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!

As If a Dream...

We just returned from a wonderful family reunion. Many times throughout my life I've been awakened to our fragile state and I'm very conscious of how quickly time will pass us by. I saw pictures of great-great grandparents, many of whom passed away decades ago.

Once again I realized how precious our time on earth really is. Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in the small or trivial things. Some of those things might APPEAR to be important, but they'll be a distant memory once we cross the veil.

What are you and I doing with the time we have left on earth?

How can we make better use of our time?

Is our time spent on things of eternal significance?

Jacob said something very similar, "I have written according to the best of my knowledge, by saying that the time passed away with us, and also our lives passed away like as it were unto us a dream" (Jacob 7:26)

Years ago my grandma appeared to my mother and told her that this life will pass by so quickly and that it would only be a short time before we're together again.

As I renew my efforts to serve the Lord and be a righteous husband and father, I hope he'll be pleased with my efforts. I hope that my legacy to my children is one of faith, service, and love. We never know when it might be our last minute or day, so let's make the best of it while we have it!

On the Lighter Side...

My brother shared this with me today. I thought it was too funny and certainly worth sharing. Hopefully you have a sense of humor and can enjoy a nice laugh...I'm sure they would do the same if they watched the video themselves. 

Enjoy!

If the Savior Stood Beside Me

My 11 year old son and I were driving to his soccer practice this morning and he asked me what my favorite primary song was. I responded and then asked him about his favorite. He said, "If the Savior Stood Beside Me". He went on to explain that this was his favorite because it made him think about his thoughts and actions. He would ask himself, "Is this something I would do if the Savior really was beside me?" 

I was proud of him for thinking about the words, for asking important questions, and being willing to talk about it and share his feelings. He caused me to think and realize how right he was. 

Would we do many of the things we do if the Savior really was beside us?

I've attached two separate videos of his favorite hymn. Both videos are wonderful. Also, the words to the song are listed below. As you read them, I invite you to ponder the questions asked in this powerful primary hymn:

1. If the Savior stood beside me,
would I do the things I do?
Would I think of His commandments,
and try harder to be true?
Would I follow His example?
Would I live more righteously
if I could see the Savior standing nigh,
watching over me?

2. If the Savior stood beside me,
would I say the things I say?
Would my words be true and kind
if He was never far away?
Would I try to share the gospel?
Would I speak more rev’rently
if I could see the Savior standing nigh,
watching over me?

3. He is always near me,
though I do not see Him there,
And because He loves me dearly,
I am in His watchful care.
So I’ll be the kind of person
that I know I’d like to be
if I could see the Savior standing nigh,
watching over me.

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!