Sounds Like a Message from the Book of Mormon

Dear Family,
 
I thought this was worth reading. Hope you have a great Sabbath.
 
Love,
Mom/Grandma Richardson

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How Long Do We Have?

About the time our original thirteen states adopted their new

constitution in 1787, Alexander Tyler, a Scottish history professor at

the University of Edinburgh , had this to say about the fall of the

Athenian Republic some 2,000 years earlier:

"A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a

permanent form of government."

"A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters

discover they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public

treasury."

"From that moment on, the majority always vote for the candidates who

promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result

that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy,

which is always followed by a dictatorship."

"The average age of the world's greatest civilizations from the

beginning of history, has been about 200 years"

"During those 200 years, those nations always progressed through the

following sequence:

1. From bondage to spiritual faith;

2. From spiritual faith to great courage;

3. From courage to liberty;

4. From liberty to abundance;

5. From abundance to complacency;

6. From complacency to apathy;

7. From apathy to dependence;

8. From dependence back into bondage"

Professor Joseph Olson of Hemline University School of Law, St. Paul ,

Minnesota , points out some interesting facts concerning the 2000

Presidential election:

Number of States won by: Democrats: 19 Republicans: 29

Square miles of land won by: Democrats: 580,000 Republicans: 2,427,000

Population of counties won by: Democrats: 127 million Republicans: 143

million

Murder rate per 100,000 residents in counties won by: Democrats: 13.2

Republicans: 2.1

Professor Olson adds: "In aggregate, the map of the territory

Republican won was mostly the land owned by the taxpaying citizens of

this great country. Democrat territory mostly encompassed those

citizens living in government-owned tenements and living off various

forms of government welfare..." Olson believes the United States is

now somewhere between the "complacency and apathy" phase of Professor

Tyler's definition of democracy, with some forty percent of the

nation's population already having reached the "governmental

dependency" phase.

If Congress grants amnesty and citizenship to twenty million criminal

invaders called illegal's and they vote, then we can say goodbye to the

USA in fewer than five years.

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The i'm Talkathon starts 6/24/08.  For now, give amongst yourselves. Learn More

Richardson Review 6-27-08-Martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith

Richardson Review-- 6-27-08-- Martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith

 

Dear Family and Friends,

 

My thoughts today have been of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum Smith who 164 years ago today sealed their testimony with their own blood in the Carthage Jail.  This morning I went to the temple and when I came home Jay and I watched the DVD, Latter-day Martyrs-Testimony of Elder and Sister Richardson.  This is a DVD made by Joann of us giving a tour of the Carthage Jail to the visitors that came.  I will forever be grateful for the great opportunity we had to bear testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith many times each day as we took visitors through the jail.  As we ended our tour in the Martyrdom Room we always felt the spirit so strong as we were privileged to bear our testimony.  I am grateful that the Lord provided two eyewitnesses even John Taylor and Willard Richards who testified the rest of their lives of the Martyrdom of the Prophet and his brother. 

 

"Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, ahs done more save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. …He lived great and he died great in the eyes of God, and his people, and like most of the Lord's anointed in ancient times has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood; and so has his brother Hyrum.  In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated."—D. & C. 135:3.

 

The DVD we made of Elder Richardson and I giving a tour of the Carthage Jail brought back a flood of memories.  We were so blessed to be missionaries in this great place.  Today as we reflect on the lives of Hyrum and Joseph I want all of you to know of my testimony.  I know that Joseph Smith is the Restoration Prophet and through him the Lord again restored His church here upon the earth.  I am grateful for the Book of Mormon that he translated through the gift and power of God.  Jay and I are enjoying so much reading again from its pages, which testify of Jesus Christ.  We have read the Book of Mormon many times and each time we learn more about Christ and His gospel.  I am grateful that those early pioneers listened to their leaders and instead of coming to Carthage and seeking revenge they stayed in Nauvoo and continued to build the temple.  What could they have done better to prepare them for the trek west than to have a temple where they could be sealed as families for the eternities? 

 

 The enemies of the Church thought if they killed the leaders it would end the Church.  This morning as I went to the temple I did the work for the ancestors of one of our Indonesian friends and I reflected on how the gospel has grown to cover the earth and the strong testimonies of the members of the church throughout the world. We had visitors to Carthage from almost every country in the world. Many not of our faith expressed the fact that they seemed drawn to this sacred place where we taught them about a prophet.  Many of the people we taught allowed us to make out a referral for missionaries to teach them when they got home.  They wanted to feel again the feelings that they felt during our tour. 

 

We want to spend the rest of our lives bearing testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the gospel restored in these latter days.  I am grateful that we have at the head of our Church today a prophet, even Thomas S. Monson, who is directed by the Lord the same as was Joseph Smith and Brigham Young and the other prophets who the Lord has called. I pray that we can always feel and share with others the great testimony we have of the Prophet Joseph Smith today on the anniversary of his martyrdom and always.

 

 Our love and gratitude for this great privilege.

 Elder Jay and Sister Lavona Richardson.

 

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OBITUARY OF THE LATE MR COMMON SENSE

Dear Children and Grandchildren,
 
I thought you might enjoy reading this.
 
Love,
Mom/Grandma Richardson

Sometimes humor is the most accessible route to the truth

 

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Subj: OBITUARY OF THE LATE MR COMMON SENSE

 

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:
Knowing when to come in out of the rain
Why the early bird gets the worm
Life isn't always fair
Maybe it was my fault

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies:
Don't spend more than you can earn

And reliable strategies:

Adults , not children, are in charge

His health began to deteriorate when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer Tylenol, sun lotion or a band-aid to a student but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband, churches became businesses and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when it became punishable for you to defend yourself from a burglar in your own home but the burglar could sue you for assault.

He began to lose ground rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6 -year- old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his Daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 3 stepbrothers; I Know My Rights, Someone Else Is To blame, and I'm A Victim.

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do
nothing...

 

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Richardson Review 6-26-08

Richardson Review 6-26-07

 

Dear Children and Grandchildren,

 

The saga on Dad's /Granddad's health continues.  Since his pacemaker was put in a week ago he has been complaining of shooting pains in his stomach, shoulder, etc.  He said they were getting worse.  I called the office of our Cardiologist who is out of town and his nurse said to check in at the emergency room.

 

We spent almost eleven hours at the emergency room yesterday afternoon and evening and only talked to the emergency doctor for about two minutes. As soon as we arrived they gave Dad an EKG and started him on oxygen and an IV. Then then took all kinds of tests --x-ray, ultrasound, blood tests, more blood tests, etc.  They said that his heart is enlarged and may have a little fluid around it but in time it should heal itself.  So about 11 PM last night they sent us home.  It was good to get so many medical tests in a short time and to find the things that he doesn't have.  We are in hopes that the pain will soon go away.  I guess if it doesn't we will go back to the emergency room or the cardiologist.

 

It was a long time sitting in that emergency room with no one paying much attention to us.  The emergency doctor didn't have time for us so I called Melvin several times for a doctor's diagnosis since Kenneth is at Scout Camp with Jared.  We also appreciated several calls from our nurse Miriam who let me know what was going on.   Thanks for your phone calls.  Rauna called just as we were leaving for the emergency room to see if she could stop by to visit.  I told her if she wanted to see us she would have to come to the emergency room, which she did.  Fred came over later with a sandwich for me.  Mark and Marlene came in about 9 PM last night and Ray about 10 PM.  It was so good to see family and to know of your love.  I was also happy to have Uncle Jorth call several times yesterday afternoon and for his continual interest in his brothers well being. 

 

So we are back home and hoping that the pain will subside and that Dad can start healing. It has been a long two years seeking medical advice.  We went back to the Balance Center for an evaluation from Dr. Fucci on Tuesday and he said that all the tests showed that his dizziness, which continues, is not from an inner ear problem.  Hopefully the pace maker will take care of some of this soon.

 

Thanks for your continual prayers and support and love.  We are in hopes that we can soon get these health problems behind us and enjoy life more fully.  Dad/Grandpa joins me in sending our love.

 

Lots of love,

 

Mom, Grandma, Lavona

 

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The i'm Talkathon starts 6/24/08.  For now, give amongst yourselves. Learn More

Paul Harvey's on-air prayer

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Dear Chldren and Grandchildren,  
We think this is worth reading.  Hope you will take a minute and read it.
 
Love,
Mom and Dad, Grandpa and Grandma

PAUL HARVEY'S ON AIR - PRAYER      THIS GUY SURE HAS A GOOD VIEW OF WHAT'S HAPPENING TO THIS COUNTRY!          PAUL HARVEY'S ON AIR - PRAYER                     'Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,'  but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition.  We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and Set us free. Amen!'                     Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his radio program, 'The Rest of the Story,' and received a larger response to this program than any other he has ever aired. With the Lord's help, may this prayer sweep over our nation and wholeheartedly become our desire so that we again can be called 'One nation under God.'                     If possible, please pass this prayer on to your friends. 'If you don't stand for something, you will fall for everything.'     Think about this: If you forward this prayer to everyone on your e-mail list, in less than 30 days it would be heard by the world. (I it's worth a try!)             ONE NATION UNDER GOD

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Richardson Review 6-18-08 Dad/Grandpa's Pacemaker

Richardson Review 6-18-08 –Dad/Grandpa's Pacemaker

 

Dear Children,

 

We just got home from the hospital and know that you are all anxious for an update.  Dad/Grandpa did well with the procedure to put in the pacemaker.  My cell phone didn't work at the Banner Desert Hospital where we were so it was hard to keep in touch.

The doctor said that everything went as planned and the nurses said that he was the best patient they had had all day.  Dad is still groggy from the anesthesia but hopefully will soon be feeling lots better than he has for the past couple of years. 

 

We checked into the hospital at 1:30 yesterday afternoon.  They took Dad right up and it took a couple of hours for all the preparations.  I was glad that Amy took off work and was with me at the hospital.  Dad was scheduled to have his pacemaker put in at 3:30 PM but it was 5 PM before they got to him.  They said that it would be less than an hour but it ended up being an hour and a half.  I was really getting worried before the doctor came out to tell us that everything went well.  It didn't help to have someone come in with a heart attack while we were waiting.  The doctor didn't come to talk to us until almost 7 PM and then he looked so exhausted.  They had a busy long day at the Heart Center.

 

Dad stayed overnight at the hospital.  I came home for just a few hours in the middle of the night after I thought I got him settled but when I went back just after 5 AM this morning he said that he hadn't slept at all. He had a headache and also a backache, etc.  He didn't complain too much about the incision hurting. 

 

One of the biggest problems that we have right now is that Dad is not suppose to use his left arm at all for anything.  They put it in a sling to remind him.  Since Dad is left-handed he wants to do everything with his left hand and I have to continually remind him.  He is still feeling some effects from the anesthesia also. 

 

I am sure things are going to be better now that we are back home.  I finally got Dad to sleep.  He was so tired that he had a hard time relaxing enough to sleep. 

 

We appreciate so much your prayers, phone calls and love you have expressed.  I don't know what we would do without such a wonderful sup portative family.  We have talked to most of you in the last 24 hours.  Thanks to all of you.  You are the greatest.  It was great too to have Randall Greeley, Sam and Leona and Paula Nelson from our ward call.

 

The doctor said that we should know right away if the pacemaker is going to help with his health problems.  So we have big hopes for the few days.  We will just be at home for the next two weeks trying to help our Dad get better so we will look forward to your calls and e-mail.

 

Thanks again for your love and for all you all do for us. 

 

Love, Mom/Grandma Lavona

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The i'm Talkathon starts 6/24/08.  For now, give amongst yourselves. Learn More

Surgery was successful!

Just wanted everyone to know that the surgery is done and all went well!
Love,
Ray

 

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From: jayandlavona@hotmail.com
To: melvinrichardson@hotmail.com; momkaspix@yahoo.com; gotyellow2001@yahoo.com; rauna.m@cox.net; daddykendoc@hotmail.com; runmarge@yahoo.com; mbeck0914@aol.com; vrichardson@walton.uark.edu; tamirichardson@hotmail.com; rayhiker@hotmail.com; jenni-richardson@hotmail.com; devynbriellesdaddyforever@yahoo.com; hancockfamily@sbcglobal.net; tbeckcpa@aol.com; amymrichardson@hotmail.com; jayandlavona.richardson@blogger.com; fujifred@cox.net; mm.e.fam@gmail.com; rt_reese@yahoo.com; 4stradlers@gmail.com; dereklh@sbcglobal.net; skizbiz22@gmail.com; carriejb@gmail.com; jmellingson@gmail.com; byuerin@gmail.com; alison_richardson@hotmail.com; dancerjanae@sbcglobal.net; totalstud06@aol.com; b_ball_dant@hotmail.com; bradenjh@sbcglobal.net; lunalovegood88@gmail.com; dallingson@gmail.com; maeflower2@gmail.com; misscamille@byu.edu; gelings@gmail.com; rebekahmcghee@gmail.com; heyage@gmail.com; bekahlyn@gmail.com; lilbeckster@aol.com; wickedrumstixs11@aol.com; kaseybeck@gmail.com
CC: jayandlavona@hotmail.com
Subject: Richardson Review 6-17-08 Healing Blessings
Date: Tue, 17 Jun 2008 13:16:09 -0500

Richardson Review –6-17-08 Healing Blessings

 

Dear Children,

Sunday evening when Ray and Mark and Marlene and family were here we took the opportunity for the Priesthood holders to give Dad a healing blessing before he goes to the hospital today for a Pacemaker to regulate his heart rate.  Miriam suggested that I share with you the blessings that were given at that time.

 

Ray was voice with Mark, Jordan and Dallin assisting in Dad's blessing.  Some of the things that were said in the blessing were as follows:

• Surgery completed by the doctor who is skilled and ready
• No complications in the surgery
• Heal quickly
• Feel uplifted by the prayers of his loved ones
• Feel peace and happiness
• Return quickly to activity
• Feel increase of strength
• Bless to be aware of great love of loved ones
• Grateful for blessings
• Heavenly Father is pleased with your life
• Example for posterity
• Examples you are not aware of
• Special father
• Many children and grandchildren who have a great love for you
• Bless you that you will not face serious complications as you heal
• Be mindful that Heavenly Father is aware of you
• Heavenly Father has a great love for you.

 

My family then asked if I would like ka blessing.  Jordan was the voice in my blessing.  Some of the things that Marlene wrote down that were mentioned in my blessing are as follows:

• We bless you that you may know that Heavenly Father is aware of your needs
• Heavenly Father is pleased with your strength, endurance, and patience especially with Grandpa's sickness and poor health.
• We bless you with added strength and the gifts of the spirit that you need.
• You are not alone.  Angels walk beside you and buoy you up.
• We bless you with the knowledge you desire that the doctors and physicians will know how to care for Grandpa
• Relieved from worry
• Feel power of healing
• We bless you that you may feel the spirit in your home as your posterity thank you for all you do for us.
• You are a blessing in our lives with your testimony.

 

These blessings are a great source of strength to both of us. Thanks for your faith and prayers. 

 Love, Dad and Mom Richardson

 

 

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Richardson Review 6-17-08 Healing Blessings

Richardson Review –6-17-08 Healing Blessings

 

Dear Children,

Sunday evening when Ray and Mark and Marlene and family were here we took the opportunity for the Priesthood holders to give Dad a healing blessing before he goes to the hospital today for a Pacemaker to regulate his heart rate.  Miriam suggested that I share with you the blessings that were given at that time.

 

Ray was voice with Mark, Jordan and Dallin assisting in Dad's blessing.  Some of the things that were said in the blessing were as follows:

• Surgery completed by the doctor who is skilled and ready
• No complications in the surgery
• Heal quickly
• Feel uplifted by the prayers of his loved ones
• Feel peace and happiness
• Return quickly to activity
• Feel increase of strength
• Bless to be aware of great love of loved ones
• Grateful for blessings
• Heavenly Father is pleased with your life
• Example for posterity
• Examples you are not aware of
• Special father
• Many children and grandchildren who have a great love for you
• Bless you that you will not face serious complications as you heal
• Be mindful that Heavenly Father is aware of you
• Heavenly Father has a great love for you.

 

My family then asked if I would like ka blessing.  Jordan was the voice in my blessing.  Some of the things that Marlene wrote down that were mentioned in my blessing are as follows:

• We bless you that you may know that Heavenly Father is aware of your needs
• Heavenly Father is pleased with your strength, endurance, and patience especially with Grandpa's sickness and poor health.
• We bless you with added strength and the gifts of the spirit that you need.
• You are not alone.  Angels walk beside you and buoy you up.
• We bless you with the knowledge you desire that the doctors and physicians will know how to care for Grandpa
• Relieved from worry
• Feel power of healing
• We bless you that you may feel the spirit in your home as your posterity thank you for all you do for us.
• You are a blessing in our lives with your testimony.

 

These blessings are a great source of strength to both of us. Thanks for your faith and prayers. 

 Love, Dad and Mom Richardson

 

 

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Richardson Review 6-15-08

Richardson Review   6-15-08

 

Dear Family and Friends,

 

There has been so much that happened this week that I hardly know where to begin. 

 

Wednesday, I attended two memorial services, which gave me lots of things to think about.  They were both for 72-year-old men.  I have been thinking of the contrast of these two men and what they did with their lives.   The first was for Dennis Sponseller who lived just across the street from us.  This service was held at the East Valley Bible Church, which had a big auditorium, but only 30 people were there and no one had much to say about his life.

 

Then in the afternoon I went with Amy to Phoenix to attend the memorial service for my cousin, Jake Flake.  He is my first cousin and just six weeks younger than my twin sister and I. We grew up together in Snowflake and attended Grade School and High School together.  Uncle Virg and Aunt Gerda lived on one end of the block and we lived on the other end during our growing up years in Snowflake.   I remember home nights at Grandpa Flake's together and lots of other memories of fun with cousins.  Jake married six months before we did and we both had 13 children.  Jake and Mary Louise have 55 grandchildren and we have 61 grandchildren so we have shared lots of the same memories.  Anyway this memorial service held at the Phoenix East Stake Center was packed with legislators and others from the State Capitol.  Jake was a member of the Arizona House of Representatives for 8 years and for 2 of those years he was the Speaker of the House.  He was then elected to the Arizona Senate and served there for two terms. Jake had just announced that he was seeking re-election to keep serving in the Senate.  I hope they find someone good to take his place. The Stake Center in Phoenix was packed.  Amy and I sat just in front of my high school classmates, Myrna, Nard Curry, Yvonne and Don and Karleen.  I promised them that I would report on Jake's funeral in Snowflake.  In Phoenix the speakers were from the Cattlemen's Association and the President of the Senate.  They talked about the "Vote for Jake Basketball team, said they never saw Jake get mad, and how Jake knew everyone by name and was interested in them.  He treated them as his equal if they were janitors or legislators or whatever they did.  Jeff Flake (son of Jake's brother Dean), who is a congressman in Washington DC gave a great talk.  He said that four fathers raised him.  Jake and his brothers, Dean, Jed and Steve all had the F Bar Ranch together and specialized in raising cattle and kids.  Between them they had 39 children.  Jeff said they were taught to work hard and they couldn't complain because their fathers were working right along the side of them.  He talked about riding a car in the parade to help elect his Uncle Jake, being wakened by a cattle prod, and getting out of school to help on the ranch.  Jeff also talked about some of the compliments heard about Jake and how people would get them mixed up since they were both in politics and would send campaign funds to the wrong office. He said that Jake felt the desire to make his Dad proud of him even after he had been gone for many years. But then Jeff said that he was sure his Uncle Jake would want to be remembered most for his good family. He then said that Jake would want you to know that he knew that we didn't arrive on earth by chance, etc. and bore his testimony always prefacing it with that Jake would want you to know that he knew that the family is an eternal unit, etc.  The Arizona flag has been flying at half-mast all week.  He said that the last time this was done for a Flake was when it flew at half-mast when my great grandfather William Jordan Flake died.  I sure did appreciate Amy taking me to the memorial service in Phoenix.

 

Thursday I celebrated my 73^rd birthday.  I enjoyed calls from my children and wished Leona and Garry a happy birthday since we share birthdays.  I spent several hours on my birthday getting a special balance test for Jay and then we went out to Poncho's for Birthday dinner before I drove out to my brother Rolf's home at 2 PM to go with Rolf and Jean to Snowflake. Thursday evening at the Main Street Church in Snowflake I got to see lots of people that came to pay respects to Jake.  Almost all of my first cousins were there.  Fred and Coley Boone brought Aunt Fern, my Dad's 88-year-old sister down from Salt Lake for the funeral and other cousins came from all over.  I had a great visit with all of them. They had some great displays of Jake's life set up.  I will attach pictures of some of them.   After the viewing they had a home night and we were all able to tell memories of Jake.  One of the memories I had was when Amy took us to Snowflake for our 50th year High School class memories as we were on our way after the MTC to go to Indonesia.  She didn't know any one up there but Jake true to what he always did made her feel welcome and came up with activities for her with his daughters while we were having our class meetings, etc.  It was so wonderful to hear memories from Jake's children, nieces and nephews, cousins, etc. from his life.

 

Friday morning the funeral was held at the Main Street Chapel.  They counted over 1000 people in attendance plus some at the Stake Center where it was being piped.  We went very early for a good seat.  Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano and former Arizona governor, Jane Hull and several other dignitaries were there.  On the program they listed all the descendants of Jake and Mary Louise, which was fun to get better, acquainted with their great family.  Tawna Flake played violin prelude music for two hours before the services while people gathered. Jake's older sister, Evelyn gave the life story of his early life at home before his marriage. All six sons of Jake and Mary Louise spoke about their remembrances of their Dad.  Four of their daughters played in a string ensemble some of Jake's favorite tunes including "O Danny Boy, Love at Home and Come Thou Fount" and the other two daughters gave the opening and closing prayers.  The daughter-in-law of Darin, his son that died directed the music so all of his children participated.  Some of the things that were said about Jake are that he was an ambassador for truth and righteousness.  He grew up in rural Arizona and milked cows, got out of school to brand cows, etc. In High School Jake was active in sports, captain of the football team, and president of the FFA.  One of his sons said that his Dad was light a light shining and that he is gone but that the light is still shining to set the good example for them.  He made friends in every aspect of his life and spoke at more funerals than anyone else they have ever known.  Jake believed in a strong finish. He had the intensity of working with cattle and the right way to handle people and believed in doing what needs to be done at the time it needed to be done regardless of the challenges.  One of his sons said that he remembered when someone was using foul language and Jake told them not to use such language in front of his sons and also himself.  Jake had a strong testimony of the church and served in many leadership capacities.  He served a mission in the Southwest Indian Mission and had many friends on the Indian reservations (several from the reservation came to the funeral).  He was a stake missionary, stake mission president, counselor in the Stake Presidency, Stake President, Nursery Leader, in the YM presidency, Gospel Doctrine Teacher and in the Activities Committee.

 

Jake's son Travis was cute in his remarks.  He said that he was Jake's only son to be big enough to wear his Dad's coat and said maybe he had a better talk in the pocket of the coat.  He pulled a paper out of the pocket and said that this was a talk about the need of reducing the taxes and that maybe Governor Napolitano could do something about that.  He then said that his Dad said that if our Governor was conservative (she is a liberal democrat) then he was a vegetarian (as a cattleman they eat beef at every meal).  Everyone laughed.  He also talked about how Jake and Mary Louise knew that each of their 13 children were different and needed to be taught differently to be effective.  He ended by saying that he hopes he can be half the Dad his father was.  Jake's son Tyler said that his Dad was strict and expected a lot out of all of them. Their Dad expected them to always be obedient.  He said that it was interesting that four of Jake and Mary Louise's sons married girls named Jennifer.  His sons told how they loved riding with their Dad as they worked the cattle and cared for the land.  Brandon said that his Dad felt the duty to give back to the community and talked about some of the public offices that Jake has held through the years. 

 

Another musical number was by Jake's entire family who stood in place and turned around and sang, "He Sent His Son".  The last three speakers were President Larry Brewer, his Bishop George Boone (another one of my cousins) and Stake President Ronald Smith.  They all gave great talks.  Larry said that Jake was a great listener, a great friend but most of all a great husband and father.  He read two paragraphs of the family proclamation (I hope that our governor listened well) and said that God's program is the family.  In the pre earth life we were all part of a family.  We are his spiritual children.  When we return to our Heavenly Father we will be as families.  Bishop Boone in his talk said that the greatest contribution that Jake made was his family.  All of his children were married in the temple.  He quoted "I Am a Child Of God" (again I hoped that the Governor and other dignitaries were listening).  Jake recognized everyone and let us know he cared for us.  Everyone was a friend of Jake.  Bishop Boone bore his testimony of the reality of the resurrection. President Ronald Smith talked about the celebration of life-being blessed as a baby, baptized when eight, receiving the priesthood, mission, married to his eternal sweetheart and then quoted scriptures saying –"My doctrine is not mine but he that sent me.  If we follow Christ we will come to know the doctrine of Christ.   If a man die will he live again?  I am the resurrection and the life.  He that believeth in me yet shall he live."

 

There were so many many beautiful flower arrangements everywhere.  At the cemetery they had a 15-gun salute from the American Legion because Jake was a "sitting Stake Senator". Mary Louise was presented with the flag draping his coffin and the firemen gave her a white helmet to honor Jake.    What a great great man Jake was and what a good example my cousin has given me through the years.  While we were at the cemetery I visited my parents grave (my mother Irene Stratton Flake died six years ago today) and also the graves of my Flake and Stratton grandparents and great grandparents on both sides of my family and honored them.  They had lunch back at the church and fed quickly hundreds of people.

 

We got back in Mesa about 8 PM Friday evening.  Early yesterday morning Jay and I flew to Albuquerque to be with Kenneth and Jenni at a special Pediatric Resident Graduation Banquet honoring Kenneth as he finishes his medical residency and starts his fellowship in Neonatology.   We were invited with Kenneth and Jenni and their five children to a nice banquet at the University of New Mexico and honor program after.  Kenneth got a trophy for being the most productive. We are happy that he has finished this portion of his schooling and are happy that he has been hired at Utah Valley Hospital when he completes his fellowship in two years.  We flew home at 6 AM this morning so that our father and grandfather could be here for his posterity to visit him on Father's Day.  Jay didn't feel like going to Sacrament Meeting so I attended all three meetings by myself.  Jay has enjoyed calls today from his children telling him what a great Father he is and I am sure some of them will visit us tonight.  Please remember him in your prayers because this Tuesday he gets the pacemaker.  We are so in hopes that this will help his health problems.  We plan a special healing blessing from his sons and grandsons before we go to the hospital on Tuesday.

 

We would have liked to have been with Kaitlyn as she celebrated her 8^th birthday yesterday.  We hope to be able to go up to her baptism.  They had a special pioneer birthday party for her at the Lion House where she said that they pulled taffy, played button, button and other pioneer games.  Margie and Lucy are up in Utah with them.  Dale, Chelsea and Jamie are in the "1856"-the Musical which starts tomorrow evening at the Utah Capitol Theatre.  Rauna and Dale have been up rehearsing since Thursday and Chelsea and Jamie joined them after their ballet recitals on Saturday.  Dale has a lead part and a couple of solos and Chelsea and Jamie are in the ensemble. There seems to always be a lot going on which I guess can be expected with our gang.

 

This has been long but I wanted to report all this to those of you who will be interested.  We are so grateful for Jake's example to all of us. Jay joins me is sending our love and wishes for a great week.

 

Love, Mom, Grandma, Lavona 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Richardson Review -6-16-08-Pictures from Recent Family Events

Richardson Review 6-16-08----Pictures from Recent Family Events

 

Dear Children and Grandchildren,

 

I thought you might enjoy seeing some selected pictures from our Memorial Day Barbeque at Amy's new home.  This was held on Jordan and Dallin's 23^rd birthday.  It was great to have Margie and Lucy come up from Tucson and Bonnie and children were here to enjoy the family activity with us. 

 

Another special family event was going to the temple with Parker when he went for his own endowments on May 27^th.  This was a great way for Rauna and Fred to celebrate their 25^th wedding anniversary.  I am sending a picture of him in front of the temple and then one with his parents.  Parker will be a great missionary.

 

We missed Emily's dance recital so she gave us our own little dance recital of her solo.  Emily is a beautiful dancer and has lots of poise. 

 

Rauna and family visited us on Sunday, June 1st for my birthday and also Father's Day since they would miss both while they are in Salt Lake performing in the musical up there.

 

I told Ray what I wanted for my birthday was to go to the Emma movie.  We stopped by this outdoor place after and I took his picture.

 

Hope you enjoy these family photos.  You all know that I like to take photos to preserve family history.  I like to look back at them over and over on my computer. 

 

Lots of love from Dad and I as you build memories with the various activities that you are involved with .in your families during this summer vacation time.

 

Bunches of love, Mom, Grandma, Lavona

 

 

 

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