Love is about service and sacrifice. Histories most monumental and touching moments are manifested in people sacrificing for others. Sacrifices and service do not have to be large. Small thoughtful acts are often all that are required. These acts touch hearts, inspire us and connect us to each other. The giver and receiver are blessed and uplifted. Small acts might include your time, a listening ear, a phone call, a visit, a note. Do something for someone that you would like to uplift, get to know better or that you haven't seen for awhile. I promise that you will feel happier when you do.
Monday, April 14, 2014
The Truth
I was invited and spoke at Sinclair today to a class about the my church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , or the Mormons). It was a great experience. One of the questions that was asked was "why do you think your church is growing more than others?". I was thoughtful and then answered because we have the truth and we ask people to ask God, the source of truth, if it is true. Most people will take the Bible at face value and they are blessed when they live by it. We ask people to exercise their faith that God will answer their prayer and let them know that the church and the Book of Mormon are true.
Depression
I loved Elder Holland's talk on Depression.
Broken minds can be healed just like broken bones and hearts are healed
We are infinitely more than our limitations.
It is only an appreciation of this divine love that will make our own suffering bearable and redeemable
Live by faith, hold close to faith
Whatever your struggle, do not vote against the preciousness of life by ending it, Trust in God
God's love is there regardless of whether you deserve it or not. It is simply always there.
If we do not take the time to be well then we certainly take the time to be ill.
Broken minds can be healed just like broken bones and hearts are healed
We are infinitely more than our limitations.
It is only an appreciation of this divine love that will make our own suffering bearable and redeemable
Live by faith, hold close to faith
Whatever your struggle, do not vote against the preciousness of life by ending it, Trust in God
God's love is there regardless of whether you deserve it or not. It is simply always there.
If we do not take the time to be well then we certainly take the time to be ill.
The need for a living prophet today
The need for a living prophet today... Some say why.
Elder Benson said, "God's revelation to Adam did not instruct Noah on how to build the ark. Every generation has need of the ancient scripture plus the current scripture from the living prophet. Therefore, the most crucial reading and pondering which you should do is of the latest inspired words from the Lord's mouthpiece."
Elder Benson said, "God's revelation to Adam did not instruct Noah on how to build the ark. Every generation has need of the ancient scripture plus the current scripture from the living prophet. Therefore, the most crucial reading and pondering which you should do is of the latest inspired words from the Lord's mouthpiece."
offense
I cherish these generous lines from that very able, but very humble, prophet-editor Moroni:
“Condemn me not because of mine imperfection, neither my father, because of his imperfection, neither them who have written before him; but rather give thanks unto God that he hath made manifest unto you our imperfections, that ye may learn to be more wise than we have been.” (Morm. 9:31; italics added.)
If such is our attitude, we are far less likely to be offended.
“Condemn me not because of mine imperfection, neither my father, because of his imperfection, neither them who have written before him; but rather give thanks unto God that he hath made manifest unto you our imperfections, that ye may learn to be more wise than we have been.” (Morm. 9:31; italics added.)
If such is our attitude, we are far less likely to be offended.
Love and the atonement and conversion
I need to be reminded often that it is not force, it is not logic, it is not really even desire for the most part that prompts dramatic change in our relationship with God and the ability to overcome sin and be free. It starts with love. It comes from understanding that we have been bought with a price, with great love and sacrifice. If we always remember this and continually look up to Jesus Christ who paid the ultimate price for our salvation then we cannot help but have a broken heart, a humble heart which gives us the desire and the strength to change.
I think about Peter when Christ said "when thou art converted. strengthen thy brethren". This is someone who walked on water, performed miracles in Christ's name, saw the miracles of Christ daily, yet Christ said this to him. I think that it wasn't until the sacrifice was completed and the realization of what had been done for them, in their behalf, that the apostles became truly converted. I think it is the same with us. We can have a superficial knowledge that things are true but true conversion, deep conversion happens in the realization of the depth of love that God has for us by suffering as He did. Acceptance of the gift means surrendering our life and our will to Him. For how could we not, knowing all that He went through for us.
I think about Peter when Christ said "when thou art converted. strengthen thy brethren". This is someone who walked on water, performed miracles in Christ's name, saw the miracles of Christ daily, yet Christ said this to him. I think that it wasn't until the sacrifice was completed and the realization of what had been done for them, in their behalf, that the apostles became truly converted. I think it is the same with us. We can have a superficial knowledge that things are true but true conversion, deep conversion happens in the realization of the depth of love that God has for us by suffering as He did. Acceptance of the gift means surrendering our life and our will to Him. For how could we not, knowing all that He went through for us.
Prayer - the gift and the giver
Saint Augustine said the following about desire and prayer. I found it interesting. He is not saying that we should not pray for the things he references but the thing we sometimes miss in our prayers. Taken from "On Prayer and the Contemplative Life" by Saint Thomas Aquinas (From free amazon kindle book)
Scripture Study
Often when I study and read the scriptures, the words of the prophets, apostles and Jesus I have to stop make phone calls, send email to those who I need to check on, go seek forgiveness from others, give praise to someone who needs it, act upon a previous or immediate prompting that i recieved by the spirit or pray because I am constantly reminded of those things I must do so that I can have peace. Then as I study I can get more encouragement, understanding and inspiration as I study. The doing clears the channels of communication and allows father in heaven to entrust us with more. This is what I have experienced in my own life.
Taking Offence
In my experience most people are not intentionally malicious. Sometimes we perceive that they are because of our own insecurities. Most of the time when things are done that are offensive it is because people have made a bad choice and they did not realize the consequences or effects of the choice. If realized the person probably would have made a different one. When we understand this it is easier to forgive and move on. We have all been there and have made bad choices that have affected others. We just can't let pride allow us to defend an unwise choice, that leads to more conflict and more heart ache.
Sabbath Day
Sister Shields gave a talk today on sabbath day worship,incredible talk. I asked her and her husband for copies of their talks.
I liked how she compared the Sabbath to sincere compliments.
I also loved the story that she shared about her brother. Her brother was in love with football but he refused to play on Sunday. Despite lots of pressure he never gave in. 6 years later, 2 weeks before he left to go on his mission a youth gave talk and described that from his example games were now played on saturdays instead of sundays. What a great effect that a good example can have.
Brother Shields also gave a great talk. He didn't have much time left but in the short time that he did have he ave a powerful talk. I loved the analogy that he gave of the kite. The whole premise of his talk was that keeping the commandments actually set us free. the commandments are like the string on a kite. the string that is tied to the kite actually is what makes the kite fly. If you cut the rope the kite will fall to the ground.
He focused on the youth and stressed this point. I was glad Tyler was listening. I want nothing more than to see him soar and reach his highest potential. I know that they only way for him to do this is to keep the commandments. I am tough on him sometimes but I know that he knows I love him.
During the talk I read what the bible dictionary said about the sabbath. I thought is was interesting that the sacrifices performed by the priests were doubled on the Sabbath. I think that shows that it is doubly important to serve the lord more by devoting the day to his service.
The dictionary also says that sabbath day observence is a major item in a persons spiritual development and that the sabbath is a way of safeguarding ourselves from the world.
I liked how she compared the Sabbath to sincere compliments.
I also loved the story that she shared about her brother. Her brother was in love with football but he refused to play on Sunday. Despite lots of pressure he never gave in. 6 years later, 2 weeks before he left to go on his mission a youth gave talk and described that from his example games were now played on saturdays instead of sundays. What a great effect that a good example can have.
Brother Shields also gave a great talk. He didn't have much time left but in the short time that he did have he ave a powerful talk. I loved the analogy that he gave of the kite. The whole premise of his talk was that keeping the commandments actually set us free. the commandments are like the string on a kite. the string that is tied to the kite actually is what makes the kite fly. If you cut the rope the kite will fall to the ground.
He focused on the youth and stressed this point. I was glad Tyler was listening. I want nothing more than to see him soar and reach his highest potential. I know that they only way for him to do this is to keep the commandments. I am tough on him sometimes but I know that he knows I love him.
During the talk I read what the bible dictionary said about the sabbath. I thought is was interesting that the sacrifices performed by the priests were doubled on the Sabbath. I think that shows that it is doubly important to serve the lord more by devoting the day to his service.
The dictionary also says that sabbath day observence is a major item in a persons spiritual development and that the sabbath is a way of safeguarding ourselves from the world.
Family Home Evening
Even though there was some bickering...
Even though there was some frustration...
Even though there were tears...
Even though we got on each others nerves...
There was love. There was laughter. There was the spirit. And because of this there was learning and there was the bonding moments that make a family.
Identifying the Spirit
Chloe and Nathan get upset when one or the other doesn't get to say the prayer.
Chloe was especially upset tonight. The tears would not stop. I got a little frustrated but tried to be patient. What helped her was me telling her that she said the most wonderful prayers and that I loved to hear her pray. She stopped crying. I told her the things that she says in her prayers that I love. I told her that I loved that she always prays that we will feel the Holy Ghost and that we should listen to it. I could tell that she was feeling the spirit. I told her that her prayers made my heart warm inside and that that was the Holy Ghost. I asked her if she felt the holy Ghost right now and she said that she did. I asked her to pray and she gave a wonderful prayer.
Chloe was especially upset tonight. The tears would not stop. I got a little frustrated but tried to be patient. What helped her was me telling her that she said the most wonderful prayers and that I loved to hear her pray. She stopped crying. I told her the things that she says in her prayers that I love. I told her that I loved that she always prays that we will feel the Holy Ghost and that we should listen to it. I could tell that she was feeling the spirit. I told her that her prayers made my heart warm inside and that that was the Holy Ghost. I asked her if she felt the holy Ghost right now and she said that she did. I asked her to pray and she gave a wonderful prayer.
Carnal and sensual in the scriptures
One of the definitions for carnal in the dictionary is temporal. So to be carnally minded is to not be eternally minded or only thinking of things that bring temporary happiness.
Sensual is about the senses. In today's world filled with entertainment such as video games, movies, TV, exotic foods, the abundance of food, thrill seeking and fulfillment it is very easy to have our senses become the thing that we live for rather than the holy spirit.
The senses are very powerful. If we allow ourselves to get caught up in them to the point that they hinder our ability to worship or begin to become more important to us than God then we have come to worship the creature and not God. I think this is why harmful mind altering drugs are restricted by God for recreational use. They are so powerful in affecting the senses that they bypass our rational judgment and begin to possess our actions. Perhaps this is why the term "spirits" is often associated with alcohol.
Our fallen nature is to be carnally minded and sensual. When the holy spirit touches us and we embrace it then a transformation from the carnal to the eternal begins. We no longer want to serve the sensual desires of our bodies but want to serve the living God and feel His presence in our life. In order to feel the presence we must forsake our own desires for the will or God. These feelings bring joy not pleasure. Pleasure is temporary or carnal but joy brings peace and if we remain on the path that brings joy then it becomes eternal.
Read Mosiah 16
Sensual is about the senses. In today's world filled with entertainment such as video games, movies, TV, exotic foods, the abundance of food, thrill seeking and fulfillment it is very easy to have our senses become the thing that we live for rather than the holy spirit.
The senses are very powerful. If we allow ourselves to get caught up in them to the point that they hinder our ability to worship or begin to become more important to us than God then we have come to worship the creature and not God. I think this is why harmful mind altering drugs are restricted by God for recreational use. They are so powerful in affecting the senses that they bypass our rational judgment and begin to possess our actions. Perhaps this is why the term "spirits" is often associated with alcohol.
Our fallen nature is to be carnally minded and sensual. When the holy spirit touches us and we embrace it then a transformation from the carnal to the eternal begins. We no longer want to serve the sensual desires of our bodies but want to serve the living God and feel His presence in our life. In order to feel the presence we must forsake our own desires for the will or God. These feelings bring joy not pleasure. Pleasure is temporary or carnal but joy brings peace and if we remain on the path that brings joy then it becomes eternal.
Read Mosiah 16
Why do we have the scriptures (From Mosiah 1)
Yesterday I picked up a book called "Rock Solid Relationships" by Wendy Watson (This is a great book so far and I recommend it). Reading the introduction I realized I needed to devote more time immersing myself in the scriptures. School has pushed my scripture study out the window. I have not put the Lord first in my studies and I need to repent.
This morning I started in Mosiah and it is interesting because the first few versus are all about the scriptures. The Lord is definitely telling me something. So I thought I would share some of my thoughts.
Versus 1-8 are very important versus because they teach us why the scriptures both modern(v. 2 "that they might know concerning the prophesies which had been spoken by the mouths of their fathers") and ancient scripture (v. 3 "he also taught them concerning the records which were engraven on the plates of brass) are important.
Here is a list about why we need the scriptures from the first 8 versus.
We need them:
1. So we will not suffer in ignorance at this present time v. 2
2. So we will know the mysteries of God v. 2
3. So we can remember the words of the Lord v.3
4. So we can teach them to our children and continue the tradition of educating future generations concerning the Lord v.4
5. So we don't dwindle in unbelief v.5
6. So we can bear testimony of the truthfulness of the Word of God v.6
7. So that we can improve our lives (profit) v. 7
8. So that we can keep that commandments of God v.7
9. So that we can prosper temporally (Prosper in the land) v.8
Out of the reasons listed above "dwindling in unbelief" really struck me. We can be in the church, go to our meetings, do our callings, serve others and still be dwindling. These things for the most part, even though good things, are social. We can get lots of social mileage out of those activities and miss the spiritual boat. To enhance these aspects of church service we need to immerse ourselves in scripture study.
The scriptures can become the Liahona that directs us to the more important things that will help us become who we are suppose to be. The spirit can teach us as we read and help refine us and our relationships. But the most important thing is that we will feel God's love. This in turn will help us to love others. By loving others we fullfill God's plan.
Personal scripture study is one of the best ways to receive personal revelation and feel the presence of the Lord in our lives. Going to Him daily in scripture study helps to keep us steady in a world that is constantly trying to knock us down. When we don't read from the scriptures often we deny ourselves of all the blessings listed above as well as the vital personal revelation that we need to feel to direct our lives and conquer adversity.
If you feel yourself "dwindling"(the dictionary definition is "to become less steady") then turn to the Lord by immersing yourself in His word and He will keep you steady.
This morning I started in Mosiah and it is interesting because the first few versus are all about the scriptures. The Lord is definitely telling me something. So I thought I would share some of my thoughts.
Versus 1-8 are very important versus because they teach us why the scriptures both modern(v. 2 "that they might know concerning the prophesies which had been spoken by the mouths of their fathers") and ancient scripture (v. 3 "he also taught them concerning the records which were engraven on the plates of brass) are important.
Here is a list about why we need the scriptures from the first 8 versus.
We need them:
1. So we will not suffer in ignorance at this present time v. 2
2. So we will know the mysteries of God v. 2
3. So we can remember the words of the Lord v.3
4. So we can teach them to our children and continue the tradition of educating future generations concerning the Lord v.4
5. So we don't dwindle in unbelief v.5
6. So we can bear testimony of the truthfulness of the Word of God v.6
7. So that we can improve our lives (profit) v. 7
8. So that we can keep that commandments of God v.7
9. So that we can prosper temporally (Prosper in the land) v.8
Out of the reasons listed above "dwindling in unbelief" really struck me. We can be in the church, go to our meetings, do our callings, serve others and still be dwindling. These things for the most part, even though good things, are social. We can get lots of social mileage out of those activities and miss the spiritual boat. To enhance these aspects of church service we need to immerse ourselves in scripture study.
The scriptures can become the Liahona that directs us to the more important things that will help us become who we are suppose to be. The spirit can teach us as we read and help refine us and our relationships. But the most important thing is that we will feel God's love. This in turn will help us to love others. By loving others we fullfill God's plan.
Personal scripture study is one of the best ways to receive personal revelation and feel the presence of the Lord in our lives. Going to Him daily in scripture study helps to keep us steady in a world that is constantly trying to knock us down. When we don't read from the scriptures often we deny ourselves of all the blessings listed above as well as the vital personal revelation that we need to feel to direct our lives and conquer adversity.
If you feel yourself "dwindling"(the dictionary definition is "to become less steady") then turn to the Lord by immersing yourself in His word and He will keep you steady.
Keeping the commandments of God leads to happiness
Before King Benjamin spoke to the people they offered a thanksgiving sacrifice. The following tells us why. Consider the end state of keeping the commandments (listed in bold).
Mosiah chapter 2:
4 And also that they might give thanks to the Lord their God, who had brought them out of the land of Jerusalem, and who had delivered them out of the hands of their enemies, and had appointed just men to be their teachers, and also a just man to be their king, who had established peace in the land of Zarahemla, and who had taught them to keep the commandments of God, that they might rejoice and be filled with love towards God and all men.
41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.
The opposite brings unhappiness.
Unfortunately there is a prevailing thought that God who loves us will excuse our rebellion without repentance. Perhaps people think that a loving God would not consign anyone to a state less than happiness because after all God is a God of love.
Simple expression of faith or acceptance that Jesus Christ is their Savior is the act that according to the modern protestant christian belief structure secures salvation. This doctrine is damaging to those who do not understand that these acts need to be coupled with a faith filled life.
1 John 2
9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
Prevailing modern day Christian doctrine believes that because Jesus paid the price for sins that the human race is free and will . Free from what? thought is that because Jesus offered himself that satisfies the He is also a God of justice. Mercy is obtained through repentance. When we repent the atoning blood of Jesus Christ can satisfy the punishment
Alma 41:
10 Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning restoration, that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness. Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness.
11 And now, my son, all men that are in a state of nature, or I would say, in a carnal state, are in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity; they are without God in the world, and they have gone contrary to the nature of God; therefore, they are in a state contrary to the nature of happiness.
Mosiah chapter 2:
4 And also that they might give thanks to the Lord their God, who had brought them out of the land of Jerusalem, and who had delivered them out of the hands of their enemies, and had appointed just men to be their teachers, and also a just man to be their king, who had established peace in the land of Zarahemla, and who had taught them to keep the commandments of God, that they might rejoice and be filled with love towards God and all men.
41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.
The opposite brings unhappiness.
Unfortunately there is a prevailing thought that God who loves us will excuse our rebellion without repentance. Perhaps people think that a loving God would not consign anyone to a state less than happiness because after all God is a God of love.
Simple expression of faith or acceptance that Jesus Christ is their Savior is the act that according to the modern protestant christian belief structure secures salvation. This doctrine is damaging to those who do not understand that these acts need to be coupled with a faith filled life.
1 John 2
9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
Prevailing modern day Christian doctrine believes that because Jesus paid the price for sins that the human race is free and will . Free from what? thought is that because Jesus offered himself that satisfies the He is also a God of justice. Mercy is obtained through repentance. When we repent the atoning blood of Jesus Christ can satisfy the punishment
Alma 41:
10 Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning restoration, that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness. Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness.
11 And now, my son, all men that are in a state of nature, or I would say, in a carnal state, are in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity; they are without God in the world, and they have gone contrary to the nature of God; therefore, they are in a state contrary to the nature of happiness.
Attitude
I have been reading in the book "Pathways to Perfection" by Thomas Monson and was impressed with the "Return with Honor" chapter.
He relates a story about his experience as a mission president. There was an area that the Elders hated to go. It was considered a dead area. No baptisms had happened there for years and years.
As he contemplated what to do about this area his wife shared with him an excerpt from "A Child's Story of the Life of Brigham Young" by Deta Perterson Neeley. She read: "Bringham Young entered Kingston Ontario, on a cold and snow filled day. He labored there 30 days and baptised 45 souls" He was the answer. If Brigham Young could accomplish this harvest, so could a missionary of today.
With out explanation President Monson withdrew the missionaires from the area. Then He circulated the news that a new area would be opened up soon that Brigham Young Proselyted and baptized 45 souls in 30 days. Missionaries speculated and pleaded to go to this new area. After a period of time 4 missionaries were carefully selected. 2 new and 2 seasoned elders.
In the space of 3 months Kingston became the most productive city in the Canadian mission. The city was the same and the population constant. The change was one of attitude.
He relates a story about his experience as a mission president. There was an area that the Elders hated to go. It was considered a dead area. No baptisms had happened there for years and years.
As he contemplated what to do about this area his wife shared with him an excerpt from "A Child's Story of the Life of Brigham Young" by Deta Perterson Neeley. She read: "Bringham Young entered Kingston Ontario, on a cold and snow filled day. He labored there 30 days and baptised 45 souls" He was the answer. If Brigham Young could accomplish this harvest, so could a missionary of today.
With out explanation President Monson withdrew the missionaires from the area. Then He circulated the news that a new area would be opened up soon that Brigham Young Proselyted and baptized 45 souls in 30 days. Missionaries speculated and pleaded to go to this new area. After a period of time 4 missionaries were carefully selected. 2 new and 2 seasoned elders.
In the space of 3 months Kingston became the most productive city in the Canadian mission. The city was the same and the population constant. The change was one of attitude.
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