tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32490828895450535662024-03-08T06:26:41.372-08:00Called to the WorkAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05318229844302894642noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249082889545053566.post-22169101603385614312013-02-26T16:57:00.001-08:002013-02-26T16:57:28.384-08:00Potential Missionary Fireside: James R. Rasband <style>@font-face {
font-family: "Times New Roman";
}@font-face {
font-family: "Courier New";
}@font-face {
font-family: "Wingdings";
}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }table.MsoNormalTable { font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }span.verse { }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }ol { margin-bottom: 0in; }ul { margin-bottom: 0in; }</style><span style="font-family: Times;">The speaker was James R.
Rasband, Stake President of the Provo YSA 8<sup>th</sup> Stake and Dean of the J.
Reuben Clark Law School at BYU.<br />
<br />
<b>Alma 38:9-15</b></span><span style="font-family: Times;"> (I don't remember if
he read verse 9, but it's good and I really like it)<br />
<br />
<span class="verse">9 </span>And now, my son, I have told you this that ye
may <u>learn wisdom</u>, that ye may learn of me that <u>there is no other way
or means whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ</u>. Behold, he
is the <u>life</u> and the <u>light</u> of the world. Behold, he is the word of
<u>truth</u> and <u>righteousness</u>.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3249082889545053566" name="10"><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span></a><span class="verse"><span style="font-family: Times;">10 </span></span><span style="font-family: Times;">And
now, as ye have begun to teach the word even so I would that ye should <u>continue
to teach</u>; and I would that ye would <b><u>be diligent and temperate in all
things.</u></b></span><span style="font-family: Times;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3249082889545053566" name="11"><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span></a><span class="verse"><span style="font-family: Times;">11 </span></span><span style="font-family: Times;">See
that ye are <u>not lifted up unto pride</u>; yea, see that ye <u>do not boast</u>
in your own wisdom, nor of your much strength.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3249082889545053566" name="12"><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span></a><span class="verse"><span style="font-family: Times;">12 </span></span><span style="font-family: Times;"><b><u>Use
boldness, but not overbearance</u></b></span><span style="font-family: Times;">;
and also see that ye <u>bridle all your passions,</u> that ye may <b><u>be
filled with love</u></b></span><span style="font-family: Times;">; see that ye <u>refrain
from idleness</u>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3249082889545053566" name="13"><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span></a><span class="verse"><span style="font-family: Times;">13 </span></span><span style="font-family: Times;">Do
not pray as the Zoramites do, for ye have seen that they pray to be heard of
men, and to be praised for their wisdom.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3249082889545053566" name="14"><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span></a><span class="verse"><span style="font-family: Times;">14 </span></span><span style="font-family: Times;">Do
not say: O God, I thank thee that we are better than our brethren; but rather
say:<b><u> O Lord, forgive my unworthiness, and remember my brethren in mercy</u></b></span><span style="font-family: Times;">—yea, <u>acknowledge your unworthiness before God at
all times.</u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3249082889545053566" name="15"><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span></a><span class="verse"><span style="font-family: Times;">15 </span></span><span style="font-family: Times;">And
may the Lord bless your soul, and receive you at the last day into his kingdom,
to sit down in peace. Now go, my son, and teach the word unto this people. <u>Be
sober</u>. My son, farewell.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">Three
things that make for a successful missionary:</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>Work hard</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>Obedience</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>Love those you serve</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">Alma
spoke of each of these to Shiblon</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">Go on
a mission to serve the Lord, not for statistical success.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">The
Lord loves the people you serve, you will be successful as you emulate His
love.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">1
Samuel 15</li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal">Saul
is commanded to destroy Amulek, all their possessions, and all their
people</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Saul
leaves their king alive and takes their livestock to sacrifice</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Saul
was disobedient because he tried to give the Lord a sacrifice instead of
just doing exactly what he was commanded.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><u>Obeying
is better than to sacrifice</u></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">Obeying
contains sacrifice<u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">“Wickedness
never was happiness”<u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Obedience
makes you happier<u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Commandments
are a gift from God<u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Truth
will make you free<u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Knowledge
comes after obedience<u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Obedience
gives you more freedom<u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Be
humble and grateful as you love<u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Don’t
have a casual relationship with investigators, call them by their last
name or whatever is most respectful in their culture, treat them as
superiors.<u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">“Crying
does not always equal the spirit” – President Hunter<u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Help
investigators feel the love of God. That will make their conversion
lasting.<u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Testimony
= Spirit<u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Don’t
lose your sense of humor<u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Laugh
at something every day<u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Humor
is not incompatible with missionary service<u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Make
sure that it is appropriate humor<u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Serving
a mission is not a saving ordinance<u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Temple
endowment first, mission second<u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Serving
a mission is a manifestation of our covenants<u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Temple
contains much symbolism in its ordinances, it is meant to teach us, focus
on the peace of the temple.<u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Temple
ordinances are sacred, not secret. – You wouldn’t tell others what your
Dad said in a father’s blessing, it’s not that he said anything out of the
normal, but it’s something meaningful to you, not anything for them to be
concerned about.<u></u></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Don’t
assume everyday will be good. Challenges do arise, especially in the
service of the Lord, but it is for our benefit, because we will learn and
grow as we serve the Lord and overcome challenges that arise. </li>
</ul>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"> </ul>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"> </ul>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">I personally have been trying to work on trying to better develop the capacity to love. It's so much easier now to look back and realize all the loving things that my parents did for me as a kid. It's also easier to be kinder to my family members now that I don't constantly live with them and the time I do spend with them is often more enjoyable. The harder thing is to get along with my roommate and hall-mates, who I live with and have differing opinions on when to sleep and such. It'll be a challenge on a mission being with a companion constantly, but I know that as I seek to improve my ability to love others, both those I serve and those I serve with, it will make a mission easier and more enjoyable. It'll also be nice to be united in the work and to be on the same sleeping schedule. Something I have found is that sometimes acting in a loving manner, even when you don't feel like loving someone is a good way to develop the capacity to love. I'm not talking about buying someone roses or anything like that, but just trying not to take offense to the little pet peeves you develop when you're around someone or forgiving someone or apologizing sooner when things happen that aren't quite as they ought to be. My family jokes with me that I'm a man of science (a reference to Nacho Libre), but even though I don't understand love from any scientific perspective, I know that it brings a lot more happiness than knowledge does. Knowing that our Heavenly Father loves us is nice, but actually feeling His love is something beautiful and joyful. This is the love that I hope to help bring into the lives of the Japanese people I serve and others throughout my life.</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05318229844302894642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249082889545053566.post-67987436500355924172013-02-26T16:35:00.002-08:002013-02-26T16:35:51.117-08:00Mission Call!I received my mission call a few weeks ago. I have been called to serve in the Japan Nagoya Mission!<br />
<br />
When I first got my call, I had to laugh a little because I was worrying that I'd get called somewhere Chinese speaking. I thought it'd be impossible to learn Chinese, but here I am learning Japanese, which is not too far off from the Chinese I was afraid to learn. It has been an interesting experience these past weeks to go through a whole spectrum of feelings towards serving a mission. At first I was very excited, and it didn't really seem real. After buying a Japanese Book of Mormon and then finding out another close friend of mine got called to a different Japan Mission, it seemed a little more real, but still distant. My feelings have ranged from excited to nervous to anxious to overwhelmed, but most of all, I've felt rather inadequate. I've almost felt a little hopeless at times when I've tried to study the language. Fortunately though, these feelings are alright to have, as long as they redirect my focus to God. To be called of God to serve on His behalf to bring the Gospel into the lives of His children is a bit of a daunting task, but the great thing is that God is faithful and will support me in His work. I never thought I'd go to Japan. I actually thought Brazil would be likely since some of my family members have gone there, but I trust that Japan is the right place for me to serve. I know that I haven't been called to a "cool" mission because I'm a great person or anything. I know that I am a good person, but I recognize I have a lot to improve upon and that it is because of the potential I have and the work that God has specifically for me to do in Japan that I've been called to serve there. It's going to be a lot of work, but I know that eventually I'll be able to know Japanese well enough to share my sincere beliefs regarding this Gospel. I'll understand a lot better why I've been called to serve in Japan after, or hopefully during the fact, but for now, I'll do my best to prepare for whatever the Lord would have me do.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05318229844302894642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249082889545053566.post-6503198268216386832013-02-26T11:47:00.002-08:002013-02-26T11:47:29.497-08:00Continuing the BlogIt's been awhile since I've posted anything on this blog, but now that I am getting closer to my mission, I think that it'd be good to share some more of what I'm learning in my preparation (and also to finish up some of posts I didn't quite finish).Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05318229844302894642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249082889545053566.post-50593172419449272592012-12-12T23:31:00.002-08:002012-12-12T23:31:27.148-08:00Scripture: Abinadi's Sermon(I am feeling under the weather today, so I will start this post, but finish it tomorrow. I did read this whole sermon in one sitting though, which is the way my Book of Mormon teacher at BYU suggested to study the scriptures. I completely agree with him, because I never knew much about Abinadi's sermon other than it was on repentance and he got burned at the end.) <br />
<br />
This sermon by Abinadi is found in chapters 11-17 of the <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah?lang=eng">Book of Mosiah</a> in <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm?lang=eng">The Book of Mormon</a>.<br />
<ul>
<li> The entire sermon is focused on the topic of repentance.</li>
<li>Abinadi begins by telling the people that "except they repent [God] will visit them in [his] anger." They must repent and turn to the Lord their God or they will be delivered into bondage, physically by the Lamanites, but also spiritually because of sin.</li>
<li>They must "repent in sackcloth and ashes, and cry mightily to the Lord their God" or else the Lord will not hear them. Sackcloth and ashes is a sign of humility, commonly seen in the Old Testament.</li>
<li>The people did not believe in his word and the wicked king Noah sought for his imprisonment and to take his life.</li>
<li>Abinadi fled, but returned two years later, in disguise, and continued to preach repentance unto the people because the Lord commanded him to.</li>
<li>Again, Abinadi focuses on the terrible things that will come about if the do not repent, which is somewhat similar to the plagues of Egypt as Moses was trying to lead the Israelites out of bondage.</li>
<li>The people are upset with Abinadi, so they bring him before king Noah and his wicked priests, falsely accusing him of lying about their sinful state.</li>
<li>King Noah and his priests begin to question Abinadi, trying to "cross him, that thereby they might have wherewith to accuse him" so that they may kill him while following the word of the law, no matter how corrupt it may currently be.</li>
<li>But Abinadi "answered them boldly . . .and did confound them in all their words."</li>
<li>Abinadi points out to the priests that they "have not applied [their] hearts to understanding . . . [they] have not been wise."</li>
<li>The priests claim to teach the law of Moses, so Abinadi questions them, "If ye teach the law of Moses why do ye not keep it?"</li>
<li>"Know ye not that I speak the truth? Yea, ye know that I speak the truth; and you ought to tremble before God."</li>
<li>Here is the beginning of the real good stuff from his sermon:</li>
<li>"Doth salvation come by the law of Moses?"</li>
<li>The priests think it does.</li>
<li>Abinadi responds "I know if ye keep the commandments of God ye shall be saved" and then begins to recite the ten commandments.</li>
<li>"Have ye done all this? I say unto you, Nay, ye have not. And have ye taught this people that they should do all these things? I say unto, Nay, ye have not."</li>
<li>Noah and the priests are upset and wish to slay Abinadi, but he states, "Touch me not, for God shall smite you if ye lay your hands upon me . . . God will not suffer that I shall be destroyed at this time. I must fulfill the commandments wherewith God has commanded me."</li>
<li>Now he gets into the really good stuff:</li>
<li><br /></li>
</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05318229844302894642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249082889545053566.post-23791086655070896082012-12-11T21:32:00.000-08:002012-12-11T21:32:05.174-08:00Scripture: King Benjamin's Temple SermonThis temple sermon by King Benjamin is found in chapters 1-6 of the <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah?lang=eng">Book of Mosiah</a> in <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm?lang=eng">The Book of Mormon</a>.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Two reasons as to why King Benjamin gives this sermon:</li>
</ul>
<ol><ol>
<li> To coronate his son, Mosiah, as king over the people</li>
<li> To "give this people a name"</li>
</ol>
</ol>
<ul>
<li>They began by offering sacrifices, praising God, and setting their tents with the doors facing the temple</li>
<li>Benjamin sets himself as an equal. "I have only been in the service of God. . . . when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."</li>
<li>Keep the commandments and you shall prosper. This is stated <u>numerous</u> times.</li>
<li>"Do as he hath commanded you; for which if ye do, he doth immediately bless you"</li>
<li>We are completely and eternally indebted to God.</li>
<li>Those who keep the commandments are <u>happy</u> and "blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual"</li>
<li>Brief overview of Christ's life:</li>
<ul>
<li>"Shall come down from heaven among the children of men . . . in a tabernacle of clay"</li>
<li>"Shall go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles"</li>
<li>"Shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, <u>even more than man can suffer</u>, except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people."</li>
<li>"He shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning"</li>
<li>"His mother shall be called Mary"</li>
<li>"He cometh unto his own, that salvation might come unto the children of men even through faith on his name"</li>
<li>"He shall rise the third day from the dead"</li>
<li>"He standeth to judge the world"</li>
<li>"<u>His blood atoneth</u> for the sins of those who have fallen by the transgression of Adam"</li>
</ul>
<li>Emphasizes a number of times that "there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent."</li>
<li>With that, he frequently states that it is through the "atonement of his blood" that salvation cometh.</li>
<li>We must "humble [ourselves] and become as little children" full of grace.</li>
<li>"For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless ye <u>yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit</u>, and putteth off the natural man and <u>becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord</u>, and becometh as a child, <u>submissive</u>, <u>meek</u>, <u>humble</u>, <u>patient</u>, <u>full of love</u>, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father."</li>
<li>This prophecy is made: "The knowledge of a Savior shall spread throughout every nation, kindred, tongue, and people."</li>
<li>Some insight on the final judgment is given: "They shall be judged, every man according to his works, whether they be good, or whether they be evil."</li>
<li>The reactions of those who heard King Benjamin:</li>
<ul>
<li>"O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified; for <u>we believe in Jesus Christ</u> the Son of God, who created heaven and earth, and all things; who shall come down among the children of men."</li>
<li>"The Spirit of the Lord came upon them, and they were filled with joy, having received a remission of their sins, and having peace of conscience, because of the <u>exceeding faith</u> which they had in <u>Jesus Christ</u>"</li>
</ul>
<li>King Benjamin then continues to address his people:</li>
<li>"If ye have come to a knowledge of the goodness of Go, and his matchless power, and his wisdom, and his patience, and his long-suffering towards the children of men; and also, the atonement. . . that thereby salvation might come to him that should put his trust in the Lord, and be diligent in keeping his commandments, and continue in the faith even unto the end of his life . . .this is the man who receiveth salvation, through the atonement"</li>
<li>"Believe in God"</li>
<li>"Believe that he is, and that he <u>created</u> all things, both in heaven and in earth"</li>
<li>"Believe that he has all <u>wisdom</u>, and all <u>power</u>, both in heaven and in earth"</li>
<li>"Believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend"</li>
<li>"Believe that ye must <u>repent</u> of your sins and <u>forsake</u> them, and <u>humble</u> yourselves before God; and <u>ask in sincerity of heart</u> that he would forgive you"</li>
<li>"And now, if you believe all these things see that ye do them." </li>
<li>"Remember, and always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God and your own nothingness, . . .and humble yourselves even in the depths of humility, calling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing steadfastly in the faith of that which is to come"</li>
<li>"If ye do this ye shall always rejoice, and be filled with the love of God, and always retain a remission of your sins; and ye shall grow in the knowledge of the glory of him"</li>
<li>"Ye will not have a mind to injure one another, but to live peaceably"</li>
<li>"Ye will teach [your children] to walk in the ways of truth and soberness"<br />"Ye will teach [your children] to love on another, and to serve one another"</li>
<li>"Ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of your succor"</li>
<li>"Ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need"</li>
<li>"Ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish"</li>
<li>"Are we not all beggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have . . . ?"</li>
<li>"Has he suffered that ye have begged in vain? Nay"</li>
<li>"I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath . . . both spiritually and temporally"</li>
<li>One of my personal favorite verses: "And see that all these things are done in <u>wisdom</u> and <u>order</u>; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be <u>diligent</u>, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, <u>all things must be done in order</u>."</li>
<li>"Watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in faith" </li>
<li>The continued reactions of the people:</li>
<ul>
<li>"We believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and
also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the
Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a <u>mighty change</u> in us, or <u>in our
hearts</u>, that we have <u>no more disposition to do evil</u>, but to <u>do good
continually</u>"</li>
<li>It is by <u>faith</u> that they are brought to "this great knowledge" that causes them to "rejoice with such exceeding great joy."</li>
</ul>
<li>King Benjamin now gives them a new name:</li>
<li>"Ye shall be called the children of Christ . . . for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; . . . your <u>hearts are changed through faith on his name</u>, therefore ye are <u>born of him</u>"</li>
<li>"<u>Take upon you the name of Christ</u>, all you that have entered into the covenant with God that ye should <u>be obedient unto the end of your lives</u>."</li>
<li>"<u>Be steadfast and immovable</u>, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have <u>everlasting salvation</u> and <u>eternal life</u>, through the <u>wisdom</u>, and <u>power</u>, and <u>justice</u>, and <u>mercy</u> of him who created all things in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen."</li>
<li>He took the "names of all those who had entered into a covenant with God to keep his commandments . . . there was not one soul, except it were little children, but who had entered into the covenant and had taken upon them the name of Christ."</li>
<li>"Mosiah did walk in the ways of the Lord, and did observe his judgments and his statutes, and did keep his commandments in all things whatsoever he commanded him."</li>
<li>King Benjamin lived 3 more years, in which time there was no contention among all his people.</li>
</ul>
<br />
King Benjamin gives beautiful insight on so many diverse topics, but ultimately, I believe that at the core of his sermon he is focusing on faith. As we begin to have faith in God, we begin to see why so much is required of us. We are nothing, God has given us everything. When we realize this, we ought to give back the one thing which we do have of ourselves, which is our agency. That is the one gift that God does not control, but we should give to Him. I will definitely use these scriptures on my mission as I teach investigators of this gospel. There is so many treasures of knowledge in this sermon that we need to remember and understand better than we often do. I pray that as I continue to read and study this sermon and the many other teachings found in the Book of Mormon that I may do so in humility and focus on what the Lord would have me learn so that I may be effective as I serve him on a mission.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05318229844302894642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249082889545053566.post-63616433408939076812012-12-11T00:26:00.001-08:002012-12-11T00:26:27.691-08:00Scripture: Mormon 9:28It's the start of a busy week with finals, but I thought I'd still try to keep the daily posts going. I will just briefly share a scripture that I have found much strength in.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/morm/9.28?lang=eng"><b>Mormon 9:28 </b></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="verse"></span>"Be wise in the days of your probation;
strip yourselves of all uncleanness; ask not, that ye may consume it on
your lusts, but ask with a firmness unshaken, that ye will yield to no
temptation, but that ye will serve the true and living God."<br />
<br />
Praying with a firmness unshaken is very important in overcoming sin. I constantly fall short of where I know I could or should be, but I can always repent. It is important though, to consider that not sinning in the first place is a lot better than sinning and having to repent. Either way, hopefully one will develop the capacity to become more like Christ and serve the true and living God. As a missionary, I will need this devotion and strength as I go and serve two years of my life to do the Lord's work.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05318229844302894642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249082889545053566.post-72490112420502889052012-12-09T16:50:00.003-08:002012-12-09T16:52:45.036-08:00First Presidency Message: Rediscovering the Christmas Spirit<b><a href="http://www.lds.org/ensign/2012/12/rediscovering-the-christmas-spirit?lang=eng">Rediscovering the Christmas Spirit</a> - Thomas S. Monson</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Years ago as a young elder, I was called with others to a hospital in Salt Lake City to provide blessings for sick children. Upon entering, we noted a Christmas tree with its bright and friendly lights and saw carefully wrapped packages beneath its outstretched limbs. We then went through corridors where small boys and girls - some with plaster casts upon an arm or leg, others with ailments that perhaps could not be cured so readily - greeted us with smiling faces.<br />
A young, desperately ill small boy called out to me, "What is your name?"<br />
<br />
I told him my name, and he inquired, "Will you give me a blessing?"<br />
<br />
The blessing was provided, and as we turned to leave his bedside, he said, "Thank you very much."<br />
<br />
We walked a few steps, and then I heard him call, "Oh, Brother Monson, merry Christmas to you." Then a great smile flashed across his countenance. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> That boy had the spirit of Christmas. The spirit of Christmas is something I hope all of us would have in our hearts and lives - not only at this particular season but also throughout the year.</li>
<li>What gifts would the Lord have me give to Him or to others at this precious season of the year?</li>
<li>May I suggest that our Heavenly Father would want each of us to render to Him and to His Son the gift of <u>obedience</u>.</li>
<li> May we each discover anew the Christmas spirit - even the Spirit of Christ.</li>
</ul>
<br />
This year, I have mostly viewed Christmas from the materialistic perspective. From this viewpoint, it looks so trivial and silly how people spend money just to satisfy the demands of the wants of others, but in trying to look for the true spirit of Christmas, the Spirit of Christ, I begin to see a new image. I see the years that my parents spent, so lovingly, to provide for our needs and so many of our wants. I find the pure love of Christ emulated by so many of my loved ones over the years. There is a special spirit around Christmas, but more importantly, it is a spirit can be found year round. Christmas itself is not a necessary event for our eternal salvation, but Christ's birth and the life He lived is. As I invite others to come unto Christ on a mission, it is important to do so in the Spirit of Christ, that the Holy Spirit may work in them to bring about a mighty change of heart. Christmas time must be a wonderful time for missionaries, especially as they contact their loved ones, but also that the name of their Savior is in the minds of so many people they meet. I hope that I may use the Christmas season on my mission to His advantage; to teach and remind people of the Christmas spirit - even the Spirit of Christ.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05318229844302894642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249082889545053566.post-36454985098068155632012-12-08T20:22:00.001-08:002012-12-08T20:22:17.468-08:00BYU Devotional: His Grace is SufficientThis is a wonderful, clarifying talk that has helped me tremendously in understanding this important concept. I highly encourage anyone and everyone to listen to this talk, which you can <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLXr9it_pbY">watch here</a> or <a href="http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=1966">read here</a>.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=1966">His Grace is Sufficient</a> - Brad R. Wilcox</b><br />
<ul>
<li> The grace of Jesus Christ is sufficient (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/ether/12.27?lang=eng#26">Ether 12:27</a>, <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/17.8?lang=eng#7">D&C 17:8</a>, <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/2-cor/12.9?lang=eng#8">2 Corinthians 12:9</a>) - sufficient to cover us, sufficient to transform us, and sufficient to help us as long as that transformation process takes.</li>
<li>Jesus doesn't make <i>up</i> the difference. Jesus makes<i> all </i>the difference. Grace is not about filling gaps. It is about filling us.</li>
<li>[Jesus] paid our debt in full. He didn't pay it all except for a few coins. He paid it all. It is finished.</li>
<li>You have plenty to do, but it is not to fill that gap. We will all be resurrected. We will all go back to God's presence. What is left to be determined by our obedience is what kind of body we plan on being resurrected with and how comfortable we plan to be in God's presence and how long we plan to stay there.</li>
<li>Christ asks us to <u>show faith in Him</u>, <u>repent</u>, <u>make and keep covenants</u>, <u>receive the Holy Ghost</u>, and <u>endure to the end</u>. By complying, we are not paying the demands of justice - not even in the smallest part. Instead, we are showing appreciation for what Jesus Christ did by using it to live a life like His. Justice requires immediate perfection or a punishment when we fall short. Because Jesus took that punishment, He can offer us the chance for ultimate perfection (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/5.48?lang=eng#47">Matthew 5:48</a>, <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/12.48?lang=eng#47">3 Nephi 12:48</a>) and help us reach that goal. He can forgive what justice never could, and He can turn to us now with His own set of requirements (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/28.35?lang=eng#34">3 Nephi 28:35</a>)</li>
<li>Fulfilling Christ's requirements is like paying a mortgage instead of rent or like making deposits in a savings account instead of paying off debt. You will have to hand it over every month, but it is for a totally different reason.</li>
<li><u>Christ's grace is sufficient to transform us.</u></li>
<li>Analogy of a Mom paying for her child's piano lessons:</li>
<ul>
<li>. . . Practicing is how the child shows appreciation for Mom's
incredible gift. It is how he takes advantage of the amazing opportunity
Mom is giving him to live his life at a higher level. Mom's joy is
found not in getting repaid but in seeing her gift used - seeing her
child improve.</li>
<li>If the child sees Mom's requirement of practice as being too
overbearing, perhaps it is because he doesn't yet see with his mom's
eyes. He doesn't see how much better his life could be if he would
choose to live on a higher plan.</li>
</ul>
<li> In the same way, because Jesus has paid justice, He can now turn to us and say, "Follow me" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/4.19?lang=eng#18">Matthew 4:19</a>), "Keep my commandments" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/14.15?lang=eng#14">John 14:15</a>). If we see His requirements as being way too much to ask, maybe it is because we do not yet see through Christ's eyes. We have not yet comprehended what He is trying to make of us.</li>
<li>"The great Mediator asks for our repentance <i>not </i>because we must 'repay' him in exchange for his paying our debt to justice, but because repentance initiates a developmental process that, with the Savior's help, leads us along the path to a saintly character." - Bruce C. Hafen</li>
<li>"The repenting sinner must suffer for his sins, but this suffering has a different purpose than punishment or payment. Its purpose is <i>change" - </i>Dallin H. Oaks</li>
<li>Conversations with a born-again Christian friends:</li>
<ul>
<li>"You Mormons are trying to <i>earn</i> your way to heaven."</li>
<li>"No, we aren't earning heaven. <u>We are <i>learning</i> heaven. We are preparing for it</u> (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/78.7?lang=eng#6">D&C 78:7</a>). <u>We are practicing for it</u>."</li>
<li>"Have you been saved by grace?"</li>
<li>"Yes. Absolutely, totally, completely, thankfully - yes!"</li>
</ul>
<li> "Have you been <i>changed</i> by grace?"</li>
<li>"A life impacted by grace eventually begins to look like Christ's life." - Brett Sanders</li>
<li>"While many Christians view Christ's suffering as only a huge favor He did for us, Latter-Day Saints also recognize it as a huge investment He made in us." - Omar Canals</li>
<li>As Moroni puts it, grace isn't just about being saved. It is also about becoming like the Savior (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/moro/7.48?lang=eng#47">Moroni 7:48</a>).</li>
<li>The miracle of the Atonement is not just that we can live after we die but that we can live more abundantly (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/10.10?lang=eng#9">John 10:10</a>). The miracle of the Atonement is not just that we can be cleansed and consoled but that we can be transformed (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/rom/8?lang=eng">Romans 8</a>). Scriptures make it clear that no unclean thing can dwell with God (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/40.26?lang=eng#25">Alma 40:26</a>), but no unchanged thing will even want to.</li>
<li><u>Heaven will not be heaven for those who have not chosen to be heavenly.</u></li>
<li>The older I get, and the more I understand the wonderful <i>plan of redemption</i>, the more I realize that in the final judgment it will <i>not </i>be the unrepentant sinner begging Jesus, "Let me stay." No, he will probably be saying, "Get me out of here!" Knowing Christ's character, I believe that if anyone is going to be begging on that occasion, it would probably be Jesus begging the unrepentant sinner, "Please, choose to stay. Please, use my Atonement - not just to be cleansed but to be changed so that you <i>want</i> to stay."</li>
<li>The miracle of the Atonement is not just that we can go home but that - miraculously - we can feel at home there. If Christ did not require faith and repentance, then there would be no desire to change.</li>
<li>Christ's grace is sufficient to help us.</li>
<li>Back to the piano analogy: <br />
</li>
<ul>
<li>When a young pianist hits a wrong not, we don't say he is not
worthy to keep practicing. We don't expect him to be flawless. We just
expect him to keep trying. Perfection may be his ultimate goal, but for
now we can be content with progress in the right direction. </li>
</ul>
<li>Why is this perspective so easy to see in the context of learning piano but so hard to see in teh context of learning heaven?</li>
<li>Too many are giving up on the Church because they are tired of constantly feeling like they are falling short. They have tried in the past, but they always feel like they are just not good enough. <u>They don't understand grace.</u></li>
<li>There should never be just two options: perfection or giving up.</li>
<ul>
<li>When learning the piano, are the only options performing at Carnegie Hall or quitting? No.</li>
</ul>
<li>Growth and development take time. Learning takes time. When we understand grace, we understand that God is long-suffering, that change is a process, and that repentance is a pattern in our lives. When we understand grace, we understand that the blessings of Christ's Atonement are continuous and His strength is perfect in our weakness (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/2-cor/12.9?lang=eng#8">2 Corinthians 12:9</a>). When we understand grace, we can, as it says in the Doctrine and Covenants, "continue in patience until [we] are perfected" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/67.13?lang=eng#12">D&C 67:13</a>)</li>
<li>Christ is not waiting at the finish line once we have done "all we can do" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/25.23?lang=eng#22">2 Nephi 25:23</a>). He is with us every step of the way.</li>
<li>"The Savior's gift of grace to us is not necessarily limited in time to 'after' all we can do. We may receive his grace before, during and after the time when we expend our own efforts." - Bruce C. Hafen</li>
<li>Grace is not a booster engine that kicks in once our fuel supply is exhausted. Rather, it is our constant energy source.</li>
<li>Grace is not achieved somewhere down the road. It is received right here and now.</li>
<li>[Grace] is not a finishing touch; it is the Finisher's touch (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/heb/12.2?lang=eng#1">Hebrews 12:2</a>)</li>
<li>The grace of Christ is sufficient - sufficient to cover our debt, sufficient to transform us, and sufficient to help us as long as that transformation process takes. The Book of Mormon teaches us to rely solely on "the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/2.8?lang=eng#7">2 Nephi 2:8</a>). As we do, we do not discover that Christ requires nothing of us. Rather, we discover the reason He requires so much and the strength to do all He asks (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/philip/4.13?lang=eng#12">Philippians 4:13</a>). Grace is not the absence of God's high expectations. Grace is the presence of God's power (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/1.37?lang=eng#36">Luke 1:37</a>).</li>
<li>God's grace is sufficient. Jesus' grace is sufficient. It is enough. It is all we need. Oh, young people, don't quit. Keep trying. Don't look for escapes and excuses. Look for the Lord and His perfect strength. Don't search for someone to blame. Search for someone to help you. Seek Christ, and, as you do, I promise you will feel the enabling power we call His amazing grace.</li>
</ul>
<br />
This devotional talk helped me increase my understanding of grace, but I still do not fully understand it. I need to continue to learn and grow in understanding grace, because it is really important. On a mission, I will probably have similar encounters with people who believe we don't believe in being saved by grace. I need to make sure that I more fully understand it so that I may be a more effective missionary and be able to better apply grace to my life.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05318229844302894642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249082889545053566.post-67875353074372770992012-12-08T00:45:00.001-08:002012-12-08T00:45:52.952-08:00Song: RedeemerThis song has been very touching to me. The first time I hear it, I felt the spirit stronger than I ever have when listening to a piece of music. It always brings a spirit of comfort and peace into my life. I hope that you will take time to listen to it and feel the spirit. Though music is not a large focus on a mission, I know that it is a great and wonderful part of the Church and can help bring people to the gospel.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Sv2yzIrpaY">Reedemer</a> by Paul Cardall</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Sv2yzIrpaY"><b>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Sv2yzIrpaY </b></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05318229844302894642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249082889545053566.post-20387627810459869712012-12-06T13:40:00.000-08:002012-12-06T13:40:16.704-08:00General Conference: Pride and the Priesthood<b><a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/pride-and-the-priesthood?lang=eng&query=pride+priesthood">Pride and the Priesthood</a> - Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Oct. 2010</b><br />
<ul>
<li>No one has avoided [pride]; few overcome it.</li>
<li>I believe there is a difference between being proud of certain things and being prideful (ex. President Uchtdorf is proud of his wife, children, grandchildren, the youth of the Church, to stand with the brethren of the priesthood.)</li>
<li>Pride is sinful.</li>
<li>When our hearts are filled with pride, we commit a grave sin, for we violate two great commandments: (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/22.36-40?lang=eng#35">Matthew 22:36-40</a>)</li>
<ul>
<li>Love the Lord thy God with all your heart, soul, and mind</li>
<li>Love thy neighbor</li>
</ul>
<li>Pride is the great sin of self-elevation.</li>
<li>Pride is the original sin . . . pride felled Lucifer</li>
<li>Pride is a deadly cancer.</li>
<li>Pride is a gateway sin . . . In fact, it could be said that every other sin is, in essence, a manifestation of pride.</li>
<li>Pride turns to envy.</li>
<li>Pride is easily seen in sports, where fans vilify and demonize their rivals. They look for any flaw and magnify it. They justify their hatred with broad generalizations and apply them to everyone associated with the other team. When ill fortune afflicts their rival, they rejoice.</li>
<li>We see today too often the same kind of attitude and behavior spill over into the public discourse of politics, ethnicity, and religion.</li>
<li>My beloved disciples of the gentle Christ, should we not hold ourselves to a higher standard?</li>
<li>Our goal is to learn to love God and to extend that same love toward our fellowman. We are here to live according to His law and establish the kingdom of God. We are here to build, uplift, treat fairly, and encourage all of Heavenly Father's children.</li>
<li>We can be grateful . . . but when we being to inhale it . . . that's when pride begins to corrupt.</li>
<li>Jesus Christ is our perfect example.</li>
<li>Pride is a switch that turns off priesthood power. Humility is a switch that turns it on.</li>
<li>How do we become more humble?</li>
<li>When we see the world around us through the lens of the pure love of Christ, we begin to understand humility.</li>
<li><u>Some suppose that humility is about beating ourselves up. Humility does not mean convincing ourselves that we are worthless, meaningless, or of little value. Nor does it mean denying or withholding the talents God has given us. We don't discover humility by thinking less<i> of </i>ourselves; we discover humility by thinking less <i>about</i> ourselves. It comes as we go about our work with an attitude of serving God and our fellowman.</u></li>
<li>There are so many people in need whom we could be thinking about instead of ourselves. . . . We have no time to become absorbed in ourselves.</li>
<li>I once owned a pen that I loved to use during my career as an airline captain. By simply turning the shaft, I could choose one of four colors. The pen did not complain when I wanted to use red ink instead of blue. It did not say to me, "I would rather not write after 10:00 p.m., in heavy fog, or at high altitudes." The pen did not say, "Use me only for important documents, not for the daily mundane tasks." With greatest reliability it performed every task I needed, no matter how important or insignificant. It was always ready to serve.</li>
<li>When we do this, the Lord can use us in ways beyond our understandings to accomplish His work.</li>
<li>Concludes with words from Ezra Taft Benson:</li>
<li>"Pride <i>is</i> the great stumbling block to Zion.</li>
<li>"We must clean the inner vessel by conquering pride. . . </li>
<li>"We must yield 'to the enticings of the Holy Spirit,' put off the prideful, 'natural man,' become 'a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord,' and become 'as a child, submissive, meek, humble.' . . . </li>
<li>"God will have a humble people. . . . "Blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble.' . . .</li>
<li>"Let us choose to be humble. We can do it. I know we can."</li>
</ul>
<br />
This talk is a beautiful elaboration on what President Benson stated in his address. One part that really helped me was to understand that humility is NOT about beating ourselves up and such. I even struggled with forgiving myself for sins I committed. Both President Benson and President Uchtdorf clarified this principle in such a way that I now can accurately apply it to my own life. As a missionary, I need to be filled with personal experiences so that I can have a stronger spirit of testimony in all things I share with those I teach. As my friend said in a letter from the MTC, "One of the best things you can do to prepare is gain a love for the scriptures and have personal experiences where the scriptures have taught you. You can't convert your investigators past the point that you have been converted." I feel that not only do I need to be learning from the scriptures and having experiences with them, but I need to also do this with every principle of the gospel, whether taught by an Apostle or a member of my Elder's Quorum. I hope that by the time I am on a mission, I will be filled with experiences that will allow me to more fully bring the Spirit into the lives of those whom are awaiting our glad message of the gospel of Jesus Christ.<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05318229844302894642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249082889545053566.post-73134346112905684722012-12-06T00:37:00.000-08:002012-12-06T00:37:50.535-08:00General Conference: Beware of Pride<b>Beware of Pride - Ezra Taft Benson, April 1989</b><br />
<ul>
<li>The central feature of pride is enmity - enmity toward God and enmity toward our fellowmen. <i>Enmity </i>means "hatred toward, hostility to, or a state of opposition." It is the power by which Satan wishes to reign over us.</li>
<li>Pride is essentially competitive in nature.</li>
<li>The proud cannot accept the authority of God giving direction in their lives. (see Helaman 12:6)</li>
<li>The proud wish God would agree with them.</li>
<li>C. S. Lewis said, "Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out of having more of it than the next man. ... It is the comparison that makes you proud: the pleasure of being above the rest. Once the element of competition has gone, pride has gone." (<i>Mere Christianity</i>)</li>
<li>"Pride goeth before destruction." (Proverbs 16:18)</li>
<li>It was through pride that Christ was crucified.</li>
<li>"What will men think of me?" weighs heavier than "What will God think of me?"</li>
<li> Pride is a sin that can readily be seen in others but is rarely admitted in ourselves.</li>
<li>Selfishness is one of the more common faces of pride. "How everything affects me" is the center of all matters - self-conceit, self-pity, worldly self-fulfillment, self-gratification, and self-seeking.</li>
<li>Pride is contention.</li>
<li>The proud do not receive counsel or correction easily.</li>
<li><u>Pride is ugly. It says, "If you succeed, I am a failure."</u></li>
<li>If we love God, do His will, and fear His judgment more than men's, we will have self esteem.</li>
<li>Pride is a damning sin in the true sense of that word. It limits or stops progression. (see Alma 12:10-11)</li>
<li>Pride adversely affects all our relationships.</li>
<li>Pride affects all of us at various times and in various degrees.</li>
<li><u>Pride is the universal sin, the great vice. Yes, pride <i>is</i> the universal sin, the great vice.</u></li>
<li><u>The antidote for pride is humility - meekness, submissiveness. (see Alma 7:23) It is the broken heart and contrite spirit. (see 3 Nephi 9:20; 3 Nephi 12:19; D&C 59:8; Psalms 34:18; Isaiah 57:15; Isaiah 66:2)</u></li>
<li>God will have a humble people. Either we can choose to be humble or we can be compelled to be humble. (see Alma 32:16)</li>
<li>Let us choose to be humble.</li>
<li>We can choose to humble ourselves by:</li>
<ul>
<li>Conquering enmity toward our brothers and sisters.</li>
<li>Receiving counsel and chastisement.</li>
<li>Forgiving those who have offended us.</li>
<li>Rendering our selfless service.</li>
<li>Going on missions and preaching the word that can humble others.</li>
<li>Getting to the temple more frequently.</li>
<li>Confessing and forsaking our sins and being born of God.</li>
<li>Loving God, submitting our will to His, and putting Him first in our lives.</li>
</ul>
<li>Let us choose to be humble. We can do it. I know we can.</li>
<li>Pride is the great stumbling block to Zion. I repeat: Pride <i>is</i> the great stumbling block to Zion.</li>
<li>We must cleanse the inner vessel by conquering pride.</li>
<li>We must yield "to the enticings of the Holy Spirit," put off the prideful "natural man," become "a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord," and become "as a child, submissive, meek, humble." (Mosiah 3:19; see also Alma 13:28)</li>
</ul>
<br />
If "pride is the universal sin" and I'll be calling people to repent on a mission, then I need to understand what it is so that I can help bring people unto Christ. I also must continue in all my endeavors to humble myself and overcome the numerous ways pride affects me in life. By serving a mission, I will be overcoming some of my pride and hopefully I will do all that I can to be humble and focus my will to that of God's, so that I will be an effective missionary.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05318229844302894642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249082889545053566.post-38840742988222015522012-12-04T23:17:00.000-08:002012-12-04T23:17:00.184-08:00First Presidency Message: The False Gods We WorshipThis is an article from the <a href="http://www.lds.org/liahona?lang=eng">Liahona</a> that we read for my American Heritage class at BYU. I figured that this could be a great way to analyze it for homework and blog at the same time.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.lds.org/liahona/1977/08/the-false-gods-we-worship?lang=eng&query=false+gods+we+worship">The False Gods We Worship</a> - Spencer W. Kimball, Aug. 1977</b><br />
<ul>
<li>This is a marvelous earth on which we find ourselves.</li>
<li>Where much is given, much is expected. (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/12.48?lang=eng#47">Luke 12:48</a>)</li>
<li>The Lord gave us a choice world and expects righteousness and obedience to his commandments in return.</li>
<li>The Destroyer seems to be taking full advantage of the time remaining to him in this, the great day of his power.</li>
<li>I have a feeling that the good earth can hardly bear our presence upon it.</li>
<li>The Brethren constantly cry out against that which is intolerable in the sight of the Lord.</li>
<li>That such a cry should be necessary among a people so blessed is amazing to me. And that such things should be found even among the Saints to some degree is scarcely believalbe, for these are a people who are in possession of many gifts of the Spirit, who have knowledge that lets them put the eternities into perspective, who have been shown the way to eternal life.</li>
<li>To be shown the way is not necessarily to walk it.</li>
<li>The Lord has blessed us as a people with a prosperity unequaled in times past.</li>
<li>Do we have more of these good things than our faith can stand?</li>
<li>To think that a person has settled for so little is saddening and pitiful prospect indeed; the souls of men are far more precious than this.</li>
<li>If we insist on spending all our time and resources building up for ourselves a worldly kingdom, that is exactly what we will inherit.</li>
<li>In spite of our delight in regarding ourselves as modern, and our tendency to think we possess a sophistication that no people in the past ever had - in spite of these things, we are, on the whole, an idolatrous people - a condition most repugnant to the Lord.</li>
<li>We are a warlike people</li>
<li>"Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good for them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be children of your Father which is in heaven." (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/5.44-45?lang=eng#43">Matthew 5:44-45</a>)</li>
<li>We forget that if we are righteous, the Lord will either not suffer our enemies to come upon us or he will fight our battles for us. (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/ex/14.14?lang=eng#13">Exodus 14:14</a>; <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/98.37?lang=eng#36">D&C 98:37</a>, to name only two references of many)</li>
<li>What are we to fear when the Lord is with us? Can we not take the Lord at his word and exercise a particle of faith in him? <u>Our assignment is positive; to forsake the things of the world as goals in themselves; to desist form idolatry and press forward in faith; to carry the gospel to our enemies, that they might no longer be our enemies.</u></li>
<li>"I will not spare any that remain in Babylon." (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/64.24?lang=eng#23">D&C 64:24</a>)</li>
<li>"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of our sins, and . . . receive the Holy Ghost." (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/acts/2.38?lang=eng#37">Acts 2:38</a>)</li>
<li>"Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come, for the Lord is nigh." (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/1.11-12?lang=eng#10">D&C 1:11-12</a>)</li>
<li>We believe that the way for each person and each family to prepare as the Lord has directed is to<u> begin to exercise greater faith, to repent, and to enter into the work of his kingdom on earth</u>, which is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saint.s It may seem a little difficult at first, but when a person begins to catch a vision of the true work, when he begins to see something of eternity in its true perspective, the blessings begin to far outweigh the cost of leaving "the world" behind.</li>
<li><u>Herein lies the only true happiness, and therefore, we invite and welcome all men, everywhere, to join in this work. For those who are determined to serve the Lord at all costs, this is the way to eternal life. All else is but a means to that end.</u></li>
</ul>
<br />
I love the boldness of President Kimball. He is firm and direct with his messages in a way that helps me to understand them easily. I feel strongly that the greatest sorrow one could experience would be to decline or reject the gospel. By worshiping false idols, which is such a natural action, we are putting off the Lord and his gospel. It pains me, as my friends and I have entered into our college years, to see those that no longer choose to remain in the gospel. There was a point at which I could have easily gone one of two very different paths in life, but so far, I have chosen the right one. I am eager to serve a mission and share the gospel with those who are ready to receive it. I pray that those who aren't ready yet will soon seek for the direction they need from our Father in Heaven that they may come unto Christ. I pray that I will be able to do my best to follow the will of the Father that I may be an effective missionary in bringing the Holy Ghost and the message of the gospel unto all those who I have the privilege to meet on a mission. I pray that I will be able to forsake the vain idols in my life that prevent me from always feeling the Spirit and doing as God would have me do.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05318229844302894642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249082889545053566.post-62970546001351051382012-12-03T14:49:00.000-08:002012-12-03T23:55:37.548-08:00General Conference: By Faith All Things Are Fulfilled<b><a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/by-faith-all-things-are-fulfilled?lang=eng&query=faith+all+things+fulfilled">By Faith All Things Are Fulfilled</a> - Marcus B. Nash, Oct. 2012</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Our mortal journey is a steep and difficult climb, one that requires our Heavenly Father's help to successfully complete. For this reason, He established the principles and ordinances of the gospel to bring us unto the Savior and His saving power. (see D&C 84:19-21)</li>
<li>If strong and securely attached to "the rock of our Redeemer," (Helaman 5:12) faith will help us to safely climb the gospel path, overcome every challenge of mortality (see D&C 76:53), and return to the majestic presence of our Heavenly Father. <u>All things are fulfilled by faith</u>. (see Ether 5:12)</li>
<li><u>Faith is both a principle of action and of power</u>. (see <i>Lectures of Faith</i> (1985); see also Jacob 4:6; Ether 12:7-22; Hebrews 11:4-40) It "is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if [we] faith [we] hope for things which are not seen, which are true. " (Alma 32:21) It is an assurance (see JST Hebrews 11:1, footnote <i>b</i>) of the Spirit gained through our learning that moves us to act (see 2 Nephi 25:23; Alma 34:15-17; Ether 12:6; James 2:17-26) to follow the example of the Savior and prayerfully keep His commandments, even through times of sacrifice and trial. (see Ether 12:4-6; <i>Lectures on Faith, </i>69) Faith brings us the power of the Lord, which - among other things - is manifested by a hope of good things to come (see Moroni 7:40-42), miracles that confirm our faith (see Bible Dictionary, "Faith"; see also Mormon 9:8-21; Moroni 7:33-37), and divine protection in spiritual and temporal matters. (see D&C 27:17; Alma 57:19-27; 58:10-13)</li>
<li>. . . <i>I do not ask to see the distant scene - one step enough for me.</i> ("Lead, Kindly Light," <i>Hymns</i>, no. 97)</li>
<li>We too can exercise such faith in the Lord, believing and trusting that our kind and constant God (see Jacob 4:10; Mormon 9:9) will bless us with His miraculous power suited to our circumstances, according to His timing. As we do so, we too will see the hand of God manifest in our lives.</li>
<li>Satan will use such things as doubt, fear, or sin to tempt us to let go of faith and lose the protection it offers. Let us briefly examine each of these challenges to faith in turn so that we can recognize and heed not to the adversary's temptations (see 1 Nephi 8:33-34; Alma 37:33; D&C 20:22):</li>
<ul>
<li>Doubt</li>
<ul>
<li>The Lord's antidote for doubt is simple. "Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all things which the Lord can comprehend." (Mosiah 4:9)</li>
<li>Bering in mind that faith and reason are necessary companions, consider the following analogy:</li>
<ul>
<li>Faith and reason are like the two wings of an aircraft. Both are essential to maintain flight. If, from your perspective, reason seems to contradict faith, pause and remember that our perspective is extremely limited compared with the Lord's. Do not discard your faith any more than you would detach a wing from an aircraft in flight. Instead, nurture a particle of faith and permit the hope it produces to be an anchor to your soul - and to your reason. (see Ether 12:4) </li>
</ul>
<li>"Seek learning . . . by study <i>and also </i>by faith." (D&C 88:118; emphasis added)</li>
</ul>
<li> Fear</li>
<ul>
<li>Rather than focusing upon and fearing the boisterous wind and waves in our lives, the Lord invites us to "look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not." (D&C 6:36) </li>
</ul>
<li> Sin</li>
<ul>
<li>It is best to exercise our faith to "touch not the evil gift, nor the unclean thing" (Moroni 10:30) and to "be diligent in keeping all [the] commandments, lest . . . your faith fail you, and your enemies triumph over you." (D&C 6:36)</li>
<li>If sin has stained your life, I invite you to exercise "faith unto repentance," (see Alma 34:15-17; see also Ether 12:3) and the Savior, through the Atonement, will purify and heal your life.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<li>The Lord will, according to our faith, fulfill His promises and work with us to overcome every challenge. (see Ether 12:29; Alma 7:27)</li>
<li>Because He is a "God of miracles" and "changeth not," He will likewise bless each of us with hope, protection, and power according to our faith in Him. (see Mormon 9:18-21; see also Moroni 7:33-38; Alma 37:16-17) Steadfast faith in the Lord Jesus Christ will anchor you and your loved ones to "the rock of our Redeemer" (Helaman 5:12) and His matchless power to save.</li>
<li>"<u>The future is as bright as your faith.</u>" - Thomas S. Monson</li>
</ul>
<br />
Not only do I need to be diligent in maintaining and increasing my faith, but I need to be able to teach the basic principles of faith to those I have a privilege of meeting on a mission. Hopefully I will have the faith to always do what the Lord would have me do, especially in seeking out those who are ready to receive the gospel into their lives. By faith, I will become the most effective missionary, always relying on the Lord for all that I have and am. I greatly appreciated the part of this talk on reason and faith. I am a very logic and reason oriented thinker. I have faith, but sometimes it does seem to not make sense logically, but the advice given is clear and direct. Our understanding is not God's and our view is extremely limited. I am thankful for my testimony and faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I pray that it may always be increasing daily so that I may become a better instrument in the hands of God. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05318229844302894642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249082889545053566.post-805421182906792992012-12-02T19:22:00.001-08:002012-12-07T14:51:27.773-08:00General Conference: The Joy of Redeeming the Dead<b><a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/the-joy-of-redeeming-the-dead?lang=eng&query=joy+redeeming+dead">The Joy of Redeeming the Dead</a> - Richard G. Scott, Oct. 2012</b><br />
<ul>
<li>The Lord's revelation that through the proper priesthood authority, baptism could be performed vicariously for the dead preserved the justice of His statement: "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/3.5?lang=eng#4">John 3:5</a>)</li>
<li>Vicarious baptism can mercifully provide the essential ordinance for all worthy deceased who did not receive it in mortality.</li>
<li>This glorious doctrine is another witness of the <u>all-encompassing nature of the Atonement of Jess Christ</u>. He made salvation available to every repentant soul. His Atonement conquered death, and He permits the worthy deceased to receive all ordinances of salvation vicariously.</li>
<li>"The Saints have the privilege of being baptized for . . . their relatives who are dead . . . who have received the Gospel in the spirit, through . . . those who have been commissioned to preach to them . . . Those Saints who neglect it in behalf of their deceased relatives, do it at the peril of their own salvation." - Joseph Smith</li>
<li>"He shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to <i>their</i> fathers." (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/2.2?lang=eng#1">D&C 2:2</a>; emphasis added)</li>
<li>Every prophet since Joseph Smith has emphasized the imperative need to provide all ordinances for ourselves and our deceased ancestors.</li>
<li>"We must accomplish the priesthood temple ordinance work necessary for our own exaltation; then we must do the necessary work for those who did not have the opportunity to accept the gospel in life. doing work for others is accomplished in two steps: first, by family history research to ascertain our progenitors; and second, by performing the temple ordinances to give the same opportunities afforded to the living . . . I have learned that those who engage in family history research and then perform the temple ordinance work for those names they ave found will know the additional joy of receiving both halves of the blessing." - Howard W. Hunter</li>
<li><u>Any work you do in the temple is time well spent</u>, but receiving ordinances vicariously for one of your ancestors will make the time in the temple more sacred, and even greater blessings will be received.</li>
<li>"<u>Our preeminent obligation is to seek out and identify <i>our own</i> ancestors.</u>" - First Presidency Letter, Feb. 29, 2012</li>
<li>Do you young people want to eliminate the influence of the adversary in your life? <u>Immerse yourself in searching for your ancestors</u>, prepare their names for the sacred vicarious ordinances available in the temple, and then go to the temple to stand as proxy for them to receive the ordinances of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost. As you grow older, you will be able to participate in receiving the other ordinances as well. I can think of no greater protection from the influence of the adversary in your life.</li>
<li>"<u>Genealogical work is something that we can do here on earth, and it will remain in heaven.</u>"</li>
<li>"It is truly the Lord's work and He is directing it." - Jeanene Watkins Scott</li>
<li>Through our efforts in holy temples here on earth using the authority delegated by the Savior, our progenitors receive the saving ordinances that allow them to enjoy eternal happiness.</li>
<li>But what about you? Have you prayed about your own ancestors' work? <u>Set aside those things in your life that don't really matter. Decide to do something of eternal consequences.</u> Perhaps you have been prompted to look for ancestors but feel you are not a genealogist. Can you see that you don't have to be anymore? <u>It all begins with love and a sincere desire to help those beyond the veil who can't help themselves.</u> Check around. There will be someone in your area who can help you have success.</li>
<li>This work is a spiritual work, a monumental effort of cooperation on both sides of the veil, where help is given in both directions. Anywhere you are in the world, with prayer, faith, determination, diligence, and some sacrifice, you can make a powerful contribution. <u>Begin now</u>. I promise you that the Lord will help you find a way.</li>
</ul>
<br />
In receiving a current temple recommend today, I realized that I should take more seriously the duty to go to the temple often and participate in baptisms and confirmations for the dead. Also, with my calling as an ward Indexer, I should work harder to further the work in that capacity. On a mission, I will be mostly focused on bringing the living unto Christ, but this principle is a very touching and will be helpful in bringing others unto Christ. I need more personal experience in this regard so that I may be able to better testify to others the importance of it. If I am fortunate enough to have a temple in my mission, I may have the opportunity to attend the temple and participate in ordinances. Currently, I am preparing to also take out my endowments in the temple in a short while. I am excited and blessed to have the opportunity to be near so many temples. I need to take advantage of this blessing and serve God.<br />
<br />
I am finally grateful for having learned how to read and write cursive in 3rd grade, because it helps me immensely in Indexing, which is my calling. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05318229844302894642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249082889545053566.post-83016249151011876712012-12-01T17:30:00.003-08:002012-12-04T23:18:36.663-08:00General Conference: What Shall a Man Give in Exchange for His Soul?<b><a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/what-shall-a-man-give-in-exchange-for-his-soul?lang=eng&query=shall+man+give+exchange+his+soul%3f">What Shall a Man Give in Exchange for His Soul?</a> - Robert C. Gay, Oct. 2012</b><br />
<ul>
<li>The Savior once asked His disciples the following question:</li>
<ul>
<li>"<u>What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?</u>" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/16.26?lang=eng#25">Matthew 16:26</a>)</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>A man was reminded that, as a priesthood holder, he was promised that if he magnified his oath and covenant, he would receive "all that the [our] Father hath." (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/84.38?lang=eng#37">D&C 84:38</a>)</li>
<li> With self-justification of petty sins, Satan triumphs.</li>
<li>We can either self-justify our actions, like Cain, or look to submit to the will of God.</li>
<li>The question before us is not whether we are doing things which need correcting, because we always are. Rather, the question is, will we "shrink" or "finish" the call upon our soul to do the will of the Father? (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/19.18-19?lang=eng#17">D&C 19:18-19</a>)</li>
<li>"<u>O God, . . . I will give away all my sins to know thee.</u>" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/22.18?lang=eng#17">Alma 22:18</a>; see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/22.15-16?lang=eng#14">Alma 22:15-16</a>)</li>
<li>We are to give up all our sins, big or small, for the Father's reward of eternal life. </li>
<li>We are to forget self-justifying stories, excuses, rationalizations, defense mechanisms, procrastinations, appearances, personal pride, judgmental thoughts, and doing things our way.</li>
<li>We are to separate ourselves from the worldliness and take upon us the image of God in our countenances. (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/5.14-19?lang=eng#13">Alma 5:14-19</a>)</li>
<li><u>Taking upon the countenance of God means serving each other.</u></li>
<li>There are sins of commission and sins of omission, and <u>we are to rise above both.</u></li>
<li>After sharing a story, Elder Gay is taught two great truths:</li>
<ul>
<li>First, he knew as never before that God is mindful of each of us and will never forsake us.</li>
<li>Second, he knew that we must always hearken to the voice of the Spirit within us and go "straightway" wherever it takes us, regardless of our fears or any inconvenience. (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/mark/1.18?lang=eng#17">Mark 1:18</a>)</li>
</ul>
<li><u>We are to go to the rescue - to the lost, the last, and the least.</u> It is not enough to avoid evil; we must "suffer his cross" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/jacob/1.8?lang=eng#7">Jacob 1:8</a>) and "be anxiously engaged," (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/58.28?lang=eng#27">D&C 58:28</a>) helping others to conversion . . . With compassion and love . . . </li>
<li>May our lives of service always affirm that God forsakes no one.</li>
<li>The Savior calls us, without price, to exchange our sins, to take upon us His countenance, and to take that into the hearts of those within our reach. For this we may receive all that God has, which we are told is greater than all the combined treasures of this earth. (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/19.38?lang=eng#37">D&C 19:38</a>) Can you even imagine?</li>
<li><u>My testimony is my soul's treasure.</u></li>
</ul>
<br />
This is a great outline of missionary work. I often find that I, as most of us do, justify silly things. I need to improve upon this, especially so that I will be able to follow all the rules of a missionary. I need to do my best to rescue the lost, the last, and the least, so that they may be able to come unto Christ and be blessed. I am thankful for the testimony I have been given, and I pray that I will do better to improve upon it and realize that it is my soul's treasure.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05318229844302894642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249082889545053566.post-49996585728013228222012-12-01T02:07:00.001-08:002012-12-01T02:07:30.240-08:00Song: I Love the LordThis is a beautiful song to the tune of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XojVmivqDrA">Finlandia</a>, which is more commonly known among Latter-Day Saints as the tune of Be Still, My Soul. The words are a paraphrase of "Nephi's Psalm" in <b><a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/4?lang=eng">2 Nephi 4.</a> </b>I highly encourage you to listen to a recording of this, because words only do so much when written, but provide so much more power when spoken or sung. (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/33.1?lang=eng#primary">2 Nephi 33:1</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FASG0h6-5XQ">I Love the Lord</a> - Arranged by Ronald Staheli </b><br />
<br />
I love the Lord, in Him my soul delights.<br />
Upon his word, I ponder day and night.<br />
He's heard my cry, brought visions to my sleep,<br />
And kept me safe o'er deserts and the deep.<br />
He's filled my heart with His consuming love,<br />
And borne me high on wings of His great dove.<br />
<br />
Yet oft I groan, "O wretched man am I"<br />
My flesh is weak and I'm encompassed by<br />
A world of sin, which holds me in it's thrall.<br />
If I give in and to temptations fall,<br />
Then strength grows slack, I waste in sorrow's vale;<br />
My peace destroyed, my enemies prevail.<br />
<br />
Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin.<br />
Rejoice, my heart! And let me praise again,<br />
The Lord my God, who is my rock and stay<br />
To keep me strict upon His straight, plain way.<br />
Oh let me shake at the first sight of sin<br />
And thus escape my foes without and in.<br />
<br />
I love the Lord, in Him my soul delights.<br />
<br />
<br />
This song, along with the many of Nephi's words from <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/4?lang=eng">2 Nephi 4</a>, brings me much comfort and strength. Some of my favorite verses from this chapter are <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/4.27-28?lang=eng#26">27-28</a>. The song does a wonderful job emphasizing the great joy and hope there is in awakening the soul and rejoicing the heart as we come unto Christ. This chapter of scripture helps us to see how human Nephi is, but also to show us his strength of character and dependence on the Lord. To me, it is a cry for us to do the same. On a mission, I will be inviting others to come unto Christ. I want to be able to proclaim to the best of my abilities, as Nephi did, that I love the Lord. That I trust in Him. That I have been strengthened and blessed in every single aspect of my life by Him. I want to be like Nephi and choose the right. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FASG0h6-5XQ">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FASG0h6-5XQ</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05318229844302894642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249082889545053566.post-48215204747351791362012-11-30T00:09:00.000-08:002012-12-04T23:19:39.807-08:00General Conference: Learning with Our Hearts<b><a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/learning-with-our-hearts?lang=eng&query=learning+with+our+hearts+walter">Learning with Our Hearts</a> - Walter F. González, Oct. 2012</b> <br />
<ul>
<li>"Come unto me, that ye might feel and see." (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/18.25?lang=eng">3 Nephi 18:25</a>)</li>
<li>This commandment is just as important for us today as it was for them in their day. As we come unto Christ, we can feel and "know of a surety" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/11.15?lang=eng#14">3 Nephi 11:15</a>) - not with our hands and eyes but with all our <u>heart</u> and <u>mind</u> - that Jesus is the Christ.</li>
<li>One way to come unto Christ is by seeking to learn essential truths <u>with our hearts</u>. As we do so, impressions that come from god will give us knowledge that we cannot get by any other means.</li>
<li>We cannot understand the scriptures completely unless we apply our <u>heart</u> to understanding. (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/12.27?lang=eng#26">Mosiah 12:27</a>)</li>
<li>"Here is my secret . . . : It is only with the <u>heart</u> that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye." - <i>The Little Prince </i>by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry</li>
<li>We can find good and bad information on the web, but information alone is not enough. God has given us another source for greater knowledge, even knowledge sent form heaven. (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/ether/4.13?lang=eng#12">Ether 4:13</a>)</li>
<li>We can access this celestial source by:</li>
<ul>
<li>Reading the scriptures</li>
<li>Hearkening to the living prophet</li>
<li>Praying</li>
</ul>
<li>It is important to take time to be still (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/101.16?lang=eng#15">D&C 101:16</a>) and feel and follow the celestial promptings. </li>
<li>Iniquity hampers our ability to see, feel, and love others.</li>
<li>Being quick to remember the Lord by praying "with all the energy of heart" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/moro/7.48?lang=eng#47">Moroni 7:48</a>) and bringing to mind our spiritual experiences expands our ability to see and feel the things of Christ.</li>
<li>Now I ask you: </li>
<ul>
<li>Do you remember the peace you felt when, after much tribulation, you cried out unto the Father in mighty prayer?</li>
<li>Do you remember changing your to-do list to follow a prompting in your heart?</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>(<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/hel/5.12?lang=eng#11">Helaman 5:12</a>) We must do the same.</li>
<li>Those who receive knowledge... from our Heavenly Father do know of a surety that Jesus is the Christ and this is His Church. That very knowledge provides strength to make necessary changes to come unto Christ. For this reason, we invite every soul to be baptized, repent, and turn unto Him now. (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/9.13?lang=eng#12">3 Nephi 9:13</a>)</li>
<li>By coming unto Christ, every soul can see, feel, and know of a surety that Christ suffered and atoned for our sins that we may have eternal life.</li>
<li><u>If we repent, we will not suffer needlessly.</u> (See <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/19.16?lang=eng#15">D&C 19:16</a>)</li>
<li>There is no burden that He cannot ease or remove.</li>
<li>He knows about our infirmities and sicknesses</li>
<li>He will not fail you.</li>
<li>He knows "how to succor his people." (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/7.12?lang=eng#11">Alma 7:12</a>)</li>
<li>He rose from the dead "with healing in his wings." (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/25.13?lang=eng#12">2 Nephi 25:13</a>; see also <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/25.2?lang=eng#1">3 Nephi 25:2</a>)</li>
<li>He gives us salvation.</li>
<li>Verily our conversion unto Him is rewarded with our healing. (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/16.10?lang=eng#9">2 Nephi 16:10</a>; <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/25.2?lang=eng#1">3 Nephi 25:2</a>) </li>
</ul>
<br />
This is a great topic for me to work on. I have been improving, but I tend to be very logic focused. I need to trust and learn from the feelings the spirit brings to me. On a mission, I won't be convincing people to come unto Christ with mere logic, but through bringing the spirit to them, so that it may teach them what I cannot.<br />
<ul>
</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05318229844302894642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249082889545053566.post-45656946566917889962012-11-28T23:36:00.002-08:002012-12-04T23:20:12.320-08:00General Conference: The First Great Commandment<b><a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/the-first-great-commandment?lang=eng&query=first+great+commandment">The First Great Commandment</a> - Jeffrey R. Holland, Oct. 2012</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Jesus said to Peter (nonscriptural elaboration) "What I need, Peter, are disciples - and I need them forever. I need someone to feed my sheep and save my lambs. I need someone to preach my gospel and defend my faith. I need someone who loves me, truly loves me, and loves what our Father in Heaven has commissioned me to do."</li>
<li>Ours is not a feeble message. It is not a fleeting task. It is not hapless; it is not hopeless; it is not to be consigned to the ash heap of history. It is the work of Almighty God, and it is to change the world.</li>
<li>I am not certain what our experience will be on Judgment Day, but I will be very surprised if at some point in that conversation, God does not ask us exactly what Christ asked Peter: "Did you love me?" I think He will want to know if in our very mortal, very inadequate, and sometimes childish grasp of things, did we at least understand <i>one</i> commandment, the first and greatest commandment of them all - "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind." (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/10.27?lang=eng#26">Luke 10:27</a>; see also <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/22.37-38?lang=eng#36">Matthew 22:37-38</a>) And if at such a moment we can stammer out, "Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee," then He may remind us that <u>the crowing characteristic of love is always loyalty</u>. (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/21.15-17?lang=eng#14">John 21:15-17</a>)</li>
<li>"If ye love me, keep my commandments."</li>
<li>So we have neighbors to bless, children to protect, the poor to lift up, and the truth to defend. We have wrongs to make right, truths to share, and good to do. In short, <u>we have a life of devoted discipleship to give in demonstrating our love of the Lord</u>. We can't quit and we can't go back. After an encounter with the living Son of the living God, nothing is ever again to be as it was before. </li>
<li>The Crucifixion, Atonement, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ mark the beginning of a Christian life, not the end of it.</li>
<li>I testify from the bottom of my heart, with the intensity of my soul, to all those who can hear my voice that those apostolic keys have been restored to the earth, and they are found in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.</li>
<li>To those who have not yet joined with us in this great final cause of Christ, we say, <u>"Please come."</u></li>
<li>The call is to come back, to stay true, to love God, and to lend a hand.</li>
<li>To the youth of the Church rising up to missions and temples and marriage, we say: "<u>Love God and remain clean</u> from the blood and sins of this generation. You have a monumental work to do... Your Father in Heaven expects your loyalty and your love at every stage of lift."</li>
<li>"Do you love me? </li>
<li>"Yea, Lord, we do love thee."</li>
</ul>
<br />
Elder Holland is definitely one of my favorite speakers. His emotion, clarity, and boldness add so much meaning and understanding to each message he shares. This is a great talk to use in regards to a mission. My bishop in my BYU YSA ward often will teach us a concept by deduction. For example, he asked us why we believe in and follow President Monson. After we gave our solid understanding and belief in following the Prophet, he asked us about the Honor Code. Often people complain at BYU about the Honor Code, but when put into context, it is just merely an extension of what the prophet asks us to do. If we honor and sustain the Prophet, then we should follow the Honor Code. This is the exact same concept that Elder Holland shares in this message that I hope to use on a mission as I teach those awaiting the to hear the truth and invite them to, "Please come." I pray that I will continue to improve upon the previous success in my life in keeping the commandments and doing as the Lord wishes of me. I do love the Lord, therefore I need to keep the commandments and invite others to come unto Him.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05318229844302894642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249082889545053566.post-89276466513625843062012-11-27T17:24:00.002-08:002012-11-27T17:24:42.988-08:00General Conference: The Divine Gift of Gratitude<b><a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/the-divine-gift-of-gratitude?lang=eng">The Divine Gift of Gratitude</a> - Thomas S. Monson, Oct. 2010</b><br />
<ul>
<li>He begins by telling the story of the ten lepers (see<b> </b><a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/17.11-19?lang=eng#10">Luke 17:11-19</a>)</li>
<li>The expressed gratitude by one merited the Master's blessing; the ingratitude shown by the nine, His disappointment.</li>
<li>Do we remember to give thanks for the blessings we receive? Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God's love.</li>
<li>"When you walk with gratitude, you do not walk with arrogance and conceit and egotism, you walk with a spirit of thanksgiving that is becoming to you and will bless your lives." - Gordon B. Hinckley</li>
<li>We have all experienced times when our focus is on what we lack rather than on our blessings.</li>
<li>"He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has." - Epictus</li>
<li>Gratitude is a divine principle.</li>
<li>"Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things... And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things." (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/59.7,%2021?lang=eng#6">D&C 59: 7, 21</a>)</li>
<li>We are told to "live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which [God] doth bestow upon you." (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/34.38?lang=eng#37">Alma 34:38</a>)</li>
<li>Regardless of our circumstances, each of us has much for which to be grateful if we will but pause and contemplate our blessings.</li>
<li>This is a wonderful time to be on earth. While there is much that is wrong in the world today, there are many things that are right and good.</li>
<li>Our lives are blessed in countless ways.</li>
<li>We can lift ourselves and others as well when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts <u>an attitude of gratitude</u>. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues.</li>
<li>"The grateful man sees so much in the world to be thankful for, and with him the good outweighs the evil. Love overpowers jealousy, and light drives darkness out of his life. Pride destroys our gratitude and sets up selfishness in its place. How much happier we are in the presence of a grateful and loving soul, and how careful we should be to cultivate, through the medium of a prayerful life, a thankful attitude toward God and man!" - Joseph F. Smith</li>
<li>A prayerful life is the key to possessing gratitude.</li>
<li>"Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted." - Aldous Huxley</li>
<li>We often take for granted the very people who most deserve our gratitude. Let us not wait until it is too late for us to express that gratitude. We never know how soon it will be too late.</li>
<li>A grateful heart comes through expressing gratitude to our Heavenly Father for His blessings and to those around us for all that they bring into our lives.</li>
<li><u>To express gratitude is gracious and honorable, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live with gratitude ever in our hearts is to touch heaven.</u></li>
<li>May we reflect our gratitude for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His glorious gospel provides the answers to life's greatest questions: Where did we come from? Why are we here? Where do our spirits go when we die? That gospel brings to those who live in darkness the light of divine truth.</li>
<li>He taught us how to pray. He taught us how to live. He taught us how to die. His life is a legacy of love. The sick He healed; the downtrodden He lifted; the sinner He saved.</li>
<li>Ultimately, He stood alone. There yet rings His compassionate words: "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/23.34?lang=eng#33">Luke 23:34</a>)</li>
<li>He beckons, "Follow me." (Matthew 4:19) He instructs, "Go, and do thou likewise." (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/10.37?lang=eng#36">Luke 10:37</a>) He pleads, "Keep my commandments." (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/14.15?lang=eng#14">John 14:15</a>)</li>
<li>Let us follow Him. Let us emulate His example. Let us obey His words. By so doing, we give to Him the diving gift of gratitude.</li>
<li>My sincere, heartfelt prayer is that we may in our individual lives reflect that marvelous virtue of gratitude. May it permeate our very souls, now and evermore.</li>
</ul>
<br />
While I was home for Thanksgiving break, I was blessed to attend my home ward. I went with the priest quorum for Priesthood, and the lesson was on gratitude. The take away from the lesson was to review this talk. I am grateful for such a wonderful prophet of God on the earth that shares with us frequently his inspired words of wisdom and counsel. I need to better develop an attitude of gratitude, it will be a blessing to me and all those I associate with throughout my life. Investigators on my mission will be much more receptive to the spirit as I am living with an attitude of gratitude. It is not always easy, or necessary, to take huge leaps to drastically improve our current situation. By trying harder each day to do better, we will become better. Line upon line, precept upon precept. (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/98.12?lang=eng#11">D&C 98:12</a>) If we try to find more things each day, and express gratitude through prayer and by any other means, we will become develop an attitude of gratitude and come closer to touching heaven.<br />
<ul>
</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05318229844302894642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249082889545053566.post-86634975233804595522012-11-26T00:23:00.001-08:002012-11-26T00:27:34.839-08:00Sacrament Talk: Humility<style>@font-face {
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I was asked to share my talk on this blog, so here it is. This is a talk I gave a few weeks back at Sacrament meeting in my YSA BYU ward. In preparing for it, I learned a great deal about humility, but also about pride. I hope that you will also be able to find things that will be spiritually benefiting to you personally.</div>
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I
would like to start off by sharing a quote from a talk by President Benson. It
reads:</div>
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“Pride
is the great stumbling block to Zion. I repeat: Pride <i>is</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> the great stumbling block to Zion.”</span></div>
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Today, I wasn’t asked to speak on pride, but on humility.
Often times, it is easier to define what something is by first examining what
it is not.</div>
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But before I jump into what pride is, let me share what
President Benson, from his talk “<a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1989/04/beware-of-pride?lang=eng&query=beware+pride">Beware of Pride</a>,” and President Uchtdorf, from
his talk on “<a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/pride-and-the-priesthood?lang=eng&query=beware+pride">Pride and the Priesthood</a>,” said concerning who of us are affected
by pride.</div>
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“Pride affects all of us at various times and in various
degrees.” (Benson)</div>
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“No one has avoided it; few overcome it.” (Uchtdorf)</div>
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Now that we know that this is affects every one of us, I
hope you’ll listen to the thoughts I have gathered on this topic. I encourage
all of you to re-listen and study the words of these prophets, because I don’t
have forty minutes to read each of their talks to you right now, and the words
that they shared are very true and powerful.</div>
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Throughout this talk I will just state the words of these
great men, so remember that most of these words are not my own, but I do hope
that the words which I add unto them will add to the spirit of this great
message.</div>
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What
is pride? “Pride is the universal sin, the great vice. Yes, pride <i>is</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> the universal sin, the great vice.”</span></div>
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The central feature of pride is enmity—enmity toward God and
enmity toward our fellowmen. <i>Enmity</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
means “hatred toward, hostility to, or a state of opposition.” It is the power
by which Satan wishes to reign over us.</span></div>
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Pride is a deadly cancer. It is a gateway sin that leads to
a host of other human weaknesses. In fact, it could be said that every other
sin is, in essence, a manifestation of pride.</div>
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Selfishness is one of the more common faces of pride” which
includes “self-conceit, self-pity, worldly self-fulfillment,
self-gratification, … self-seeking” and I would add self- righteousness to this
list. </div>
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Pride is the great sin of self-elevation.</div>
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pride is the original sin, it felled Lucifer</div>
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Pride is contention</div>
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Pride is ugly. It says, “If you succeed, I am a failure.”</div>
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Pride is a damning sin in the true sense of that word. It
limits or stops our progression.</div>
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This
list is not comprehensive, but pride has clearly been defined as a sin, which
all of us are guilty of. In the words of C. S. Lewis: “Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only
out of having more of it than the next man. … It is the comparison that makes
you proud: the pleasure of being above the rest. Once the element of
competition has gone, pride has gone.”</div>
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This
is what Uchtdorf has to say about pride in regards to sports:</div>
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“I
have watched sports fans vilify and demonize their rivals. They look for any
flaw and magnify it. They justify their hatred with broad generalizations and
apply them to everyone associated with the other team. When ill fortune
afflicts their rival, they rejoice. Brethren,
unfortunately we see today too often the same kind of attitude and behavior
spill over into the public discourse of politics, ethnicity, and religion.”</div>
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In the scriptures, we read about numerous examples of pride,
and in the Book of Mormon, we constantly see the cause and effects of the
“pride-cycle.” The example of King
David is one of saddest in the Old Testament. David, who came from a humble
background as a shepherd, slew Goliath as a boy, and later became king of
Jerusalem. He prospered greatly as King, relying on the Lord to help him, but
“…he (did) sin
against me … in the case of Uriah and his
wife; and, therefore he hath fallen from his
exaltation…” (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/132.39?lang=eng#38">D&C 132:39</a>) If someone who was so valiant in his youth, and
even through much of his reign as King, can fall through the great evil of
pride, for in Proverbs we read, “Pride goeth before destruction.” (<span style="font-family: Times;"><a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/prov/16.18?lang=eng#17"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Prov. 16:18</span></a></span>.), then how
much more do we need to overcome pride, especially if we don’t want to be
destroyed?</div>
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Pres. Benson told us that “The antidote for pride is
humility—meekness, submissiveness. It is the broken heart and contrite spirit.”</div>
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In 1829, Joseph Smith Sr. “desired to know what the Lord had
for him to do.” (<a href="http://josephsmithpapers.org/paperSummary/revelation-february-1829-dc-4-">Joseph Smith Papers</a>) We find the revelation that his son, the
prophet Joseph Smith, received on his behalf in <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/4?lang=eng">Doctrine and Covenants Section 4</a>.</div>
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In <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/4.6?lang=eng#5">verse 6</a>, it reads “Remember faith, virtue, knowledge,
temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility,
diligence.”</div>
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We often times jump to the conclusion that these and the previous verses in
this section relate to just missionary work, but I believe strongly that it
relates what the Lord would personally have each of us do. In order to do the
Lord’s will, and bring others unto Christ, we must first bring ourselves unto
Christ and the traits listed, including humility, will help us to do His work.</div>
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So what exactly is humility then, and how do we obtain it?</div>
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President Uchtdorf’s shares this beautiful insight.</div>
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When
our hearts are filled with charity it is almost impossible to be lifted up in
pride. “No one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of
love.”<sup> </sup>When
we see the world around us through the lens of the pure love of Christ, we
begin to understand humility.</div>
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Some
suppose that humility is about beating ourselves up. Humility does not mean
convincing ourselves that we are worthless, meaningless, or of little value.
Nor does it mean denying or withholding the talents God has given us. We don’t
discover humility by thinking less <i>of</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
ourselves; we discover humility by thinking less </span><i>about</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> ourselves. It comes as we go about our work with an
attitude of serving God and our fellowman.</span></div>
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Humility
directs our attention and love toward others and to Heavenly Father’s purposes.
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My
dear brethren (and sisters), there are so many people in need whom we could be
thinking about instead of ourselves. There are so many ways we could be
serving. We have no time to become absorbed in ourselves.</div>
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President Benson gives this </div>
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God
will have a humble people. Either we can choose to be humble or we can be
compelled to be humble. Alma said, “Blessed are they who humble themselves
without being compelled to be humble.” (<span style="font-family: Times;"><a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/32.16?lang=eng#15"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Alma 32:16</span></a></span>.)</div>
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Benson
gives the following list of how to humble ourselves:</div>
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“We can choose to humble ourselves by conquering enmity
towards each other, receiving counsel and chastisment, forgiving others, giving
selfless service (which includes indexing), serving missions and preaching the
gospel, going to the temple more frequently, confessing and forsaking our sins,
by loving God, submitting our will to His, and putting Him first in our lives.”
(Benson)</div>
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I would like to include that self-esteem and confidence are
not manifestations of pride. In regards to self-esteem, I would like to share
the words of Helaman to his sons in <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/hel/5.12?lang=eng#11">Helaman 5:12</a></div>
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“And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the
rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your
foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his
shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat
upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of
misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a
sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fail.”</div>
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President Benson stated: If we love God, do His will, and
fear His judgment more than men’s, we will have self-esteem</div>
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Regarding confidence, I sometimes mistake confidence and
being cocky as being the same. In <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/121.45?lang=eng#44">D&C 121:45</a>, it reads “Let thy bowels also
be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let
virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong
in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon
the dews from heaven.” The footnote for confidence reads “Trust in God.” If we
have this kind of confidence, we will not be prideful.</div>
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King Benjamin’s speech in the Book of Mosiah is one of the
most powerful sermons given on humility. I highly encourage all of you to read
it. I will briefly share a small paraphrased part of his great message.</div>
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“We must yield ‘to the enticings of the Holy Spirit,’ put
off the prideful ‘natural man,’ become ‘a saint through the atonement of Christ
the Lord,’ and become ‘as a child, submissive, meek, humble.’</div>
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The great entirety of the message by King Benjamin’s brough his people to the
realization of their nothingness. We must learn, as Moses did, that “man is
nothing”<sup> </sup>by himself but that “with God all things are possible.”.
The greatness of becoming humble is that we do not become weak, but strong. As
taught in <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/ether/12.27?lang=eng#26">Ether 12:27</a>:</div>
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“And if men come unto me I will show unto them their
weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is
sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble
themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become
strong unto them.”</div>
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President
Uchtdorf relates this story in regards to what capacity we should be willing to
humbly serve. “I once owned a pen that I loved to use during my career as an
airline captain. By simply turning the shaft, I could choose one of four
colors. The pen did not complain when I wanted to use red ink instead of blue.
It did not say to me, “I would rather not write after 10:00 p.m., in heavy fog,
or at high altitudes.” The pen did not say, “Use me only for important
documents, not for the daily mundane tasks.” With greatest reliability it
performed every task I needed, no matter how important or insignificant. It was
always ready to serve.”</div>
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One
of the greatest humbling experiences in my life came earlier this year in my
participation in the pit for the school’s musical. It was my third year in the
pit. This year, the musical pit was under the direction of the band director
instead of the uptight, perfectionist choir director, who would actually hire a
handful of professionals to be in the pit. This year, however, the pit was made
up students. I was given the challenge to play the 1<sup>st</sup> trumpet part,
which was written for a professional to play. We had four trumpet players to
cover the three parts so that I could manage the difficult 1<sup>st</sup> part.
Two of the trumpet players, who were juniors, would often goof off during
rehearsal. I allowed this to bother me a lot more than it should have. I
should’ve taken my Mom’s advice and “be a duck,” meaning that I just let it
brush off like water on a duck. I was more focused on having things go perfect
my senior year, rather than enjoying the experience. I would sometimes get angry with
these two trumpet players, who weren’t really causing much harm. After one of
my outbursts, one of them came up to me as I was walking to my car and
apologized for what I accused him of. I am extremely grateful for this, because
a few weeks later, he was tragically hit and killed while walking his bike
across the street in a freak accident. Thankfully, he was a strong member in
our church, with an amazing family. There was such a great spirit of comfort at
his funeral, and his family truly understands the great plan of happiness. I
learned from his girlfriend that he was not offended by me, and that he
actually thought highly of me. I made reconciliation with the other trumpet player,
his best friend and also a member of our church, as soon as I saw him after the
accident. I’m grateful for the opportunity I had to be among so many of our
faith in high school. I learned a powerful lesson through this. As Uchtdorf
stated, “We have no time to become absorbed in ourselves.” We must focus on the
things of God. How well the pit sounds for the musical doesn’t even matter in
the long run. What does matter is our eternal salvation. I’m grateful for the
example that this boy was to me. He wasn’t perfect, but he lived his life in
such a way that he is of great use to our Heavenly Father on the other side.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let us try to better ourselves and do our best to follow the
perfect example of our Savior, Jesus Christ.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As stated by both President Benson and President Uchtdorf:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
“Let us choose to be humble. We can do it. I know we can.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know that by humbling ourselves before God, we will be immensely blessed. The gospel of Christ is true. Jesus Christ lived a perfect life, took upon Himself the sins of the world, was crucified and died, but was raised the third day and still lives today. His true Church is upon the face of the earth today, which was restored through Joseph Smith, who was a prophet of God and translated the Book of Mormon through the power of God. Our current prophet, who holds all the keys and the authority to use them, is President Monson, who is also truly called of God. As we draw ourselves nearer to God by becoming humble, we avoid a great deal of pride. We must do all that we can to become more like Christ, while relying wholly upon Him for all that we are. This testimony I bear in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05318229844302894642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249082889545053566.post-10309712930551679402012-11-25T10:57:00.001-08:002012-11-25T10:57:45.409-08:00General Conference: Can Ye Feel So Now?<b><a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/can-ye-feel-so-now?lang=eng&query=can+feel+so+now%3f">Can Ye Feel So Now</a> - Quentin L. Cook, Oct. 2012</b><br />
<ul>
<li>"If ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/5.26?lang=eng#25">Alma 5:26</a>)</li>
<li>Two concerns that arises in our Church:</li>
<ul>
<li>The challenge of increased unrighteousness in the world</li>
<li>The apathy and lack of commitment of some members</li>
</ul>
<li>"Your mission...is to...warn the people... in as kind a way as possible that repentance will be the only panacea for the ills of this world." - George Albert Smith</li>
<li>"Everyone knows the culture is poisonous, and nobody expects that to change." - Peggy Noonan</li>
<li>"The spiritual immune system of an entire civilization has been wounded." - Dr. R. Albert Mohler Jr.</li>
<li>Any who have [sinned] can repent and be spiritually renewed.</li>
<li>Immersion in the scriptures is essential for spiritual nourishment.</li>
<li>When our commitment and is diminished for any reason, part of the solution is repentance. </li>
<li>Commitment and repentance are closely intertwined.</li>
<li>[C. S. Lewis] asserted that Christianity tells people to repent and promises them forgiveness; but until people know and feel they need forgiveness, Christianity does not speak to them.</li>
<li>"When you joined this Church you enlisted to serve God. When you did that you left the neutral ground, and you never can [go] back." - Joseph Smith</li>
<li>We must never forsake the Master.</li>
<li>Are we prepared to meet God? Are we keeping ourselves blameless?</li>
<li>A lessening of our commitment often arises from two relevant challenges:</li>
<ul>
<li>Unkindness, violence, and domestic abuse</li>
<li>Sexual immorality and impure thoughts</li>
</ul>
<li>"God will hold men responsible for every tear they cause their wives to shed." - Elder Cook's Father</li>
<li>We must not physically, emotionally, or verbally abuse anyone else. (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1998/04/removing-barriers-to-happiness?lang=eng">Removing Barriers to Happiness</a> - Richard G. Scott)</li>
<li>The foundation of kindness and civility begins in our homes... The family is the foundation for love and for maintaining spirituality. The family promotes an atmosphere where religious observance can flourish.</li>
<li>Parents must have the courage to say no, defend truth, and bear powerful testimony.</li>
<li>Through repentance you can qualify for all the blessings of heaven. (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/13.27-30?lang=eng#26">Alma 13:27-30</a>; <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/41.11-15?lang=eng#10">41:11-15</a>) That is what the Savior's Atonement is all about.</li>
<li>At baptism we promise to take upon us "the name of [Jesus] Christ, having [the] <i>determination</i> to serve him to the end." (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/moro/6.3?lang=eng#2">Moroni 6:3</a>; see also <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/18.13?lang=eng#12">Mosiah 18:13</a>) Such a covenant requires courageous effort, a commitment, and integrity if we are to continue to sing the song of redeeming love and stay truly converted.</li>
<li>"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/isa/40.31?lang=eng#30">Isaiah 40:31</a>)</li>
<li>As we follow President Monson's counsel by preparing to serve missions, and as we all live the principles the Savior taught and prepare to meet God, (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/34.32?lang=eng#31">Alma 34:32</a>) we will win a much more important race. (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/1-cor/9.24-27?lang=eng#23">1 Corinthians 9:24-27</a>) We will have the Holy Ghost as our guide for spiritual direction.</li>
<li>It is never too late to make the Savior's Atonement the foundation of our faith and lives.</li>
<li>"Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/isa/1.18?lang=eng#17">Isaiah 1:18</a>)</li>
<li>Take the necessary action to feel the Spirit <i>now</i> so we <i>can</i> sing the song of redeeming love with all our hearts.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/5.27?lang=eng#26">Alma 5:27</a> is one of the scriptures that has had great meaning to me in my life. It is part of the message Alma is sharing when he asks, "can ye feel so now?" Alma's message helps me to realign my thinking to that of an eternal perspective. If I focus on what God wants me to be doing, then I will be better off now and even more so in the long run. I need to continue to renew my effort daily to do that which is right, keeping myself clean and worthy to serve a mission. If I do all that I can now to come unto Christ and do His will, the better off I'll be on a mission and throughout my life. As my bishop told me, if I can learn to overcome sin through the Atonement of Christ now and learn to rely upon him, I'll be able to be an effective and great missionary. This will not be because of me, but because I will have learned to subject my will to the Father's, so that I will be able to do great things on his behalf. I love how frequently the Atonement comes up in the conference talks. The leaders of our Church know what we are doing wrong, but they correct us in such a loving way. I look forward to my mission when I will be able to constnantly help others in love and kindness to come unto Christ.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05318229844302894642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249082889545053566.post-7968166834295378872012-11-24T16:37:00.001-08:002012-11-24T16:37:45.905-08:00General Conference: Brethren, We Have Work to Do<b><a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/brethren-we-have-work-to-do?lang=eng">Brethren, We Have Work to Do</a> - D. Todd Christofferson, Oct. 2012</b><br />
<ul>
<li>In many societies today men and boys get conflicting and demeaning signals about their roles and value in society. </li>
<li>The author of <i>Manning Up</i> characterized it this way: "It's been an almost universal rule of civilization that ...[to reach] physical maturity, boys had to pass a test. They needed to demonstrate courage, physical prowess, or mastery of the necessary skills. The goal was to prove their competence as protectors of women and children; this was always their primary social role."</li>
<li>Today, men are often being outperformed by women on many levels.</li>
<li>As men of the priesthood, we have an essential role to play in society, at home, and in the Church.</li>
<li>We cannot afford young men who lack self-discipline and live only to be entertained.</li>
<li>Brethren, we have work to do.</li>
<li>We must be men that women can <u>trust</u>, that children can <u>trust</u>, and that God can <u>trust</u>.</li>
<li>In whatever [career or trade] you choose, it is essential that you become proficient so that you can support a family and make a contribution for good in your community and your country.</li>
<li>You adult men be worthy models and help the rising generation of boys become men.</li>
<li>"Be strong and of a good courage" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/josh/1.6,%207,%209?lang=eng#5">Joshua 1:6, 7, 9)</a></li>
<li><u>Prepare</u> to be a good husband and father; <u>prepare</u> to be a good and productive citizen; <u>prepare</u> to serve the Lord, whose preisthood you hold.</li>
<li>You are not alone, and you have the priesthood and gift of the Holy Ghost.</li>
<li>Consider missionary work. Young men, you have no time to waste.</li>
<li>Another challenging but stimulating priesthood work is that of family history and the temple.</li>
<li>"...The Church cannot hope to save a man on Sunday if during the week it is a complacent witness to the crucifixion of his soul." - <i>Helping Others to Help Themselves: The Story of the Mormon Church Welfare Program </i>(1945), 4.</li>
<li>"The most important of the Lord's work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own homes." - Harold B. Lee</li>
<li>Keep going, and the Lord will help you. At times you may not know quite what to do or what to say - just move forward. Begin to act, and the Lord assures that "an effectual door shall be opened for [you]" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/118.3?lang=eng#2">D&C 118:3</a>). Begin to speak, and He promises, "You shall not be confounded before men; for it shall be given you in the very hour, yea, in the very moment, what ye shall say" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/100.5-6?lang=eng#4">D&C 100:5-6</a>).</li>
<li>It is true that we are in many ways ordinary and imperfect, but we have a perfect Master who wrought a perfect Atonement, and we call upon His grace and His priesthood. As we repent and purge our souls, we are promised that we will be taught and endowed with power from on high (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/43.16?lang=eng#15">D&C 43:16</a>).</li>
<li>The Church and the world are crying for men, men who are developing their capacity and talents, who are willing to work and make sacrifices, who will help others achieve happiness and salvation. They are crying, "Rise up, O men of God!" God help us to do it.</li>
</ul>
<br />
This talk was from the Priesthood Session. Though this talk was addressed to the men of the Church, there are many principles which apply to all. Being the first talk of the session, it made for a great wake-up call to us brethren of the priesthood. I am living below my priesthood potential. I am doing a better job than I have recently been, but there is still a lot of room to improve. I am looking forward to my mission prep class next semester, and I hope that I will continue to find more ways to prepare myself for my mission. On a mission and throughout my life, I need to teach and encourage others to become people that can be trusted, to prepare for various things in life, and to fulfill their duties and callings. As an Indexer in my ward, I should do more to help with family history work by indexing more names more frequently. It is not a difficult calling, yet one that I tend to take lightly. I know that as we do what we should to improve, God will intervene and help us in diverse ways.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05318229844302894642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249082889545053566.post-86003303766358446372012-11-23T11:03:00.003-08:002012-11-23T19:20:18.793-08:00General Conference: Your Patriarchal Blessing: A Liahona of Light<b><a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1986/10/your-patriarchal-blessing-a-liahona-of-light?lang=eng">Your Patriarchal Blessing: A Liahona of Light</a> - Thomas S. Monson, Oct. 1986</b><br />
<ul>
<li>The Liahona was "a round ball of curious workmanship; and it was of fine brass. And within the ball were two spindles; and the one pointed the way whither we (Lehi's family in the Book of Mormon) should travel in the wilderness." (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/16.10?lang=eng#9">1 Nephi 16:10</a>)</li>
<li>It worked for them according to their faith and pointed the way they should go. (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/37.38-40?lang=eng#37">Alma 37:38-40</a>)</li>
<li>The same Lord who provided a Liahona for Lehi provides for you and me today a rare and valuable gift to give direction to our lives, to mark the hazards to our safety, and to chart the way, even safe passage - not to a promised land, but to our heavenly home. This gift is a patriarchal blessing. Every worthy member of the Church is entitled to receive such a precious and priceless personal treasure.</li>
<li>"Patriarchal blessings contemplate an inspired declaration of the lineage of the recipient and, when so moved upon by the Spirit, an inspired and prophetic statement of the life mission of the recipient, together with such blessings, cautions and admonitions as the patriarch may be prompted to give for the accomplishment of such life's mission, it being always made clear that the realization of all promised blessings is conditioned upon faithfulness to the gospel of our Lord, whose servant the patriarch is." - First Presidency Letter to stake presidents, 28 June 1958</li>
<li>Patriarchs are called of God by prophecy.</li>
<li>A patriarch is a worthy man, a blameless servant of God, one filled with faith, characterized by kindness. They must be humble men. They must be students of the scriptures. They stand before God as the means whereby the blessings of heaven can flow from that eternal source to the recipient on whose head rests the hands of the patriarch. He may not be a man of letters, a possessor of worldly wealth, or a holder of distinguished office. He, however, must be blessed with the priesthood power and personal purity. To reach to heaven for divine guidance and inspiration, a patriarch is to be a man of love, a man of compassion, a man of judgment, a man of God.</li>
<li>A patriarchal blessing literally contains chapters from your book of eternal possibilities.</li>
<li>What may not come to fulfillment in this life may occur in the next. We do not govern God's timetable. (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/isa/55.8-9?lang=eng#7">Isaiah 55:8-9</a>)</li>
<li>Your patriarchal blessing is yours and yours alone. It may be brief or lengthy, simple or profound. Length and language do not a patriarchal blessing make. It is the Spirit that conveys the true meaning. Your blessing is not to be folded neatly and tucked away. It is not to be framed or published. Rather, it is to be read. It is to be followed. Your patriarchal blessing will see you through the darkest night. It will guide you through life's dangers.</li>
<li>Patience may be required as we watch, wait, wonder, and work for a promised blessing to be fulfilled.</li>
</ul>
<i> How far is Heaven?</i><br />
<i> It's not very far.</i><br />
<i> When you live close to God,</i><br />
<i> It's right where you are. </i><i><br /></i><br />
<ul>
<li>Your patriarchal blessing is your passport to peace in this life. It is a Liahona of light to guide you unerringly to your heavenly home.<i> </i></li>
</ul>
<br />
I am excited for the opportunity I have this day to receive my patriarchal blessing. I have heard many times that I should receive a patriarchal blessing, and maybe I didn't ponder and pray about it very much earlier, but I feel a strong desire to receive one now. I encourage others to prayerfully ponder and consider when you should receive a patriarchal blessing. I know that on a mission, I will be able to draw much strength from the words of my blessing. I know that it will have come from God, and that it will touch me in unique ways. It's such a blessing to have an opportunity to receive such a gift, and I'm grateful for it. I will write more later, after I receive my blessing.<br />
<br />Receiving my patriarchal blessing was a beautiful experience. I know that the words were specifically from God. I look forward to reviewing it often. I am grateful I prepared before I received it. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05318229844302894642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249082889545053566.post-78317200298047332752012-11-22T20:30:00.001-08:002012-11-23T11:04:32.287-08:00BYU Devotional: A Grateful Heart<b><a href="http://speeches.byu.edu/index.php?act=viewitem&id=2072">A Grateful Heart</a> - Ray L. Huntington, Oct. 2012</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Counting our blessings and being grateful for them has a positive impact - not just upon our lives but upon the lives of those to whom we show our gratitude.</li>
<li>Mark Twain said: "I can live for two months on a good compliment."</li>
<li> Being mindfully grateful for our blessings and expressing gratitude has a strong correlation with increasing our personal happiness and well-being.</li>
<li>Dr. Emmons, who wrote <i>Thanks! How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier,</i> and his colleagues found scientific proof that people who practiced gratitude... are more loving, forgiving, and optimistic about the future.</li>
<li>"The practice of gratitude is incompatible with negative emotions and may actually diminish or deter such feelings as anger, bitterness, and greed." - Sonja Lyubomirsky, <i>The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want</i></li>
<li>The earth and all of its creations - everything - belong to God. He has ownership and blesses us with His possessions - even the gift of life.</li>
<li>"And now, in the first place, he hath created you, and granted unto you your lives, for which ye are indebted unto him. And secondly, he doth require that ye should do as he hath commanded you; for which if ye do, he doth immediately bless you; and therefore he hath paid you. And ye are still indebted unto him, and are, and will be, forever and ever; therefore, of what have ye to boast? And now I ask, can ye say aught of yourselves? I answer you, Nay. Ye cannot say that ye are even as much as the dust of the earth; yet ye were created of the dust of the earth; but behold, it belongeth to him who created you." - <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/2.23-25?lang=eng">Mosiah 2:23-25</a> </li>
<li>"The grateful man sees so much in the world to be thankful for, and with him the good outweighs the evil. Love overpowers jealousy, and light drives darkness out of his life. Pride destroys our gratitude and sets up selfishness in its place. How much happier we are in the presence of a grateful and loving soul, and how careful we should be to cultivate, through the medium of a prayerful life, a thankful attitude toward God and man!" -Joseph F. Smith</li>
<li>"Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things... And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments. " - <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/59.7,21?lang=eng#6">Doctrine and Covenants 59:7, 21</a></li>
<li>"Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God's love." - Thomas S. Monson</li>
<li>"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." - <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/1-thes/5.16-18?lang=eng#15">1 Thessalonians 5:16-18</a></li>
<li>"Our realization of what is most important in life goes hand in hand with gratitude for our blessings." - Thomas S. Monson</li>
<li>Five suggestions of how to increase our gratitude:</li>
<ol>
<li>Try Keeping a Gratitude Journal</li>
<li>Add More Thank-Yous to Your Vocabulary</li>
<li>Take Time to Write Thank-You Notes and Letters of Appreciation to People Who Have Blessed Your Life</li>
<li>Live in the Present Moment and Try to Give Thanks for Small Blessings Encountered Every Day of Your Life</li>
<li>Thoughtful Prayer </li>
</ol>
</ul>
<br />
This devotional was very helpful to me in becoming happier. I personally took to heart the writing thank you notes for a couple days straight. I found that I usually happier right after I wrote the card, rather than when I actually delivered the card. In prayers, I need to continue to express more thanks for the many blessings I have. On a mission, I need to continue to be grateful, so that I will be able to receive blessings and better see the hand of the Lord in my life. Today is a great day to express thanks, but it is even more important to always be grateful for everything. I also found it interesting how Bro. Huntington started his talk by using scientific proof of how gratitude brings happiness. I know it is true. I am grateful for the opportunity I have to be capable of serving a mission, to live in such blessed circumstances, to have a loving family, an opportunity to receive a higher education in a spiritual atmosphere, for a testimony of the gospel, and so much more.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05318229844302894642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249082889545053566.post-55868905900522788542012-11-21T19:07:00.006-08:002012-11-21T22:41:27.472-08:00General Conference: Converted unto the Lord<h4 style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</h4>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I would like to preface this talk
summary by saying that this message is one of the most important as to what I
need to know right now in my life, both in preparing to serve others on a
mission and in strengthening my own personal conversion unto the Lord.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/converted-unto-the-lord?lang=eng">Converted unto the Lord</a> - David
A. Bednar, Oct. 2012</b></span></div>
<ul style="font-family: inherit;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Typically, the topics of testimony and conversion are
treated separately and independently. However, we gain precious
perspective and greater spiritual conversion as we consider these two
important subjects together.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">A testimony is personal knowledge of spiritual truth
obtained by revelation. A testimony is a gift from God and is available to
all of His children.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Any honest seeker of truth can obtain a testimony by
exercising the necessary "particle of faith" in Jesus Christ to
"experiment upon" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/32.27?lang=eng">Alma 32:27</a>) and "try virtue of the
word" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/31.5?lang=eng">Alma 31:5</a>), to yield "to the enticings of the Holy
Spirit" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/3.19?lang=eng">Mosiah 3:19</a>), and to awaken unto God (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/5?lang=eng">Alma 5:7</a>).
Testimony brings increased accountability and <u>is a source of purpose,
assurance, and joy</u>.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Seeking for and obtaining a testimony of spiritual
truth <u>requires asking</u>, <u>seeking</u>, and <u>knocking</u> (see
<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/7.7?lang=eng">Matthew 7:7</a>; <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/14.7?lang=eng">3 Nephi 14:7</a>) with a sincere heart, real intent, and faith in
the Savior (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/moro/10.4?lang=eng">Moroni 10:4</a>). Fundamental components of a testimony are
knowing that Heavenly Father lives and loves us, that Jesus Christ is our
Savior, and that the fulness of the gospel has been restored to the earth
in these latter days.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">As the Savior said to Peter:</span></li>
<ul type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">"Simon, Simon, behold,
Satan hath desired to... sift you as wheat: But I have prayed thee, that
thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy
brethren." (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/22.31-32?lang=eng">Luke 22:31-32</a>)</span></li>
</ul>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"> Though this mighty Apostle walked with the
Master, witnessed many miracles, and had a strong testimony, he still
needed additional instruction fro Jesus about the converting and
sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost and his obligation to serve
faithfully.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">The essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ entails a
fundamental and permanent change in our very nature made possible through
the Savior's Atonement. True conversion brings a change in one's beliefs,
heart, and life to accept and conform to the will of God (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/acts/3.19?lang=eng">Acts 3:19</a>; <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/20?lang=eng">3 Nephi 20</a>) and includes a conscious commitment to become a disciple of
Christ.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Conversion is an enlarging, a deepening, and a
broadening of the undergirding base of testimony. It is the result of
revelation from God, accompanied by individual repentance, obedience, and
diligence. Any honest seeker of truth can become converted by experiencing
the mighty change of heart and being spiritually born of God (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/5.12-14?lang=eng#11">Alma 5:12-14</a>). As we honor the ordinances and covenants of salvation and
exaltation (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/20.25?lang=eng#24">D&C 20:25</a>), "press forward with a steadfastness
in Christ" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/31.20?lang=eng#19">2 Nephi 31:20</a>), and endure in faith to the end (see
<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/14.7?lang=eng#6">D&C 14:7</a>), we become new creatures in Christ (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/2-cor/5.17?lang=eng#16">2 Corinthians 5:17</a>).
Conversion is an offering of self, of love, and of loyalty we give to God
in gratitude for the gift of testimony.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"> Accepting the words spoken, gaining a testimony
of their truthfulness, and exercising faith in Christ produce[s] a mighty
change of heart and a firm determination to improve and become better.
(see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/5.2?lang=eng#1">Mosiah 5:2</a>)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">The key characteristics associated with conversion are:</span></li>
<ul type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Experiencing a mighty change
in our hearts</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Having a disposition to do
good continually</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Going forward in the path of
duty</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Walking circumspectly before
God</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Keeping the commandments</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Serving with unwearied
diligence</span></li>
</ul>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><u> For many of us, conversion is an ongoing
process and not a onetime event that results from a powerful or dramatic
experience.</u></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Conversion unto the Lord requires both <u>persistence</u>
and <u>patience</u>.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Samuel the Lamanite identified five basic elements in
becoming converted unto the Lord:</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>Believing
in the teachings and prophecies of the holy prophets as they are recorded in the scriptures</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>Exercising
faith in the Lord Jesus Christ</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>Repenting</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>Experiencing
a mighty change of heart</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">5.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>Becoming
"firm and steadfast in the faith" (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/hel/15.7-8?lang=eng#6">Helaman 15:7-8</a>)</span></div>
<ul style="font-family: inherit;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Testimony is the beginning of and a prerequisite to
continuing conversion. Testimony is a point of departure; it is not an
ultimate destination. Strong testimony is the foundation upon which
conversion is established</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Testimony alone is not and will not be enough to
protect us in the latter-day storm of darkness and evil in which we are
living. Testimony is important and necessary but not sufficient to provide
the spiritual strength and protection we need.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">The missionary work of the sons of Mosiah (Alma 23:6-8)
describes two major elements:</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><i>The
knowledge of the truth </i>(Testimony)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><i>Converted
unto the Lord</i>
(Conversion)</span></div>
<ul style="font-family: inherit;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Thus, the powerful combination of both testimony and
conversion unto the Lord produced firmness and steadfastness and provided
spiritual protection. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">"Note that the Lamanites were not converted to the
missionaries who taught them or to the excellent programs of the Church.
They were not converted to the personalities of their leaders or to
preserving a cultural heritage or the traditions of their fathers. <u>They
were converted unto the Lord - to Him as the Savior and to His divinity
and doctrine - and they never did fall away.</u></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">A testimony is spiritual knowledge of truth obtained by
the power of the Holy Ghost. Continuing conversion is constant devotion to
the revealed truth we have received - with a heart that is willing and for
righteous reasons. Knowing that the gospel is true is the essence of a
testimony. Consistently being true to the gospel is the essence of
conversion. We should know the gospel is true and be true to the gospel.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">There is still more to Elder
Bednar’s talk, but I have covered most of it. Recently, I’ve gone through a
great period of personal conversion unto the Lord. In starting college, though
I am at BYU and many do what is right; there is still a greater responsibility
for me to do what is right since I am on my own in making decisions. I have had
a testimony for a long time, but still have struggled in many ways. As a Bishop
has often taught me, most people usually don’t have experiences like Alma the
younger, where your conversion is immediate and lasting. It used to bother me
that I never had a point at which I could define when I was converted or when I
knew for certain the Book of Mormon was true. Elder Bednar’s message has
brought me great comfort in knowing that conversion and testimony are not an
“ultimate destination,” but a “point of departure.” As my friend, who is now
serving in Texas, told me in a letter he wrote, “You can’t convert your
investigators past the point of your own conversion.” I personally need to
continue to strive to do better in becoming converted unto the Lord. I have
started on the path, but there is still a long distance to travel before the
end comes. I need to focus my mission work on bringing others unto Christ, not
to me as a missionary or anything else. I must be strongly and faithfully converted
with a strong testimony and continue to do better through Christ, so that I may
be as effective as a missionary as possible.</span></div>
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