LESSON ABOUT THE 1ST VISION

Today (February 1, 2009), I was able to watch a KBYU program of discussions about Joseph Smith’s first vision.  It was very helpful and taught me several new things.  The professors of religion at BYU who were part of this discussion brought up several points included here (as I can recall):

• The book of James was almost not included at all in the Bible.
• Joseph pondered about which church to join for quite some time.
• He pondered further after he read James 1:5 which states: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”  He believed God literally.
• Joseph’s name in Hebrew means: gatherer of God
• Every detail that was prophesized of, including Joseph’s name, was fulfilled.
• Joseph read James 1:5 and had his first revelation by the Holy Ghost witnessing to his soul about the truth of James’ testimony and advising him to seek wisdom from God in personal prayer.
• God answered the prayer of a boy; demonstrating that we need only two things to come to God and receive wisdom: 1) a great desire; 2) to be a child of God; not famous, not rich, not of any worldly consequence.  We can all come to God in prayer and receive answers to guide our lives.  We can have personal revelations to help us meet our individual responsibilities.
• The Godhead was made manifest.
• The heavens were again officially opened; God had a prophet again.
• Satan has real powers, powers of darkness.
• Manifestations from God are sacred; they are to be shared only as is appropriate.  Joseph provided an example as he never shared too much or bragged or made light of his experiences, and he adjusted his testimony to the benefit of the audience before him as the Apostle Paul had done.
• Once the understanding of who the Godhead is and what their relationship with each other and with people was lost, the rest of truth was then confused.
• Joseph’s vision restored a knowledge of the Godhead and the relationship between God and mankind.  We are children of the Living God.
• Opposition always arises against the work of God.
• God’s work is not hindered.
• There is a priesthood hierarchy.  God, the Father, has given direction of all things to His Son, and we are to do all in the name of the Son.

I was especially touched today by the fact that God hears the prayers of any true seeker, regardless of one’s standing in the world, which is a very hopeful thing for little me.  I was also touched by the idea that we can all receive personal revelation to guide us in our lives.  While Joseph was lead to the scared grove, we are lead to our own revelation to meet our own needs and to accomplish our own works and meet our own responsibilities before God.  God loves His children, and He has not left us here on earth to wander aimlessly.  He has a plan and loves to share with us that plan.  He honors those who honor Him and His Son

February 2/1/09

Pro-life is not about forcing someone to live with and raise an unwanted child.  It is not about forcing someone to “suffer”.  It’s not about restricting another’s “choice” or agency.  Rather, it’s a testimony about the worth of each being, each life, each potential.  Who are we to decide the worth of another soul?  How can we say we are for “choice” if we take away the potential for another soul to ever make a decision or choice?

Why should we abort or otherwise minimize the value of each life?  The very testimony that I, and others, have received from people with severe disabilities is that the worth of each soul is precious to God, that God is wiser than us all, and that God is full of love.  These children, then, are testifiers of God.  The world has always sought to stop the testimony of God.  While the world brings death and destruction, it cannot and does not stop the testimony of God.  See Joel 2:28

None Were With Him (Elder Holland's witness of Christ)

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rboSk1p06BQ&feature=related

Broken Things to Mend by Elder Holland

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWM4U6gnPE8&feature=player_embedded

He Shall Make Bare His Arm

Lesson 2:

(1 Nephi 22:10-13)  “And I would, my brethren, that ye should know that all the kindreds of the earth cannot be blessed unless he shall make bare his arm in the eyes of the nations.”

All peoples need to be blessed.  He will make bare His arm.  What a great time to be alive!  What a wonderful thing to witness: the power of God upon all nations!

“Wherefore, the Lord God will proceed to make bare his arm in the eyes of all the nations, in bringing about his covenants and his gospel unto those who are of the house of Israel.”

“Wherefore, he will bring them again out of captivity, and they shall be gathered together to the lands of their inheritance; and they shall be brought out of obscurity and out of darkness; and they shall know that the Lord is their Savior and their Redeemer, the Mighty One of Israel.”

Wow!  He brings His power, His covenants, His gospel, His freedom, and His light to all nations, to those of the house of Israel!

When I focus upon His works and His power, I realize that it is not about me.  His works will be done, and He will not be defeated!  I can’t fail, because the work is not my work but His work.  I stay on His side and He does the work and wins the glory.

“And every nation which shall war against thee, O house of Israel, shall be turned one against another and they shall fall into the pit which they digged to ensnare the people of the Lord.  And all that fight against Zion shall be destroyed  . . . .  

Grace, Faith, Works, and Obedience

Lesson 1:

During a presentation this past week on BYU Broadcasting, the discussions about the scriptures concerned the Apostle Paul’s testimony of the mercy of God.  One of the leaders of this day’s discussion spoke about how Paul’s witness and teachings coincide with what is written in 2 Nephi 25:23 which states (at the end of the verse), “We know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.”

The speaker pointed out that, while it is true that we must strive for obedience to the commandments of God and that we must exercise faith in the power of God and His atonement, we require the mercy of God as we do all we can for ourselves.  It is not a sequential order but rather simultaneous order.  Christ’s atonement helps us during our efforts to become perfect (“as I Am”).  Just as in the image of Christ knocking upon the door of our heart, He comes to us before our “house” is fully clean.  He did not come as a physician to those who are whole.  Instead, He came to the “broken”.  He came to heal us and to make us whole.  We are saved by the grace of God while we are doing all in our power to improve ourselves.  We can’t wait until we have become perfect to invite Him in.  We must invite Him in now!  We must partake of His mercy every moment and obey His will throughout our lives to obtain eternal life.

The Value and Joy of Becoming

In a Family Home Evening early in my adventure as a parent, I set up an obstacle course (at Julie’s house).  The idea was to blindfold my step-daughters and have them move through the obstacle course by listening to the “Holy Ghost” and “the prophets” and “parents” rather than the “distractions” of “the world”.

However, the lesson was for me not the girls that evening.

In my zeal to have them “succeed”, I ended up physically guiding the first one attempting the obstacle course.  In other words, I took control.  There was no following the “good” or the “bad” side.  There was no lesson, no growth, no discernment, and no becoming for the girls.

When I did it all for Christine, she gained nothing.

God is so wise to give us opportunities to develop ourselves.  Joy comes in our triumphs.

Now, I strive to assist children in becoming more than they were before.  I feel tremendous joy when a child triumphs and experiences the joy of success and self-mastery.

There were two plans presented in Heaven before we began our adventures on this earth.  One plan was Lucifer’s to control all things and to take all glory for himself. 

The other plan was from Christ.  He stated that we would have choices and agency.  We would have highs and lows, struggles, heartaches and triumphs.  We would know opposition in all things.  For those times of sin, darkness, struggle, pain, He would personally come and provide an atonement which would bring healing, light, repentance, peace, joy, and love.

In this life, we know hardship and suffering.  Yet, Christ has overcome all things and has provided a means for us to overcome all things through Him.  Thus, we are invited to know all the joy, the peace, the love, the light, and the knowledge that He knows.  Instead of holding us down (as Lucifer sought to do), Christ’s way lifts us up.  He raises us up even as He was raised up, but we are raised to eternal life upon a cross.

On this earth today, I believe that there are two types of people who are pushing for the government to do all things for all people: 1) ones who seek power and to rule over others and 2) ones who have bought into the notion that we, people, can make everything better for others and that we should even attempt to do so.

The only way to overcome such tendencies is to focus upon what God can do not what mankind can do.  While mankind can now reach out to the farthest reaches of our solar system, God created this solar system.  While we can study very far off stars and events in the heavens, God created the heavens.  While mankind can “care for” another, God can refine, resurrect, and glorify the souls of man.  Through the power of God and faith in His power, souls can be translated, transformed, and perfected.  While we can study and occasionally even duplicate life, God holds all power over life and creation.

When we suggest that we must make all things better, we sin, because: 1) we raise ourselves up to be as gods, 2) we imply that God did things wrong and now it is up to us to set things right, 3) we deny the growth of other souls, 4) we take or limit the agency of others, 5) we deny the power of Christ’s atonement, 6) we limit or eliminate the need for the atonement, 7) we suggest that some people have the right to decide for others, 8) we, then determine what is “right” for another person, 9) we suggest that we have a better way than God does to make things “better” or “right” (ie.  We have a better plan.)

Life Not Death

Abortion is not a viable solution to immorality (another of the 10 Commandments).

Anyone who can kill an innocent child and thus break a sacred commandment of God may break any of the other commandments of God.  In fact, such killing is in blatant defiance of God. 

How is it that some can believe that good and hope and peace and joy can come from leaders who show no regard for human life.  Do we really believe that such will care about our lives if they determine we are equally interfering with their objectives?

“By their fruits shall you know them.”

What kind of men & women vote to kill children, especially children who survive abortion procedures?  If an innocent child cannot soften a heart, what can?  Who would such a person spare if not a child?  What need would such persons work, live, or die for if life itself is not regarded?

Life, Liberty, and Abortion

Only recently it dawned on me that, if a nation, any nation, could disregard the lives of the most innocent and helpless and call the ending of those lives “choice”, then such a nation could also disregard any life, given the “right” circumstances.  Either we believe in “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” or we don’t.  If God indeed provides unalienable rights to His children, then all children are included.  Whenever people start to define the value of one life above another’s life, they are placing themselves in a very dangerous place.  Any nation which supports such distinctions is treading where no Judeo-Christian nation should ever dare to tread.  If God is the Creator (which, of course, He is), then who are we to defy Him and become agents of death of the innocent?

Suffer The Children to Come Unto Me

Many of the greatest, most noble souls that I have ever encountered are children embodied in a “handicapped” body.  These great souls have witnessed to me of the majesty, goodness, and wisdom of God.  Because these children have taught me and witnessed to me, it has become my duty and responsibility to defend their worth and value to all society.

How ironic it is that the world questions the value and contribution of these very souls.  Many even question the value of their life on earth, these souls who inspire and teach of God, these souls who are more worthy of living, more deserving of praise than many of the selfish, self-absorbed souls who share this planet with them.

Am I suggesting that they are perfect and require no guidance and instruction? of course not.  I am testifying that their souls are often far more refined than ours are.  I am testifying that Christ was the model when He stated, “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14)  How can any follower of God deny any child life?  Who are we to make such a judgment?  Rather, God has directed us to become like a child in our humility and in our quest for what is right and proper.

Potential of a Life

I am “pro-life” but not just in the sense of being against abortion (with extremely rare exception). I am “pro-life” because I believe in the worth of each life. Today, I was reminded of God’s love for me and of the many witnesses I have received concerning the wonder and value of life.

Just as in the day of 9/11, God was not in the terriorist acts nor in the hatred. He was there with those who carried strangers down numerous flights of stairs, with the firefighters and rescuers, and with those who stopped the plane in a field in Pennsylvania.

Who can possibly know the potential of a life? How could we know who the next Chesley “Sully” Sullenburger III is? How can an unborn child’s life be considered less valuable or useful than someone else’s?

Some of the most tender lessons about life have been taught to me by “handicapped” people who would not be considered of any consequence by the world. Yet, because of how they touched my soul, I consider such “disabled” persons to be of far greater consequence than some self-centered, self-absorbed celebrity. Who really contributes more to society? What positive influences are we having on society?

Gianna Jessen's Witness & Story

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-j9CDgRSt8&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPF1FhCMPuQ&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8B1nKGIAeg&NR=1

A Witness of Debt

At times in life, when one goes through challenging experiences, one wonders, “Why am I going through this?”  Such a time for me came while living with huge debts, because of circumstances beyond my control. 

I believed the teachings of the prophets to get and stay out of debt, and I lived that standard prior to these events.  However, I can say, after personal experiences, that the pressure and weight of debt is crushing.  As I breathe and as my heart beats, I testify that debt is, in fact, bondage.  (I am much closer to freedom today, thanks to hard work and the tender mercies of God.)

Are we as a nation and as people on this earth really so deceived as to believe that debt is a principle only for individuals?  Do we really believe that excessive debt is justified if it is a company, a city, a county, a state, or a nation?  Have we really convinced ourselves that payment of our debts can be postponed indefinitely?

The scriptures teach that the temporal and spiritual are linked together.  What is our spiritual condition when we are temporally broke?

Why Giving Matters

I just heard (originally written March 2, 2009) a rebroadcast of a forum given by Arthur Brooks titled: Why Giving Matters.  His extensive research over 4 years concluded a number of important points, including the following:

·        Giving decreases stress

·        Giving increases happiness

·        Those who live their religious beliefs tend to be the most generous

·        Carter was wrong: Americans by and large are some of the most generous people anywhere

·        John D. Rockerfeller was right: the more we give, the more we seem to prosper, individually and collectively

·        We can do more for America by giving, continuing to be charitable

I found two articles he wrote which summarize some of his information: http://www.aei.org/publications/pubID.27007,filter.all/pub_detail.asp

http://www.aei.org/publications/filter.all,pubID.29242/pub_detail.asp

He began his research to prove the theory that “you have to have money first, and then you give it away.”  Instead, he discovered that those who give really are happier and seem to prosper more.  May God bless you in your endeavors this year.

Some ideas of ways to give besides the traditional/standard ways: volunteering, being kind to our families, smiling, serving people at work, being nice in traffic. 

Several Quotes & Another Talk by Elder Maxwell

QUOTES AND TALKS BY ELDER MAXWELL

Neal A. Maxwell - “In contrast to the path of selfishness, there is no room for road rage on the straight and narrow way.”

Neal A. Maxwell - “Submissiveness to God enables us to govern ourselves.... Lacking this capacity, we are vulnerable, like 'a city which is broken down, and without walls' (Proverbs 25:28). We are vulnerable if we can be taken by a wave of emotion, invaded by an insidious impulse, roughed up by resentment, or engulfed by a surge of selfishness.”

Freedom to Choose www.byub.org/talks/Talk.aspx?id=289

Several talks by Elder Holland

TALKS BY ELDER HOLLAND  (one of my favorite speakers)

This is the talk he gave: Terror, Triumph, and a Wedding Feast:  http://www.byutv.org/watch/205-211

Cast Not Away Your Confidence: http://www.byub.org/talks/Talk.aspx?id=886

Lessons From Liberty Jail: http://www.byub.org/talks/talk.aspx?id=2056

What Time Is This?: http://www.byub.org/talks/Download.aspx?id=1647&md=pdf

Remember Lot’s Wife: Remember Lot's Wife at BYU Devotional (1/13/2009)

None Were with Him   at General Conference Reports (4/5/2009)

BRIM WITH JOY

I discovered another wonderful talk I’d like to recommend:

BRIM WITH JOY, By Neal A. Maxwell: http://www.byub.org/talks/Talk.aspx?id=793

With my limited skills, I attempted to share my witness of two ways to bring joy to one’s life: service and gratitude.  As I have tried to serve some of God’s children in my small corner of the universe, I have been blessed with moments of pure joy.  As I have shared my love, far deeper love has been returned to me.  The joy of connecting with another soul defies description. 

Additionally, Elder Maxwell speaks for several minutes about treasured “intersections” with dear friends.  I feel this same gratitude to God for my treasured friendships.  How can I thank you sufficiently for the blessing that you are to my life?  Please know that I care about you and what is happening to you in your life. 

Be Prepared

BE PREPARED: prophets counsel


I. President Benson in January 1974
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=bef5d2b9ae76b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

Steps: 1) Live righteously, 2) Avoid Debt, 3) Year Supply of Food & Clothes, 4) Pay tithing, etc.

He states: It is well to remember that continued government deficits cause inflation; inflation is used as an excuse for ineffective price controls; price controls lead to shortages; artificial shortages inevitably are used as an excuse to implement rationing.

He quotes Pres J. Rueben Clark: “where food is scarce or there is none at all . . . money may be no good for there may be nothing to buy, and you cannot eat money . . . and you cannot wear it.”

II. “If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear” Nov 1995 Ensign by Elder L. Tom Perry
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=da4b6e9ce9b1c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

We live in a most exciting and challenging period in human history. As technology sweeps through every facet of our lives, changes are occurring so rapidly that it can be difficult for us to keep our lives in balance. To maintain some semblance of stability in our lives, it is essential that we plan for our future. I believe it is time, and perhaps with some urgency, to review the counsel we have received in dealing with our personal and family preparedness. We want to be found with oil in our lamps sufficient to endure to the end. President Spencer W. Kimball admonished us:

“In reviewing the Lord’s counsel to us on the importance of preparedness, I am impressed with the plainness of the message. The Savior made it clear that we cannot place sufficient oil in our preparedness lamps by simply avoiding evil. We must also be anxiously engaged in a positive program of preparation.”

He also said: “The Lord will not translate one’s good hopes and desires and intentions into works. Each of us must do that for himself” (The Miracle of Forgiveness, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1969, p. 8).

On a daily basis we witness widely fluctuating inflation; wars; interpersonal conflicts; national disasters; variances in weather conditions; innumerable forces of immorality, crime, and violence; attacks and pressures on the family and individuals; technological advances that make occupations obsolete; and so on. The need for preparation is abundantly clear. The great blessing of being prepared gives us freedom from fear, as guaranteed to us by the Lord in the Doctrine and Covenants: “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear” (D&C 38:30).
Just as it is important to prepare ourselves spiritually, we must also prepare ourselves for our temporal needs. Each of us needs to take the time to ask ourselves, What preparation should I make to care for my needs and the needs of my family?
We have been instructed for years to follow at least four requirements in preparing for that which is to come.

First, gain an adequate education. Learn a trade or a profession to enable you to obtain steady employment that will provide remuneration sufficient to care for yourself and your family.

Second, live strictly within your income and save something for a rainy day. Incorporate in your lives the discipline of budgeting that which the Lord has blessed you with. As regularly as you pay your tithing, set aside an amount needed for future family requirements. Include your children while planning for the future. I am convinced that in many backyards, a crop of corn, raspberries, or tomatoes, planted and harvested by your children each year and sold to your neighbors, will in time yield enough to make a major contribution to a mission or a college education fund.

Third, avoid excessive debt. Necessary debt should be incurred only after careful, thoughtful prayer and after obtaining the best possible advice. We need the discipline to stay well within our ability to pay. “Thems that understands interest receives it, thems that don’t pays it.”

Fourth, acquire and store a reserve of food and supplies that will sustain life. Obtain clothing and build a savings account on a sensible, well-planned basis that can serve well in times of emergency. As long as I can remember, we have been taught to prepare for the future and to obtain a year’s supply of necessities. I would guess that the years of plenty have almost universally caused us to set aside this counsel. I believe the time to disregard this counsel is over. With events in the world today, it must be considered with all seriousness.


III. If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear Liahona » 2005 » November by President Gordon B. Hinckley
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=70ca6169b62fe010VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=f318118dd536c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

The Worth of Each Soul

After years of working with children with a range of disabilities and needs from mild to profound, one day in one special moment in time, I was able to summarize (by the gift of God) what many years of service to and love for “Special Needs Children” brought to my life.
Here are a few of the lessons these children have taught me:

God loves us all.

All human life has value and purpose.

God measures success & beauty differently than the world does.

Worth isn’t tied to what we accomplish or look like or know. It’s inherent.

"Disabled" children come to earth with gifts & talents just like the rest of us.

Great love & faith & hope are often the gifts of these wonderful people.

There are lots of ways to be "handicapped".

The Spirit of God often works with these beautiful children in unique ways.
I believe that God sent these precious souls to us to teach us about life & what really matters, to ground us, to tie us to Heaven, and to glorify God Himself (See John 9:1-3 & Matthew 15:31). I have been given a witness to the power, majesty, and glory of God as revealed through the lives & growth of God's children. I have become a witness of the value of each life. By “small means” doth God confound the “wise”.

The Healing Power of Christ (Isaiah 53)

Years ago, on the morning prior to my grandmother’s death, which, although not totally unexpected, came suddenly upon her family, I was studying and pondering upon one of my most favorite scriptures: Isaiah 53. At that time, I received an overwhelming witness of how the atonement of Christ assists our repentance AND heals our sorrows, whether these sorrows come upon us through the death of a loved one or illness or the sins of others against us or any other means. “A man of sorrows, acquainted with grief” Whose grief is He acquainted with? Ours. Since that day, I have had numerous confirmation of this truth.
Additionally, I learned that I can forgive harm done, because Christ already paid for those sins as it connects to my life. He has already carried that load; therefore, I do not need to burden myself with pain and suffering. I can let go. I can be healed, and move forward in joy and peace. He is the great Judge, and He will take care of the “situations” of life.

I suggest that the greatest miracles of God are the healing of each heart and soul who comes to Him. I pray that all might come unto Him and be perfected in Him. There is no joy that compares to His joy, no love that compares to His love, and no peace that compares to His peace.

I Believe (song & video)

I believe in the Creation.  I have heard the whisperings of truth, peace, love.  I believe in God.

http://www.andiesisle.com/creation/magnificent.html