Reflectance

I started a post last night and then managed to get myself distracted after about 5 lines. So I decided I would start from scratch today. I would just like to talk a little bit about the hand of the Lord in our lives. D&C 112:10 says, "Be thou humble and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand and give thee answers to thy prayers." I love that scripture; it has sort of been my motto over the last year. As I have taken the time over the past year, and especially the past semester, to ask and look for the hand of the Lord in my life, I have seen it. I have seen the happiness that can come through following the commandments. I have experienced the peace the Gospel offers in times of need. I have experienced comfort from the Lord's infinite atonement. I know that the Lord hears and answers our prayers, each and everyone of them. It may not be on our time frame, but it is in His, which is so much better in the long run. I know that after every rainy trial, there is a bright ray of sun-shining hope to follow it. The Lord has smiled down upon over the past few months, and I'll be the first to say I sure am grateful for it!

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints just held its 179th semi-annual general conference.  This general conference was probably the best of my life.  I got to spend it with friends and family and was really able to enjoy the messages shared.  I wasn't diligent enough to take notes and share some awesome quotes with you, but know it was good, and if you are really curious go watch it on lds.org.  How lucky we are to be on the earth with the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.  

In Doctrine and Covenants 20:9-11 it reads, "[The Book of Mormon] contains a record of the fallen people, and the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles and to the Jews also; Which was given by inspiration, and is confirmed to others by the administering of angels, and is declared unto the world by them.  Proving to the world that the holy scriptures are true, and that God does inspire men and call them to his holy work in this age and generation, as well as in generations of old."

Just to reiterate, "...that God does inspire men and call them to his holy work."  The men and women who spoke in General Conference were inspired of God.  Their words are modern day scriptures.  It is worth it, to take some time out of our lives and review these words, then implement them into our lives.  

The First Vision

So this week I was being a little lazy in my scripture study.  I had got home late one week night, and didn't want to stay up late and "study" my scriptures.  However, I was still being selfish and want some good spiritual content.  I flipped through a few verses that I liked, but nothing really took.  Then I randomly decided to reread the first vision in the Joseph Smith History in the Pearl of Great Price.  It was good; everything I expected it to be. 

After reading it I thought, "I should pray, pray for a witness that this is true."  I already knew it was true, I have a testimony of it.  I wasn't doubting my prior personal revelations, I just knew it was always good to get a refresher.  After my prayer, I laid down on my bed just to think and ponder.  Well it happened to be around 12:30 at night by this point, and probably 5 minutes into my "pondering" and waiting for a witness I fell asleep for 20 minutes.  Needless to say I didn't get too much out of it at that time.

Sunday rolls around, and it was fast Sunday.  I was sitting in church listening to the various testimonies, and I thought, "Hey, I still haven't gotten my answer.  That's not fair."  As I sat and felt the Spirit in the chapel, I was just flooded with thoughts of Joseph Smith and the Restoration, and that's when it hit me, again, this is all true.  Now I will share some of the thoughts I had.

The restoration was not a chance happening or random event in history.  I was planned by our loving Heavenly Father.  It was all a part of His plan of happiness, to help His children reach their divine potential on earth.  Joseph Smith was a prophet of God.  He was often ridiculed, and mocked for what he believe in, but he never back down.  He worked hard and was humbled often, but this was only motivation to press on in the work of our Lord.  His desire was to share the Gospel message with all and let everyone receive the blessings the Lord is willing to offer to the righteous.  Through his efforts, The Book of Mormon, The Doctrine and Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price were all published so that people around the world could share in the great message these books had to offer.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has become a world wide force for truth, and light, and good.  I know it shares a message of love and hope.  Our Savior, Jesus Christ loved us so much He made the ultimate sacrifice, Himself.  His atonement, death, and resurrection allows us that we may one day return to live with Him.  He was our perfect example in life, and in death, and I know that He lives!  He is my brother, my Savior, and my advocate with the Father.  I  have divine nature and am of infinite worth.  Mediocrity is simply not an option.    

The Priesthood

I had many various plans for blogging this week; one of them was even mentioned last week.  However things change, and I feel this is a much more pertinent topic to write on, that is the priesthood. 

"The priesthood is the eternal power and authority of God.  Through the priesthood God created and governs the heavens and the earth.  Through this power He redeems and exalts His children, bringing to pass 'the immortality and eternal life of man' (Moses 1:39).  God gives priesthood authority to worthy male members of the Church so they can act in His name for the salvation of His children.   Priesthood holders can be authorized to preach the gospel, administer the ordinances of salvation, and govern the kingdom of God on the earth."  (lds.org)

What brought this all on was my grandma having knee surgery.  She is 89 years old, and when she stood up it sounded like someone getting up off a leather couch.  It has been needed for sure.  Well some family and friends gathered last night for a "last meal" per say.  After dinner we stuck my grandma on a chair in the middle of the room and all gathered around so my father and her nephew in law could give her a blessing.  First, Terry anointed her with the oil, but only after she gave him a stern warning not to mess up her hair.  Next, my dad was to give her the blessing.  Well Nate, my boyfriend also happened to be, there so my dad just asked him to join, if it was okay with my grandma.  He just jumped up and joined right in.  I thought that was so incredibly neat that these three men could be worthy to give my grandma a blessing directly from God, a blessing of comfort and of healing.  

I love that my dad is the outstanding example that he is, that he has raised me in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and that he has always been worthy to bless me and my family in times of need.  I love that Terry is the spiritual giant that he is.  He is just one of those people you learn something new from every time you talk to him, whether you started out on a Gospel related topic or not.  Lastly, I love that Nate, like so many of my other friends, is a worthy priesthood holder, that he can just give or help with a blessing at the drop of a hat.

I love this quote I found at lds.org.  "Priesthood holders must remember that the priesthood should be a part of them at all times and in all circumstances.  It is not like a cloak that can be put on and taken off at will.  Any ordination to a priesthood office is a call to lifelong service, with the promise that the Lord will qualify priesthood holders to do His work according to their faithfulness.  

"Priesthood holders must be worthy in order to receive and exercise priesthood power.  The words they speak and their everyday behavior affect their ability to serve.  Their behavior in public must be above reproach.  Their behavior in private is even more important.  Through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord declared that 'the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness' (D&C 121:36)."

"The rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven."  How much better could that get.  I am constantly surrounded by worthy priesthood holders, who through righteous living, have chosen to intwine their lives with the powers of heaven.  You can't get much better than that.  What could be more inspiring than the powers of heaven.  

P.S. My grandma made it through the surgery and we think she will do just fine in rehabbing he brand spanking new knee.  

A Short Sermon on Diligence

A compilation of thoughts on diligence:  

Doctrine and Covenants 58: 26-28

"For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.  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."

I love the phrase "anxiously engaged in a good cause."  We should all be doing something good, with a willing desire in our hearts.  It is not just enough to do something good simply because we know we should, but we should do it because we know we want to be doing it.  

I find that if I have goals to work towards, I feel the small steps along the way to the big goals make me feel much more productive when I am able to check them off my list.  I am simple minded.  So, when I break things into smaller tasks I feel like I am getting somewhere, as opposed to having one large daunting task ahead of me.  It also keeps me motivated to keep going.  I can see how far I have come, and what little I have left to do.

 

Now for a small series of quotes:

"Diligence is steady, consistent, earnest, and energetic effort in doing the Lord's work. The

expects you to work diligently-persistently and with great effort and care...Do many good things 

of your own free will (see D&C 58:27)...Focus on the most important things and avoid wasting 

time. Pray for guidance and strength" (Preach My Gospel, 121)

"Our Father's plan is marvelous. Your exercise of faith builds character. Fortified character 

expands your capacity to exercise faith. Thus, your confidence in conquering the trials of life is 

enhanced. And the strengthening cycle continues. The more your character is fortified, the 

more enabled you are to exercise the power of faith.

The axiom 'You get what you pay for' is true for spiritual rewards as well. You get what you

pay for in obedience, in faith in Jesus Christ, in diligent application of the truths that you learn.  

What you get is the molding of your character, with growth in capacity, and the successful 

completion of your purpose here on earth-to grow through being proven." 

(Richard G. Scott, "The Sustaining Power of Faith in times of Uncertainty and testing," 

Ensign, May 2003, 75)

"So what does it mean to obey the commandments, to keep our covenants, and to serve the Lord 

with 'the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime'? It means to be a 100 percent Latter-day

Saint, 100 percent of the time. In scriptural terms, it means to follow the direction King Benjamin

gave to his people: 'I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good 

words, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his' (Mosiah 5:15). It means to follow 

the plea Father Lehi gave to a wavering son: 'O that thou mightest be like unto this valley, firm 

and steadfast, and the immovable in keeping the commandments of the Lord!' (1 Nephi 2:10)." 

(Dallin H. Oaks, "The Dedication of a Lifetime," CES Fireside for Young Adults, 1 May 2005). 

This next week I am challenging myself to be more diligent in my studies, in using my time wisely,

in my scripture reading, in anything I can think to better myself in. Now don't get me wrong, I am 

not going to be working 100% of the time. No I am just going to try and do better. Have small short

goals that I can accomplish, but at the same time that will stretch me and make me better next week.

I'll report back and let ya'll know how I did because that knocks out two blogs with one good cause.  

Lastly, I will leave you with my motto for this next week so I don't kill myself: "A fanatic is one who 

has lost sight of the goal but redoubled his efforts to get there."

...oops forgot to hit publish...minor detail

Song of the Heart

Doctrine and Covenants 25:12

"For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads."

Select verses of Latter Day Saint hymns that have made a difference in my life.  (Music and words for these hymns can be found at http://www.lds.org/churchmusic/http)

Joseph Smith's First Prayer:  Hymn No. 26  verses 3-4

Suddenly a light descended, Brighter far than noon-day sun,

And a shining, glorious pillar O'er him fell, around him shone, 

While appeared two heav'nly beings, God the Father and the Son,

While appeared two heav'nly beings, God the Father and the Son.

"Joseph, this is my Beloved; Hear him!" Oh, how sweet the word!

Joeseph's humble prayer was answered, And he listened to the Lord.

Oh, what rapture filled his bosom, For he saw the living God,

Oh, what rapture filled his bosom, For he saw the living God.

Beautiful Zion, Built Above:  Hymn No. 44

Beautiful Zion, built above; Beautiful city that I love;

Beautiful gates of pearly white; Beautiful temple-God its light;  

He who was slain on Calvary Opens those pearly gates for me.

Beautiful heav'n where all its light;  Beautiful angels clothed in white;

Beautiful strains that never tire;  Beautiful harps thru all the choir;

There shall I join the chorus sweet, Worshiping at the Savior's feet.

Beautiful crowns on ev'ry brow; Beautiful palms the conq'rors show;

Beautiful robes the ransomed wear;  Beautiful all who enter there;

Thither I press with eager feet;  There shall my rest be long and sweet.

Chorus:

Zion, Zion, lovely Zion, Beautfiul Zion; 

Zion, city of our God!

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty:  Hymn No. 72

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!

O my soul, praise him, for he is they health and salvation!

Join the great throng, Psaltery, organ and song, Sounding in glad adoration!

Praise to the Lord! Over all things he gloriously reigneth.  

Borne as on eagles wings, safely his Saints he sustaineth.

Hast thou not seen How all thou needest hat been Granted in what he ordaineth?

Praise to the Lord, Who doth prosper thy way and defend thee.

Surely his goodness and mercy shall ever attend thee.

Ponder anew What the Almighty can do, Who with his love doth befriend thee.

Praise to the Lord!  Oh, let all that is in me adore him!  

All that hat breath, join with Abraham's seed to adore him!

Let the "amen" Sum all our praises again, Now as we worship before him.

I Believe in Christ:  Hymn No. 134

I believe in Christ; he is my King!  With all my heart to him I'll sing;

I'll raise my voice in praise and joy, In grand amens my tongue employ.

I believe in Christ;  he is God's Song.  On earth to dwell his soul did come.  

He healed the sick;  the dead he raised.  Good works were his; his name be praised.

I believe in Christ;  oh blessed name!  As Mary's song he came to reign

'Mid mortal men, his earthly kin, To save them from the woes of sin.

I believe in Christ; who marked the path, Who did gain all his Father hath,

Who said to men, "Come, follow me, That ye, my friends, with God may be."

I believe in Christ-my Lord, my God!  My feet he plants on gospel sod.

I'll worship him with all my might;  He is the source of truth and light.

I believe in Christ; he ransoms me.  From Satan's grasp he sets me free, 

And I shall live with joy and love In his eternal courts above.

I believe in Christ;  he stands supreme!  From him I'll gain my fondest dream;   

And while I strive through grief and pain, His voice is heard:  "Ye shall obtain."

I believe in Christ; so come what may, With him I'll stand in that great day

When on this earth he comes again to rule among the sons of men.

I love hymns for their ability to invite the Spirit and lighten my mood.  Hopefully you will be able to find the same peace and comfort that they have offered me.

Stake Conference

So this week was stake conference, as given away by the title, and here is my little story about it.  (FYI I really do enjoy going to church despite the impression this may give.)  We'll start with back in the day, when I was a wee little child, I never really understood the point to stake conference.  The only perk was two hours of church instead of three.  Granted those two hours were on hard metal chairs...  So Saturday night I had been with my two best friends.  For once I managed to actually get them out the door before twelve which is a small miracle within and of itself.  (At BYU, there is a honor code which require people of the opposite sex to be out of the apartment by midnight.)  However, I was really thinking I could feel the Spirit after getting them out on time, and for once I wouldn't be tired at church because it was at 2 pm, instead of 9 am. 

Well I slept in on Sunday morning; it was glorious.  Then I was relatively productive in the realms of spiritual things to do on a Sunday.  I read my scriptures, the Ensign, and wrote letters.  Well at about 11, my roommate tells me that she thinks she has the mumps and she is getting ready to do to insta-care.  She had had a nasty sore throat and a little bit of a cold the last couple days.  She finally headed out around 12, and I asked her if she got done in time if she was going to go to church with me.  She told me probably not because she hoped they would find something and she didn't want to infect the entire stake.  Well at that point, I had basically decided I did not want to go because I had no one to go with.  I did have friends in the ward I could call, but wasn't really too motivated.  It also didn't help I was going to Salt Lake for a birthday party and I could just show up early if I didn't go to church.  As I was getting ready, still very much against going, I had also been texting by boyfriend telling him about said situation.  The conversation drifted on and off topic, him not knowing I didn't want to go, just knowing I didn't have anyone to go with.  I had even text my mother asking if it was okay if I didn't go.  

I knew I didn't need her permission or anyone else's for that matter.  I also knew that if I didn't go, I would still have a testimony of the truthfulness of the church.  I knew it wouldn't really have a big impact on my life, relatively speaking, but I just didn't know about the unknown of not going to church and that ate away at me.  

Well I continued to text my boyfriend, and it basically ended with him saying, "Have fun at stake conference."  It was that little comment, "Have fun at stake conference" that got me.  I couldn't not go; then I would have to tell him.  Granted I don't think he would have been bothered by it, but I didn't want to face it, which I find hilarious.  I'm not worried about judgement day, but I am worried about what my boyfriend thinks about my church going habits.  Any who, it was that small comment that made me call a friend and invite myself to go with her.  

In short, I am glad I did.  There were some really good talks given ranging from service and virtue, to motherhood and your diet, not to mention the atonement, of course.  I felt spiritually uplifted and renewed, which is the whole point to stake conference and church services in general.  They provide time to escape the world and learn of our eternal potential and how to achieve heavenly goals.

So how do I tie this all in with the Doctrine and Covenants?  Well it didn't, initially, but after much scriptures searching, I believe I found a tie in.  Doctrine and Covenants 88:118 says, "And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach on another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith."  We can teach one another simply by the example of how we choose to live our lives.  This is what Nate did for me this week.  Also, because previous to the Sunday, I have constantly been reading my scriptures, praying, going to church, choosing to do the right things I was more prepared to make the decision to do something I didn't necessarily want to.  My diligence prior to last Sunday, allowed me to enjoy stake conference, once I was actually able to drag my butt there.  Moral of the story:  do good things and you will enjoy the consequences of your actions.