Coming to Christ...

April 2011 LDS World General Conference

2011-04-01T14:19:00.001-05:00

And it Came to Pass...

2009-01-29T18:58:00.001-06:00

FYI I am/have moved the Coming to Christ Blog to another server. The blog "Coming to Christ" can be found here. The SitRep Blog is now being hosted over at WordPress as well. Follow this link to get there (and please make a note of the new location). Take a minute or two to look around the site(s) and let me know in the comments what you think about the look and feel of the pages. As always the breadth of TeamLaws' content can be accessed on Dipity here. Cheers! http://teamlaws.wordpress.com/ http://comingtochrist.wordpress.com/

His House

2009-01-24T14:50:00.002-06:00

This is a really nice slideshow of the Temples of the Lord Jesus Christ presently on the earth. Enjoy! The Lord's House(s) Thanks to Patriarch McArthur!

Sunday IS the 1 day!

2009-01-11T11:59:00.002-06:00

I am grateful for Sunday. It is such a blessing to lay aside the cares of the world and to reflect on the multitude of blessings that flow from God to me in my life. Sundays rock!

Coming to Christ Word Cloud

2009-01-11T04:22:00.000-06:00

These are really neat. They can be created at Wordle. Here are some variations from this blog and my other one SitRep. Give it a try with the text from General Conference. It will give you a good idea about what the General Authorities are talking about most! Wordle

The Latest Tender Mercy

2008-12-28T12:00:00.005-06:00

Today was an amazing day. Read on to find out why...

Sacrament Talk Kingsland Ward P.D. Laws

“The Goodness of God Times Three”

We worship a personal God.

A being who rules and governs infinite space but at the same time is intimately aware of each of His children…

A Father whose divine love is more immense and deeper than our ability to comprehend. A loving parent who delights to bless His children, often wildly beyond what they deserve or have earned. I have been the partaker of His goodness throughout all of the days of my life. Today I wish to share three examples of His manifest love for me. And in so doing cast a spotlight on His unspeakable love for each of us His cherished children. The first two examples are intended to point to the utility of the third to each of us.

I desire that you will pardon the personal nature of my remarks and choose to focus on the greater message, not the incidents cited. Reflect and see for yourself if your experience has not been similar to mine. I will proceed in reverse chronological order beginning with today.

As many of you know I am new to the Ward and am currently separated from my family who are in Pensacola Florida awaiting the sale of our home there prior to joining me here in Kingsland. This is for me an exercise in controlled misery; I miss them terribly and feel constantly handicapped and joyless in their absence. In such circumstances it has been fairly easy and convenient to feel sorry for myself and to neglect my relationship with Father. This last Sunday Father reached down through the irritation and frustration and blessed me with the most excellent “Tender Mercy”.

As of the last statistical report issued by the Church in the April 2008 General Conference Church membership stood at 13,193,999 (Just under 13.2 Million) with 52,686 Missionaries serving full-time in 347 Missions.

Several months ago one of my oldest and dearest friends Tim, whom I consider literally my brother, a man with whom I shared the restored Gospel in 1986 and had the privilege of baptizing a member of the Church and his wife sent their oldest son on a mission.

He became one of the Lord’s 52 thousand warriors sent forth to declare His word in anyone of 347 missions that literally dot the earth. When I heard Tim & Karrie’s son had accepted a mission call, I was overjoyed. WOW!!

Little did I know this was only part 1 of a much greater blessing…

This last Monday, Elder Kemper, son of Tim & Karrie Kemper, was transferred to the Kingsland Ward.

So what are the chances? I am led to answer as Nephi did:

“I do not know the meaning of all things” (but) “I know that he loveth his children”! (1 Nephi 11:17)

Incident #2:

In 1991 our little family, then composed of my wife, two daughters, and I, were transferred to Homestead AFB in South Florida. Shortly after arriving I was serving as the Ward Mission Leader of the Leisure City Ward. One Sunday in Sacrament Meeting I gave a talk about “the power of example & planting seeds”. As part of the talk I recounted a brief incident from my Basic Training 6 years earlier where another trainee and I had had several discussions about the Gospel and I shared a small ”Articles of Faith” card I had left over from my full-time missionary days. I told the Ward I had no idea what had ever happened to Roy Cannonizado but that I felt good about the encounter. I continued with my remarks blissfully unaware of the amazing thing that had just occurred. After the meeting was over it was revealed to me by the amazed members that Roy and his wife, to whom he was sealed, had been members of the Leisure City Ward prior to our arrival! Even later I found out the Cannonizados had also been in my younger brothers Ward in California! God is aware of every on of His sons and daughters…all of the time!

So how does our omniscient, omni-loving Father encounter us most directly and personally over the weeks, months, and years of our mortal lives? How does He lead us back to His glorious presence? The answer is simple. He does it through the ordinance of the Sacrament.

A few more numbers for you to consider:|

From Friday, July 21, 1972 to Sunday, December 28, 2008 is

13,310 days (36 years, 5 months, 8 days)

13,310 days is ~1901 weeks (rounded down)

21 Jul 1972 was the day I was baptized a member of the Lord’s Church and the second of course is today!

Accounting for 2 General Conferences a year, 2 Stake Conferences, and a conservative 6 additional missed Sundays for illness or military duty (10 missed per year for 36 years)

1901 weeks Less [10 X 36 = 360 less 5=] 355 = 1546 weeks!

So I have personally partaken of the Sacrament over 1500 times!

Was each as significant to me as the first on Sunday the 23^rd of July 1972 in the Winnsboro Branch or the last on Sunday the 28^th of December 2008 in the Kingsland Ward?

Do I “remember” each of the intervening occasions?

Clearly I do not…But Jesus Christ does!

His Father who notes every “sparrows fall” (Matt 10:29) “remembers” every last one. He who notes and blesses the intersections of our lives with priceless memories desires to bless us with the covenants of salvation and exaltation. Rest assured they have not for a moment forgotten! This is why the Sacrament is such a direct embodiment of God’s love for us His children. Through this ordinance each of us maintains our standing in His Plan for the salvation and exaltation of His children.

“I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say;”

(D&C 82:10)

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed [it], and brake [it], and gave [it] to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.

And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave [it] to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;

For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

(Matt 26:26-28)

It is expedient that the church meet together often to partake of bread and wine in the remembrance of the Lord Jesus;

And the elder or priest shall administer it; and after this manner shall he administer it--he shall kneel with the church and call upon the Father in solemn prayer, saying:

O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them; that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.

The manner of administering the wine--he shall take the cup also, and say:

O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.

(D&C 20:75-79)

AND it came to pass that Jesus commanded his disciples that they should bring forth some bread and wine unto him.

And while they were gone for bread and wine, he commanded the multitude that they should sit themselves down upon the earth.

And when the disciples had come with bread and wine, he took of the bread and brake and blessed it; and he gave unto the disciples and commanded that they should eat.

And when they had eaten and were filled, he commanded that they should give unto the multitude.

And when the multitude had eaten and were filled, he said unto the disciples: Behold there shall one be ordained among you, and to him will I give power that he shall break bread and bless it and give it unto the people of my church, unto all those who shall believe and be baptized in my name.

And this shall ye always observe to do, even as I have done, even as I have broken bread and blessed it and given it unto you.

And this shall ye do in remembrance of my body, which I have shown unto you. And it shall be a testimony unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you.

And it came to pass that when he said these words, he commanded his disciples that they should take of the wine of the cup and drink of it, and that they should also give unto the multitude that they might drink of it.

And it came to pass that they did so, and did drink of it and were filled; and they gave unto the multitude, and they did drink, and they were filled.

And when the disciples had done this, Jesus said unto them: Blessed are ye for this thing which ye have done, for this is fulfilling my commandments, and this doth witness unto the Father that ye are willing to do that which I have commanded you.

And this shall ye always do to those who repent and are baptized in my name; and ye shall do it in remembrance of my blood, which I have shed for you, that ye may witness unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you.

And I give unto you a commandment that ye shall do these things. And if ye shall always do these things blessed are ye, for ye are built upon my rock.

(3 Ne 18: 1-12)

With what was the multitude filled?

But he truly gave unto them bread to eat, and also wine to drink.

And he said unto them: He that eateth this bread eateth of my body to his soul; and he that drinketh of this wine drinketh of my blood to his soul; and his soul shall never hunger nor thirst, but shall be filled.

Now, when the multitude had all eaten and drunk, behold, they were filled with the Spirit; and they did cry out with one voice, and gave glory to Jesus, whom they both saw and heard.

(3 Ne 20:7-9)

Is the experience you and I just had with the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper any different than these described in scripture? Are we any less the recipients of the “Tender Mercies of the Lord” when we worthily partake of the emblems of His “Great and last sacrifice” (Alma 34:10)? Of course not. The very Sacrament before us carefully laid each Sabbath day is a tactile reminder of infinite realities so sweeping and important the Lord commands us to:

…meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus.

(Moroni 6:6)

…that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day;

For verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High;

Nevertheless thy vows shall be offered up in righteousness on all days and at all times;

But remember that on this, the Lord's day, thou shalt offer thine oblations and thy sacraments unto the Most High, confessing thy sins unto thy brethren, and before the Lord.

(D&C 59: 9-12)

An “oblation” is a gift or sacrifice presented in worship or sacred service. The oblation our Savior seeks from us is a “Broken heart and a contrite spirit” (3 Nephi 9:20).

For each of us the path to His presence consists of the same requirements, the same process. For each of us the Sacrament is the constant companion of our spiritual lives. Partaking of the emblems of His matchless sacrifice reminds us of our standing before God. It reminds us of the constant need we have of the Savior’s atoning blood. It invites us to do better, to sin less, to “remember” more. As we do so this divinely appointed bellwether of spiritual fitness invigorates and informs us of what we yet lack. In my opinion the Sacrament provides a most personal and intimate form of spiritual union with our Father and our elder brother Jesus. Lest we forget His ever-present concern He stridently reminds in the words of the ordinance that we are to “always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them; that they may always have his Spirit to be with them”.

I seek and have sought this blessing more and more as I continue to learn about and appreciate the scope and breadth of God’s love for me. Today I have explored but 2 of hundreds of examples of this virtue in my life. For you and I of one thing there is little doubt: The “tender mercy” of the Sacrament of the Lord supersedes them all!

Media: Elder Kemper Short Version Pictures (Facebook) Hi Res Pics (Flickr)

Great Song, Great Price

2008-12-21T14:50:00.003-06:00

The song "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" is currently free on iTunes. If you haven't heard any of Enya's stuff you should give it a try. I love her sound. ethereal is the word I'd use to describe it... (if for some reason you can't get it from iTunes let me know and we'll see what we can work out...)

The "Deep Waters" of the Lord's House

2008-12-12T04:22:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite passages from the book "House of Glory" by S. Michael Wilcox:

In his vision, Ezekiel is instructed to wade into the river and measure its depth. The first time he enters it, "the waters were to the ankles." Now, an ankle-deep river is nothing to get excited about, but Ezekiel is instructed to walk down the bank a little farther and wade in again. This time "the waters were to the knees." He is told to continue down the bank and measure the depth again. "The waters were to the loins." Ezekiel's last description of the river's depth contains a beautifully symbolic truth of what the temple can become for all of us if we wade into its waters again and again. "It was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over." (Ezekiel 47:3-5.) The water is now over his head, and he can immerse himself in its cool freshness. The first time we enter a temple, we barely get our feet wet. We are barely introduced to the Lord's light and love. What a tragedy it is when members of the Church judge the temple to be shallow or not deeply refreshing based on that first experience. Yet all of us know that on a hot summer day, wading even ankle deep in a cool stream brings instant refreshment and a hesitancy to leave the flowing water to return to our shoes. In light of this, it is not difficult to feel Moses' sense of wonder when he was told to "put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground." (Exodus 3:5.) Elder Widtsoe cautioned that it is not fair "to pass opinion on temple worship after one day's participation followed by an absence of many years. The work should be repeated several times in quick succession, so that the lessons of the temple may be fastened upon the mind." ("Temple Worship," p. 64.) Little do the casual waders know that down the river, if they will patiently persist, are life-giving, healing "waters to swim in." For the water rises each time we wade. Little do they realize the power of those waters to heal the disharmony of our lives, our families, and eventually the world.

(S. Michael Wilcox, House of Glory: Finding Personal Meaning in the Temple, p.42)

A Book Unlike Any Other

2008-12-11T04:22:00.001-06:00

Most books contained in libraries of the world were authored for contemporary readers. And they were generally written for profit, with royalties accruing from successful sales. Not so with the Book of Mormon. It was written anciently for our day. It reveals the endless Lordship of Jesus Christ in accounts of two ancient American dispensations, preserved for the benefit of us who live in this dispensation of the fulness of times. Certainly no royalties came to its authors. In fact, they paid dearly for their privilege of participation. What motivated them? Their devotion to God! The book's four major writers-Nephi, Jacob, Mormon, and Moroni were all eyewitnesses of the Lord, as was its martyred translator, the Prophet Joseph Smith. (Elder Russell M. Nelson, A Testimony of the Book of Mormon, Ensign (CR), November 1999, p.69)

Perfect Love

2008-12-10T04:22:00.003-06:00

When filled with God's love, we can do and see and understand things that we could not otherwise do or see or understand. Filled with His love, we can endure pain, quell fear, forgive freely, avoid contention, renew strength, and bless and help others in ways surprising even to us. Jesus Christ was filled with unfathomable love as He endured incomprehensible pain, cruelty, and injustice for us. Through His love for us, He rose above otherwise insurmountable barriers. His love knows no barriers. He invites us to follow Him and partake of His unlimited love so we too may rise above the pain and cruelty and injustice of this world and help and forgive and bless. I know He lives. I know He loves us. I know we can feel His love here and now. I know His voice is one of perfect mildness which penetrates to our very center. I know He smiles and is filled with compassion and love. I know He is full of gentleness, kindness, mercy, and desire to help. I love Him with all my heart. I testify that when we are ready, His pure love instantly moves across time and space, reaches down, and pulls us up from the depths of any tumultuous sea of darkness, sin, sorrow, death, or despair we may find ourselves in and brings us into the light and life and love of eternity. Elder John H. Groberg, The Power of God's Love, Ensign (CR), November 2004, p.9

The Preface & Warning

2008-12-09T04:22:00.003-06:00

There is only one book in the world that has a preface authored by the Lord Jesus. The book: The Doctrine and Covenants of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
D&C 1:4-6 And the voice of warning shall be unto all people, by the mouths of my disciples, whom I have chosen in these last days. And they shall go forth and none shall stay them, for I the Lord have commanded them. Behold, this is mine authority, and the authority of my servants, and my preface unto the book of my commandments, which I have given them to publish unto you, O inhabitants of the earth.

Overcoming

2008-12-08T04:22:00.003-06:00

Often we are in turmoil in our daily lives. The enemy of our souls thrives on dissensions and strife hoping to engender in us a constant flux of spiritless agitation. Fortunately our loving Savior has other plans for us His younger siblings. He reminds:
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

National & Personal History

2008-12-07T04:22:00.003-06:00

In the last 11 years December 7th has fallen on a Sunday 3 times (1997, 2003, 2008). This date which is "famous" for being "infamous" (FDR: "a day that will live in infamy") is also the day I was ordained a Bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In the intervening years while serving in this capacity and in other areas in the Church the 7th of December has taken on a dual purpose role both in cultural and national memory and in personal recollection. Countless are the reasons to be grateful for not only freedom borne of the sacrifices of so many but of the privileges of service afforded by such unfettered freedom. Critical to success in these endeavors has been a loving and supportive spouse and understanding children. It has been far from easy and many times long and hard, but as our family opens a new chapter of life and service December 7th continues to be a critical hinge of our lives. It is indeed a day that "lives in memory".

All Are Alike

2008-12-06T04:22:00.001-06:00

Journal of Discourses, 26 vols., 10:, p.2 Our heavenly Father delights in his good children, he delights continually to bless them, yea, "He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." All are equally his children. We are all the children of our common Father, who has placed us on the earth to prove ourselves, to govern, control, educate and sanctify ourselves, body and spirit, unto him, according to his will and pleasure. When all that class of spirits designed to take bodies upon this earth have done so, then will come the winding-up scene of this particular department of the works of God on this earth. It is his will that we should prepare ourselves to build up his kingdom, gather the house of Israel, redeem and build up Zion and Jerusalem, revolutionize the world, and bring back that which has been lost through the fall.

It's Up to You!

2008-12-05T04:22:00.001-06:00

Nelson, Russell M., Salvation and Exaltation , CR April 2008 Some years ago I met with a tribal king in Africa. When he realized that he was being taught by an Apostle of the Lord, he was deeply moved. He said that throngs of his people would be baptized if he were to give them such a mandate. I thanked him for his kindness but explained that the Lord does not work in that way. The development of faith in the Lord is an individual matter. Repentance is also an individual matter. Only as an individual can one be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost. Each of us is born individually; likewise, each of us is "born again" individually. Salvation is an individual matter.

Unfathomable

2008-12-04T04:22:00.003-06:00

Mark 14:34 And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. (emphasis added). What do you suppose the Lord meant when He said my soul is "sorrowful unto death" to His disciples? I think we frame the actions of the Atonement in narrow bounds like "suffering for our sins" or "taking upon Him the sins of all mankind". What about the personal horrors Jesus encountered as he came to encounter the despicable outrages and heinous sins of every evildoer EVER? Inestimable, infinite, eternal are terms used to describe it; and with good reason... The Joseph Smith translation restores the verse as follows: And he taketh with him, Peter, and James, and John, and rebuked them, and said unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death; tarry ye here and watch.

For Relief Apply Individually...

2008-12-03T04:22:00.004-06:00

We worship a personal God whose care and concern is as infinite as His loving kindness. "Sadly, in today's world, a person's importance is often judged by the size of the audience before which he or she performs. That is how media and sports programs are rated, how corporate prominence is sometimes determined, and often how governmental rank is obtained. That may be why roles such as father, mother, and missionary seldom receive standing ovations. Fathers, mothers, and missionaries "play" before very small audiences. Yet, in the eyes of the Lord, there may be only one size of audience that is of lasting importance- and that is just one, each one, you and me, and each one of the children of God. The irony of the Atonement is that it is infinite and eternal, yet it is applied individually, one person at a time." (Elder M. Russell Ballard, The Atonement and the Value of One Soul, Ensign (CR), May 2004, p.84)

One Day

2008-12-02T04:22:00.002-06:00

In the divine summation all things will be put aright and every debt will be paid. Justice will require all be compensated; both the wicked and the righteous. And I will punish the world for [their] evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible. (Isaiah 13:11)

God's Armor

2008-12-01T04:22:00.001-06:00

Put on the armor of God against wickedness. The great missionary Apostle, Saul of Tarsus, declares the reality of this individual spiritual warfare and urges us to arm for the conflict. Here are his words: " Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (Ephesians 6:11-13.) Note carefully that his declaration implies that our real contest in life is not with human agencies that come with guns and tanks and bombing planes to destroy us but that our eternal struggle is with enemies that come in the darkness and that cannot be perceived by the human senses. Unless we put on the "whole armour of God" to battle against this "spiritual wickedness in high places" we shall not be able to withstand "the wiles of the devil." (42-02, p. 5) The armor of God protects us where we are vulnerable. [The] great missionary Apostle and a valiant defender of the faith [Paul] points out the principle parts of an armed warrior that are most vulnerable to the attacks of these enemies which strike in the night or in the darkness and which are not seen usually by the light of day. Four parts of the warrior are spoken of. The loins were to be "girt about with truth." (The loins, of course, are defined as that part of the human body between the hip bone and the false ribs, in biblical diction the loins denoting the location or seat of the organs of procreation, where human life is generated.) "The breastplate of righteousness," which would be placed over the heart which again in biblical language is regarded as the center or the seat of the spiritual or the conscience or the conduct of men. You will remember the Master had said, "[From] out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh" (Matthew 12:34). The next part to be armored was the feet, which were to be "shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace," the feet denoting one's course in life, or the way of travel in his journey through life. And, finally, the warrior was to have a "helmet of salvation," which of course speaks of the intellect. (See Ephesians 6:14-17.) Thus the four parts most vulnerable to the attacks of the forces of Satan or the master of darkness are, first, one's virtue or chastity, which must be safeguarded by teaching the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our conduct must be as a breastplate over our hearts, to be guarded by righteousness that our lives may be kept clean and pure. Our feet are to be shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, with the injunction to keep our eyes ever fixed upon that eternal goal of eternal life, which is life in that place where God and Christ dwell. The helmet of salvation is to guide the intellect, the head being the guiding center of our minds which controls our lives, "for as [a man] thinketh in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7). No man, said the Master, committed a murder unless he first became angry. No one committed adultery unless he had an evil or immoral thought. Just so, one does not steal unless he covets. So the evil act must he conceived in the mind before the act. (73-26) (Harold B. Lee, The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, edited by Clyde J. Williams, p.167-168)

Frequency

2008-11-30T04:22:00.002-06:00

Have you ever wondered why the Sacrament is the most frequent ordinance we participate in? It seems to me it is because we are so forgetful of the Savior and His redeeming plan. The words of the prayer remind: O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them; that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen. (emphasis added) (D&C 20:77)

Incredible Master

2008-11-29T04:22:00.001-06:00

John 21:25: And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen. WOW!

Good Order

2008-11-28T04:22:00.002-06:00

One of the hallmarks of our Father's house is order. His perfection requires it. We too should seek the order and desire to emulate His perfect system in our daily lives. As we do so joy and peace is the reward and a remission of our sins the benefit. And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order. (Mosiah 4:27)

Trust

2008-11-27T04:22:00.001-06:00

Often we feel left out and let down in the path we tread as disciples. We are reminded by the Psalmist: Trust in the LORD, and do good; [so] shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring [it] to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Psalms 37:3-7

The Antidote

2008-11-26T04:22:00.003-06:00

D&C 4:6 6 Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence. This verse provides the antidote to the so-called "7 Deadly Sins": lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride.

Four Things to Hate

2008-11-25T04:22:00.002-06:00

There are four things that Joseph Smith deplored. He said you should never be guilty of four things, and they are what make up careers today. There are two a's and two c's. The first is to aspire. He said, an aspiring spirit is from the devil. Satan aspired and that was his fall. Don't aspire. Of course, that's our competitive spirit, to aspire to be number one, etc. The second is to accuse. Devil means accuser, (Gk. diabolos). He's called "the accuser of his brethren." Remember, Adam said, "I do not accuse thee," speaking of Satan. The Lord be thy judge. I will not bring a railing charge against Satan. He brings charges and accuses; he is always the accuser. There are many stories told about that. The book of Job begins with Satan in heaven challenging the Lord to put Job to the test. He accuses Job of being weak and says he will fall. He accuses, we are told in the Talmud and elsewhere. He doesn't accuse falsely; he tells the truth about people and their weaknesses. He wants God to test them. He'll accuse this one and that one. The accuser of his brethren is devilish. Never accuse anyone. So never aspire and never accuse. But if you are going to get ahead and aspire, you start out with an anti-something campaign. Then you get public favor. That's the way you'll be able to aspire, by accusing somebody. You can accuse all sorts of people of things. Then the others: You should never contend. When the Lord comes to the Nephites in the Book of Mormon, the first thing he says to them [3 Ne. 11:28-29 ] is there shall be no more contention among you about my doctrine as there has been in the past. Contention is not of me but of the devil. We do not contend. As the scripture says, you can say "Yea, yea and nay, nay." Whatsoever is more or less than this is of the devil. I can point and bear my testimony and say, "That is so." Or I can say, "That is not so." That's all I can do. I can't twist your arm and make you believe it. I may convince you by showing, by demonstration. All contention is of the devil, he says. So don't contend; there is no need to contend. That can spoil things quicker than anything. The last one is to coerce. You [shouldn't] coerce, but that's what we do. We give orders to everybody and back them up with force. We tell everybody what to do. So we coerce, we contend, we command-we do all these things. This is the atmosphere in which we live. This is the spirit that surrounds us of contention, of ambition, of rivalry, of strife, of accusation. No wonder there's no security or anything else. Everybody goes out for his thing, and [in doing] it he feels there is something quite devilish about it. Only the Book of Mormon can get us out of this hole. That's the interesting thing; that's why we have it. The word power occurs 639 times in the Book of Mormon. Can you imagine that? What an obsession power is, after all. Of course, there is the power of God. The powers are divided equally. (Hugh Nibley, Teachings of the Book of Mormon--Semester 1: Transcripts of Lectures Presented to an Honors Book of Mormon Class at Brigham Young University, 1988--1990 [Provo: Foundation for Ancient Re, p.156)

Judge Not

2008-11-24T20:53:00.001-06:00

Repeatedly the Book of Mormon admonishes us not to judge people by labels. Lehi's family was still in Arabia when Nephi gave his brothers a lesson in that important principle. Laman and Lemuel had insisted that they were doing right because they were identified with the dominant traditionalist party in Jerusalem (who happened to be Zedekiah's king-men), who were righteous because they were the Chosen People and because they went to church. Nonsense! said Nephi: "Do ye suppose that the children of this land, . . . who were driven out by our fathers, do ye suppose that they were righteous? . . . Do ye suppose that our fathers would have been more choice than they if they had been righteous? I say unto you, Nay. Behold, the Lord esteemeth all flesh in one; he that is righteous is favored of God" (1 Nephi 17:33-35). (Hugh Nibley, The Prophetic Book of Mormon, p.339)

Spiritual Calisthenics aka "Fit for the Kingdom"

2008-11-23T04:22:00.001-06:00

...the calisthenics of spiritual growth involve isometrics, the pitting of the emerging self against the stern resistance of the old self. (Elder Neal A. Maxwell, Joseph, the Seer, Ensign (CR), November 1983, p.54)

The Greatest Achievement

2008-11-22T04:22:00.001-06:00

"The greatest achievement mankind can make in this world is to familiarize themselves with divine truth, so thoroughly, so perfectly, that the example or conduct of no creature living in the world can ever turn them away from the knowledge that they have obtained." (Elder Richard G. Scott, Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge, Ensign (CR), November 1993, p.86)

It's Up! Take a Look World!

2008-11-21T04:22:00.001-06:00

"The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done" (History of the Church, 4:540).

When in Doubt; Don’t

2008-11-20T04:22:00.000-06:00

Each spirit who comes to this world is endowed with the "Light of Christ" also known as a "conscience". This endowment gives them an intuitive ability to know right from wrong. A native disposition to discern between good and evil give each of us an innate disposition to become like our creator. Striving to follow these impulses is what marks the divider between sinner and saint. Choosing to follow that inner instinct and to "choose the right" is critical. A favorite LDS hymn reminds:

Choose the right when a choice is placed before you.

In the right the Holy Spirit guides;

And its light is forever shining o'er you,

When in the right your heart confides.

Choose the right! Choose the right!

Let wisdom mark the way before.

In its light, choose the right!

And God will bless you evermore.

Choose the right! Let no spirit of digression

Overcome you in the evil hour.

There's the right and the wrong to ev'ry question;

Be safe thru inspiration's pow'r.

Choose the right! There is peace in righteous doing.

Choose the right! There's safety for the soul

Choose the right in all labors you're pursuing;

Let God and heaven be your goal.

Text: Joseph L. Townsend Music: Henry A. Tuckett Scriptures: Moro. 7:16-17; 2 Ne. 2:27-28

(Hymns of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, no.239)

His Standards

2008-11-19T04:22:00.000-06:00

We discussed standards at a recent family council meeting. I related dress and appearance standards to standards we find in the sporting world. The measurements for fields of play, goalposts, endzones, out-of-bounds lines, etc are set and do not change. If they were constantly changing confusion and likely chaos would ensue. In like manner, the Lord through His prophets, has given standards (guidance) on the types of clothing (for men and women) that is and is not appropriate. As youth and adults abide by the principles found in the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet they will enjoy peace and safety as well as portray a clean, wholesome appearance wherever they may be. And while modesty may be cast as "old-fashioned" or "out-of-touch" or "outdated" it is in fact nothing more than meeting the Lord's "standard". When we do this we will always "measure up"!

The Fallout of Proposition 8

2008-11-18T04:22:00.000-06:00

I read a news item recently relating to public protests outside the grounds at the Los Angeles Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Hurling insults and blocking traffic is irritating and dangerous respectively while being the target of hatred and animosity is for the Latter-Day Saints just more of the same separated by a century or two. Anyone familiar with the early history of the LDS Church (official name Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints aka "Mormons") knows about the extensive and pervasive campaign to "exterminate" the Mormons as well as prolonged and vicious (systematic) discrimination the Church suffered. The world headquarters of the Church is so situated as the Salt Lake basin was Mexico territory and a swamp when the Latter-Day Saints began settling it in 1847. Now that there are over 13 million members of the Church (many of whom live in the western United States) a vocal and pointed constituency may be employed (or at least perceived) in matters of morality. Though members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints were not the only ones voting in favor of marriage not being defined as a gay institution it seems they are the only one courting the fallout at the moment…

Marriage Defined

2008-11-17T04:22:00.000-06:00

There has been a lot of attention recently on the institution of marriage and the definition thereof. God directed:

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife; and they shall be one flesh. (Moses 3:24)

Notice the directive nature of the language the Lord uses here. A sampling of other scriptural verses relating to marriage:

1 Cor 7:2

2 Nevertheless, [to avoid] fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

1 Cor 11:3

3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman [is] the man; and the head of Christ [is] God.

D&C 49:15

15 And again, verily I say unto you, that whoso forbiddeth to marry is not ordained of God, for marriage is ordained of God unto man.

D&C 131:2

2 And in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage];

1 Cor 11:11-12

11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.

12 For as the woman [is] of the man, even so [is] the man also by the woman; but all things of God.

President Spencer W. Kimball, a prophet and vocal advocate for marriage, spoke in the 70's on the topic:

The formula is simple; the ingredients are few, though there are many amplifications of each.

First, there must be the proper approach toward marriage, which contemplates the selection of a spouse who reaches as nearly as possible the pinnacle of perfection in all the matters that are of importance to the individuals. Then those two parties must come to the altar in the temple realizing that they must work hard toward this successful joint living.

Second, there must be great unselfishness, forgetting self and directing all of the family life and all pertaining thereunto to the good of the family, and subjugating self.

Third, there must be continued courting and expressions of affection, kindness, and consideration to keep love alive and growing.

Fourth, there must be complete living of the commandments of the Lord as defined in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

(Marriage and Divorce [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1976] )

And much more recently (1999) President Gordon B. Hinckley addressed the matter as part of his remarks entitled "Why We Do Some of the Things We Do":

I have time to discuss one other question: Why does the Church become involved in issues that come before the legislature and the electorate?

I hasten to add that we deal only with those legislative matters which are of a strictly moral nature or which directly affect the welfare of the Church. We have opposed gambling and liquor and will continue to do so. We regard it as not only our right but our duty to oppose those forces which we feel undermine the moral fiber of society. Much of our effort, a very great deal of it, is in association with others whose interests are similar. We have worked with Jewish groups, Catholics, Muslims, Protestants, and those of no particular religious affiliation, in coalitions formed to advocate positions on vital moral issues. Such is currently the case in California, where Latter-day Saints are working as part of a coalition to safeguard traditional marriage from forces in our society which are attempting to redefine that sacred institution. God-sanctioned marriage between a man and a woman has been the basis of civilization for thousands of years. There is no justification to redefine what marriage is. Such is not our right, and those who try will find themselves answerable to God.

Some portray legalization of so-called same-sex marriage as a civil right. This is not a matter of civil rights; it is a matter of morality. Others question our constitutional right as a church to raise our voice on an issue that is of critical importance to the future of the family. We believe that defending this sacred institution by working to preserve traditional marriage lies clearly within our religious and constitutional prerogatives. Indeed, we are compelled by our doctrine to speak out.

Nevertheless, and I emphasize this, I wish to say that our opposition to attempts to legalize same-sex marriage should never be interpreted as justification for hatred, intolerance, or abuse of those who profess homosexual tendencies, either individually or as a group. As I said from this pulpit one year ago, our hearts reach out to those who refer to themselves as gays and lesbians. We love and honor them as sons and daughters of God. They are welcome in the Church. It is expected, however, that they follow the same God-given rules of conduct that apply to everyone else, whether single or married.

(Why We Do Some of the Things We Do, Ensign (CR), November 1999, p.52)

The matter of defining marriage has come before the voters in California (and other states) and to my knowledge has been upheld by the majority of voters as being defined as the union of one man and one woman. I support and agree with this simple definition as it is the one God Himself gave when man was first placed on the earth and Eve was given to Adam. The Lord has been kind enough to bless me with my own "Eve" (Becky) and for this and for the institution of marriage I am most grateful!

Pride Goeth

2008-11-16T04:22:00.000-06:00

Pride [goeth] before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18)

Often in our lives we may be disposed to fall into the trap of pride. We place our needs and desires above those of others, see ourselves in the mirror of our own vanity, and misperceive our true standing before God. When we live in this manner we grieve the spirit, and stumble along blindly following our own path rather than the path the Lord would have us follow. Resisting the impulses of the "natural man" (Mosiah 3:19) we are more likely to choose righteously (rightly) the path that will likely "show us the way" (How Great the Wisdom & the Love, Hymns #195) back to God's presence. We must with effort put off the natural man though. For all of us in one way or another that may be the most "unnatural" thing of all!

Righteous Persuasion

2008-11-15T04:22:00.000-06:00

Moroni 7:12

Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually.

I think it's safe to say (no kidding) each of us has been the victim of unrighteous persuasion as we have succumbed to the wiles of the adversary on numerous occasions. Quite literally "…ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23) (emphasis added). With this in mind, how many times have we been persuaded by our Father and His most precious Son? Hopefully the answer is many, many times throughout our lives. Ultimately our goal must be to become so accustomed to his voice and so accepting of his persuasion that our default value is "yes" when it comes to His entreaties. The Holy Ghost is the all-powerful enabler whose authority (as delegated from the Father) is all encompassing. As we submit our will to his (swallowed up) true and lasting joy and an everlasting inheritance in His father's kingdom are the rewards. There is nothing else which yields a greater benefit.

Communion

2008-11-14T20:52:00.000-06:00

This term is descriptive (def: A joining together of minds or spirits) of the process of coming to know in personal terms our glorious Savior. His invitation to "learn of Him" (Doctrine and Covenants 19:23) and become "even as he is"(3 Nephi 27:27) is challenging and descriptive of the path all must follow to inherit the full measure of the blessings that await the righteous. Joint heirs (Romans 8:17) with Christ and Heirs of the Father; that's what I'm talking about! Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve said in this respect:

The purpose of our mortal journey is not merely to see the sights on earth or to expend our allotment of time on self-centered pursuits; rather, we are to "walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4), to become sanctified by yielding our hearts unto God (see Helaman 3:35), and to obtain "the mind of Christ" (1 Corinthians 2:16). ("Clean Hands and a Pure Heart" CR October 07)

How great would that be to think as He thinks and therefore to do as He does! Good stuff no doubt and the principal reason for us being here on earth. Literally without this process no man will come unto the Father:

I am the Lord thy God; and I give unto you this commandment--that no man shall come unto the Father but by me or by my word, which is my law, saith the Lord.(Doctrine & Covenants 132:12)

Mega Love

2008-11-13T04:22:00.000-06:00

When I am tempted to sin I have found as I reflect on the matchless love of our Savior for each of us and in particular for me I receive the balm I need to forego my selfish desire to offend Him who has given EVERYTHING for me. Mortal comprehension is inadequate to the task of framing the extent of the depth to which He personally stooped and condescended to rescue each of us from DEATH and HELL.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13)

O how great the goodness of our God, who prepareth a way for our escape from the grasp of this awful monster; yea, that monster, death and hell, which I call the death of the body, and also the death of the spirit. (2 Nephi 9:10)

I don't understand the depth and breadth of His love (I hope to); I continue to discover the marvelous extent of its boundaries. Love without equal is what He offers each of us.

Trying Again

2008-11-12T04:22:00.000-06:00

One of the greatest facets of the Atonement (truly countless) is the "try-again" factor. Having the ability to try again when we fail (how many times is that? This too is countless in some cases). I derive comfort from the Lord's teaching on forgiveness to Peter when He taught him to forgive not once or twice or even seven times but indeed SEVENTY X SEVEN! Wow! Does Jesus give a command He doesn't personally subscribe to? Of course not! This is extremely good news for each of us. His patience for us his brethren and sisters is epic. For this and so much else I am eternally grateful. I need to try again.

It’s in the DO-ing

2008-11-11T04:22:00.000-06:00

Many Latter-Day Saints are unaware of small change in the popular Primary song millions of children and adults have sung since 1957. "I Am a Child of God" is the song and here's the account of the change: From Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball, (p.10):

Church members all over the world love the Primary song "I Am a Child of God," with its simple but profound message of who we are, why we are on the earth, and what the Lord promises us if we are faithful. Sister Naomi W. Randall wrote the text to the song in 1957, when Elder Spencer W. Kimball was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. At that time, the song's chorus concluded with the words "Teach me all that I must know to live with him someday."

While visiting a stake conference, Elder Kimball listened to a group of Primary children sing "I Am a Child of God." Soon after that, he commented on the song in a conversation with a member of the Primary General Board. "I love the children's song," he said, "but there is one word that bothers me. Would Sister Randall mind if the word know were changed to the word do?"

Sister Randall agreed to change the song. Now the chorus ends with the words "Teach me all that I must do to live with him someday." These words reflect a principle that President Kimball emphasized throughout his ministry: "Celestial life may be had by every soul who will fulfil the requirements. To know is not enough. One must do. Righteousness is vital and ordinances are necessary." He taught that the gospel is "a way of life, the plan of personal salvation, and is based upon personal responsibility. It is developed for man, the offspring of God. Man is a god in embryo and has in him the seeds of godhood, and he can, if he will, rise to great heights."

Knowing is one thing; DOing quite another...

Concurrent

2008-11-10T04:22:00.000-06:00

The word means “happening at the same time”. As children of our loving eternal Father we are concurrent beings. We are composed of a glorious immortal spirit clothed in a corruptible mortal tabernacle (body). The spirit and the body move through this mortal experience concurrently; that is experiencing all of the vicissitudes (Def: unexpected changes, especially in somebody's fortunes) of mortality “together”. Have you considered your dual nature lately? I find as I do so I am more inclined to make affirmative and correct choices. I am more inclined to be Christ-like in my attitudes and actions when I remember the “inner me” which will always exist and cannot be destroyed no matter what challenges may come physically.

But [there is] a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.(Job 32:8)

May we remember who “WE” (both of us) are!

Come Unto Me

2008-11-09T04:22:00.000-06:00

Ether 12:27

And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

The invitation issued in the first several words of this excellent verse invite ALL to come unto Him and to come to see what they “yet lack”. Are we as so-called righteous followers of Jesus like the rich young who was indeed not only rich, but blessed with the fruits of his righteous service in the kingdom “since youth” but who yet lack? The invitation to all is the same now as it has ever been: “come unto me and I WILL show you your weakness, your vulnerability, your areas disqualification. Come, and I will help you to see everything that will separate you from me, and we’ll work together to eradicate it permanently! Wow! I want to see!

The Most Unequal of Terms

2008-11-08T04:22:00.000-06:00

King Benjamin the righteous prophet-king taught his people in his landmark “general conference” address to them about their true standing before their creator. We pick it up in Mosiah Chapter 2 verses 21 and 22:

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.

And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments; and he has promised you that if ye would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land; and he never doth vary from that which he hath said; therefore, if ye do keep his commandments he doth bless you and prosper you. (emphasis added)

If we see ourselves in the true light of His revealed word here and in other places in holy writ we come to see things as (Elder Neal A. Maxwell stated) “they really are” (Jacob 4:13):

Behold, my brethren, he that prophesieth, let him prophesy to the understanding of men; for the Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not. Wherefore, it speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be; wherefore, these things are manifested unto us plainly, for the salvation of our souls. But behold, we are not witnesses alone in these things; for God also spake them unto prophets of old. (emphasis added)

With this clarity we are enabled to humble ourselves “meet for repentance” and this is a good starting point!

Pure Testimony

2008-11-07T04:22:00.000-06:00

Often in our testimony meetings and at other times we hear the Saints bear testimony in terms of personal experiences, stories, so-called “travelogues” and in terms of lists of things they are grateful for. While these expressions have their merits they are largely outside of the realm of pure testimony. Pure testimony consists of bearing personal witness of a few key truths. Elder M. Russell Ballard spoke in this vein a few years ago:

Our testimony meetings need to be more centered on the Savior, the doctrines of the gospel, the blessings of the Restoration, and the teachings of the scriptures. We need to replace stories, travelogues, and lectures with pure testimonies. Those who are entrusted to speak and teach in our meetings need to do so with doctrinal power that will be both heard and felt, lifting the spirits and edifying our people. You will remember at the heart of King Benjaminï¿½s powerful sermon to his people was his personal witness of the Savior, who at that time had yet to be born into mortality.

Pure Testimony, Ensign (CR), November 2004, p.40

2008-11-06T21:00:00.000-06:00

This is a great site with a matchless message. There will be an update soon so stay tuned!

Righteous Tool

2008-11-05T04:22:00.000-06:00

I have been using the 2005 edition of this software and it is in a word AMAZING. Click here to get in on the pre-release sale! I did!

Closing Remarks 178th General Conference (Oct 08)

2008-11-04T04:22:00.001-06:00

President Thomas S. Monson (Prophet)

"Closing Remarks"

Review of the Spirit
Appreciation for speakers/music
Moroni: meetings after the manner of the Spirit, to supplicate, to sing, it was done
Study the Ensign Magazine
Heavenly Father is mindful of the challenges we face in the world today
Be good citizens
Be a good neighbor
Reach out to those of other faiths
Be men and women of integrity
Alleviate suffering
Avoid drugs, immorality, gangs
Be mindful of the needs of those around you
The heavens are open
Continuous revelation is the lifeblood of the Gospel of Christ
Blessing pronounced on the Saints "God bless you"
Eternal life w/ God is our most precious goal
Testimony
Pray; remember to whom and in whose name we pray.

Full Text

Hope You Know We Had a Hard Time

2008-11-03T04:22:00.001-06:00

Elder Quentin L. Cook (Quorum of Twelve Apostles)

"Hope You Know We Had a Hard Time"

Sierra Nevada mountains unexpected June snowstorm while traveling. They were unprepared and spent the night stranded. Elder Cook's son told his mother about their travails
Many hardships/trials have lasting consequences
"O God where art thou?" D&C 122 "My son peace be unto thy soul"
Opposition in all things (2 Nephi 2:11)
"Prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things commanded" Abraham 3
Light/dark hope/despair
The sharp contrast between the bitter and sweet is necessary with the very end of this brief mortal experience
Brigham Young: "We are not going to suffer any more than what is necessary for our good"
Having the blessing of the Holy Ghost is essential to experiencing the blessings of the Gospel
The sin of ingratitude is the greatest except the unpardonable sin- Brigham Young
Wherefore be of good cheer, do not fear…
There is no grief, no sickness, no pain so great the Atonement of Jesus Christ cannot heal

Full Text

Sincere Testimony

2008-11-02T04:22:00.001-06:00

Elder Carlos A. Godoy (of the Seventy)

"Sincere Testimony"

A testimony may not come as some giant event
Whisperings of the spirit is a still small voice
Elijah: it was a still small voice
Laman and Lemuel's experiences with angels and their reversion back to their old ways
Alma taught the process of nurturing a testimony
- Desire to believe
- Let this desire work in you
- The seed is a good seed
Testimony: God hears prayers, Christ fulfilled the Atonement, Church restored through Joseph Smith, we have a living prophet today, President Thomas S. Monson

Full Text

Returning Home

2008-11-01T04:22:00.001-05:00

Elder Eduardo Gavarret (Quorum of the Seventy)

"Returning Home"

The warmth and security of a loving home
Members in Peru were invited to "come home" through reactivation
Reactivation efforts are inspired by the Savior's words: "Lovest thou me? Feed my sheep"
Come back and feast at the table of the Lord
Enjoy the fellowship of the Saints
"Dear to the heart of the shepherd" (hymn)
"I was hungered and you gave me meat, thirsty drink, naked clothes, etc Least of these, unto me
Love and service go together
Seek those who are not here with us
Bring but one soul, great will be thy joy with him in my Father's kingdom

Full Text

Gospel Teaching

2008-10-31T04:22:00.001-05:00

William P. Oswald (Quorum of the Seventy)

"Gospel Teaching"

Jumping the rope with his granddaughters
All are teachers in the Church
Every position requires an effective teacher (L. Tom Perry)
Understand the basic principles
Show how they are done by effective teachers
"Teaching No Greater Call" (resource)
Jesus of Nazareth/prime example/rabboni=teacher
Moroni & Joseph Smith taught 3 principles:
- Show love to those you teach/call them by name
- Teach from the scriptures
- Encourage the pondering of Gospel truths (pondering includes your head and your heart/Nephi)

Full Text

Patterns of the Shopper

2008-10-30T04:22:00.001-05:00

Elder Russell M. Nelson (Quorum of Twelve Apostles)

"Patterns of the Shopper"

Joy comes when we choose to live in harmony with God's plan
Patterns of effective and wise shoppers contrasted with standards in selection of a marriage partner.
- Marriage of a higher or lower quality
- Marital "shoplifters" (taking what they want)
Marriage is sacred
Temple marriage is the highest and most enduring type of marriage our creator offers to man
Husband and wife must be sealed and keep their covenants
The keys have been restored
The family is central to God's plan for the happiness of man (proclamation on the family)
Celestial marriage brings the possibility of greater happiness than any other kind of association.
Marriage is a divine commandment
Temple marriage embraces a relationship with God
Those who select a lesser type of marriage are not together on the other side; in rejecting the gift they have rejected the giver of the gift
These truths are absolute; all are invited to partake of them
Mortal misunderstandings can introduce mischief into a marriage
Each marriage comes w/ a built in handicap: each contains two imperfect people
President Monson: "No one has found the true joy of living until he has surrendered his ego in the service of his fellowman"
Beware of satans options in marriage; they always breed misery
Celestial marriage is a pivotal decision on the road to eternal life

Full Text

“Perilous Times”

2008-10-29T04:22:00.001-05:00

President Boyd K. Packer (President of the Quorum of the Twelve)

"Perilous Times"

We live in perilous times prophesied by Paul
Obedioence to laws and ordinances of the Gospel will keep us safe
"Liberty" and "Jail" don't fit together
Joseph Smith was called to court over 200X but was never convicted of anything
We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, in honoring, obeying, and sustaining the law
The natural man is an enemy to God
We have the "mind of Christ"
Rather than being consumed by revenge- they were anchored to revelation
We teach of Christ we believe in Christ
3 things in parade in the Salt Lake Valley: 1) The young men carried the constitution 2) young women carried the Bible and the Book of Mormon 3) the "silver grays" (old men) were honored in the parade
Lucifer is still at work; he will trouble the work and destroy it if he can
We must remain faithful and true
The standard of truth has been erected
Today the sun never sets on congregations of Latter-Day Saints

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Getting "Testimony" Tagged

2008-10-28T04:22:00.001-05:00

This is a variation on the tagging theme you may have seen around the Internet and gives some guidance on how to share your testimony online. Check out the Testimony tag! via LDS Media Talk

He's on Every Page

2008-10-27T04:22:00.001-05:00

Tonight we did an activity for our family scripture study that consisited of finding a page at random in the Book of Mormon and "seeing Christ" on that page. Each person searched for the Savior and/or a principle of the Gospel on the page they chose at random. After a little closer examination it is pretty easy to see the Savior on every single page...try it I think you find some neat stuff just like we did!

Scripture Mastery Tools

2008-10-26T04:22:00.001-05:00

These are some really neat tools and a great way to keep track of and retain the scripture mastery verses. via: LDS Media Talk

Patriarichal Blessings Online

2008-10-25T04:22:00.003-05:00

Now comes word that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is digitizing and preparing to distribute member's patriarichal blessings online via LDS.org. via Deseret News

“The Attitude of Gratitude”

2008-10-24T04:22:00.001-05:00

President Thomas S. Monson (President and Prophet)

The most inevitable thing in life is change
Nothing is as constant as change
Unforeseen loss is not usually the case; most changes take place slowly
60^th anniversary w/ Frances is coming up
"We went from where we were to where we are now"
The difference between my life and yours is only in the details
Opportunities come and then they are gone
Lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not
Find joy in what is happening now
"The Music Man" (analogy from) "When you pile up a lot of tomorrows you will have accumulated a lot of empty yesterdays"
Make the most of today-Provide pleasant memories for tomorrow
Stresses in our lives come regardless; we must deal with them
Shakespeare: "They do not love who do not show their love "
Say "I love you" more
Harriet Beecher Stowe: "The bitterest tears shed over graves are shed for words unsaid and deeds undone"
Story of Hess/POW given 25 words to write to family (after 2 yrs)
One day each of us will run out of tomorrows
"Our Town" (play) anecdote
Do human beings ever realize life when they are living it?
Both abundance and lack thereof exist simultaneously in our lives- which garden will we tend?
What does it profit a man if he receives a gift and accepts it not?
The account of the ten lepers, were not 10 cleansed?
Samaritan
Those that confess not His hand in all things (D&C 59:21)
If ingratitude is among the most serious sins then gratitude is among the noblest of virtues

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“Boldly, Nobly, and Independent”

2008-10-23T04:22:00.001-05:00

Elder M. Russell Ballard (of the Quorum of the Twelve)

Joseph Smith knew the Church would go forth into the American West
The standard of truth has been erected…
Growth of the Church 1830's, 40's etc enumerated showing growth despite persecutions challenges in travel and communications
2004: 1 million members of the Church in Mexico
Now brazil alone has over 1 million members
In President Spencer W. Kimball's ministry (15 yrs) over 200,000 missionaries served (I was one of them!)
Attacks in the media: 5.9 million members in 1985, 13 million today
1 millionth missionary was called to serve last year
The purposes of God will not be frustrated; His work will go forth nobly, boldly, and independent.
We cannot afford to be comfortable or content or rely on the accomplishments of past Saints
We face (list of attacks)
Challenges to family life (definition thereof)
Spiritual apathy
Not mobs today…different types of attacks
He is asking us to fortify our faith
He's not asking us to die a martyr's death but to live a disciple's life
We cannot afford to be superficially righteous

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“A Return to Virtue”

2008-10-22T04:22:00.001-05:00

Sister Elaine S. Dalton (General Young Women's President)

In the strength of the Lord I can do all things (Alma 26:12)
The vision for the incoming Gen YW Presidency was the Temple. (for their first presidency meeting they climbed Ensign Peak near SLC and raised an ensign (YELLOW Peruvain silk) as Brigham Young and others had done several days after arriving in the valley for the first time.
The temple is the reason for everything we do in the Chruch
A return to virtue
Virtue: (strength) confident and worthy to be guided by the Holy Ghost
Pres Monson: "Stand for right even when you stand alone"
Lehonti and Amalickiah: Amalickiah pleaded with Lehonti to "come down" 4X afterwhich he "poisoned him by degrees"
Sometimes youth are "Ever texting and never able to come to a knowledge of the truth"!
We must not be deceived: those who engage in viewing pornography become "consumers of vice rather than guardians of virtue"
We must return to virtue!
Female marathon runner: "The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare"
Begin to return to virtue:
- Virtue garnish your thoughts
- Cleave to covenants
- Stand in holy places
- Remember Him
- Keep His commandments
- Seek after these things
Grandaughter (Isabelle Elaine) of Sis Dalton blessed by her dad (son Zack) to "remember her identity"
Priesthood are the guardians of virtue
Now is the time to arise and unfurl a banner to the world announcing a return to virtue

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“Providing in the Lord’s Way”

2008-10-21T04:22:00.001-05:00

Bishop Keith B. McMullin (2^nd Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric)

Men and women are diverse creations in His image
Hardships are a part of this mortal existence
"A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race" (Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 4:227).
Providing for others in the Lord's Way:
- Church welfare plan
- Story of the principle of fast offerings learned by a Chinese dignitary who visited Salt Lake City. He left a "red pocket" as a donation
- Heavenly Father answers all sincere prayers
- The ultimate help comes from God through His Son Jesus Christ
- The story of Janice (run over by a bus Priesthood blessing pronouncement she would recover fully was fulfilled.

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“Christian Courage”

2008-10-20T04:22:00.001-05:00

Elder Robert D. Hales (of the Quorum of the Twelve)

One of mortality's great tests lies in how we respond to antagonistic forces
Enduring mocking, despising, rejection
We must respond to our accusers as He would; a Christ-like manner
The way he responded
- To Herod: silent
- To Pilate: Simple testimony
- To money changers: Divine indignation
- On the cross: "Father forgive them"
Christian courage requires a meek response
Joseph Smith stood with the Savior by loving others in a tolerant and compassionate way
Stand with the Savior in your response to accusers
Abinadi boldly taught the Gospel and Alma was converted
The courage of Alma and Abinadi
We can be gracious with letters to the editor, comments on a blog, a kind word in exchange for an accusation
The Lord knows the hearts of our accusers
True disciples respond in ways that invite the Spirit of the Lord
Never become contentious; "Bible bashing" drives the Spirit away
"Contention is not of me" (3 Nephi 11:29)
The fruits of the Spirit enumerated: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith (Galatians 5:22)
Meekness is not weakness; it is the badge of Christian courage!
We cannot negotiate or dilute the doctrines of the Gospel. We stand firm but meek
Boldness should not however be confused with overbearance
Guileless: to look for our own fault first. Listen to the Spirit- avoid being unduly judgmental
Lehonti "came down" from the high ground and was "poisoned by degrees" by the evil Amalickiah
Stay on the high ground avoiding any "theological scrums in the mud"
Learn from Nehemiah: Why should I leave the work to neglect it? (Nehemiah 6:3)
Evil will always be with us in the world
The intercessory prayer (John 17:20-21)
"We don't feel we are better than they are; we desire to show them a better way (to eternal life and eternal happiness)

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“A Great Day of Unity”

2008-10-19T04:22:00.000-05:00

President Henry B. Eyring

Jehovah will find His people united
The Lord's prophets have all taught about unity
The challenge to be united will grow greater in the future
Parents need to be unified/prayers will be answered
Whatever conflict rages around them they can be unified
Hearts "knit together in unity" (Mosiah 18:21)
We all yearn for the joy we had in the life before this one
The joy of unity is not solitary
We must seek it and qualify for it w/ others. No wonder we are commanded to meet together oft (Wards, Groups, Quorums)(3 Nephi 18:22)
When testimonies are borne of Christ the Holy Ghost testifies and ratifies
One: Revelation is the only way we can learn to be one
Two: Be humble: pride is the great enemy of unity
Leaving the fellowship of the Saints is a manifestation of pride
Be a peacemaker; search for agreement with others
The great truth you share is greater than any differences you may have
The children of God have more in common than they have differences
Three: Speak well of each other
We can make a choice
Same judgment with which you judge you shall be judged (Moroni 7:18)
The Savior will judge you generously
Mom's saying "If you can't say anything good, say nothing at all"
The miracle of unified service (disaster relief)
God hears and answers our prayers in love

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President Monson's Priesthood Session Talk

2008-10-18T04:22:00.005-05:00

The First Presidency is united under the direction of the Lord Jesus Christ
related story of struggling missionary who couldn't learn Spanish. Pres Monson counseled leaders at the MTC to place him in a Japanese class for half a day. His ability increased immediately!
We live in difficult economic times
We must ensure none go unclothed, unsheltered, unfed
Tithes are sacred funds
Hands to lift
Hearts to inspire
Avoid swamps of sin
Worth of Souls is great
Armed with knowledge make a difference in the lives of others
Ezekiel: "A new heart will I give thee" (Ezekiel 36:26)
3 imperatives for our consideration:
One: Learn what we should learn
Press forward the mark
Hebrews " lay aside sin (Hebrews 12:1)
Run with patience the race (Hebrews 12:1)
Christ is the "author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2)
Priethood; "the perfect plan of service" Stephen L. Richards
Neglect it not, be counted worthy to stand (D&C 107:100)
The Lord will shape the back to the load that is placed on it
Two: Do what we should do
D&C 107 learning transitions to doing
Act in the office to which he is appointed in all diligence
Do your duty that is best; leave unto the Lord the rest
Elder and Sister Fussek story
Three: Be what we should be
Be an example of the believers (1 Timothy 4:12)
What manner of men ought ye to be? (3 Nephi 27:27)
I am the good shepherd, not a hireling (John 10:12-13)
I know my sheep
He who notes the sparrows fall will acknowledge us!
Using the Priesthood to get a submarine pickup (story)

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Growing in Priesthood Service

2008-10-17T04:22:00.002-05:00

President Henry B. Eyring (1^st Counselor in the First Presidency)

“Growing in Priesthood Service”

· Priesthood callings stretch us and invite growth

· The more faithful service you give the more the Lord asks of you

· Increased power requires you to go to your outer limit

· Priesthood power like muscles is strengthened as you “push it to the point of exhaustion” it then repairs itself and becomes stronger

· Make and keep sacred covenenats

· A selected few hold His Priesthood

· This demonstrates the magnitude of the trust that God has in us

· The feelings of inadequacy we have remind us we cannot do this alone

· D&C 84:88 And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.

· Elisha (2 Kings 6:16) And he answered, Fear not: for they that [be] with us [are] more than they that [be] with them.

· Leaders encouraged to “look into the eyes” of Priesthood holders to aid and assist them

· Pres Eyring recounted the story of his self-doubts and how Pres James E. Faust called him into his office one day and told him he had noticed a look of being overwhelmed in Elder Eyrings demeanor. When HBE admitted that yes he was struggling and what could JEF do to help JEF said don’t ask me, go to Him (pointing skyward)

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Lift Where You Stand

2008-10-16T04:22:00.002-05:00

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf (2^nd Counselor in the First Presidency) “Lift Where You Stand”

· Related the story of moving a grand piano from the chapel to the cultural hall of a Church. After many trials and failures one brother suggested the strategy that ultimately got the piano moved: “Stand close together and lift where you stand”

· It is a principle of power to lift where you stand.

· When it comes to callings and responsibilities in the Church Pres. Uchtdorf referred to two false tendencies he has observed in the lives of some men: those who “seek to lead” and those to “seek to hide” in short they either covet a “crown” or a “cave”

· For one who seeks a crown: “If only I was a Bishop…” (feels inadequate or underutilized unless in a certain calling of their choosing)

· For one who seeks a cave: “I would but…” (always has a ready excuse/turning down calls to serve/too busy/accept a call without or with no intent to magnify it)

· The root cause of both the “crown and cave” tendency is selfishness

· Though He must have felt tired and pressed upon the Savior did not seek or care for the honors of men. Satan tempted Him with the riches of the earth (which ironically were His creations to begin with)

· We sometimes seek the honors of men

· Will the Lord care about our positions held, the meetings we attended, etc. will he care for any other title than husband, father, or Priesthood holder?

· The Lord is pleased with a “noble servant” not a “self-serving noble”

· Account of John Rowe Moyle (Grandfather of Henry D. Moyle) who walked great distances to the Salt Lake Temple to fulfill his responsibility as a stonecutter during its construction. After the loss of his leg from the knee down, he fashioned a prosthetic and continued to make the 20+ mile journey weekly. His hand inscribed “Holiness to the Lord” on the Salt Lake Temple (see also Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, As Doves to Our Windows, Ensign (CR), May 2000)

· Notice that Helaman’s 2000 striplings bear that name only. None of them are named

· When we care for the glory of the Kingdom not our personal prestige the kingdom grows.

· Life where you stand including in your calling, whatever it may be.

· He related the experience he has had with the reorganization of Stakes in the Church. He reminded that though a call may not be extended to a man the realization (borne of the Spirit) that one could receive the call is a spiritual blessing for that individual.

· Cease to aspire and cease to retire

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Family Service Hurricane Style

2008-10-15T04:22:00.000-05:00

On two consecutive weekends (Baton Rouge & Houma) in September our family had the opportunity to travel to Louisiana and provide service to those affected by hurricanes Gustav and Ike. The hurricane season got really active this year during the early part of September (this is the historical peak part of the season which runs from 1 Jun to 30 Nov each year). We had the opportunity three years ago to help the victims of hurricane Katrina (Pascagoula, Ms) as well. One thread flowed (and continues to do so) through each of these work projects. The thread is the joy and spirit of compassionate service. I have felt the joy of lifting others up, of offering words of encouragement and solace, and of strenuous labor gratefully expended. I (and my neighbors) have been the recipient of repairing relief work parties (when Pensacola was hit by hurricane Ivan in 2004). The greatest joy (and memory I will always cherish) I have in association with these service projects is seeing those around me (especially my own children who have all been on one or more of these work parties) partake of the joy of Christ-like service unselfishly rendered. To me this type of service is refreshing to the soul and enlightening to the mind. It draws us nearer to Christ and engraves His image more prominently in our countenances (Alma 5:14). My only regret is that so many otherwise faithful Saints forego a wonderful opportunity to pick (and taste) the sweet fruit of service. Hurricanes are devastating forces of nature that kill, maim, and destroy lives and dreams. They destroy property and render the formerly familiar changed forever. They are persistent, pervasive, and by some accounts increasing in frequency and intensity every year. One other thing about hurricanes which generally is never associated with them; they provide a golden opportunity to give meaningful service to others! For my family hurricanes have taught us many great life lessons; not least of which are about service.

One last observation:

Having done relief work in multiple hurricanes while living in the same area I have noticed that it seems like all the same people on the work crews…Why do they know that others don't?

Valiant Priesthood Warriors in Our Day

2008-10-14T04:22:00.002-05:00

Elder James Hamula (of the Seventy) “Valiant Priesthood Warriors in Our Day”

· Review of the war in heaven (revelation 12:7)

· In anticipation of the final conflict that lies ahead God has restored His Gospel to the earth for the last time, never to be taken again from the earth.

· It will overcome the world

· The Aaronic Priesthood are the strength of his house-His warriors

· Alma 13:3: And this is the manner after which they were ordained--being called and prepared from the foundation of the world according to the foreknowledge of God, on account of their exceeding faith and good works; in the first place being left to choose good or evil; therefore they having chosen good, and exercising exceedingly great faith, are called with a holy calling, yea, with that holy calling which was prepared with, and according to, a preparatory redemption for such. (emphasis added)

· Nothing can o’erthrow God’s kingdom except the transgressions of His people

· Nothing happened in Sodom and Gomorrah that isn’t around us today.

· Related the childhood of Mormon, who was a “sober child” (Mormon 1:2) at age 10 and 15

· Counsel against alcohol, drugs, tobacco, pornography, lying, cheating, stealing, tattoos, piercings

· Offered 3 tips for success:

01. Pray to heavenly Father

02. Learn to hear the voice of the Lord (felt rather than heard often)

03. Obey the word of the Lord as it is given to you

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In the Arms of Safety

2008-10-13T04:22:00.002-05:00

Elder Jay E. Jensen (of the Presidency of the Seventy) “In the Arms of Safety”

· The Atonement “encircles us in the arms of safety” (Alma 34:16)

· Mercy satisfies the demands of justice

· D&C Section 110 section heading

· Young men offer congregation members the tokens of the Sacrament allowing them to renew the covenants of baptism

· The bread & water reminds of the name of Christ, invite us to remember Him, and to keep His commandments

· Keys authorize those who act in all aspects of the Sacrament. All who do so act in the name of the Lord

· Each should be reverent and dignified.

· True servants of Jesus Christ maintain themselves by being properly dressed and having an appropriate personal appearance. They strive to ensure their appearance and demeanor don’t detract others from partaking of the sweet blessings of the infinite Atonement

· For some reason, we think the Atonement of Christ applies only at the end of mortal life to redemption from the Fall, from spiritual death. It is much more than that. It is an ever-present power to call upon in everyday life. When we are racked or harrowed up or tormented by guilt or burdened with grief, He can heal us. While we do not fully understand how the Atonement of Christ was made, we can experience the peace of God, which passeth all understanding.

(President Boyd K. Packer, The Touch of the Masters Hand, Ensign (CR), May 2001, p.22) Full text

Priesthood Responsibilities

2008-10-12T04:22:00.004-05:00

Elder Richard G. Scott (of the Quorum of the Twelve) “Priesthood Responsibilities”

· We (who hold the Priesthood) are among the very few men on the earth trusted to act in the name of God! How few have received it! We should be deeply grateful/humble for this matchless blessing

· The Priesthood is essential to the success of the Lord’s work on the earth

· Our ordination is eternal if we are faithful

· The power of the Priesthood is effected as we are faithful, the power is unlocked by our personal worthiness/obedience

· The Priesthood is used primarily for healing, consoling, and blessing the lives of others.

· Ponder your own personal worthiness and how you use the Priesthood

· Are your thoughts and intents in keeping with righteous principles?

· What do you take in via your eyes and ears? Do you engage in viewing pornography?

· How about the Word of Wisdom?

· If divorced do you see to the needs ($) of your offspring (even if not mandated by the law)?

· Are you faithful to your wife both mentally and physically?

· Are you kind and supportive of her?

· Do you assist in the family chores and help around the house?

· Do you tell her you love her?

· If you are failing in any of these areas seek the help and counsel of your Bishop or Stake President

· Proclamation on the Family: husbands and wives are equal partners

· Use the Priesthood to lift the sick, widows, etc.

· Bishops council with your Ward Council (particularly the females) to ascertain the needs of the members of your ward.

· Give credence and attention to men and women equally. Ne weighted attention to sons of God over or in lieu of daughters of God. They should be equal in your sight.

· Women are fundamentally different than men by divine design.

· Ethnic treatment of women as inferior, not as smart, etc than men in some cultures is the antithesis of Priesthood and Gospel teachings

· Husbands, lift your wives up, hold them, tell them!

· “Often the real value of something is not fully realized until it is taken away” (you don’t appreciate what you have until it’s taken away)

· God will hold us accountable for how we treat His precious daughters!

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Building Zion/Gratitude in Prayer

2008-10-11T04:22:00.003-05:00

From General Conference (4-5 Oct 08)

Elder D. Todd Christopherson (Quorum of the Twelve)

"Build up Zion through Unity"

Zion vs. Babylon
We can be beacons of righteousness for those who seek the blessings of Zion (D&C 115:5-6)
Those of all dispensations have looked to this dispensation with especial joy and anticipation w/ songs and prophecies…(Joseph Smith)
- Unified
- A holy people
- Care for the poor and needy; eliminate needy among us
Jarrings, contentions, envying, strife amongst the people (D&C 101:6)
Decried the "vicarious immorality of pornography"
Quoted Elder Neal A. Maxwell: " Let us establish a residence in Zion & give up the summer cottage in Babylon"

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Elder David A. Bednar (Quorum of the Twelve)

"Gratitude in Prayer"

Principle 1: Prayer is more meaningful as we counsel with the Lord in all our doings
The Holy Ghost is the messenger of the Father and the Son
All things were created spiritually before they were created naturally on the earth
Morning prayers is a spiritual creation of a day temporally
Example of a morning prayer
Meaningful prayers are instrumental in receiving Heavenly Father's greatest blessings to His children
Pray always
Principle 2: Prayer is more meaningful when we express gratitude to Heavenly Father

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