The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, in song, offers the only solution
to every problem and trial.
I offer this sweet video as a comfort and a meditation
for all families going through hard times;
"Leave to thy God to order and provide;
in every change, He faithful will remain."
"Be still my soul, the Lord is on thy side."
Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.
Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past.
All safe and blessèd we shall meet at last.
God,Jesus,Christianity,Spirituality,Meditation,LDS,Mormon,Christian,Hymns,Praise and Worship,FLDS
Sunday, April 27, 2008
"Be Still My Soul"
Thursday, April 17, 2008
True Conversion
I'm reading this great little book by one of my favorite authors, Elder Neal A. Maxwell, "Moving in His Majestry and Power". It was written in 2004, the manuscript finished just 10 days before his death. There are ten chapters of deep reflection on various subjects. I just finished the chapter entitled, "Conversion" and it has many wonderful insights.
I recall a Church leader, maybe President Hinckley, saying a big concern of the Church should be "retention, retention, retention". In other words, those who choose to join the Church should be retained in the Church. It seems many converts join, but never become active and soon drift away.
Maybe the problem is true conversion. In his chapter, "Conversion", Neal A. Maxwell looks at what true conversion actually is.
Here are some quotes from "Conversion"....
"Baptism is an event, whereas conversion is a process."
"Elder Marion G. Romney taught: " Membership in the Church and conversion are not necessarily synonymous"."
"Of true conversion, President Harold B. Lee said, "The greatest responsibility that a member of Christ's church ever had is to become truly converted--and it is just as important to stay converted....."One is converted when he sees with his eyes what he ought to see; when he hears with his ears what he ought to hear; and when he understands with his heart what he ought to understand---then he is converted."
"Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote several times of conversion, using Peter as an example. Peter who had a testimony and had witnessed miracles, nevertheless was instructed, "When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."(Luke 22:32) . Yet, "after all the experience he had had, after all the testimonies he had borne, how is it that Peter could not yet be classified as a convert?....There was something more that was going to come into the life of Peter to convert him, something more than already had come, in spite of all the marvelous things he had seen and in which he had participated." (Sermons and Writings)
"With most people, the conversion is a process; and it goes step by step, degree by degree, level by level, from a lower state to a higher state, from grace to grace...."
"We all exclaim over the verse in the Book of Mormon about "those who were converted unto the Lord, and never did fall away."(Alma 23:6) One can't help but envy that outcome, but we seldom pay attention to the prepositional phrase "converted unto the Lord", the best adhesive to ensure our discipleship."
"The Church's General Handbook of Instruction says, "Individuals have the primary responsibility for their own conversion".... and "Conversion is a lifelong process."
"How can we know how we are doing? Jesus says, in effect, we are heaven-bound if we are becoming more childlike (see Matthew 18:3) King Benjamin delineated that kind of childlikeness: "Submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father" (Mosiah 3:19)
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
The Joseph Smith Papers Project
In the News
Joseph Smith Papers Project
by Shannon Johnson
LDS Living News
A new collection of Joseph Smith papers will be available beginning fall of this year. The Joseph Smith Papers Project is one of the largest in Church history and will enable the public to have access to essential primary documents from the life of Joseph Smith. At the end of publication, the project will consist of more than thirty volumes. But that will take a while. Publication starts in 2008, but the project is so big, only two to three volumes a year will be able to be published.
The papers project will work to provide insight into the prophet’s life as a reference work for scholars and those seeking answers about Joseph Smith, early Mormonism, or Church history. The series will include revelations and translations, journals, documents, legal and business items, historical records, and administrative documents.
The project’s general editor Dean C. Jessee joined the Church Historian’s Office staff in the late 1960s. In all the stacks of documents he found, Joseph Smith’s manuscripts seemed to fascinate him more than the others. “Of all the American visionaries of his time,” he wrote, “Smith had the most lasting impact.”
Jessee produced The Personal Writings of Joseph Smith in 1984 and 2002 and two volumes of The Papers of Joseph Smith in 1989 and 1992, the latter serving as the springboard for the new project. Church and university leaders authorized the establishment of the Joseph Smith Papers Project in spring 2001, and BYU scholars joined with Church Archives to extend Jessee’s earlier work with the help of funding from Larry H. and Gail Miller.
On the Joseph Smith Paper’s website, Ronald K. Esplin, managing editor for the project, says, “Today’s project is not just larger (in scope, in number of volumes, and in number of people involved), but more complex than anything done on Joseph Smith up to this time.”
The site also explains the audiences the projects is intended for: “Most editions need to be concerned mainly with scholarly readers, but the Joseph Smith papers have two audiences, each of which may require different kinds of explanations. Scholarly readers may understand the American historical context for our story but know little of Mormonism. Latter-day Saint readers will know a good deal about the Church and its history, but much less about the broader historical context. All readers will benefit from understanding better the detailed historical circumstances from which the documents emerge and which they, in turn, illuminate.”
The project will not be a documentary history, but rather a comprehensive edition of all existent Joseph Smith documents, including letters, journals, minutes, and histories. Materials to support and provide context will include biographical and geographical directories, glossaries, historical maps, charts, and chronology for periods featured in each specific volume.
Visit josephsmithpapers.net for more information.
God,Jesus,Christianity,Spirituality,Meditation,LDS,Mormon,Christian,Hymns,Praise and Worship
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Integrating the Spirit in BYU Football
In the News
Mendenhall, looking at the footnotes down toward the bottom of the page, said that he did not see the words, "except if you're a football coach."
God,Jesus,Christianity,Spirituality,Meditation,LDS,Mormon,Christian,Hymns,Praise and Worship
God is Good! All is Well !
Yesterday, was finally like the first day of Spring here, after a long winter. It was near 80 degrees and flowers were bursting out all over.
Yesterday, was also the day I went to a doctor who is a cancer specialist to schedule my surgery for endometrial cancer.
Somehow, at first, the contrast of the beautiful weather and the doctor appointment seemed completely "at odds" with each other.
But, on further reflection, I could see the "hand of God" in both. I am so very blessed. All I ever need do, regardless of the seeming circumstances, is stay in Praise! God is good. All is well.
"I will make today A Day of Praise, Lift my voice and sing Your name, For the glory of heaven, The mercy of Your ways, I will make today A Day of Praise, I will make today A Day of Praise!"
"Come, come, ye saints, no toil nor labor fear;
But with joy, wend your way.
Though hard to you this journey may appear,
Grace shall be as your day.’
Tis better far for us to strive
Our useless cares from us to drive;
Do this, and joy your hearts will swell
All is well! All is well!
Why should we mourn or think our lot is hard?’
Tis not so, all is right.
Why should we think to earn a great reward,
If we now shun the fight?
Gird up your loins; fresh courage take;
Our God will never us forsake,
And soon we’ll have this tale to tell,
All is well! All is well!
We’ll find the place which God for us prepared,
In His house full of light,
Where none shall come to hurt or make afraid;
There the saints will shine bright.
We’ll make the air with music ring,
Shout praises to our God and King;
Above the rest these words we’ll tell,
All is well! All is well!
And should we die before our journey’s through,
Happy day! All is well!
We then are free from toil and sorrow, too;
With the just we shall dwell!
But if our lives are spared again
To see the saints their rest obtain,
O how we’ll make this chorus swell,
All is well! All is well!"
God,Jesus,Christianity,Spirituality,Meditation,LDS,Mormon,Christian,Hymns,Praise and Worship
"Peace of Heart"
from "Music and the Spoken Word"
Peace of Heart
By: Lloyd D. Newell
"Sometimes peace comes in the most unexpected ways. A long time ago, when the ancient Israelites were battling the Philistines in the valley of Elah, peace must have seemed impossible. Each day for 40 days, the Philistines’ nine-and-a-half-foot giant, Goliath, wearing a helmet of brass and heavy armor, challenged the Israelites to fight, but the Israelites were afraid to take any action, immobilized with fear. Surrender and slavery to the Philistines seemed to be the only hope for peace.
But young David showed them another way. He assured King Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of [Goliath]; thy servant will go and fight.” David, a mere boy, refused the king’s armor and sword and refused to believe that he would be defeated. Instead, he carried the slingshot he used to defend his father’s sheep and, with great confidence born of faith, faced the giant. The rest is history. He was victorious, and his people at last had peace.
We all face giants of other forms that can fill us with fear—giants that might make peace seem out of reach for a time. Perhaps we need to have an important conversation that we’ve been putting off; perhaps we need to seek forgiveness from someone we love. Maybe we need to seek medical attention, overcome a personal weakness, or pay a mounting debt. It may be tempting to do as the Israelites did and cower in fear on the other side of the hill. But how much peace did they have there?
Peace is not just the absence of adversity; peace of heart comes when we face up to the battles of life all around us. Even when circumstances seem overwhelming, we can do as David did and, with faith unshakable, confront our problems and face our fears, depending on the Lord for strength. "
God,Jesus,Christianity,Spirituality,Meditation,LDS,Mormon,Christian,Hymns,Praise and Worship
Saturday, April 12, 2008
"Not My Will, but Thine"
New, in a single volume, from the writings of Elder Neal A. Maxwell, "Not My Will, but Thine"
Available at DeseretBook.com
"The spiritual life consists of many virtues and activities — earnest prayer, scripture study, love of fellowman, caring service — to name a few. Undergirding all, it seems, is attitude toward God.
Here Elder Neal A. Maxwell shows how crucial is that element. For the disciple, he points out, the teaching and example of Jesus Christ shows an inescapable pattern -- submission always to the Father's will. The Savior's greatest test and greatest triumph — the love-inspired Atonement — capsulizes and personifies this spirit: "Not my will, but thine." As he bore and "learned . . . obedience by the things which he suffered," so we should bear our infinitely lighter burdens or problems, whether they result from life's vicissitudes or from our Father's deliberate tutor process. We should, as King Benjamin put it, submit to God's will "even as a child doth submit to his father."
The author offers sound advice on the compelling reasons as well as on the "how-to." One reason is that there is no way to go around this life — we have to go through it. As with the Prophet Joseph, "all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good" — they signify that the Lord finds us worthy, at least potentially, of his tutorial care, which may include some custom-made trials. But there is a glorious promise for those who "endure well" — no less than eternal life, God's greatest gift.
In this superbly creative style the author explores this important principle of willing, loving submission to our Heavenly Father. He clearly shows this to be not a sacrifice of will but an elevation to a higher purpose and privilege. As such, it offers a life of faith, peace, and joy in the Lord. "
God,Jesus,Christianity,Spirituality,Meditation,LDS,Mormon,Christian,Hymns,Praise and Worship
Thursday, April 10, 2008
LDS Women's Conference at BYU Features Speaker and Author Sheri Dew
BYU Prepares for Women's Conference
by Shannon Johnson
LDS Living News
BYU will host their annual Women’s Conference May 1 and 2. Former second counselor of the general Relief Society presidency Sheri Dew will introduce the 2008 theme Awake, Arise and Come unto Him during the opening general session held in the Marriott Center. Julie B. Beck, Elder Merrill J. Bateman and his wife Marilyn, and one of the senior brethren of the Church will speak in four general sessions throughout the two-day conference.
The event has grown to nearly 17,000 participants since its beginning in 1975. Originally planned and attended by a small group of BYU students, the conference was opened to welcome all women in 1979 with the support of Jeffrey R. Holland and Dallin H. Oaks. Holland described that he hoped the conference would, “. . . provide a rich experience for women—young and old, married and single, mothers and daughters . . . [with] conference content full of intellectual stimulation, cultural enrichment, and spiritual affirmation.” In 1991 the General Relief Society became a cosponsor of the event.
Three one-hour sessions will be held between both of the morning and evening general sessions. The program offers a variety of topics to choose from with 90 concurrent sessions in 17 venues and insights from over 200 presenters. A few subjects include single parenting, media choices for the family, missionary work, marriage, returning to the workplace, modesty, the influence of grandmothers, and learning to listen.
The Thursday “Make the Pathway Bright” event, held from 5–9 p.m., will celebrate the tenth annual service component. This celebration, complete with food and fun, gives women the opportunity to enjoy cultural and service activities. Past projects have included knit booties, ABC coloring books, comfort pillows, and twin quilts. It is hoped that the service part of the conference will fulfill two purposes: to “fill a need and light a fire.” The event aims to spark a resolve to serve, and for women to return home with a desire to implement service in their homes, neighborhoods, and communities.
The BYU Women’s Conference is the university’s second largest continuing education offering, and unites women from all over United States and Canada to join together to be uplifted and encouraged.
The conference will be available with a delayed broadcast on KBYU-TV in Utah and BYUTV nationwide, translations of general sessions in Spanish, and selected talks available online. All women 16 and over who wish to attend can register online (click here for more information), over the phone, or in person the morning of the conference.
God,Jesus,Christianity,Spirituality,Meditation,LDS,Mormon,Christian,Hymns,Praise and Worship
LDS is Fourth Largest Church in America
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the fourth largest in membership and has the number one growth percentage of the top ten.
2008 Yearbook of Churches
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Wednesday, April 9, 2008
"Emma Smith, My Story" Movie Begins April 11th
"By the side of the founder of a new faith stood an elect lady of undeniable courage.
From Emma’s point of view, we see the events that molded the wife of the Prophet Joseph Smith (founder of the Mormon faith) into a strong and compassionate woman. The film begins near the end of Emma's life. Her adopted daughter, Julia Murdock Smith, returns home to Emma and shares several hardships she has had. Emma relates to Julia some of her own life's experiences to give her a different perspective and illustrate the importance of maintaining faith amid such trials."
Check out the the official movie website
Emma Smith, My Story
Here you will find a movie trailer, showtimes, and a short video showing
"behind the scenes" of the making of the movie, with the actors and directors.
And you can also sign up for email updates about the movie.
God,Jesus,Christianity,Spirituality,Meditation,LDS,Mormon,Christian,Hymns,Praise and Worship
Monday, April 7, 2008
LDS Conferences Blessings Summary
In the News
President Thomas S. Monson issued an appeal Sunday for those who have left the LDS Church to come back, and for church members to respect people whose beliefs differ from theirs.Speaking Sunday morning during the fourth session of the 178th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he said, "Change for the better can come to all. Over the years we have issued appeals to the less active, the offended, the critic, the transgressor -- to come back. 'Come back and feast at the table of the Lord and taste again the sweet and satisfying fruits of fellowship with the Saints.'""We reach out to you in the pure love of Christ and express our desire to assist you and to welcome you into full fellowship"
It was his first address to the general church membership since he was announced as president on Feb. 4.He also continued a theme that his predecessor, President Gordon B. Hinckley, emphasized: kindness to all.President Monson encouraged Latter-day Saints to show kindness and respect for all people everywhere -- including their own families. He said the Savior "went about doing good ... for God was with him. May we follow that perfect example.""The world in which we live is filled with diversity. We can and should demonstrate respect toward those whose beliefs differ from ours."He also expressed deep humility at finding himself in his present position, more than 44 years after he was sustained as an apostle in October 1963.
"I assure you that I was humbled by my call to the Twelve at that time. However, as I stand at this pulpit today, I address you from the absolute depths of humility. I feel very keenly my dependence upon the Lord."He reflected on Saturday morning's solemn assembly, where he was sustained as the 16th president of the church by members worldwide. "As your hands were raised toward heaven, my heart was touched.
"President Monson also acknowledged the 15 men who preceded him as church president. "I am grateful for the abiding legacy left by each one of these 15 men." He praised President Gordon B. Hinckley for his foresight and vision to construct the Conference Center, saying his predecessor was loved by all.
Sunday afternoon, he closed the fifth and final session of the conference by recalling details of a recent accident his wife suffered. The two will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary in October, he said.Frances Monson suffered a terrible fall and was in a coma in the hospital for 27 days. "She never moved a muscle," he said. He, his children and grandchildren worried and wept. Then one day she opened her eyes.
"I set a speed record getting to her side," President Monson said. After they exchanged expressions of love, she admitted she had failed to mail their most recent quarterly tax payment, he said, drawing laughter from the audience. He then urged husbands and wives to love and care for each other more attentively.
Sunday's two conference sessions featured 15 sermons on a variety of gospel subjects, including tithing, revelation, prayer, the role of the Twelve apostles, spiritual rebirth, the role of mothers, true religion and more.President Monson described the messages delivered at conference as "rapid fire," containing a "smorgasbord of faith, love and counsel. ... Let's incorporate it in our lives," he urged.He asked parents to "show love to your children" and stressed better temple attendance as a way to increase spirituality."Brothers and sisters, this has been a wonderful conference. We have been edified and our testimonies strengthened. Let us rededicate our lives to live the gospel," he said.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson, sustained Saturday as the newest member of the Quorum of the Twelve, told church members Sunday morning that spiritual rebirth "originates with faith in Jesus Christ." He said most people looking for a spiritual rebirth experience "a mighty change of heart" gradually as a spiritual journey, rather than as a sudden, dramatic event.Even so, "Let us not justify ourselves in a casual effort. Let us not be content to retain some disposition to do evil.""I plead with my Heavenly Father to sustain me as he ever has, that I might measure up to something that is far beyond my native capacity and be able to focus outwardly upon losing myself in your service," Elder Christofferson said.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf spoke Sunday morning about the "Faith of Our Father." He said such faith goes beyond the sacrifices of valiant pioneers who settled in the Salt Lake Valley, or personal family heritage. He spoke to those who hesitate to join the LDS Church because they feel they may disappoint family members."True religion should not originate from what pleases men or the traditions of ancestors but rather from what pleases God, our Eternal Father," he said.
President Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve addressed the role of that group during Christ's original ministry and in today's restored church."We do not hear the priesthood keys being exercised in other Christian churches," he said. "It seems odd that we are described by some as being non-Christian when we are the only ones who have the authority and the organization that (Christ) established."The present (members of the) Twelve are very ordinary people. They are not, as the original Twelve were not, spectacular individually, but collectively the Twelve are a power.
"Elder Jeffrey R. Holland told the audience that those who heard President Monson's Sunday morning address had been "eyewitnesses" to the "settling of the mantle" of leadership on the shoulders of the new president.After addressing characterizations during the October 2007 conference that LDS views of the Godhead make the faith "non-Christian," Elder Holland said a second claim of critics -- that true Christianity has a "closed canon" of scripture -- is not supported by scholarly evidence.Latter-day Saints claim continuing revelation and an open scriptural canon, and careful study of the history of how scripture has been obtained supports the conclusion that God speaks to the faithful of all ages, Elder Holland said.
Elder M. Russell Ballard spoke specifically to young mothers on Sunday afternoon. He suggested ways to help reduce the stress of caring for young children: enjoying the journey, avoiding overscheduling family members, finding time for oneself to cultivate personal interests, and building spirituality through prayer, study and teaching children gospel principles.He told parents to "take time to listen, to laugh and to play together."
Elder David A. Bednar talked on prayer, urging "meaningful" communication with God.Elder Robert R. Steuer of the Quorums of the Seventy said Sunday afternoon said "spiritual light must burn within us," if we are to prosper in these marvelous times that lack peace.Elder Sheldon F. Child of the Quorums of the Seventy said, paying an honest tithing will be the best investment you will ever make.Sunday afternoon, Elder Craig C. Christensen of the Quorums of the Seventy said the Book of Mormon was a book with a promise, while Elder Lance B. Wickman advised members to "seize today," a time granted unto men to repent, forgive others and serve God.Elder W. Craig Zwick warned against any compromise with evil. "We will not yield. We cannot yield," he said.Sister Susan W. Tanner, who was released Saturday as Young Women general president, expressed appreciation for the support of her family. "I delight in, more than I can express, the eternal love and constant help of my husband and the prayers and support of my children and parents during these years of my service."
God,Jesus,Christianity,Spirituality,Meditation,LDS,Mormon,Christian,Hymns,Praise and Worship
Sunday, April 6, 2008
President Thomas S. Monson Affirmed at LDS Conference
In the News
Monson Affirmed Presiding Over First LDS General Conference
by Jennifer Dobner
- The Associated Press
SALT LAKE CITY - By the thousands, faithful Mormons on Saturday stood with upraised hands in support of Thomas S. Monson, the newly appointed president of their church.
Monson took over The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in February after the death of Gordon B. Hinckley, but the faith traditionally calls for a sustaining vote by members in a ceremony known as the solemn assembly.
The ceremony calls for each church organization _ from it's First Presidency to youth organizations _ to stand individually when called to cast their votes. The ceremony has been practiced since 1880, when John Taylor was named president of the church.
Mormons last held an assembly in April 1995, when Hinckley was named president. He was remembered on Saturday by church apostle Russell M. Nelson, who said all Latter-day Saints felt a deep sense of loss with the 97-year-old Hinckley's Jan. 27 passing.
``However we have felt our mood shift from grief to gratitude, said Nelson. ``We are very grateful for the what we have learned from this great prophet of God.
Monson, 80, is the youngest church president since 1973 and the 16th president of the American-born denomination, which claims 13 million members worldwide. Since the early part of the 20th Century the church has followed a system of apostolic succession in selecting its president. The position passes automatically to the next most-senior member of the church's Quorum of Twelve Apostles, the second-highest leadership circle.
Monson is a familiar face to Latter-day Saints. A church apostle for more than 40 years, he has long been a featured speaker at the twice-yearly conferences and served as a Salt Lake City emissary at church gatherings around the world.
Church members gather in April and October to hear words of inspiration and guidance from leaders. More than 100,000 will attend the two-days of conference sessions, which are also broadcast in more than 80 languages on radio, television, closed-circuit satellite and the Internet.
Monson was expected to make his first conference address as president to a Saturday night gathering that is limited to male members of the church who hold the priesthood, a church public relations officers said. He is expected to speak to the full membership Sunday morning.
Monson's choice of counselors in his presidency, Henry B. Eyring and Dieter F. Uchtdorf, were also affirmed Saturday. Members also gave approval to the selection of D. Todd Christofferson as an apostle.
Christofferson, 63, has most recently served the church as a supervisor over church activity in parts of the U.S., including California, Hawaii and the Northwest. A Utah native, he was previously the executive director of the church's Family and Church History Department .
God,Jesus,Christianity,Spirituality,Meditation,LDS,Mormon,Christian,Hymns,Praise and Worship
Saturday, April 5, 2008
The Importance and Blessings of Prayer
In anticipation of this weekend's General Conference, it is a great time to devote ourselves to the blessings and importance of Prayer. In the following article by Chauncey C. Riddle from March 1975, we examine the Purpose of Prayer, How to Pray, the Importance of Meditation, the Power of Prayer, and the Fruits of Prayer. We can prepare ourselves through the Gift of Prayer for this weekend's General Conference blessings and for the blessings of today!
Ensign, Mar 1975, 15
Praying is more than “saying prayers.” True prayer is an experience that takes place under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
One fundamental distinction between the saint and what the scriptures call the “natural man” is in their use of prayer. The natural man may say prayers, but it is not a spiritual experience for him. He is only reacting to his physical environment as he has been instructed or as he thinks prudent. Praying, as distinct from merely saying prayers, has a spiritual dimension. The transformation from a natural man to a saint is marked by the ability to recognize and to respond to spiritual environment.
The person who is learning to be a saint must learn about the nature of God and man and the world, about the gospel and the Church of Jesus Christ. He must learn to control himself in faith, repentance, fasting, and mighty prayer, and in using the Holy Spirit as his guide. Finally, he must successfully use the understanding he has to bring to pass much righteousness. He then has something of infinite worth: the ability to do good in this world. As an intelligent man could not expect to step into a modern jet aircraft and fly it successfully without much learning and training, so such a man would not think that he could pray successfully without even greater preparation for that more difficult task.
What is the Purpose of Prayer?
We live in a universe of order. Law governs and controls all things, both physical and spiritual. This is another way of saying that there is a regularity of causes and effects apparent everywhere. One application of this principle is that all things act (effects) in relation to their environment (causes). Some things are acted upon; they simply react in a regular way to what is happening in the environment. Water solidifies when the surroundings are cold, boils away when they are hot, and flows freely when the surroundings are at a medium temperature.
Some people suppose that man is like water, only responding to his natural environment. They observe that men buy what is advertised, shun that which is disgraced, cleave unto that which is pleasurable. These people predict successfully what most men will do by assessing their physical environment. They can do this because the natural man is not free. He is acted upon like water. Since most men are natural, the accuracy of such predictions runs high.
But, thanks to God, no natural man need remain natural. Though he must respond to his environment under the law of cause and effect, all men who have heard the gospel of Jesus Christ preached with the power of the Holy Ghost have a choice of environments. Having heard, they then can choose between reacting to their physical environment, as does the natural man, or they can react to the spiritual environment of which the gospel makes them aware. As long as the Holy Spirit labors with them, they can choose to respond to either one. This is the agency, the freedom of man: to choose to be natural, governed by the physical environment and their own flesh, or to be spiritual, governed by their own spirit as it yields to the Holy Spirit.
“Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great mediation of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.
“And now, my sons, I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit;
“And not choose eternal death, according to the will of the flesh and the evil which is therein, which giveth the spirit of the devil power to captivate, to bring you down to hell, that he may reign over you in his own kingdom.” (2 Ne. 2:27–29.)
Prayer is turning to the spiritual. It is seeking the will and the power of God through the Holy Spirit in order to yield to the spiritual order of reality. It is the key to the companionship of the Holy Spirit. Having that companionship, one need not lapse into the control of the lusts of the flesh and the pressures of the world. It is choosing to be part of the realm where God reigns, where his will is done. It is a rejection of the opinions and wisdom of men who know not God. It is the beginning of salvation. Oh how great the goodness of our God, who prepares a way for us to escape from the deadly and desultory causes of the natural, fallen world!
Prayer is communion with the Almighty. He who finds himself aghast at the evil order of this world will likely seek something better. As he prays he discovers that the power of God reaches down into this fallen realm with a sweet, peaceful, assuring, and comforting influence that gives witness of truth, hope for a better world, and power to withstand evil. Without the opportunity to pray and to receive those precious gifts from the Holy Spirit, man would not be free. He would indeed be the trapped, damned animal he is thought to be by those who do not know God.
“And now, my beloved brethren, I perceive that ye ponder still in your hearts; and it grieveth me that I must speak concerning this thing. For if ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray ye would know that he must pray; for the evil spirit teacheth not a man to pray, but teacheth him that he must not pray.
“But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform anything unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul.” (2 Ne. 32:8–9.)
How to Pray
When a person “says prayers” he is doing something stimulated by his physical environment. He is repeating words and phrases appropriate to some time or circumstance such as mealtime or the beginning of a meeting. Saying prayers is not a bad thing to do. But it is insufficient.
True prayer begins with a yearning in the soul of man, a reaching out for spiritual contact with God. True prayer grows in strength and efficacy as the Holy Spirit enlivens and guides the yearning soul. The ultimate of true prayer comes as a man is able to submit himself completely to the Lord God whom he has come to love; then what he prays for and how he prays are given to him by the Holy Spirit. This prayer is the obedient response of a little child who, with wonder, awe, and gratitude, worships the true and living God. Of himself, the child of God doesn’t know what to ask for. But through spiritual insight he sees the hand of his Father in all things. His bosom swells with gratitude as he glimpses the wondrous work of godliness. As he is given, he asks for those things which are good in the sight of his God and gives praise and thanks in the same manner. The theme of all is the phrase used by the Savior: “Thy will, not mine, be done.”
“And if ye are purified and cleansed from all sin, ye shall ask whatsoever you will in the name of Jesus and it shall be done.
“But know this, it shall be given you what you shall ask.” (D&C 50:29–30.)
It may seem strange that in certain prayers one might simply repeat what he is given to say by the Holy Spirit unless one realizes that true prayer is worship. Its essence is a feeling of the heart. The measure of a prayer is the intensity and the depth of that feeling. Does one hunger to do good in this world? Does that feeling wholly fill his soul? Is he oblivious to everything else but the fact that he is in the presence of his beloved Master? Does he cry out from anguish at the realization of his own nothingness contrasted with the goodness of God? Does he receive the Holy Spirit as a consuming fire to burn out the dross within, almost unto the consuming of his flesh? If these things take place, the child of God is achieving and experiencing what the scriptures call “mighty prayer.” While it is true that this may not happen every day or even often, what poverty of soul entraps one who has never felt the fire of mighty prayer! Having achieved full worship even once would color and heighten every prayer thereafter, for the remainder of one’s life.
To pray, then, one must understand the nature and attributes of God. He must receive of the Holy Spirit and worship in spirit and truth. The more he can deliver himself, body and spirit, to what the Spirit shows him is good, the more humble is his prayer. The more he can focus all that he is and has, the more mighty that worship.
Small wonder that prayer at its greatest is private and individual, a thing done with the door shut. How strange to think of being seen by men at the same time as being honored by God. No wonder the life of a faithful saint is a constant communion with the Master, no matter what else is happening.
“Behold, I went to hunt beasts in the forests; and the words which I had often heard my father speak concerning eternal life, and the joy of the saints, sunk deep into my heart.
“And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens.” (Enos 1:3–4.)
Meditation
The helpmate of mighty prayer is meditation. In meditating, one tries to minimize his involvements with the physical world for a time in order to concentrate on something inner, on ideas and feelings. As a person prays sincerely with the Holy Spirit as his guide, that Spirit will bring to him many thoughts and feelings. This is part of the process of revelation. To take full advantage of this revelation, one would do well to mull over the matter under consideration, piecing together what one already knows with the new insights received.
It is one thing to have a revelation. It is quite another to understand and obey. Understanding comes in the process of careful, prayerful reflections of meditation upon what one has received. To pray is often like asking for food and then being blessed with a sumptuous meal. What would you think of a person who, when thus honored, merely took a sniff, then put the meal on a shelf and left it? Though greatly blessed, he would not be nourished.
So it may be with those who pray and do not meditate. They may have much but may be little edified.
Meditation cannot be taught, because it is something personal and private; it is the venturing of the soul into the unknown. But it can be learned by anyone who has the courage to think for himself. A likely initiation to meditation is to ponder the scriptures, the words of the living and the dead prophets of God. Banish all commentaries for a moment; forget hearsay teachings. What does the Lord actually say? What does the Spirit whisper as to how this passage or that doctrine should be understood? Where two scriptures appear at first reading to be contrary, what is the real intent of each?
That soul who has bravely ventured into the sea of scriptural interpretation, who humbly seeks the guidance of the Holy Spirit and rejects the opinions of men, soon makes a marvelous discovery. In the midst of the tumult of human interpretation there is a rock! He cannot see it, for it is spiritual, but he can plant his feet firmly upon it. Then the winds and waves of opinion can beat upon him from any direction. He is no longer tossed to and fro by every wind and wave, but rests firmly on that rock, and on his own two feet. He now has a foundation for his salvation. He has found the rock of revelation from the Savior.
In mulling and pondering the scriptures, our venturer has found the Holy Spirit to be an able and willing guide as well as a comfort and a bulwark. Flashes of insight come. Now he sees how God is both just and merciful. He rejoices to learn how God can govern and control all things yet man can be free. He is overcome as he glimpses what the Savior has done for him. Now, having his own light from eternity, he is a new person, a little child born again in the image of the Master.
Having learned to think, to meditate upon the scriptures, the venturer is now prepared to meditate upon the spiritual gifts that come in connection with his own prayers. Now mighty prayer is so rich an experience that he can hardly contain it. Ideas, hopes, and feelings tumble into his mind, then are carefully fit together under spiritual guidance, into the fabric of his new life. They become part of his robe of righteousness as he prepares to meet the Bridegroom.
He who learns to meditate on the things of the Holy Spirit need never suffer the rebuke that came to Oliver Cowdery:
“Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.
“But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.
“But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me.
“Now, if you had known this you could have translated; nevertheless, it is not expedient that you should translate now.
“Behold, it was expedient when you commenced; but you feared and the time is past, and it is not expedient now.” (D&C 9:7–11.)
Consultation
As a spiritual experience and an access to spiritual life, prayer is like anything of great power is: when misapplied the harm possible is equal to or greater than the good that can be gained from it when correctly applied. The possibility exists in prayer that Satan, who also is a spiritual being and who also delights to give people “revelation,” may attempt to pawn off his own influence as a substitute for the ministrations of the Holy Spirit. The past is full of examples of these devious actions of the adversary beginning with Adam and Eve and extending down to his latest attempts on our own spiritual lives.
When people pray, and especially when they try to make prayer a spiritual experience, Satan stands ready to counterfeit. Some telltale evidences of his influence are feelings that we should give in to the desires of our flesh, that we should do something contrary to the teachings of the scriptures, that we should do things that will bring us the honors of men or the rewards of this world. But the real test is not that simple, for there are occasions when the Lord would have us do something different from what others have been commanded to do, or he may lead us to have the honors of men and rewards of this world. We must be sure that it is the Lord that whispers to us.
One learns to discern the voice of the Spirit through experience. In following spiritual guidance, one can learn surely to tell the difference between the enticings of the Holy Spirit and the temptations of the adversary. To be sure in discerning that difference is perhaps the most essential feature of the transformation of the natural man into the saint. Only then can one show in his life that full and heart-felt faith which is the only means of pleasing God.
It is the heritage of every child in the stakes of Zion to learn from his father and mother how to recognize and live by the still, small voice of the Spirit, thus to know how to worship in mighty prayer. As the children of Zion come to know the voice of the Lord, then can they unite in those mighty prayers that are part of bearing off the Kingdom in triumph.
“And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins.
“For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived—verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day.
“And the earth shall be given unto them for an inheritance; and they shall multiply and wax strong, and their children shall grow up without sin unto salvation.” (D&C 45:56–58.)
The Fruit
Another great form of worship of God is the consequence of true prayer. True and mighty prayer ought to lead above all to the doing of righteous deeds. As we pray and partake of the power and true order of heaven, we then should seek to translate the spiritual gifts we have received into the physical actions of our lives. Righteousness is blessing others. Our Master, Jesus Christ, is the fountain of all righteousness. As we humbly pray in his name we are filled with his wisdom, with his compassion, with his concern for the poor and the needy, with his concern for those who sit in darkness. Being filled with his love, we then go and do those things which we have been shown. In so doing, his pure love becomes our pure love for others.
Is there a problem in this world that worship of the Lord Jesus Christ cannot solve? If we worship in spirit and in truth, in mighty prayer and in righteous deeds, every problem will find a happy ending. Thus it is that the stone cut out of the mountain without hands will roll forth until it fills the whole earth with love, the pure love of Christ.
“Therefore may God grant unto you, my brethren, that ye may begin to exercise your faith unto repentance, that ye begin to call upon his holy name, that he would have mercy upon you;
“Yea, cry unto him for mercy; for he is mighty to save.
“Yea, humble yourselves, and continue in prayer unto him.
“Cry unto him when ye are in your fields, yea, over all your flocks.
“Cry unto him in your houses, yea, over all your household, both morning, mid-day, and evening.
“Yea, cry unto him against the power of your enemies.
“Yea, cry unto him against the devil, who is an enemy to all righteousness.
“Cry unto him over the crops of your fields, that ye may prosper in them.
“Cry over the flocks of your fields, that they may increase.
“But this is not all; ye must pour out your souls in your closets, and your secret places, and in your wilderness.
“Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around you.
“And now behold, my beloved brethren, I say unto you, do not suppose that this is all; for after ye have done all these things, if ye turn away the needy, and the naked, and visit not the sick and afflicted, and impart of your substance, if ye have, to those who stand in need—I say unto you, if ye do not any of these things, behold, your prayer is vain, and availeth you nothing, and ye are as hypocrites who do deny the faith.” (Alma 34:17–28.)
Notes
Dr. Chauncey C. Riddle, professor of philosophy and dean of the Graduate School at Brigham Young University, serves as Sunday School teacher in Orem 16th Ward, Orem Utah Sharon Stake.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Just for Fun ~ 2008 BYU Football Schedule
The BYU Campus is one of the prettiest in the world and one of my most favorite places to visit and hang out.
I've been to one BYU football game, back in 2006 when they overwhelmed Tulsa. What fun!!!
My dream is to move to Provo, Utah by this Fall, just in time for football season!
Check out beautiful BYU Campus:
BYU Webcam
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Thursday, April 3, 2008
Parley Pratt Returning to Utah
Parley P. Pratt was a distant relative of Governor Mitt RomneyThe Associated Press
The remains of an early Mormon leader murdered 151 years ago in Arkansas can be moved to Utah for burial as long as other burial sites are not disturbed, a judge has ruled. A descendant of Parley Parker Pratt, an original member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, was granted a petition to remove the remains from a Mormon-owned cemetery near Rudy for burial at Salt Lake City Cemetery. One of Pratt's dying wishes was for his body to be returned to Utah, said attorney Robert J. Grow of Salt Lake City, a great-great-great grandson.
Read Entire Article Here
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Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Emma Smith, a Woman of Faith
"How Much Can One Heart Take?"
*******************
The new movie, "Emma Smith, My Story" will open in selected theaters in about 11 days. What an amazing story, I can't wait to see it.
Here is an interesting article by Emma Smith's great-great granddaughter, Gracia N. Jones.
My Great-Great-Grandmother, Emma Hale Smith
By Gracia N. Jones
Ensign » 1992 » August
Especially interesting is the paragraph about Emma Smith's vivid dream a few days before her death:
"A Promise Fulfilled
Emma lived almost thirty-five years after the martyrdom of her Prophet-husband. She died 30 April 1879 in her seventy-fifth year. In her last years she was greatly loved, and in the last hours of her life she was attended by her family: Louis Bidamon, Julia, Joseph III, 26 and Alexander. According to Alexander, Emma seemed to sink away, but then she raised up and stretched out her hand, calling, “Joseph! Joseph!” Falling back on Alexander’s arm, she clasped her hands on her bosom, and her spirit was gone. Both Alexander and Joseph thought she was calling for her son Joseph, but later, Alexander learned more about the incident. Sister Elizabeth Revel, Emma’s nurse, explained that a few days earlier Emma had told her that Joseph came to her in a vision and said, “Emma, come with me, it is time for you to come with me.” “As Emma related it, she said, ‘I put on my bonnet and my shawl and went with him; I did not think that it was anything unusual. I went with him into a mansion, and he showed me through the different apartments of that beautiful mansion.’ And one room was the nursery. In that nursery was a babe in the cradle. She said, ‘I knew my babe, my Don Carlos that was taken from me.’ She sprang forward, caught the child up in her arms, and wept with joy over the child. When Emma recovered herself sufficient she turned to Joseph and said, ‘Joseph, where are the rest of my children.’ He said to her, ‘Emma, be patient and you shall have all of your children.’ Then she saw standing by his side a personage of light, even the Lord Jesus Christ.” 27 "
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"Bound for the Promised Land"
This is one of my most favorite Christian hymns. It is rousing and uplifting and just makes you feel SO good. Most of all, it gives perspective to the day and what matters most.
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir sings Mack Wilberg's arrangment of the traditional folk hymn "Bound for the Promised Land."
On Jordan's stormy banks I stand
And cast a wishful eye
To Canaan's fair and happy land,
Where my possesions lie.
Chorus
I am bound for the promised land,
I am bound for the promised land
O who will come and go with me
I am bound for the promised land.
O the transporting rapt'rous scene
That rises to my sight;
Sweet fields arrayed in living green
And rivers of Delight.
Chorus
I am bound for the promised land,
I am bound for the promised land
O who will come and go with me
I am bound for the promised land.
There generous fruits that never fail
On trees immortal grow;
There rocks and hills and brooks and vales
With milk and honey flow.
Chorus
I am bound for the promised land,
I am bound for the promised land
O who will come and go with me
I am bound for the promised land.
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