Journals-A Voice from the Past

Personal journals from 1977 to 1979 written by James A. Owen

My father, James A. Owen, wrote two Journals between 1977-79.   He died September 14, 1979.  I was a busy mother of three young children and lived in Washington State while Mom and Dad were in Leeds, Utah building a house with the help of David (age 13-14) and Teresa (age 11-12).  I confess, I didn't know much about what was going on down in Southern Utah, but from reading the Journal, I am learning a ton about how life was during this difficult time. 

In his entries, one can easily see his reflective mood during these last two years of his life.  He seems to know his health is failing and his time on earth is limited.  He knows he is preparing to "meet his Maker" and he is serious about getting ready.  On page two, in capital letters he writes:
"NOW IS THE TIME TO PREPARE TO MEET GOD--has recently been strongly on my mind" (August 30, 1977).

 At the time in LDS Church history (October 1975, New Era, p. 5) President Spencer W. Kimball was urging all of us to keep a record:
"Get a notebook, my young folks a journal that will last through all time, and maybe the angels may quote from it for eternity.  Begin today and write in it your going and comings, your deepest thoughts, your achievements and your failures, your associations and your triumphs, your impressions and your testimonies.  Remember, the Savior chastised those who failed to record important events."

I randomly flipped through the 600 pages of volume 1  and found an entry written just for me on March 19, 1978!

I continued turning pages and found another entry to Steven (and to Leslie):

Jan. 8, 1979  "Steve:  If you ever read my Journal, I want you to know Steve-you are special & bring great joy to me & to your mother--by just being the special fine soul you really have become.  We love you so much and it will be a fortunate young lady that will get get you."

Truly it is like a "Voice from the Dust".   There are treasures all throughout if you can read his "hieroglyphics."   I will keep reading and putting these color coded tabs by the entries about each of his children. At 600 pages in Volume One and another 222 pages in Volume Two, I will doing this over a couple of months. 

System for marking selection by child's name.

Jim Owen especially wanted his children and grandchildren to know of his testimony.

Here is his very first entry in his first Journal (August 30, 1977):

To my children, grandchildren & my posterity & others who may read this--

May my fervid (fervent) testimony be added to all others that I know & bear witness that Jesus is the Christ--the Redeemer who died for me--yes, me--because I was important to Him that I might have my greivious sins forgiven if I would but repent & yes, that my dream will become a reality to run again--work hard again with muscles renewed to build, to run, to play--but, O God, I do thank you for my impaired physical body that has taught me lessons which could not have been learned so readily in any other fashion.  So thankful to you, Father, for allowing me the privilege of appreciating that great day of the resurrection more than most.  

Yes, I know that God the Father lives & I have a kind Heavenly Mother not unlike my Earthly mother who deserved so much respect & made me a much better person.  

I know that I can talk to God & He listens & answers--always in a fashion for my greatest welfare.  That the (LDS) Church is God's true church on Earth today as a vehicle to bring us back to Him from whence we can--that my friend, Joseph (Smith) was the instrument in our Father's hand to restore the Kingdom for the last time & he has been followed by many of God's choicest souls as subsequent prophets--that the Book of Mormon--the "Book of More Good", will help us to perfect our lives if we but learn & heed its teachings--

Also to you, my children & posterity, I would like to bear witness that prior to coming to this Earth, we all covenanted to be a family--and your mother and my Queen was one of the [noble] and great ones--who repeatedly went down into the valley of the shadow of death to bring each of you across the valle & has been my constant companion & friend for these past 29 years & has & is slowly teaching me how to live the gospel--

Always revere your Mother for her unselfish simplicity in living what others talk about.  My love for her is deep beyond my comprehension only a few short years ago--so to all you children, may I say to you that outside of our Heavenly Parent & Jesus Christ & your Angel Mother--you children provide that bright light of Hope for me as I say to myself, "I must be better than I often give myself credit for.   If I were not so, how could I & we as a family be so blessed with all of you choice souls?"  Thank you so much for coming & being OURS.

Honor your parents that your days might be long & happy in the land of promise--this can be done only through being obedient to the Law of the Gospel.

So to you--my sweet & precious children, as part of you may someday read this journal, may you get an insight to the "real Dad" whom possibly you never knew--but will on day in the not too distant Millenium.

I humbly bear my witness to the words written here--that I know Jesus is the Christ & the Power of Salvation to all that will heed His words of counsel.

In the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

I also found a pink photocopied handout about "Journals" slipped inside Dad's journal.  On it was a dozen reasons (by Elaine Cannon) to keep a journal:
 1.  Because the Lord has said to.
 2.  Because writing it down gives us perspective, direction.
 3.  Because when we record something we remember more.
 4.  Because a life recorded is twice precious-first the experience itself, an then the memory of it full and sweet when we read about it later.
 5.  Because everyone's life is history in the making
 6.  Because there is an inner drive in all of us to be remembered.
 7.  Because it is a privilege to live.
 8.  Because we can learn from ourselves-from where we have been and where not to go again; what worked and what caused pain.
 9.  Because if we don't, who will?
10.  Because a personal record can be a source of important information
11.  Because God is in the details of our life.
12.  Because the leaders of the Church are encouraging everyone to do so.


 Pres. Kimball "renewed" his admonition in the October 1979 General Conference, only a few weeks after Dad's death.

"On a number of occasions I have encouraged the Saints to keep personal journals and family records.  I renew that admonition.  We may think there is little of interest or importance in what we personally say or do--but it is remarkable how many of our families, as we pass on down the line, are interested in all that we do and all that we say."

I testify that writing in personal journals is a blessing in our lives and in the lives of our posterity.  I hope you are writing in yours.