LDS Girl

The Parable of the Purse

2011-06-19T14:06:00.000-07:00

Believe in Good Things to Come

2010-11-28T10:42:00.000-08:00

Shepherds in Israel

2010-11-28T10:27:00.000-08:00

Elder Eyring:

I have seen many shepherds who feed their flocks. One was the president of a deacons quorum. One of his quorum members lived near my home. That neighbor boy had never attended a quorum meeting nor done anything with the members of his quorum. His stepfather was not a member, and his mother did not attend church.
The presidency of his deacons quorum met in council one Sunday morning. Each week they were fed the good word of God by the fine adviser and teacher. In their presidency meeting, those 13-year-old shepherds remembered the boy who never came. They talked about how much he needed what they received. The president assigned his counselor to go after that wandering sheep.
I knew the counselor, and I knew he was shy, and I knew the difficulty of the assignment, so I watched with wonder through my front window as the counselor trudged by my house, going up the road to the home of the boy who never came to church. The shepherd had his hands in his pockets. His eyes were on the ground. He walked slowly, the way you would if you weren't sure you wanted to get where you were headed. In 20 minutes or so, he came back down the road with the lost deacon walking by his side. That scene was repeated for a few more Sundays. Then the boy who had been lost and was found moved away.
Now, that story seems unremarkable. It was just three boys sitting in a room around a small table. Then it was a boy walking up a road and coming back with another boy. But years later, I was in a stake conference, a continent away from the room in which that presidency had met in council. A gray-haired man came up to me and said quietly, "My grandson lived in your ward years ago." With tenderness, he told me of that boy's life. And then he asked if I could find that deacon who walked slowly up that road. And he wondered if I could thank him and tell him that his grandson, now grown to be a man, still remembered.
He remembered because in those few weeks he had been, for the first time in his life that he recognized, watched over by the shepherds of Israel. He had been warned by hearing eternal truth from people who cared about him. He had been offered the bread of life. And young shepherds had been true to their trust from the Lord. It is not easy to learn to do that well and do it consistently.

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

2010-11-28T10:18:00.000-08:00

I don't have to look far to see what I am thankful for.

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

Jeremiah

2010-11-21T11:55:00.000-08:00

I really like these discussions on the scriptures by the BYU professors. I feel like they help me to really understand on a better level before I teach the class. You can find more discussions at BYU TV.

The Book of Mormon

2010-11-07T10:11:00.001-08:00

patience...

2010-11-07T09:59:00.000-08:00

The Missing Piece

2010-09-27T05:48:00.000-07:00

The Missing Piece

Jonah

2010-09-06T10:38:00.000-07:00

Matt 12:40

For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be athree days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

Exodus 10:22-23

22 And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days:
23 They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.

Alma 36:10, 16

10 And it came to pass that I fell to the earth; and it was for the space of three days and three nights that I could not open my mouth, neither had I the use of my limbs.
• • •
16 And now, for three days and for three nights was I racked, even with the pains of a dammed soul.

Alma 38:8

8 And it came to pass that I was three days and three nights in the most bitter pain and anguish of soul; and never, until I did cry out unto the Lord Jesus Christ for mercy, did I receive a remission of my sins. But behold, I did cry unto him and I did find peace to my soul.

Acts 9:9

9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

Luke 24: 7

Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

Deep Roots

2010-09-05T10:13:00.000-07:00

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin once told of farmers in the hot desert of northwest Mexico who “grow varieties of corn and beans that are unusually hardy and drought resistant. These varieties survive and flourish in a harsh climate where other plants would wither and die. One of these plants is the white tepary bean. Its seed will sprout and the plant will grow even when very little rain falls. It sends its roots as deep as six feet into the rocky, sandy earth to find the moisture it needs. It can flower and fruit in the 115-degree (Fahrenheit) desert temperatures with only one yearly rainfall. Its foliage remains remarkably green, with little irrigation, even in the heat of mid-July.”

Elder Wirthlin suggested: “Perhaps members of the Church could emulate the example of these hardy, sturdy plants. We should send our roots deep into the soil of the gospel. We should grow, flourish, flower, and bear good fruit in abundance despite the evil, temptation, or criticism we might encounter. We should learn to thrive in the heat of adversity”

( Conference Report, Apr. 1989, 7; or Ensign, May 1989, 7).

Job

2010-09-01T12:57:00.001-07:00

I am reading about Job this week. As we all know- he was amazingly faithful through unheard of trials. There was a time when he felt like God had forgotten him. Have you ever felt that way? Can look back and know that in the past- God has heard your prayers- but wonder why you don't feel that now... I find it comforting to know that Job, a man who's name is synonymous with great faith, also felt that way -

as Job said:

Behold, I cry out of wrong, but I am not heard
Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat!

The Boy's Home

2010-08-30T14:21:00.000-07:00

The-Boys'-Home

Parenting: Touching the Hearts of Our Youth

2010-08-22T10:42:00.000-07:00

Parenting: Touching the Hearts of Our Youth

A Handful of Meal and a Little Oil

2010-08-08T11:17:00.000-07:00

I have always been amazed at the faith of the widow of Zarepath. I look at my life and wonder if I have confronted life's challenges with faith or doubt.

“And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: … and the
barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the
word of the Lord, which he spake by Elijah” (1 Kings
17:15–16).

LDS.org - Ensign Article - A Handful of Meal and a Little Oil

His Tender Mercies

2010-07-23T15:01:00.000-07:00

... the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty, even unto the power of deliverance.

1 Nephi 1:20

Get Back Up

2010-06-02T12:14:00.000-07:00

For a little perspective- check out this fabulous video: http://www.maniacworld.com/are-you-going-to-finish-strong.html

My New Life

2010-05-09T09:54:00.000-07:00

My New Life

This made me cry... It made me hope that I don't need such a wake-up call to more fully appreciate motherhood. Motherhood doesn't come easy to me. I don't like pregnancy. I don't like the sleep-deprived days of infants. -- and I don't consider myself very good at parenting in general. Of course I love my kids- and have been blessed with some very exceptional children. But I know that in theory- I should be enjoying and appreciating this time more- and giving more of myself to them.

Happy Mother's Day!

Fresh Crab and French Bread

2010-05-04T18:18:00.000-07:00

Fresh Crab and French Bread
By Garnee Faulkner

Garnee Faulkner, “Fresh Crab and French Bread,” Ensign, June 1985, 38–39
It was a typical winter day in San Francisco, cool and damp. We had lived there a few years before and were back renewing memories. Seeing the large, steaming crab vats as we walked along Fisherman’s Wharf, I exclaimed, “Oh, let’s take some crab home to Emma.”
“Crab?” asked my husband. “Why crab?”
“I don’t know. Maybe she would enjoy it.”
Sensing my ever-present desire to bring cheer to a grieving widow in our ward, Ron counseled me to find a more easily transported gift. He suggested that we find something more suitable in one of the souvenir shops beckoning us.
In and out of the shops we went, searching in vain for just the right memento. Empty-handed and tired, we started for our car, only to pass the crab vats once more.
“Ron, I still want to take some crab to Emma,” I pleaded.
He was still resistant to hauling crab 150 miles, especially when I wasn’t even sure Emma liked it. Nevertheless, we asked the vendor about transporting un-refrigerated crab that distance.
Soon we were crossing the Bay Bridge with the crab carefully wrapped in many thicknesses of paper; a long loaf of the Wharf’s famous french bread was tucked in the side of the sack.
On the trip home my thoughts turned to Emma. I remembered the sacrament meeting ten months before when Emma, her husband, Ed, and their oldest son, David, had spoken just before David left to serve a mission. That was the last time we saw Ed. After accompanying David to the Missionary Training Center, Ed suffered a fatal heart attack while still in Utah. He never returned to California.
Ed was a gifted surgeon, highly respected in our community. His passing was felt deeply. In addition to Emma, he left six children, the youngest just a toddler.
Though many grieved with the family, it was difficult to express their sympathy because Emma was extremely reserved and quiet. Few knew her well. As the months went on, her sorrow did not seem to lessen. Grief and poor health found her withdrawing from activity outside her home.
I was determined to be her friend, her sister in the gospel, and not let fear or personal rejection dilute my concern. Each week I went to her home, sometimes to be invited in while she shared her heartache. Other times she met me at the door but quickly terminated the visit with, “Thank you for coming.”
As I rang the doorbell that day I could hear many feet running to answer. The door opened. Emma, surrounded by her children, stood there puzzled at my brown sack and protruding loaf of bread.
“Yes?” she inquired.
My spirits were dampened by her coolness, but I faked enthusiasm over our trip to the city and the gift we had brought.
As she took the fresh crab and french bread, Emma asked, “Is this for any special occasion?”
“No,” I replied, “I just thought you might enjoy some crab from the Wharf.”
“Thank you very much,” she said, expressionless, and closed the door.
I returned to the car and slumped down into the seat, deflated. All I could say to Ron was, “I’m not sure Emma likes crab.” We finished the drive home in silence.
Two days later came the following letter:
My dear friends:
I was very touched by your kind gesture last night and feel compelled to share a few thoughts with you.
Yesterday morning began with the usual daily tasks. I was out sweeping the walks when I looked up to the heavens and, noting the vast, billowing, white clouds, asked, “Ed, do you know what day this is? Do dates have a meaning in heaven? Can you possibly know how much I love you and how desperately you are missed; how I long to be taken into your strong arms and held again just for a minute?”
With tear-stained cheeks I wanted to know if he remembered twenty-three years ago, or even two years ago this day.
All day long memories came rushing back. I remembered our first trip to San Francisco and how cold it was as we walked by the steaming crab pots at the Wharf. Ed was so handsome in his Navy uniform. He always took my hand in his, and holding it tight placed both in his overcoat pocket. How comforting the warmth was. I could see him sitting in the cable car, with his boyish grin, a loaf of bread and a crab under each arm. So many times he repeated this procedure.
San Francisco was our playground. I cannot begin to count the number of seminars and scientific meetings we attended there. To learn more was almost a disease with Ed. After each session we always ended our stay by going to the Wharf. A loaf of bread and a fresh crab became symbolic of a wonderful time together. Now that he’s gone, I wonder what mysteries of heaven he is exploring, what avenues are being opened to him. So many unanswered questions … so impatient I am.
Yesterday was a difficult day to get through. In late afternoon a beautiful floral arrangement arrived with a card from the children declaring their love for me. It was heartwarming. As I looked at the two little ones, then at Eddie and Janet and Miriam—then remembered David—I could see a part of Ed in each and realized that my cup runneth over.
Then at the close of day when I opened the door and saw you standing there with a loaf of bread and a package of fresh crab, it was like a direct message. You denied knowing it was a special day. Therefore I felt it was Ed’s way of saying, “Happy anniversary. I do remember.”
As ever,
Emma

Grow Into Your Calling

2010-03-22T14:31:00.000-07:00

This was sent to me in an e-mail from my sister- the boy in the photo is my nephew, Christopher.

Elder Oaks was speaking about mantle of the one's calling and that whenever feels worthy of the calling of an Apostle. So he called Christopher up to help him demonstrate- having him stand on a stool so all could see him. Then he took his(Elder Oaks), suit coat off and had Christopher try it on. Naturally, it was too big on him- using that analogy- he said one has to grow into his calling. Then, after the mtgs. were done, he agreed to go into the stake presidents office and do it again so we could have a photo- alas, the picture

The Infinite Power of Hope

2010-01-24T11:56:00.000-08:00

Infinite-Power-of-Hope

Prayer

2010-01-17T09:43:00.000-08:00

Prayer

An inspiring story about prayers answered.

The Lord Rewards the Faithful

2010-01-11T16:31:00.000-08:00

President Grant’s boundless faith that the Lord would prosper those who were liberal with their means in building his kingdom has had a distinct effect upon my life. Many years ago I heard him tell about attending a fast meeting at which his bishop made an appeal for donations. President Grant, though a very young man, had fifty dollars in his pocket which he intended to deposit in the bank. But he was so impressed by the bishop’s appeal that he tendered the whole fifty dollars. The bishop took five dollars and handed him back the forty-five, stating that five dollars was his full share. President Grant replied, “Bishop Woolley, by what right do you rob me of putting the Lord in my debt? Didn’t you preach here today that the Lord rewards fourfold? My mother is a widow and she needs two hundred dollars.”
“My boy,” queried the bishop, “do you believe that if I take this other forty-five dollars you will get your two hundred dollars quicker?”
“Certainly,” replied President Grant.
Here was a demonstration of faith which the bishop could not withstand. He took the remaining forty-five dollars.
President Grant testified that on his way from that fast meeting back to work, “an idea popped into” his head, acting upon which he made $218.50. Speaking about this incident years later, he said, “Someone will say that it would have happened anyway.
“I do not think it would have happened. I do not think I would have got the idea, …” he said.
“I am a firm believer that the Lord opens up the windows of heaven when we do our duty financially and pours out blessings upon us of a spiritual nature, which are of far greater value than temporal things. But I believe He also gives us blessings of a temporal nature.” (Improvement Era, Aug. 1939, p. 457.)

I'm a Proud BYU Alumni

2009-11-10T12:02:00.000-08:00

If you haven't seen this- check it out- How these players didn't hit back- is a true sign of self control. I think I'd want to pound the girl...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k52QWFeP7OY

Complacency

2009-10-16T06:05:00.000-07:00

President Benson admonishes us that to be worthy of citizenship we must take an active interest in our country. He warns that there are dangers in complacency. Check out this You tube video.

Hope

2009-09-22T06:27:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbsU3b2srQA

This Nation Will Never Fail

2009-09-21T09:38:00.000-07:00

Harold B. Lee's Quote on America

"Men may fail in this country, earthquakes may come, seas may heave beyond their bounds, there may be great drought, disaster, and hardship, but this nation, founded on principles laid down by men whom God raised up, will never fail. This is the cradle of humanity, where life on this earth began in the Garden of Eden. This is the place of the new Jerusalem. This is the place that the Lord said is favored above all other nations in all the world. This is the place where the Savior will come to His temple. This is the favored land in all the world. Yes, I repeat, men may fail, but this nation won't fail. I have faith in America; you and I must have faith in America, if we understand the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are living in a day when we must pay heed to these challenges. I plead with you not to preach pessimism. Preach that this is the greatest country in all the world. This is the favored land. This is the land of our forefathers. It is the nation that will stand despite whatever trials or crises it may yet have to pass through. (Ye Are the Light of the World, 350-51)

old cigar smoking inactive swearing pool player

2009-08-30T06:58:00.000-07:00

Jeffrey R. Holland tells the story of Eli H. Pierce:

He begins, Repentance is not easy or painless or convenient. It is a bitter cup from Hell. But only Satan, who dwells there, would have you think that a necessary and required acknowledgment is more distasteful than permanent residence. Only he would say, “You can’t change. You won’t change. It’s too long and too hard to change. Give up. Give in. Don’t repent. You are just the way you are.” That, my friends, is a lie born of desperation. Don’t fall for it.
As you know, the Brethren used to announce in general conference the names of those who had been called on missions. Not only was this the way friends and neighbors learned of the call, more often than not it was the way the missionary learned of it as well. One such prospect was Eli H. Pierce. A railroad man by trade, he had not been very faithful in Church meetings—“even had my inclinations led in that direction, which I frankly confess they did not,” he admitted. His mind had been given totally to what he demurely calls “temporalities.” He said he had never read more than a few pages of scripture in his life and that he had spoken to only one public gathering (an effort which he says was no credit to himself or those who heard him). He used the vernacular of the railroad and the barroom with a finesse born of long practice. He bought cigars wholesale—a thousand at a time—and he regularly lost his paycheck playing pool. Then this classic understatement: “Nature never endowed me with a superabundance of religious sentiment; my spirituality was not high and probably even a little below average.”
Well, the Lord knew what Eli Pierce was, and he knew something else. He knew what I’m pleading for today. He knew what Eli Pierce could become. When the call came that October 5 in 1875, Eli wasn’t even in the Tabernacle. He was out working on one of the railroad lines. A fellow employee, once recovered from the shock of it all, ran out to telegraph the startling news. Brother Pierce writes, “At the very moment this intelligence was being flashed over the wires, I was sitting lazily thrown back in an office rocking chair, my feet on the desk, reading a novel and simultaneously sucking on an old Dutch pipe just to vary the monotony of cigar smoking.”
He goes on. “As soon as I had been informed of what had taken place, I threw the novel in the waste basket, the pipe in a corner [and have never touched either to this hour]. I sent in my resignation . . . to take effect at once, in order that I might have time for study and preparation. I then started into town to buy [scripture].”
Then these stirring words:
Remarkable as it may seem, and has since appeared to me, a thought of disregarding the call, or of refusing to comply with the requirement, never once entered my mind. The only question I asked—and I asked it a thousand times—was: “How can I accomplish this mission? How can I, who am so shamefully ignorant and untaught in doctrine, do honor to God and justice to the souls of men, and merit the trust reposed in me by the Priesthood?”
With such genuine humility fostering resolution rather than defeating it, Eli Pierce fulfilled a remarkable mission. His journal could appropriately close on a completely renovated life with this one line: “Throughout our entire mission we were greatly blessed.” But I add one experience to make the point.
During his missionary service, Brother Pierce was called in to administer to the infant child of a branch president whom he knew and loved. Unfortunately, the wife of the branch president had become embittered and now seriously objected to any religious activity within the home, including a blessing for this dying child. With the mother refusing to leave the bedside and the child too ill to move, this humble branch president with his missionary friend retired to a small upper room in the house to pray for the baby’s life. The mother, suspecting just such an act, sent one of the older children to observe and report back.
There in that secluded chamber the two knelt and prayed fervently until, in Brother Pierce’s own words, “we felt that the child would live and knew that our prayers had been heard.” Arising from their knees, they turned slowly only to see the young girl standing in the partially open doorway gazing intently into the room. She seemed, however, quite oblivious to the movements of the two men. She stood entranced for some seconds, her eyes immovable. Then she said, “Papa, who was that . . . man in there?”
Her father said, “That is Brother Pierce. You know him.”
“No,” she said, matter-of-factly, “I mean the other man.”
“There was no other, darling, except Brother Pierce and myself. We were praying for baby.”
“Oh, there was another man,” the child insisted, “for I saw him standing [above] you and Brother Pierce and he was dressed [all] in white.”
Now if God in his heavens will do that for a repentant old cigar-smoking, inactive, swearing pool player, don’t you think he’ll do it for you? He will if your resolve is as deep and permanent as Eli Pierce’s. In this Church we ask for faith, not infallibility. (See Biography and Family Record of Lorenzo Snow, pp. 407–13.)

We are Children of God

2009-08-28T06:50:00.001-07:00

“Through the ages , some persons without spiritual understanding, have tried to explain our existence by pretentious words such as ex nihilo (out of nothing). Others have deduced that, because of certain similarities between different forms of life, there has been a natural selection of the species, or organic revolution from one form to another. Still others have concluded that man came as a consequence of a “big bang”, which resulted in the creation of our planet and life upon it.

Top me, such theories are unbelievable. Could an explosion in a printing shop produce a dictionary? It is unthinkable! One might argue that it is within the realm of possibility, but even if that could happen, such a dictionary would certainly not heal its own torn pages, renew its own worn out corners or reproduce its own subsequent editions.

We are children of God, created by him and formed in his image."

Russell M. Nelson

You are Never Alone

2009-08-23T06:47:00.000-07:00

Elaine S. Dalton compares her experience in the Boston Marathon to life. http://www.youtube.com/mormonmessages

Stake Temple Day

2009-08-08T06:37:00.000-07:00

What a privilege it is to be able to go to the temple, where we may experience the sanctifying influence of the Spirit of the Lord. We serve, and in that process we attain that which comes of no other effort: we literally become saviors on Mount Zion. As our Savior gave His life as a vicarious sacrifice for us, so we, in some small measure, do the same when we perform proxy work in the temple for those who have no means of moving forward unless something is done for them by those of us here on the earth.

Thomas S. Monson, “Until We Meet Again,” Ensign, May 2009, 112–14

It's Really Pretty Simple

2009-06-17T06:26:00.000-07:00

In a Time Magazine Article, entitled: The Church and Gay Marriage: Are Mormons Misunderstood? Elder Ballard is quoted as saying:

"Our Message for the World," says M. Russell Ballard Jr., one of the 14 apostles
just under Monson, "is that we are His children, we lived with Him before we
came here ... we're striving to keep His commandments so that when we die we can
be entitled to receive all the blessings that the Heavenly Father has for His
children." Ballard adds emphatically, "People like to make it complex. But it's
really pretty simple."

Have I seen the Hand of the Lord in my life?

2009-06-04T05:57:00.000-07:00

A great link to a segment of a talk by Elder Eyring. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DF01BQAcj8E

This Land

2009-05-29T06:19:00.000-07:00

2 Nephi 1:Wherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring. And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound cursed shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever.

Isaiah

2009-05-28T05:49:00.000-07:00

1Nephi 21:15 For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel. 16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.

A New Day

2009-05-19T06:18:00.000-07:00

I remember growing up- my mother and father gathering my siblings and I together for scripture study every day.

Perhaps it is a new day. Maybe I don't have to do it the same way. On the Mormon Channel- at 7:25 is Scripture Stories. Not that I would use this everyday- I still think it is important for the children to read out loud... But I think this could be a fun way to "shake up" scripture reading- I think it will help to keep family scripture study fresh and interesting.

Funniest Video Ever!

2009-05-13T09:17:00.000-07:00

STOP- take a minute- watch this- it is the funniest video EVER!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGPjI0lB3FE

Great Things

2009-05-13T05:54:00.000-07:00

1 Nephi 16:30

And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things.

How Beautiful Upon the Mountains

2009-05-12T05:50:00.000-07:00

1Nephi 13:37

And blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion at that day, for they shall have the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost; and if they endure unto the end they shall be lifted up at the last day, and shall be saved in the everlasting kingdom the Lamb; and whoso shall publish peace, yea, tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be.

The Fruit

2009-05-11T05:52:00.000-07:00

10 And it came to pass that I beheld a tree,whose fruit was desirable to make one happy.

11 And it came to pass that I did go forth and partake of the fruit thereof; and I beheld that it was most sweet, above all that I ever before tasted. Yea, and I beheld that the fruit thereof was white, to exceed all the whiteness that I had ever seen.

12 And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit.

24. they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree.

30.they came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree.

Let us be faithful

2009-05-11T05:39:00.000-07:00

1 Nephi 7: 12 Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him? Wherefore, let us be faithful to him.

Find Happiness Today

2009-04-30T06:25:00.001-07:00

What a great and timely message: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=And0988vdC4

Elder Holland's Easter Message

2009-04-12T20:16:00.000-07:00

Check out this message on You Tube- it is wonderful.

I Can Find the Lord

2009-03-23T07:14:00.000-07:00

I read about the birth of the Savior this morning, snooping around You Tube- I found a video that I really liked: click here.

The Noblest of Virtures

2009-03-18T05:21:00.000-07:00

Said the Lord in a revelation given through the Prophet Joseph Smith, “In
nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those
who confess not his hand in all things.”10
May we be found among those who give our thanks to our Heavenly Father. If
ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place
among the noblest of virtues.

Thomas S. Monson

I Can't Keep My House Clean

2009-03-18T05:11:00.000-07:00

If you are still in the process of raising children, be aware that the tiny
fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys
scattered about the house, the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled will
disappear all too soon and that you will—to your surprise—miss them profoundly.

- Thomas S. Monson

Finding Joy in the Journey

Counsel With the Lord

2009-03-16T06:08:00.000-07:00

"Prayer becomes more meaningful as we counsel with the Lord in all our
doings."

"We are promised that if we pray sincerely for that which is right and good
and in accordance with God’s will, we can be blessed, protected, and directed
(see 3 Nephi 18:20; D&C
19:38)."

Elder Bednar, Pray Always

What could we need more, in these uncertain times, then to be "blessed, protected, and directed."

3 Nephi 18:20 And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you.

D&C 19:38 Pray always, and I will pour out my Spirit upon you, and great shall be your blessing—yea, even more than if you should obtain treasures of earth and corruptibleness to the extent thereof.

Alma 37:36 Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.

(the butterfly at the top of the post is called the Mormon Butterfly. I wonder how it got that name?)

The Affections of My Heart

2009-03-15T21:35:00.000-07:00

This is the new scripture that I am thinking about lately:

Alma 37: 36 Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.

I am intriguedby the line, :let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.

Gene R. Cook used this scripture in a talk he gave on charity:

May the Lord bless us to always have “the affections of [our] heart … placed upon [Him] forever.” “That [our] burdens may be light, through the joy of his Son”

Marcus B. Nash, in his address, Cultivating Righteousness, said this:

We experience His love as we yield our hearts to Him (see Helaman 3:35), place the affection of our hearts on Him forever (see Alma 37:36), and love Him with all of our heart, might, mind, and strength (see Moroni 10:32).

I have never thought about the phrase "affections of thy heart" before. I think I was always more interested in verses 35 and 37, breezing over 36. But it has really made me think, are the "affections of my heart" on my Savior? I find that it can be so easy to consume my thoughts with my life, and all I have and want to "do."- I need to spend more time with the affections of my heart on my Savior. Easter is coming, and I am going to read the four gospels, to remind myself of all the Savior has done for me, focusing on my love for the Savior growing.

Ward Activity Ideas

2009-03-10T14:46:00.000-07:00

Free to Choose

2009-03-05T06:53:00.000-08:00

“Both abundance and lack [of abundance] exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend . . . when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that’s present—love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature, and personal pursuits that bring us [happiness]—the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience heaven on earth.”

Sarah Ban Breathnach, in John Cook, comp., The Book of Positive Quotations, 2nd ed. (2007), 342. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vG9XfJxMY8A

Prophet's Prayers

2009-03-04T07:17:00.000-08:00

The prayers of prophets are childlike in their simplicity and powerful
because of their sincerity.

Elder Bednar

Prayer is the Soul's Sincere Desire

2009-03-03T06:32:00.000-08:00

I am studying Elder Bednar's talk, Pray Always. Although I have read and listened to it a few times already- some sections hit me this morning that I hadn't REALLY noticed before- about praying for others- below are the quotes for the talk that I really liked.

Praying for others with all of the energy of our souls increases our
capacity to hear and to heed the voice of the Lord.

Speaking of Lehi:

The vision came in response to a prayer for others and
not as a result of a
request for personal edification or guidance.

Do our spouses, children, and other family members likewise feel the power
of our prayers offered unto the Father for their specific needs and desires? Do
those we serve hear us pray for them with faith and sincerity? If those we love
and serve have not heard and felt the influence of our earnest prayers in their
behalf, then the time to repent is now. As we emulate the example of the Savior,
our prayers truly will become more meaningful.

I feel like I learned something new this morning. I am going to have a renewed focus on praying for others.

Feeling Fine in '09 starts today :)

2009-03-02T09:46:00.000-08:00

We have a healthy challenge that starts today in my local church woman's group. I am including a copy of the needed papers here for my team members and anyone else interested in joining in on the fun!

Esther Part IV

2009-02-26T06:58:00.000-08:00

E7:3

The queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, if it please
the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my
request: For we are sold, I and my people to be destroyed, to be slain and
to perish.

Do you think Haman has an idea yet- do you think he is starting to squirm, wondering if Esther is a Jew- or do you think he is clueless?

The king answers:

Who is he, and where is he that durst presume in his heart to do so?

And Esther replies,

The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman.

And the scripture says, "Then Haman was afraid before the king and queen." I bet that is an understatement :)

The king, upset, leaves and goes to the palace garden, probably to think and decide what to do. While he is gone, Haman pleads for his life before Esther the queen. They get in some kind of fight, and as the king returns he finds Haman fighting with Esther on the bed.

Poor Esther, I can see her overpowered physically by this horrible man, who is so mad at her. I am sure that she is fearing for her virtue as well as her life.

As you can imagine, walking in on this scene, further angers the king, and if he hadn't decided to before, he now decides to have Haman killed. Ironically, he is hung on the very gallows that he had made for Mordecai.

Yes, perhaps Esther was born at that time, and put in that place, "for such a time as this." What beauty, what bravery, what faith...

(I think this story would make a wonderful movie- a big time movie- with Anne Hathaway as Esther, Liam Nielson as Mordecai, who do you think should play the king - maybe Sean Connery- or is he to predictable- and Haman?)

Esther Part III

2009-02-25T05:49:00.000-08:00

Esther tells her concerns to Mordecai- mainly- she is concerned that going before the king could mean death for her. Mordecai responds: "Think not with thyself." Good advice Mordecai. And then he goes on to say,

who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as
this?

Esther responds :

E4:16

Go gather together all the Jews that are present in the Shushan and fast ye for
me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my
maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not
according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.

On the third day, Esther put on her Royal robes and went tin to the inner chamber. When the king saw her, he was pleased, and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre, so Esther came closer and touched the top of the sceptre.

The king asks Esther,

"what would you like. I will give you any request, up to half of the
kingdom?"

Esther no doubt thought for a moment- maybe I should just ask him now- that is a pretty good offer- but she doesn't. She came in with a plan, knowing what she was going to say- a plan that she had no doubt prayed about, and had all planned out. Instead of asking him right then- she invites the King, and Haman to a banquet- that evening.

However- at the banquet the king asks her again, "what is thy petition?" Here I would think she would tell him the purpose of the visit- but for some reason- she does not- instead, she asks him,

E 5:8

Let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I
will do tomorrow as the king hath said.

She promises to ask him tomorrow. Why? Did she chicken out? Was she too scared? Or was this too part of her plan? Did the spirit whisper to her- "wait- ask him tomorrow."

Haman went home pretty proud of himself. As he left, ""joyful and glad of heart" he sees Mordecai- the thorn in his side, on duty outside. Of course, Mordecai, like usual- does not bow to him. I see two strong men. One so full of himself, so accustomed to being treated with adoration and respect- to the point that he is requiring a worshipful greeting. And the other- equally strong- if not stronger- but without the position. His strength comes not from a position, but from is knowledge of who he is, and who he worships. And he worships none, but the Lord God.

With his confidence soaring after dinner with the king and queen. he gathers his wife and friends when he gets home, and tells them about his day. He has accomplished so much. He has riches, he has position. He just had dinner with the king and queen! And yet he comes out side, and who is there? Mordecai. he should be thrilled- so happy- but seeing Mordecai- he is filled with anger and indignation.

His wife and friends give him advice- go have some gallows made, and hang Mordecai- tomorrow. Then- when you go to dinner tomorrow evening- you can be truly happy!. Haman thought this was a great idea- and so he had the gallows made.

That same night- the kind could not sleep. And so- he has the book of records brought to him, and read to him.

E6:2-3

And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Tersh, two
of the kings chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay had on the
king Ahasuerus.
And the king said, what honor and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for
this? Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, There is
nothing done for him.

The king then says, I know it's late- but who is still here? Anyone- well yes- Haman is here. (Haman had come back after having the gallows made to convince the king to let him kill Mordecai tomorrow.) The king says- have Mordecai come here.

Haman came to him , and the king asks Haman- I have this person whom I would like to honour- what should I do for him?

Haman, again, so full of himself- things- (he is talking about me! I'm the special guy around here- who would he like to honour more than ME?) Boy he is excited, and he gives the king a good list of nice things to do for this person.

Let him wear your royal clothes, and your crown. Let one of your noble princes parade him through the streets on your horse- parading though the streets - proclaiming all the way that the king delights to honor this man.

The king says- oh yes- good idea- go do all of that for Mordecai.

I cannot imagine how upset this made Mordecai- but the next day- when he was planning on the joy of hanging Mordecai, instead he was parading him through the streets- with Mordecai wearing the kings Royal robes and crown- proclaiming for all that this was whom the kind delighted to honor. I wonder if he did that with a sarcastic tone to his voice.

While he was discussing his horrible day with his wife and friends he is summoned to dinner with the king and queen again.

So- did Esther just chicken out yesterday?- Or was Haman supposed to experience the humiliation and disappointment that he had that day. Once seated and eating, the king again asks Esther- "so, what is thy petition? "

Esther- Part II

2009-02-24T05:43:00.000-08:00

After twelve months of purification, the virgins were brought before the king. When it was Esther's turn- everyone liked her- including the King.

Esther 2:15 and 17-

And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all them that looked upon her. And the
King loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his
sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head,
and made her queen instead of Vashti.

Mordecai, while at his duty watching the king's gate, found out about a conspiracy. Two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, were mad at the king and conspiring to kill him. Mordecai told Esther about it, Esther reported it- in Mordecai's name. When it was looked into- and found out to be true- the two were killed. All of this was recorded in the book of the chronicles.

Haman got promoted to be the King's chief of staff. He required, in his new position, that all the guards bow to him. Mordecai wouldn't bow to him. This really chapped Haman- "Haman was full of wrath"- the scripture says- and it didn't take long before Haman hated Mordecai. At first Haman was just going to kill Mordecai- but when finding out he was a Jew- he decided to have all the Jews throughout the kingdom killed instead.

So- Haman goes before the king- and tells him that there is a certain group of people (he doesn't name them by name) who have different laws. he tells the king that they are not keeping his laws- and it doesn't benefit the king to have them around. He should dispose of the people.

The king tells Haman- here is my ring- go ahead and do what you think is best. I picture his ring being a type of "stamp." I can see in my mind's eye- Haman writing a proclamation- and rolling it up- putting some hot wax on the closure- and stamping it with the king's ring. I don't know if that's really how it works- but that's how I see it playing out. In a later scripture- the message is "sealed with the king's ring." (E3:12) The word was spread to all the provinces- that the Jews were to be killed on this certain day.

Mordecai, of course, was very upset. He went before the king's gate in sackcloth and ashes, which is not allowed- but he didn't care. All of the Jews were mourning and fasting and weeping. Esther's chambermaids told her about Mordecai. She sent out clothes for Mordecai, but he refused them. Esther sent someone to go ask Mordecai what was going on. And via this messenger- Esther found out the fate of her people. Mordecai asked Esther to bring it up with the king, and see if she couldn't get him to change his mind.

This might seem easy enough- but appearing before the king uninvited was a risk to your life. If the king did not put forth his scepter to you- you were killed- as simple as that. Furthermore- the king had not summoned Esther in over a month.

E4:11-

All the king's servants and the people of that king's provinces do know that
whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court,
who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to
whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live; but I have
not been called to come unto the king these thirty days.

...to be continued

Esther- Part I

2009-02-23T06:28:00.000-08:00

This is how the story starts: The King and the Queen had fight.

We don't know the background- but clearly- the King did something to upset the queen. (the scriptures left this part out )

Ahasuerus is the king. He is King over the land from India to Ethiopia- quite a large area- over 127 provinces at the time.

During his third year as king- he threw a feast- inviting all the important people. Somewhere during this- or before this- he ticked off the queen, Vashti.

On the seventh day of the feast- he sent for the queen- to show off her beauty before all his guests. "for she was fair to look upon" the scripture says.

But the queen refused to come. (did I mention that she was upset?) I'm sure this angered the King on several levels. First of all- the queen should always be obedient. Secondly- she is embarrassing him in front of important people. His consultants let him know that he had a third issue on his hands- the queen was setting a bad example for other women- what if other women in the kingdom started disobeying their husbands after seeing such a public example by the queen? They too might start to "despise their husbands." The king needed to show who was boss around here. He was mad - "his anger burned in him." His consultants told him that he should very publicly ditch the queen and get "another that is better than she." And so he did.

The kingdom had the first beauty pageant. All of the fair virgins were were brought in to be "checked out" by the King. The one that "pleaseth the king" the most would be the next queen.

One of the guards at the king's gate was Mordecai. He was a Jew, and was raising his cousin, who was an orphan. The cousin's name was Esther, and she was very beautiful.

E2:7-

And he brought up... Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither
father or mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her
father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.

Esther made the finalists of the competition. As such, she got to stay (or perhpas was forced to stay) at the court of the woman's house.

Esther, under Mordecai's direction, didn't tell anyone who she was- that she was Mordecai's family, or that she was a Jew. (background checks weren't what they are today back then.)

Esther 2:10-11

Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged
her that she should not show it.And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the woman's house, to
know how Esther did, and what should become of her.

...to be continued

(I love the painting above- I saw it first in the Bride's Room at the Sacramento Temple- does anyone know where I can purchase a very large one- over 48 inches in length?)

My Memorize List

2009-02-17T06:57:00.000-08:00

I am trying to memorize a scripture a week this year- I am a bit behind, but I want to start making a list of them here.

1 Nephi 1:20- I Nephi will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he has chosen because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.

2 Nephi 9:51- Wherefore- do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel and feast upon that which perisheth not neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness.

Jacob 4:10- Wherefore, brethren, seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. For behold, ye yourselves know that he counseleth in wisdom, and in justice, and in great mercy, over all his works.

Enos 1:15- Whatsoever thing ye shall ask in faith, believing that ye shall receive in the name of Christ, ye shall receive it.

Omni 1:26- And now my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the holy one of Israel, and partake of his salvation and the power of his redemption, Yea come unto him and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting ands praying and endure to the end, and as the Lord liveth, ye will be saved.
Words of Mormon 1:7- And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore he worketh in me to do according to his will.
Mosiah 24:14- And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as a witness for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.

An Elect Lady

2009-01-23T07:33:00.000-08:00

I just finished the book I've been reading: Emma Smith, and Elect Lady. Here are a couple of highlights:

Her son, Joseph Smith III asked her about the plates- here is her response:

The plates often lay on the table without any attempt at concealment, wrapped
in a small linen table cloth, which I had given him to fold them in. I
once felt the plates, as they lay on the table, tracing their outline and
shape. They seemed to be pliable like thick paper, and would rustle wit h
a metallic sound when the edges were moved by the thumb, as one does sometimes
thumb the edges of a book...I moved them from place to place on the table, as it
was necessary in doing my work.

In her 74th year she said of her husband, Joseph Smith,

"I believe he was everything he professed to be."

A quote form her patriarchal blessing:

"The holy angels shall watch over thee; and thou shalt be saved in
the kingdom of God even so, Amen."

Hey Ladies, You'll Like this one...

2009-01-22T06:16:00.000-08:00

I have a new quote to share from the book I am reading: Emma Smith, an Elect Lady:

A little background first- When Joseph and Emma were living in Commerce, IL, their home was a resting and stopping point for many visitors.

When one Latter-day Saint observed the dilemma Joseph faced with frequent guests and penniless converts and that he had reduced himself to "woman's work," he concluded the issue was home management and suggested the root of the problem was Emma. "I said to him, Brother Joseph, my wife does much more hard work than does your wife." The Prophet Joseph replied, "if a man cannot learn in this life to appreciate a wife and do his duty by her, in properly taking care of her, he need not expect to be given one in the hereafter." The flippant advisor wrote, "His words shut my mouth as tight as a clam. I took them as terrible reproof. After that I tried to do better by the good wife I had and tried to lighten her labors."\

Now there's a quote that any woman can appreciate. :)

Increase my Productivity

2009-01-20T07:08:00.000-08:00

I am reading a new book. It is: Emma Smith, an Elect Lady by Susan Easton Black. I personally LOVE Susan Easton Black. In college I never met any of her sons, but I wanted to marry one just so that I could be her daughter-in-law. Then I would also be "Sister Black." How cool would that be? OK- now you all know that I am psycho. But I'm not too worried- I only have about 3 readers :)

Below is a passage from the book, Emma Smith, An Elect Lady, by Susan Easton Black, of course:

David Whitmer remembered one morning as Joseph was preparing to translate passages from the gold plates:

Something went wrong about the house and he was put out about it. Something
that Emma, his wife had done. Oliver and I went up stairs, and Joseph came up
soon after to continue translation, but he could do nothing. He could not
translate a single syllable. He went downstairs, out into the orchard and made
supplication to the Lord; was gone about an hour- came back to the house, and
asked Emma's forgiveness and then came up stairs where we were and the
translation went on all right.

It seems more obvious that Joseph needed the spirit to do his work, but I know that I need the spirit to do my work well also. If I don't feel as if I have the spirit with me- I should spend an hour doing what I need to to get it, and then go forward and have a productive day.

The Power of Deliverance

2009-01-12T06:50:00.001-08:00

But behold, I Nephi will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he has chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty, even unto the power of deliverance.
1 Nephi 1:20

I think it is natural to want "immediate deliverance." Elder Maxwell said that some of us (like myself) want to go through life with all "green lights and empty parking spaces." Which sometimes might come, but generally there are a good number of red lights and full parking lots in our journey through life.

I love this scripture, where Nephi tells me the secret is remaining strong in faith, which will result in the tender mercies of the Lord, leading me to deliverance.

It Befriends us in Dark Hours

2008-12-21T12:14:00.000-08:00

Elder Faust:

Hope is trust in God’s promises, faith that if we act now, the desired blessings
will be fulfilled in the future.

I think hope is one of those words that has a lot of different definitions. I like this one from Elder Faust: hope is trust in God's promises. To me, that is "tangible." However, I think that there can come a lot of times in life when we need to have hope, although we have no specific promise from God.

A few years ago, Sister Joyce Audrey Evans, a young mother in Belfast, Northern
Ireland, was having trouble with a pregnancy. She went to the hospital, where
one of the nurses told her she would probably lose the baby. Sister Evans
replied: “But I can’t give up. … You have to give me hope.” Sister Evans later
recalled: “I couldn’t give up hope until all reason for hope was gone. It was
something I owed to my unborn child.”
Three days later she had
a miscarriage. She wrote: “For one long moment, I felt nothing. Then a profound
feeling of peace flowed through me. With the peace came understanding. I knew
now why I couldn’t give up hope in spite of all the circumstances: you either
live in hope or you live in despair. Without hope, you cannot endure to the end.
I had looked for an answer to prayers and was not disappointed; I was healed in
body and rewarded with a spirit of peace. Never before had I felt so close to my
Heavenly Father; never before had I felt such peace. …
“The
miracle of peace was not the only blessing to come from this experience. Some
weeks later, I fell to thinking about the child I had lost. The Spirit brought
to my mind the words from Genesis 4:25 [Gen.
4:25]: ‘And she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she,
hath appointed me another seed. …’
“A few months later, I
became pregnant again. When my son was born, he was declared to be ‘perfect.’ ”
He was named Evan Seth.
7

At these times in our lives we need to look for the promises that we can have trust in, to give us hope. For instance, with the example above, the woman had no promise that the baby would live, and yet sahe needed hope to get her through. So what promises could she rely on? We know that God is listening to our prayers. He has promised that he loves us and is aware of us. This can give us an anchor for our hope.

Samuel Smiles wrote: “ ‘Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey towards it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us.’ … Hope sweetens the memory of experiences well loved. It tempers our troubles to our growth and our strength. It befriends us in dark hours, excites us in bright ones. It lends promise to the future and purpose to the past. It turns discouragement to determination.” 8

What a blessing is hope.

Carried

2008-12-15T05:03:00.000-08:00

Elder Uchtdorf starts his talk (The Infinite Power of Hope) with this gripping story:

Toward the end of World War II, my father was drafted into the German army
and sent to the western front, leaving my mother alone to care for our family.
Though I was only three years old, I can still remember this time of fear and
hunger. We lived in Czechoslovakia, and with every passing day, the war came
nearer and the danger grew greater.
Finally, during the cold winter of 1944,
my mother decided to flee to Germany, where her parents were living. She bundled
us up and somehow managed to get us on one of the last refugee trains heading
west. Traveling during that time was dangerous. Everywhere we went, the sound of
explosions, the stressed faces, and ever-present hunger reminded us that we were
in a war zone.
Along the way the train stopped occasionally to get supplies.
One night during one of these stops, my mother hurried out of the train to
search for some food for her four children. When she returned, to her great
horror, the train and her children were gone!
She was weighed down with
worry; desperate prayers filled her heart. She frantically searched the large
and dark train station, urgently crisscrossing the numerous tracks while hoping
against hope that the train had not already departed.
Perhaps I will never
know all that went through my mother’s heart and mind on that black night as she
searched through a grim railroad station for her lost children. That she was
terrified, I have no doubt. I am certain it crossed her mind that if she did not
find this train, she might never see her children again. I know with certainty:
her faith overcame her fear, and her hope overcame her despair. She was not a
woman who would sit and bemoan tragedy. She moved. She put her faith and hope
into action.
And so she ran from track to track and from train to train until
she finally found our train. It had been moved to a remote area of the station.
There, at last, she found her children again.
I have often thought about that
night and what my mother must have endured. If I could go back in time and sit
by her side, I would ask her how she managed to go on in the face of her fears.
I would ask about faith and hope and how she overcame despair.

It is natural to assume that his mother was frightened, and stressed. But maybe she wasn't. Have you ever not been stressed when theoretically you should have been. Has there been a time when the Lord walked you through a difficult situation, giving you the peace you needed as you went along. Perhaps when a loved one passed away, or you lost your job, you were not overly concerned, but rather felt calm.

This is what one aspect of the atonement is all about.

In Isaiah 46:4, we learn,

I will carry, and will deliver you.

In Mosiah 24:14, he told the people of Alma,

I will ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you
cannot feel them upon your backs

In 1 Nephi 17:2:

And so great were the blessings of the Lord upon us, that while we did live
upon raw meat in the wilderness, our women did give plenty of suck for their
children and were strong yea, even like the men; and began to bear their
journeyings without murmurings... and if it so be that the children of men keep
the commandments of god he doth nourish them; wherefore he did provide means for
us while we did sojourn in the wilderness.

In Isaiah 53:4,

He hath born our griefs and carried our sorrows.

In my life I have noticed that the degree to which my sorrows have been carried has a relationship to how close I am to Christ prior to the time in which I need his help.

Like the people of Limhi, if I start praying and repenting after the hard times strike, (Mosiah 21:15)

The Lord is slow to hear their cry because of their iniquities.

What do they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure? If we want to feel the atoning love and peace of the Savior as we enter the difficult times that will no doubt come our way, we, prior to that need to be close to the Savior.

My Grandfather said the other day, to have a friend, you have to be a friend. This may sound like a trite cliche, but it is true. Do we want Christ as our friend?

D&C 88:3

Wherefore, I now send upon you another Comforter, even upon you my friends, that it may abide in your hearts.

Perhaps President Uchtdorf's mother was perfectly at peace during the horrifying ordeal. Perhaps Christ sent his Comforter to abide in her heart. Perhaps her burdens were eased, perhaps she was carried by the Savior.

Hope of Israel

2008-12-12T05:43:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking about a particular aspect of Elder Uchdorf's talk on hope. He said,

Perhaps today I could sit by your side and by the side of any who might
feel discouraged, worried, or lonely. Today I would like to speak with you about
the infinite power of hope.

I read an article by USA Today that discussed Mormon women and depression. The reason the article gave for less depression among Mormon women was, the author proposed, perhaps, associated with their higher church attendance- suggesting increased support from others at church.

Whereas this may be true- I think that ideally, we should be less depressed, because of the hope that should fill our lives through Jesus Christ. (just a little interjection- I know that some cases of depression are unavoidable- and we cannot"hope" our way out of them. I've had post pardom- been there- done that- not judging- ever) President Uchdorf said:

Hope has the power to fill our lives with happiness.

I love that simple statement. Isn't this what we are all seeking for? Happiness? The beauty of the word hope, is that it connotes that we don't necessarily have all that we want. Perhaps we don't have the relationships in our lives the way we want them. Perhaps we don't have our finances the way we want them. Whatever it is, hope can still fill our lives with happiness.

So then- what happens to our hope when we our situation changes, and we do receive what we were hoping for?

Each time a hope is fulfilled, it creates confidence and leads to greater
hope.

"But if not" as Esther would say... Sometimes it seems as though relief will never come- what then? President Uchdorf says:

And to all who suffer—to all who feel discouraged, worried, or lonely—I say
with love and deep concern for you, never give in.
Never surrender.
Never
allow despair to overcome your spirit.
Embrace and rely upon the Hope of
Israel, for the love of the Son of God pierces all darkness, softens all sorrow,
and gladdens every heart.

Joy to Everyone

2008-12-09T07:21:00.000-08:00

A great Christmas song, check it out: http://www.joytoeveryone.com/

Hope is...

2008-12-08T06:09:00.000-08:00

President Uchdorf defines hope a number of different times in his recent conference talk: The Infinite Power of Hope.

Hope is one leg of a three-legged stool, together with faith and charity. These three stabilize our lives regardless of the rough or uneven surfaces we might encounter at the time.

Hope has the power to fill our lives with happiness.2 Its absence—when this desire of our heart is delayed—can make “the heart sick.”

Hope is a gift of the Spirit.

It is a hope that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the power of His Resurrection, we shall be raised unto life eternal and this because of our faith in the Savior.5 This kind of hope is both a principle of promise as well as a commandment,6 and, as with all commandments, we have the responsibility to make it an active part of our lives and overcome the temptation to lose hope.

Hope in our Heavenly Father’s merciful plan of happiness leads to peace,7 mercy,8 rejoicing,9 and gladness.

The hope of salvation is like a protective helmet;11 it is the foundation of our faith12 and an anchor to our souls.

You Know Enough

2008-11-21T06:43:00.000-08:00

I was contemplating more examples from the scriptures of those who felt like they did not "know enough" for what the Lord wanted them to do. I thought of Moses.

When the Lord came to him in the burning bush, his response?

"Who am I that I should go unto the Pharaoh, and that i should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?" I find it interesting that Moses was called then prepared for this great assignment. I don't think that is always the case, but he is showing us that if we feel it is our case- if we feel that the Lord is asking something of us that are not prepared for, or don't know enough about- we are in good company.

The Lord's response? "Certainly I will be with thee..." Have a little faith, you think I was going to ask this of you and then leave you all alone? Come on-

But still- Moses questions-

"They will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice; for they will say, The Lord hath not appeared unto thee."

The Lord responds with a couple impressive miracles- "sure they'll believe you- didn't I just tell you that I would be with you?"

Moses' response: "I am not eloquent, I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue."

Let's not be hard of Moses here- but rather look at our own lives- are we ever like this? We have a prompting from the Lord that we should do something, and yet we doubt, we question our knowledge, our ability... No- we might not have the knowledge, or ability- but if we have the Lord, we have what we need.

The Lord responds to Moses, " Who hath made man's mouth? Now therefore, go, and I will be with thy mouth."

So- why was Moses chosen for such a job? Perhaps there is a little clue in Numbers 12:3 "Now Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth."

The Lord can work through us according to our meekness, our humility.

You Know Enough

2008-11-17T06:23:00.000-08:00

Today is more lesson prep for me-
You Know
Enough
Elder Neil L. Andersen Of the Presidency of the Seventy

He shares this personal experience:

Nearly 40 years ago as I contemplated the challenge of a mission, I felt
very inadequate and unprepared. I remember praying, “Heavenly Father, how
can I
serve a mission when I know so little?” I believed in the Church, but
I felt my
spiritual knowledge was very limited. As I prayed, the feeling
came: “You don’t
know everything, but you know enough!” That reassurance
gave me the courage to
take the next step into the mission
field.

We then remain steady and patient as we progress through
mortality. At
times, the Lord’s answer will be, “You don’t know everything,
but you know
enough”—enough to keep the commandments and to do what is
right. Remember Nephi’s words: “I know that
he loveth his
children;
nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.”2

Has there been a time in your life when you felt inadequate, or like you didn't know enough ? I certainly felt that way when I had my first baby!

He goes on to tell of an experience that he had when visiting some missionaries- one missionary there wanted to go home early...

We sat together in the mission president’s home. The missionary told me
about his challenging childhood, of learning disorders, of moving from one
family to another. He spoke sincerely of his inability to learn a new
language
and adapt to a new culture. Then he added, “Brother Andersen, I
don’t even know
if God loves me.” As he said those words, I felt a sure and
forceful feeling
come into my spirit: “He does know I love him. He knows
it.”
I let him
continue for a few more minutes, and then I said, “Elder,
I’m sympathetic to
much of what you’ve
said, but I must correct you on
one thing: you do know God loves you. You know
He does.”
As I said those
words to him, the same Spirit that had spoken to
me spoke to him. He bowed
his head and began to cry. He apologized. “Brother
Andersen,” he said, “I do
know God loves me; I do know it.” He didn’t know everything, but
he knew
enough. He knew God loved him. That priceless piece of spiritual
knowledge
was sufficient for his doubt to be replaced with faith. He found the
strength to stay on his mission.
Brothers and sisters, we each have
moments
of spiritual power, moments of inspiration and revelation. We must
sink them
deep into the chambers of our souls. As we do, we prepare our
spiritual home
storage for moments of personal difficulty. Jesus said,
“Settle this in your
hearts, that ye will do the things which I shall teach,
and command you.”3

I was trying to think of some scriptural examples of feelings of inadequacy. I thought of Jonah. Jonah was given an assignment from the Lord. He is to go to Nineveh to call repentance unto the people. Instead- he tries in vain to run away from God.

What are some ways that we might try to "run away from God?" I think we do this every time we ignore a prompting, or don't follow it.

Jonah felt as if the assignment given to him was too great- beyond his abilities, more than he wanted to take on- WAY out of his comfort zone.- Sooooo- he causes a great tempest, the ship he is on is in danger of going down, he tells the people to throw him over board- (he was probably expecting death- which might have been easier than going to Nineveh, in his mind.)- Of course we know that he was swallowed by a whale, and was there for three days and three nights. Yucky...

And so he was humbled. He had to go through a horribly humbling experience to bring him to the point where he was searching for the Lord instead of running from the Lord. Do we ever do this? Do we make the mistake of running away from God- only to be compelled to humility through hard times? I think that some "hard times" are avoidable. I think that sometimes they come our way, as they did for Jonah, because we ran away from the Lord, when we were supposed to follow him. And, as we learn from Jonah, no matter how "hard" it may seem to do what the Lord wants us to do- it is harder not to. And of course, it is always the case that when we are following God, we have His help- so sure- the assignment may very well be beyond our capabilities alone- but- we are not alone.

Help me with my lesson...

2008-11-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

Today I am reading this talk: - This is the "Teachings for our Times lesson that I am teaching this month:
You Know Enough
Elder Neil L. Andersen Of the Presidency of the Seventy

Today's post is some random sections of the talk, combined with my ideas on perhaps how I will teach it, or some thoughts.

While there are many experiences like the one we are having today, full of
spiritual power and confirmation, there are also days when we feel inadequate
and unprepared, when doubt and confusion enter our spirits, when we have
difficulty finding our spiritual footing. Part of our victory as disciples of
Christ is what we do when these feelings come.

Isn't this true... perhaps we can discuss as a class what the best responses to those days and situations are. Maybe- before I read any of the talk, I can have the class write down on a 3 x 5 card what makes them feel close to the Savior.- Then I can have this first quote read, - asking them to remember the most recent of these times in their personal lives, and ask, what the best responses to those days are- asking them to read what they had previously written on their card.

Faith is not only a feeling; it is a decision. He would need to choose faith.

I can ask the class- "what does he mean that faith is not only a feeling, but a decision?" Here- perhaps we could have a little video clip- from Indiana Jones- where he is taking the "steps of faith"- where he has to put his foot forth, and lean forward before the foundation appears under his foot. I could ask the class members to recall times in their lives, big and small where they "chose faith." (maybe I could ask some people ahead of time to do this)

He got on his knees. His spiritual balance returned.

I could ask the class to get up and do some balancing exercises, standing on one foot, bending over to touch the floor- do the yoga tree pose - (I would need to wear just the right outfit that morning)- We could then talk about spiritual balance... Why are we sometimes off balance spiritually- how do we find that balance again? (two knees- on the ground)

Challenges, difficulties, questions, doubts—these are part of our mortality. But
we are not alone. As disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have enormous
spiritual reservoirs of light and truth available to us. Fear and faith cannot
coexist in our hearts at the same time. In our days of difficulty, we choose the
road of faith. Jesus said, “Be not afraid, only believe.”4

What are these reservoirs? How do we tap them?

"Choose the road of faith."- "Be not afraid, only believe." These sound so simple- when times are hard, when doubt and fear are all around us- how do we have this as our response?

Hadley Peay is now seven years old. Hadley was born with a very serious hearing
impairment requiring extensive surgery to bring even limited hearing. Her
parents followed with tireless training to help her learn to speak. Hadley and
her family have cheerfully adapted to the challenge of her deafness.
Once,
when Hadley was four, she was standing in the checkout line at the grocery store
with her mother. She looked behind her and saw a little boy sitting in a
wheelchair. She noticed that the boy did not have legs.
Although Hadley had
learned to speak, she had difficulty controlling the volume of her voice. In her
louder voice, she asked her mother why the little boy did not have legs.
Her
mother quietly and simply explained to Hadley that “Heavenly Father makes all of
His children different.” “OK,” Hadley replied.
Then, unexpectedly, Hadley
turned to the little boy and said, “Did you know that when Heavenly Father made
me, my ears did not work? That makes me special. He made you with no legs, and
that makes you special. When Jesus comes, I will be able to hear and you will
get your legs. Jesus will make everything all right.”

What have you learned from children, when it comes to faith?

OK- so if anyone is reading this blog and has any ideas for my lesson- how to make it better- please share :)

Thanksgiving Thursdays

2008-11-13T06:08:00.000-08:00

I have been reading this talk the last few days:

Pray Always
Elder David A. Bednar Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

In it, he challenges us to pray with greater thanksgiving:

As we strive to make our prayers more meaningful, we should remember that “in
nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those
who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments” (D&C 59:21). Let me recommend that periodically you and I
offer a prayer in which we only give thanks and express gratitude. Ask for
nothing; simply let our souls rejoice and strive to communicate appreciation
with all the energy of our hearts.

I am going to start having "Thanksgiving Thursdays"- where- on Thursdays, I don't ask for anything, I just give thanks.

Well- you say, what if you REALLY need to ask for something? Sure- that could happen- but it would have to be big- check out his example:

During our service at Brigham Young University–Idaho, Sister Bednar and I
frequently hosted General Authorities in our home. Our family learned an
important lesson about meaningful prayer as we knelt to pray one evening with a
member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Earlier in the day Sister Bednar
and I had been informed about the unexpected death of a dear friend, and our
immediate desire was to pray for the surviving spouse and children. As I invited
my wife to offer the prayer, the member of the Twelve, unaware of the tragedy,
graciously suggested that in the prayer Sister Bednar express only appreciation
for blessings received and ask for nothing. His counsel was similar to Alma’s
instruction to the members of the ancient Church “to pray without ceasing, and
to give thanks in all things” (Mosiah
26:39). Given the unexpected tragedy, requesting blessings for our friends
initially seemed to us more urgent than expressing thanks.
Sister Bednar
responded in faith to the direction she received. She thanked Heavenly Father
for meaningful and memorable experiences with this dear friend. She communicated
sincere gratitude for the Holy Ghost as the Comforter and for the gifts of the
Spirit that enable us to face adversity and to serve others. Most importantly,
she expressed appreciation for the plan of salvation, for the atoning sacrifice
of Jesus Christ, for His Resurrection, and for the ordinances and covenants of
the restored gospel which make it possible for families to be together
forever.
Our family learned from that experience a great lesson about the
power of thankfulness in meaningful prayer. Because of and through that prayer,
our family was blessed with inspiration about a number of issues that were
pressing upon our minds and stirring in our hearts. We learned that our
gratefulness for the plan of happiness and for the Savior’s mission of salvation
provided needed reassurance and strengthened our confidence that all would be
well with our dear friends. We also received insights concerning the things
about which we should pray and appropriately ask in faith.

So- is anyone with me?

The Spiritual Creation

2008-11-11T05:35:00.000-08:00

Every day (OK- about 5 days a week)- I take my kids to the gym. near the gym the local hospital has been building a large new wing. It started off as a whole, then we saw a frame, and little by little - day by day- my girls would say, "look at the building!- is it done, Mom?"- "nope- not done yet-"- and week by week would see it change, - walls- roof, paint... "Look at the building! is it done, Mom?" "Nope, not done yet."
There is a lot involved in the construction- it all started with a hospital board, no doubt explaining to an architectural firm, what they needed- it then became a plan on paper- probably years prior to it becoming a reality.
The Lord's method of creating was not all that different- he too, started with a plan- a "spiritual creation"- prior to the actual physical creation.

In Genesis chapter 2, verse 5 we learn that the plants were created before they were in the physically in the earth.

The book of Moses is even more clear, in chapter 3, verse 5

5 And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew. For I, the Lord God, created all things, of which I have spoken, spiritually, before they were naturally upon the face of the earth. • • •

In Moses chapter 6, verse 51- it says: I made the world, and men before they were in the flesh.

The Doctrine and Covenants, section 29- verses 31 and 32- For by the power of my Spirit created I them; yea, all things both spiritual and temporal—

First spiritual, secondly temporal, which is the beginning of my work.

In the Sunday School class that I attended on Sunday, the instructor indicated that perhaps Genesis 1 was referring to the spiritual creation, and Genesis 2 was telling of the physical creation- I had never thought that was the case- and did a little research- this is what I found:

Complicating the issue further for some Latter-day Saints is the idea that Genesis 1 may not be an account of Creation by another author but may, in fact, be an account of another creation, Genesis 1 being, in their minds, the account of the spiritual creation and Genesis 2 of the physical creation. But a close reading of the scriptures indicates otherwise. [Gen. 1; Gen. 2]
If Genesis 1 is an account of the spiritual creation, then Genesis 1:26–27 would be the account of the creation of the first man in the spirit—“the first-born of every creature,” the premortal Jesus. [Gen. 1:26–27] (See Col. 1:15; D&C 93:21.) The Moses account, however, shows that this cannot be so:
“And I, God, said unto mine Only Begotten, which was with me from the beginning: Let us make man in our image. …
“And I, God, created man in mine own image, in the image of mine Only Begotten created I him.” (Moses 2:26–27.)
Since Jehovah was there when the man referred to in Genesis 1:26–27 was formed, the spiritual creation obviously had already occurred. [Gen. 1:26–27] The object of their creative intent could only have been Adam, the first earthly man. Thus, the creation being described in Genesis 1 is the physical and not the spiritual creation.
The conclusion is that the Bible offers no account of the sequential process by which all things were spiritually created, although it does offer a reference to the spiritual creation in Genesis 2:5. [Gen. 2:5]
Joseph Fielding Smith said: “The account of the creation of the earth as given in Genesis, and the Book of Moses, and as given in the temple, is the Creation of the physical earth, and of physical animals and plants. … There is no account of the Creation of man or other forms of life when they were created as spirits.” (Doctrines of Salvation, 3 vols., comp. Bruce R. McConkie, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1954–56, 1:75.) Keith Meservy, “Four Accounts of the Creation,” Ensign, Jan 1986, 50

In the most recent conference, Elder Bednar used the spiritual creation, as a lesson that we can from:

The patterns used by God in creating the earth are
instructive in helping us understand how to make prayer meaningful. In the third
chapter of the book of Moses we learn that all things were created spiritually
before they were naturally upon the earth.

Meaningful morning prayer is an important element in
the spiritual creation of each day—and precedes the temporal creation or the
actual execution of the day.

I loved the idea- the analogy- of the spiritual creation of my day.

The Release

2008-11-09T10:40:00.000-08:00

I have been anticipating this day for four years-my release. In our church the classes are taught by regular people the Bishop decides on. He prayerfully chooses who he thinks would be best in the open position and then will ask or "call" them to that certain position.

Four years ago I was asked to be our ward Sunday School teacher. I thought this very strange considering the audience-a few ex-bishops, mission presidents, high councilmen, etc-but I figured they would help me, and I would be the test to their faith-we would be a team. Besides, Sunday School Teachers are usually in for one year-MAX!

So, the first year I taught the Doctrine and Covenants. As I stood in front of the large group shaking and holding my typed out word for word lesson, I learned to love and respect the people of the early church. There strength and dedication was so inspiring to me! I loved the stories, I loved the faith, and I loved learning and studying about Joseph Smith.

I thought I would be released.

Second Year-Old Testament. I felt a bit more comfortable in front of the people, but had no clue about the subject. The lesson is on Hezekiah? Who is he? I spent endless hours studying on the subject so I could teach it. I learned about ancient faith and the Lords promises and commitments to his people. Wow I loved the Old Testament.

Then I thought I would be released.

Third year. New Testament. What an amazing subject-the ministry of the Savior! I loved learning and teaching about Jesus. What an honor and privilege. Talking about Him brought me peace, even in front of a large audience. We all learned together, and I feel as a group our love for the savior increased.

I really thought I would be released.

But they moved me into the RS room and gave me a Book of Mormon manual and I started again, hoping these poor people would not be too frustrated-I had no more fun life stories, all my clever things were used up. It was just me and the Book of Mormon.

So the whole point of this long winded post is this... I went through all the standard works. I spent years studying them and learning to love them! BUT, it was the Book of Mormon that strengthened my testimony and brought me closer to the Lord. There was a difference. I don't know what it is exactly, but The Book of Mormon brought me closer to God than the other books. It is hard to explain-it was a four year journey, but I am thankful that I was allowed the privilege to experience this. The Book of Mormon is a life changing book.

Today I was released. Now off to the Young Woman's.

Just for fun...

2008-11-07T10:58:00.000-08:00

Mormon Symchronized swimmers. This was pretty funny!

http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=f86qKQJg3Z8

God Bless America

2008-11-07T05:53:00.000-08:00

Yesterday my friend Marika and I were talking - musing about how horribly wicked our country is- how immoral, and disobedient to seemingly all of God's commandments.

We were talking about this verse- which talks about this country :

2 Ne. 1: 7

7 Wherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring. And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound cursed shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever.

So- what do you think? Do the people of this country serve the Lord according to the commandments which he as given? Or- is it full of iniquity? Are we cursed or blessed?

I thought at the time, "both"- and today, I was reading in 3 Nephi- chapter 19- where Christ is speaking:

29 Father, I pray not for the world, but for those whom thou hast given me out of the world, because of their faith, that they may be purified in me, that I may be in them as thou, Father, art in me, that we may be one, that I may be glorified in them.

Perhaps our intercessor, our advocate with the father, our Savior Jesus Christ doesn't necessarily ask the father that blessings be showered on this great country, as there are so many in it that are so far from him, and do not think of him, or believe in him. But I know there are many- in many different churches across our nation that believe in Christ, that read of him, that pray to him. There are so many out there that care more of Christ than the "world". I am sure that he is still our advocate, and he will continue to be, so long as we continue to believe and have faith in him. And perhaps today he might say the same: "I pray not for the world, but for those whom thou hast given me out of the world, because of their faith."

Painting by Mitchell Tolle

The Voice of God

2008-11-06T16:21:00.000-08:00

Don't you love 3 Nephi 11? The voice of God explained and Jesus actually ministering to the people who looked forward to his coming for so long. What could be better that this?

One thing I noticed this past time I read it was the fact that these people, who were "more righteous", and obviously humbled could not understand the voice. Even in that state, they could not understand what he was saying until they (vs 4) "opened their ears to hear it."

As I study the scriptures I find myself getting stuck on a certain idea, and everything for the next couple of reads will apply to that because it makes sense. As I was reading the next few chapters I noticed how many times he healed people who could not hear, and could not see. I saw the symbolism of this, to be healed by Jesus to be able to hear the word of God. Did that make sense?

In chapter 17:18 Jesus says on day we will see eye to eye.

In chapter 19:32-35 explains what can happen when our ears are opened and we do see eye to eye. "and tongue cannot speak the words which he prayed, neither can be written by man the words which he prayed."

I don't know exactly how to open my ears... Perhaps Christine can explain that-she is a lot more spiritual than me... but I do know Christ can heal my deaf ears, and when I do, I will be able to understand incredible things, things I can't even explain because they are so absolutely wonderful.

What can we exercise faith in?

2008-11-05T21:52:00.000-08:00

In an e-mail a friend of mine asked me this question. I thought I would put it here so I could keep a copy of it, and get any feedback from 'yall :)

I was thinking about > you last week. You gave a lesson in the Young Women one time and you > talked about faith. You said something you learned on your mission > that you can't have faith in people or something like that. If you > remember can you explain it to me again? I really liked the way you > put it.

My response:

About the whole faith thing-

Let me tell you a quick story. While on my mission, my companion and I were teaching a guy, "Paco"- he said that he would come to church, over and over, and hadn't. On fast Sunday, after committing him to come, we fasted for Paco to come to church. He didn't show. My companion was VERY upset. She said, "I had so much faith in Paco- how could he have not come?" This immediately sounded off to me, I thought, "You can't have faith in Paco- you can only have faith in Christ."- and from there I started to study.

I will use the bible dictionary- in pieces:

Faith is to hope for things which are not seen, but which are true.

OK- so you can only have faith faith in things that are "true".

All true faith must be based upon correct knowledge or it cannot produce the desired results.

OK- so faith must be based on correct knowledge.

In Moroni 7, Mormon explains how to receive "every good thing"

ie- how can I get Paco to come to church?

20 And now, my brethren, how is it possible that ye can lay hold upon every good thing?

21 And now I come to that faith, of which I said I would speak; and I will tell you the way whereby ye may lay hold on every good thing.

His first clue- he says it is by faith.

22 For behold, God aknowing all things, being from beverlasting to everlasting, behold, he sent cangels to minister unto the children of men, to make manifest concerning the coming of Christ; and in Christ there should come every good thing.

God's knowledge of all things is one reason we can have faith in him.

If God TOLD us that Paco was coming to church (through personal
revelation-) THEN we could believe (have faith) that he would come.

We can have faith in the ministering of angels. Through the
ministering of angels we have the priesthood. We can have faith in the
power of the priesthood.

If we received a priesthood
blessing wherein we were told Paco would come to church, THEN we could have
faith that he would come.

23 And God also declared unto prophets, by his own mouth, that Christ should come.

If the prophet or one of the apostles, who are called and set apart as prophets
told us that Paco would come to church, THEN we could have faith that he would
come.

25 Wherefore, by the ministering of aangels, and by every word which proceeded forth out of the mouth of God, men began to exercise faith in Christ; and thus by faith, they did lay hold upon every good thing; and thus it was until the coming of Christ.

"every word which proceeded forth out of the mouth of God"- these words are
found in the scriptures. If in the scriptures we were promised that Paco
would come to church, we could have faith in the promises made in the
scriptures.

The word faith is kind of like the word "love" it has more than one meaning, and can be a little overused. But- if we expect there to be power associated with our faith, it must be centered in Jesus Christ. (not in people)

We have hope or confidence in people, but there is no power to having "faith" in people.

And so, because we had no witness through personal revelation, no ministering angel, no promise in a priesthood blessing, no promise from a prophet, or in the scriptures- we had nothing but hope to go on with Paco. Faith needs one of those anchors to have power. We can have faith that if we pay our tithing, the windows of heaven will be opened- why- promises in the scriptures. We can have faith in the promises in our patriarchal blessings- why- the priesthood. We can exercise faith in promises made by prophets and apostles, living and those in the scriptures, but we can not have faith in people.

We can know that Heavenly Father heard our prayers. We can know that he loves us and he loves Paco. But Paco has his agency.

That was probably a longer explanation than you wanted- :)- I just kept going :) I hope it was clear.

Yeahh for Prop 8!

2008-11-05T13:52:00.001-08:00

My Bishop forwarded this talk that I thought I would pass along. It was given 30 years ago- but totally part of our current events with Propsition 8- prophetic counsel. I went to the victory party last night with my good friend Michal. I thought it was a little ironic that my date for the party was female- :)

Today I am very relieved :) Although there is a part that won't be truley relieved until all the counting is done.

A devotional > talk that was given to the students of BYU in 1978 by Elder Neal A. > Maxwell.

"Discipleship includes good citizenship; and in this connection, if you are careful students of the statements of the modern prophets, you will have noticed that with rare exceptions--especially when the First Presidency has spoken out--the concerns expressed have been over moral issues, not issues between political parties. The declarations are about principles, not people, and causes, not candidates. On occasions, at other levels in the Church, a few have not been so discreet, so wise, or so inspired. But make no mistake about it, brothers and sisters; in the months and years ahead, events will require of each member that he or she decide whether or not he or she will follow the First Presidency. Members will find it more difficult to halt longer between two opinions (see 1 Kings > 18:21). President Marion G. Romney said, many years ago, that he had "never hesitated to follow the counsel of the Authorities of the Church even though it crossed my social, professional, or political life" (CR, April > 1941, p. 123). This is a hard doctrine, but it is a particularly vital doctrine in a society which is becoming more wicked. In short, brothers and sisters, not being ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ includes not being ashamed of the prophets of Jesus Christ. We are now entering a period of incredible ironies. Let us cite but one of these ironies which is yet in its subtle stages: we shall see in our time a maximum if indirect effort made to establish irreligion as the state religion. It is actually a new form of paganism that uses the carefully preserved and cultivated freedoms of Western civilization to shrink freedom even as it rejects the value essence of our rich Judeo-Christian heritage."

Today I am so grateful.

YES on 8!

2008-11-04T09:40:00.000-08:00

What can I say- vote YES on Prop 8!

3 Nephi 17 Behold Your Little Ones

2008-11-03T05:59:00.000-08:00

3 Nephi 17 has always been one of my favorite chapters- for obvious reasons. Who couldn't love the mental picture of Christ showing such personal love and attention for each little child. It reminds me that he loves my little children as well. I don't trust anyone to walk my children across a parking lot. I can't imagine that anyone is as concerned about them as I am- but I know that Christ is.

11 And it came to pass that he commanded that their little children should be brought.

12 So they brought their little children and set them down upon the ground round about him, and Jesus stood in the midst; and the multitude gave way till they had all been brought unto him

15 He himself also knelt upon the earth; and behold he prayed unto the Father, and the things which he prayed cannot be written, and the multitude did bear record who heard him.

16 And after this manner do they bear record: The eye hath never seen, neither hath the ear heard, before, so great and marvelous things as we saw and heard Jesus speak unto the Father;

17 And no tongue can speak, neither can there be written by any man, neither can the hearts of men conceive so great and marvelous things as we both saw and heard Jesus speak; and no one can conceive of the joy which filled our souls at the time we heard him pray for us unto the Father.

18 And it came to pass that when Jesus had made an end of praying unto the Father, he arose; but so great was the joy of the multitude that they were overcome.

19 And it came to pass that Jesus spake unto them, and bade them arise.

20 And they arose from the earth, and he said unto them: Blessed are ye because of your faith. And now behold, my joy is full.

21 And when he had said these words, he wept, and the multitude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them.

22 And when he had done this he wept again;

23 And he spake unto the multitude, and said unto them: Behold your little ones.

President Hinkley said this on the subject of children:

Once when our grandchildren were small, my wife and I took some of them to the circus. I recall that I was more interested in watching them and many others of their kind than in watching the man on the flying trapeze. I looked at them in wonder as they alternately laughed and stared wide-eyed at the exciting things before them. And I thought of the miracle of children who become the world’s constant renewal of life and purpose. Observing them in the intensity of their interest, even in this atmosphere, I felt my mind revert to that beautiful and touching scene recorded in the book of 3 Nephi when the resurrected Lord took little children in His arms and wept as He blessed them and said to the people, “Behold your little ones” (3 Nephi 17:23).
It is so obvious that the great good and the terrible evil in the world today are the sweet and the bitter fruits of the rearing of yesterday’s children. As we train a new generation, so will the world be in a few years. If you are worried about the future, then look to the upbringing of your children. Wisely did the writer of Proverbs declare, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).
When I was a boy, we lived on a fruit farm in the summer. We grew great quantities of peaches. Our father took us to tree pruning demonstrations put on by the agricultural college. Each Saturday during January and February, we would go out to the farm and prune the trees. We learned that by clipping and sawing in the right places, even when snow was on the ground and the wood appeared dead, we could shape a tree so that the sun would touch the fruit which was to come with spring and summer. We learned that in February we could pretty well determine the kind of fruit we would pick in September.
E. T. Sullivan once wrote these interesting words: “When God wants a great work done in the world or a great wrong righted, he goes about it in a very unusual way. He doesn’t stir up his earthquakes or send forth his thunderbolts. Instead, he has a helpless baby born, perhaps in a simple home and of some obscure mother. And then God puts the idea into the mother’s heart, and she puts it into the baby’s mind. And then God waits. The greatest forces in the world are not the earthquakes and the thunderbolts. The greatest forces in the world are babies.”1
And those babies, I should like to add, will become forces for good or ill, depending in large measure on how they are reared. The Lord, without equivocation, has declared, “I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth” (D&C 93:40).

Zion

2008-10-31T06:04:00.000-07:00

Recently there has been so much talk about "socialism" in the political buzz in the media. I am so very much against socialism, and part of me was wondering if that was "unkind" of me. No. I do not think it is. Instead of "socialism", I believe in "generosity."

I studied this talk today:
Come to Zion
Elder D. Todd Christofferson Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

In his message, Elder Christofferson says:

Each of us should prayerfully consider whether we are doing what we should
and all that we should in the Lord's eyes with respect to the poor and the
needy.

In much of the world, we are entering upon unsettled economic times. Let us
look after one another the very best we can. I remember the story of a
Vietnamese family that fled Saigon in 1975 and ended up living in a small mobile
home in Provo, Utah. A young man in the refugee family became the home teaching
companion to a Brother Johnson who lived nearby with his large family. The boy
related the following:
"One day Brother Johnson noticed that our family had
no kitchen table. He appeared the next day with an odd-looking but very
functional table that fit nicely against the trailer wall across from the
kitchen sink and counters. I say odd-looking because two of the table legs
matched the tabletop and two did not. Also, several small wooden pegs stuck out
along one edge of the worn surface.
"Soon we used this unique table daily for
food preparation and for eating some quick meals. We still ate our family meals
while we sat on the floor . . . in true Vietnamese
fashion.
"One evening I stood inside Brother Johnson's front door as I waited
for him before a home teaching appointment. There in the nearby kitchen—I was
surprised to see it—was a table practically identical to the one they had given
to my family. The only difference was that where our table had pegs, the Johnsons' table had holes!
I then realized that, seeing our need, this charitable man had cut his kitchen
table in half and had built two new legs for each half.
"It was obvious that
the Johnson family could not fit around this small piece of furniture—they
probably didn't fit comfortably around it when it was
whole. . . .
"Throughout my life this kind act has been
a powerful reminder of true giving" (Son Quang Le, as told to Beth Ellis Le, "Two-of-a-Kind Table," Ensign, July 2004, 63).

I think we should give, I think we should be kind and generous, and look after each other. How wonderful it would be to have a leader of this country that would inspire generosity . Giving in this way is what brings us closer to Christ. As we give of our own free will, we are blessed with the spirit, as a little "thank you" card from God. Imagine the joy in the country, with it's population filled with the spirit of God.

I really appreciated this talk, as a personal reminder to look inward and see if I am doing all I can to care for the poor. I know that when I am in the service of others, I am serving my God.

The Way

2008-10-30T07:03:00.000-07:00

Today I read "The Way"- by Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge Of the Seventy.

One part of his talk that really struck me was this:

John the Baptist said that while he baptized with water, Jesus baptized
“with the Holy Ghost.”12
Nothing
in this life is of greater worth than the supernal gift of the Holy Ghost. It is
the source of joy, peace, knowledge, strength, love, and every other good thing.
With the Atonement, it is the power by which we may be changed and made strong
where we are weak. With the priesthood, it is the power by which marriages and
families are sealed together eternally.13
It is the power by which the Lord makes Himself manifest unto those who believe
in Him.14
Every good thing depends on getting and keeping the power of the Holy Ghost in
our lives. Everything depends on that.
To that end, Jesus Christ entered a
garden called Gethsemane, where He overcame sin for us. He took upon Himself our
sins. He suffered the penalty of our wrongs. He paid the price of our education.
I don’t know how He did what He did. I only know that He did and that because He
did, you and I may be forgiven of our sins that we may be endowed with His
power. Everything depends on that. What then shall we do? We will “take upon
[us] the name of [the] Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments
which he has given [us]; that [we] may always have his Spirit to be with
[us].”15
Everything depends on that.

I have been thinking a lot about the covenant of the sacrament lately. I want to have a lovely atmosphere in my home all the time. With four little children, I sometimes get frustrated with them. I need to keep his commandments, and always remember him, because I know that I need his spirit to always be with me.

Everything depends on that.

Protect Traditional Marriage! Yes on 8!

2008-10-29T05:47:00.000-07:00

You Tube Link from Southern California

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlDacmjDP8s

3 Nephi 12

2008-10-28T06:24:00.000-07:00

Today I am in 3 Nephi, chapter 12- verse 44 made me think of the divided nation that we are at this time, just a short time before the election.

44. But behold I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you,
do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you and persecute you.

Love those who steel your yard signs. Serve those who are voting no where you vote yes. Pray for our nation, and everyone in it.

Protect Marriage

2008-10-24T06:11:00.000-07:00

On a past post I received a detailed "comment" form "anonymous"- in opposition to prop 8. I went to a town hall meeting last night, and learned a lot. If I were a better blogger- I would have had my camera there, and taken some good pictures of the "opposition." It was clear which side of prop 8 they were on because, as Isiah prophesied, in Isaiah 3:9: The shew of their countenance doth witness against them.

I would now like to respond to "anonymous' comment.

Anonymous:

If Proposition 8 passes, the law will change to designate an entire class of
people as unequal to, as less than, every other class of people. In the eyes of
the law, gay people will be seen as inferior to everyone else. And when
opponents of gay rights see the idea that gays are inferior validated by the
government, it will allow them to continue on their path of dehumanizing gays
and lesbians. That's what denying a class of people an equal right does. It
dehumanizes them, and it is dangerous. It is the dehumanization of a group that
creates a culture in which people feel that it is okay to yell epithets at
others in public; that it is okay for kids to be bullied and beaten at school;
that it is okay for a jeering mob to incite a gay 17-year-old to commit suicide
by jumping off a building. (Read the news.) These things happen because gays are
demonized. And gays are demonized when they're made out to be an inferior class
of people. And they are made out to be an inferior class of people when they are
not allowed the same rights as everyone else.

My response:

Proposition 8 is very simple. There are not pages and pages of confusing information, but it is rather, just one phrase, that would be added to our state's Constitution, as it is already a part of 45 other states. It says this:

"Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid and recognized in California."

The state of California is already one of the most liberal in the union, giving the gay and lesbian community the legal rights, privileges, and protections that are saying that prop 8 will give them. This is not true. They already have those rights and protections. Prop 8 is about defining marriage. Opposition to prop 8 is about taking the word "marriage" and changing it's definition.

IN ADDITION, PROPONENTS OF PROP 8 CONTINUE TO LIE IN THEIR TELEVISION
ADS:Fiction: Teaching children about same-sex marriage will happen here unless
we pass Prop 8. Fact: Not one word in Prop 8 mentions education, and no child
can be forced, against the will of their parents, to be taught anything about
health and family issues at school. California law prohibits it, and the Yes on
8 campaign knows they are lying. Sacramento Superior Court Judge Timothy Frawley
has already ruled that this claim by Prop 8 proponents is "false and
misleading.

My response:

I really think that anonymous believed that when he or she wrote it. However, last night a the town hall meeting, it was read to me, directly from the state's education code, in two different places that "marriage" shall (not may- but shall) be taught in schools. Without the passing of proposition 8, that would include gay marriage, being taught to our children. What a horrible abuse of power, are those in authority, that know this is the case, and yet, lie to the public, saying that it is not so. The "opt out" thing also does exist, yes, but it has a "clause" that eliminates same sex issues.

Yes- prop 8 does not mention education- as I mentioned before- it is 14 words long- but the reproductions of it's not passing will be much longer.

"Fiction: Churches could lose their tax-exemption status. Fact: Nothing in Prop
8 would force churches to do anything. In fact, the court decision regarding
marriage specifically says "no religion will be required to change its religious
policies or practices with regard to same-sex couples, and no religious
officiant will be required to solemnize a marriage in contravention of his or
her religious beliefs."

Again- untrue- any church that "rents" it's halls for marriages, and does not rent to a gay or lesbian couple would open themselves up to law suits, and the loss of their tax exempt status.

Fiction: A Massachusetts case about a parent’s objection to the school
curriculum will happen here. Fact: Unlike Massachusetts, California gives
parents an absolute right to remove their kids and opt-out of teaching on health
and family instruction they don't agree with. The opponents know that California
law already covers this and Prop 8 won't affect it, so they bring up an
irrelevant case in Massachusetts.

Again- oh how I wish this were true, as I have four young children- but the clause on the opt- out section was read to me last night, and clearly does not include same sex issues.

Fiction: Four Activist Judges in San Francisco…Fact: Prop 8 is not about courts
and judges, it's about eliminating a fundamental right. Judges didn't grant the
right--the constitution guarantees the right. Proponents of Prop 8 use an
outdated and stale argument that judges aren't supposed to protect rights and
freedoms. This campaign is about whether Californians, right now, in 2008 are
willing to amend the constitution for the sole purpose of eliminating a
fundamental right for one group of citizens.

My response: The constitution says no such thing- go read it.

Fiction: Unless Prop 8 passes, CA parents won't have the right to object to what
their children are taught in school. Fact: California law clearly gives parents
and guardians broad authority to remove their children from any health
instruction if it conflicts with their religious beliefs or moral convictions.

Again- I wish so badly this were the case- but it is not. You should read the education code- the clause was right in there. health reasons yes- but it specifically said that same sex issues were not included in the opt out.

AND, ADDITIONALLY:Fiction: Civil unions and domestic partnerships give gay
couples the same rights as married couples. Fact: In the few states in which
civil unions or similar domestic partnerships exist, same-sex couples are
granted the same rights as married couples but only on the state level. There
are hundreds upon hundreds of federal benefits that do not apply to those
couples in civil unions or domestic partnerships.PLEASE VOTE NO ON PROP 8.
Please do not allow blatant discrimination to be written into the law.
California is better, smarter, and more humane than that.

Dude- Mr/ Mrs anonymous- I think you do believe what you wrote- but you were misinformed.

Protect marriage- vote yes on 8!!

Yes on 8! (again)

2008-10-22T20:08:00.000-07:00

The following is an experience of a fellow Californain, I thought I would pass it along:

Dear family and friends,
I had a very disturbing experience yesterday that I would like to share with
those of you that live outside of California (or outside of the San
Francisco Bay Area).

This weekend we have stake conference. Our stake conference always begins
with a stake temple session on Friday or Thursday night. Early Friday
morning I received a call from the second counselor in our bishopric to let
me know that there would be numerous protesters outside the temple, and to
remind everyone to stay calm and to drive carefully. The beautiful
Oakland Temple is located right across the bay from San Francisco , very
close to the city of Berkeley.

Apparently the opposition to proposition 8, the amendment that seeks to make
marriage in CA between a man and a woman again, has realized the deep
involvement of the church and begun to protest right outside of the temple
and harass temple patrons. The fastest way to get to the temple from our
house is to take the 680 freeway, but the exit is a bit tricky. The off
ramp is extremely short and straight uphill. You then make an almost blind
left turn, an immediate right and another left into the parking lot. As we
approached the off ramp, I realized there would be trouble. There was a
backup onto the freeway from cars stalled on the off ramp. As we moved
forward inches at a time, we realized this was due to a large group of loud
protesters who were standing on both sides of the street, yelling, screaming
and waving signs. When we got to the top of the offramp, ready to make our
turn, one protester jumped out right in front of our car. It took my
husband all his self control to carefully maneuver around him to the left
and proceed to the temple.

I tried not to listen to all they were shouting at us, but I was shaking as
I got to the temple front door. Several of the sisters, especially the ones
driving on their own, were crying (which made me snap out of it and go into
Relief Society President mode to comfort them). Later, as I was sitting in
the perfect quiet of the chapel, I couldn't help but think of Lehi's dream,
and the people who mocked the Saints from the big spacious building but
'we heeded them not.' It was a truly surreal experience, I'd never thought
that I would have to go through an angry crowd to get to the temple. As we
left late at night, the protesters had dispersed, temple security (who all
looked very large and Tongan) stood by the gates. I never saw a single
police man.

Please pray for those of us in California fighting for prop 8--it's getting
kind of scary out here!
Susanne

The True and Lving Church

2008-10-22T06:31:00.000-07:00

I teach Relif Society- This Sunday I am teaching on The True and Living Church by President Henry B. Eyring.

First, I wanted to list the reasons that he gave, why the Church of Jesus Christ is the True and Living Church.

We have living prophet and apostles on the earth. Just as there always was in scriptures: Abraham, Moses, Peter James and John.

In this church are the keys of the priesthood. The power authority to act in God's name, as the prophets and apostles had in scriptural days. The power to heal the sick, the authority to receive revelation and guidance for the church as a whole.

In this church is the power to "seal". To bind in heaven those ordinances performed here on earth- such as marriages in the temple.

God's people have not always been worthy of the marvelous experience we have shared today. The Apostles, after the Ascension of Christ, continued to exercise the keys He left with them. But because of disobedience and loss of faith by the members, the Apostles died without the keys being passed on to successors. We call that tragic episode "the Apostasy."

In our church we believe there was this "falling away." The priesthood that was on the earth, because of a lack of righteousness, was at some point, not continued to be passed down. This is what makes us a truly unique church.

The Catholics disagree. They claim the position that there was not an Apostasy, that the priesthood of God has always been on the earth, and is found in their church.

This is where we are similar to the Catholic Church. We both see the need for the priesthood. We both have a "prophet" of sorts. (theirs of course is the Pope.)

There were those who disagreed. Martin Luther, and other reformers, saw that the Catholic church was not teaching the same Christian doctrine that Christ had taught while on the earth. The different religious sects would notice that something was amiss, and break off "protesting" the Catholic doctrine, and doing their best to teach Christ's doctrine according to the scriptures. The Baptists, for example, saw that the baptisms were not being performed by immersion, knew that according to the scriptures, this was not right, and eventually had their own church, baptising the way that Christ himself taught and was baptized.

This is where the three categories emerged.

The Catholic Church- claiming to always have Christ's authority, being a constant line from Christ himself.

The Protestants, or Reformers. This includes the Christian Churches which broke off from the Catholics, in an effort to "reform" or "protest" the Catholic church.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, who believe that not just a reformation, but a restoration was necessary.

My time is up- I need to go make breakfast for my kids. Have a great day!

Angels on Earth

2008-10-21T05:55:00.000-07:00

The Ministry of Angels
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

This was such a beautiful talk. I took out my favorite portions, but I really loved it all. Click here for the entire talk.

From the beginning down through the dispensations, God has used angels as
His emissaries in conveying love and concern for His children. Time in this
setting does not allow even a cursory examination of the scriptures or our own
latter-day history, which are so filled with accounts of angels ministering to
those on earth, but it is rich doctrine and rich history indeed.
Usually such
beings are not seen. Sometimes they are. But seen or unseen they are always
near. Sometimes their assignments are very grand and have significance for the
whole world. Sometimes the messages are more private. Occasionally the angelic
purpose is to warn. But most often it is to comfort, to provide some form of
merciful attention, guidance in difficult times. When in Lehi’s dream he found
himself in a frightening place, “a dark and dreary waste,” as he described it,
he was met by an angel, “a man . . . dressed in a white
robe; . . . he spake unto me,” Lehi said, “and bade me
follow him.”7
Lehi did follow him to safety and ultimately to the path of salvation.

I really had never given this topic much thought. But what a wonderful thing for us to remember- that we are not alone.

But I testify that angels are still sent to help us, even as they were sent
to help Adam and Eve, to help the prophets, and indeed to help the Savior of the
world Himself.

I ask everyone within the sound of my voice to take heart, be filled with
faith, and remember the Lord has said He “would fight [our] battles, [our]
children’s battles, and [the battles of our] children’s children.”10
And what do we do to merit such a defense? We are to “search diligently, pray
always, and be believing[. Then] all things shall work together for [our] good,
if [we] walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith [we] have
covenanted.”11
The latter days are not a time to fear and tremble. They are a time to be
believing and remember our covenants.

Sometimes I think that such promises are beyond me- I like how he tells us what is required to receive such blessings- to search diligently, pray always and be believing.- I can do that. We can do that.

Referring to his childhood on a large Idaho farm, Brother Barrus spoke of
his nightly assignment to round up the cows at milking time. Because the cows
pastured in a field bordered by the occasionally treacherous Teton River, the
strict rule in the Barrus household was that during the spring flood season the
children were never to go after any cows who ventured across the river. They
were always to return home and seek mature help.
One Saturday just after his
seventh birthday, Brother Barrus’s parents promised the family a night at the
movies if the chores were done on time. But when young Clyn arrived at the
pasture, the cows he sought had crossed the river, even though it was running at
high flood stage. Knowing his rare night at the movies was in jeopardy, he
decided to go after the cows himself, even though he had been warned many times
never to do so.
As the seven-year-old urged his old horse, Banner, down into
the cold, swift stream, the horse’s head barely cleared the water. An adult
sitting on the horse would have been safe, but at Brother Barrus’s tender age,
the current completely covered him except when the horse lunged forward several
times, bringing Clyn’s head above water just enough to gasp for air.
Here I
turn to Brother Barrus’s own words:
“When Banner finally climbed the other
bank, I realized that my life had been in grave danger and that I had done a
terrible thing—I had knowingly disobeyed my father. I felt that I could redeem
myself only by bringing the cows home safely. Maybe then my father would forgive
me. But it was already dusk, and I didn’t know for sure where I was. Despair
overwhelmed me. I was wet and cold, lost and afraid.
“I climbed down from old
Banner, fell to the ground by his feet, and began to cry. Between thick sobs, I
tried to offer a prayer, repeating over and over to my Father in Heaven, ‘I’m
sorry. Forgive me! I’m sorry. Forgive me!’
“I prayed for a long time. When I
finally looked up, I saw through my tears a figure dressed in white walking
toward me. In the dark, I felt certain it must be an angel sent in answer to my
prayers. I did not move or make a sound as the figure approached, so overwhelmed
was I by what I saw. Would the Lord really send an angel to me, who had been so
disobedient?
“Then a familiar voice said, ‘Son, I’ve been looking for you.’
In the darkness I recognized the voice of my father and ran to his outstretched
arms. He held me tightly, then said gently, ‘I was worried. I’m glad I found
you.’
“I tried to tell him how sorry I was, but only disjointed words came
out of my trembling lips—’Thank
you . . . darkness . . . afraid . . . river . . . alone.’
Later that night I learned that when I had not returned from the pasture, my
father had come looking for me. When neither I nor the cows were to be found, he
knew I had crossed the river and was in danger. Because it was dark and time was
of the essence, he removed his clothes down to his long white thermal underwear,
tied his shoes around his neck, and swam a treacherous river to rescue a wayward
son.”12
My
beloved brothers and sisters, I testify of angels, both the heavenly and the
mortal kind. In doing so I am testifying that God never leaves us alone, never
leaves us unaided in the challenges that we face. “[N]or will he, so long as
time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man [or woman
or child] upon the face thereof to be saved.”13
On occasions, global or personal, we may feel we are distanced from God, shut
out from heaven, lost, alone in dark and dreary places. Often enough that
distress can be of our own making, but even then the Father of us all is
watching and assisting. And always there are those angels who come and go all
around us, seen and unseen, known and unknown, mortal and immortal.
May we
all believe more readily in, and have more gratitude for, the Lord’s promise as
contained in one of President Monson’s favorite scriptures: “I will go before
your face. I will be on your right hand and on your
left, . . . my Spirit shall be in your [heart], and mine
angels round about you, to bear you up.”14
In the process of praying for those angels to attend us, may we all try to be a
little more angelic ourselves—with a kind word, a strong arm, a declaration of
faith and “the covenant wherewith [we] have covenanted.”15
Perhaps then we can be emissaries sent from God when someone, perhaps a Primary
child, is crying,
“Darkness . . . afraid . . . river
. . . alone.”

A few years ago, while serving as the leader of the teenage girls in my congregation, I was preparing a message for a special meeting that we were having with them. While I was preparing what I would say, I had one of the most overwhelming feelings of my life. The feeling was that I needed to tell these girls that they were not alone in their tough times-- specifically that family members who had passed away are helping them. The impression came to me to share this so strongly, and I knew that it was a thought that was not mine. This was a testimony to me that this was true. Angels do minister among us. Funny how the scripture that was the basis for the message that I was preparing was the same one that Elder Holland used in this talk: "Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good."

I can imagine in the future, after I have passed away, what job would I like more than to help and look after my grand children, (wait- hopefully my great great grandchildren). To comfort them, and be with them.

This talk also made me think about being an angel here on earth. Elder Holland mentions that his wife is an angel. I think I complain too much about kids and messes to warrant such a title. No, I don't think DH would describe me as an angel. But I wish he could. I will work on that.

3 Nephi 11 Carefully Listen

2008-10-20T05:36:00.000-07:00

verse 5

And again the third time (they heard the voice from heaven) and did open their ears to hear it;

Mosiah 5:12

I would that ye should remember to retain the name written always in your hearts, that ye are not found on the left hand of God, but that ye hear and know the voice by which ye shall be called...

Harold B. Lee told the following: (Revelation and You
By President Harold B. Lee)

Elder John A. Widtsoe of the Council of the Twelve once told of a
discussion he had with a group of stake officers. In the course of the
discussion someone said to him, “Brother Widtsoe, how long has it been since the
Church received a revelation?” Brother Widtsoe rubbed his chin thoughtfully and
said in reply, “Oh, probably since last Thursday.” Brother Widtsoe undoubtedly
referred to the meeting of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve
that is held on each Thursday.
Through the scriptures this
phrase is often repeated: “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matt.
11:15.) All of us are not so blessed to hear all that we ought to
hear.

...There, in that place sacred in Him, the Master kneeled down and prayed,
asking the Lord to let this hour pass, and then He said, “Father, glorify thy
name.” The answer came, “I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.”
(John
12:28.) There were some people who heard it and said that it had thundered;
there were a few who said an angel of the Lord had spoken to Him. You see, there
were some who had ears to hear, but they didn’t hear.

At the close of Harold B. Lee's talk he lists the different ways we can "hear" the Lord in this phrase:

The thing that all of us should strive for is to so live, keeping the
commandments of the Lord, that He can answer our prayers. If we will live
worthy, then the Lord will guide us—by a personal appearance, or by His actual
voice, or by His voice coming into our mind, or by impressions upon our heart
and our soul. And oh, how grateful we ought to be if the Lord sends us a dream
in which is revealed to us the beauties of the eternity or a warning and
direction for our special comfort. Yes, if we so live, the Lord will guide us
for our salvation and for our benefit.

Russell M. Nelson, Spring Conference 1991 talked about the importance of listening to our spouses:

Husbands and wives, learn to listen, and listen to learn from one another. I was
amused to read of an experience recorded by Elder F. Burton Howard in his
biography of President Marion G. Romney: “His good-humored love for Ida was
manifested in many ways. He delighted in telling of her hearing loss. ‘I once
went to see a doctor about her hearing,’ he would say. ‘He asked me how bad it
was, and I said I didn’t know. He told me to go home and find out. The doctor
instructed me to go into a far room and speak to her. Then I should move nearer
and nearer until she does hear. Following the doctor’s instructions, I spoke to
her from the bedroom while she was in the kitchen—no answer. I moved nearer and
spoke again—no answer. So I went right up to the door of the kitchen and said,
“Ida, can you hear me?” She responded, “What is it, Marion—I’ve answered you
three times.” ’ ”
8
Even with normal hearing, some couples seem not to
listen to one another. Taking time to talk is essential to keep lines of
communication intact. If marriage is a prime relationship in life, it deserves
prime time! Yet less important appointments are often given priority, leaving
only leftover moments for listening to precious partners.

He goes on to admonish us to listen to the prophet:

“A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you … ; him shall ye hear in
all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. …
“Every soul,
which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.” (Acts
3:22–23.)
11
President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., said, “We do not lack
a prophet; what we lack is a listening ear.”

He advises to listen to our children:

When our youngest daughter was about four years of age, I came home from
hospital duties quite late one evening. I found my dear wife to be very weary. I
don’t know why. She only had nine children underfoot all day. So I offered to
get our four-year-old ready for bed. I began to give the orders: “Take off your
clothes; hang them up; put on your pajamas; brush your teeth; say your prayers”
and so on, commanding in a manner befitting a tough sergeant in the army.
Suddenly she cocked her head to one side, looked at me with a wistful eye, and
said, “Daddy, do you own me?”
She taught me an important
lesson. I was using coercive methods on this sweet soul. To rule children by
force is the technique of Satan, not of the Savior. No, we don’t own our
children. Our parental privilege is to love them, to lead them, and to let them
go.

Listen to your parents:

Several years ago, I was invited to give an important lecture at a medical
school in New York City. The night before the lecture, Sister Nelson and I were
invited to dinner at the home of our host professor. There he proudly introduced
us to an honor medical student—his beautiful daughter.
Some
weeks later, that professor telephoned me in an obvious state of grief. I asked,
“What is the matter?”
“Remember our daughter whom you met at
our home?”
“Of course,” I replied. “I’ll never forget such a
stunning young lady.”
Then her father sobbed and said, “Last
night she was killed in an automobile accident!” Trying to gain composure, he
continued: “She asked permission to go to a dance with a certain young man. I
didn’t have a good feeling about it. I told her so and asked her not to go. She
asked, ‘Why?’ I simply told her that I was uneasy. She had always been an
obedient daughter, but she said that if I could not give her a good reason to
decline, she wanted to go. And so she did. At the dance, alcoholic beverages
were served. Her escort drank a bit—we don’t know how much. While returning
home, he was driving too fast, missed a turn, and careened through a guardrail
into a reservoir below. They were both submerged and taken to their death.”
As I shared my feeling of sadness, he concluded: “My grief is
made worse because I had the distinct feeling that trouble lay ahead. Why
couldn’t I have been more persuasive?”
This experience will
not have been in vain if others can listen and learn from it. Children, honor
your parents,
5 even when they cannot give a satisfactory explanation for their feelings.
Please have faith in this scripture, which applies to all age groups: “Hear the
instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother.” (Prov. 1:8.)

And of course, Listen to the Lord:

President Spencer W. Kimball said, “It would not hurt us, either, if we
paused at the end of our prayers to do some intense listening—even for a
moment
or two—always praying, as the Savior did, ‘not my will, but thine, be
done.’ (Luke
22:42.)”

“Thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the
children of men line upon
line, precept upon precept, here a little and
there a little; and blessed are
those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend
an ear unto my counsel, for they
shall learn wisdom; for unto him that
receiveth I will give more.” (2 Ne.
28:30)

The example of Rachel Ivins Grant is inspiring to
me. She never complained
about her own deafness. Though most women in their
seventies would be completely
worn out while rearing six growing children of
another mother, she undertook
that task. Rachel’s deafness seemed to save
her from the wear and tear of noise.
Sometimes, when two were arguing,
Rachel would burst out laughing. She said they
had no idea how funny it was
to see their angry faces and hear none of their
words.
Before her son, Heber J. Grant, became the seventh
President
of the Church, she declared, “Of course the greatest trial I have is
that I
cannot hear, but I have so many blessings I cannot complain, but if we
only
will live so that we may receive the instructions of God, there is nothing
we are called to pass through but will be for our good.”

The Redeemer loves such faithful souls: “For the eyes of the
Lord are over
the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers.” (1 Pet.
3:12.)
They qualify for this prophetic promise:
“Before
they call, I [the Lord] will answer; and while they are yet
speaking, I will
hear” (Isa.
65:24).

I love how 3 Nephi 11 begins, it begins as I should begin, by listening.

Come What May, and Love It

2008-10-17T05:36:00.000-07:00

Today I am reading and studying the conference talk:
Come What May, and Love It
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

This story totally made me lol:

Learn to Laugh

I remember when one of our daughters went on a blind date. She was all
dressed up and waiting for her date to arrive when the doorbell rang. In walked
a man who seemed a little old, but she tried to be polite. She introduced him to
me and my wife and the other children; then she put on her coat and went out the
door. We watched as she got into the car, but the car didn’t move. Eventually
our daughter got out of the car and, red faced, ran back into the house. The man
that she thought was her blind date had actually come to pick up another of our
daughters who had agreed to be a babysitter for him and his wife.
We all had
a good laugh over that. In fact, we couldn’t stop laughing. Later, when our
daughter’s real blind date showed up, I couldn’t come out to meet him because I
was still in the kitchen laughing. Now I realize that our daughter could have
felt humiliated and embarrassed. But she laughed with us, and as a result, we
still laugh about it today.

Seek for the Eternal

The dial on the wheel of sorrow eventually points to each of us. At one
time
or another, everyone must experience sorrow. No one is exempt.
Because Jesus
Christ suffered greatly, He understands our suffering. He
understands our
grief. We experience hard things so that we too may have
increased
compassion and understanding for others.

The story in the scriptures that has helped me so much with this principle is that of The people of Alma, living in the land of Helam. They were good righteous people. The Lamanites attacked them and put them in bondage. They were forced to work hard, and forbidden to pray. Sure the Lord could have protected the People of Alma. He could have kept them from being found. He could have struck them all dead. the Lord can do anything. And yet, he allowed those good righteous people to experience great trials. Why? "He trieth their patience and their faith." Mosiah 23:21. The Lord also could have helped them to escape quickly, and yet, it seemed t take a while. During which time, the people prayed in their hearts. From their first instinct, throughout their ordeal, they turned to the Lord. The result was that he eased their burdens, so they could not feel them. And then, of course, not immediately, but rather eventually, they were delivered.

Two days ago, I stopped by to say good-bye to my "super awesome neighbor" (Can I start calling her SAN?) As she had just packed her things to go with her daughter and grandchildren to Pittsburgh for a lung transplant, she was sweet, calm, normal, happy. I can imagine that someone else in the same situation could have been a mess. I could tell that the Lord was easing her burdens. I think that when the Lord eases our burdens, it is usually in this way. We don't have physical burdens on our backs like the people of Alma. But he eases our minds and thoughts. (not generally immediate deliverance) He gives us peace, even when logic tells us we shouldn't have it. SAN's daughter's name is Cammi, here is a blog that highlighted her story yesterday: Cammi.

Elder Wirthlin then talks about what he call the "principle of compensation." I had never heard this phrase before, I did a search for this phrase on LDS.org, and did not find it repeated. I had always kind of felt like it existed, but I loved having it named, defined and spelled out.

definition:

The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from
those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not
come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will
eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude.

He goes on to explain that compensation sometimes comes in this life, but ALWAYS comes on the other side.

He tells of his grandson with autism:

His parents have encouraged him to participate in sports. When he first
started playing baseball, he was in the outfield. But I don’t think he grasped
the need to run after loose balls. He thought of a much more efficient way to
play the game. When a ball was hit in his direction, Joseph watched it go by and
then pulled another baseball out of his pocket and threw that one to the
pitcher.
Any reservations that his family may have had in raising Joseph, any
sacrifices they have made have been compensated tenfold. Because of this choice
spirit, his mother and father have learned much about children with
disabilities. They have witnessed firsthand the generosity and compassion of
family, neighbors, and friends. They have rejoiced together as Joseph has
progressed. They have marveled at his goodness.

The fourth point to his message was to Trust in the Father and the Son.

The same was said about the people of Alma: "whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day." (Mosiah 23:22) The Lord explained that eased their burdens in part so that they "may stand as a witness for me hereafter, that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions."

“God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.”2
The Lord Jesus Christ is our partner, helper, and advocate. He wants us to be
happy. He wants us to be successful. If we do our part, He will step in.
He
who descended below all things will come to our aid. He will comfort and uphold
us. He will strengthen us in our weakness and fortify us in our distress. He
will make weak things become strong.3
One
of our daughters, after giving birth to a baby, became seriously ill. We prayed
for her, administered to her, and supported her as best we could. We hoped she
would receive a blessing of healing, but days turned into months, and months
turned into years. At one point I told her that this affliction might be
something she would have to struggle with the rest of her life.
One morning I
remember pulling out a small card and threading it through my typewriter. Among
the words that I typed for her were these: “The simple secret is this: put your
trust in the Lord, do your best, then leave the rest to Him.”
She did put her
trust in God. But her affliction did not disappear. For years she suffered, but
in due course, the Lord blessed her, and eventually she returned to
health.
Knowing this daughter, I believe that even if she had never found
relief, yet she would have trusted in her Heavenly Father and “[left] the rest
to Him.”

The people of Alma submitted their will to the Lord "cheerfully and with patience." In my experience, I have found that I am a bit more of a slow metronome, moving between patient and discouraged. Consistency with my scripture study helps to always bring me back to patient. I think I have a total of about 4 readers on this blog, but could you all keep Cammi in your prayers? Thanks. I know that prayer works.

Hope for things which are not seen

2008-10-16T05:43:00.000-07:00

Today I studied the talk:

The Infinite Power of Hope
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf Second Counselor in the First Presidency

If you are ever feeling down, this is a good talk to listen to. I REALLY enjoyed it.

Toward the end of World War II, my father was drafted into the German army
and sent to the western front, leaving my mother alone to care for our family.
Though I was only three years old, I can still remember this time of fear and
hunger. We lived in Czechoslovakia, and with every passing day, the war came
nearer and the danger grew greater.
Finally, during the cold winter of 1944,
my mother decided to flee to Germany, where her parents were living. She bundled
us up and somehow managed to get us on one of the last refugee trains heading
west. Traveling during that time was dangerous. Everywhere we went, the sound of
explosions, the stressed faces, and ever-present hunger reminded us that we were
in a war zone.
Along the way the train stopped occasionally to get supplies.
One night during one of these stops, my mother hurried out of the train to
search for some food for her four children. When she returned, to her great
horror, the train and her children were gone!
She was weighed down with
worry; desperate prayers filled her heart. She frantically searched the large
and dark train station, urgently crisscrossing the numerous tracks while hoping
against hope that the train had not already departed.
Perhaps I will never
know all that went through my mother’s heart and mind on that black night as she
searched through a grim railroad station for her lost children. That she was
terrified, I have no doubt. I am certain it crossed her mind that if she did not
find this train, she might never see her children again. I know with certainty:
her faith overcame her fear, and her hope overcame her despair. She was not a
woman who would sit and bemoan tragedy. She moved. She put her faith and hope
into action.
And so she ran from track to track and from train to train until
she finally found our train. It had been moved to a remote area of the station.
There, at last, she found her children again.

My "super- awesome neighbor" left two days ago to move back east with her grown daughter and two beautiful grandchildren. to await a lung transplant for her daughter. She is #1 on the list. She said that she was trying to have more faith than fear. I could tell by her countenance that faith and hope was winning.

The scriptures say that there must be “an opposition in all things.”15
So it is with faith, hope, and charity. Doubt, despair, and failure to care for
our fellowmen lead us into temptation, which can cause us to forfeit choice and
precious blessings.
The adversary uses despair to bind hearts and minds in
suffocating darkness. Despair drains from us all that is vibrant and joyful and
leaves behind the empty remnants of what life was meant to be. Despair kills
ambition, advances sickness, pollutes the soul, and deadens the heart. Despair
can seem like a staircase that leads only and forever downward.
Hope, on the
other hand, is like the beam of sunlight rising up and above the horizon of our
present circumstances. It pierces the darkness with a brilliant dawn. It
encourages and inspires us to place our trust in the loving care of an eternal
Heavenly Father, who has prepared a way for those who seek for eternal truth in
a world of relativism, confusion, and of fear.

I love his description of the juxtaposition of hope and despair. His writing is beautiful. It makes me feel like times of pain have purpose.

The things we hope for lead us to faith, while the things we hope in lead
us to charity. The three qualities—faith, hope, and charity35—working
together, grounded on the truth and light of the restored gospel of Jesus
Christ, lead us to abound in good works.36

This was a perspective that I had never heard or thought of before. That which we hope for leads to faith, while that which we hope in lead us to charity.

Embrace and rely upon the Hope of Israel, for the love of the Son of God
pierces all darkness, softens all sorrow, and gladdens every heart.

My hope and prayers are with my "super awesome neighbor". Her example is an inspiration to me. I can see that she is embracing and relying on the Hope of Israel.

If ye have faith, ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true, Alma 32: 21

In the Bible Dictionary- under faith: Faith in Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel and is more than belief, since true faith always moves its possessor to some kind of physical and mental action; it carries an assurance of the fulfillment of the things hoped for.

I like that last line: an assurance of the fulfillment of the things hoped for. In order to have this we need to anchor our hope in that which will be fulfilled.

Sacrament Meeting

2008-10-15T05:47:00.000-07:00

Today I read and listened to:
Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament
Elder Dallin H. Oaks Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

This talk had a lot in it that I need to work on. I used to really enjoy Sacrament Meeting. Now that I have four young children, and even with the help of my super nice neighbors, and DH, I find it a very difficult hour and half, not the wonderful spiritual experience that it is supposed to be.

Frequently someone will mention some talk, and I honestly didn't hear it at all- even if I was in the room the entire time. Instead my mind was thinking.

"DH, get S2!!! don't let him go there!!! S2 is touching the man in
front of us!!! S1, sit on your BUM! stop moving around!!! D2-
this is not STORY HOUR!! No one can read out loud to you!!! Don't
talk out loud!!! S1- only take ONE piece of bread!! Where is S2? Why can't we sing one of the "good 'old songs" why do they always feel like they need to teach us new ones? The "new ones" have no melody, that is why they will never become one of the "good 'ol songs." Where did S2 go? I should just take him out.
But will DH make S1 be quiet? D1, D2, we did not have this standing hymn
so you could spread out and lay down on the pew!!! Get up! (all of this I
am motioning with my mommy sign language) D2- I whisper to her"no- I did
not bring snacks!!!- you just had lunch, go sit down! Well- if you are
hungry- remember next week to eat more lunch!!- go sit down!" She sulks
away. She can hang her head incredibly low. She has a good neck that
way. Oh no, where is S2??? he is making a run for it, I'd better go
get him-- - and I'm off, to hang out in the lobby for a while with a run away 14
month old. "

I am sure this is a poor reflection on my parenting. - but I'm just calling it how it is. Four more months and S2 will be in nursery- then I can listen to the other lessons anyway. Any advice for me???? I certainly don't find it a time to "rest from my labors"- quite the opposite.

Elder Oaks quotes

By participating weekly and appropriately in the ordinance of the sacrament we
qualify for the promise that we will “always have his Spirit to be with [us]”
(D&C 20:77). That Spirit is the foundation of our
testimony. It testifies of the Father and the Son, brings all things to our
remembrance, and leads us into truth. It is the compass to guide us on our path.
This gift of the Holy Ghost, President Wilford Woodruff taught, “is the greatest
gift that can be bestowed upon man”

This I know that I desperately need.

We are seated well before the meeting begins. “During that quiet interval,
prelude music is subdued. This is not a time for conversation or transmission of
messages but a period of prayerful meditation as leaders and members prepare
spiritually for the sacrament” (Liahona, Aug. 2004, 13; Ensign, Aug. 2004, 27).

Ohhh- this I have struggled and struggled with. "well before the meeting begins." I never used to be late for things before children- now, no matter how hard I try- two or three things happen- and --I fail. (by that I mean that S2 needs to go "potty" even though he just did, and I need to remove him from his car seat, and- good thing that I did, because I notice that S2 has REMOVED her shoes, and gotten into the car without them. Then I smell something coming from S1... then I cannot FIND S2's shoes!!! I need to try harder. )I just need to plan on being there thirty minutes early. It would not be the worst thing in the world to actually be totally early, and I guess that would be the worst case scenario, right?

In his writings on the doctrines of salvation, President Joseph Fielding Smith
teaches that we partake of the sacrament as our part of commemorating the
Savior’s death and sufferings for the redemption of the world. This ordinance
was introduced so that we can renew our covenants to serve Him, to obey Him, and
to always remember Him. President Smith adds: “We cannot retain the Spirit of
the Lord if we do not consistently comply with this commandment” (Doctrines of
Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [1954–56], 2:341).

I like the way he puts that "retain the spirit of the Lord."

I know this post wasn't much of a "spiritual message." But- it is my study- however it went for the day. :) Have a good one! Feel free to give me advice!

Scripture Power

2008-10-14T06:27:00.000-07:00

Today I read and listened to:

Because My Father Read the Book of Mormon
by Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis Of the Seventy

In it, he tells the story of his father's conversion:

I admire the courage my father had to be baptized into the Church in spite of
the circumstances he faced at the time. It was not easy for him. His wife did
not get baptized with him. The vices of drinking alcohol and smoking were strong
temptations for him. He was poor. His mother was against his joining the Church,
and she told him that if he were baptized, she would no longer consider him her
son. With fewer than 300 members in Brazil, the Church did not have a single
chapel there. I am truly astonished by my father’s determination and
courage.
How could he make such a decision in the face of so many unfavorable
circumstances? The answer is simple: it was because my father read the Book of
Mormon. When he read it, he came to know of the truthfulness of the message of
the Restoration. The Book of Mormon is a proof that The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints is true. Preach My Gospel teaches that “the Book of Mormon, combined
with the Spirit, is [the] most powerful resource in conversion” ([2004],
104).
President Gordon B. Hinckley declared: “Those who have read [the Book
of Mormon] prayerfully, be they rich or poor, learned or unlearned, have grown
under its power. . . .
“. . . Without
reservation I promise you that if you will prayerfully read the Book of Mormon,
regardless of how many times you previously have read it, there will come into
your hearts . . . the Spirit of the Lord. There will come a
strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to his commandments, and there will
come a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God” ( “The Power of the Book of Mormon,” Ensign, June 1988, 6; see
also “The Book of Mormon,” Tambuli, Oct. 1988, 7).
These promises came true
for my father and for my family. In accordance with what we have been taught, we
read the scriptures as a family every day. We have done so for many years. We
have read the Book of Mormon several times in our home, and we will continue to
do so. As promised, the Spirit of the Lord has come into the heart of our
family, and we have felt a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His
commandments and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God.

While I was serving as a missionary, myself, I found a consistent pattern with those individuals whom we taught. After each lesson, we would ask those we were teaching, to read, or continue reading the Book of Mormon.

In absolutely EVERY case, those individuals who continued their investigation of the church's doctrines, and chose to be baptized, were consistent in reading the Book of Mormon.

In absolutely EVERY case, those individuals who chose to stop meeting with us, first stopped reading the Book of Mormon.
Why does this happen? Simple. The Book of Mormon is about Christ. The prophet Nephi says it this way, "We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ and we write according to our prophesies.." As we study Jesus Christ, our faith in Him increases. And when that happens, a lot of things happen.
I think of this in my own life, and the life of my children. I know that staying close to Christ is an ongoing process, not a conversion that happens only once, but rather over and over, everyday our conversion can be strengthened or weakened. Just like the people who continued to progress toward baptism, were those who consistently read the Book of Mormon, I know that personally, for me to continue to progress toward Christ, I need to read the scriptures consistently. What a great talk this was, a good reminder for me of the blessings that come to my life from my study of the scriptures.

My kid's favorite song is Scripture Power. I haven't learned how to You Tube myself, so I found someone else's kid's singing it: Scripture Power.

Vote Yes on 8!

2008-10-14T05:39:00.000-07:00

This is straight from the San Fransico Chronicle

The 18 Creative Arts Charter School students took a Muni bus and walked a block at noon to toss rose petals and blow bubbles on their just-married teacher Erin Carder and her wife Kerri McCoy, giggling and squealing as they mobbed their teacher with hugs.
Mayor Gavin Newsom, a friend of a friend, officiated.
A parent came up with the idea for the field trip - a surprise for the teacher on her wedding day.
"She's such a dedicated teacher," said the school's interim director Liz Jaroslow.
But there was a question of justifying the field trip academically. Jaroflow decided she could.
"It really is what we call a teachable moment," Jaroflow said, noting the historic significance of same-sex marriage and related civil rights issues. "I think I'm well within the parameters."
Nonetheless, the excursion offers Proposition 8 proponents fresh ammunition for their efforts to outlaw gay marriage in California, offering a real-life incident that echoes their recent television and radio ads.
"It's just utterly unreasonable that a public school field trip would be to a same-sex wedding," said Chip White, press secretary for the Yes on 8 campaign. "This is overt indoctrination of children who are too young to have an understanding of its purpose."
The trip illustrates the message promoted by the campaign in recent days, namely that unless Prop. 8 passes on Nov. 4, children will learn about same-sex marriage in school.
"It shows that not only can it happen, but it has already happened," White said.
California Education Code permits school districts to offer comprehensive sex education, but if they do, they have to "teach respect for marriage and committed relationships."
Parents can excuse their child from all or part of the instruction.
On Friday, McCoy and Carder, both in white, held hands on Newsom's office balcony overlooking the rotunda and recited their vows.
"With this ring, I thee wed!" Carder said, shouting the last word for emphasis.
After traditional photos, the two walked out City Hall's main doors where the students were lined up down the steps with bags of pink rose petals and bottles of bubbles hanging from their necks. McCoy, a conferences services coordinator, was in on the surprise and beamed as the children swarmed around Carder.
The two said they have participated in the campaign against Proposition 8 and planned to travel around San Francisco on Friday afternoon in a motorized trolley car with "Just Married" and "Vote No on 8" banners.
The two met on a dance floor two years ago.
"This is one girl I can honestly say deserves happiness, and it came in the form of Kerri," said Carder's friend Dani Starelli.
Creative Arts administrators and parents acknowledged that the field trip might be controversial, but they didn't see the big deal. Same-sex marriage is legal, they noted.
"How many days in school are they going to remember?" asked parent Marc Lipsett. "This is a day they'll definitely remember."
Carder's students said they were happy to see their new teacher married.
"She's a really nice teacher. She's the best," said 6-year-old Chava Novogrodsky-Godt, wearing a "No on 8" button on her shirt. "I want her to have a good wedding."
Chava's mothers said they are getting married in two weeks.
The students' parents are planning to make a video with the children describing what marriage is to them.
Marriage, 6-year-old Nolan Alexander said Friday, is "people falling in love."
It means, he added, "You stay with someone the rest of your life."
As is the case with all field trips, parents had to give their permission and could choose to opt out of the trip. Two families did. Those children spent the duration of the 90-minute field trip back at school with another first-grade class, the interim director said."As far as I'm concerned, it's not controversial for me," Jaroflow said. "It's certainly an issue I would be willing to put my job on the line for."

I am very concerned about the Yes on 8 campaign. I worry that too many people do look at is as "civil rights." That's not it at all.

I am most concerned about the indoctrination that is headed for my children.

In this article, the school children were given the opportunity to "opt-out" (Of course the fact that it was a field trip made that mandatory. Parents mustgive permission for any field trip.) In Massachusetts, where this has been around a little while, the attitude is different.

In 2006, a Massachusetts teacher read the book "King and King" to her
second grade class, which included Joey Wirthlin. His parents, Robert and Robin
Wirthlin, met with the school principal to request that they be given advance
notice before such material was taught to their son. The principal disagreed
that the school had any obligation to notify parents in advance.

Both the United States District Court in Massachusetts and the First District
Court of Appeals decided that schools are not required to inform parents in
advance of teaching about same-sax parents. The courts dismissed the Wirthlins'
claim that parents have a right to advance notice or to remove their children
from the classroom when such material is taught.

The Wirthlins appealed to the United States Supreme Court. On Monday, the
United States Supreme Court refused to hear their appeal, which makes the court
decision final law in Massachusetts.

California's state Education Code (Sections 51890 and 51933) requires that
teachers instruct children as young as kindergarteners about marriage. If the
California gay marriage ruling is not overturned, teachers will be required to
teach young children there is no difference between gay marriage and traditional
marriage. Proposition 8 protects children from being taught in California public
schools that same-sex marriage is the same as traditional marriage.

For another article regarding the same event, from a different source: click here.

For an article about a man being assaulted while distributing Prop 8 yard signs, click here.

For the new yes on 8 commercial, click here. Evidently, the No on 8 side has tried to convince television stations to not air the add. So far that has not happened.

To see the first commercial, or to donate to the yes campaign: click here.

The entire text of Proposition 8 is as follows:
"Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid and recognized in California."

The Faith of a Child

2008-10-13T05:34:00.000-07:00

In Elder Anderson's talk- I really enjoyed two of the stories that he told:

You Know Enough

Elder Neil L. Andersen Of the Presidency of the Seventy

I once visited a mission in southern Europe. I arrived on the day a new
missionary was preparing to return home at his own insistence. He had his ticket
to leave the next day.
We sat together in the mission president’s home. The
missionary told me about his challenging childhood, of learning disorders, of
moving from one family to another. He spoke sincerely of his inability to learn
a new language and adapt to a new culture. Then he added, “Brother Andersen, I
don’t even know if God loves me.” As he said those words, I felt a sure and
forceful feeling come into my spirit: “He does know I love him. He knows it.”
I let him continue for a few more minutes, and then I said, “Elder, I’m
sympathetic to much of what you’ve said, but I must correct you on one thing:
you do know God loves you. You know He does.”
As I said those words to him,
the same Spirit that had spoken to me spoke to him. He bowed his head and began
to cry. He apologized. “Brother Andersen,” he said, “I do know God loves me; I
do know it.” He didn’t know everything, but he knew enough. He knew God loved
him. That priceless piece of spiritual knowledge was sufficient for his doubt to
be replaced with faith. He found the strength to stay on his mission.

I like that perspective, that even just one piece of spiritual knowledge can be sufficient for doubt to be replaced with faith.

1 nephi 11:17:17 And I said unto him: I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.

Hadley Peay is now seven years old. Hadley was born with a very serious hearing
impairment requiring extensive surgery to bring even limited hearing. Her
parents followed with tireless training to help her learn to speak. Hadley and
her family have cheerfully adapted to the challenge of her deafness.
Once,
when Hadley was four, she was standing in the checkout line at the grocery store
with her mother. She looked behind her and saw a little boy sitting in a
wheelchair. She noticed that the boy did not have legs.
Although Hadley had
learned to speak, she had difficulty controlling the volume of her voice. In her
louder voice, she asked her mother why the little boy did not have legs.
Her
mother quietly and simply explained to Hadley that “Heavenly Father makes all of
His children different.” “OK,” Hadley replied.
Then, unexpectedly, Hadley
turned to the little boy and said, “Did you know that when Heavenly Father made
me, my ears did not work? That makes me special. He made you with no legs, and
that makes you special. When Jesus comes, I will be able to hear and you will
get your legs. Jesus will make everything all right.”

I love the faith and innocence of little children. I know that Jesus does make everything all right.

I read 3 Nephi 9:22 today- a reminder of the pure faith of little children. They know enough. We know enough.

Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little
child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God. Behold, for
such I have laid down my life, and have taken it up again; therefore repent,
and
come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved.

D2 is in Kindergarten. Her new little best friend just sent her an
invitation to her birthday party- on a Sunday. (this is her first such invitation) After our talk about how we didn't go to birthday parties on Sundays, that Sundays were for church, etc., she said, "maybe that Sunday will be General Conference again!"

DH was out of town this past weekend, and I foolishly, took all four kids to JoAnn fabrics. We were picking out yarn for scarves, and before long, I was regretting the trip.

When we got into the car, I asked,
"OK- so who was "good" in the store? "
D1 said, "I was good!"

D2 added, "I was good!"

(this was true- they were good.)

S1 (3 years old) followed with the same tone of voice as his sisters, "I was bad!"

(true, true, all true.)

I just love how children tell the truth!

Missionary Service

2008-10-12T09:18:00.000-07:00

Go Ye Therefore,

Silvia H. Allred, first counselor in the Relief Society

Sister Allred spoke about missionary work. She gave some general, as well as some specific ways that we can be missionaries.

"Begin by being a good neighbor and a good friend. Set a example of righteousness and kindness. Let your smile radiate love, peace, and happiness. Live a gospel-centered life.
Then, be more specific in your missionary efforts. Let me suggest some ideas. You might find two or three that work for you:

If you have children at home, help prepare them for missionary service.

Prepare yourself for missionary service.

Invite family and friends to listen to the missionaries or to attend our Church meetings and activities.

Accompany the missionaries to investigators’ homes, or invite the missionaries to teach nonmembers in your home.

Invite people to a family home evening in your home.

Invite people to a family history center, or help them do family history research.

Give referrals to the missionaries. Members can be the greatest and best source of referrals.

Share your beliefs and testimony with nonmember friends and family.

Seek for opportunities to reach out to others.

Extend friendship to investigators and new converts.

Give your best efforts to finding those who are seeking the truth.

If you have family members or friends on missions, send them letters of love and encouragement, and pray for them. "

I have often thought of missionary work as a litmus test of my faith. Do I truly believe that this is the Lord's work. Believing that is also believing that He will help me. This is His work.

Jacob chapter 5 is an allegory. In it, the Lord is the "master of the vineyard." verse 61 is referring to this day and age. In it the master of the vineyard says this:

61 Wherefore, go to, and call servants, that we may labor diligently with our might in the vineyard, that we may prepare the way, that I may bring forth again the natural fruit, which natural fruit is good and the most precious above all other fruit.

I like the word "we". It reminds me that when I am engaged in this work, my companion is the Lord himself.

Ask What not Why

2008-10-11T12:28:00.000-07:00

A tragedy happened in our church last month. As members of our congregation stood around a tiny grave supporting a valiant couple that has had many struggles, only one thought was on our minds... Why?

Luckily this question was immediately addressed. Our kind-hearted and wise bishop made a statement that has burned a place into my thought pattern ever since. I have been searching to understand the meaning of his message, because though his words were simple, they contained such an element of peace and hope. He commented that when we are in a situation where all we can do is ask WHY, we must ask WHAT instead. What can we learn from this? What made us grow? What is God doing to help us through this? What could our passed loved ones tell us about where they are to give us hope?

This thought pattern has led to a very interesting perspective in my scripture study lately.

• 2 Nephi 2 "and out of weakness he shall be made strong."

-In this chapter Lehi, a prophet is giving his children his final message. At first glance, I saw only is sermon on the redemption, but looking closer, and asking myself that WHAT question, I saw something entirely different.

Verse 23 says "and they (Adam and Eve) would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery".

I feel the real message of this chapter was not my original thought pattern, but it is to explain that (vs 25) "men are that they might have joy". The only way for us to feel "joy" is to have experienced the exact opposite feelings, so we know what joy feels like. If we did not experience the range of emotions, we would be in a state of innocence, being unable to feel anything. When you think of a neighbor's pain, your family member's suffering, a personal sorrow, it becomes overwhelming... Unless you see WHAT purpose it has... These things are to enable us to feel JOY-because we know WHAT it is like not to feel it-we know real pain. (vs 14) God created "both things to act, and things to be acted upon." There is a purpose, and when God has a plan, it is only ever for us to ultimately feel joy (vs 12,13).

If you take a minute to open this chapter, and read it looking for this theme, you will find a spiritual feast!

Increase Simplicity, Increase Spirituality.

2008-10-10T06:07:00.000-07:00

Some highlights from Elder Perry's talk, "Let Him Do It With Simplicity"- from October 2008 General Conference.

"There are cycles of good and bad times, ups and downs, periods of joy and sadness, and times of plenty as well as scarcity. When our lives turn in an unanticipated and undesirable direction, sometimes we experience stress and anxiety. One of the challenges of this mortal experience is to not allow the stresses and strains of life to get the better of us—to endure the varied seasons of life while remaining positive, even optimistic."

Elder Perry repeats several times the phrase, "spiritual benefits of a simplified lifestyle". This made me think of life as a missionary. It was a very simple- no media of any kind- limited shopping and travel- same old clothes everyday- simple apartments- adequate sleep, and plenty of study. Great spiritual benefits. I do not wish to be so extreme, but I do think that increasing simplification can result in increased spirituality. So- this begs the question- where in my life can I reduce the complexity? ... I have already decided that having my kids in soccer and dance is too much- next year- no soccer. I don't watch more than an hour of television a day- but perhaps I could reduce even that- less TV- more reading. I don't know- what do you think? What are some ways of simplifying life?

Painting by Gloria's Graphics.

Vote Yes on Prop 8!

2008-10-10T05:44:00.000-07:00

I just wasn't cut out to be a homeschool mom- but I just might... vote yes on Prop 8! Same sex marriage is legal in Massachusetts, and watch this video to see how it effects our children's education.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1815820715/bctid1822459319

My lumped up scripture

2008-10-09T05:29:00.000-07:00

Every month I get to choose a new topic for my Book of Mormon class. Last Thursday I taught Helaman 5:12. Sometimes it is chapter, sometimes a group of chapters, sometimes a topic, and sometimes a verse. Any requests for next month? I am coming upon 3 Nephi 11 in my personal study- so I am considering that chapter.

Today- I am studying another way. Sometimes I like to look up all of the scriptures used in a good talk. The scriptures below were quoted or referred to in President Uchtdorf's talk he gave in the recent General Relief Society meeting. He chose a hand full of scriptures, it interests me to know which ones, and study them.

Isaiah 55:9

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

1 Nephi 11:17

17 And I said unto him: I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.

Moses 1:39

39 For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

2 Nephi 2:25

25 Adam fell that men might be; and men c, that they might have joy.

D&C 46:11-12

11 For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.

12 To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby.

D&C 81:5

5 Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.

Mosiah 18:9

9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—

Matthew 23:11

11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

D&C 90:24

24 Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good, if ye walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another.

D&C 6:20

20 Behold, thou art Oliver, and I have spoken unto thee because of thy desires; therefore treasure up these words in thy heart. Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love.

I then make a lumped together scripture for myself:

The Lord has better perspective on my life than I do. I need to search out his will for me and trust him. He loves me. It is his goal for me to return to him. He wants me to be happy. The Lord has given me talents and gifts. He has given me these for me to serve others. I should look for those in my life who need a hand, and give it to them. Strengthen others, lift others up, and stand as a witness of God. ( I promise to do this every week as I partake of the sacrament.). Be service oriented in my thoughts and actions. I need to search the scriptures, pray always, have faith in Christ, and remember the covenants I have made. When I do this, all things will work together for my good. (I LOVE that promise.)

Establishing Bible Authority

2008-10-08T05:57:00.000-07:00

On Sunday I went to church with my Grandfather. (I won't say which church- but to an non-LDS church.)

The people could not have been nicer, and the service was very nice too. The minister spoke on finding hope in life through Jesus Christ. I thought it was very good.

Sunday School I found particularly interesting. The topic for the day was "Establishing Bible Authority." That is topic never discussed in the LDS church, so I listened with keen interest.

The teacher was a very good teacher. He was an eighth grade teacher by profession. He had good style, and was interesting, as well as being well read. I liked him a lot.

I didn't make any comments- but I would like to comment here. The whole need for "establishing Bible authority." Is because different people will read the same passage of scripture and find different meanings and interpretations. Even the Bible they are studying, could very well be a different "version," with slightly different wording.

I wanted to say, "You sound an awful lot like Joseph Smith. He too was concerned about the teachers of religion of the different sects understanding the same passages of scripture so differently. In his mind this would destroy all confidence in settling questions by an appeal to the Bible."

The Sunday School teacher's conclusion was interesting. He completely disagreed with the phrase, and the entire idea of "Establishing Bible Authority." Instead, he said that you cannot understand a passage of scripture one way, and another person understand the passage of scripture a different way. One of you does not actually "understand" the passage. Again, I agreed with him.

-- But then the agreeing stopped for a minute- when he explained that "some people- who disagree with you (the person who "understands correctly" I assume) will say that they feel in the "heart" that it is not right. In his mind this was a "cop out." something that one might say who didn't really understand.

He did not suggest that personal revelation was a method in which to understand the scriptures- but rather that trusting the feelings of your heart was not correct, and intense study was the only method.

This is where I wanted to comment again. I wanted to show him a passage in James, chapter one, verse five, which says that if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, which giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him. God is the source of truth and wisdom, and yes, he does speak to us in our hearts. I know this, because he has he spoken to me. He has brought clarity and understanding to the scriptures for me.

I wanted to share with him, that I remember as a young girl, no more than ten years old, I was reading the scriptures in my father's den. I was reading the words, and felt very frustrated, because I didn't understand anything. I went to my mother, and expressed my frustrations. She didn't sit down with me, and try to help me understand the chapter or verse that was confusing me, but rather she taught me a life long lesson. She told me to go and pray, and that God would help me to understand. She told me that I must do this every time I read the scriptures, so that I will understand them. I did just that. I went back into the den, and knelt by the old office chair. In my simple way, I asked my Heavenly Father to help me understand what I was reading. I then sat down, and re-read what I had read previously. I don't remember the chapter, or subject that I read that day. But I do remember very well the happiness that I felt, as I was reading, and understood. At my young age, I did not understand because I had studied so much, and was so well read. I understood because the Lord taught me, in my heart.