Time Experience Thoughts

The family at Kyle's blessing Sydney Carrie & Sydney Carrie & Scott Motley Ryan, Kyle, and Sean Motley Ryan, swinging and jumping Sean, swinging and jumping Kyle, jumping

[ Becky wrote our Christmas letter this year. ] Greetings family and friends, Our thoughts over the last year have been enlightened by the events of the world. We sense a need for greater spiritual strength in the face of overwhelming adversity. Our Stake President recently made the observation using a line graph that the increase of evil in the world parallels the increase in the building of temples—good and evil both on the rise. I think the case can also be made that the amount of good and evil trail the breakthrough of the Information Age. Our choices in this life have never before been so vast… the choice to live a life in pursuit of an inner strength to become a person of integrity or the choice to live a life in pursuit of every carnal whim. Each would claim its victory in the pursuit of happiness, but one would give lasting joy —eternal— joy and happiness while the other gives fleeting pleasure and feeble attempts at lasting joy. “Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom

Walk into our house at Christmas and there, in the middle of everything, is our beautiful Christmas Tree -- warm, inviting, delicate, interesting, varied, colorful, meaningful . . . full of love and memories. Every ornament placed on the tree a cherished memory of family and friends. While it is a reflection of our family's history and interests and connections, really it is a mirror image of the love and breadth of my beautiful wife. This is her gift which she gives to us and all those who cross our doorway (or for those who drive by and glance into our living room) at this enchanting and sacred time of year. I look at the tree and see the love with which we've been blessed. Every day I look at my beautiful, warm, inviting, delicate, interesting, varied, colorful, and meaningful wife (My Eternal Sweetheart) and bask in the love and memories and the future we share. Thank you Becky for such beauty and love.

In December 1967 we had been going together for over 6 months. (Note: It took me a whole five months to muster the courage to give Becky a smooch.) This is our earliest Christmas pic together. "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night."

OUTLINE Remembering The Sacrament Time, Experience, and Thoughts How We Remember Remember What, When The Power of Symbolism Jesus is Bread and Water The Sacrament Invitation: Come Unto Me Intercessory Prayer The Sacrament: Each Phrase The Bread The Water Comparing Bread and Water Time, Experience, and Thoughts Dream of the Savior (Go to Sacrament Table) We Who are Poor, Broken, Captive, Blind, Bruised REMEMBERING I remember my best friend Terry. He died in 1978, under the pier at Balboa Beach. We were 24 years old. He never married, never had children. I still remember his intelligence, his athleticism, his wit, and his friendship. You also remember beloved friends and family members. How can we show that we love them and remember them? As importantly, how and when do we remember Jesus? THE SACRAMENT Inspired by General Conference, Bishop Brandenburg asked me to speak on the Sacrament. I have pondered this topic both, lately, and really, since I joined the Church as a senior in high sc

In her diligent efforts to clean out our garage, Becky moved some of my boxes of stuff (memorabilia) from one spot to another. Before being placed safely in its new spot, it got tipped over and out spilled some of my papers and art work from elementary school and junior high school. I am guessing that I drew these two pictures in the late '60s. I seem to recall that I added the song lyrics -- my own words to live by -- at a later date. Looking back we have laughed that prior to me getting religion, these two phrases made up my entire moral view of the world. My religion. On the chopper, "All we are saying, is give peace a chance." (John Lennon). And, on my version of a flat track racing motorcycle, "Whisper words of wisdom . . . let it be." (Paul McCartney) Of course, I was influenced by the times, pop (rock) music, the Beatles, etc. And, to be honest, I also drew one other picture of a motorcycle and had this third motto inscribed on it, "I don't wa

I. Her wisdom’s words – spoken long ago, but now fully quieted -- Still sound in our ears, pointing out the way. II. The binding power of her love’s selfless acts – given for so long, but now all bound up -- Still echo in our hearts, blessing us today. III. In all our days of need she was always there for us. Now she’s just . . . there. In all her days alone she sits there silently -- without us. Soon we’ll be there. For now, her communication is Soundless and unspoken, Dulled, muted, and verbally stifled Till that Great Day when none shall be voiceless. IV. Sitting all by herself, with Heaven alone looking down on her -- and into her soul, She’s stares out the window, Alone again. Now together with her again, Sometimes she stares blankly straight ahead, but then in a moment, straight into our eyes. We sit with and talk to and walk with her – looking back deep into her eyes and heart. Too infrequently, the silent sound is Broken with a Hello or a (heart-rending

Growing Up I saw unconditional love, all my life. I knew my parents loved me. Never doubted; never. Loving Becky I could feel something deep within; something new and real -- when I spoke the words to my sweetheart, “I love you.” Overwhelming; shockingly overwhelming. And I meant it. My whole soul was enlivened with true, heaven-yearning emotion. Becoming Aware of Eternal Things I knew it was the right thing to do -- when I prayed and spoke with Him about the restored Gospel. I should join. As I knelt, I already knew what the answer was. Overwhelming rightness. Peace. Go forth. In a moment, I became awakened to the implications of Joseph’s mission. I intuited the reality of his mission and of his vision; that his enemies, and those who would tear him down, that the answer would always be, He was God’s Prophet. No matter what; no matter what was said against him, or about him. I knew. Looking to the Temple with Becky I knew in my heart and in my mind what I should do, as I knelt to ask

Gunn Park Summer 2008 Becky and I visited my Mom in Fort Scott, Kansas. We walked at Gunn Park in the mornings. (Pictures from the morning and afternoon.)

So many Generations have seen these very days of yours, Where each eternal moment reveals His divine ways and course. And now, the New Life being brought forth by you both, Creates, in us all, renewed hope of our own rebirth and growth. We see the two of you – as one – and now three,* Are already bound together , in one, eternally. And this New Little One, sent forth by those from above, Will bring new ways to see . . . new ways to be . . . and new ways for us to love. Eternity has just reached down and touched your inmost soul, As this new Generation even now rejoices and further completes the whole. Scott L. Vanatter, mid-October 2002 (Poem written in anticipation of Ryan’s upcoming birth.) * This poem still works, even though they are now more than just three.

Our days become decades, Our years, eternities, Our minds and heart ever more one. Your smile becomes my beacon, Your love, my very life. Your deepest soul enlivens me. Our eyes and our lives, even more closely united, Your face, even more the sight I yearn to see. Your soul touches mine at the very moment I want to feel . . . As now and throughout all eternity. Scott L. Vanatter, 20 July 2004 (Poem written for Becky's 50th birthday.)

Since we took Carrie, Kyle, Sean, and Ryan to the airport last evening . . . "there's a kind of hush all over the [house]." The toys are put away, the boys have flown away, but the joys will never go away. So much love.

I drew this picture of a pencil -- done in pencil -- in late 1979 as I was about to graduate from Cal State University, Fullerton. (The pencil pictured is about 18 inches long. This picture is on the wall immediatley to the left of my desk.)

Detail from Christ with Boy , by Carl Bloch. Recently on the cover of a special issue of the Ensign magazine. (Just in front of my desk, to the left.)

A small print of Da Vinci's enigmatic Mona Lisa. (This picture is off to the front left of my desk, below the one of Jesus.)

Still life done in pastels by a friend of ours. (The picture is about 2 feet by 3 feet and is on the wall off to the front of my desk.)

A medium-sized print in a black matt to highlight the intensity of the eagle's eye, and contrast with the white of the feathers. I saw a very large version of this exact image in an art gallery in Las Vegas. (This picture is on the wall to the right of my desk.)

A large poster-sized print commemorating the 250th birthday celebration of Geo. Washington's birth. I received it as a gift in the early 1990s for minor volunteer work on the 200th anniversay of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. (This picture is on the wall behind my desk.)

This medium-sized poster of the U.S. Capitol building was received under the same circumstances as receiving the Washington print. With Whitman, I enjoy looking upon this symbol of Liberty, freedom, stability, balance, and reason. (It is on the wall behind my desk in my office.)

I framed this prints of the Washington DC Temple. (Just to the left of my desk, behind me.)

Beatles album cover art

Thinking late into the night, Sometimes till morning light, Rushing from word to idea, seeing Past numbers and mere feeling. Connecting the dots Creates even more. Now, and there, Sure only of myself -- and aware. In each dream the hero’s fall And rising tells all. Careful, ponderous, and solemn thought; Stretching, searching, communing: Taught. Scott L. Vanatter, 3 June 2008 (This is a second lesser version of a poem written yesterday. Further editing occurred in mid-July 2008, then again in mid-August.) NOTE: The original poem was lost into nothingness when I attempted to click the Save button. Misery, pain, and woe. When the screen went blank: total disbelief. Then there was much distress, pain, and anger. After a while, I gradually allowed a grudging acceptance. Now, after the recreation attempt, a measure of peace.

We were on the phone with Carrie, asking her if she could hear the thunder. She said she missed the Virginia rain and thunder.

On General Conference Sunday, April 6, 2008, Ryan drew a picture of the new prophet being sustained that day, President Thomas S. Monson . I asked Ryan if his arm was at the square. He said, "No, he's just really happy and excited to be the prophet." (As is often the case thinking of these boys and their parents, my heart is "as wide as the broad expanse of eternity.")

~ Jefferson Survives The Spirit and Promise of the Founding Fathers Planted in Our Hearts April 26, 2008 (Philadelphia) ~ CONTENTS Intro Purpose / Vision Place Religion / God [NOTE] Washington’s Prayer Words and Deeds The Promise is to All Servants The Afterlife / Union Debt We Owe Testify INTRO Two of the most important political events in history occurred not too far from here. Yes, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of these United States are paramount acts by such an extraordinary gathering of great and honorable minds. However, I have in mind two other events. These two events illustrate how much impact the principles and actions of ONE MAN can have. They are the laying down of power -- unheard of in the annals of history. The first happened when after defeating the most powerful army in the world – the British Army -- General George Washington returned to the Congress and gave up power. This is the congress which makes one think of how Captain

Kyle Reese Motley, born 9 pounds, 12 ounces on April 24, 2008 (pictured with loving brothers, Ryan and Sean)

Asking early -- and often -- for what they, really, really, want; Though, soon enough, receiving that which they actually need . . . and perhaps just a bit more. Seeking out the highest, and the brightest, The right, and things that matter most . . . they find themselves. Knocking on the doors of opportunity, They enter in with opened eyes . . . and fully enjoy, no longer boys. Scott L. Vanatter, 15 April 2008 (Poem for Kyle, Sean, and Ryan on Kyle’s birth)