The Good Fight

Yesterday during class, we reviewed Abraham Lincoln's First Inaugural Address. I can't even begin to imagine how frightening it would have been to become the president of the United States when   political tensions and polarized views defining liberty had led the people to the brink of an all-out civil war.  It was supposed to be the "United" States and yet, it was anything but united. Feeling the looming clouds of heated battle, Lincoln desperately tried to ease the anxieties of the South and in the last part of his address as he plead, "I am loath to close. We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature."  He was trying to remind the people of who they were: brothers, sisters, neighbors, friends, fellow Americans, and that the fight was for unity, for liberty and not against each another.  Unity would come as we implored "The better angels of our nature," I really love that wording because I believe the majority of people on this earth are good, even if we have opposing or conflicting views.

Fast-forward 155 years and observe the current conversations in today's political arena and I can't help but feel like we're on the brink of another civil war.

My daughter, Kaylee, has a favorite song she asks me to play for her quite often.  It's called The Good Fight by, Unspoken.  A couple of weeks ago, we rented a movie called War Room and Kaylee's face lit up with excitement to hear her song played in the movie.  War Room is a reminder of what the war is really about and who the real enemy is. What is the good fight?  It's not against our brothers and sisters, our children or our spouse, our neighbors or friends... for "we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Ephesians 6:12)

In my scripture studies this morning I read the verses in Alma where he exhorts the people to pray in every place and over everything. (34:17-27) and I thought of War Room.  I don't have a closet I can kneel in but I do have a place I can always go with my pleadings.  And when I am not in position to be on my knees in prayer, my "heart is full drawn out" to my Father in Heaven "continually for [the] welfare" of my family and my neighbor's families. (Alma 34:27)

I'm not about to give up in this fight, the good fight: praying and pleading, seeking the Spirit, striving to serve where needed, changing my own heart, and seeking understanding, hoping for the best, trusting in the Grace of my Savior, loving when I'm not loved in return, and sharing truth... I will continue even if I wear out all my days doing so and never see the fruit of my labors.

I'll close my post with this portion of Elder Holland's talk, "However Long and Hard the Road."

-Alicia

"Is it not significant that early in his life Joseph Smith was taught this lesson three times in the same night and once again the next morning? Moroni, quoting the Lord verbatim as recorded by the prophet Joel, said: “I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

“And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit” (Joel 2:28–29).

Dreaming dreams and seeing visions. The Lord’s spirit upon all flesh—sons and daughters, old and young, servants and handmaidens. I may be wrong, but I can’t imagine an Old Testament verse of any kind that could have helped this boy prophet more. He was being called into the battle of his life, for life itself, or at least for its real meaning and purpose. He would be driven and hunted and hounded. His enemies would rail and ridicule. He would see his children die and his land lost and his marriage tremble. He would languish in prison through a Missouri winter, and he would cry out toward the vault of heaven, “O God, where art thou? … How long … O Lord, how long” (D&C 121:1–3). Finally he would walk the streets of his own city uncertain who, except for a precious few, were really friend or actually foe. And all that toil and trouble, pain and perspiration would end so maliciously at Carthage—when there simply were finally more foes than friends. Felled by balls fired from the door of the jail inside and one coming through the window from outside, he fell dead into the hands of his murderers at 38 years of age.

If all of this and so much more was to face the Prophet in such a troubled lifetime, and if he finally knew what fate awaited him in Carthage, as he surely did, why didn’t he just quit somewhere along the way? Who needs it? Who needs the abuse and the persecution and the despair and death? It doesn’t sound fun to me, so why not just zip shut the cover of your scriptures, hand in your Articles of Faith cards, and go home?

Why not? For the simple reason that he had dreamed dreams and seen visions. Through the blood and the toil and the tears and the sweat, he had seen the redemption of Israel. It was out there somewhere—dimly, distantly—but it was there. So he kept his shoulder to the wheel until God said his work was finished.

And what of the other Saints? What were they to do with a martyred prophet, a persecuted past, and a hopeless future? With Joseph and Hyrum gone, shouldn’t they have just quietly slipped away also—somewhere, anywhere? What was the use? They had run and run and run. They had wept and buried their dead. They had started over so many times that their hands were bloodied and their hearts were bruised. In the name of sanity and safety and peace, why didn’t they just quit?

Well, it was those recurring dreams and compelling visions. It was spiritual strength. It was the fulfillment they knew to be ahead, no matter how faint or far away." - Jeffrey R. Holland

"Zion Shall Not Be Moved" -Ponderize - Week 19

These last couple of days I haven't been able to decide on a scripture to ponderize for the week.  After this evening, I have finally chosen one.

I attended a cottage meeting tonight that Big Ocean hosted where two of my friends presented.  Mother and author, Nicholeen Peck, spoke and so did JaKell Sullivan, who has been a strong voice against Common Core for many years now.  My friend Kim Ells, assistant for Family Watch International, showed an informative and extremely disturbing video on what is entailed in the Comprehensive Sex Education Curriculum that the Federal Gov. is trying to push in every State. (They've already succeeded in some.)

It wasn't really new information to me since I heard a great deal about these teachings when I went to the United Nations and World Congress last year.  I knew these disgusting  publications were being distributed to youth through the International Planned Parenthood Federation and our own Planned Parenthood. It's just now their teachings are getting published into our education system and encapsulated in words like "sexual health" so it's "easier" for schools to choke it down their throats.

It grieves my soul and inflicts great sorrow upon my heart to see something so wonderful, so beautiful, so sacred, this very real sacrament with God, cheapened, trampled, exploited, and dragged through the mire.  It's a clear shot bullet to the heads of our innocent children.

This is a very real war and the firing squad is mowing down our babies.  People  just don't understand how very serious this is. I would encourage every parent I know to get informed.  http://www.comprehensivesexualityeducation.org/

Sometime tomorrow I should be able to get access to the 20 min. video my friend Kim showed tonight.  When I do, I'll be certain to share it.

I have no doubt that we will witness in the next few years a massive division take place all across the globe.  It's happening now.  But we must not lose heart... with that division also means there will be a great unification.  People of all faiths, all nations, all races and backgrounds are coming together to combat these attacks.  I've seen it.

I really need a verse that is hopeful to ponderize this week to help me remember this:

 "Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God. Zion shall not be moved out of her place, notwithstanding her children are scattered.  They that remain, and are pure in heart, shall return, and come to their inheritances, they and their children, with songs of everlasting joy, to build up the waste places of Zion."— D&C 101:16 - 18

-Alicia

In the Last Days

I didn't realize how much of the Book of Daniel speaks of the last days before the Savior returns. I want to share some things I learned today and my own interpretation of them.  Please take it with a grain of salt because I'm not a scholar by any stretch of the imagination.

Anyway, I found some really interesting verses in Chapter 11.  In this chapter and the previous ones, there are lots of prophesies about kingdoms of the earth being at war with one another.  It makes mention of this one great kingdom "of the north" that is greater than all the others and is very proud and boastful.  (I think it's talking about America.)

In Daniel 11:30 it says that this king  (ruler(s) of America or possibly rulers in the United Nations) will "have indignation against the holy covenant... and have intelligence (or show favor) with them that forsake the holy covenant."  
To me this sounds like the government will turn their backs on the covenant keeping members of the church and show favor to the apostates.

But this is not all... in verse 31 it says that this government or kingdom will with "arms stand on his part" (In other words... armed forces will rise up) and "they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength (our beautiful Temples!!) and shall take away the daily sacrifice and they will place (or set up) the abomination that maketh desolate."  

Is it hard to believe that we could get to the point where the U.S. Army would be called to keep us from our temples or maybe even destroy one?
Has it been so long that we have forgotten Kirtland or Nauvoo and the army's attempt in Salt Lake City?

It goes on to say in verse 32 that the wicked will corrupt the apostates or those who have violated their covenants "by flatteries."

Lest this all be doom and gloom, don't lose heart.... their is good news that follows:

In the second half of verse 32 it says, "But the people that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits (or firmly resist the flatteries)."

Verse 33 "And they that understand among the people shall instruct many"  and it says that some will be martyrs.

But look here in Chapter 12 verses 3 and 10.  I love this:
"And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they shall turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever."
"Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand."

Daniel 12:11-13 says that most of this will happen within the span of just about four years which I find interesting because that's the length of a U.S. president in office. We are coming up on an election year...hmm.  I'm just saying. (Again, take it with a grain of salt.)

Well, no matter what happens in the next several years.  I'm reminded of a wonderful talk by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland entitled "Terror, Triumph and a Wedding Feast" he says:

"We should watch for the signs and read the meaning of the seasons, we should live as faithfully as we possibly can, and we should share the gospel with everyone so that blessings and protections will be available to all. But we cannot and must not be paralyzed just because that event and the events surrounding it are out there ahead of us somewhere. We cannot stop living life. Indeed, we should live life more fully than we have ever lived it before. After all, this is the dispensation of the fullness of times.... The first is from section 101 of the Doctrine and Covenants. If you recall, this revelation came as the Saints who were gathered in Missouri were suffering great persecution—were at the very height of their persecution. Mobs had driven them from their homes. Hostility, even hatred, followed them from county to county as they sought refuge. These frightened Saints lost land, livestock, clothing, furniture, crops, and a host of personal possessions. Threats of death were heard every day. I suppose, at its worst, this was the most difficult and dangerous time—may I say “terror-filled”—that the Church had ever known. Later on names like Haun’s Mill and Liberty Jail would take their place in our vocabulary forever.

Yet in that frightening time the Lord said to His people:

Let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God.

Zion shall not be moved out of her place, notwithstanding her children are scattered.

They that remain, and are pure in heart, shall return, and come to their inheritances, they and their children, with songs of everlasting joy, to build up the waste places of Zion—

And all these things that the prophets might be fulfilled. [D&C 101:16–19]"
- Elder Jeffrey R. Holland - Sept. 12, 2004 

I'll close this post with this verse:

"O man greatly beloved, fear not: 

peace be unto thee, 

be strong, yea be strong." 

- Daniel 10:19

-Alicia :)

Fence or Ambulance?

Around ten years ago, I bought this DVD Standards Night Live by John Bytheway.  Chandler took to it right away and has probably watched it more than 30 times since then.  It has been very well played in our home.  I give it four stars and two enthusiastic thumbs up!

I'd encourage any parent to take advantage of "screen time" like this for their kids. Start them on this stuff as young as you can.  In our family, every Christmas and Easter these types of DVDs and EFY talks have become a well anticipated favorite gift our children receive.

In his devotional, Brother Bytheway recites a poem as he expresses the need for God's standards, for God's commandments and relates them to guard rails or fences.  I love the imagery and feel like it is very effective when we use it in our efforts to teach our children the "why" in this wonderful Gospel:

The Fence or the Ambulance

By Joseph Malins

‘Twas a dangerous cliff, as they freely confessed,

Though to walk near its crest was so pleasant;

But over its terrible edge there had slipped

A duke, and full many a peasant;

So the people said something would have to be done,

But their projects did not all tally.

Some said, “Put a fence around the edge of the cliff;”

Some, “An ambulance down in the valley.”

But the cry for the ambulance carried the day,

For it spread through the neighboring city,

A fence may be useful or not, it is true,

But each heart became brimful of pity

For those who slipped over that dangerous cliff;

And the dwellers in highway and alley

Gave pounds or gave pence, not to put up a fence,

But an ambulance down in the valley.
"For the cliff is all right, if your careful," they said, 
"And, if folks even slip and are dropping, 
It isn't the slipping that hurts them so much 
As the shock down below when they're stopping." 
So day after day,as these mishaps occurred, 
Quick forth would those rescuers sally 
To pick up the victims who fell off the cliff, 
With their ambulance down in the valley.

Then an old sage remarked, “It’s a marvel to me

That people give far more attention

To repairing the results than to stopping the cause,

When they’d much better aim at prevention.

Let us stop at its source all this mischief,” cried he.

“Come, neighbors and friends let us rally:

If the cliff we will fence we might almost dispense

With the ambulance down in the valley.”

Better guide well the young than reclaim them when old,

For the voice of true wisdom is calling:

“To rescue the fallen is good, but ‘tis best

To prevent other people from falling.”

Better close up the source of temptation and crime

Than to deliver from dungeon or galley;

Better put a strong fence ‘round the top of the cliff,

Than an ambulance down in then valley.

"We can choose to see commandments as limitations. We may feel at times that God’s laws restrict our personal freedom, take from us our agency, and limit our growth. But as we seek for greater understanding, as we allow our Father to teach us, we will begin to see that His laws are a manifestation of His love for us and obedience to His laws is an expression of our love for Him." 
- Sister Carol M. Stephens - Oct. 2015 General Conference


My heart feels very heavy today for those who view "the fence" or God's laws as restrictive to our personal freedom.  I wish there was a way I could convey the liberty and incredible love that accompanies those who give heed to our Father in Heaven.  I wish I could express how freeing life can be for those who seek His word and consistently follow His ordained servants.

-Alicia

In the Middle of Babylon

I am so excited to be in the Book of Daniel now!  I love the stories of these four young men, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.  Their greatest quality was truly their non-worldliness.  Now, this is a story about four amazing young men and I love seeing this in the men and boys of today.  I also love this quality when I see it in women.

It is so clearly obvious and apparent to me when I am with a Zion-hearted sister in my church, the way she talks about life, the way she consistently dresses, the way she handles social media or guards the media streaming in her home, they way she reaches out to others regardless of who they are (cliques are unheard of for her.)  I love how she shares her faith, how humble she is (and doesn't even know it), how she views and speaks about her spouse or each of her children, and the list goes on.  I love that she is so counter-culture.  My best friend, Suzanne, is this way.  My friend, Carol, is this way... My friend, Kanani, is this way...  In fact all of my deepest and closest friends are this way.  This is why I treasure and love them so dearly.

I found this really great talk given April, 2006 by, Elder David R. Stone - Zion in the Midst of Babylon  I've copy-pasted the part that really jumped out at me.

"Daniel and his brothers refused to do that which they believed to be wrong, however much the Babylonian culture believed it to be right. And for that fidelity and courage, the Lord blessed them and 'gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom'  Dan. 1:17

Seduced by our culture, we often hardly recognize our idolatry, as our strings are pulled by that which is popular in the Babylonian world. Indeed, as the poet Wordsworth said: 'The world is too much with us' (“The World Is Too Much with Us; Late and Soon,” in The Complete Poetical Works of William Wordsworth [1924], 353). 

In his first epistle, John writes:

• 'I have written unto you … because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one... Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world'  1 Jn. 2:14–15

We do not need to adopt the standards, the mores, and the morals of Babylon. We can create Zion in the midst of Babylon. We can have our own standards for music and literature and dance and film and language. We can have our own standards for dress and deportment, for politeness and respect. We can live in accordance with the Lord’s moral laws. We can limit how much of Babylon we allow into our homes by the media of communication.

We can live as a Zion people, if we wish to. Will it be hard? Of course it will, for the waves of Babylonian culture crash incessantly against our shores. Will it take courage? Of course it will.

We have always been entranced by tales of courage of those who faced fearsome odds and overcame. Courage is the basis and foundation for all of our other virtues; the lack of courage diminishes every other virtue that we have. If we are to have Zion in the midst of Babylon, we will need courage."- Elder David R. Stone, Zion in the Midst of Babylon

-Alicia

Faith Atrophy

This last General Conference, I noticed a word you don't hear spoken in such meetings very often.  At least I don't remember hearing it in conference before.  But this time it was mentioned more than once, by more than one speaker so that's why it stood out to me.  The word was "atrophy" not just any kind of atrophy but "faith atrophy."

• Faith [fāTH] - To hope for things which are not seen, but which are true.  Must be centered in Jesus Christ.  To have confidence in God and His word.
• Atrophy [a-truh-fee] - A wasting away, degeneration, decline, or decrease, as from defective nutrition or disuse.

Just as our physical bodies need to excersise regularly in order to avoid atrophy in our joints and muscles, so our spirit needs regular excersise.

Weights and opposing forces are benificial in pysical excerscise.  It's easy to see this!  We seek out bigger and harder weights to increase our muscle.  But I imagine we often lose this vision with spiritual excercise.  Those forces that oppose us or weigh us down spiritually can be overwhelming and certainly unwelcoming. But in order for faith to grow, it needs to have something to pull through or push up against.

Understanding the need for struggle, for trials, and the unpleasantries of life, Lehi teaches his son, Jacob:

• "For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my firstborn in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility." - 2 Nephi 2:11

The opposition we face is really opportunity.  It is a chance to excercise our faith, to become unshaken in our testimony.

The quickest way to lose faith is to do nothing.  Sometimes the strongest force fighting against faith is our very own unwillingness to move, to open the scriptures and not just read but to actually study them, to take real time pondering and praying.  And then when we receive certain guidance or direction we act and go forward, even if the Spirit has directed us to move in a way that is painful or uncomfortable.  We will do it more willingly when we have eyes to see beyond this life, when we understand that acting upon doctrine and the whisperings of the Spirit builds an eternal treasure.

"So exercise your faith every day, and you will 'wax stronger and stronger … and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ.'"- Robert D. Hales

In the Bible Dictionary under Faith, it reads:

• All true faith must be based upon correct knowledge or it cannot produce the desired results. Faith in Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel and is more than belief, since true faith always moves its possessor to some kind of physical and mental action; it carries an assurance of the fulfillment of the things hoped for. A lack of faith leads one to despair, which comes because of iniquity.

• Although faith is a gift, it must be cultured and sought after until it grows from a tiny seed to a great tree. The effects of true faith in Jesus Christ include (1) an actual knowledge that the course of life one is pursuing is acceptable to the Lord (see Heb. 11:4); (2) a reception of the blessings of the Lord that are available to man in this life; and (3) an assurance of personal salvation in the world to come. These things involve individual and personal testimony, guidance, revelation, and spiritual knowledge. Where there is true faith there are miracles, visions, dreams, healings, and all the gifts of God that He gives to His saints. Jesus pointed out some obstacles to faith in John 5:44 and 12:39–42 (see also James 1:6–8).

This is amazing!! Faith is the gateway to "miracles, visions, dreams, healings, and all the gifts of God."  Who wouldn't want these things??  So we pray with all our hearts, "give me faith" and we understand fully, accepting with gratitude for God the "weight" that comes with it and walk on with real and not pretended confidence.

-Alicia

Make the Exercise of Faith Your First Priority - Richard G. Scott

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

A Sign of Our Love & Faith

"Faith in God engenders a love for the Sabbath; faith in the Sabbath engenders a love for God... True believers keep the Sabbath day holy." - Elder Russell M. Nelson

What a great time in the history of the world to be alive!! As members of the church, we have innumerable teaching tools at our fingertips to help increase faith in the hearts of our children and invite a greater measure of the Spirit in our homes, especially on the Sabbath Day.

In our most recent General Conference, Elder Russell M. Nelson said, "I almost wish I were a young father once again. Now parents have such wonderful resources available to help them make family time more meaningful, on the Sabbath and other days as well. They have LDS.org, Mormon.org, the Bible videos, the Mormon Channel, the Media Library, the Friend, the New Era, the Ensign, the Liahona, and more—much more. These resources are so very helpful to parents in discharging their sacred duty to teach their children. No other work transcends that of righteous, intentional parenting!"

The vocabulary I love here is, "righteous, intentional parenting."  To me this is when we as parents are very deliberate about what we teach and allow to be taught to our children, especially in our homes.  When it comes to worship, it means we choose carefully only those things on the Sabbath that will direct us to Christ, things that elevate our hearts, our minds, and our actions, to be about His work in strengthening our own faith and the faith of others.  When our children see that our intent is sincere, they can be influenced in a righteous way and the same desires will begin to work within their hearts.  We can intentionally choose to have light and truth flood our homes with all the access we have to the wonderful resources Elder Nelson listed.

My son, Chandler is a great example to me of keeping the Sabbath Day holy.  He obsesses over watching football and has always wanted to have a Superbowl party.  Well, we have a rule in our family that anything we watch, read, or listen to on the Sabbath must be something that helps us focus on Christ and His Gospel.  This was hard for him, especially when February rolled around.
When he was 11yrs old, all his friends were talking about the upcoming Superbowl and he was relentless, "Please mom and dad, please let me watch the Superbowl.  All my other friends at church do."  We told him that he would need to make the decision himself.  We said we would not watch it as a family and that we'd be happy to find a way to record it so we could have an "after bowl party" the next day.  (Of course he thought that sounded lame and we couldn't really blame him for feeling that way.)
We encouraged him to study, fast, and pray about it.
It was amazing to watch this boy the next few days as he studied from For the Strength of Youth and Preach My Gospel under the subject of the Sabbath.  He also fasted and prayed.

After primary was over one Sunday, he pulled our bishop aside and counseled with him.
"Bishop Madsen, do you think it's alright for me to watch the Superbowl on Sunday?"
"Well, Chandler that's a really tough question. Some people do and some don't.  What are your thoughts?"
He answered, "I've been praying about it.  I've also studied in For the Strength of Youth and Preach My Gospel."
 "That's great Chandler! Did you get your answer?"
"Yes," he said with the sound of disappointment in his voice. "After all that I've read, I've concluded that I'm just going to have to watch other games."
The bishop was impressed and so were we.  This was not an easy choice for Chandler to make.  But from his own study of doctrine, he came to the conclusion what he felt was right.

Chandler is 14 now and continues to help nourish a spiritual home environment on the Sabbath Day.  Most of the time he returns to our house from church before the rest of us do.  For the last year I have arrived home to the sound of General Conference playing. It has become a habit for him to play it on Sundays and it always gives me something to look forward to when I walk through the door.

Recently it's been said by prophets of God that how and when we wear the temple garment becomes an "outward expression of an inner commitment."  I believe the same test of loyalty and love for God is revealed in how we choose our time on the Sabbath Day.  In fact, Elder Nelson expressed, "I learned from the scriptures that my conduct and my attitude on the Sabbath constituted a sign between me and my Heavenly Father. With that understanding, I no longer needed lists of dos and don’ts. When I had to make a decision whether or not an activity was appropriate for the Sabbath, I simply asked myself, 'What sign do I want to give to God?' That question made my choices about the Sabbath day crystal clear."

If we live by the Spirit and sincerely desire to show our love to God, the Lord will help us recognize those things that will help us elevate and enrich our Sabbath experience.  As we act upon these promptings, we will be blessed not only with a greater measure of His love in our hearts and homes but we'll be blessed with the ability to call down heaven.  I know this!  Meaningful worship and intentionally seeking Christ is worth more than anything the world has to offer!

-Alicia

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/the-sabbath-is-a-delight?lang=eng

Meeting the Challenges of Today

When you study the scriptures, do you ever have certain themes that impress deep upon your mind and heart?  I am struck by the importance of prophets and apostles, the importance of giving heed to those who are called to speak and guide in the Lord's name, on a general and local level.

As I was studying this morning, I noticed the words "Voice of the Lord" several times in chapters 12 and 13 of Helaman.  I paused as these words repeated in my head.  I questioned myself, "Do I hear the voice of the Lord in my life?  How do I discern it from my own?  How does He speak to me?"  I know from personal experience that He speaks to us through prayer, fasting, study, and personal revelation.

In the Bible Dictionary under "Revelation" it states, "The principle of gaining knowledge by revelation is the principle of salvation. It is the making known of divine truth by communication with the heavens...  It...consists of individual guidance for every person who seeks for it and follows the prescribed course of faith, repentance, and obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ."

The key here is the "prescribed course" for there are many who claim to hear "the voice of the Lord" who are not living the principles prescribed.  "Obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ" is very much tied to obedience to the Lord's servants, to His prophets and apostles.  Which leads into the second part of the description of revelation in the Bible Dictionary,  it's "the plan of salvation to the Lord's prophets."

D&C 1:38 says, "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."

There it is, that's His voice! The voice of His servants and the voice of the Lord are the same!

 Yesterday, I enjoyed listening to most of the sessions of this last conference, of letting the voice of the Lord permeate the walls of my home.  The hymns and the words of the prophets filled my heart with peace.

 I recognized a very clear message from them to defend and uphold the family as it has been outlined in the Proclamation to the World.  The conclusion of this proclamation ends with a very strong admonition, "We warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets."  

The Lord has made His voice crystal clear.  It will be interesting to see what will happen in these coming years.  Calamities WILL come,

 Nevertheless, "The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done”-  (Joseph Smith - History of the Church, 4:540).

To go forth boldly and nobly in such times we must be found on the Lord's side.  We must be His true disciples and follow Him, for He is our Captain.  And as in any army, a good captain appoints strong leaders, these leaders speak His voice.  We sustain them as Prophets, Seers, and Revelators.

 In October of 1978 Neal A. Maxwell, an apostle of the Lord, spoke at BYU:

"Discipleship includes good citizenship; and in this connection, if you are careful students of the statements of the modern prophets, you will have noticed that with rare exceptions—especially when the First Presidency has spoken out—the concerns expressed have been over moral issues, not issues between political parties. The declarations are about principles, not people, and causes, not candidates. On occasions, at other levels in the Church, a few have not been so discreet, so wise, or so inspired.

But make no mistake about it, brothers and sisters; in the months and years ahead, events will require of each member that he or she decide whether or not he or she will follow the First Presidency. Members will find it more difficult to halt longer between two opinions (see 1 Kings 18:21).

President Marion G. Romney said, many years ago, that he had “never hesitated to follow the counsel of the Authorities of the Church even though it crossed my social, professional, or political life” (CR, April 1941, p. 123). "  (Meeting the Challenges of Today - Neal A. Maxwell)

Does this not sound completely like today?!  This was 37 years ago, But look at how far we've digressed as a nation since that time.  How much stronger the warning must be!! These declarations the Brethren have given us are about principles, sound principles anchored in truth, anchored in doctrine.

The voice of the Lord has spoken.  The prophet Samuel in Helaman 13:39 cries out, "O ye people of the land, that ye would hear my words!"

I testify that the words of the living prophets are the words unto salvation.  They bring comfort to my soul, peace into my home, hope into my heart, and courage to face the challenges of the day.

-Alicia

Walk Uprightly Before God

We live in a time where the battles we face are coming from every possible front: economic upheaval, wars and rumors of wars, despair, depression, divisions and dissensions within the church / persecutions without, insurrections and corruption in governments, broken homes and families, marriages torn-apart, natural disasters, and "natural -man" disasters sweeping like an immoral Tsunami through our communities.  And the enemy is not anywhere near backing down, in fact, he's bearing down...  he's packing sucker-punches with grisly fatal blows and we need to be prepared and be on guard.

Who will have the strength to not only "withstand the evil day" and endure this great thrashing but who will "come off conqueror" and "be true" through it all?

During Biblical times a threshing floor was a place where sheaves of wheat were heavily beaten to break apart the true grain from the husk (or tare).  "After the threshing process, the stalks and grain were thrown up into the air so that the wind might blow the unwanted chaff away and leave the valuable kernels." (learnthebible.org)  It's through this beating and tossing that the "true grain" is gathered.

In the Book of Mormon we read of horrible prolonged battles, the kind that would beat and thrash down the bravest and strongest of souls.  The last twenty chapters of Alma describe such battles and as one searches among their ruins, they can see very clearly who was "true through it all."

Helaman, commander of the Nephite army, describes his band of brave young soldiers as being ones who were "exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity... who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted." He states that they were "men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before Him." (Alma 53:20-21 emphasis added)

"Walk uprightly" are two words that stood out to me as I read that description.  They are repeated again in Alma 63:2 in the description of Shiblon, Helaman's brother:  "He was a just man and he did walk uprightly before God; and he did observe to do good continually, to keep the commandments of the Lord his God."

What does it mean to "walk uprightly"?  What images come to your mind?  Do you think of someone walking with confidence, without fear, unflinching, someone who can hold their head high?  Note that this kind of confidence isn't in the presence of just anyone; it says that they "walked uprightly before God."  That is significant. There are plenty of people who walk uprightly or confident in the presence of their peers... perhaps a little too confidently.

Confidence before God is not attained through the ways of the world.  No manner of elaborate dress, or fine pressed suit, no self-affirming talk or pepped-up cheer, no academic accolades or scholarly awards could endow one with the assurance necessary to be confident before God. Because in His presence, what is in our "inward vessel" will be revealed.  Isaiah teaches that our "countenance will witness against us" and Alma warns "our words will condemn us, yea, all our works will condemn us; we shall not be found spotless; and our thoughts will also condemn us; and in this awful state we shall not dare to look up to our God; and we would fain be glad if we could command the rocks and the mountains to fall upon us to hide us from his presence." (Alma 12:14)

So what is it then that instills confidence before God, this ability to "walk uprightly before Him"?

Let's look again at descriptions in the verses shared previously and see if we can find a pattern.

To Grow in Godly Confidence

(Alma 53:20-21)

• The stripling warriors "were true at all times"
• "They were men of truth and soberness" (Now “soberness” is an interesting word because we often refer to it in the scriptures as being genuine or sincere but I also believe it means being sober like a recovered alcoholic is considered sober.  I believe it means that these were men free from addiction. They were focused outward in love, not inward with indulgence.) - See D&C 121:45

(Alma 63:2)

• They "kept the commandments of God"
• Shiblon was a "just man" (which is another way of saying, he stuck with or treasured truth.)
• He "kept the commandments of God"

Seeing that these stripling warriors, these young men "were true at all times" reminds me of our modern-day Young Women's Theme, "We will stand as witnesses of God, at all times, in all things, and in all places."  THIS is what builds Godly confidence, being true to God's word, true to His commandments, purely and sincerely devoted to Him in "whatsoever thing we are entrusted" heart, mind, and action.  Here we can hold our heads high in the toughest battles and fiercest thrashings.  Here we can "walk uprightly before God" and "come off conqueror!"

-Alicia