For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.

We before me!

“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” ~Mohandas Gandhi

Today is a very poignant day for me. It marks the point in my life where I will now have spent more elapsed time on the Earth in mortality than our Saviour. At this point in his life he was experiencing first hand the worst humanity has to offer, and yet he remained true to his calling in atoning for the sins of all creation. He had spent the last three years performing his ministry to the Jews. He had Healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, cleansed lepers, made the lame to walk, he raised the dead, called Apostles, organized His Church to teach light and truth. Our Saviour willingly gave all of himself for us, his was an universally selfless existence. He offered the bread and water of life to all who would partake. He taught us what manner of men we are to be. “As I have loved you, love one another.”

I cannot help but think back over the past three years of my life. I dare not compare the details of my thirtieth through thirty-third years with those of the Saviour, but I think it fitting to compare some over arching themes. I have spent most of the past three years cocky and self-sure of my own destiny, the Saviour was humble praying always to the Father. I have sought my own, the Saviour offered himself completely. I placed my wants, desires, and pride above the well being of two families and countless friends, the Saviour’s humble commitment “Thy will, not mine be done.”

I finally realized I was wrong. To be honest I suppressed the part of me that was telling me I was acting in a less than appropriate manner. I became someone I didn’t want to be. I pressured others to act contrary to their own good sense as well. I felt no peace.

I couldn’t for the life of me figure out why I felt no peace.

The following scripture has been my companion over the past year or so. I have reflected on the words. I have pondered its meaning. I have wanted to share the epiphanies I have received. Something always held me back. Until now.

THE BOOK OF MOSIAH

CHAPTER 18

Verses 8-10

And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light; Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life— Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?

I know we have all read, or heard of, this scripture passage. I must admit I had never before this past year spent much time thinking about what it meant. I read and understood the words at face value. I didn’t sound them for meaning, I didn’t find a place in me to liken them. My heart was shallow stony ground and the sprouted seed of understanding quickly dried up and was lost.

This may seem scattered but I want to share a couple thoughts that came to me.

Ego. I don’t have to be a hero. I don’t have to be perfect. I don’t have to save any one. I don’t have to be more spiritual, more in tune, more holy than anyone. Fact is I have done more harm to others in my life in my prideful and vain yearning to be perfect. I feel at home in the “fold of God.” I want to be here. I misunderstood what was asked of me. I have felt a need to take away others pain, burdens and hard ships, and when I didn’t feel perfect I would do nothing. In this I erred, I was only trying to take away other agency. The Baptismal covenant never asks or demands we take away others experiences good or bad, just that we are there with each other full of a genuine love and concern for each other. I don’t have to take away anyone’s tears, I just have to lovingly comfort them. Life is full of a myriad of experiences some joyous, some painful. Everyone has the same God given right to experience life to its fullest and make their own way. My job is to lovingly serve them, to be my brothers keeper by bearing burdens, mourning, comforting, bearing my testimony, being a righteous example. The Gospel of Matthew explains this thought far better than I in saying “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” What I was missing is found in D&C 58 “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 need to not be such a hypocrite, I clearly have had a beam in my own eye.

The verse from Matthew speaks of light, and of letting your light shine. Light is also mentioned in the baptismal covenant, “and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;” I have always read that as a physical reference as in many hands make light work, or thanks to the Elders Quorum for moving all my stuff. And in accepting that interpretation of the word and moving on I missed a great lesson. D&C 88:11 says”And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings;” Enlightenment and understanding can be taught and learned through bearing burdens. I would offer that our lives, mortality, are just a long line of burdens (learning opportunities). We have been given the sacred privilege as members of the Fold of God of bearing each others burdens, physically lightening the load, learning how to serve, even learning how to be served. Each thought, word, and action offered in loving compassion of another brings us closer to Christ. As I was preparing this section I went to the Church’s website. They have done AMAZING things with that website. Check out the music pages! I felt lead to “A poor wayfareing man of grief.” It might still be playing if you read fast. I have included the words of the hymn below. Try and read them, searching for the meaning and depth of the words, with out crying tears of loving gratitude for our Saviour. I couldn’t.

A poor, wayfaring Man of grief
Hath often crossed me on my way,
Who sued so humbly for relief
That I could never answer nay.
I had not pow’r to ask his name,
Whereto he went, or whence he came;
Yet there was something in his eye
That won my love; I knew not why.

Once, when my scanty meal was spread,
He entered; not a word he spake,
Just perishing for want of bread.
I gave him all; he blessed it, brake,
And ate, but gave me part again.
Mine was an angel’s portion then,
For while I fed with eager haste,
The crust was manna to my taste.

I spied him where a fountain burst
Clear from the rock; his strength was gone.
The heedless water mocked his thirst;
He heard it, saw it hurrying on.
I ran and raised the suff’rer up;
Thrice from the stream he drained my cup,
Dipped and returned it running o’er;
I drank and never thirsted more.

’Twas night; the floods were out; it blew
A winter hurricane aloof.
I heard his voice abroad and flew
To bid him welcome to my roof.
I warmed and clothed and cheered my guest
And laid him on my couch to rest,
Then made the earth my bed and seemed
In Eden’s garden while I dreamed.

Stript, wounded, beaten nigh to death,
I found him by the highway side.
I roused his pulse, brought back his breath,
Revived his spirit, and supplied
Wine, oil, refreshment—he was healed.
I had myself a wound concealed,
But from that hour forgot the smart,
And peace bound up my broken heart.

In pris’n I saw him next, condemned
To meet a traitor’s doom at morn.
The tide of lying tongues I stemmed,
And honored him ’mid shame and scorn.
My friendship’s utmost zeal to try,
He asked if I for him would die.
The flesh was weak; my blood ran chill,
But my free spirit cried, “I will!”

Then in a moment to my view
The stranger started from disguise.
The tokens in his hands I knew;
The Savior stood before mine eyes.
He spake, and my poor name he named,
“Of me thou hast not been ashamed.
These deeds shall thy memorial be;
Fear not, thou didst them unto me.”

At times in our lives we are the healer, or the healed. Each role gives us experience if we will learn. We all covenanted to bear each others burdens. We all covenanted to mourn with each other. We all covenanted to comfort each other. We all covenanted to stand as witnesses of Christ at all times, in all places, and in all things. We all covenanted to endure to the end. We all covenanted to do it together. We all covenanted to love one another.

I will leave you with a passage from Hebrews. It is important. It sums up everything of which I have offered testimony today.

THE EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE
HEBREWS

CHAPTER 12

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

untitled

I have been concerned lately about my life. What is my purpose here in mortality? My Patriarchal blessing counsels me to "strive for perfection in my life." It promises me that through that perfection I will find happiness along with the Gospel. I have been striving for what I thought was perfection, or at least as close as I could find it, for the past few years. I fell prey to my own vanity and inflated sense of self worth. I missed or, more precisely, put off the next line in my Patriarchal blessing, "the main purpose is to be actively engaged in the Gospel plan..." I put off anything resembling active engagement. I have sense repented, seen the light and made a switch... But what do I do now? I love my Saviour. I love His Church. I love the scriptures and the people involved in His work. I also feel guilty as hell and quite hypocritical daring to offer my testimony. I feel so out of touch and unable to use my "example to accomplish the great goals" spoken in the same paragraph of my Patriarchal Blessing. Alma explains some of this to his son Corianton in Alma 42. V7. "...our first parents were cut off both temporally and spiritually from the presence of the Lord; and thus we see they became subjects to follow after their own will." V10. "Therefore, as they had become carnal, sensual, and devilish by nature, this probationary state became a state for them to prepare; it became a preperatory state." I wish I had less experience with that side of human nature. Alma then goes on to explain in great clarity and plainness justice and its hold on man. I like the end of the chapter. V29,30. "And now, my son, I desire that ye should let these things trouble you no more, and only let your sins trouble you withthat trouble which shall bring you down into repentance. O my son, I desire that you should deny the justice of God no more. Do not endeavor to excuse yourself in the least point because of your sins, by denying the justice of God; but do let the justice of God, and his mercy, and his long-suffering have full sway in your heart; and let it bring you down to the dust in humility." I could stop there. Alma makes a very good point, but he goes on, and I think i need to hear what he has to say! V31. "And now, O my son, ye are called of God to preach the word unto this people. And now, my son, go thy way, declare the word with truth and soberness, that thou mayest bring sould unto repentance, that the great plan of mercy may have claim upon them. And may God grant unto you even according to my words. Amen."

Sound like Corianton was told that the "main purpose is to be actively engaged in the Gospel plan" as well.

Twinkle twinkle little star

Quick one this morning.

I couldn’t sleep this morning so I consulted the Book of Alma-ments, Chapter 42 verses 6 & 23.

Alma 42
6 But behold, it was appointed unto man to adie—therefore, as they were cut off from the tree of life they should be cut off from the face of the earth—and man became blost forever, yea, they became cfallen man.

Fallen man, what does that mean? Mortal? Yes. But how?

What came to e this morning is this. Fallen man is a reference to one of the three degrees of glory to be possessed by the sons of God. Fallen man finds himself in the Telestial glory. One in which physical and spiritual death have power. I know this is not the party line, I am just using these examples to work out a thought.

23 But God ceaseth not to be God, and amercy claimeth the penitent, and mercy cometh because of the batonement; and the atonement bringeth to pass the cresurrection of the dead; and the dresurrection of the dead bringeth eback men into the presence of God; and thus they are restored into his presence, to be fjudged according to their works, according to the law and justice.

This to me describes the terrestrial glory. Physical death has been conquered, we are now able to abide the physical presence of the Lord. Spiritual death still has power here as we can only abide his presence for the purposes of being judged.

The final degree of glory is the Celestial. Neither spiritual nor physical death has any power here. There is eternal increase. Eternal reversal of entropy.


...discuss...

You don't have to let it build a nest

I have not much of interest to offer this week, just a few stray thoughts.

1. The chosen generation*s*. Much ado is made about the youth of The Church being held back to come at this time of human history, as they are a choice and chosen generation. I know this was said about my generation, and now we are saying it about our children. How can there be two (or more) “chosen” generations? I consulted the scriptures and tried to liken a few other thoughts to this question.

* God the Father and Christ are eternal and unchanging.
* This Church is led by Christ.
* The programs and offices of The Church have changed, and are not the same as reestablished by Brother Joseph.

Why is this? I feel the answer to this is completely relevant to my original topic. We are told that we grow and progress in knowledge and ability line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little there a little. I also read this week in The Discourses of Brigham Young, that he refrained from requiring The Saints to obey one commandment; Love God. I don’t know if all of this speaks to the same issue as it does for me but I can’t help but see connections. We as Latter-Day Saints are not sufficiently prepared to live the higher law of the Gospel. We have been given a type of the Law of Moses to be a school master unto us. The programs and organization of The Church are modified from time to time to meet the unique needs of the world as the knowledge and ability of the Church and its’ member progress, line upon line.

So are we, as parents of these wonderful children, a chosen generation? I think we are. Are our children a more choice variety? I certainly hope so! We have been placed here on Earth to each do a specific body of work, to play a part in The Gospel Plan. Our parents and teachers prepared us, taught us, provided opportunities to grow and stand on our own testimony. The torch is now being past on to us! We are standing on the shoulders of giants. Now is the time to teach our children, and most importantly to guide them through life so that they know Christ personally and develop their own testimonies, that they become mighty in the Gospel. I cannot wait for our prophet to finally open the blessings that come from living a Celestial law. It will be through our and, in time, our children’s faith and labour that this great goal will come to pass. We know it can be done. Enoch and his city were able to live this law. It is possible.

2. I am also reading The collapse of complex societies right now. It is a very intriguing book. It got me thinking about the nature of human interaction, the books scope deals with groups of people and the forces affecting and means of problem solving utilized by them. I couldn’t help myself from comparing the text to one-on-one and small group interpersonal interaction. This might be gobledygook to the rest of you not having read the text spurring this thought. Oh well, the books cheap on Amazon.com, buy it, or ask me for it, I’ll be done with it in a week or so.

Each person with whom we form a connection adds to the complexity of our lives. Of course certain connections increase complexity more than others. Marriage introduces complexity in that your comfortable traditions and mannerisms have to be integrated with someone else’s. Children introduce complexity in that a majority of your free time (SHOULD BE) dedicated to the care, feeding and proper raising of offspring. School and jobs introduce complexity, Church, traffic, doctors’ offices, taxes, libraries, dmv’s, friends, parents, and political systems all introduce varying degrees of complexity into each and every one of our lives.

I feel that our lives are much too complex. Look at the break down of the family unit, more and more kids are being raised in a family situation where two parents are not in the home (in my opinion the best means of raising children and one that should be fought for tooth and nail is the two parent home). Look at the complexity these kids are having to learn to cope with so early in their lives. Bouncing from one parents home to the “other” parents home, learning to act with multiple sets of rules, expectations and limitations. My childhood was not ideal, but I am glad I didn’t have to live like that.

Look at the prevalence of anti-depressant and mood stabilizing/dampening drug prescriptions. I am looking at a report right now, available upon request, that shows the above mentioned category of drug prescription being more utilized than contraception prescriptions. (I stopped myself from going out on a tangent here, you should probably be thankful) Why are so many of us unable to cope with basic life? Why is the conventional wisdom simply to prescribe a pill as a coping mechanism in lieu of making the needed changes in our lives to find a tenable level of complexity?

The book describes great nations that break down into much smaller stable units over a very short period of time. I see the same dynamic among people. Marriages crumble, Parents are sent to nursing homes, friends move to Washington and are not spoken to in years (this one has bugged me for a very long time and I have yet to do anything about it), people stop believing in God…

So what is to be done? I wish I had more answers than questions on this one… Do we just all take pills to get through the day? Do we accept the fact that our faith in each other and God are weak and unstable creations? How do we make the changes necessary to form lasting strong foundations upon which eternal relationships can be built?
My thoughts are that we need to simplify our lives. The scriptures counsel us to not serve two masters. Matt. 6: 24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. We are all doing this every day. We need to reduce the number of masters and that will reduce the level of complexity in our lives. This will free us to be more stable and dare I say happier people.
Funny how the scriptures are still relevant to issues of this generation.

3. A year and a half ago I read the Book of Mormon during the month of December. It was an amazing experience and helped to is some measure to refocus my life. I wanted to read the New Testament next, it has been a year and a half and I, as of last Sunday during Sacrament meeting, read Galatians chapter 5. The whole chapter hit me like a 18 wheeler. I will only discuss vs. 13 through the end here.

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
I am ashamed to admit that there are quite a few items under the “works of the flesh” category that I have either done outright or considered. I can assure you that it is quite impossible to be in possession of anything under the “fruit of the spirit” column when you are wrapped up in the works of the flesh. You become selfish, devilish, your thoughts become dark and uncaring. I know mine did. I think the reason this passage of scripture resonated within me with such force is that it is still a constant daily struggle to not let those dark feelings linger within me. Every day in my prayers I recommit myself to the Lord and pray that I might be led to opportunities to serve and love my fellow man. I strive to find ways to displace the evil within me with light and truth, with love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. I am grateful to my Lord and God for chastising me; I know that I am not cast off. I know there is a way out of the pit, and I praise my Saviour for it! I love my Saviour and with each passing day I appreciate his roll in The Plan of Salvation more and more and acknowledge my complete and total reliance upon his Atonement.

* I do not mean to pass judgment on any person or people, or to call anyone evil or devilish other than myself, I would not dare to pass judgment on anyone.*

Nothing is better than unhealthy

It has been quite a week. Kaleb and Gregg, thank you for both offering great talks on Sunday. As it turns out both of your talks were a primer for emotional growth opportunities that have presented themselves to me this week. In this post I will be using these two fine brothers’ words with my ponderings and thoughts interjected as I will. If anything in here is profound it is probably from Gregg or Kaleb!

Gregg asked a couple questions that are, in my opinion, essential to a persons eternal growth and happiness. “Do you know who you are?” What makes me the person I am today? I make no apology for my faith Christ or for by belief in the truthfulness of the Plan of Salvation. Do I bring respect and honor to myself, my family, my Priesthood? An honest reflection and not being afraid or complacent in performing a self-inventory of the qualities of my personality that lead me towards or away from a life of respect and honor is essential. I am reminded of a favorite passage from a wonderful book, Le Petit Prince. “On ne voit bien qu'avec le cœur, l'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux." (It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye). There are so many distractions in life. I often find it hard to see exactly where I am and where I am going because life is relative to me, or I am relative to life around me. It is the classic physics example of relative motion. A guy on a glass walled train traveling moving at a high rate of speed drops a ball. To his perspective the ball falls straight down. To a stationary observer standing outside the train the path of the dropped ball is curved. My point is this, how can I, being the guy on the train, accurately describe either my motion (the status of my life) or the dropped balls motion (how I affect the lives of the people around me.)

As Gregg reminded me, we have been given The Gift of the Holy Ghost. Are we using it? How do we use it? How do we know when we feel it? The Holy Ghost is described as being a still small voice. It is up to us to make time for quiet reflection to be able to hear this still small voice. When we do this we will be filled with a desire to be better people and do more good. We will find strength to act on promptings received. We will work to build up the Kingdom of God on the earth.

Toward the end of Gregg’s talk I was impressed with the fact the Gregg found a moment of peace and quiet reflection in which he petitioned his Father in Heaven for help in preparing and presenting his talk. He then got to work and studied, put down his ideas, and organized his thoughts. It was in so doing that the Holy Ghost was able to work in Gregg’s life. Heavenly Father isn’t going to magically make life easy and give anyone a free ride. Gregg provided the motive force; he was anxiously engaged in a good cause. The Holy Ghost was able to prompt and make minor course changes in Gregg’s thoughts leading him to what would be of the most benefit for him and the Fort Apache ward.

Thank you Gregg!

Kaleb’s talk was on forgiveness. I was actually quiet amazed at how complimentary Kaleb’s talk was to Gregg’s. “We are better than we think we are.” So if we have some idea of who we are, guess what, we are better than that or have the potential to become such.

I am drawn back to my previous train, guy, ball, and observer example. Sometimes we are the guy (act / acted upon), sometimes we are the ball (acted upon). The train (course of life / ACT) is never fully under our control, it speeds up, slows down turns left or right. If we are observant maybe we can see changes in the train’s trajectory and plan for them. We can talk to the observer (Heavenly Father) outside the train to find out where we are really going and how to best position ourselves in the train to get the most out of the trip. Sometimes it happens that the ball is not gently dropped to the floor for the sole purpose to demonstrate a principle of physics, but is thrown roughly at the wall, or another passenger on the train. Maybe someone else throws a ball and hits us, maybe that ball hits someone we love. Maybe someone we love takes our treasured precious ball and treats it meanly. Point is mortal life is filled with a near endless supply of opportunity to be misused and to misuse others. As much as people think that bad things shouldn’t happen to good people, it’s just the cost of riding the train.

So what do you do when you are hit square in the head by someone else’s ball? Do you throw yours back at in retaliation. If you can’t find your ball do you grab someone else’s? Or do you take the uncommon option. Do you not retaliate? Do you forgive? “He that does not forgive has the greater sin!” Why is that? Well Kaleb offered an answer. “Hatred festers the soul; it makes it impossible to feel the spirit.” So if we are all bowed up angry with someone we lose contact with our Father in Heaven and we are left to our own devices… with a blindfold on. President Anderson then offered a story in which he was seriously offended by the actions of another. To his credit he followed the counsel of the scriptures and “prayed for them that despitefully use you.” By his own admission his prayers were initially insincere and done just because of his faith in the truthfulness of the scriptures. Over time a wonderful thing happened. A change came over Kaleb’s heart, not longer did he hate this individual, no longer was his heart filled with malice, but rather he was filled with fervent desire for this person’s well being.

Forgiveness may be one of the most difficult aspects of charity to acquire in this life. It may not be easy, but it is worth it!

Thank you Kaleb!

All of this reminded me of a passage from Sun Tzu’s The Art of War.
“The art of war teaches us to rely not on the likelihood of the enemy's not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him; not on the chance of his not attacking, but rather on the fact that we have made our position unassailable.” (Sun Tzu)

We cannot ensure an unassailable position by ourselves in this life. We can only humble ourselves and have faith in Christ and his plan. We have to decide who we are and who we want to become. We have to reach heavenward, and we have to stretch out our arms to those around us. We are all on this train together. We all started from different places but we can all share in the same blessings of the Gospel both in this life and those to come.

On changing a life:
You can’t go from reverse to forward with out passing through neutral. You can’t go from unhealthy to healthy with out being neither in between. It is only scary going into neutral until you realize you can’t move forward with out that necessary step.

Are you ready? ... you weren't ready...

Home Teaching is the Law of Moses of the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times.

Your dogma wants steak

One of the dynamics that I have noticed in our peculiar society is that Church lessons no matter the setting tend to follow a similar / familiar pattern. The same topics are addressed in the same way. The same questions are asked, with an approved list of acceptable answers. * If anything written this far has offended you there is a disclaimer at the bottom. * I should note that us Mormons do not have a lock on this dynamic as I initially noticed it in my youth in a Sunday school class at my Grandfather’s non-denominational church. One of the things that continually gets me in trouble is that I think too much. I think things to death. I have a need to understand “why?” It is not enough for me to know the answers; I have to know how to apply them.

An example from my youth.
Q. What is the greatest gift of God?
A. Grace.

What does that mean? How does knowing the correct response foster faith sufficient to change a life for good? I know it is by divine design that we progress line upon line progressing in knowledge and wisdom. Living the Gospel, in my, potentially erroneous opinion should not be easy. A parrot can fulfill the measure of its creation by vocalizing a conditioned response to conditional stimulus, I think more is possible / expected of us.*

We are admonished to feast upon the words of Christ. Feast is a big word. I have found in my life times, unfortunately recently applies, where I am a Gospel snacker. Just popping in the Heavenly kitchen and grabbing some spiritual fruit snacks or maybe a gospel granola bar and then traipsing off on my way.

That’s not right. That’s not feasting. What is feasting? A feast is anticipated. There is an amazing amount of preparation that goes into a feast, both individually and collectively. Specialties that are not common fare are lovingly prepared. A feast isn’t a feast without being surrounded by friends and family. You want to share the best you have with your loved ones. You can’t do it right alone. The food wouldn’t taste as good. The laughter, wait what laughter. I have the best story, oh wait, there is no one to hear it. Who is going to help me clean all this up?

In my mind every time Saints gather together a feast upon the words of Christ is possible. Too often it feels like we get together and maybe one person has prepared a spiritual dish and every one else has words: Turkey, lasagna, salad, pie, mashed taters… wonderful words that invoke memories of nourishment past, but are hollow representations of the actual spiritual vittles. How much more is possible, how better spiritually nourished could we all be if we all came prepared to share the best we have to offer. In my previous example the question was asked, what is the greatest gift of God? How much more worth to the souls of God’s children would it be to discuss grace. I know this example is from a different denomination, work with me here.

What is grace?

Simple answer it is the realization of the work and glory of God(s); to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. How was that done? Short answer; The Atonement. Why was that necessary? Because of the Fall of man. Why did man fall? Because Adam and Eve partook of the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Why? That man might be. So where were we then? In the pre-existence, without bodies, without a probationary state in which we could choose if we would do all that the Father commands. Why would that be necessary? Turns out there is a rather elegant plan enacted to give us intelligences every experience and opportunity to progress to be like the Father. Why? Because he is our Father in Heaven and we are his children. I am weak. I am not a wonderful person by any stretch of imagination, but even I love my sons and I am doing everything I know how to do to raise them to be strong, righteous men.
Heavenly Father is omnipotent, he is honorable, and he is the perfect man, the perfect father. He wants what is best for his children. He knows the most efficient means to raise us to be strong, like him.

So I will let you decide.

What is the greatest gift of God?

Grace.
God is our Father. We are his children. He has lovingly and established a means for us to grow, to learn, to stand on our own feet. He has provided a perfect older brother to make sure if we want to we can return home. He has provided friends and family to teach us. He has provided us opportunities to succeed and fail. He even trusts us to help. He wants us to succeed, be happy, be a family. He has given us every thing we need. Susan W. Tanner, Young Women general president makes a beautiful point “If young women know of God's love for them, it will influence and shape all of their thoughts, feelings, and actions. They will understand they have a mission to perform in this life. They will have confidence in their ability to make responsible, righteous decisions.” I think that can be applied to everyone.



* I in no way mean to disparage any of the lessons or faithful service from countless instructors that volunteer their time to teach the Gospel. I am in no way attempting to pass judgment or condescension upon anyone. I am only attempting to describe a phenomenon as an engine of discussion. If I have in any way offended anyone in the slightest measure if humbly offer my sincere apology. **

** I will have this disclaimer reviewed by the many options of legal counsel available to me in the Ward. If any portion, or all of this disclaimer is found to be incomplete or lacking in anyway I reserve the right to change and modify the aforementioned disclaimer in whole or in part. ***

*** If you are not laughing now, maybe you should not be here. ****

**** Wait, wait, wati, of course you are welcome to stay and please in no way feel that you are not wanted here. Welcome friend. *****

***** If you are still offended… “Lighten up Francis!” ******

****** Consider this an opportunity to grow in your life and religion, you just might thank me later.

Not mine, a cookie if you know who it is

Puisqu'on ne vivra jamais tous les deux
Puisqu'on est fou, puisqu'on est seuls
Puisqu'ils sont si nombreux
Même la morale parle pour eux
J'aimerais quand même te dire
Tout ce que j'ai pu écrire
Je l'ai puisé à l'encre de tes yeux.
Je n'avais pas vu que tu portais des chaînes
A trop vouloir te regarder,J'en oubliais les miennes
On rêvait de Venise et de liberté
J'aimerais quand même te dire
Tout ce que j'ai pu écrire
C'est ton sourire qui me l'a dicté.
Tu viendras longtemps marcher dans mes rêves
Tu viendras toujours du côté
Où le soleil se lève
Et si malgré ça j'arrive à t'oublier
J'aimerais quand même te dire
Tout ce que j'ai pu écrire
Aura longtemps le parfum des regrets.

The sunrise will always dispell the darkness

Anybody who has spent any time at all talking with me about life knows that I have a deep seated surety in the black and white nature of eternity and by transference the actions people do in this life. As you can imagine this has created a fertile field of conflict with me trying to fit in and stumble my way through life. My dearest friend has labored forty or so years in trying to get me to view the world with a less polarizing lens. A colleague at work has repeatedly tried to instill in me the mantra “it’s not black, it’s not white, it’s just life.” I have been so sure my outlook was the more perfect of the “two” options I may have missed countless opportunities for learning and growth. Due to lessons consequent to humbling mortal experiences, I have recently had to concede to the fact that I am not yet supremely all knowing, and maybe my perspective may be flawed. I can credit much, if not all, of the tumult of my life to this dichotomous outlook.

The Scriptures are terribly clear on mans’ fate where the Law is concerned, one example comes from 2 Nephi 2: 5. And men are instructed sufficiently that they know good from evil. And the law is given unto men. And by the law no flesh is justified; or, by the law men are cut off. Yea, by the temporal law they were cut off; and also, by the spiritual law they perish from that which is good, and become miserable forever. I think it is often the case that people get caught up on the apparent hopeless nature of that passage, I know it is for me. It is hard to get my mind all the way around the Atonement enough to fully trust it. I could fill pages with Scripture references on a way and mean to overcome that hopelessness, but I think I will only mention one or two that speak to how mercy answers the ends of the law 2 Nephi 9 :10. O how great the goodness of our God, who prepareth a way for our escape from the grasp of this awful monster; yea, that monster, death and hell, which I call the death of the body, and also the death of the spirit. So there is a way, but how is it done? Alma 12:33-34 answers how. But God did call on men, in the name of his Son, (this being the plan of redemption which was laid) saying: If ye will repent, and harden not your hearts, then will I have mercy upon you, through mine Only Begotten Son; Therefore, whosoever repenteth, and hardeneth not his heart, he shall have claim on mercy through mine Only Begotten Son, unto a remission of his sins; and these shall enter into my rest.

As such no mortal (other than Christ) can be right all of the time, or possibly expect others to. (Romans 3: 23) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

I don’t think it is coincidence that the answer to the black and white question is found in Christ’s Atonement. We are counseled to learn and grow. As we learn we gain understanding , knowledge and perspective but only a very few have been given a complete knowledge of the mysteries of God, at some point you reach the end of your abilities and have to reach out and rely on Heavenly Father.

After we have progressed line upon line gaining wisdom and stature with God and man, until we have proven ourselves worthy to obtain all that the father hath, then and only then can we see clearly to act upon and judge correctly and wisely concerning right action in others. Until such time we should not unrighteously judge our, or others actions. We should strive to be filled with a broken heart and a contrite spirit with our hearts always pouring out to our Father in Heaven in prayer: that we might be able to live our lives by faith and not rely on our own understanding, that our hearts and minds will be ever mindful of our weakness, continually repenting and ever trusting in the infinite nature of Christ’s Atonement. That we be baptized and willfully covenant to submit to living the law of the Lord. Be committed to the obligations accepted by us even if that means we do not have every blessing of the Gospel realized in mortality. That we might obtain and live worthy of the Gift of the Holy Ghost that we might be comforted and know how the Lord would have us succor those within our stewardship and influence.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if we are right or wrong because in mortality an argument can be made for both not matter what you do. Joseph Smith Jun. was promised his name would be held for good and evil among the world. He was only one man, how can there be so many differing conclusions to the accomplishments of his life. The same will most likely be true with each and every one of us. Our actions will be judged good or bad and that is as it should be, and honestly we shouldn’t give a damn what people think good or bad. It is most important to be committed and actively engaged in the Gospel plan, and the only opinions that really matter there are those of Heavenly Father and Christ.

Keep your pants on

D&C 43:34
Hearken ye to these words. Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Treasure these things up in your hearts, and let the solemnities of eternity rest upon your minds.

I really appreciated Gregg’s effort on our behalf in writing and sharing with us his testimony. Chastity is often a difficult topic upon which to talk. I hope my thoughts on the topic will, in some way, add to the light on the hill that our brother Gregg has lit.

I ask why a lot.

Why are we commanded to be chaste? Obviously it is enough that the commandment has been given, but are we just to be mindlessly obedient? It is my testimony that we have been given the Light of Christ and keen minds able to search out understanding and wisdom. So why have we been commanded to be chaste, and why is satan so keen on tempting us to not be? The following question resonates in my mind when ever I put any serious thought to this subject.

To what end were we born?

To answer that I must acknowledge the power by which we exist. All life comes from Heavenly Father. It was by his power and Priesthood that the Creation was brought to pass. Moses 1:39 speaks directly to the state of mind of our Father and his purpose for creation. For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. I know this is a popular scripture reference but the implications found therein are staggering.

It is possible for us, silly, imperfect, fallible, mortal human beings to obtain immortality and eternal life. And what is eternal life? John 17:3 answers in saying, And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. The scriptures come fast now. The brother of Jared’s experience speaks to the knowledge of which was spoken. And because of the knowledge of this man he could not be kept from beholding within the veil; and he saw the finger of Jesus, which, when he saw, he fell with fear; for he knew that it was the finger of the Lord; and he had faith no longer, for he knew, nothing doubting. (Ether 3:19) But this was an experience limited to a moment of mans reckoning of time in the mortal frame; the New Testament offers a more permanent promise to the faithful. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. (1 John 3:2) We are born to be like unto the Christ, who has the fullness of the Father. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:17)

But how is it done?
D&C 50:24 identified both ends of the spectrum of our Earthly existence; That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day. It implies that there is a point in everyone’s life where they receive light and a piece of knowledge of The Plan of Salvation, as well as alludes to perfection. This awakening happens by as many varying means as there are people, but to those who humble themselves before the Lord begin to feel a yearning for something eternal, something beyond themselves. I love the Book of Enos. That Book demonstrates in a few verses the mighty change of heart spoken of by Alma. I imagine Enos going into the forest, walking among the trees, passing by the land that has already been hunted out to where game was more plentiful. As Enos was walking through the forest I can see him pondering the words of his father, and I am sure his mother. As he was pondering he hit that point where the lights go out, his families testimony was no longer sufficient to his continued progression. He needed to take responsibility for his own relationship with his Heavenly Father. He needed to walk by faith. He needed personal witness, direct from Heavenly Father to him, with no human mediary. So he decided to act in faith and according to Enos 4&5, And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens. And there came a voice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed. I don’t know many who have heard a voice as an answer to prayer, but we are promised we will receive an answer in a manner in which we can perceive. Enos continues his narrative in verses 6-8 And I, Enos, knew that God could not lie; wherefore, my guilt was swept away.

And I said: Lord, how is it done?

And he said unto me: Because of thy faith in Christ, whom thou hast never before heard nor seen. And many years pass away before he shall manifest himself in the flesh; wherefore, go to, thy faith hath made thee whole.

What I love about Enos is that his experience up to this point is amazing, but the mighty change is just starting to take hold. I imagine Enos had a similar reaction to the marvelous blessing he had just received like that of Lehi in the vision of the Tree of Life. And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit. (1 Nephi 8:12) But the mighty change is not yet complete, Enos continues to pour out his soul unto the Lord in supplication for the welfare of his people, the Nephites. Verse 10 mentions that his prayer was a struggle. When I think of struggle in terms of prayer I do not think of a pray in which he is repeating the words he has heard said in prayers before. Nor do I think it was a quick, bless my people ….amen. Struggling to me denotes a willingness to become his brothers keeper. More in line with… “Lord please grant unto my brethren this wonderful blessing that you have shown me, I pledge my heart, mind, might and strength to building up the Kingdom of Zion on Earth.” Enos’s mighty change of heart has come a long way, but it wasn’t enough for him. His faith began to be unshaken, his knowledge of the gospel was expanding, hi love for God’s children could not be contained to his people alone, but he started to feel compassion for his enemies. In this part of his prayer Enos recounts “many long strugglings.” I don’t live in a world where every day I am faced with being killed for who I am, or who my family is, or because of my religion, Enos did. Even though the Nephites and Lamanites had not grown to mighty nations at this point, the Lamanites still sought to kill the Nephites and assert their claim of authority and rule over them. Never the less, Enos continued until the Lord assured Enos that according to his, as well as his fathers’, faith, the Lamanites would be blessed.

Enos’s mighty change at this point is almost accomplished, only one thing left. Enos went to work. And now it came to pass that I, Enos, went about among the people of Nephi, prophesying of things to come, and testifying of the things which I had heard and seen.(Enos 19) I am sure Enos took courage in the words of Nephi … I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded…(1 Nephi 3:7).

Each of us as members of The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter Day Saints has a personal responsibility to seek this mighty change of our hearts for ourselves. We have been given the truly priceless honor, through the waters of baptism, to take upon ourselves the Name of Christ. We are privileged to be part of Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation. We have been given the Gift of The Holy Ghost to be a constant companion as we do the Lord’s work here on Earth. We have the same promises as the righteous of old. The Gospel is the same. We are to seek knowledge and understanding. We are to grow in mighty faith, unshaken hope, and most importantly true unflinching charity. We are to behold and perform miracles in the name of the Lord. We are to speak with the tongues of angels. In D&C 50:13,14 …I the Lord ask you this question—unto what were ye ordained? To preach my gospel by the Spirit, even the Comforter which was sent forth to teach the truth.


But what does all of this have to do with Chastity?

A lack of chastiy is second only to the shedding of innocent blood as the most grievous of sins of which there can be repentance.

Why?

I can’t help myself. I have a compulsion to understand why, or at least understand to the best of my limited ability. I see it as coming down to a visceral spiritual life and death struggle. In committing murder I would be using my agency to choose the time and place of another’s end of their mortal probation. I would decide that I know best, that other person has had enough time to repent and come unto Christ. I can’t imagine standing in front of the Saviour at the judgment bar having to answer to the Lord for that heinous act of hubris. On the flip side is the mighty change of heart possible to all who seek it, a love for life, and a genuine desire and resolve to do everything in my power to ameliorate the physical and spiritual lives of all of my sisters and brothers.

I believe that many of the same concerns are valid in a discussion of chastity. In the commission of unchaste thoughts and actions I am devaluing the person concerned to the point where they are there to satisfy my lusts and desires. I am supplanting God’s wisdom with my weakness and long has fled any consideration to the eternal value of the other persons soul, or mine for that matter.

I have been unsure how to close these thoughts for a couple weeks now. I wanted this to be a big powerful finish. I think I will have to be satisfied with my testimony, such as it is.

Christ lives. He has a body of flesh and bones separate to that of our Father in Heaven. Our brother Jesus Christ has enacted our Father’s glorious plan of eternal happiness. Whether we accept it or not we have been and are now part of that plan. We are mortal and as such are prone to weakness and carnal desires. We lack perspective. Much is required of us. We have not been left comfortless. We have the scriptures. We have a prophet. We have each other. It is good to seek out wisdom and perfection, it is more important to be actively engaged in the Gospel. Each and every one of us is a child of our Heavenly parents; we are capable of more than we can imagine as the power of Christ’s Atonement is available to us all.

I offer this humbly in the Name of our Lord.
~amen