That Same Sociality

Last night, I took Miriam and Kaylee to a world-wide broadcast of a meeting for all the women in the church ages eight and older.  I also brought my 3-yr-old foster daughter in order to allow the boys at home to be able to "comfortably watch" their action movie while we were away.

At the church, my girls instantly found their friends and bounced happily into the open seats next them. They are always so thrilled to be around Hannah, Mia, and Oli. I was also very glad to connect with their mom, Carol, who is my dear friend,

After the meeting was over,  Carol and her daughters climbed into our van with us to find a good place to grab some milkshakes and visit with each other more.  I met Carol two-and-a-half years ago but it seems much longer than that.

My life is so completely different from when I first met her.  I guess you could say her life is completely different too.  It was great to share with one another some of the lessons we've been learning along the way.  Carol has such a beautiful testimony of God and His involvement in our lives.  She's incredibility compassionate, intelligent, and brave. I truly admire her! It made my whole day, my whole week, to spend that hour-and-a-half together -- just the two of us and our girls. I think I really needed that.

I'm grateful to know "that same sociality which exists among us here [on earth] will exist among us [in heaven]" - D&C 130:2

-Alicia

Ladies Lunch and Life-Hacks

Life is so incredibly busy right now that I hardly have an extra minute to write these days. Being a foster mom takes up more time than most people realize. When I do get a free moment, it's usually spent doing homework for my class this semester.  I know the things that consume my hours are good... Even though I don't sleep anymore. ;)

Despite my crammed schedule, I was able to break away just for a couple hours this afternoon and enjoy a nice visit with my sisters-in-law (well, at least 5 of the 7). We gathered at Merrit's house, made a fancy lunch, and shared life-hacks with each other.  A few of the life-hacks were practical and revolved around awesome cleaning or cooking tips.  The other life-hacks were spiritual, like Lee's and Megan's.  

Lee shared that she has noticed a big difference in her life and in her relationships as she's taken the time to kneel and pray more throughout the day.  Megan shared a few verses from the scriptures and her personal testimony of them.  

The life-hack I gave was about perspective: As mothers, sometimes we see a mess and instantly assume that it is a result of our children being lazy or goofing off. But I shared the idea that sometimes the so-called "disasters" around our homes are evidence that our children are actually listening, that they're working hard, that they're doing great and wonderful things... and I gave some examples.

From the practical temporal life-hacks to the spiritual and inspiring ones: we laughed, we cried, and felt so much appreciation and love for one another.  It was a very refreshing afternoon.  I'm so grateful I married into this beautiful family.  I'm glad I have these seven sisters who get together and include me as one of them. I love that we're close and have regular, meaningful, and memorable visits.  I look forward to spending next weekend with these same wonderful ladies. 

-Alicia

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.’" 

- 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. 

"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.

"The Unmaking"

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

A Marvelous Father

Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending the homecoming of my nephew, Dane.  What a solid, good, and pure young man!  I'm so incredibly proud of him.  He's such a naturally righteous soul: timid like a lamb on the outside but roaring like a lion with bold testimony on the inside.  Once, I asked his mother the secret to raising such an amazing kid.  She shook her head at me with surprise, "Alicia, you have no idea... honestly, he came that way.  He is unlike any other, I've never had a child so naturally obedient." I thought to myself, "She's been blessed with a 'Nephi.'"

The messages in Sacrament meeting yesterday were beautiful; centered on charity, the pure love of Christ.  Then Nephi... I mean Dane, concluded his testimony of miracles and angels (both seen and unseen.) I smiled.

In Sunday school we discussed 1 Nephi 8 and the Tree of Life and in Relief Society we learned about the Kingdom of God established on earth as it is in Heaven.  

I took mental note of the talk referenced in Sunday school by Robert D. Hales entitled, "With all the Feeling of a Tender Parent." Still thinking of my sister-in-law's comment and the varying dispositions of our children... what about Lehi's children?  What a contrast between Nephi and his brothers! How much did this affect the emotions of their father?

• "The hymn often sung by our pioneer ancestors tells us what to do: “Gird up your loins; fresh courage take. / Our God will never us forsake.”  That courage and faith is what we need as parents and families in these latter days.
• Father Lehi had such courage. He loved his family and rejoiced that some of his children kept the Lord’s commandments. But he must have been heartbroken when his sons “Laman and Lemuel partook not of the fruit” representing the love of God. “He exceedingly feared for [them]; yea, he feared lest they should be cast off from the presence of the Lord.” - Elder Robert D. Hales

Lehi was an incredible father; devoted, loving, and true to the Faith!! Some of his children chose to follow his counsel and others refused.  In all of his ups and downs, joys and heartache... I can't help but wonder if he ever just needed some affirmation for his valiant efforts, some reassurance that he was a good father, a marvelous father, regardless of the choices his children were making. (If he lived down the street from me, I'd take a moment to tell him that.) ;)

• "Our worthiness will not be measured according to their righteousness. Lehi did not lose the blessing of feasting at the tree of life because Laman and Lemuel refused to partake of its fruit. Sometimes as parents we feel we have failed when our children make mistakes or stray. Parents are never failures when they do their best to love, teach, pray, and care for their children. Their faith, prayers, and efforts will be consecrated to the good of their children. "  - Elder Robert D. Hales

Also, if  Lehi were my neighbor, I think I'd encourage him with this too;

• "Remember, remember all the days of your [fatherhood]: 'Ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.'
• Rely on Him. Rely on Him heavily. Rely on Him forever. And 'press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope.'  You are doing God’s work. You are doing it wonderfully well. He is blessing you and He will bless you, even—no, especially—when your days and your nights may be the most challenging." - Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

I offer my prayers for all those parents who strive so diligently to keep that brightness of hope alive in the midst of storms and pending gloom.  Keep shining!  Your light is seen by many and it warms their hearts... God will bless you for keeping that fire burning in your soul! It's beautiful!

-Alicia ;) 

The Power of Pure Testimony

Alma the younger is overwhelmed with what is happening among his own church, among his own people.  They had all made covenants in the waters of baptism and yet "the people of the church began to wax proud... they began to be scornful, one towards another...their began to be great contentions, envying, and strife, and malice... he saw great inequality, ...lifting themselves up with their pride, despising others."  (Alma 4:6,8-10,12)  

"Now this was the cause of much affliction to Alma, yea, and to many of the people who Alma had consecrated to be teachers, and priests, and elders over the church." (Alma 4:7)

(Notice that those who served with Alma, those he had set-apart as teachers and leaders also grieved for what was happening.)

What a heavy burden this righteous man of God carried on his shoulders.  It "sorely grieved" him. He searched, pleaded, and prayed for answers and came to the conclusion that there was "no way that he might reclaim them save it were in bearing down in pure testimony against them."  He reminded them of the generation who had gone before them. It wasn't just his testimony he bore but he strove to remind them of the testimony of their parents and grandparents.  And he lists off these things that happened to them basically saying, "Don't you remember them, how they gained hope and salvation?"

Your parents and grandparents had these blessings:

• Delivered by the mercy and power of God (5:4)
• Delivered out of bondage by the power of His word (5:5)
• Delivered their souls from hell (5:6)
• He changed their hearts (5:7)
• He awakened them out of a deep sleep (5:7)
• Their souls were illuminated by the light of the everlasting word (5:7)
• The bands of death were broken (5:9)
• The chains of hell were loosed (5:9)
• Their souls did expand (5:9)
• They did sing redeeming love (5:9)

Then he asks them "what is the cause" of the great miracles that took place with them.  How were all of these things possible?  He answers his own question,
"I can tell you."(Alma 5:11-13)

• They believed the Prophet
• They believed the Prophet spoke the words of God
• According to faith, there was a mighty change of heart as they applied the Prophet's words
• They humbled themselves
• They put their trust in God
• They were faithful to the end

I think the part that stands out to me here is the "pure testimony" that Alma bore to the people was mostly that of his father's testimony.  His father left a powerful legacy.  I wonder what affect it would have if we were to tap into and share as frequently as possible with our children the testimony of their grandmothers and grandfathers?  That seemed to be the common answer that stood out to me at World Congress 9 this year. Read their testimony to your children. Send it out in a weekly or monthly email, in a text message, or pin it up and frame it on a wall where they can see it every day.  Make it an opening tradition to read every FHE.  However it is done, put that pure testimony out there for them to be reminded constantly. 

Now of course we must constantly use the "pure testimony" of the prophets and apostles too; scriptures both modern and ancient.  But there is power in using the testimony of a grandmother or grandfather because even when the faith of the children waver even in God (in the unseen), they cannot deny the existence of a grandma or grandpa.  They had incredible faith, they believed!

-Alicia

That Which is Not Seen

"Verily, verily, I say unto you that mine eyes are upon you.  I am in your midst and ye cannot see me." - D&C 38:7

My eyes are mortal, they are limited.  My physical vision can only see so far.  So when I read verses that speak of those things that cannot be witnessed with my own eyes, it draws my attention.  How can we see without tangible evidence?  What realms beyond mortal sight, beyond physical touch are as accessible and real as the air I breathe and the ground I walk on?

“One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes.”- The Little Prince

How does one see with the heart?
The Savior spoke to the people in parables because they "seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand... For this people’s heart is waxed gross" - Matthew 13:13 - 15.  I searched this scripture in other versions and the heart is described as calloused or dull. The rest of verse 15 describes that the ears and eyes are also dull and closed.  When I think of a heart waxing gross, I think of fatty arteries, build-up from caring for things that have no value.

Maybe in this mortal life, we try to view things backwards?
First with our eyes, then our ears,
and then with our hearts.
Relying first on the physical tangible evidence saps us dry.  It's far too broad, far to extensive, too general and vague to give any real direction.  We become anxious or care about meaningless things, leaving no room in the end for faith in one's heart.

Maybe if we just flip things around, the proper vision will be opened to us?
First with our hearts,
then with our ears,
and eventually with our eyes.

Even in the darkest moments of life, even in the places where we cannot see the end from the beginning or what's on the other side,.. Even if the curtain is drawn, even if we don't know what's around the bend or where we are going, we can still feel safe and secure as if we could see.  If our hearts are set upon God, we have hope... not because of our vision but because of His.  The heart is the home of affection and when we sincerely love the Lord, we seek to lean on Him.  I imagine this much like an affectionate child laying their head on their father's strong chest, listening to his soothing voice.  The child won't understand everything in that moment but he trusts that someday, eventually he will know what his father is teaching him, and his eyes will be opened.  What comfort this gives!

In our Father's arms, our hearts are warmed by trust and faith in Him and we are given strength to carry on despite that which is seen or not seen.

Why do I believe in God?  Why do I believe in someone who I cannot see?
Many years ago I kept a quote on my bedroom wall that answers this:

"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen. Not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."  - C.S. Lewis

"To the glory of God... we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." - 2 Corinthinas 4:15-18

I believe because I feel it in my heart first,
Then I lean on my Father and listen
And trust that eventually my eyes will see.

-Alicia

"We see such a limited part of the eternal plan He has fashioned for each one of us. Trust Him, even when in eternal perspective it temporarily hurts very much. Have patience when you are asked to wait when you want immediate action. He may ask you to do things which are powerfully against your will. Exercise faith and say, Let Thy will be done. Such experiences, honorably met, prepare you and condition you for yet greater blessings. As your Father, His purpose is your eternal happiness, your continuing development, your increasing capacity. His desire is to share with you all that He has. The path you are to walk through life may be very different from others. You may not always know why He does what He does, but you can know that He is perfectly just and perfectly merciful. He would have you suffer no consequence, no challenge, endure no burden that is superfluous to your good.

To gain unshakable faith in Jesus Christ is to flood your life with brilliant light. You are no longer alone to struggle with challenges you know you cannot resolve or control yourself, for He said, “If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me.” (Moro. 7:33)" - Richard G. Scott - Obtaining Help from the Lord (Oct. 1991)

"Glory in the Lord" - Ponderize - Week 9

What a wonderful Family Night tonight!  I invited a brother, Alex Balinski, from our ward to come and teach our children about his website preparetoserve.com and his youtube channel with stories and testimonies from returned missionaries.

Living in this student area, there's a lot of change over, a lot of move-in's and move-out's.  It provides a wonderful opportunity to meet hosts of amazing people and soak up all the good they have to offer.  There is so much talent, so much heart and soul here. truly a gathering of Zion's finest.

I felt strengthened and inspired with every missionary story Alex shared with us tonight.  I think this one was my favorite:

I could listen to stories like these all day!  These are the things that sustain me.  I love that we have the opportunity to witness to one another about the truth and reality of a Father in Heaven who hears and answers prayers, who knows us all so deeply and is involved in the tiniest details of our lives.

So, with this fresh in my heart... this is my verse to ponderize for the week:

"Who can glory too much in the Lord? Yea, who can say too much of his great power, and of his mercy, and of his long-suffering towards the children of men? Behold, I say unto you, I cannot say the smallest part which I feel." - Alma 26:16

-Alicia

To God Alone

I woke up this morning with this song in my head.  It's officially the Christmas season.  And well, this isn't exactly a song written for Christmas but I think it should be...

Because, the true magic of Christmas is found when we lose ourselves, when we forget about what we want and think instead of how we can give.  Something incredible occurs when we focus on the beauty and good all around us and recognize God's hand.  The magic and glory of Christmas is when we have our eyes opened and our hearts filled with gratitude and wonder for the miracles that are constantly occurring.  Our souls feel lighter and we hunger for so little because we see that we already have so much.  The greatest and most valuable gift to all of mankind has already been given in the most humble way.  Everything we have ever needed is found in and through our Savior and His Priesthood authority.  We don't care about popularity, praise, position, or power.... Our cup runneth over when we kneel at His feet and worship Him, the only One worthy of such things.  This is the attitude that allows peace to enter into our hearts and fill us with good will and sincere love for our fellowmen.

Why wait for the Christmas season?
I believe in Christmas all year and every day of our lives.

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." - Luke 2:13-14

"To God Alone"

by, Aaron Shust

Can You take me by the hand?

Can You use me as I am?

Break me into who You want me to be

When the time is finally right

Will You open up my eyes

And show me everything You want me to see?

This life is not my own

To God alone be the glory

To God alone be the praise

Everything I say and do

Let it be all for You

The glory is Yours alone

Yours alone

Take the offering I bring

You want more than what I sing

Can I give You every part of me?

Turn these pennies into gold

Take this life I call my own

Until I'm running after Your heart

I'm needing to let go

To God alone be the glory

To God alone be the praise

Everything I say and do

Let it be all for You

The glory is Yours alone

We will rise and we will fall

But You remain after all

You're glorious and beautiful

You're beautiful

To God alone be the glory

To God alone be the praise

Everything I say and do

Let it be all for You

The glory is Yours alone

The glory is Yours alone

Yours alone

Yours alone

-Alicia

Would I Stand?

In the news we've recently heard about the shooter in Oregon who specifically targeted Christians.  An article from CNN reports the following:

"Stacy Boylan, the father of Anastasia Boylan, who was wounded, said she told him the gunman singled out Christians.

She said the gunman entered her classroom firing, told the professor teaching the class, "I've been waiting to do this for years," and shot him point blank, Stacy Boylan said.

While reloading his handgun, the man ordered the students to stand up and asked whether they were Christians, Boylan told her family.

"And they would stand up, and he said, 'Good, because you're a Christian, you're going to see God in just about one second,' " Stacy Boylan told CNN, relaying his daughter's account. "And then he shot and killed them."

These students were martyrs!
This has me thinking deeply about what I would do in this situation.  How strong are my convictions?  Would I have the faith to stand at gunpoint and profess my beliefs if it meant losing my life?

Even Peter, who was a devoted disciple of Christ, insisted that he would die before ever denying his beloved Lord and Savior. (Matt 26:35) Then when the time came, when Peter had the opportunity to stand for his convictions, three times he caved, he gave way to fear, and buckled under the pressure.

"Was Peter a weak man? No; but he was not without the infirmities of human nature, and when the trial came he faltered a little. After all I do not think the mistake so grievous, all the circumstances considered, for he was surrounded by, and speaking to, a riotous, corrupt and bloodthirsty people, only he had said he would not do it, but he did it, that's all." - John Taylor

When Peter realized what he had done, he repented and wept bitterly.(Matt 26:75)  Seeing his weakness now, he was able to be made strong and he never did again deny Christ but went to his grave as a martyr.

"Was Peter valiant for the truth? He was. Was he imprisoned for the truth? (Acts 5:18 Acts 12:3-5) Yes. Did he proclaim against vice and advocate virtue? He did. And did he go forth and feed the lambs and flock of God? Yes; and he acted every way becoming to a man of God, and finally suffered a martyr's death. Shall we find fault with either of these men? No, we love them for their good deeds, and for their fidelity and integrity, and the great work which they accomplished in their day, in bringing forth the truths of the everlasting Gospel." - John Taylor

Reading these quotes from John Taylor causes me to reflect on the life of Joseph Smith.  In summer of 2012 I had the opportunity to visit Carthage Jail.  My fingers traced the bullet hole in the door of the upper room.  I imagined in my mind the horrific events that happened there. I looked out the glass pane Joseph jumped through to the ground below. The Sister missionary pointed to the well outside and said after Joseph was shot, the mob took his dead body, propped it up against that well, and proceeded to continue shooting him.  They also took the ends of their rifles and beat his face and body. My heart broke as I pondered these things.

Standing by that well was such sacred ground, my heart was overwhelmed with love and gratitude for my dear brother Joseph.  Oh, how I love him!  He gave his beautiful life as a testimony, a witness of his faith, his love for Christ, and his conviction of the restored Gospel.

Now if a gunman were to threaten me, to ask me to stand if I were a Christian?
Would I stand?
What if the threat went even further?
What if the gunman were to ask all those to stand who believe Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God?

Would I stand?
I'd like to say I would.  I pray I would.
I hope I would have that kind of courage.
I know with all of my heart that this gospel is true and that Joseph was called of God.  The Book of Mormon is true, the teachings within it have led me to Living Water, to Christ and His love.  I pray for the kind of faithful heart that would willingly lay my life down for what I believe.  And for as long as I'm called to live, I desire to stand as a witness of these things "at all times, in all things, and in all places!" (Mosiah 18:9)

-Alicia

The Kingdom of God is in You

I LOVE a good movie score!!  I have always been enthralled with the magic of music, how it can stir our hearts, inspire our souls, enlighten our minds, increase our passions, enhance our words, and give meaning to sight through the wonder of sound.  This song called "Time" by, Hans Zimmer, was recently attached to a scene from an old black and white movie, The Great Dictator.

The Great Dictator is a 1940 film made by Charlie Chapman.  It is a story of a good man, a Jewish barber, who saves the life of a wounded pilot during World War 2.  During his rescue, this Jewish barber receives a concussion and loses his memory.  He and the pilot try to escape the Nazis and somehow are able to dress up in German uniform to help them get away unrecognized.  But the Jewish barber, who is played by Charlie Chapman, looks almost identical to Adolf Hitler.  In the mix-up, he is urged to speak to the soldiers and gives a speech completely opposite, and diametrically opposed to anything the real Hitler would have said.

The first time I saw this scene combined with the music from Hans Zimmer, I was taken back at how powerful it was. It stirred in my mind the plea and cry we hear from men and women called to speak in Christ's name today, called to cry repentance, to preach faith and devotion to God and to one another.  They plead for unity, for love, kindness, for gentleness, and at the same time stand by morals and principles, never condoning acts contrary to our Divine nature.

 I've been reading in the scriptures and pondering the constant rejection of the prophets of God.  In our family study, we are reading about Abinadi.  In my personal study, I'm reading in the end of 1 Nephi where "even the very God of Israel... men trample under their feet;... they set him at naught, and hearken not to the voice of his counsels."  (1 Ne. 19:7) "They turn their hearts aside, rejecting signs and wonders, and the power and glory of the God of Israel. And because they turn their hearts aside, saith the prophet, and have despised the Holy One of Israel, they shall wander in the flesh, and perish" (1 Ne. 19:13,14)

As we approach this weekend and have this wonderful opportunity to hear the word of God spoken by the mouths of His prophets, I pray we will not let their cries fall on deaf ears, that we will not "trample them under our feet" but that we will take them into our hearts, treasure them, live by them, and teach them.  The time we have on this earth is a gift to us.  For myself, I desire to use it better... for it will slip quickly out of my grasp. There is so much work to be done.  I pray that I will be inspired to be about the work that matters most.

-Alicia

The Speech - From, The Great Dictator

"I’m sorry, but I don’t want to be an emperor. That’s not my business. I don’t want to rule or conquer anyone. I should like to help everyone - if possible - Jew, Gentile - black man - white. We all want to help one another. Human beings are like that. We want to live by each other’s happiness - not by each other’s misery. We don’t want to hate and despise one another. In this world there is room for everyone. And the good earth is rich and can provide for everyone. The way of life can be free and beautiful, but we have lost the way.

Greed has poisoned men’s souls, has barricaded the world with hate, has goose-stepped us into misery and bloodshed. We have developed speed, but we have shut ourselves in. Machinery that gives abundance has left us in want. Our knowledge has made us cynical. Our cleverness, hard and unkind. We think too much and feel too little. More than machinery we need humanity. More than cleverness we need kindness and gentleness. Without these qualities, life will be violent and all will be lost....

The aeroplane and the radio have brought us closer together. The very nature of these inventions cries out for the goodness in men - cries out for universal brotherhood - for the unity of us all. Even now my voice is reaching millions throughout the world - millions of despairing men, women, and little children - victims of a system that makes men torture and imprison innocent people.

To those who can hear me, I say - do not despair. The misery that is now upon us is but the passing of greed - the bitterness of men who fear the way of human progress. The hate of men will pass, and dictators die, and the power they took from the people will return to the people. And so long as men die, liberty will never perish. .....

Soldiers! don’t give yourselves to brutes - men who despise you - enslave you - who regiment your lives - tell you what to do - what to think and what to feel! Who drill you - diet you - treat you like cattle, use you as cannon fodder. Don’t give yourselves to these unnatural men - machine men with machine minds and machine hearts! You are not machines! You are not cattle! You are men! You have the love of humanity in your hearts! You don’t hate! Only the unloved hate - the unloved and the unnatural! Soldiers! Don’t fight for slavery! Fight for liberty!

In the 17th Chapter of St Luke it is written: “the Kingdom of God is within man” - not one man nor a group of men, but in all men! In you! You, the people have the power - the power to create machines. The power to create happiness! You, the people, have the power to make this life free and beautiful, to make this life a wonderful adventure.

Then - in the name of democracy - let us use that power - let us all unite. Let us fight for a new world - a decent world that will give men a chance to work - that will give youth a future and old age a security. By the promise of these things, brutes have risen to power. But they lie! They do not fulfil that promise. They never will!

Dictators free themselves but they enslave the people! Now let us fight to fulfil that promise! Let us fight to free the world - to do away with national barriers - to do away with greed, with hate and intolerance. Let us fight for a world of reason, a world where science and progress will lead to all men’s happiness. Soldiers! in the name of democracy, let us all unite!"

Parallels Principles and Prophets

Fifteen chapters make up the book of Ether.  Translated from records approximately 2,800 years older than his time, and faithfully commentated by Moroni, he placed this story at the tail end of The Book of Mormon before closing with his own final words.  Interesting parallels are contained within Ether’s 15 chapters of the Jaradites that echo similar themes found within the records of the Nephite and Lamanite nations which chronologically come after Ether’s account:  The Book of Mormon and Ether both start with families that are commanded to build ships and embark into the unknown.  Both books heavily preach faith, hope, and charity through Christ.  Both contain records of terrible war driven by pride, greed, envy, hatred, and secret combinations.  Both show a pattern of prophets, and both conclude with a lone prophet who ends up witnessing total annihilation of his own nation.  

Pattern of Revelation

There is something truly beautiful and wonderful about the unknown when it is placed before us by the hand of God.  What glory will be revealed as the blindfold is removed from our eyes and we see exactly how the Lord has been guiding us along our own journey through life. There is a great pattern of revelation exemplified in both Lehi and the Brother of Jared’s family to build a ship after the manner of the Lord, to leave behind all their comforts and embark in uncharted waters, knowing fully and completely that God was leading them towards a promised land.  Both fasted and prayed much and went to the mountain often to seek direction and as they did so, the Lord in His goodness instructed them and blessed them according to their desires.

“Here we go, going in alone, into the dark and wonderful unknown, let us go, let us go.” (Ingrid Michaelson - Wonderful Unknown)  

Pattern of Principles

Both records contain deeply rooted principles of faith, hope, and charity in and through our Savior, Jesus Christ. Alma gives a beautiful sermon on what it means to plant the seed (the word of God), to nourish it with full faith and complete hope that it will grow.  As the soil of our hearts are open and receptive - carefully and consistently cultivated,  the seed will grow into the most beautiful tree and bear the fruit of pure love, the love of Christ or charity.  

“These divine attributes should become fixed in our hearts and minds to guide us in all of our actions. We read in Moroni, ‘Cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all. … Whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.’ Charity can be the outward expression of faith and hope. If sought and obtained, these three foundation elements of celestial character will abide with us in this life and beyond the veil into the next life.” - (Joseph B. Wirthlin - Cultivating Divine Attributes - October 1998 General Conference)

Pattern of Pride

Among the virtues preached in these books, there is also a great warning of a horrible vice.  It was pride that led individuals, families, and nations to war and ultimate destruction.  The pattern is made clear as we observe the many contentious souls driven by, greed, envy, and hatred.  Spiritual things matter nothing to them for they cannot see beyond their own face.  With stiff necks, high heads, and blind minds - their souls are ugly, cankered and diseased by vanity and selfishness.  

“The Doctrine and Covenants tells us that the Book of Mormon is the ‘record of a fallen people.’ (D&C 20:9.) Why did they fall? This is one of the major messages of the Book of Mormon. Mormon gives the answer in the closing chapters of the book in these words: ‘Behold, the pride of this nation, or the people of the Nephites, hath proven their destruction.’ (Moro. 8:27.) And then, lest we miss that momentous Book of Mormon message from that fallen people, the Lord warns us in the Doctrine and Covenants, ‘Beware of pride, lest ye become as the Nephites of old.’ (D&C 38:39.)” - President Ezra Taft Benson - Beware of Pride - April Ensign 1989

Pattern of Prophets

We have a Father in Heaven who loves us, He loves all His children. He doesn’t want to see us fall like these nations did. Witnessing His children destroy themselves or each other brings great sorrow to His heart (Moses 7:28-33).  This is why He constantly sends prophets, to call us to repentance so we have fair warning and so we may be healed (3 Nephi 9:13). Time and time again the prophets come and tragically they are rejected over and over.  In the October 2014 General Conference, Sister Carol F. McConkie taught:

“We heed prophetic word even when it may seem unreasonable, inconvenient, and uncomfortable. According to the world’s standards, following the prophet may be unpopular, politically incorrect, or socially unacceptable. But following the prophet is always right.” - Carol F. McConkie

Pattern of Courage Through Conversion

It may be hard to do what is right especially when we have opposing pressure from peers, family, friends, or coworkers.  They may argue over our decisions.  They may ridicule or mock us, telling us that we need to lighten up or relax.  But we must be firm in keeping the standards of the church, even if it means standing alone.  Dare to be strong and let go of worry over opinions or approval.  President Monson counseled in the April 2014 conference:

“It is impossible to stand upright when one plants his roots in the shifting sands of popular opinion and approval... Needed is the courage...to hold strong and fast... to do not that which [is] easy but that which [is] right... We will all face fear, experience ridicule, and meet opposition. Let us—all of us—have the courage to defy the consensus, the courage to stand for principle. Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God’s approval. Courage becomes a living and an attractive virtue when it is regarded not only as a willingness to die manfully but also as the determination to live decently.” - (President Thomas S. Monson - Be Strong and of a Good Courage)

This kind of courage stems from conversion.  It is the soul that is so deeply converted that they will not compromise covenants and the things they know to be true even if they have to “stand alone.”  These two great prophets, Ether and Moroni, stood alone and they both witnessed the fall and total annihilation of their people. Even still, they remained firm and were true at all times.

“And the Lord spake unto Ether, and said unto him: Go forth. And he went forth, and beheld that the words of the Lord had all been fulfilled; and he finished his record” - Ether 15:33

“I even remain alone to write the sad tale of the destruction of my people. But behold, they are gone, and I fulfil the commandment of my father. And whether they will slay me, I know not.” - Mormon 8:3

Being true until the battle was over instilled within the souls of these prophets a Godly confidence.   Like Paul, they could say, “I have fought the good fight.” They could trust and know with certainty that great blessings awaited them for their faithfulness.  

“I soon go to rest in the paradise of God, until my spirit and body shall again reunite, and I am brought forth triumphant through the air, to meet you before the pleasing bar of the great Jehovah, the Eternal Judge” - Moroni 10:34

“Now the last words which are written by Ether are these: Whether the Lord will that I be translated, or that I suffer the will of the Lord in the flesh, it mattereth not, if it so be that I am saved in the kingdom of God. Amen.” - Ether 15:34

I’m sure that Moroni felt a deep connection to the prophet Ether even though almost three-thousand years spanned between them.  They were bound in principles of truth.  Perhaps  Moroni was strengthened as he abriged Ether's record knowing that there was one who had walked a similar road as he did, who felt many of the same emotions, burdens, and lonliness carried by those called to be prophets of God. They both witnessed the same patterns among their people: Patterns of revelation, of principle, of pride, of prophets, and of conversion.  How do we connect with these righteous men? What can we learn from their records that will help us in our own journey?  I testify that their writings are made for just that - to help us along our way.  They are sacred and true.  The patterns of Ether and Moroni’s time also parallel our day.  I am forever grateful for all who sacrificed to bring them into my hands.  They are the word of God unto salvation.  I know this!!

-Alicia

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• Pattern of Revelation

1. “inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper, and shall be led to a land of promise; yea, even a land which I have prepared for you; yea, a land which is choice above all other lands.” - 1 Nephi 2:20
2. “I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do.  Nevertheless I went forth.” - 1 Nephi 4:6,7
3. “Surely the Lord hath commanded us to do this thing; and shall we not be diligent in keeping the commandments of the Lord?” - 1 Nephi 4:34
4. “I arose and went up into the mountain, and cried unto the Lord.... the Lord spake unto me, saying: Thou shalt construct a ship, after the manner which I shall show thee, that I may carry thy people across these waters.  And I said: Lord, wither shall I go that I may find ore to molten, that I may make tools to construct the ship after the manner which thou hast shown me?” - 1 Nephi 17:7-9
5. “As ye shall keep my commandments ye shall be led towards the promised land; and ye shall know that it is by me that ye are led.” - 1 Nephi 17:13
6. “I did build it after the manner which the Lord had shown unto me… and I Nephi, did go into the mount oft, and I did pray oft unto the Lord; wherefore the Lord showed unto me great things.” - 1 Nephi 18:2-3
7. “after we had sailed for the space of many days we did arrive at the promised land” - 1 Nephi 18:23
8. “The brother of Jared did go to work, and also his brethren, and built barges after the manner...according to the instructions of the Lord.” - Ether 2:16
9. “The brother of Jared cried unto the Lord”  “and he cried again unto the Lord” “he went forth unto the mount,...and cried again unto the Lord” - Ether 2:18,22 & 3:1
10. “they got aboard their vessels… and set forth into the sea, commending themselves unto the Lord their God.” - Ether 6:4
11. “And thus they were driven forth three hundred and forty and four days upon the water.  And they did land upon the shore of the promised land.” - Ether 6:12

• Pattern of Principles

1. “Now as I said concerning faith - faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true.” - Alma 32:21
2. “And because of your diligence and your faith and your patience with the word in nourishing it, that it may take root in you, behold, by and by ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, and which is white above all that is white, yea, and pure above all that is pure; and ye shall feast upon this fruit even until ye are filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst.” - Alma 32:42
3. “I beheld a tree, whose fruit was desirable to make one happy” - 1 Nephi 8:10 “It is the love of God… the most desireable of all things, the most joyous to the soul” - 1 Nephi 11:22,23
4. “Whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.” - Ether 12:4
5. “Faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore dispute not because ye see not” - Ether 12:6
6. “I remember that thou has said that thou has loved the world, even unto the laying down of thy life… I know that this love which thou hast had for the children of men is charity”- Ether 12:33,34
7. “Charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ” - Moroni 7:47,48

• Pattern of Pride

1. “There are many that harden their hearts against the Holy Spirit, that it hath no place in them; wherefore, they cast many things away which are written and esteem them as things of naught” - 2 Nephi 33:2
2. “there were many… who had become hardened and impenitent and grossly wicked, insomuch that they did reject the word of God and all the preaching and prophesying which did come among them.” - Helaman 6:2
3. “How could you have forgotten your God in the very day that He has delivered you?  But behold, it is to get gain, to be praised of men...ye have set your hearts upon the vain things of this world” - Helaman 7:20:21
4. “O ye pollutions, ye hypocrites, ye teachers, who sell yourselves for that which will canker, why have ye polluted the holy church of God? Why are ye ashamed to take upon you the name of Christ? Why do ye not think that greater is the value of an endless happiness than that misery which never dies—because of the praise of the world?” - Mormon 8:38
5. “He that will contend against the word of the Lord let him be accursed; and he that shall deny these things, let him be accursed” - Ether 4:8
6. “And [the secret combinations] were kept up by the power of the devil to administer these oaths unto the people, to keep them in darkness, to help such as sought power to gain power” - Ether 8:16

• Pattern of Prophets

1. “there came many prophets, prophesying unto the people that they must repent” - 1 Nephi 1:4
2. “the Lord God hath sent His holy prophets among all the children of men” - Mosiah 3:13
3. “God should redeem His people...all the prophets… have prophesied ever since the world began”- Mosiah 13:33
4. “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 8:25
5. “there came prophets among the people who were sent from the Lord, prophesying that the wickedness and idolatry of the people was bringing a curse upon the land, and they should be destroyed if they did not repent”- Ether 7:23
6. “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 9:28,29

• Pattern of Courage Through Conversion

1. “I even remain alone to write the sad tale of the destruction of my people. But behold, they are gone, and I fulfil the commandment of my father. And whether they will slay me, I know not.” - Mormon 8:3
2. “Blessed is he that is found faithful unto my name at the last day” - Ether 4:19
3. “And the Lord spake unto Ether, and said unto him: Go forth. And he went forth, and beheld that the words of the Lord had all been fulfilled; and he finished his record... Now the last words which are written by Ether are these: Whether the Lord will that I be translated, or that I suffer the will of the Lord in the flesh, it mattereth not, if it so be that I am saved in the kingdom of God. Amen.” - Ether 15:33,34
4. “I soon go to rest in the paradise of God, until my spirit and body shall again reunite, and I am brought forth triumphant through the air, to meet you before the pleasing bar of the great Jehovah, the Eternal Judge” - Moroni 10:34

A Righteous Patriarch

"By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families." - The Family: A Proclamation to the World

Somewhere between 1969 and 1970 my father-in-law was assigned to work artillery in Vietnam.  He left behind his wife and baby to fulfill his military duty.  One night while sleeping in his cot, he was awakened by a powerful impression to "get out of bed."  He sat straight up and then wondered what on earth he was doing. He shook his head and began to lay back down.  But before he could, the impression came again;  This time it seemed as if it was almost shouting for him to not just sit up but to GET OUT of his bed. Immediately he jumped out of his cot and fell to his knees at his bedside.  No sooner than he did so, a chunk of shrapnel, the size of a tennis ball, came blazing through the tent roof, right through the center of his cot and embedded itself inches into the ground below.  Had he not moved when he did, no doubt he would have been killed.

Just over three years after that experience (now the father of four), my father-in-law had the impression to finish his schooling in Wales and become a professional genealogist.  Much of his ancestry was in Wales and it would be a perfect opportunity for study.  He knew the Lord was giving him specific direction in his life, so he and his wife packed everything up along with their four kids and bought six one-way tickets to another country... even though he had not been accepted to the school yet.  How could he have followed an impression to pack up like that not even knowing if the University was going to take him?  It was pure, absolute faith. The day before the flight was scheduled to take off, his acceptance letter for the school in Wales finally came in the mail.

Conditions were difficult in that foreign place.  The little house they moved into didn't have heating or a refrigerator.  Winters were rough.  My mother-in-law had to walk to the markets to buy fresh food every-day with all her little ones in toe.  She bore two more little ones while living in that country (my husband being one of them) and when my father-in-law finished his schooling they returned to the United States with six children.

It took incredible faith and courage for both of my husband's parents to do what they did.

Living by the Spirit and acting on faith is a defining characteristic of my father-in-law. He studies the scriptures deeply, he seeks for guidance prayerfully, he listens and then he acts!  No fear! I love and admire him with all of my heart.

Ever since I joined this family he has treated me like one of his daughters. (He has seven girls and two boys.)  I was his only daughter-in-law for over ten years but you'd never guess I was part of his family by marriage alone.  By the way he treats me, you'd think I was one of his very own girls.  I absolutely adore him!

I've been so impressed at how he has righteously presided over his household through the years. And even though his children are grown and gone, living in different states, he almost annually gathers us all together to teach us.  He expounds from the scriptures and the words of the living prophets and bears personal testimony.  He desires to prepare us for the things which are to come in these last days.

This first week of July was a reunion week for my husband's family.  We played on wave-runners at the lake, zip-lined in Park City, made up family skits and entertained one another on a stage in the canyons. The kids had cousin sleep-overs every-single night.  It's was exhausting but totally awesome!  I've never witnessed a family so tightly knit, especially one this large.  I thoroughly enjoy my husband's reunions! The highlight of this one for me was a very special gathering with my father-in-law, his kids, and the in-laws.  We had almost all 18 of us children there as we listened to his counsel.  He spoke for over an hour teaching, expounding scripture, and sharing his testimony.

My father-in-law feels as if this fall we will witness things unravel for good and ill in astonishing ways and he has felt an urgency to prepare his family. With the way he has learned to live by the Spirit, I believe him.  As a family, we counseled about a couple of the missing siblings who have denied the faith and decided to have a special fast together on their behalf.  We also prayed for special blessings to be bestowed upon each of our own families, our marriages, and our children.  We ended the evening opening our fast with this wonderful family prayer. The feeling was amazing as we all knelt together in the small little church room of my in-law's ward building.  Tears were streaming down each of our faces and we all took turns embracing and expressing gratitude for one another.

I wish every family could have a father like my husband's.  He truly "presides in love and righteousness!"  He's deeply humble and completely unassuming (two attributes I treasure in both him and my husband.)  I feel so blessed to be a part of his family!

-Alicia