Attribute #10 - Reverence

We're jumping to the next generation down, which means we've reached my grandparents. Grandfather Beckstrand was the first born in this group, so we're starting with some memories of him. There's really not enough time, at least not during this month, to spend recording all of what I've learned from these great men and women, so I'll do my best to limit it to just one story. That will make reading easier for you as well, right?

Vernard Lester Beckstrand

1897-1994

Reverence: Attitude of deep respect tinged with awe; veneration

D&C 76:93
Before whose throne all things bow in humble reverence, and give him glory forever and ever.

1914 with his family
Vernard is the tall young man in the back row.

The San Jose California Stake (#202 in the church) was organized 30 November 1952, with Vernard L. Beckstrand as its first stake president. This happened years before I was born, yet this calling colored all of my remembrances of my grandfather. He had actually been released, and he and my grandmother were serving a mission in Australia, by the time I was born. At some point he was ordained a patriarch. Maybe that explains why my memories of stake conference include him sitting on the stand. My grandparents' home was also filled with the love and peace that the Spirit brings. Even when we were playing games and having fun, a sense of reverence permeated, and I was motivated to strive for that in my own home. He showed it and he was worthy of it; Grandfather Beckstrand is the perfect example for the quality of reverence.

San Jose Stake presidency 1953 - Vernard Beckstrand center

Thinking of Grandfather also reminds me of this favorite Primary song:

Reverence is Love

Reverence is more than just quietly sitting,
It's thinking of Father above.
A feeling I get when I think of his blessings,
I'm reverent, for reverence is love.

When I'm reverent, it shows in my words and my deeds.
The pathway to follow is clear.
And when I am reverent, I know in my heart
Heavenly Father and Jesus are near.

At his funeral, some of his great-grandchildren trying to be reverent.

The church has an entire web page on the topic of reverence, which can be found here. There are a lot of resources available to help us understand this quality.

Reverence Invites Revelation - Boyd K. Packer

Respect and Reverence   Margaret S. Lifferth

Awe and Wonder nativity set by Willow Tree

Last year's attribute - Intelligence