Lowell James Yancey 1916 ~ 2005 Lowell Yancey passed away peacefully at his home on September 9, 2005 in Provo, Utah. He was born June 17, 1916 in Blackfoot, Idaho, the son of James Henry and Effie Jane Cobbley Yancey. Lowell graduated from Blackfoot High School and attended Brigham Young University, the University of Calif. at Berkley, UCLA, and USC. He served 34 months as a missionary for the LDS church in the French Mission from 1937-39. Lowell married Iretta Fife in the Mesa Arizona Temple on March 12, 1942. They were the parents of four children. Iretta passed away suddenly on May 20, 1973. They resided in Los Angeles, California. He married Florence Musser Woolley of Provo, Utah on September 13, 1975. Florence is the mother of six children. He was employed as a structural engineer with Northrop Aircraft, Inc. for 32 years prior to his retirement in 1973. Lowell worked on numerous aircraft and missile projects, having as many as 250 engineers under his direction at one time. During his career he traveled extensively in the U.S. and Europe and served on several Air Force and government structural advisory boards. Retirement from Northrop was followed by a second profession in home construction in Sandy, Utah, where he and his son-in-law, Noel Quinton constructed approximately 150 homes. Lowell served as Ward Clerk of the Wilshire Ward in Los Angeles, Bishop, High Councilor and High Priest Group Leader. Much of his time in his later years was devoted to improving existing church facilities and helping with the construction of new facilities. Lowell and his wife, Florence were missionaries in the Santa Rosa California Mission. In his free time, Lowell enjoyed attending musical concerts, sporting events, traveling, gardening and spending time with his family. He loved woodworking, drawing and painting. Lowell enjoyed writing about his life and left an incredible legacy to his family through his numerous personal journals. Lowell would like to thank the local medical community for helping him to reach the age of 89. Lowell is survived by his wife, Florence of Provo; children Renee Quinton of Sandy, UT, Norene Frenis of Mission Viejo, CA, Brian Yancey of Casper, WY, and Gaylene Lesko of Taylorsville, UT; step-children, Wendy Powell of Valley Ford, WA, Kenneth Woolley of Salt Lake City, UT, Patricia Hoffman of Provo, UT, Ginger Woolley of Provo, UT, Scott Woolley of Ramona, CA and Richard Woolley of Orem, UT; 46 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and siblings Evelyn Yancey of Bountiful, UT, Zola Ricks of Idaho Falls, ID, Maxine Stone of Stockton, CA, Edythe Bradley of Bountiful, UT and Harold Yancey of Centerville, UT. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Gladys Buchanan and Elaine Searle. Funeral services will be Friday, Sept, 16, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. at the Oak Hills Stake Center, 925 E. North Temple Drive, Provo. Friends and family may call Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at the Berg Mortuary, 185 East Center, Provo and Friday from 9:30-10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Interment, Green Hills Memorial Park, Rancho Palos Verdes, C.
Lowell Yancey:
As I was listening to one of the TV News Commentators talk about the turn of another century being Just around the corner, it suddenly occurred to me that I have lived through about 84% of our current 20th Century. Yes, I missed the first 15 1/2 years, but I expect to be around to see the very last two weeks slip by. Most of the current talk seems to center around, "What does one do that
is very different to celebrate the conclusion of a 100 year
period, or a 1000 year millennium?" And some even think in terms of celebrating for two millenniums, which of course began with the occurrence of the greatest celebration (to us at least) of all -- the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. As for me, however, the celebrating part, come Dec. 31st, I think will be quite laid back.
Anyway, it started me thinking, "Here I am, almost at the end of this century and why was I so lucky to get this far?" And then I wonder, "What will the next 100 years be like--or the next millennium?" I wish I had a Urim and Thummim to provide a little insight. A lot of questions arise in my own mind and in the minds of people everywhere as they contemplate a review of what has
already transpired to our unpredictable world and look forward to a somewhat uncertain future -- not having all of the answers. At the same time some of these thoughts were going through my mind, it so happens that our Sunday School lessons were focusing on the Bible and the Book of Revelations as we conclude our study
of the New Testament. The book which John saw in part of his vision represented the real history of the world -- and the seven thousand years, corresponding to the seven seals which are as seven great days. It was during these days that Mother Earth would fulfill her mortal mission -- laboring six days and resting upon the seventh. According to the generally accepted chronology,
four thousand years, or four of the seven days passed before Christ came into the world. Two thousand years have since gone by. Earth's long week is now drawing to a close, and as some have expressed it,we stand on the Saturday Evening of Time, at or near the end of the sixth day of human history.
What John saw in vision relating to the first 1000 years, was climaxed by Enoch and his ministry. The second 2000 years was one of war and destruction culminating in the flood of Noah's time where only eight souls were saved. The third 1000 years, from 2000 to 1000 BC was a period in which hunger and famine affected almost the whole period of God's dealings with man. During the
fourth seal from 1000 BC to the coming of our Lord, the great nations of the earth ran rough shod over the people whom Jehovah had chosen to bear his name.
From the period of the Lord's birth to 1000 AD the most significant events were, or course, the birth of our Savior, the establishment and spread of His church and then
the falling away from the true Christianity. The last 1000 years has been marked by a period referred to as the "Dark Ages," the great reformation, the restoration of the Gospel and the growth of the worldwide church, the age of great technological advancements, etc. We are now living during the final year of the 1000 years that began in 1000 AD which will continue until the blessings of
the great millennium are poured out upon this earth.
When that day comes, great changes will take place to our world. Having briefly reviewed what has happened to our world over the last 6000 years, one is justified in wondering, "What is next?"
After some of these thoughts flowed through my mind,I
couldn't help but realize how lucky and blessed I have been to have lived during the last 84 years of the world's history. Considering all that has transpired, it has been a marvelous time to live on the earth.
When I was sixteen and getting ready to leave home to attend BYU, I never dreamed that I would still b earound when the world switched millenniums. Fifty five years later
while serving as Bishop of Palos Verdes Ward, I still had no inkling that I could live so long as to hear the horns and the bells and the fireworks ringing in another century. As I look back and compare the world I lived in as a teenager to the world I am living in now, I can only say it is a study in great contrasts. I am truly amazed at the blessings we enjoy as we close out the millennium. Yes, there are some negatives, but I would rather not
dwell on them at the moment. Airplanes, Computers, E-mail, The internet, FAX machines, Pacemakers, etc. have all had a great impact on my life and on the world. I know that I would not be alive today to welcome in the next millenium were it not for some of the major advances in medical technology like Pacemakers, Angioplasty procedures, etc.
All of this led me to think about the longevity of my own
Father and Mother's family. All eight of their children are still alive and probably all will welcome in the new century. Mother and Dad have been gone for about forty years. I sometimes wonder if Mother and Dad-- up there in the Spirit World -- are saying to themselves, "You know, I'm beginning to wonder, it has been so long and none of our children have joined us. Is it possible they did not make it to the upper kingdom?" Gladys, the oldest just
recently turned 90, she was born in 1909. Harold the youngest, is 73 and was born in 1926. The remaining six of us are scattered somewhere in between. Together we represent about 660 years of human life on earth and a lot of varied experiences, I am sure. Not many families endure 73 years without some tragedy related to
children in the family. That doesn't mean we are all in great health--but at least sufficient to be able to complain to each other about our latest aches and pains and the inhumanity of growing old.
And I would be remiss if I failed to mention that in addition
to all of the above, I have been privileged to be a member of the restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. To be so favored during a time when it is prospering, growing and sweeping over the whole earth is an even greater blessing to think about. My mind switched again to another channel causing me to think
about the great family that I have been privileged to be a part of--even an extended family. In today's world of fewer and fewer traditional families one has to be even more grateful. Being father, husband, grandfather to one family has its challenges, but extending the challenge to our combined family which now counts 10 children, 45 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren is something
I never would have anticipated. It causes one to look back to see all of the sins of omission and the responsibilities one could have handled better in helping them all to progress to manhood and womanhood. The successes I willingly attribute to the mothers,
Iretta and Florence. I think the younger generation, specifically our grandchildren, can have a great future in the next century. They will live in a world with great temptations, but if they can walk in the strong faith exhibited by most of their ancestors, they will triumph.
Well, it is great to be standing on the threshold of a new
century, a new millennium. The first step won't seem to be greatly different from today, but great -changes are in store and they will come at a faster pace than my generation was accustomed to.
President Jospeh Fielding Smith said the following, back in April 1952, almost 50 years ago when talking about the future, "If we are living the religion which the Lord has revealed and which we have received, we do not belong to this world. We should have no part in all of its foolishness. We should not partake of its sins and errors. The only part we have is in the keeping of the commandments of God. That is all--being true to every covenant and every obligation that we have entered into and then taken upon ourselves."
As each one of us looks forward to our future, we could do no better than to follow President Gordon B. Hinckley's admonition given in Dec. 1999. "Our job is just to keep moving forward. As I have said again and again, to go forward with faith in the ultimate destiny of this work. What we have seen in the past just indicates something remarkable and glorious and wonderful for the future. I think nobody living today can comprehend what it will
become. I believe we don't actually realize the magnitude of what's happening. It is really tremendous."
Lowell Yancey:
As I was listening to one of the TV News Commentators talk about the turn of another century being Just around the corner, it suddenly occurred to me that I have lived through about 84% of our current 20th Century. Yes, I missed the first 15 1/2 years, but I expect to be around to see the very last two weeks slip by. Most of the current talk seems to center around, "What does one do that
is very different to celebrate the conclusion of a 100 year
period, or a 1000 year millennium?" And some even think in terms of celebrating for two millenniums, which of course began with the occurrence of the greatest celebration (to us at least) of all -- the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. As for me, however, the celebrating part, come Dec. 31st, I think will be quite laid back.
Anyway, it started me thinking, "Here I am, almost at the end of this century and why was I so lucky to get this far?" And then I wonder, "What will the next 100 years be like--or the next millennium?" I wish I had a Urim and Thummim to provide a little insight. A lot of questions arise in my own mind and in the minds of people everywhere as they contemplate a review of what has
already transpired to our unpredictable world and look forward to a somewhat uncertain future -- not having all of the answers. At the same time some of these thoughts were going through my mind, it so happens that our Sunday School lessons were focusing on the Bible and the Book of Revelations as we conclude our study
of the New Testament. The book which John saw in part of his vision represented the real history of the world -- and the seven thousand years, corresponding to the seven seals which are as seven great days. It was during these days that Mother Earth would fulfill her mortal mission -- laboring six days and resting upon the seventh. According to the generally accepted chronology,
four thousand years, or four of the seven days passed before Christ came into the world. Two thousand years have since gone by. Earth's long week is now drawing to a close, and as some have expressed it,we stand on the Saturday Evening of Time, at or near the end of the sixth day of human history.
What John saw in vision relating to the first 1000 years, was climaxed by Enoch and his ministry. The second 2000 years was one of war and destruction culminating in the flood of Noah's time where only eight souls were saved. The third 1000 years, from 2000 to 1000 BC was a period in which hunger and famine affected almost the whole period of God's dealings with man. During the
fourth seal from 1000 BC to the coming of our Lord, the great nations of the earth ran rough shod over the people whom Jehovah had chosen to bear his name.
From the period of the Lord's birth to 1000 AD the most significant events were, or course, the birth of our Savior, the establishment and spread of His church and then
the falling away from the true Christianity. The last 1000 years has been marked by a period referred to as the "Dark Ages," the great reformation, the restoration of the Gospel and the growth of the worldwide church, the age of great technological advancements, etc. We are now living during the final year of the 1000 years that began in 1000 AD which will continue until the blessings of
the great millennium are poured out upon this earth.
When that day comes, great changes will take place to our world. Having briefly reviewed what has happened to our world over the last 6000 years, one is justified in wondering, "What is next?"
After some of these thoughts flowed through my mind,I
couldn't help but realize how lucky and blessed I have been to have lived during the last 84 years of the world's history. Considering all that has transpired, it has been a marvelous time to live on the earth.
When I was sixteen and getting ready to leave home to attend BYU, I never dreamed that I would still b earound when the world switched millenniums. Fifty five years later
while serving as Bishop of Palos Verdes Ward, I still had no inkling that I could live so long as to hear the horns and the bells and the fireworks ringing in another century. As I look back and compare the world I lived in as a teenager to the world I am living in now, I can only say it is a study in great contrasts. I am truly amazed at the blessings we enjoy as we close out the millennium. Yes, there are some negatives, but I would rather not
dwell on them at the moment. Airplanes, Computers, E-mail, The internet, FAX machines, Pacemakers, etc. have all had a great impact on my life and on the world. I know that I would not be alive today to welcome in the next millenium were it not for some of the major advances in medical technology like Pacemakers, Angioplasty procedures, etc.
All of this led me to think about the longevity of my own
Father and Mother's family. All eight of their children are still alive and probably all will welcome in the new century. Mother and Dad have been gone for about forty years. I sometimes wonder if Mother and Dad-- up there in the Spirit World -- are saying to themselves, "You know, I'm beginning to wonder, it has been so long and none of our children have joined us. Is it possible they did not make it to the upper kingdom?" Gladys, the oldest just
recently turned 90, she was born in 1909. Harold the youngest, is 73 and was born in 1926. The remaining six of us are scattered somewhere in between. Together we represent about 660 years of human life on earth and a lot of varied experiences, I am sure. Not many families endure 73 years without some tragedy related to
children in the family. That doesn't mean we are all in great health--but at least sufficient to be able to complain to each other about our latest aches and pains and the inhumanity of growing old.
And I would be remiss if I failed to mention that in addition
to all of the above, I have been privileged to be a member of the restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. To be so favored during a time when it is prospering, growing and sweeping over the whole earth is an even greater blessing to think about. My mind switched again to another channel causing me to think
about the great family that I have been privileged to be a part of--even an extended family. In today's world of fewer and fewer traditional families one has to be even more grateful. Being father, husband, grandfather to one family has its challenges, but extending the challenge to our combined family which now counts 10 children, 45 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren is something
I never would have anticipated. It causes one to look back to see all of the sins of omission and the responsibilities one could have handled better in helping them all to progress to manhood and womanhood. The successes I willingly attribute to the mothers,
Iretta and Florence. I think the younger generation, specifically our grandchildren, can have a great future in the next century. They will live in a world with great temptations, but if they can walk in the strong faith exhibited by most of their ancestors, they will triumph.
Well, it is great to be standing on the threshold of a new
century, a new millennium. The first step won't seem to be greatly different from today, but great -changes are in store and they will come at a faster pace than my generation was accustomed to.
President Jospeh Fielding Smith said the following, back in April 1952, almost 50 years ago when talking about the future, "If we are living the religion which the Lord has revealed and which we have received, we do not belong to this world. We should have no part in all of its foolishness. We should not partake of its sins and errors. The only part we have is in the keeping of the commandments of God. That is all--being true to every covenant and every obligation that we have entered into and then taken upon ourselves."
As each one of us looks forward to our future, we could do no better than to follow President Gordon B. Hinckley's admonition given in Dec. 1999. "Our job is just to keep moving forward. As I have said again and again, to go forward with faith in the ultimate destiny of this work. What we have seen in the past just indicates something remarkable and glorious and wonderful for the future. I think nobody living today can comprehend what it will
become. I believe we don't actually realize the magnitude of what's happening. It is really tremendous."
Lowell James Yancey 1916 ~ 2005 Lowell Yancey passed away peacefully at his home on September 9, 2005 in Provo, Utah. He was born June 17, 1916 in Blackfoot, Idaho, the son of James Henry and Effie Jane Cobbley Yancey. Lowell graduated from Blackfoot High School and attended Brigham Young University, the University of Calif. at Berkley, UCLA, and USC. He served 34 months as a missionary for the LDS church in the French Mission from 1937-39. Lowell married Iretta Fife in the Mesa Arizona Temple on March 12, 1942. They were the parents of four children. Iretta passed away suddenly on May 20, 1973. They resided in Los Angeles, California. He married Florence Musser Woolley of Provo, Utah on September 13, 1975. Florence is the mother of six children. He was employed as a structural engineer with Northrop Aircraft, Inc. for 32 years prior to his retirement in 1973. Lowell worked on numerous aircraft and missile projects, having as many as 250 engineers under his direction at one time. During his career he traveled extensively in the U.S. and Europe and served on several Air Force and government structural advisory boards. Retirement from Northrop was followed by a second profession in home construction in Sandy, Utah, where he and his son-in-law, Noel Quinton constructed approximately 150 homes. Lowell served as Ward Clerk of the Wilshire Ward in Los Angeles, Bishop, High Councilor and High Priest Group Leader. Much of his time in his later years was devoted to improving existing church facilities and helping with the construction of new facilities. Lowell and his wife, Florence were missionaries in the Santa Rosa California Mission. In his free time, Lowell enjoyed attending musical concerts, sporting events, traveling, gardening and spending time with his family. He loved woodworking, drawing and painting. Lowell enjoyed writing about his life and left an incredible legacy to his family through his numerous personal journals. Lowell would like to thank the local medical community for helping him to reach the age of 89. Lowell is survived by his wife, Florence of Provo; children Renee Quinton of Sandy, UT, Norene Frenis of Mission Viejo, CA, Brian Yancey of Casper, WY, and Gaylene Lesko of Taylorsville, UT; step-children, Wendy Powell of Valley Ford, WA, Kenneth Woolley of Salt Lake City, UT, Patricia Hoffman of Provo, UT, Ginger Woolley of Provo, UT, Scott Woolley of Ramona, CA and Richard Woolley of Orem, UT; 46 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and siblings Evelyn Yancey of Bountiful, UT, Zola Ricks of Idaho Falls, ID, Maxine Stone of Stockton, CA, Edythe Bradley of Bountiful, UT and Harold Yancey of Centerville, UT. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Gladys Buchanan and Elaine Searle. Funeral services will be Friday, Sept, 16, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. at the Oak Hills Stake Center, 925 E. North Temple Drive, Provo. Friends and family may call Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at the Berg Mortuary, 185 East Center, Provo and Friday from 9:30-10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Interment, Green Hills Memorial Park, Rancho Palos Verdes, C.
Lowell Yancey:
As I was listening to one of the TV News Commentators talk about the turn of another century being Just around the corner, it suddenly occurred to me that I have lived through about 84% of our current 20th Century. Yes, I missed the first 15 1/2 years, but I expect to be around to see the very last two weeks slip by. Most of the current talk seems to center around, "What does one do that
is very different to celebrate the conclusion of a 100 year
period, or a 1000 year millennium?" And some even think in terms of celebrating for two millenniums, which of course began with the occurrence of the greatest celebration (to us at least) of all -- the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. As for me, however, the celebrating part, come Dec. 31st, I think will be quite laid back.
Anyway, it started me thinking, "Here I am, almost at the end of this century and why was I so lucky to get this far?" And then I wonder, "What will the next 100 years be like--or the next millennium?" I wish I had a Urim and Thummim to provide a little insight. A lot of questions arise in my own mind and in the minds of people everywhere as they contemplate a review of what has
already transpired to our unpredictable world and look forward to a somewhat uncertain future -- not having all of the answers. At the same time some of these thoughts were going through my mind, it so happens that our Sunday School lessons were focusing on the Bible and the Book of Revelations as we conclude our study
of the New Testament. The book which John saw in part of his vision represented the real history of the world -- and the seven thousand years, corresponding to the seven seals which are as seven great days. It was during these days that Mother Earth would fulfill her mortal mission -- laboring six days and resting upon the seventh. According to the generally accepted chronology,
four thousand years, or four of the seven days passed before Christ came into the world. Two thousand years have since gone by. Earth's long week is now drawing to a close, and as some have expressed it,we stand on the Saturday Evening of Time, at or near the end of the sixth day of human history.
What John saw in vision relating to the first 1000 years, was climaxed by Enoch and his ministry. The second 2000 years was one of war and destruction culminating in the flood of Noah's time where only eight souls were saved. The third 1000 years, from 2000 to 1000 BC was a period in which hunger and famine affected almost the whole period of God's dealings with man. During the
fourth seal from 1000 BC to the coming of our Lord, the great nations of the earth ran rough shod over the people whom Jehovah had chosen to bear his name.
From the period of the Lord's birth to 1000 AD the most significant events were, or course, the birth of our Savior, the establishment and spread of His church and then
the falling away from the true Christianity. The last 1000 years has been marked by a period referred to as the "Dark Ages," the great reformation, the restoration of the Gospel and the growth of the worldwide church, the age of great technological advancements, etc. We are now living during the final year of the 1000 years that began in 1000 AD which will continue until the blessings of
the great millennium are poured out upon this earth.
When that day comes, great changes will take place to our world. Having briefly reviewed what has happened to our world over the last 6000 years, one is justified in wondering, "What is next?"
After some of these thoughts flowed through my mind,I
couldn't help but realize how lucky and blessed I have been to have lived during the last 84 years of the world's history. Considering all that has transpired, it has been a marvelous time to live on the earth.
When I was sixteen and getting ready to leave home to attend BYU, I never dreamed that I would still b earound when the world switched millenniums. Fifty five years later
while serving as Bishop of Palos Verdes Ward, I still had no inkling that I could live so long as to hear the horns and the bells and the fireworks ringing in another century. As I look back and compare the world I lived in as a teenager to the world I am living in now, I can only say it is a study in great contrasts. I am truly amazed at the blessings we enjoy as we close out the millennium. Yes, there are some negatives, but I would rather not
dwell on them at the moment. Airplanes, Computers, E-mail, The internet, FAX machines, Pacemakers, etc. have all had a great impact on my life and on the world. I know that I would not be alive today to welcome in the next millenium were it not for some of the major advances in medical technology like Pacemakers, Angioplasty procedures, etc.
All of this led me to think about the longevity of my own
Father and Mother's family. All eight of their children are still alive and probably all will welcome in the new century. Mother and Dad have been gone for about forty years. I sometimes wonder if Mother and Dad-- up there in the Spirit World -- are saying to themselves, "You know, I'm beginning to wonder, it has been so long and none of our children have joined us. Is it possible they did not make it to the upper kingdom?" Gladys, the oldest just
recently turned 90, she was born in 1909. Harold the youngest, is 73 and was born in 1926. The remaining six of us are scattered somewhere in between. Together we represent about 660 years of human life on earth and a lot of varied experiences, I am sure. Not many families endure 73 years without some tragedy related to
children in the family. That doesn't mean we are all in great health--but at least sufficient to be able to complain to each other about our latest aches and pains and the inhumanity of growing old.
And I would be remiss if I failed to mention that in addition
to all of the above, I have been privileged to be a member of the restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. To be so favored during a time when it is prospering, growing and sweeping over the whole earth is an even greater blessing to think about. My mind switched again to another channel causing me to think
about the great family that I have been privileged to be a part of--even an extended family. In today's world of fewer and fewer traditional families one has to be even more grateful. Being father, husband, grandfather to one family has its challenges, but extending the challenge to our combined family which now counts 10 children, 45 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren is something
I never would have anticipated. It causes one to look back to see all of the sins of omission and the responsibilities one could have handled better in helping them all to progress to manhood and womanhood. The successes I willingly attribute to the mothers,
Iretta and Florence. I think the younger generation, specifically our grandchildren, can have a great future in the next century. They will live in a world with great temptations, but if they can walk in the strong faith exhibited by most of their ancestors, they will triumph.
Well, it is great to be standing on the threshold of a new
century, a new millennium. The first step won't seem to be greatly different from today, but great -changes are in store and they will come at a faster pace than my generation was accustomed to.
President Jospeh Fielding Smith said the following, back in April 1952, almost 50 years ago when talking about the future, "If we are living the religion which the Lord has revealed and which we have received, we do not belong to this world. We should have no part in all of its foolishness. We should not partake of its sins and errors. The only part we have is in the keeping of the commandments of God. That is all--being true to every covenant and every obligation that we have entered into and then taken upon ourselves."
As each one of us looks forward to our future, we could do no better than to follow President Gordon B. Hinckley's admonition given in Dec. 1999. "Our job is just to keep moving forward. As I have said again and again, to go forward with faith in the ultimate destiny of this work. What we have seen in the past just indicates something remarkable and glorious and wonderful for the future. I think nobody living today can comprehend what it will
become. I believe we don't actually realize the magnitude of what's happening. It is really tremendous."
Lowell Yancey:
As I was listening to one of the TV News Commentators talk about the turn of another century being Just around the corner, it suddenly occurred to me that I have lived through about 84% of our current 20th Century. Yes, I missed the first 15 1/2 years, but I expect to be around to see the very last two weeks slip by. Most of the current talk seems to center around, "What does one do that
is very different to celebrate the conclusion of a 100 year
period, or a 1000 year millennium?" And some even think in terms of celebrating for two millenniums, which of course began with the occurrence of the greatest celebration (to us at least) of all -- the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. As for me, however, the celebrating part, come Dec. 31st, I think will be quite laid back.
Anyway, it started me thinking, "Here I am, almost at the end of this century and why was I so lucky to get this far?" And then I wonder, "What will the next 100 years be like--or the next millennium?" I wish I had a Urim and Thummim to provide a little insight. A lot of questions arise in my own mind and in the minds of people everywhere as they contemplate a review of what has
already transpired to our unpredictable world and look forward to a somewhat uncertain future -- not having all of the answers. At the same time some of these thoughts were going through my mind, it so happens that our Sunday School lessons were focusing on the Bible and the Book of Revelations as we conclude our study
of the New Testament. The book which John saw in part of his vision represented the real history of the world -- and the seven thousand years, corresponding to the seven seals which are as seven great days. It was during these days that Mother Earth would fulfill her mortal mission -- laboring six days and resting upon the seventh. According to the generally accepted chronology,
four thousand years, or four of the seven days passed before Christ came into the world. Two thousand years have since gone by. Earth's long week is now drawing to a close, and as some have expressed it,we stand on the Saturday Evening of Time, at or near the end of the sixth day of human history.
What John saw in vision relating to the first 1000 years, was climaxed by Enoch and his ministry. The second 2000 years was one of war and destruction culminating in the flood of Noah's time where only eight souls were saved. The third 1000 years, from 2000 to 1000 BC was a period in which hunger and famine affected almost the whole period of God's dealings with man. During the
fourth seal from 1000 BC to the coming of our Lord, the great nations of the earth ran rough shod over the people whom Jehovah had chosen to bear his name.
From the period of the Lord's birth to 1000 AD the most significant events were, or course, the birth of our Savior, the establishment and spread of His church and then
the falling away from the true Christianity. The last 1000 years has been marked by a period referred to as the "Dark Ages," the great reformation, the restoration of the Gospel and the growth of the worldwide church, the age of great technological advancements, etc. We are now living during the final year of the 1000 years that began in 1000 AD which will continue until the blessings of
the great millennium are poured out upon this earth.
When that day comes, great changes will take place to our world. Having briefly reviewed what has happened to our world over the last 6000 years, one is justified in wondering, "What is next?"
After some of these thoughts flowed through my mind,I
couldn't help but realize how lucky and blessed I have been to have lived during the last 84 years of the world's history. Considering all that has transpired, it has been a marvelous time to live on the earth.
When I was sixteen and getting ready to leave home to attend BYU, I never dreamed that I would still b earound when the world switched millenniums. Fifty five years later
while serving as Bishop of Palos Verdes Ward, I still had no inkling that I could live so long as to hear the horns and the bells and the fireworks ringing in another century. As I look back and compare the world I lived in as a teenager to the world I am living in now, I can only say it is a study in great contrasts. I am truly amazed at the blessings we enjoy as we close out the millennium. Yes, there are some negatives, but I would rather not
dwell on them at the moment. Airplanes, Computers, E-mail, The internet, FAX machines, Pacemakers, etc. have all had a great impact on my life and on the world. I know that I would not be alive today to welcome in the next millenium were it not for some of the major advances in medical technology like Pacemakers, Angioplasty procedures, etc.
All of this led me to think about the longevity of my own
Father and Mother's family. All eight of their children are still alive and probably all will welcome in the new century. Mother and Dad have been gone for about forty years. I sometimes wonder if Mother and Dad-- up there in the Spirit World -- are saying to themselves, "You know, I'm beginning to wonder, it has been so long and none of our children have joined us. Is it possible they did not make it to the upper kingdom?" Gladys, the oldest just
recently turned 90, she was born in 1909. Harold the youngest, is 73 and was born in 1926. The remaining six of us are scattered somewhere in between. Together we represent about 660 years of human life on earth and a lot of varied experiences, I am sure. Not many families endure 73 years without some tragedy related to
children in the family. That doesn't mean we are all in great health--but at least sufficient to be able to complain to each other about our latest aches and pains and the inhumanity of growing old.
And I would be remiss if I failed to mention that in addition
to all of the above, I have been privileged to be a member of the restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. To be so favored during a time when it is prospering, growing and sweeping over the whole earth is an even greater blessing to think about. My mind switched again to another channel causing me to think
about the great family that I have been privileged to be a part of--even an extended family. In today's world of fewer and fewer traditional families one has to be even more grateful. Being father, husband, grandfather to one family has its challenges, but extending the challenge to our combined family which now counts 10 children, 45 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren is something
I never would have anticipated. It causes one to look back to see all of the sins of omission and the responsibilities one could have handled better in helping them all to progress to manhood and womanhood. The successes I willingly attribute to the mothers,
Iretta and Florence. I think the younger generation, specifically our grandchildren, can have a great future in the next century. They will live in a world with great temptations, but if they can walk in the strong faith exhibited by most of their ancestors, they will triumph.
Well, it is great to be standing on the threshold of a new
century, a new millennium. The first step won't seem to be greatly different from today, but great -changes are in store and they will come at a faster pace than my generation was accustomed to.
President Jospeh Fielding Smith said the following, back in April 1952, almost 50 years ago when talking about the future, "If we are living the religion which the Lord has revealed and which we have received, we do not belong to this world. We should have no part in all of its foolishness. We should not partake of its sins and errors. The only part we have is in the keeping of the commandments of God. That is all--being true to every covenant and every obligation that we have entered into and then taken upon ourselves."
As each one of us looks forward to our future, we could do no better than to follow President Gordon B. Hinckley's admonition given in Dec. 1999. "Our job is just to keep moving forward. As I have said again and again, to go forward with faith in the ultimate destiny of this work. What we have seen in the past just indicates something remarkable and glorious and wonderful for the future. I think nobody living today can comprehend what it will
become. I believe we don't actually realize the magnitude of what's happening. It is really tremendous."
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