From time to time

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.....

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

Because of the rising generation

24. Yep, that's my age. I'm what we of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints like to call a "young single adult". We believe that we have a great responsibility to help build our church and bring about goodness on this earth no matter what our age.
The Book of Mormon is powerful in it's teachings concerning how life is prior to the coming of Jesus Christ to this earth. Why? Because the people described in this book went through a time of waiting for Christ to come to the earth just like we are today.
Today I read about the effect a rising generation such as mine can have on a whole civilization. In 3 Nephi 1:29-30 it states: "And there was also a cause of much sorrow among the Lamanites; for behold, they had many children who did grow up and began to wax strong in years, that they became for themselves, and were led away by some who were Zoramites, by their lyings and their flattering words, to join those Gadianton robbers.
And thus were the Lamanites afflicted also, and began to decrease as to their faith and righteousness, because of the wickedness of the rising generation."

I like the wording that is chosen "they became for themselves". I think that is exactly what we do at this stage in life of mid 20's. One of the main challenges we face is the decision as to what we will become. How we will lead, and rise to the challenge of being a disciple of Christ. As the Book of Mormon teaches, this generation of young adults were not strong. They chose to not believe and prepare themselves faithfully when the Savior would appear. I pray that I won't be like them. I pray that all of us who are of my age will rise to the challenge, and be better disciples of Christ.
I think a plague that many of us suffer with is the plague of fear. I'd like to end with one of my favorite quotes by James Allen.
"Having conceived of his purpose, a man should mentally mark out a straight pathway to its achievement, looking neither to the right nor the left. Doubts and fears should be rigorously excluded; they are disintegrating elements which break up the straight line of effort, rendering it crooked, ineffectual, useless. Thoughts of doubt and fear never accomplish anything, and never can. They always lead to failure. Purpose, energy, power to do, and all strong thoughts cease when doubt and fear creep in."

Heroes

Few times in our lives we get to meet real heroes.

People who amaze us with their depth of character and courage.

I am blessed to have THREE such people in my life. My angel sister Natalie, her stalwart husband Rob, and their son Branson Jack Call. In July of 2008, Natalie gave birth to Branson who quickly returned to Heavenly Father. This experience has served to help soo many people, and give proper perspective on life, and the really important things we go through.

We're given trials and difficulties in life to "see if (we'll) do all things whatsoever the Lord (our) God shall command (us)" Abraham 3:25 All of us struggle to complete this purpose of life.

How refreshing it is to know people who pass these 'tests' with flying colors. They give us hope and faith in the goodness, and light within us all. We feel that if they could do it, we can also.

I love these three souls. I admire them more than they probably realize. I hope to be as good, faithful and supportive of my wife as Rob is. I hope to someday have the wisdom and perspective that Natalie has. I hope to someday have as pure a Spirit and brave demeanor as my little nephew Branson. I miss you little guy...

May God bless us all with real heroes. If you'd like to read more about natalie and Rob's experience you can read Nat's blog: journeytoheal.blogspot.com

The Book of Mormon and understanding death

DEATH. It's a natural occurrence. Something that will happen to all of us. An event that causes heartache, tears and grief to those who are "left behind". I'm grateful for the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and what it teaches all the world about the plan of salvation that our loving Heavenly Father has created for us.
I'm getting a minor in gerontology (the studying of aging), and in my social gerontology class, we have talked about different theories of how society views aging and death. One of the recent theories we read about and discussed is the 'disengagement theory'. To keep it simple it proposes that because everyone dies, society must deal with death in one way or another, and the best way for society to continue after the death of an individual, and to keep on in its normal cycle is for society and the individual to "disengage" from one another. This means that the individual slowly loses value in the marketplace, the family and society in general. Then, when they die, society is able to continue on without any major slow down...... Pretty pessimistic theory eh?
I know that none of like to reflect upon the day we die. I realize that it could happened at any time really, and we never know when some accident or disease could cut our time on earth short. But I want you to think for a second about the day you will die. Hopefully you'll be old, grey haired and slowly fading without too much pain. Do you imagine yourself dying in peace and even rejoicing? Or do you imagine yourself dying in anxiety and worry as to what will be next? I hope that all of us would want to die in peace and rejoicing. How do we do so? The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, teaches us how this can happen.
In this book of scripture written by ancient American prophets, there are many chapters that talk about wars between two groups of people. In the book of Alma, chapter 46, verses 39 and 41 we're taught about dying in peace and rejoicing.
The prophet Mormon states: "And it came to pass that there were many who died, firmly believing that their souls were redeemed by the Lord Jesus Christ; thus they went out of the world rejoicing." and in verse 41: "But there were many who died with old age; and those who died in the faith of Christ are happy in him, as we must needs suppose."
I testify that death is not the end of life. I know that Jesus Christ resurrected, and overcame death, thus granting all men the ability to live forever. Our state of happiness or misery IN and AFTER this life however, depends on us and our commitment to Christ. Working to have this "firm belief" that our souls have been redeemed by Jesus takes effort, and faith. The scriptures teach us that we can be happy because of Christ, and be happy in Him. I think the "in" means a knowledge in, a conviction in, a belief in. Happiness stems from living the way Christ wants us to live. The sting of death is swallowed up in this knowledge and conviction of Christ. I know this because I've seen it time and again in my own life, and in the life of my family.

As it were unto us a dream...

So, I'm going to try out blogging. You must know that I'm not much of a fanatic when it comes to online communication, and sharing. I feel however that this blog can be a place where I can share with anyone the events taking place in my life, feelings I have and insights into this mutual experience we're all going through called "life".
My hope is that this blog site can also be a place to share my beliefs with others. Friends, family, random people, and anyone open and willing to hear about how Christ and His gospel has and continues to change my life.
Life is constantly changing, and filled with ups and downs. I simply want to record some of the things that take place in my "dream" of a life.
Thanks for reading!!