Let's begin! Readings Jan 1-3rd

"This Is My Work and My Glory"

Only one chapter for the week, but a lot of information!

Moses 1

Read and comment to this post or my next comment post.

The Old Testament of what?

I have two goals this year concerning this blog and reading the Old Testament. Ok, three goals:

1. Read the Old Testament

2. Try not to diminish in the number of blog posts throughout the year, like I did last year.

3. Figure out why each reading is a testament of Jesus Christ. I'm hoping that with this perspective and focus I will understand the needful things of the Bible. That's not to say the whole book is not needful, but I just need a focus and I figure Jehovah is a pretty good focus and will hopefully will help prove The Old Testament less intimidating.

I just want to make it clear again that what I write is only my thoughts and opinions. I am not trying to be a teacher. I just want to provide some sort of forum to post thoughts about the readings because I learn from reproducing what I read and I learn from the input of others. Just as I mentioned in my subtitle line, this whole blog is more to provide me with incentive and organization. That's right, I need something to push me to read the scriptures. Maybe you do too? Join me and invite anyone else you think would be interested!

Reading Dec 7-11 and about next year!!

The Family is Ordained of God

The Family: A Proclamation to the world

There are only two lessons left in the Sunday School study guide. Reading the proclamation is one of them, the next one is about Zion, the pure in heart. We will have free weeks at the end of the year. Enjoy!

Next year I will do the same sort of format, but with the OLD TESTAMENT!!! I don't know about you, but I am always curious about the Old Testament because I am not as familiar with it as I am with other books of scripture. I am ready to not be intimidated by the Old Testament. I hope you will join me in my attempt at non-intimidation!

Being a good citizens - a show of confidence

I read all of the scriptures for this lesson, but I thought most about the first two passages in section 58:

21 Let no man break the laws of the land, for he that keepeth the laws of God hath no need to break the laws of the land.

22Wherefore, be subject to the powers that be, until he reigns whose right it is to reign, and subdues all enemies under his feet.

This makes sense. "He that keepeth the laws of God hath no need to break the laws of the land."

I asked myself why? Why would we even need to worry about the laws of men when we have the laws of God? Because of the principle of agency:

27-28 Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness; For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.

This strikes me as a show of confidence from the Lord. That the power is in us to do good in all things, but in the context of this passage, specifically to do good in regards to the laws of the land. He leaves it to us to determine what 'good cause' is, as we are told in previous verses that it is not good to be compelled in all things. This, to me, is the truth that the formation of the United States is based on. We may have all sorts of opinions about where our country is headed and who is at the head and what sort of corruptions or good the elected leaders are involved in, which is exactly the point. Without differing opinions, at least among humans, progress is stopped. New and grand ideas do not come about without opposition unless there is something Heavenly Father wants to reveal as truth. And even then it sometimes takes opposition of that truth to help us understand it.

So, my next question is what is: the definition of "bring to pass much righteousness" in this context? In my puny little opinion, it means that we continue with the sometimes frustrating activity of trying vote for the right person, whoever you think that may be. Then trusting that everyone else who exercises that right is doing the same thing. Then understanding that whatever the outcome of an election, righteousness was brought to pass because opposition propels us forward and makes us grow and change. Hopefully we change for the good, but if we don't there is value in that too. Also, I think whatever the political climate, there are still many good causes we can be anxiously engaged in regarding the laws of the land and the laws of God.

The Lord says that "my house is a house of order." The laws of the land would be considered by some to not have any order at all, to be quite chaotic actually. While there are many nuances to laws that are being discovered and unfortunately laws that are twisted for a purpose, in general the laws of the land do provide order. I am grateful for that and the opportunity to uphold them.

Reading Nov 23-27 - Happy Thanksgiving!

"Being Good Citizens"
I love this topic. The readings of late seem to be shorter so I haven't been splitting them up into days. Perhaps I'll start doing that again at the beginning of the year with the Old Testament (oohhhh!).

Doctrine and Covenants 58:21–22, 26–28; 98:4–10; 134; Articles of Faith 1:12; Our Heritage,pages 133–34.

Taking on the armor of God = Be proactive

What excellent scripture passages for this last week! Thanks D for your comments! As I read through these scripture passages, the verbs really stuck out: take, write, lift, rejoice, gird, stand, love, cleave, repent, deal and let. Taking upon ourselves the armor of God takes a lot of work. We cannot just sit in our church meetings and expect someone to educate and inspire us, we have to be prepared to accept the education and inspiration. I think taking on the armor of God requires humility, which to me means, that you can make almost anything applicable to you and your life's moment, that you can find inspiration in almost anything.

Here's a question about the armor of God: When do we get to the point where we know the armor is on? And if we put it on one time, does it stay on? Sometimes I think life is an exercise of taking off and putting on armor. It's as much of a daily exercise as putting on physical clothing. But if we choose to put on the armor every day, the armor gets stronger making us more resilient in battle. Perhaps it follows the cycles of life. Sometimes we are ready to go for battle and sometimes we are on army reserves hoping not to be put in battle and therefore not putting much effort into preparation.

But if we want to be prepared, we must be proactive in our spiritual development. If we are not proactive with our time and efforts, our apathy and complacence allows our armor to weaken. We must take, write, lift, rejoice, gird stand, love, cleave, repent, deal and let the right things make our armor strong so that we are not caught off guard in battle, and even if we are, our chances of surviving are better with stronger armor.

As Jacob often repeats in the allegory of the olive tree: GO TO!

Readings Nov 16-20

"Take Upon You My Whole Armor" Willy-nilly scriptures this week.

D&C 76:25–29 and Moses 4:3. D&C 76:29; Moses 4:4

D&C 27:15–18.
D&C 42:22–24; 59:6; 63:16D&C 121:45–46

D&C 42:21; 51:9; 97:8. D&C 63:60–62; 136:21. D&C 52:16; 136:24; Ephesians 4:29.

Romans 13:12

2 Nephi 1:23

Ephesians 6:11–17

D&C 27:15–18

Is this like deathbed repentance?

I am waaaay behind. If anyone out there reads this blog, I'm sorry. We've had sicknesses on top of sicknesses in addition to all the other stuff I can't seem to say no to. Here is two weeks worth of reading and I'll do my best to comment on both. Though the first one is about missionary work, and I've posted on that before here.


"Every Member a Missionary"
Doctrine and Covenants 1:4–5, 30; 65; 109:72–74; 123:12; Our Heritage,pages 116–17, 124–25.

"Continuing Revelation to Latter-day Prophets"
Doctrine and Covenants 1:38; 68:1–4; 84:109–10; 107:25, 34, 93–98; 132:8; Official Declaration 2 (pages 293–94 in the Doctrine and Covenants); Our Heritage,pages 117–19, 125–27.

Readings Oct 27-31

"Every Member a Missionary"

Tues, Oct 27: Doctrine and Covenants 1:4–5, 30; 65;
Wed, Oct 28: 109:72–74; 123:12;
Thurs, Oct 29: Our Heritage,pages 116–17, 124–25

Enjoying the Temple

Reading through Elder Hales' article in the ensign, "Blessings of the Temple" gave me a few things to think about. I have heard before the definition of "endowment" is "gift." But when I read that in this article, I thought about it for a while. It seems that the current definition for gift is something that we give ourselves or others to please them or to pamper them. So, when Elder Hales says that "The [endowment] consists of a series of instructions on how we should live and covenants we make to live righteously by following out Savior," and that that is a gift, I have to think in spiritual terms to understand it, not social terms. Because why would a series of instructions on how I should live and promises I make pamper me? Here's how (per Elder Hales):

1- I will know who I am. I enjoy the temple because it's at least an hour of reminder of that basic truth which contributes to my core happiness. Making a few promises to help me keep a hold of that basic truth helps me enjoy me. That is a gift.

2 - Knowing the doctrine of saving ordinances gives me purpose and all my fellow being purpose and I should treat them as people with a common purpose whether they know what their purpose is or not. That is a gift to me and to them.

3- Temple attendance reminds me that things are just things and generally have nothing to do with my happiness in an eternal perspective.

4- Elder Hales refers to couples as knowing that they have each other for eternity and courting is over. For me this is a wonderful blessing. But I have many friends who have not found their someone or have lost their someone or their someone has left them or vice versa. I do not know why this is so, but I hope that the same gift of the endowment, instructions and covenants, provide comfort and joy, each in our own situation.

5 - Elder Hales says that because of the covenants we make, we learn to be unselfish, either in a couples relationship, or I think in any relationship or circumstance in life. While the world teaches that achieving things independently brings happiness, the Lord teaches that as we are dependent on Him and we are dependent on others and they are dependent on us, we experience joy.

These are the basic tenets of joy we can receive from the temple. There are many ways to go about achieving this joy because we are all different. But if we make sure, in our different ways, that we do the things directed by the spirit to receive these basic tenets, we will have joy.

Readings Oct 19-22

"Finding Joy in Temple and Family History Work" (emphasis on joy)

Malachi 3:16–18 Moses 6:5–8, 46 D&C 85:9 Abraham 1:31 D&C 128:7

There are not many assigned scriptures this week, so I will refer you to the Ensign for this month. There are four articles in the October Ensign that talk about temples or family history work. Here are links:

A Temple Going People

Blessings of the Temple

Temple Worship

In Search of My Dad - Online

Turning Hearts

I've always wondered about that phrase. . hearts of the father turning to the children and the hearts of the children turning to the fathers. It's always linked with family history because there literally needs to be a sealing link between families so that we can all receive the blessings Heavenly Father has in store for us. In order to do that, we need to offer baptism and other saving ordinaces to all, those who are alive and those who are dead. In order to do that, we need to research for families and names in our family lines. So turning the hearts is definately a literal meaning. The temple ordinance work just needs to be done

I think it is also a statement of spiritual unity, or at least the hope of spiritual unity. It is a realization of universal purpose. Having the hearts of the children turned to the fathers and the fathers to the children, says to me that we will have similar if not the same beliefs. At the very least that everyone will understand that Jesus in the Savior. Can you imagine what that would be like? I mean, we talk about having peace and 'can't everyone just get along' and being one, but really, can you imagine everyone working under the same purpose? It seems too ideal and far from the world and people I know. I know opposition in this world. The knowledge we have in life has largely come from opposition, either personally or indirectly. Opposition that comes from just working to overcome our human tendancies or opposition because of experietial trials. But then, maybe this is how we will become united, because we will all understand that we've been through this refining process of overcoming opposition and at some individual point we realize that we need a Savior. When we realize that we need a Savior, we realize that our children and our fathers need a Savior, our heart become knit in unity as we strive to help others get to that point of accepting a Savior.

I think I just talked myself in a circle. But that's what turning is, right?

Turning our hearts is more than computer work and research, it's the reason we do the computer work and research. Our hearts are turned to each other, to offer knowledge of the Savior and all the ordinances it takes to be with Him and the Father.

Readings Oct 12-16

"The Heart of the Children Shall Turn to Their Fathers"

Mon, Oct 12: Doctrine and Covenants 2; 110:13–16;
Tues, Oct 13: 138;
Wed, Oct 14: Joseph Smith—History 1:37–39; Our Heritage,pages 98–99, 101–2, 105–7.

Prepare with a good foundation

"In Mine Own Way" is a great title for the Sunday School lesson. It is about being prepared spiritually and physically and then sharing what you've prepared, both spiritually and physically. I thought about just writing about being prepared spriritally, but both go hand in hand and I just can't see discussing one without the other.

Last May, my husband was layed off from the job that brought us to Utah. This was a complete surprise to us and was quite a blow, as these things tend to be. In the few days after we learned the news, a huge rush of gratitude came as we realized that we had been prompted to prepare physically throughout the previous year. We had felt and acted upon promptings to eradicate credit card debt, increase food storage, decrease unneccessary spending and put what we could into savings. When the news of the layoff came, we were shocked, but there was also some peace of mind that our financial and physical responsibilities were those of basic needs and not extravagance. We also had peace of mind spiritually, which maintained our sanity and hope through emotional and personal highs and lows and self-doubt. There are of course things that we could've have done to have even more peace of mind and we went through (and still do) every course of self-doubt regarding every choice we've made in the last ten years trying to figure out how we couldn've prevented this misfortune. But, the overall feeling was, we would be taken care of. That though we may have made some poor financial choices and even poor spiritual choices at times, on the whole we have experienced faith in the "Lord's Way" and know that it works and have confidence that it will work again.

Now, I know that there are people who are much more faithful that I am who are in the same situation of job loss or other misfortune and I do not know why things worked out so quickly for us. I hardly feel it's just or fair for me to even relate this, except that I feel to give all credit to Heavenly Father for knowing what I do not know and giving what I do not understand that I need. I pray that I will allow that what He has given and does give, will always be stronger than what men can give:

30 I tell you these things because of your prayers; wherefore, treasure up wisdom in your bosoms, lest the wickedness of men reveal these things unto you by their wickedness, in a manner which shall speak in your ears with a voice louder than that which shall shake the earth; but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.

124 Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated.

125 And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace.

Readings Sept 28-Oct 9 (Gen Conf week)

I am going to post really quickly and hope that it publishes before my computer wacks out again. Sorry for the lack of entries - I blame it all on the computer - it certainly couldn't be the user :).

"In Mine Own Way"
Reading assignment: Doctrine and Covenants 38:30; 42:30–31, 42; 58:26–28; 104:13–18; Our Heritage,pages 108–9, 111–14.

2 Thessalonians 3:10–12 D&C 56:17 D&C 58:27 D&C 42:42 D&C 88:124

Readings Sept 21 - 25

"We Thank Thee O God, for a Prophet"

Doctrine and Covenants 21; 43:1–7; Articles of Faith 1:9; Our Heritage,page 131.

Mosiah 8:13–18 D&C 21:1–5 Mosiah 13:33 D&C 43:2–3 D&C 1:38

D&C 68:3–4 D&C 20:21–26 D&C 107:91–92

Work, work, work

The Desert did bloom as a rose. You know why? Work, work and work and then some more work. There was really no other option at the time the Saints came to Utah and before. If you wanted something, you found a way to do it and then you worked and worked and worked and you had patience with the process.

My brothers and sister and I will not hesitate to tell you that one of the most valuable things we learned from our parents is how to work. The kind of books my parents bought were how-to books. They read about how to do something and then did it and did it well. We joke with them about making my brothers dig holes in the backyard when there was no other work to be done, just so they could work! I of couse see more value in work now than I did when I was younger.

I have thought a lot about that more recently because Mark and I are trying to teach our kids the importance and value of work. I am not a believer in waiting for the proper age for a child to work. They are human, therefore they work. Now, I'm not running a sweat shop or employing child slavery or anything. I "help" them with most any job they do as they need, but because I do this, I'm discovering that teaching kids to work is a lot of work! But I know it's well worth it, so I will keep showing them which spots to wipe on the toilet and where the spots are on the kitchen floor and what exactly having a clean room means.

Pioneer children did not have any other option. They contributed to the family and household well-being. End of story. Because they worked hard, they prospered and produced and learned and had purpose and confidence. Like President Hinckley said (paraphrase): work will get you through a lot of things (speaking of his situation after Marjorie's death).

Thanks to all founders of nations and civilizations and cities and communities for all their work that we now benefit from.

Readings Sept 14-18

The readings this week are from Our Heritage, with a few additional scriptures. "The Desert Shall Rejoice and Blossom as the Rose."

Our Heritage pg. 81-96
DC 34:64
DC 93:1
DC 89: 18-21
DC 130:19-21

Helping hands

While reading the assignment this week, I was overwhelmed with not so much "proclaiming the gospel" but "perfecting the saints." One of the questions from the student pamphlet is: "What are some specific things that you can do today to rescue someone in need?" Then the assigned scriptures listed many, many characteristics that would help in rescuing people.

It seems to be that in my life right now there are many people who sort of missed the boat where gospel doctrine is concerned. That is, they went to church like they were supposed to and participated in what they were supposed to, but were never really taught the doctrines behind what, why and how we do what we do. This has led to a breakdown in faith and testimony. So, as I read the scriptures this week, I thought about them. I also thought about people that I have difficulties with at times. Here are attributes that will help me rescue them and me in the process:

Faith, hope, charity, love (notice charity and love are listed as seperate things), virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, humility, diligence, suffers long, envieth not, kind, not puffed up, seeketh not her own, seeketh not her own, thinketh no evil, rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, and endures all things.

I don't think all of these things come at once, or that we have to have them all at once in order to rescue someone in need. I do think though, that it is some or all of these things come (whether at once or a few at a time) by understanding the workings, communications, and purposes of the Holy Spirit. So, my answer to the question, what can we do to rescue someone in need is: practice asking for, listening to and acting on the communications of the Holy Spirit. If we can do this we are more likely to be at least some of the list above, or whatever is needed for a certain situation. Then as we become familiar with how it feels to act on prompting and having confidence in the directions of the Holy Ghost and ourselves, our understanding of charity widens and our desire to have it strengthens

5 Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.
6 And if thou art faithful unto the end thou shalt have a crown of immortality, and eternal life in the mansions which I have prepared in the house of my Father.

Readings Sept 8-11

"A Mission of Saving"

Tues, Sept 8: DC 4:4-7; 18:10-16
Wed, Sept 9: DC 52:40; 81:5-6; Moroni 7:45-48
Thurs, Sept 10: Our Heritage 77-80

Every footstep

We went on a hike yesterday. It was not a very difficult hike, but one of my boys tends to complain about hiking, especially if it was not his idea. So, we listened to complaining most of the way. At one point I said, "how would you have walked across the plains if you were a pioneer walking to the Salt Lake Valley." He said, "it would hurt a lot." Then we talked about finding treasures at the end of our journeys and trying to enjoy the journey along the way. The concept didn't sind in. Not yet anyway.

The phrase "faith in every footstep" is rather descriptive of how the pioneers operated. They literally must have had to think of the Savior and their plan in every footstep they took.

If there were joyful, they thought of the Savior:
28 If thou art merry, praise the Lord with singing, with music, with dancing, and with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving.

If they were having a tough time they were to think of the Lord:
29 If thou art sorrowful, call on the Lord thy God with supplication, that your souls may be joyful.

To say that we should be the same way, is easier said than done. I'm sure the pioneer Saints had a hard time staying focused, but then their whole goal was to be a religious group that would not be bothered by others. Their purpose was religion. What is our purpose? Our religion is already well established and far-reaching. Is it harder for us to keep our religion as a focal point because developing a religion is not our focus? Maintaining our religion though can take just as much "faith in every footstep" because it takes constant self-monitoring and motivation. Maybe the different between the early Saints and us is their purpose was given to them as a body of saints, where our purpose is given to us too, but there are so many other diversions, distractions and paths to put our footsteps on, that our purpose are more individualized? Maybe. Whatever path or purpose this passage applies to all:
31 My people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have for them, even the glory of Zion; and he that will not bear chastisement is not worthy of my kingdom.
32 Let him that is ignorant learn wisdom by humbling himself and calling upon the Lord his God, that his eyes may be opened that he may see, and his ears opened that he may hear;
33 For my Spirit is sent forth into the world to enlighten the humble and contrite, and to the condemnation of the ungodly.

Readings Aug 31-Sept 4

Faith in Every Footstep

Mon, Aug 31: DC 136
Tues, Sept 1: Our Heritage 71-77

More than meets the eye

I thought when I posted the readings for this last week, that there wouldn't be much to talk about. The readings were nice and short. We are only asked to read three verses in the Doctrine and Covenants, which explain a bit about the office of the first presidency, twelve and seventy. The passage in Our Heritage was also easy to read, and I was familiar with some of the stories already, particularly about when Brigham Young appeared like Joseph Smith to many of the Saints.

As I thought about what to post about this week, I remembered something that we talked about during class in Mia Maids. The teacher asked the question: "What does it mean to you to have a prophet?" We talked about how the prophet guides us and helps us feel the spirit. We also talked about how having a prophet gives us a comfort zone. Having a prophet means having organization for revelation and for the church. Having a prophet gives us a man to point to and say: "He's in charge," and for us humans, that is important. It is important because we tend to like answers to questions and someone to question, for good or bad. That is the blessing and difficulty of leadership. We may go along in our daily lives without a thought of the prophet, but because at some point we've learned that he's there and we know he's called of God, our lives are a little less chaotic (well, hopefully - over the long haul for sure, but hopefully daily as well).

So, when I thought about the Saints during this time in the U.S., I thought about all the different churches that had formed, especially during this time where religious freedom was a hot topic and new churches with variations on traditional doctrines formed. You had a church, and with the church you had a preacher. With that preacher you had doctrines set up, put in place by that preacher based on the Bible or other religious sources. It would be easy to assume (as the mobs in Illinois did) that when a preacher dies or moves, that church disassembles and those doctrines whither.

The mobs of Illinois thought this, but I wondered what the Saints were thinking. According to "Our Heritage" the Saints had been sufficiently schooled by teachings and experience what the confirmations of the Spirit felt like. They did not fall for Sidney Rigdon's plan, which sought to place himself as the "guardian" of the church, as there could according to him, be no one to replace the prophet. The manual said that very few Saints supported him. But when Brigham Young arrived a little over a month later and began to preach the doctrines of the gospel, not only did some of the Saints see him as Joseph, but the Spirit confirmed their feelings of a need for continuous leadership in the same office. The church would continue under the eye of the Lord, through a prophet, His chosen prophet, with the same doctrines and method of receiving doctrines.

I think this is marvelous!

Readings Aug 24-29

President Brigham Young leads the Saints
Very short readings this week. I'll have to dig up more info.

DC 107:22-24
Our Heritage 66-71

If they have not charity. . .

Yes, I am posting something other that the readings. It's been a while, I know. This happened last year too. I got behind in my Bible readings in the crazy, busy fall and there went the New Testament. Now I've bottled it all up and it's a long one. . .

The last two months of my mission, for some reason, became an intense study of charity. I had never really thought of it as anything else but giving service or means to others in need. Our mission was in a big slump and our Mission President was trying to figure out what to do to get out of it. After reading quite a lot about charity, it occurred to me that our focus, as a mission, was on baptizing, not loving - charity. I talked to the Mission President about this, and he suggested that I bring it up in Mission Council (where all the Zone Leaders, Assistants and Training Sisters met). During Mission Council there were ideas back and forth about raising or lowering baptism goals and requiring different things from the missionaries. I was asked to comment and I shared my thoughts about charity. The next comment went right back to numbers. I think this was because charity is such an elusive concept that if you are not focusing on receiving charity (from the Savior), you cannot understand how to feel it or give it (which are two different things in my opinion).

That was a long introduction to the reading this week. During my reading, I experienced a classic case of a certain "mormonism." That is, there are certain scriptures that are talked about so much for a topic or person, that other scriptures associated with it are forgotten. When I read section 135, I was surprised to find that when Hyrum Smith knowing death was imminent, comforted himself with a scripture from Ether 12 that really resounded with me during my missionary charity study:

5 And it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord that he would give unto the Gentiles grace, that they might have charity. And it came to pass that the Lord said unto me: If they have not charity it mattereth not unto thee, thou hast been faithful; wherefore thy garments shall be made clean. And because thou hast seen thy weakness, thou shalt be made strong, even unto the sitting down in the place which I have prepared in the mansions of my Father. And now I . . . bid farewell unto the Gentiles; yea, and also unto my brethren whom I love, until we shall meet before the judgment-seat of Christ, where all men shall know that my garments are not spotted with your blood.

When I read this I feel truth. This is the same truth that the Savior exemplified when he faced death: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." This scriptures separates responsibility and is a reminder of agency. Even though Mormon exemplified charity in praying for the Gentiles who apparently did not understand much about anything spiritual, the Lord specified that if the Gentiles did not have charity (or at least a basic respect for Mormon's purpose and work), it didn't matter because Mormon had fulfilled his purpose with love and integrity. The Lord deemed his garments to be made clean because of this.

I imagine this was a great comfort to Hyrum and Joseph, and that this truth, that they had done what they were sent to do, is why Joseph could say aloud:
“I am going like a lamb to the slaughter; but I am calm as a summer’s morning; I have a conscience void of offense towards God, and towards all men."

Here's the thing about charity: Mormon, Hyrum, Joseph and the Savior all exemplified charity, Christ-like love, in the last moments of their life, toward those who did not have a Christ-like love. They could have requested to stay longer and do a little more, teach a few more sermons, help a few more people, which is sometimes what we think charity is. But they had true charity "The highest, noblest, strongest kind of love, not merely affection;" a wise love, a love that sometimes knows when to stop, a love that uses Heavenly judgement, a love that understands and follows through with tough love and even sacrifice. Ultimately, for these four, understanding that the sacrifice of their lives would do more good than remaining on the earth.

I completely believe Moroni when tells us we need to pray for charity. Because this kind of love with wisdom and judgement and grace, doesn't come from merely affectionate love.

Readings Aug 17

"Seal the Testimony"

Short readings this week, but great topic. I will just list the readings. You get to them when you can:

DC 135
Acts 7:54-60
Heb 9:15-17
Mosiah 17:7-10
3 Ne 10:15
DC 98:13

Aug 10-14 readings

Sealed for time and all eternity.

I'm late. Vacation always messes me up. So I'm starting the readings today.

Wed, Aug 12: DC 131: 1-4
Thurs, Aug 13: DC 132: 4-33
Fri, Aug 14: Genesis 2:18, 24 , 1 Corinthians 11:11

The Prisoners Shall Go Free. Readings Aug 3-7

Monday, Aug 3: Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:36–39
Tuesday, Aug 4: DC 124:25–55;
Wednesday, Aug 5: DC 127; 128;
Thursday, Aug 6: Our Heritage,pages 58–60.

I'll be on vacation, away from the computer, so I probably won't comment until next Sunday. Feel free to comment on this thread.

Building the Kingdom of God in Nauvoo, IL July 27-31

This should be an interesting read. Sacrificing for the kingdom or choosing not to and walking away. This should be very applicable, as are all scriptures.

Mon, July 27: DC 124: 1-21

Tues, July 28: DC 124 87-90, 97-110, DC 126

Wed, July 29: Our Heritage pg 51-52, 55-58, 61-62

Looking for justice

I really love this section of the Doctrine and Covenants. I love that the prophets gets to the point where he just really wants Heavenly Father to miraculously take him from his afflictions, because we all get to that point I think. We just want it all to go away sometimes. I wonder if the prophet was thinking of the time Alma and Amulek were in prison and it miraculously tumbled to the ground. Sometimes Heavenly Father does take it all away. But most of the time we get this response:

7 My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;
8 And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.
9 Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands.

It may not be the easy response that we want (poof your troubles are gone!), but it is a response. From The God of all. That alone is a comfort. He is listening, He is aware, and all justice is in His hands, not ours.

Perspective of justice is one of the difficult issues during trial. We get all upset about how unfair things are: why me? why not her/him? why now? I don't deserve this. They don't deserve that. Blah, blah, blah. It is helpful to remember that:

24 Behold, mine eyes see and know all their works, and I have in reserve a swift judgment in the season thereof, for them all;
25 For there is a time appointed for every man, according as his works shall be.

We are not the ones to hand out justice or judgement. It will come, but not by our own definition or our own time table or what consequences we think are just. The point of our affliction is that they are ours. The are to develop who we are, not make us bitter about what other people are or are not. Because:

8 The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?

Not only should we not think that our suffering is greater that the Savior's, but only He is in the position to judge and give justice or true mercy. Of us it is required to forgive all men.

"O God, Where Art Thou?"

More on tribulations this week, but a different perspective

Monday, June 20: Doctrine and Covenants 121:1–33;
Tuesday, June 21: 122
Wednesday, June 22: Our Heritage,pages 45–53.
Thursday, June 23:
Isaiah 53:5–6 D&C 88:6
Hebrews 2:17–18
D&C 122:5–8
Alma 7:11–12

It's really hard to hear

I know that when you are in the midst of affliction, it is hard to hear things like: "it will make you stronger," "you are buiding character," "you are being tested," etc. I suspect it's hard to hear because it's true. You really just want the affliction to be over with instead of being told there may never be an end (in this life), because essentially, that's what those statements mean, i.e. you are in a process and who knows when it will end. But for me, even those words give some direction, which is better than the alternative - just suffering to suffer. If we are all going to suffer in one way or another, let's make something of it despite the despair.

There are some great spiritual "one-liners" in Monday's reading DC 101:1-41, that are like the lines above, but with more peace-giving truth:

5 For all those who will not endure chastening, but deny me, cannot be sanctified. You can suffer, or you can bear the burden with the Lord. You can carry the yoke alone, or you can be yoked with someone who will not remove your burden, but carry it with you.

8 In the day of their peace they esteemed lightly my counsel; but, in the day of their trouble, of necessity they feel after me. If you keep a continual relationship and running dialog with the Lord, when the trouble comes, you will not have to "feel after him," you will already know where, exactly, to turn.

9 Verily I say unto you, notwithstanding their sins, my bowels are filled with compassion towards them. I will not utterly cast them off; and in the day of wrath I will remember mercy. You will bring on your own troubles, and may deserve the consequences, but the Lord will still have compassion - which does not mean He will remove the trouble of the consequences, but He can help you understand them and learn and feel love.

36 Wherefore, fear not even unto death; for in this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full. Death seems to be quite extreme, but it covers the fear of many things, so know that your joy in this life or the next only comes when you are yoked with the Lord IN ALL THINGS.

37 Therefore, care not for the body, neither the life of the body; but care for the soul, and for the life of the soul. There are many things to concern yourself with in the midst of affliction, but be concerned mostly about your soul, i.e. how IS this going to build your character, how IS this going to make you stronger, why IS this a test for you?

38 And seek the face of the Lord always, that in patience ye may possess your souls, and ye shall have eternal life. PATIENCE, PATIENCE, PATIENCE. People say never to pray for patience, because you'll get affliction to try and practice patience. There really is no other way (other than to be blessed with the gift of patience) to develop patience that to exercise extreme self-control during affliction. This is self-control in making good choices during affliction and self-control in making consistent effort to be close to the Lord (when not in affliction too).

In between those verses, the Lord talks about the end of the world and how those who did not suffer beside the Lord will burn and die and what not. This is not to give the Saints (us) a sense of revenge or a premeditated condescention of "I told you so," this is to let us know that justice will be served, that affliction we endure will not be for nothing, if we endure it well, if we have gained an abiding testimony of our Lord and Savior and all the He is capable of offering.

Perhaps when I reach the judgement bar, all of my single experiences will be forgotten and I will stand before Him as a representation of my cumulative experiences and that representation will say it all. We tend to think of each experience as just that: single experiences, when really (in my estimation as of late), we should think of each experience as just another building block we invent something really good with. This is one of the things the Savior offers, to help us see that our experiences are building blocks. Satan helps us to see that our experiences are reason to pity ourselves, our bodies, our spirits. Yick. I like building blocks better.

I skipped out and new readings

Summer is not as laid back as I thought it would be. Oh, we're having fun alright. But I'm making sure we are having fun so there is no fighting or boredom, so when we do have days at home, the kids really want to be at home and they play better together. For this reason, I am behind one week with this blog. Hopefully the few who read this blog will have had at least one stake conference so this blog will still be a week ahead now or right on. If not, I apologize profusely my only excuse is that I am trying to be a peacemaker and not a yeller for my kids. I would just skip to the next week, but this topic is one I can't pass up. Prepare to read:

"They must needs be chastened and tried, even as Abraham"
Monday, July 13: Doctrine and Covenants 101:1-42
Tuesday, July 14: DC 101:43-101
Wednesday, July 15: DC 103
Thursday, July 16: DC 105
Friday, July 17: Our Heritage 27-29, 37-45

Love conquers all

As I read through DC 112, the verse that sums up missionary work for me is this:


10 Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers.
11 I know thy heart, and have heard thy prayers concerning thy brethren. Be not partial towards them in love above many others, but let thy love be for them as for thyself; and let thy love abound unto all men, and unto all who love my name.

I marvel at the stages of life. When I was a teenager, being taught about going into the world and teaching the gospel, I saw it as a black and white issue: go on a mission and teach. When I was a missionary I was teaching and it was still a black and white issue. That was my calling and my life. My Mission President encouraged us often to talk to the members about missionary work, so we did. It was frustrating at times when families would just not be willing to offer their friends for us to teach. I just didn't understand the sociality of it all. After returning from a mission and living in places with less than 50% LDS people (much less), I understand why we were not given friends to teach on the mission. You just don't want to have that uncomfortableness of a friend offering something and a friend refusing something.

I feel now that the time for inviting friends to church and to talk to the missionaries is something that is led by the Spirit. We of course felt this as missionaries, but I think our expectations were probably unrealistic as far as timing goes. I see now that our job was to encourage people to love their neighbors. To pray for the right time to talk about religion. To soften friends hearts, or just open them a little for the time that may come when they will be ready to hear more.

Doing missionary work for or with any one person is a personalized journey. We hear remarkable stories about people who are "golden," when the timing and people and circumstances are just right. This stories create very high expectations. We also hear stories about people who take years to study, then refuse, then study some more, then get angry, then study some more, then maybe take a chance to smile at the missionaries, then refuse and on and on. These stories about kill your desire to help in anyway.

Which brings me back to verses 11-12. We are to be humble and the Lord will lead us. If we are humble, we will say the right things, to the right people, at the right time. If we pray and love people genuinely, they will respond and their hearts will be soft. And if they do not show the slightest interest in the gospel in this life, perhaps their hearts will be more open in the next because of the friendship and love that you continued to show regardless of differences.

Love conquers all!!!

Readings June 29-July 3

"Go Ye into All the World, and Preach My Gospel"

Doctrine and Covenants 112; Our Heritage,pages 30–33, 36.

A Priesthood for all

Over the last few years I have really grown to love and appreciate the Priesthood power and those who hold righteously administer this power. I have always loved the fact that we can receive blessings, but my appreciation has grown beyond just the laying on of hands blessings.

For a while, I really wondered why women couldn't hold the Priesthood. I wouldn't say that I was antagonistic with the issue, but I just questioned and pondered. I read a lot and listened to what other people think and this is what I discovered: accepting the Priesthood is the resposibility of ALL, not just worthy men. Let me clarify. My husband can accept the Priesthood by living the oath and covenant of the Priesthood, but he still has the responsibility to accept the Priesthood power that is held by other Priesthood holder. I have to do the same, that is, accept the Priesthood power that is held by any Priesthood holder. Both degrees of acceptance require humility and faith and action and a lot of other virtues that both male and females can have. The end goal is to accept Heavenly Father's will.

Section 84:35-39 lays this idea out nicely. This is the "Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood," and I think sometimes when women or men who do not hold the Priesthood hear that it is directed to those who are ordained in the Priesthood, eyes and minds are shut. This is unfortunate. I could be totally off on this, so if I am let me know. But the principle of acceptance here is true for anyone. Here it is (italics added):

35 And also all they who receive this priesthood receive me, saith the Lord;
36 For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me;
37 And he that receiveth me receiveth my Father;
38 And he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father’s kingdom; therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him.

I take it to mean that anyone, male or female, who receives the priesthood, speaking of receiving as an acceptance, will receive Heavenly Father's servants, receive the Lord and receive Heavenly Father's kingdom and all it has to offer. I believe these blessings are not limited by gender, nor are the required virtues for truly accepting what the Priesthood is and who holds it. Essentially, if the Priesthood is viewed as something you have or do not have, then you have a matter of PRIDE on your hands. If the Priesthood is viewed withThe End to that thought.

The other reason I have come to deeply appreciate the Priesthood is because it provides organization for the church. It gives us all a place and order to our places. It gives us confidence that such organization does not change and therefore
avoids chaos and therefore is a constant source of revelation, inspiration and comfort.

A quick comment about section 121:34-46. I think this is a passage that talks more about pride than the Priesthood, so whoever you are or whatever you hold, don't think you are more important that God, or what He thinks. The End.

Readings June 22-26

"The Priesthood: The Power of Godliness"

Monday, June 22: DC 84:33-44, DC 107:1-52
Tuesday, June 23: DC 107:53-100
Wednesday, June 24: DC 121:34-46

Smarter than your average devil

I have to say that I am getting much more out of Sunday School than I ever did. If no one reads this blog, I will still come out on top.

Satan is such an interesting being to think about. How can a being know that he will lose eventually, but still try to hard to win? Pride, I guess. And his purpose is to provide opposition, so I guess he just needs to fulfill his purpose.

Many of the readings for this topic talk about following the prophet (he knows the way!). That if there is ever a question about whether a person is telling us the truth, if it's really revelation for us, we can check with the prophets' teachings and verify truth. How blessed we are to have a current prophet and past prophets back to Adam. The trick is to be a follower.

Some of the readings are about other people who professed to receive revelation for the church. I think this is very interesting. It shows how Satan is so very clever (among other ways).

Here you are, a new convert in a new church. You believe that Joseph Smith receive current revelations. You have not heard of any other church receiving current revelations. It's quite a novel idea. This information is good. This information comes from God, via His chosen prophet. You learn that you can receive personal revelation. A true and wonderful doctrine and vibrates your soul. You receive revelation that blesses your life. Enter Satan: Having received knowledge of church and personal revelation, which are true principles, a though enters into your heart and mind - perhaps I can receive revelation for others, just to help them, after all you believe in a church that received revelation from God for the good of all. Errrrrrrt! Check with the prophets, God's chosen mouthpiece. Only he is to receive revelation for the church. So you keep your ideas to yourself.

Apparently some did not keep that idea to themselves, and in fact the Lord said that Satan deceived them. Others believed them, or were at least questioning. Which is why the Lord reminded them that revelation for the church only comes from the chosen prophet. It really is simple. There are grey areas of course, but only grey until it becomes clear.

I am continually amazed at how many evil things are based on principles of truth, but then twisted. Twisted just enough to make people think they are still operating with truths, and are therefore justified, but reaping very evil acts and evil fruits and then lives and even generations are changed. Very cunning and clever. We must be on guard at all times.

Reading Jun 15-18

"Be Not Deceived, but Continue in Steadfastness"

This should be a good one. Our Sunday School lesson yesterday was about the three degrees of glory (section 76) which starts out describing how Lucifer became Satan. Our teacher, at the very end of the Satan topic, said that he thinks it's a bad idea to bear testimony Satan. I thought that was kind of an odd comment, but as I thought about it, I have heard people bear testimony that they know that Satan is real. While I agree with him, we should not, over the pulpit bear testimony of Satan, I think it is incredibly important to know our moral opponent. So, like I said, this should be a good one.

Tues, June 16: DC 26 , DC 28, 43:1-7
Wed, June 17: DC 50, 52:14-19

So much to learn. . .

I should've started posting on Monday. There are so many things I think about learning and studying, but I'll keep it to one post. Your welcome.

These verses are taken from their sections to go along with a theme, though some of their contexts are very interesting too. I think I will tak each passage as they sort of fit together and pontificate.

Here are the things that we are supposed to learn: everything.

88:78-79: "be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand. Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms.

90:15: And set in order the churches, and study and learn, and become acquainted with all good books, and with languages, tongues, and people.

A bit of a tall order? Here is how we go about it:
88:118: And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.

There are plenty of things to learn in the world. But we are requested to learn it by faith. Essentially, we need to ask Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ if what we are learning or have learned fits into the categories of "light and truth," see 93:36.

Here is how we discern light and truth from other knowledge: 136:33 For my Spirit is sent forth into the world to enlighten the humble and contrite, and to the condemnation of the ungodly.

Here is how we gain knowledge (first realizing that we have knowledge to gain and that there is a Giver of knowledge, that we don't know it all):
136:32 - Let him that is ignorant learn wisdom by humbling himself and calling upon the Lord his God, that his eyes may be opened that he may see, and his ears opened that he may hear;

88:118 - teach one another words of wisdom

88:122 - Appoint among yourselves a teacher, and let not all be spokesmen at once; but let one speak at a time and let all listen unto his sayings

Here is what happens when we study by faith:
19:23 - Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me.

88:80 - That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you.

88:122 - that when all have spoken that all may be edified of all, and that every man may have an equal privilege

Here is what happens when we don't seek knowledge with faith and the Spirit.
2Ne 9:28 - O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish.

Here are my thoughts about Satan and learning: The purpose of Satan is to provide opposition. When he offered the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil to Adam and Eve, he didn't just offer the fruit, he educated them. He gave them the opportunity to learn, he gave them options. Like I said before, there are plenty of things that we can learn in the world and at a more rapid pace than every before. I think one of Satan's tactics is to educate and one of Heavnely Father's blessings is education. I think we sometimes believe that educating ourselves, no matter what the topic, is virtuous. But it is not virtuous if you choose knowledge over light and truth. I mean, light and truth can encompass knowledge, but all knowledge is not light and truth. How important and wonderful it is to use the Holy Ghost in judging whether we should start or continue on a certain path of learning.

Readings for June 8-12

"Seek learning, even by study and also by faith"
The readings this week are just passages in a scripture chain. They are not long passages, so read them as you can and I'll post as I can.
D&C 88:122–25,

2 Nephi 9:28–29

D&C 90:15

D&C 6:7

D&C 93:36–37

D&C 19:23

D&C 93:53

D&C 88:76–80

D&C 131:6

D&C 88:118

D&C 136:32–33

2 Timothy 3:7

(Matthew 11:29).

Everything is for something

I think our bodies are miraculous. Really. We take for granted, or don't even know, all of the chemical reactions that take place every second so our bodies can move, breathe, think, feel and much more. I really is very amazing.

I think food is miraculous. Take an orange for example. there is a hard outer peel for protection, a white pithy covering to hold in moisture, then there are sections that create themselves with thin membranes, then within each section there are tiny membraned droplets of juice. When an orange is peeled, there is an orange smell and when those tiny membraned droplets are burst juice sprays - and it's sweet! That's just an orange, I won't even get into raspberries and peas and watermelon!

I think how the food and the body need each other are completely divine! So when the Lord says: "all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man" I really believe Him!

He also said: "Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving." Most definately thanksgiving, and not just saying a trite prayer for every meal, but real thanksgiving and understanding that Heavenly Father made food so that you can function.

Here is the definition of prudence: the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason. This is why I think treating your body and what you eat is a moral decision. It takes great discipline to do this, especially when we have all foods available to us all the time, at least in our country. Because it is so ready available, and viewed as a treat in many instances, we think we deserve as much food as we want. Which is not prudent when we view food in light of nuturing our body. I'm guilty of it too. It is a hard thing and issues with food are not really catagorized with transgressions such as murder, so the issue as a moral decision is not really discussed. But I believe it has a huge effect on how we feel and how we feel about ourselves. Not just how we feel about ourselves physically, but how we feel about our abilities to control ourselves, which translates to what kind of a person we think we are.

Well, I could go on and on. I will tomorrow.

Many words of wisdom

I have found it peculiar that the instruction from the Lord concerning the care of our bodies in seciton 89, is referred to as the word of wisdom. It says so in the heading to the section, so who am I not to call it "the word of wisdom," and "word" can mean collectively not just singularly, but of all the commandments and examples and scriptures we've been given, this section is proclaimed THE word of wisdom. I guess it's pretty important.

One of the reasons I find this a peculiarity is that the first three verses, inspired by Joseph Smith, state that this revelation is to the council of the high priest by way of greeting, not commandment or constraint. What?! Commandment and constraint is what the whole "word of wisdom" is about. It turns out that "the word of wisdom" was not ratified as a commandment until 1851, when Brigham Young proposed it to all the saints as a binding commandment. Which is why now, it is part of the temple recommend interview.

Two other parts of the introduction to the bulk of "the word of wisdom" are interesting to me. In verse 3 it states it is "adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints." Weak here meaning humble and teachable and ready to change. I've heard stories of missionaries teaching people who have smoking or drinking habits, but were able to go cold turkey because of their readiness to accept the gospel and change. I think it is interesting that the saints at the time had 20 years to get used to the idea of eliminating alcohol and tobacco from their diet before it was a commandment that they would be held morally responsible for. The DC manual suggests that the Lord extended mercy and time in allowing the saints to get used to this idea before making it a commandment. I've always thought it sad that when missionaries teach someone in our day, if they cannot live according to the "word of wisdom," they tend to drop that investigator. I suppose that unwritten rule of a person needing to hear about the gospel seven time before they accept could apply here. Of course there needs to be a line drawn for how long or how productive it would be to keep an investigator in the teaching pool, but I wish it could work differently sometimes. People have not changed since 1833, they still need time to get used to the idea of dropping a physically addicting habit.

One last thing abou the first part of 89, vs 4 says: "In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation— "

In other words, the Lord is telling us right now, that drugs, alcohol and tabacco and not eating properly is one of the ways that Satan will bog us down with self-pity, depression, physical limitations and self-destruction. So listen up!

I love this section! I'm telling you right now that I'm not the kind of person who thinks we should subsist on bread and honey. But like every other moral decision we make, how we take care of our bodies is just another moral decision. Call me wacko, but I truly believe that.

Readings June 1-5

I was off last week. Or more precisely, my computer was off. I've said many swearwords in my head to my computer, hoping that actually keeping them inside of my head would be virtue enough. I know the answer to that. I'm sure I can think of better ways to exhaust my frustration. Maybe I'll just blame it all on Satan, that he just doesn't want me to publish my feelings about the DC. Like I'm that big of a deal. Anyway, I'll do my best this week. I did read the readings last week though!

This week is the Word of Wisdom:
Doctrine and Covenants 89; Our Heritage,pages 25–26. (Yea the links worked this week!)

There are only 21 verses in this section. You can read it at whatever pace you want. I will post on a few different aspects of the Word of Wisdom.

Have a wonderful week living in moderation inspired by section 89!

Know your enemy. Mon, May 18th

This is such an awesome revelation. It begins by telling us that continuing revelation is key in knowing the mysteries of God and that we shouldn't suppose that the full truths of God are within the Bible, which is why we believe in it, "as far as it was traslated correctly." Good to know and important for the the upcoming revelation.

Then two men, after pondering, see the Lord himself! It seems that they were overwhelmed with the occurance and the feeling. So much so, that they immediately bore testimony of His existence and the reality of his power.

Then who do we learn about next? Satan. First, know your Savior and then know your enemy.

Tonight I read about Korihor to the boys. They asked a lot of questions after the reading tonight. They wanted to know why the devil would appear to Korihor in the form of an angel and how would Korihor know the difference between a satan angel and a Heavenly Father angel. We talked about the feelings of the spirit and the things such and angel would communicate. We know from the scriptures that there is a God and a Savior, which is the whole point of having scriptures. Korihor's angel told him to tell the people there was no God, or they were worshipping the wrong God. I asked the boys if that was right. They said no, of course there is a God. We talked about how important it was to read the scriptures and learn about truth so that when we are faced with choosing right from wrong, we will already know what is right and if per chance there was an angel telling them there was no God, they would know the angel is wrong.

Know your Savior and the truths He teaches via the spirit and you will have a better idea of counterfeit doctrine.

Readings for May 18th-21st

The kingdoms of glory. Should be a good one. Lately I've just been posting once a week instead of everyday. That's my basic goal, just so you know. Some weeks are like that. I'm having a lot of weeks like that.

Mon, May 18th: Doctrine and Covenants 76, vs 1-29
Tues, May 19th: Doctrine and Covenants 76, vs 30-80
Wed, May 20th: Doctrine and Covenants 76, vs 81-119
Thurs, May 21st: 131; 132:19–24; 137.

Pre-earth life

I had a conversation with a good friend a few weeks ago about our trials and Heavenly Father knowing what we are experiencing and wondered whether we knew exactly what trials we would have in life. We had a difference of opinion about this last part. Now, my friend is older and wiser than I am and he has done quite a bit more gospel study, so I of course may be very wrong and just have not discovered the right answer yet.

The scriptures in the assignment tell us that all things were created spiritually before they were created physically, that we in fact were created spiritually and lived with Father in Heaven before we were born on the earth, and that there were those who were chosen to do certain things before we came to the earth. But it doesn't seem to me through all of scripture that what we were chosen to do was given to us in minute detail. Maybe we were so deliriously happy at the chance to come to earth that we accepted any trail? Maybe we stood in line for certain trials that we thought we could handle? It just seems contrary to the truth of moral agency and the human experience, that we would choose a certain situation or trial before coming to earth, even though the veil would have erased any knowledge about those choices.

I don't really see how having information such as this would help me through the trial anyway. I know some people do find comfort in this thought though. That the trial they are going through is something that they chose before so, they know they can handle it. But how would they have possibly known that they could have handled it while only possessing a spirit and not the actual body necessary to experience it? Does this make any sense?

To me, the fact (or non-fact) that I chose a certain trial has no importance or sway over the trial that I am going through currently. That piece of information can not take away my trial, nor can it help remove sorrow, hurt, anguish or anger over the trial. In fact, I think believing that I chose to have diabetes, for instance, would make me even more angry with myself. Maybe. I really don't see how knowing a fact like that would bear sway over where I end up after this life anyway. What matters is the kind of person I become through the trial/experience. This is what I focus on. Right now anyway. Like I said, I could be way off base and it could just be unitelligable reasoning.

What do you think?

Readings May 11-14

The Plan of Salvation

Mon, May 11: The Atonement is central to the plan of salvation: Moses 4:2, D&C 19:16–19, and 76:40–42.
Tues, May 12: Pre-mortal life: Job 38:4–7 , D&C 138:55–56 , Abraham 3:22–28
Wed, May 13: Mortal life: Alma 42:9, 14 , D&C 29:40–43 , Articles of Faith 1:3
Thurs, May 14: Post-mortal life: Alma 40:11–14 , Alma 42:11–13, 15 ,D&C 76:111 , D&C 88:14–16

A word about the temple

It's been a crazy week, but I've done some reading and a lot of thinking and going about the temple. First of all HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all you mothers out there!

The very first thing I read from the readings struck me. Verse 1 of section 95:

Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you whom I love, and whom I love I also chasten
that their sins may be forgiven, for with the chastisement I prepare a way for
their deliverance in all things out of temptation, and I have loved you—

This section is about the temple, but before it gets to the parts about the actual temple, the Lord chastens the saints for not moving more quickly to build the temple. Yet, it really is about the temple and about the gospel and the crux of what the atonement is all about - just in this one verse. Essentially it says this: I love you, so I'm going to give you direction, but right now it's not going to feel good, but trust me, it's for your eternal happiness. But with the chastisement I give, I also give you hope for a better way of living, the possibility of change.

To me, this is a perfect way to begin direction about how important the temple is. So many times we go to the temple with worries about others, worries about ourselves, perhaps we avoid going to the temple because we are worried about ourselves. But the whole point of going to the temple is to find the hope we need while wading through the muck of worry and anxiety.

Mark and I went to the temple last night. It was just sublime. It truly felt like we were entering a different realm where we could be free in thought and feeling and commune with Heavenly Father through the Savior. We were educated, and with education comes freedom, if used correctly. One of the best part of the temple though is the feeling of value I get about myself. That just can't come often enough in a world that is so full of comparing one person to another for one reason or another. I am so thankful for a safe spiritual and physical haven.

Readings May 4-8

All about the temple this week. I split up section 109, to break up the reading.

Mon, May 4: Doctrine and Covenants 95 , Our Heritage,pages 33–36.
Tues, May 5: 109: 1-42
Wed, May 6: 109 : 43-80
Thurs, May 7: 110

Fasts and Tithes. April 29th

I really, really love computers. I love how efficient I can run my life with the aid of computers. which means when they don't work, I don't feel very efficient. Sorry I haven't posted the last two days, with a busy schedule and no computer, it hasn't been possible. So, here is one post on all three days of reading.

I love both of these laws. there are a few reasons why I like the law of tithing. First, I feel that it contributes to helping Heavenly Father in helping His purposes come to pass. Second, it is nice to have a law that you know you are 100% in obeying (or not). Third, it just feels right. I am not bothered by the fact the tithing is a "lesser" law given because those who committed to live the law of consecration, couldn't follow through. Just because it is a "lesser" law doesn't mean that it is less important or pertinent in following the commands of the Lord and contributing to the perfection of the saints, redeeming the dead and proclaiming the gospel. I do not feel like we as a church have failed, because we are not able to live the law of consecration. It seems like a wise plan to me, to have the Saints live the law of tithing while knowing their expectations for a later time. For those that want to go beyond the law of tithing, they can, in various ways with their time, money, talents and such. But as a basis, the Lord says 10% is perfectly appropriate for now.

I love the law of the fast. there are so many people who want to get closer to God. Here is one easily attainable way to feel close to God. Fast with a purpose. Fast because you think that Heavenly Father is more important that you are, than what you want, than what you feel. I have not been able to fast for a long time. I shouldn't say that. I have fasted - without food - at times, thinking that I would really show my dedication. But because of the physical problems I reap after going without food, my intent and purpose tend to be forgotten. I've long since felt that fasting is not just going without food, but really taking time and mental and spirital effort to obtain the spirit of the fast. I would say my success in doing this is just about the same as anybody else's. Sometimes purposes are forgotten after a few hours. But when I really do partake of the spirit of the fast, the effects on me are unmistakeable and hopefully unmistakeable for whoever or whatever I am fasting for. President Joseph F. Smith explains this better than I can:

Now, while the law requires the Saints in all the world to fast from 'even
to even' and to abstain both from food and drink, it can easily be seen from the
Scriptures, and especially from the words of Jesus, that it is more important to
obtain the true spirit of love for God and man, 'purity of heart and simplicity
of intention,' than it is to carry out the cold letter of the law....Hence those
who can are required to comply thereto; it is a duty from which they cannot
escape; but let it be remembered that the observance of the fast day by
abstaining twenty-four hours from food and drink is not an absolute rule, it is
no iron-clad law to us, but it is left with the people as a matter of
conscience, to exercise wisdom and discretion.

Both of these laws can be used to come closer to Christ. One is more measurable than the other, but both are spiritually rewarding. I think it's interesting that they are called laws, as laws are something to be followed or there are negative consequences. This is indeed true for these laws, there are negative consequences for not following them, but they might not be felt until later, or after this life. Yet, so many people seem to consider them optional.