An Habit Forming Resolution (12/31/2009)

For my suggested resolution today, I would like to share an anonymous article from the January 1979 Ensign. The thing that I liked best about this article is how a resolution made became a habit through practice.
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"The idea came to me one afternoon in late December. I had just completed a six-week challenge suggested by a magazine article on doing good deeds daily. Some of the author’s activities had included writing letters, calling people he had intended to telephone for a long time, taking someone a pie, a plant, or a small remembrance, praying for others, and sharing the joy of living. It was such a joyful experience that he challenged his readers to emulate his experience.

"At the end of my six weeks I was absolutely ecstatic about all the good things that had happened. Then it hit me - why not make it a year-long adventure and commit myself to doing something good for someone every day? It intrigued me to think that at the end of the year I could have touched the lives of 365 people. And I could keep track of my successes or failures in my personal journal.

"As the year began I could hardly wait for each new day. It seemed so easy to think of good things to do. For example, I could catch up on my correspondence and lend a helping hand to neighbors with small children...

"I was able to touch other lives, too, through my Church callings. I had never before realized how tuned out I had been to the needs of those around me. I began to see those who were lonely, those who needed an arm around their shoulder, and those who needed something to spark a dull day.

"April and May found me making little spring treats to take to 'new' friends. My activities were developing a new dimension: not only was I touching those around me, but now I was reaching out to people I never knew before. I still felt the excitement of my resolution, but added to it now was a deeper, spiritual feeling that made me feel much closer to my Father in Heaven...

"As the summer days lengthened, I wanted my family to experience some of the joy I was finding in my 'journey of love.' We set aside Thursday for making treats or doing something nice for others. The children did the baking and delivering with me at their side, and they delighted in the joy that they brought others.

"By September and October my resolution had become a daily habit. Oh, I was still human. Sometimes my heart was not fully in tune when I started out to visit someone ill or down, but I always came away with a strengthened testimony of doing good...

"As the year has progressed, I have come to realize that charity is not always convenient, and that it sometimes takes much thought and planning. At first, I was proud of all the 'good' I was doing, but as the year comes to an end, I am humbled to realize how selfish I have been all my life. As I left the home of the bedridden, or listened to frustrated teenagers, or climbed the hills with my children, I often thought of all the lives I could have touched in previous years if only I had taken the time. My one consolation is knowing that I can make a similar journey in this coming year, and in all the years ahead."

Resolutions (12/30/2009)

Todays thought comes from Elder Joe J. Christensen in a speech given about resolutions. I have taken excerpts from the speech, but a link to the entire speech can be found here

"I am convinced that if we make and keep resolutions in those four areas, we will have a happier and more successful new year this coming year and every year for the rest of our lives. Let’s consider the nature of such resolutions and the benefits that can be ours if our resolve to improve ourselves is firm.

"Resolution number one: I resolve to expand my intellectual horizons, to increase in wisdom. This year, commit to read good books throughout your life. (see D&C 88:118, D&C 90:15)...

"Resolution number two: I will be resolute in preserving and strengthening my physical health. It is impressive that more than 160 years ago the Lord revealed a health code, the Word of Wisdom, that can make all the difference in how we feel and perform. With good health, we can be happier and more successful. Without it, we are curtailed in almost every way...

"The third major resolution: I resolve to be a truer friend and to become more socially acceptable to people of high standards. Learn to be the kind of person with whom others of high standards enjoy associating...

"The fourth resolve... I will grow spiritually - I will increase in favor with God. A few items are essential to our spiritual growth. Let’s start with the one that is most difficult and universally applicable. If we are to increase in favor with God, we must resolve to overcome as much as possible the sin of pride."

The thing that I like about Elder Christensen's method of making resolutions is the fact that he proposes making changes in four areas that can make us more well-rounded individuals. To add a personal note to Elder Christensen's fourth point, in the Gospel Essentials class that I teach, someone made the point a few weeks ago about how all sin finds its root in selfishness. When one is proud and thinks more of themself and what they want than they do of others, it is impossible for them to improve and achieve their eternal potential. I hope that as we resolve to improve that these steps may be of help.

Resolutions (12/29/2009)

With each passing year, I see more and more flaws in myself that require my attention to fix. It seems that every conference talk points out something that I should be doing as a follower of Jesus Christ. As we prepare to embark on a new year, this is the customary time to renew our dedication to improve ourselves, so my thoughts for the next few days will contain resolutions that the prophets and apostles have suggested as we prepare our own resolutions for the year to come.

Today, I would like to quote from a General Conference talk given by Elder M. Russell Ballard in October 2002. He was speaking to the young men, preparing them to go on missions. One of the great quotes from that talk stated "This isn’t a time for spiritual weaklings." He then counseled the young men about what they need to do in order to demonstrate that they are true followers of Christ. Elder Ballard's advice here, however, could be taken to heart by all of us:

"As an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, I call upon you to begin right now - tonight - to be fully and completely worthy. Resolve and commit to yourselves and to God that from this moment forward you will strive diligently to keep your hearts, hands, and minds pure and unsullied from any kind of moral transgression. Resolve to avoid pornography as you would avoid the most insidious disease, for that is precisely what it is. Resolve to completely abstain from tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs. Resolve to be honest. Resolve to be good citizens and to abide by the laws of the land in which you live. Resolve that from this night forward you will never defile your body or use language that is vulgar and unbecoming to a bearer of the priesthood.

"And that is not all we expect of you, my young brethren. We expect you to have an understanding and a solid testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. We expect you to work hard. We expect you to be covenant makers and covenant keepers."

Christmas (12/24/2009)

I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas. I pray that wherever you are, or whatever condition you find yourself in, that the spirit of this holiday will touch you in the same way it has touched me and my family. I would like to share with you a thought from President Hinckley in a talk where he described some of the things that Christmas meant to him.

"Christmas means the Christ child, the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger while angels sang and wise men traveled far to bring gifts. It is a beautiful and timeless story, and I hope each of us will read it again this season.

"(Yet) here is something more than a babe in a manger; here is the Creator of all that is good and beautiful. I have looked at majestic mountains rising high against the blue sky and thought of Jesus, the Creator of heaven and earth. I have stood on the sand of an island in the Pacific and watched the dawn rise like thunder — a ball of gold surrounded by clouds of pink and white and purple — and thought of Jesus, the Word by whom all things were made and without whom was not anything made that was made. I have seen a beautiful child - bright-eyed, innocent, loving and trusting — and marveled at the majesty and miracle of creation."

The Promise (12/23/2009)

As we prepare to celebrate Christmas this week, I would like to share a thought from Elder Russell M. Nelson about the promise that the Savior brought when He came to this Earth:

"In section 68 of the Doctrine and Covenants, we read this commandment from our Master: "Be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come."

"Lovingly we cling to that promise. Difficult days are ahead for all mankind. Sin is on the increase. We live in a time of wars and rumors of wars. The Church and its members will come under attack and endure persecution. Jesus descended below all things in order to rise above all things. He expects us to follow His example. Yoked with Him, we can rise above all challenges, no matter how difficult they may be."

The Best Christmas Ever (12/21/2009)

There are so many things that I love about my children, but one of them is the fact that, no matter how bountiful or sparse the gifts have been, they declare year in and year out "This has been the best Christmas EVER!" As a parent of six, I am glad that they are thankful for what they receive, since what I would like to give them rarely equals what I am able to give them.

In his First Presidency message last year, President Monson told the story of another best Christmas when two young girls shared the holiday with their neighbors who had so little. President Monson ended the story with this advice:

"If we are to have the very best Christmas ever, we must listen for the sound of sandaled feet. We must reach out for the Carpenter's hand. With every step we take in His footsteps, we abandon a doubt and gain a truth.

"It was said of Jesus of Nazareth that He 'increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.' Do we have the determination to do likewise? One line of holy writ contains a tribute to our Lord and Savior, of whom it was said, He 'went about doing good... for God was with him.'

"My prayer is that at this Christmas season and all the Christmastimes to come, we may follow in His footsteps. Then each Christmas will be the best Christmas ever."

Our Father and Jesus Christ Live and Love Us (12/17/2009)

Today I would like to share part of a talk from Bishop H. David Burton in which he discussed the 1999 head-on collision which occurred on a remote highway in Western Australia that almost took the life of Australian art critic Robert Hughes.

"Charlie Fishhook, an Aborigine, came upon the accident scene and sounded the critical alarm for help. A friend, Danny O'Sullivan, upon hearing of the accident, used his radio and cell phone to summon help from the nearest town, seventy-five miles away. He then raced to Robert's side to reassure him that assistance was on its way. Aborigines of the Bidyadanga people formed a semicircle around the car and chanted a prayerful song. A Filipina nurse from the Bidyadanga settlement comforted his badly broken body until police and medics airlifted him to the Royal Perth Hospital. Skilled physicians operated for thirteen hours to carefully restore his body. His loving and deeply concerned family arrived from the United States to keep vigil until he awoke from a thirty-day coma."

After the accident, he made some remarks in an article in Time magazine using this experience to try and further his point that God does not exist. He stated, in essence, that since Jesus Christ was not there to welcome him to "the other side," neither He nor God must be real. This article elicited some replies that I would like to share with you:

"A perceptive gentleman by the name of Pedro Costa from Portugal wrote: 'I would like to ask [Robert Hughes] if he also didn't see Christ among the Aborigine family that found him, the Bidyadanga people who chanted to keep him alive, the Filipina nurse who wept for him, his friend Danny who raced to save his life, the police and the medics who got to the scene, the medical personnel who decided to fly him to Royal Perth Hospital, the people who operated for 13 hours - or in the midst of relatives and friends who gave him the support and affection he talks about in his article. Hughes just might have missed Jesus in such a crowd.'

"From Stellenbosch, South Africa, Marius J. DeWaal profoundly wrote: 'Robert Hughes said of his near-death experience that Jesus didn't show. But one cannot expect to find Christ in death if one has not known him in life."

I can testify that our Father in Heaven and our older brother Jesus Christ live and that they love us. I have felt their love in my life. I have seen prayers answered, and I know that they are real. The answers, however, often come through others, just as Mr. Costa stated, and in fact, there may be times when we are that answer. To the second letter, I would agree that those who have not sought will not find, just as much as those who do seek will find the Savior.

Serving Like Christ (12/15/2009)

"The story is told of a little crippled boy who ran a small newsstand in a crowded railroad station. He must have been about twelve years old. Every day he would sell papers, candy, gum, and magazines to the thousands of commuters passing through the terminal.

"One night two men were rushing through the crowded station to catch a train. One was fifteen or twenty yards in front of the other. It was Christmas Eve. Their train was scheduled to depart in a matter of minutes.

"The first man turned a corner and in his haste, plowed right into the little crippled boy. He knocked him off his stool, and candy, newspapers, and gum were scattered everywhere. Without so much as stopping, he cursed the little fellow for being there and rushed on to catch the train.

"It was only a matter of seconds before the second commuter arrived on the scene. He stopped, knelt, and gently picked up the boy. After making sure the child was unhurt, the man gathered up the scattered newspapers, sweets, and magazines. Then he took out his wallet and gave the boy a five-dollar bill. 'Son,' he said, 'I think this will take care of what was lost or soiled. Merry Christmas!'

"Without waiting for a reply the commuter now picked up his briefcase and started to hurry away. As he did, the little crippled boy cupped his hands together and called out: 'Mister, Mister!'

"The man stopped as the boy asked, 'Are you Jesus Christ?'

"By the look on his face, it was obvious the commuter was embarrassed by the question. But he smiled and said, 'No, son, I am not Jesus Christ, but I am trying hard to do what He would do if He were here.'"

I was touched by this story, related by President Ezra Taft Benson. I don't know that I have ever really stopped to think about the consequences when I stop to help someone. This account helped me realize that when we stop to help someone, we are doing what Christ would do if He were here. When we think of it in that light, I hope we will realize that service rendered to another is of the greatest worth.

Stand Firm (12/14/2009)

A quote in the Joseph Smith lesson about the martyrdom stood out to me yesterday. As he was counseling the apostles in the last months of his life, he said:

"Stand firm, my friends; never flinch. Do not seek to save your lives, for he that is afraid to die for the truth, will lose eternal life. Hold out to the end, and we shall be resurrected and become like Gods, and reign in celestial kingdoms, principalities, and eternal dominions."

The world will throw all sorts of epithets our way. They will try and discredit everything about the church and make us out to be fools for believing what we believe. I will concede that it is rarely easy to face opposition in the choices we make, but the day will come when everything that has been said and done against the Church of Jesus Christ will be shown in its true light, and those who have remained true and faithful to our Father in Heaven will receive the rewards He has promised.

Charity and Christmas (12/9/2009)

Christmas is not a day or a season,
but a condition of heart and mind.
If we love our neighbors as ourselves;
if in our riches we are poor in spirit
and in our poverty we are rich in grace;
if our charity vaunteth not itself,
but suffereth long and is kind;
if when our brother asks for a loaf,
we give ourselves instead;
if each day dawns in opportunity
and sets in achievement, however small;
then every day is Christ's day
and Christmas is always near.

- John Wallingford

There are always opportunities to serve our neighbors. Sometimes we are too busy to see them. Sometimes we allow the din of the world to drown out those requests. Yet when we take the chance to stop and help another without any thought of compensation, we demonstrate that pure love that our older Brother Jesus Christ demonstrated for all of us. Yes, it is easier to do at this time of year when everyone is focused on giving. When we take down the lights and put away the tree, however, I hope that we will be able to still keep Christmas with us.

The Spirit of Christmas (12/7/2009)

"Jesus Christ is not just a general truth or a fact in history, but the Savior of men everywhere and at all times. When we strive to be Christlike, he is 'formed' in us; if we open the door, he will enter; if we seek his counsel, he will counsel us. For Christ to be 'formed' in us, we must have a belief in him and in his atonement. Such a belief in Christ, and the keeping of his commandments, are not restraints upon us. By these, men are set free. This Prince of Peace waits to give peace of mind which may make each of us a channel of that peace." - President Howard W. Hunter

At this time of year, there is obviously a great deal of focus that is placed on the birth of the Savior. It is a time when people renew their resolve to be kind to others and to live better lives. We hear talk at this time of year about keeping the Spirit of Christmas with us throughout the year, and when I read President Hunter's quote, I felt like this was a very appropriate description of what the Spirit of Christmas is about. As we commit ourselves to better lives this season, I hope that we will not only open the door to the Savior, but that we will invite His Spirit to stay with us throughout the year.

Choosing Good (12/2/2009)

"The act of choosing is more than nodding assent or passive shoulder shrugging. It reflects real choices made over time that form definite patterns... (T)here can be no agency avoidance. No decision is a decision. Delay is a delusion, and that delay always discards the holy present. It simply throws it away." - Elder Neal A. Maxwell

An often quoted axiom states that "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." I think that this is critical to remember in our lives as saints. It is not just enough to avoid those things that would cause us spiritual harm. We need to teach our children why those things are inappropriate and encourage them to choose the good. We can speak out when appropriate against that which is wrong and encourage others to make good choices. And above all, we can serve others and help to bring the light of Christ into their lives.

Yes, our lives are hectic and it is difficult to get to all the things we should. If we choose to work for good today instead of using the excuses about why we can't do it, it will make a difference in our lives and in the lives of those we touch.

Follow The Prophet (11/30/2009)

Last night I performed in a multi-stake production of Handel's Messiah. The orchestra has been rehearsing the various numbers for about two months now, and overall I think it is safe to say that we felt pretty comfortable with the music. At least until the performance.

The orchestra alone starts the piece with an overture, then almost everything else is either vocal soloists or choral pieces. The overture last night began just fine, but about a quarter of the way through it, the first chair first violinist stopped playing. Others in her section continued, but it was not long before it was evident that they were not with the rest of the group. This in turn confused other players, and to make a long story short, I am not sure whether the orchestra or the audience was more relieved when the piece mercifully ended.

I have obviously thought quite a bit about this since it happened. The one idea that keeps occurring to me is how much we in an orchestra rely on each other. While it is true that we musicians should follow the director and count through the different measures of the music, I often find myself relying more on audible cues from other sections of the orchestra to know where I am supposed to be. The down side to that is that when other musicians become lost, then I do as well.

I think that the same thing can happen in the Church as well. We have a leader in President Monson who tries to direct us in the way we should go. Sometimes, however, I think that we place stock in the testimony of others, so when they get lost, we too wind up losing our way. I hope that we will look to the one individual who has been called and set apart to lead us today so that no matter what else goes on around us, we will still know where we should be.

Gratitude (11/20/2009)

"A proud man is seldom a grateful man, for he never thinks he gets as much as he deserves." -Henry Ward Beecher

I love this quote for the fact that it makes me reflect upon my own actions to determine how proud I am. If I feel as though I have been cheated out of something that I have not earned or is not mine to begin with, then I need to adjust my course to be thankful for the things I do have. King Benjamin actually put it best when he said:

"I say unto you that if ye should serve him who has created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another — I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants." (Mosiah 2:21)

When I think of it in those terms, everything I have down to my most basic breath is a gift. Since gifts from our Father are freely given whether we choose to reciprocate or not, it might well be said that everything we receive is more than we deserve. I hope that as we enter this week of Thanksgiving that we will renew our commitment to actively demonstrate our gratitude to our Father for the myriad of gifts that are ours.

Escaping the Doldrums (11/19/2009)

"I have learned that where there is a prayerful heart, a hungering after righteousness, a forsaking of sins, and obedience to the commandments of God, the Lord pours out more and more light until one finally has power to pierce the heavenly veil and to know more than man knows." - President Spencer W. Kimball

I think that I found this quote for today by inspiration. It is easy for me to get lost sometimes with all that I have going on, and when I am lost, I tend to set aside the things I know I should do. Some might tell me to just "snap out of it" when I start feeling sad that things are not going the way that I think they should, but I know that President Kimball's advice here is a more sure way to escape the doldrums that might steer us away from the path we should follow.

Peace and Freedom (11/17/2009)

In the news today, there is a story about a woman who gave her 9 month old baby to her drug dealer "because she was homeless, addicted to meth and unable to care for the child." As a parent, it is difficult for me to imagine something so compelling in my life that it would take precedent over my children, yet here is evidence that such things do happen. I feel for this woman and for her child. It is evident that a series of choices have been made in the mother's life that have led her to a place where I am sure she would rather not be.

President Hinckley told about a conversation he once had with a young man who sought freedom and peace through the ways of the world. After his account, President Hinckley observed: "Today there are persons numbered in the millions who, in a search for freedom from moral restraint and peace from submerged conscience, have opened a floodgate of practices that enslave and debauch. These practices, if left unchecked, will not only destroy these individuals but also the nations of which they are a part."

Our Father in Heaven has stated through His prophets that His goal is to help us gain Eternal Life (see Moses 1:39) - the greatest peace that anyone could want to achieve. Satan also makes a counterfeit offer of peace, yet his ultimate goal is to make us just as miserable as he is (see 2 Nephi 2:27) by having us surrender our agency to things that stimulate the senses, such as pornography or drugs. So while the world would have us break the moral fetters that keep us from doing whatever we want in life, I hope that we will be aware that those who accept Satan's offer of "peace" run the risk of losing everything, just as this mother's choices led her to lose her child.

The Restored Gospel (11/16/2009)

"The Restoration responds resoundingly and reassuringly to the key human questions and provides the firm framework of our faith. Do we actually live in an unexplained and unexplainable universe? Is there really purpose and meaning to human existence? Why such unevenness in the human condition? Why so much human suffering?

"The marvelous truths of the Restoration respond to these questions and are highly global, highly personal, and even galactic in their dimensions! Identity exists amid immensity. We are enclosed in divine purposes! There is no need for despair! No wonder the restored gospel is such 'good news.'" - Elder Neal A. Maxwell

One of the things I often express gratitude for in my prayers is how the Gospel gives me an understanding of the big picture. It is so easy to get caught up in the little things that don't go right in life, yet when I stop and think about how my time here is just a step along a much longer path, it makes everything else easier to manage. I am thankful for the prophet Joseph Smith and for the truth that he restored so that we can all know what we need to do in order to inherit eternal life.

Following the Savior (11/12/2009)

I have volunteered to play in an orchestra for a neighboring stake that is performing Handel's opus The Messiah. I don't know what it is about the music that gets stuck in my head, but I have heard in my mind many of the passages over and over lately. One of the verses that I have heard lately comes from Isaiah:

"He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

"Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

"All we, like sheep, have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquities of us all." (Mosiah 14:3-6; see also Isaiah 53:3-6)

How often do I "hide my face" from my Savior, favoring what the world would have me do instead of what I should do? How far have I, like a sheep, gone astray from the loving Shepherd? Jesus Christ did everything He could to make it possible for us to return to live with our Father again. He atoned for the mistakes we would make, He showed us a more perfect way, and He calls to each of us to follow Him. I hope that we can all come to a greater understanding of what the Savior did for us, and that we will be more diligent in heeding His call.

The Last Days (11/11/2009)

"You will live in the midst of economic, political, and spiritual instability. When you see these signs - unmistakable evidences that his coming is nigh - be not troubled, but, 'stand... in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come.' (Doctrine & Covenants 87:8) Holy men and holy women stand in holy places, and these holy places include our temples, our chapels, our homes, and the stakes of Zion, which are, as the Lord declares, 'for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth' ((Doctrine & Covenants 115:6).

"Heed the Lord's counsel to the Saints of this dispensation: 'Prepare yourselves for the great day of the Lord.' ((Doctrine & Covenants 133:10) This preparation must consist of more than just casual membership in the Church. You must learn to be guided by personal revelation and the counsel of the living prophet so you will not be deceived." - President Ezra Taft Benson

These prophetic words uttered by President Benson almost 20 years ago become more manifest every day. It is frightening to me to think of the events that will precede the Lord's coming, yet as we see the prophecies fulfilled, I hope that we will remember that these things are given to us as a testimony that what the prophets say is true. Things might look grim now, but as we see the events of the last days happen, it gives us reason to hope that the prophesies of a better future will also come to pass.

The Pain of Death (11/9/2009)

This past weekend, a friend of mine experienced a great tragedy when his 15 month old daughter was run over and killed by a dump truck driven by his friend. As I was up late Saturday night mulling this event over in my mind, I thought what I could say to Gary that could somehow ease such a sudden blow. It is easy being removed one step from the situation to say that everything will work out fine, and that he and his wife will have the chance to see their daughter again one day, but I don't know how much that helps someone who is actually suffering at that moment.

While I was thinking along those lines, it occurred to me that as tragic as this death was, there is a worse kind of death that we can suffer. Gary and Amber know that they will be able to see their daughter again one day, and that hope has helped see them through this ordeal. Our Father in Heaven, however, risks the chance of losing us to death as well, but the spiritual death that we experience means that we might be lost to Him forever.

I think that many play near spiritual dump trucks without ever realizing the danger that they pose. Whether those are things like drugs, alcohol, pornography, or whatever, they might seem like an interesting and even fun place to play, but unfortunately there will come a time when that dump truck moves and can crush the individuals around it. Perhaps this is why the prophets counsel us to stay as far away from sin as we can.

As deep as our love is for our children, and as much as a loss like the one suffered by my friends must hurt, I can only imagine how much more our Father hurts when one of His children that he loves with a perfect love is lost. I hope that I can live my life in such a way that my Father in Heaven will not have to hurt on my account.

Repetition (11/4/2009)

President Heber J. Grant once stood in priesthood meeting and said, "I have a letter from a man who made a suggestion concerning what subject I should address at conference. This man said he felt I had spoken too many times concerning the Word of Wisdom and strongly urged me to speak on a different topic. That is one man who obviously needs to hear more about the Word of Wisdom, and therefore I shall address that topic tonight."

Our leaders remind us in every General Conference that we need to study the scriptures. They remind us to seek out that which is good and wholesome, and strongly counsel us to avoid that which is not. These warnings must keep coming because there are still members of Christ's church who not doing what we have been commanded.

I see the same thing as I parent. For example, if my children keep their rooms clean, I do not have to harp on them to get it done and we can move on to other activities. Only when they do not do what they are asked do they get incessantly nagged by me and their mother to complete their chores, and they don't get the time to do the things they want to do. I hope that we can be more diligent in doing those things that we have been commanded so that we can receive more of the instruction that we will require to achieve our eternal goals.

Equals (11/3/2009)

A friend recently told me how they had interviewed for another job in their organization. This individual was afraid that they would not get the job, however, because the area that was hiring did not view the department this person works for in a favorable light. So in spite this individual's "can do" attitude and work ethic, because one group of people feels as though they are better than another, my friend may get passed over for the better job.

All this got me to thinking about how King Benjamin reminded us that we are all equal. He counseled his people "For behold, are we not all beggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every kind?" (Mosiah 4:19)

How much better would our homes, our wards, our places of business be if everyone could view each other as equals? How much more effective would we be if instead of viewing others as being inferior - or superior, as the case may be - to ourselves if we could look at each other as children of God instead of "that guy in the biker jacket who smokes" or "that neighbor who is snotty to me every time I try to talk to them?"

Yes, I realize that we are all individuals, and that as such, there will be parts of our character that do not blend well with others in our life. I hope, however, we can work to get to the point where we will view others in the same way that our Father in Heaven does, as His children.

Using All Means in Our Power (10/28/2009)

And now it came to pass that when the Lamanites found that there were robbers among them they were exceedingly sorrowful; and they did use every means in their power to destroy them off the face of the earth. But behold, Satan did stir up the hearts of the more part of the Nephites, insomuch that they did unite with those bands of robbers, and did enter into their covenants and their oaths, that they would protect and preserve one another in whatsoever difficult circumstances they should be placed, that they should not suffer for their murders, and their plunderings, and their stealings. (Helaman 6:20-21)

I think that one would be hard pressed to make the honest observation today that the world is not growing more wicked. Scandals involving politicians and other prominent members of society occur almost daily, yet the consequences for their actions seem almost non-existent. How much, then, is our society like this one?

In verse 21, we see the impossible odds that the Lamanites faced, yet verse 20 tells how the Lamanties used every means in their power to stop these illegal activities. Obviously we are not going to be able to change governments singlehandedly, but I hope that we will do what we can, whether it is researching out the candidates that most closely embrace the principles the Savior would have us live and actively supporting them or simply by praying for those who are already in power to make wise choices, to help rid our society of the kinds of activities that were the eventual downfall of the Nephites.

Strength Equal to our Challenges (10/27/2009)

On Sunday, I was reviewing notes from a lesson I had given a while back and I came across a quote which said, in effect, "Don't pray for tasks equal to your strength. Pray to have strength equal to your tasks." In other words, when we are faced with challenges, we should embrace the chance to learn and grow. Today, I would like to share with you part of a talk from Elder Bednar which emphasizes this point:

"As you and I come to understand and employ the enabling power of the Atonement in our personal lives, we will pray and seek for strength to change our circumstances rather than praying for our circumstances to be changed. We will become agents who 'act' rather than objects that are 'acted upon.' (2 Nephi 2:14)

"Consider the example in Mosiah 24 as Alma and his people are being persecuted by Amulon. As recorded in verse 14, the voice of the Lord came to these good people in their affliction and indicated: 'And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs.'

"Now if I had been one of Alma's people and received that particular assurance, my response likely would have been, 'I thank thee, and please hurry!' But notice in verse 15 the process the Lord used to lighten the burden: 'And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.'

"Brothers and sisters, what was changed in this episode? It was not the burden that changed; the challenges and difficulties of persecution were not immediately removed from the people. But Alma and his followers were strengthened, and their increased capacity and strength made the burdens they bore lighter. These good people were empowered through the Atonement to act as agents and impact their circumstances - 'in the strength of the Lord.'"

Learning Good (10/23/2009)

"If men would be great in goodness, they must be intelligent, for no man can do good unless he knows how; therefore seek after knowledge, all knowledge, and especially that which is from above, which is wisdom to direct in all things, and if you find any thing that God does not know, you need not learn that thing; but strive to know what God knows, and use that knowledge as God uses it, and then you will be like him; (you) will... have charity, love one another, and do each other good continually, and for ever...

"But if a man have all knowledge, and does not use it for good, it will prove a curse instead of a blessing as it did to Lucifer, the Son of the Morning." - Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and Willard Richards, Millennial Star 14:22, 15 January 1852)

When I think of learning and knowledge, I think of math, science, language, arts. This quote, however, reminded me that while such academic cores are important, if I am to become like my Father in Heaven, there are other things I need to learn as well. I need to learn charity, need to study being good until I can do it by rote. Of course, if I learn all of these things and fail to act on them, it will do me no more good than if I were to hang my college degree on the wall and sit and stare at it. Only by applying the things I have learned am I able to improve my corner of the world and financially support my family.

I hope that we will strive to learn how to become like the Savior, and as we are taught through prayer, scripture study, and meeting attendance, I hope that we will apply what we have learned to make the world around us a better place.

Who Do We Listen To? (10/21/2009)

"And now when ye talk, ye say: If our days had been in the days of our fathers of old, we would not have slain the prophets; we would not have stoned them, and cast them out.

"Behold ye are worse than they; for as the Lord liveth, if a prophet come among you and declareth unto you the word of the Lord, which testifieth of your sins and iniquities, ye are angry with him, and cast him out and seek all manner of ways to destroy him; yea, you will say that he is a false prophet, and that he is a sinner, and of the devil, because he testifieth that your deeds are evil.

"But behold, if a man shall come among you and shall say: Do this, and there is no iniquity; do that and ye shall not suffer; yea, he will say: Walk after the pride of your own hearts; yea, walk after the pride of your eyes, and do whatsoever your heart desireth — and if a man shall come among you and say this, ye will receive him, and say that he is a prophet. Yea, ye will lift him up, and ye will give unto him of your substance; ye will give unto him of your gold, and of your silver, and ye will clothe him with costly apparel; and because he speaketh flattering words unto you, and he saith that all is well, then ye will not find fault with him. (Helaman 13:25-28)

A few years ago, I came across an old acquaintance of mine. Without going into any detail, he was involved in some acts that were obviously questionable, yet I said nothing to him about those. He was quick, however, to become defensive about his actions, and our whole conversation had a strange air about it, and overall left a very bad impression on me. I heard more news about him a few weeks ago, and it is evident that he has continued in his questionable ways to an even worse degree than he had at the point of our reunion.

We have a conscience that tells us what is right and what is wrong. The natural man in all of us would love to have someone there to tell us that we are OK to do whatever we like, but the truth of the matter is that unless we are willing to listen to the Lord and His servants, the prophets, we ultimately fight not only against them, but against our own conscience as well. If we discover that we do not like the things that we hear from President Monson and the other leaders of the Church, perhaps it is time that we listen to our conscience and make sure we are on the right path.

Serving Others (10/19/2009)

"You are all called of God to serve his children. You may be called as a clerk or a home teacher or a visiting teacher. You all are a son or daughter or a brother or sister. None of those are accidental calls. And each places you in service to invite someone to choose the right, to come unto Christ. None of the people for whom you are responsible can be truly served without your bearing testimony, in some way, of the mission of Jesus Christ.

"Now you know that the mission of the Holy Ghost is to bear testimony of the Savior. When in faith and under assignment you go forth to do that, the Holy Ghost is your ally. The Savior said: 'But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me.' (John 15:26)

"You could, this moment, begin to think of those for whom you bear responsibility. If you do, and do it with the intent to serve them, a face or a name will come to you. If you do something tonight and make some attempt to help that person come unto Christ, I cannot promise you a miracle, but I can promise you this: you will feel the influence of the Holy Ghost helping you, and you will feel approval. And you will know that, for at least those minutes, the power of the Holy Ghost was with you." - President Henry B. Eyring

When I read this quote by President Eyring, I started to think of the callings I have in life and the impact they have on others. Our job here is to serve each other and to help people come unto Christ. Whether we are a stake president, a Sunday school teacher, a visiting teacher, or even just a neighbor, we need to be certain that our focus is to testify of Christ and help those with whom we associate feel the Spirit. By working to have the Spirit with us and helping others to feel it, we will be able to bring our brothers and sisters to the truth, and strengthen them as they catch the vision of the higher purpose of this life.

Listening (10/16/2009)

Yesterday I was listening to a live recording of a Simon and Garfunkel concert that I have. In one of their songs, "The Sound of Silence," they talk of people who are "hearing without listening." I found a gem of wisdom in Simon's lyrics - how often do I hear something like a talk in General Conference or a scripture without really listening to what it is saying? Or if the Spirit is talking to me, how often do I listen to and follow its promptings?

We have been given prophets and other leaders to help guide us through these last days. The challenges we face today are unlike any others the world has ever seen. It is not just enough, however, to hear their counsel if we are to have hope to escape these days unscathed. We must also listen to their meaning and then work to apply their messages in our lives. As we re-read the conference talks online or in the Ensign and the Liahona, I hope that we can truly listen to these messages that come from our Father.

Mr. Bones and Me (Helping Others) (10/13/2009)

Today I have Mr. Bones. Mr. Bones is a bear that I purchased some years back for Halloween, and during the month of October, he always goes to school or work with someone in the family, then when we sit down for dinner, the person with Mr. Bones tells what they did and then passes the bear on to the next person.

As I listened to President Monson's Sunday morning General Conference address, I knew that Mr. Bones would come with an additional responsibility this year. President Monson spoke of a Dr. Jack McConnell whose minister father would always ask his children at the dinner table "And what did you do for someone today?" I added the twist, however, that the person with the bear had to do something for someone within the family (with the hopes of fostering better will between siblings) and for someone outside the family.

It has been an interesting exercise to actively look for ways that I can help people, and wondering what really makes a difference. Does my commiserating with the challenges a co-worker faces help even though it is beyond my ability to fix the problems they face? Do I actually have to DO something for it to help? There are a hundred questions that have run through my mind as I have looked for someone who could use help simply because I know that at the dinner table tonight I will be asked, probably not unlike the questions I will hear when I meet the Father again, "And what did you do for someone today?"

Our Journey (10/12/2009)

"I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended." -Nelson Mandela

Even though Nelson Mandela was referring here to his work against apartheid in his nation, I think that this quote is a good one for us all. There are spiritual hills that each of us climbs during our life, and when we crest the summit of one of these hills, it can be satisfying to see how far we have come, and how beautiful the panorama is from this new vantage point. If we spend longer than a moment considering our accomplishment, however, we risk losing not only the progress we have yet to make but also the progress we have made.

I will be the first to acknowledge how difficult it is to just keep putting one foot in front of another some days. As long as our journey here is not over, we need to forge ahead every day as we travel home to our Father.

Our Worth (10/9/2009)

Today I would like to share a thought from Elder Russell M. Nelson. One of Satan's missions is to try and convince us that our efforts here are in vain, but the message from our Father is far different:

"In our quest for faith, hope, and charity, we must beware of the dangers of doubt, despair, or disdain for the divine. Moroni so taught: 'If ye have no hope ye must needs be in despair; and despair cometh because of iniquity.' (Moroni 10:22)

"Each of you is special, valued, and needed in building the kingdom of God. The adversary is also aware of your worth and will surely taunt you. When Satan's temptations come your way, please remember this counsel from Alma:

"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear... Having faith on the Lord; having a hope that ye shall receive eternal life; having the love of God always in your hearts." (Alma 13:28-­29)

Knowledge (10/6/2009)

"The quest for knowledge is endless. It seems that the more we know, the more there is yet to learn. It is impossible that man may learn all the ways of God. But as we are faithful and are deeply rooted in scriptural accounts of God's magnificent creations, we will be well prepared for future discoveries. All truth is compatible because it all emanates from God." - Elder Russell M. Nelson

Elder Nelson's remark here is one that I have often made. It seems that every time I learn something new, I realize that there is so much more that I need to know. Yet as we seek to involve our Father in Heaven in our lives, our ability to learn will increase. He is the Creator, and as such He knows everything, and He will share with us what He knows, teaching us through the Spirit, "line upon line, and precept upon precept" when we are ready to listen and learn.

Listening to the Spirit (10/5/2009)

One of the most meaningful messages I took away from Conference this weekend was the need to listen to the Spirit. In a world that is increasingly confused, a world where the "gray area" seems to be constantly shrinking and the draw to Satan's side of the line seems to be more powerful each day, using this gift with which we have been blessed is increasingly vital.

Of course, it is incumbent upon us to live our lives in such a way that we can hear what the Spirit is telling us. To help illustrate this principle to my children, I had them each make as much noise as they could. Six children can make a lot of noise when asked, and when they finally figured out that I really was telling them that it was OK to be noisy, I started to quietly give them an instruction. Of course none of them could hear my instruction over the din, and pretty soon their curiosity got the better of them and they quieted down so that they could hear what I was saying.

Our lives can be polluted with different forms of noise as well. Whether it is the actual noise of loud music or whether it is the million things we need to get to that clutter our spiritual hearing, I heard the message this weekend that it is vital to take the advice to "Be still, and know that I am God..." (Psalms 46:10) When we can do that, we will be ready to be guided through these difficult last days.

Learning to Choose Good (9/28/2009)

"And whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do good is of me; for good cometh of none save it be of me. I am the same that leadeth men to all good; he that will not believe my words will not believe me — that I am; and he that will not believe me will not believe the Father who sent me. For behold, I am the Father, I am the light, and the life, and the truth of the world." (Ether 4:12)

Here is a litmus test that struck me when I read it recently. If I look at my choices, how many of them persuade me to do good? Does the music that I listen to fit the bill? The movies I watch? There is no absolute answer to these questions, as there is good and bad in all that I do, but when I read this verse, it reminded me that I need to be more diligent in making good choices. And as I pay more attention to the choices I am going to make, I can now ask a simple question - will this choice lead me to do good? - and determine whether or not it is something that I should do.

Gratitude in Trial (9/25/2009)

"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!" - President Joseph F. Smith

On Wednesday, my son got in trouble at school. When I got home from work and we had a chat about what had happened, he shared with me just how horrible his life was. He was upset that nobody was interested in hearing how the other kids in class were acting up too, or about how incompetent the teacher was. In short, his life was terrible because I did not accept any of his excuses about why he was kicked out of math class.

After I listened to him rant for a minute, I explained to him that he should be thankful for the things he does have. Like President Smith said in this quote, I started to enumerate the things for which he could be grateful. Life will not always give us what we hope for - it is not always fair in our favor. But if we will stop and be thankful for the things we DO have, it will make enduring the difficult times easier.

Lowering Clouds (9/23/2009)

"Naturally, believing Christians, even those who have a mature faith in the gospel, are concerned and disturbed by the lowering clouds on the horizon. But they need not be surprised or frantic about their portent, for, as has already been said, at the very beginning of this last dispensation the Lord made it abundantly clear that through the tribulations and calamity that he foresaw and foretold and that we now see coming upon us, there would be a people who, through acceptance and obedience to the gospel, would be able to recognize and resist the powers of evil, build up the promised Zion, and prepare to meet the Christ and be with him in the blessed millennium. And we know further that it is possible for every one of us, who will, to have a place among those people. It is this assurance and this expectation that gives us understanding of the Lord's admonition, 'be not troubled.'" - President Marion G. Romney

These words by President Romney were spoken over 40 years ago in a time that saw the assassination of an American President, the dawning of an ugly war in Southeast Asia, and eroding social mores. Perhaps the events that define today are different, but the concern about the "lowering clouds" among those faithful to Christ have not changed. Then again, neither have the words of encouragement. Regardless of what takes place in the world around us, as long as we remain faithful to the Savior and strive to improve ourselves and our homes, we will have no reason to fear. I hope that as we furrow our brow over today's headlines that we can maintain the eternal perspective that all of these things will soon pass.

Developing On Our Own (9/22/2009)

“There must be works with faith. How foolish it would be to ask the Lord to give us knowledge, but how wise to ask the Lord’s help to acquire knowledge, to study constructively, to think clearly, and to retain things that we have learned.” - President Spencer W. Kimball

My fifth grader has been assigned a report on a famous person to be completed next month. The teacher has outlined the steps he is to take to complete the report, from compiling data on the person to writing the rough and final drafts of the report. It represents a fairly substantial effort, and with the progress he has made based on the effort he has put into the report so far, I confess that I am a bit concerned about his ability to finish it.

Now I am certain that if I wanted to, I could write this report for him, complete with citations, good spelling, and passable grammar. It would not take nearly as much effort as it is taking him, and the results would probably be better. The only problem with a plan like that is that it would not give him the chance to learn what is involved in writing a report, so when he gets to junior high, high school, or college, he will still not know what is involved in that process. Further, the chances are good that if he is ever able to develop this skill, it will be more difficult to learn it later than if he were to learn it now.

Our Father in Heaven wants to give us the same opportunity to learn. He could give us the knowledge and resources we need to overcome every challenge, but were He to do that, we would be deprived of the chance to learn from our own experiences. It is good to ask for our Father's help while we are here on Earth, but as President Kimball says, we still need to do all that we can on our own to learn and grow.

Our First Resource (9/21/2009)

"Therefore ye must always pray unto the Father in my name; And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you." (3 Nephi 18:19-20)

I just finished re-reading "The Count of Monte Cristo." In this story, a young man named Edmond Dantes is imprisioned for a crime he did not commit. When he is first thrown in the dungeon, Dumas, the author of this story, makes this observation:

"He (Dantes) was sustained at first by that pride of conscious innocence which is the sequence to hope; then he began to doubt his own innocence, which justified in some measure the governor's belief in his mental alienation; and then, relaxing his sentiment of pride, he addressed his supplications, not to God, but to man. God is always the last resource. Unfortunates, who ought to begin with God, do not have any hope in him till they have exhausted all other means of deliverance."

I find this an interesting observation. When I read this quote, it made me really start to wonder how often I rely on my own intelligence and strength to overcome the obstacles in my life. I hope that as we - myself included - face challenges in life, we will remember to ask our Father for His help, not as a last resort as Dumas suggests, but all along the way.

Tuning In (9/10/2009)

"My first radio was a crystal set. It was hard to tune to the frequency of a particular radio station. One had to literally scratch the receiving wire whisker over the top of the rough crystal to find the right pin point, a little valley or peak on the crystal, where the signal was received. Just a millimeter off on one side or the other of that point and you would lose the signal and get scratchy static. Over time, with patience and perseverance, good eyesight, and a steady hand, you could learn to find the signal point on the crystal without too much difficulty.

"So it is in learning to attune ourselves to the inspiration from God and tune out the scratchy static. We have to work at being tuned in. Most of us need a long time to become tuned in most of the time." - President James E. Faust

In our world today, there are a myriad of things that will interfere with our ability to feel the Spirit and recognize its influence in our lives. So much noise and chaos are not conducive to hearing a still, small voice. If we will patiently strive to seek the Spirit through righteous living, however, we will be able to recognize its guiding influence. And as we continue to practice the principles taught by the Savior, feeling the Spirit will become as natural and effortless as President Faust found it to tune his radio.

Acting in the Savior's Name (9/9/2009)

First of all, I would like to apologize for the lack of a thought recently. Apparently working with computers for a living does not exempt one from having issues with them. I am limping along again, however, and hopefully will be back to full force this week.

This week in Fast and Testimony meeting, one of the good brothers of our ward got up and shared his testimony about the importance of being a good home teacher. He recounted how when he moved into the ward, he had been assigned to a family, but there were always other things to do and home teaching did not happen as much as it should have. Years later, the father of the family to which he had been assigned confided to him that at the time he had been their home teacher, the son of the family was struggling, and he felt that the home teacher could have done a great deal of good to help his son.

I understand that there is a great deal of speculation in this scenario, but the lesson was well understood. We never know the influence we can have if we fail to do our part. It might seem silly to say "hello" to someone with whom we are not well acquainted, but a simple greeting may have a huge impact on the recipient of that greeting. The young mother might be able to prepare meals just fine, but who can say how much it would relieve her stress for one night if someone prepared a little extra in their meal and shared with her. Like the song says, "there are chances for work all around just now." I hope that we will take the time to look for them so that we can act in the Savior's name.

Knowing Who We Are (9/1/2009)

"Many of you are familiar with the musical Fiddler on the Roof. It is a favorite of mine... Tears come to the viewer as he hears the beautiful strains of 'Sunrise, Sunset,' and he seems to appreciate Tevye's love for his native village when the cast sings 'Anatevka.'

"The gaiety of the dance, the rhythm of the music, and the excellence of the acting all fade in significance when Tevye speaks what to me becomes the message of the musical. He gathers his lovely daughters to his side, and, in the simplicity of his peasant surroundings, he counsels them as they ponder their future. 'Remember,' cautions Tevye, 'in Anatevka we know who we are and what God expects us to become.'

"As Latter-day Saints, we know who we are and what God expects us to become." - President Thomas S. Monson

I often share President Kimball's advice with my children when they leave the house to remember who they are and what they stand for. That is not always the easiest thing to do, as the peer pressure of family, friends, and co-workers comes to bear on us. We need to remember what we have been taught, however, and think upon our eternal potential when we decide how we will act in any given situation. As the children of a loving Father, we know what is expected of us, but we also know that there are better things that await us after this life if we will be faithful.

Moroni's Counsel (8/31/2009)

"O then despise not, and wonder not, but hearken unto the words of the Lord, and ask the Father in the name of Jesus for what things soever ye shall stand in need. Doubt not, but be believing, and begin as in times of old, and come unto the Lord with all your heart, and work out your own salvation with fear and trembling before him.

"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." (Mormon 9:27-28)

I love Moroni's counsel to us in this chapter. When I read this chapter recently, it is almost like a checklist of things that I should be doing. Remember to ask our Father in faith for the things I need. Do ALL things that are asked of me. Be willing to submit to the Father's will instead of being prideful. Pray with faith for help to avoid temptation. I can testify that as we seek to involve our Father in Heaven in our lives each day and turn our hearts to Him and His will, He will help us overcome the challenges we face so that we can return to Him again.

Being Christian (8/28/2009)

This morning, I would like to share a thought with you that Elder M. Russell Ballard gave in a commencement address earlier this month:

"When all is said and done, the most important thing about you and your testimony is that you base your beliefs on what Jesus Christ taught, and you try to follow Him by living your life in a way acceptable to our Heavenly Father and to the Lord.

"This is your foundation. It was Joseph Smith's foundation. He said: 'The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, he was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.'

"Whenever you are having a conversation about the Church, you should try to make this a point. We follow Jesus Christ. We try to live as He taught. That's the basis of our faith and our lives. This is the strongest nondefensive position you can take. You don't have to defend or justify anything when you are basing your position on the teachings of the Son of God and the fact that you are doing your best to keep His commandments."

The rest of the world squabbles over whether or not we are Christians in the way that everyone else is Christian. If we continue to try and live our lives as He did, then when the time comes for individuals to decide for themselves what their position is on this matter, however, it will be clear to them that this Gospel, restored in these latter days, is truly the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our Characteristics (8/27/2009)

"And then cometh the judgment of the Holy One upon them; and then cometh the time that he that is filthy shall be filthy still; and he that is righteous shall be righteous still; he that is happy shall be happy still; and he that is unhappy shall be unhappy still." (Mormon 9:14)

I think that a popular misconception is that when we leave this Earth, all of our problems will go away and we will suddenly be happy. Based on what Moroni says here, however, I think that nothing could be further from the truth. When we depart this life, we not only take the knowledge we have accumulated, but we also take with us the attitudes and characteristics that define who we are.

If our overall attitude is one of optimism, when we die, that same attitude will go with us; if we desire those things which are righteous, we will continue to desire those things after our time here is complete. Conversely, those who desire that which is not good will not suddenly have different inclinations. That is why Moroni, in addition to other prophets, have encouraged us to make the changes to improve our lives while we are here so that when we move to the next stage of our existence, we will be prepared.

The Atonement (8/25/2009)

"Jesus was born of an immortal Father and a mortal mother. From His immortal Father, Jesus inherited the power to live forever. From His mortal mother He inherited the fate of physical death. He declared this reality regarding His own life: 'No man taketh it from me,' He said, 'but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.'

"Those unique attributes were essential for His mission to atone for the sins of all mankind. Thus Jesus the Christ was born to die. He died that we might live. He was born that all humankind could live beyond the grave. His Atonement was wrought in Gethsemane - where He sweat great drops of blood - and on Golgotha (or Calvary) - where His body was lifted up upon a cross above the place of the skull, which signified death. This infinite Atonement would release man from the infinitude of death. His Atonement made the Resurrection a reality and the gift of eternal life a possibility for all who would obey His teachings. His Atonement became the central act of all human history." - Elder Russell M. Nelson

Life is replete with choices. We choose how we can act or react to any given situation. To most of us it is given the chance to choose what we will make of our lives, or what we will do with the talents we have been given. If we are to follow the example of the Savior, I think that it is important to note that He chose to give everything in order for everyone - wicked and righteous - to have the chance to return to live with our Father again. Because He made that choice, we now can choose whether or or not we will come to Him with the broken heart and contrite spirit that He asks of us, and take advantage of His Atoning Sacrifice. Our Older Brother understood what He was doing when He made His choice on our behalf. I hope that we can also work to understand what He did, and to make His sacrifice a larger part of our lives.

Success in Trials (8/14/2009)

"Thoreau reminded us that men were born to succeed and not to fail. The line between success and failure may be so fine that we scarcely know when we pass it. Often we throw up our hands at times when a little effort and a little more patience would have achieved success. Persistence can turn what seems to be hopeless failure into joyous success. There is no failure except in no longer trying. Failure is not in falling down, but in staying down. There is a single factor that makes for successful living. It is the ability to draw dividends from defeat." - Elder L. Tom Perry

Lately, I have faced some challenges in my life, but I just keep putting one foot in front of another, relying on the Lord and hoping that tomorrow will be better. Elder Perry's words here comforted me, letting me know that as long as I am patient, sooner or later things will improve, and that even when things are not going well, there are still lessons that I can learn and apply in my life.

Light (8/12/2009)

"He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death." (Mosiah 16:9)

I have always loved the visual image of Christ being the light of the world. One of the great things about light is that darkness cannot stand against it. Last week, I bought some night lights to put in the bedrooms of my younger children and in the hallway, and it was amazing what a difference it made - it was a great example of how the light pushes away the darkness and makes things clearer and easier to see.

The other thing about light is how beautiful it can make things. I took my children to the open house of the Oquirrh Mountain Utah temple last month, and one of the things that first attracted the eye were the beautiful chandeliers. The way they cast light enhanced the beauty of everything around them, just as the light the Savior has enhances the lives of those who choose to follow Him.

I hope that each of us will follow the Savior so that we can share a portion of His light to those around us.

Constancy in Trial (8/10/2009)

"Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ prepares us for whatever life brings. This kind of faith prepares us to deal with life's opportunities - to take advantage of those that are received and to persist through the disappointments of those that are lost. In the exercise of that faith we should commit ourselves to the priorities and standards we will follow on matters we do not control and persist faithfully in those commitments whatever happens to us because of the agency of others or the timing of the Lord. When we do this, we will have a constancy in our lives that will give us direction and peace. Whatever the circumstances beyond our control, our commitments and standards can be constant." - Elder Dallin H. Oaks

One of the things about our lives is the fact that rarely does everything stick to the plans we make. It can be a challenge for us to accept it when things go wrong, but I love Elder Oaks' quote here because it reminds me that even though we may encounter resistance, as long as we are constant in following the Lord, He will bless us and eventually help us overcome all obstacles.

Happiness (8/5/2009)

"We are enticed daily to pursue worldly pleasures that may divert us from the path to happiness. But the path to true and lasting happiness is, repeating the Prophet Joseph Smith's words, 'virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God...' The more faithfully we keep the commandments of God, the happier we will be." - President James E. Faust

It should come as a surprise to nobody that materialism runs deep in our society today. Many people see the latest electronic gadget or other object they cannot live without and go to almost any lengths to possess it. And while it is true that such items may bring us moment of happiness, in the end all of the neat possessions we have acquired in this life will mean nothing. I hope that we will take President Faust's advice and find our happiness by keeping the commandments and following the example set forth by the Savior.

Example (8/4/2009)

"And it came to pass that I did go forth among the Nephites, and did repent of the oath which I had made that I would no more assist them; and they gave me command again of their armies, for they looked upon me as though I could deliver them from their afflictions." (Mormon 5:1)

Here is one of the parts of the Book of Mormon that I would love to better understand. Mormon, having told the Nephites that he would not longer lead their armies, accepts the responsibility of command again even though he goes on to confess that he had no hope for either the Nephites or their cause. One thing was very clear to me as I read this verse with my family this morning, however. The Nephites knew that Mormon was a man of God, and because of Mormon's righteousness, they felt that his righteousness could save them.

Whether we recognize it or not, there are individuals in our lives who look to us as well. People have an idea of the things we find acceptable and those that we do not. Because of this, I know of several individuals who look to us as members of Christ's church to set their own moral compasses regardless of whether they embrace the teachings of the Gospel. That is why it is vital for us to remember to be the example of good at all times. That way, when those around us need someone to look to for guidance, we can be that individual.

One More Chance (8/3/2009)

"Dad! Please give us one more chance!" This is the plea I heard from my 8 year old and 10 year old last night, as I told them that because they refused to stop talking and go to sleep, they would not be able to come to work with me today. I continued, saying that because they had been warned multiple times, and because their younger sisters were not going to sleep as a result of their incessant chatter, there would be no more chances.

As I left their bedroom, however, the idea crossed my mind that I have often found myself in their same position. I will make a mistake, then needing to correct it, I will turn to my Father in Heaven to ask His forgiveness - for one more chance. Unfortunately, I sometimes find that I will slip again and I find myself in a position where I need to ask for another chance.

With that thought in mind, I granted my boys the extra chance they requested, and I heard nothing from them for the rest of the night. Hopefully I will, like my sons, make the most of the chances that our Father in Heaven gives me.

A Natural Principle (7/30/2009)

When Mormon was placed in charge of the Nephite armies, he was hopeful that he would be able to rally the Nephites to repent and return to their Father in Heaven, as so many before them had done. When he saw that the people began to be sorrowful, he thought that there might be hope for them, but then he records:

"But behold this my joy was vain, for their sorrowing was not unto repentance, because of the goodness of God; but it was rather the sorrowing of the damned, because the Lord would not always suffer them to take happiness in sin." (Mormon 2:13)

As Alma reminded his son Corianton, wickedness never has resulted in happiness. This is an absolute principle, and no matter how much people will try to rationalize away their morality, the constancy of this principle will not change. To illustrate this point to my children, I took a beanbag and asked them what would happen if I threw it in the air. They said that it would come back to the ground, so I tried it, and they were right. I inquired why this was, and they replied that it was because of gravity, and that as long as I sat in my chair and threw the beanbag up, it would keep returning to the ground.

I then asked them what would happen if I commanded the beanbag to stay in the air. Of course it didn't work no matter how many times I tried it. Ultimately the law of gravity prevailed over my desire to keep the beanbag in the air. It is the same with the commandments and principles that our Father in Heaven has laid out for us through His servants, the prophets. We are free to exercise our will, but unless we are willing to align our will to the will of the Father, we will always find ourselves fighting against natural principles to no good end.

Answers to Prayers (7/28/2009)

"To those within the sound of my voice who are struggling with challenges and difficulties large and small, prayer is the provider of spiritual strength; it is the passport to peace. Prayer is the means by which we approach our Father in Heaven, who loves us. Speak to Him in prayer and then listen for the answer." - President Thomas S. Monson

This quote from President Monson contains great advice to us to seek out our Father's assistance in prayer. The one piece that I too frequently forget to do is listen for the answer. Sometimes it is because I get in too much of a hurry, sometimes because His answer may not be the one that I want to hear. Regardless, my experiences have taught me that our Father does hear and answer our prayers, and as we take the time to listen and accept that He will always act in our best - not necessarily our immediate - interests, then we will have meaningful communication with Him.

Spiritual Eyes (7/27/2009)

This morning, I would like to share a quote from Elder David Bednar that I came across:

"Before attending her sacrament meetings, Sister Bednar frequently prays for the spiritual eyes to see those who have a need. Often as she observes the brothers and sisters and children in the congregation, she will feel a spiritual nudge to visit with or make a phone call to a particular person. And when Sister Bednar receives such an impression, she promptly responds and obeys. It often is the case that as soon as the 'amen' is spoken in the benediction, she will talk with a teenager or hug a sister or, upon returning home, immediately pick up the phone and make a call. As long as I have known Sister Bednar, people have marveled at her capacity to discern and respond to their needs. Often they will ask her, 'How did you know?' The spiritual gift of being quick to observe has enabled her to see and to act promptly and has been a great blessing in the lives of many people."

As I read this example, I wondered how better off the church would be if we all took the time to do this. In the hymn "Have I done any good?" we sing "There are chances for work all around just now, opportunities right in our way. Do not let them pass by, saying 'sometime I'll try,' but go and do something today." (italics added) I think that it is easy for the natural man in all of us to get wrapped up with the problems in our own lives, but when we seek the Lord's help then take the chance to look around, we will see that there are plenty of people who could use our help, even if it is just a kind word or a listening ear.

Learning About Our Heritage (7/23/2009)

If I mention the name Albert Einstein, most of us will call to mind a brilliant scientist known for his successes and theories that revolutionized science. Abraham Lincoln conjures images of a master statesman, one who led the United States through one of its darkest periods. If we think of Beethoven or Mozart, we think about the beautiful and inspiring music they created. Famous people abound, and many still look to them today to try and build on the wonderful things they did.

But what if Albert Einstein had just remained a patent clerk? What if Lincoln took his failures to heart and never achieved anything beyond being a lawyer? Without their accomplishments, these revered individuals would just be names, meaningless to almost nobody beyond their immediate families.

This is the philosophy that has helped me with my genealogy of late. Much research had been done on my family, and on every line but one, I have a full six generations worth of names. Instead of just being names, however, I have sought to learn stories of these individuals to help bring them to life. It has been an interesting exercise, as some of the stories have been faith promoting and others not so much, but as I seek out the heritage that these individuals have left behind, suddenly the idea of spending eternity with a family spanning back generations seems more appealing than it was before.

Living our Heritage (7/22/2009)

Where we will celebrate the arrival of the pioneers in the Salt Lake valley this Friday, I wanted to share a thought with you today about our pioneer heritage. Instead, I found a quote from Elder L. Tom Perry that was a good reminder of just how valuable our pioneer heritage is:

"I was shocked by a statistic that crossed my desk a few weeks ago. It stated that only thirteen percent of the children being reared in our country today come from traditional homes consisting of a working father, a stay-at-home mother, and one or more children. Each day we see the effects of the breakup of the traditional home. There is an alarming increase in the number of battered wives, physically and sexually abused children, vandalism in schools, teenage crime rates, pregnancies among unmarried teenagers, and elderly people growing old without the solace of an extended family.

"Our present prophet has warned us that the home is the place to save society. A proper home, of course, is not created automatically when a boy and girl fall in love and marry. It takes those same virtues that were taught in pioneer homes - faith, courage, discipline, and dedication - to make the success of a marriage. But just as those pioneers made a desert blossom as a rose, so it will happen in our lives and in our homes if we follow their traditions and follow the great heritage that they establish in these valleys of the mountains. Yes, a pioneer faith is needed as much in the world today as in any period of time. Once again, we need to know that heritage. We need to teach it; we need to be proud of it; we need to preserve it."

As a father of six children, I have seen the wide eyes that say "why would you have so many?" I have been scoffed by others when they hear that I practice my religion. But just as Elder Perry talked about here, I know that by living the values and religion that those pioneers fought to preserve, my life and the lives of my family will be better.

Learning from our Painful Mistakes (7/21/2009)

Last night we went to a friend's house for a joint Family Home Evening including dinner and time playing in their pool and on their trampoline, toys that we do not have. With a 3 year old and a 2 year old, we were especially vigilant, yet in spite of our best efforts, the 3 year old fell on the trampoline, hit her head on a spring, and ultimately wound up with 3 stitches in her left temple.

As we sat in the waiting room at the pediatric clinic waiting to get the stitches, I felt sad for her. I knew that I had done everything I could without interfering with her fun, yet things still went wrong. My thoughts then turned to how our Father in Heaven must feel for us as well. He gives us direction then gives us our agency, knowing full well that without His direct supervision we can - and probably will - be injured. And just like the stitches were able to fix the cut, we have repentance that can help us recover from the ill effects of sin.

Yes, this was a painful lesson for my daughter, but with any luck she will learn from it and exercise greater caution in the future when she finds herself on a trampoline. I hope that we can do the same as well - as we repent of the mistakes we make along the way, hopefully we will learn from them and be able to avoid the pain of having to review the lessons again.

Choices and Consequences (7/20/2009)

This morning, I would like to share a thought with you from a talk given by President Spencer W. Kimball:

"With agency one can murder, commit all the moral, sexual sins, steal, lie, use drugs, be unkind; he may hate, envy, swear, or do whatever he would like. One can hate, or one can love. One can curse, or one can bless. One can live in loneliness, or one can be promiscuous. One can help and assist, or one can hinder. One can blaspheme, or one can honor and bless and pray. One can believe in himself, or he can believe in an overall omniscient Being. One can do as he pleases. Free agency is his. Or he can live his life with the great Redeemer as the center of his life."

After he shared the choices that we could make using our agency, President Kimball went on to explain:

"One can touch a hot wire, but he cannot stave off the certain death that results. One can step in front of a powerful oncoming train, but he cannot set aside the mangling that will follow. One can jump from a skyscraper, but he cannot control the results and save his body from the crushing effects of the fall and the abrupt contact with the hard pavement below."

There are those who would encourage us to break the covenants we have made to follow the Savior. They would tell us that by following the Gospel plan, we are limiting ourselves with respect to the fun we could have or the circles in which we could socialize.

What is important to recall, however, is the fact that while we are able to choose for ourselves the path we will follow, we are not able to choose the consequence that comes from our actions. I hope that as we make decisions we will stop and consider not only the immediate benefit that can be derived from those decisions, but the long term consequences of our choices.

Which Side of the Fight? (7/17/2009)

"Wherefore, he that fighteth against Zion, both Jew and Gentile, both bond and free, both male and female, shall perish; for they are they who are the whore of all the earth; for they who are not for me are against me, saith our God." (2 Nephi 10:16)

One of the tools that Satan uses is justification. It is OK to tell a LITTLE lie. Taking just ONE pen from the office won't hurt anything. It is easy to trivialize sin, especially when it is something that we want to do. Jacob reminds us, however, that if we are not actively choosing to follow Christ and advance His cause, then we are not with Him. While perfection is an impossible goal to reach in this lifetime, as long as we are honestly doing our best to become like the Savior, we are on the right side of the battle.

Discipleship (7/16/2009)

"The word disciple comes from the Latin word discipulus; it means to learn or to know. Many people think that being a disciple means simply to follow, with an unfortunate connotation of following blindly. Becoming a true disciple is nothing of the sort! It requires us to learn and to know of Jesus Christ, to study the principles of truth for ourselves and to receive answers - in other words, to receive knowledge...

"Once we have knowledge of the simple principles of the Restoration, coupled with a deep and abiding faith in the truths we do not yet know, we become true disciples of Jesus Christ and not simply followers. The difference between a disciple and a follower is like the difference between a ship's anchor that is lodged solidly at the bottom of the sea, holding the ship fast, and an anchor that is merely suspended in water because the chain is too short. Such an anchor may appear to be doing its job when the seas are calm, but serves no purpose during storms or high waves." -Elder M. Russell Ballard

Many times I have been singled out because I choose to be a member of the church, and to follow the Gospel teachings. The thing that these people miss is the fact that I have a testimony of the truths behind these teachings. While my obedience to the commandments might not be as consistent as I would like, the simple fact remains that the Spirit has borne witness to me that this is Christ's church, and that everything I need to gain eternal life can be found herein. As I strive to live its teachings and learn to become more like Christ, the stronger my testimony of the truth will become, and the more I will be able to stand firm when I am faced with the inevitable challenges that will come from the adversary.

The Atonement (7/15/2009)

"And moreover, I say unto you, that salvation doth not come by the law alone; and were it not for the atonement, which God himself shall make for the sins and iniquities of his people, that they must unavoidably perish..." (Mosiah 13:28)

One of the most beautiful points of the Gospel is the idea that in spite of our imperfections, each of us still has the chance to return to live with our Father in Heaven again. Through the Atoning Sacrifice that was made by our Savior, we are not condemned to an eternity removed from His presence the first time we err. Instead, we have the chance to take upon ourselves His name, to emulate the life He lived. And as we choose to follow Him, He will do all things necessary to make it possible for us to safely cross the formidable chasm between where we are today and our Father's presence. Though words are not adequate to express my feelings, I am truly thankful to my Savior for the role He played in the Plan of Salvation on my behalf.

Humility (7/14/2009)

"We must cultivate humility. Humility is the great protector. Humility is the antidote against pride. Humility is the catalyst for all learning, especially spiritual things.

"Through the prophet Ether, the Lord gave us this great insight into the role of humility:

"'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.' (Ether 12:27)

"If we are meek and humble enough to receive counsel, the Lord can and will guide us through the counsel of our parents, our teachers, and our leaders. The proud can only hear the clamor of the crowd, but a person who 'becometh as a child' - as King Benjamin said, 'submissive, meek (and) humble' (Mosiah 3:19) - can hear and follow the still small voice by which our Father in Heaven guides his children who are receptive." - Elder Dallin H. Oaks

Humility is probably one of the most difficult traits to cultivate. As we accomplish things in life, it is easy to believe that we did those things on our own, and that we merit reward for our efforts. I think it is important to remember, however, the source of the gifts and talents that we have, and that we use those to bless the lives of others rather than for our own personal glorification. And as Elder Oaks reminds us with the scripture from Ether, when we humble ourselves, we will be blessed with greater strength that we can then use to serve others.

Optimism in Adversity (7/9/2009)

"Do not let us speak of darker days; let us speak rather of sterner days. These are not dark days; these are great days - the greatest days our country has ever lived; and we must all thank God that we have been allowed, each of us according to our stations, to play a part in making these days memorable in the history of our race." - Winston Churchill

These words, spoken in the throes of World War II and the German bombing campaign against England are inspiring to me. I'm sure that this time had destruction and death always on the minds of the English, yet Churchill reminded them that those days, while not pleasant, would help strengthen and define the character of the British.

Lately, I have had a struggle (to a lesser degree than the British, to be sure) trying to maintain optimism in the face of challenges. Without getting too detailed, we have had two major household appliances and a car (the second one this year) fail on us in the past two weeks, we received word that my wife will likely be downsized from the part time job she works, and there have been other things which, to say the least, have not worked out as expected.

Yet as I gathered my thoughts to say my prayers last night, frustrated and tired, I stopped and realized how many things I still have to be thankful for. I have a roof over my head. I have more than adequate food to eat. I have a family that loves me, and I am still able to provide for their needs. The list goes on, but last night I was reminded again how much having the Gospel and the perspective it brings sustains me from day to day.

Tolerance (7/8/2009)

"None of us is perfect. Though our desires are good, we are all capable of foolish and self-destructive acts and omissions. We all have need of repentance. We all need to be tolerant and loving with one another." - Elder Dallin H. Oaks

This quote really struck home with me when I heard it, and that is why I wanted to share it with you today. There are many things with which I struggle, but this is probably one of the greatest. I sometimes forget that I and those around me are prone to err, and as a result, my judgement of others is sometimes harsher than it should be. I hope that we will take Elder Oaks' advice here, and that we will be patient one with another while we all try and work towards perfection.

Strength in Trials (7/6/2009)

When the people of Alma had been captured by the Lamanites and were being forced to be their slaves, they prayed to the Lord for help. Of course the Lamanites did not like this, so they threatened the people of Alma with death if they did not stop, so instead of praying out loud, they kept a prayer in their hearts, and because of their faith, the Lord gave them strength to bear their burdens. In Mosiah 24:15 we read:

"And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord."

The thing that stood out to me about this verse is the fact that their burdens were not reduced. They faced the same challenges that they faced previously, but through divine intervention, these faithful followers of the Lord were able to bear up under their trials. And not only did they receive the strength to meet their challenges, they then received their burdens patiently, something I know that I have struggled with at times when faced with adversity.

We may not face the same trials that Alma and his people did, but I know that each of us has challenges that we face daily. I hope that we will remember to seek the Lord's help, and as we do, I testify that, just as He gave strength to help His followers in times past, He will also give us the strength we need to overcome.

Fanning the Spark (7/2/2009)

I had the chance Tuesday night and Wednesday to be the priesthood representative at our ward's girls camp. It was fun being up there with my daughter and the others in my ward, and good to help them learn how to do things that both my daughter and I take for granted.

Yesterday afternoon, one of our beehives decided to light the fire for dinner. She had noticed that the fire from the morning meal was still smoldering in some parts, so she threw a large stick on there and started to blow. This resulted in smoke, but she could not get the stick to light. I showed her how, by blowing the ash off the embers and using a smaller stick she could get a flame. In a few short minutes, the fire was going and we were on our way to getting dinner.

After we got the fire going, I took the chance to let her know that in her life, there would be people she would meet whose testimony for the Gospel will seem to have gone out. With some help and gentle nurturing on our part, however, we can help them find the spark they need to continue their journey back to our Father.

Living with No Regrets (6/30/2009)

Today, I would like to share with you an account related by Elder Russell M. Nelson.

"Years ago, while I served as a young intern in a large medical center, I attended a Christmas party. The host was the chief of surgery. I had made a major commitment to work for and be loyal to him and his world-famous institution, which had produced many of the great surgeons, scholars, and researchers of our generation. At the party, the chief's head resident offered alcoholic beverages to Sister Nelson and me. Of course, we politely declined.

"Minutes later he returned with a more persuasive pitch: 'Take a drink,' he said, 'or the chief will be offended.' Again we declined. Our refusal infuriated the head resident. Red-faced and indignant, he said, 'Nelson, you take this drink or I'll make life around here mighty miserable for you!'

"I simply replied, 'You do what you must, doctor, but I will do what I must.'

"I fulfilled my promise, and he fulfilled his. He saw to it that I had no vacation that year. His responsibility to prepare the schedule of assignments and on-call duty bore the stamp of his vitriolic vengeance against me. But now, as I reflect on this matter some forty years later, I would not trade places with him today, or ever."

Those who subscribe to the ideals of the world will always try to bring us to their level because it is easier than trying to lift themselves up to where we as the followers of Christ are. I am certain that each of us has faced or will face opposition not unlike what Elder Nelson did in this instance. It is my hope that we will be strong so that when we look back upon those times, we will have no regrets.