So I Remembered something yesterday that I had forgotten for a while. It was something I learned in my institute class over the summer. Does it seem strange to anyone that God would send angels to the shepherds to announce the birth of his son? Well one of my instiute teachers explained why God did that.
If I remember right he said that the shepherds were of the tribe of Levi. And the shepherds were responsible for witnessing the births of the first born males in the flock. They would verify that it was without blemish and then the lamb could be used for sacrifices. Well with that knowledge it makes sense that he would appear to the shepherds so they could claim him to be the son of God, the first born male, with out blemish and ready to be sacrificed. Pretty cool.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Some Thoughts From Ether
Ok, so everyone who reads this blog has already heard what I'm going to put here but I wanted to write it out. So here goes.
In the book of Ether the brother of Jared is told to build ships or barges and Just like Nephi his blueprints for these barges come from the Lord. But...
There were two problems with the barges. Now how does that happen? Why are there problems with the Lords plan for a barge? He's perfect. He doesn't make mistakes.
Well it must be significant so lets look at the two problems. First: No Air. Second: No Light.
Hmm... Sounds a little like another one of God's creations that have two problems. Our Bodies.
Here is what I mean. What happens with out air? They die. What happens to our bodies. We die.
What happens without light? Well, the Jaredites say they can't steer. But what happens to us without light. Spiritually we can't steer we can't see and we die the second 'spiritual death' cut off from God.
Now lets see how the Lord takes care of these problems. First, the air, the Lord just tells the brother of Jared what to do he takes care of it himself. Well, that makes sense the Lord just 'takes care of' our physical death. We are guaranteed immortality we will be resurrected guaranteed. Ok first problem taken care of.
What about the second problem? The light. Here the Lord tells the brother of Jared to figure it out for himself. And after much puzzling the brother of Jared decides that the answer is to ask the Lord to take care of it. Sure he thought of the stones but he knew he couldn't do it himself. Likewise we can't take care of our second problem ourselves we have to stew about it a bit and realize that the answer is to 'come unto Christ' and let him touch us to solve the second problem. No Light. One of Christ's titles is the Light Giver. (I think) But it makes sense. From him comes the light of truth and through his atonement we can dwell in the light and be brought back into Gods presence and gain Eternal Life.
"For this is my work and my glory to bring to pass the immortality and Eternal Life of man."
Immortally? Check. Taken care of. Problem one solved.
Eternal Life? Well. The way is there. Christ is the way and 'the life' So what are we going to do about it?
In the book of Ether the brother of Jared is told to build ships or barges and Just like Nephi his blueprints for these barges come from the Lord. But...
There were two problems with the barges. Now how does that happen? Why are there problems with the Lords plan for a barge? He's perfect. He doesn't make mistakes.
Well it must be significant so lets look at the two problems. First: No Air. Second: No Light.
Hmm... Sounds a little like another one of God's creations that have two problems. Our Bodies.
Here is what I mean. What happens with out air? They die. What happens to our bodies. We die.
What happens without light? Well, the Jaredites say they can't steer. But what happens to us without light. Spiritually we can't steer we can't see and we die the second 'spiritual death' cut off from God.
Now lets see how the Lord takes care of these problems. First, the air, the Lord just tells the brother of Jared what to do he takes care of it himself. Well, that makes sense the Lord just 'takes care of' our physical death. We are guaranteed immortality we will be resurrected guaranteed. Ok first problem taken care of.
What about the second problem? The light. Here the Lord tells the brother of Jared to figure it out for himself. And after much puzzling the brother of Jared decides that the answer is to ask the Lord to take care of it. Sure he thought of the stones but he knew he couldn't do it himself. Likewise we can't take care of our second problem ourselves we have to stew about it a bit and realize that the answer is to 'come unto Christ' and let him touch us to solve the second problem. No Light. One of Christ's titles is the Light Giver. (I think) But it makes sense. From him comes the light of truth and through his atonement we can dwell in the light and be brought back into Gods presence and gain Eternal Life.
"For this is my work and my glory to bring to pass the immortality and Eternal Life of man."
Immortally? Check. Taken care of. Problem one solved.
Eternal Life? Well. The way is there. Christ is the way and 'the life' So what are we going to do about it?
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Proxy Work
Sunday was the first time we meet our ward bishop or any of those guys and we were in priesthood, and my bishop, who is a very good man I love him dearly, said something interesting about proxy work. He said, "A lot of Christians and people form other faiths don't understand proxy work or how you can be baptized for someone else." He continued, "To them I like to say that Christ was the ultimate example of proxy work He did for me what I could not do for myself, and because he did I can and will be saved. The same pattern is fallowed in going and doing baptism for the dead. You are doing something for some else that they can't do for themselves."
The whole idea of proxy work show how great the wisdom of our God. It allows us to serve and help others with something that is drastically important I also am extremely great that god allows proxy work with the atonement if not we all would be one hundred percent and completely screwed.
The whole idea of proxy work show how great the wisdom of our God. It allows us to serve and help others with something that is drastically important I also am extremely great that god allows proxy work with the atonement if not we all would be one hundred percent and completely screwed.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Paratroopers
I received an interesting analogy from a scoutmaster at Timberline this year.
He said that we are, as the children of Ephraim, Paratroopers dropped to a Telestial world from a Celestial sphere.
Now that's an interesting Idea.
Here are a few things I've thought about since:
Ok, so we are Paratroopers now usually this entails a mission yes? Well as far as my limited knowledge goes Paratroopers or Special units are used most often for Reconnaissance or Recovery. Well Since we are sent from an all knowing commander in chief Reconnaissance is probably not the one. So Recovery. "And I say unto you how great will be your joy if ye bring save one soul unto me" Ok so I'm paraphrasing a little but it makes sense. It aligns with our commander in chiefs goal to "bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man."
Now a few things are key to a behind the enemy lines mission. First, and we've all heard this before, is communication. What is Satan always trying to do. Mess with our communication back to our heavenly father (commander in chief). Another thing I would consider important if I got stuck behind enemy lines would be to get a small tight group of other Paratroopers with me to help out and support each other. Sound like families? So what group would the enemy want to destroy. (I don't even need to start listing the ways Satan is after the Family).
Ok. Nothing new. But Interesting. Another thing the Paratrooper analogy entails is when the battle starts. Um...Its already going. We know it has because we talk about the first stage of the battle from before this earth was created. Well we've been 'saved' for this 'last day' for a 'special purpose'. So the battle started Long before we got here. We dodged bullets as we were on our way (Abortion) and we continue to dodge bullets every day. There is not much rest when we are stuck behind enemy lines.
Now we know a few key things that will help. One what our mission is. As I've said we are to bring as many back as possible. We know, and this is the second thing, That we will win. We were sent before the 'air strike' if you will to get as many out as we can before the Commander in Chief decides its time to cleanse this area. So how do we fight. The same way we did and were trained in in that celestial world we came from. "and by the power of their testimonies and by the blood of the lamb they over came Satan" again...not word for word but it gets the point across.
Well. Wait. What about Secret Combinations. What about Government control. What about depression...Well we are behind enemy lines. If I was in Germany in WWII I wouldn't worry so much about going up and spitting in Hitlers face and calling him dirty names and telling him to change is police state. I'd worry about getting my tight group of commando's out (Family) and Try to help as many of my buddy's, civilians or anyone willing to listen to get out of there!
So It's not doctrine...But it's a pretty cool way to look at our situation here on this earth. At least I thought so.
He said that we are, as the children of Ephraim, Paratroopers dropped to a Telestial world from a Celestial sphere.
Now that's an interesting Idea.
Here are a few things I've thought about since:
Ok, so we are Paratroopers now usually this entails a mission yes? Well as far as my limited knowledge goes Paratroopers or Special units are used most often for Reconnaissance or Recovery. Well Since we are sent from an all knowing commander in chief Reconnaissance is probably not the one. So Recovery. "And I say unto you how great will be your joy if ye bring save one soul unto me" Ok so I'm paraphrasing a little but it makes sense. It aligns with our commander in chiefs goal to "bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man."
Now a few things are key to a behind the enemy lines mission. First, and we've all heard this before, is communication. What is Satan always trying to do. Mess with our communication back to our heavenly father (commander in chief). Another thing I would consider important if I got stuck behind enemy lines would be to get a small tight group of other Paratroopers with me to help out and support each other. Sound like families? So what group would the enemy want to destroy. (I don't even need to start listing the ways Satan is after the Family).
Ok. Nothing new. But Interesting. Another thing the Paratrooper analogy entails is when the battle starts. Um...Its already going. We know it has because we talk about the first stage of the battle from before this earth was created. Well we've been 'saved' for this 'last day' for a 'special purpose'. So the battle started Long before we got here. We dodged bullets as we were on our way (Abortion) and we continue to dodge bullets every day. There is not much rest when we are stuck behind enemy lines.
Now we know a few key things that will help. One what our mission is. As I've said we are to bring as many back as possible. We know, and this is the second thing, That we will win. We were sent before the 'air strike' if you will to get as many out as we can before the Commander in Chief decides its time to cleanse this area. So how do we fight. The same way we did and were trained in in that celestial world we came from. "and by the power of their testimonies and by the blood of the lamb they over came Satan" again...not word for word but it gets the point across.
Well. Wait. What about Secret Combinations. What about Government control. What about depression...Well we are behind enemy lines. If I was in Germany in WWII I wouldn't worry so much about going up and spitting in Hitlers face and calling him dirty names and telling him to change is police state. I'd worry about getting my tight group of commando's out (Family) and Try to help as many of my buddy's, civilians or anyone willing to listen to get out of there!
So It's not doctrine...But it's a pretty cool way to look at our situation here on this earth. At least I thought so.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
The Hole
This is a humorous cool story
On the first day... a man walks down a street...
Suddenly the world goes dark. He thinks he is lost.
Then he realizes he is in a deep hole. He tries to find his way out, and it takes a very long time. Once he is out the day is gone ... so he walks back home.
On the second day... the man walks down the same street.
The world goes dark again. He is in the hole again.
He takes a while to recognize where he is.
Eventually he finds his way out... and so again he walks back home.
On the third day... the man again walks down the street.
He knows the hole is there and pretends not to see the hole... and closes his eyes. Once again he falls into the hole, and climbs out ... and walks back home, the day lost once again.
On the fourth day... the man walks cautiously down the street.
He sees the hole and this time walks around it. He is pleased.
But the world goes dark again. He has fallen into another hole.
He climbs out of the second hole, walks home ... and alas... falls into the first hole. He gets out of the first hole... and walks back home... to think.
On the fifth day... the man walks confidently down the street.
He sees the first hole..... and recognizes it.
He walks around it... but forgets the second hole, which he walks directly into.
He gets out immediately... and walks straight back home - to weep and hope.
On the sixth day... the man walks nervously down the street...
The hole is there and he thinks "I won't fall into the hole again"... and walks around the hole. He sees the second hole, avoids the second hole... but as he passes, he loses his balance... and falls in. Climbing out he walks back home ... taking the time to carefully avoid all the holes.
On the seventh day... the same man goes for a walk....
... and chooses to walk down a different street.
How often are we all like this man? By being a spectator of this it's funny and the guy looks like an idiot. But I know all too often I make the same mistakes over and over and over again simply because I am too proud to do things differently or to choose a path where I know that I will not be tempted to make that mistake. So just think about the path you are choosing, is it the same one you have chosen many times before and fallen in to the same holes, if so find a different road to walk on that doesn't have the holes.
(*wow that was deep....honestly*)
On the first day... a man walks down a street...
Suddenly the world goes dark. He thinks he is lost.
Then he realizes he is in a deep hole. He tries to find his way out, and it takes a very long time. Once he is out the day is gone ... so he walks back home.
On the second day... the man walks down the same street.
The world goes dark again. He is in the hole again.
He takes a while to recognize where he is.
Eventually he finds his way out... and so again he walks back home.
On the third day... the man again walks down the street.
He knows the hole is there and pretends not to see the hole... and closes his eyes. Once again he falls into the hole, and climbs out ... and walks back home, the day lost once again.
On the fourth day... the man walks cautiously down the street.
He sees the hole and this time walks around it. He is pleased.
But the world goes dark again. He has fallen into another hole.
He climbs out of the second hole, walks home ... and alas... falls into the first hole. He gets out of the first hole... and walks back home... to think.
On the fifth day... the man walks confidently down the street.
He sees the first hole..... and recognizes it.
He walks around it... but forgets the second hole, which he walks directly into.
He gets out immediately... and walks straight back home - to weep and hope.
On the sixth day... the man walks nervously down the street...
The hole is there and he thinks "I won't fall into the hole again"... and walks around the hole. He sees the second hole, avoids the second hole... but as he passes, he loses his balance... and falls in. Climbing out he walks back home ... taking the time to carefully avoid all the holes.
On the seventh day... the same man goes for a walk....
... and chooses to walk down a different street.
How often are we all like this man? By being a spectator of this it's funny and the guy looks like an idiot. But I know all too often I make the same mistakes over and over and over again simply because I am too proud to do things differently or to choose a path where I know that I will not be tempted to make that mistake. So just think about the path you are choosing, is it the same one you have chosen many times before and fallen in to the same holes, if so find a different road to walk on that doesn't have the holes.
(*wow that was deep....honestly*)
Monday, July 6, 2009
Palmyra Is Awesome
So today I went to Palmyra and it was one of the coolest things I have ever done. We started out the day going to the Palmyra temple and you can see the sacred grove from inside the lobby of the temple. It is the only temple that has a window that has a clear see thew window.
Then we went to the sacred grove. That was pretty cool. It was different then what I thought it was going to be though, they don't have a X marks the spot of where it all happened, its just this grove that you walk around in and ponder, and pray it was a very neat experience. Plus the temple is almost literally a stones throw away from the sacred grove. I know that what brother Joseph said he saw in that grove, really did happen, and because it happened everything else he said is true.
Then we visited the home of Joseph Smith which is really kind of cool, the house they built after the farm was finished. Is 85% original I literally have stood on the same floor as prophet would have stood on. To me that's kind of cool.
Then I went to see the place where the Book of Mormon was first printed. That was one of the coolest tours I have seen. They teach you all about how they would print and bind it, and it is a very long process. At the end of the tour they have the a little art gallery and they have the original painting of Moroni burying the plates, and of Christ coming to the Americas it was cool.
Then we went to the Hill Camorah and that was a lot of fun. it is a little hill only 100-150 feet elevation rise and it is highest thing I have seen the entire time I have been here.
Then we went to the David Whitmer farm in Fayette. And like everything else I have seen this trip was amazing. They told us how the church was reorganized here and told us how this was also the same place where the three witnesses received their vision of the gold plates. It was really cool all day I have stood where angles have stood and could feel of the sacredness of these places.
It was interesting tough when we got here we checked in to our hotel and asked the guy at the front desk what the easiest way to get to Palmyra was, (we are about 10 min. out from palmyra) and he did know. I thought how sad is this you are 10 minutes away from one of the most sacred places on earth and you don't even know about it. Something happened there that changed my life and all of eternity, and you don't know about it. It has given me a desire to serve a mission and educate the world about what I know.
Then we went to the sacred grove. That was pretty cool. It was different then what I thought it was going to be though, they don't have a X marks the spot of where it all happened, its just this grove that you walk around in and ponder, and pray it was a very neat experience. Plus the temple is almost literally a stones throw away from the sacred grove. I know that what brother Joseph said he saw in that grove, really did happen, and because it happened everything else he said is true.
Then we visited the home of Joseph Smith which is really kind of cool, the house they built after the farm was finished. Is 85% original I literally have stood on the same floor as prophet would have stood on. To me that's kind of cool.
Then I went to see the place where the Book of Mormon was first printed. That was one of the coolest tours I have seen. They teach you all about how they would print and bind it, and it is a very long process. At the end of the tour they have the a little art gallery and they have the original painting of Moroni burying the plates, and of Christ coming to the Americas it was cool.
Then we went to the Hill Camorah and that was a lot of fun. it is a little hill only 100-150 feet elevation rise and it is highest thing I have seen the entire time I have been here.
Then we went to the David Whitmer farm in Fayette. And like everything else I have seen this trip was amazing. They told us how the church was reorganized here and told us how this was also the same place where the three witnesses received their vision of the gold plates. It was really cool all day I have stood where angles have stood and could feel of the sacredness of these places.
It was interesting tough when we got here we checked in to our hotel and asked the guy at the front desk what the easiest way to get to Palmyra was, (we are about 10 min. out from palmyra) and he did know. I thought how sad is this you are 10 minutes away from one of the most sacred places on earth and you don't even know about it. Something happened there that changed my life and all of eternity, and you don't know about it. It has given me a desire to serve a mission and educate the world about what I know.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
God is a God of Miracles
"And now, O all ye that have imagined up unto yourselves a god who can do no miracles...........Behold I say unto you.....God has not ceased to be a God of miracles"
"if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles. And the reason why he ceaseth to do miracles among the children of men is because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right way, and know not the God in whom they should trust. "
These are Mormons words. And I would like to add mine to them. The last week, week and a half God has shown unto me many mighty miracles, and one in particular that there is no other way of describing it then it was from a loving Father in Heaven who was very much aware of the righteous intentions of a small band of boy scouts. Due to the sacred nature of these miracles I won't make a post describing them, but if any would like to hear about them I have no problem sharing them with you.
I know that if we are righteous, the Lord can and will cause miracles to happen for our own good. But the miracle he gives is not necessarily the same miracle we want to have. This is where faith comes in to play, know that God will have all things work out for our good, even if its not what you think is good for you. I know that if we put our trust in the Lord he can do all things, including calming the winds and the seas.
"if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles. And the reason why he ceaseth to do miracles among the children of men is because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right way, and know not the God in whom they should trust. "
These are Mormons words. And I would like to add mine to them. The last week, week and a half God has shown unto me many mighty miracles, and one in particular that there is no other way of describing it then it was from a loving Father in Heaven who was very much aware of the righteous intentions of a small band of boy scouts. Due to the sacred nature of these miracles I won't make a post describing them, but if any would like to hear about them I have no problem sharing them with you.
I know that if we are righteous, the Lord can and will cause miracles to happen for our own good. But the miracle he gives is not necessarily the same miracle we want to have. This is where faith comes in to play, know that God will have all things work out for our good, even if its not what you think is good for you. I know that if we put our trust in the Lord he can do all things, including calming the winds and the seas.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Will We Be Saved?
We don't need to get a complex or get a feeling that you have to be perfect to be saved. You don't. There's only been one perfect person, and that's the Lord Jesus, but in order to be saved in the Kingdom of God and in order to pass the test of mortality, what you have to do is get on the straight and narrow path--thus charting a course leading to eternal life--and then, being on that path, pass out of this life in full fellowship. I'm, not saying that you don't have to keep the commandments. I'm saying you don't have to be perfect to be saved. If you did, no one would be saved. The way it operates is this: you get on the path that's named the "straight and narrow." You do it by entering the gate of repentance and baptism. The straight and narrow path leads from the gate of repentance and baptism, a very great distance, to a reward that's called eternal life. If you're on that path and pressing forward, and you die, you'll never get off the path. There is no such thing as falling off the straight and narrow path in the life to come, and the reason is that this life is the time that is given to men to prepare for eternity. Now is the time and the day of your salvation, so if you're working zealously in this life-though you haven't fully overcome the world and you haven't done all you hoped you might do--you're still going to be saved. You don't have to do what Jacob said, "Go beyond the mark." You don't have to live a life that's truer than true. You don't have to have an excessive zeal that becomes fanatical and becomes unbalancing. What you have to do is stay in the mainstream of the Church and live as upright and decent people live in the Church--keeping the commandments, paying your tithing, serving in the organizations of the Church, loving the Lord, staying on the straight and narrow path. If you're on that path when death comes-because this is the time and the day appointed, this the probationary estate--you'll never fall off from it, and, for all practical purposes, your calling and election is made sure. Now, that isn't the definition of that term, but the end result will be the same.. BRM "PROBATIONARY TEST OF MORTALITY" 1/10/82, 11
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
The Touch of The Masters Hand
Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer
Thought it scarcely worth his while
To waste much time on the old violin,
But held it up with a smile.
"What am I bidden, good folks," he cried,
"Who will start bidding for me?
A dollar, a dollar" --then, "Two!" "Only two?
Two dollars, and who'll make it three?
Three dollars, twice;
"Going for three --" But no,
From the room, far back, a gray-haired man
Came forward and picked up the bow;
Then wiping the dust from the old violin,
And tightening the loose strings.
He played a melody pure and sweet
As sweet as a caroling angel sings.
The music ceased and the auctioneer
With a voice that was quiet and low,
Said what am I bidden for the old violin?
And he held it up with the bow.
A thousand dollars, and who'll make it two?
Two thousand! And who'll make it three?
Three thousand, once; three thousand twice;
And going, and gone!" said he.
The people cheered, but some of them cried,
"We do not quite understand
What changed its worth?" Swift came the reply:
"The touch of the master's hand.
And many a man with life out of tune,
And battered and scattered with sin,
Is auctioned off cheap to the thoughtless crowd,
Much like the old violin.
A "mess of pottage," a glass of wine;
A game -- and he travels on.
He's "going" once, and "going" twice,
He's "going" and "almost gone."
But the Master comes and the foolish crowd
Never quite understands
The worth of a soul and the change that's wrought
By the touch of the Master's hand.
Poem: " The Touch of the Master's Hand "
Authored By: Myra Brooks Welch
Thought it scarcely worth his while
To waste much time on the old violin,
But held it up with a smile.
"What am I bidden, good folks," he cried,
"Who will start bidding for me?
A dollar, a dollar" --then, "Two!" "Only two?
Two dollars, and who'll make it three?
Three dollars, twice;
"Going for three --" But no,
From the room, far back, a gray-haired man
Came forward and picked up the bow;
Then wiping the dust from the old violin,
And tightening the loose strings.
He played a melody pure and sweet
As sweet as a caroling angel sings.
The music ceased and the auctioneer
With a voice that was quiet and low,
Said what am I bidden for the old violin?
And he held it up with the bow.
A thousand dollars, and who'll make it two?
Two thousand! And who'll make it three?
Three thousand, once; three thousand twice;
And going, and gone!" said he.
The people cheered, but some of them cried,
"We do not quite understand
What changed its worth?" Swift came the reply:
"The touch of the master's hand.
And many a man with life out of tune,
And battered and scattered with sin,
Is auctioned off cheap to the thoughtless crowd,
Much like the old violin.
A "mess of pottage," a glass of wine;
A game -- and he travels on.
He's "going" once, and "going" twice,
He's "going" and "almost gone."
But the Master comes and the foolish crowd
Never quite understands
The worth of a soul and the change that's wrought
By the touch of the Master's hand.
Poem: " The Touch of the Master's Hand "
Authored By: Myra Brooks Welch
I Love Insitute
Hey guys,
You should all know I love Institute, I am taking a Book of Mormon class from Bro. Soderberg up at UVU and dang it is so cool. Have you ever had the experience when you walk out of seminary or church, or an EFY experience, etc. and you just walk out of there with nothing to say except wow.......wow....wow.... over and over again because you don't know what to say, think, or do. Yah that happens to me every week in this class. You all should be enrolled in institute. It is a thousand times better then seminary, so if you didn't like seminary that is still no excuse.
You should all know I love Institute, I am taking a Book of Mormon class from Bro. Soderberg up at UVU and dang it is so cool. Have you ever had the experience when you walk out of seminary or church, or an EFY experience, etc. and you just walk out of there with nothing to say except wow.......wow....wow.... over and over again because you don't know what to say, think, or do. Yah that happens to me every week in this class. You all should be enrolled in institute. It is a thousand times better then seminary, so if you didn't like seminary that is still no excuse.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Overcoming Temptation
I absolutely love my institute class. I am taking a book of mormon class, and it is quality, man. Any who, we got talking about temptation and the first thing we talked about it was that Christ suffered every kind of temptation that we face.
That point proves that temptation is not sin. Acting on the temptation is sin. And that led us to how was Christ able to overcome every temptation, and we came up with gifts of the spirit.
My seminary teacher said something kind of profound, He said: "to every temptation there is a gift of the spirit that will off set the temptation." He also explained on how it is by searching for and praying for these gifts that God can help us over come our temptations.
That point proves that temptation is not sin. Acting on the temptation is sin. And that led us to how was Christ able to overcome every temptation, and we came up with gifts of the spirit.
My seminary teacher said something kind of profound, He said: "to every temptation there is a gift of the spirit that will off set the temptation." He also explained on how it is by searching for and praying for these gifts that God can help us over come our temptations.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Charity
I got this in an email the otherday its pretty cool.
We were the only family with children in the restaurant. I sat Erik in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly sitting and talking. Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said, 'Hi.' He pounded his fat baby hands on the high chair tray. His eyes were crinkled in laughter and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin, as he wriggled and giggled with merriment.
I looked around and saw the source of his merriment. It was a man whose pants were baggy with a zipper at half-mast and his toes poked out of would-be shoes. His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed. His whiskers were too short to be called a beard and his nose was so varicose it looked like a road map.
We were too far from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled. His hands waved and flapped on loose wrists. 'Hi there, baby; hi there, big boy. I see ya, buster,' the man said to Erik.
My husband and I exchanged looks, 'What do we do?'
Erik continued to laugh and answer, 'Hi.'
Everyone in the restaurant noticed and looked at us and then at the man. The old geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby. Our meal came and the man began shouting from across the room, 'Do ya patty cake? Do you know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek- a-boo.'
Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk.
My husband and I were embarrassed. We ate in silence; all except for Erik, who was running through his repertoire for the admiring skid-row bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments.
We finally got through the meal and headed for the door. My husband went to pay the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot. The old man sat poised between me and the door. 'Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik,' I prayed. As I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to sidestep him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby's 'pick-me-up' position. Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the man.
Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love and kinship. Erik in an act of total trust, love, and submission laid his tiny head upon the man's ragged shoulder. The man's eyes closed, and I saw tears hover beneath his lashes. His aged hands full of grime, pain, and hard labor, cradled my baby's bottom and stroked his back. No two be ings have ever loved so deeply for so short a time.
I stood awestruck.
The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms and his eyes opened and set squarely on mine. He said in a firm commanding voice, 'You take care of this baby.'
Somehow I managed, 'I will,' from a throat that contained a stone.
He pried Erik from his chest, lovingly and longingly, as though he were in pain. I received my baby, and the man said, 'God bless you, ma'am, you've given me my Christmas gift.'
I said nothing more than a muttered thanks. With Erik in my arms, I ran for the car. My husband was wondering why I was crying and holding Erik so tightly, and why I was saying, 'My God, my God, forgive me.'
I had just witnessed Christ's love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, who made no judgment; a child who saw a soul, and a mother who saw a suit of clothes. I was a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was not. I felt it was God asking, 'Are you willing to share your son for a moment?' when He shared His for all eternity.
The ragged old man, unwittingly, had reminded me, 'To enter ... , we must become as little children.'
If this has blessed you, please bless others by sending it on. Sometimes, it takes a child to remind us of what is really important. We must always remember who we are, where we came from and, most importantly, how we feel about others. The clothes on your back or the car that you drive or the house that you live in does not define you at all; it is how you treat your fellow man that identifies who you are.
'It is better to be liked for the true you, than to be loved for who people think you are......'
We were the only family with children in the restaurant. I sat Erik in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly sitting and talking. Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said, 'Hi.' He pounded his fat baby hands on the high chair tray. His eyes were crinkled in laughter and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin, as he wriggled and giggled with merriment.
I looked around and saw the source of his merriment. It was a man whose pants were baggy with a zipper at half-mast and his toes poked out of would-be shoes. His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed. His whiskers were too short to be called a beard and his nose was so varicose it looked like a road map.
We were too far from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled. His hands waved and flapped on loose wrists. 'Hi there, baby; hi there, big boy. I see ya, buster,' the man said to Erik.
My husband and I exchanged looks, 'What do we do?'
Erik continued to laugh and answer, 'Hi.'
Everyone in the restaurant noticed and looked at us and then at the man. The old geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby. Our meal came and the man began shouting from across the room, 'Do ya patty cake? Do you know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek- a-boo.'
Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk.
My husband and I were embarrassed. We ate in silence; all except for Erik, who was running through his repertoire for the admiring skid-row bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments.
We finally got through the meal and headed for the door. My husband went to pay the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot. The old man sat poised between me and the door. 'Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik,' I prayed. As I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to sidestep him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby's 'pick-me-up' position. Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the man.
Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love and kinship. Erik in an act of total trust, love, and submission laid his tiny head upon the man's ragged shoulder. The man's eyes closed, and I saw tears hover beneath his lashes. His aged hands full of grime, pain, and hard labor, cradled my baby's bottom and stroked his back. No two be ings have ever loved so deeply for so short a time.
I stood awestruck.
The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms and his eyes opened and set squarely on mine. He said in a firm commanding voice, 'You take care of this baby.'
Somehow I managed, 'I will,' from a throat that contained a stone.
He pried Erik from his chest, lovingly and longingly, as though he were in pain. I received my baby, and the man said, 'God bless you, ma'am, you've given me my Christmas gift.'
I said nothing more than a muttered thanks. With Erik in my arms, I ran for the car. My husband was wondering why I was crying and holding Erik so tightly, and why I was saying, 'My God, my God, forgive me.'
I had just witnessed Christ's love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, who made no judgment; a child who saw a soul, and a mother who saw a suit of clothes. I was a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was not. I felt it was God asking, 'Are you willing to share your son for a moment?' when He shared His for all eternity.
The ragged old man, unwittingly, had reminded me, 'To enter ... , we must become as little children.'
If this has blessed you, please bless others by sending it on. Sometimes, it takes a child to remind us of what is really important. We must always remember who we are, where we came from and, most importantly, how we feel about others. The clothes on your back or the car that you drive or the house that you live in does not define you at all; it is how you treat your fellow man that identifies who you are.
'It is better to be liked for the true you, than to be loved for who people think you are......'
Sunday, April 19, 2009
It's offical
Hey everybody,
Something awesome happened to me today. And it officially proves that God loves me. So last Tuesday some idiot left his i-pod in his pants pocket and sent it through the wash. I have been working for days to try to get it to work again. And through Gods tender mercies he has granted unto me a working i-pod. Think about it, God must love me because if he didn't that would have been a perfect time to stick it to me. Though my Ipod does have a few battle wounds, the screen is barely visible, but you can still see the name of the song and all your menu's. I am happy. I hope your sabbath has been as happy as mine.
Something awesome happened to me today. And it officially proves that God loves me. So last Tuesday some idiot left his i-pod in his pants pocket and sent it through the wash. I have been working for days to try to get it to work again. And through Gods tender mercies he has granted unto me a working i-pod. Think about it, God must love me because if he didn't that would have been a perfect time to stick it to me. Though my Ipod does have a few battle wounds, the screen is barely visible, but you can still see the name of the song and all your menu's. I am happy. I hope your sabbath has been as happy as mine.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
The Second Half of that Story
Okay,
My last post was a little less then cheery, especially if you read the article. But the best part of this is that is not the end of that story. After Christ suffered unimaginable pain both before and after the cross, he was placed inside a tomb. And on the third day or today he rose from the dead and the stone was removed from the tomb. I can't remember who said it but one of the general authorities said that one of the greatest phrases in all the world is "He is risen!!!!"
Everbody that is the good news "He is risen!!!!" and a because He is risen, we will be too. Life will and does go on after death. I wish you guys could hear my voice inflections because I am so excited. I am totally not doing this justice, but I just want every know that I am grateful that Christ broke the bands of death. One of my favorite scriptures is in 1 Corinthians 15:55 it says "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" Paul is taunting death because of Christ, death is just step that must be taken to go home to our Father in Heaven. Happy Easter Everybody.
P.S. Elder Holland does a great job at describing what the last two posts have been about in the new video on the church website.
My last post was a little less then cheery, especially if you read the article. But the best part of this is that is not the end of that story. After Christ suffered unimaginable pain both before and after the cross, he was placed inside a tomb. And on the third day or today he rose from the dead and the stone was removed from the tomb. I can't remember who said it but one of the general authorities said that one of the greatest phrases in all the world is "He is risen!!!!"
Everbody that is the good news "He is risen!!!!" and a because He is risen, we will be too. Life will and does go on after death. I wish you guys could hear my voice inflections because I am so excited. I am totally not doing this justice, but I just want every know that I am grateful that Christ broke the bands of death. One of my favorite scriptures is in 1 Corinthians 15:55 it says "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" Paul is taunting death because of Christ, death is just step that must be taken to go home to our Father in Heaven. Happy Easter Everybody.
P.S. Elder Holland does a great job at describing what the last two posts have been about in the new video on the church website.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Its Good Friday Everbody
Hey Guys long time no see,
Its Good Friday!!!!!!! Good Friday traditionally celebrates the crucifixion of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I have been thinking a lot about this event and the effect that it has had in my life. I have an article about the crucifixion, it is found on http://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/crucifix.htm . Anyone who thinks they can handle the gruesome details of crucifixion I think it could be wise to do so it gives a new understanding of what Christ went through in your stead.
With the way this physician describes it hard not tear up that a man who has done nothing but good to the world would be treated so terribly. And what is even more amazing to me is that an all powerful being would be willing to go through such unbelievable torture.
I am extremely grateful that he did though, for if he had not I know that there would be no hope for me in this life. I know that through this one act performed by Redeemer I can be saved and be happy in this life and the eternities to come. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I have to repent, I can't accurately describe to you all how grateful I am for this gift. But anyone who has had a personal experience with the atonement of Christ knows what it is I am talking about. And anyone who hasn't I am sure has things to repent of and needs to take advantage of the joy that can come from it.
Its Good Friday!!!!!!! Good Friday traditionally celebrates the crucifixion of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I have been thinking a lot about this event and the effect that it has had in my life. I have an article about the crucifixion, it is found on http://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/crucifix.htm . Anyone who thinks they can handle the gruesome details of crucifixion I think it could be wise to do so it gives a new understanding of what Christ went through in your stead.
With the way this physician describes it hard not tear up that a man who has done nothing but good to the world would be treated so terribly. And what is even more amazing to me is that an all powerful being would be willing to go through such unbelievable torture.
I am extremely grateful that he did though, for if he had not I know that there would be no hope for me in this life. I know that through this one act performed by Redeemer I can be saved and be happy in this life and the eternities to come. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I have to repent, I can't accurately describe to you all how grateful I am for this gift. But anyone who has had a personal experience with the atonement of Christ knows what it is I am talking about. And anyone who hasn't I am sure has things to repent of and needs to take advantage of the joy that can come from it.
Friday, February 13, 2009
The Power of Music
Everyone,
I have a great testimony on the power of music and hymns. I had the privilege of hearing my good friend, play the piano. I want to bear testimony on the very real power of music. The last song she played for us before we left her home was "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief." As she did an abundance of the spirit filled the room. It is truly amazing how when one is feeling the spirit their desires, their actions are drastically changed.
I know that one of the fastest ways to get the spirit is through the power of the Hymns and music. I know that the Lord and his spirit delights in good wholesome uplifting music, and will pour out a blessing upon the heads of those who joyfully make music to worship him (and the really cool thing is, he looks at the desires and intentions of our hearts, so those of us who were not so blessed in the music category still can be given the same blessings). I remember a time that I was at a dance had a great time, except I was upset at the DJ for his pick in songs. I had a friend who told me to go listen good, wholesome, gospel based music, and you feel better. I know that my friend was inspired in his counsel. Like I said early when one feels the spirit, there desires and actions change. I know mine did in that situation.
We are truly blessed to have music in our lives. It is probably one greatest blessing we have in our lives.
I have a great testimony on the power of music and hymns. I had the privilege of hearing my good friend, play the piano. I want to bear testimony on the very real power of music. The last song she played for us before we left her home was "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief." As she did an abundance of the spirit filled the room. It is truly amazing how when one is feeling the spirit their desires, their actions are drastically changed.
I know that one of the fastest ways to get the spirit is through the power of the Hymns and music. I know that the Lord and his spirit delights in good wholesome uplifting music, and will pour out a blessing upon the heads of those who joyfully make music to worship him (and the really cool thing is, he looks at the desires and intentions of our hearts, so those of us who were not so blessed in the music category still can be given the same blessings). I remember a time that I was at a dance had a great time, except I was upset at the DJ for his pick in songs. I had a friend who told me to go listen good, wholesome, gospel based music, and you feel better. I know that my friend was inspired in his counsel. Like I said early when one feels the spirit, there desires and actions change. I know mine did in that situation.
We are truly blessed to have music in our lives. It is probably one greatest blessing we have in our lives.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Don't worry Bro, Joseph screwed up too.
In Sunday school this year they are study the life and teachings of the prophet Joseph Smith. And we were studying one of my favorite scriptures today, it is found in Joseph Smith History 1:28 It says:
...... I was left to all kinds of btemptations; and, mingling with all kinds of society, I frequently fell into many foolish cerrors, and displayed the weakness of youth, and the foibles of human nature; which, I am sorry to say, led me into divers temptations, offensive in the sight of God. In making this confession, no one need suppose me guilty of any great or malignant sins. A disposition to commit such was never in my nature. But I was guilty of dlevity, and sometimes associated with jovial company, etc., not consistent with that character which ought to be maintained by one who was ecalled of God as I had been. But this will not seem very strange to any one who recollects my youth, and is acquainted with my native fcheery temperament.
And in Doctrine and Covenants 3:10:
But remember, God is merciful; therefore, repent of that which thou hast done which is contrary to the commandment which I gave you, and thou art still chosen, and art aagain called to the work.
I love these scripture, because I get great comfort in knowing that Joseph Smith on 0ccasion screwed up and sinned, but despite all of his sins he was still called of God and was saved through the atonement of Jesus Christ. I get comfort from these scriptures, when I have screwed up and fail to do that which is right I know I can still repent, and become as Joseph, called again to the work.
...... I was left to all kinds of btemptations; and, mingling with all kinds of society, I frequently fell into many foolish cerrors, and displayed the weakness of youth, and the foibles of human nature; which, I am sorry to say, led me into divers temptations, offensive in the sight of God. In making this confession, no one need suppose me guilty of any great or malignant sins. A disposition to commit such was never in my nature. But I was guilty of dlevity, and sometimes associated with jovial company, etc., not consistent with that character which ought to be maintained by one who was ecalled of God as I had been. But this will not seem very strange to any one who recollects my youth, and is acquainted with my native fcheery temperament.
And in Doctrine and Covenants 3:10:
But remember, God is merciful; therefore, repent of that which thou hast done which is contrary to the commandment which I gave you, and thou art still chosen, and art aagain called to the work.
I love these scripture, because I get great comfort in knowing that Joseph Smith on 0ccasion screwed up and sinned, but despite all of his sins he was still called of God and was saved through the atonement of Jesus Christ. I get comfort from these scriptures, when I have screwed up and fail to do that which is right I know I can still repent, and become as Joseph, called again to the work.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Happiness amid our trials
Hey everyone,
I want to share one of my favorite scriptures, it is in Alma 50:23. This is right in the middle of the war chapters, when they are having great battles in which thousands die. But it still says, "But behold there never was a ahappier time among the people of Nephi, since the days of Nephi, than in the days of Moroni, yea, even at this time, in the twenty and first year of the reign of the judges." How can it be that amid all the death destruction and other trials that they had to face, they still were happy?
Well today I found a quote from President Packer, he said "If you understand the great plan of happiness and follow it, what goes on in the world will not determine your happiness." This quote has helped understand that just like unto to Nephites of old, we can be happy amid the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the crumbling economy, and the continuing spread of evil through out the world. We need to continuously seek understanding on the Plan of Salvation and the atonement of Jesus Christ, and live by it, and then no matter what happens to us in this life we can have happiness and joy in this life and eternal life in the life yet to come.
I want to share one of my favorite scriptures, it is in Alma 50:23. This is right in the middle of the war chapters, when they are having great battles in which thousands die. But it still says, "But behold there never was a ahappier time among the people of Nephi, since the days of Nephi, than in the days of Moroni, yea, even at this time, in the twenty and first year of the reign of the judges." How can it be that amid all the death destruction and other trials that they had to face, they still were happy?
Well today I found a quote from President Packer, he said "If you understand the great plan of happiness and follow it, what goes on in the world will not determine your happiness." This quote has helped understand that just like unto to Nephites of old, we can be happy amid the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the crumbling economy, and the continuing spread of evil through out the world. We need to continuously seek understanding on the Plan of Salvation and the atonement of Jesus Christ, and live by it, and then no matter what happens to us in this life we can have happiness and joy in this life and eternal life in the life yet to come.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Being an Example of Strength
Okay, I get Daily Gems from LDS.org, and I wanted to share this amazing quote with you all:
"Never forget that you are a [child] of God. He loves you. Live by your standards. Stand up for what you believe in. Sometimes it is not easy, and you may be standing alone for a while. Look for friends with integrity and character, then go to them and express appreciation for their examples. You might even find someone who has been feeling as lonely as you. Pray for guidance and protection from the Lord. He will sustain you. He will become a trusted friend, and you will discover that your example will attract many friends who will take courage from your strength of character."
-W. Craig Zwick, "We Will Not Yield, We Cannot Yield," Ensign, May 2008, 98
"Never forget that you are a [child] of God. He loves you. Live by your standards. Stand up for what you believe in. Sometimes it is not easy, and you may be standing alone for a while. Look for friends with integrity and character, then go to them and express appreciation for their examples. You might even find someone who has been feeling as lonely as you. Pray for guidance and protection from the Lord. He will sustain you. He will become a trusted friend, and you will discover that your example will attract many friends who will take courage from your strength of character."
-W. Craig Zwick, "We Will Not Yield, We Cannot Yield," Ensign, May 2008, 98
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