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Troy Brown: “And it came to pass . . .”
And it came to pass that in the days of my college probation I met Diana Astle at BYU and on our first date gave her a seminary folder so she could brush up on her scripture mastery (it was mostly a joke but she did think I was a bit weird). On this folder was one of my favorite pictures of the Savior overseeing Jerusalem (“O Jerusalem”, by Greg Olsen). Little did I know that this little folder would play such a significant role in my courtship and marriage? After a year of dating, Diana gave me a nice framed picture of -- you guessed it, “O Jerusalem”. I had never been given such a nice piece of art work, from such a cute girl, like that before! So on this same day, I proposed marriage! We just happened to be at the same place I took her on our very first date and we hadn’t been there since (a lookout spot overseeing Utah Valley, very romantic y’all would be proud). How thankful I am that this came to pass!
And it came to pass that in my 13 years of teaching seminary, I have taught over 4,000 students. I have had my fare share of interesting experiences (some life changing and some not). One day, I made the mistake of telling a class about how clever we were at RHS. I told them how I was in a class that passed around a note to have all students sharpen our pencils at ____ time. Well, the next day during my lesson, at the precise time, all 30 students were up waiting in line to sharpen their pencils. As you sow, so shall ye reap! And it came to pass, I was teaching an early morning class with some foreign exchange students from Korea. One student, who did not speak English very well, raised his hand. I was excited thinking I might be making some connections with this boy. I said, “Yes, please?” He said in broken English, “Brother Brown --your zipper --is down.” Sure enough—embarrassment and a lot of laughter followed. We were all “[mortified] and rejoiced together.” Oh, and by the way, I have had to hide my clock because students have changed the time to get out early. Only once have I let them out 10-15 minutes early (sorry Royce, I now better understand your pain). I’m grateful that these lessons have come to pass!
And it came to pass the Brown’s have multiplied and replenished the earth (Benson (8), Lauryn (6), Lindsey (4), Austin (10 mo.). After having our first child still born in 1999 we have had four beautiful healthy children -- each with a certain amount of drama. Miracles never cease! Here is my journal entry dated September 2, 2008: I was on my way to the American Fork hospital at about 10:00p.m. I was feeling a bit nervous about the events of having another child come into this world. After having Diana hospitalized for three weeks earlier in her pregnancy (ruptured amniotic sac) and this baby coming still three weeks early, I was a bit on edge. While driving to the hospital, I said a little prayer that all would go well and that we might be blessed with a healthy baby. Immediately after the prayer, I looked out my window and noticed more than at other times a big, beautiful, bright star. Then a very, strong impression came to my mind and heart reminding me of this quote: “Therefore, in the expansiveness of space, there is stunning personalness, for God knows and loves each of us... ‘What is man that thou are mindful of Him?’ Mankind is at the very center of God’s work. We are the sheep of His hand and the people of His pasture. His work includes our immortalization --accomplished by Christ’s glorious atonement. Think of it brothers and sisters, even with their extensive longevity, stars are not immortal, but you are.” (Elder Neal A. Maxwe (CES Conference, Aug. 13, 2002) How grateful I am that miracles come to pass!
Now we can say, and it came to pass that we had our 20th year RHS reunion and . . . It’s my hope and wish that the precious things of life will be ours that we might share them at our 30, 40 & 50 year reunions together. I know one thing about life, it will come to pass. . . I pray that as life comes to pass that we might be blessed with those things that provide real peace, real happiness and real prosperity. This is what makes life worth living and not dwelling on those things we wish wouldn’t have come to pass. Much Love and Admiration -- Troy Brown
