ThrowBack Thursday ~ Remembering a friend...

Beckie and Howard Rainer

Sometime during the night on January 3, a friend of ours, Howard Rainer passed away. He was 77 years old. Howard was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico and member of the Taos Pueblo tribe.

I have had many sweet experiences with Howard and Beckie. This is a blog post from August 2012.

I love Education Week, I only attended one day this year but it was a doozy! So many great presenters and classes. I can't believe Education Week is in its 90th year!

I also love this year’s theme, taken from Proverbs 29:18, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”

My friend Lorie and I spent the entire day running from class to class. Our last class was a presentation by our friend and neighbor Howard Rainer.

Howard is a Taos Pueblo-Creek Indian from Taos Pueblo, New Mexico. He has been a professional photographer for many years. His work has been featured in Native Peoples Magazine, This People Magazine, New Mexico Magazine, and Southwest Art and has published several books of his photography and poetry. Howard retired after serving for over 40 years as the administrator of the Native American Education Outreach Programs at Brigham Young University. He is considered one of the leading Native American trainers in providing workshops in building self esteem and enhancing motivation among Native American adults and young people. He has given his entire career to making life better for Native Americans. I am in awe of his service.

Beckie (Howard's wife) ~ Lorie ~ Howard ~ Me

Howard's presentation was titled "Through the Lens of a Camera: Seeing the Greatest of God". The photos were breathtaking. The first segment was in black and white, the second was taken in the Fall and last was all eagles. He described how difficult it is to capture an eagle in flight. Many of the photos were taken in Alaska. He has a gift and really does see the greatness of God in all creation. It's great to have something you are passionate about. The beautiful images were set to his brother John's haunting flute music. You can also here Howard singing in his native language and playing the drums. I have had the privilege of hearing him in person, it was a sacred experience. The language is not written down, it's passed down from generation to generation.

Howard shared some of my favorites scriptures during the presentation:
"all things denote there is a God; yea even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it,..." Alma 30:44

"Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please to eye and to gladden the heart;" D&C 59:18

Howard says the elements of being a good photographer are:

Light
Intuition
Heart
Get out there and get the picture you want

Then another blog post from May 2016.

About a month ago I was asked to teach a Leadership class for the rest of the school year. It has been a wonderful experience. We have very grown-up discussions about important life skills and leadership qualities. I thought it would be fun to have a guest speaker and I thought of Howard Rainer. Besides being a dear friend Howard is an accomplished teacher, motivational speaker, poet, and photographer. He has made a true and measurable impact in the world. He has dedicated his life to helping others. He has touched the lives of many children and adults, including mine. The students in my class were well taught today. He was positive and encouraged the students to work hard to fulfill their dreams. Howard also spoke in his Native language. The class really enjoyed his presentation. I really wished the entire student body could have heard him speak!

A few of Howard's gems:

Where much is given, much is expected.

How does one give back when one is given so much?

Through doing simple and great things...

Make a difference...

Be a good leader and a good follower...

Awareness- be more aware of others needs...
The more you give, the more you receive- share your talents and time, and be prepared to make a difference.
Those who read are in the know, those who don't read stay where they are. If you are not in the know you guess, you may guess wrong.
Attitude is everything, teachers can smell a bad attitude. Be optimistic, if you say you can't, you can't... if you say you can, you can!
Vision... those who have vision see possibilities. Have a dream...

"Don't give up on your dream, doubters don't know your heart."

When you put your name on something, do your best.

When you are connected to the Creator, you will not loose.

Pray...

Always say thank you, express gratitude then people will remember who you are.

Finish the race!

Howard finished his earthly race. 

I thought of the scripture from 2 Timothy 4:7-8
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

Howard was a man of great faith. Heaven's gate surely opened wide for him. He will be missed.