Finding Strength

I had a friend pass away Sunday night from leukemia. Things had been going well and a sudden bad turn of events made it somewhat shocking. This week my mind has consistently gone towards this friend and the relationship he had with his wife, another one of my friends. He recently turned 25 and she 24. They were young, beautiful, and in love.

They had a blog documenting his progress, treatment and relationship which I spent the other day going through and tears filled my eyes in amazement at the strength of this young couple. I thought of where they got their strength from and where we can all get strength from.

I know the gospel of Jesus Christ played a role in their strength and it is through the atonement we find that. They continually fasted and prayed and asked others to do so. They felt angels around them and prayers answered. Instead of a post on that, I was reminded of how keeping the right focus on what is most important can make such a difference. I was touched by a post of her sister which documented the first time she went to the hospital after Robert was diagnosed. She states she saw him lying in the bed, Ashley beside him holding his hand, her husband of a year and four months. She says:

"It was November, Thanksgiving time, and there they were, in the hospital. Ashley cradled his hand, careful of the IV tube, and looked at him, hair gone, pale, thin, with dark circles under his eyes. He looked so different, not a shadow, but something approaching one.

To her though, it was apparent that he was the most beautiful thing in the world. One could see this because that beauty was reflected in her face; she looked so lovely, glowing almost, her warmth a contrast to the cold white and steel of her surroundings.

They smiled, talked, laughed with each other. She leaned over and they kissed lightly. Their affection was so heavy, so dense, that it made everything else light. Sorrows, fears, doubts; they all floated up to the ceiling, up and away into the heavens, displaced by the love that would not allow them to stay. She looked at him, past the fear, weariness, and pain, and loved him all the more for it."

I think it is beautiful to read of how a little sister was able to see the power of love. The blog is full of experiences where she got him to laugh, and how much she loves his laugh. That despite him being in pain and on meds, all he thought about was how he wanted to be close to his wife. It makes me evaluate my relationship with my husband and how much I love him. That I want to focus on the love we share rather than worry about expenses, job opportunities, sickness, any little faults he may have or even the troubles in the world.

We are so blessed and I hope that we can remember what is most important and draw strength from that. We need to focus on the blessings that we have been given and show love to those dear to us. No matter our situation, we all have a Savior, Jesus Christ, who lived a perfect life and died for us that we may return to live with him again. His love for us is the most powerful of all and our love for him will make all the difference.

Happy Birthday America...

After the death and ressurection of Jesus Christ, he visited his "other sheep" (see John 10:14-16) who were living on the American continent at the time. As he spoke to them, the Savior told them of the future nation that would be founded on the same continent by the gentiles, or non-jewish nations. He said,

"For it is wisdom in the Father that they should be established in this land, and be set up as a free people by the power of the Father that these things might come forth from them unto a remnant of your seed, that the covenant of the Father may be fulfilled which he hath covenanted

with his people, O house of Israel (3 Nephi 21:4)."
What things was the Savior refering to? He was refering to the records and testimonies kept by the people in the ancient Americas--these have come forth in our day as the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. (For more background information click HERE).

The Book of Mormon is one of the main media by which our Heavenly Father will bring the true gospel to his people in our day. Its title page informs of some of its purposes: 1) To show unto the remnant of the House of Israel what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers; 2)that they may know the covenants of the Lord, that they are not cast off forever, 3) and also to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations.

I am grateful for this book of scripture that has taught me and my family so much about the Savior and God's plan to save his children and bring them back to him after this life. This makes me grateful for the country in which my family lives--the United States.

The freedom given to us through the battle for independence made it possible for the Lord to do his work. I'm grateful for the freedom of religion granted us by the Constitution which made it possible for Joseph Smith to pray to God, recieve revelations from him, and establish his true church once again. I'm grateful for the Freedom of the press granted us that allows us to print the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. I'm grateful for the freedom of speech granted us that allows us to declare these things to all that everyone can experience the joy that comes from living according to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

God bless America, but most of all, God bless us as a people that we might ever remain grateful and worthy of the blessings that we enjoy. May all nations of the world eventually partake of the same freedoms and blessings.

A name and a fame that cannot be slain...

Yesterday (June 27th) was the 165th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith. (For more historical background see HERE and HERE.) Last night for family scripture study we decided to watch a short video clip and read Doctrine and Covenants Section 135 together. We both felt a great sense of gratitude for the life and mission of Joseph Smith as we read those great words written by John Taylor. Here a few snippets...

When Joseph went to Carthage to deliver himself up to the pretended requirements of the law, two or three days previous to his assassination, he said: “I am going like a lamb to the slaughter; but I am calm as a summer’s morning; I have a conscience void of offense towards God, and towards all men. I SHALL DIE INNOCENT, AND IT SHALL YET BE SAID OF ME—HE WAS MURDERED IN COLD BLOOD.”

In the short space of twenty years, he [Joseph] has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fulness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city, and left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord’s anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood; and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated!

Hyrum Smith was forty-four years old in February, 1844, and Joseph Smith was thirty-eight in December, 1843; and henceforward their names will be classed among the martyrs of religion; and the reader in every nation will be reminded that the Book of Mormon, and this book of Doctrine and Covenants of the church,

cost the best blood of the nineteenth century to bring them forth for the salvation of a ruined world;

Greatest of all, was Joseph's powerful witness of the savior. His testimony is like that of the prophets of old:

And now, after the many

testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of

all, which we give of him: That he lives!

For we saw him, even on the right

hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—

That by him, and through him, and

of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughte

rs unto God. (Doctrine and Covenants 76:22-24)

We are grateful for this good man, servant of the Lord, and powerful witness for Christ.

Receiving Answers to Prayer

Our family recently had a decision to make, which seemed extremely difficult, and I could not come up with an answer. As I studied it out in my mind and listing the pros and cons on paper, I kept thinking of this scripture:

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6

I thought, okay, I need to trust in the Lord. At this point I was more than willing because I did not want to lean on my own understanding-I didn't have any! So then I asked myself, am I acknowledging him in ALL things, or just the things I am wanting his help with? Over the next few days I tried especially hard to remember Christ always and praying for an answer feeling like an answer could be received any time through any one. I still struggled. I felt like I would get an answer, and immediatly after change my mind. 

The next thing I thought to do-study faith. I turned to the scriptures and started looking up scriptures under the topical guide. I found many things, but a few offered greater support with my current situation. "The trying of your faith worketh patience" (James 1:3). I needed to be patient. It was okay that I wasn't getting an answer right away. I knew Alma's prayers were answered because of his faith. As long as I kept praying, with faith, the Lord would answer my prayer. And last, faith gives us strength. Alma the Younger prayed, "Lord, give us strength according to our faith which is in Christ, even unto deliverance. And they broke the cords with which they were bound" (Alma 14:26).  I thought, if I exercise faith, I can receive the strength I need, while I wait with patience for an answer to my prayer. 

To make a long story short, that Sunday my husband and I fasted and prayed together and were able to come to a decision we felt good about, not changing our minds afterwards. I feel blessed knowing that we can pray to a loving Heavenly Father who knows what we need, and He can give us answers and offer guidance in difficult times. I know that it takes effort on our part, and faith to go forward, not knowing what is best, but as we exercise our faith, a confirmation will come. 

An Easter Message

Plan of Salvation

Last night our family was able to go see the play Children of Eden put on by Lehi High School which some of Jack's students were in. They did a great job and the production was well done with great effects, great voices, and great costumes. However, I was unfamiliar with the story and thought it was quite depressing. I felt it left out important parts of the bible story and the interpretation John Caird, author of the book, and Stephen Schwartz, composer of the music, had of God's character, Eve's character, and Cain's character was disappointing. I walked away thinking, "Do people really believe that?" If so, that is so sad.

I feel the knowledge of God's plan for us and the plan of salvation or plan of happiness is a blessing and with it, things make so much more sense. I never really realized that without that important aspect there can be so much confusion on Adam and Eve and the fall.

Though I don't plan to critique the whole play, I thought I would mention a few of my thoughts. In the play God's character is as though he is bored and decides to put Adam and Eve on the earth for some fun. Next, he gets angry at Eve for eating the fruit, and angry at Adam for choosing to be with Eve. He is unforgiving and states they can never return to live with him again (though magically they are with him after they die).  Adam offers sacrifices and they pray to their father throughout their life, yet He never speaks to them and secretly visits Cain and Abel. What a horrible depiction of our Father in Heaven. 

I know he is a loving father who had a plan (detailed later), placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and gave them a commandment to multiply and replenish the earth, which was left out of the play altogether. We need to remember that this was the first commandment he gave to Adam and Eve, "God said unto them, Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth" (Genesis 1:28). This would not have been possible had they remained in the garden, especially if Adam did not partake of the fruit and remained alone in the garden. He partook so he could be with Eve and keep Father's commandments. In the bible we read "Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them" (Genesis 3:21). He also "placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life" (Genesis 3:24). This being so Adam and Eve don't live forever in their sin. This does not sound like a hating, unforgiving  God. (Note, this tree is also not mentioned in the play)

I was surprised while talking to my husband that with his experience of being on a mission, much of the world does not believe Adam was a prophet. Some question if Noah was a prophet, and it isn't until Moses that people actually think, 'okay, yeah, he was a prophet." This simply is not true. Adam was a prophet of God who still spoke with God after he was cast out of the Garden. Communication with our father in heaven was not cut off then and it is not cut off now. 

To rewind in detailing a little about God's plan, we lived with God before we came to earth as spirit children. It was there that God presented this great plan. Those who accepted this plan, all of us, were permitted to come to earth to get a body and be tested. There was one, Lucifer, who rebelled against this plan and his followers were cast out of God's presence. Lucifer became Satan and now he and his followers have power to tempt us while on earth. We can choose good over evil and come unto Christ as he has asked of us.

God's plan for us is that we can become like him. The fall was a necessary part of this plan. Though we can not dwell with God in our sins, God's perfect plan included a Savior to come to earth and atone for our sins. Jesus Christ gave his life to atone for the sins of all mankind. Through this and his resurrection, Jesus Christ overcame spiritual and physical death. As we partake of this amazing gift, repent of our sins, and keep the first principles and ordinances of the gospel, we can return to live with our Heavenly Father. Afte we die we will be resurrected as Christ and be judged. All of this is known as the Plan of Salvation. I am so grateful for our Father's perfect plan and know it is true.

Temples

Just to add my testimony to this great message put out by the church, I love the temple. I know it is a house of the Lord where we can go to feel peace, feel the spirit, learn more about the gospel, and receive answers to questions we may have. I have felt power while being there, and the opposite power of how Satan wishes we did not go and tries to put things in our way to prevent us from going. 

It is amazing to see that when me and my husband set a date to go, things always come up. I get sick, our little boy decides to change his schedule around, one of us will be grumpy feeling like we shouldn't go or a number of different things. But I know when we decide we will go, no matter what, it is always worth it. Though I try to always prepare myself before going so I am in a better position to learn and receive inspiration and revelation, that's not always the case. However, I love that as soon as I walk in the door and am greeted as I show my temple recommend, any negative feelings I have leave and I become thankful to be there. 

I know it is a holy place, a place of protection where Satan cannot dwell. I know there sacred ordinances and covenants we make, make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and families to be united eternally. I love the temple

In closing, here is a portion of an article entitled The Holy Temple by Elder Boyd K. Packer that I like-

Temples are the very center of the spiritual strength of the Church. We should expect that the adversary will try to interfere with us as a church and with us individually as we seek to participate in this sacred and inspired work. Temple work brings so much resistance because it is the source of so much spiritual power to the Latter-day Saints and to the entire Church.

At the Logan Utah Temple cornerstone dedication, President George Q. Cannon, then of the First Presidency, made this statement:

"Every foundation stone that is laid for a Temple, and every Temple completed according to the order the Lord has revealed for his holy Priesthood, lessens the power of Satan on the earth, and increases the power of God and Godliness, moves the heavens in mighty power in our behalf, invokes and calls down upon us the blessings of the Eternal Gods, and those who reside in their presence" (Millennial Star, 12 November 1877, 743).

"Why Me?"

Okay, so in previous posts I've talked about how times are tough and things aren't always easy, but we can still find peace in our lives, love the experiences, learn from them, and be grateful and focus on the good realizing that we are never alone. All of these are good things, and I still believe everything I've said, but this time I wanted to talk more about the actual bad things in our lives and why we have them.

God has promised to bless his children that keep his commandments. I know happiness comes from keeping God's commandments and living righteous lives. But this shouldn't set us up for disappointment or think we're doing something wrong whenever some misfortune hits us. Earlier this year I remember feeling frustrated. I was working hard to do my best. It was a New Year, I made resolutions and was doing a really good job at keeping them-being a better wife and mother, reading and studying my scriptures daily and kneeling to say morning and evening prayers, etc. But my life didn't change a lot. I was expecting everything to all of a sudden become perfect because I was being such a good person. :) Of course, like I mentioned, I noticed I still got agitated with a crying baby, tired of cleaning the same messes every day, and it didn't seem my husband noticed this amazing change in my life and praise my efforts!

So even though we have been promised we will be blessed, that doesn't mean things will never be hard. I think the best example of this is found in Job, the story of Job. We read he was "perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil" (Job 1:1). One thing to remember is that Christ is the only one that lived a perfect life and the word here in hebrew means  complete, whole, and having integrity. But God still allowed Satan to put trials in Job's life. Job lost everything-his family, his servants, his animals, and faced severe physical ailments-things that seem impossible for anyone to endure. Again, something to remember is that we are promised in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that "...God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able..." So what did Job do when faced with all these trials? He remained faithful and said "my lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit. God forbid that I should justify you: til I die I will not remove mine integrity from me" (Job 27:4-5) and in the end Job is greatly blessed and "the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before" (Job 42: 10).  Another thing I like about this story is Job's friends. At first they come to comfort him and later they tell him to repent. They believe he must have sinned to be faced with all these trials and they interpret it as a punishment from God. Job has a strong testimony though and knows that he is a righteous man and God is great.

So... trials are a necessary part of life and they do not always come because of wickedness. They will not last forever and God will bless us with more than we had. We need to keep our faith and trust in God during these times, and lastly, be a good friend and surround ourselves with good friends. Friends can be such a positive influence and when those around us are having difficult times we should help them and comfort them any way we can.

So earlier this year I felt this lesson applied, and that was in a scenario where there weren't bad events that happened, I just expected things to get better. As we've learned from Job, that's not always the case. Many of my friends and family members have lost their jobs during this 'economic crisis'. I know it is not because of their 'wickedness' and it's important to not judge those around us who may be having a harder time.  Instead of asking 'why me?' or 'what did I do wrong?' we should just make sure we are living the best we can and take many lessons away from Job.

Open Our Eyes

A couple months ago Jack shared a scripture story with me for Family Home Evening one night. It was found in 2 Kings Chapter 6, part of which reads:

And when the servant of the man of Goad was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?

And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.

And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. (vs. 15-17)

Jack shared how we shouldn't fear. God is aware of us and we often have angels around us helping us and supporting us. He encouraged me to 'open my eyes' and start looking for those tender mercies more in my life and having faith in difficult situations.


I'd like to share one recent experience of our family. We would like more children and due to the increasing cost of medical care we thought a secondary insurance would be good to look into. It would be yet one more expense every month, when we do not have much, really any, money to spare. But we felt God has commanded us to have children and we want to build our family. We made the decision based on gospel principles and after praying about it decided to go forward with faith. We have immediately been blessed by the Lord as Jack was offered a second/third teaching position.

I feel so blessed to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, to have the knowledge and testimony I do. I know the Lord loves us and is aware of us and our situations. He wants to bless us and will bless us when we make righteous decisions. I am certain there are angels around us, helping us on those hard days. I know we need to open our eyes and Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.

A Valentine's Day Message

Okay, so I'm a couple days late, but it's a good message:

Gethsemane

I am student-teaching seminary at Lehi High this semester. It is a great opportunity to interact with the youth of the church and discuss gospel principles. This week we reading from Luke chapter 22. It contains the account of the Savior's suffering in the garden of Gethsemane. It was there that he began his atonement for the sins and sorrows of the world--for us.

We discussed the meaning of "Gethsemane". It's a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew words Gath (meaning vat or press) and Shemen (meaning oil)--Gethsemane means "oil press". We took a look at the ancient process of olive oil production.

When the olives are first gathered the are crushed by this large stone wheel which is usually pushed by an animal. This first crushing can be used to produce "virgin" olive oil which would have been used in ancient times for temple ordinances and other use.

The pulp is then gathered into bags as shown.


The bags can then be placed in the beam press, or Gethsemene.

When the press is lowered the initial color of the oil that oozes from the bags is a dark reddish-brown, much like the color of blood. This oil would have been used for more of the day to day temporal activities such as lighting lamps.

I know the Jesus Christ went to Gethsemane that night and that he underwent a similar process. As he prayed to the Father, the weight of all the world came down upon him until even he bled from every pore. His atonement was for our benefit-both for our spiritual and our temporal concerns. I believe he went through an initial "pressing" to atone for our sins, but that he stayed the course and underwent a second "pressing" so that he could lift all of our other burdens. The Book of Mormon prophet Alma put it this way,
"And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities."

He did it because he loves us, and as John said, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. "

A Christmas Carol

Before it gets too late into the new year I wanted to share my thoughts on something new we did this year for Christmas. We decided to read A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens together as a family. While doing this we caught three different versions of this story on television, Mickey's Christmas Carol, the 1984 version with George C. Scott and the most recent one that I know of, the one that came out in 1999 with Patrick Stewart.


I think this is a wonderful story and me and Jack have often talked about how Charles Dickens came up with this amazing concept and how it is now so well accepted in our language. There are so many lessons that can be learned from the story, but there were two things that stuck out to me, and we were surprised to see them only portrayed in the latest movie, so I wanted to share them with you.

First, Scrooge, a greedy business man is visited by his old partner that died seven years earlier. He comes to warn him of what will happen if he doesn't change and tells him that three ghosts will come to visit him. As Marley is leaving he goes out the window and as Scrooge watches he sees the following:

"The air was filled with phantoms, wandering hither and thither in restless haste, and moaning as they went. ... He had been quite familiar with one old ghost in a white wasitcoat, with a monstrous iron safe attached to its ankle, who cried piteously at being unable to assist a wretched woman with an infant, whom it saw below, upon a door-step. The misery with them all was, clearly, that they sought to interfere, for good, in human matters, and had lost the power for ever."

I like this idea and find it so interesting that these people who were greedy in life want nothing more than to help people now, but can't. It shows what is really important in life, and that now is the time to change. Our time on earth is so limited but plays a crucial role in where we will be in the afterlife.

A second idea, which is along the same lines, comes when the ghost of Christmas present is leaving.

"From the foldings of its robe brought two children; wretched, abject, frightful, hideous, miserable. They knelt down at its feet, and clung upon the outside of its garment. ... 'Spirit! Are they yours?' Scrooge could say no more. 'They are Man's,' said the Spirit, looking down upon them. 'And they cling to me, appealing from their fathers. This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want. Beware them both, and all of their degree, but most of all beware this boy, for on his brow I see that written which is Doom, unless the writing be erased. Deny it!' cried the Spirit, stretching out its hand towards the city. 'Slanter those who tell it ye! Amit for your factious purposes, and make it worse! And bide the end!"


Scrooge is appalled by these children and is told to beware Ignorance and Want. Scrooge, when asked earlier to give to the poor gives an explanation of how we need poor, to fill prisons, and give people jobs. He displays ignorance in the way he lives and want in having money be all he desires, which lead him to let the love of his life leave. He believes his wealth and status qualifies him to sit in judgment on the poor rather than to assist them. If he lets these two traits continue to sit with him, Doom will come.

How that applies to all of us today. Though many of us don't have a lot of wealth, I think we often live in ignorance and judge others we see. We often want for ourselves rather than giving to others. But as we learn it is never too late to start anew. We should be more aware of those around us and try to serve others.


Though Christmas is past we can look to this story on how to live. Let us be more charitable and more Christlike all year long.