Unto you...

The Christmas season is, of course, a wonderful time to remember the brith, life, death, resurrection, appearance to restore the gospel, and second coming of our Savior Jesus Christ. That is quite a bit to remember! We are truly blessed.

But more particularly, we remember his humble birth. The Living Christ, prepared by living witnesses--modern apostles and prophets-- of the Savior, makes the following statement:

As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.
As a family, we add our testimony to this. We know it is true.

Last week in our Sacrament meeting, we had a wonderful program arranged by the choir. Our ward bishop had asked me to conduct, and I chose to read a few words from the Gospel of Luke. While doing so, the spirit taught me a truth that I won't soon forget.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

I was struck by the words "for unto YOU is born..." The angel did not say, "unto Mary" or "unto Joseph", though it certainly was the case. Previously, an angel had explained to Joseph that Mary would "bring forth a son, and... call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." Just 8 days after his birth, Simeon would prophecy in the temple that Jesus would be "a light to lighten the gentiles." The Savior was born for us.


I think of the final words of The Living Christ: God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.

Come What May and Love It

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin passed away on December 1, 2008 at age 91. He was sustained as a member of the twelve apostles on October 4, 1986 during general conference. I think we all have those 'favorite apostles,' someone that sticks out to you more than the others, and he was one for me.

Not only was I drawn to him for the feeling I got when seeing him, but he always shared good messages, things I felt that were really heart felt and made me love him more. I recall one year when he spoke of his wife who had passed away, they were words of such love, devotion and affection. It always melts my heart when I see two people that loved eachother so much. It makes me look forward to the future with my husband as I know our love can continue to grow if we nourish it.

So his last talk in General Conference before he passed away was no different and I thought I would highlight some things in honor of him. This time, I felt his great love for his mother and appreciation for her. He spoke of coming home from a football game being very disappointed to which his mother replied, "Joseph, come what may, and love it."

He went on to say:

"Every life has peaks and shadows and times when it seems that the birds don’t sing and bells don’t ring. Yet in spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser, and happier as a result.

The Lord in His wisdom does not shield anyone from grief or sadness.

How can we love days that are filled with sorrow? We can’t—at least not in the moment. I don’t think my mother was suggesting that we suppress discouragement or deny the reality of pain. I don’t think she was suggesting that we smother unpleasant truths beneath a cloak of pretended happiness. But I do believe that the way we react to adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life."

What great words and applicable to every one. He gave some guidelines on how to react to adversity to ensure that we do experience happiness. First, he taught "learn to laugh," second, "seek the eternal," third, 'understand the principle of compensation" and lastly, "trust in the Father and in the Son."

It was a very pleasant talk which he shared some cute stories, to read the whole thing further visit http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=b5f44bb52a73d110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1

As I read through it a second time the line that stuck out most to me was "The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss." He promises "while it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude.that every tear we shed will be compensated with tears of joy." That in itself brings peace. I hope we can all take these principles into practice and remember Elder Wirthlin for the great man he was.

Think to Thank

Well with Thanksgiving around the corner and constantly hearing about how bad everything is I thought it would be good to 'count my many blessings.' There are so many things I am grateful for, but I've limited it to a top 10 list.

10. Priesthood - I think it is amazing that we have the power of God on earth. Though only worthy men can hold the power, I know we can all be blessed by it. Cute story: Jack told me the other day, 'you can hold the priesthood tonight' (then whispered, 'put your arms around me') :) It's good to enjoy those fun, nerdy times and have a worthy priesthood holder in my home. I have seen miracles in my own life and felt the blessings of partaking in the holy ordinances that would not be available without it.

9. Temples - I am also grateful for all the temples around the world, the many more they are building and will build in the future. I love to go to the House of the Lord and sit in the Celestial Room -it is such a peaceful place. I love to see family and friends be sealed and the happiness and love that is felt. I am grateful that I am worthy to hold a current temple recommend.

8. Families - Need I say more? I am grateful we are put in families, the love and support system they are. With that, technology and that I can talk to my parents and brothers and sisters and be able to visit with them. It's always a good time to get together with our families.

7. Church Publications - Since I haven't been working I spend more time at home and have come to really appreciate all the church publications. I love reading from the Joseph Smith manuel. I always get inspired to do good and be better. I am grateful for the Ensign put out every month and that I am able to look up older talks from the Brethren on the internet. I learn so much and feel better after reading them.

6. Prophets - Going along with the previous number, I know the prophets of old and the living prophet today are called of God and they are a Watchman on the Tower for the whole world. I feel so blessed that there is someone on earth to look to and listen to and feel at peace.

5. Prayer - I am so grateful that anyone can pray and that God will listen. There are often times when I feel overwhelmed with thoughts and emotions and at those times I can kneel and pour out everything. It is comforting to know that someone is listening and someone cares about my silly worries.

4. Holy Ghost - I am grateful I was able to receive the gift of the holy ghost and the blessings that come with that. Even though I sometimes struggle trying to understand it, I'm thankful that I know that when I am worthy I can have the Holy Ghost with me at all times. I feel so much better knowing that if I'm doing what I'm supposed to I will be comforted and guided at those difficult times.

3. Plan of Salvation - How can anybody not be truly grateful for knowing who they are, why they are here, and where they are going. It gives life purpose, gives me motivation, and peace that no matter what the end result will be worth it. I often think of the line from The Living Christ that says, "Christ will return to the earth and all flesh shall see it together. He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords. Every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the desires our hearts." It makes me excited for that day. It will be wonderful and I feel blessed knowing that what I do on earth right now and not giving up is going to matter.

2. Noah - When I think of him I often think of the cheesy My Turn on Earth song and the lines, "you can never know good if you never know the bad, you can never be happy if you've never been sad." :) As imperfect as I am and frustrated I get at times with him, he is so great to have in my life. He brings so many smiles, so many laughs, and so many good times. He is a wonderful spirit and brings so much to our home and family. I love being a mom and am very grateful that I have been trusted and privileged to raise him.

1. Jack - My husband tops the list. Everything would be so much harder without him. I've now known him for 8 1/2 years and it keeps getting better. He is a huge strength and support. He works nonstop to make sure he is doing the best he can with school, work, church, and our family. He constantly makes sacrifices. And he loves me and he loves Noah. I love watching him play with Noah, I love his smile, I love when he sings and plays the guitar for us. I love seeing him get excited about books or learning something new. I love him and everything he is, stands for, and does. I am so thankful to have met him and have him in my life.

What Is Marriage?

My dear husband requested an odd present for his last birthday - an 1828 Websters Dictionary. However, it brings interesting insight to some things and most recently, with everything going on, I looked up the definition of marriage.


Marriage -
"The legal union of a man and woman for life. Marriage was instituted by God himself for the purpose of preventing the promiscuous intercourse of the sexes, for promoting domestic felicity, and for securing the maintenance and education of children."

So many things stick out to me in this. First, it a union of man and woman. I completely believe that "gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose." God created each of us and each of us "is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny." God put Adam and Eve on the earth. Males and females are different, we all know this, each one is needed and they complement eachother in every way.

Second, it says God instituted it for the purpose of preventing the promiscuous intercourse of the sexes. I also believe the "the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife." Not only should this divine act be kept between man and woman, but I also believe God has commanded we must be married.

Elder Oaks, in a recent interview, responded to the attacks that we are keepings gays and lesbians from experiencing this by saying "the same thing we say to the many members who don’t have the opportunity to marry. We expect celibacy of any person that is not married." http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction

Lastly, it is to promote domestic felicity, and for securing the maintenance and education of children. Fathers are able to do things mothers can't and vice versa. "By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and reighteousness and are responsibleto provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners."

I am so grateful I was raised by a father and mother who honored their marital vows with complete fidelity. I believe marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and I think it is so sad to see people's reaction to Prop 8. It isn't a matter of hate or inequality, it's a matter of wishing to secure the definition of marriage and the sacred role it has in God's eternal plan.

(Quotes taken from The Family: A Proclamation to the World)

Peace in Perilous Times

As we all can see, and as mentioned by Jack in his earlier post, the world is not in the best condition. It can be quite discouraging watching the news or reading the paper and learning of all the corruption and destruction in the world.

I was reading from the Ensign, a publication put out by the church every month, last night and came across an article that caught my attention: "Protecting Our Families in the Last Days." No matter who we are or what our circumstance is we want the best for our families and loved ones.

In the Book of Mormon, Moroni, an ancient prophet, testified of our day saying:

"The power of God shall be denied and churches become defiled and be lifted up in the pride of their hearts. There shall be heard of fires, and tempests, and vapors of smoke in foreign lands. There shall also be heard of wars, rumors of wars, and earthquakes in divers places. There shall be great pollutions upon the face of the earth; there shall be murders, and robbing, and lying, and decievings, and whoredoms, and all manner of abominations." - Mormon 8:28-31

Despite how grim this all sounds there is one thing that brings hope and comfort in these words -they are true. These things are happening all around the world and Moroni, more than 1600 years ago, saw that and prophesied of that.

This should strengthen our testimony of prophets. They are seers and revelators who can see the future and receive revelation from God. We are blessed to have a modern day prophet, Thomas S. Monson. As we listen and follow his counsel we can be assured of that safety, security and happiness in these times.

This article reminded me of that huge blessing we have. I know God lives and loves us and has provided us with the tools we need to make it back to him. I am so grateful for a husband who loves his family and has a strong testimony of the gospel who can preside over his family in righteousness and provide protection by listening and following the counsel of prophets.

Patriotism?

Well, it is that time of year isn't it? The 'final' presidential debate occured last night. I'm not going to take the time to discuss my personal views. Many people reading this would already know them. I will talk about something that has happened with me personally over the last few years.

After returning from my mission, I found myself back in an America worse than it was when I left. Gradually, I will admit, I found myself more and more jaded in regards to our government--I could list the many discouraging issues but such a daunting task would be inappropriate and contrary to my current purpose. I also found myself more and more apathetic towards a general patriotism and love for the more foundational principles of American government and society.

However, this last month brought with it the privledge of listening to our Prophets and Apostles speak in the 178th semi-annual general conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am blessed with the oppurtunity to do Armenian translation and interpretation for such events. As one of my talks, I was assigned Elder Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Here is an excerpt from his words:

The Saints knew that the Lord had told them to be “subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.”¹⁰ That commandment, revealed then, is true now of our members in every nation. We are to be law-abiding, worthy citizens.

The Lord told them, “I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose.”¹¹

---------------------------------

And so on that day of celebration in 1849, “Elder Phineas Richards came forward in behalf of the twenty-four aged sires, and read their loyal and patriotic address.”¹³ He spoke of the need for them to teach patriotism to their children and to love and honor freedom. After he briefly recited the perils that they had come through, he said:

“Brethren and friends, we who have lived to three-score years, have beheld the government of the United States in its glory, and know that the outrageous cruelties we have suffered proceeded from a corrupted and degenerate administration, while the pure principles of our boasted Constitution remain unchanged. . . .

“. . . As we have inherited the spirit of liberty and the fire of patriotism from our fathers, so let them descend [unchanged] to our posterity.”¹⁴

One would think that, compelled by force of human nature, the Saints would seek revenge, but something much stronger than human nature prevailed.

The Apostle Paul explained:

“The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. . . .

“. . . We have the mind of Christ.” (for Elder Packers full text click here).

Despite what is going on in the here and now of American government and politics it does not change the fact the the Lord has his hand in the American founding. As Latter-day Saints we need to be true to those founding principles and patriotic as were our forefathers. The words spoken by Elder Packer have caused me to rethink many of my views--and repent of a few--in order to be more inline with the will of the Lord for his saints in these "perilous times."

In our family, we have purchased a book containing the some of the great works of the revolutionary and early republic periods (ie. the bill of rights, the declaration, some of the federalist papers, and other works by early patriots and founders). I feel we should be fluent and well understanding of these and other documents so that we may protect those principles that were established by the hand of wise men whom the Lord raised up for that very purpose.

Pionner Day

To most people, July 24th is just like every other day, however, to me it is a day to remember the sacrifices made by the early pioneers of this church. This past week our family was able to celebrate Pioneer Day by making fig newton, marshmallow covered wagons. Though it is a silly activity, we hope it will be something fun for our kids to grow doing to help remember this special day.

As Christopher Columbus made the voyage to the Americas and the pilgrims followed so long ago, we saw how important it was for people then to have their freedom and the right to practice their religious beliefs. This desire never died as we continue to travel forward in time and Jospeh Smith restored Christ's church to the earth. These early members desired to practice their beliefs but faced much persecution for it.

Early saints were forced from their homes moving from one place to another until they reached Nauvoo, Illinois. It was not the most desirable place to build a community, nevertheless, a place where early members of the Church of Jesus Christ believed they would be able to live in peace with the gospel being a part of their lives. Unfortunately, this was not the case and they made one more trek, the longest of all, westward until they reached the Great Salt Lake 161 years ago in Utah, which is now the church's headquarters.

My family was able to take a vacation a couple years ago and visit many church sites, one being Nauvoo, Illinois. This was such a special experience for me as my testimony and gratitude for these people grew so much. When they arrived there it was a swampy, ugly place, but they turned it into a beautiful city and built a temple to the Lord there. It took a lot of hard work and today many buildings still stand.

It is amazing to see their dedication put forth to build this city and their faith to leave it all, not even knowing where they would end up. The Nauvoo Temple is, in my opinion, the most beautiful. For these people to sacrifice so much to build it and then leave it, near complete, must have been so difficult. Two years after the saints left Nauvoo it was burned and left as rubble by a tornado two years after that. In April 1999 President Gordon B. Hinkley announced a replica of this beautiful temple would be re-built in the same spot. I am so grateful that decision was made so that I could visit this monument which stands as a symbol of their true love of God, Jesus Christ and everything else this gospel stands for. Nauvoo is a special place and the spirit resides so strong there, it was an amazing place to visit and remember my heritage.

Marriage is Ordained of God

"Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God" -The Family Proclamation

In the past few months I got the priviledge of seeing my two sisters take the man they love into the House of the Lord and be married. Being in the room with them and watching the ceremony there were two things that stood out to me. At my younger sister's wedding I kept thinking, "she looks SO happy" and at my older sister's wedding I kept thinking, "She looks SO pretty." Now I have pretty sisters and we always smile, but this day I saw something different.

I've thought about it and I came to realize she looked so happy because she was doing what God wants us all to do. "For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? / Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh." - Matthew 19:5-6 She found someone she loved and was sealed to him in the temple. I believe God witnessed that and will bless them for making right choices.

Similarly, my older sister was so beautiful because she had the spirit with her. She had that happiness. I was so happy for each of them that they can now share in that joy I have. I know that because this eternal marriage is ordained of God I have responsibility in doing my part to keep God a part of my marriage and keeping the commandments.

Salt Lake Temple Trip

Yesterday, Jill and I were able to go to the Salt Lake Temple. One of my closest mission companions is getting married soon, and his fiance was recieving her endowment--an ordinance or religious rite performed in our temples. The endowment includes covenants that we make similar to those at baptism. We promise to live according to God's commandments, and He promises to bless us. It was a great expirience. When I had some time to myself I was able to sit and ponder for a minute in the temple. I really felt the presence of the Lord. I could feel that it was a sacred place and I knew that the power of God and revelation has been restored today. We feel so blessed to be able to visit these sacred places where the spirit of the Lord is so strong, and where the Lord himself may visit from time to time.

I am a child of God

"Each (person) is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny."
-The Family: A Proclamation to the World



Mark 10:16 "And he took them (the children) up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them."


This is similar to the baby blessings we perform today. When Christ blessed the children, he did so with the authority from God. Today we have that same authority, the Melchezidek Priesthood, which was restored to the earth to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery by Peter James and John. After a baby is born, a Melchezidek priesthood leader, usually the father, gives the child a name and a blessing.



Our child was blessed about a month after he was born. During this blessing he was blessed that he would grow healthy and strong, remember his forefathers and their righteous works and that that righteousness would continue to him. He was blessed to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who was crucified for the sins of the world and that he would be a missionary to share that testimony with others.


It was a very special experience for me as I felt the spirit testify to me that he was a son of God who loved him very much. I felt blessed to be trusted to raise this very special spirit. I felt excitement and joy that he would be an instrument in God's hands in sharing this gospel and bringing happiness to many others. I was reminded of my responsibility to raise this child in a home of love and teach him correct principles.


I am so thankful I have a knowledge of the Plan of Happiness, God's plan for each and every one of us. That we lived before we came to earth and that we can return to live with God. We will be judged according to our works and the desires of our hearts. I know God loves all of us and wants us to return to him.

What we believe about families...

One of the reasons that we believe so firmly in the importance of families is because of a document issued by our living prophets and apostles, called "The Family: A Proclamation to the World". We try to live by the guidelines set forth and believe that these words have come from God, Our Heavenly Father, so that we can be happy in this life. To read the proclamation, its only one page long, follow this link: Read the Proclamation

The Name of the Blog...

The name of the blog is a quote from Ephesians 1:10 in the New Testament. We chose this name because it represents the reason why we live the way we do. Why did we get married so young? Why do we have a child so soon? Why do we spend so much time serving in our church, etc?

The apostle Paul in the New Testament (along with so many other prophets and apostles) prophesied that in the last days (our days!) that there would be a "dispensation of the fullness of times"--in other words a period of time when God would reach out to his children again by calling prophets and restoring all the truths from every era in the past. We live in this time.

In 1820, God the father and His Son Jesus Christ personally ushered in this new era. They visited a young man named Joseph Smith and called him to be a prophet just like Noah, Moses or Abraham from the bible.


Through Joseph Smith, Heavenly Father restored, or brought back to mankind, his power and authority to act in religious affairs. God revealed commandments for those who believe in him. We live by those commandments, or try to the best we can. Since Joesph Smith, God has continued to call prophets to guide us and give us a "fullness" of gospel truths. We try to structure our family around those truths. This blog is all about why we do what we do and live like we live.