tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35649519546546345492024-03-21T11:11:35.500-07:00Pondering the ScripturesMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15891965643398782280noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564951954654634549.post-41485119168978601802021-03-28T14:36:00.002-07:002021-03-28T14:36:27.520-07:00It's a Long, Long Haul; Be Diligent: Doctrine and Covenants 10:4<p>Will I ever get it done? I think I want to give up.</p><p>I don't know if you've ever had those thoughts in the middle of a huge goal or project, but I certainly have. In February 2020 I set a goal. Write a book--my first one ever--and pitch it to an agent. End date: May 15, 2020. </p><p>Having never written a first draft let alone a polished book, I had a naïve belief I could do it all in a little over three months. </p><p>May 15 came and went. June came and went. In July I evaluated my purpose and changed my approach. I started over. August, September, October all came and went. In November I completed the first draft. Wahoo. Look out world, here comes the next best seller.</p><p>Then I started the edits. November passed. I took December off for Christmas and forged full steam ahead for the next two months. In the first week of March, I sent a second draft off for beta readers. Over 13 months, I started, stopped, revised, battled discouragement, and floated on spiritual highs. </p><p>In January and February I wanted to quit. It felt like the project would never, ever, ever end. Fortunately for me, Joseph Smith had a similar struggles publishing "his" book.</p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwgQMgyiXVrBP8E2kfsJg9u3wOy7oCesCEaVkI-9Qm0LjQmMBN2BBZvOds9cxF-8fd5UXgcENIWa8E8h4xFeJRBfPKNG518UGEFXpia69A6iLDdqasQ09hVV4XcIfisJ7Ba5aavZVw5kj/s800/priesthood_restoration_site.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwgQMgyiXVrBP8E2kfsJg9u3wOy7oCesCEaVkI-9Qm0LjQmMBN2BBZvOds9cxF-8fd5UXgcENIWa8E8h4xFeJRBfPKNG518UGEFXpia69A6iLDdqasQ09hVV4XcIfisJ7Ba5aavZVw5kj/s320/priesthood_restoration_site.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Book of Mormon Manuscript</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Joseph received the Golden Plates from Moroni in September 1827. Two and a half years went by. Joseph faced persecution. He caved to peer pressure and lost the ability to translate. He had to work the land to provide for a family. He started and stopped. He learned. He grew. He accomplished. In March 1830, the Book of Mormon was published. </p><p>During Joseph's long journey, he received several revelations related to translating and publishing the Book of Mormon. Many of them contained the words diligent. "Do not run faster or labor more than you have strength and means provided to enable you to translate; but <i>be diligent unto the end</i>" (<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/10.4?lang=eng#4" target="_blank">D&C 10:4 italics added</a>). </p><p>I received courage to continue on my journey by reading the scriptures that encouraged Joseph Smith. Diligence opens the way for Heavenly Father to bless us. <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/04/14jones?lang=eng" target="_blank">President Russell M. Nelson said</a>, "the Lord loves effort, because effort brings rewards that can’t come without it." Keep working, keep trying, keep enduring. Victory and lory come from "diligence, faithfulness, and prayer of faith" (<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/103?lang=eng/#36" target="_blank">D&C 103:36</a>).</p><p>Now, one year later, my goal is nearing completion. The hard road I traversed to finish it, gives me courage for another long, hard goal in a completely different area. I did it once, and I can do it again. Bit by bit, goal after goal, we will grow to be more like our Heavenly Father. </p><p><br /></p>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15891965643398782280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564951954654634549.post-70479147904352937132021-03-22T10:07:00.005-07:002021-03-22T10:15:56.599-07:00Promises Made; Promises Fulfilled: D&C 11:21 and D&C 23:3<p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdqPO8cmbdRfCuaRQaYanVesN7iMhqvWHI_SDGHoPKjm9zq07J2MSKdnTl753jVpa2RC3xp5B6OiRui0gnDI7KTLDw0KcJODxUuC6Sesq7OtYfGtrQ0CTMxl-mfCeqXfzR3DEs6pZcd5d/s750/joseph_and_hyrum_statue_carthage.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdqPO8cmbdRfCuaRQaYanVesN7iMhqvWHI_SDGHoPKjm9zq07J2MSKdnTl753jVpa2RC3xp5B6OiRui0gnDI7KTLDw0KcJODxUuC6Sesq7OtYfGtrQ0CTMxl-mfCeqXfzR3DEs6pZcd5d/s320/joseph_and_hyrum_statue_carthage.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Statue of Joseph and Hyrum <br />at Carthage Jail</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><b><u>Hyrum Smith</u></b></p><p> Hyrum Smith. I love this humble servant of God. He wanted to serve the Lord. That's all he wanted to to do. In seeking direction, he asked Joseph for a revelation, and the Lord gave one, which is now Doctrine and Covenants 11. Rather than embarking on the work immediately, God instructed Hyrum to study, to prepare, to read the scripture--both the Bible and the soon-to-be-published Book of Mormon. If Hyrum would first "seek to obtain" the word, the Lord promised "then [his] <i>tongue</i> shall be <i>loosed,</i>" <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/11?lang=eng#21" target="_blank">D&C 11:21</a> (italics added). Later in the same section, he showed an intimate loving relationship with Hyrum and called him "my son," (<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/11?lang=eng#23" target="_blank">verse 23</a>)</p><p>Hyrum obeyed and <i>God fulfilled his promise</i>.</p><p></p>A year later, The Book of Mormon had been published, The Church of Christ had been organized. Hyrum again received a revelation from God through Joseph Smith. The Lord said, "Hyrum, a few words; for thou also art under no condemnation, and thy heart is opened, and thy <i>tongue loosed</i>; and thy calling is to exhortation, and to strengthen the church continually (<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/23?lang=eng#3" target="_blank">D&C 23:3</a> italics added). <p></p><p>Notice the words "tongue" and "loosed" appear in both revelations. God fulfilled his promise. Hyrum served the Lord and His church the rest of his life.</p><p><b><u><br />My Son Hyrum</u></b></p><p>These two chapters became very person to me the past few weeks. God is merciful and his timing is perfect. I am about a week behind in my study of Come Follow Me, and I read these two chapters at the right time.</p><p>I have son name Hyrum. Like his namesake, Hyrum Smith, my son loves God and all he wants to do it serve Him. My son has looked forward his whole life to serving a mission for the The Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter-day Saints. The last week of January he met with the Bishop to start his paperwork. We anticipated a quick and easy application process. Instead, my son faced complications that delayed his call.</p><p>I read Section 11 during this time. Because my son shares the same name, the revelation suddenly became very personal. The Lord asked my son to wait. To study. To prepare. If he did, God would loose his tongue. </p><p>We completed the extra medical appointments and preparations that needed to be done. He studied the Gospel, continued to attend seminary, Church meetings, and mission prep. I saw a mellowing change come over my son as he patiently waited on the Lord. One time he was discouraged, and his father gave him a priesthood blessing. After a long day of school and work, he came home singing. The Spirit strengthened him more abundantly.</p><p>Still behind on my Come Follow Me, I read Doctrine and Covenants 23:3 the exact same day my son opened his mission call. My son Hyrum's tongue will be loosed on his mission, and the service will provide a strong foundation for him to serve God the rest of his life.</p><p>Again, <i>God fulfilled his promise. </i></p><p>This little story is a reminder that we can trust our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Just as He has kept his promises in the past, He will in the future. Elder Deiter F. Uchtdorf said: "[God] knows you. He hears your pleas. He is faithful and dependable. He will fulfill His promises" (<i><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2020/11/28uchtdorf?lang=eng" target="_blank">God Will Do Something Unimaginable</a></i>). He always does, in His own way and in His own time.</p>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15891965643398782280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564951954654634549.post-15073448513186579432013-09-14T08:28:00.002-07:002013-09-14T08:28:53.228-07:00Was All that Really 30 Years Ago? 1 Nephi 1:1 and 2 Nephi 5:28-30<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/AVvXsEin8d-2yGd8g4XDjNn2tXnBGZgFQ1YObARbOFOm5OF2T_AxIknzrcwa_SgO7b-_rnWVodvIHk9OMVmdEsTUoVco0U9y651NXzf1TeuYNk0s6OIKwOBf2KbSGTNz6b61gp9LnGlKxP-9aO7U/s1600/2013+05+26+Mush%252C+High+School+Graduation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8d-2yGd8g4XDjNn2tXnBGZgFQ1YObARbOFOm5OF2T_AxIknzrcwa_SgO7b-_rnWVodvIHk9OMVmdEsTUoVco0U9y651NXzf1TeuYNk0s6OIKwOBf2KbSGTNz6b61gp9LnGlKxP-9aO7U/s320/2013+05+26+Mush%252C+High+School+Graduation.jpg" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graduation 1983</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What were you doing 30 years ago?<br />
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I was finishing high school. That is the age group of girls that I work with as Young Women's president. I thought it would be a good idea to read my junior high and high school journals. I figured it would help me remember what it was like to be that age.<br />
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Oh, my, did I ever relive my life. It was fun to become reacquainted with friends and relive experiences. But, I learned a lot. One thing I learned was about perspective.<br />
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In <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/1.1?lang=eng" target="_blank">1 Nephi 1:1</a>, Nephi wrote that "having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days...yea, having a knowledge of the goodness of God...." he wrote the record. I love how he emphasizes that he was highly favored and knew the goodness of God. When we read the record, we often see the trials that he faced. Yet, he talked about a good life. The thing that is really important about this, though, is that he was writing the record a full 30 years after he left Jerusalem (see<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/5.28-31?lang=eng" target="_blank"> 2 Nephi 5:28-31</a>).<br />
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Wow! 30 years! I graduated from high school 30 years ago. Thirty years makes a huge difference in perspective. The things that were important upon graduation were very important in that how I handled them shaped the rest of my life. At the same time they are not that critical. For example, now I can honestly say who cares that the there were contentions among the yearbook staff that were referenced in the final "swan song" article at the end of the yearbook. At the time it made me furious, because those who knew, knew that it was talking about me. Through the years I had remembered that it happened, but didn't remember the details until I read about them. Moreover, I had no emotion wrapped up in the event as I read it. It is over.<br />
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To cite another example, in February 1983 I was so discouraged about my homemaking skills, especially sewing, cooking, etc. Finally, I thought I had found a true homemaking skill at which I could excel--crocheting. However at this particular time, the afghan I was working on was not going <br />
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well. I wrote an entry wondering what good my current skills would do me when my "children were freezing with no clothes and no blankets to keep them warm." Oh, the drama! :) Yes, I did finish the afghan, and I even made another one years later. No, my kids have never frozen for lack of homemade clothes or homemade blankets.<br />
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Although I can still be insecure about my "homemaking" skills, and I have had more than one melt-down over the lack of these skills (even when I have been married), I can honestly say that I am a good homemaker. I can cook, which I do, and I can sew, embroider, and crochet if I need to. But that is not what makes me a good HOME maker.<br />
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The things that really mattered, I learned 30+ years ago, too. I learned that God loves me. I learned I can pray to Him and he will answer my prayers. I learned I to love. Each day I try to show my husband and children how much I love them. I try to teach them the Gospel and show them through my actions how much I love the Lord and how much He loves them. Crocheting won't get them "home" to our Heavenly Father, but loving God will!<br />
<br />
A 30-year perspective. That's what I need. As I face my trials and challenges in life now, I need to remember that 30, 20, or even 10 years down the road, life will be different. The attitude I take now will shape the future, but the event will be over.<br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15891965643398782280noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564951954654634549.post-73996052316803045242012-12-07T11:21:00.001-08:002012-12-07T11:21:11.572-08:00Kidney Transplant--A Similitude of Christ's Life<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNrBL6mMh-8N2YZB6M9BReGjbybRwBr1wUFK1t40uPuIk6H7bhvIUHfGpIXFlJv-fcx_ThnLMjji0m7kClIb6Viuj-5rZl9UCqe54lWw-yC1ppVg_19CfNJFtfVB2NswX2sVTSAiAFIaSg/s1600/Christus+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNrBL6mMh-8N2YZB6M9BReGjbybRwBr1wUFK1t40uPuIk6H7bhvIUHfGpIXFlJv-fcx_ThnLMjji0m7kClIb6Viuj-5rZl9UCqe54lWw-yC1ppVg_19CfNJFtfVB2NswX2sVTSAiAFIaSg/s320/Christus+cropped.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Things I Learned
about the Savior <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 14.0pt;">from Our Experiences<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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As I contemplate this Christmas Season, I'm humbled by
the love of our dear Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I learned so much more
about his life and sacrifice by the experiences of kidney failure including the
following:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Martin needed the great personal sacrifice of
another individual in order to live. We need the sacrifice of our Savior in
order to live.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Although I didn't really "want" to
undergo surgery, I wanted to because of my love for Martin. Likewise the Savior
pled with the Father for another way, yet, he stayed faithful to the end
because of his love for us and for the Father. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->I had to be enough like Martin (a match) and yet
different enough (healthy and without medical conditions) to donate the kidney.
The Savior had to be a match (a human) yet different enough (a god) to do the
work.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->I am bound in covenant to Martin, and it was my
right to do what needed to be done to save him. We are bound in covenant to the
Savior through baptism, and it is his right to save us. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->In order to fully accept the sacrifice of the
kidney donation, Martin has to take medications for the rest of his life and do
what he can to live a healthy life. In order to accept the sacrifice of the
Savior we need to do all in our power to stay spiritually healthy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->We can never repay the kindness, love, and
compassion given to us by neighbors and friends. We can never repay the Savior
for his sacrifice, never!<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->We can honor the sacrifice of our neighbors by
paying it forward to another who needs help. We can honor the sacrifice of the Savior
by building his Kingdom.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Because of our many experiences of fear, pain, anxiety,
stress, peace, love, and mercy I know with much greater surety that our
Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live! I know these things because I have
learned them more deeply through the trials of my faith the last two years.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Having the honor of donating a kidney to save Martin's
life was one of the most sacred experiences of my entire life. I am grateful for
the right and privilege I had of doing so.And I am most grateful to the Lord
and Savior for his love and sacrifice for me! <o:p></o:p></div>
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May God bless you this Christmas Season!<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Michelle</span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15891965643398782280noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564951954654634549.post-6717838954108845092012-05-06T09:04:00.000-07:002012-05-06T09:04:12.957-07:00Acts 23 A Different Pathway Than Expected<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKEIi5rBTt5DszCeLGWFp2KcPJvWR4bnRMs63eERU_YHZaIh8fAZcjPGwNJhmSFtzZKkhg9CI3c6ypGb6ulRFmfiJqmVyPBlFkHMDefkDinmuS5fw3ZgH7LALdtyhej7UQExvzQamMzYIT/s1600/2011+10+22+Elephant+Rock+Hike+(36).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKEIi5rBTt5DszCeLGWFp2KcPJvWR4bnRMs63eERU_YHZaIh8fAZcjPGwNJhmSFtzZKkhg9CI3c6ypGb6ulRFmfiJqmVyPBlFkHMDefkDinmuS5fw3ZgH7LALdtyhej7UQExvzQamMzYIT/s320/2011+10+22+Elephant+Rock+Hike+(36).JPG" width="240" /></a>Why isn't it happening? Do I lack sufficient faith? What about the faith of the hundreds of others who are praying for us? What more can I do?<br />
<br />
A few weeks ago I asked these heartfelt questions in my journal. Since I had no satisfying answers, I left the questions hanging with the closing statement of "I don't understand."<br />
<br />
I wonder if the Apostle Paul experienced the same questions?<br />
<br />
In Acts 22-24 we read about the attempts of the Jews to kill Paul. It must have been a terrifying time for Paul. At one point, in order to save his life he resorted to pulling rank as a Roman citizen, an action he usually avoided. At which point he was thrown in prison, not released an escorted to safety.<br />
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During the night the Lord appeared to Paul. In Acts 23:11 we read that he didn't just appear before him, but the Savior "stood by him. and told him to "Be of good cheer." In the NIV it reads "take courage." The message continued. Just as Paul had testified of the Savior in Jerusalem, he would testify of the Savior in Rome. For a man who was in prison and whose life was in real danger, this must have been comforting.<br />
<br />
Yet, we read at the end of Chapter 24 that Felix held Paul a prisoner in Caesarea for two years. I wonder if that period seemed like a long time to Paul? Did he ever begin to doubt that the words of the Lord would be fulfilled? Would he ever really preach in Rome? And why is it taking so long?<br />
<br />
We know the end of the story. Paul was taken to Rome. He testified of Christ in Rome, even while he spent the first two years of his stay there as a prisoner. The Lord's words were fulfilled. However, in the midst of the imprisonment--in the middle of the pathway that took him to Rome--it probably didn't feel like the right path at all.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZou0ddbdh2lazA8oul9wSw_c9Tpfwx74NNKJxvE8Pb-7cQQBF6RMz1CnP7Tt4USRVQ-NH4pHHC3JE6NaiN-vPJadLRqQ78Xq2-LRAAkLwR3LiM1MwFVL35PVxFtGICHXJZ-EzLavCSnG-/s1600/Mueller+Park+Canyon+Trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZou0ddbdh2lazA8oul9wSw_c9Tpfwx74NNKJxvE8Pb-7cQQBF6RMz1CnP7Tt4USRVQ-NH4pHHC3JE6NaiN-vPJadLRqQ78Xq2-LRAAkLwR3LiM1MwFVL35PVxFtGICHXJZ-EzLavCSnG-/s320/Mueller+Park+Canyon+Trail.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
In God's own way and in his own time, he will fulfill his words. And in my case, his words are usually fulfilled by a different pathway than I expect.<br />
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But, he is a God of truth and always keeps his word. It is my task to wait upon him with patience.<br />
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<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15891965643398782280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564951954654634549.post-17430350239339578762012-04-10T10:35:00.001-07:002021-03-22T10:12:09.165-07:00My Grudge Against Martin Harris -- Enos through Words of Mormon<div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br />True Confessions: For many years I held a slight grudge, against Martin Harris. Okay, maybe grudge is too strong of a word. Annoyance is better. I love 2 Nephi 2, where Lehi discourses beautifully on the Plan of Salvation. I felt that if we had the 116 pages in our scriptures today, I would be filled with deeper insights, and even more insights, from Lehi.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">One day, though, I found a great need to repent after reading <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/10?lang=eng" target="_blank">Doctrine and Covenants 10:45</a>. The Lord declares that the small plates of Nephi “throw greater views upon [His] gospel.” As it turns out, we have the “better” stuff now and the lost 116 pages were not nearly so important.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><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/AVvXsEhWUQQys4X_sXaoV2jc0L5La1AUu8259bavD11KXUk1npDI4NKNykKKO398O_ccLlH4p9c90jbO9mPYYeByPSe2IDiy5qDW509ZRabRYyvWMkW7utUY-RHzO_kAXSqL1vaHBeiLlyzGrOHV/s800/portrait_martin_harris_lewis_ramsey.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="800" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUQQys4X_sXaoV2jc0L5La1AUu8259bavD11KXUk1npDI4NKNykKKO398O_ccLlH4p9c90jbO9mPYYeByPSe2IDiy5qDW509ZRabRYyvWMkW7utUY-RHzO_kAXSqL1vaHBeiLlyzGrOHV/w320-h168/portrait_martin_harris_lewis_ramsey.jpeg" title="Martin Harris" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Martin Harris</td></tr></tbody></table>This shouldn’t be surprising. The Lord in his infinite wisdom and planning cause the small plates to be made. Of course he would have them contain more important information, since he knew that they would contain the message we would have. Mormon wanted those plates included because they were pleasing unto him. But what exactly is the message they contain?<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I love <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/jarom/1?lang=eng#10" target="_blank">Jarom 1:2</a>. Jarom declares that he will not be writing very much because the small plates already contain the doctrine of the Plan of Salvation. “What could I write more,” he asks. Included in this doctrine is the invitation for all to come unto Christ. At the very end of the small plates, Amulek urges every one of us to “come unto Christ who is the Holy one of Israel and partake of his salvation and the power of his redemption.” <o:p></o:p><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">In fact, all prophets and authors of sacred scripture testify of Christ (see <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/13?lang=eng" target="_blank">Mosiah 13:33</a>). Is it any wonder that after Enos’s heart was changed by the love of God, he pled with the Lord to preserve the records for the Lamanites (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/enos/1?lang=eng" target="_blank">Enos 13-16</a>).<o:p></o:p></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15891965643398782280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564951954654634549.post-47794973069814806352012-01-08T08:42:00.000-08:002012-01-08T08:42:41.669-08:00John 9 A Kidney Transplant and The Works of God<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Z3qem8aSl8JMUn6ei7tgubc9Xg5GovnZZi82iFtEG1BfC3Zt7qdmDnvAtrkN9CkhwcIILZknEJHjLcQQG-Kylyibmrw8aWP_tQvIlH8ewPKRLhuBeawH-cIzNMKM3h2IBHMBFv_sdaUC/s1600/Christus+on+Piano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Z3qem8aSl8JMUn6ei7tgubc9Xg5GovnZZi82iFtEG1BfC3Zt7qdmDnvAtrkN9CkhwcIILZknEJHjLcQQG-Kylyibmrw8aWP_tQvIlH8ewPKRLhuBeawH-cIzNMKM3h2IBHMBFv_sdaUC/s320/Christus+on+Piano.jpg" width="240" /></a>"So you've got surgery tomorrow?" President Olson asked as I entered the office for my temple recommend interview.<br />
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"Yes, it's the kidney transplant."<br />
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"Oh," he responded, "so it's not you, but your husband."<br />
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"No. It's both of us. I'm his donor."<br />
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Silence filled the room as the impact of my words settled on this great man. After a few seconds he looked at me and said, "That is a very sacred thing."<br />
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The Spirit of the Lord filled the room as we wept together during the interview. My testimony drew strength as I declared that I believe in my Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost and have faith in the atonement.<br />
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Upon returning home, I marveled again, at the effect this husband-wife transplant team is having on others.<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>“And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him”</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/9?lang=eng#1" target="_blank">John 9:2-3</a>.</i><o:p></o:p></div><br />
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Truly that is what this transplant is all about. It is a witness of God's love, mercy, power, and atonement. Through my husband and through me, the power God has been and will continue to be made manifest!<br />
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To that end, I share my deepened testimony. Because of my many experiences of fear, pain, anxiety, stress, peace, love, and mercy I know with much greater surety that our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live! I know they are mindful of each one of us. I know they love us. I know the power of the atonement is real. I know that we need the sacrifice of our Lord in order to live. I know that although Christ plead with the Father for another way, he stayed faithful to the end because of his love for us and for the Father. I know that because of our Lord and Savior we can return home and we can become like God! I know these things because I have learned them more deeply through the trials of my faith the last ten months.<br />
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I testify of these things in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15891965643398782280noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564951954654634549.post-59189390947024175842011-09-06T09:06:00.000-07:002011-09-06T09:06:54.350-07:00Where the Lord Wants Me to Be 1 Corinthians 12<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8ah9Lrp-yXscpja0ivRhFfaWncbhAJM3C-ryHmYXno6MhIR2das832WUSZRsKiK9bM8Pa3bhg4rby4hnXmObaUWnwvbh587TwVVCwHM4mL8_zVcV2fefG9vZTKIH3vvR5tD4jz5l7T1d/s1600/chalkboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8ah9Lrp-yXscpja0ivRhFfaWncbhAJM3C-ryHmYXno6MhIR2das832WUSZRsKiK9bM8Pa3bhg4rby4hnXmObaUWnwvbh587TwVVCwHM4mL8_zVcV2fefG9vZTKIH3vvR5tD4jz5l7T1d/s320/chalkboard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Life can be overwhelming. A few weeks ago I was feeling that way with my church callings in conjunction with Martin's kidney failure. <br />
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I love teaching Gospel Doctrine! I'm really enjoying being a den leader, especially since it gives me time with my son. Yet, I have been so often overwhelmed. Consequently, I feel like my SS lesson preparation has suffered, as has the planning of den meetings. Is it all too much?<br />
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In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul likens our bodies to the Church. In <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/1-cor/12?lang=eng#17">verse18</a>, we learn that God has put the body together as he wants it. In other words, God has put us in our Church service where he wants us.<br />
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I must be in the right place, then.<br />
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This was confirmed to me a few weeks ago when a sweet member of my Sunday School class listened to the promptings of the spirit. She mailed me a simple thank you note--she didn't just tell me in Church, but took the time to write, address, stamp, and mail a note--telling me how much she learned from my lessons. I started to cry. Maybe, even through all my stress and feelings of a lack of preparation, I'm where the Lord wants me to be. Maybe he is still using me to build his kingdom.<br />
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And through it all, I receive an added gift. I feel his spirit carrying me through my lesson presentations. The Lord is making up the difference. I'm giving him my all, which is less than at other times in my life but still my all, and he's making it grand. The Lord is teaching my lessons. I'm just his instrument.<br />
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I still feel overwhelmed. But it's nice to be reassured that I'm where the Lord wants me.<br />
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By the way, here's something fun I learned while studying:<br />
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Earlier in 1 Corinthians 12, Paul is likening the positions and assignments of Church members to our bodies. Before he does that though, he talks about gifts of the spirit. He says that there are differences of administrations. I love to look at other meanings in Greek for various NT words. For that reason, I love to read the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible sometimes. I really like the NIV wording for that verse and one one following it, verses 5-6: "there are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of workings [or possibly activities or tasks], but the same God works all of them in all men."Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15891965643398782280noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564951954654634549.post-33465405411717349692011-08-04T19:49:00.001-07:002020-11-02T15:50:54.946-08:00What Price Would You Pay for True Joy?<div style="text-align: center;">
What is the difference between giving half of one's assets to another </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and giving up every single thing you own and are?</div>
<br />
This is the very dilemma faced by the high king of the Lamanites.<br />
<br />
When Ammon and King Lamoni were traveling, they came across Lamoni's father, the high king. He became incensed with Ammon, and the two started to duel. Ammon gained the upper hand and could have killed the king (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/20?lang=eng">see Alma 20</a>). <br />
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In that very moment, <i>when his whole life was in jeopardy</i>, the king was only willing to part with <i>half</i> of his kingdom! (see Alma 22:23).<br />
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A few short chapters later, the king is again faced with the same dilemma. How much do I give up? This time he was <i>willing to give the entire</i> kingdom along with every single thing he owned.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wN7lqaIjuxytUjBqxxyteg6yII8-T7u7KAml-pBHKUzJ30zaMz9whgzz-UqImkbmXn9Ay8QvuL6JsOpZynHbnnFQgpgY8MWR_Zr2a-XOBIMk2FaM7-2Gek4IwmGGAhc5YmdGc9QJIlPa/s1600/2011+06+29+Aspen+Grove+Wednesday+%25287%2529.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/AVvXsEi2wN7lqaIjuxytUjBqxxyteg6yII8-T7u7KAml-pBHKUzJ30zaMz9whgzz-UqImkbmXn9Ay8QvuL6JsOpZynHbnnFQgpgY8MWR_Zr2a-XOBIMk2FaM7-2Gek4IwmGGAhc5YmdGc9QJIlPa/s200/2011+06+29+Aspen+Grove+Wednesday+%25287%2529.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What happened? What was the difference? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Answering these questions is vitally important to our own lives </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and our own happiness!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Aaron taught the high king about the true High King. He taught the creation, the fall, the atonement--the three pillars of eternity. He taught the beautiful, eternal plan of redemption. Upon learning these things, the king asked, <i>"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f9f6ed; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">What</span> shall I do that I may have this eternal life... that I may be born of God... that I may be filled with joy...? I will give up</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f9f6ed; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 9px;"> </span></span>all<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"> that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/22?lang=eng#14">(Alma 20:15)</a>.</span></span> </i><br />
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What does God want me to do? This has been an important question for me to answer these past few months as we have faced my husband's kidney failure, the sickness that it brings, the waiting and uncertainty of a future transplant, and the upheaval of it all to my family. Sometimes it seems my burden is too hard, too heavy.<br />
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But what am I willing to give up for the joy the high king spoke of? For the joy that comes from the true High King. A half a kingdom (or a half a heart) or everything that I am? God requires my whole heart and in return promises to give me unspeakable joy.<br />
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The question remains: Am I willing to give my whole heart?Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15891965643398782280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564951954654634549.post-71317956121230518162011-08-03T09:00:00.000-07:002011-08-03T09:00:11.337-07:00Testifying of Christ at All Levels Acts 6-9A few years ago I heard the comment "The biggest problem we have in the Church is rapid growth." <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuj8J95vnawuPOA31pkMVn4Qvne_AqwGDBmlDnVlXToGAIREfje9uV1kL7T0kKlJAc4GBwV1YEVyJD1-mZAEGN7cv9bgmzZnBkeAUIXffuHx4j2xzWS0lDirR4DoS6FOdo_KuqVZB6aCyY/s1600/Stephen+See+Godhead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuj8J95vnawuPOA31pkMVn4Qvne_AqwGDBmlDnVlXToGAIREfje9uV1kL7T0kKlJAc4GBwV1YEVyJD1-mZAEGN7cv9bgmzZnBkeAUIXffuHx4j2xzWS0lDirR4DoS6FOdo_KuqVZB6aCyY/s320/Stephen+See+Godhead.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Martyrdom of Stephen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>As I read Acts 6-9, I found the same type of problems as the Church began to expand outside of Jerusalem. The 12 Apostles chose seven men to help. Each of these men strengthened the church and spread the Gospel where ever they went. Their efforts reminded me of <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/90?lang=eng#10">D&C 90:11</a> where the Gospel was preached in the hearers tongue and language.<br />
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Language is different than tongue. It involves all the customs and cultures of the individuals, especially their religious cultures in this context. As we read these chapters, we see how each taught in both the tongue and language of their hearers. Yet they all had one thing in common:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Each testified of Christ!</span></b></div><br />
* Stephen spoke intelligently to the Sanhedrin about Jewish history. Even as he died, his testimony was of the Savior (see <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/acts/7?lang=eng#54">Acts 7:55-56</a>). <br />
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* Philip taught the Ethiopian eunuch about the passages he'd been reading in Isaiah about the Savior (see <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/acts/8?lang=eng#31">Acts 8:32-33</a>; <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/ot/isa/53?lang=eng#6">Isaiah 53:7-8</a>).<br />
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* Paul, after his conversion, taught in the name of Christ (see <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/acts/9?lang=eng#18">Acts 9:19-22, 27</a>).<br />
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As we fulfill our callings and as the Church grows, testifying of Christ should be at the forefront -- Whether it is large or small, local or foreign, missionaries and cub scout den leaders we can all testify of Christ!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15891965643398782280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564951954654634549.post-3284409266793481382011-07-18T07:19:00.000-07:002011-07-18T07:20:36.272-07:00Matthew 28, Luke 24, John 20 When Have You Experienced Pure Joy?<b><i>When have you experienced pure joy?</i></b><br />
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I asked this questions to my Sunday School class. One answered that he felt joy when his children and grandchildren hugged him--every time. Another related watching her grown children and grandchildren interact with each. Yet another shared the time when she was sealed to her parents. Every answer dealt with love and family. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZRBb7lnX-TediF94MzNPFv5SecV1GPsCy_UOC2fsLosxWkXv8FwCfcFirOYU2eT3GopU09m8IzEsppPkZytMp4b-YUfTHZipleYBM1pLPxqPtha8Kb5QyL_4e-nw9WMXkPR4O1BmV0ZF5/s1600/Martin+Nikki+Dennis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZRBb7lnX-TediF94MzNPFv5SecV1GPsCy_UOC2fsLosxWkXv8FwCfcFirOYU2eT3GopU09m8IzEsppPkZytMp4b-YUfTHZipleYBM1pLPxqPtha8Kb5QyL_4e-nw9WMXkPR4O1BmV0ZF5/s320/Martin+Nikki+Dennis.jpg" width="320" /></a>Among the most sacred, joyful experiences of my life were the occasions I gave birth. The veil was thin as the magnificent spirits left the arms of our Heavenly Father and came to mine. Our Father's love accompanied those precious souls many days afterwards.<br />
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Birth is so sacred and full of joy that the Savior himself likened it to his impending atonement, death, and resurrection, <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/16?lang=eng#18">John 16:19-22</a>. After the pain and the travail, joy comes. And when the Savior was resurrected, he brought joy that can never be taken away. We can only give it away if we choose.<br />
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The resurrection is the culmination of the glorious plan of salvation. It is the joy that comes after the suffering. "Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/24?lang=eng#4">Luke 24:5-6</a>). As Howard W. Hunter stated, "These words contain all the hope, assurance, and belief necessary to sustain us in our challenging and sometimes grief filled lives" (<a href="http://lds.org/ensign/1986/05/an-apostles-witness-of-the-resurrection?lang=eng">Ensign, May 1986, 15-16</a>).<br />
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Oh how great the goodness of God. How beautiful the joy of the resurrection!<br />
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Christ brings "joy that no man taketh from you."Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15891965643398782280noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564951954654634549.post-75820663354557955812011-04-11T08:38:00.000-07:002011-04-11T08:38:05.069-07:00Mark 4 Faith Future, Solutions<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBV-b7BoLC59rTgrY9WCWCweGFhPZhra4cOIL3NGNfy5c6JwwdmK3zQRQj1pPKVYR1Y7Qf9MBipG02m8meP9kDmSbskf9p6LfT2tz6VkoTfQYwAAsVkxyfTspNHB6ta3GHQj0bVFw4rWAM/s1600/Sea+of+Galilee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBV-b7BoLC59rTgrY9WCWCweGFhPZhra4cOIL3NGNfy5c6JwwdmK3zQRQj1pPKVYR1Y7Qf9MBipG02m8meP9kDmSbskf9p6LfT2tz6VkoTfQYwAAsVkxyfTspNHB6ta3GHQj0bVFw4rWAM/s200/Sea+of+Galilee.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea of Galilee</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jesus was asleep in the boat during a violent storm. Frightened, the disciples awoke him and asked if he even cared that they were about to perish. With majesty, might, and priesthood power, Jesus calmed the tempest. Then he asked, "Why are ye so fearful?" <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/mark/4?lang=eng#35">(Mark 4: 36-40)</a>.<br />
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Suddenly the story faded and it was as if the Savior were standing before me asking the same question.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><b>"Why are ye so fearful?"</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Yes, why? Why?</b></div><br />
I'm trying to so hard to exercise faith. I pray sincerely. I read my scriptures. I sing hymns when I'm discouraged. I identify specific blessings I have. Why?<br />
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As I grapled with the question, the Holy Ghost brought to my mind something I had learned in an institute class about three years ago. Brother Lee Donaldson showed us the following grid. The outside of the grid is where our focus and attention are. The inside of the grid is the result.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_w5SEiARAFOvKNJZvidlz3Sc-iSjTutVJpZn9ejfGRXnbGjWqvwGhA4GQv-b3-cx1p12oD7amj4zMrovmjd1M-HQhQ06OGmYdwqTQDD2N1bjP11p7oaEL8c6L8ZOj5CtzSx9_eWpW7-U/s1600/Faith+from+Future+Solution.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_w5SEiARAFOvKNJZvidlz3Sc-iSjTutVJpZn9ejfGRXnbGjWqvwGhA4GQv-b3-cx1p12oD7amj4zMrovmjd1M-HQhQ06OGmYdwqTQDD2N1bjP11p7oaEL8c6L8ZOj5CtzSx9_eWpW7-U/s320/Faith+from+Future+Solution.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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The light of inspiration filled my soul. I have been focusing way to much on the future and the problems. Not future and solution. <br />
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So how do we focus on solutions that yield faith. Three simple steps:<br />
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1. Learn of Christ. The more we know his character, the more confidence we put in him <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bd/faith?lang=eng&letter=f">(see Bible Dictionary: Faith)</a>. <br />
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2. Pray for specific help with problems. It doesn't matter whether the problems are how to pay hospital bills; the best way to discipline children; or what job to take. The Lord knows everything and will help us know what to do <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/9?lang=eng#19">(see 2 Nephi 9:20)</a>.<br />
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3. Get up and act upon our promptings. Take the first step and be confident that the Lord will magnify our abilities and show us the way.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15891965643398782280noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564951954654634549.post-90656149466708492032011-03-29T08:32:00.000-07:002011-03-29T08:33:10.475-07:00John 6 The Expanding Power of GodSeveral years ago I enrolled in college algebra--only because it was required for my degree. This was a brave, or insane, thing to do since I had not taken a math class for more than seven years. Moreover, math was not my best subject in high school! To make matters worse, I took the 5 credit class on Saturday morning from 8:00 AM to Noon. Because the class was taught only once a week, by the end of the class period, the instructor was lecturing on course material four lessons ahead of where we started at the beginning of the class. He assigned homework, but only for our benefit, as it didn't count on our grades. Just the tests counted.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLVjy0m2ImP_TpeMzMTX8hIHy8ayva-KvIjT8q9YqZz7TA53o2_JUrzsBMhokj8yQL9XxgW_st_8DIsWavnKZusu_F044Osib864lEL_uXO9NGOyFmG_zuBB1CQzmOiHChSghCTjc8nfx/s1600/100+percent+stamp.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLVjy0m2ImP_TpeMzMTX8hIHy8ayva-KvIjT8q9YqZz7TA53o2_JUrzsBMhokj8yQL9XxgW_st_8DIsWavnKZusu_F044Osib864lEL_uXO9NGOyFmG_zuBB1CQzmOiHChSghCTjc8nfx/s200/100+percent+stamp.gif" width="200" /></a></div><div>Feeling rather overwhelmed, I approached my father for a priesthood blessing. I was blessed that the Spirit of the Lord would help me with my math, and that I would <b>perform above my natural ability</b>.</div><div><br />
</div><div>As I worked hard that quarter, I could <i>literally </i>feel the fulfillment of that promise. I gave my small offering, and the Lord expanded my abilities. Not only did I get an A in the class, but I scored 100 percent on some of the tests, including the final.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I hadn't thought about that faith promoting experience for a long time. Last Sunday, it surfaced unexpectedly as I was teaching Sunday School. We were talking about the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000 and the small offering of faith made by a lad. I shared my experience with the class but continued to ponder on why I suddenly thought about it.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Although the story was faith promoting for others, I believe the main message was intended for me, right now. Whether it's five loaves of bread and two fish or diligent study for a math class, the Lord expands our ability beyond our natural capacity. It really is simple. I just need to turn to the Lord with my offering, with all I have, and he will take care of the rest! With that in mind, I must get to work and go make my small offering today.</div><div><br />
</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15891965643398782280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564951954654634549.post-84281530224525180472011-03-26T08:53:00.000-07:002011-03-26T08:53:58.613-07:00Jacob 5 Pruning and Digging HurtTears were close as I sat in a hospital waiting room for the 2nd time this week, waiting. Waiting for another loved one to come out of surgery. Fears and worries assailed me: the health of the person, the staggering hospital bill just for outpatient surgery, the pain of recovery, the effectiveness of the surgery, the steps to take afterwards. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwi0zo8eg84HIz8Z8L4jG1tvmHJn5VDX8oGDw3GUId_cbAPdUMUb6B38pgsmB85WUPdUiqFdV1aVnX7W-YeSaudLBlPm_-OSrpQIzipDTqo42-nTfnjcnntfOEccSJ4o6SqvCITeChA4b/s1600/Olive+Trees+in+Garden+of+Gethsemane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwi0zo8eg84HIz8Z8L4jG1tvmHJn5VDX8oGDw3GUId_cbAPdUMUb6B38pgsmB85WUPdUiqFdV1aVnX7W-YeSaudLBlPm_-OSrpQIzipDTqo42-nTfnjcnntfOEccSJ4o6SqvCITeChA4b/s320/Olive+Trees+in+Garden+of+Gethsemane.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olive Trees at Garden of Gethsemane, Michelle; 1992</td></tr>
</tbody></table>While waiting I opened my Book of Mormon and started reading where I had left off. I read Jacob 3 and Jacob 4 and was only starting to find peace. Unexpectedly, it was Jacob 5, the very long allegory of the olive tree, that calmed my troubled heart. <br />
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I personalized Jacob 5 and visualized the olive tree representing me individually rather than the whole house of Israel throughout all time. <br />
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I was being pruned and nurtured, even as I sat in the hospital. The untamed fruit in my life was being cut out and burned through the trials of life right now. The wholesome good fruit was being developed. The gardener was neither leaving me nor giving up on me. Rather, the gardener loves me and wants all my fruit to be good.<br />
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The pruning, digging, and nourishing were done with purpose in Jacob 5. They were not random acts. Likewise, the pruning and digging in my life is done with purpose. They are not capricious, arbitrary acts of a vengeful God. He knows what kind of fruit he wants me to bear. He knows what needs pruned to bring about that fruit. Some of the pruning I bring on myself through wrong choices. Some of the pruning God does because in the end knows what he wants me to be. <br />
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Therefore, with diligence and patience and trust in the gardener, "by and by [I] shall pluck the fruit, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet" <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/32.35?lang=eng#41">(Alma 5:42)</a> and I "shall have eternal life, which is the greatest of all the gifts of God" <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/14?lang=eng#6">(D&C 14:7)</a>.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15891965643398782280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564951954654634549.post-21645035627106032592011-03-21T14:30:00.000-07:002011-03-21T14:31:27.449-07:00Matthew 11 Bearing Burden's the Lord's Way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIryCTuEqg_p8orw671Z64ClHVwGMh_Mf5uzIdoWmsmxXy9VIAELXticUesXH16GtkbloELVNuKQJlLiQvMAI_Kwf-tskAgBdw1pYCyqlNFslAJNpYLjznu41BfGK-ywqSdp5G501Zr42/s1600/hobbit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIryCTuEqg_p8orw671Z64ClHVwGMh_Mf5uzIdoWmsmxXy9VIAELXticUesXH16GtkbloELVNuKQJlLiQvMAI_Kwf-tskAgBdw1pYCyqlNFslAJNpYLjznu41BfGK-ywqSdp5G501Zr42/s1600/hobbit.jpg" /></a></div>"I feel thin. Sort of stretched, like.... too much butter scraped over too much bread. I need a holiday."<br />
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Have you ever felt like Bilbo Baggins from the Lord of the Rings? The other night I did. I came to the end of a long day full of worries about health, family, finances. You name it, I was worried. I approached my bedside to pray feeling weary, yearning so much for a break, for peace, for rest.<br />
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As I knelt, I contemplated some scriptures my husband and I had been talking earlier:<br />
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"Come all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/11?lang=eng#28">(Matthew 11:28-30)</a>."<br />
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The real question is, how do we come to Christ and let him shoulder our burdens. Part of this scripture gives the answer: Learn of him! When we learn of him, we know that he is a God of love, mercy, kindness, justice, compassion, wisdom. We know that he can strengthen us and help us carry our load. He won't always remove the load, because we need it to grow. But he can help us bear up the burdens that are placed on our backs, just like he helped Alma's people while they were being held captive <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/24?lang=eng#13">(see Mosiah 24:14-15)</a>.<br />
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As I started my prayers that night, I prayed for the Lord to strengthen my back and my shoulders to be able to bear the burdens I'm facing right now. Even as I prayed, I felt the Lord make me stronger. Hope began to replace fear, and courage began to replace discouragement.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15891965643398782280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564951954654634549.post-82470891401887181412011-03-15T08:54:00.000-07:002011-03-15T11:54:04.937-07:00Matthew 5 Dr. Sue(ss) and Christ on Being PerfectRecently we celebrated Dr. Seuss's birthday. Not only do I love his books, but I love a poem written based on his writing style. It's called <a href="http://mysite.verizon.net/res003jh/the-girl-in-a-whirl/">Girl in a Whirl </a>and is about a Mormon woman caught in the Perfect Mormon Mom trap. She tries to do everything perfectly and in the end drops dead.<br />
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Although this story is funny, it also feels too true. Everywhere we look, we feel the need to be perfect. Even Christ said we should be perfect. Right? Well....not exactly. Yes, he did say that, but our interpretation is not what he meant.<br />
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Elder Nelson addressed this very topic in a conference talk given in October 1995 called <a href="http://lds.org/ensign/1995/11/perfection-pending?lang=eng">"Perfection Pending."</a> He said: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f393a; line-height: 18px;">In <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/5.9?lang=eng#48">Matthew 5:48</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f393a; line-height: 18px;">, the term </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f393a; line-height: 18px;"><span class="emphasis" 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; font-style: italic; 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; vertical-align: baseline;">perfect</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f393a; line-height: 18px;"> was translated from the Greek </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f393a; line-height: 18px;"><span class="emphasis" 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; font-style: italic; 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; vertical-align: baseline;">teleios,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f393a; line-height: 18px;">which means “complete.” </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f393a; line-height: 18px;"><span class="emphasis" 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; font-style: italic; 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; vertical-align: baseline;">Teleios</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f393a; line-height: 18px;"> is an adjective derived from the noun</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f393a; line-height: 18px;"><span class="emphasis" 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; font-style: italic; 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; vertical-align: baseline;">telos,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f393a; line-height: 18px;"> which means “end.”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f393a; line-height: 18px;"><sup class="noteMarker" 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: 1; 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; vertical-align: super;"> </sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f393a; line-height: 18px;">The infinitive form of the verb is </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f393a; line-height: 18px;"><span class="emphasis" 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; font-style: italic; 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; vertical-align: baseline;">teleiono,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f393a; line-height: 18px;">which means “to reach a distant end, to be fully developed, to consummate, or to finish.”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f393a; line-height: 18px;"><sup class="noteMarker" 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: 1; 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; vertical-align: super;"> </sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f393a; line-height: 18px;">Please note that the word does not imply “freedom from error”; it implies “achieving a distant objective.” In fact, when writers of the Greek New Testament wished to describe perfection of behavior—precision or excellence of human effort—they did </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f393a; line-height: 18px;"><span class="emphasis" 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; font-style: italic; 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; vertical-align: baseline;">not</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f393a; line-height: 18px;"> employ a form of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f393a; line-height: 18px;"><span class="emphasis" 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; font-style: italic; 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; vertical-align: baseline;">teleios;</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f393a; line-height: 18px;"> instead, they chose different words....</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f393a; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f393a; line-height: 18px;">Just prior to his crucifixion, [the Lord] said that on “the third day I </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f393a; line-height: 18px;"><span class="emphasis" 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; font-style: italic; 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; vertical-align: baseline;">shall be perfected.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f393a; line-height: 18px;">”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f393a; line-height: 18px;"><sup class="noteMarker" 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: 1; 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; vertical-align: super;"> </sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f393a; line-height: 18px;">Think of that! The sinless, errorless Lord—already perfect by our mortal standards—proclaimed his own state of perfection yet to be in the future.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f393a; line-height: 18px;"><sup class="noteMarker" 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: 1; 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; vertical-align: super;"> </sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f393a; line-height: 18px;">His </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f393a; line-height: 18px;"><span class="emphasis" 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; font-style: italic; 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; vertical-align: baseline;">eternal</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f393a; line-height: 18px;"> perfection would follow his </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f393a; line-height: 18px;"><a class="no-link-style" href="http://lds.org/ensign/2000/05/resurrection?lang=eng" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none !important; border-color: initial !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none !important; border-width: initial !important; border-width: initial !important; color: #2f393a; 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 !important; vertical-align: baseline;">resurrection</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f393a; line-height: 18px;"> and receipt of “all power … in heaven and in earth.”</span></span><br />
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<div 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="/ensign/1995/11/perfection-pending.p20"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2f393a; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 13px;">The perfection that the Savior envisions for us is much more than errorless performance. It is the eternal expectation as expressed by the Lord in his great intercessory prayer to his Father—that we might be made perfect and be able to dwell with them in the eternities ahead.</span><br />
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</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;">What great hope this gives to me! Through the atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ, I can be perfected and live with him again in the future. Today, all I need to do is turn to him. He will do the rest! </span></span><br />
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</span></div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15891965643398782280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564951954654634549.post-28820329872511420102011-03-09T08:33:00.000-08:002011-03-15T08:27:42.956-07:00Luke 5 Forsaking All and Following Christ--To the EndForsake all for the Lord's will! What a tough challenge!!<br />
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Over the weekend I was talking with a friend of mine about the future. She is facing the choice of blending a family. Upon contemplating the enormous task ahead of her, she wonders if she can do it. It's hard! I know! And when I started the work of blending a family, I brought only myself, not other children. But then she spoke with great faith and she commented that perhaps there is no greater thing that she has to accomplish with her life. Her comments echoed Mordecai's counsel to Esther, "who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/ot/esth/4?lang=eng#14">Esther 4:15</a>)."<br />
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Esther's faith at moving forward is like that of Peter, James, and John found in <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/5?lang=eng#11">Luke 5:6-11.</a> After they had been fishing all night long with no results, the Savior told them to cast their nets again. The catch was so large the boat began to sink. Immediately afterwards, they left it all and followed Christ. Just like Esther and my friend, they showed great faith and embarked upon the course the Lord desired of them.<br />
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As I pondered their decision, I realized it was so significant because of the choices they made the rest of his life. Did they ever wonder, like I do so often, <i>"What have I gotten myself into?! Is this really, truly, the Lord's path for me in life?" </i><br />
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Whether Peter, James, and John ever wondered or not, I don't know. But the answer is loud and clear to me. At a difficult time when other disciples were abandoning Christ, the Savior asked Peter is they would leave, too. Peter's answer was simple, yet profound:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>"Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the son of the living God (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/6?lang=eng#68">John 6:68-69</a>)."</b></div><br />
Jesus Christ, the son of the living God! It is that knowledge that keeps me striving to forsake all the Lord requires and follow him to the end of my days.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15891965643398782280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564951954654634549.post-51978822860440455302011-03-02T21:03:00.000-08:002020-04-23T13:45:42.742-07:00Mark 2:17 We All Need the PhysicianLast night I watched the Biggest Loser. The heaviest, sickest man ever in Biggest Loser history was eliminated. This was even after pleas from is trainers to keep him there and send someone else home. As the team sat in the elimination room, one of them said, "we all need to be here." Yet, was the expectation that someone else who needed it too should be sacrificed?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFb_dGJaWNmlQD_5ZT2SCrL_8f5wylLRl_Nu_Y1NuLeUdjbSQ5_n0Rwcw_SudjUByXg10joF0yAYexOlcTmcjSJ3tKJ4DjLz2FnNEdsuw7Xfd3ktGwq7Ek8Q2106esmr-Qbtzy1rrhxJOM/s1600/Christ+Healing+The+Sick+At+Bethesda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFb_dGJaWNmlQD_5ZT2SCrL_8f5wylLRl_Nu_Y1NuLeUdjbSQ5_n0Rwcw_SudjUByXg10joF0yAYexOlcTmcjSJ3tKJ4DjLz2FnNEdsuw7Xfd3ktGwq7Ek8Q2106esmr-Qbtzy1rrhxJOM/s320/Christ+Healing+The+Sick+At+Bethesda.jpg" width="320" /></a>Sometimes I feel so troubled and so much in need of help. One of the "remedies" we are often told for our struggles is to find someone else in a worse setting and serve them. When I do this, I often find myself feeling guilty for thinking my struggles are bad. At least I don't live in a war ravaged, impoverished nation...<br />
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However, just because their struggles may be worse, doesn't mean that mine are non-existent! Just because someone's needs are more pronounced, does not negate my needs. <br />
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In fact, we all have needs! We all need the great Physician. <br />
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The miracle is, that we all can partake of Christ's atonement and mercy. The atonement is big enough for all of us! Whether our needs are small or great, it doesn't matter. He is there. He has already paid the price. <br />
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Unlike the Biggest Loser, Christ's mercy isn't limited. I don't have to be sacrificed because my needs are smaller than another's. Someone else doesn't have to be eliminated so that I can stay. We can all be partakers of God's mercy. We just need to come to him as the publicans and sinners did.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15891965643398782280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564951954654634549.post-31266738668678270962011-03-02T07:24:00.000-08:002011-03-02T07:24:56.874-08:00Matthew 5::9 and Isaiah 11 More than 5 Minutes of Peace"Five Minutes of Peace." That is the title of a book I used to read to my children when they were young. It's about a mother elephant of young children. They are always needing something. Even when she is taking a bath they want to talk to her. <br />
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I used to yearn for 5 minutes of peace. Now I long for a time of peace, the peace that is so elusive world-wide. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJsaQMEphfuu8-SurJVnrgoo-fPkfZFp5tQ1xSohDbBOlnGgjFbxBd_L7xNtPIQOeHNBcbwgPWVbKD7g2KyetEJ-7uSoYK_2piJVQlnRA74ubKO_On-7gJ-IUeKRmB2cZFhfZIJRIG5_f/s1600/Lamb+and+Lion.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJsaQMEphfuu8-SurJVnrgoo-fPkfZFp5tQ1xSohDbBOlnGgjFbxBd_L7xNtPIQOeHNBcbwgPWVbKD7g2KyetEJ-7uSoYK_2piJVQlnRA74ubKO_On-7gJ-IUeKRmB2cZFhfZIJRIG5_f/s320/Lamb+and+Lion.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>With turmoil seeping into our lives every day, I was struck by a few verses in Isaiah 11. Verses 6-8 talk about how animals that are natural enemies will exist in peace when the Savior reigns. Verse 9 then explains that the animals won't hurt or destroy because "the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord." They live in peace <i>because </i>of the knowledge of the Lord.<br />
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That phrase made me pause. What exactly is "the knowledge of the Lord?" Perhaps it is referring in part to his plan of life and salvation for us; the full love of God; the knowledge that he will bring us home. This knowledge brings peace and love into our hearts. When we accept the full message of Christ--accept him, his love and atonement, and his covenant--we are filled with peace. That peace then permeates around us.<br />
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"Blessed are the peacemakers" can then be read as "blessed are those who make full the message of Christ in their lives." That truly is a blessed state in which to live!<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Peace truly is more than the absence of contention and turmoil. It means more than harmony. A couple of scriptures come to mind that underscore this point:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><ul><li>John 14:27: "my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth..."</li>
<li>1 Nephi 14:7 he shall "work a great and a marvelous work...unto the convincing of them unto peace and life eternal."</li>
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</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15891965643398782280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564951954654634549.post-35490509920109475052011-02-24T07:55:00.000-08:002011-03-03T17:23:57.884-08:00Matthew 5 and 3 Nephi 11-12 Hugging Like a Child<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/AVvXsEin5fN8O2z1lM-YP_tMb9T1Npt6g7YmtDqIi6RiKFV3gc6YIXuvGmYpWDdTz22k3DL7CeovkQ1fKWIvLdIAPD2wP1ppfMtAsbBrHRvbtSxKKSoQmc_MARrpcJ_hfXeKLnjE-UvAygyR0V3Z/s1600/Gma+Holding+Nikki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5fN8O2z1lM-YP_tMb9T1Npt6g7YmtDqIi6RiKFV3gc6YIXuvGmYpWDdTz22k3DL7CeovkQ1fKWIvLdIAPD2wP1ppfMtAsbBrHRvbtSxKKSoQmc_MARrpcJ_hfXeKLnjE-UvAygyR0V3Z/s320/Gma+Holding+Nikki.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cuddling with Grandma</td></tr>
</tbody></table>When my daughter was about 2-3 years old, I reprimanded her for something. As expected, immediately she started to cry. Unexpectedly, she didn't run to her room or become defiant, which is what I do when reprimanded. Rather, she turned toward me, threw her arms around my legs and hugged me, her discipliner, while she cried.<br />
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</div><div>Jesus told us that we "must repent, and be baptized in my name and <i>become as a little child</i> or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God" (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/11.29?lang=eng#38">3 Nephi 11:38</a> italics added).</div><div><br />
</div><div>The context in which he said this was when he was declaring his doctrine to the disciples. He had just barely told them that his doctrine was the doctrine the father gave to him (see verses 31-32). How closely his doctrine in this chapter parallels the doctrine that Nephi outlined in <a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/31.12?lang=eng">2 Nephi 31</a> and Christ outlined later in 3 Nephi 28. There is a big difference, though. In 3 Nephi 11, Jesus says we need to become as a little child. If we don't become a little child, we can't enter the Kingdom of God!</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>What exactly does it mean to become a little child?</b></div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFG6J-fjHsb8AeAuH_lu3RDoRoj5oTCW5cLv94idaNK7XFHOXvCNpu_vql2ExtAPETRpzE2-TSB4Vrn7_YwoCLNPRFDrW24RpHvVlwt8yBpwKmpvqe34muEvMkjMKXyAIKyMYgEpk9jGtd/s1600/Martin+Nikki+Dennis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFG6J-fjHsb8AeAuH_lu3RDoRoj5oTCW5cLv94idaNK7XFHOXvCNpu_vql2ExtAPETRpzE2-TSB4Vrn7_YwoCLNPRFDrW24RpHvVlwt8yBpwKmpvqe34muEvMkjMKXyAIKyMYgEpk9jGtd/s320/Martin+Nikki+Dennis.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full of Love</td></tr>
</tbody></table>King Benjamin has the answer. Little children believe that salvation comes through Christ. They are submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit. They are blameless before God (Mosiah 3:18-21). King Benjamin further stated that when we enter the covenant with Christ, "ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons and his daughters" (Mosiah 5:7).</div><div><br />
</div><div>The doctrine of becoming a little child preceded the Covenant making discourse delivered at the Temple in Bountiful, the Sermon at the Temple. Through keeping the covenants we make by being baptized and receiving the Holy Ghost, we become little children. The Sermon at the Temple and the Sermon on the Mount are instructions for helping us become a little child--one who is blameless before God and able to enter his presence.</div><div><br />
</div><div>To become a little child, we need to follow my daughter's example. <i><b>Turn to the Savior--no matter what happens!</b></i> By always turning to him in every circumstance, we will stay faithful to the covenant and endure to the end. Then, "thus saith the Father: ye shall have eternal life" (2 Nephi 31:20).</div><div><br />
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</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15891965643398782280noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564951954654634549.post-83786113981787302702011-02-22T20:06:00.000-08:002011-02-23T07:55:03.403-08:00Matthew 5-7 and 3 Nephi 12-14 A Temple Prep Class<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPegaLvTYCGe9zN6BaMBTZDDUgi5LN8TkvHVhSBwtSO1qRDUg7JLcbqqox3r3SCxGi6r_4PEy1yizUl_lEPuM4GSMW3tQJmDJkDRRNY6-rG5YdAKvdhNm7UgDpjt21YutEfyEYggzmLes/s1600/P1020070.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576889063850542082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPegaLvTYCGe9zN6BaMBTZDDUgi5LN8TkvHVhSBwtSO1qRDUg7JLcbqqox3r3SCxGi6r_4PEy1yizUl_lEPuM4GSMW3tQJmDJkDRRNY6-rG5YdAKvdhNm7UgDpjt21YutEfyEYggzmLes/s320/P1020070.JPG" style="float: left; height: 240px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px; width: 320px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temple at Tulum in Mexico</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Years ago I found a fascinating book about the Sermon on the Mount and the Sermon at the Temple by John W. Welch (see sources page for details). Because of his book, I have viewed these two sermons in a different light than I used to. Because the two sermons are so similar, we can learn a lot about the Sermon on the Mount by studying the context of the same sermon in the Book of Mormon. <br />
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</div><div>The Book of Mormon recording places the discourse at the Temple in Bountiful. The Savior could have chosen anywhere to bring his new covenant to the Nephites. It is significant that he chose to come to a temple! </div><div><br />
</div><div>Actually, the idea of the sermon emphasizing the temple isn't that far off from the New Testament, either. While I believe the sermon could have been delivered at a mountain in the Galilee, I think there is a symbolic element to the title as well. In the Old Testament, the term Mount, Mountains, and Mount Zion all became synonymous with a temple. It was felt that a mountain was where a man could go to come to God's presence, and that the pinnacle of the mount was where God comes down to join with man on earth. In fact, it was on a mountain top where Moses had his temple-like experience. </div><div><br />
</div><div>The term Sermon on the Mount may in actuality, regardless of where it was physically delivered, refer to a temple sermon. In other words, it was (and still is) a sermon meant to prepare people to enter into a covenant with God.</div><div><br />
</div><div>This is born out when we compare it to 3 Nephi. Before the Savior starts the famous discourse, he teaches the disciples about baptism, as found in the end of Chapter 11. Then, when he starts the discourse which was delivered to all the multitude, he started it off again by emphasizing the importance of baptism.</div><div><div><div><br />
</div><div>As we know, it is baptism that is the covenant we make with God for him to bring us home. The rest of the sermon, then, can be viewed as a temple prep class--a discourse about how we can better make and keep our covenants.</div></div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15891965643398782280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564951954654634549.post-81685431541682824372011-02-21T16:13:00.000-08:002011-02-21T17:01:49.711-08:00What Are You Most Afraid Of?Recently I answered one of the many getting to know you surveys that circulates through emails. One of the questions was "What are you most afraid of?" I forgot my most immediate fear, mice. Instead, I gave a half flippant, half honest answer.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What are you most afraid of? "days before the second coming (sometimes I think I live in a perpetual state of fear....)."<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span><br />My insightful mother-in-law suggested that I read the scriptures and look for scriptures that urge us not to fear. She sited a few examples: <span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: medium; ">"If ye are prepared ye shall not fear." "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and He shall direct thy paths." "Fear not, little flock, for I am with thee." "I cannot forget thee, I have engraven you upon the palms of my hands.""Have faith, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good, if ye faint not."</span><br /><br /></span><div><br /></div><div>I opened up my scriptures program and searched for the words "fear not." </div><div><br /></div><div>Did you know that the phrase "fear not" occurs 97 times in the scriptures? Not all of them are about having faith, but many of them are. After reading them, I was comforted, even though I didn't know I needed to be at the moment. You should try it some time!<div><div><br />Below are are few scriptures that stood out to me.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:4.5pt;line-height:normal;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">…the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Fear not,</b> Abram: I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">am</i> thy shield, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">and</i> thy exceeding great reward. </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">(</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Old Testament</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> | </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Genesis</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">15</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">:</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">1</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">)</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:4.5pt;line-height:normal;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">And the LORD appeared … and said, I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">am</i> the God of Abraham thy father: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">fear not,</b> for I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">am</i> with thee…. </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">(</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Old Testament</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> | </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Genesis</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">26</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">:</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">24</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">)</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:4.5pt;line-height:normal;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Be strong and of a good courage,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> fear not,</b> nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">it is</i> that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"">(</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Old Testament</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> | </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Deuteronomy</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">31</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">:</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">6</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">)</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:4.5pt;line-height:normal;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">And Elijah said unto her,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> Fear not</b>; go <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">and</i> do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">it</i> unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"">(</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Old Testament</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> | </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">1 Kings</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">17</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">:</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">13</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">)</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:4.5pt;line-height:normal;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">And he answered,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> Fear not</b>: for they that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">be</i> with us <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">are</i> more than they that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">be</i> with them.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">(</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Old Testament</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> | </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">2 Kings</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">6</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">:</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">16</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">)</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:4.5pt;line-height:normal;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> Fear not</b>; I will help thee.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"">(</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Old Testament</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> | </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Isaiah</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">41</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">:</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">13</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">)</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:4.5pt;line-height:normal;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">BUT now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> Fear not</b>: for I have redeemed thee, I have called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">thee</i> by thy name; thou <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">art</i> mine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"">(</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Old Testament</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> | </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Isaiah</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">43</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">:</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">1</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">)</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:4.5pt;line-height:normal;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">And the angel said unto them,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> Fear not</b>: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"">(</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">New Testament</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> | </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Luke</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">2</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">:</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">10</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">)</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:4.5pt;line-height:normal;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Fear not</b> therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">(</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">New Testament</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> | </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Luke</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">12</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">:</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">7</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">)</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:4.5pt;line-height:normal;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">And it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi did stand forth and began to speak unto them, saying: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Fear not,</b> for behold, it is God that has shown unto you this marvelous thing, in the which is shown unto you that ye cannot lay your hands on us to slay us.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"">(</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Book of Mormon</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> | </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Helaman</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">5</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">:</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">26</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">)</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:4.5pt;line-height:normal;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Therefore,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> fear not,</b> little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">(</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Doctrine and Covenants</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> | </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Section</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">6</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">:</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">34</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">)</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:4.5pt;line-height:normal;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Fear not,</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">(</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Doctrine and Covenants</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> | </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Section</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">50</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">:</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">41</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">)</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:4.5pt;line-height:normal;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Wherefore, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">fear not</b> even unto death; for in this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"">(</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Doctrine and Covenants</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> | </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Section</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">101</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">:</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">36</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">)</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:4.5pt;line-height:normal;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">fear not</b> what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">(</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Doctrine and Covenants</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> | </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Section</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">122</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">:</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">9</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">)</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:4.5pt;line-height:normal;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Go thy way and do as I have told you, and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">fear not</b> thine enemies; for they shall not have power to stop my work. </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">(</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Doctrine and Covenants</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> | </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Section</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">136</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">:</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">17</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">)<o:p></o:p></span></p></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15891965643398782280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564951954654634549.post-35138272363726895762011-02-16T06:49:00.000-08:002011-02-21T16:13:09.069-08:00John 4 Living Water<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQcj0UbcVx99S1Ch5hva7r8B_573gj6I0adKIiVc7CwFrT24zvYymcJDiKaN5V_JIm0yMGv3shYc0bBQ-GkA-mxs866WBBBbKwz3PyqhhzW5_v1v_0EwZFm6Ah6FCg8Fa9BVT2_gJ7BJp/s1600/River.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQcj0UbcVx99S1Ch5hva7r8B_573gj6I0adKIiVc7CwFrT24zvYymcJDiKaN5V_JIm0yMGv3shYc0bBQ-GkA-mxs866WBBBbKwz3PyqhhzW5_v1v_0EwZFm6Ah6FCg8Fa9BVT2_gJ7BJp/s320/River.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576181800641793506" /></a><br />The obvious lesson of John 4 and the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well is that the Savior is here for everyone, not just the Jews, or even just for the Mormons. He's here for us all. <div><br /></div><div>This encounter, though, goes much deeper than I at first realized. It is a lesson rich with the symbolism of purification. While engaging in the very acts deemed to make Jews unclean and defiled, Jesus teaches about living water--water that will make you pure. </div><div><br /></div><div>As is common with the Savior, he builds upon cultural norms of the times to teach greater lessons. To understand, it's important to first take a look at some these norms. </div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li>If a Jew ate food prepared by a Samaritan, it made him unclean.</li></ul><ul><li>It was forbidden for a lone man to talk with a lone woman.</li></ul><ul><li>It was forbidden for a clean man to associate with the unclean.</li></ul><ul><li>Even touching a Samaritan's earthen or leather container for a drink made a Jew unclean.</li></ul><ul><li>Living water was a common term for running water, as those running from a river. This is because running water was more clean and pure.</li></ul><ul><li>Although it was shorter, Jews avoided walking through Samaria when traveling between Jerusalem and the Galilee. Instead they chose the long journey through Jericho. In part this is because they felt the Samaritans were unclean. In part, though, it was a matter of safety. Many Jews were known to be beaten, robbed, and murdered in the county of Samaria.</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div>Knowing all these things, Jesus chose to travel through Samaria. He sent his disciples to buy food from the Samaritans. While alone he spoke with a Samaritan woman whom he knew was not living a moral life. </div><div><br /></div><div>During their exchange, immediately after he would have been considered defiled by drinking water from her, he talked about receiving living water from him. Water from him that purifies the soul, for to have water and never thirst again, we are gaining eternal life. In order to have eternal life and "live" forever, we must be purified first.</div><div><br /></div><div>The purification theme continues as she talks about the place of worship, the temple, the place where purification rites took place. When she mentioned that he was a prophet, she referenced the temple that the Samaritans used to have. At the time the Jews rejected the Samaritans help to build the temple (about 500 BC), they built their own temple on Mt. Gerizim. It was destroyed by the Jews somewhere between BC 135 and 108. </div><div><br /></div><div>The woman is beginning to recognize that Christ is talking about purification, but she is linking it to temple rituals. Christ then tells her that the temple rituals are not what makes her pure; it is him. When she answers that she perceives he is the Christ--the annointed one to bring salvation--He declares, I AM.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not only is Christ here for every person ever alive, but he is here to purify our souls. Through His atonement, the Holy Ghost can sanctify us and prepare us to live forever with God.</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15891965643398782280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564951954654634549.post-63328154546529141432011-02-15T10:57:00.000-08:002011-02-18T09:57:44.466-08:00Matthew 3 and 2 Nephi 31 Baptisms for the Dead and the Gift of the Holy Ghost<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZGjDB-TTCpBA0ERyzo6Q5I8MSNI83y6M8QO4V1W9pqXH6wMjXgj9Ba9ZgCz_jU0Bj1ZtmU6Lbn-O7A1BESMzUBF7js9y3OsS8DzYKgTAj1JlgOSxdCyDH3NiqHfkrhRVbb8uIUy3t7-h/s1600/Temple+Baptismal+Font.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZGjDB-TTCpBA0ERyzo6Q5I8MSNI83y6M8QO4V1W9pqXH6wMjXgj9Ba9ZgCz_jU0Bj1ZtmU6Lbn-O7A1BESMzUBF7js9y3OsS8DzYKgTAj1JlgOSxdCyDH3NiqHfkrhRVbb8uIUy3t7-h/s320/Temple+Baptismal+Font.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575089748978631266" /></a><br />I had the wonderful opportunity today to take my daughter to the Salt Lake Temple to do baptisms for the dead. This was her first experience doing vicarious baptisms. Then as I got ready for bed, I opened my scriptures and found my bookmark at 2 Nephi 31. What an appropriate chapter to read.<div><br /></div><div>As I watched the baptisms take place, I was filled with indescribable joy as I felt the presence of my ancestors eager to accept the work and enter the covenant with the Savior and our Heavenly Father. They have now passed through the gate and are on the straight and narrow path. They have covenanted with God to live his Gospel, and he has promised to bring them home! </div><div><br /></div><div>Over the years as I've done family history work, I have come to appreciate the vital importance of the covenant of baptism. Today, however, I found a deeper appreciation of the fourth principle of the Gospel. When it came time to bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost upon these individuals, I thought about my recent insights on the Holy Ghost and baptism by fire. I was struck by how important this ordinance is for them, too, even though they have already died.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sometimes we think of individuals needing the gift of the Holy Ghost because we are living in a temporal world. The Holy Ghost can teach us things, even math; help us remember the things we have studied for that math test; comfort us when we are facing strange situations; warn us; reveal God's will for our choices, etc. These are all very great blessings, but they are used for our temporal needs in many instances. While I know that those who have died are still bound by time, the temporal aspects of their lives are greatly diminished (I think). As such, I've never really associated these kinds of needs with them.</div><div><br /></div><div>However, as I participated in the temple work, I thought about the Holy Ghost as a sanctifier. Even those who have passed through the veil need to be sanctified. They need to become purified and be able to stand in the presence of God being holy. The bestowal of the Holy Ghost truly is an essential ordinance that changes them to become like God. It is not just an extension of baptism. It is not merely for our temporal help on this earth. Without the gift of the Holy Ghost which baptizes by fire, they, like me, cannot be sanctified and enter the Lord's presence.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15891965643398782280noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564951954654634549.post-46988383271211316322011-02-06T13:28:00.000-08:002011-02-13T14:44:32.401-08:00John 3 Being Reborn of the SpiritThis morning I was studying John 3 where Nicodemus comes to talk to Christ at night. I started it with a frame of reference of Baptism by Fire and all the conversations I've engaged in that about that topic. If being born of the water is baptism, then it naturally follows that being born of the spirit is akin to the Baptism by Fire. It is through the Holy Ghost that we receive a remission of our sins. It is through the Holy Ghost, because of the atonement, that we become sanctified.<div><br /></div><div>As I read the whole message that Jesus gave to Nicodemus, I noticed a footnote from verse 11a that reads "The Greek construction suggest that verses 11-21 contain a direct quotation. This testimony of Jesus was given to a member of the Sandedrin." That made me think more about those verses as one speech rather than individual verses that are really good. It is a beautiful testimony of Jesus. </div><div><br /></div><div>Verse 14 says the son of man must be lifted up. That is exactly the same testimony that Jesus gives of himself in 3 Nephi 21:13-19. Just as Jesus told Nicodemus that a man can't enter into the kingdom of God without being born of the spirit, Jesus told the Nephites that they couldn't enter into his rest if they were not clean. Only those who could enter his rest were those "who have washed their garments in [his] blood because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end" (3 Ne 27:19).</div><div><br /></div><div>I gained some additional insights as I cross referenced to D&C 84:24. This verse taught about the Israelites who couldn't see God because "they hardened their hearts and c<i>ould not endure his presence</i> (italics added)." What a great perspective. It's not that God is mean and chooses not to let us enter into his Kingdom if we aren't baptized by fire. It's a natural consequence of our decisions! If we are unclean, we cannot be in his kingdom because <i>we ourselves could not withstand</i> His glory. </div><div><br /></div><div>The way to be able to endure his presence is by being reborn of the spirit. By letting the Holy Ghost change our very beings until we become like God. We need the Holy Ghost in our lives -- every single day. As Alma asked, "if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love...can ye feel so now?" </div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15891965643398782280noreply@blogger.com1