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!
The straight and narrow
Monday, March 23, 2009
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.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
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."
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."
Friday, January 30, 2009
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
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
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!!
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!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
