October 3, 2011

I'm glad to hear that the family is doing well.  What position does Cameron play?  I'm excited about the tabernacle temple.  I was in shock when I heard about it.  So was everyone that is from Utah or had been there.  Sister Ashcraft is a very nice lady.  We live upstairs.  That's where our office is also.  We actually get fed dinner by a different member everyday, but we do have a kitchen.  By the way.  Since I got to this area.  I've developed a liking for Salsa.  Never saw that one coming did you!  Shawn makes awesome salsa.  Shawn works for a money trading company.  I love this area.  Its so green.  The weather just changed and its getting colder now.  Fall has finally hit.  I ride my bike every so often.  


Okay.  The story on the word Hooker.  During the Civil War a General stationed at Antietam Battlefield with the last name Hooker was a brilliant leader.  Not only was he a great military mind, but he loved the ladies.  When he was in Washington DC on leave with other officers he had recruited EVERY lady of the night to be their escorts.  They gained the nickname Hooker's Harlots.  The immorality became so intense that President Lincoln threatened Hooker.  Over time Hooker's Harlots was shortened to Hooker.  Thus the name Hooker.  That's the short version.  Imagine what his ancestors said to him when HE got to the Spirit World?  "What have you done with my name?"


A name is a powerful thing these days.  I remember dad telling me to never dishonor the family name.  What can I say now?  Especially having a relative in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles?  Serving a mission?  Being a presence in the lives of many?  What should I do with my name?  As Latter-day Saints we take upon ourselves the name of Christ.  I wear in on my chest everyday.  I've been baptized in his church and made sacred covenants with him.  We renew them every Sunday.  When we stand before the Judgment bar of Christ and he asks us "What have you done with my name?"  What are we going to say to him?  Will we say, "I lived a life free of cares and burdens." "I lived the way I wanted to and was happy all the time." or will we say, "I lived my life in remembrance of your atoning sacrifice.  I made, renewed, and kept the covenants that I made at baptism and in the Holy Temple.  I followed your teachings.  When I sinned I repented and showed others my devotion to you and your church.  That is what I did with your name."


I bear you my testimony that Jesus Christ is the savior of the world.  I've come to cherish his Atoning sacrifice for us.  Thomas S. Monson the anointed Prophet on the earth today and that this Church was restored through Joseph Smith.  I bear the solemn witness and pray that it can carry you through a hard time in the sacred name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

"Feed my sheep,,,"

Elder Christofferson