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.

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

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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.