The Life and the Light

Sometimes, I wonder how often we really consider the power of God. How often do we let discouragement, fear, vain ambitions, conceitedness, insecurities, or disbelief get in the way? I believe that our Father in Heaven is a God of miracles and that he is anxious to provide ways to help us through every hardship. We discussed as a family tonight about how most adversity can be the key element to self discovery..and more importantly, Christ discovery.

This Mormon Message "Because of Him" has been on my mind for the last couple of days. I've been asking myself how much I really trust in and consider the power of our Father in Heaven and Savior. Pondering more fully such sacred truth fills me with reverence and awe!

In my scripture study today, these verses stood out the most:

“See that ye are not lifted up unto pride; yea, see that ye do not boast in your own wisdom, nor of your much strength. Use boldness, but not overbearance; and also see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love; see that ye refrain from idleness… learn wisdom, that ye may learn of me that there is no other way or means whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ. Behold, he is the life and the light of the world. Behold, he is the word of truth and righteousness.” - Alma 38: 11,12 &9

It doesn't really matter what is happening in my life at the moment... There is "one thing that is needful" to always remember.  The truth of Who God is and my relationship with Him, brings me an immense amount of peace.. come what may. 
He truly is the God of Love and the God of miracles!

-Alicia

An Unseen Power- Ponderize - Week 53

We stayed up late last night with our kids huddled around the bedroom windows watching the most spectacular heavenly light show.  There's nothing quite as exciting as a good thunderstorm where the lighting bolts rhythmically dance in rapid succession brilliantly illuminating the panorama of the night sky.

I'm always dazzled by such displays of nature and I can't help but feel a little like Moses did when he witnessed the grandeur of God, "of the same he greatly marveled and wondered... Now... I know that man is nothing." (Moses 1:8&10)

Isn't it awesome to think that the Creator of all, the God of this Universe is our Father and that His power is not only available to us but that He wants to endow us, bestow, and enrich us with that same power!  It's not a small or inconsequential thing to have Him in your corner.

I absolutely loved the final hymn, Let Us All Press On, from General Conference yesterday. The choir sang it slower and with tremendous conviction. Tears were streaming down many of their faces as their souls bore personal testimony.

"Fear not though the enemy deride; 

Courage, for the Lord is on our side...

 If we do what's right we have no need to fear,

For the Lord, our helper, will ever be near;

In the days of trial his Saints he will cheer,

And prosper the cause of truth.

We will not retreat, though our numbers may be few

When compared with the opposite host in view;

But an unseen pow'r will aid me and you

In the glorious cause of truth."

I know there are dark and stormy clouds ahead and the prophesies of these last days are being fulfilled before our very eyes. But like electricity--we often cannot see it, yet the power of God is vibrant and living, ever-flowing around us. And in just the right moments the honest and faithful in heart will shine forth His power in a glorious display!

"Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid... for the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."- Deuteronomy 31:6

-Alicia

Bullet Proof - Ponderize - Week 47

Tonight, we had a family lesson on the story of Moses when he spoke with God face to face, when he experienced the glory of heaven and witnessed the vast expanse of the Lord's creations.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland expounds, "What happened to Moses next, after his revelatory moment, would be ludicrous if it were not so dangerous and so absolutely true to form. In an effort to continue his opposition, in his unfailing effort to get his licks in later if not sooner, Lucifer appeared and shouted in equal portions of anger and petulance after God had revealed himself to the prophet, saying, 'Moses, worship me.' But Moses was not having it. He had just seen the real thing, and by comparison this sort of performance was pretty dismal.

Moses looked upon Satan and said: 'Who art thou? . . . where is thy glory, that I should worship thee?
For behold, I could not look upon God, except his glory should come upon me. . . . But I can look upon thee in the natural man. . . .
. . . Where is thy glory, for it is darkness unto me? And I can judge between thee and God. . . .
Get thee hence, Satan; deceive me not.' [Moses 1:13–16]" 

After discussing this story with our children, I thought of the power of Truth and reflected on the conversation I had with a friend this morning about the scriptures.  She pointed out the verse in Helaman 5:12 the verse that promises if we are built on the foundation of Christ "that when the devil shall send forth his ... shafts in the whirlwind... it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo."  (My friend admitted she didn't really know the word "shafts"  so she looked it up and discovered it meant weapons.) When she shared this, it made the verse even more significant, especially in connection with these other verses in the scriptures;

"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper.... This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord." Isaiah 54:17

"For the Lord will go before you; and the God of Israel will [have your back]." - Isaiah 52:12

All I could think of was that with God we have the greatest power of the universe on our side and that we can actually be "bullet proof" to sniper attacks from the Adversary.

I wasn't there with Moses on the mountain to witness his encounters with heaven and hell.  Oh what an experience that would have been!  Just imagine the "casting out" scene when Moses calls upon the power of God to command Satan to leave. If I had been there, I probably would've liked to play a little song for the occasion remembering always Who has my back and Who makes me strong:

You shout it out,

But I can't hear a word you say

I'm talking loud, not saying much

I'm criticized but all your bullets ricochet

Shoot me down, but I get up

I'm bulletproof, nothing to lose

Fire away, fire away

Ricochet, you take your aim

Fire away, fire away

You shoot me down but I won't fall

I am titanium

You shoot me down but I won't fall

I am titanium

Cut me down

But it's you who'll have further to fall

Ghost town and haunted love

Raise your voice, sticks and stones may break my bones

I'm talking loud not saying much

I'm bulletproof, nothing to lose

Fire away, fire away

Ricochet, you take your aim

Fire away, fire away

You shoot me down but I won't fall

I am titanium

- Alicia

This Place

I have two foster children staying with me today and tomorrow as part of respite care.  Also, this afternoon I have a placement officer coming to visit my home in order to get a feel for the environment here and to help her make a decision of who will be placed with us.  We could have our own foster kids by the end of this week or next.  I cannot adequately describe how it feels to be taking on these responsibilities at this place and time ... the only thing that really comes to mind is that this is a very sacred work.  I feel honored and blessed to be a part of this rescue effort even if it requires more sacrifice, more energy, more time, more patience, and more love than I can ever possibly find within me.  It will stretch me and teach me and I'm anxious to learn.  There is nothing too hard for the Lord and with Him, I can do all that He requires of me.  I know this.

-Alicia

If It Gets Me Convicted

I woke up the other day with this song playing over in my head.  It's one of those where the tune didn't grab me right away but I instantly loved the lyrics.

"Guilty"

by, Newsboys

When did it become breaking a rule

To say your name out loud in school

When your names the only one that sets us free

When did it become incorrect

To speak the truth about life and death

When your life gave us all eternity

Even if it gets me convicted

I'll be on my knees with my hands lifted

If serving you's against the law of man

If living out my faith in you is banned

Then I'll stand right before the jury

If saying I believe is out of line

If I'm judged cause I'm gonna give my life

To show the world the love that fills me

Then I want to be Guilty

I'll rise up and honor you

I'll testify to all the good you do

Cause your Grace and your Mercy have overtaken me

 I want to be Guilty by association

Guilty of being a voice proclaiming Your ways

Your truth

Your life

I'll pay the price to be your light

Then I want to be Guilty by association

Guilty of being a voice proclaiming Your ways

Your truth

Your life

I'll pay the price to be your light

Oh I want to be Guilty

When we choose to follow Christ, we do not follow the popular crowd.  Think of all the martyrs, all those prophets and apostles who have gone before!!  When have they ever been applauded, appreciated, respected, or admired by the mainstream of society?? 

In our scripture study with the children, we discussed how real these persecutions are today.  I told them of the time President Hunter was threatened with a bomb when speaking at a BYU Fireside and how the congregation courageously stood and sang, "We Thank Thee O' God for a Prophet."  Tears welled up in my eyes and I testified to my kids that there is no doubt they will have opportunities to display this kind of conviction and faith.  I expressed my confidence in them, I know they will stand strong no matter the cost and that they will be a light and a beacon in a very darkening world.  

 In our ward Book of Mormon study today, we read the story of Abinidi.  In these last days, I can't help but feel we need to do all we can to strengthen and fortify our faith.  I believe it's going to get rough for us.  We will need to seek courage like Abinidi, stand with the prophets, and "stand as a witness of God, at all times, in all things, and in all places, even until death." (Mosiah 18:9)

 This is the courage we must cultivate and it starts with speaking up and speaking out, especially to those within our stewardship.  It is not about maintaining popularity, forget popularity! (Isaiah 2:22)  It's about what is right and true!

When I think of how boldly Abinidi stood before the court, I think of this incredible story Parley P. Pratt told about Joseph Smith:

“We had lain as if in sleep till the hour of midnight had passed, and our ears and hearts had been pained, while we had listened for hours to the obscene jests, the horrid oaths, the dreadful blasphemies and filthy language of our guards.”

 Elder Pratt Continued:

“I had listened till I became so disgusted, shocked, horrified, and so filled with the spirit of indignant justice that I could scarcely refrain from rising upon my feet and rebuking the guards; but [I] had said nothing to Joseph, or any one else, although I lay next to him and knew he was awake. On a sudden he arose to his feet, and spoke in a voice of thunder, or as the roaring lion, uttering, as near as I can recollect, the following words:

“‘SILENCE. … In the name of Jesus Christ I rebuke you, and command you to be still; I will not live another minute and hear such language. Cease such talk, or you or I die THIS INSTANT!’”

Joseph “stood erect in terrible majesty,” as described by Elder Pratt. He was chained, without a weapon, and yet he was calm and dignified. He looked down upon the quailing guards, who were shrinking into a corner or crouching at his feet. These seemingly incorrigible men begged his pardon and remained quiet. [See Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt, ed. Parley P. Pratt Jr. (1938), 210–11.]

This is courage! This is majesty!  This is honor!
The truth is always worth standing for, even if it means we stand alone.
-Alicia

http://artofchristianity.blogspot.com/2008/02/please-pray-for-our-country.html
http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/elder-christofferson-religious-freedom-under-fire

Somewhere Safe - Ponderize - Week 37

...but there is somewhere safe.

How bad off are we as a country when a seven-year-old can't go to sleep because she is fearful of the choices we have for a Presidential Candidate?  Maybe it just means that we as parents need to be a little more cautious in our conversations or at least tone them down a bit.  Honestly, I didn't think we really said that much around her but it's amazing how much kids pay attention.

Kaylee timidly peered down the hallway with tears streaming down her face.  Joseph tucked her back in bed and sat patiently by her side listening to her express her concerns, 

"Can't we just move out of the country?" Kaylee asked between sobs.

Lovingly, Joseph responded, "Sweetheart, it's not that easy, I wish it was.  If America goes bad there's really not a lot of options left.  But, I can tell you that the safest place to live is always within reach.  Do you know where the safest place is?"

"Where?" She inquired with a feeling of hope.

Joseph pointed to her, "It's right where you are."

Kaylee looked confused.

Joseph explained, "It's right where you are because you have faith, you love Heavenly Father, and you have a righteous heart.  No matter where we live or what goes on around us, you can always be safe because you are 'armed with righteousness'". Then gently stroking her hair,  he reminded her of the story of Elisha in 2 Kings.
Kaylee's body relaxed and she was comforted to have her father at her side and to hear his testimony.

Joseph returned from helping her and relayed their conversation.  We discussed together our own views of the times in which we live for a while.  He shared with me a verse he's been focusing on in his studies and decided it would be a good one to ponder for the week.

"I Nephi, beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory." - 1 Nephi 14:14

I love how Nephi beheld that they were scattered all throughout the earth.  There was no particular safe area or land but the power of God was found in the hearts of the covenant keeping people of the Lord wherever they were.  No, we can't run away from trouble but we can find peace and comfort in the middle of it all.

-Alicia :)

Clothed, Clothes, and Clothing

What is it about clothing that is so significant with God... and also with the Adversary?  
How is it used to teach us? 
What are some examples of the Lord's way and Satan's way?

It's as old as man on the earth.  When Adam and Eve discovered they were naked in the Garden of Eden,"they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons" (Genesis 3:7)  But interestingly, fig leaves irritate the skin with rashes and blisters (not exactly the kind of clothing I would prefer).

Contrast this with God's approach.  He was merciful to Adam and Eve and unto them "did... make coats of skins, and clothed them." (Genesis 3:21)...What kind of skin? Sheep skin.

In my scripture study this morning, I took note of scriptures that made reference to clothing, clothes or being clothed.  I find it very interesting, especially in these last days, to see  how it is used in these varying contexts.

In the Life of Christ

• Wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger. (Luke 2:7)
• When Jesus entered Jerusalem on the colt, the people rejoiced at His coming and "spread their clothes in the way." (Luke 19:36)
• The Roman soldiers mocked Jesus and "They clothed Him with purple, and plaited a crown of thorns, and put it about His head." (Mark 15:17)
• After the death of Christ on the cross, the Savior's body was "wrapped in clean linen." (Matt 27:59)
• When the Savior comes again, those same twelve apostles who were with Him in his ministry will stand on His right hand "being clothed with robes of righteousness". (D&C 29:12)

Identity Crisis

• "The silks and the scarlets, and the fine-twined linen, and the precious clothing, and the harlots, are the desires of this great and abominable church." (1 Nephi 13:8)
• "They rob the poor because of their fine clothing; and they persecute the meek and the poor in heart, because in their pride they are puffed up." (2 Nephi 28:13)
• Alma rebukes the people and asks, "can ye be puffed up in the pride of your hearts; yea, will ye still persist in the wearing of costly apparel and setting your hearts upon the vain things of the world, upon your riches?" (Alma 5:53)
• Mormon laments many of the members of the church in the last days "save a few only who do not lift themselves up in the pride of their hearts, unto the wearing of very fine apparel". (Mormon 8:36)

True Beauty as Taught by Prophets

• To the meek, broken and heavy-hearted, the Lord has promised to clothe with "the garment of praise". (Isaiah 61:3)
• Peter testifies, "I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel". (Acts 20:33)
• Peter taught us to "be clothed with humility". (1 Peter 5:5)
• Paul taught that women are to "adorn themselves in modest apparel, with reverence, sobriety; not with broidered hair, or gold, or peals, or costly array". (1 Timothy 2:9)
• Paul also taught us to "be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God" (Ephesians 6:10,11)
• The revelation in D&C 88:125 teaches "Above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity".
• When Moses stood upon the mount and God showed him great visions, he "beheld the heavens open, and [he] was clothed upon with glory".
• Joseph F. Smith had a vision of missionary work in the Spirit world where the Lord "organized His forces and appointed messengers, clothed with power and authority". (D&C 138:30)

After studying these things, I asked myself the following questions:

What is there to be learned from these scriptures, especially in today's fad culture? 

How do we apply this in our individual lives?  

What does Godly clothing look like, is it seen with spiritual or physical eyes, or both?  

How much worth do we place on either kind of clothing?  

How do we identify ourselves? 

Is it really truth we are dressed with... or is it actually "wolves in sheep's clothing"?

... Just some things I've been thinking about...

-Alicia
(Arise and Shine Forth)

"Believe in God"- Ponderize - Week 28

After connecting through blogs and Facebook for around nine years, I was finally able to meet my friend, Tony Diaz, in person!  He messaged me yesterday saying he was in Utah and wanted to know if he could come down for a visit.  We had him join our family for a lovely little dinner and FHE. During the lesson, we turned the time over to him to share his conversion story.  I never get tired of hearing it. This guy has incredible faith and courage.  It was wonderful!

We had some great discussions on how aware our Father in Heaven is of us and how anxious He is to answer our prayers.  We talked about the times in which we live and marveled at the glorious things we are witnessing in the Gospel throughout the world.  

The scripture that has been coming to my mind all day today is Mosiah 4:9.  I think it's a great one to ponder for the week.  There's a lot of things in life I simply don't understand... but I DO know with complete certainty that God is real, that He is powerful, that we can tap into His power and grace if we sincerely seek it.  I know without any doubt that He hears and answers every prayer, that He loves us deeply, and that we can't even begin to comprehend His plans for us.

"Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend." - Mosiah 4:9

-Alicia :)

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:

1. 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. 
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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

Recovery

A couple of Sundays ago I brought my 7yr-old daughter's plant with me to church to use as an object lesson in Young Women's.  During sacrament meeting, Kaylee wanted to hold her little plant.  I set it in her lap as she smiled adoringly at her two flower sprouts growing from the seeds she had sown.  As she held it, she accidentally snapped one of the stems.  She began to cry, thinking she killed it.  Sure enough, I looked down and could see the lifeless stem dangling on a hinge.  I gave her a hug and whispered in her ear, "Honey, it's going to be alright.  I don't think it's dead.  Let's just be really gentle, keep taking care of it, and see what happens."  

I must admit that a part of me wasn't so sure it would recover and I was a little surprised when after a few days I noticed it lifting its head back towards the light of the sun.  Honestly, I have never seen a stem come alive again after being snapped like that.  I recalled the words I had whispered into Kaylee's ear, "Let's just be really gentle, keep taking care of it, and see what happens."  I thought of our brothers and sisters who have been broken by sin or addiction and how the right environment can bring them back into full recovery.

In nature, there are archetypes - symbols in our physical world that have existed since the creation, symbols that testify of that which God has ordained.  Earth is an archetype of man, water is an archetype of woman, but there is more... 

The air is an archetype of the Holy Spirit, and the sun is an archetype of Jesus Christ.  

When I saw this little stem curving back up toward the light of the sun, I couldn't help but think of the light of our Savior, the Son of God.  I was thrilled with excitement.  I grabbed the camera and took a picture. 

I thought of the addiction recovery program.  They've just launched some powerful new videos with real stories of people going through each of the 12 steps.  Last night, my husband and I watched these videos together.  I wrapped my arms around my husband as we listened to story after story of people going to their bishop for help.  Joseph sighed gratefully with a tear in his eye, "Those dear bishops, they have to carry so much."  I smiled as I thought of ours - We both love and pray for him.  These men are called of God, they tirelessly watch over and care for their flock.  Through their inspiration and the addiction recovery program, countless souls are saved.  These are messages of hope, kindness, forgiveness, love, and ultimately of recovery through Jesus Christ.  It's a beautiful thing.

-Alicia

(Broken Things to Mend - April 2006 -  Elder Jeffrey R. Holland)

one week of recovery

10 days of recovery

2 weeks of recovery

6 weeks of recovery and growing stronger than ever


Come Unto Him 

He came to us; he loved us that much.
There isn’t a soul he’s unwilling to touch;
No life so dark he cannot light;
No sadness, no sorrow he cannot right.
Come unto him.

He came to earth; he lived as a man.
There’s no earthly care he can’t understand;
No earthly pain he did not feel;
No hunger, no heartache he cannot heal.
Come unto him.

He lived like us, acquainted with grief.
To those who believe he offers relief.
He opens eyes; he forgives sin;
For the humble, the faithful, who follow him.
Come unto him.

(Text:  Steven Jones  - Music:  Sam Cardon)

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

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. 1 Nephi 1:4 - “there came many prophets, prophesying unto the people that they must repent”
2. 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”
3. 1 Nephi 3:18 - “they have rejected the words of the prophets”
4. 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]”
5. 1 Nephi 7:14 - “they have rejected the prophets”
6. 1 Nephi 10:5 - “how great a number [of the prophets] had testified”
7. 1 Nephi 13:23 - “[the Bible] containeth many of the prophecies of the holy prophets”
8. 1 Nephi 19:21 - “he surely did show unto the prophets of old all things concerning them”
9. 1 Nephi 19:24 - “hear ye the words of the prophet”
10. 1 Nephi 22:2 - “all things are made known unto the prophets”
11. 1 Nephi 22:20 - “a prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you”
12. 2 Nephi 6:12 - “for the Lord God will fulfil His covenants...for this cause the prophet has written these things.”
13. 2 Nephi 9:2 - “[God] has spoken… by the mouth of His holy prophets”
14. 2 Nephi 25:9 - “never hath any of them been destroyed save it were foretold them by the prophets of the Lord”
15. 2 Nephi 25:28 - “for by denying [Christ] ye also deny the prophets and the law”
16. 2 Nephi 26:3 - “and they perish because they cast out the prophets”
17. 2 Nephi 27:5 - “ye have closed your eyes, and ye have rejected the prophets”
18. Jacob 4:6 - “we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy”
19. Jacob 4:13,14 - “for God also spake them unto prophets of old... but...they despised the words of plainness, and killed the prophets”
20. Jacob 5:2 - “Hearken… and hear the words of me, a prophet of the Lord.”
21. Enos 1:22 - “there were exceedingly many prophets among us.  And the people were a stiffnecked people, hard to understand.”
22. Jarom 1:10 - “the prophets of the Lord did threaten the people...according to the word of God”
23. 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”
24. Mosiah 2:34 - “the records… contain the prophecies which have been spoken by the holy prophets”
25. Mosiah 3:13 - “the Lord God hath sent His holy prophets among all the children of men”
26. Mosiah 3:15 - “holy prophets spake unto them concerning [Christ’s] coming”
27. Mosiah 13:33 - “God should redeem His people...all the prophets… have prophesied ever since the world began”
28. Mosiah 15:11 - “all the holy prophets… have prophesied concerning the coming of the Lord”
29. 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”
30. Alma 18:36 - “laid before him the records and the holy scriptures of the people, which had been spoken by the prophets”
31. Alma 20:15 - “they are just men and holy prophets of the true God”
32. Alma 30:6 - “the Anti-Christ.. began to preach unto the people against the prophecies which had been spoken by the prophets”
33. Alma 37:30 - “they murdered all the prophets of the Lord who came among them”
34. Helaman 8:19 - “there have been many prophets that have testified”
35. Helaman 13:24 - “ye do cast out the prophets, and do mock them”
36. Helaman 13:33 - “oh that I had repented, and had not killed the prophets”
37. 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”
38. Helaman 16:13 - “the words of the prophets began to be fulfilled”
39. 3 Nephi 1:4 - “the prophecies of the prophets began to be fulfilled”
40. 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”
41. 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”
42. 3 Nephi 6:25 - there were “judges who had condemned the prophets of the Lord”
43. 3 Nephi 7:10 - the leader of secret combinations “had given his voice against the prophets”
44. 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”
45. 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.”
46. 3 Nephi 10:12 - “the more righteous part of the people who were saved, and it was they who received the prophets”
47. 3 Nephi 11:10,15 - prophets have always testified of Jesus Christ
48. 3 Nephi 12:12 - “for so persecuted they the prophets”
49. 3 Nephi 25:5 - “I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day”
50. 3 Nephi 29:2 - “the words of the Lord, which have been spoken by the holy prophets, shall all be fulfilled”
51. 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”
52. Ether 8:25 - “they have murdered the prophets, and stoned them, and cast them out from the beginning”
53. 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”
54. Ether 11:1,2,5 - “there came… many prophets”  “the prophets were rejected” “all the prophets… should be put to death”
55. Ether 11:12,13 - “there came many prophets, and prophesied again” “the people hardened their hearts, and would not hearken unto their words”
56. Ether 11:20,22 - “there … came many prophets” “they did reject all the words of the prophets”
57. Ether 12:2,5 - “a prophet of the Lord… began to prophesy unto the people” “they did not believe because they saw them not”
58. Moroni 7:23 - “God also declared unto prophets”
59. 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”

60. (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”)