We had a really great Region Conference this last Sunday. Elder Gary Stevenson spoke on three Christ-like attributes to practice every day: Humility, Obedience, and Virtue. I love how he defined virtue - that our private actions and conversations are in line with what we profess to believe in public in our churches.
I found his same HOV pattern in my scriptures this week where Alma counsels us, "to never be weary of good works, but to be meek and lowly in heart; for such shall find rest to their souls.... learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God. Yea cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and withersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever." - Alma 37:34-36
I absolutely love it when I hear counsel from modern day prophets and apostles and soon after find something in my scripture study that coincides perfectly with what they just said. It happens all the time!
Just thinking about verse 36 of Alma where he admonishes that all our thoughts and affections be directed to the Lord, reminded me of this cool song, "I Point to You".
Enjoy!!
-Alicia
"I Point To You"
by, We Are Messengers
How can I forgive when I can't forgive myself
How can I move on when all I have is regrets
How can I fix you when I keep turning away
How can I make it past the noise with my shame
I need a miracle
Some healing for my heart
I need a revelation
A brand new start
I want simplicity
Where I can rest
But I need a miracle to put my past to death
I know You want my heart
My bruises and my scars
I'm coming as I am
The only way I can
I can't forget from where I've come
And what my heart's been rescued from
Yeah when they ask me who
I owe my whole life to
I point to You
I point to You
I want so badly just to finally get well
But I don't want a quick fix and emotional sell
I will be honest with my humanity
No I'm not perfect and I don't pretend to be
I need a miracle
Some healing for my heart
I need a revelation
A brand new start
I want simplicity
Where I can rest
But I need a miracle to put my past to death
I know You want my heart
My bruises and my scars
I'm coming as I am
The only way I can
I can't forget from where I've come
And what my heart's been rescued from
Yeah when they ask me who
I owe my whole life to
I point to You
I point to You
People say that I've lost myself
I'll say I'm found in You
People ask where does my story end
I'll say it starts with You
I know You want my heart
My bruises and my scars
I'm coming as I am
I know You want my heart
My bruises and my scars
I'm coming as I am
The only way I can
I can't forget from where I've come
And what my heart's been rescued from
Yeah when they ask me who
I owe my whole life to
I point to You
I point to You
I point to You
I point to You
Featured Post
The Purest Love
"The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of transformation. It takes us as men and women of the earth and refines us into men and wom...
Showing posts with label Obedience. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Obedience. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
Monday, June 26, 2017
Notwithstanding My Weakness
I listened to this talk by Neal A. Maxwell today. I found it by searching for sermons that addressed feeling weak or inadequate in our callings in the church. Let's just say... I really needed this!!
What can we do to manage these vexing feelings of inadequacy? Here are but a few suggestions:
1. We can distinguish more clearly between divine discontent and the devil’s dissonance, between dissatisfaction with self and disdain for self. We need the first and must shun the second, remembering that when conscience calls to us from the next ridge, it is not solely to scold but also to beckon.
2. We can contemplate how far we have already come in the climb along the pathway to perfection; it is usually much farther than we acknowledge. True, we are “unprofitable servants,” but partly because when “we have done that which was our duty to do” (Luke 17:10), with every ounce of such obedience comes a bushel of blessings.
3. We can accept help as well as gladly give it. Happily, General Naaman received honest but helpful feedback, not from fellow generals, but from his orderlies. (See 2 Kgs. 5:1–14.) In the economy of heaven, God does not send thunder if a still, small voice is enough, or a prophet if a priest can do the job.
4. We can allow for the agency of others (including our children) before we assess our adequacy. Often our deliberate best is less effectual because of someone else’s worst.
5. We can write down, and act upon, more of those accumulating resolutions for self-improvement that we so often leave, unrecovered, at the edge of sleep.
6. We can admit that if we were to die today, we would be genuinely and deeply missed. Perhaps parliaments would not praise us, but no human circle is so small that it does not touch another, and another.
7. We can put our hand to the plow, looking neither back nor around, comparatively. Our gifts and opportunities differ; some are more visible and impactful. The historian Moroni felt inadequate as a writer beside the mighty Mahonri Moriancumer, who wrote overpoweringly. We all have at least one gift and an open invitation to seek “earnestly the best gifts.” (D&C 46:8.)
8. We can make quiet but more honest inventories of our strengths, since, in this connection, most of us are dishonest bookkeepers and need confirming “outside auditors.” He who was thrust down in the first estate delights to have us put ourselves down. Self-contempt is of Satan; there is none of it in heaven. We should, of course, learn from our mistakes, but without forever studying the instant replays as if these were the game of life itself.
9. We can add to each other’s storehouse of self-esteem by giving deserved, specific commendation more often, remembering, too, that those who are breathless from going the second mile need deserved praise just as the fallen need to be lifted up.
10. We can also keep moving. Only the Lord can compare crosses, but all crosses are easier to carry when we keep moving. Men finally climbed Mount Everest, not by standing at its base in consuming awe, but by shouldering their packs and by placing one foot in front of another. Feet are made to move forward—not backward!
11. We can know that when we have truly given what we have, it is like paying a full tithe; it is, in that respect, all that was asked. The widow who cast in her two mites was neither self-conscious nor searching for mortal approval.
12. We can allow for the reality that God is more concerned with growth than with geography. Thus, those who marched in Zion’s Camp were not exploring the Missouri countryside but their own possibilities.
13. We can learn that at the center of our agency is our freedom to form a healthy attitude toward whatever circumstances we are placed in! Those, for instance, who stretch themselves in service—though laced with limiting diseases—are often the healthiest among us! The Spirit can drive the flesh beyond where the body first agrees to go!
14. Finally, we can accept this stunning, irrevocable truth: Our Lord can lift us from deep despair and cradle us midst any care. We cannot tell Him anything about aloneness or nearness!
- Neal A. Maxwell - Notwithstanding My Weakness - October 1976
.......................
1. We can distinguish more clearly between divine discontent and the devil’s dissonance, between dissatisfaction with self and disdain for self. We need the first and must shun the second, remembering that when conscience calls to us from the next ridge, it is not solely to scold but also to beckon.
2. We can contemplate how far we have already come in the climb along the pathway to perfection; it is usually much farther than we acknowledge. True, we are “unprofitable servants,” but partly because when “we have done that which was our duty to do” (Luke 17:10), with every ounce of such obedience comes a bushel of blessings.
3. We can accept help as well as gladly give it. Happily, General Naaman received honest but helpful feedback, not from fellow generals, but from his orderlies. (See 2 Kgs. 5:1–14.) In the economy of heaven, God does not send thunder if a still, small voice is enough, or a prophet if a priest can do the job.
4. We can allow for the agency of others (including our children) before we assess our adequacy. Often our deliberate best is less effectual because of someone else’s worst.
5. We can write down, and act upon, more of those accumulating resolutions for self-improvement that we so often leave, unrecovered, at the edge of sleep.
6. We can admit that if we were to die today, we would be genuinely and deeply missed. Perhaps parliaments would not praise us, but no human circle is so small that it does not touch another, and another.
7. We can put our hand to the plow, looking neither back nor around, comparatively. Our gifts and opportunities differ; some are more visible and impactful. The historian Moroni felt inadequate as a writer beside the mighty Mahonri Moriancumer, who wrote overpoweringly. We all have at least one gift and an open invitation to seek “earnestly the best gifts.” (D&C 46:8.)
8. We can make quiet but more honest inventories of our strengths, since, in this connection, most of us are dishonest bookkeepers and need confirming “outside auditors.” He who was thrust down in the first estate delights to have us put ourselves down. Self-contempt is of Satan; there is none of it in heaven. We should, of course, learn from our mistakes, but without forever studying the instant replays as if these were the game of life itself.
9. We can add to each other’s storehouse of self-esteem by giving deserved, specific commendation more often, remembering, too, that those who are breathless from going the second mile need deserved praise just as the fallen need to be lifted up.
10. We can also keep moving. Only the Lord can compare crosses, but all crosses are easier to carry when we keep moving. Men finally climbed Mount Everest, not by standing at its base in consuming awe, but by shouldering their packs and by placing one foot in front of another. Feet are made to move forward—not backward!
11. We can know that when we have truly given what we have, it is like paying a full tithe; it is, in that respect, all that was asked. The widow who cast in her two mites was neither self-conscious nor searching for mortal approval.
12. We can allow for the reality that God is more concerned with growth than with geography. Thus, those who marched in Zion’s Camp were not exploring the Missouri countryside but their own possibilities.
13. We can learn that at the center of our agency is our freedom to form a healthy attitude toward whatever circumstances we are placed in! Those, for instance, who stretch themselves in service—though laced with limiting diseases—are often the healthiest among us! The Spirit can drive the flesh beyond where the body first agrees to go!
14. Finally, we can accept this stunning, irrevocable truth: Our Lord can lift us from deep despair and cradle us midst any care. We cannot tell Him anything about aloneness or nearness!
- Neal A. Maxwell - Notwithstanding My Weakness - October 1976
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Thou Shalt...
It's part of my routine now to take my foster children to visit their parents every Tuesday evening for two hours. Sometimes I stay and watch but sometimes it's too hard for me to stay. I learn so much about the children's behavior, the root of their desires, and the habits that seem to be ingrained in them.
Sometimes, I leave these visits feeling very angry and frustrated, wanting to knock some sense into the parents and show them just how much damage they have done. I want to force them to break the vicious cycle they've been in all their lives, somehow just make them stop. I have to remind myself to be forgiving and pray for their parents rather than become resentful.
A couple Tuesdays ago, my foster daughter left the visit with a gift from her mom: a little tiny coin purse on a chain that said, "Thou Shalt Sin". Mom knew that I wouldn't like the text - so as we were leaving, I was grateful when she said that it was up to me if I decided to let her daughter keep it. Of course, my foster daughter didn't want to give up her new gift, no way! So I let her keep it under the condition that she would let me "fix it" first. Her three-year-old mind didn't see the purse as broken but she willingly put it into my hands anyway.
I examined the purse and contemplated how I was going to "fix it". I saw it as an opportunity to teach a subtle lesson. I thought maybe I could insert a "not" between the "shalt sin" part but decided it seemed to be lacking core principle. Maybe I could just paint over the whole thing. I pondered on the commandments God gives us and why He gives them... and then I knew exactly what to do.
The next morning, I showed my foster daughter what I had done to the purse and she beamed with delight. She liked it so much better! (Since she can't read - I'm guessing it was mostly because of the pink letters.)
"Thou Shalt Sin" - Making a mock of the commandments of God, viewing sin as real freedom, a message to flaunt, to celebrate rebelliousness.
changed to
"Thou Shalt Love" - An understanding of what God's laws really free us to DO and to feel. The foundation and core of Who God IS and what He wants us to ultimately BECOME.
I'm glad my foster daughter likes her purse better this way.
I do too.
-Alicia
I do too.
-Alicia
"The Great Commandment: Love"
By, Joseph B. Wirthlin
Monday, February 8, 2016
The Unmaking
Yesterday, I spent some time again listening to "God is the Gardner." Whenever I struggle to understand the moments in life that "cut me back" or cause my heart to ache, I appreciate the truths found in these words:
"God is aware of you individually. He knows who you are and what you are, and, furthermore, He knows what you are capable of becoming. Be not discouraged, then, if you do not get all the things you want just when you want them. Have the courage to go on and face your life and, if necessary, reverse it to bring it into harmony with His law... someday, when you are ripened in life, you are going to shout back across the time and say, ‘Thank you, Mr. Gardener, for cutting me down, for loving me enough to hurt me.’"
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing" - Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4-5
God has His purposes and His seasons... and I trust Him, so I won't complain. I praise Him for His infinite wisdom, even when it hurts.
“Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of - throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself.” - C.S. Lewis
-Alicia
Trying to be Good
"God is aware of you individually. He knows who you are and what you are, and, furthermore, He knows what you are capable of becoming. Be not discouraged, then, if you do not get all the things you want just when you want them. Have the courage to go on and face your life and, if necessary, reverse it to bring it into harmony with His law... someday, when you are ripened in life, you are going to shout back across the time and say, ‘Thank you, Mr. Gardener, for cutting me down, for loving me enough to hurt me.’"
- Hugh B. Brown "God is the Gardener"
As I walked up to campus this afternoon, I scrolled through my Spotify songs to select a new favorite called, "The Unmaking". Listening to the lyrics, I couldn't help reflect on Hugh B. Brown's talk. I felt the words to this song fit the principle of trusting in God's bigger picture.
I can't deny the hurt associated with being "cut down" or held back especially when it feels as if it goes against everything in my nature. Denying such pain would be lying to myself. Maybe I held my dreams too tightly? (or at least my interpretation of them...) Maybe as I stand back and lift my hands in surrender, my Father in Heaven will show me things I couldn't see before... At the ending is also a new beginning... and I'm learning that true beauty is found in the breaking.
I can't deny the hurt associated with being "cut down" or held back especially when it feels as if it goes against everything in my nature. Denying such pain would be lying to myself. Maybe I held my dreams too tightly? (or at least my interpretation of them...) Maybe as I stand back and lift my hands in surrender, my Father in Heaven will show me things I couldn't see before... At the ending is also a new beginning... and I'm learning that true beauty is found in the breaking.
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing" - Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4-5
God has His purposes and His seasons... and I trust Him, so I won't complain. I praise Him for His infinite wisdom, even when it hurts.
by, Nichole Nordeman
"This is the unmaking
The beauty and the breaking
Had to lose myself to find out who You are
Before each beginning
There must be an ending
Sitting in the rubble
I can see the stars
This is the unmaking
This is the unmaking
The longer and the tighter that we hold
Only makes it harder to let go
Love will not stay locked inside
A steeple or a tower high
Only when we're broken are we whole"
"I had to lose myself
To find out who You are"
“Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of - throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself.” - C.S. Lewis
-Alicia
Trying to be Good
Monday, January 4, 2016
Back to School
Winter Semester started for me today. My stomach has been full of butterflies. My husband reassured me that he felt nervous every time a new semester began for him too. He often worried how he would be able to juggle everything in his new schedule. I must have been running on pure adrenaline because I feel like I just plowed through this day at full speed. I had an extremely early morning, orthodontist appointments for the kids, grocery shopping, meal prepping, laundry, my class, and artwork to package and ship. And I got it all done, what a blessing! I actually don't feel tired but I really should get to bed.
Walking up to campus today brought me those same feelings I had as I stepped out as an official student last April. I'm sure I made some people curious because I couldn't wipe the grin off my face. Someone still needs to pinch me because even though this semester will be my 5th class here, I still can't believe this is happening.
Oh, by-the-way... my class this semester is American Heritage. I absolutely love learning about the foundations of this country and the things that made it great and am thrilled to have this class. The book I'll be studying is called, "A City on a Hill" based off the scriptures found in Matt 5:14-16. My teacher, Professor Madsen, served as our bishop three years ago. I'll still never forget that Sunday in March where I had two witnesses confirm the direction I was heading. Earlier that week, I had gone with my friend Suzanne to listen to a seminar my other friend, Jennifer, was speaking at. Her subject was discovering our mission in life by studying our patriarchal blessing. I sat on the edge of my seat and elbowed Suzanne, "I've got to go back to school. I know this now. I need to apply to BYU." She was surprised at my statement but full of encouraging words, "That would be awesome! You should totally do it. You go!" The thought made me giddy and I couldn't shake it the rest of the week. When Bishop Madsen had me visit him in his office to extend a calling to me that Sunday, he didn't know what had been on my mind but he was inspired. When the appointment was over, he stopped me as I was leaving with my hand turning on the door knob,
"Wait, just one more thing... for whatever it's worth... You have a lot of gifts Alicia... and well... don't sell yourself short. I'm not telling you to go back to school but I'm not telling you not to go back either."
That was confirmation #1 for me.
I smiled and shook his hand thinking to myself, "Funny he should mention it... the week I've been contemplating about that very subject."
I rounded the corner and made my way to the Relief Society room where my friend, Sherrie, was putting away chairs. She asked how my husband's new job was going and then asked if I had considered going back to school. "Funny you should ask that." I responded. And thought to myself, "Confirmation #2!"
I had known for years that I wanted to go back but imagined it would happen when all my kids were grown, not now while they're still young. I guess the Lord was trying to tell me He had other plans.
I began to apply to BYU's art program but every time I sat down to do it, I had a stupor of thought and couldn't bring myself to make any moves in that direction. Everything at home and with our schedules began to fall apart too. I remember writing in my journal how I was hitting one wall after another. One year later, I knew that I was not meant to pursue art at BYU. (This must have been the reason I felt so blocked when I began to apply for it.) Instead, the message came crystal clear to me that I was to go into writing and speaking. With writing, I feel comfortable because I can deliberately lay out my words, edit, use spell check, search in a thesaurus, and so on... but with speaking, it's a little harder... I feel like I'm sorely lacking composure, articulation, and vocabulary. What I wouldn't give to share the deep things of my heart without blubbering or melting into a puddle of tears every time!
I've spoken about all this before and the events that followed in my older post "The Weak of the Earth." I suppose that's what makes me smile so much and why I can't seem to wipe the cheesy grin off my face whenever I'm on campus. However weak I am, I have never felt more perfectly guided in my life, as if the Lord had me by the shoulders and was giving me step-by-step direction to exactly where I needed to be. It's an awesome feeling to know that God is at the helm!
Taking only one class a couple of times a year means graduation day is pretty far away for me. But I have no complaints because I'm finding so much joy in this journey back to school!
-Alicia
Walking up to campus today brought me those same feelings I had as I stepped out as an official student last April. I'm sure I made some people curious because I couldn't wipe the grin off my face. Someone still needs to pinch me because even though this semester will be my 5th class here, I still can't believe this is happening.
Oh, by-the-way... my class this semester is American Heritage. I absolutely love learning about the foundations of this country and the things that made it great and am thrilled to have this class. The book I'll be studying is called, "A City on a Hill" based off the scriptures found in Matt 5:14-16. My teacher, Professor Madsen, served as our bishop three years ago. I'll still never forget that Sunday in March where I had two witnesses confirm the direction I was heading. Earlier that week, I had gone with my friend Suzanne to listen to a seminar my other friend, Jennifer, was speaking at. Her subject was discovering our mission in life by studying our patriarchal blessing. I sat on the edge of my seat and elbowed Suzanne, "I've got to go back to school. I know this now. I need to apply to BYU." She was surprised at my statement but full of encouraging words, "That would be awesome! You should totally do it. You go!" The thought made me giddy and I couldn't shake it the rest of the week. When Bishop Madsen had me visit him in his office to extend a calling to me that Sunday, he didn't know what had been on my mind but he was inspired. When the appointment was over, he stopped me as I was leaving with my hand turning on the door knob,
"Wait, just one more thing... for whatever it's worth... You have a lot of gifts Alicia... and well... don't sell yourself short. I'm not telling you to go back to school but I'm not telling you not to go back either."
That was confirmation #1 for me.
I smiled and shook his hand thinking to myself, "Funny he should mention it... the week I've been contemplating about that very subject."
I rounded the corner and made my way to the Relief Society room where my friend, Sherrie, was putting away chairs. She asked how my husband's new job was going and then asked if I had considered going back to school. "Funny you should ask that." I responded. And thought to myself, "Confirmation #2!"
I had known for years that I wanted to go back but imagined it would happen when all my kids were grown, not now while they're still young. I guess the Lord was trying to tell me He had other plans.
I began to apply to BYU's art program but every time I sat down to do it, I had a stupor of thought and couldn't bring myself to make any moves in that direction. Everything at home and with our schedules began to fall apart too. I remember writing in my journal how I was hitting one wall after another. One year later, I knew that I was not meant to pursue art at BYU. (This must have been the reason I felt so blocked when I began to apply for it.) Instead, the message came crystal clear to me that I was to go into writing and speaking. With writing, I feel comfortable because I can deliberately lay out my words, edit, use spell check, search in a thesaurus, and so on... but with speaking, it's a little harder... I feel like I'm sorely lacking composure, articulation, and vocabulary. What I wouldn't give to share the deep things of my heart without blubbering or melting into a puddle of tears every time!
I've spoken about all this before and the events that followed in my older post "The Weak of the Earth." I suppose that's what makes me smile so much and why I can't seem to wipe the cheesy grin off my face whenever I'm on campus. However weak I am, I have never felt more perfectly guided in my life, as if the Lord had me by the shoulders and was giving me step-by-step direction to exactly where I needed to be. It's an awesome feeling to know that God is at the helm!
Taking only one class a couple of times a year means graduation day is pretty far away for me. But I have no complaints because I'm finding so much joy in this journey back to school!
-Alicia
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Reality Check
My husband and I met with our social worker, Mr. Baxter, to turn in all of our adoption papers. Man, the questions they have you fill out -They want your whole entire life story! Between me and my husband, we turned in 40 typed pages! The social worker said we filed everything very quickly and that most people don't turn their papers in so fast. I thought that was funny because later, he conducted a small interview and asked how long our courtship was.
I responded, "We were engaged after 5 weeks from our first date and married 11 weeks after that."
Mr. Baxter tipped his glasses down to raise his eyebrows at me. Joseph smiled wryly and told the story of our first kiss (which was his first kiss) "She's always been a fast mover. When she knows something is right, she doesn't hesitate, she moves!"
"Well, I guess that explains why you two are getting everything set in motion with this adoption so fast."
We had a great visit and everything went well.
Near the end of the interview he informed us with what he called "a reality check."
"I must tell you that most young birth mothers are looking for a 'Ken and Barbie' couple, one with a nice big house and preferably no other children. It may be very difficult for you to find someone who would be willing to give their baby to you... you're an older couple with children of your own already and you live in an apartment."
"I'm not too worried," I said "We have fasted and prayed about this and have received a very clear answer. I feel confident that the Lord will make it all happen in His way and timing." My husband smiled with agreement.
"Well then, if all goes well, you should be able to get your profile up by January sometime."
"That's what we're hoping." We shook Mr. Baxter's hand and thanked him as he wished us the best.
He's coming back again on Monday to interview our children and inspect our home. It's been great motivation for me do some deep cleaning. I feel good about things. Our apartment may be small and not very stylish but I can say it's clean.
This morning in my scripture studies, I read a verse and thought of how this has all come to be. I'm overwhelmed with gratitude. It is nothing short of a miracle. Something has changed in my husband, I can't describe it. I never thought I would see him so enthusiastic about this or about life. The Spirit has rested upon him these past few months in a way that I've never seen before. He's been happier, more resilient, more faith-filled, and more at peace. We both know that the Spirit has been guiding us. We trust this and because we trust the character of our Father in Heaven we know that it will all work out. This is His will for us. Here's the scripture I read:
"And [we] do this for a wise purpose; for thus it whispereth [us], according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in [us]. And now, [we] do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, He worketh in [us] to do according to His will." - Words of Mormon 1:7
I know it's true. We may not be the poster couple but it doesn't really matter. The "reality check" is this is God's work not ours... And when it comes to the things of this world, I honestly believe "sometimes having more is really less." We will be led in the right direction and there is nothing to fear.
-Alicia
I responded, "We were engaged after 5 weeks from our first date and married 11 weeks after that."
Mr. Baxter tipped his glasses down to raise his eyebrows at me. Joseph smiled wryly and told the story of our first kiss (which was his first kiss) "She's always been a fast mover. When she knows something is right, she doesn't hesitate, she moves!"
"Well, I guess that explains why you two are getting everything set in motion with this adoption so fast."
We had a great visit and everything went well.
Near the end of the interview he informed us with what he called "a reality check."
"I must tell you that most young birth mothers are looking for a 'Ken and Barbie' couple, one with a nice big house and preferably no other children. It may be very difficult for you to find someone who would be willing to give their baby to you... you're an older couple with children of your own already and you live in an apartment."
"I'm not too worried," I said "We have fasted and prayed about this and have received a very clear answer. I feel confident that the Lord will make it all happen in His way and timing." My husband smiled with agreement.
"Well then, if all goes well, you should be able to get your profile up by January sometime."
"That's what we're hoping." We shook Mr. Baxter's hand and thanked him as he wished us the best.
He's coming back again on Monday to interview our children and inspect our home. It's been great motivation for me do some deep cleaning. I feel good about things. Our apartment may be small and not very stylish but I can say it's clean.
This morning in my scripture studies, I read a verse and thought of how this has all come to be. I'm overwhelmed with gratitude. It is nothing short of a miracle. Something has changed in my husband, I can't describe it. I never thought I would see him so enthusiastic about this or about life. The Spirit has rested upon him these past few months in a way that I've never seen before. He's been happier, more resilient, more faith-filled, and more at peace. We both know that the Spirit has been guiding us. We trust this and because we trust the character of our Father in Heaven we know that it will all work out. This is His will for us. Here's the scripture I read:
"And [we] do this for a wise purpose; for thus it whispereth [us], according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in [us]. And now, [we] do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, He worketh in [us] to do according to His will." - Words of Mormon 1:7
I know it's true. We may not be the poster couple but it doesn't really matter. The "reality check" is this is God's work not ours... And when it comes to the things of this world, I honestly believe "sometimes having more is really less." We will be led in the right direction and there is nothing to fear.
-Alicia
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Fence or Ambulance?
Around ten years ago, I bought this DVD Standards Night Live by John Bytheway. Chandler took to it right away and has probably watched it more than 30 times since then. It has been very well played in our home. I give it four stars and two enthusiastic thumbs up!
I'd encourage any parent to take advantage of "screen time" like this for their kids. Start them on this stuff as young as you can. In our family, every Christmas and Easter these types of DVDs and EFY talks have become a well anticipated favorite gift our children receive.
In his devotional, Brother Bytheway recites a poem as he expresses the need for God's standards, for God's commandments and relates them to guard rails or fences. I love the imagery and feel like it is very effective when we use it in our efforts to teach our children the "why" in this wonderful Gospel:
"We can choose to see commandments as limitations. We may feel at times that God’s laws restrict our personal freedom, take from us our agency, and limit our growth. But as we seek for greater understanding, as we allow our Father to teach us, we will begin to see that His laws are a manifestation of His love for us and obedience to His laws is an expression of our love for Him."
- Sister Carol M. Stephens - Oct. 2015 General Conference
My heart feels very heavy today for those who view "the fence" or God's laws as restrictive to our personal freedom. I wish there was a way I could convey the liberty and incredible love that accompanies those who give heed to our Father in Heaven. I wish I could express how freeing life can be for those who seek His word and consistently follow His ordained servants.
-Alicia
I'd encourage any parent to take advantage of "screen time" like this for their kids. Start them on this stuff as young as you can. In our family, every Christmas and Easter these types of DVDs and EFY talks have become a well anticipated favorite gift our children receive.
In his devotional, Brother Bytheway recites a poem as he expresses the need for God's standards, for God's commandments and relates them to guard rails or fences. I love the imagery and feel like it is very effective when we use it in our efforts to teach our children the "why" in this wonderful Gospel:
The Fence or the Ambulance
By Joseph Malins
‘Twas a dangerous cliff, as they freely confessed,
Though to walk near its crest was so pleasant;
But over its terrible edge there had slipped
A duke, and full many a peasant;
So the people said something would have to be done,
But their projects did not all tally.
Some said, “Put a fence around the edge of the cliff;”
Some, “An ambulance down in the valley.”
But the cry for the ambulance carried the day,
For it spread through the neighboring city,
A fence may be useful or not, it is true,
But each heart became brimful of pity
For those who slipped over that dangerous cliff;
And the dwellers in highway and alley
Gave pounds or gave pence, not to put up a fence,
But an ambulance down in the valley.
"For the cliff is all right, if your careful," they said,
"And, if folks even slip and are dropping,
It isn't the slipping that hurts them so much
As the shock down below when they're stopping."
So day after day,as these mishaps occurred,
Quick forth would those rescuers sally
To pick up the victims who fell off the cliff,
With their ambulance down in the valley.
"For the cliff is all right, if your careful," they said,
"And, if folks even slip and are dropping,
It isn't the slipping that hurts them so much
As the shock down below when they're stopping."
So day after day,as these mishaps occurred,
Quick forth would those rescuers sally
To pick up the victims who fell off the cliff,
With their ambulance down in the valley.
Then an old sage remarked, “It’s a marvel to me
That people give far more attention
To repairing the results than to stopping the cause,
When they’d much better aim at prevention.
Let us stop at its source all this mischief,” cried he.
“Come, neighbors and friends let us rally:
If the cliff we will fence we might almost dispense
With the ambulance down in the valley.”
Better guide well the young than reclaim them when old,
For the voice of true wisdom is calling:
“To rescue the fallen is good, but ‘tis best
To prevent other people from falling.”
Better close up the source of temptation and crime
Than to deliver from dungeon or galley;
Better put a strong fence ‘round the top of the cliff,
Than an ambulance down in then valley.
- Sister Carol M. Stephens - Oct. 2015 General Conference
My heart feels very heavy today for those who view "the fence" or God's laws as restrictive to our personal freedom. I wish there was a way I could convey the liberty and incredible love that accompanies those who give heed to our Father in Heaven. I wish I could express how freeing life can be for those who seek His word and consistently follow His ordained servants.
-Alicia
Thursday, November 19, 2015
God Doesn't Waste Time
I can't say much of what is happening right now but I do feel that miracles are already in the works. The very same night after I wrote my last post, my brother-in-law, Jeff, called my husband out of the blue. Excitedly, he informed Joseph that he had just recommended him for a job where his starting pay would be a great deal more than what he's getting now. Jeff has no idea that we've been considering adoption, (I don't think any one in our families know, unless they follow my blog.) And I think the only people who knew that Joseph has been wanting a change of occupation is me and a couple of others.
Anyway, this is all happening so fast...
Through word-of-mouth and high recommendations from Jeff, the only thing my husband had to do was send in his resume and the company has already called him in for an interview on Monday.
Is this timing just merely a coincidence? I guess we'll see but I don't think so. If he gets this job it could mean big changes, possibly even moving to Salt Lake. I hope not. I am so in love with where I live right now. But, even still I know that God sees the bigger picture and I've never doubted that. He has been preparing my heart to let go. I will submit to wherever He leads us. I trust Him.
Wow, so many things to think about...
-Alicia
Anyway, this is all happening so fast...
Through word-of-mouth and high recommendations from Jeff, the only thing my husband had to do was send in his resume and the company has already called him in for an interview on Monday.
Is this timing just merely a coincidence? I guess we'll see but I don't think so. If he gets this job it could mean big changes, possibly even moving to Salt Lake. I hope not. I am so in love with where I live right now. But, even still I know that God sees the bigger picture and I've never doubted that. He has been preparing my heart to let go. I will submit to wherever He leads us. I trust Him.
Wow, so many things to think about...
-Alicia
Saturday, October 3, 2015
The First Law of Heaven
One thing I enjoy doing for scripture study is to pull up scriptures.byu.edu go to the right column and select where I am in my reading. Then next to each individual verse it will show in small parentheses the number of talks given in General Conference that have referenced that particular scripture. It's like using backwards footnotes and is a wonderful way to elevate my studies and tie them into what the modern prophets have said.
This morning I'm in the final verses of the first book of Nephi. Here we read about the great need to be obedient to God. Nephi states, "I would that ye should consider that the things which have been written upon the plates of brass are true; and they testify that a man must be obedient to the commandments of God... if ye shall be obedient to the commandments, and endure to the end, ye shall be saved at the last day. And thus it is. Amen." - 1 Nephi 22:30,31
Through the process of study I mentioned, I found a great talk in 1997 by Elder Ballard called "Stand for Truth and Right."
I've been pondering on the principle of obedience and why it is so essential. As a mother, it is greatly satisfying to me when my children obey by their own free will... Especially when I see my children take care of a chore, a task, a responsibility without me having to ask them. We all know this feeling as a parent, right? It's high-fives and hugs all around as I shout, "You did it! You did it and I didn't even have to ask!! Wow, thank you, this makes me so happy!!" When I react like this, my kids look at me like I'm weird or something because my excitement meter resembles a person who just won the lottery. Maybe it's because this type of obedience from them feels that rare sometimes.
When Christ was on the earth He said, "If you love me, keep my commandments." Isn't that the same desire we have for our children? "Please be responsible and just take care of what I've asked you to do."
From the experiences I've had as a mom, I can clearly see the deep connection between love and obedience. The major difference in such compliance is that God is perfect and we can trust that whatever He commands of us is always right. I'm not a perfect mom and I'm certain that my requests aren't always the best, that there are probably infinitely better ways of handling things. Nevertheless, these kids are in my care and I must do my best to teach them. What keeps coming back to me is how much of this "teaching" must be done by my own example.
Yesterday, I randomly selected to listen to a conference session from the past. I sorted through piles of laundry prepared them for washing, and took care of other chores, while the talks from April 2010's Saturday Morning Session played in the background. It was a great session and I felt compelled to go back and repeat two of the talks, Sister Beck's and Elder Ballard's. Both of these speak volumes to me about the example of obedience we set for our children.
Sister Beck speaks of how our obedience "with exactness" is directly correlated with the ability to receive personal revelation. Elder Ballard spoke boldly of our influence as mothers. He gave some very clear and strong counsel about standards we choose to uphold and how our children will follow our example more than our words.
"If the mothers are thrifty, so are their daughters. If the mothers are modest, so are the girls. If the mothers wear flip-flops and other casual clothing to sacrament meeting, so do their daughters. Mothers, your example is extremely important to your daughters—even if they don’t acknowledge it.
Throughout the history of the world, women have always been teachers of moral values. That instruction begins in the cradle and continues throughout the lives of their children. Today our society is bombarded with messages about womanhood and motherhood that are dangerously and wickedly wrong. Following these messages can put your daughters on the path to sin and self-destruction. Your daughters may not understand that unless you tell them or, better, unless you show them how to make good choices. As mothers in Israel, you are your daughters’ first line of defense against the wiles of the world....
...Let me assure you that even when you think your daughter is not listening to a thing you say, she is still learning from you as she watches you to see if your actions match your words. As Ralph Waldo Emerson is believed to have said, 'What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say' (see Ralph Keyes, The Quote Verifier [2006], 56)." - M. Russell Ballard
Are the things I am doing matching up with what I preach?
Can my children see that my obedience to God is sincere and done with the right intent?
I know I can and I must do better.
There are two things I want my children to know without a shadow of a doubt: One, that I love God and two, that I love them! But they won't believe what I say until they see what I do.
-Alicia
This morning I'm in the final verses of the first book of Nephi. Here we read about the great need to be obedient to God. Nephi states, "I would that ye should consider that the things which have been written upon the plates of brass are true; and they testify that a man must be obedient to the commandments of God... if ye shall be obedient to the commandments, and endure to the end, ye shall be saved at the last day. And thus it is. Amen." - 1 Nephi 22:30,31
Through the process of study I mentioned, I found a great talk in 1997 by Elder Ballard called "Stand for Truth and Right."
I've been pondering on the principle of obedience and why it is so essential. As a mother, it is greatly satisfying to me when my children obey by their own free will... Especially when I see my children take care of a chore, a task, a responsibility without me having to ask them. We all know this feeling as a parent, right? It's high-fives and hugs all around as I shout, "You did it! You did it and I didn't even have to ask!! Wow, thank you, this makes me so happy!!" When I react like this, my kids look at me like I'm weird or something because my excitement meter resembles a person who just won the lottery. Maybe it's because this type of obedience from them feels that rare sometimes.
When Christ was on the earth He said, "If you love me, keep my commandments." Isn't that the same desire we have for our children? "Please be responsible and just take care of what I've asked you to do."
From the experiences I've had as a mom, I can clearly see the deep connection between love and obedience. The major difference in such compliance is that God is perfect and we can trust that whatever He commands of us is always right. I'm not a perfect mom and I'm certain that my requests aren't always the best, that there are probably infinitely better ways of handling things. Nevertheless, these kids are in my care and I must do my best to teach them. What keeps coming back to me is how much of this "teaching" must be done by my own example.
Yesterday, I randomly selected to listen to a conference session from the past. I sorted through piles of laundry prepared them for washing, and took care of other chores, while the talks from April 2010's Saturday Morning Session played in the background. It was a great session and I felt compelled to go back and repeat two of the talks, Sister Beck's and Elder Ballard's. Both of these speak volumes to me about the example of obedience we set for our children.
Sister Beck speaks of how our obedience "with exactness" is directly correlated with the ability to receive personal revelation. Elder Ballard spoke boldly of our influence as mothers. He gave some very clear and strong counsel about standards we choose to uphold and how our children will follow our example more than our words.
"If the mothers are thrifty, so are their daughters. If the mothers are modest, so are the girls. If the mothers wear flip-flops and other casual clothing to sacrament meeting, so do their daughters. Mothers, your example is extremely important to your daughters—even if they don’t acknowledge it.
Throughout the history of the world, women have always been teachers of moral values. That instruction begins in the cradle and continues throughout the lives of their children. Today our society is bombarded with messages about womanhood and motherhood that are dangerously and wickedly wrong. Following these messages can put your daughters on the path to sin and self-destruction. Your daughters may not understand that unless you tell them or, better, unless you show them how to make good choices. As mothers in Israel, you are your daughters’ first line of defense against the wiles of the world....
...Let me assure you that even when you think your daughter is not listening to a thing you say, she is still learning from you as she watches you to see if your actions match your words. As Ralph Waldo Emerson is believed to have said, 'What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say' (see Ralph Keyes, The Quote Verifier [2006], 56)." - M. Russell Ballard
Are the things I am doing matching up with what I preach?
Can my children see that my obedience to God is sincere and done with the right intent?
I know I can and I must do better.
There are two things I want my children to know without a shadow of a doubt: One, that I love God and two, that I love them! But they won't believe what I say until they see what I do.
-Alicia
Saturday, September 26, 2015
Ch-ch-ch-Changes
"Turn and face the strange."
This David Bowie classic was never a favorite song of mine but somehow I always find myself singing it when life shifts in new or unknown directions . A couple of days ago, I was discussing with my group of homeschool moms all of the things that are unraveling in the world and in the church. We are witnessing an unprecedented gathering and unification among people of all faiths. Scriptures are being fulfilled and the Lord is hastening His work. It's a wonderful time to be alive!
"The changes that have occurred and are presently occurring in the Church are of epic proportions: prophecy fulfilling, mind-boggling, and—for those of us who are convinced that the Restoration is a reality—thrilling. " - President Rex E. Lee
Conference begins today with the General Women's Session and the other sessions in a week. I love Christmas but sorry Andy Williams, "THIS is the MOST wonderful time of the year!!"
This conference is going to be different than others I've experienced in the past. It hasn't been since 1906 three new apostles have been called at the same time. And I have a feeling in the next six months, we will witness two more called in. This is huge and I anticipate with these things there will also be a few policy or program changes. I imagine that some of these changes may even try our faith, some members may complain about or become irritated with them. Because this is a church led by Divine revelation, a world-wide and rapidly growing organization, adjustments to programs or policy often become necessary.
With these changes taking place... How do we reconcile the scripture found in Mormon 9:9? "For do we not read that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and in him there is no variableness neither shadow of changing?"
We understand:
"What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same." - D&C 1:38
Also, "We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God." -Articles of Faith 1:9
What François de la Rochefoucauld has said may be true. “The only thing constant in life is change.” We can see all around us every day, on earth and in the sky above evidence of motion, conversion, transformation, and flux. As mysterious and strange as it may seem, change is a beautiful and essential part of creation!
So how is it God doesn't change? It is His doctrine and principles that remain absolute. With God, there is no such thing as moral relativism. He is a God of perfect responsibility and trust.
President Rex E. Lee said,
“I cannot think of anything more important than for each of you to build a firm, personal testimony that there are in this life some absolutes, things that never change, regardless of time, place, or circumstances. They are eternal truths, eternal principles and, as Paul tells us, they are and will be the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
This is what I know for certain will always remain standing and true forever:
- God lives! We have a loving Father in Heaven who hears and answers our prayers. We can commune with Him night and day. He is deeply involved in our lives and cares about us making choices that set our souls free and help us reach our Divine potential.
- Jesus Christ is our Savior, our Redeemer. He is one with our Father and has atoned for our sins. It is only in and through Him that we are saved. He is the author and finisher of our faith.
- The Book of Mormon is true. It is another witness of Christ and is inspired for our day. It also bears testimony of the Bible, and modern revelation.
- The Priesthood has been restored on the earth. Joseph Smith was a true prophet and we have Prophets and Apostles to guide and direct us today. The words they speak are scripture.
As solid and firm as these absolutes and eternal truths are, there is still a change involved... a beautiful change within ourselves, a transformation, a conversion, a new birth, where we become who we are meant to become.
No, God doesn't change... but He certainly changes us!! This is the miracle of creation!!
"And now, if ye have imagined up unto yourselves a god who doth vary, and in whom there is shadow of changing, then have ye imagined up unto yourselves a god who is not a God of miracles. But behold, I will show unto you a God of miracles, even the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and it is that same God who created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are." - Mormon 9:10, 11
And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts? - Alma 5:14
"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God." - Ezekiel 36:26-28
If we have experienced this mighty change within us, may we always stay true! May we remain constant and obedient, reliable and trustworthy to all that our Father in Heaven asks of us. Obedience is the first evidence of love and the first law of heaven. I pray our hearts will be open to the changes that are coming within the Church. I pray we will prepare our families to always follow and give heed to the words of the living prophets. What a wonderful and exciting time to be alive as we witness the stone cut out of the mountains without hands rolling forth!!
-Alicia
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Using Words
"Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary use words."
However, I don't think this quote means that words aren't necessary. Take a look at 2 Nephi 25:26, where the Prophet Nephi says we are to talk, rejoice, preach, prophesy, and write of Christ. All of these connote the use of words.
Elder Holland also expounds upon the importance of words: "In his deeply moving final testimony, Nephi calls us to “follow the Son [of God], with full purpose of heart,” promising that “after ye have … received the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost, [ye] can speak with a new tongue, yea, even with the tongue of angels. … And … how could ye speak with the tongue of angels save it were by the Holy Ghost? Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ.” Indeed, Christ was and is “the Word,” according to John the Beloved, full of grace and truth, full of mercy and compassion." - Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (The Tongue of Angels) (2 Nephi 31:13–14; 32:2–3)
Clearly we see the necessity of words - it is through their power that heaven and earth are bound together, through words that we commune with God, call down angels, and connect with each other. But just as we are merely dust without our Father in Heaven, our words are also useless and hollow if our hearts are not sincere.
Paul taught, "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing." 1 Corinthians 13:1,2
It is only when love, pure Christ-like love, is our moving and motivating force that our words have any power. And what is Christ-like love? It is certainly more than lip service. Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments."
"Spiritually mature obedience is 'the Savior’s obedience.' It is motivated by true love for Heavenly Father and His Son. When we willingly obey, as our Savior did, we cherish the words of our Heavenly Father." - Elder Robert D. Hales - April 2014
The Savior's obedience is motivated by true love for our Father - which ultimately means His love was displayed by sacrifice.
When we sincerely love, honor, and cherish God's word, we will feel the necessity to preach the Gospel at all times, we willingly sacrifice... and what we say will be every bit a part of what we do.
I pray that the Lord will strengthen me to be a better witness of Him.
-Alicia
If I sing but don't have love
I waste my breath with every song
I bring an empty voice, a hollow noise
If I speak with a silver tongue
Convince a crowd but don't have love
I leave a bitter taste with every word I say
So let my life be the proof,
The proof of your love
Let my love look like You and what You're made of
How You lived, how You died
Love is sacrifice
So let my life be the proof,
The proof of Your love
If I give
To a needy soul but don't have love then who is poor?
It seems all the poverty is found in me
So let my life be the proof,
The proof of Your love
Let my love look like You and what You're made of
How You lived, how You died
Love is sacrifice
Oh, let my life be the proof,
The proof of Your love
When it's all said and done
When we sing our final song
Only love remains
Only love remains
Let my life be the proof,
The proof of Your love
Let my love look like You and what You're made of
How You lived, how You died
Love is sacrifice
So let my life be the proof,
The proof of Your love
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
But if Not
My husband and I had a wonderful conversation yesterday about the power of faith and heartfelt prayer in our lives. We discussed at length our admiration for the brother of Jared to have the kind of faith that "he could not be kept from within the veil." Joseph expressed that his greatest desire is to learn to listen and act upon the Spirit without hesitation. Such responsiveness is faith! He is absolutely sincere and I dearly love him for this desire!!
I've been pondering a lot lately and have desperately wanted to know how closely I follow the Spirit in my own life. I strive with all my heart to be "in tune" but I'm sure there are times I am not. When I am "out of tune" or have impressions that are not from God, I pray the Lord will please show me so that I may not become one of those very elect who are deceived.
Most of the time I feel as if my eyes are covered by a veil and I can't see where the Lord is leading me.... but I've had glimpses that have "parted that veil," glimpses that pertain to my own personal future, glimpses that I am certain are from God but I do not understand them, I can't explain them, and I cannot pretend to know their meaning.
So, I move on into the unknown. And even though these questions linger, I'm learning to find peace, the kind of peace that if the Lord were to command us, I'd be ready to pick up all of our belongings and carry my little family somewhere far away from this beautiful place I call home. I trust that someday, somehow I will understand the meaning of these puzzle pieces that have been placed before me.
There are volumes of mysteries in life, plenty of things I'm ignorant to. But I DO know that God is shaping my soul. I have prayed that He would refine me and make weak things become strong and I have truly felt His refining and strengthening power. I still have quite a ways to go but God is ever faithful, always fair, and wonderfully good. There is no question in my mind of His character. It is my character that is on trial!
I know that God is a loving Father and gives me experiences that are custom fit to shape me and deepen my trust in Him. I thank Him for such lessons even if they are painful at times or don't make a lot of sense.
I know that God is a loving Father and gives me experiences that are custom fit to shape me and deepen my trust in Him. I thank Him for such lessons even if they are painful at times or don't make a lot of sense.
"Men accomplish marvelous things by trusting in the Lord and keeping His commandments—by exercising faith even when they don’t know how the Lord is shaping them." - Elder Dennis E. Simmons - (April 2004 - But if Not)
I remember when I first heard this talk by, Dennis Simmons. This is a great one!! I've returned to listen to it many times. It truly resonates clearly within my heart. I am so blessed to have this Gospel! https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2004/04/but-if-not?lang=eng
-Alicia
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Symbols of Surrender
In 3 Nephi Chapter 27, the Savior speaks a great deal about baptism. I love the imagery of surrendering our whole souls to God as one is baptized. I've been thinking a great deal about other places where we find symbols of surrender.
In 3 Nephi 24, the Savior quotes Malachi 3 when He invites the multitude to be refined and purified through Him like silver and purged as gold. In verse 10, He testifies of tithes and offerings. (Hearing this, I also think of fasting.) Personally trusting and acting upon these truths are symbols of surrender.
The Savior laying prostrate on the ground as He prayed in Gethsemane pouring out blood and soul, both there and on the cross; bruised, broken, and torn for us, is a beautiful symbol of the most humble surrender. Matt 26:36-46 Matt 27:32-56
Where else in the scriptures can we see these symbols? Do we see other symbols of surrender in the Temple besides just baptism?
In the Conference Report of October 1966 President Howard W. Hunter said,
"One of the great writers has penned: 'Peace does not dwell in outward things, but within the soul; we may preserve it in the midst of the bitterest pain, if our will remains firm and submissive. Peace in this life springs from acquiescence, not in an exemption from suffering.' (Fenelon.)
Emerson wrote: 'Nothing can bring you peace but yourself; nothing can bring you peace but the triumph of principles.' (Essay, 'Self-Reliance.') These principles are incorporated into the gospel of Jesus Christ. Indifference to the Savior or failure to keep the commandments of God brings about insecurity, inner turmoil, and contention. These are the opposite of peace. Peace can come to an individual only by an unconditional surrender—surrender to him who is the Prince of peace (Isa. 9:6), who has the power to confer peace."
Interesting that there is the pattern again about how to find rest and peace to our soul.
...Just some things I'll be thinking about today.
-Alicia
In 3 Nephi 24, the Savior quotes Malachi 3 when He invites the multitude to be refined and purified through Him like silver and purged as gold. In verse 10, He testifies of tithes and offerings. (Hearing this, I also think of fasting.) Personally trusting and acting upon these truths are symbols of surrender.
The Savior laying prostrate on the ground as He prayed in Gethsemane pouring out blood and soul, both there and on the cross; bruised, broken, and torn for us, is a beautiful symbol of the most humble surrender. Matt 26:36-46 Matt 27:32-56
Where else in the scriptures can we see these symbols? Do we see other symbols of surrender in the Temple besides just baptism?
In the Conference Report of October 1966 President Howard W. Hunter said,
"One of the great writers has penned: 'Peace does not dwell in outward things, but within the soul; we may preserve it in the midst of the bitterest pain, if our will remains firm and submissive. Peace in this life springs from acquiescence, not in an exemption from suffering.' (Fenelon.)
Emerson wrote: 'Nothing can bring you peace but yourself; nothing can bring you peace but the triumph of principles.' (Essay, 'Self-Reliance.') These principles are incorporated into the gospel of Jesus Christ. Indifference to the Savior or failure to keep the commandments of God brings about insecurity, inner turmoil, and contention. These are the opposite of peace. Peace can come to an individual only by an unconditional surrender—surrender to him who is the Prince of peace (Isa. 9:6), who has the power to confer peace."
Interesting that there is the pattern again about how to find rest and peace to our soul.
...Just some things I'll be thinking about today.
-Alicia
Friday, August 14, 2015
Selling the Sacred
"What shall it profit a man,
if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"
When Christ visited the ancient Americas, He prophesied that His chosen people would "sell [Him] for silver and for gold, and for that which moth doth corrupt and which thieves can break through and steal" - 3 Nephi 27:32if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"
How could anyone get to that point?
What brought Judas, the once chosen disciple, to the place where he willingly gave up the Kingdom of God and His relationship with the Savior in exchange for thirty pieces of lousy silver??
It's not just money that the sacred is sold for. It is given up in exchange for all kinds of "gain" - for appetite, praise, popularity, fame, friends, or attention. Esau, with his unsatisfiable hunger, willingly forsook his blessings of birthright for a "mess of pottage."
It's puzzling how unbalanced and grossly lopsided the trade-off is -Yet we see it all around us today: the Sabbath is traded in for sport and recreation, modesty is traded in for fashion and attention, the counsel of living prophets is exchanged for popular opinion, quiet communion with God is given up for the clamor and rant of "saving face" on social pages. The list goes on and on.
What other sacred things do we sell?
From the Mt. Sinai, Moses laid out the very first commandment from heaven, "Thou shalt have no other God's before me."
Why was this commandment first? The Savior taught, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God; and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." - Matthew 6:33
"Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven."
Nothing the world has to offer could ever compare to what God can give. The sacred is not something to be sold because it is beyond price, no earthy gain could match its infinite value.
The Lord desires to pour out blessings upon us but in order to receive them we must prove He is first priority. And as it is with every commandment kept and held close to our hearts, glorious promises are given. The wide path the world chooses is easy to recognize because so many go there but the narrow path is found by only a few - it takes "eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to understand."
Which road will we take?
"I'm tryin' to get somewhere that's real and pure and eternal...
Saturday, August 1, 2015
A Pattern of Prophets
President Hugh B. Brown had a conversation with a former justice of the supreme court of England in the which he gave a "brief on Mormonism." The former justice believed that there were no prophets of God on the earth today and that they stopped after biblical time. The following is taken from President Brown's account:
“Why do you think it stopped?”
“I can’t say.”
“You think that God hasn’t spoken since then?”
“I am sure He hasn’t.”
“There must be a reason. Can you give me a reason?”
“I do not know.”
“May I suggest some possible reasons? Perhaps God does not speak to man anymore because He cannot. He has lost the power.”
He said, “Of course that would be blasphemous.”
“Well, then, if you don’t accept that, perhaps He doesn’t speak to men because He doesn’t love us anymore and He is no longer interested in the affairs of men.”
“No,” he said, “God loves all men, and He is no respecter of persons.”
“Well, then, if He could speak, and if He loves us, then the only other possible answer, as I see it, is that we don’t need Him. We have made such rapid strides in science and we are so well educated that we don’t need God anymore.”
And then he said—and his voice trembled as he thought of impending war—“Mr. Brown, there never was a time in the history of the world when the voice of God was needed as it is needed now. Perhaps you can tell me why He doesn’t speak.”
My answer was: “He does speak, He has spoken; but men need faith to hear Him.”
Now, this is the part I want to emphasise from the conversation, the part where the former judge admits, “there never was a time in the history of the world when the voice of God was needed as it is needed now."
Over these last few months, in my study of the Book of Mormon, I've noticed what I like to call, "a pattern of prophets." These past couple of days I've gone through the whole book and highlighted this pattern.
There's been so much discussion over the words of the Brethren lately. There are political changes in law and in organizations that are controversial to say the least. But the brethren have been crystal clear and yet still so many within the church kick at what their position is. I wince at this kind of resistance to the prophet's words because I've observed the pattern of events that follow. I've seen what happens when the prophets are rejected or criticized.
About 11 years ago I gave a lesson in church among a large group of sisters. The topic was all about following the Prophet. For fun, I decided to take a popular hymn, revise it a little, and have the sisters sing it in class. I wanted to drive home to the sisters that our conversion is deeply rooted to how we respond to the standards of the church laid out by the prophets and apostles.
Are we "cherry-pickers?" For example, do we say;
"Yeah, I listen to the brethren but when it comes to modesty, that doesn't really apply to me"
"It only applies on certain occasions, I have 'special occasion' to ignore this one"
"I'll live by that standard when I feel like it."
"I want different answers besides the same old simple 'prayer and scripture study.'"
I was rather proud of my "Revised Hymn" but there was one woman who approached me after class who it obviously ruffled. I explained to her that it went right along with the quote from the lesson. Maybe the truth was hard for her to take? I don't know where this woman is today in the church but I submit that it's a dangerous road to be on when we get angry or upset by, or ignore the standards they lay out for us. They are true messengers... are we giving strict heed?
-Alicia
............
“I can’t say.”
“You think that God hasn’t spoken since then?”
“I am sure He hasn’t.”
“There must be a reason. Can you give me a reason?”
“I do not know.”
“May I suggest some possible reasons? Perhaps God does not speak to man anymore because He cannot. He has lost the power.”
He said, “Of course that would be blasphemous.”
“Well, then, if you don’t accept that, perhaps He doesn’t speak to men because He doesn’t love us anymore and He is no longer interested in the affairs of men.”
“No,” he said, “God loves all men, and He is no respecter of persons.”
“Well, then, if He could speak, and if He loves us, then the only other possible answer, as I see it, is that we don’t need Him. We have made such rapid strides in science and we are so well educated that we don’t need God anymore.”
And then he said—and his voice trembled as he thought of impending war—“Mr. Brown, there never was a time in the history of the world when the voice of God was needed as it is needed now. Perhaps you can tell me why He doesn’t speak.”
My answer was: “He does speak, He has spoken; but men need faith to hear Him.”
......................
Now, this is the part I want to emphasise from the conversation, the part where the former judge admits, “there never was a time in the history of the world when the voice of God was needed as it is needed now."
Over these last few months, in my study of the Book of Mormon, I've noticed what I like to call, "a pattern of prophets." These past couple of days I've gone through the whole book and highlighted this pattern.
There's been so much discussion over the words of the Brethren lately. There are political changes in law and in organizations that are controversial to say the least. But the brethren have been crystal clear and yet still so many within the church kick at what their position is. I wince at this kind of resistance to the prophet's words because I've observed the pattern of events that follow. I've seen what happens when the prophets are rejected or criticized.
About 11 years ago I gave a lesson in church among a large group of sisters. The topic was all about following the Prophet. For fun, I decided to take a popular hymn, revise it a little, and have the sisters sing it in class. I wanted to drive home to the sisters that our conversion is deeply rooted to how we respond to the standards of the church laid out by the prophets and apostles.
Are we "cherry-pickers?" For example, do we say;
"Yeah, I listen to the brethren but when it comes to modesty, that doesn't really apply to me"
"It only applies on certain occasions, I have 'special occasion' to ignore this one"
"I'll live by that standard when I feel like it."
"I want different answers besides the same old simple 'prayer and scripture study.'"
I was rather proud of my "Revised Hymn" but there was one woman who approached me after class who it obviously ruffled. I explained to her that it went right along with the quote from the lesson. Maybe the truth was hard for her to take? I don't know where this woman is today in the church but I submit that it's a dangerous road to be on when we get angry or upset by, or ignore the standards they lay out for us. They are true messengers... are we giving strict heed?
-Alicia
Revised Hymn
(For those who “claim” to believe.)
We thank thee O’ God for a prophet
To guide us in these latter-days
Provided he teaches what we want
And provided we like what he says
We thank thee for every teaching
Our hearts do reflect these great hymns
Sometimes it’s a pleasure to serve thee
If you suit to our fancies and whims*
We support all our local church leaders
On Sundays we give them a smile
But after the Sabbath is over
We will do our own thing for a while
We doubt not the Lord nor his goodness
We are sure he is pleased with our lives
If we only ignore just a few things
He’ll be certain to answer our cries
When dark clouds of trouble hang o’er us
And threaten our peace to destroy
Then maybe we’ll listen completely
And their words will not seem to annoy
Thus on to eternal damnation
We’re ok, we will turn out just fine
For here in our day of probation
We will do what we want with our time
Revised By: Alicia Rawlins 2003
(See also 2 Nephi 28:21)
* “We sing and have done so constantly, ‘We thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet to guide us in these latter days.’ There are a great many who put a postscript to that and say: ‘Provided he guides us to suit our own fancies and our own whims.” -Heber J. Grant
...............................
Pattern of Prophets -- 1 Nephi 1:4 - “there came many prophets, prophesying unto the people that they must repent”
- 1 Nephi 1:2 - “they were angry with him; yea even as with the prophets of old, whom they had cast out, and stoned and slain”
- 1 Nephi 3:18 - “they have rejected the words of the prophets”
- 1 Nephi 5:10-13 - “Lehi... did search [the records, the scriptures] from the beginning… and beheld that they did contain… the prophecies of the holy prophets, from the beginning even down [until his time]”
- 1 Nephi 7:14 - “they have rejected the prophets”
- 1 Nephi 10:5 - “how great a number [of the prophets] had testified”
- 1 Nephi 13:23 - “[the Bible] containeth many of the prophecies of the holy prophets”
- 1 Nephi 19:21 - “he surely did show unto the prophets of old all things concerning them”
- 1 Nephi 19:24 - “hear ye the words of the prophet”
- 1 Nephi 22:2 - “all things are made known unto the prophets”
- 1 Nephi 22:20 - “a prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you”
- 2 Nephi 6:12 - “for the Lord God will fulfil His covenants...for this cause the prophet has written these things.”
- 2 Nephi 9:2 - “[God] has spoken… by the mouth of His holy prophets”
- 2 Nephi 25:9 - “never hath any of them been destroyed save it were foretold them by the prophets of the Lord”
- 2 Nephi 25:28 - “for by denying [Christ] ye also deny the prophets and the law”
- 2 Nephi 26:3 - “and they perish because they cast out the prophets”
- 2 Nephi 27:5 - “ye have closed your eyes, and ye have rejected the prophets”
- Jacob 4:6 - “we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy”
- Jacob 4:13,14 - “for God also spake them unto prophets of old... but...they despised the words of plainness, and killed the prophets”
- Jacob 5:2 - “Hearken… and hear the words of me, a prophet of the Lord.”
- Enos 1:22 - “there were exceedingly many prophets among us. And the people were a stiffnecked people, hard to understand.”
- Jarom 1:10 - “the prophets of the Lord did threaten the people...according to the word of God”
- Words of Mormon 1:18 - “laboring with all the might of his body and the faculty of his whole soul and also the prophets, did once more establish peace in the Land”
- Mosiah 2:34 - “the records… contain the prophecies which have been spoken by the holy prophets”
- Mosiah 3:13 - “the Lord God hath sent His holy prophets among all the children of men”
- Mosiah 3:15 - “holy prophets spake unto them concerning [Christ’s] coming”
- Mosiah 13:33 - “God should redeem His people...all the prophets… have prophesied ever since the world began”
- Mosiah 15:11 - “all the holy prophets… have prophesied concerning the coming of the Lord”
- Mosiah 18:19 - “teach nothing save it were the things which he had taught, and which had been spoken by the mouth of the holy prophets”
- Alma 18:36 - “laid before him the records and the holy scriptures of the people, which had been spoken by the prophets”
- Alma 20:15 - “they are just men and holy prophets of the true God”
- Alma 30:6 - “the Anti-Christ.. began to preach unto the people against the prophecies which had been spoken by the prophets”
- Alma 37:30 - “they murdered all the prophets of the Lord who came among them”
- Helaman 8:19 - “there have been many prophets that have testified”
- Helaman 13:24 - “ye do cast out the prophets, and do mock them”
- Helaman 13:33 - “oh that I had repented, and had not killed the prophets”
- Helaman 15:7 - “believe the holy scriptures, yea the prophecies of the holy prophets, which are written, which leadeth them to faith on the Lord and unto repentance”
- Helaman 16:13 - “the words of the prophets began to be fulfilled”
- 3 Nephi 1:4 - “the prophecies of the prophets began to be fulfilled”
- 3 Nephi 1:16,18 - “many, who had not believed the words of the prophets” “the prophets had testified of these things for many years”
- 3 Nephi 5:1 - “there was not a living soul among all the people… who did doubt in the least the words of all the holy prophets”
- 3 Nephi 6:25 - there were “judges who had condemned the prophets of the Lord”
- 3 Nephi 7:10 - the leader of secret combinations “had given his voice against the prophets”
- 3 Nephi 8:25 - “O that we had repented before this great and terrible day, and had not killed and stoned the prophets, and cast them out”
- 3 Nephi 9:5,7,8,9,11 - “the blood of the prophets and the saints shall not come any more unto me against them.”
- 3 Nephi 10:12 - “the more righteous part of the people who were saved, and it was they who received the prophets”
- 3 Nephi 11:10,15 - prophets have always testified of Jesus Christ
- 3 Nephi 12:12 - “for so persecuted they the prophets”
- 3 Nephi 25:5 - “I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day”
- 3 Nephi 29:2 - “the words of the Lord, which have been spoken by the holy prophets, shall all be fulfilled”
- Ether 7:23-25 - “there came prophets among the people” “the people did revile against the prophets, and did mock them” “[the king] did execute a law throughout all the land which gave power unto the prophets… by this cause the people were brought unto repentance”
- Ether 8:25 - “they have murdered the prophets, and stoned them, and cast them out from the beginning”
- Ether 9:28,29 “there came prophets in the land again, crying repentance” “but the people believed not the words of the prophets, but they cast them out”
- Ether 11:1,2,5 - “there came… many prophets” “the prophets were rejected” “all the prophets… should be put to death”
- Ether 11:12,13 - “there came many prophets, and prophesied again” “the people hardened their hearts, and would not hearken unto their words”
- Ether 11:20,22 - “there … came many prophets” “they did reject all the words of the prophets”
- Ether 12:2,5 - “a prophet of the Lord… began to prophesy unto the people” “they did not believe because they saw them not”
- Moroni 7:23 - “God also declared unto prophets”
- Moroni 8:29 - “after rejecting so great a knowledge… they must perish soon, unto the fulfilling of the prophecies which were spoken by the prophets, as well as the words of our Savior”
- (And this doesn’t include the numerous occasions where I found verses that said “according to the words of the prophets” or “spoken by the mouths of the prophets”)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)