"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.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
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.
"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.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
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.
"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.
Friday, August 14, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, August 10, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, August 3, 2009
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.
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.
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