The Veil and the Sun

The other day I left Heber Valley and drove down Provo Canyon. While driving in the upper part of the canyon, there was a soft, white blanket of clouds that settled over the valley. The cloud ceiling was around 100 feet.  As I rounded a corner, there was an abrupt end to the fog and low cloud deck. On the backside of the clouds it was a crystal clear, blue sky.

While driving I took a couple of pictures (there were no cars around) of the clouds and sun. A mile prior to these pictures being taken, the shape of the Sun wasn't apparent through the clouds. There was a dim light, it was bright enough to see without headlights, but it was still a pale, dim light. Approaching this break in the clouds, I noticed the brilliant Sun beginning to shine and the round shape of the Sun beginning to become noticeable through the clouds. As I passed the cloud deck and was able to see the Sun, it was set against a beautiful ocean blue sky. It was brilliant and I couldn't look in its direction without being blinded.

It was an inspiring moment. I was reminded of the Nauvoo Sunstone. Layered with symbolism, one of the symbols is that of the Sun representing the Father. If we look closely we notice the Sun rising through three layers of clouds. One interpretation of the clouds is that of the veil.

This experience driving through the canyon was almost like the temple and the Sunstone - that of increasing light. At first it was a dim light, then I began to make out something bright and round, and then after passing the line of clouds it burst forth in a brilliant and magnificent light.

Our lives our similar. Some walk their entire lives with just a small amount of light - some consider that sufficient; for this group the veil will stay firmly in place. Others begin to grow and develop that light and they watch it become brighter and brighter until at some point, it becomes a perfect light - that of the Son and the Father. Driving in the canyon, it was amazing to think that a thin layer of clouds separated myself from a beautiful blue sky and a brilliantly bright Sun. Sometimes in our lives, the veil is significantly thinner than we might imagine and there are glorious things awaiting us just beyond the veil - they are within our grasp according to the time and will of the Lord (D&C 88:67-68). When our eye is single to his glory, we will be filled with light!

Temple Dedication

I am excited about the Brigham City Temple dedication today. I've had the opportunity to be at the Mt. Timpanogos, Madrid, and now the Brigham City dedications. Each of the previous dedications have provided special experiences, I'd like to share one of them today.

One of the most special experiences in my life happened at the Mt. Timpanogos dedication, that was a special day! I arrived home from the mission the same Saturday morning and we drove directly from the airport to the American Fork Stake Center where the temple dedication was being broadcast. I was still wearing my black missionary badge. It was a beautiful dedication and then it came time to participate in the Hosanna Shout - a special ritual used in the dedication of temples. Following the Hosanna Shout, those assembled in the room sang The Spirit of God, along with those actually seated in the temple. Therein was a beautiful and sacred experience in my life. I heard beautiful choruses and many more voices singing than were actually present with us physically in the room. The song was incredible and penetrated my soul - I'll never forget the beautiful voices which seemed to number in the thousands. That day, there were many more present at the dedication than we could see with our physical eyes. The heavens must have rejoiced that day, for it sounded that way when we sang The Spirit of God.

President Woodruff later (after the Salt Lake Temple dedication)  told a congregation of Saints that “the Heavenly Host were in attendance at the [first] dedication [service] . . . and if the eyes of the congregation could be opened they would [have] seen Joseph and Hyrum [Smith], Brigham Young, John Taylor and all the good men who had lived in this dispensation assembled with us, as also Esaias, Jeremiah, and all the Holy Prophets and Apostles who had prophesied of the latter day work.” President Woodruff continued, “They were rejoicing with us in this building which had been accepted of the Lord and [when] the [Hosanna] shout had reached the throne of the Almighty,” they too had joined in the joyous shout.

As we participate in the Brigham City Temple dedication later today, I pray my heart is humble and ready to receive instruction from the Lord. This is a time when heaven and earth come together. These opportunities are unique, real, and sacred!

If you would like to read a good article regarding the Hosanna Shout, you can view one at: http://rsc.byu.edu/blog/?p=307

A Heavenly Light

This past Friday we hiked up Timpanogos and slept in the basin. We woke up at 4:30 a.m. on Saturday and hiked to the summit to watch the sunrise. Rarely can I get a camera to capture the moment, but I think this photo actually came pretty close. It was truly a heavenly light!

A verse in Mosiah 16:9 came to mind:

"He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless,that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death."

It's no wonder many of the marvelous experiences we have record of came while the individual was on a mountain - Nephi, Enos, Mahonri Moriancumr, Moses, etc.

This Is The Christ

This beautiful hymn was written by President James Faust. Consider carefully the words of the poignant hymn as you listen to and watch this video:

They heard His voice, a voice so mild;

It pierced them through and made their souls to quake;

They saw Him come, a man in white,

The Savior who had suffered for their sake.

They felt the wounds in hands and side,

And each could testify; This is the Christ;

This is the Christ, the holy Son of God,

Our Savior, Lord, Redeemer of mankind.

This is the Christ, the healer of our souls

Who ransomed us with love divine.

I read His words, the words He prayed

While bearing sorrow in Gethsemane;

I feel His love, the price He paid.

How many drops of blood were spilled for me?

With saints of old in joyful cry

I too can testify; This is the Christ;

This is the Christ, the holy Son of God,

Our Savior, Lord, Redeemer of mankind.

This is the Christ, the healer of our souls

Who ransomed us with purest love divine!

So many things compete for our time and attention, but truly we are preparing for his return and must bear witness that He is the Christ!

A Fun Story: President Monson

I had no intention of writing about this, but it was a fun and light moment that made our children's day. We were traveling from Heber valley to American Fork for a soccer game. The fall colors lit up the mountainside with a deep red, which makes the drive all the more enjoyable.

In the canyon we passed two nice cars and I wondered who the passengers might be. I didn't pay any more attention until we pulled up to a red light in Orem. Those two same cars approached us from behind and pulled up next to us. I looked in the back of the car and was surprised to see President Monson and his wife sitting there. I told our kids to look and see if they could tell us who pulled up next to us. It took them a minute and then they realized it was President Monson.

Although he probably gets it all the time, I rolled down our sons window and let him and our daughters wave to them. As soon as they saw our kids waiving, they leaned forward with a big smile and vigorously waved back.

He may not be perfect, I realize he's still a man, but he's been an inspiration to me on multiple occasions. He has a heavy load to carry...one I couldn't even begin to imagine. Yet, he finds time to smile and lift those around him. We've had a chance to be close to him on other occasions and in those times he's always lifted those around him.

Nothing doctrinal in this post, just a fun story about something that made our children's day. They were pretty excited the rest of the evening and it brought a smile to our faces as well!

Lessons of Love and Service

I came across this story shared by President Monson. This story involves two men in Midway, Utah (near where we live). There are numerous lessons to be learned in this simple story.

The story is told as follows:

Long years ago, Roy Kohler and Grant Remund served together in Church capacities. They were the best of friends. They were tillers of the soil and dairymen. Then a misunderstanding arose which became somewhat of a rift between them. 

Later, when Roy Kohler became grievously ill with cancer and had but a limited time to live, my wife, Frances, and I visited Roy and his wife, and I gave him a blessing. As we talked afterward, Brother Kohler said, "Let me tell you about one of the sweetest experiences I have had during my life." He then recounted to me his misunderstanding with Grant Remund and the ensuing estrangement. His comment was, "We were sort of on the outs with each other."

"Then" continued Roy, "I had just put up our hay for the winter to come, when one night, as a result of spontaneous combustion, the hay caught fire, burning the hay, the barn, and everything in it right to the ground. I was devastated," said Roy. "I didn't know what in the world I would do. The night was dark except for the dying embers of the fire. Then I saw coming toward me from the road, in the direction of Grant Remund's place, the lights of tractors and heavy equipment. As the "rescue party" turned in our drive and met me amidst my tears," Grant said, "Roy, you've got quite a mess to clean up. My boys and I are here. Let's get to it." Together they plunged in to the task at hand. Gone forever was the hidden wedge which had separated them for a short time. They worked throughout the night and into the next day, with many others in the community joining in.

Roy Kohler has passed away, and Grant Remund is getting older. Their sons have served together in the same ward bishopric. I truly treasure the friendship of these two wonderful families. (General Conference Report, Apr. 2002, 22)

If we really ponder this story, there are many life lessons:

- What caused the rift in the first place? Why did they it allow it to cause a rift?

- How many memories were lost during that time when they were "on the outs" with each other?

- What would have happened through the generations had Grant not come to help that night with his children?

- How many wonderful memories came to these two men and their posterity as a result of forgiveness and charity?

I conclude with this wonderful admonition and thought from Moroni: 

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—" (Moroni 7:46)

That Which Ye Send Out Shall Return Unto You Again

This post is more for me than anyone else.  I pose some questions for self-introspection:

- How do we treat others?

- How do we treat those who seemingly have nothing to offer us?

- Do we get upset at others' shortcomings?

- How do we treat the telemarketer, the person who cuts us off in traffic,  the person who's spoken unkindly about us when we weren't there, the person who in some way offended us, etc.?

The choice is ours and I believe this promise in Alma 41 will hold true in this life as well as in the life to come:

14 Therefore, my son, see that you are merciful unto your brethren; deal justly, judge righteously, and do good continually; and if ye do all these things then shall ye receive your reward; yea, ye shall have mercy restored unto you again; ye shall have justice restored unto you again; ye shall have a righteous judgment restored unto you again; and ye shall have good rewarded unto you again.

 15 For that which ye do send out shall return unto you again, and be restored; therefore, the word restoration more fully condemneth the sinner, and justifieth him not at all.

I interpret this promise in two literal ways:

1. When we do good and are kind to others, good will be returned or restored unto us. Some call it Karma. We never know in what way it is returned unto us, but it is. Likewise, when we hurt, offend, or injure others emotionally, it will also be restored unto us in this life. Our actions towards others will catch up with us at some point, one way or the other.

2. When we pass through the veil, in a magnificent way our life will be opened up to us (and the Lord). We will see the consequence of our decisions and actions and how they affected others. If we were kind, we will see the ripple effect it caused in that individual's life - we will feel the emotional lift we helped cause. If we injured another through insult or rudeness, we will see and feel the ripples it caused - we will see and feel the emotional hurt it caused that individual and others. All our actions and the effects from those actions will be opened to our vision and we'll see them, both the good and the bad. In that day, the Lord will stand with love and mercy, however we will be our own judge as these events unfold before our senses.  The Lord won't have to "say" anything, it will be apparent to us as it unfolds, there will be no hiding from this panorama of our life.

I remember at Utah State when I pulled up to the parking attendant to pay the $4 I owed for parking. The attendant said, "No charge. The car in front of you paid for your parking." I was in awe! I did my best to try and catch the car, but to no avail. The rest of the day was spent trying to find ways to help others. I determined that day to try and do simple acts of kindness to lift others.  The simple act of a stranger helped change my life in a profound way.

I invite each of us to find something this week that will lift someone. Also, I invite us to temper our emotions and remember to let the small things go - only focus our time and energy on lifting others!

The Symbol of the Spoon

We sat in a marriage and family relations class today where the instructor used an analogy which might be a great reminder and visual illustration for adults as well as children. Every time we pick up a spoon we can hold it up and look at the reflection. This simple analogy is very symbolic of the realities of life.

When we hold up a spoon and turn it inward we see everything upside down.

When we hold up a spoon and turn it outward, we see our reflection as it really is.

Matthew 10:39:

"He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it."

Mosiah 2:17:

"And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."

When we focus on satisfying our own needs and wants (the natural man) our perspective of life is upside down. We only begin to see clearly when we're filled with charity, the pure love of Christ, and seek the welfare of others. It's when we start emulating the Savior that our vision begins to open up and we start to see things as they really are. What a joyous awakening it is when this begins to happen! 

The Temple

My Wife and I had the opportunity to attend the Provo Temple last night. We chose to do sealings and we participated in a special experience. In the middle of our work, they escorted three sisters into the room. We assisted with the sealing ordinance of the parents of one of those sisters. Her parents died several years ago. Following the sealing of her parents, she was then sealed to her parents as a daughter. A special spirit was in the room.

The Sealer spoke with us for a few minutes and we had a good discussion. As a result, I walked out of the temple with two new thoughts:

1. The ordinances of the Gospel are chiasmic. Look carefully at the wording of the baptismal prayer and the sealing. There are several words shared in those two prayers which are ONLY used in those two prayers. It begins with the Father and culminates with the Father.

2. An approach I plan to use with the temple from this point forward is to ask myself this question every time, "What can I take away today that will help me improve my behavior or some part of my personality?"  Often I go looking for knowledge, knowledge without conversion is only condemning. It's when we allow that knowledge to mold our character that the temple unfolds a pathway to exaltation. If we're the same person after being in the temple that we were before, we're no closer to the Lord.

This was an interesting observation for me and I'm grateful to the Lord for that small revelation.

Emotions of the Lord

Sometimes we think the Lord is more like an object rather than a resurrected being and that he doesn't experience various emotions. His life, as given in the scriptures, would indicate otherwise. What's fascinating to me is that he does experience many emotions, but he has learned to master them and control them as an exalted God would control them.  

My questions are: 

Since he experiences emotions, how does he handle and control those emotions as an exalted being?

What lesson is there for each one of us if we ponder the answer(s) to the previous question?

If he continues to experience emotion, how important is it for each of us as mortals to learn, here and now, to control and master our emotions? How do we do it?

Without putting the actual verbiage of the scripture in this post, I've simply put a reference to each verse that details an example of when Christ exhibited a particular emotion. It's actually quite interesting to read each verse, but I'll leave that to the individual.

Wrath:  D&C 76:33, Ether2:8&9, 1 Nephi 13:11, 1 Nephi 22:16, 3 Nephi 22:8, Alma 13:30

Anger:  Helaman 11:12, Helaman 13:30, 2 Nephi 15:25, 2 Nephi 23:13, Alma 8:29, D&C 61:20, D&C 61:5, D&C 84:24,

Mercy:  3 Nephi 22:7&8, Ether 11:8, Alma 5:4, Alma 5:33,Alma 9:26, D&C 99:3, D&C 88:40, D&C 101:9, Romans 9:15

Compassion:  D&C 101:9, 3 Nephi 17:6, 1 Nephi 21:15,  Luke 7:13, Mark 1:41, D&C 64:2, Matthew 20:34, Matthew 14:14

Joy:  3 Nephi 17:20, 3 Nephi 27:30, D&C 88:53, 2 Corinthians 2:3, 3 John 1:4, John 3:29, Alma 27:18

Why Do We Justify Sin?

This is short and I simply want to pose a thought and a few questions.

Yesterday, we visited someone who had previously been sealed in the Temple. She hasn't been "active" in the church for years and she's since removed her garments. According to her she still believes it's true, but she feels like people are judging her because she likes to drink wine. She's passed judgement on the organization and the imperfect members and has therefore withdrawn herself from the blessings associated with it. What we listened to were her "justifications" for being where she currently is and why she's happy with that. This is the same conversation I've had with countless people across the world. I was truly saddened as we listened. The adversary uses this same tactic over and over and he's become quite successful.

A truth rang true in my mind as we sat there and this goes along with my previous post. D&C 130 mentions that the same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there. We judge ourselves! When someone has justified an action or behavior, they will see what they want to see and find what they want to find. If they want to find that small group who "judges them", they'll find it. I grant there are some close-minded and rude people within the church, but that is the exception - just like any organization. More often than not, if someone comes back after a period of absence, they are welcomed with open arms by a host of different people. At least that has been my observation.  But, someone tends to judge themselves when they're in that environment and obviously doesn't want to be there because they feel uncomfortable. How will that person feel when they're not sitting in front of a group of people, but the Lord himself who reveals all truth? We invited, loved, and tried to convey a humble testimony that the Savior loves and extends mercy and compassion, regardless of who the person is - we'll see if it makes a difference. But now, I want to turn this to ourselves.

How have we allowed the adversary to become so successful in our lives?

In Helaman, chapter 8, I read this in verses 24 and 25, "And now, seeing ye know these things and cannot deny them except ye shall lie, therefore in this ye have sinned, for ye have rejected all these things, notwithstanding so many evidences which ye have received; yea, even ye have received ball things, both things in heaven, and all things which are in the earth, as a witness that they are true. But behold, ye have rejected the truth, and rebelled against your holy God; and even at this time, instead of laying up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where nothing doth corrupt, and where nothing can come which is unclean, ye are heaping up for yourselves wrath against the day of judgment."


- Is there any thing in our life which we currently justify?
- Are we lying to ourselves about any particular area of our life?
- What are we specifically doing to lay up treasures in heaven?

The Purpose of Life

Every once in a while a life changing book comes along and really inspires the reader.  Yesterday I finished a book that falls into that category. I've heard a couple of people talk about the book and it truly was a life-changing work!

The book is Return From Tomorrow written by George Ritchie. I look forward to reading his next book, Ordered to Return.  He's not an LDS Author, but I can say that based on my own personal experiences and the doctrine as I understand it, his experience was real and true. His experience is consistent with previous revelation and experiences we read about in the scriptures.

He puts life in perspective for each one of us. He gives the reader a perspective of what awaits us and what we should do with our time.

I will try (although inadequately) to sum up his book:

1) When we pass on from this life we'll see our entire life and how our actions have affected others, both good and bad.

2) When his spirit was separated, there was no progress unless he kept his focus towards the Lord. Then, and only then, was he able to see things as they really are.

3) The question that repeatedly came to his mind was, "What have you done with your life?"  He was the one to answer his own question. It was manifest in his innermost thoughts and desires.

4) It's all about developing love and relationships and building others - isn't that what Christ did and still does?

This young 19 year old man had a life changing experience and he was converted to the Lord (as far as I can tell). Every day of his life from that point forward revolved around that experience.

As a result of reading this book, I've re-committed to ask myself these questions each morning:

1) Lord, how can I serve thee today and be an instrument in thy hands?

2) Who's life did I affect today? How did I help, lift, or inspire someone to become better and look towards our Master?

How to Get Personal Revelation

I've attached a wonderful discourse given by Bruce R. McConkie at a BYU devotional in 1966. In this devotional he teaches some wonderful truths that seem to have been lost among many in the current culture of the church. This is the link:

http://speeches.byu.edu/download.php/McConkie66.mp3?item=2608&download=true

Of note, we should each become a prophet or prophetess. Now, what does that mean? The spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus.  This discourse clearly describes what that is. It begins with dreams, visions, and angelic ministration. It culminates with the ministry of Christ and the Father (D&C 93, John 17:3).

He reminds us that these visions, dreams, and ministry are NOT just for someone with a calling, it's for any member or individual who abides the law. God is no respecter of persons and marvelous experiences are not obtained by virtue of a calling. A culture has seemed to creep into the church that divine revelation is only for General Authorities, Elder McConkie clearly rebukes that myth. It's the responsibility of each person to individually find and become like the Lord, literally.

Elder McConkie brings up a great point. We (as a whole) tend to attribute living revelation to the Prophet Joseph and others, but we rarely make a claim to personal angelic ministration.  It is our responsibility to seek to be taught by the heavens.

D&C 11:25 warns us, "Deny not the spirit of revelation, nor the spirit of prophecy, for wo unto him that denieth these things."  I would suggest that this is directed to each one of us individually.  The question I ask myself is "what things am I doing to inhibit the spirit of revelation?" If we inhibit the spirit of revelation, we are essentially denying it by our actions. If that be the case, then wo unto us and we should speedily repent.

What a marvelous time we live in when the heavens are open. If we humbly seek the Lord, confess our sins, and repent, the heavens can be open to any individual!

Your Actions Speak Louder Than Your Words

This will be short. When Helaman, the Son of Helaman, named his children Nephi and Lehi, he did so with a purpose. He named them so they might remember the "works" of their fathers and ancestors (Hel 5:6-8).

If you're a parent or spouse, I ask you (and myself) this simple question:

What are your actions or works towards your spouse and children? Answer yourself honestly with no guile or justification.

I love the quote which says, "I can't hear your words because your actions are shouting." Certainly our actions speak louder than our words. What a wonderful state we're in if our words match our actions - that was the life of the Savior!

As a parent or spouse, let us recommit to teach our children and love our spouse through our actions and words. If we use words without action or works, that is condemning. When the actions begin to match the words and we repent of our follies through the atonement, that is exalting!

Part 2: General Commandments and Personal Commandments

Part 2

In this post I want to share my approach to life and the gospel, it allows me to control what I can control. Whether others are right or wrong in their decisions is between them and the Lord.  This is the approach I've taken in trying to seek the Lord and honor the rites, ordinances, and sustain men to callings they have within the church organization. I don't believe they're mutually exclusive, but complementary. Men and organizations will stray and can make mistakes from time to time, but again, I'll explain my role and approach to that:

In D&C 93:19-20 it says, "I give unto you these sayings that you may understand and know how to worship, and know what you worship, that you come unto the Father in my name, and in due time receive of his fullness.  For if you keep MY commandments you SHALL receive of his fullness, and be glorified in ME as I am in the Father, therefore, I say unto you , you shall receive GRACE for GRACE."  All those who are begotten THROUGH ME are partakers of the glory of the same, and are of the Church of the Firstborn."

I sat on a beautiful green hilltop one morning and watched the brilliant sun crest the horizon. I pondered these verses when I was taught something beautiful and this is what I was taught:

One of the keys in those verses is when he says, "MY commandments." What became clear to me is that to truly worship the Father and come unto him, through his Son, there are really two types of commandments: Those commandments asked of everyone and PERSONAL commandments. If we expect to draw near to the Lord and be redeemed by him, we must be able to live and adhere to both types.

1) General Commandments.  If we raise our hand to sustain the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve then we also agree to pay tithing, obey the Word of Wisdom, serve in church callings, hometeach and visit families to whom we're assigned, speak or participate when asked to do so, and participate in temple work.  This has been an enormous blessing throughout my life. What I've learned serving in callings and the associations made have changed me and helped me become a better person. I could start listing names of those I've associated with inside the church and it would get extensively long, I've been blessed by each name on that list. Often times it was working with an "inactive young man" or assigned to home teach someone who's life was in shambles and hadn't associated with the church for years. I could write pages about experiences and blessings that have come through the church and serving in the church.

These are the general commandments and things we've committed to do if we sustain our leadership by common consent. These are foundational commandments and, in many cases, a predecessor to the greater commandments or personal commandments.

2) Personal Commandments:  I believe this next type of commandment is the greater type of commandment and comes to us when we are able to follow the foundational commandments discussed previously and when we humbly seek the Lord with full purpose of heart. Following these commandments will help your power in the priesthood grow.  In D&C 93, the promise is to those who keep "MY commandments." This is a much higher form of communication than the most basic commandments. This is when we begin to receive personal direction from the Lord on a daily basis. We learn to follow that direction and the communication and revelatory experiences increase to the measure we keep those personal directives or commandments.  In a general conference address, Elder Scott gave a talk titled To Acquire Spiritual Guidance. In it he said, "Communication with our Father in Heaven is not a trivial matter. It is a sacred privilege." He then goes on to share his thoughts on personal revelation or receiving personal guidance. He shares a story of sitting in a Sunday School class when he received personal direction from the Lord, wrote it down, pondered, prayed,  and then received more direction. This process continued and I'll just share the last part of his story (I would encourage you to read the whole talk). He says, "Subsequently I prayed, reviewing with the Lord what I thought I had been taught by the Spirit. When a feeling of peace came, I thanked Him for the guidance given. I was then impressed to ask, “Was there yet more to be given?” I received further impressions, and the process of writing down the impressions, pondering, and praying for confirmation was repeated. Again I was prompted to ask, “Is there more I should know?” And there was. When that last, most sacred experience was concluded, I had received some of the most precious, specific, personal direction one could hope to obtain in this life. Had I not responded to the first impressions and recorded them, I would not have received the last, most precious guidance."

This is my witness: When we receive guidance from the Lord, write it down, ponder it, pray for confirmation and  then ask "Lord, what else is there or what more...?", we will grow in light and intelligence.  We will draw near to the Lord and he will bless us with rich and personal experiences in which an environment is created where all that's promised in Section 93 might be fulfilled. The key is not simply living just the basic commandments, but then learning to be a "disciple" and live the personal commandments given to us by revelation.  The Lord will change the heart of an individual who follows this course and, as the potter's clay, will mold that person into what he wants them to become.