tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45854447512490188872024-03-12T20:28:30.724-06:00Five-Minute FiresidesThese are five-minute testimonies on various aspects of the Gospel of Jesus Christ written by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is not an official Church blog, but is the means by which we can share our beliefs and testimonies.Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08100335705368704993noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585444751249018887.post-58933318306839764152011-12-08T23:25:00.004-07:002011-12-08T23:50:35.915-07:00The Light In Their Eyes<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> <w:dontvertaligncellwithsp/> <w:dontbreakconstrainedforcedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> <w:word11kerningpairs/> <w:cachedcolbalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathpr> <m:mathfont val="Cambria Math"> <m:brkbin val="before"> <m:brkbinsub val="--"> <m:smallfrac val="off"> <m:dispdef/> <m:lmargin val="0"> <m:rmargin val="0"> <m:defjc val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent val="1440"> <m:intlim val="subSup"> <m:narylim val="undOvr"> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" defunhidewhenused="true" defsemihidden="true" defqformat="false" defpriority="99" latentstylecount="267"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="0" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Normal"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="heading 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 7"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 8"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 9"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 7"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 8"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 9"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="35" qformat="true" name="caption"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="10" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="1" name="Default Paragraph Font"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="11" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtitle"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="22" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Strong"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="20" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="59" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Table Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Placeholder Text"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="1" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="No Spacing"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Revision"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="34" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="List Paragraph"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="29" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Quote"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="30" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Quote"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="19" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="21" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="31" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="32" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">I was sitting at work one day, second day on the job, and I was bored out of my mind. I’ve been back in the United States for not even two weeks, and I’m listening to a presentation about some software that isn’t applicable because we’re not allowed to use the software.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>At the end of the first day I wondered why I even accepted the job, how on earth this could be benefitting me, and just how long I would last.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">So as I’m lost in thought about my dislike for this job, our trainer starts to divide us into groups. I’m with two guys who had introduced themselves briefly the day before, I remember that one is an ex-Marine and the other has worked at bars most of his life. I don’t know how to even begin a conversation that would include both of them, especially stuck in my own self pity of a wretched job. But then the bartender turned to me and asked, “So how was Portugal?”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">The introductions the day before had been about 30 seconds. Everyone in our class introduced themselves with a set of 10 questions that our trainer gave us. I briefly talked about Portugal- what else do I remember about my recent life that’s worth explaining?- but it was very brief, and I was not expecting anyone to remember. But when the bartender asked, the ex-Marine, Greg, perked up and was very curious too. I remembered then that he also introduced himself explaining that he liked Gospel music, and I’d been very curious about the confidence he had to specifically include that detail. We started to talk about travel, I asked where either of them would really like to visit, and Greg started to talk about a mission trip his church would be taking to Guatemala in a few months for which he was very excited and very anxious. We talked about what it means to be a missionary, what kind of things they will do and what kinds of things I did. He asked about the name of the church, had only heard it in passing, and he and the bartender admitted that I was the first member of the church they’d ever met. I asked them if they’d ever read, or even heard of, the Book of Mormon. Neither had, and both willingly accepted a copy. I started to explain to Greg more about the Book of Mormon, but we were being dismissed from our groups and moving on to a new project. Greg said, “You know, before you even introduced yourself or talked to me, I thought there was something different about you. Your… manner, your… I don’t know how to explain it. Your way of being? Something was different. And then you got up and explained that you were a missionary, and I though, ‘Ah, that’s why.’”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">I was stunned. Absolutely stunned. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I’ve been home so little time but already felt so far from what it is to be a missionary. I thought that glow stayed in the stake president’s office at the exit interview. Normal life had started again, and the rush of adjusting left me feeling a little bit lost. And on top of that, I was in a rotten mood because of how much I hated my job. The one at which I had just been given an opportunity to share with someone else what it most precious to me.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">I had some serious repenting to do : )</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This brief interaction had a huge impact on me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I thought of a favorite scripture that I used many times in Portugal, which we find in Luke 11: <span class="verse">34<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">. </b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="verse"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">“</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">The light of the body is the <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/11?lang=eng"><span style="color:windowtext; text-decoration:none;text-underline:none">eye</span></a>: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when <span class="clarityword">thine eye</span> is evil, thy body also <span class="clarityword">is</span> full of <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/11?lang=eng"><span style="color:windowtext; text-decoration:none;text-underline:none">darkness</span></a>.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">I grew to love this scripture because in the search for people with whom we could share our message, we could see in their faces the yearning to find something more, something better, and it truly was the look in their eyes. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I really never thought about what it meant for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">our</i> eyes, as missionaries. Of course people can tell who we are long before we talk to them, I always assumed it was the mantle of our calling, and that we just “glowed” in general. But it was much more than that. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">In Isaiah 60:3, we learn,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"> <span class="verse">“</span>And the <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/ot/isa/60?lang=eng"><span style="color:windowtext; text-decoration:none;text-underline:none">Gentiles</span></a> shall come to thy <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/ot/isa/60?lang=eng"><span style="color:windowtext; text-decoration:none;text-underline:none">light</span></a>, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">People will be drawn to that light! That light, which we learn in Luke is manifest to the world through our eyes, will be the means of people seeking the truth and finding it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We have to work hard to maintain that light. Moroni teaches us that we were all born with the light of Christ, but just like a candle, the light has to be maintained or it will go out.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">The Lord teaches us, through His instructions to Nephi, what we need to do to maintain that light.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="verse"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">And I will also be your <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/17?lang=eng"><span style="color:windowtext;text-decoration:none;text-underline:none">light</span></a> in the wilderness; and I will prepare the way before you, if it so be that ye shall <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">keep my commandments</i>; wherefore, inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall be led towards the <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/17?lang=eng"><span style="color:windowtext;text-decoration:none;text-underline:none">promised</span></a> land; and ye shall <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/17?lang=eng"><span style="color:windowtext;text-decoration:none;text-underline:none">know</span></a> that it is by me that ye are led.” (1 Nephi<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>17: <span class="verse">13)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">How do we cultivate that light? We obey the commandments and recognize the Lord in our lives. He shows us His light so that we may emulate it, thereby having opportunities to be the light on a hill for those around us.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>That light that He shows us teaches us what we must do in every instance, every situation, even when we think the light is not there. I had no idea what I would say to either of these men when we had opportunity to talk. I was perhaps willing, but it took a minute for me to recognize the Lord trying to help me because of my grumbling attitude. In this is the mercy of the Lord- He just wants to love us and help us, even when we have selfish, or less than will of the Lord-seeking attitudes.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">“ And if your eye be </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/88?lang=eng"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:windowtext;text-decoration: none;text-underline:none">single</span></a></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"> to my </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/88?lang=eng"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:windowtext;text-decoration: none;text-underline:none">glory</span></a></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/88?lang=eng"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:windowtext;text-decoration: none;text-underline:none">comprehendeth</span></a></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"> all things.” (</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">D&C 88:67)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a name="13"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">In Luke 11, we learn our potential. In verse 67 we learn more about the potential and the promise, “that body…comprehendeth all things.” And in the following verse, we learn what it is that we need to do. </span></a><a name="68"><span style="mso-bookmark:13"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"></span></span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:68"><span style="mso-bookmark: 13"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"> </span></b></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:13"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">“</span></b></span><span style="mso-bookmark: 13"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Therefore, </span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:13"></span><a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/88?lang=eng"><span style="mso-bookmark:13"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:windowtext; text-decoration:none;text-underline:none">sanctify</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:13"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:13"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"> yourselves that your </span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:13"></span><a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/88?lang=eng"><span style="mso-bookmark:13"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:windowtext; text-decoration:none;text-underline:none">minds</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:13"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:13"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"> become </span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: 13"></span><a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/88?lang=eng"><span style="mso-bookmark:13"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:windowtext; text-decoration:none;text-underline:none">single</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:13"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:13"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"> to God, and the days will come that you shall </span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:13"></span><a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/88?lang=eng"><span style="mso-bookmark:13"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:windowtext; text-decoration:none;text-underline:none">see</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:13"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:13"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"> him; for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will.”</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:13"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">What a wonderful promise! </span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">In this verse are so many of the glorious truths of the gospel- namely that our Heavenly Father loves us and wants our happiness more than we do. The Lord will guide us in everything He needs us to do! I know with certainty that this is a promise He constantly fulfills. The Lord wants us to have that light and joy in our lives, and He needs to bless us so that through us He may bless others. </span></p>Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13090988727277133646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585444751249018887.post-61797542795179752442011-12-07T17:43:00.001-07:002011-12-07T17:46:07.042-07:00The Light in Their Eyes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ97-9p6zGdFYu16TvWlfjCnmdL5gAksY6IbQioD0XytlYkhjcNX-IFEqLuhyphenhyphen31ji6hWnoUm9S__jr3pA07Cma0TiQsJVuar7MZds8rfntWvUny17IzWnvOuQxZBtp3MNGnim-bNDLbSWw/s1600/ian+and+claire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ97-9p6zGdFYu16TvWlfjCnmdL5gAksY6IbQioD0XytlYkhjcNX-IFEqLuhyphenhyphen31ji6hWnoUm9S__jr3pA07Cma0TiQsJVuar7MZds8rfntWvUny17IzWnvOuQxZBtp3MNGnim-bNDLbSWw/s320/ian+and+claire.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">There are, in my ward in Boise, two people who were recently baptized. They were introduced to the Church by caring friends in California and sought out the Church when they moved up to Boise to go to school. If you were to walk in to church on Sunday or in to any Church function at which they are present and glance across the crowd, you would have much difficulty figuring out who they were since they integrated with the members of the Church here in Boise so well. If you were then to ask me to point them out, I would point across the room and say, “See the dark haired guy and the blond girl that just radiate? That’s them.” Indeed, in talking to them, you would never guess that they, in fact, <i>weren’t </i>baptized members of the Church. Even before they were baptized, Claire and Ian were always shining, and they always radiated light and a contagious, genuine happiness.<br /><br />You may simply contribute that happiness to their naturally optimistic personalities. Indeed, I did not know them before they gained testimonies of Jesus Christ and of His gospel of peace and hope and therefore I do not know what their personalities were like then. However, no matter their optimistic natures before they were introduced to the Church, I am confident that the light that shines from them is the light of the knowledge of the restored gospel and of a burning testimony of Jesus Christ and His great atoning sacrifice. These two friends have sacrificed much and gone through many trials in order to be baptized, including a general rejection by their own families. But they <i>know</i> the Church is true and they <i>know </i>that the key to true happiness is a life following Christ. And that knowledge and testimony sustains them and gives them happiness and a hope of a better future.<br /><br />President James E. Faust (1920-2007), apostle and counselor to the prophet, once told a story of a friend who also noticed a light in the eyes of those members of the Church with whom he had come in contact. President Faust said:<br /><br />“What was that light in their eyes which was so obvious to our friend? The Lord Himself gives the answer: ‘And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings.’<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">1</span> Where did that light come from? Again the Lord gives the answer: ‘I am the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world.’<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">2</span> The Lord is the true light, ‘and the Spirit enlighteneth every man through the world, that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit.’<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">3</span> This light shows in our countenances as well as in our eyes.”<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">4</span><br /><br />We grow and develop that light as we embrace the things of God. As we strive to follow the example of Jesus Christ, we become converted to His gospel and the Spirit lives within us stronger and more frequently. We put off the natural man and become saints though His Atonement, allowing that light to shine unrestricted.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">5</span> The Lord said, “That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until that perfect day.”<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">6</span> Jesus commanded us to “hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up--that which ye have seen me do.”<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">7</span> As we cultivate that light and strive to be examples of the believers, His light will shine through us for the blessing of all those around us.<br /><br />Remember the words of the Savior, “I am the light and the life of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">8</span> That promise is for all who desire to live in the light of His love.<br /><br />Jeremy<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">1. <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/88.11?lang=eng#10"><span style="color: #000099;">Doctrine and Covenants 88:11</span></a>; emphasis added.<br />2. <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/93.2?lang=eng#1"><span style="color: #000099;">Doctrine and covenants 93:2</span></a>.<br />3. <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/84.46?lang=eng#45"><span style="color: #000099;">Doctrine and Covenants 84:46</span></a>.<br />4. President James E. Faust, “<a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2005/10/the-light-in-their-eyes?lang=eng"><span style="color: #000099;">The Light in Their Eyes</span></a>,” <i>Ensign</i>, Nov 2005.<br />5. See <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/mosiah/3.19"><span style="color: #000099;">Mosiah 3:19</span></a>; <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/mosiah/4.1-3"><span style="color: #000099;">4:1-3</span></a>; <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/mosiah/5.1-5"><span style="color: #000099;">5:1-5</span></a>.<br />6. <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/50.24"><span style="color: #000099;">Doctrine and Covenants 50:24</span></a>.<br />7. <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/18.24"><span style="color: #000099;">3 Nephi 18:24</span></a>.<br />8. <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/8.12"><span style="color: #000099;">John 8:12</span></a>.</span></span></div>
</div>Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11485803456009639060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585444751249018887.post-2945315178444361682011-10-30T15:07:00.000-06:002011-11-20T15:08:49.997-07:00Stand in Holy Places<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7ZQ9ZHgU4vyOeMyquU7ldrZeD0Jo6TWHQr-ySdCXK7gxmAGpFhJM8U5FgMg9xz6dBMrKg-bUMKH3VOihkbGq8huwmcHHVOUe56d24gUZf1FwmSp0Of6tA9Jek86-4Fp4peg9o18lrzrj/s1600/compass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7ZQ9ZHgU4vyOeMyquU7ldrZeD0Jo6TWHQr-ySdCXK7gxmAGpFhJM8U5FgMg9xz6dBMrKg-bUMKH3VOihkbGq8huwmcHHVOUe56d24gUZf1FwmSp0Of6tA9Jek86-4Fp4peg9o18lrzrj/s320/compass.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
How blessed are we to have a living prophet on the earth today to lead us and to guide us through the storms of life! How blessed are we to hear from our prophet regularly, and to know God's will through him. President <a href="http://www.thomassmonson.org/">Thomas S. Monson</a> (b. 1927) is the Lord's prophet. I love hearing his words and his stories; he sets a powerful example with his ability and willingness to receive and heed the promptings of the Spirit.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrR4yqQbMnnQdGepCVH9fIL_rROubTT3Yil14P0JTgLKOYrmFfTu2YrcC1iVB20mj-FkB7m_TFhDB-aMiy4q3K6bZhTn3WoJp5yPOqCsXwrgoAp3RZwlqRcJJnZi5wRDAoUV_E_PT-I5W/s1600/Pres.-Monson.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrR4yqQbMnnQdGepCVH9fIL_rROubTT3Yil14P0JTgLKOYrmFfTu2YrcC1iVB20mj-FkB7m_TFhDB-aMiy4q3K6bZhTn3WoJp5yPOqCsXwrgoAp3RZwlqRcJJnZi5wRDAoUV_E_PT-I5W/s1600/Pres.-Monson.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">President Monson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the <a href="http://lds.org/general-conference?lang=eng">October General Conference</a>, President Monson spoke about the importance of prayer to our Father in Heaven and following inspiration from Him in an address entitled, "<a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/stand-in-holy-places?lang=eng&media=video">Stand in Holy Places</a>." "Communication with our Father in Heaven--," taught President Monson, "including our prayers to Him and His inspiration to us--is necessary in order for us to weather the storms and trials of life."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
President Monson spoke of the rapidly-evolving moral compass of society and about how, "behaviors which once were considered inappropriate and immoral are now not only tolerated but also viewed by ever so many as acceptable." He continued, "Although the world has changed, the laws of God remain constant. They have not changed they will not change."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFbMqXBH-oODIAbNmMkzkc6RAUjXK1lGMQYWBeFIRCGXHoof3xt4mKUkRtNaZD_9rfV5_eRm8o6Oen4kbk70ws5OAw3YfBsZzfAfGpQxhcHLVNsgBU-37o6zZqS7ecB0sOsTJH5xA9G0Pn/s1600/ocean-storm-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFbMqXBH-oODIAbNmMkzkc6RAUjXK1lGMQYWBeFIRCGXHoof3xt4mKUkRtNaZD_9rfV5_eRm8o6Oen4kbk70ws5OAw3YfBsZzfAfGpQxhcHLVNsgBU-37o6zZqS7ecB0sOsTJH5xA9G0Pn/s200/ocean-storm-01.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
The reason that we are not to conform to the teachings of society but cling to the teachings of Jesus Christ is so that we will be better equipped to deal with the storms of life, to learn from them, and to overcome them. By striving to have the gospel of Jesus Christ at our core and the love of the Savior in our hearts, we can effectively deal with all the challenges we face. The constancy of the Lord is, "something on which we can hold fast and be safe, lest we be swept away into uncharted waters." When we live in the world and not of the world, we stay clean and worthy of the influence of the Holy Spirit that we may receive strength from the Lord. "There is <i>nothing</i> which can bring more joy into our lives or more peace to our souls than the Spirit which can come to us as we follow the Savior and keep the commandments."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I know that the Lord hears and answers our prayers. I know from personal experience that only when I am striving to do what the Lord asks am I able to recognize and have the strength to heed His promptings. He is the way, the truth, and the light and the source of the greatest happiness and joy.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Jeremy</div>
</div>Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11485803456009639060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585444751249018887.post-42166621175846791382011-06-21T22:03:00.001-06:002011-06-21T22:11:49.745-06:00Let Your Light So Shine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pVZd2EuGq6k/TgFocMr2x0I/AAAAAAAAAOI/IZvYiaKRlac/s1600/category396.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pVZd2EuGq6k/TgFocMr2x0I/AAAAAAAAAOI/IZvYiaKRlac/s200/category396.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
We, each of us, carry with us the light of Christ. The way we, as Latter-day Saints, live our lives give us the wonderful blessing of carrying the Holy Ghost, the testifier of the Lord, with us everywhere we go. The “light in our eyes” is not merely a product of being a member of the Church but of following the standards that we are given. Keeping the spirit with us takes obedience and constant reminders of truth. Studying scriptures and other spiritually uplifting works and activities will keep that light fresh and easy to see and share. <br />
<br />
We as members of the church should be doing all we can to “let [our] light so shine before men, that they may see [our] good works, and glorify [our] Father which is in heaven (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/5.16?lang=eng#15">Mathew 5:16</a>).” This includes things such as following the promptings of the spirit, serving those in need, keeping the Savior in the forefront of our minds, being good examples and doing all we can to be like Christ. <div><br />
In an address given at Brigham Young University, President David O. Mckay said this, <br />
<blockquote> “Every man has an atmosphere which is affecting every other. Man cannot escape for one moment from this radiation of his character. This constantly weakening of strengthening of others. He cannot evade the responsibility by saying it is an unconscious influence. He can select the qualities he would permit to be radiated. He can cultivate sweetness, calmness, trust, generosity, truth, justice, loyalty, nobility, and make them vitally active in his character. By these qualities he will constantly affect the world. This radiation to which I refer comes from what a person really is, not from what he pretends to be. Every man by his mere living is radiating sympathy, sorrow, or morbidness, cynicism, or happiness or hope, or any other hundred qualities. Life is a state of radiation and absorption. To exist is to radiate. To exist is to be the recipient of radiation.”(<a href="http://education.byu.edu/mckay/48apr27.html">The Mission of Brigham Young University</a>)</blockquote>I love this quote and it image it creates and also, the responsibility it places on us to make our light worth of radiating. I personally have witnessed the power of the light of Christ. I also have, unfortunately, witnessed the loss of it. Someone to whom I am very close has chosen to lead a life different than that which the church councils. Slowly but surely, year by year, I watched their countenance change from that of a worthy and righteous individual that shined as an example to those around them to instead an uncertain and undirected being that merely floated from one choice to another, having lost influence and even presence. Even certain responsibilities in the family could no longer be handled by them. Eventually, the light was replaced by their decisions and lifestyle and their countenance had truly changed, presenting to me and others a different person completely. A person that I still love deeply, but a different person none the less. I have promised myself that I will strive daily to prevent this from happening in my life and that I will do my best love and support those around me to prevent it from happening to them. <br />
<br />
I leave you with this council from Alma, “And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts? <br />
…I say unto you, can ye look up to God at that day with a pure heart and clean hands? I say unto you, can you look up, having the image of God engraven upon your countenances?” (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/5.16,19?lang=eng#15">Alma 5:16,19</a>) I know that as I look at these questions there are things I can be doing to improve on a daily basis. But, I also know that the Lord will help me if I ask in prayer and humility. I challenge you to gain and cultivate that light for yourselves. <br />
<br />
I know the gospel effects every aspect of my life and that, as I walk with my intentions focused toward the Lord, he will be reflected on my countenance. <br />
<br />
Elisabeth</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585444751249018887.post-8077891288295868762011-06-08T13:32:00.003-06:002011-06-08T13:48:41.577-06:00LIGHT!<style>@font-face { font-family: "Times New Roman"; }@font-face { font-family: "Courier New"; }@font-face { font-family: "Wingdings"; }@font-face { font-family: "MS ゴシック"; }@font-face { font-family: "Verdana"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }table.MsoNormalTable { font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoNoteLevel1, li.MsoNoteLevel1, div.MsoNoteLevel1 { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in; page-break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; }p.MsoNoteLevel2, li.MsoNoteLevel2, div.MsoNoteLevel2 { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in; page-break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; }p.MsoNoteLevel3, li.MsoNoteLevel3, div.MsoNoteLevel3 { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; page-break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; }p.MsoNoteLevel4, li.MsoNoteLevel4, div.MsoNoteLevel4 { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1.75in; text-indent: -0.25in; page-break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; }p.MsoNoteLevel5, li.MsoNoteLevel5, div.MsoNoteLevel5 { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 2.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; page-break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; }p.MsoNoteLevel6, li.MsoNoteLevel6, div.MsoNoteLevel6 { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 2.75in; text-indent: -0.25in; page-break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; }p.MsoNoteLevel7, li.MsoNoteLevel7, div.MsoNoteLevel7 { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 3.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; page-break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; }p.MsoNoteLevel8, li.MsoNoteLevel8, div.MsoNoteLevel8 { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 3.75in; text-indent: -0.25in; page-break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; }p.MsoNoteLevel9, li.MsoNoteLevel9, div.MsoNoteLevel9 { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 4.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; page-break-after: avoid; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }ol { margin-bottom: 0in; }ul { margin-bottom: 0in; }</style> <p class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;"> When interacting<span style=""> </span>with other people sometimes they will comment about the light that is in the eyes of the Latter-Day Saints.<span style=""> </span>We know that “the Lord is the true light, and the Spirit enlighteneth every man through the world, that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit.” (<a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2005/10/the-light-in-their-eyes?lang=eng">President Faust, "The Light in Their Eyes" Oct. 2005</a>) People describe it as the light because that is what makes sense to them. It is the influence of the Holy Ghost that others can sense even though they cannot have it with them at all times until they have been confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. "The Lord is my light" (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/ot/ps/27.1?lang=eng#primary">Psalms 27</a><a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/ot/ps/27.1?lang=eng#primary">:1</a>). As we follow Him, “the light of the glory of God, which was a marvelous light of his goodness” becomes even more apparent in our countenance. (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/19.6?lang=eng#5">Alma 19:6</a>)<span style=""> </span>We cannot be lost as long as we can see the light and are willing to follow it.<br /></p><p class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;"> </p> <p class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;"> The word light has always been a special word and a symbol to me. My name Lucy comes from the Latin word <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Luz</span> which in Spanish means light. I hope to live up to my name so that I can be a light to others. I was also recently thinking about how I like to take pictures and how the word photography relates to this subject as well. The word photography has Greek origin from the word photo meaning light and graphy meaning writing. Photography is then writing with light. It is capturing something in its pureness and simplicity. To me pictures look the best when there is sufficient amount of light to see the details or to see the sharpness of the subject. It is vital to have light to be able to see the image, just like it is vital to have the Holy Ghost to see what we need to do.</p><p class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AksFsTEvIIo/Te_Qq2YBIpI/AAAAAAAAAJA/PHMdogmOr88/s1600/sunlight.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 198px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AksFsTEvIIo/Te_Qq2YBIpI/AAAAAAAAAJA/PHMdogmOr88/s320/sunlight.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615936694923633298" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;"><img src="file:///Users/lucymercado/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/moz-screenshot.png" alt="" /><img src="file:///Users/lucymercado/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/moz-screenshot-1.png" alt="" /></p> <p class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;"> </p> <p class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">When we have this light in our lives we are happier. I have been told by several people that I am one of the happiest people that they know. I want the light I have to shine, so that it can touch other people and they will want to glow in happiness. The infectious happiness can be theirs if they are willing to put forth the effort to know that Jesus is the Christ.<span style=""> </span>Once they know this, they can have a portion of His light with them at all times, even the Holy Ghost. I know this to be true.<br /></p><p class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><br /></p><p class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Lucy</span><br /></p> <p class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;"> </p> <p class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNoteLevel1" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585444751249018887.post-84093831860049752282011-05-13T13:27:00.000-06:002011-05-13T13:29:22.517-06:00Spiritual Strength<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">The prophet Joseph Smith taught, "Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God."<sup>1</sup></span> </span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4eGbNKmkc-wijaMdb8XZU2IvKrE4BqFLpxkt6ekHXtIUUmDm1dwzmGKzedLqFjacax6I-5K4yUHegMYanabM6RD-VJt5YEu8CGu5QXwEmQsRwQXvmlc-rj7JRhvObdJgyCRCnTDNVd6Z/s1600/distant_goal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4eGbNKmkc-wijaMdb8XZU2IvKrE4BqFLpxkt6ekHXtIUUmDm1dwzmGKzedLqFjacax6I-5K4yUHegMYanabM6RD-VJt5YEu8CGu5QXwEmQsRwQXvmlc-rj7JRhvObdJgyCRCnTDNVd6Z/s200/distant_goal.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">We came to this earth with the express purpose of being tested and tried by our Father in Heaven. Taught the Lord, "And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them."<sup>2</sup> Should we be successful in striving to keep the commandments and "hold out faithful to the end [we] are received into heaven, that thereby [we] may dwell with God in a state of neverending happiness"<sup>3</sup> together with our families.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">But holding out faithful to the end isn't always easy. In fact, rarely is keeping the commandments ever easy. We live in a world of shifting and changing values where men call evil good and good evil.<sup>4</sup> The prophet Abinadi taught that as a result of the Fall of Adam, "all mankind were lost; and behold, they would have been endlessly lost were it not that God redeemed his people from their lost and fallen state."<sup>5<o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></sup></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p _moz-userdefined=""><br />
</o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Taught the prophet Alma, "all mankind must unavoidably perish; yea, all are hardened; yea, all are fallen and are lost, and must perish except it be through the atonement which it is expedient should be made."<sup>6</sup> He continued, "Therefore may God grant unto you, . . . that ye may begin to exercise your faith unto repentance, that ye begin to call upon his holy name, that he would have mercy upon you."<sup>7</sup> We live in a fallen world and each of us "have sinned and come short of the glory of God."<sup>8</sup> We are born natural men and women subject to all manner of temptations and weaknesses. However, we can, by yielding to the enticings of the Holy Ghost, put off the natural man and become saints through the Atonement of Christ the Lord.<sup>9</sup> We must exercise faith unto repentance and through the redemptive power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ all wrongs, inequalities, disappointments, and trials are made right and our sins are forgiven.<o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1uNoIbcZaZ2r2BQtgGv5WlSXP0R3z8xGQnFt6HcNT-OMwApYxFI9CsEZzHbupn-YwKsOJWMQfjB4GEzl_ZL2tt5JSOVZd0qwfXV3o2P7wmv4UZ9dBd5OA3j5RFNBZOwnVugyM0SNFQnoc/s1600/ironrod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1uNoIbcZaZ2r2BQtgGv5WlSXP0R3z8xGQnFt6HcNT-OMwApYxFI9CsEZzHbupn-YwKsOJWMQfjB4GEzl_ZL2tt5JSOVZd0qwfXV3o2P7wmv4UZ9dBd5OA3j5RFNBZOwnVugyM0SNFQnoc/s200/ironrod.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Following the pathway to eternal life is simple to understand yet difficult to perform. The way is clear and the guideposts are well-defined, but Satan is very good at creating mists and haze and distractions that entice us to loosen our grip on and eventually leave the iron rod.<sup>10<o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></sup></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">How, then, are we to maintain the proper focus to stand against the adversary and his minions? How can we become strong enough to yield to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and put off the natural man? The answer lies in spiritual strength. Developing spiritual strength enables us to "continue in the way which is narrow, until [we] shall obtain eternal life."<sup>11</sup> Spiritual strength is the key to successfully staying on the strait and narrow path and overcoming our trials and weaknesses.<o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">As we prepare for trials and life in general and pray for the strength to endure all things, we are endowed with power from on high and are blessed with the capacity to do all things. Our spiritual strength grows, as does our capacity to endure hardships and trials. <i>As life gets harder, our ability to endure our trials increases, </i>but only if we are constantly striving to develop and increase our spiritual strength.<o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
<b>Developing Spiritual Strength</b><o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">In preparation for this study and post, I searched, "<a href="http://lds.org/search?lang=eng&query=%22spiritual+strength%22&collection=general-conference">spiritual strength</a>" in General Conference addresses on<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://lds.org/">LDS.org</a> and these are the first 10 results (some similar results omitted):<o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></div><ul style="font-family: inherit;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>"The very nature of the Redeemer’s Atonement and the purpose of the restored Church are intended to help us receive . . . spiritual strength."<o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></li>
<ul type="circle"><ul type="square"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-size: x-small;">—Elder David A. Bednar, "<a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2006/10/and-nothing-shall-offend-them">And Nothing Shall Offend Them</a>,"<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Ensign,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>Nov 2006</span><o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></li>
</ul></ul><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>"a temperate soul—one who is humble and full of love—is also a person of increased spiritual strength."<o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></li>
<ul type="circle"><ul type="square"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-size: x-small;">—Elder Kent D. Watson, "<a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/being-temperate-in-all-things">Being Temperate in All Things</a>,"<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Ensign,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>Nov 2009</span><o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></li>
</ul></ul><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>"As we obey our Heavenly Father’s commandments, our faith increases, we grow in wisdom and spiritual strength, and it becomes easier for us to make right choices."<o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></li>
<ul type="circle"><ul type="square"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-size: x-small;">—Elder Wolfgang H. Paul, "<a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2006/04/the-gift-of-agency">The Gift of Agency</a>,"<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Ensign,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>May 2006</span><o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></li>
</ul></ul><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>"I repeat, fervent prayer is key to gaining the spiritual strength..."<o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></li>
<ul type="circle"><ul type="square"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-size: x-small;">—Elder M. Russell Ballard, "<a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/o-that-cunning-plan-of-the-evil-one">O That Cunning Plan of the Evil One</a>,"<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Ensign,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>Nov 2010</span><o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></li>
</ul></ul><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>"Righteous character provides the foundation of spiritual strength."<o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></li>
<ul type="circle"><ul type="square"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span>—Elder Richard G. Scott, "<a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2007/10/truth-the-foundation-of-correct-decisions">Truth:The Foundation of Correct Decisions</a>,"<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Ensign,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>Nov 2007<o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></li>
</ul></ul><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>"Increased spiritual strength is a gift from God which He can give when we push in His service to our limits. Through the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, our natures can be changed. Then our power to carry burdens can be increased more than enough to compensate for the increased service we will be asked to give."<o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></li>
<ul type="circle"><ul type="square"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-size: x-small;">—President Henry B. Eyring, "<a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/o-ye-that-embark">O Ye That Embark</a>,"<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Ensign,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>Nov 2008</span><o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></li>
</ul></ul><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>"Making and keeping temple covenants also adds spiritual strength..."<o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></li>
<ul type="circle"><ul type="square"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-size: x-small;">—Julie B. Beck, "<a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2010/04/and-upon-the-handmaids-in-those-days-will-i-pour-out-my-spirit">And upon the Handmaids in Those Days Will I Pour Out My Spirit</a>,"<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Ensign,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>May 2010</span><o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></li>
</ul></ul><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>"Spiritual strength frequently comes through selfless service." <o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></li>
<ul type="circle"><ul type="square"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-size: x-small;">—President Thomas S. Monson, "<a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2010/04/preparation-brings-blessings">Preparation Brings Blessings</a>,"<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Ensign,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>May 2010</span><o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></li>
</ul></ul><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>"Through our discipleship, we are able to receive the spiritual strength that we need to deal with the challenges of life."<o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></li>
<ul type="circle"><ul type="square"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-size: x-small;">—President James E. Faust, "<a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2006/10/discipleship">Discipleship</a>,"<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Ensign,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>Nov 2006</span><o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></li>
</ul></ul><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>"I am grateful for the spiritual strength and guidance the gift of the Holy Ghost has given me throughout my life."<span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></span></li>
<ul type="circle"><ul type="square"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-size: x-small;">—Elder Robert D. Hales, "<a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2000/10/the-covenant-of-baptism-to-be-in-the-kingdom-and-of-the-kingdom">The Covenant of Baptism:To Be in the Kingdom and of the Kingdom</a>,"<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Ensign,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>Nov 2000</span><o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></li>
</ul></ul></ul><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">And one non-General Conference bonus:<o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></div><ul style="font-family: inherit;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>"As you adhere to the standards of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you will . . . gain protection and spiritual strength in complete obedience.”<o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></li>
<ul type="circle"><ul type="square"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-size: x-small;">—Elder Russell M. Nelson, <a href="http://lds.org/church/news/byu-hawaii-graduates-promised-blessings-for-obedience-and-faithfulness">BYU-Hawaii commencement address</a>, 9 April 2011</span><o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></li>
</ul></ul></ul><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Even simply by skimming the results of this search, the way to develop spiritual strength becomes clear: keep the commandments. Pray, make and keep temple covenants, work on developing Christlike attributes, love and serve, seek the guidance and companionship of the Holy Ghost, etc.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Spiritual strength is developed in doing spiritual things.</i><o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: black;">Conclusion</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoE0kgpZ5OqQBLm4fxVUl-IWgmR6ScWomMNbFT37b9zzeEybOYKSd3QPjv6Lj5T-L2mm7R7Idy-6tT_EWfS5-fOqijNpjSfpK3fa32YUpGF1Vs1zzV9kS-kl1BPb2ynM3JxvLW_vo2PI5/s1600/Christus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoE0kgpZ5OqQBLm4fxVUl-IWgmR6ScWomMNbFT37b9zzeEybOYKSd3QPjv6Lj5T-L2mm7R7Idy-6tT_EWfS5-fOqijNpjSfpK3fa32YUpGF1Vs1zzV9kS-kl1BPb2ynM3JxvLW_vo2PI5/s200/Christus.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">As we strive to develop spiritual strength, we must rely on the Savior, who is the source of all strength.<sup>12</sup> The Savior told the early Saints, "as many as received me gave I power to do many miracles, and to become the sons of God; and even unto them that believed on my name gave I power to obtain eternal life."<sup>13</sup> The promise of miracles and power to overcome the world and obtain eternal life can be ours too, if we come unto Christ desiring to be perfected in Him.<sup>14</sup> President Ezra Taft Benson taught, "By his grace [meaning Jesus Christ] we receive an endowment of blessing and spiritual strength that may eventually lead us to eternal life if we endure to the end."<sup>15<o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></sup></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">The Lord is the source of all spiritual strength. May we strive to develop such strength that we may overcome the trials of life and be happy and gain eternal life with our Father in Heaven and our families.<o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Jeremy<o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">1. <i>History of the Church</i></span><span style="color: black;">, 5:134–35.<o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">2. <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/pgp/abr/3.25">Abraham 3:25</a><o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">3. <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/2.41">Mosiah 2:41</a><o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">4. see<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/ot/isa/5.20">Isaiah 5:20</a><o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">5. <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/16.4">Mosiah 16:4</a><o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">6. <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/34.9">Alma 34:9</a><o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">7. <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/34.17">Alma 34:17</a><o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">8. <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/rom/3.23">Romans 3:23</a><o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">9 <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/3.19">Mosiah 3:19</a><o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">10. see<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/lds.org/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/8.23">1 Nephi 8:23</a><o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">11. <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/jacob/6.11">Jacob 6:11</a><o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">12. For more about the Lord as our strength, try searching "<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/search?lang=eng&type=verse&query=strength">strength</a>" simply in the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/search?lang=eng&type=verse&query=strength&testament=ot">Old Testament</a>, or even just in<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/search?lang=eng&type=verse&query=strength&book=ot/ps">The Book of Psalms</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>or<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/search?lang=eng&type=verse&query=strength&book=ot/isa">Isaiah</a>.<o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">13. <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/45.8">D&C 45:8</a><o:p _moz-userdefined="" style="font-family: inherit;"></o:p></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">14. <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/moro/10.32">Moroni 10:32</a><o:p _moz-userdefined=""></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-small;">15. "<a href="http://lds.org/liahona/1988/12/redemption-through-jesus-christ-after-all-we-can-do">Redemption Through Jesus Christ After All We Can Do</a>,"<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><i>Liahona,<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></i>Dec 1988</span></span></div>Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11485803456009639060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585444751249018887.post-67353699964426594222011-05-08T23:38:00.002-06:002011-05-13T16:33:01.486-06:00Spiritual Fortitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UmI4TFD3gFc/Tcd9V_j7TcI/AAAAAAAAAOE/2wz1Zds7YuA/s1600/against-the-wind-zoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UmI4TFD3gFc/Tcd9V_j7TcI/AAAAAAAAAOE/2wz1Zds7YuA/s200/against-the-wind-zoom.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">As we strive daily to draw closer to the Lord, to become the people we know He can make us, we are met with trials and tribulations that can, if we so choose, teach us to be better or lead to our down fall. Trials, pain and frustrations are part of this mortal life and are something everyone must handle. Fortunately, if we let him, the Lord uses these struggles to teach us to become more like him. Through his atonement we can hand ourselves over to Him and receive His strength.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="apple-style-span">“He [Christ] is our shield. . . . It is by Him that we remain unto this day; and by Him we shall remain, if it shall be for our glory; and in His Almighty name we are determined to endure tribulation as good soldiers unto the end.” (Joseph Smith, <a href="http://www.josephsmith.net/josephsmith/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=a751001cfb340010VgnVCM1000001f5e340aRCRD&locale=0">Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith</a>)</span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">I often here the phrase, “Why me?” uttered in times of hardships and I have always wondered to myself when I hear that, “Why <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> me? Why should I be the exception?” Though easier said than done, we must accept the trials we have been given and open our hearts to whatever it is that the Lord wants us to learn. Through listening to the promptings of the spirit we can be strengthened by the Lord to know what we need to do to become what He has in mind.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"> <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;"></span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">In </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/ot/ps/138.3?lang=eng#2">Psalms 138:3</a></span><span class="verse"><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"> it says, “</span></span><span class="apple-style-span">In the day when I</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">cried</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">thou answeredst me,</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;"></span><span class="clarityword"><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">and</span> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span">strengthenedst me</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;"></span><span class="clarityword"><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">with</span></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">strength in my soul.” Time and time again this has happened in my life. Then, again in <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/ot/ps/18.32?lang=eng#31">Psalms 18:32</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=4585444751249018887&postID=6735369996442659422" name="32">, it reads<span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"> <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;"></span></span></a></span><span class="verse"><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">“</span></span><span class="clarityword"><i><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">It is</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">God</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.” </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If we give our lives to Christ we will be strengthened, fortified and will become even greater tools in His hands to further His work. But, how do we go about giving our lives to Christ? <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Harold B. Lee said, “<span class="apple-style-span">The enemies of your own human ‘fortress’ are both physical and spiritual… They may include an unexpected sorrow, a family disgrace, a shock in your finances, the [disloyalty] of a supposed friend, or a secret sin against the laws of God.” When such things happen in our lives, we require “an additional supply from spiritual sources. …</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">And so I beg of you … to live each day so that you might receive from the fountain of light [the] nourishment and strength sufficient to every day’s need. Take time to be holy each day of your lives.” (<i><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><a href="http://lds.org/manual/teachings-of-presidents-of-the-church-haroldb-lee/chapter-19-take-time-to-be-holy?lang=eng&query=Chapter+19%3aTake+time+Holy">Decisions for Successful Living</a></span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">(1973))<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span">Taking time to be holy really means investing your time and your heart into the little things. We <u>must</u> have daily scripture study and prayer to continue growing. We should be attending our church meetings, having and going to FHE, doing our home and visiting teaching and doing all that we can to keep the spirit with us and draw closer to the Savior throughout our day.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span">As C.S. Lewis so eloquently stated, “Your real, new self (which is Christ’s and also yours, and yours just because it is His) will not come as long as you are looking for it. It will come when you are looking for Him.” (Mere Christianity, p. 226) <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span">We must turn to Christ. Doing so will bring blessings and strength that we cannot comprehend. It is a long process but I shall never forget that “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/philip/4.13?lang=eng#12">Philippians 4:13</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span">Elisabeth</span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585444751249018887.post-37784831993763203532011-04-30T18:04:00.004-06:002011-05-13T13:30:13.519-06:00I'm Trying to Be like Jesus<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Jesus is the perfect example. I have learned a lot from the chorus of the song "I am trying to be like Jesus."<br />
<br />
"Love one another as Jesus loves you. Try to show kindness in all that you do. Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought for these are the things Jesus taught."<br />
<br />
We are to love one another as Jesus loves others. This means that He sees the best in everyone and cares for them and wants the best for them. "The love the Savior described is an active love. It is not manifested through large and heroic deeds but rather through simple acts of kindness and service." (M. Russell Ballard <a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/finding-joy-through-loving-service?lang=eng&query=%22Finding+Joy+through+Loving+Service%22">"Finding Joy through Loving Service"</a> General Conference April 2011). When we truly love someone it is easier to serve them and it becomes easier to keep the commandments. However, sometimes we need to start in reverse, which is that we need to serve them which will help us learn to love them.<br />
<br />
The song also talks about our thoughts. I think one of the trials in this life is learning to control your thoughts. When we control our thoughts we control our bodies which control our actions. Our thoughts are the roots of who we are.<br />
<br />
As we learn to love other people more we can see their true worth. We can see them in the light that Heavenly Father sees them. In<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/26.30?lang=eng#29"> 2 Nephi 26 :30</a> we are reminded that "the Lord God hath given a commandment that all men should have charity, which charity is love. And except they should have charity they have nothing." "God is love" (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/1-jn/4.8?lang=eng#7">1 John 4:8</a>), so if we learn to love as he does we can develop the qualities he possesses. Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin has said, "Love is the very essence of the gospel of Christ." (<a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/1997/10/valued-companions?lang=eng">General Conference Report Oct 1997</a>).<br />
<br />
I know that as we actively seek to develop the virtue of charity we become better people and draw closer to Christ so we can become as He is.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585444751249018887.post-27595085244602401312011-04-30T17:03:00.003-06:002011-05-13T13:29:22.517-06:00Spiritual Strength through cleansing our lives<p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">First off, it was never my plan to use such a pretentious moniker as you see I'm posting with; however, since our beloved capitán gave me credit for coining our group name, I feel it's only appropriate that I stick with the nickname he created for me... </span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Anyways, on the topic of spiritual strength, the first thing that came to my mind was one of my favorite quotes by the prophet Joseph Smith: </span><span style="color:#131313;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">"If I were in the deepest coal-pit of Nova Scotia, and had the Rocky Mountains piled on top of me, I would not be discouraged, and I would come out on top!"</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#131313;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">This quote demonstrates all kinds of strength to me and the ability to, as Winston Churchill put it, “never, never, never, give up.” If we are going to reach any destination, spiritual or not, this is an important strength.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#131313;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I just want to interject a quick and personal side note. This five minute fireside activity has already proved quite beneficial and quite a bit more enjoyable than I anticipated. Thoughts started popping into my head the moment I started reading the assignment for this week's post. Right as I learned it was intended that we include one quote from Joseph Smith, the previous quote I posted popped right into my head. When I learned we needed another quote from a deceased, modern-day prophet, the story I'm going to share in a moment from President Hinckley about being clean popped into my head. The only thing that didn't pop into my head instantly was an O.T. Scripture, probably because I'm the least familiar with that book of scripture. However, once I got the spiritual wheels turning in my head and dove into my morning study to contribute to this blog, I went back to find an O.T. Scripture and the thought “Joshua, Chapter 1, verses 8 and 9” immediately popped into my head. Anyways, that was quite surprising because I had no idea what these scriptures said, so I rushed to look them up and I was quite please to find that they mesh in perfectly with this topic.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#131313;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/ot/josh/1?lang=eng"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Joshua 1:9</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> - “</span></span></span><span style="color:#252b2c;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the </span></span></span><span style="color:#252b2c;"><sup><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">a</span></span></sup></span><span style="color:#252b2c;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Lord thy God </span></span></span><span style="color:#252b2c;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">is</span></i></span></span><span style="color:#252b2c;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> with thee whithersoever thou goest.</span></span></span></span><span style="color:#131313;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">”</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#131313;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">We are commanded to be strong, and obey the Lord's law, and in verse 8 we are promised the blessings for our spiritual strength and obedience: “</span></span></span></span><span style="color:#252b2c;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#252b2c;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Finally, if there is any story, or theme that could tie in perfectly with the topic of spiritual strength, it would be the following story given by </span><a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2007/04/i-am-clean?lang=eng"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Gordon B. Hinckley in the April 2007 Priesthood Session of General Conference</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">. It is a long excerpt, but I wouldn't have posted it if it wasn't worth the read. It gives a stunning example of the power gained in one's life from spiritual strength, and how such spiritual strength is achieved. And as a side note, I'm sad that I'm only able to post the text from his talk because most of the power was felt in hearing this story from his own lips. It was a very powerful talk, but I've never been able to track down a version of it in video...</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#252b2c;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">The following is a story from the life of </span></span></span></span><span style="color:#252b2c;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Joseph F. Smith, in his own words, quoted by President Hinckley:</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#252b2c;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">“</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I was very much oppressed [when I was] on a mission. I was almost naked and entirely friendless, except [for] the friendship of a poor, benighted … people. I felt as if I was so debased in my condition of poverty, lack of intelligence and knowledge, just a boy, that I hardly dared look a … man in the face.</span></span></span></span></p> <p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0.28in; line-height: 0.25in"><span style="color:#252b2c;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">“</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">While in that condition I dreamed [one night] that I was on a journey, and I was impressed that I ought to hurry—hurry with all my might, for fear I might be too late. I rushed on my way as fast as I possibly could, and I was only conscious of having just a little bundle, a handkerchief with a small bundle wrapped in it. I did not realize … what it was, when I was hurrying as fast as I could; but finally I came to a wonderful mansion. … I thought I knew that was my destination. As I passed towards it, as fast as I could, I saw a notice [which read B-A-T-H], ‘Bath.’ I turned aside quickly and went into the bath and washed myself clean. I opened up this little bundle that I had, and there was [some] white, clean [clothing], a thing I had not seen for a long time, because the people I was with did not think very much of making things exceedingly clean. But my [clothing was] clean, and I put [it] on. Then I rushed to what appeared to be a great opening, or door. I knocked and the door opened, and the man who stood there was the Prophet Joseph Smith. He looked at me a little reprovingly, and the first words he said: ‘Joseph, you are late.’ Yet I took confidence and [replied]:</span></span></span></p> <p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0.28in; line-height: 0.25in"><span style="color:#252b2c;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">“‘</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Yes, but I am clean—I am clean!’</span></span></span></p> <p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0.28in; line-height: 0.25in"><span style="color:#252b2c;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">“</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">He clasped my hand and drew me in, then closed the great door. I felt his hand just as tangible as I ever felt the hand of man. I knew him, and when I entered I saw my father, and Brigham [Young] and Heber [C. Kimball], and Willard [Richards], and other good men that I had known, standing in a row. I looked as if it were across this valley, and it seemed to be filled with a vast multitude of people, but on the stage were all the people that I had known. My mother was there, and she sat with a child in her lap; and I could name over as many as I remember of their names, who sat there, who seemed to be among the chosen, among the exalted. …</span></span></span></p> <p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0.28in; line-height: 0.25in"><span style="color:#252b2c;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">“</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">[When I had this dream,] I was alone on a mat, away up in the mountains of Hawaii—no one was with me. But in this vision I pressed my hand up against the Prophet, and I saw a smile cross his countenance. …</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#252b2c;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">“</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">When I awoke that morning I was a man, although only [still] a boy. There was not anything in the world that I feared [after that]. I could meet any man or woman or child and look them in the face, feeling in my soul that I was a man every whit. That vision, that manifestation and witness that I enjoyed at that time has made me what I am, if I am anything that is good, or clean, or upright before the Lord, if there is anything good in me. That has helped me out in every trial and through every difficulty” (Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. [1939], 542–43).”</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#252b2c;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">May we each do our best to be clean and obtain spiritual strength in our own lives.</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><span style="color:#252b2c;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Michae</span>l</span></span></span></span></p>Cool Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028277892814135596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585444751249018887.post-31190311735673734082011-04-26T18:54:00.005-06:002011-05-13T13:30:13.520-06:00In the Service of the Savior<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In the song <i>I’m Trying to Be like Jesus </i>I specifically love the line in the second verse-</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“<span class="apple-style-span">I’m trying to love my neighbor;</span> <span class="apple-style-span">I’m learning to serve my friends.</span>” (<a href="http://lds.org/churchmusic/detailmusicPlayer/index.html?searchlanguage=1&searchcollection=2&searchseqstart=78&searchsubseqstart=%20&searchseqend=78&searchsubseqend=ZZZ">Children's Song, #78</a>)</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The love that Christ has for each of us is ever present in the love others show us and the love we show through service of our own. In “trying to be like Jesus” we help to accomplish and further his work.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In the June 2010 Ensign Alison Palmer wrote,</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> “<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Accepting service and giving service back lightens our own load, and, in turn, lifts those who serve us. Everyone is blessed as we strive to listen to the Spirit and do things as the Lord would have us do them.</span>” ("<a href="http://lds.org/ensign/2010/06/accepting-and-giving-service?lang=eng&query=Alison+Palmer+June+2010+Ensign">Accepting and Giving Service</a>," Ensign, June 2010)</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Letting people serve you gives them the chance to be Christ-like, if we do not allow others to help us, we are depriving them of the opportunity to be a tool in the hands of the Savior and we are not giving ourselves the chance to humbly acknowledge the hand of the Lord expressed through the love of others. </span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To further address this, M. Russell Ballard says, </span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></span></div><div class="" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/general-conference/2011/04/finding-joy-through-loving-service.p21"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"It is only when we love God and Christ with all of our hearts, souls, and minds that we are able to share this love with our neighbors through acts of kindness and service—the way that the Savior would love and serve all of us if He were among us today.</span></div></div><div class="" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/general-conference/2011/04/finding-joy-through-loving-service.p22"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When this pure love of Christ—or charity—envelops us, we think, feel, and act more like Heavenly Father and Jesus would think, feel, and act. Our motivation and heartfelt desire are like unto that of the Savior. He shared this desire with His Apostles on the eve of His Crucifixion. He said:</span></div></div><div class="" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/general-conference/2011/04/finding-joy-through-loving-service.p23"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you. …</span></div></div><div class="" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/general-conference/2011/04/finding-joy-through-loving-service.p24"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (<a class="scriptureRef" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/13.34-35?lang=eng#33" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">John 13:34–35</a>).</span></div></div><div class="" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/general-conference/2011/04/finding-joy-through-loving-service.p25"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The love the Savior described is an active love. It is not manifested through large and heroic deeds but rather through simple acts of kindness and service.</span></div></div><div class="" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/general-conference/2011/04/finding-joy-through-loving-service.p26"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There are myriad ways and circumstances in which we can serve and love others." (</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/finding-joy-through-loving-service?lang=eng">Finding Joy through Loving Service</a>, April 2011 General Conference)</span></div></div><div class="" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/general-conference/2011/04/finding-joy-through-loving-service.p26"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">As I read and studied this song I was eager to serve. I wanted to be as “like Jesus” as possible by serving. But, due an accident I've recently been in, I am now extremely limited in my capacity to help even myself, let alone anyone else. So, in an attempt to do all that I can, I have been observing and doing my best to show gratitude for those around me that are striving to “be like Jesus.”</span><span style="line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">I have watched numerous doors be opened without a second thought and seen a touching eagerness to help in my new roommates. Just this morning one of them graciously helped me pull back my hair. It is humbling to have to accept help for a task you have, in the past, so easily done for yourself. It creates an appreciation for what you have, had and what is currently being given to you. In developing an appreciation for the things you have you draw closer to the Lord, expanding your ability to feel the spirit and, in turn, recognize how to better serve. What a beautiful circle of Christ-like love.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7_mEHY8OOFk/TbixfNDO8fI/AAAAAAAAAOA/TV7B87JlR9g/s1600/Spring+Semester+2011+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7_mEHY8OOFk/TbixfNDO8fI/AAAAAAAAAOA/TV7B87JlR9g/s320/Spring+Semester+2011+010.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">We must follow in the footsteps of the Savoir; we must learn of him, understand him and use his atonement in our daily lives. The closer we draw to Christ, the more we spend time with him, the greater his influence in our lives will be. Like living with roommates and family members, we pick up the habits- good and bad- of those with whom we spend the most time. If we diligently surround ourselves with the things of the Savior, we will slowly but surely develop his habits- serving more effectively, teaching and learning better, and loving deeper. </span></div></div><div class="" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/general-conference/2011/04/finding-joy-through-loving-service.p26"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"></span><span class="verse"><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">“</span></span><span class="apple-style-span">Wherefore, my beloved brethren,</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">pray</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">followers</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">be</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">purified</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">even as he is pure. Amen.”</span>(<span class="verse"><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/moro/7?lang=eng&query=Wherefore,+my+beloved+brethren,+pray+unto+Father+with+all+energy+heart,+may+filled+with+love,+which+he+hath+bestowed+upon+all+true+followers+his+Son,+Jesus+Christ">Mosiah 7:48</a>)</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="text-align: left;"> I have heard my whole life that “you love those you serve” but it is only until recently that I have come to realize that if you acknowledge with gratitude the service being given, you love those who serve you. How then, can our hearts not be constantly filled with love for the Savior?</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;">Elisabeth</div></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585444751249018887.post-73582788614210944442011-04-26T13:13:00.002-06:002011-05-13T13:30:13.521-06:00Becometh As A Child<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaByYIIrJDSKf3sotu-ta4kkT_CpXqIFS_0eOxJM2jXRgOMN4lOTPwtbKOyE-rJ2wYhllO6ZgrDINhdkzsyE6jB9XJQtVEF61sE0-ymyo3JTOgFewQmBomqpxGbvAx2wBa2tWW4Y7zIuXN/s1600/Jesus+Children-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaByYIIrJDSKf3sotu-ta4kkT_CpXqIFS_0eOxJM2jXRgOMN4lOTPwtbKOyE-rJ2wYhllO6ZgrDINhdkzsyE6jB9XJQtVEF61sE0-ymyo3JTOgFewQmBomqpxGbvAx2wBa2tWW4Y7zIuXN/s200/Jesus+Children-11.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"At the same time came the disciples into Jesus saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is in greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/18.1-4">Matt 18:1-4</a>)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">These words the Savior spoke to His disciples in the midst of His earthy sojourn. In the aftermath of the destruction in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Americas</st1:country-region></st1:place> following His crucifixion, Jesus Christ taught:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh into me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:placetype></st1:place>.” (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/9.22">3 Nephi 9:22</a>)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What does it mean to become as a little child, why are children the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, and how are we to become like children that we, too, may inherit the kingdom of God? The Book of Mormon prophet King Benjamin taught:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been since the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father." (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/3.19">Mosiah 3:19</a>)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We learn from King Benjamin that in order to become as a child, we must follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit and put off the natural man. We must try to be like Jesus and do the things that we have seen Him do (see <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/18.24">3 Nephi 18:24</a>; <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/27.21">27:21</a>). Children are the greatest in the kingdom of heaven because they are so precious an innocent. They are not so jaded by the world and are quicker to show love. They are closer to their Father in Heaven, trusting, humble, submissive, and possess each of the Christlike attributes that we must develop as we are trying to be like Jesus. Children are greatest in the kingdom of heaven because they are pure.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">But how do we become as little children with all of our day-to-day stressors, how do we simply trust God when His teachings so often conflict with the teachings of the world, and how do we persist during those times in which we are tempted to make a wrong choice? As we are trying to be like Jesus and follow in His ways, how can we know that we are being successful in putting off the natural man even though we may not see immediate, measurable improvement?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In answer to these concerns, President Henry B. Eyring counseled:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"For all of us it may be hard to see in our lives an increasing power to love and to see ourselves becoming more like the Savior, our perfect example. I wish to encourage you. You have had evidences that you are moving along the road to becoming more like Jesus. It will help to remember how you have felt, at times, like a little child, even in the midst of cares and trials.... Think of the times you felt, perhaps recently, as those little children did singing, 'I’m trying to be like Jesus; I’m following in his ways.'... You have felt the peace of a pure little child at times when you have tried to be like Jesus.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“I hope you will go out today looking for opportunities to do as He did and to love as He loves. I can promise you the peace that you felt as a child will come to you often and it will linger with you." (“<a href="http://lds.org/ensign/2009/11/our-perfect-example">Our Perfect Example</a>,” <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ensign,</i> Nov 2009)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We can have the assurance that we are on the pathway to becoming like the Savior as we try to love our neighbors and learn to serve our friends. Remember that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">all </i>are our neighbors and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">all </i>are children of our Heavenly Father. The key to becoming as a little child lies in the chorus to the Primary song quoted by President Eyring:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Love one another as Jesus loves you.<br />
Try to show kindness in all that you do.<br />
Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought,<br />
For these are the things Jesus taught.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://lds.org/churchmusic/detailmusicPlayer/index.html?searchlanguage=1&searchcollection=2&searchseqstart=78&searchsubseqstart=%20&searchseqend=78&searchsubseqend=ZZZ">Children’s Songs<span style="font-style: normal;">, #78</span></a></i>)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Friends, try to remember the lessons taught by the Savior. Serve others, be kind, lift up the hands which hang down and strengthen the feeble knees. When the path of discipleship, the road to eternal life, gets difficult, remember the day of gladness when Jesus will come again. Lose yourself in the service of others. All will be made right through His Atonement. As we try to be like Jesus, we will all receive the blessings of leading a Christlike and childlike life.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Jeremy</div></div><script type="text/javascript">
var _gaq = _gaq || [];
_gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-7971728-2']);
_gaq.push(['_trackPageview']);
(function() {
var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true;
ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js';
var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s);
})();
</script>Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11485803456009639060noreply@blogger.com0