Who Was This Man?

As I was driving earlier in the week, a thought came to my mind. Historically and factually, nearly every Muslim, Jew, and Christian will agree that 2,000 years ago there walked a man on the earth who fundamentally changed history. Factually and historically, nearly everyone would agree that a man named Jesus Christ drew vast followers and even attracted the attention of the Roman Empire.

Some called him a prophet, some called him a great and wise man, and others called him the Son of God.

It's not whether Christ is real or not, historically and factually, nearly everyone would agree that he was real. The REAL question is: Who was this man? Was he indeed who he claimed to be...the Son of God?

If he was the Son of God, and I emphatically proclaim that he was LITERALLY the Son of God, then why would we persist in our stubborn ways? If we agree that he was real and if we believe that he was the Son of God, then what he taught was also real. Why do we continue to justify things in our lives that draw us away from Him if we believe that he was real?

This morning I read 2 Nephi 28:14 and it causes me to reflect on my own life as Nephi describes our day: "They wear stiff necks and high heads; yea, and because of PRIDE and wickedness, and abominations, and whoredoms, they have all gone astray save it be a FEW, who are the humble followers of Christ; nevertheless, they are led, that in MANY instances they do err because they are taught by the precepts of men."

If we're willing to look internally, repent, and start looking to Christ, that's when the power of Christ can start to really take hold in our life. Then it can begin to grow within us as described in Alma 32. That's when hope will begin to replace doubt and depression, that's when light will begin to replace darkness, that's when we can begin to really develop Charity and learn to love as Christ loves.

Liken the Scriptures to Ourselves

I share at least one similar trait with Nephi and that is the idea that there's great value in likening the scriptures unto ourselves.

In 1 Nephi 19:23 he says, "I did liken ALL scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning."

Last week, the teacher in Sunday School said that he thinks that those of us who attend church and are trying will be fine. Although I understand what he's trying to say, I believe that type of statement misses the point of what Nephi's teaching and invites complacency.

When I think to myself, all isn't well in Zion, it causes me to want to repent and be a better disciple. It doesn't deprive me of hope, it instills new desire and hope to repent of my many sins and errors.

Jacob, the brother of Nephi, goes on to teach in 2 Nephi 9:41 that "the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him and the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel and he employeth no servant there."  Certainly he employeth servants to accomplish many other parts of his work such as the administration of the church (printing of BOM's, temple construction, church buildings, etc.), helping the poor and needy, raising families, helping a neighbor, etc. BUT, when it comes to passing through the gates to our exaltation, HE EMPLOYETH NO SERVANT THERE. As we see in the temple, it is the Savior who will welcome us into exaltation.

When we tie this altogether, the path of discipleship will get narrower and narrower. If we apply ALL scripture unto ourselves, then they will teach us the doctrines of exaltation and we'll see the narrow path before us. By applying and likening the scripture unto ourselves, it should cause a burning desire in us to repent and stay on that path until we enter in at THE GATE. When scriptures are applied to ourselves, they should open the windows of revelation to teach us how to be a better parent, spouse, neighbor, church member, citizen, etc. BUT, if we casually apply the scriptures to others, they lose most of their value in helping us walk this narrow path of discipleship.

Something to Study: Contention vs Charity

Since this blog is primarily kept for my future posterity, let me suggest a sequence of scripture to study during your own time when you have a few minutes.

During Sacrament Meeting there was a quartet that sang, "Love at Home" and I realized again that this isn't just a nice song, this is teaching an exalting principle. We need to figure out how to be filled with love and charity towards our own family and all men.

Below is a beautiful trail of scripture and study that touched my life.

Start:
1. 3 Nephi 11:29.    Isn't it interesting that when Christ visits the people on this continent, this is one of the very first principles He chooses to teach. How prevalent is contention in our society?

2. The Tenth Parable by Denver Snuffer. There are several major learning points in that parable, but none greater (for me) that the first couple of pages. What starts the whole testing process is the fact that there is harmony and love in his home.

3. D&C 121:34 - 43.  Here the Lord again reminds us that charity and love are more than just a good idea, they are one of the KEY principles of exaltation. As you read, think about this, "many are called, but FEW are chosen". Chosen for what? Why are most not "chosen"? It should cause us to ponder.

4. Moroni 7:44-48. This is a beautiful outline of Charity and what it is. Moroni reminds us again that charity is greater than them all and that we should pray unto the Father with all our energy of heart, that we may be filled with this love.

End or Continue on your own inspired study :)

This was a simple study I had the other day while sitting by the fire-pit looking at the mountains. The gospel is a beautiful and wonderful thing.

Walk In The Light Of The Lord

This morning I drove our 4-wheeler up a hill nearby our home to watch the sunrise. It was a chance to step back, reflect, and pray. It's always a beautiful experience to watch the sunrise and see that amazing process as the orange rays of the sun crest the horizon.

I pondered the words of Nephi as he quoted Isaiah in 2 Nephi 12:5 "O house of Jacob, come ye and let us walk in the light of the Lord; yea, come, for ye have all gone astray, every one to his wicked ways.". I likened this unto myself and reread it to say, "O Rob, come and walk in the light of the Lord, for you and many others have gone astray, every one to their wicked ways."

Rereading it this way caused me to reflect on the invitation "Come and walk in the light of the Lord". This morning I once again witnessed the sunrise and watched light dispel darkness. The instant the first ray of light crested the horizon, there was warmth and a blinding light. The invitation is for us to experience the same thing spiritually, to experience the light of the Lord and cast off any unclean thing. To experience his brilliance, warmth, and all encompassing light.

The second part of this scripture deals with our wickedness. What are the habits causing you and I to "go astray" or that are preventing us from walking in His light? Are there traditions in our personal lives that we have justified? Are there habits that we have justified away by saying, "that's just who I am"? If the Lord gave us an errand or personal direction to do something, would he trust us to get it done?

It is my testimony that no matter how dark our personal lives may get, no matter what habits we may have, he can heal us. He can bring light into our lives and dispel darkness. The invitation is extended to us all to walk in the light of the Lord.

This chapter goes on to talk about the mean man that boweth not down and the great man who humbleth himself not. If we will cast away our idols, humble ourselves, and bow down before the Lord...He can soften our hearts and His light will flow into our life.

May you have a wonderful week!

A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief

We completed a Trek with our Stake and it was a marvelous experience with spirit filled activities. One of those was to gather all the young men and young women for a devotional.

We all sang together the poignant song A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief. I was especially touched when we were reminded of Joesph's final hours on this earth in Carthage jail. He asked John Taylor to sing this beautiful hymn. Upon finishing the song, Joseph appeared to be so moved that he asked John Taylor to sing it again. Shortly after that, the mobs burst into the jail and murdered the prophet and his innocent brother.

We sat in a green meadow surrounded by beautiful waving aspen trees. The orange and red rays of the sun bathed our group as it began to set on the distant horizon. As we sung this beautiful hymn, I looked out over the valley and pondered the majesty of the Lord's creations. Rarely do we sing more than the first few verses of this touching hymn. Tears flowed from my eyes as we sang together the seventh verse. The whole point of the song is in that verse.

Below is a picture of the meadow in which we sang

Please read the words of the song and then listen to them sung in the video below:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

After reading the words of the hymn, please watch this short clip and imagine Joseph during the final hours of his life reflecting on the words:

Lessons From Lehi

I'm flying to Tokyo over the Pacific Ocean as I write this. Although I don't enjoy sitting for so long, it does give me a chance to study and ponder the scriptures. As I read the first few verses in the second chapter of 1 Nephi, I realized that there are several lessons to be learned from Lehi:

1. 1 Nephi 2:1. "Thou hast been faithful and declared unto this people the things which I commanded thee, behold, they seek to take away thy life." Lehi obeyed the voice of the Lord and preached to the people, therefore, the Lord came to him in a dream and warned him. In other words, He chose to protect and preserve Lehi.
   
Lesson: If we follow His counsel to us individually, he will be on our right hand and on our left, He will go before our face and will preserve us according to his will.

2. 1 Nephi 2:2-4. The Lord commanded Lehi to leave his inheritance, his gold, his silver, and to take only the necessary provisions and flee into the wilderness. If we are to understand Lehi, there is a good reason why Laban may have wanted him dead. Not only did Lehi preach, but there is a good chance that Laban was related to Lehi and Lehi may have been the rightful heir to the plates (as would be revealed in the lineage contained within the plates). Lehi "inherited" a great place and then it appears he added to his wealth so as to be a person of great wealth. It's one thing to read about him leaving his inheritance and wealth, it's another thing to consider the measure of man he must have been to leave "everything" behind. Again, he did what the Lord commanded him to do, even though it must have been very difficult to leave such a comfortable lifestyle.

Lesson: Do we value the Lord and his counsel over our material possessions? Although it probably won't happen to most people, what if the Lord commanded us to "sell all that we have and follow him"? How would we respond to such a command or invitation? What if we had great wealth and we were asked to walk away from it all...how would we respond?

Lehi was a man of great faith, certainly not without faults or personal challenges, but a man who was devoted to the Lord. He did what I feel very few of us would do if called upon to do so. I look forward to reading his words someday and to learn from his teaching when we get that portion of his plates.

The Pattern of Prayer

I was reading in 3 Nephi 13:9-13 and contemplated the pattern of prayer taught by the Lord. I do believe he's teaching us more than just what to say, but why and how to say it.

v9: "Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name." First, acknowledging in reverence who we're speaking with. I heard someone once say that they will start their prayers by invoking Heavenly Father's name and then waiting until they feel a connection. Sometimes it might be one minute, other times it may take a lot longer.

v10: "Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven." He's instructing us to start our prayers by acknowledging that his ways are higher than our ways. That his thoughts are higher than our thoughts. In other words, let me pray that which is in accordance to THY will and not mine.

v11: "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."  First, we're to repent before him and seek to be clean. Once we've sought for his forgiveness and repented of our own iniquities, we should immediately forgive those who have caused us offense...whether justified or not. Once we have repented, are clean before him, and forgive any who have caused offense, then we are ready to move on in our prayers. This isn't just a suggestion, in later verses he goes on to say that he won't forgive us unless we forgive others their trespasses.

v12: "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." Assuming that we have repented and hold no offense, he instructs us to ask for power over the adversary. He's asking us to pray that we will personally have power over any unclean or evil entity. That our homes might be cleared of any evil and that we might be protected against the wiles of the adversary...through angels, shielding, or whatever you feel inspired to ask for.

v13: "For thine is the kingdom, and the power, the glory, forever. Amen." As we close, we acknowledge who he is and that his ways are the highest, that his will should be done because he is the king and an all-knowing Father.

In this pattern, I see several things:
1. Acknowledge who we're conversing with.
2. Acknowledge that his ways are higher than our ways and that we seek his will...always.
3. That we repent and seek his forgiveness. At the same time, I need to forgive any who have offended me, whether justified or not.
4. Pray for power over the adversary and his followers.
5. Acknowledge again that Heavenly Father is all-powerful and that I seek his will.

Certainly there are other things to pray for and about. But, I love the pattern set as the foundation for prayer. I would be very hesitant to remove any parts of this foundational pattern from my prayers.

An Inspiring Story!

I felt like sharing this powerful and inspiring story. With all the negative things in the world, this was a shining example of how hearts continue to be changed and the work of the Lord continues to spread around the world...through many different means.

By Emmilie Buchanan-Whitlock, Deseret News Published: Monday, May 13 2013 5:00 a.m. MDT

For 35 years, Richard Marcus couldn’t remember going to bed without a drink.

Night after night, the California resident and former mayor of Culver City, Calif., would pour himself a drink or two and lie down to sleep. But on Oct. 20, 2012, Marcus recognized that something was different.

“I put the glass to my lips and the Spirit was gone like that,” Marcus said with a snap of his fingers. “I had gone from someone who was Spirit-filled and now I had nothing.”

Marcus, a married father of two, had spent the weekend watching sessions of the October 2012 general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints over and over, taking notes, trying to comprehend the messages of modern-day apostles.

The stark contrast between the Spirit he felt during the course of the day and the absence of it that night was riveting for Marcus. He knew he had some changing to do.

Marcus finished his liquor that night and put down the empty glass. It was the last one he had.

Two weeks later, Marcus was sitting in the doctor’s office for an annual check-up. He reported giving up drinking without experiencing a single negative side effect. As a self-described "high-functioning alcoholic," this was an incredible feat.

“That’s miraculous,” Marcus’ doctor said.

Marcus only smiled.

“That’s an interesting choice of words,” Marcus told his doctor. “Do you have about 15 minutes?”

He then proceeded to tell his doctor about the events that had occupied his life the few months prior to that fateful night in late October.

It all started June 2012 with a colleague from Arizona named Paula Gorbutt.

Gorbutt and Marcus met at a business convention in Las Vegas and formed a friendship based on their mutual political interests. Marcus works in finance but had been on the Culver City Council for years and served as mayor.

“You know I’m a Mormon, right?” Gorbutt asked Marcus.

He didn’t. And the question took him by surprise.

While he couldn’t understand why Gorbutt had asked the question, it didn’t stop the cogs in his head from turning. Over the next few months, Marcus found himself with an unending supply of questions about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Marcus had done some research on Mormon.org, even liked it on Facebook and spent hours talking with Gorbutt about his questions.

One day, a friend called offering an extra ticket to the musical, “The Book of Mormon,” which was playing in Los Angeles. Marcus accepted.

“I was looking for anything I could,” he said. “I knew it was a goof, a spoof, a satire, but I thought, ‘I don’t have anything. Maybe I should check that out.’”

Marcus attended the irreverent, off-color but critically acclaimed musical at the Pantages Theatre in early September.

"I wanted even more to find out what this was all about,” Marcus said.

After the show, Marcus was buying souvenirs when he saw it: a book sitting on the counter titled "The Book of Mormon." He bought it, but to his dismay, learned that it was simply the script for the musical.

His questions continued, and finally Gorbutt told him it was time for a visit from the missionaries. Though he was a little hesitant, Marcus did not protest.

After several unsuccessful attempts at locating the elders, Marcus logged on to Mormon.org with two goals — to find his meetinghouse and secure a visit from the missionaries.

He typed in his address. The results indicated that the closest building happened to be the same one he had been meeting in for the past 15 years as an active member of the local Scouting community.

“I had my first Cub Scout leader training at that church,” Marcus said.

With a feeling of encouragement that he was on the right path, he filled out the necessary information online for a missionary visit.

“Three days later, two angels showed up on my doorstep. Sister Davis and Sister Jones.”

They talked on the doorstep of Marcus’ home in Culver City for 40 minutes. Afterward, they prayed. Sister Jenna Davis then placed the blue softbound copy of the Book of Mormon into Marcus’ hand.

“You don’t know how much I’ve been waiting for this,” Marcus told the sisters.

He got choked up when the sisters had him read a passage from the Book of Moroni, which promised Marcus that if he would read and pray, he would be able to recognize truth through the influence of the Holy Ghost. Marcus committed to find out if the Book of Mormon was true.

And the answers came.

One of them was about his concern of living the Word of Wisdom, a belief that teaches members of the LDS faith to abstain from harmful, addictive substances such as tobacco and alcohol.

He turned to his new copy of the Book of Mormon. When he opened to a page in the book of Alma, this is what he found.

“See that ye take care of these sacred things, yea, see that ye look to God and live. Go unto this people and declare the word, and be sober.”

“You try and tell me this book’s not true,” Marcus said.

A few days after his first meeting with the missionaries, Marcus found himself praying about the Book of Mormon during his morning prayer.

“I don’t know from where, but this intensity came into me. I couldn’t even finish my prayer. I was so overwhelmed. I thought that maybe my head was going to explode or my heart was going to burst right out of my chest.”

Marcus drove to the Los Angeles Temple Visitors' Center where the sister missionaries were serving. He opened the book to a passage he found earlier that day, read them a portion of it and closed the book with a snap.

“This book is true,” he told them.

On Dec. 9, 2012, Marcus was baptized a member of the LDS Church, in the building he had first stepped foot in 15 years before.

During the services, Marcus was asked to share a few of his thoughts. As he stood in front of the group that had come to support him, he felt it only appropriate to sing one song — "Amazing Grace."

“I just belted it out. Before I knew it, everyone joined in,” Marcus said. “That’s the story right there, because I feel that I had been saved. You know the part in there about the wretch? That would be me.”

Since joining the church, Marcus has been called as assistant secretary of the high priest group, has taught lessons with the missionaries, has shuttled converts to and from church and has sung in the choir each week.

Marcus said all of this started with Gorbett’s simple question.

“You know I’m a Mormon, right?”

Now he does. And he is, too.

Amazing Grace

I'l begin by suggesting that if you haven't seen the movie Amazing Grace, you should see it. If you're already familiar with how it came about, you've probably felt the power of the words. If you're not familiar, let me give you a brief background.

William Wilberforce was THE leading advocate for the abolishment of the slave trade in Great Britain. He fought insurmountable odds to win his cause, yet he pursued the course. He struggled for years with his personal health problems, yet he pressed on.

He met a preacher/pastor (John Newton) who confessed that in his earlier life he was a slave trader. After a violent storm, John underwent a spiritual conversion and became a clergyman. John saw the horror and abomination first hand and now understood the gravity of his own crimes against humanity and against God. John wrote Amazing Grace as a reflection of his own life and experiences in hopes that he would inspire others and partake of God's grace.

William, inspired by the moving hymn and his discussion with John, decided not to give up and pursued his mission until the slave trade was FINALLY abolished in Great Britain.  Just a few short years after the measures passed in parliament (because of William), he passed away due to his life long health battle.

With that background, I invite us to carefully ponder the words of this inspired hymn:

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

Please enjoy two beautiful renditions of Amazing Grace:

Time: A Precious Commodity!

I recently saw this video in the adult session of Stake Conference. What a great reminder to focus on "what matters most" in our lives. We don't know how long this short, temporal probation will last for each of us individually or those who surround us.

Let us not waste this precious TIME that we've been allocated. It's fleeting, it passes by us like a dream, and what we choose to do with our TIME will determine the legacy we leave behind for future generations.

O Remember, Remember

One of the young men in our ward taught the lesson today and did a great job. During his lesson, he showed this short clip of President Eyring. As I watched, I was prompted to do something that I've done before, but then subsequently stopped doing.  The times when I've done this have been very powerful, which is why I'm excited to start again.

Please watch the video and then I'll explain:

President Eyring kept a journal everyday, sometimes it only meant a line or two. During this video, what I specifically felt prompted to do was to keep a daily journal and record just one or two lines about something our children have done that day. In addition, I plan to record some way in which I've seen the Lord's hand in my life that day.

When we put pen to paper, something powerful happens. The Spirit can teach us in a unique and unforgettable way when we begin writing. It starts by picking up the pen.

To make this fun, I asked a couple of my children if they would like to join me and see if we could do this everyday for a month. Both of them jumped at the challenge....now we need to come up with a fun reward::)

I hope by putting this on the blog it has spurred in someone else the desire to record the memories of their children, lest they be forgotten. On the same note, as we record the ways in which we've seen the Lord's hand, we'll realize how involved he is in our lives (if we allow him in). There can be great value and power in doing this. How many times have we read something from our past that we forgot about?

I invite anyone who might read this to join our family in the "one month challenge".

The Homeless and Condemnation

I'm using this post to combine two posts into one:

1. Several months ago for a family home evening activity we created "homeless bags". We put in a few goodies as well as a written thought and kind word. The idea was to give these to the homeless people when we randomly encountered them on our way. We probably made 15 bags, but were only able to give away a few (there just aren't that many people openly homeless in Heber and Orem). So, we decided to take a trip to Salt Lake and give away the rest of the bags. It was a special experience.

As a family, we prayed for direction and guidance. Then, we approached different people near the homeless shelter. Part of the deal was to learn their name, where they were from, and any other interesting information. We wanted it to be more than just giving, we wanted our children to see that these are real people.

It was very interesting and humbling for me personally to see these people who have come from every type of background and walk of life. It also reminds me of the scripture in Hebrews 13:2, "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unaware."

This experience was another reminder to me that there are limitless opportunities to lift and serve.

2. While reading Remembering the Covenant, I came across a great passage. Denver Snuffer says, "Lamenting about the decay all around you will not help you draw closer to him. If you detect that decay, then your eyes have been opened, and you should do something about it in your own life. Condemning the failure of others has not advanced a single soul in history. The gospel of Jesus Christ consists in gathering light and truth, which is not accomplished by focusing on the failings of others."

Sometimes I'm guilty of criticism, however, I try to make a conscious effort to avoid this destructive habit. I read and hear about people who are always on the lookout to criticize others or the church organization, whether it's a subtle criticism or an outright critique. We live in an age where it seems natural to be critical. I'd like to read some stories or blog posts of something uplifting...miracles, inspiration, ways in which a person was moved by the spirit to help another, etc. 

The New Testament and 3 Nephi are great examples: The Lord warns and cautions, but he also heals, teaches wonderful truths, and uplifts the reader with great lessons and parables. His is a balanced form of teaching which spreads across the entire spectrum of wonderful gospel truths. 

As always, we can learn from the Master.

Isn't this interesting?

As I was reading in the Book of Mormon, I found a great life lesson. As Alma was preparing to go teach the Zoramites, he lists the people whom he chose to accompany him: Zeezrom, Amulek, Ammon, Aaron, Omner, and his two sons Shiblon and Corianton.

Alma has obviously developed a deep and rich relationship with each one of these people. What's interesting is to think about how those strong relationships were forged. In several cases, these would have been people who were his polar opposites:

Zeezrom: Was a bitter enemy to Alma and Amulek in the city of Ammonihah. Zeezrom was one of the principal prosecutor's attempting to destroy Alma. Yet, he began to believe and then left that city for the neighboring city of Melek where he lay with a fever until he was later healed by Alma.

Amulek: Met Alma in the city of Ammonihah after he (Alma) had fasted and prayed many days. Was told in a vision that he would meet Alma. After laboring together, it was apparent that Amulek was struggling with the loss of his family and Alma took him to his home in Zarahemla to minister to him. What a deep relationship they must have forged together!

Ammon and his brothers: When they were young teenagers, they went about trying to destroy the church. They must have been involved in all kinds of wicked activities together, until one day an angel appeared to them and altered their course forever. After laying for several days, Alma awoke a converted and changed man. These men who once tried to destroy the church, now spent their time and labor correcting the damage they had caused.

Isn't it interesting how life takes us down a path of twists and turns? We should learn to love those around us and treat others with respect and kindness (and follow the spirit). We never know who will end up impacting our life in a significant way. Maybe a person who we consider to be our enemy now, will one day be our strongest ally and friend (Zeezrom).

Why Obey the Law?

We can learn a great lesson from the Lamanites. After the different factions of the Lamanites were converted and they joined into one body, they said this about the Law of Moses (Alma 25:16):

"Now they did not suppose that salvation came by the law of Moses; but the law of Moses did serve to strengthen their faith in Christ; and thus they did retain a hope through faith, unto eternal salvation."

It illustrates an important doctrine. Why do we keep the laws and commandments? The laws and commandments in and of themselves won't save us. However, just as the law of Moses was essential to the Lamanites, our current laws and commandments are essential to us. Just as it was 2000 years ago, our laws and ordinances are designed to point us towards Christ. The Lamanites kept the law and it "strengthened their faith in Christ." If we look carefully, each law should strengthen our faith in Christ and point us towards him:

Law of Chastity - Keeps us clean from sin that destroys families and marriages. Will free our mind to dwell on the things of God rather than the lustful thoughts of the world. When virtue garnishes our thoughts unceasingly, then shall our confidence wax strong in his presence.

The Word of Wisdom - Will free our mind and body from destructive addictions. I have a good friend who's a dentist and returned missionary. He's currently spending 90 days in Florida at a rehabilitation clinic because of an addiction. He's a good man, but this addiction was threatening to destroy him. This law allows us to maintain a clear mind and intellect which then allows the Spirit to work upon us.

Tithing and other donations - Teaches us to always put the Lord first. Is just the beginning when discussing the law of Sacrifice. This puts us in a position to know that we're putting the Lord above money, although this is only the beginning.

The Sacrament - We often underestimate this one. At the end of the Sacrament prayer the promise is that we can have his Spirit to be with us always. That was the primary piece of advice Joseph gave to Brigham and others when he visited them from beyond the veil, "tell the saints to get the Spirit."

These are just a few examples of how the law and commandments point us towards Christ. One more interesting question, is it possible to do all these things and still have Christ far from the thoughts and intents of our hearts? In my opinion, the answer to this question is an obvious YES.

So, the reason for this entry is to remind us that we keep the law to point our hearts and minds to Christ. HOWEVER, in addition to keeping the law, we need to become like Him. Our thoughts and actions need to be aligned with his thoughts and actions. The Lamanites kept the law, but they understood that it ultimately came down to their faith in Christ and that the law was designed to strengthen that faith and open the pathway to personal communication to heaven.

I invite us all to not make the laws and commandments a checklist, but rather, allow them to strengthen our faith in Christ and help us develop charity towards all men and especially towards the household of faith.

What is Love?

It's always interesting to read various blog posts and forums to see the different opinions.  I recently read a comment discussing love and it's not the first time I've seen this type of comment. The comment more or less said, "Some people say is all I have to do is learn to "love", it's all about "love" and I disagree."

I don't want to mince words and get caught up in semantics, I see where this person is probably coming from.

From my experience, I've glimpsed beyond the veil enough to know that everything there IS love. It's indescribable, that type of love doesn't exist on earth (I've never experienced it in marriage or with my children, although I love them immensely). When we get to those realms, maybe we'll get used to it somehow, but love is in and through all things, it's consuming, it's overwhelming, I would give all that I possess and am to experience that type of love, even periodically. No language is adequate to describe it. That is what heaven is about, LOVE!

So, let me share my answer to this question...What is love?

It IS all about love.
- Think about it, if we're filled with the pure love of Christ, is there any question about whether chastity is an issue?
- If we're filled with love, is there any question about whether or not we'll sacrifice/consecrate our time and talents?
- If we're filled with love, is there any question about how we'll treat our bodies, treat others, etc?
- If we're filled with love, is there any question about whether to attend church and take the sacrament, worship in the temple, etc.?

If we're filled with love, then our actions will follow and become an afterthought. It's like the night follows day. In fact, I can't think of a single commandment that isn't designed to turn our hearts to Christ in an effort to increase our love.

If we were capable, would there really be a necessity of further commandments if we REALLY lived the two great commandments (certainly there would still be covenants and ordinances, I get it)?

Our great mission is to put off the natural man. To become like Christ. To take upon us his name. To seek his embrace and treat others as he would treat them. It really is all about love, Christ was the ultimate example of love. There is no guile or selfishness in him. Time after time he set aside his owns wants to serve others.

It's easy to write about in a blog, it's a totally different issue to really APPLY this idea to our lives. I invite us all to focus on loving others...our family, those who have wronged us in some way, strangers, and anyone else we come in contact with. Let us listen, serve, and find a way to love those whom we're put in contact with during our mortal probation!