tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90709401537225948442024-03-14T02:17:47.127-06:00A Disciple's JournalBrent Somershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05825934570588278068noreply@blogger.comBlogger159125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9070940153722594844.post-78827782981776119732014-08-29T11:29:00.001-06:002014-08-29T11:29:20.959-06:00Obedience: The First Law of Heaven<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Joseph Smith taught that,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the
foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—And when we
obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is
predicated" (Doctrine and Covenants 130:20-21). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">All blessings from Heavenly
Father whether in our pre-mortal, mortal, or post-mortal life are dependent
upon our obedience to God. Bruce R. McConkie wrote, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Obedience is the first law of heaven, the cornerstone upon which
all righteousness and progression rest. It consists in compliance with divine
law, in conformity to the mind and will of Deity, in complete subjection to God
and his commands” (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 539).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Three scriptural
accounts—two from the Old Testament and one from the Book of Mormon—illustrate
the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience. The first of
these accounts is that of Joshua and Israel's fight with the people of Ai.
In the battle for Jericho, the Lord commanded the Israelites, through the
prophet Joshua, to destroy everyone and everything. Nevertheless an Israelite
by the name of Achan decided to keep some silver, gold, and a Babylonish
garment. Sometime later the Lord told Joshua to destroy the nearby city of Ai.
Joshua thought that it would be an easy task so he sent a small army that ended
up being badly beaten. Joshua was distraught with the defeat. The Lord told him
that their defeat was because an Israelite kept what the Lord called the
"accused things”—the silver, gold, and Babylonish garment. A search found
the forbidden items in Achan's possession.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The phrase “accursed
things” is interesting. There was nothing inherently evil in the silver, gold,
or the garment. These were only accursed because the Lord wanted them destroyed.
The flaw was in Achen's heart—he thought he knew more than God and chose not to
follow the prophet and obey the Lord. Achen's disobedience cost him his life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The second account is the
story of King Saul and the Amalekites. In this account, the Lord commanded
Saul, through the prophet Samuel, to destroy the Amalekites and all their
possessions. Saul went to battle as commanded but spared the king of the
Amalekites and the best of his herds and flocks. When Samuel confronted Saul
about these disobedient acts, Saul first lied, then blamed others, and finally
denied that he had done anything wrong rationalizing that he had spared the
best of the sheep and oxen to offer for sacrifice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Samuel identified Saul's
pride as the cause of his disobedience. "And Samuel said, when thou wast
little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel,
and the Lord anointed thee king over Israel?"(1 Samuel 15:17). Saul
became king when he was humble but over time he grew proud to the point that he
disregarded the commandments of the Lord and no longer followed the prophet. He
mistakenly believed that he could lie and deceive his way out of the trouble he
found himself in. Samuel told Saul,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,
as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft,
and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the
word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” (1
Samuel 15:22-23)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"God delights in the
willing heart” (Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 65). Achan's and Saul's
hearts were filled with pride, stubbornness, and rebellion. Because
they turned their hearts away from the Lord and ignored God's commandment, the
Lord turned away from them. They made their choices and suffered lost
blessings and tragic consequences.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Obedience is our choice. No
one is going to force us to be obedient. Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Choosing to be obedient is a choice. Jesus chose to let His will
be ‘swallowed up in the will of the Father’. It was a deliberate choice—a
choice, of course, that blessed all mortals mightily and everlastingly. Being
obedient is a way of life, but it is also the way to eternal life.” (Neal A.
Maxwell, “Free to Choose,” BYU Devotional Address, 16 March 2004)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Nephi was a powerful
example of choosing to be obedient. One of the earliest examples of his
obedience was when his father, Lehi, told him that the Lord wanted him and his
brothers to return to Jerusalem to get the brass plates from Laban. Apparently
Lehi had already told Nephi's older brothers of this commandment from the Lord
but they murmured and complained because they thought it would be too hard.
Lehi told Nephi, "I have not required it of them, but it is a commandment
of the Lord" (1 Nephi 3:5). Nephi then declared, " I will go and do
the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no
commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them
that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them" (1 Nephi 3:7).
With unbending determination in the face of severe opposition, Nephi was
able to secure the brass plates from Laban. As a result he was "blessed of
the Lord" (1 Nephi 2:22) and became both a "ruler and teacher"
of his people (1 Nephi 3:8). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The accounts of Joshua and
Achan, Samuel and Saul, and Lehi and Nephi teach the following valuable
principles about obedience:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Lord's commandments most often
come through a prophet. Amos said, "Surely the Lord God will do
nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."
(Amos 3:7) Today a prophet just like Joshua, Samuel, and Lehi leads us. We
need to be like Nephi and be obedient and follow the prophet.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Pride is the root of disobedience
and humility the source of obedience. Achan, Samuel, Laman, and Leumel
were prideful while Nephi was humble. We are commanded to be humble. As we
are we will follow the prophet and in turn the Lord.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We should not second-guess the
Lord who said, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are
your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the
earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your
thoughts."(Isaiah 55:8-9) Achan and Samuel both pridefully thought
they knew better than the Lord and second guessed His prophet. Elder L.
Tom Perry said, "Obedience is a choice. It is a choice between
our own limited knowledge and power and God’s unlimited wisdom and
omnipotence." (L. Tom Perry, "Obedience Through Our
Faithfulness," Ensign, May 2014)</span></li>
</ul>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Blessings flow from obedience and
tragic consequences result from disobedience. Achan lost his life, Saul
lost the kingdom, and Nephi prospered. Numerous are the promises that if
we obediently keep the commandments we will be blessed and prosper.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In my life, I have
experienced the blessings that come when I freely choose to be obedient.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Brent Somershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05825934570588278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9070940153722594844.post-85595439578015503022014-06-29T18:08:00.002-06:002014-06-29T18:08:53.941-06:00The Book of Mormon<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I am grateful
for The Book of Mormon. I know it to be the word of God. This book is an
account of people who lived anciently in Mesoamerica. It was written by the
prophets who lived among these people. These prophets taught and testified of
Jesus Christ and His atonement. It also contains the account of Christ's visit
to these people following his resurrection. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A belief in
the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon can be based upon many differing
sources. For example, I am reading the book "Mormon's Codex: An Ancient
American Book" by John L. Sorenson, an eminent scholar on
Mesoamerica. In this 800+ page book
Sorenson discusses hundreds of correspondences between the Book of Mormon
account and the history and culture of Mesoamerica. He believes that someone
unfamiliar with the geography, history, social structure, and culture of the
peoples of ancient Mesoamerica, such as Joseph Smith, could not have possibly
written the Book of Mormon. It had to be written by someone familiar with life
in ancient Mesoamerica.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">While
"Mormon's Codex" makes a compelling argument for the authenticity of
the Book of Mormon, my belief in the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon isn't
based upon the historical, geographical, archaeological, or anthropological
evidence discussed in <i>Mormon's Codex. </i>My
belief is based upon a witness by the Holy Ghost that the Book of Mormon is
true. Moroni, the final prophet who
wrote in the book, promised this:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"Behold,
I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God
that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath
been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the
time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts. And when
ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the
Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye
shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he
will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.And by
the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things." (Moroni 10:3-5)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I have read
the Book of Mormon, and I have prayed to know whether it is the true record it
claims to be. Each time I have read it and prayed the Spirit has witnessed that
it is true. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Joseph Smith
said, "I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of
any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer
to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book” (Introduction to the
Book of Mormon). I have read the book
many times, and I have tried to apply what I have learned each time I have read
the book. As I have applied its truths, I have become a better person. The Book
of Mormon has had a greater influenced on my life than any other book.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Nephi, the
first writer of the record, stated near the end of his writings:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"And
if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the
words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that
they should do good. And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye--for
Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words,
at the last day; and you and I shall stand face to face before his bar; and ye
shall know that I have been commanded of him to write these things,
notwithstanding my weakness." (2 Nephi 33:10-11)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When the day
comes that I stand before the judgment bar of God, I will not know any more
then than I know now that the Book of Mormon is the word of Christ and that it
is a true record.</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Brent Somershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05825934570588278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9070940153722594844.post-42987430441153290102014-06-15T19:26:00.001-06:002014-06-15T19:52:51.164-06:00Following the Prophet<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 1.3em;">Central to the tenets of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the belief that "we believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God" (Articles of Faith:9). This revelation comes to His prophets for as Amos said, "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets" (Amos 3:7). With all my soul I believe this to be true. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I have had the privilege of meeting each of those I sustain as prophets. They are all extraordinary men. They are highly educated and have had very distinguished careers as educators, doctors, lawyers, or in business. They are kind, compassionate, and Christ-like. They are devoted. Due to their unique calling, they see and know things that I don't see and know. They feel the weight of their calling. They may not be perfect but they are who God works with to lead His Church.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In the last General Conference of the Church, President Boyd K. Packer testified:</span></div>
<blockquote>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"After all the years that I have lived and taught and served, after the millions of miles I have traveled around the world, with all that I have experienced, there is one great truth that I would share. That is my witness of the Savior Jesus Christ.</span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon recorded the following after a sacred experience:</span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">'And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!</span></div>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">'<span style="line-height: 1.3em;">For we saw him' (D&C 76:22–23).</span>
</span></div>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"Their words are my words.</span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"I believe and I am sure that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that He lives. He is the Only Begotten of the Father, and 'by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God' (D&C 76:24).</span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"I bear my witness that the Savior lives. I know the Lord. I am His witness. I know of His great sacrifice and eternal love for all of Heavenly Father’s children. I bear my special witness in all humility but with absolute certainty, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen." (Boyd K. Packer, "The Witness," <em>Ensign</em>, May 2014, emphasis added)</span></div>
</blockquote>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I choose to follow the prophets because of this unique relationship they have with the Savior. I believe that they personally know the Savior. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I believe that I can best serve and follow the Lord by following the counsel of His anointed servants the prophets. The Lord said,</span></div>
<blockquote>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same." (D&C 1:38)</span></div>
</blockquote>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Lord speaks to His Church through His prophets. The Lord also warned:</span></div>
<blockquote>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"And the arm of the Lord shall be revealed; and the day cometh that they who will not hear the voice of the Lord, neither the voice of his servants, neither give heed to the words of the prophets and apostles, shall be cut off from among the people;</span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"For they have strayed from mine ordinances, and have broken mine everlasting covenant;</span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"They seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man walketh in his own way, and after the image of his own god, whose image is in the likeness of the world, and whose substance is that of an idol, which waxeth old and shall perish in Babylon, even Babylon the great, which shall fall." (Doctrine and Covenants 1:14-16)</span></div>
</blockquote>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There are many voices today are trying to persuade me to follow the philosophies of the world. While this may be appealing it is wrong if it is contrary to Lord's way as revealed to His prophets.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In the same General Conference the President Packer testified of the Savior, Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught about the importance of the priesthood and priesthood keys. In speaking of those who lead the Church, he said,</span></div>
<blockquote>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"But even though these presiding authorities hold and exercise all of the keys delegated to men in this dispensation, they are not free to alter the divinely decreed pattern that only men will hold offices in the priesthood." (Dallin H. Oaks, "The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood," <em>Ensign</em>, May 2014)</span></div>
</blockquote>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Our leaders cannot change doctrine; only the Lord can change doctrine.The priesthood isn't theirs to give; it is God's priesthood and He will decide who receives it regardless of what the world believes.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In the same General Conference, Elder Neil L. Andersen declared,</span></div>
<blockquote>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"While many governments and well-meaning individuals have redefined marriage, the Lord has not. In the very beginning, God initiated marriage between a man and a woman--Adam and Eve. He designated the purposes of marriage to go far beyond the personal satisfaction and fulfillment of adults to, more importantly, advancing the ideal setting for children to be born, reared, and nurtured. Families are the treasure of heaven.</span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"Why do we continue to talk about this? As Paul said, "We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen." As Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have the responsibility to teach our Creator’s plan for His children and to warn of the consequences of disregarding His commandments." (Neil L. Andersen, "Spiritual Whirlwinds," <em>Ensign</em>, May 2014)</span></div>
</blockquote>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Again the leaders of the Church are not free to change doctrine. God declares the doctrine and it is my choice to follow or not.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I believe that one of the dangers of our era is that we can get caught up in the philosophies of the world and become distracted from what is truly important. For me what is truly important is increasing my faith in the Savior, becoming a better disciple and follower of Jesus Christ, and being more faithful in keeping sacred covenants. The devil doesn't want me to focus on these principles; he wants me to be distracted.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For me, I echo the declaration of Joshua:</span></div>
<blockquote>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"Choose you this day whom ye will serve...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)</span></div>
</blockquote>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My testimony is that they are the prophets and apostles of Jesus Christ on the earth today who receive revelation from God for the guidance of His Church. As I follow their counsel, I will be blessed. And I trust that "that the mouths of the prophets shall not fail" me (D&C 58:8).</span></div>
<div>
</div>
Brent Somershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05825934570588278068noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9070940153722594844.post-47383117532257789522014-04-14T22:54:00.002-06:002014-04-14T22:55:51.933-06:00Chinese Proverb<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My good friend, Marie Hartman, sent me this Chinese
proverb. <span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">An elderly Chinese
woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole which she carried
across her neck.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">One of the pots had a
crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion
of water. At the end of the long walks
from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For a full two years
this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of
water. Of course, the perfect pot was
proud of its accomplishments. But the
poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it
could only do half of what it had been made to do.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">After two years of what
it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the
stream. 'I am ashamed of myself, because
this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house.'<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The old woman smiled,
'Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the
other pot's side?'<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">'That's because I have
always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the
path, and every day while we walk back, you water them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">'For two years I have
been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there
would not be this beauty to grace the house.'<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Each of us has our own
unique flaw. But it's the cracks and
flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and
rewarding. You've just got to take each
person for what they are and look for the good in them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Brent Somershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05825934570588278068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9070940153722594844.post-21606015083537010322014-04-08T16:32:00.001-06:002014-04-09T08:21:17.322-06:00Follow the Prophet<div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
am thankful for the prophets, seers, and revelators who lead us today. I am
grateful for their inspired teaching, counsel, and warnings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Over
the years, I have had the privilege of meeting each of them, and I have had
some very personal experiences with a number of them. Every time I have had the
opportunity to be with one of them I have come away with the distinct
impression that they see, know, and understand more than I see, know, and
understand—it’s as though they are seeing around corners. Some may think that they
are ordinary men with an extraordinary calling, but I find each of them to be
extraordinary in every way. Most importantly they do have a holy calling. The
scripture says, "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his
secret unto his servants the prophets" </span><span lang="ES-TRAD" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-TRAD;">(Amos 3:7)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">. In a revelation to Joseph Smith, the Lord
also said:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"What I the Lord have spoken, I
have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass
away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, <b>whether by
mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same</b>." (D and
Covenants 1:38, emphasis added)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
is their calling to reveal God’s will to His children and to speak for Him. The
Spirit has testified to me that they are the Lord's anointed. I don't worship them for I reserve that for
my Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ, but I do respect their calling and
sustain them in it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Lord told the Nephites gathered at the temple in Bountiful:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> "<b>Blessed </b>are ye if ye shall give heed
unto the words of these twelve whom I have chosen from among you to minister
unto you, and to be your servants "(3 Nephi 12:1, emphasis added)</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I have found that f</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ollowing the counsel of those with
apostolic authority—the prophets, seers, and revelators—blesses my life. With so
many voices advocating for this or that cause, I am grateful that I can look to
them for direction. By following them, I know I will find safety in troubled
and confusing times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
greatest danger is in not following their direction and counsel. Samuel, the
Lamanite, warned the rebellious Nephites of the folly in not following the
prophets of their day. He said,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"Yea, wo unto this people, because
of this time which has arrived, <b>that ye do cast out the prophets, and do
mock them, and cast stones at them, and do slay them, and do all manner of
iniquity unto them</b>, even as they did of old time. And now when ye
talk, ye say: If our days had been in the days of our fathers of old, we would
not have slain the prophets; we would not have stoned them, and cast them
out. Behold ye are worse than they; for as the Lord liveth, if a prophet
come among you and declareth unto you the word of the Lord, which testifieth of
your sins and iniquities, ye are angry with him, and cast him out and seek all
manner of ways to destroy him; yea, you will say that he is a false prophet,
and that he is a sinner, and of the devil, because he testifieth that your
deeds are evil. But behold, if a man shall come among you and shall say:
Do this, and there is no iniquity; do that and ye shall not suffer; yea, he
will say: Walk after the pride of your own hearts; yea, walk after the pride of
your eyes, and do whatsoever your heart desireth--and if a man shall come among
you and say this, ye will receive him, and say that he is a prophet. Yea, ye
will lift him up, and ye will give unto him of your substance; ye will give
unto him of your gold, and of your silver, and ye will clothe him with costly
apparel; and because he speaketh flattering words unto you, and he saith that
all is well, then ye will not find fault with him. O ye wicked and ye
perverse generation; ye hardened and ye stiffnecked people, how long will ye
suppose that the Lord will suffer you? Yea, how long will ye suffer yourselves
to be led by foolish and blind guides? Yea, how long will ye choose darkness
rather than light? (Helaman 13:24-29, emphasis added)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Likening
this scripture to me, I ask, "How could I cast out the prophets, mock
them, cast stones at them, and even slay them?" I could cast them out,
mock them, cast stones at them, or symbolically murder them if I choose not to
follow them, pridefully disagree with them, or think I know more than they do. I
could foolishly choose to follow “blind guides” and those who espouse
comfortable or politically correct paths rather than doctrinally sound ways. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
choice for me then is to choose whom I am going to follow. If I choose to
follow the prophets, seers, and revelators, I know that I will hear the voice
of the Lord and find safety in troubled and confusing times. I know that the
Lord will bless my life and that I will be on the path that will lead me safely
back into the presence of Heavenly Father.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<blockquote>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<br /></blockquote>
Brent Somershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05825934570588278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9070940153722594844.post-79952673696362882782014-04-03T12:32:00.001-06:002014-04-03T12:32:00.857-06:00Finding Safety<div><font size="3" face="Times New Roman">In troubled and uncertain times, where can we find safety for ourselves and our families? How do we protect ourselves and our families from the storms that can swirl around us.</font></div><div><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"><br></font></div><div><font size="3" face="Times New Roman">A pattern is found in the Book of Mormon. When Giddianhi, the leader of the band of Gadianton robbers, threatened the Nephities with destruction, Lachoneus, the Nephite governor, caused,</font></div><div><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"><br></font></div><blockquote><div><font size="3" face="Times New Roman">"</font><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">That his people should cry unto the Lord for strength against the time that the robbers should come down against them.Yea, he sent a proclamation among all the people, that they should gather together their women, and their children, their flocks and their herds, and all their substance, save it were their land, unto one place.And he caused that fortifications should be built round about them, and the strength thereof should be exceedingly great. And he caused that armies, both of the Nephites and of the Lamanites, or of all them who were numbered among the Nephites, should be placed as guards round about to watch them, and to guard them from the robbers day and night." (3 Nephi 3:12-14, emphasis added)</span></div></blockquote><div><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"><br></font></div><div><font size="3" face="Times New Roman">These steps protected the Nephities from a fearsome enemy and provide a pattern for us when faced with the inevitable challenges of life. This tried and tested pattern is to,</font></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;"><br></span></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">Pray for the strength to endure.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">Gather together with the righteous.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">Fortify ourselves through religious observance such as prayer, scripture study, and covenant keeping.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">Follow those who have been called by God to lead and guard us.</span></li></ul></div>Brent Somershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05825934570588278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9070940153722594844.post-87540673258111032112014-01-29T12:08:00.001-07:002014-01-29T12:08:41.184-07:00 Communication Principles<div><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">We live in relationships with other--family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. A key to strong relationships is good communication. Often we think of communication as a skill but it is more than a skill--it is a way of being. The scriptures contain principles that when followed will change our way of being leading to improved communications and better relationships. The following are some of these scriptural principals:</span></font></div>
<blockquote><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">"Be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath..." (James 1:19)</font></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">Master the art of asking questions (Moses 4:15-19)</span></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">"A wise...[person] will hear, and will increase learning (Proverbs 1:5)</font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Know when it is time to stop speaking (1 Nephi 8:38)</font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Choose not to be angry (3 Nephi 12:22, 3 Nephi 11:30)</font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Avoid contention (Mosiah 18:21, 3 Nephi 11:29)</font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Be careful with what you say (James 3)</font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Be merciful, "deal justly, judge righteously, and do good continually" for mercy and justice to be returned (Alma 41:14)</font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Take the time to get the story right (Alma 60-61)</font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Avoid criticizing (3 Nephi 14:1-5)</font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Quickly forgive (Doctrine and Covenants 64:8-10 and 1 Nephi 7:2)</font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">"Let your speech be alway with grace" (Colossians 4:6)</font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Be aware of others and quick to observe (Mormon 1:2)</font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Don't be overbearing (Alma 38:12)</font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Use persuasion, and be long-suffering, gentle, meek, loving, and kind (Doctrine and Covenants 121:41-43)</font></p></blockquote>
<div> </div>Brent Somershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05825934570588278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9070940153722594844.post-61965612574474215382014-01-22T07:23:00.000-07:002014-01-22T13:16:41.237-07:00Our Stories<div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> Our lives are full of stories—we are told stories by our parents; we hear stories in school; we read stories in books, magazines, and newspapers; we watch stories on the television and in the movies; and we hear stories at work and from our friends. All of these stories help us interpret our world.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Some of our stories are ones we tell ourselves about the people and events in our lives, and seldom are these stories based on complete information. We make assumptions about what is happening in order to fill information gaps, form opinions, and draw conclusions.We then respond to events and interact with people based upon these stories. </span><br />
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">It's particularly important that we get the story right when the stakes are high. Bad assumptions can lead to a faulty story, which in turn may have disastrous consequences both for us and those around us. The danger of a faulty story is illustrated by the Book of Mormon account of the exchange of letters between Moroni, the leader of the Nephite armies, and Pahoran, the governor of the Nephites.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">At the time of this letter exchange, the Nephites were engaged in a prolonged war with the Lamanites. In the midst of this conflict, Moroni received a letter from Helaman, one of his generals. Helaman told Moroni that he had sent the governor, Pahoran, a letter requesting more supplies and men, but they had not received any help. He wrote, "Now we do not know the cause that the government does not grant us more strength; neither do those men who came up unto us know why we have not received greater strength" (Alma 58:34). Helaman didn't make assumptions about the reason for the lack of support from the government. He avoided the human tendency to impute motives for Pahoran's apparent lack of support. <br />
<br />
Upon the receipt of Helaman's letter, Moroni wrote a letter to Pahoran. When he didn't receive an answer, he became "angry with the government, because of their indifference concerning the freedom of their country" (Alma 59:13). In his anger, Moroni wrote a second letter to Pahoran filled with accusations based upon Moroni's assumptions about the motivations of his governmental leaders. He complained and condemned, accusing them of willfully neglecting the army, thoughtlessly performing their duties, traitorously seeking authority, and idly seeking the comfort and security of the capital while their armies were suffering. With the story he created, Moroni threatened that unless the needed resources were forthcoming, he would lead the army against the Pahoran and overthrow him.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: 1.3em;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: 1.3em;">Moroni based these accusations upon his assumptions, not upon facts. He assumed the worst of his leaders. He started from the lack of support and created a story explaining the reason for this apparent indifference. This was a much different approach than Helaman's who stated that he didn't know the cause for the lack of men and supplies—he only knew the result.</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Pahoran replied to Moroni's letter and explained that there had been an insurrection in the capital, and he and the government had fled. Pahoran explained,</span></div>
<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> "I, Pahoran, who am the chief governor of this land, do send these words unto Moroni, the chief captain over the army. Behold, I say unto you, Moroni, that I do not joy in your great afflictions, yea, it grieves my soul. But behold, there are those who do joy in your afflictions, yea, insomuch that they have risen up in rebellion against me, and also those of my people who are freemen, yea, and those who have risen up are exceedingly numerous. And behold, they have driven me out before them, and I have fled to the land of Gideon, with as many men as it were possible that I could get... And now, in your epistle you have censured me, but it mattereth not; I am not angry, but do rejoice in the greatness of your heart... I, Pahoran, do not seek for power, save only to retain my judgment-seat that I may preserve the rights and the liberty of my people... My soul standeth fast in that liberty in the which God hath made us free. And now, Moroni, I do joy in receiving your epistle, for I was somewhat worried concerning what we should do, whether it should be just in us to go against our brethren" (Alma 61:2-3, 5, 19, 21).</span></blockquote>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Pahoran diffused Moroni's false accusations by explaining that the situation in the capital was completely different from the assumption-filled story that Moroni had created. As Moroni understood the actual situation in the capital, he rushed to Pahoran's defense.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Moroni's faulty story could have led to blood shed and civil war. Pahoran was magnanimous towards Moroni even though he had threatened to overthrow the government. He didn't condemn Moroni for his accusations but expressed joy in the greatness of Moroni's heart. Pahoran was able to courageously look past the accusations and threats and see Moroni's great qualities.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The account shows the possible danger in the stories we create. How do we avoid creating a faulty story? </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">First, we need to gather correct information. Avoid making assumptions. Too often we construct stories based on broad and oftentimes grossly inaccurate assumptions. We don't live our lives with perfect information, but we must be careful in drawing conclusions based on what little information we may have. Helaman didn't make assumptions as Moroni did.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Second, we need to be aware that our assumptions are not facts. It isn't always possible to live without making some assumptions, but we should acknowledge they are just that and not facts. We should recognize that we might be wrong and be willing to change our story when we get better information. This is what Moroni did when he received the second letter from Pahoran. Rather than attacking the government, he went to its defense.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Third, we need to ask questions. What difference would it have made if Moroni had asked "What don't I know here?" or "Where could I be wrong?" Clarifying what we don't know enables us to seek the information we need to create a true story. Identifying where we might be wrong identifies the risks inherent in our story; it's better to take more time to gather additional information rather than jump to conclusions.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Fourth, we need to watch our emotions. Emotions can make it difficult to act rationally. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, "There are many degrees of offense. There are many degrees of hurt. But what I have noticed is that often we justify our anger and satisfy our consciences by telling ourselves stories about the motives of others that condemn their actions as unforgivable and egoistic while, at the same time, lifting our own motives as pure and innocent" (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "One Key to a Happy Family," Ensign, October 2012). Moroni created a story while angry, and that anger colored his perceptions and guided his assumptions.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Stories help us understand and respond to the events in our lives. Every event is not of equal significance, but when the stakes are high, it's critical that we get to the right story. A faulty story can lead to potentially devastating actions. The right story can help us respond appropriately. With patience and care, we can gather the information that is necessary to properly guide our actions as we respond to the events and people around us.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><br />
</span></div>
Brent Somershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05825934570588278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9070940153722594844.post-5177176808873538492014-01-13T18:15:00.001-07:002014-01-13T18:15:58.196-07:00 Counsel to Remember<div><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">When I served on the Board of Trustees of Catholic Health Partners (CHP), one of my fellow trustees was Sister Marie Hartmann. Sister Marie became a good friend and I am blessed by her continuing friendship. She no longer is on the board but sends out a weekly email of wise counsel to various people associated with CHP and a few friends. I am fortunate to receive her emails. When I opened this week's email, I was touched by wise counsel and advice I found in it. I hope you find these beautiful sayings as refreshing and encouraging as I did.</span><br>
<br>
1. Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble, but it is a "steering wheel" that directs the right path throughout.<br>
<br>
2. So why is a car's windshield so large and the rear view mirror so small? Because our past is not as important as our future. So, look ahead and move on.<br>
<br>
3. Friendship is like a book. It takes few seconds to burn, but it takes years to write.<br>
<br>
4. All things in life are temporary. If it's going well, enjoy it, that won't last long. If it's going badly, don't worry, that won't last long either.<br>
<br>
5. Old friends are gold! New friends are diamonds! If you get a diamond, don't forget the gold! Because to hold a diamond, you always need a base of gold!<br>
<br>
6. Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, God smiles from above and says, "Relax, it's just a bend, not the end!"<br>
<br>
7. When God solves your problems, you have faith in His abilities; when God doesn't solve your problems, He has faith in your abilities.<br>
<br>
8. A blind person asked St. Anthony, "Can there be anything worse than losing eyesight?" He replied, "Yes, losing your vision!"<br>
<br>
9. When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them. Sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you.<br>
<br>
10. Worrying does not take away tomorrow's troubles, it takes away today's peace.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
</font></div>
<div> </div>Brent Somershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05825934570588278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9070940153722594844.post-45391770995563309702014-01-08T07:15:00.000-07:002014-01-08T07:15:00.155-07:00 "Thou Hast Heard My Prayer"<div><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">I treasure the chapters in the Book of Mormon that tell of Alma's mission to a group of people, the Zormanites, who had had adopted many apostate practices and in so doing had perverted the gospel of Jesus Christ. In these chapters Alma and his companion Amulek testify of Christ and teach about faith, repentance, and prayer. I have read these chapters numerous times. When I recently re-read them, Alma's quotation of the prophet Zenos, of whom we know little, resonated with me. According to Alma, Zenos said, </font><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><br>
</font></div>
<blockquote><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">"Thou art merciful, O God, for thou hast heard my prayer, even when I was in the wilderness; yea, thou wast merciful when I prayed concerning those who were mine enemies, and thou didst turn them to me. Yea, O God, and thou wast merciful unto me when I did cry unto thee in my field; when I did cry unto thee in my prayer, and thou didst hear me. And again, O God, when I did turn to my house thou didst hear me in my prayer. And when I did turn unto my closet, O Lord, and prayed unto thee, thou didst hear me. Yea, thou art merciful unto thy children when they cry unto thee, to be heard of thee and not of men, and thou wilt hear them. Yea, O God, thou hast been merciful unto me, and heard my cries in the midst of thy congregations. Yea, and thou hast also heard me when I have been cast out and have been despised by mine enemies; yea, thou didst hear my cries, and wast angry with mine enemies, and thou didst visit them in thine anger with speedy destruction. And thou didst hear me because of mine afflictions and my sincerity; and it is because of thy Son that thou hast been thus merciful unto me, therefore I will cry unto thee in all mine afflictions, for in thee is my joy; for thou hast turned thy judgments away from me, because of thy Son" (Alma 33:4-11, emphasis added).</font></p></blockquote>
<div><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">I can echo the words of Zenos for repeatedly have my prayers been heard and answered. They haven't always been answered in the way I was hoping . With the perspective of time though, I can see where they have always been answered in the way that was best for me and my growth. Whether it has been family concerns, health, employment, or Church assignments, He has never failed to answer my prayer. I believe that every answered prayer is a miracle and a manifestation of Heavenly Father's tender mercy.</font><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><br>
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<div><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">I know that Heavenly Father is close and wants to help me. I just need to sincerely ask and then watch as my petitions are answered in His way on His timetable. I am grateful for such mercy.</font><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><br>
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<div> </div>Brent Somershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05825934570588278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9070940153722594844.post-82835682761352911092013-12-31T14:38:00.001-07:002013-12-31T14:57:22.472-07:00Resolutions for 2014<div><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The start of a new year is the time when I reflect on the events of the past year and whether goals set at the beginning of the year have been achieved. I ask myself questions such as:<br>
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<li><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Where did I do well and where did I fall short and why?</span></font></li>
<li><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">What could I have done better?</span></font></li>
<li><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">What needs to change in this coming year?</span></font></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">This exercise then leads to another round of goal setting.<br>
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</font></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><span lang="en-US">As I have done my evaluation of 2013 and thought about plans for the coming year, the words of Amulek, spoken over two millennia ago, have guided my thinking. He said that, "</span><span lang="en-US"><em>if we do not improve our time while in this life</em></span><span lang="en-US">,then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed" </span>Alma 34:33<span lang="en-US">,emphasis added). His wisdom has caused me to think a little differently about what I want to do in 2014. I don't want to just tackle a list of desirable projects. At times in the past, my goal setting has been more like constructing a bucket list of good ideas rather than an effort to really focus my life.</span></font></span><p><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><span lang="en-US"><br>
</span></font></span><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">In 2014, I want to focus on just a few really important areas. I want to become a better</span></font><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><br>
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<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Disciple of Christ,</font></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">Husband,</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">Father, and</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">Grandfather.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">These are the most important areas of my life and the ones that have eternal significance. If I can improve in each of these areas in 2014, I will count this year as a success. I will have become a better son of God. I will have improved the time allotted to me.<br>
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<div> </div>Brent Somershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05825934570588278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9070940153722594844.post-79783872148337764072013-12-25T10:40:00.001-07:002013-12-25T10:40:20.465-07:00Merry Christmas<div> </div>
<div><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">The beautiful carol, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," is about the coming of Jesus and the blessings which His birth brings to me and the whole human family. The carol, "Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful," is about my coming to Jesus. His coming can give me hope, but to receive it I must seek and come to Him as did the shepherds and the wise men. The words of this beautiful carol, composed by John F. Wade in the eighteenth century, are, </font></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">Oh, come, all ye faithful,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">Joyful and triumphant!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">Oh, come ye, oh come ye to Bethlehem.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">Come and behold him,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">Born the King of angels;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><br>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Oh, come, let us adore him;</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Oh, come, let us adore him;</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Oh, come, let us adore him,</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Christ, the Lord.</font></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Sing, choirs of angels,</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Sing in exultation;</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above!</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Glory to God,</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Glory in the highest;</font></div>
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</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Oh, come, let us adore him;</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Oh, come, let us adore him;</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Oh, come, let us adore him,</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Christ, the Lord.</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><br>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Yea, Lord, we greet thee,</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Born this happy morning;</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Jesus, to thee be all glory giv’n.</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Son of the Father,</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Now in flesh appearing;</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><br>
</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Oh, come, let us adore him;</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Oh, come, let us adore him;</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Oh, come, let us adore him,</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Christ, the Lord.</font></div>
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<div><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Jesus' miraculous birth, exemplary life, and unselfish act of atonement are the pivotal events in all of human history. Amulek declared,</font></div>
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<blockquote><div><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">"For it is expedient that an atonement should be made; for according to the great plan of the Eternal God there must be an atonement made, or else all mankind must unavoidably perish; yea, all are hardened; yea, all are fallen and are lost, and must perish except it be through the atonement which it is expedient should be made." (Alma 34:9)</font></div></blockquote>
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<div><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Prophets prophesied of His coming. An angel announced His birth while a choir of angels sang in the heavens. Has there ever been a more anticipated or celebrated yet humble birth?</font></div>
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<div><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">For me, "O Come All Ye Faithful" extends an invitation to symbolically journey to Bethlehem and worship the Only Begotten Son of the Father just as the shepherds and wise men did centuries ago. Years after His birth, Jesus made this invitation when He said,</font></div>
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<blockquote><div><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)</font></div></blockquote>
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<div><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">I owe Jesus the hope I have for Eternal Life with my Heavenly Father. He is worthy of my adoration, worship, devotion, and discipleship not just as I celebrate His birth today but every day of my life.</font></div>Brent Somershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05825934570588278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9070940153722594844.post-73269982722716054342013-12-24T17:07:00.001-07:002013-12-24T17:07:04.966-07:00 "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"<div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">One of my favorite Christmas carols has become "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel". With beautifully moving verse, this carol teaches of the reasons we have to rejoice in Jesus' birth. The words of the carol are, </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">O come, O come, Emmanuel</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">And ransom captive Israel</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">That mourns in lonely exile here</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Until the Son of God appear</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Shall come to thee, O Israel.</font></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Thine own from Satan's tyranny</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">From depths of Hell Thy people save</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">And give them victory o'er the grave</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Shall come to thee, O Israel.</font></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Our spirits by Thine advent here</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Disperse the gloomy clouds of night</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">And death's dark shadows put to flight.</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Shall come to thee, O Israel.</font></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">O come, Thou Key of David, come,</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">And open wide our heavenly home;</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Make safe the way that leads on high,</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">And close the path to misery.</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Shall come to thee, O Israel.</font></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height,</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">In ancient times did'st give the Law,</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">In cloud, and majesty and awe.</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Shall come to thee, O Israel.</font></div>
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<div><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">These beautiful words teach about the atoning mission of Jesus Christ and why I have reason to rejoice in His birth. Without Jesus, I would be in bondage to sin, doomed to hell, and exiled from God. But with Jesus' suffering in Gethsemane and on the cross at Calvary, He paid the price of my sins and ransomed me. He swung open the doors of hell to enable me to escape the captivity of sin and be forgiven though repentance. In the words of Isaiah, Jesus "was wounded for...[my] transgressions, he was bruised for...[my] iniquities: the chastisement of...[my] peace was upon him; and with his stripes...[I am] healed" (Isaiah 53:5).</font></div>
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<div><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"> Because of Jesus, the dark shadow of death does will not permanently hold my body captive in a cold grave but I have the promise of a resurrection or the reuniting of my body and spirit. Abinadi taught, </font></div>
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<blockquote><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">"For were it not for the redemption which he hath made for his people, which was prepared from the foundation of the world, I say unto you, were it not for this, all mankind must have perished. But behold, the bands of death shall be broken, and the Son reigneth, and hath power over the dead; therefore, he bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead" (Mosiah 15:19-20). </font></p></blockquote>
<div><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Jesus was the first to be resurrected and the rest of Heavenly Father's children, including me, will follow.</font></div>
<div><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><br>
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<div><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Christ's teachings and example gives me the way to return to my Heavenly Home. He is the only way home (John 14:6). It is only through His gospel and His "merits, mercy, and grace" (2 Nephi 2:8) that I can return home to live eternally with my Heavenly Father. </font></div>
<div><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">The prophet Alma prophesied of Jesus' birth and taught about His atoning mission. He said,</font></div>
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<blockquote><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">"And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem...she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God. And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities." (Alma 7:10-12)</font></p></blockquote>
<div><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">I am grateful that Emmanuel, the promised Messiah, even Jesus the Christ came to earth. He has given me every reason to rejoice. He has given me the peace found in hope.</font></div>
<div> </div>Brent Somershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05825934570588278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9070940153722594844.post-46428081912493390962013-12-18T08:04:00.001-07:002013-12-18T08:04:10.897-07:00Innkeepers, Shepherds, and Wise Men<p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">I love everything about Christmas. The sacred music, beautiful decorations, bright lights, giving of gifts, and cherished traditions create a special spirit during this season of the year. Most of all I love the message of Christmas. The story of the first Christmas reminds me of the importance of the Savior in my life. To me the message is that through Jesus' miraculous birth, exemplary ministry, and atoning mission, I can find peace, goodwill, hope, and eternal life along with all of God's children. </span><br>
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<p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">While there are many things to be learned from the story of Christ's birth, there are three events from that first Christmas that teach me important principles for my life as I strive to be a disciple of Christ.</span><br>
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<p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">The first of these events took place on the crowded streets of Bethlehem shortly before the Savior was born. Luke records,</span><br>
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<blockquote><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed . . . And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee . . . unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem . . . To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:1 -7, emphasis added).</span></p></blockquote>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">The phrase,“there was no room for them in the inn” has always peaked my curiosity. I wonder why there was no room in the inns of Bethlehem for Mary, Joseph, and the yet to be born Son of God. I think about those scriptural accounts where some humble man or woman was inspired to care for one of God's servants. Amulek was told by an angel to care for Alma. A widow was commanded to provide for Elijah. Why wasn’t an innkeeper told to prepare a more fitting place than a stable for the birth of the Son of God? Perhaps the Spirit did try to whisper to someone but he was too busy conducting business to hear the promptings telling him to prepare a place for his King’s birth.</span><br>
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<p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">Unfortunately, unless I am careful, I am no different than the innkeepers. My life can become so caught up in my daily routines of life that I may fail to let Christ in. When He knocks, do I let Him into my life or am I so busy that I turn Him away? </span><br>
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<p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">President Thomas S. Monson said,</span><br>
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<blockquote><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">“Before we can successfully undertake a personal search for Jesus, we must first prepare time for him in our lives and room for him in our hearts. In these busy days there are many who have time for gold, time for shopping, time for work, time for play, but not time for Christ.</span></p></blockquote>
<blockquote><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">"Lovely homes dot the land and provide rooms for eating, rooms for sleeping, playrooms, sewing rooms, television rooms, but no room for Christ." (Thomas S. Monson, "The Search for Jesus," Ensign, December 1990)</font></p></blockquote>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">In the beautiful poem, "A Prayer for December," the poet offered this prayer:</span><br>
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<blockquote><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">Dearest God, please never let me,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">Crowd my life full to the brim.</span></p></blockquote>
<blockquote><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">So like the keeper of Bethlehem’s inn,</font></p></blockquote>
<blockquote><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">I find I have no room for Him.</font></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">Instead let my heart’s door be ever open,</span></p></blockquote>
<blockquote><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Ready to welcome the newborn King,</font></p></blockquote>
<blockquote><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Let me offer the best I have,</font></p></blockquote>
<blockquote><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">To Him who gives me everything. (Author unknown)</font></p></blockquote>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">At this Christmas season, I pray that I may rededicate my life to always inviting Him in, to truly knowing Him, to always hearing His voice, and to doing His will. May I never crowd Him out.</span><br>
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<p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">The second event took place with the shepherds on the plains of Judea when the angel and the heavenly hosts announced the birth of the Savior to the shepherds. Again Luke records,</span><br>
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<blockquote><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy . . . . For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away . . .the shepherds said one to another, Let us . . . go . . . unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which . . . the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen [it], they made [it] known abroad . . .” (Luke 2:8-17).</span></p></blockquote>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">As I contemplate this account, I wonder why the angels appeared to the shepherds. Why wasn’t the Savior’s birth announced to the powerful religious or political leaders of the Jews? After all He was the King of the Jews. Why the shepherds? Maybe it was to the shepherds because they were humble, meek, and submissive and not only would they hear and accept the message but they would also act upon it. Perhaps angels did announce the Savior's birth to many others, but as with the innkeepers, they were also too busy. Maybe it was just too inconvenient or it didn’t fit in with their beliefs and traditions, and they chose not to listen or perhaps they procrastinated doing something with the message and missed their opportunity to worship the Christ child.</span><br>
</p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">There may also be another reason why others are not mentioned. Luke says that the shepherds after visiting and worshipping Jesus went and “made it known” to others. They went and testified of what they had seen and felt. They shared their sacred experience with someone who recorded it. Perhaps, there were others who visited the baby Jesus but they kept silent and didn't speak of it so it was never recorded.</span><br>
</p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">For me there is much to be learned from the shepherds. I learn to be humble, to listen, to go when the Spirit speaks, and importantly to testify. After I have made room for Jesus in my life, after I have sought Him and let Him in, after I have gained a testimony of Him, I need to tell others both through my actions and my words that I believe and accept Christ.</span><br>
</p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">The final event took place some time later when the wise men came seeking Jesus. Matthew records, </span><br>
</p>
<blockquote><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem . . . there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem . . . . And, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2: 1 - 3, 9 - 11)</span></p></blockquote>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">It's interesting that these seekers of Jesus were called “wise men”. Our traditions refer to them as three kings, but all Matthew says is that they were wise men. These men who knew of the prophecies about Jesus' birth were undoubtedly watching for the signs of His birth. Maybe they even heard heavenly choirs and heeded the message of an angel. While the innkeepers of Bethlehem, King Herod, the religious leaders of Judea, and others may have been caught unprepared, they were ready. Having seen the Star, they went searching for Him. When they found Him, they gave Him the gifts they brought. But these worldly gifts of wealth were no where near the value of the goodness of their lives. I am sure they had prepared by giving gifts of sacrifice, love, obedience, and devotion. These were the gifts and treasures of eternal significance that insured them a place at the cradle of the recently born King.</span><br>
</p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">I need to be similarly prepared to receive Him. I must love, sacrifice, be obedient, and devoted so that I will be ready whenever my call to serve and worship Him comes.</span><br>
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<p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">As I reflect upon these events of long ago, I have much to wonder about. I believe if I can learn the lessons of the first Christmas and let Him into my life and heart, bear testimony of Him as the Shepherds did, and worship Him as the Wise men then I will be ready, as the Shepherds and Wise Men were ready, to worship Him not only during this Christmas season but throughout the whole year.</span><br>
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<p> </p>Brent Somershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05825934570588278068noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9070940153722594844.post-26378376334370016382013-12-07T06:18:00.001-07:002013-12-07T06:18:44.933-07:00The Light of the World<p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"> <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">“[Jesus Christ] is the Light of Bethlehem, born of Mary, His mortal mother, and His Father, Almighty God. . . . He is the Light of theAtonement fulfilled in the Garden of Gethsemane and on Golgotha, who took upon Himself the sins of the world, that all mankind mayobtain eternal salvation. He is the Light of the empty tomb, the resurrected Lord with a glorified body of flesh and bone, who broke thebands of death and gained an everlasting victory over the grave. . . . He is </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em; font-style: italic;">my </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Light, </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em; font-style: italic;">my </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Redeemer, </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em; font-style: italic;">my </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Savior—and yours.” (</span></font><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">Robert D. Hales<strong>, </strong></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">“Out of Darkness into His Marvelous Light,” </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em; font-style: italic;">Ensign, </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em;">May 2002)</span><font face="Times New Roman" size="3" style="line-height: 1.3em;"><img src="file:///page83image3156" alt="page83image3156" width="439.193024" height="0.248001"></font></p>
<p class="page" title="Page 83"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><br>
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</p> </div> </div>Brent Somershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05825934570588278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9070940153722594844.post-71564576881612963002013-12-04T09:19:00.001-07:002013-12-04T09:19:27.168-07:00Forgiveness<p><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">"How difficult it is for any of us to forgive those who have injured us. We are all prone to brood on the evil done us. That brooding becomes as a gnawing and destructive canker. Is there a virtue more in need of application in our time than the virtue of forgiving and forgetting? There are those who would look upon this as a sign of weakness. Is it? I submit that it takes neither strength nor intelligence to brood in anger over wrongs suffered, to go through life with a spirit of vindictiveness, to dissipate one’s abilities in planning retribution. There is no peace in the nursing of a grudge. There is no happiness in living for the day when you can 'get even.'" (Gordon B. Hinckley, "Of You It Is Required To Forgive," <em>Ensign, </em>June 1991)</font></p>
<p> </p>Brent Somershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05825934570588278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9070940153722594844.post-28004416028015009972013-12-03T12:22:00.001-07:002013-12-03T12:22:27.888-07:00Achieving Unity<p><font face="Times New Roman"> The following is a wonderful story told by President Henry B. Eyring on achieving unity in our relationships, particularly marriage:</font></p>
<blockquote><p><font face="Times New Roman">“It is only with the companionship of the Holy Ghost that we can hope to be equally yoked in a marriage free from discord. I have seen how that companionship is crucial for felicity in a marriage. The miracle of becoming one requires the help of heaven, and it takes time. Our goal is to live together forever in the presence of Heavenly Father and our Savior.</font></p></blockquote>
<blockquote><p><font face="Times New Roman">“My father and my mother were very different from each other. My mother was a singer and an artist. My father loved chemistry. Once at a symphony concert, my mother was surprised when my father stood up and began to leave before the applause began. My mother asked him where he was going. His response was, in all innocence: 'Well, it’s over, isn’t it?' Only the gentle influence of the Holy Ghost got him there with her in the first place and brought him back to concerts time and time again.</font></p></blockquote>
<blockquote><p><font face="Times New Roman">“My mother lived in New Jersey for 16 years so that my father could support the family by doing research and teaching chemistry. To her it was a sacrifice being separated from her widowed mother and her unmarried sister, who had cared for her in the old family farmhouse. They both died while Mother was far away in New Jersey. Those were the only times I ever saw my mother cry.</font></p></blockquote>
<blockquote><p><font face="Times New Roman">“Years later my father was offered a job in Utah. He asked my mother, again in all innocence, 'Mildred, what do you think I should do?'</font></p></blockquote>
<blockquote><p><font face="Times New Roman">“She said, 'Henry, do whatever you think is best.'</font></p></blockquote>
<blockquote><p><font face="Times New Roman">“He turned down the offer. The next morning she wrote him a letter that I wish I still had. I remember that she told him, 'Don’t open it here. Go to the office and open it there.' It began with a rebuke. He had promised her years before that if he ever could, he would take her to be near her family. He was surprised by her expression of irritation. He had not remembered the desire of her heart. He immediately sent a message accepting the job offer.</font></p></blockquote>
<blockquote><p><font face="Times New Roman">“He said, 'Mildred, why didn’t you tell me?'</font></p></blockquote>
<blockquote><p><font face="Times New Roman">“She said, 'You were supposed to remember.'</font></p></blockquote>
<blockquote><p><font face="Times New Roman">“He always spoke of that choice to move to Utah as his own, never as a sacrifice of his professional career. They had received the miracle of becoming one. It would have been better if Dad had been reminded by the Holy Ghost of the promise he had made years earlier. But he did allow the Holy Ghost to soften his heart so that her choice became his." (http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/to-my-grandchildren?lang=engce)</font></p></blockquote>
<p> </p>Brent Somershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05825934570588278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9070940153722594844.post-33226596037973232672013-10-14T17:55:00.000-06:002013-10-14T17:55:55.258-06:00Nephi’s Psalm<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One of my heroes is the Book of Mormon prophet
Nephi. For me, he is an example of steadfast faith and resolute obedience. His
declaration “I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded” (1
Nephi 3:7) characterized his life. No matter what trial or tribulation
confronted him, he never wavered in his determination to follow Heavenly
Father. He is a stellar example of a true disciple.</span>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One of the most beautiful passages in all of the
Book of Mormon is a psalm written by Nephi. This psalm poetically teaches about
the need to repent, to trust in God, to remember His goodness, and to seek His grace.
Nephi wrote these passages at what must have been a very tender and troubling moment
in his life. Lehi, Nephi’s beloved father, had recently died and Nephi was
facing increasing persecution and dissension from his rebellious brothers,
Laman and Lemuel. His poignant psalm begins with a deeply sorrowful description
of the remorse Nephi feels for his sins. I wonder if an angry exchange with his
brothers may have precipitated these agonizing feelings. He writes, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“O wretched man that I
am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of
mine iniquities. I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the
sins which do so easily beset me. And when I desire to rejoice, my heart
groaneth because of my sins…” (2 Nephi 4:17-19)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Nephi uses pain laden language—wretched, sorroweth,
grieveth, and groaneth—to describe the remorse he is feeling. He clearly is tormented
by sin, but he refuses to wallow in his sins and the pain they have caused him.
Instead he turns to God and recalls his many great blessings. He says,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“… Nevertheless, I know
in whom I have trusted. My God hath been my support; he hath led me through
mine afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of
the great deep. He hath filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my
flesh. He hath confounded mine enemies, unto the causing of them to quake
before me. Behold, he hath heard my cry by day, and he hath given me knowledge
by visions in the night-time. And by day have I waxed bold in mighty prayer
before him; yea, my voice have I sent up on high; and angels came down and
ministered unto me. And upon the wings of his Spirit hath my body been carried
away upon exceedingly high mountains. And mine eyes have beheld great things,
yea, even too great for man; therefore I was bidden that I should not write
them.” (2 Nephi 4:19-25)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Remembering his blessings is the balm that seems to sooth
Nephi’s troubled soul and leads him to appeal to God for the mercy promised to
the repentant. He writes,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">O then, if I have seen
so great things, if the Lord in his condescension unto the children of men hath
visited men in so much mercy, why should my heart weep and my soul linger in
the valley of sorrow, and my flesh waste away, and my strength slacken, because
of mine afflictions? And why should I yield to sin, because of my flesh? Yea,
why should I give way to temptations, that the evil one have place in my heart
to destroy my peace and afflict my soul? Why am I angry because of mine enemy? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin.
Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul…Rejoice, O
my heart, and cry unto the Lord, and say: O Lord, I will praise thee forever;
yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God, and the rock of my salvation.” (2
Nephi 4:26-30)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But Nephi does more than just appeal for mercy, he prays
for the strength to overcome his trials and temptations. He prayerfully writes,
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“O Lord, wilt thou
redeem my soul? Wilt thou deliver me out of the hands of mine enemies? Wilt thou
make me that I may shake at the appearance of sin? May the gates of hell be
shut continually before me, because that my heart is broken and my spirit is
contrite! O Lord, wilt thou not shut the gates of thy righteousness before me,
that I may walk in the path of the low valley, that I may be strict in the
plain road! O Lord, wilt thou encircle me around in the robe of thy
righteousness! O Lord, wilt thou make a way for mine escape before mine
enemies! Wilt thou make my path straight before me! Wilt thou not place a
stumbling block in my way--but that thou wouldst clear my way before me, and
hedge not up my way, but the ways of mine enemy. O Lord, I have trusted in
thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of
flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh.
Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm. Yea, I
know that God will give liberally to him that asketh. Yea, my God will give me,
if I ask not amiss; therefore I will lift up my voice unto thee; yea, I will
cry unto thee, my God, the rock of my righteousness. Behold, my voice shall
forever ascend up unto thee, my rock and mine everlasting God. Amen.” (2 Nephi
4:31-35)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I love the words: “O Lord, I have trusted in thee,
and I will trust in thee forever.” Trust is born of faith. From his earliest
days, Nephi’s faith led him to have absolute trust in God and now, at this
moment, he trusts that the Lord will grant his appeal for mercy and strength because
He has done so in the past. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I am grateful to Nephi for writing so personally
about the joy that can only come through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The
passages of this psalm have comforted me throughout my life. Heavenly Father
has blessed me just as He blessed Nephi. I trust that if I have faith in Jesus
Christ and His Atonement and repent then Heavenly Father will also grant my
appeal for mercy and I will find relief and joy. This gives me hope.</span></div>
Brent Somershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05825934570588278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9070940153722594844.post-39995312380562761962013-09-26T08:16:00.000-06:002013-09-26T08:16:03.662-06:00“I, The Lord, Remember Them No More” <span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I am grateful for Jesus Christ, my Lord, Savior, and Redeemer. I am thankful for His Atonement. Because of this supernal sacrifice, I can repent of my sins, be forgiven, and have the hope of Eternal Life with my Heavenly Father, Christ, and my family. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Paul taught, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Nonetheless, we can repent of our sins and be redeemed (Mosiah 27:24). Repentance is the divine principle of change. It’s turning away from our sinful ways and embracing a new way of life that’s aligned with God. When we repent, we feel deep sorrow for our wrongful behaviors and commit to change. We seek forgiveness from God in order to become spiritually clean. With our changed life, comes the comforting blessing: “He who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more” (Doctrine and Covenants 58:42, emphasis added). The Lord made a similar promise through the prophet Ezekiel when he said, </span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> “But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live” (Ezekiel 18:21-22). </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">We can find relief in the promises that He will neither remember nor mention our sins when we sincerely repent. Imagine, we can put the past behind us and look forward to a new life free from the effects of sin. The Lord also promised that, “He shall surely live, he shall not die.” While we will all experience death someday, the Lord is saying that we won’t suffer spiritual death or be cut off from the presence of God if we repent. We can live in God’s presence throughout eternity. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Isaiah described what happens to our sins as we repent. When the Lord forgave him of his sins, Isaiah wrote,</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> “ Wo is unto me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips; and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts. Then flew one of the seraphim unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar; And he laid it upon my mouth, and said: Lo, this has touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged" (Isaiah 6:5-7, emphasis added). </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">What a beautifully symbolic description of the way the Lord removes or purges the effects of our repented of sins. Purge means to cleanse or purify. The seraphim are symbolic of the Holy Ghost whose ministry it is to purge, cleanse, purify or remit our sins from us through the Atonement of Christ. When the Lord looks upon us after this purging, He no longer sees our sins staining our soul; we are cleansed through the Atonement. This may be why He doesn’t remember our sins or mention them; we have become clean, and He no longer sees them. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Having our sins removed, we no longer feel guilt and shame. Perhaps the only guilt we feel is that we no longer feel guilty. Isaiah made this promise to the House of Israel, "Fear not, for thou shalt not be ashamed; neither be thou confounded, for thou shalt not be put to shame; for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy youth..." (3 Nephi 22:4, emphasis added). This is our promise also. The Atonement of Jesus Christ can heal the sinful soul and swallow up that awful feeling of shame and sense of reproach. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Many ask the question: If the Lord doesn’t remember my sins, then why do I? </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">The prophet Alma provides valuable insight into the process of repentance, forgiveness, and this very question of remembering our past sinful acts. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">As a young man, Alma attempted to destroy the church of God (Mosiah 27:8-9). While he was going around trying to tear down the church, an angel appeared to him and told him to repent and change his ways or else he would be destroyed (Mosiah 27:11-17; Alma 36:11). Torment and guilt racked Alma’s conscience as he realized his precarious spiritual standing. This awful pain continued until the moment Alma pleaded for mercy and asked for forgiveness. He then felt redemption through the Atonement (Mosiah 27:18-26). He completely changed his life and he went on to become a great prophet and witness of Jesus Christ and His Atonement. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Twenty five years later, Alma recounted his experience to his son Helaman. Although the years had passed, he still remembered his sinful past and what he had done. The Lord had not wiped his memory clean. He was able to recount the struggle to repent. He described the pain, torment, and suffering that his sins had caused him. He related how the Lord had forgiven him. He told Helaman, "And now I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more" (Alma 36:19, emphasis added). He no longer felt the anguish of conscience, distress, and spiritual pain. Joy replaced guilt and shame. He could recall the pain he had felt at the time but it was a non-painful memory for the Spirit through the Atonement of Christ had removed the torment and pain caused by the anguish he had felt twenty five years earlier. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">It is not a realistic expectation that after having repented and been forgiven that we will forget our sins. The memory of Alma’s past enabled him to testify of power of the Atonement. It is the same for each one of us. We can also testify of the blessings of the Atonement. We can vividly testify that we can be forgiven and the guilt, shame, and reproach can be removed. By remembering we can also learn from past mistakes so that hopefully we won’t fall into the same snares again. Perhaps this is why are memories aren’t wiped clean when we are forgiven. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I am thankful that I can repent and move forward.
</span></span>Brent Somershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05825934570588278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9070940153722594844.post-15032516047678984712013-09-03T08:38:00.001-06:002013-09-03T11:34:56.275-06:00Introduction to the Church (Mormons) (playlist)<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PL-2ihKjhqm0XkEVWHoqGEG5YrNPC-E4_J" width="425"></iframe>Brent Somershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05825934570588278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9070940153722594844.post-27579195713743069512013-08-09T17:11:00.000-06:002013-08-09T17:11:47.031-06:00Receiving Revelation<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;">In April 1971, Elder Bruce R. McConkie gave a talk at General Conference entitled "The Lord's People Receive Revelation." His words inspire and challenge me to be more in tune with the Spirit such that I may receive the things of God. The following is an extract from his address:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">"When I was a mission president in Australia, I once said to those of my missionaries in Tasmania: “Tomorrow we shall climb Mt. Wellington and hold our missionary meeting on the top. We shall there seek to commune with the Lord and partake of his Spirit.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">"We made the climb, and while on top of the peak we visited a television broadcasting station. A bright young man explained to us in words I had never heard, and using principles I could not and do not understand, how the sounds and scenes of television were broadcast into the valley below.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">"That night, back in the city of Hobart, my two young sons and I sat before a television set that was tuned to the proper wave band, and we saw and heard and experienced what had been described to us in words.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">"Now I think this illustrates perfectly what is involved in the receipt of revelation and the seeing of visions. We can read about visions and revelations in the records of the past, we can study the inspired writings of people who had the fullness of the gospel in their day, but we cannot comprehend what is involved until we see and hear and experience for ourselves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">"This Tabernacle is now full of words and music. Handel’s<span> </span><span>Messiah<span> </span></span>is being sung, and the world’s statesmen are propagandizing their people. But we do not hear any of it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">"This Tabernacle is full of scenes from Vietnam and Washington. There is even a picture of men walking on the surface of the moon. But we are not seeing these things. The minute, however, in which we tune a radio to the proper wave band and tune a television receiving set on the proper channel, we begin to hear and see and experience what otherwise remains completely unknown to us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">"And so it is with the revelations and visions of eternity. They are around us all the time. This Tabernacle is full of the same things which are recorded in the scriptures and much more. The vision of the degrees of glory is being broadcast before us, but we do not hear or see or experience because we have not tuned our souls to the wave band on which the Holy Ghost is broadcasting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://mormon.org/joseph-smith/">"Joseph Smith</a><span> </span>said: “The Holy Ghost is a revelator.” And, “No man can receive the Holy Ghost without receiving revelations.” (<span>Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith<span> </span></span>[Deseret Book Co., 1968], p. 328.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">"Moroni said: “… by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.” (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/moro/10.5?lang=eng#4">Moroni 10:5</a>.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">"The Comforter knoweth all things; he is commissioned to bear witness of the Father and the Son, to reveal, to teach, and to testify—and he is broadcasting all the truths of salvation, and all the knowledge and wisdom of God, out into all immensity all of the time.</span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;">"How this is done we do not know. We cannot comprehend God or the laws by which he governs the universe. But that it does happen we know because here in the valley below, when we attune our souls to the Infinite, we hear and see and experience the things of God." <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1971/04/the-lords-people-receive-revelation?lang=eng">(http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1971/04/the-lords-people-receive-revelation?lang=eng</a>)</span></div>
</blockquote>
</div>
Brent Somershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05825934570588278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9070940153722594844.post-53558366411641215982013-05-16T07:28:00.000-06:002013-05-16T07:28:33.501-06:00"Lord, I Believe"<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Following Jesus' feeding of the five thousand, the
apostles boarded a boat and started across the Sea of Galilee while Jesus went
into the mountains to pray. As they were crossing, the sea became "tossed
with waves: for the wind was contrary" (Matthew 14:24). In the midst of
this peril and their ensuing fright, the apostles saw Jesus walking on the
water towards them. Jesus said, "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not
afraid" (Matthew 14:27). Upon recognizing Jesus, Peter said, "Lord,
if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water" (Matthew 14:28). Jesus
beckoned Peter to come to Him and Peter stepped out of the boat and briefly
walked towards Jesus. But soon the "boisterous" waves frightened
Peter. In the midst of the ferocious storm, Peter's doubt overcame his faith
and he began to sink. He cried out, "Lord, save me" (Matthew 14:30).
"And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, caught him, and said unto
him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" (Matthew 14:32).
I wonder whether, when Peter saw a wave come crashing towards him, he looked
back at the boat rather than staying focused on the Savior and thought that it
was safer in the boat than walking towards Jesus. Did his doubt cause him to
lose focus on the Savior?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Storms are a part of life's experience and moments
of doubt may not be uncommon during such times. For me, the question is not
whether I will experience such periods, but what I do during those times. Doubt
must not snuff out my faith. I must carefully nurture my faith or doubt will
grow and may cause me to lose focus on the one Person who can rescue me. Just
like Peter I need to turn to the Savior saying, "Lord, save me”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The faith to endure does not come as a single event.
Rather it grows day by day as we nurture and nourish it. Alma compared growing
our faith to the act of planting a seed. He said, "Now, we will compare
the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your
heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out
by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will
begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions,
ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good
seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it
beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to
me" (Alma 32:28). I believe he phrase “if ye do not cast it out by your
unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord" provides an
interesting insight into faith. While I don't presume to know precisely what
Alma meant, to me it says that doubt is not uncommon in the process of growing
my faith, but I must not allow doubt to prevent the seed of faith from
germinating and I must be careful not to allow the poison of doubt to stunt the
growth or kill the plant. Faith requires constant nourishment and protection.
My experience is that as I continue to nourish my faith through study, prayer,
and obedience during those moments of doubt my faith becomes stronger. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The tender account of the Savior healing a child
afflicted with an evil spirit provides additional insight in protecting faith
from doubt. In retelling this story, Elder Jeffery R. Holland said, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">"On one occasion
Jesus came upon a group arguing vehemently with His disciples. When the Savior
inquired as to the cause of this contention, the father of an afflicted child
stepped forward, saying he had approached Jesus’s disciples for a blessing for
his son, but they were not able to provide it. With the boy still gnashing his
teeth, foaming from the mouth, and thrashing on the ground in front of them,
the father appealed to Jesus with what must have been last-resort desperation
in his voice:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">'If thou canst do
any thing,” he said, 'have compassion on us, and help us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">'Jesus said unto
him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">'And straightway
the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help
thou mine unbelief' [Mark 9:14-21 and 22-24].<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">"This man’s
initial conviction, by his own admission, is limited. But he has an urgent,
emphatic desire in behalf of his only child. We are told that is good enough
for a beginning. 'Even if ye can no more than desire to believe,' Alma
declares, 'let this desire work in you, even until ye believe' [Alma 32:27].
With no other hope remaining, this father asserts what faith he has and pleads
with the Savior of the world, 'If thou canst do anything, have compassion on
us, and help us'' [Mark 9:22]. I can hardly read those words without weeping.
The plural pronoun us is obviously used intentionally. This man is saying, in
effect, 'Our whole family is pleading. Our struggle never ceases. We are
exhausted. Our son falls into the water. He falls into the fire. He is
continually in danger, and we are continually afraid. We don’t know where else
to turn. Can you help us? We will be grateful for anything—a partial blessing,
a glimmer of hope, some small lifting of the burden carried by this boy’s
mother every day of her life.'<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“If thou canst do any
thing,' spoken by the father, comes back to him 'If thou canst believe,' spoken
by the Master [Mark 9:22].<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Straightway,' the
scripture says—not slowly nor skeptically nor cynically but 'straightway'—the
father cries out in his unvarnished parental pain, 'Lord, I believe; help thou
mine unbelief.' In response to new and still partial faith, Jesus heals the
boy, almost literally raising him from the dead, as Mark describes the incident
[Mark 9:24-27]. (Jeffery R. Holland, "Lord, I Believe," <i>Ensign</i>, May
2013)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Those words, "Lord, I believe; help though mine
unbelief" is a plea that applies to all of us at one time or another.
Elder Holland shared the following three observations about this account:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Observation number one
regarding this account is that when facing the challenge of faith, the father
asserts his strength first and only then acknowledges his limitation. His initial
declaration is affirmative and without hesitation: 'Lord, I believe.' I would
say to all who wish for more faith, remember this man! In moments of fear or
doubt or troubling times, hold the ground you have already won, even if that
ground is limited. In the growth we all have to experience in mortality, the
spiritual equivalent of this boy’s affliction or this parent’s desperation is
going to come to all of us. When those moments come and issues surface, the
resolution of which is not immediately forthcoming, hold fast to what you
already know and stand strong until additional knowledge comes. It was of this
very incident, this specific miracle, that Jesus said, 'If ye have faith as a
grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder
place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you' [Matthew
17:20]. The size of your faith or the degree of your knowledge is not the
issue—it is the integrity you demonstrate toward the faith you do have and the
truth you already know.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">"The second
observation is a variation of the first. When problems come and questions
arise, do not start your quest for faith by saying how much you do not have,
leading as it were with your 'unbelief.' That is like trying to stuff a turkey through
the beak! Let me be clear on this point: I am not asking you to pretend to
faith you do not have. I am asking you to be true to the faith you do have.
Sometimes we act as if an honest declaration of doubt is a higher manifestation
of moral courage than is an honest declaration of faith. It is not! So let us
all remember the clear message of this scriptural account: Be as candid about
your questions as you need to be; life is full of them on one subject or
another. But if you and your family want to be healed, don’t let those
questions stand in the way of faith working its miracle...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">"Last observation:
When doubt or difficulty come, do not be afraid to ask for help. If we want it
as humbly and honestly as this father did, we can get it. The scriptures phrase
such earnest desire as being of 'real intent,' pursued 'with full purpose of
heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God' [2 Nephi 31:13]. I testify that in response to that kind of
importuning, God will send help from both sides of the veil to strengthen our
belief.” (Jeffery R. Holland, "Lord, I Believe," <i>Ensign</i>, May 2013)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I add a fourth observation about this account. The
father did not ask "why did God do this to my son" or "why did
God let this happen." These questions challenge God, fuel unbelief, and
don't build understanding. Contrast these questions to asking "help me
understand why this is happening". Such a pleas is not a challenge to God but a faithful request to
seek understanding. Such understanding
will strengthen our faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Carefully nurture, nourish, and grow your faith.
Faith in Christ and His Atonement will sustain us and rescue us from the
storms, whether minor or boisterous, of life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Brent Somershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05825934570588278068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9070940153722594844.post-76409113407668334132013-05-08T16:55:00.000-06:002013-05-08T16:55:37.536-06:00Building a Sure Foundation<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In elaborating on the allegory of the good Shepherd
for His disciples, Jesus likened Himself to the door into the enclosure where
the shepherds kept the sheep. He said, "I am the door: by me if any man
enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture"
(John 10:9). With this metaphor, Jesus taught His disciples that it is only
through Him and His Atonement that they or anyone else could receive the
greatest blessing that God, our Heavenly Father, has to give--life with Him
through eternity. At the last supper, Jesus taught this doctrine again when He
said to Thomas, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the
Father, but by me” (John 14:6). <span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Peter testified of the paramount importance of
Christ in our lives when, after healing a lame man at the temple, he declared
to the Sadducees and Jewish rulers, “There is none other name under heaven
given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). King Benjamin
succinctly taught the same doctrine: "There shall be no other way nor
means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through
the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent" (Mosiah 3:17). Likewise Paul
said, "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by
the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us,
through the veil, that is to say, his flesh..." (Hebrews 10:19-20). It’s
clear it is only through Christ that I have hope of returning to live with our
Heavenly Father. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Because Christ is the only way back to Heavenly
Father and Eternal Life, Helaman counseled his sons, Nephi and Lehi, to,
“Remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ,
the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall
send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all
his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over
you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock
upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if
men build they cannot fall.” (Helaman 5:12)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I love the imagery of building our foundation on the
rock of Jesus Christ to help us weather the storms of life. I once worked on
the 56th floor of the 57 story Key Tower in downtown Cleveland. When the winds
blew off Lake Erie, the building would creak and sway but thankfully it never
toppled to the ground. I’m grateful that the contractors dug deep into the
earth and poured the buildings foundation on bedrock so that it would bear the
weight of the building and keep it secure against all the elements. Similarly I
must build the foundation of my life on the rock of our Savior in order to
weather the storms and floods of life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I have asked myself the question: "But how do I
build my foundation on the rock of Jesus Christ our Redeemer?” The Savior
provided the answer, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things
which I say? <i>Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them,</i> I
will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and
digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the
stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was
founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that
without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream
did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was
great.” (Luke 6: 46-49, emphasis added)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In answer to my question, it's clear that I need to: </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">C</span><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">ome to Christ. I must seek Him, have
faith in Him, trust Him, and come to truly know Him (John 17:3).</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Hear His words. I won't hear His voice
if I don't put forth the effort to listen to His words. How can I listen? I
hear His voice as I read and ponder the scriptures, study the teachings of His prophets and apostles, and
listen to the whisperings of the Spirit.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Live what His words teach me. Listening
and study will only make a difference in my life if I am willing to humbly
submit my will to His and do what He asks me to do.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">By following these practices and building my
foundation on the rock of Christ, I can:</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Be forgiven of my sins when I repent;</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Receive Christ's grace, which can change
my heart and enable me to become someone I can't through my own efforts;</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Be succored, aided, and supported by
Christ in times of trial and need.</span><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I want these blessings for me and my family. I know
that as I build my foundation on the rock of Jesus Christ, I can receive these
blessings and one day inherit the greatest of all the gifts of God--Eternal
Life (Doctrine and Covenants 14:7).</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Brent Somershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05825934570588278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9070940153722594844.post-64445791471622713652013-04-22T18:52:00.001-06:002013-04-22T18:52:39.936-06:00Obeying the Commandments<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Self-assessment plays a valuable role in our journey
of becoming more diligent disciples of Christ. In such an assessment, we may
find areas where we need to change, make course corrections, or even just
stretch ourselves a little more. We can then set goals and make plans to
incorporate the changes into our lives. In a talk by Elder L. Tom Perry
entitled "Obedience to Law Is Liberty", he provided a way to evaluate
ourselves as we strive to be more diligent disciples. The following is a
thought provoking excerpt from his talk: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One way to measure
ourselves... is by one of the oldest standards known to man—the Ten
Commandments. For much of the civilized world, particularly the Judeo-Christian
world, the Ten Commandments have been the most accepted and enduring
delineation between good and evil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In my judgment, four of
the Ten Commandments are taken as seriously today as ever. As a culture, we
disdain and condemn murder, stealing, and lying, and we still believe in the
responsibility of children to their parents.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But as a larger
society, we routinely dismiss the other six commandments:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If worldly priorities
are any indication, we certainly have “other gods” we put before the true God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We make idols of
celebrities, of lifestyles, of wealth, and yes, sometimes of graven images or
objects.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We use the name of God
in all kinds of profane ways, including our exclamations and our swearing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We use the Sabbath day
for our biggest games, our most serious recreation, our heaviest shopping, and
virtually everything else but worship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We treat sexual
relations outside marriage as recreation and entertainment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And coveting has become
a far too common way of life. (See Exodus 20:3–17.)...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A useful way to think
about the commandments is they are loving counsel from a wise, all-knowing
Heavenly Father. His goal is our eternal happiness, and His commandments are
the road map He has given us to return to Him, which is the only way we will be
eternally happy...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">God reveals to His
prophets that there are moral absolutes. Sin will always be sin. Disobedience
to the Lord’s commandments will always deprive us of His blessings. The world
changes constantly and dramatically, but God, His commandments, and promised
blessings do not change. They are immutable and unchanging. Men and women receive
their agency as a gift from God, but their liberty and, in turn, their eternal
happiness come from obedience to His laws. As Alma counseled his errant </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">son
Corianton, “Wickedness never was happiness” (Alma 41:10)...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
Lord...revealed...the blessings promised...for being obedient to His
commandments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In Doctrine and
Covenants 130 we read:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“There is a law,
irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which
all blessings are predicated—<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“And when we obtain any
blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated”
(D&C 130:20–21).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Surely there could not
be any doctrine more strongly expressed in the scriptures than the Lord’s
unchanging commandments and their connection to our happiness and well-being as
individuals, as families, and as a society. There are moral absolutes.
Disobedience to the Lord’s commandments will always deprive us of His
blessings. These things do not change...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">May we ever be a light
on the hill, an example in keeping the commandments, which have never changed
and will never change. (http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/obedience-to-law-is-liberty?lang=eng)
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We can all do a little better in keeping these
commandments. Jesus was the only person who perfectly kept all of the commandments.
Each of us has room for improvement. As I think about Elder Perry's invitation
to measure ourselves, the questions for me become:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How am I doing in keeping ALL the
commandments of God not just the convenient ones?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Where can I do better?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What am I going to change to keep the
commandments more diligently?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Brent Somershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05825934570588278068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9070940153722594844.post-42493906949639632422013-04-16T13:40:00.000-06:002013-04-16T13:40:23.357-06:00"The Atonement and the Journey of Mortality"<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
last post was an excerpt from a talk by Elder David A. Bednar on the character
of Christ. In that talk Elder Bednar, shared the following quote from Elder
Neal A. Maxwell:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"Jesus'
character necessarily underwrote His remarkable atonement. Without Jesus'
sublime character there could have been no sublime atonement! His character is
such that He '[suffered] temptations of every kind' (Alma 7:11), yet He gave
temptations "no heed" (Doctrine and Covenants 20:22). ("O How
Great the Plan of Our God," message delivered to CES religious educators
in February of 1995, p. 5)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
following is an excerpt from an article by Elder Bednar entitled "The
Atonement and the Journey of Mortality". It is a lengthy article but well
worth the time it takes to read. It enlarges
my appreciation for and understanding of the vast reach and all encompassing
nature of the Atonement. I am grateful for the "sublime character"
that made the Atonement possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"The grand
objective of the Savior’s gospel was summarized succinctly by President David
O. McKay (1873–1970): 'The purpose of the gospel is … to make bad men good and
good men better, and to change human nature.'1 Thus, the journey of mortality
is to progress from bad to good to better and to experience the mighty change of
heart—to have our fallen natures changed (see Mosiah 5:2). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"The Book
of Mormon is our handbook of instructions as we travel the pathway from bad to
good to better and strive to have our hearts changed. King Benjamin teaches
about the journey of mortality and the role of the Atonement in navigating
successfully that journey: 'For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has
been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to
the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and <i>putteth
off the natural man and becometh a saint</i> through the atonement of Christ
the Lord' (Mosiah 3:19; emphasis added).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"I draw
your attention to two specific phrases. First—'putteth off the natural man.'
The journey from bad to good is the process of putting off the natural man or
the natural woman in each of us. In mortality we all are tempted by the flesh.
The very elements out of which our bodies were created are by nature fallen and
ever subject to the pull of sin, corruption, and death. But we can increase our
capacity to overcome the desires of the flesh and temptations 'through the
atonement of Christ.' When we make mistakes, as we transgress and sin, we can
repent and become clean through the redeeming power of the Atonement of Jesus
Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"Second—'becometh
a saint.' This phrase describes the continuation and second phase of life’s
journey to make 'good men better' or, in other words, to become more like a
saint. This second part of the journey, this process of going from good to
better, is a topic about which we do not study or teach frequently enough nor
understand adequately.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I suspect that
many... are much more familiar with the nature of the redeeming and cleansing
power of the Atonement than they are with the strengthening and enabling power.
It is one thing to know that Jesus Christ came to earth to die for us—that is
fundamental and foundational to the doctrine of Christ. But we also need to
appreciate that the Lord desires, through His Atonement and by the power of the
Holy Ghost, to live in us—not only to direct us but also to empower us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"Most of us
know that when we do wrong things, we need help to overcome the effects of sin
in our lives. The Savior has paid the price and made it possible for us to
become clean through His redeeming power. Most of us clearly understand that
the Atonement is for sinners. I am not so sure, however, that we know and
understand that the Atonement is also for saints—for good men and women who are
obedient, worthy, and conscientious and who are striving to become better and
serve more faithfully. We may mistakenly believe we must make the journey from
good to better and become a saint all by ourselves, through sheer grit,
willpower, and discipline, and with our obviously limited capacities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"The gospel
of the Savior is not simply about avoiding bad in our lives; it also is
essentially about doing and becoming good. And the Atonement provides help for
us to overcome and avoid bad and to do and become good. Help from the Savior is
available for the entire journey of mortality—from bad to good to better and to
change our very nature.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"I am not
suggesting that the redeeming and enabling powers of the Atonement are separate
and discrete. Rather, these two dimensions of the Atonement are connected and
complementary; they both need to be operational during all phases of the
journey of life. And it is eternally important for all of us to recognize that
both of these essential elements of the journey of mortality—both putting off
the natural man and becoming a saint, both overcoming bad and becoming good—are
accomplished through the power of the Atonement. Individual willpower, personal
determination and motivation, effective planning and goal setting are necessary
but ultimately insufficient for us to triumphantly complete this mortal
journey. Truly, we must come to rely upon 'the merits, and mercy, and grace of
the Holy Messiah' (2 Nephi 2:8).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"Grace
and the Enabling Power of the Atonement<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"In the
Bible Dictionary we learn that the word grace frequently is used in the scriptures
to connote enabling power:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">'[Grace is] a
word that occurs frequently in the New Testament, especially in the writings of
Paul. The main idea of the word is <i>divine means of help or strength</i>, given
through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">'It is through
the grace of the Lord Jesus, made possible by his atoning sacrifice, that
mankind will be raised in immortality, every person receiving his body from the
grave in a condition of everlasting life. <i>It is likewise through the grace of
the Lord that individuals,</i> through faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ and
repentance of their sins,<i> receive strength and assistance to do good works that
they otherwise would not be able to maintain if left to their own means. This
grace is an enabling power</i> that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal
life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts.'2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"Grace is
the divine assistance or heavenly help each of us desperately needs to qualify
for the celestial kingdom. Thus, the enabling power of the Atonement
strengthens us to do and be good and to serve beyond our own individual desire
and natural capacity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"In my
personal scripture study, I often insert the term 'enabling power' whenever I
encounter the word grace. Consider, for example, this verse with which we are
all familiar: 'We know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can
do' (2 Nephi 25:23). I believe we can learn much about this vital aspect of the
Atonement if we will insert 'enabling and strengthening power' each time we
find the word grace in the scriptures.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"Illustrations
and Implications<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"The
journey of mortality is to go from bad to good to better and to have our very
natures changed. The Book of Mormon is replete with examples of disciples and
prophets who knew, understood, and were transformed by the enabling power of
the Atonement in making that journey. As we come to better understand this
sacred power, our gospel perspective will be greatly enlarged and enriched.
Such a perspective will change us in remarkable ways.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"Nephi is
an example of one who knew, understood, and relied upon the enabling power of
the Savior. Recall that the sons of Lehi had returned to Jerusalem to enlist
Ishmael and his household in their cause. Laman and others in the party
traveling with Nephi from Jerusalem back to the wilderness rebelled, and Nephi
exhorted his brethren to have faith in the Lord. It was at this point in their
journey that Nephi’s brothers bound him with cords and planned his destruction.
Please note Nephi’s prayer: 'O Lord, according to my faith which is in thee,
wilt thou deliver me from the hands of my brethren; yea, even <i>give me strength that I may burst these
bands</i> with which I am bound' (1 Nephi 7:17; emphasis added).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"Do you
know what I likely would have prayed for if I had been tied up by my brothers?
'Please get me out of this mess NOW!' It is especially interesting to me that
Nephi did not pray to have his circumstances changed. Rather, he prayed for the
strength to change his circumstances. And I believe he prayed in this manner
precisely because he knew, understood, and had experienced the enabling power
of the Atonement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"I do not
think the bands with which Nephi was bound just magically fell from his hands
and wrists. Rather, I suspect he was blessed with both persistence and personal
strength beyond his natural capacity, that he then 'in the strength of the
Lord' (Mosiah 9:17) worked and twisted and tugged on the cords, and ultimately
and literally was enabled to break the bands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"The implication
of this episode for each of us is straightforward. As you and I come to
understand and employ the enabling power of the Atonement in our personal
lives, we will pray and seek for strength to change our circumstances rather
than praying for our circumstances to be changed. We will become agents who act
rather than objects that are acted upon (see 2 Nephi 2:14).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"Consider
the example in the Book of Mormon as Alma and his people are persecuted by
Amulon. The voice of the Lord came to these good people in their affliction and
indicated:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">'I will also
ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel
them upon your backs…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">'And now it came
to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made
light; yea, <i>the Lord did strengthen them</i>
that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully
and with patience to all the will of the Lord' (Mosiah 24:14–15; emphasis
added).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"What was
changed in this episode? It was not the burden that changed; the challenges and
difficulties of persecution were not immediately removed from the people. But
Alma and his followers were strengthened, and their increased capacity and
strength made the burdens they bore lighter. These good people were empowered
through the Atonement to act as agents and impact their circumstances. And ‘in
the strength of the Lord’ Alma and his people were then directed to safety in
the land of Zarahemla.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"You
legitimately may be wondering, 'What makes the episode with Alma and his people
an example of the enabling power of the Atonement?' The answer is found in a
comparison of Mosiah 3:19 and Mosiah 24:15.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">'And putteth off
the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord,
and becometh as <i>a child, submissive,
meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things</i> which
the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his
father' (Mosiah 3:19; emphasis added).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"As we
progress in the journey of mortality from bad to good to better, as we put off
the natural man or woman in each of us, and as we strive to become saints and
have our very natures changed, then the attributes detailed in this verse
increasingly should describe the type of person you and I are becoming. We will
become more childlike, more submissive, more patient, and more willing to
submit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"Now
compare these characteristics in Mosiah 3:19 with those used to describe Alma
and his people: 'And <i>they did submit
cheerfully and with patience</i> to all the will of the Lord' (Mosiah 24:15;
emphasis added).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"I find the
parallels between the attributes described in these verses striking and an
indication that Alma’s good people were becoming a better people through the
enabling power of the Atonement of Christ the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Recall the
story of Alma and Amulek contained in Alma 14. In this incident many faithful
Saints had been put to death by fire, and these two servants of the Lord had
been imprisoned and beaten. Consider this petition offered by Alma as he prayed
in prison: 'O Lord, <i>give us strength </i>according
to our faith which is in Christ, even unto deliverance' (Alma 14:26; emphasis
added).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"Here again
we see Alma’s understanding of and confidence in the enabling power of the
Atonement reflected in his request. And note the result of this prayer:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">'And they [Alma
and Amulek] broke the cords with which they were bound; and when the people saw
this, they began to flee, for the fear of destruction had come upon them…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">'And Alma and
Amulek came forth out of the prison, and they were not hurt; for <i>the Lord had granted unto them power</i>,
according to their faith which was in Christ' (Alma 14:26, 28; emphasis added).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"Once again
the enabling power is evident as good people struggle against evil and strive
to become even better and serve more effectively ‘in the strength of the Lord.’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"Another
example from the Book of Mormon is instructive. In Alma 31, Alma is directing a
mission to reclaim the apostate Zoramites, who, after building their
Rameumptom, offer a prescribed and prideful prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"Notice the
plea for strength in Alma’s personal prayer: 'O Lord, wilt thou grant unto me <i>that I may have strength</i>, that I may
suffer with patience these afflictions which shall come upon me, because of the
iniquity of this people' (Alma 31:31; emphasis added).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"Alma also
prays that his missionary companions will receive a similar blessing: “Wilt
thou grant unto them <i>that they may have
strength</i>, that they may bear their afflictions which shall come upon them
because of the iniquities of this people' (Alma 31:33; emphasis added).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"Alma did
not pray to have his afflictions removed. He knew he was an agent of the Lord,
and he prayed for the power to act and affect his situation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"The key
point of this example is contained in the final verse of Alma 31: '<i>[The Lord] gave them strength,</i> that they
should suffer no manner of afflictions, save it were swallowed up in the joy of
Christ. Now this was according to the prayer of Alma; and this because he
prayed in faith' (verse 38; emphasis added).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"The
afflictions were not removed. But Alma and his companions were strengthened and
blessed through the enabling power of the Atonement to 'suffer no manner of
afflictions, save it were swallowed up in the joy of Christ.' What a marvelous blessing. And what a lesson
each of us should learn.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"Examples
of the enabling power are not found only in the scriptures. Daniel W. Jones was
born in 1830 in Missouri, and he joined the Church in California in 1851. In
1856 he participated in the rescue of handcart companies that were stranded in
Wyoming by severe snowstorms. After the rescue party had found the suffering
Saints, provided what immediate comfort they could, and made arrangements for
the sick and the feeble to be transported to Salt Lake City, Daniel and several
other young men volunteered to remain with and safeguard the company’s
possessions. The food and supplies left with Daniel and his colleagues were
meager and rapidly expended. The following quote from Daniel Jones’s personal
journal describes the events that followed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">'Game soon
became so scarce that we could kill nothing. We ate all the poor meat; one
would get hungry eating it. Finally that was all gone, nothing now but hides
were left. We made a trial of them. A lot was cooked and eaten without any
seasoning and it made the whole company sick…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">'Things looked
dark, for nothing remained but the poor raw hides taken from starved cattle. We
asked the Lord to direct us what to do. The brethren did not murmur, but felt
to trust in God. … Finally I was impressed how to fix the stuff and gave the
company advice, telling them how to cook it; for them to scorch and scrape the
hair off; this had a tendency to kill and purify the bad taste that scalding
gave it. After scraping, boil one hour in plenty of water, throwing the water
away which had extracted all the glue, then wash and scrape the hide
thoroughly, washing in cold water, then boil to a jelly and let it get cold,
and then eat with a little sugar sprinkled on it. This was considerable trouble,
but we had little else to do and it was better than starving.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">'We asked the
Lord to bless our stomachs and adapt them to this food. … On eating now all
seemed to relish the feast. We were three days without eating before this
second attempt was made. We enjoyed this sumptuous fare for about six weeks.'3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"In those
circumstances I probably would have prayed for something else to eat: 'Heavenly
Father, please send me a quail or a buffalo.'
It likely would not have occurred to me to pray that my stomach would be
strengthened and adapted to the food we had. What did Daniel W. Jones know? He
knew about the enabling power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He did not pray
that his circumstances would be changed. He prayed that he would be
strengthened to deal with his circumstances. Just as Alma and his people,
Amulek, and Nephi were strengthened, Daniel W. Jones had the spiritual insight
to know what to ask for in that prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"The
enabling power of the Atonement of Christ strengthens us to do things we could
never do on our own. Sometimes I wonder if in our latter-day world of ease—in
our world of microwave ovens and cell phones and air-conditioned cars and
comfortable homes—we ever learn to acknowledge our daily dependence upon the
enabling power of the Atonement...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"The
Savior Knows and Understands<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"In Alma
chapter 7 we learn how and why the Savior is able to provide the enabling
power:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">'He shall go
forth, suffering <i>pains and afflictions</i>
and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which
saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">'And he will
take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his
people; and he will take upon him their <i>infirmities</i>,
that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may
know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their
infirmities' (Alma 7:11–12; emphasis added).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"The Savior
has suffered not just for our iniquities but also for the inequality, the
unfairness, the pain, the anguish, and the emotional distresses that so
frequently beset us. There is no physical pain, no anguish of soul, no
suffering of spirit, no infirmity or weakness that you or I ever experience
during our mortal journey that the Savior did not experience first. You and I
in a moment of weakness may cry out, 'No one understands. No one knows.' No human being, perhaps, knows. But the Son
of God perfectly knows and understands, for He felt and bore our burdens before
we ever did. And because He paid the ultimate price and bore that burden, He
has perfect empathy and can extend to us His arm of mercy in so many phases of
our life. He can reach out, touch, succor—literally run to us—and strengthen us
to be more than we could ever be and help us to do that which we could never do
through relying upon only our own power.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">'Come unto me,
all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">'Take my yoke
upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find
rest unto your souls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">'For my yoke is
easy, and my burden is light' (Matthew 11:28–30).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"I declare
my witness of and appreciation for the infinite and eternal sacrifice of the
Lord Jesus Christ. I know the Savior lives. I have experienced both His
redeeming power and His enabling power, and I testify that these powers are
real and available to each of us. Indeed, “in the strength of the Lord” we can
do and overcome all things as we press forward on our journey of
mortality." (David A. Bednar, "The Atonement and the Journey of
Mortality," Ensign, April 2012)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Notes</span></div>
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</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">See Franklin D. Richards, in Conference
Report, Oct. 1965, 136–37; see also David O.McKay, in Conference Report, Apr.
1954, 26.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Bible Dictionary, “Grace”; emphasis
added.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Daniel W. Jones, Forty Years among the
Indians (n.d.), 57–58.</span></li>
</ol>
<br />
Brent Somershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05825934570588278068noreply@blogger.com0