I've learned through my life, and while reading a book by E. Richard G. Scott, that Heavenly Father doesn't want us overly dependant upon Him. If we think of all the gifts and power that he has given and continues to give us, we'll see that He does this, so that we can accomplish what we know needs to get done on our own free will and choice.
There is evidence of this in 1 Nephi 18:1:
"And the Lord did show me from time to time after what manner I should work the timbers of the ship"
Nephi didn't need constant and complete oversight with what he was doing. He needed guidance from time to time.
God guides. I know He does. Sometimes we forget that. I'm certain however that if you'll look back on your life. You'll see some specific instances when He led you and showed you 'from time to time' what you needed to do. Feel free to share those with me and others in the comment section.....
The straight and narrow
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Array of Feelings
So, today is my last day of class here at BYU! Interesting experience. Honestly it feels like any other normal day of class, and soon the stress and worry over finals will be upon me full throttle. Last night, my friend Mary and I came up on campus and looked out over the valley, at the beautiful blossoms on the trees, and at the beautiful campus where I've spent a majority of my time the past two years.
I realize that I'm going to miss going to school here. It is such a unique place to gain an education. It's clean, friendly and academically excellent. Having attended BYU-Hawaii as well, I see how these Universities have special missions and provide such great opportunities for us as youth of the Church.
Today I will write about my blogging experience thus far for my final in my Book of Mormon class. It has been excellent to write periodically about what is on my mind, and points of view and principles that I gain as I live and try to hold firm to the iron rod.
Last night I started over in my reading of the Book of Mormon. I saw in chapter one of 1st Nephi what I thought to be a contradiction in the feelings Lehi had because of his vision.
He talks of seeing many of the calamities that will come upon Jerusalem because of their iniquity if they don't repent. "and because of the things which he saw and heard he did quake and tremble exceedingly." Then it goes on to explain that he reads and sees other "great and marvelous things", after which he rejoices and gives praise to God. If you read this too fast, you could conclude that he was happy and rejoicing that Jerusalem would be destroyed. Such isn't the case. "Thy power, and goodness, and mercy are over all the inhabitants of the earth; and, because thou art merciful, thou wilt not suffer those who come unto thee that they shall perish!" is what Lehi says. WHY?? Why is it that he rejoiced and praised God after seeing and learning that the city he lived in and friends he knew and loved would be destroyed??
Because the Savior stood before him and "gave unto him a book, and bade him that he should read." The word of God testifies of Christ, and His divine mission which in turn gives hope and enables us to rejoice. I dare say that we as a people need such hope and joy! Why not go to the books that teach us what we need to do so??
Another quick observation about the Lehi as a man: "as he went forth prayed unto the Lord, yea, even with all his heart, in behalf of his people."
When was the last time you prayed for this country and the people that live in it?? I did last night for the first time. It was a powerful experience!
I realize that I'm going to miss going to school here. It is such a unique place to gain an education. It's clean, friendly and academically excellent. Having attended BYU-Hawaii as well, I see how these Universities have special missions and provide such great opportunities for us as youth of the Church.
Today I will write about my blogging experience thus far for my final in my Book of Mormon class. It has been excellent to write periodically about what is on my mind, and points of view and principles that I gain as I live and try to hold firm to the iron rod.
Last night I started over in my reading of the Book of Mormon. I saw in chapter one of 1st Nephi what I thought to be a contradiction in the feelings Lehi had because of his vision.
He talks of seeing many of the calamities that will come upon Jerusalem because of their iniquity if they don't repent. "and because of the things which he saw and heard he did quake and tremble exceedingly." Then it goes on to explain that he reads and sees other "great and marvelous things", after which he rejoices and gives praise to God. If you read this too fast, you could conclude that he was happy and rejoicing that Jerusalem would be destroyed. Such isn't the case. "Thy power, and goodness, and mercy are over all the inhabitants of the earth; and, because thou art merciful, thou wilt not suffer those who come unto thee that they shall perish!" is what Lehi says. WHY?? Why is it that he rejoiced and praised God after seeing and learning that the city he lived in and friends he knew and loved would be destroyed??
Because the Savior stood before him and "gave unto him a book, and bade him that he should read." The word of God testifies of Christ, and His divine mission which in turn gives hope and enables us to rejoice. I dare say that we as a people need such hope and joy! Why not go to the books that teach us what we need to do so??
Another quick observation about the Lehi as a man: "as he went forth prayed unto the Lord, yea, even with all his heart, in behalf of his people."
When was the last time you prayed for this country and the people that live in it?? I did last night for the first time. It was a powerful experience!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Apostles of the Lord
This last weekend was one of spiritual strengthening and enlightenment. I know that Heavenly Father has spoken to us through his chosen servants. I am grateful that in our modern age, we have apostles. These men are called of God, and chosen to bear special witness of Jesus Christ. I testify that they are so very needed in a time when secular thinking and disbelief are so very common in our society. Their words offer peace, confidence and surety in an unsteady and difficult world.
One such apostle is a man by the name of Richard G. Scott. I've come to love and appreciate him through the years, and admire his life's mission and work. He has a special, sincere love for people that is rarely seen. I met him while I was a missionary in the MTC. He stayed after giving his talk and shook each missionaries hand. I recall looking into his eyes and seeing the light of Christ burning so very brightly!! I knew that he has had experiences to give him the special witness he bears. He teaches of the importance of listening to and then following the promptings of the Holy Ghost. He teaches with power and authority how to do so.
I'm especially grateful for the message that he shared this last conference, and how he opened up to so many people and shared tender memories with us. He did so via inspiration, and his message touched my family very deeply. He spoke of losing 2 little children, and even his wife now later in life. He spoke of not asking why, but rather trusting that God knows what's best for us as his children. This really affected our family because of what my sister went through last summer losing their first little boy.
God be thanked for these special witnesses!
One such apostle is a man by the name of Richard G. Scott. I've come to love and appreciate him through the years, and admire his life's mission and work. He has a special, sincere love for people that is rarely seen. I met him while I was a missionary in the MTC. He stayed after giving his talk and shook each missionaries hand. I recall looking into his eyes and seeing the light of Christ burning so very brightly!! I knew that he has had experiences to give him the special witness he bears. He teaches of the importance of listening to and then following the promptings of the Holy Ghost. He teaches with power and authority how to do so.
I'm especially grateful for the message that he shared this last conference, and how he opened up to so many people and shared tender memories with us. He did so via inspiration, and his message touched my family very deeply. He spoke of losing 2 little children, and even his wife now later in life. He spoke of not asking why, but rather trusting that God knows what's best for us as his children. This really affected our family because of what my sister went through last summer losing their first little boy.
God be thanked for these special witnesses!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Until after....
Uncertainty is a fact of life. It's been interesting to experience the feelings of anxiety and wonder about the future that I've had lately. I'm graduating from BYU in 20 days. I've yet to resolve the following in my life. Where will I go for my AuD program this fall? Where will I work this summer? Where will I move to? How will I pay for school, housing, food etc.?
Uncertainty as a part of our lives impels us to believe more firmly in He who is the rock of certainty and peace: Jesus Christ. In Ether 12:6 we read: "ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith". I've found this to be how life works. We are tested, stressed and must prove our faith until it seems like we can't go any further, and then we are given a witness, and guidance as to where we'll go or what we'll do.
I know that this weekend of general conference will be very special. It can be that way if we make it that way. The effort and desire we put into learning from the prophets of God, is a large determinant of what we'll get out of it.
I'm grateful that there are prophets in the land once again. I know that Heavenly Father hasn't given up on us. I feel His love and concern when I hear these good men speak.
May we all enjoy our test of faith, and stand ready to see the hand of the Lord work miracles in our lives. May we be guided and inspired this weekend is my prayer.
Uncertainty as a part of our lives impels us to believe more firmly in He who is the rock of certainty and peace: Jesus Christ. In Ether 12:6 we read: "ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith". I've found this to be how life works. We are tested, stressed and must prove our faith until it seems like we can't go any further, and then we are given a witness, and guidance as to where we'll go or what we'll do.
I know that this weekend of general conference will be very special. It can be that way if we make it that way. The effort and desire we put into learning from the prophets of God, is a large determinant of what we'll get out of it.
I'm grateful that there are prophets in the land once again. I know that Heavenly Father hasn't given up on us. I feel His love and concern when I hear these good men speak.
May we all enjoy our test of faith, and stand ready to see the hand of the Lord work miracles in our lives. May we be guided and inspired this weekend is my prayer.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Setting our hearts
The Book of Mormon is full of stories of men and entire nations who obtain power through unrighteous means, then lose it, then battle to regain it. One such story is found in the book of Ether, chapter 8. A man named Omer has a son named Jared who has a family, and eventually rebels against his father who is a king because he wants to have his own kingdom. He obtains it. Omer's other sons are angry and battle Jared to regain the kingdom. Jared loses the battle and is almost killed. However, the other sons who gave him battle spare his life.
There is one simple yet powerful verse that teaches a very important principle. Verse 7 reads: "And now Jared became exceedingly sorrowful because of the loss of the kingdom, for he had set his heart upon the kingdom and upon the glory of the world."
Interesting isn't it? If there is anything I've learned during my life it's this: Be very selective as to what you set out to gain, because you will most likely obtain it. Whether it's goodness or wickedness, we usually obtain what we want. The powerful thing is that sorrow accompanies the search of wordly pleasures and treasures. Especially once they're gone.
The world today is so very materialistic. If we would set our hearts upon that which will bring us real joy like family, friends, God, and other REAL treasures, ourlives would be much more full of joy!
There is one simple yet powerful verse that teaches a very important principle. Verse 7 reads: "And now Jared became exceedingly sorrowful because of the loss of the kingdom, for he had set his heart upon the kingdom and upon the glory of the world."
Interesting isn't it? If there is anything I've learned during my life it's this: Be very selective as to what you set out to gain, because you will most likely obtain it. Whether it's goodness or wickedness, we usually obtain what we want. The powerful thing is that sorrow accompanies the search of wordly pleasures and treasures. Especially once they're gone.
The world today is so very materialistic. If we would set our hearts upon that which will bring us real joy like family, friends, God, and other REAL treasures, ourlives would be much more full of joy!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Love
It's hard when we're hurt, and doubting ourselves to have hope and believe in some of the most basic beliefs and doctrines of the gospel. But it is in those very moments when we need to hold firm to them, for it is these simple yet profound beliefs that get us through our toughest times.
Love is real. I know it is. I know that because I am a son of God, I have the power to love.
My favorite scripture on love is found in 1 John 1:7-11. I am grateful that it is so very simple in its explanation of love and its importance in our lives.
7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
I believe that if we really understood the atonement, we would love each other more fully. Everyone who we know or come to meet would be treated with more love, compassion and sincerity. I'm grateful for the atonement for that purpose. As I come to learn more about its significance in my life and the life of those around me, I feel more power to love and cherish my brothers and sisters.
I know that people are ready to share and express their love for and confidence in us when we need it most. We just have to go to them and ask them to help us feel it, and understand how we can be better. God be thanked for our precious families! I can't wait to meet my best friend, love her, have our family together, and grow old and more in love each day of our lives!
Love is real. I know it is. I know that because I am a son of God, I have the power to love.
My favorite scripture on love is found in 1 John 1:7-11. I am grateful that it is so very simple in its explanation of love and its importance in our lives.
7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
I believe that if we really understood the atonement, we would love each other more fully. Everyone who we know or come to meet would be treated with more love, compassion and sincerity. I'm grateful for the atonement for that purpose. As I come to learn more about its significance in my life and the life of those around me, I feel more power to love and cherish my brothers and sisters.
I know that people are ready to share and express their love for and confidence in us when we need it most. We just have to go to them and ask them to help us feel it, and understand how we can be better. God be thanked for our precious families! I can't wait to meet my best friend, love her, have our family together, and grow old and more in love each day of our lives!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Choosing to love people
I arrived in Kentucky on Friday around 4 pm. I've been spending time with my sister Natalie and her husband Rob. They live in Nicholasville near Lexington KY. I was excited to come here and see what life is like in a different state. Since here I've seen the differences between this place and home. The sloping wide open fields are a different and distinct beauty. Everywhere you look there are double fences and barnes that signify a thriving horse operation.
The people are different. I feel deep inside that they live a more simple life than we do in Utah. I went with Natalie and Rob to the somerset branch. A lesson I learned on my mission served to help me have a good experience today. I remembered that loving people begins with a choice. A choice to see the good in them and simply love them. The men who blessed and passed the sacrament did so with a reverence and respect that I've never before seen or felt. People shared their experiences openly, with a desire to help others feel faith and goodness.
After church we went to a womans house who makes Sunday dinner each week for Natalie and Rob. They had another man over who they've 'taken under their wing'. I was really impressed all day at how good and kind the people here are.
The people are different. I feel deep inside that they live a more simple life than we do in Utah. I went with Natalie and Rob to the somerset branch. A lesson I learned on my mission served to help me have a good experience today. I remembered that loving people begins with a choice. A choice to see the good in them and simply love them. The men who blessed and passed the sacrament did so with a reverence and respect that I've never before seen or felt. People shared their experiences openly, with a desire to help others feel faith and goodness.
After church we went to a womans house who makes Sunday dinner each week for Natalie and Rob. They had another man over who they've 'taken under their wing'. I was really impressed all day at how good and kind the people here are.
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