp was cleaned up and left better than when the Young Women had arrived.  Everything was buttoned down and all had departed except Amy and me.  As we sat in the parking lot, we conversed about the events of the week, how the Lord had truly blessed us as a group.  No illnesses, injuries, homesickness.  Weather moderated in our behalf.  The joy of being together with each other.  Of working together and accomplishing much good.

We both decided that this was about as close to a Celestial Experience as we have participated in here on this earth.  Similar to what we imagine it will be like when the Savior returns and lives here with us for a 1000 years.

Leaving Camp Far Horizons that day was difficult.  We looked back with joy and longing for the experiences of the week to continue.

Little did we know when we left that not only were we leaving Camp Far Horizons, but within the next year, we would all be leaving Illinois as well.

Family photo around fall of 1984

The Birthday of a Queen

November!  The very word brings thoughts of great changes, magnificent gatherings and joyous celebrations.

October is a marvelous month:  The majesty of Autumn, the gathering of the harvest, the fullness of the season's growth.  Amazing, wonderful, precious.

But November holds even greater thoughts for me.  The transition from fall to winter, the buildup to remembering Heavenly Father and His marvelous blessings on us.

To join with millions of others on the 4th Thursday of this month to remember God and His choice blessings in the Celebration of Thanksgiving.  A wonderful and special event.

Another event of great importance also occurs in November.  On Friday the 25th of November, a day of major importance also occurs. 

A very few short years ago, on that day, which in that year was also Thanksgiving Day, a most precious, angelic being entered into this world.  A choice and beautiful baby girl with a full head of dark hair, a pleasant and sweet disposition and, the ability to bring joy and happiness to us.

This is a time of reminiscing, of giving thanks.  Of sharing thoughts and feelings both profound and "punny".  More will be shared over the next several weeks as we get to the wonderful celebration of the birth of our wonderful daughter, Amy Ruth!

A quick trip "Home!"

A venerable friend, Al Malwitz was at priesthood meeting.  Was his home teacher for many years.  He was a choice friend, wise counselor and excellent mentor for me.  And what makes it all more wonderful is his continued faithfulness in the Gospel and to the church.

John Shepherd, (not of Stargate Atlantis fame) but the real deal, father, husband, just all-around good guy.  Moved into Palatine a few years before we left.  Very musical as is his wife and family.

We had the privilege of staying with dear friend Clayton.  We also had the opportunity to clean his carpets.  What a wonderful treat to be able to work with him again, doing something that we both have done many times together over the years.  What an amazing and wonderful man he is.  He is truly the embodiment of charity, "yea, the pure love of Christ."  A better friend I have never had.

The beautiful Chicago Temple.  It was in summer maintenance shutdown so we were unable to do any work while in Chicago.  We had gone there to visit with dear sister Cheryl who had come to Round Lake to assist a friend in the wedding of a child.

What a choice and wonderful experience to be there.  Cheryl had double knee replacement surgery in April and now, just 3 months later, she is walking all over and getting along wonderfully well.  It was a joy to be with her, to visit her at the York's and also to have Ben, Laurel and the children come for a meal together.  All too soon the time to leave arrived and with joyful tears, we departed.

On the way home, we went via Peru, Ill and were able to stop and visit with Amber, Travis and Sarah.  They are growing so quickly and are becoming so accomplished.  Pat & I enjoyed a pizza with them as we visited and were brought up-to-date on their comings and goings.  We sure love those 3 and hope to have them come visit again during the Christmas Holidays.