Memo #9 (written February 1, 2001)

Memo #9 February 1, 2001 Added to the Blog April 1, 2013

From: Richard M. Pratt

To: All Pratt Family and selected others

Re: Our Heavenly Father’s Plan

Hello to all of you! How thrilling it would be if I could see each one of you more often and give each of you a big hug. Of course I would expect one in return. How I would love to include each of you in my plans as our Heavenly Father wishes to do in HIS. For He is our Father, the Father of our spirits and as a perfect and loving father, He has a great plan tailored to fit each of us as though we were His only child.

He wants us to have true ETERNAL happiness because He loves us. He has prepared a plan for us to achieve this happiness, but gives us the agency to accept or reject it. Those who fail to accept it will be eternally regretful. But unable to make it up. For this life has been given us as the time to accept and act upon the plan.

The plan is called “The Plan of Salvation” or the “Gospel”. (which means “good news”) Without the help of our Father in Heaven we could not benefit from the plan. We make mistakes in this life called sins which makes us unfit to return to Him. So God sent His First Born in the spirit and the Only begotten in the flesh to put the plan into action where by we can become clean and fit for eternal joy.

God literally sent Jesus Christ to carry out the plan. He is the central figure therein. Jesus overcame sin and death as His part of this great plan and made it possible for each of us to do likewise. The plan is simple and easy to understand. BUT WE MUST FOLLOW IT!

God has a simple pattern in revealing this plan to His children. He chooses good men as His witnesses and teachers. These men are called Apostles and Prophets. He gives them the details of the plan and the authority to act for Him. They share this witness in two ways. By teaching directly and secondly by writing their testimonies and the truths He gives them. These are called SCRIPTURES.

People hear the prophets or read their writings and can know they are true by the Holy Ghost. (See memo #6). God will do nothing without revealing his secrets to His servants the prophets. (Amos 3:7) 

But the Savior was crucified and the apostles and prophets all suffered a martyr’s death. By the end of the first century S.D. the wicked world had put an end to the apostles and prophets Jesus had established at Jerusalem.

Without prophets or apostles the church He organized soon became corrupted and its corruption was completed in 325 A.D. when it became the State religion and a political football. For the next 1000 years the whole world sank into a dismal state of ignorance now called the “Dark ages”. Had it not been for the dedicated efforts of good men called monks working in isolated monasteries, even the Bible would have disappeared from the earth. The Bible contains the Plan and testifies of its truth. 

In our day, NOW, a new dispensation of the Plan has appeared and our Father follows the same pattern by again setting up Prophets and Apostles.

It came about by a teenage (14) boy in 1820 being confused about which church to join, as each claimed to be the only true church. He went into the woods and prayed about it after reading the the Epistle of James 1:5 which assures anyone that is interested that God will answer them.

~2~

  Joseph Smith (for that was his name) said that two men (beings) appeared to him in brilliant light. That one pointing to the other said, “Joseph, this is my Beloved Son, hear him.”

Joseph was told to join none of the churches of that day for none of them was authorized by God. And that by following instructions he would become the prophet who again would reveal the “Great Plan of Happiness” to the whole world to prepare it for the return of Jesus to the earth to rescue His followers from a world that was on a trend toward self-destruction. He was also told that he would receive a book written on gold plates by an ancient prophet named Mormon who abridged the 1000 years of history of his people from 600 B.C. to 400 A.D. and how God had revealed His plan to them through prophets. 

This book, called “the Book of Mormon” literally becomes a second witness of Jesus Christ. (The Holy Bible being the first witness) and fills God’s instructions that He will establish all His truths by two or more witnesses.

Joseph Smith was much like Moses and other Biblical prophets, for they saw God and were called to preach and record His Plan.

I know that what I am writing it TRUE because I have had a personal witness via the Holy Ghost that it is so. And all or each one may know by the same method. And it is so vital to obtain this witness if we are to have a fulness of eternal joy...to know for ourselves individually as to what we each must do in order for Jesus to bring us back into the presence of our Father and have the Plan of Happiness fulfilled in our behalf. The Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost are one in their efforts to save us from a sad future.

The Holy Ghost confirms the truth and disavows all falsehoods. The Book of Mormon ends with a promise that all who ask shall receive, if they will seek they will find, if they knock it will be opened unto them. That is the key. We individually have to show faith in God and His Son by acting our part. And when we act, they will fulfill their part–and we may know without doubt that those things the prophets teach are true.

How fortunate we are to live in a day of prophets. Not only do we have the Bible and Book of Mormon, but in the past 50 years many other records are being discovered such as the “Dead Sea Scrolls”, the Nag Hammadi (records found in Egypt) and others ALL TESTIFYING that Jesus is our Savior, God is our Father and we may return to Them when this life ends. (Via the Plan). Next month “the plan explained.”

I love you,

Dad, your earthly Father and Grandfather

Richard Marden Pratt

Dad then suggests we read on page 68 of Mom’s book “The Jaws of Death” a huge moment in our family history!

He included from Mom’s book page 110.......I went on a mission on account of my parents. We may be safe to say that whatever good I may have done thus far, was on account of the example of my parents. When I recall the noble work they did with the Mesquakie Indians and in the new nation of Kirabati, my heart fills with pride as I thrill to be part of such a great and noble heritage. Adaline and Richard Pratt are living testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ in Action. They are a blend of hard work, spirituality and fun. Since the days of changing dirty diapers and hauling manure, Mom and Dad Pratt have come a long way. Thank God for these great people. I love my mother and father. Respectfully submitted for reading at their 50th wedding anniversary, Steve Pratt (their favorite son!)

Mom’s book says; “Stephen once made a statement that I will never forget– one that has been comforting through some sorrowful times of my life. The statement was made when he was in great crisis in his life. His words were as follows” ... “No matter what happens, you and Dad will always be my best friends!” “I understand what the Savior meant when He used the word, ‘friend’. No better compliment could be paid.”

It really is a joy when we can associate as family and have the tie of blood and friendship. We can be the example to each other to carry on with noble and exalting principles.

A poem by Sheryl in mother’s book tells us of the example parents can be to their children.

Tribute to My parents      by Sheryl Lee Pratt VanOrman

Oh, my mother, how grateful I shall ever be 

for the goodness and kindness you have always shown to me.

For eighty long years of righteous endeavor,

from the depth of my heart, I will love you forever.

Through your example, your faith and word, 

I have learned how all heartache can be cured. 

You have shown how to act, how to think, how to be.

Throughout your wonderful life, you have been a hero to me.

Oh, my dear, dear mother, it is thrilling to know

that throughout all eternity, our relationship will grow.

And where did I learn that this is true?

It was from the lips of my sweet father and you.

Dad also included a thought Susann found for him.

“God bless you to realize where you came from and the great privileges that are yours. If the veil were rolled back and you could just see one glimpse of God’s great eternal plan concerning you and who you are, it would not be hard for you to love Him, keep His commandments, and live to be worthy of every blessing that He has had for you since before the foundations of the world were laid.”  LeGrand Richards

Easter Activity

Thinking of Easter coming up. This was an idea I shared with my Dad and he liked it so maybe you would like to share it with your families. print, cut apart and put each thought in a plastic easter egg (you will need 12 eggs) We do this every year and it is really pretty and fun to use. It helps to keep the real meaning in Easter. love, Rose

#1 (sacrament cup) Luke 22:42 and 44 Jesus then went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. Here he took upon himself the sins of the world. His suffering was so great that he bled from every pore.

#2 (coins Mark 14:10-11 and 44-45) One of Jesus’ disciples, Judas Iscariot, led men who were angry with Jesus to Him while he was praying. He did this because the wicked men told him that they would give him 30 pieces of silver for doing so. The wicked men wanted to kill Jesus. One of the disciples cut off one of the soldiers ears but Jesus healed the guard’s ear and was led away. 

#3 (soap Matthew 27:24) Jesus was brought to the governor, Pontius Pilate, to stand trail. Pilate was a powerful leader. It was the time of the Jewish Passover and Pilate would allow one prisoner to go free. Pilate found no fault with Jesus and thought to set him free but the people said no set Barabbas free. Barabbas was a thief and a murderer. Pilate knew that Jesus was not guilty but that he was innocent! To show he would not be responsible for the death of Jesus he washed his hands of the mater. He still allowed the mocking and scourging of Jesus before he was taken to be crucified.

#4 (ropes Matthew 27:29) Jesus was bound by ropes, spit upon, severely beaten, whipped and mocked. One of Jesus’ disciples, Peter, was so scared by how Jesus was being treated that he denied him three times. He later repented for he loved Jesus.

#5 (thorns (rose thorns work well) Matthew 27:28) Jesus was mocked and dressed in a scarlet robe. The wicked men made a crown of thorns and placed it upon Jesus’ head. He was beaten and whipped again.

#6 (cross (match sticks make a good cross)Luke 23:33) The wicked men decided to crucify Jesus. They made him carry a heavy cross to a hill called Calvary where he was nailed to the cross between two thieves. A sign was placed above his head which read, “King of the Jews”written in three languages. While on the cross Jesus was offered vinegar to drink. Jesus did not drink the vinegar. Jesus asked John, one of his disciples to take care of his mother. Before he died he cried out, “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?” The soldiers mocked him and he said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do”. 

#7 (pair of dice Mark 15:24) While Jesus was dying on the cross the soldiers gambled for his clothing.

#8 (small rocks Matthew 27:51 and 54) Jesus hung on the cross many hours. Finally he said, “Father into thy hands I commend my spirit,” and he died. As soon as this happened, darkness and storms arose showing the tremendous grief Heavenly Father felt when he witnessed these things being done to His Son. Some of The wicked people then realized that this must indeed be the Son of God.

#9 (white linen cloth John 19:40) Jesus was wrapped in linen cloth for burial.

#10 (spices (whole cloves work well.)John 19:40) Joseph of Arimathaea, a disciples of Jesus, asked Pilate if he could care for the body of Jesus after he had died. Pilate agreed to let him do this. The body of Jesus was wrapped in linen with appropriate spices. Spices were used to preserve bodies. Mary and Mary Magdalene wrapped Christ’s body in the linen with spices the day Jesus died. (Friday) and then waited until the first day of the week (Sunday) before they returned to do this again---because Saturday was the Sabbath.

#11 (large rock Matthew 28:2) A large stone was rolled across the door to the tomb in which Christ’s body lay. There was a guard set to watch so no one could come and steal the body of Jesus. An angel of the Lord descended from heaven and rolled back the stone and the men on watch started to shake and became, “as dead men>” When the men told the Pharisees what had happened, the Pharisees paid them to tell others that the stone had been rolled away while they were asleep.

#12 (EMPTY  except for the thought Matthew 29:6; John 20: 15-16) When Mary and Mary Magdalene went to the sepulcher. Their was an angel sitting there who told them to go and tell the disciples that Christ had risen. Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene while she was in the garden mourning his death. She thought he was the gardener when he asked, “woman, why weepiest thou?” She asked Him what he had done with the body of Jesus. Then he said to her, “Mary” she turned and recognized Him. Saying “Rabboni” meaning master. 

Jesus did rise on the third day! He gives us the gift of Eternal life He has made it possible to be forgiven of our sins through his atonement. He has made it possible for us to live as a family with him and Heavenly Father in the highest part of the Celestial Kingdom! This is the true meaning of Easter!

Memo #8 (written January 1, 2001)

From: Grandpa Richard Pratt

To: All Pratt Family adults and selected others

Re: PREPARATION

There was considerable controversy at the dawn of January 1, 2000 as to whether it was the beginning of the 7th millennia since the fall of Adam. (The beginning of mortality on this earth) But that controversy is now over. We are in the beginning of that 1000 year period of time known to all Christians as the “Millennium” (Millennium is from Latin and means 1000 years.

 Mille = 1000 annum = year.) 

This is the millennium in which Jesus Christ is going to come and reign personally upon the earth for 1000 years. 

Does that mean he is coming this year? NO! For there are still several prophesied events that must take place first. And the prophecies indicate they will take place in the beginning of this millennium and then the Savior will come. The next 50 or even 100 years could be the beginning years of this glorious millennium in which these events will be completed. When the world is on the verge of self-destruction Jesus will appear and take over all governments as King of Kings. (These events to be developed in later memos.) Many of you will live to see all these prophesied events fulfilled and will meet the Savior at his coming. So what must we do in preparation?

“Behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God....” Alma 34:32

We have two main duties in this life, to neglect either one is to imperil first our mortal life and secondly and most importantly our eternal life.

Our first duty when we reach adulthood is to provide the necessities of life for ourselves. Any man or woman can do so if they determine to do it. We do not have entitlements  as we are so glibly promised by the politicians. To accept government handouts is the road to self-destruction. It destroys a persons initiative and saps his or her energy until they become mindless pawns in the hands of those who led them to believe it. Shun all government handouts as you would the plague. They are Satanically inspired. And those in high places who promise them to you are deliberately leading you into servitude. 

If, sometime, in your adulthood adverse circumstances reduce you to want, your family should come to your aid until you are recovered, but no longer. In the event that family can’t or won’t help then you appeal to your Bishop. The Bishop has access to the church welfare system which means almost unlimited resources to take care of every facet of life’s  necessities. As a Bishop and Branch President 3 times over a period of 13 years I had the privilege many times of using these resources to relieve want in the lives of many.

So remember, you, your family, your church    Should be able to always take care of your mortal needs, BUT NEVER GOVERNMENT!

Historically, 19 civilizations have self-destructed when they became totally dependent upon government handouts. (From research of British historian Arnold Toynbee) 

But this mortal life is soon over and is the only time we have in which to prepare to meet God. And again the order of responsibility is the same, ourselves, our family, and His Church. Our family may fail us but we may still succeed by adherence to the truths, and ordinances of that great organization Jesus set up on the earth 2000 years ago. (Actually 6000 years ago when He baptised Adam and Eve.) And has again been restored to the earth through a modern prophet. (It having been taken from the earth during the dark ages, roughly from 400 AD to 1800 AD) 

I have been privileged to live to an advanced old age. Only a few people live to 80. Most of you won’t! I will be 89 on March 14th which will be the beginning of my 90th year. I hope I finish it, chances are I won’t! 

I have become keenly aware in the last little while that most of mortal life’s pleasures are foolishness. Meaning that they will soon be over and the only thing I can take with me into the next life is my family and even that will be limited to those who have complied with all the ordinances of God’ Great Plan.  I surely do not want to lose any one of you! Please! Please do not procrastinate taking advantage of that great eternal well-fare plan that will make us an in dependent family forever. Each husband and wife being a link in a great chain of families. 

“I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed. (The ordinances and binding of families together.)

Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful crisis, (Death) that I will repent, that I will return to my God, Nay, ye cannot say this; for that same spirit (ATTITUDE) which doth possess your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit (attitude) will have power to possess your  body in that eternal world.” Alma 34: 33-34

Then the next verse informs us that if we have put off doing the necessary preparations for the next life until we die that we become subject to the Devil and he doth seal us his and it is everlastingly too late to be sealed to our family. 

Remember that Jesus brings salvation to all those who believe on his name, for those who believe on his name WILL DO WHAT HE says!   Please Prepare.

Love, Grandpa

Memo #7 (written December 2000)

Memo #7 written December 2000 (published to the blog February 1, 2013)

From: Richard M. Pratt

To: All Pratt family adults and selected others

Re: Christmas

Christmas Greetings!

I am so impressed with my grandson Stephen Rowbury’s missionary farewell testimony that I am going to send it for December’s memo with one story of my own. (Thank you Steve)

The greatest sermon I ever heard was at the age of seven. What a powerful affect it has had in shaping my life. I can still quote it in its entirety and will do so shortly.

I had spent the night at Grandma’s old farmhouse. It was more than ten miles beyond the roads end and two miles from our ranch house. Other neighbors lived further out.

It was an early spring morning and cold outside. I hurried down from my cold attic bedroom to dress in the warm kitchen by the old black range. The rising sun was just peeking thru the window. Grandma was busy working at the table in the center of the room preparing breakfast and the bread and pies for the day. (Grandpa and several hired men would soon be in and hungrier than wolves.)

She was singing in her happy voice, “I’ll Take You Home Again Kathleen” I don’t believe Grandma knew I was in the room. Suddenly she stopped singing, raised her flour-covered hands toward the ceiling and, gazing raptly toward heaven, rapturously exclaimed. “Oh how I love my Lord Jesus.”

In my little boy mind, I thought, “I don’t know who “My Lord Jesus” is but if my Grandma loves Him I will love Him too. And so for the past 80 plus years I’ve been learning about Him and the more I learn the more I love Him.

It is so fitting to have this special time of year to pay Him homage and celebrate His mortal birth. My heart fills with joy and gratitude when I consider that all I am, all that I have, and all that I ever hope for is available only through Him. May we all rejoice in His glorious love this Christmas Season!

Merry Christmas to each of you and all of my love,

Dad, Grandpa etc.

Richard M. Pratt

The following is Stephen Rowbury’s missionary farewell talk:

“Whosoever shall believe in My name, doubting nothing, unto him will I confirm all My words, even unto the ends of the earth” is the promise given by Jesus Christ, found in Mormon 9:25.

Joseph F. Smith said, “Men do not receive the gift of. . . . a testimony of the Spirit of the Living God in their hearts, [unless] they seek for it. The principle is: Thou shalt knock and it shall be opened unto thee; thou shalt ask and receive; thou shalt seek if thou wilt find; and if you want wisdom, ask for it, as Solomon did; if you want knowledge and the testimony of the spirit in your hearts, seek for it earnestly.  Put yourself in a position whereby you will be worthy to receive it, then it will come to you as a gift of God, and His name should be praised for the same.

[A testimony] comes to us . . . because we put ourselves in harmony with the principle of communication from God to man.  We believe, we repent of and confess our sins, we do that which the Lord requires in order to gain a remission of our sins, and thus we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Our minds become attuned to the Spirit of God, and to the method which God has instituted for revealing His mind to the children of men.

We must obtain this light [of testimony] by revelation, we cannot do it by our own wisdom.  God will give us knowledge and understanding, he will lead us in the path of truth if we put our whole trust in him and not in man.”

In Alma 9:10 we learn that the condition of our hearts can affect our understanding of God’s words (read Alma 9:10) in 1st Nephi 15:11 we learn how we can develop hearts that recognize, understand, and accept the word of God.  It says: (read 1 Nephi 15:11) We have a good example of this in 1st Nephi 2:16 (read 1 Nephi 2:16)

President Hinckley gives us a positive direction in the January New Era :

“When I left for the mission field 66 years ago, my father handed me a card he had written on it four words spoken by the Lord, who, when he had received news of the death of the daughter of the centurion, said: “Fear not: believe only” (Luke 8:50)  As we step into the third millennium A.D. I can think of no greater counsel than is found in this statement.  Fear not, only believe!  Believe in God, the father of us all. We are his children and he loves us. He is interested in us. He is concerned about us. He wants us to be the very best we can be., he wants us to make something of our lives. He wants us to be upright and true and honest and straight forward and clean and decent. I believe that he desires to bless us. If we live our lives in such a way as to be worthy of his blessings, he will bless us and we will not be troubled by the evil of the world.”

The first step in becoming a follower  would be to know what we are following.

As a musician I like to think of testimony as a musical instrument, the more it is practiced, the easier it is to perform and the better it sounds. The more we practice our small faith and act upon our knowledge, we become more capable witnesses of Jesus Christ.

Joseph F. Smith gives the following, “When I as a boy first started out in the ministry, I would frequently go out and ask the Lord to show me some marvelous thing, in order that I might receive a testimony. But the Lord withheld marvels from me, and showed me the truth, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little, until he made me to know the truth from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet, and until doubt and fear had been absolutely purged from me. He did not have to send an angel from the heavens to do this, nor did he have to speak with the trump of an archangel. By the whisperings of the still small voice of the Spirit of the living God, he gave to me the testimony I possess. And by this principle and power he will give to all the children of men a knowledge of the truth that will stay with them, and it will take them to the truth, as God knows it, and to do the will of the Father as Christ does it.

A pure testimony is a tower of strength through all time.

I desire to bear my testimony to you; for I have received an assurance which has taken possession of my whole being. It has sunk deep into my heart; it fills every fiber of my soul; so that I feel to say before this people, and would be pleased to have the privilege of saying it before the whole world, that God has revealed unto me that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, the Redeemer of the world. I have absolute confidence in [Jesus Christ]. My whole heart and soul goes out with love for him.  My hopes are built upon His glorious character and His word.  He was without sin; He was spotless, and possessed power unto life eternal; He opened the way from the grave to everlasting life for me and all the children of men.  My confidence in Him is boundless. My love for Him surpasses all else on earth, when I possess the Spirit of the Gospel as I should, and He to me is first and foremost.  He is the greatest of all that has ever sojourned in this world of ours, and He came to be our beacon light, our guide and exemplar, and it is our business to follow Him. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Dad also chose to put in Mom’s Christmas memories. They can be found in her book pages 12-14.

“My memories go way back to my life in that first two-roomed home. Our Christmas tree stood on a box on the table. (To take less space, and so little hands could not reach the decorations.)

Santa Claus brought me a Jack-in-the-box which was exciting after I got over my fear of as it jumped out at me. But of all the Christmas gifts, I loved dolls the best. I must have had a real mother instinct because if my doll got broken and I did not have one, I would make one myself...in those dark days, there were small china dolls. They were very breakable. Even the tiny ten-cent dolls had moveable arms and legs. They were called “ten cent dolls” because that is what they sold for. Now they would cost much more, but they are no longer to be found.

One of these dolls received a lot of my motherly attention. I found a chip of wood that looked like a sleigh. I had Mama tie a piece of string to it. Then, I put my doll on the sleigh and pulled my baby around the house. The doll would roll off time and again, but I would patiently put it back in place and go on playing.

Sometimes, I helped to sell Christmas cards or boxes of chocolates. In the spring of the year, I sold seeds, then in early December, we took orders for Christmas trees. Papa would go to the timber at the homestead and bring the trees to town by bobsled for delivery to the customers. In this way, we earned money for Christmas buying. I always enjoyed selling. So even in the summertime, my sisters, Arminto and I picked wild chokecherries, gooseberries, and service berries to sell. We would pick all day long, lug them home from Crooked Creek and then deliver them and perhaps make only a few dollars. But in those days of depression, we were glad to get that much. It taught us some lessons in business, pluck, patience and independence.

Another important part of Christmas preparation was the catalogs that we poured over, wishing and dreaming of things that we knew we could not have. Mama spent hours and hours carefully planning, writing the orders, adding the cost, then scratching out and reordering. How I love her and my father for all those many thoughtful hours spent for me and each of their children!

On Christmas eve, a choice large tree, a fir fresh from the forest was brought into the house ready for Santa to decorate that night. Papa, and later the older boys, went tot he timber about 15- 20 miles away and selected the finest tree they could find and brought it back high on a load of timber. Our tree’s festive fragrance filled the house and mingled with the aroma of baked goodies. The smell was exciting and filled us with great anticipation.

Along with the hanging of stockings, we prepared a special treat for Santa, which we placed, ready, on a table near the tree so that he would be sure to find it. Papa and Mama said Santa would probably enjoy a pie and a large piece of fruit cake and even a few pieces of candy. They were right because the cake and goodies were always gone when morning came.

Mama would get breakfast, but we would find it hard to stop and eat with all the exciting things to play with. I remember the little pig-sausages that we received from Burt’s Grocery Store, the raisin bread that Mom made, and the delicious juicy, small, sweet “Jap” oranges, as they were called. They came shipped in small wooden boxes that were tied with fiber ropes in time for the holidays each year. Breakfast was so good!

Grandma Enders had arrived the day before, bringing with her one of her choice large turkeys that she had raised for our Christmas dinner and a large, white flour sack full of surprises. Grandmother Enders, Christmas Eve and snow came like a benediction to the year. Santa’s best helper, Grandma, with her dark dancing eyes and jolly laughter, arrived with bells a-jingle in her horse-drawn cutter which was stacked high with Christmas goodies and the fabulous, large white sack. She spent hours chopping onions and giblets for dressing in a large wooden bowl while mother made steam pudding and raisin bread, and while we children asked questions about Santa Claus and his reindeer and became too excited to sleep when bedtime came. Then we all hung our stockings. Papa usually chose socks with a hole in the toes so that Santa would bring him new ones. And he usually did.

Preparations for Christmas began early. We sewed and made things for each other and made sweet, nutty home-made candy. We made chocolate fudge, peanut brittle, caramels, and hand-rolls. We popped corn and strung it on a string for tree decorations and made popcorn balls. And we made colored paper chains and all sorts of pretty little things to hang on the tree.

Mama let us all help make the large fruit cake. We stood around the table with the little children standing on chairs. We got to sample everything and helped to chop nuts, cut fruit peel, beat eggs, cream butter, wash raisins and currants and smell all those good spices and things, and to stir everything together. It was great fun! I presume the reason those cakes always turned out so successfully was because Mama had so much good help. Ha! Or was it that Mama could make any food taste good in spite of the help? Whatever the reason her Christmas cakes are unforgettable. This has inspired me to maintain the quality and to keep the recipe alive by passing it on to my children and grandchildren. (This was where Dad left off for the memo but page 14 is so full of fun go read Grandma’s book!!!! They hung their stockings on the end of their wrought iron bed. The family lined up from youngest to oldest before the living room door was burst open to reveal that Santa had come. Candles were the lights on those trees. Papa’s music with his harmonica. Etc. READ It for yourself!) What fun!

IN Dad’s papers I found a paper he wrote for a class at BYU Jan. 8, 1963 (I, Rose would have been 15) He got an A on it and I felt he would want it printed here and now.

The Atonement by Richard M. Pratt

General effects of the Atonement

It seems to me that this subject can be readily treated in four parts. First, the atonement was an infinite atonement; second, all men are to be resurrected and stand before God; third, those that are redeemed from the spiritual death; and last, all men, through the atonement become subject to Christ. (Note, men is MANKIND)

Amulek testified to the Zoramites that the atonement must of necessity be an infinite atonement, that all mankind must otherwise unavoidably perish because they are all fallen and lost and that no sacrifice of man or nature can possibly redeem man. Only an infinite atonement, that all mankind must other wise unavoidably perish because they are all fallen and lost and that no sacrifice of man or nature can possibly redeem man. Only an infinite atonement could accomplish man’s redemption.(Alma 34:8-13)

Jacob also taught that only an infinite atonement could reclaim man from the fall. Otherwise man would lay his body down to rot never more to rise, while his spirit would become subject to the devil, like unto him, angels to the devil shut out from the presence of God, and to remain with the devil in endless misery. (2 Nephi 9:6-9 ~ 25:16)

Because of the atonement, all men will be resurrected. (Ibid 9:22) The spirit and the body will be reunited and will become incorruptible and immortal and man will have a perfect remembrance of all his mortal life both that of his evil works and of his good. He will, then, stand before the judgement seat of God and be judged according to the holy judgement of God. (Ibid 9:12-15 ~ Alma 33:22 ~ Helaman 14:15-16 Momon 9:13) (Lehi suggests that all things that were created also fell with Adam’s transgression and became mortal.(2 Nephi 2:22) Alma indicates that all things shall be restored to their proper order.)  (Alma 41:2)

the atonement redeems a portion of mankind from both the temporal and spiritual death. (2 Nephi 9:26)

It satisfies the demands of God’s justice in relation to those who died without law. “For the power of redemption cometh on all them that have no law.” (Moroni 8:22 ~ Mosiah 3:11) This includes those who have sinned ignorantly. (Mosiah 15:24) “And little children also have eternal life.” (Mosiah 15:25 ~ Moroni 8: 8, 22)Through the atonement all mankind become subject to God. or as Jacob taught, Christ suffered himself to become subject to man that all men might become subject to him  (2 Nephi 9:5) and the Savior said: “as I have been lifted up by men even so should men be lifted up by the Father, to stand before me, to be judged of their works.”

(3 Nephi 27:14)

In summation the, the general effects of the atonement will redeem all man from the first judgement through the resurrection. They will have a bright remembrance of their mortal life and will be judged by Christ. All those who sinned ignorantly, died without law, or died as children are redeemed both spiritually and temporally and saved in the Kingdom of God. It is suggested that the atonement affects the whole earth and all that dwell upon it.

Memo #6 (Written November 14, 2000)

Memo #6

From: Grandpa Richard M. Pratt

To: All Pratt Family Adults & selected others

Re: The Holy Ghost

“And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.”

(Moroni 10:5)

What a power! Who is and what is the Holy Ghost and how can we tap into this great power and avoid being deceived???

Over the centuries many words have taken on a totally new meaning, such is the case with the word “Ghost”. When the King James version of the Bible was printed in 1611 the translators used the word “Ghost” with the meaning that it or He was a person of Spirit as we all were before our mortal birth. Today we think of a Ghost as some eerie thing without form or shape, and it does anything but verify the truth.

So the Holy Ghost is a spirit man and a member of the Godhead and hence is Holy. The Godhead is one God comprised of three persons of Deity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Remember from memo #3 that “God” means Good and is not the name of deity but refers to the office of deity. 

“The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of spirit. Were it not so, The Holy Ghost could not dwell in us.” D. & C. 130:22

In modern English “The Father is President of the corporation of worlds etc. Jesus is the First Vice President or Councilor in Charge of Creation, Maintenance and Salvation. The Holy Ghost is second Vice President or Councilor in charge of Communications between God and man, A Testator of Truth, and a verifier of all Godly things.

The Holy Ghost will not dwell in unclean tabernacles. Hence the necessity of keeping a clean body undefiled by the various poisons ingested by the world and one must be morally clean.

“We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith (belief) in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost.” (4th Article of Faith.)

One who has sincerely complied with these four steps has “been born again” meaning that with the reception of the Holy Ghost they are alive to that Holy Spirit and are in a position to receive communication and revelation from God. 

However, sincere people who are seeking for Godly truth, who have not been baptized, may have the Holy Ghost testify to them of truth but he will not abide with them unless they act upon that revealed truth and comply with faith, repentance and baptism and the laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost.. Hence, Moroni’s promise that anyone can know that the Book of Mormon is true by reading it believing it, and asking God if it is true and he will receive from the Holy Ghost the verification that it is indeed the Word of God along with the Holy Bible and that it is a Second Witness that Jesus is the Savior and there is no other. 

~ 2 ~

The next Question, How does the Holy Ghost communicate with the Sincere seeker of truth? (He will not work with the insincere, the curious or the thrill seeker. Hence they are spiritually dead which is the case with most of the world and even many who are members of his Church.)          Like modern man the Holy Ghost has many ways of communicating with man. Some of which are as follows. The one most frequently used is just a feeling as a person is pondering a problem of any kind, and most of you have experienced this, a feeling or thought will come into your mind with such assurance that you know you have the answer to whatever it was that you were meditating on and if you act on that feeling good consequences always result. It may be such a simple thing as finding something you have lost or making a business decision or how to discipline an unruly child etc. 

If one needs a stronger assurance of truth; words, phrases, and or sentences may suddenly sound within their brain, sometimes with such clarity that the receiver is startled and looks around to see who is there as I did when a voice, in answer to my prayer, said, “Sell your Farm.” I didn’t want to sell my farm, but I obeyed that voice and it turned out to be one of the best things I ever did.

Messages are also given thru dreams and visions. A vision may be like a T V or it may be immense like one of those wrap-around theaters where you are right in the center of the action.

Or an often used method, when one is a scripture reader, is to find answers in the scriptures. Remember most scriptures can be likened to letters from a parent to his children. In fact many of the scriptures are letters and all of them are from our Heavenly Father.

Currently there are four scriptures, The Holy Bible, The Book of Mormon, The Doctrine and Covenants and The Pearl of Great Price. All four testify that God lives, we are his children and that salvation comes thru Jesus Christ and no one else.

And in great times of importance the Holy Ghost sends an Angel or Angels or even the Savior Jesus Christ and about five occasions that we have recorded of even The Father has appeared.

For as the Prophet Joseph Smith said, “I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.....I saw two personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other---”This is My Beloved Son, Hear Him!”

It is TRUE!  God bless you all, my wonderful family.

Grandpa Pratt

The following is in hopes that it will encourage you young families as you struggle to make ends meet. Submitted by Rose and Roger

20 plus years ago we lived in Mead, Washington and we enjoyed a beautiful new home. Roger was running an insulation business and things just seemed as if they could not be any happier. We were expecting our 6th child and had wonderful new friends and life was so good. Then suddenly the business closed and we thought, “not to worry! Roger would surely get a new and even better job!” But the job was not forth coming at least not a permanent job. We relied on our food storage and savings. (Grandma and Grandpa were in the Gilbert Islands then) Roger would find a two week harvesting job or some other temporary work but no real employment and things 

~3 ~

seemed tough.  I can remember pouring over the bills and wondering how to juggle to make things work. At one point the Bishop told Roger not to pay tithing tell we got on our feet and Roger’s reply was, “Do you want us to fail completely!” The bishop apologized and said he was sorry to have been a tempter! Well this test went on and on and lasted 9 months! Near the end of the time Julieannn needed shoes and being in 4th grade she was growing and the need was desperate. We paid our tithing and bills and had nothing left to work with. Roger had assured me that the Lord would help us figure it all out. One morning up drove Sister Perrins and she asked if I could use some hand me downs she had a large family and had way too many things given to her. I happily said yes and then when she brought them in on the top was a brand new pair of shoes just the size we needed and also really in style. The Lord does know about us and does answer prayers and is ready to help us When we place our trust in him and follow his commandments he stands ready to pour out the blessings we need most. I look back on that time and now realize how happy we were and that it, the hard time, was in fact a blessing to draw us closer to Heavenly Father and each other. All of you take courage in your struggles and know from the ones of us up the line that as we struggle we do become stronger and we are a family and can gain strength to face any trial from each other.

NEW YEARS DAY 2013!

It is a joy to re read and post Dad’s memos. If you have mom’s book turn to page 121 and re read her letter to her Children. It was part of memo #6 at Dad’s request. It’s fun to feel her love again.

At this writing, our dear Brother Richard Stephen Pratt has “graduated” from this life. He battled with cancer for seven months. He died at home December 28, 2012 and was buried in his family cemetery on their farm in Cove Fort, Utah. He IS an amazing man. He did wonderful things for his family, for the church and for his country. If you chance to go to a visitor center for the Church of Jesus Christ of Later day Saints, the covered wagons, odometors and many other things were hand crafted by him. He and his son Ben have made printing presses and many other amazing things. His four children along with his wonderful wife have stood by his side in this latest test. A book I recommend to all of you is by Carol Lynn Pearson, The Lesson. It is a fable of hope and comfort. It is a fast 20 minute read and so worth the time! I can imagine the happy reunion that Steve is having with our parents and with our sister Kay and her husband Vern and all those who have gone before. The gospel of Jesus Christ is True the plan of happiness is real and families can be forever. There will be a memorial service for Steve, January 19, 2013 at 

1:00 PM at 500 East 200 North (Grandpa’s old church) Provo, Utah