America's Three Values

In the scout oath we repeat that a scout will do his duty to God and his country.

Since we are a month away from the 4^th of July I wanted to say a word or two about our country and what has made it unique- We could go on for a long time, but let's boil it down to just 3 ideas.  If you have a coin, take a look at it and you will see on each one three values that make America unique-

E Pluribus Unum, In God we trust, and Liberty

E Pluribus Unum- which translates as (from many, one) meaning that you may come from different nationalities, religions, and experiences, but come and work together to make America great and we are one.  This is actually quite different from the talk about diversity that we hear so much about today- today we hear too much about celebrating our differences and encouraging diversity, but with E Pluribus Unum it was understood that those differences only make us stronger if we are one and working together.

Next- In God We Trust- Meaning that our rights come from our creator and not from man, not from leaders or great thinkers.  As the declaration of independence states- we have certain unalienable rights.  If our rights are granted by man, they can, at any time, also be changed or taken away by man.  That is why on of the unique American values is “In God We Trust.”

Finally- Liberty- We are born equal meaning that no matter who we are and what family we are born into we are treated the same under the law, but where we end up in life is largely up to ourselves.  This often causes some confusion as people confuse American Liberty with the European ideas of liberty and equality.  The European value is that we end up equal; however, this idea of equality is frequently at odds with liberty, because it can only be accomplished by limiting how much some can earn and by taking away from some to give to others which infringes on the liberty of those people

So as we approach Independence Day, please reflect on our duty to our country and those three values that make America unique- E Pluribus Unum, In God we trust, and Liberty.

Do a good turn daily

The scout slogan is "do a good turn daily"

In 1909 William D Boyce was on business in London- he became disoriented and lost in a heavy fog as he was trying to find a certain place of business. As he stood trying to get his bearings a boy came out of the fog and asked if he needed any help. He said "yes I'm trying to find this business can you help me?" After the boy lead him to the business William tried to give him a tip, but the boy said "No. Thank you. I am a scout I won't take anything for helping."

Intrigued William asked "A scout? What is that?" The boy told him about Lord Baden Powell and the scouting movement that he had started. William asked for the address so that he could go and find out more about this organization. He was so impressed with the organization that he brought it home with him and in 1910 started the Boy Scouts in America.

The good turn by an unknown scout in London 1909 resulted in the formation of the scouting organization in the US and an untold number of good turns by the millions of scouts that have been in the organization.

A 13 year old boy in Gilbert Arizona named Spencer was made the deacon's quorum president and typically that also makes him the senior patrol leader in his scout group. He had a boy named Dayton in his group with cerebral palsy- you may have seen the video "Dayon's Legs." Spencer asked Dayton if he would like to do a triathlon with him. Spencer swam pulling Dayton in a little raft, ran pushing him in a jogging stroller, and biked pulling him in a trailer. He came in 82nd overall and 1st in the relay category.

Our good turns can be something simple like helping someone with directions or bigger things like including someone in our activities that could not do themselves. Regardless of whether it seems small or little the daily good turns that we do as scouts can have a huge impact on the lives of others.

Live the scout spirit by always doing a good turn daily!

A Scout Is Loyal 2

A scout is loyal- "A scout is true to his family, friends, scout leaders, school, nation [and God]..."

Damon and Philip were the best of friends. They had grown up together and had always loved and trusted each other like brothers. As they became men Philip began to speak out against their king telling people that he was a tyrant. Eventually Philip was arrested by the king's men, charged with treason and sentenced to death. The king asked Philip if he had any last requests, and Philip said "let me go back to my home town, say good-by to my wife, and put all my things in order." The king laughed and said "you think I'm a fool? If I let you leave this city you will leave and never come back." Damon, who had watched all the proceedings, came forward and said "I will stand in his place while he is gone." The king said "you know that if he does not come back you will die in his place?" Damon replied "he is my friend and I trust him- He will return." So the king put Damon in prison to wait for Philip to return.

Days went by and Philip had not returned, so the king went down to the prison to gloat over Damon that he was soon going to die because Philip was not coming back. Damon told the king "I know that he will return. The only reason that he would be delayed is if some problems are holding him back." The king couldn't believe that he still was trusting and believing in his friend.

The day arrived and Damon was brought to the executioner. The king laughed at him and said "how do you feel about your friend now that he did not return." No sooner had the king said this then a shout was heard through the crowd and Philip ran up and embraced Damon. He explained that his ship had wrecked and that he had been attacked by robbers, but that all he could think about was getting back to Damon. Philip turned to the king and said "I am ready to face my death."

The king listened to this story with surprise then said "I revoke the sentence. I did not believe that such friendship and loyalty could exist between two friends, and it is only right that you should both be rewarded with your freedom. I only ask on thing- that I too can be part of so worthy of a friendship."

Be the kind of friend; the kind of scout who is loyal

A Scout is Loyal

In 1834 Joseph Smith lead an army of 200 men on a 1000 mile march from Kirtland Ohio to Western Missouri to help restore the saints to their homes in Jackson County. They had the support of the governor of Missouri.

George A. Smith, a cousin to Joseph, was the youngest in this Zion's camp army at 16 years old. He did not have good self confidence; he was big and awkward. He would compare himself to his cousin and he felt like he was lacking. If you saw him, you would understand how he could feel that way. He showed up to camp with striped pants his mother made him from mattress fabric and a checkered nap sack made from apron material. His dad gave him a new pair of boots and an old musket. After a few days of marching, his boots had worn bloody blisters on his feet; his pants were shredded; and he had sat on his straw hat making it look like a birds nest sitting on his head. He really didn't look much like a warrior.

They marched 25 to 40 miles per day, had poor food, and couldn't sleep well at night because of all the hot humid weather with lots of flies and mosquitoes. George said that the prairie water had "wigglers" in it that he learned to sift through his teeth when he drank...

When they arrived at their destination Joseph found out that the Governor had withdrawn his support from their venture, and as a result the mission's purpose was frustrated. Some of the men were angry and turned against Joseph. He was concerned that if they were not faithful something bad might happen. Cholera broke out and 68 people were taken ill and 14 died. Among those that died was Jesse Smith a cousin to both Joseph and George. George didn't think he could ever live up to the kind of man that Jesse was...

The trip was not wasted, because those like George who were loyal despite the hardships gained strength and leadership. Less than five years later at the age of 21 George A. Smith was ordained an apostle and spent the rest of his life as a loyal and faithful leader.

From Gospel Principals Manual- When we have charity we are loyal, we believe the best of others, and we are kind to them.

From Aaronic Priesthood manual 3- Sacrificing for Heavenly Father shows our willingness to be obedient and loyal to him at all costs.

From Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood- We should be loyal to our own country and people and do all we can to help... meet the needs of the people

A scout is Loyal!