Yesterday during our Christmas service, I sang with the congregation the beautiful Sacrament hymn (it was the one my young daughter thought so very long). At the bottom of the page, a scriptural reference caught my eye: JST Genesis 14:30-34.
My eyes grew wide as I turned to the reference and read it. How does a mother or a church family (or a nation) raise a generation with faith equal to this? Moses parted the red sea; Daniel had the faith to face lions. Many, many ancient prophets spoken of in the Bible had miracles that occurred. Faith precedes every miracle. How does a mother, or any of us really, raise a generation with that kind of faith?
I was praying this morning about this and the spirit whispered to me, "It begins with those who lead them." And I realized the veracity of this. If I as an adult, or we as a nation's group of parents, do not know the Lord ourselves, how can we teach of His goodness, grace, or power to our young?
Raising a generation full of faith and knowledge of God's abilities begins with those who do the raising.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Turning the Other Cheek
Christ taught that we are to "turn the other cheek" when struck by an enemy. In other words, we are not to retaliate. Today I was reading in Doctrine and Covenants 98 and was struck by these words:
"And I give unto you a commandment, that ye shall forsake all evil and cleave unto all good, that ye shall live by every word which proceedeth forth out of the mouth of God."And I realized: unless I'm studying the scriptures and feasting on them, I'm not so sure I--on my own--have the power to be kind in the face of ugliness. I need the Lord and studying His words strengthens me, even in the hard things (see Philippians 4:13).
Friday, November 21, 2008
The Purpose of Prophecy
This quote is quite instructive:
In other words, to quote the hymn: "Who's on the Lord's side, who?" No matter what. Will we be true to Him till death, even without immediate reward? Thus, again, to quote the statement above: "Life on earth was designed for our education and testing."
"The purpose of prophecy is frequently misunderstood. It is not the Lord's purpose to completely remove the veil which guards the future. Too much prophecy would defeat the plan of salvation. Life on earth was designed for our education and testing." (W. Cleon Skousen, Prophecy and Modern Times, 5)If all were revealed, where would be the testing? For example, we read in the Pearl of Great Price the words of the Lord:
We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell; And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them." (Abraham 3:24-25, see also Genesis 1:26)If sin's effects were immediately felt, why would anyone choose anything but purity? But instead, if the results are delayed in coming, we then are more free to choose whether in principle we will follow our Father in Heaven's counsel...even if it brings no immediate gift.
In other words, to quote the hymn: "Who's on the Lord's side, who?" No matter what. Will we be true to Him till death, even without immediate reward? Thus, again, to quote the statement above: "Life on earth was designed for our education and testing."
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Christ's Way
Here is how to face those that mock and scorn:
It is in times like these that I think on the Savior who knew full well the eventual outcome of all He faced. It would be glorious, both on the earth and in the eternities. Here is a sample of what awaits:
I hid not my face from shame and spitting.The First Presidency has asked those in California to stand up and be counted, supporting Proposition 8. What could be a clearer request? Yet to do so may engage some to mock and actually be mean.
For the Lord God will help me, therefore shall I not be confounded... (2 Nephi 7:6
It is in times like these that I think on the Savior who knew full well the eventual outcome of all He faced. It would be glorious, both on the earth and in the eternities. Here is a sample of what awaits:
For the Lord shall comfort Zion, he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving and the voice of melody.If we fear and tremble in the face of anger, animosity and persecution, we can know that Jesus Christ faced the same. He showed the way of how to handle it; we can too...with His help.
Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation; for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light for the people.
My righteousness is near.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
A Verse of Encouragement
When all looks too dark, too bleak, too discouraging, here is a great verse to remember. The Lord said:
I will not suffer that they shall destroy my work; yea, I will show unto them that my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil (D&C 10:43).Even if things look lost, they are not when the Lord is the One in charge. We need not fear, for He will prevail in His own time, way, and manner.
The Anger Response
I remember a woman in a busy place who shoved past me and then yelled at me for being in the way. I immediately felt angry at her response. After all, she was the one that pushed me; why then was she yelling at me?
Truth be known, I wish I'd handled the situation better. I wish I'd smiled at her and had oozed kindness. She obviously was not in a happy place herself, having to rush like she was. Today I hope I would handle this scenario better. After all, I'm older and hopefully less likely to judge and rush to a response myself.
Situations like these remind me of a story from the Book of Mormon. Two groups of people, the Lamanites and the Nephites, were at odds. The Nephites knew much more of Christ and when they were living according to that knowledge, His grace was upon them. As a result, their enemies (the Lamanites) generally were mollified and rarely attacked. But sometimes their enemies still came upon them and it was the Nephites' necessary choice to determine how to handle the challenge.
One such scenario is recorded in the Book of Mormon in Alma 24. When the Lamanites come upon a particularly valiant group of believers, those individuals (called Anti-Nephi-Lehies) chose to suffer death rather than to defend themselves. They did this because prior to their conversion to Christ, they had been blood-thirsty and had murdered many. Therefore, being frightened at their previous choices and wanting to remain pure in Christ, they had buried their swords and made a covenant with the Lord never to take the life of God's children again. Their previous murdering habits disgusted them.
Here is one set of verses from the account:
I think on this as I ponder the "peaceful demonstrations" being held at the "large Mormon temple" in Oakland by those who support the defeat of Proposition 8. I ponder on the response of the church members as they have to drive past the leering and screaming of those protestors. I pray for all the people involved as the vote on Proposition 8 comes closer. But I think on how essential it is that we have gentle responses toward our enemies.
Why are gentle responses usually necessary, at least in most cases? Because of what the Lord taught in Luke 6:35-36:
I may not have this learned completely. But Michelle Worley obviously has. Her experience on the frontlines with this Proposition 8 experience is beautiful. You can read more about what she's done by clicking here.
Truth be known, I wish I'd handled the situation better. I wish I'd smiled at her and had oozed kindness. She obviously was not in a happy place herself, having to rush like she was. Today I hope I would handle this scenario better. After all, I'm older and hopefully less likely to judge and rush to a response myself.
Situations like these remind me of a story from the Book of Mormon. Two groups of people, the Lamanites and the Nephites, were at odds. The Nephites knew much more of Christ and when they were living according to that knowledge, His grace was upon them. As a result, their enemies (the Lamanites) generally were mollified and rarely attacked. But sometimes their enemies still came upon them and it was the Nephites' necessary choice to determine how to handle the challenge.
One such scenario is recorded in the Book of Mormon in Alma 24. When the Lamanites come upon a particularly valiant group of believers, those individuals (called Anti-Nephi-Lehies) chose to suffer death rather than to defend themselves. They did this because prior to their conversion to Christ, they had been blood-thirsty and had murdered many. Therefore, being frightened at their previous choices and wanting to remain pure in Christ, they had buried their swords and made a covenant with the Lord never to take the life of God's children again. Their previous murdering habits disgusted them.
Here is one set of verses from the account:
Now when the people saw that they [their enemies] were coming against them they went out to meet them, and prostrated themselves before them to the earth, and began to call on the name of the Lord; and thus they were in this attitude when the Lamanites began to fall upon them, and began to slay them with the sword.Can you imagine fearing your old sins so greatly that you would die rather than repeat them? That is the situation here. And yet all is not lost. Their enemies were so stung by this act of humility that here is their response:
And thus without meeting any resistance, they did slay a thousand and five of them; and we know that they are blessed, for they have gone to dwell with their God(Alma 24:21-22).
Now when the Lamanites saw this they did forbear from slaying them; and there were many whose hearts had swollen in them for those of their brethren who had fallen under the sword, for they repented of the things which they had done.Because of the purity of intent of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies, additional people were blessed.
And it came to pass that they threw down their weapons of war, and they would not take them again, for they were stung for the murders which they had committed; and they came down even as their brethren, relying upon the mercies of those whose arms were lifted to slay them.
And it came to pass that the people of God were joined that day by more than the number who had been slain;
And there...were more than a thousand brought to the knowledge of the truth; thus we see that the Lord worketh in many ways to the salvation of his people(Alma 24:23-26).
I think on this as I ponder the "peaceful demonstrations" being held at the "large Mormon temple" in Oakland by those who support the defeat of Proposition 8. I ponder on the response of the church members as they have to drive past the leering and screaming of those protestors. I pray for all the people involved as the vote on Proposition 8 comes closer. But I think on how essential it is that we have gentle responses toward our enemies.
Why are gentle responses usually necessary, at least in most cases? Because of what the Lord taught in Luke 6:35-36:
But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.We're not Christians simply because we say we are; we are full Christians when we act as Christ would in the various settings we find ourselves. And the conversions will come, just as they came when the Anti-Nephi-Lehies laid down their lives rather than mirror back hatred toward their offenders. Remember, to "be merciful" means to extend mercy in the face of offense -- rather than an angry response.
Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful
I may not have this learned completely. But Michelle Worley obviously has. Her experience on the frontlines with this Proposition 8 experience is beautiful. You can read more about what she's done by clicking here.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
The Mercurial World We Live In
How mercurial* today's troubled world is! Yet look at what the Lord has waiting for us! (Aren't scriptures awesome?)
In Joseph Smith-History 1:29:
When we are in full fellowship with God, exploring our relationship with Him, it becomes much easier to know that He answers ALL our sincere prayers. It takes time to learn this process, but when we truly seek Him we grow in confidence--absolute awareness--that the Lord hears us. It may be mysterious to those who have not chosen to engage in this. But for those who have, they know with certainty that the Lord responds, not always in the same manner, but that He really does answer all earnest prayers.
In the Book of Mormon in the book of Alma we read about the word of God being compared to a seed (see Alma 32:28). If we plant the seed (the word of God) in our hearts and do not resist it, then it will grow. We begin to notice the goodness of the seed (the word of God) and its impact in our lives, much like a beautiful shade tree. We begin to feel the expanding of our souls and natures from it. But then these three verses contain a warning:
* Mercurial: volatile, fickle
In Joseph Smith-History 1:29:
"...after I had retired to my bed for the night, I betook myself to prayer and supplication to Almighty God...that I might know of my state and standing before him; for I had full confidence in obtaining a divine manifestation, as I previously had one.
When we are in full fellowship with God, exploring our relationship with Him, it becomes much easier to know that He answers ALL our sincere prayers. It takes time to learn this process, but when we truly seek Him we grow in confidence--absolute awareness--that the Lord hears us. It may be mysterious to those who have not chosen to engage in this. But for those who have, they know with certainty that the Lord responds, not always in the same manner, but that He really does answer all earnest prayers.
In the Book of Mormon in the book of Alma we read about the word of God being compared to a seed (see Alma 32:28). If we plant the seed (the word of God) in our hearts and do not resist it, then it will grow. We begin to notice the goodness of the seed (the word of God) and its impact in our lives, much like a beautiful shade tree. We begin to feel the expanding of our souls and natures from it. But then these three verses contain a warning:
"But if ye neglect the tree, and take no thought for its nourishment, behold it will not get any root; and when the heat of the sun cometh and scorcheth it, because it hath no root it withers away, and ye pluck it up and cast it out.That particular chapter of scripture goes on to say, though, what beauty awaits us if we DO bring the word of God into our lives. We do so by planting it as a seed within our hearts using...
"Now this is not because the seed was not good, neither is it because the fruit thereof would not be desirable; but it is because...ye will not nourish the tree, therefore ye cannot have the fruit thereof.
"And thus, if ye will not nourish the word, looking forward with an eye of faith to the fruit thereof, ye can never pluck of the fruit of the tree of life" (Alma 32:38-40).
"...great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, [then] it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life...and ye shall feast upon this fruit even until ye are filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst" (Alma 32:41-42).This is what Christ taught when He said:
"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled" (Matthew 5:6)and...
"...he that cometh to me shall never hunger..."John 6:35).The world may be mercurial, but the Lord has rest for our souls...and that rest can be found in the word of God.
* Mercurial: volatile, fickle
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Knock and It Shall Be Opened!
I decided last night to use the Index in the scriptures to study the topic, "Knock." And it led me to this story in Luke 11:5-8.
Part 1 of the story:
So we have a person going to a friend's house in the middle of the night for three loaves of bread. Now, think on this. I can imagine waking a friend for many important reasons, but for three loaves of bread?
Part 2 of the story. Christ continues. He quotes the midnight visitor as giving this reason for waking his friend:
Forget the inconvenience of the midnight hour. Forget that the individual is not prepared. What is interesting is the response of the friend woken at this unusual hour.
Part 3 of the story.
A pretty normal response, wouldn't you say? Yet look what the Savior adds in his telling of this story of this request. Part 4.
And from this part forward, Christ teaches his listeners an important principle with these words:
I LOVE this story and passage of scripture! For several reasons I love it. For example, we might be asking amiss due to the timing of our request (waiting too long = midnight hour), but the Lord will still hearken and help!
Additionally, maybe our relationship with the Lord isn't that great -- referencing the woken individual would not have responded because of the level of friendship, but did respond due to the "importunity" (the urgent and persistent nature of the request). How similar God is! The message of the story is that our Father in Heaven is the same. Even though we are imperfect (maybe we previously haven't sought the Lord's companionship enough), but when we do importune Him, He will respond to our urgent and persistent requests.
The Savior taught this principle consistently through His words and His example. And that is why I love this story. For me, it teaches the veritable essence of petitioning our God for His care. We may have been short-sighted, we may not have sought Him before. But as Christ teaches so well in this story and the follow-up commentary on it, sincere prayer is ALWAYS heard by our Father in Heaven. Knock and it shall be opened!
Part 1 of the story:
And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves.
So we have a person going to a friend's house in the middle of the night for three loaves of bread. Now, think on this. I can imagine waking a friend for many important reasons, but for three loaves of bread?
Part 2 of the story. Christ continues. He quotes the midnight visitor as giving this reason for waking his friend:
'For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?'
Forget the inconvenience of the midnight hour. Forget that the individual is not prepared. What is interesting is the response of the friend woken at this unusual hour.
Part 3 of the story.
And he from within shall answer and say, 'Trouble me not; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.'
A pretty normal response, wouldn't you say? Yet look what the Savior adds in his telling of this story of this request. Part 4.
I say unto you, 'Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.'
And from this part forward, Christ teaches his listeners an important principle with these words:
And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?Luke 11:5-13
I LOVE this story and passage of scripture! For several reasons I love it. For example, we might be asking amiss due to the timing of our request (waiting too long = midnight hour), but the Lord will still hearken and help!
Additionally, maybe our relationship with the Lord isn't that great -- referencing the woken individual would not have responded because of the level of friendship, but did respond due to the "importunity" (the urgent and persistent nature of the request). How similar God is! The message of the story is that our Father in Heaven is the same. Even though we are imperfect (maybe we previously haven't sought the Lord's companionship enough), but when we do importune Him, He will respond to our urgent and persistent requests.
The Savior taught this principle consistently through His words and His example. And that is why I love this story. For me, it teaches the veritable essence of petitioning our God for His care. We may have been short-sighted, we may not have sought Him before. But as Christ teaches so well in this story and the follow-up commentary on it, sincere prayer is ALWAYS heard by our Father in Heaven. Knock and it shall be opened!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Steadfastness in Christ
I've had guests for the past little bit, plus a few family trips. Family trumps blogging for me. :0)
But now I'm back. And today I was reading in the Book of Mormon, studying the topic of "hope." Hope seems to be dying for many people. With the stock market implosion, crazy food prices, etc., stress is increasing. Yet all the while, the Savior is extending His hands to help calm and heal people's hearts.
Here's the scripture for me today to think on throughout the day. It's beautiful. And notice the parallelism within it. It's found in 2 Nephi 31:20:
Compare the two phrases. I LOVE these:
Phrase 1) "...press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope..."
Phrase 2) "...press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end..."
Within this little verse contains powerful advise on how to meet the perils of the day (see Paul's words in the New Testament). When we do the following, we are able to endure and be led by the bright light of hope which emanates from the Savior Himself!
But now I'm back. And today I was reading in the Book of Mormon, studying the topic of "hope." Hope seems to be dying for many people. With the stock market implosion, crazy food prices, etc., stress is increasing. Yet all the while, the Savior is extending His hands to help calm and heal people's hearts.
Here's the scripture for me today to think on throughout the day. It's beautiful. And notice the parallelism within it. It's found in 2 Nephi 31:20:
20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a asteadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of bhope, and a clove of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and dendure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eeternal life.
Compare the two phrases. I LOVE these:
Phrase 1) "...press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope..."
Phrase 2) "...press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end..."
Within this little verse contains powerful advise on how to meet the perils of the day (see Paul's words in the New Testament). When we do the following, we are able to endure and be led by the bright light of hope which emanates from the Savior Himself!
- Press forward. In other words, we keep moving onward not relying on our own understanding of events (which otherwise might prove too frightening).
- Steadfastness in Christ. Christ cannot be rocked by today's events. He was unperturbed at having nails pounded through his flesh or being whipped or nailed to a cross. He is not perturbed today. Instead He has a plan of salvation for all of us if we will just receive Him and His intentions and gift of grace. His will not be moved and if/when we rely on Him, we then also can be steadfast.
- Having a perfect brightness of hope = feasting upon the word of Christ. From the verse mentioned above, for me these two individual phrases are linked in parallelism. For me, "feasting upon the word of Christ" IS how we obtain (and then continue) in a perfect brightness of hope. The word of Christ is a "lamp unto [our] feet" (see Psalm 119:105). When all hope is gone, He and His word still contain the power to light our way in this murky and confusing world.
- Having a perfect brightness of hope = endur[ing] to the end. Hope enables us to endure; discouragement encourages us to quit. Enduring to the end, then, is enabled by feasting on the word and remaining steadfast in Christ. We are able to be steadfast in Christ when we know Him; we get to know Him by feasting on the word. Isn't it an amazing loop and scripture?
Thursday, October 2, 2008
How can any reasonable person...
I'm sorry, but how can any reasonable person think like this...
Just had to post this, because I'm livid. What is our world coming to that we would kill living babies? And Obama was the only senator to support this during this vote. Unbelievable.
OK, back to our regularly scheduled tame discussions on scripture.
Just had to post this, because I'm livid. What is our world coming to that we would kill living babies? And Obama was the only senator to support this during this vote. Unbelievable.
OK, back to our regularly scheduled tame discussions on scripture.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Being Imperfect
My little seven-year-old son got very frustrated with himself last night for making a mistake. I suppose the nature of the mistake is not so important as is the anger he felt toward himself. But to make a point, I'll share what he'd done. He thought the event was worse, much worse, than I did.
Unbeknownst to me, he'd been playing around with my sewing machine, turning knobs and buttons and all kinds of gizmos. Later when I went to sew something, the needle broke down inside the machine due to his "scientific experiments" he'd been making. The result was a large piece of the needle submerged and well-stuck down inside a rather expensive sewing machine. :0)
In the realm of eternity, this was a rather small event. But I couldn't seem to help him see that. We talked about how when we make a mistake we need to make sure to fix it. But we don't need to writhe with all kinds of self-loathings. Soon enough, with the help of some tweezers, I got the needle out and everything was ready to sew.
I thought on this this morning as I was reading in D&C 49:8:
The cross reference to this scripture took me to Galatians 3:22:
And cross-referencing THAT I came to Mosiah 16:1-2 in the Book of Mormon:
This is what I tried to explain to my son who last night perfectly fit the howling description from this scripture. He is a little guy who cares very much about things and is very hard on himself when he falters. But the Lord knew when He sent us to earth we would make mistakes. All of us would make mistakes; only Jesus Christ is perfect and whole. I reminded my son that it is not so much whether or not we would make mistakes in our sojourn here on earth (it's obvious we do and will). What matters, I told him, is what we do after we've realized we have made a mistake.
In the scripture above, only those who refuse to hearken to the Lord are those that need fear, tremble, howl, or even gnash teeth - simply because they will be spending an eternity without Him. On the other hand, those who do desire to live Christ-like lives, do not need to howl if they are hearkening to the voice of the Lord daily and are following the plan He laid out. In so doing, we avoid SO many mistakes, but for those mistakes that still snag us, we have hope. We have the Savior Jesus Christ who came to save all those who would put their trust in Him and have Him be their Redeemer from the sin that so easily besets us, and even the little mistakes that distract us.
THIS is what I tried to explain to my distraught little son last night. It is not so much the mistake as it is what we do after we realize we made a mistake. If we turn to the Lord in our imperfections and seek to do all we can to better our choices, then all is well. For indeed, He died to save us all. His plan is perfect; His grace is mighty; He is powerful to save. Big mistake or small, He can redeem us all if we choose Him, hearken to His word, and strive to do better each time we fall.
My little boy is learning all this; in fact, just this morning he reminded me again of what he learned last night. Oh, isn't it wonderful to know of Christ and all He's done! It lifts the load of fear, discouragement,...and even howling. :0)
Unbeknownst to me, he'd been playing around with my sewing machine, turning knobs and buttons and all kinds of gizmos. Later when I went to sew something, the needle broke down inside the machine due to his "scientific experiments" he'd been making. The result was a large piece of the needle submerged and well-stuck down inside a rather expensive sewing machine. :0)
In the realm of eternity, this was a rather small event. But I couldn't seem to help him see that. We talked about how when we make a mistake we need to make sure to fix it. But we don't need to writhe with all kinds of self-loathings. Soon enough, with the help of some tweezers, I got the needle out and everything was ready to sew.
I thought on this this morning as I was reading in D&C 49:8:
Wherefore, I will that all men shall repent, for all are under sin, except those which I have reserved unto myself, holy men that ye know not of.
The cross reference to this scripture took me to Galatians 3:22:
But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
And cross-referencing THAT I came to Mosiah 16:1-2 in the Book of Mormon:
And now it came to pass that after Abinadi had spoken these words he stretched forth his hand and said: The time shall come when all shall see the salvation of the Lord; when every nation, kindred, tongue, and people shall see eye to eye and shall confess before God that his judgments are just.
And then shall the wicked be cast out, and they shall have cause to howl, and weep, and wail, and gnash their teeth; and this because they would not hearken unto the voice of the Lord; therefore the Lord redeemeth them not (emphasis added).
This is what I tried to explain to my son who last night perfectly fit the howling description from this scripture. He is a little guy who cares very much about things and is very hard on himself when he falters. But the Lord knew when He sent us to earth we would make mistakes. All of us would make mistakes; only Jesus Christ is perfect and whole. I reminded my son that it is not so much whether or not we would make mistakes in our sojourn here on earth (it's obvious we do and will). What matters, I told him, is what we do after we've realized we have made a mistake.
In the scripture above, only those who refuse to hearken to the Lord are those that need fear, tremble, howl, or even gnash teeth - simply because they will be spending an eternity without Him. On the other hand, those who do desire to live Christ-like lives, do not need to howl if they are hearkening to the voice of the Lord daily and are following the plan He laid out. In so doing, we avoid SO many mistakes, but for those mistakes that still snag us, we have hope. We have the Savior Jesus Christ who came to save all those who would put their trust in Him and have Him be their Redeemer from the sin that so easily besets us, and even the little mistakes that distract us.
THIS is what I tried to explain to my distraught little son last night. It is not so much the mistake as it is what we do after we realize we made a mistake. If we turn to the Lord in our imperfections and seek to do all we can to better our choices, then all is well. For indeed, He died to save us all. His plan is perfect; His grace is mighty; He is powerful to save. Big mistake or small, He can redeem us all if we choose Him, hearken to His word, and strive to do better each time we fall.
My little boy is learning all this; in fact, just this morning he reminded me again of what he learned last night. Oh, isn't it wonderful to know of Christ and all He's done! It lifts the load of fear, discouragement,...and even howling. :0)
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Deliverment from Bondage
Is "deliverment" really a word? Don't know; I kind of made it up. But when you're suffering from bondage of any kind, does it really matter as long as it comes?
I was reading today in the Book of Mormon (specifically Mosiah 24; link included below) about Alma and his people. They were victims under harsh treatment from their enemies. Alma had been present during the martyrdom of Abinadi. Alma had heard Abinadi witnessing of the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ. Alma accepted that witness, and because he believed faced certain death. As a result, Alma fled to preserve his life and to witness to others the good news of the gospel. He sought out the honest in heart in his society and together formed a small band of believers who worshipped in quiet safety. Later on, when discovered by the wicked, they all fled to a new land to build a new life.
But enter in the deceiver through the form of an old friend (and still wicked priest), Amulon. Amulon discovered Alma and his people while lost himself with the dreaded enemy people, the Lamanites. Being placed in a position of power over Alma and his people, Amulon soon grew tired of Alma's (and the other's) great faith in Christ. He ordered death to any who prayed.
Can you imagine being cut off from prayer? If you can't pray one way, you can pray another. So this small band of believers continued to importune the Lord - not by raising their voices, but by pouring out their hearts to Him. Thus, the Lord blessed these people as they struggled under anti-Christian bondage. His response came:
As I think of the events of the past few weeks, banks failing, "Feds" rushing in, the government now owning pieces of what used to be free enterprise, mortgages failing, people beginning to bear crushing burdens of financial mishaps, the weight of it all is difficult to bear. The scriptures state that in the last days, "men's" hearts (referring to mankind in general) will fail them.
What is the definition of bondage, after all is said and done? Dictionaries will state bondage to be: involuntary servitude, being subjected to external power or control, or loss of personal power due to the control of a superior. (This all sounds an awful lot like something Lucifer would be interested in!)
Regardless of the type of bondage referred to (whether physical bondage or emotional such as addictions to porn, etc.), the Lord never intended His children to be slaves to others. And so when this occurs, He of course is interested in aiding His children. But He will not force Himself on others, because to put others under "external power or control" is contrary to His nature. No, instead we must petition Him for aid ... and He will hear and bring that aid.
In the course of Alma and his people's situation, as soon as they petitioned Him for help [i.e. "...so great were their afflictions that they began to cry mightily to God..." and in another verse "...[they] did pour out their hearts to him..." (Mosiah 24:10, 12)] what was the result? That result can be found in the verse listed above, where the Lord states that He accepts all those who would covenant with Him. He not only strengthens His children during the time of difficult bondage, but He is happy to aid "deliverment" to lost souls!
The important thing that Alma and his people remembered was that the Lord had (and has) a perfect plan and a perfect timetable. We must remember, like Alma's people did, that He can be perfectly trusted. For some reason in the Lord's infinite goodness and wisdom, He did not deliver them immediately from the bondage wherein Amulon forced them to serve. But He did deliver them. To see how, read Mosiah 24.
I guess my point in all this is that our scenarios in 2008 may not be much different in overall impact from that felt by Alma and his people. Oh, we may not have actual Amulon's in our lives (but then again we might). We may not have guards surrounding us to ensure our captivity continues (but then again we might). The point is that emotional or physical bondage of any kind is a non-Godlike thing ... and the Bible with the Book of Mormon together contain such powerful accounts of the Lord's willingness to rescue us - if we will just turn to Him and then be willing to wait for His rescue.
I was reading today in the Book of Mormon (specifically Mosiah 24; link included below) about Alma and his people. They were victims under harsh treatment from their enemies. Alma had been present during the martyrdom of Abinadi. Alma had heard Abinadi witnessing of the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ. Alma accepted that witness, and because he believed faced certain death. As a result, Alma fled to preserve his life and to witness to others the good news of the gospel. He sought out the honest in heart in his society and together formed a small band of believers who worshipped in quiet safety. Later on, when discovered by the wicked, they all fled to a new land to build a new life.
But enter in the deceiver through the form of an old friend (and still wicked priest), Amulon. Amulon discovered Alma and his people while lost himself with the dreaded enemy people, the Lamanites. Being placed in a position of power over Alma and his people, Amulon soon grew tired of Alma's (and the other's) great faith in Christ. He ordered death to any who prayed.
Can you imagine being cut off from prayer? If you can't pray one way, you can pray another. So this small band of believers continued to importune the Lord - not by raising their voices, but by pouring out their hearts to Him. Thus, the Lord blessed these people as they struggled under anti-Christian bondage. His response came:
Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.
As I think of the events of the past few weeks, banks failing, "Feds" rushing in, the government now owning pieces of what used to be free enterprise, mortgages failing, people beginning to bear crushing burdens of financial mishaps, the weight of it all is difficult to bear. The scriptures state that in the last days, "men's" hearts (referring to mankind in general) will fail them.
What is the definition of bondage, after all is said and done? Dictionaries will state bondage to be: involuntary servitude, being subjected to external power or control, or loss of personal power due to the control of a superior. (This all sounds an awful lot like something Lucifer would be interested in!)
Regardless of the type of bondage referred to (whether physical bondage or emotional such as addictions to porn, etc.), the Lord never intended His children to be slaves to others. And so when this occurs, He of course is interested in aiding His children. But He will not force Himself on others, because to put others under "external power or control" is contrary to His nature. No, instead we must petition Him for aid ... and He will hear and bring that aid.
In the course of Alma and his people's situation, as soon as they petitioned Him for help [i.e. "...so great were their afflictions that they began to cry mightily to God..." and in another verse "...[they] did pour out their hearts to him..." (Mosiah 24:10, 12)] what was the result? That result can be found in the verse listed above, where the Lord states that He accepts all those who would covenant with Him. He not only strengthens His children during the time of difficult bondage, but He is happy to aid "deliverment" to lost souls!
The important thing that Alma and his people remembered was that the Lord had (and has) a perfect plan and a perfect timetable. We must remember, like Alma's people did, that He can be perfectly trusted. For some reason in the Lord's infinite goodness and wisdom, He did not deliver them immediately from the bondage wherein Amulon forced them to serve. But He did deliver them. To see how, read Mosiah 24.
I guess my point in all this is that our scenarios in 2008 may not be much different in overall impact from that felt by Alma and his people. Oh, we may not have actual Amulon's in our lives (but then again we might). We may not have guards surrounding us to ensure our captivity continues (but then again we might). The point is that emotional or physical bondage of any kind is a non-Godlike thing ... and the Bible with the Book of Mormon together contain such powerful accounts of the Lord's willingness to rescue us - if we will just turn to Him and then be willing to wait for His rescue.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Scriptures Contain Such Potent Insights
Some amazing scripture this morning. I was reading in D&C 82 and the very first scripture struck me from the get go...
And I thought how reflexive life is. What we do to others can come back to us. And with regards to forgiveness, the measure of mercy we extend toward others, the Lord reveals back to us in perfect mirror form.
An example just occurred yesterday between my children. My sweet teenage daughter felt frustrated with her younger sibling. Why? Because he was mirroring faces she hadn't made to him that day exactly, but they were the exact faces she used to make to him a year ago.
"But mom, I don't make those faces at him anymore!" she cried.
"I know, honey, but guess what? This seems to be a good example of 'what you do comes back to you.'" I said, smiling wanly. Then I went off to talk to my youngest.
The Lord taught this principle during His sojourn on the earth. The Old Testament also states it. And today I was reading it in the Doctrine and Covenants. Yesterday, I was looking at a perfect modern example of it from my kids. I've seen it in other experiences, both unfortunate ones and positive ones. It is a principle that functions in this life, a truism.
But that truism generally takes time to become apparent as a truth. That is why, I guess, so many people think they can "do-to-others" whatever the heck they want, not thinking that some day it will come back to snarl at them. "But man, I don't do that to others any more," they might say. Or better yet, "How dare you!" when someone else clips them off on the highway.
This life seems to be one big compassion test. And the scriptures are full of both compassionate counsel and stern warnings as to mortality and the wise use of it. D&C 82:1 is a perfect example of one of the compassionate phrases in the scriptures..."Verily, verily, I say unto you, my servants, that inasmuch as you have forgiven one another your trespasses, even so I, the Lord, forgive you (emphasis added)." He doesn't need to forgive us. But He does, if we forgive others.
Of course, not all bad things come as consequence of something "bad" we did. There are freak incidences of crime (for example, I had a dear friend whose husband was beaten and left for dead on a remote highway without him ever having done this to someone else.) Mortality, after all, would not be a test in faith if everything were functioning as a perfect equal sign.
But there are some things we can avoid or even select to receive through choice. And apparently, forgiveness is one of them. The Lord appears to waits first to see if we will manifest towards others what one day we might very much hope for - even plead for - ourselves: forgiveness.
Scriptures contain such potent insights.
(Verse 1) Verily, verily, I say unto you, my servants, that inasmuch as you have forgiven one another your trespasses, even so I, the Lord, forgive you.
And I thought how reflexive life is. What we do to others can come back to us. And with regards to forgiveness, the measure of mercy we extend toward others, the Lord reveals back to us in perfect mirror form.
An example just occurred yesterday between my children. My sweet teenage daughter felt frustrated with her younger sibling. Why? Because he was mirroring faces she hadn't made to him that day exactly, but they were the exact faces she used to make to him a year ago.
"But mom, I don't make those faces at him anymore!" she cried.
"I know, honey, but guess what? This seems to be a good example of 'what you do comes back to you.'" I said, smiling wanly. Then I went off to talk to my youngest.
The Lord taught this principle during His sojourn on the earth. The Old Testament also states it. And today I was reading it in the Doctrine and Covenants. Yesterday, I was looking at a perfect modern example of it from my kids. I've seen it in other experiences, both unfortunate ones and positive ones. It is a principle that functions in this life, a truism.
But that truism generally takes time to become apparent as a truth. That is why, I guess, so many people think they can "do-to-others" whatever the heck they want, not thinking that some day it will come back to snarl at them. "But man, I don't do that to others any more," they might say. Or better yet, "How dare you!" when someone else clips them off on the highway.
This life seems to be one big compassion test. And the scriptures are full of both compassionate counsel and stern warnings as to mortality and the wise use of it. D&C 82:1 is a perfect example of one of the compassionate phrases in the scriptures..."Verily, verily, I say unto you, my servants, that inasmuch as you have forgiven one another your trespasses, even so I, the Lord, forgive you (emphasis added)." He doesn't need to forgive us. But He does, if we forgive others.
Of course, not all bad things come as consequence of something "bad" we did. There are freak incidences of crime (for example, I had a dear friend whose husband was beaten and left for dead on a remote highway without him ever having done this to someone else.) Mortality, after all, would not be a test in faith if everything were functioning as a perfect equal sign.
But there are some things we can avoid or even select to receive through choice. And apparently, forgiveness is one of them. The Lord appears to waits first to see if we will manifest towards others what one day we might very much hope for - even plead for - ourselves: forgiveness.
Scriptures contain such potent insights.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Being Contrary
I was reading today in the Book of Mormon about corrupt judges railing against a man who spoke for the Lord. The man's name was Nephi. He was witnessing about Christ, goodness, and also against the destructive evil that was present in their society (and in the judges' hearts). If you want to read more about the story, it is in Helaman 8.
But the part that struck me within this whole account was this verse, especially the bolded part:
And I thought about my own verbiage. Do I ever say things which would displease the Lord or which would be contrary to what He would say or do? Most importantly, what are the interactions like with the people closest to me...my family.
I remember as a young kid, my mother saying to all of us kids, "Why is it easier for you to be nice to your friends than to your family?" That really stuck with me. And so through the years, I noticed this seemed to be a prevailing issue with many people. Who they were outside of the home was sometimes different than what might be inside their home.
And so ever since those young years, when my mother said that comment, I started noticing...and trying to change. And that's why today, when I read the scriptural reference to Nephi's strength and valor regarding his verbiage, it was one more clarion call to make sure my words please the Lord and are in alignment with His will.
I love the scriptures and how they teach such pure principles. Not easy-to-live-principles, but truly awesome ones!
But the part that struck me within this whole account was this verse, especially the bolded part:
For behold, Nephi had spoken unto them concerning the corruptness of their law; yea, many things did Nephi speak which cannot be written; and nothing did he speak which was contrary to the commandments of God.
And I thought about my own verbiage. Do I ever say things which would displease the Lord or which would be contrary to what He would say or do? Most importantly, what are the interactions like with the people closest to me...my family.
I remember as a young kid, my mother saying to all of us kids, "Why is it easier for you to be nice to your friends than to your family?" That really stuck with me. And so through the years, I noticed this seemed to be a prevailing issue with many people. Who they were outside of the home was sometimes different than what might be inside their home.
And so ever since those young years, when my mother said that comment, I started noticing...and trying to change. And that's why today, when I read the scriptural reference to Nephi's strength and valor regarding his verbiage, it was one more clarion call to make sure my words please the Lord and are in alignment with His will.
I love the scriptures and how they teach such pure principles. Not easy-to-live-principles, but truly awesome ones!
Friday, September 19, 2008
Idols Unto Ourselves
I was studying in the Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith manual this morning. On page 252 in chapter 21 I read a reference to Habakkuk 2 in the Old Testament. The reference actually was to verse 4, referring to "the just shall live by his faith." But as I continued onward in that particular chapter, I was struck with how easily men and women can become idols unto themselves. How our choices--ones we think are so wise or great--are really short-sighted...and if we'd counseled with the Lord in the first place, we would have chosen differently.
For example, verse 9:
Instead of looking to God for deliverance, this verse refers to humans who believe they know best and set about their pre-determined tasks/beliefs in order to deliver themselves. Yet it is Christ who has the power to deliver us completely from evil!
Instead of creating self as deliverer or things as deliverers, the truth of the matter is in the final verse of Habakkuk (verse 20):
Sometimes I feel so sad how easily I begin making my own plans, setting my own distances for trodding the day, instead of always referring to and conferring with the Lord. Perhaps, as Habakkuk suggests, I should keep more silent in my way and look to the Lord first to see what His counsel might be; I think my days would go much better!
Oh, how I love the scriptures. They point out to me my errant ways. And rather than be discouraged when or how I might err, instead to remember Habakkuk 2:1:
I'm learning that attitude when corrected shows much. :0)
For example, verse 9:
Woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil.
Instead of looking to God for deliverance, this verse refers to humans who believe they know best and set about their pre-determined tasks/beliefs in order to deliver themselves. Yet it is Christ who has the power to deliver us completely from evil!
Instead of creating self as deliverer or things as deliverers, the truth of the matter is in the final verse of Habakkuk (verse 20):
But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him.
Sometimes I feel so sad how easily I begin making my own plans, setting my own distances for trodding the day, instead of always referring to and conferring with the Lord. Perhaps, as Habakkuk suggests, I should keep more silent in my way and look to the Lord first to see what His counsel might be; I think my days would go much better!
Oh, how I love the scriptures. They point out to me my errant ways. And rather than be discouraged when or how I might err, instead to remember Habakkuk 2:1:
I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.
I'm learning that attitude when corrected shows much. :0)
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Continue in Supplication
This morning I was reading in Alma 31 in the Book of Mormon and was struck by this verse:
This verse was speaking of a particular group of people who had once worshiped the Lord, but then had rejected Him and His gospel. And I thought how peculiar it can be that the human heart will reject all that is good for it.
Supplication simply means a humble request, or to plead humbly, or to ask for earnestly. What prevents humility? The answer to this I suppose could be multiple things, and for me, I find that many things can harden a heart, leading to the antithesis of humility: pride.
What is wrong with prayer and supplication? I have felt at times the struggle to not pray. I've experienced how hard it can to bring oneself to a point of humility, kneeling before one's Maker. But when I've waged that battle and won, it has been in that precise moment that I have found the most tender feelings possible in my life. I'd pushed through my own stubbornness and yielded to the Lord's gentle peace.
It almost seems paradoxical. But I've felt it in my own life. When we kneel before God and give up our soul for Him (in all other forms of service, too, for His children) it seems we stand tallest in His eyes. The peace that comes in such a moment is one I cherish and hope to continue in!
These individuals mentioned in Alma 31:10 had strayed into paths of pride. It's a journey I hope never to follow. The best preventative measure is precisely found in the antithesis of their actions, instead to keep myself kneeling "in prayer and supplication to God daily, that [I] might not enter into temptation." How easy it might be to forget, which is why I continue this blog.
"Neither would they observe the performances of the church, to continue in prayer and supplication to God daily, that they might not enter into temptation."
This verse was speaking of a particular group of people who had once worshiped the Lord, but then had rejected Him and His gospel. And I thought how peculiar it can be that the human heart will reject all that is good for it.
Supplication simply means a humble request, or to plead humbly, or to ask for earnestly. What prevents humility? The answer to this I suppose could be multiple things, and for me, I find that many things can harden a heart, leading to the antithesis of humility: pride.
What is wrong with prayer and supplication? I have felt at times the struggle to not pray. I've experienced how hard it can to bring oneself to a point of humility, kneeling before one's Maker. But when I've waged that battle and won, it has been in that precise moment that I have found the most tender feelings possible in my life. I'd pushed through my own stubbornness and yielded to the Lord's gentle peace.
It almost seems paradoxical. But I've felt it in my own life. When we kneel before God and give up our soul for Him (in all other forms of service, too, for His children) it seems we stand tallest in His eyes. The peace that comes in such a moment is one I cherish and hope to continue in!
These individuals mentioned in Alma 31:10 had strayed into paths of pride. It's a journey I hope never to follow. The best preventative measure is precisely found in the antithesis of their actions, instead to keep myself kneeling "in prayer and supplication to God daily, that [I] might not enter into temptation." How easy it might be to forget, which is why I continue this blog.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Finally Landed...
Our move is nearly complete. We're unboxing and dealing with trying to find pieces and parts that belong to other pieces and parts. Amidst it all, I'm so grateful to the Lord for His kindness in moving us to this part of the vineyard.Today I was reading in 1 Nephi 17 from the Book of Mormon, and I read these verses:
Now I, Nephi, did not work the timbers after the manner which was learned by men, neither did I build the ship after the manner of men; but I did build it after the manner which the Lord had shown unto me; wherefore, it was not after the manner of men.
And I, Nephi, did go into the mount oft, and I did pray oft unto the Lord; wherefore the Lord showed unto me great things."
These words struck me with impact as I thought of the tempest of an announcement in today's news of Lehman's collapse and other finance institutions threatening to do the same. I daresay that the financial horizons will look quite different over the next few years. So what is an ordinary person to do during the tempest of it all?
Nephi's words hold great import and teaches a mighty principle. He was building a boat; something he'd never done. It was at the request of the Lord. That boat was to take Nephi and his kin to safety across the waters of the great deep to the promised land. But what a request it was! How did Nephi handle the intimidation of it all? Through praying "oft", as he put it.
Today the economic conditions are mirroring the frightening winds and rains of Hurricane Ike which just created devastation in the south-central portion of the United States. Whether the winds that blow are physical ones, economic ones, or otherwise, the answer of what to do during the storm will come--in a still small voice it will come--as we follow Nephi's pattern: "pray oft."
When Elijah from the Old Testament heard the Lord's voice, it was a still small one--not found in the crashing noises of the storms he'd encountered. It can be the same for us. In spite of all the economic, physical, or social storms beating themselves about us, we too like Nephi (and Elijah) can pray oft and be guided by the still small voice of the Lord. We are His children after all; He will not leave us too long in those cold winds of change.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Penalty or Not
In the past, we've usually moved ourselves. This time, the move is being paid for. So movers are boxing up our belongings. They showed up a day later than we expected (my husband had misunderstood when they were to come), yet it all worked to our good. I'm so grateful.But now, as I'm watching the boxers continue to pack our goods for the second day, I'm struggling with worry. Let me explain a bit of background first.
Being a Mormon, I believe the Lord uses prophets as His mouthpiece (see Amos 3:7) to bring us to Christ. And His prophets through the ages have taught reliance on the Lord and the importance of obedience.
Well, one thing we've been advised to have through these prophets is a year's supply of goods--sufficient to sustain a family for at least a year's time (here are some sample discourses on the subject). And it makes sense; simply look at the difficult economic times facing so many families today.
My family has hearkened to this counsel. Which brings me to my worry. A move's cost with a moving company is directly equal to the weight put on the truck. Do you know just how heavy a year's supply of wheat is? Rice? Flour? Beans? (not very savory food, but at least its food!)
And yet, get this quote!
Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994), Prophet and thirteenth President of the Church, said: “The revelation to store food may be as essential to our temporal salvation today as boarding the ark was to the people in the days of Noah” (“Prepare Ye,” Ensign, Jan. 1974, 69).
The food storage worries me, though. It is so very heavy. It may seriously penalize us with the cost of the move. And yet, I can't leave it behind. The prophets have spoken. We are to have a food supply to sustain our families in case things get very bad.
Financial penalty or not, we will keep our food supply. Especially since the price of wheat has more than doubled in the past 12 months and rice and corn appear to be heading in that direction. Obedience and prudence instruct me that it is the wisest long-term thing to do.
Monday, July 14, 2008
What God Designs
I may be up all night getting ready for the movers to come tomorrow. But I read recently this quote and just had to post it.
I know that when I found my 11-week-old baby deceased in his crib, I definitely didn't like the "mold" the Potter had created for my life. But I'm learning that the Lord can be trusted in all things; and one day, His reasoning will be sure and clearly understood.
The next week or two we'll be on the road. I'll post as I can, but until next time have a blessed day!
There are many vessels that are destroyed after they have been molded and shaped. Why? Because they are not contented with the shape the potter has given them, but straightaway put themselves into a shape to please themselves; therefore they are beyond understanding what God designs, and they destroy themselves by the power of their own agency. [These people] have to go through a great many modellings and shapes, then... have to be glazed and burned; and even in the burning, some vessels crack (attributed to Heber C. Kimball).
I know that when I found my 11-week-old baby deceased in his crib, I definitely didn't like the "mold" the Potter had created for my life. But I'm learning that the Lord can be trusted in all things; and one day, His reasoning will be sure and clearly understood.
The next week or two we'll be on the road. I'll post as I can, but until next time have a blessed day!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Sustaining the Lord's Prophets
I'm going through the arduous motions of prepping to move. This means cleaning out all drawers, snagging the dust bunnies under the beds, and sorting through boxes I've shoved aside all too long. Today I came across this quote...and it caused me to forget my aching back (at least, for a moment).President Harold B. Lee warned:I'm going to stop the quote right here and exclaim how much these words from this prophet sound as if they were given this very week! But they weren't. They were spoken nearly 40 years ago in 1970. President Harold B. Lee died a long time ago, yet his words remain as clearly focused and urgent for our day as for his.
"The only safety we have as members of this church is to do exactly what the Lord said to the Church in that day when the Church was organized. We must learn to give heed to the words and commandments that the Lord shall give through his prophet, 'as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me; ... as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith.' (D&C 21:4-5).
"There will be some things that take patience and faith. You may not like what comes from the authority of the Church. It may contradict your political views. It may contradict your social views. It may interfere with some of your social life..."
I had heard that some members of the Church had planned on walking out of Sacrament meeting a few weeks back when the First Presidency letter was read regarding supporting traditional marriage. Thus, when I came across this quote today I thought how each day we make choices whether to abide with the prophet or not. If we do, in patience and faith, the Lord watches and takes note. It particularly takes patience and faith when the prophet's counsel feels to go against what we thought to be correct. This is where faith in God and His oracles is proven to be in existence or not. I'm not perfect in this, THAT's for sure, but I'm trying every chance I get to get better.
The times we are in are not surprising in some ways. For nearly 2000 years, the Christian world has had (generally speaking) the Lord's words contained in the Bible, where we're told that in the final times before Christ comes there will be much confusion. It is for this purpose the Lord specifically speaks through His prophets, so that in the midst of the cacophony of opinions, we can know God's perspective on the things that matter.
When all is said and done, no matter how painful, I believe Amos 3:7.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
God's Compassion Continues
There are two forces at work in our world. Those two forces can be seen in many venues. Light vs dark, health vs sickness, joy vs sorrow, and the list goes on. These contrary forces can be summed up with one word: opposition.
The Book of Mormon prophet Lehi spoke of the law of opposition and science is now discovering it in our world--beyond that of the early discovery of gravity. A few years back I remember reading of new findings by scientists of an unknown dark force encountered. They couldn't define it, but they noted it and had begun studies of it.
I'm not sure why these things fascinate me so (studies of physics and of our world), but they do. And so it is with interest that I notice scripture that buttresses these discoveries...such as the statement by the prophet Lehi about the law of opposition:
And during all this opposition, God's compassion continues. He understands the process we face as we work out our salvation with fear and trembling. We're not alone in this journey. No, not at all. His Son stands ever ready, hand outstretched.
This is why this morning, I was struck with Christ's compassion as He taught His disciples about the situation in the world prior to His coming. What love to give the warnings that He did. He knew full well of the vicious battle that would be fought (and continues even now) to destroy God's greatest love--His children. Christ's teachings are contained throughout the scriptures, but Matthew 24 is particularly instructive.
I took some time this morning to note some general "plot points" of the story that will unfold for earth's inhabitants in the generation that will greet the Christ. Here are some of them, but you might want to do your own research. You might find more in Matthew 24:5-7.
Are we ready? Am I ready? I don't know. But I do know that I love the power of the scriptures to help my soul morph into more of a true disciple. I love the Savior. I'm grateful for His love and His grace, that He would extend it towards me, such an unworthy creature. My life be one small one, but even me He has redeemed and I will sing His praises forever.
The Book of Mormon prophet Lehi spoke of the law of opposition and science is now discovering it in our world--beyond that of the early discovery of gravity. A few years back I remember reading of new findings by scientists of an unknown dark force encountered. They couldn't define it, but they noted it and had begun studies of it.
I'm not sure why these things fascinate me so (studies of physics and of our world), but they do. And so it is with interest that I notice scripture that buttresses these discoveries...such as the statement by the prophet Lehi about the law of opposition:
2 Ne. 2: 11, 15
11 For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my first-born in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility.
• • •
15 And to bring about his eternal purposes in the end of man, after he had created our first parents, and the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and in fine, all things which are created, it must needs be that there was an opposition; even the forbidden fruit in opposition to the tree of life; the one being sweet and the other bitter.
And during all this opposition, God's compassion continues. He understands the process we face as we work out our salvation with fear and trembling. We're not alone in this journey. No, not at all. His Son stands ever ready, hand outstretched.
This is why this morning, I was struck with Christ's compassion as He taught His disciples about the situation in the world prior to His coming. What love to give the warnings that He did. He knew full well of the vicious battle that would be fought (and continues even now) to destroy God's greatest love--His children. Christ's teachings are contained throughout the scriptures, but Matthew 24 is particularly instructive.
I took some time this morning to note some general "plot points" of the story that will unfold for earth's inhabitants in the generation that will greet the Christ. Here are some of them, but you might want to do your own research. You might find more in Matthew 24:5-7.
- false christs
- wars
- natural disasters
All these are the beginning of sorrows.Just the beginning! Tomorrow I'll continue my study of Matthew 24; there is so much more. But from even these short words, Christ's love is apparent. In other words, the infinitely kind Savior of the world is instructing all those who seek Him to know that the events prior to His coming will be intense.
Are we ready? Am I ready? I don't know. But I do know that I love the power of the scriptures to help my soul morph into more of a true disciple. I love the Savior. I'm grateful for His love and His grace, that He would extend it towards me, such an unworthy creature. My life be one small one, but even me He has redeemed and I will sing His praises forever.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
A Compassionate God
In preparing to study The Book of Mormon yet once again from the beginning, I opened my scriptures and found this cross reference that I'd inked in at some prior time:
What struck me in this scripture was the reference to the compassion and patience of God. These were people who were worshipping idols, in spite of being God's covenant and chosen ones. Some of them were even participating in INFANT SACRIFICE! Israelites, murdering children, all in the name of worshipping some pagan god! How far they had fallen.
Things don't happen overnight, that's for sure--at least not on this level.
For me, what I'm reminded of is not to judge and instead to focus on myself. Where am I falling short? The first thing that comes to mind is eating veggies.
Don't laugh. It may seem small, yet it is so big. Science is proving more and more that people who eat whole foods are healthier...exactly what Joseph Smith the prophet taught in D&C 89 (more than 150 years before current science caught up). I'm still working on learning to love veggies, but I am trying. I actually ate my peas today! :0)
Another category I struggle with is going to bed early. Again, something revealed through the prophet Joseph Smith more than 150 years ago (see D&C 88:124) that science is just now showing. For example, did you know that studies released this past year showed that women who slept less than 7 hours a night consistently gained 16% of their body weight back again? No wonder I keep putting on pounds! And 6th graders who had one less hour of sleep a night (compared to healthy levels), in just 3 days time the 6th graders loss mental processing capacity...down to the 4th grade level!
This is why I love what the prophet Joseph Smith did for so many. He was called, just like Moses, Isaiah, and so many other prophets, to share God's word, to establish God's church, and to bring to light The Book of Mormon. And just like stated above (from the Bible in 2 Chronicles 36:15-16), there are many who mock "the messengers of God." Well, I will not be one who mocks Joseph Smith and what he has done. I'm grateful for his efforts. He died for those efforts.
It is one of the many reasons I've decided to embark on yet once again another journey through The Book of Mormon.
(For more information on prophets being called, here are a few sample selections from the scriptures: Ezekiel 1:1-3, 26-28; 2; Revelation 10:1-2, 8-11; Joseph Smith--History 1:15-35).)
To finish off, these sad words below seem to tell the tale of much of what God's prophets encounter amongst His children:
2 Chronicles 36:15-16: "And the Lord God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place;
"But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against his people, till there was no remedy."
What struck me in this scripture was the reference to the compassion and patience of God. These were people who were worshipping idols, in spite of being God's covenant and chosen ones. Some of them were even participating in INFANT SACRIFICE! Israelites, murdering children, all in the name of worshipping some pagan god! How far they had fallen.
Things don't happen overnight, that's for sure--at least not on this level.
For me, what I'm reminded of is not to judge and instead to focus on myself. Where am I falling short? The first thing that comes to mind is eating veggies.
Don't laugh. It may seem small, yet it is so big. Science is proving more and more that people who eat whole foods are healthier...exactly what Joseph Smith the prophet taught in D&C 89 (more than 150 years before current science caught up). I'm still working on learning to love veggies, but I am trying. I actually ate my peas today! :0)
Another category I struggle with is going to bed early. Again, something revealed through the prophet Joseph Smith more than 150 years ago (see D&C 88:124) that science is just now showing. For example, did you know that studies released this past year showed that women who slept less than 7 hours a night consistently gained 16% of their body weight back again? No wonder I keep putting on pounds! And 6th graders who had one less hour of sleep a night (compared to healthy levels), in just 3 days time the 6th graders loss mental processing capacity...down to the 4th grade level!
This is why I love what the prophet Joseph Smith did for so many. He was called, just like Moses, Isaiah, and so many other prophets, to share God's word, to establish God's church, and to bring to light The Book of Mormon. And just like stated above (from the Bible in 2 Chronicles 36:15-16), there are many who mock "the messengers of God." Well, I will not be one who mocks Joseph Smith and what he has done. I'm grateful for his efforts. He died for those efforts.
It is one of the many reasons I've decided to embark on yet once again another journey through The Book of Mormon.
(For more information on prophets being called, here are a few sample selections from the scriptures: Ezekiel 1:1-3, 26-28; 2; Revelation 10:1-2, 8-11; Joseph Smith--History 1:15-35).)
To finish off, these sad words below seem to tell the tale of much of what God's prophets encounter amongst His children:
"Howbeit I sent unto you all my servants the prophets, rising early and sending them, saying, Oh, do not this abominable thing that I hate.
"But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear to turn from their wickedness, to burn no incense unto other gods" (Jeremiah 44:4-6).
Monday, July 7, 2008
President Gordon B. Hinckley stated:“I am grateful for emphasis on reading the scriptures. I hope that for you this will become something far more enjoyable than a duty; that, rather, it will become a love affair with the word of God. I promise you that as you read, your minds will be enlightened and your spirits will be lifted. At first it may seem tedious, but that will change into a wondrous experience with thoughts and words of things divine” (“The Light within You,” Ensign, May 1995, 99).
I know that if I've let a period of time go where I've not daily read my scriptures, when I DO sit down to read them, it does feel more a duty than anything else. But if I push through and consistently, deliberately set aside a certain amount of time for daily study, I soon experience an energy or renewal from my scriptures. They truly do begin to feel like "living water" that refreshes my soul.
When my firstborn was just weeks old, his growth took off. As a result, it felt like he was needing to nurse all the time. I began to feel skitchy cabin-fever with all that nursing, just sitting and waiting for him to finish.
One day the thought struck me: read your Book of Mormon. Within one month, I'd read the entire Book of Mormon. And at the end of that month, I was so on fire from the benefit of scripture study, I wanted to shout it out loud to the whole world!
I know from personal experience what President Hinckley states above. Scripture study really can become a love affair with the word of God. Join me? Let me know if you're interested in logging daily study amounts together!
Sunday, July 6, 2008
When the Tsunami hit...
I came across these words. I'm not sure of the source, but their content and message is profound:When the Tsunami hit, it was the same thing, people poured out time and financial resources taking care of their fellow men.
When we focus on Christ during times of trials, we appreciate His suffering. We can have a clearer understanding of His love for us.
During my mom's battle with cancer we hung up this poster: ADVERSITY CAN MAKE YOU STRONGER.
We used to joke about how God doesn't give you more than you can handle. Being nine months pregnant with my second son, buying our home, dealing with despair can make you doubt, question everything...
Remember, throughout the scriptures there is a line of men and women who always seemed to keep their focus on Christ.
Remember: Heavenly Father isn't putting you through this, but bringing you through this.
These words spoke volumes to me today when I can across them. I'm grateful for the author, although I don't know who she is. And this is why I've decided to start my Book of Mormon Mama blog: I hope to provide comfort and encouragement for those who have been disallusioned and disappointed in life. Remember, Heavenly Father isn't putting you through this, but bringing you through.
The Book of Mormon provides this kind of hope and comfort for the disconsolate. Join me as I daily read in its pages and discover its serene message of hope and comfort in Jesus Christ.
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