I am honored to be with you today. You are truly an impressive sight. The warm welcome and gracious hospitality we have received have been overwhelming and touching. I express my appreciation to President and Sister Wilkes for inviting Sister Stucki and me to come and meet you, to feel of your spirit, and to permit me to share some of my thoughts with you.
This quiet, beautiful setting against the mountains gives one the feeling of solitude, of safety, protected from the challenges of a world of confusion, uncertainty and violence.
You are blessed with a special peaceful institution of learning where personal plans can be designed and preparations made for a life of accomplishment, happiness, and eternal rewards.
It is my desire to provide some useful thoughts that may be of help to each of you as you look beyond the horizon of this day. I want to encourage and motivate you to learn and know:
- Who you are and why you are here.
- What your talents and gifts are and what you can accomplish and become.
- I want to give you a clear understanding that “You Decide your Destiny.”
I emphasize the words learn and know because I believe our life here in mortality is subject to outside influences and continuing change. As we learn through the various opportunities available to us, our perceptions and beliefs change, and we can truly develop a sure knowledge of our purpose. We can use our knowledge, talents and gifts to rise to the expectations we have set for ourselves, but more importantly, the expectations our Heavenly Father has for us.
The scriptures teach us:
Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.
And now, my sons, (and I add, daughters) I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit;[1]
Further guidance is given to us:
Wherefore, beware lest ye are deceived; and that ye may not be deceived seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given;
For verily I say unto you, they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me, …
And again, verily I say unto you, I would that ye should always remember, and always retain in your minds what those gifts are, that are given unto the church.
For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every
man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.[2]
Let me share with you a true story of a young man by the name of Layne Johnson. I have received permission to share his life with you.
Layne Johnson is the son of Sheldon and Leatrice Johnson. They were our neighbors for more than 40 years, living in our ward, in St. George, Utah. Layne was born on September 17, 1954. He is the second child, having one older brother, and three younger brothers.
Layne was born handicapped, diagnosed with Down Syndrome. His parents were told that Layne would never be able to live a normal life, that he would not be able to learn to take care of himself, that he would not be able to go to school, and that he probably would live in a vegetative state, placing a terrible stigma and burden upon his parents and family. Sheldon and Leatrice were advised to place Layne in an institution and forget him. They were told there are places for babies like Layne who would never speak, or read, or understand, or have dreams and goals of their own.
Sheldon and Leatrice could not, and did not do that. Instead, they decided to raise him in their family, with the same family rules and expectations of him that were required of all his brothers.
Over the many months of adolescence they worked with him, giving him chores to do, expecting him to do his part.They did not excuse him from tasks he was able to do, but expected him to try to learn and to develop to the fullest of his abilities. He was subject to the same loving discipline as his brothers.
Layne grew up in the neighborhood with all the rest of the children, doing his best, and all his friends, including my children, loved him, and helped him. They did not belittle him, but they accepted him, encouraged him and cheered him on. Layne went to Primary and to a special elementary school which his parents helped to organize.
He worked on the farm with his father and brothers. While working on the farm, he learned to operate the farm equipment and continued to develop his mechanical knowledge and skills. He learned to water ski and participated in many other sports, competing in the Special Olympics where he did very well. He loved to go fishing with the family where he claims to have caught the biggest fish.
I became the bishop of the ward, and I was privileged to watch Layne continue in his progression. Layne received the Melchizedek Priesthood and was ordained an Elder. He received his endowments, and he went to the temple regularly. He filled every priesthood assignment with such diligence that few could match his commitment and faithful performance in the work of the Lord.
On June 7, 1977, he received a call to serve a special short-term mission to the Philippines Manila Mission where his brother Kris was serving. Layne, accompanied by his father and mother, went to the Philippines. There he faithfully served his mission as his brother’s companion until both Layne’s and his brother’s mission was completed. Then they all returned home together.
He earned his Eagle Scout Award on May 15, 1983, and continued to earn additional merit badges until he had more than any of his brothers. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, seeing Layne’s picture in the local newspaper, wrote him a letter (dated July 21, 1983) from which I quote:
Dear Layne,
I was delighted to read in a recent issue of the Washington County news that you had received your Eagle Scout award. That is a wonderful accomplishment in your life and I don’t know who looked prouder –you or your parents. However, looking at all those merit badges nearly gave me a headache. How on earth did you get all those! I’ll bet you know more than any Boy Scout in the country. I always look forward to coming to priesthood meeting in the Third Ward where you so superbly lead the singing.
Layne had a remarkable musical talent. He learned to play the organ, and he was called to serve as the chorister for the ward priesthood meeting. He served faithfully leading the singing in the ward priesthood meeting for more than 25 years.
Layne was faithful in his callings; and he could not be tempted by adversity, deceptive persons, or the devil. On one occasion, I asked Layne if we could sing “Yankee Doodle Dandy” for our opening hymn in our priesthood meeting. He said to me, “Oh Bishop, you know we can’t sing that song! It is not in the hymn book.” Layne could not be tempted and would not do anything that was not right. He knew how our Savior lived His life, and Layne was committed to live his life like Jesus.
Layne got a job with J. C. Penny Company in St. George, where he worked in the stockroom for more than 25 years. He was a trusted employee there; having his own key he would arrive early to prepare for each day’s business. At the time of his retirement, he received a gold watch in appreciation for his many years of faithful employment.
Because of his job requirements, Layne found it necessary to have his own transportation. So he saved his money, purchased a motor scooter, learned to drive it, and obtained his license to drive it in traffic on the highways. He later purchased a car, and again demonstrated his ability to drive and obtained his driver’s license. He has driven his car over 40,000 miles without an accident.
Like most men, Layne had an interest in sports, and he became a fan of John Stockton of the Utah Jazz. He even had the opportunity to meet John and have his picture taken with him on the basketball floor. He carefully chose his idols, seeking those who were living righteous lives. He was overcoming the handicap that he was born with.
Leatrice, Layne’s mother, died from cancer in January of 1991 and Layne was filled with grief and loneliness. Those were difficult times for Layne. He felt alone. His brothers all had loving wives as their companions and he greatly missed and was seeking the comfort and love that only a mother or a wife can provide. His father later married again, and his new stepmother, LaVerna, was a special loving mother and she gave understanding support and encouragement to Layne. She filled the void in Layne’s life and was a great encouragement and motivator for him.
As time passed, the Lord, through his family and friends, provided the opportunity for Layne to meet Shauna Nichols. She also was a Down Syndrome child. She too had worked hard and achieved skills, knowledge and ability equal to that of Layne. They were both attracted to each other and they dated and became better acquainted over time. They decided they would like to be married and live their lives together in their own home independent of their parents. With the blessings of both parents, and after careful planning, they were married in the St. George Temple on the 26th of November, 1993. They began their married life with an eternal everlasting covenant to become one in harmony with our Heavenly Father’s plan. Shauna is a beautiful young wife, and she has that beauty clear through her body, heart, and soul.
Layne has had his greatest dream fulfilled. He has the loving wife he has long awaited.
The blessing of an eternal companion was provided to a righteous young man by our Heavenly Father. They presently live in St. George in a new home which they planned and built. They are active in the Church, holding callings, attending the temple regularly, and they are a model of righteousness. Sister Stucki made the observation to me that they “are pure in heart.” The Lord has sealed them up unto Him!
Layne and Shauna have become known throughout the world for their success in overcoming the handicaps of Down Syndrome. They have been invited and have spoken at many prestigious forums on Down Syndrome at state and national levels. Many articles have been written about them. A DVD on the lives of Layne and Shauna has been produced and distributed to special institutions that work with and strive to improve the lives of those who are mentally disadvantaged.
When I last visited with Layne and Shauna in January of this year, they told me they were happy, and everything is going very well for them. As I spoke with them, my thoughts took me back to the old fairy tale ending of “and they lived happily ever after.”
I would wish for each of you, “that you will live happily ever after.”
Layne and Shauna have used their gifts and talents to nearly 100% of their capacity. That is why they have largely overcome the huge handicap they were born with. I believe the Lord will bless them greatly for how they have used their very limited gifts to meet their full potential in their mission here on earth.
I would now like to talk about you. I am impressed with your commitment to gain knowledge and to improve yourself. That is a most worthy and commendable goal.
As students, you may think (as most of us do) in terms of the monetary gain or return on the investment you will spend for your education. Many studies have been made which confirm the great value of seeking higher education. History has proven that the knowledge you can gain from this great university will bring financial rewards many, many multiples greater than the cost in dollars which you are spending to obtain it. I can assure you that the good education available here will greatly increase your ability to achieve financial success and security in your lifetime.
As you include in your education process a determination to gain greater knowledge and understanding of our Heavenly Father and His plan for us, and as you faithfully follow that plan, I can promise that you will achieve the ultimate of success and security for all time and eternity. Unlike monetary rewards that you will eventually leave behind, with the knowledge of God’s divine plan which you obtain and observe, you will be able to take the eternal treasures with you when you graduate from this earthly existence.
Our Savior tells us:
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and thieves break through and steal;
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. . .
But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.[3]
The wonderful bonus of receiving a sure knowledge of our Father in Heaven, is, that it is a gift given to us. There are many gifts available to us from God. Each will add greatly to our success, joy and happiness.
Returning to the scriptures we can learn more about the gifts from God:
For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.
To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby.
To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.
To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.
And again to some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know the differences of administration,…
And again it is given by the Holy Ghost to some to know the diversities of operations,…
And again, verily I say unto you, to some is given, by the Spirit of God, the word of wisdom.
To another is given the word of knowledge, that all may be taught to be wise and to have knowledge.
And again to some it is given to have faith to be healed;
And to others it is given to have faith to heal.
And again, to some is given the working of miracles;
And to others it is given to prophesy;
And to others the discerning of spirits.
And again, it is given to some to speak with tongues;
And to another is given the interpretation of tongues.
And all these gifts come from God, for the benefit of the children of God.
That unto some it may be given to have all those gifts, that there may be a head, in order that every member may be profited thereby.[4]
Consider these questions:
What gifts would you like to have?
- Would it be to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God?
- Would it be to be given knowledge? To be wise in using your education?
- Would it be to have the faith to heal?
- Would it be to be able to work miracles?
- Would it be to speak with tongues? To speak many languages?
- Would it be to have all the gifts? To be a leader of men?
The Lord has given each of you talents and gifts! Again I ask the question: Are you using them to nearly 100% of your potential capacity?
I believe that most of us do not use our gifts and talents anywhere close to our potential. We probably do not exceed 50% of our capacity. Layne and Shauna have done much better than this. You, too, can do much better than this.
President Hinckley often commends us for doing our labors well, but, he always adds: “but you can do a little better.” He knows that we generally do not do our very best; that we function far below our potential.
Scriptures teach us that we are created in the image of our Father in Heaven; that we have great talents and gifts. You are indeed a royal generation. I want you to know that you “students” are in that blessed group who are given much, and because of that, much is expected of you. “For of him unto whom much is given, much is required.”[5]
When I was just a young boy, I loved listening to the “Children’s Story Hour” on the radio. It was broadcast every Saturday morning and it had wonderful stories to listen to.
If I would get up early in the morning and get my chores done, my mother would let me listen to the exciting story that would be told. I would sit with my back against the old large console radio, with my head against the speaker, and thrill with the suspense and adventures coming from somewhere out there in the world. I worked hard so I could be there every Saturday morning. I did that for a long time, and heard many wonderful stories, but I must confess I can’t today remember most of the stories.
What I can remember though, was the slogan of the company that sponsored the Children’s Story Hour program. It was a large greeting card company. It made and sold greeting cards of all kinds. The cards that congratulate us, cards that give comfort to us, cards that encourage us to get well from our illness, birthday cards, wedding cards, and many other cards for every purpose. That company’s slogan has remained with me all these many years, and has been a guiding factor in my life.
That slogan was: “When you care enough to send the very best, you send Hallmark!”
As the years have passed, my thoughts have turned more to the Lord, and His concern for His children here on earth. I have realized that His love for us and his concern for our eternal destiny was so great that He sent His very best to guide us through this turbulent wicked world of confusion, deception, violence, and evil temptations.
He sent His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ to teach us, to guide us, to be an example for us, to atone for us, to heal us, and bring us home.
Our Father in Heaven has sent us here upon the earth to fulfill a similar mission!
We are to use the gifts He has given us to prepare and perfect ourselves in righteousness, so that we can know and follow the straight and narrow path that will lead us safely home to our Father in Heaven. He also expects us to be an example and to assist others along the way.
The apostle Paul said: “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”[6]
This is where you are right now. You are mature young men and women. The Lord expects great things from you. You are now “Deciding Your Destiny!” This isn’t going to be an easy journey for you, but I want you to know that you are among the blessed, and capable of becoming the very best of God’s children. You are here at this time, blessed with the gifts and talents necessary to overcome the temptations and challenges of this day. This world, in which we live today, will take great faith and commitment to defeat the evil forces that will work against you.
This is a scary world! Violence and wickedness is over all the earth. It is not just in Iraq, or the Middle East, or Lebanon. It is right here amongst us in the Land of Liberty. We hear of it on the radio every day. We read it each day in the newspaper and see it on the television as it is happening. The laws of God are being trampled upon by celebrities, by government leaders, by self proclaimed prophets, even by the judges of the land; who mock the righteous, and seek to have the teachings of the Lord banned from all public places. Our constitution guarantees us the freedom of speech, but our communication with our Father in Heaven is being limited, and prohibited in many places and venues.
This should not come as a surprise to us! The Lord has warned us of this day through the prophets of old. We are now being warned with increasing frequency by our living prophets that the world in which we live is as wicked as it was in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah when the Lord destroyed them. We are also warned that “it will not get better.”
The Lord has said to us:
And again, I say unto you that the enemy in the secret chambers seeketh your lives.
Ye hear of wars in far countries, and you say that there will soon be great wars in far countries, but ye know not the hearts of men in your own land.
I tell you these things because of your prayers; wherefore, treasure up wisdom in your bosoms, lest the wickedness of men reveal these things unto you by their wickedness, in a manner which shall speak in your ears with a voice louder than that which shall shake the earth; but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.[7]
Yea, come unto Christ and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; …and love God with all your might, mind and strength, …then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ,…
And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot.[8]
I testify to you, and I want you to learn and know that:
- You are a royal generation.
- The gifts of God can be yours.
- You can rise to your full potential.
- You can be the very best.
- You Decide your Destiny!
I give you the words of our Savior as my concluding thought:
Wherefore, lift up your hearts and rejoice and gird up your loins and take upon you my whole armor, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all, that ye may be able to stand.
Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, which I have sent mine angels to commit unto you;
Taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked;
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of my Spirit, which I will pour out upon you, and my word which I reveal unto you, and be agreed as touching all things whatsoever ye ask of me, and be faithful until I come, and ye shall be caught up, that where I am ye shall be also. Amen.”[9]
My humble prayer is that you will do as the Lord Jesus Christ has instructed us and that you may obtain your Eternal Destiny, and that you will “Live Happily Ever After.” This I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, amen!
Notes
[1] 2 Nephi 2:27-28; emphasis added
[2] Doctrine and Covenants 46:8-11; emphasis added
[3] 3 Nephi 13: 19-21, 33
[4] Doctrine and Covenants 46: 11-26, 29
[5] Doctrine and Covenants 82:3
[6] 1 Corinthians 13:11
[7] Doctrine and Covenants 38:28-30; emphasis added
[8] Moroni 10:32-33; emphasis added
[9] Doctrine and Covenants 27:15-18; emphasis added