A Great Story: The Room

We had two missionaries departing this week for the MTC. During their talks on Sunday, one of them shared this poem called "The Room". I thought it was a powerful story and decided to share it here.

ORIGINATION OF THE STORY:
Summary of eRumor:  
This long email is in two parts.  The first part describes 17-year-old-Brian Moore, a student who was a part of a group of Christian athletes.  In preparation for leading a discussion at one of the meetings, he wrote an essay that he titled "The Room."  Two months later, Brian was dead.  He had a traffic accident, which he survived, but was electrocuted when he stepped on some downed power lines.  The remainder of the first part of the email talks about what a quality guy Brian was and how much it meant to have "The Room" as a part of his legacy.   The second part of the email is the essay itself, a very moving description of a dream in which he experiences a sobering review of his life and a powerful encounter with Jesus Christ.

 The Truth:
"The Room" was actually written by speaker and author Joshua Harris and is in his book "I Kissed Dating Goodbye."  He says it was something that he put on paper as the result of a dream he had while in Puerto Rico for the 1995 Billy Graham Crusade and published in his magazine the same year.  Interestingly, Brian Moore was also real.  He did attend the high school described in the eRumor and lost his life as the result of a traffic accident shortly after having presented "The Room" for the meeting of Christian athletes.  His friends and family believed that he had written it and the story about Brian was passed along to others sincerely.  Joshua Harris told TruthOrFiction.com that he appreciates people getting the facts straight about the origins of "The Room" but is more concerned that people hear the message of the story than knowing who actually wrote it.

"THE ROOM":
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room.
There were no distinguishing features save for the one wall covered with
small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list
titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which
stretched from floor to ceiling and right to left as far as the eye could
see, had very different headings.

As I walked up to the wall of files,the first to catch my attention was one
that read, "People I Have Liked." I opened it and began flipping through the
cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names
written on each one. And then, without being told, I knew exactly where I
was.

This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my
entire life. The actions of my every moment, big and small, were written in
a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, mixed
with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and
exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories, others a sense
of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if
anyone was watching.

A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have betrayed". The
titles ranged from common, everyday things to the not-so-common-"Books I
Have Read", "Lies I Have Told", "Comfort I Have Given", "Jokes I Have
Laughed At". Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I Have
Yelled At My Brothers and Sisters." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I
Have Done in Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents".
I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more
cards than I expected. Sometimes less than I had hoped.

The sheer volume of the life I had lived overwhelmed me. Could it be
possible that I had time in my 17 years to write each of these thousands or
millions of cards? But each card confirmed the truth. Each card was written
in my own handwriting. Each card was signed with my signature. When I pulled
out the file marked "Songs I Have Listened To", I realized the files grew to
contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or
three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so
much by the quality of music, but more by the vast amount of time I knew
that file represented. When I came to the file marked "Lustful

Thoughts"; I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an
inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its
detailed content. I felt sick to think such a moment had been recorded.

A feeling of humiliation and anger ran through my body. One thought
dominated my mind: "No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see
this room! I have to destroy them!" In an insane frenzy, I yanked the file
out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But
as I took the file at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could
not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only
to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly
helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the
wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.

That was when I saw it. The file bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel
With". The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I
pulled on its handle and a small box not more than 3 inches long fell into
my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand. And then the
tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that the hurt started in my
stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of
shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves
swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I
must lock it up and hide the key.

Then as I looked up through my tears, I saw Him enter the room. No, please
not Him. Not here. Anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to
open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response.
The few times I looked at His face I saw such sadness that it tore at my
heart. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did he have to
read every one?

Finally, He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me
with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped
my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked
over and put his arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He
didn't say a word. He just cried with me.

Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of
the room, He took out a file, and, one by one began to sign His name over
mine on each card. "No!" I shouted, rushing to Him. All I could find to say
was "No, no", as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these
cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name
of Jesus covered mine. It was written in blood.

He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the
cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the
next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my
side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished." I stood
up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on the door. There were

still cards to be written.

World Wide Leadership Conference

I attended the Stake Center where I was able to watch the Worldwide Leadership Training (which was really for everyone). In my opinion, the fireside was fabulous and I highly recommend that everyone take two hours to watch it. 

It can be viewed on lds.org or you can click this link: http://bcove.me/appf66hg

There are several "take-away's":

1. What can I do to be a more effective missionary in sharing the gospel with those around me?

2. What can my wife and I do to prepare our children to be missionaries who are effective and teach by the power of the spirit?

3. We already have a family mission plan, but one thing I've learned from experience is that when we're asking the Lord for missionary opportunities, they will come. How often are we praying for missionary opportunities...daily, weekly, monthly???

I loved the videos they used during the fireside and was inspired by several comments made. No matter where we labor, we don't need a "calling" to spread the gospel. In fact, it's our COMMISSION that we each received when we were baptized.

I love the gospel and this great work!

A Heavenly Gift to a Child

See if you can watch this video and keep your eyes dry...stinking onions!

I'm reminded of what the Savior said to the Nephites, "And it came to pass that he commanded that their little children should be brought." (3 Nephi 17:11)

These are the stories I love hearing about...that which is most important and will impact a young girl and family forever!

Temple Names

This is a short and simple post. Yesterday morning we were in the Provo Temple waiting for our session to begin. I noticed the man next to me who took out a pen and wrote down the information for the name he had that day (the name was provided by the temple).

I don't know why he wrote the name, but it sparked a couple of ideas in my own mind:
1. What if we were to take a few minutes after the temple to research the name of the person who we just did the work for? Maybe we wouldn't find anything, but what if we were able to actually learn who the person was? Wouldn't that make the experience more personal?

2. I don't know if this idea would really be worth it, but I wonder if it would be interesting to keep the names, birthplace, and birth date on an excel spreadsheet? Wouldn't that be interesting to go back after 10 years and look at all the different names, dates, and locations where they lived?

I wanted to post that observation, it was interesting and I hadn't ever thought about doing something like that before.

The Mountains...A Sacred Place.

I was at lunch with a good friend several months ago and he rhetorically asked, "Where is your sacred grove?" I've actually thought a lot about that question.

With that question in the background, it's always been refreshing and inspiring to retreat to the mountains, especially on a mild Spring or Fall day - both seasons have their distinct beauty.

There is something special about being out in nature and the spiritual closeness that seems to happen there, it becomes a type of temple. Is it any wonder that the word "mountain" is often referred to or compared to a temple...e.g. "get ye up to the mountain of the Lord."? Is it any wonder that some of the most memorable experiences for young men or young women in the church are during their trips into nature?

Reflect on those who were ministered to by Christ after retreating to the mountains: Nephi, Abraham, Moses, Enos, Ether, Joseph Smith, and so on.

I've always loved the words of Nephi, "I, Nephi, did go into the mount oft, and did oft pray unto the Lord, wherefore the Lord showed unto me great things."

Today I rode up on the mountain with my 4 wheeler and took these two pictures with my phone. It takes about 20 minutes to get to this area from our house. It's serene, peaceful, humans rarely leave their mark there, and it's quiet. The only noise are the insects, birds, and wind blowing across the ridge. It really does feel like a temple and has become a "sacred grove" in certain ways.

I would encourage anyone who wants a special experience to take some time and go into the mountains (or some place of nature if there aren't mountains nearby). There is a special closeness when we ponder and pray in the mountains. Remember, this is where many of the ancients had the veil parted.

P.S. I added a picture from two days ago that I took in our backyard. Spring is such a beautiful time of year...rebirth and renewal!

A Pre-Requisite to Progress

King Benjamin goes on to teach his listener's something critical to their spiritual progression. As the people listened, "They had viewed themselves in their own carnal state, even less than the dust of the earth. And they all cried aloud with one voice, saying: O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified; for we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who created heaven and earth, and all things; who shall come down among the children of men." (Mosiah 4:2)

Viewing themselves in their own carnal state, less than the dust of the earth, was a significant step in the mental and spiritual transformation for these people who were already disciples, at least to a certain degree (because they at least made the effort to come up and pitch their tents towards the temple).

After the people had spoken those words, the Spirit of the Lord came upon them and they were "filled with joy and had a peace of conscience." (Mosiah 4:3)

King Benjamin then taught that if we continue to view ourselves in our own carnal state and look to the Lord in all things then (Mosiah 4:10-14):
- We'll no longer have a mind to injure one another.
- We'll be filled with the love of God.
- We'll retain a remission of our sins.
- We'll grow in the knowledge of the glory of him who created us.
- We won't suffer our children to go hungry or quarrel one with another.

If you've read my posts, you'll know that I always apply these teaching to myself and use these teachings as an opportunity to ask introspective questions. I pose this question:

- Do we REALLY see ourselves in our own carnal state?
If not, what actions can we take to see ourselves in that true state?

For the people who listened to King Benjamin, this was the beginning of a wonderful spiritual manifestation and transformation for them. This is what can really help us draw near to God and bring about the same experience for us today - when we realize that without him and the Atonement, we really are nothing.

The law and the Atonement

King Benjamin taught something so applicable and important to his people.  What he was teaching over 2000 years ago, applies to us today and is vital to understand if we expect to be fully converted to the Lord.

In Mosiah 3:15, he teaches something the Pharisees never grasped, "Many signs, and wonders, and types, and shadows showed he unto them, concerning his coming; also the holy prophets spake unto them concerning his coming; and yet they hardened their hearts, and understood not that the law of Moses availeth nothing except it were through the atonement of his blood."

A few years later, Abinadi asked the Priests of Noah a pertinent question, "Does salvation come by the law of Moses?" (Mosiah 12:31)  

Abinadi went on to answer his own question saying, "There was a law given them, yea, a law of performances and of ordinances, a law which they were to observe strictly from day to day, to keep them in remembrance of our God and their duty towards him. They did not all understand the law; for they understood not that there could be no man saved except it were through the redemption of God." (Mosiah 13:30-32).

Both King Benjamin and Abinadi taught that although they kept the law to be obedient to the commandments of the Lord, it was the atonement of the Lord that brings redemption.

I pose a couple of introspective questions: 

1. Do the current commandments and ordinances we live and obey have the power to save (sacrament, temple ordinances, etc.)?

2. Do we obey the law simply to obey the law?

These are great questions that I ask myself personally. I would suggest that part of the answer is that we as a people tend to hearden our hearts and rely on the ordinances and commandments as the answer. Sometimes I (we) fail to remember that those laws and ordinances are there to point our hearts to Christ.

What he really wants is my (our) heart!  Rather than following a checklist of what I'm doing and not doing, he simply wants a loving, charitable, and willing heart from me as an individual.

If I (we) am fully converted to him, then living each of these commandments becomes a simple byproduct of my fidelity, love and obedience to him. 

This is what King Benjamin was teaching his people. Salvation comes through the atonement and it is through the atonement we are saved. We keep the laws because we're obedient, but it's a constant search of how we can give our heart to the Lord and be filled with his love - his love roots out all evil and has the power to save!

What Is a Prophet?

First, I sustain the First Presidency and member of the Twelve as Prophets, Seers, and Revelators. When I sustain them, I believe that they hold the keys of the administration of the church and have a heavy burden to carry. They have a great responsibility in managing the affairs of the church in a very secular world.

With that context regarding administration, I ask the question: What is a prophet? Is it exclusive to a calling?

According to John the Beloved, "The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy". According to Elder McConkie, "Every person who receives revelation so that he knows, independent of any other source, of the divine Sonship of the Savior, has, by definition and in the very nature of things, the spirit of prophecy and is a prophet."

In Numbers 11:29 it states "Would God that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!"

In this sense, becoming a prophet wouldn't authorize us to organize a Stake or set up a Mission. However, it is a requisite for exaltation for each of us to become a prophet. In other words, to know that Jesus is the Christ...to know that independent of any other source and thereby become a prophet in bearing witness of him and his mission.

How glorious it would be if we as a people were prophets in the sense that we could bear a witness of his reality, testify of his mission, and be filled with the spirit of prophecy!

Receive the Holy Ghost

I'll cite Nephi's words in the beginning of 2 Nephi 32.

"Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost" and at the same time we're told that once we receive the Holy Ghost "ye could speak with the tongue of angels." In other words, what allows an angel to speak with such power and conviction are when they speak the words of Christ and they are carried to the listener by the "power of the Holy Ghost."

If man has the potential to speak with the tongue of angels (in other words, by the same power) then we have to acquire that power by "feasting upon the words of Christ that will tell us all things what we should do." When we feast upon the words of Christ, we'll find individual instruction and direction to "bring us into the light." To summarize the words of Nephi, "this is the doctrine of Christ."

How easily is that spirit offended? How easily will he depart from us and we lose that power? If we pray, feast upon the words of Christ, and follow the individual instruction we receive, then we can have the Holy Ghost as a guide and companion and speak with the tongue of angels.

Doubt - An effective tool of the Adversary

A very effective tool of the adversary is doubt. He tried to use that tactic on Christ multiple times.

Matthew 4 - Multiple times Lucifer tempts the Savior and says "IF  thou be the Son of God..." He tried to cast doubt into the Son of God.

Luke 23:37-40 (JST): The adversary, acting through soldiers and the malefactor who was crucified with Christ, again tried to instil doubt into the Savior during those crushing final moments on the cross when they said, "IF thou be the Christ, save thyself."

There are many ways he can try to instil doubt into us as individuals. These might be a few examples:

- You're not worthy to serve in this calling.

- Do you think a perfect Heavenly Father will really answer your prayers, after all you've done?

- You shouldn't be associating with these people, they're so much better than you, you could never measure up to them.

- Others may be noble and great and may see and hear wonderful things, but you can't attain that, it's out of your reach.

- You didn't really confess that sin, you're not forgiven. The Lord can forgive others, but you can't be forgiven of that. Your life has been to dark.

and so on...

The message of the gospel is the opposite of doubt and fear.  In 3 Nephi 9:14, the voice of the Lord says, "If ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me."

The invitation to come is extended to all, no matter how dark the past or seemingly real the doubt may be, Christ has carried that burden and he overcame. Some of the vilest sinners have turned and become the greatest missionaries: Paul, Alma, Ammon, and so on.

When we look to Christ, there should be no room for doubt in our mind. I invite you and I to cast away any misgivings or doubt and turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart. When we do, we shall conquer the enemy of all righteousness and not give into his doubt filled temptations!

You Never Know When Someone is Watching or Listening

I'm at a Global Leadership conference in Turkey. I was talking with an influential man from Texas and he asked if I was Mormon, I responded, "yes".

He then complimented me and told me the following story. He said, "I was at a restaurant one day and noticed a group of clean cut young men, they were all wearing suits. I knew they were Mormon missionaries.  This seemed a little out of the ordinary so I decided to sit nearby and listen to what they were saying. I was so impressed by their conversation. They were upbeat, positive and talking about how to serve others. I was amazed that young men would have that type of conversation!"

He couldn't say enough positive things about "the Mormons".

I'm grateful that those missionaries decided to be positive and uplifting that day. They could just as easily complained about their area, an investigator, or anything else. They never knew that someone was listening in on their conversation. Those missionaries will never know the influence they had on this man as a result of that conversation.

How many of our actions, conversations, and ideas are actually observed...when we think nobody is watching or listening?

This is a good reminder to be ever vigilant and try to adopt the lifestyle of the Savior at all times.  We may never realize when our word or action makes the difference in the life of someone else, for good or for bad!

Book Suggestion

I don't do this often, but I'd like to recommend a book which was recently recommended to me by my sister-in-law. Unfortunately it is a bit pricey and I could only find it at Deseret Book. In the first few pages, I quickly realized it was worth it.

It's a compilation of scripture, with no intermediate interpretation. It takes verses from the first four gospels, the BOM, D&C, and the JST - it combines select verses from each book and combines each of these together in a chronological sequence. It's about the same length as the four gospels combined.

This is a powerful book and shows what happens when you combine modern revelation (D&C) with the BOM and New Testament. It's amazing how well they compliment each other!

How to Find Protection from the Adversary

Elder Scott recently stated to the youth “Immerse yourself in searching for your ancestors, prepare their names for the sacred vicarious ordinances available in the temple, and then go to the temple to stand as proxy for them to receive the ordinances of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost. As you grow older you will be able to participate in receiving the other ordinances as well. I can think of no greater protection from the influence of the adversary in your life."

I agree with Elder Scott.  

Why does this combination of searching out those who have gone before, then taking those names to the temple carry such power, for the youth as well as adults?

I have had several personal and great experiences, I would even go so far as to use the word "miracles", while searching out the names of our family and taking them to the temple. These were far more powerful experiences than mere coincidence.

If you want some wonderful and sacred experiences, search out your ancestors and take their names to the temple - those experiences will come. Is all it takes is a little desire and a willingness to actually do something (act). If nothing else, just login to the website below and start going through your history.

A good start is to login to www.new.familysearch.org.

A Cool Video

This is a pretty awesome video. Someone once said, "If the hand of the Lord wasn't involved in the church, its young missionaries would have destroyed it a long time ago!" It was said somewhat jest-fully,  but the point is accurate. The Lord uses young men and young women to accomplish a significant portion of his work.

When you look around the world at what the majority of 18 and 19 yr olds are doing, this is actually quite amazing! Kudos to whoever made this video from Olympus High School. What a band of brothers and sisters! It's fun to watch a testimony of the gospel and atonement begin to grow within my own children.

Enjoy the video.

The Third Lecture

As I read the following statements, I felt a prompting to share them here. In the lectures on faith, Joseph teaches something of great importance at the beginning of the third lecture. He teaches, "Three things are necessary in order that any rational and intelligent being may exercise faith in God unto life and salvation."

He goes on to explain the three points, they are:
1. "The idea that he actually exists."

2. "A correct idea of his character, perfections, and attributes."

3. "An actual knowledge that the course of life which he is pursuing is according to his will." 

Joseph further explains, "For without an acquaintance with these three important facts, the faith of every rational being must be imperfect and unproductive, but with this understanding it can become productive and fruitful."

I want to pause and reflect on #3 - this is important!

Do you and I have an actual knowledge that the course of life we're pursuing is according to his will?

If not, why?

If so, wonderful!

We can all recite the common answers verbatim...read the scriptures, pray, etc.  The question for each of us is how much effort do we really put into doing these things we so often discuss? When done sincerely and with effort, they will lead us to the Lord.

Let me succinctly summarize it here. Think about the veil experience in the temple, it has all three of these components mentioned in the third lecture preparatory to real faith in God. When we understand his character and attributes and we have an actual knowledge that our course is according to his will, THEN we may exercise faith in God unto life and salvation. Then will our faith become productive and fruitful.