I was reading in the second book of Nephi this morning and had come to one of the most oft quoted passages by missionaries (at least the combative ones) - chapter 28. Many times on my mission I saw the fulfillment of these verses through the investigators and members of other churches. It was always amazing to me to see how accurate, if not word-perfect, they would be in citing (albeit unintentionally) words of an ancient prophet without having ever read them. Today, however, I was impressed by a new application of the verses.
"And they deny the power of God, the Holy One of Israel; and they say unto the people: Hearken unto us, and hear ye our precept; for behold there is no God today, for the Lord and the Redeemer hath done his work, and he hath given his power unto men;
"Behold, hearken ye unto my precept; if they shall say there is a miracle wrought by the hand of the Lord, believe it not; for this day he is not a God of miracles; he hath done his work," (2 Nephi 28:5-6).
As if they had been written anew these verses lept off the page and into my mind illuminating past encounters; not with investigators and non-members, but with the membership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Certainly I've seen this referenced to support why the Christian churches at large do not have miracles claiming those died out with the ancient apostles. Yet look at what is said by many right around us today!
I have heard several times from the mouths of members that shortly after the Church was restored the day of mighty miracles had ceased. They insist that it is no longer needed. Contrast that with the words of Moroni:
"And if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not...and the reason why he ceaseth to do miracles among the children of men is because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right way and know not the God in whom they should trust," (Mormon 9:19-20).
How sad is it then if our lives have no miracles! They come by our faith and devotion to the "only true God, and Jesus Christ whom [he] has sent," (John 17:3). This is not to say that angels will visit us daily and new scriptures will be put into our hands on a regular basis. It does mean, however, that miracles should be occurring frequently in our lives to some degree. Births of children, sustaining through difficult and trying times, fulfillment of promises whispered long ago are all examples of miracles that can happen to each of us.
The chapter of course didn't stop there.
"There shall also be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God - he will justify in committing a little sin; yea lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in this; and do all these things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God.
"...They have all gone out of the way; they have become corrupted.
"...they rob the poor because of their fine clothing; and they persecute the meek and the poor in heart, because in their pride they are puffed up.
"....Wo unto them that turn aside the just for a thing of naught and revile against that which is good and say that it is of no worth!
"....Wo be unto him that crieth: All is well!
"...that saith: We have received, and we need no more!
"...for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have," (2 Nephi 28:8, 11, 13, 16, 25, 27, 30).
How many people in our lives have we met or known who are caught in these sins? How many of us suffer from at least one of these problems? Isn't it strange to think of "robbing the poor" because we wear fine clothing or feeling at ease since "all is well?" It shouldn't be.
Paraphrasing President Kimball - Our lives are like our shoes - to be worn out in service. The law of consecration demands we give our all to the work and glory of God. We are returned what is needed. Holding on to riches and fine things of the world could very well cost us our eternal glory. Brigham Young once said, "The worst fear that I have about [members of this Church] is that they will get rich in this country, forget God and his people, wax fat, and kick themselves out of the Church and go to hell. This people will stand mobbing, robbing, poverty, and all manner of persecution, and be true. But my greater fear for them is that they cannot stand wealth; and yet they have to be tried with riches."
There is a disturbing tendency among all of us to sit back and enjoy the ride when life seems to be going well. We plateau, so to speak, for ages and don't move until we reach the other end and notice ourselves descending (if we notice at all). It is dangerous to sit back and say "all is well" for it is our duty and privilege to continue progressing infinitely until that glorious day when we are lifted up to our God and King. Yet this cannot and will not happen if we are complacent in our lives.
We cannot excuse our sins in the least degree. Others doing something does not create the freedom for us to do the same. Consequences exist regardless of peer pressure. We cannot look upon those we deem Peter Priesthoods and Molly Mormons with hostility without casting ourselves down to Hell. Regardless of their "apparent" attitudes, they are trying to do what is right and to mock and demean them only destroys our own souls.
It all boils down to this, and this was the big theme I saw while reading: we cannot sit idly by and hope we are going to Heaven in the end. Salvation is free, but at what cost? Shall we take the gift of the resurrection and just ignore the other proffered to us by Christ? Exaltation is not a free ride and will not be given to any, but those who have faithfully endured to the end and sacrificed for the kingdom of God. Those remaining on the spiritual couch of life will find that they are unfit to exercise any power in the next life past what they have done here.
I sincerely hope and pray that I will not be numbered among those unworthy to stand at the last day. My prayers are also with my family and friends that they too may find the strength of character needed to overcome the world and it's lies. Even those I know not yet or not well enough I yearn for their success in this school called life. All of us are capable and have the chance, I hope we take it. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Showing posts with label dedication. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dedication. Show all posts
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Running Fast
During the past two weeks the pressures of school, home and work took their toll on me. I enrolled in 12.5 credit hours this semester and was trying to balance that inbetween the demands of my wife and kids and the requirements of my full time job. This had seemed manageable in my mind when I signed up for it, but I wasn't really paying attention to the Spirit.
"And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order." (Mosiah 4:27)
I'm sure that many, like myself, have heard these words or their synonyms many times. It has been easy for me to understand this principle in the physical sense because I have had asthma since I was very young child and it severely limits my speed and endurance in sports. What it has never correlated to with me is my mind.
For some reason I have entertained this belief that I can handle all things if I put my mind to it. It probably stems from such passages as:
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philip 4:13)
"And I said unto them: If God had commanded me to do all things I could do them. If he should command me that I should say unto this water, be thou earth, it should be earth; and if I should say it, it would be done." (1 Nephi 17:50)
But remember, that to be understood properly we must always take things in context. Both Paul and Nephi were talking about God given mandates and as Nephi said earlier, "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them," (1 Nephi 3:7). See, the trick is that God has to command it. If he hasn't approved it, then you do not have the assurance that he will enable you to see it through.
I feel the best example that correlated to my problem is that of the Prophet Joseph Smith. He had a divine calling - translate the Book of Mormon. This was a crucial part of the restoration and has been a blessing to millions since its completion. Surely timing was of the essence and the faster the better, right? Yet listen to the words of the Lord on the matter:
"Do not run faster or labor more than you have strength and means provided to enable you to translate; but be diligent unto the end," (D&C 10:4)
Even a work as important as the Book of Mormon had to be done in its proper time and place. The same applies to us today with our goals. I desperately want to finish college and do it quickly, but it is not the best for me to run at an all out sprint through the academic world. I don't have the strength nor means. My other responsibilities require enough of me that I must maintain a slower, though steady, course that ensures completion without destruction.
I know now what this means in my life and pray that others may find these truths reflected in their own. May the Lord bless you with the wisdom to know your limits, for he said, "I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." (Ether 12:27). I pray this will be so, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
PS - I dropped a class and went to 3/4 time. It was the best decision I've made academically.
"And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order." (Mosiah 4:27)
I'm sure that many, like myself, have heard these words or their synonyms many times. It has been easy for me to understand this principle in the physical sense because I have had asthma since I was very young child and it severely limits my speed and endurance in sports. What it has never correlated to with me is my mind.
For some reason I have entertained this belief that I can handle all things if I put my mind to it. It probably stems from such passages as:
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philip 4:13)
"And I said unto them: If God had commanded me to do all things I could do them. If he should command me that I should say unto this water, be thou earth, it should be earth; and if I should say it, it would be done." (1 Nephi 17:50)
But remember, that to be understood properly we must always take things in context. Both Paul and Nephi were talking about God given mandates and as Nephi said earlier, "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them," (1 Nephi 3:7). See, the trick is that God has to command it. If he hasn't approved it, then you do not have the assurance that he will enable you to see it through.
I feel the best example that correlated to my problem is that of the Prophet Joseph Smith. He had a divine calling - translate the Book of Mormon. This was a crucial part of the restoration and has been a blessing to millions since its completion. Surely timing was of the essence and the faster the better, right? Yet listen to the words of the Lord on the matter:
"Do not run faster or labor more than you have strength and means provided to enable you to translate; but be diligent unto the end," (D&C 10:4)
Even a work as important as the Book of Mormon had to be done in its proper time and place. The same applies to us today with our goals. I desperately want to finish college and do it quickly, but it is not the best for me to run at an all out sprint through the academic world. I don't have the strength nor means. My other responsibilities require enough of me that I must maintain a slower, though steady, course that ensures completion without destruction.
I know now what this means in my life and pray that others may find these truths reflected in their own. May the Lord bless you with the wisdom to know your limits, for he said, "I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." (Ether 12:27). I pray this will be so, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
PS - I dropped a class and went to 3/4 time. It was the best decision I've made academically.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
The Pursuit of Truth
On Friday I was chatting with a colleague and told him of my experience with the blog and how it had been a bit more than I bargained for when I discovered the truth about the R-rated movies from general authority quotes. He was hesitantly inquisitive about what I learned and I shared the quote in "R-rated Movies" from Bishop H Burke Peterson. After I finished and said my feelings on it he told me of his collection of edited R-rated movies and said, "Next time I ask, don't tell me."
Aren't we all like that sometimes - especially within the LDS church? See, we know that the road ahead isn't easy. It requires sacrifice and hard work almost every time we learn a new commandment or doctrine of the gospel. We desire, it seems, to avoid moments of instruction just to ensure that we won't be "caught with guile," (Alma 18:23).
But what are we doing to ourselves in those moments? Is it worth not hearing the word of the Lord so we can avoid new requirements and expectations? I thought about this, reflecting on my life before my mission and how little I exerted myself towards anything. Not surprisingly, "nothing ventured, nothing gained," seemed to prove itself true constantly. So I thought to myself, What are we to do? Then the scriptures started flooding into my mind.
"There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated," (Doctrine and Covenants 130:20-21). This simple and profound truth dictates the movement of the world. When we follow gospel laws - knowingly or not - we are blessed (further blessings are obviously obtained for the conscience adherence to a law). When we do not follow gospel laws - knowingly or not - we are cursed or at least not blessed.
As far as accountability is concerned the words of Mormon ring clear, "For behold that all little children are alive in Christ, and also all they that are without the law. For the power of redemption cometh on all them that have no law; wherefore, he that is not condemned, or he that is under no condemnation, cannot repent," (Moroni 8:22). We are to be judged according to the truth that we know. It is the only condition that our thoughts, words and deeds will be pit against during judgment. This does not, however, give us entitlement to blessings (or the absence of cursings) despite our behavior. We can only obtain such by adhering to the laws they are predicated on.
For example: in America it is considered commonplace for young men and boys to engage in pornography and promiscuous activities. Yet from modern prophets we've learned that such behavior is destructive and debasing. Youth and adults who participate in such exploits are far more likely to treat women with disrespect, be unfaithful to spouses and even become abusive, than their chaste counterparts. Their adherence to the law - though unknown - still carries consequences. Their condemnation at the judgment will depend on the level of understanding they had, but their current state of being still is dependent on what laws they are following.
If we want to obtain the blessings promised we must adapt our behaviors to the laws of God and "true doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior," (Boyd K. Packer, “Do Not Fear,” Liahona, May 2004, 77–80). Therefore the pursuit of truth should be the goal of all of us. It is as the Savior said, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free," (John 8:32).
To those unwilling to move ahead I echo the words of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "it is not better to remain outside the Church nor to reject a mission call nor to put off marriage and so on and so on forever," (BYU Speeches of the Year, March 1999). We must seek after, adhere to and cleave unto truth for it ennobles and enlightens and it is what will lift us up when centered on Christ and his atonement. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Aren't we all like that sometimes - especially within the LDS church? See, we know that the road ahead isn't easy. It requires sacrifice and hard work almost every time we learn a new commandment or doctrine of the gospel. We desire, it seems, to avoid moments of instruction just to ensure that we won't be "caught with guile," (Alma 18:23).
But what are we doing to ourselves in those moments? Is it worth not hearing the word of the Lord so we can avoid new requirements and expectations? I thought about this, reflecting on my life before my mission and how little I exerted myself towards anything. Not surprisingly, "nothing ventured, nothing gained," seemed to prove itself true constantly. So I thought to myself, What are we to do? Then the scriptures started flooding into my mind.
"There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated," (Doctrine and Covenants 130:20-21). This simple and profound truth dictates the movement of the world. When we follow gospel laws - knowingly or not - we are blessed (further blessings are obviously obtained for the conscience adherence to a law). When we do not follow gospel laws - knowingly or not - we are cursed or at least not blessed.
As far as accountability is concerned the words of Mormon ring clear, "For behold that all little children are alive in Christ, and also all they that are without the law. For the power of redemption cometh on all them that have no law; wherefore, he that is not condemned, or he that is under no condemnation, cannot repent," (Moroni 8:22). We are to be judged according to the truth that we know. It is the only condition that our thoughts, words and deeds will be pit against during judgment. This does not, however, give us entitlement to blessings (or the absence of cursings) despite our behavior. We can only obtain such by adhering to the laws they are predicated on.
For example: in America it is considered commonplace for young men and boys to engage in pornography and promiscuous activities. Yet from modern prophets we've learned that such behavior is destructive and debasing. Youth and adults who participate in such exploits are far more likely to treat women with disrespect, be unfaithful to spouses and even become abusive, than their chaste counterparts. Their adherence to the law - though unknown - still carries consequences. Their condemnation at the judgment will depend on the level of understanding they had, but their current state of being still is dependent on what laws they are following.
If we want to obtain the blessings promised we must adapt our behaviors to the laws of God and "true doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior," (Boyd K. Packer, “Do Not Fear,” Liahona, May 2004, 77–80). Therefore the pursuit of truth should be the goal of all of us. It is as the Savior said, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free," (John 8:32).
To those unwilling to move ahead I echo the words of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "it is not better to remain outside the Church nor to reject a mission call nor to put off marriage and so on and so on forever," (BYU Speeches of the Year, March 1999). We must seek after, adhere to and cleave unto truth for it ennobles and enlightens and it is what will lift us up when centered on Christ and his atonement. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Reasons Revisted
After having the encounter with a friend over the R-rated movie issue I talked about in my last blog I recognized something about these blogs. I know no one is really reading them and probably won't read this one. It seems that the original question of "is this for me or for others" has been answered.
But that is only part of these blogs. While I thought initially these would just stand on their own, they now are clearly a part of something greater. I have a goal to achieve a thorough understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ as taught by the scriptures and Modern Prophets and apostles. To do that I have to explore new topics, write out ideas and find quotes and passages that not only illustrate the point, but provide the authority essential to maintaining its integrity.
I am dedicating myself to doing just this,regardless of whether others read these entries or not. This is to be a resource in my quest for self perfection and helping others which is a part of my patriarchal blessing. If you read these blogs, I hope they will help you. Thanks for participating in my journey.
But that is only part of these blogs. While I thought initially these would just stand on their own, they now are clearly a part of something greater. I have a goal to achieve a thorough understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ as taught by the scriptures and Modern Prophets and apostles. To do that I have to explore new topics, write out ideas and find quotes and passages that not only illustrate the point, but provide the authority essential to maintaining its integrity.
I am dedicating myself to doing just this,regardless of whether others read these entries or not. This is to be a resource in my quest for self perfection and helping others which is a part of my patriarchal blessing. If you read these blogs, I hope they will help you. Thanks for participating in my journey.
Monday, February 8, 2010
A Thought: 40 years
In priesthood the Elder's quorum presidency spoke on the "revised" emphasis from the First Presidency and the pursuit of Zion. They used the example of the children of Israel and their fear of seeing the Lord on Mount Zion.
It struck me that we are like the Children of Israel in our faith. They had to wander 40 years in the wilderness to kill off the wicked older generation who came from Egypt in order to give the next generation a chance to found the kingdom of Israel correctly. This letter was first given in 1995 and is being revised 14 years later. Are we going to take another 26 years to own up to this and watch our children become that generation while we are slowly "killed" off to no longer prevent their entrance into the kingdom? Or are we going to step up and be that generation so that we might find our own way in thus enabling the children further in their efforts than they would on their own?
It struck me that we are like the Children of Israel in our faith. They had to wander 40 years in the wilderness to kill off the wicked older generation who came from Egypt in order to give the next generation a chance to found the kingdom of Israel correctly. This letter was first given in 1995 and is being revised 14 years later. Are we going to take another 26 years to own up to this and watch our children become that generation while we are slowly "killed" off to no longer prevent their entrance into the kingdom? Or are we going to step up and be that generation so that we might find our own way in thus enabling the children further in their efforts than they would on their own?
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Divorce is not the Answer
There is nothing so heart wrenching as the thought of friends and family not remaining together. I know that the divorce rate in this country has increased dramatically the past several decades and that it is almost considered the "norm" for people to go through it since - according to statistics - more than one half of all marriages will end in divorce. I know that there are cases where such a move is not only warranted, but actually the best move - usually due to abuse. And I firmly know that - barring such abuse - divorce is an ugly, pernicious sin that is destroying our society and the world at large one family at a time.
Remember what the scriptures tell us about marriage:
"What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." (Matt 19:6, Mark 10:9)
"For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife." (Mark 10:7)
"Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else." (D&C 42:22)
"Neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord." (1 Cor 11:11)
When are we as a people, LDS or not, going to stop making excuses and recognize that we are being lazy and careless with one of the most sacred treasures of eternity?
"Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God," (Family Proclamation).
It is sacred. It is holy and good. It is designed not only to further society through the bearing and proper raising of children, but to ennoble and uplift the spouses to more exalted spheres of existence. The disintegration of such a union does not come from God. It is rooted in the selfish and unmotivated thoughts and actions of its members.
"Too many who come to marriage have been coddled and spoiled and somehow led to feel that everything must be precisely right at all times, that life is a series of entertainments, that appetites are to satisfied without regard to principle. How tragic the consequences of such hollow and unreasonable thinking!" (Gordon B Hinckley, Ensign, May 1991).
One does not simply "fall out of love." Such a change of direction is the result of not putting the effort and time necessary into the endeavor; letting self override the relationship. Divorce courts are full of documents stating "irreconcilable differences" as the source of the distress. That is nothing more than an admittal of laziness and defeat on the part of the couple. Their problems are the result of the disease of selfishness. This disease has a cure, but it is not in the courts.
"The remedy for domestic problems and irritations is not divorce, but repentance," (Elder Stephen L. Richards, quoted by Boyd K Packer, BYU Speeches 1963).
Let me illustrate with an idea...
Imagine if even just one of the guilty party were to stop and think for a moment. Realizing what they were doing and coming to the knowledge that in large measure they were wrong, they try to change their ways.The initial change might be one-sided - one spouse doing all the work to head in the right direction, but only a completely emotionless and wicked person would be unable to see the truth in a heartfelt and honest attempt to save relationship.
The work will be hard and uncomfortable. It will require effort and dedication on both their parts. But after time the miracle occurs. Communication is resumed. True feelings, not petty surface tension, but real deep and honest emotions, are shared. They remember the reasons they married and the joy they once had. Things progress onward and forward from there as the two continue striving to be one.
I cannot tell you how strongly I feel about this moral plague. It burns deep within me and fuels a desire to shout these thoughts and feelings to those I know struggling with it in their lives. I long to help and to bring them back to the light of the gospel wherein the righteous can find peace. Only through the truths that are contained within its scope can true happiness, in marriage especially, be found.
I hope that people read this for what it is worth. God never said that any part of our existence would be a walk in the park. In fact Christ spoke of heartache, pain and suffering for those who followed him. But the promise is sure - the "afflictions shall be but a small moment; and then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high," (Doctrine and Covenants 121:7-8).
We are to partake in all the Father has for us if we will just endure. Push forward with faith and behold the miracles of life spread out before you. God will always provide a way. I promise this, as have many apostles and prophets of this and former dispensations, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
SEE ALSO
Dallin H Oaks, "Divorce" http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=ec21b5658af22110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD
Gospel Library, Gospel Topics, "Divorce"
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=1d7f0bbce1d98010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=bbd508f54922d010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD
Remember what the scriptures tell us about marriage:
"What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." (Matt 19:6, Mark 10:9)
"For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife." (Mark 10:7)
"Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else." (D&C 42:22)
"Neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord." (1 Cor 11:11)
When are we as a people, LDS or not, going to stop making excuses and recognize that we are being lazy and careless with one of the most sacred treasures of eternity?
"Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God," (Family Proclamation).
It is sacred. It is holy and good. It is designed not only to further society through the bearing and proper raising of children, but to ennoble and uplift the spouses to more exalted spheres of existence. The disintegration of such a union does not come from God. It is rooted in the selfish and unmotivated thoughts and actions of its members.
"Too many who come to marriage have been coddled and spoiled and somehow led to feel that everything must be precisely right at all times, that life is a series of entertainments, that appetites are to satisfied without regard to principle. How tragic the consequences of such hollow and unreasonable thinking!" (Gordon B Hinckley, Ensign, May 1991).
One does not simply "fall out of love." Such a change of direction is the result of not putting the effort and time necessary into the endeavor; letting self override the relationship. Divorce courts are full of documents stating "irreconcilable differences" as the source of the distress. That is nothing more than an admittal of laziness and defeat on the part of the couple. Their problems are the result of the disease of selfishness. This disease has a cure, but it is not in the courts.
"The remedy for domestic problems and irritations is not divorce, but repentance," (Elder Stephen L. Richards, quoted by Boyd K Packer, BYU Speeches 1963).
Let me illustrate with an idea...
Imagine if even just one of the guilty party were to stop and think for a moment. Realizing what they were doing and coming to the knowledge that in large measure they were wrong, they try to change their ways.The initial change might be one-sided - one spouse doing all the work to head in the right direction, but only a completely emotionless and wicked person would be unable to see the truth in a heartfelt and honest attempt to save relationship.
The work will be hard and uncomfortable. It will require effort and dedication on both their parts. But after time the miracle occurs. Communication is resumed. True feelings, not petty surface tension, but real deep and honest emotions, are shared. They remember the reasons they married and the joy they once had. Things progress onward and forward from there as the two continue striving to be one.
I cannot tell you how strongly I feel about this moral plague. It burns deep within me and fuels a desire to shout these thoughts and feelings to those I know struggling with it in their lives. I long to help and to bring them back to the light of the gospel wherein the righteous can find peace. Only through the truths that are contained within its scope can true happiness, in marriage especially, be found.
I hope that people read this for what it is worth. God never said that any part of our existence would be a walk in the park. In fact Christ spoke of heartache, pain and suffering for those who followed him. But the promise is sure - the "afflictions shall be but a small moment; and then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high," (Doctrine and Covenants 121:7-8).
We are to partake in all the Father has for us if we will just endure. Push forward with faith and behold the miracles of life spread out before you. God will always provide a way. I promise this, as have many apostles and prophets of this and former dispensations, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
SEE ALSO
Dallin H Oaks, "Divorce" http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=ec21b5658af22110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD
Gospel Library, Gospel Topics, "Divorce"
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=1d7f0bbce1d98010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=bbd508f54922d010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD
Monday, January 18, 2010
"Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence"
I can not describe accurately the strength I have gained from this simple address given over a decade ago by an apostle of the Lord. Every time I listen to it I feel power emanating from the speakers in my car (I often listen to talks by LDS general authorities on my way to and from work). Elder Jeffrey R Holland has such a feeling of love and concern in his voice that it is impossible for me not to be drawn in when he speaks.
The main message of the speech is "once there has been genuine illumination, beware the temptation to retreat from a good thing. If it was right when you prayed about it and trusted it and lived for it, it is right now. Don't give up when the pressure mounts."
"'Fear ye not.' And when the second and the third and the fourth blows come, 'fear ye not. . . . The Lord shall fight for you.' 'Cast not away therefore your confidence.'"
I cannot tell you how many times these past several months I have found peace and confidence in these words. It is so hard with the way the world is today to cling fast to the truths God gives us. I find myself drifting from his guidance and reaching for science far too often. I struggle greatly with the seemingly irreconcilable differences of science and religion--not with the great ones like God and the Church, but the little things that pretty much apply to only me and those around me.
It is the message of this talk--that God will fight for us, that we shouldn't retreat, that if it was right then it is right now--that has reminded me to push through the doubts and fears and cling fast to the revelations that are given. He loves us. He has given us the Holy Ghost to guide and direct us to our salvation. He has given the priesthood to men on earth to bless the lives of all who will have faith. He has given us revelation and all things for our good.
I know that God watches over me and my family. He loves us and is guiding us always and if we will just listen to him he will take us to ever greater and more majestic spiritual heights. I know it is true and am grateful to be a part of his plan. I love this work. May God bless all of you to find the strength to carry on through your trials. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
The full text of this talk can be found on this link http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=795&tid=2 Listen to it. I promise it will enlighten you.
The main message of the speech is "once there has been genuine illumination, beware the temptation to retreat from a good thing. If it was right when you prayed about it and trusted it and lived for it, it is right now. Don't give up when the pressure mounts."
"'Fear ye not.' And when the second and the third and the fourth blows come, 'fear ye not. . . . The Lord shall fight for you.' 'Cast not away therefore your confidence.'"
I cannot tell you how many times these past several months I have found peace and confidence in these words. It is so hard with the way the world is today to cling fast to the truths God gives us. I find myself drifting from his guidance and reaching for science far too often. I struggle greatly with the seemingly irreconcilable differences of science and religion--not with the great ones like God and the Church, but the little things that pretty much apply to only me and those around me.
It is the message of this talk--that God will fight for us, that we shouldn't retreat, that if it was right then it is right now--that has reminded me to push through the doubts and fears and cling fast to the revelations that are given. He loves us. He has given us the Holy Ghost to guide and direct us to our salvation. He has given the priesthood to men on earth to bless the lives of all who will have faith. He has given us revelation and all things for our good.
I know that God watches over me and my family. He loves us and is guiding us always and if we will just listen to him he will take us to ever greater and more majestic spiritual heights. I know it is true and am grateful to be a part of his plan. I love this work. May God bless all of you to find the strength to carry on through your trials. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
The full text of this talk can be found on this link http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=795&tid=2 Listen to it. I promise it will enlighten you.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Reasons
It is hard for me to put down exactly the reason behind this endeavor. I find myself challenging my personal and religious beliefs to a point where I must find answers to the questions raised. Often those answers come through small and simple means--a kind word from a friend or an embrace from a loved one. Sometimes they come from reading the word of God and the teachings of his chosen messengers on earth. Occasionally these answers come from a still, small voice speaking to my soul and guiding me in paths and ways I do not know. Yet regardless of the method, answers do come as assuredly as I live.
This blog is a way for me to share with anyone--those I know and those I do not--things that are uplifting and draw us closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ, and through him to our Father who dwells in Heaven. I intend it to be a source of strength to myself and to people who read it. That is its purpose and the measure of its creation.
I truly love the Lord with my heart and soul. Everyday I try to do all I can to stand firm in the faith he has blessed me with and draw myself and my family nearer to him. Now I also hope that those of you who may read this will find a quiet peace and assurance of the love God has for you as he has for me.
Jesus is the Christ and he lives. He has made the way possible for everyone to return to our Heavenly Father and partake in the joys of eternal life. We can, each of us, take hold of his outstretched hand and be drawn back to the light. He loves us and wants us to be happy just like him. It can be done and I hope you all might find his love expressed in your daily living. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
This blog is a way for me to share with anyone--those I know and those I do not--things that are uplifting and draw us closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ, and through him to our Father who dwells in Heaven. I intend it to be a source of strength to myself and to people who read it. That is its purpose and the measure of its creation.
I truly love the Lord with my heart and soul. Everyday I try to do all I can to stand firm in the faith he has blessed me with and draw myself and my family nearer to him. Now I also hope that those of you who may read this will find a quiet peace and assurance of the love God has for you as he has for me.
Jesus is the Christ and he lives. He has made the way possible for everyone to return to our Heavenly Father and partake in the joys of eternal life. We can, each of us, take hold of his outstretched hand and be drawn back to the light. He loves us and wants us to be happy just like him. It can be done and I hope you all might find his love expressed in your daily living. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
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