There's a man in our congregation. One of the most humble men I know. He works tirelessly at two jobs to provide for his family and when he comes home, he serves endlessly. His name is Mark.
Mark is a "jack of all trades." And he's a self-taught expert in all of them. His 72 year old best friend, Johnny, recent fell and broke his femur bone. The injury will confine Johnny to a wheel chair for at least 6 months as he endures physical therapy and allows time for the leg to completely heal. In the mean time, Johnny will need a ramp to his door. And because of the height of his front door, he needs 60 feet of ramp.
Mark has never built a ramp before...but he's built just about everything else. So he took the design provided by medical personnel and improved upon it. Mark is building the "temple" of all ramps. It's U-shaped with four landing platforms and there isn't anything in this natural world that can destroy it. This ramp is solid.
Saturday morning, Mark was given the morning off from work. So I got a phone call and headed over to the house to help with the ramp. Upon arrival, I quickly confessed my inadequacies. But I could follow instructions. Mark had already built the first platform and foundation for the first ramp. He needed the platform secured and the floor boards to be placed and secured on the first ramp. He showed me how to do the first board. Then he handed me the tools and left me to the work.
We talked for a bit while we worked. We took a break and he showed me his workshop that he had built with recycled wood from a 19th century home. I was amazed. And I knew I could learn a lot from Mark. We talked and worked a little more. Then he left for his job where he works at a local prison.
And I was left alone.
At first I felt like the karate kid. :) But, unlike Ralph Macchio, I knew what this service was preparing me for. And I was grateful for the chance. I don't have many opportunities to provide service that really benefits someone else. I can sing...and I can give a good Sunday school lesson...and I can teach someone about basic insurance and risk management...but I'm not a doctor, I'm not a scientist, I'm not an engineer, I'm not a lawyer, I'm not a car mechanic...
But Saturday, I was a carpenter's apprentice. And I thought that was quite fitting for December. I wish I could share the mental picture I took as I paused from putting the next floor board down and looked out across the yard. It was heavily wooded with 3 guinea hens off in the distance, some chickens, a turkey, a few dogs, some rabbits, a landscaped pond with a small cascading waterfall, and a pleasant December temperature with sunny skies. I enjoyed the solitude.
And I thought, "This is what Christmas is about." I don't often have opportunities where I can truly help someone through service...do something that really does make a difference. If this was the only reason we moved to Virginia, I would be satisfied. It has made it all worth it. There is only one true Carpenter. And He is building me into who I need to become. He is providing me with experiences and opportunities that I need. I love being the Carpenter's apprentice. I have so much to learn.
So this December is turning out to be a very special one. For the next 3 weeks, the wood I will be working with will be a constant reminder for me. I hope it makes a lasting impression.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Walking Straight Can Turn Into a Mystery
I'm a social and fiscal conservative who loves listening to NPR while I drive in to work. Did you hear the segment about humans inability to walk straight this morning? It was fascinating...and the producers probably don't even know why it was so fascinating.
They've done these studies...80 years worth of studies...of placing a blindfold on someone and challenging them to walk straight. The first 20, 30, 40 feet are good. The subject walks relatively straight. But inevitably, the blindfolded individual begins to turn. And then they turn some more and some more and some more. Until, eventually, the subject is walking in circles. In one study, the person actually ended up where they began after making multiple circles.
If you haven't clicked on the link above, go back and do it. The audio version is less than 4 minutes. And the video is about the same length of time. Seriously...go listen and/or watch and then come back...
At one point in the story, the commentator states that there is a "profound inability in humans to go straight unless there's something in the environment you can see and focus on." He later states, "There is something in us that makes us turn."
What a perfect segway to the scriptures. For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit... Mosiah 3:19 Without a fixed object we can focus on, the natural man can only go in circles. We can never progress without divine strength and assistance...or grace. There is a profound inability in humans to progress if we are "blindfolded." In scripture lingo, that blindfold is the natural man.
Of course, the "something in the environment you can see and focus on" is Jesus Christ. O then, my beloved brethren, come unto the Lord, the Holy One. Remember that his paths are righteous. Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him...
2 Nephi 9:41
Christ's example showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path. Follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do.
And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life. Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.
2 Nephi 31:9, 12, 18, 20
Fascinating. Now, if only I could stop walking in circles.
They've done these studies...80 years worth of studies...of placing a blindfold on someone and challenging them to walk straight. The first 20, 30, 40 feet are good. The subject walks relatively straight. But inevitably, the blindfolded individual begins to turn. And then they turn some more and some more and some more. Until, eventually, the subject is walking in circles. In one study, the person actually ended up where they began after making multiple circles.
If you haven't clicked on the link above, go back and do it. The audio version is less than 4 minutes. And the video is about the same length of time. Seriously...go listen and/or watch and then come back...
At one point in the story, the commentator states that there is a "profound inability in humans to go straight unless there's something in the environment you can see and focus on." He later states, "There is something in us that makes us turn."
What a perfect segway to the scriptures. For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit... Mosiah 3:19 Without a fixed object we can focus on, the natural man can only go in circles. We can never progress without divine strength and assistance...or grace. There is a profound inability in humans to progress if we are "blindfolded." In scripture lingo, that blindfold is the natural man.
Of course, the "something in the environment you can see and focus on" is Jesus Christ. O then, my beloved brethren, come unto the Lord, the Holy One. Remember that his paths are righteous. Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him...
2 Nephi 9:41
Christ's example showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path. Follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do.
And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life. Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.
2 Nephi 31:9, 12, 18, 20
Fascinating. Now, if only I could stop walking in circles.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Why I Didn't Sleep In
It's a Saturday. But I knew I wanted to get up and head to the lake. It took mental preparation to get up early on a Saturday, but it was worth it.
I've gone to the lake many mornings since we moved here. It's an opportunity to enjoy the beauties of the earth and reflect on life. I'm sure my perspective has changed as a result.
I've gone to the lake many mornings since we moved here. It's an opportunity to enjoy the beauties of the earth and reflect on life. I'm sure my perspective has changed as a result.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Turn To God
"Everyone" (whoever everyone is) seems to have a favorite psalm. I've never really paid that much attention to them. The psalms haven't drawn me in as they have others. But a phrase came to mind early this morning and it caught my attention and caused me to search in the scriptures for the phrase, "Turn to God."
Psalms 80 will help me preface my thoughts. There is a verse repeated 3 times...the only difference being the title God is given in each. It reads: Turn us again, O Lord God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
Psalm 80 is my first favorite psalm. Here it is.
For the past 15 years (almost to the day), I have experienced a constant, reoccurring theme of turning to God and turning away from God. I'm learning what it means to endure; I'm learning what it means to strive.
Fortunately, one side hasn't given up.
Unfortunately, the other side hasn't given up either.
I'm tired of the battle. But I think I'm hearing something whisper to me that through the Atonement of Christ, I can turn my heart to God and rest...at least for a little. When the burden becomes too heavy, the Captain of my soul is willing to take the lead and fight a few battles while I rest. There's a story in the Old Testament that teaches this concept.
King Hezekiah had some trends to reverse in ancient Israel. The children of Israel had turned away from Jehovah during the reign of their last king. And Hezekiah was determined to restore their faith. He sent a proclamation among the people, commanding them to "turn again unto the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel." He counseled them to be humble. And if they were humble, God's wrath would turn away from them.
2 Chronicles 30:9 then reads, "For if ye turn again unto the Lord, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him."
A good portion of the people heeded the king's counsel. The result was "great joy in Jerusalem."
But there were always enemies nearby. Battles were constant in ancient Israel--just as they are constant in our personal, spiritual lives. Guess what happened during Israel's next battle? It's really quite fascinating...
King Hezekiah prepared his people for war. But they did not have to fight it.
Hezekiah comforted the people by saying (don't peruse this...read it slowly and deliberately): Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.
Then King Hezekiah, with the great prophet Isaiah, prayed. They prayed.
And an angel destroyed the opposing army.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland counseled in his last conference address to "pray without ceasing. Ask for angels to help you."
The Spirit directed my thoughts and my fingers as I typed. He has taught me and I want that truth recorded here in my journal/blog. What an incredible spiritual experience this has been. I believe the "distance" between heaven and earth is being reduced in our day. And I'm praying for an angel to fight my battles right now while I figure out how to turn my heart to God.
Psalms 80 will help me preface my thoughts. There is a verse repeated 3 times...the only difference being the title God is given in each. It reads: Turn us again, O Lord God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
Psalm 80 is my first favorite psalm. Here it is.
For the past 15 years (almost to the day), I have experienced a constant, reoccurring theme of turning to God and turning away from God. I'm learning what it means to endure; I'm learning what it means to strive.
Fortunately, one side hasn't given up.
Unfortunately, the other side hasn't given up either.
I'm tired of the battle. But I think I'm hearing something whisper to me that through the Atonement of Christ, I can turn my heart to God and rest...at least for a little. When the burden becomes too heavy, the Captain of my soul is willing to take the lead and fight a few battles while I rest. There's a story in the Old Testament that teaches this concept.
King Hezekiah had some trends to reverse in ancient Israel. The children of Israel had turned away from Jehovah during the reign of their last king. And Hezekiah was determined to restore their faith. He sent a proclamation among the people, commanding them to "turn again unto the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel." He counseled them to be humble. And if they were humble, God's wrath would turn away from them.
2 Chronicles 30:9 then reads, "For if ye turn again unto the Lord, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him."
A good portion of the people heeded the king's counsel. The result was "great joy in Jerusalem."
But there were always enemies nearby. Battles were constant in ancient Israel--just as they are constant in our personal, spiritual lives. Guess what happened during Israel's next battle? It's really quite fascinating...
King Hezekiah prepared his people for war. But they did not have to fight it.
Hezekiah comforted the people by saying (don't peruse this...read it slowly and deliberately): Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.
Then King Hezekiah, with the great prophet Isaiah, prayed. They prayed.
And an angel destroyed the opposing army.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland counseled in his last conference address to "pray without ceasing. Ask for angels to help you."
The Spirit directed my thoughts and my fingers as I typed. He has taught me and I want that truth recorded here in my journal/blog. What an incredible spiritual experience this has been. I believe the "distance" between heaven and earth is being reduced in our day. And I'm praying for an angel to fight my battles right now while I figure out how to turn my heart to God.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
I felt a breeze today...
The city of Maracaibo is situated where the Gulf of Venezuela (off the Caribbean) meets Lake Maracaibo (one of the largest lakes in the world). Mix the water and the fact that it's just north of the Equator, and you have a natural recipe for heat and humidity in that particular part of Venezuela.
As a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we walked all over the city to serve and teach. With an average of 90 degrees without factoring in the humidity, you can imagine how uncomfortable it felt being outside so much. I remember one especially hot day. I can almost see the buildings we were walking past as I said a silent prayer. I needed some relief. I was at a point where I could have literally collapsed from heat and exhaustion. As I concluded a 10 second prayer pleading for a slight breeze to cool my face and body, it came. And I knew that God was watching over me and understood my circumstances.
It had such an impact that I immediately thought of that experience when our Sunday School teacher asked the class to share a time when we experienced the tender mercies of the Lord. I don't speak up much in class...but the thought came so quickly that the Spirit raised my hand.
We were discussing 1 Kings and specifically Elijah. We read through the story of the woman Elijah came to after he had sealed the heavens. This widow was preparing to cook the last meal for herself and her son before they died. For the full account, read 1 Kings 17. A miracle occurs there.
But then...this: And it came to pass after these things, that the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick; and his sickness was so sore, that there was no breath left in him. (1 Kings 17:17)
The widow was obedient, provided one last act of charity before facing an inevitable death in her mind, witnessed a miracle of having a now endless supply of food--only to have her son die soon after. The questions she asked in the next verse give us an idea of the struggles she must have gone through at that time. She seems to ask, "Why would God attend to my needs only to take away my son?"
The Lord knew this woman. He knew what she had done with her life and He knew her heart. As Elijah brought her son back to life, the Lord provided her yet another reminder that He knew her...and loved her.
Not long after, Elijah experienced something very similar. He had been obedient; he had been faithful; he had witnessed several miracles in his life. But even after an especially heavenly event, witnessed by countless others while Elijah dealt with the prophets of Baal, there was no change in the hearts of the people. And it weighed on him as we read, But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. (1 Kings 19:4)
The Lord knew Elijah. He knew what he had done with his life and He knew his heart. A prophet of God, Elijah was devastated that there wasn't a greater conversion after all the miracles that had taken place. He would rather die than continue on. He didn't think he could do as his "fathers" had done.
I consider this to be the test of enduring to the end. And when we are working through that part of our commitment, to endure to the end, the Lord blesses us, I believe, with tender mercies. God sent an angel to minister to Elijah during this particularly difficult time in his life.
In our moments of weakness in faith, or when we doubt or question or wonder if there's really a point...I believe God provides us a gentle reminder. We know blessings are predicated on obedience to laws...but we don't know when those blessings will come. Sometimes they are immediate. But, probably more often than not, our kind and loving Father in Heaven reserves those blessings for when He knows we will need them most.
He doesn't look at the last 5 minutes of our lives. He doesn't look at the past week. The Lord, as our Sunday School teacher taught by the Spirit, looks at our whole life. As His children, God knows how to sustain us.
Life in general has been a little rough lately. In between the good times, I've questioned my abilities as a husband and father. I've questioned my purpose in life. I've questioned the purpose of active church attendance. I've found reasons to be frustrated at work. I've allowed others actions to negatively impact me. I've brought on self-inflicted pain and sorrow. I've been tired. (This isn't an exhaustive list. :)) And all of this has given me a better appreciation for what it means to endure to the end.
But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.
There aren't words to describe what I felt during this Sunday School class today, but...
I felt another breeze today. And it was refreshing. God reminded me that He knows me and loves me. Hopefully that, coupled with my faith, is enough to sustain me through this particular season of my life.
As a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we walked all over the city to serve and teach. With an average of 90 degrees without factoring in the humidity, you can imagine how uncomfortable it felt being outside so much. I remember one especially hot day. I can almost see the buildings we were walking past as I said a silent prayer. I needed some relief. I was at a point where I could have literally collapsed from heat and exhaustion. As I concluded a 10 second prayer pleading for a slight breeze to cool my face and body, it came. And I knew that God was watching over me and understood my circumstances.
It had such an impact that I immediately thought of that experience when our Sunday School teacher asked the class to share a time when we experienced the tender mercies of the Lord. I don't speak up much in class...but the thought came so quickly that the Spirit raised my hand.
We were discussing 1 Kings and specifically Elijah. We read through the story of the woman Elijah came to after he had sealed the heavens. This widow was preparing to cook the last meal for herself and her son before they died. For the full account, read 1 Kings 17. A miracle occurs there.
But then...this: And it came to pass after these things, that the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick; and his sickness was so sore, that there was no breath left in him. (1 Kings 17:17)
The widow was obedient, provided one last act of charity before facing an inevitable death in her mind, witnessed a miracle of having a now endless supply of food--only to have her son die soon after. The questions she asked in the next verse give us an idea of the struggles she must have gone through at that time. She seems to ask, "Why would God attend to my needs only to take away my son?"
The Lord knew this woman. He knew what she had done with her life and He knew her heart. As Elijah brought her son back to life, the Lord provided her yet another reminder that He knew her...and loved her.
Not long after, Elijah experienced something very similar. He had been obedient; he had been faithful; he had witnessed several miracles in his life. But even after an especially heavenly event, witnessed by countless others while Elijah dealt with the prophets of Baal, there was no change in the hearts of the people. And it weighed on him as we read, But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. (1 Kings 19:4)
The Lord knew Elijah. He knew what he had done with his life and He knew his heart. A prophet of God, Elijah was devastated that there wasn't a greater conversion after all the miracles that had taken place. He would rather die than continue on. He didn't think he could do as his "fathers" had done.
I consider this to be the test of enduring to the end. And when we are working through that part of our commitment, to endure to the end, the Lord blesses us, I believe, with tender mercies. God sent an angel to minister to Elijah during this particularly difficult time in his life.
In our moments of weakness in faith, or when we doubt or question or wonder if there's really a point...I believe God provides us a gentle reminder. We know blessings are predicated on obedience to laws...but we don't know when those blessings will come. Sometimes they are immediate. But, probably more often than not, our kind and loving Father in Heaven reserves those blessings for when He knows we will need them most.
He doesn't look at the last 5 minutes of our lives. He doesn't look at the past week. The Lord, as our Sunday School teacher taught by the Spirit, looks at our whole life. As His children, God knows how to sustain us.
Life in general has been a little rough lately. In between the good times, I've questioned my abilities as a husband and father. I've questioned my purpose in life. I've questioned the purpose of active church attendance. I've found reasons to be frustrated at work. I've allowed others actions to negatively impact me. I've brought on self-inflicted pain and sorrow. I've been tired. (This isn't an exhaustive list. :)) And all of this has given me a better appreciation for what it means to endure to the end.
But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.
There aren't words to describe what I felt during this Sunday School class today, but...
I felt another breeze today. And it was refreshing. God reminded me that He knows me and loves me. Hopefully that, coupled with my faith, is enough to sustain me through this particular season of my life.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Where is it all heading?
And when will it come to an end?
Should I be shocked that President Obama is more worried about improving poll numbers among women voters than he is the honorable tradition of the Boy Scouts of America?
Should I be shocked that Senator John Kerry was trying to avoid paying taxes in his own state by docking his new 7 million dollar yacht in Rhode Island (which is perfectly legal...although hypocritical)?
Should I be shocked that a young woman would be expelled from her graduate program at Eastern Michigan University because of her opinion about the sanctity of marriage?
Should I be shocked that our own federal government is suing one of its states for trying to enforce a federal law? And part of their rationale is that it would be overwhelming to the federal system?
Should I be shocked that the nation is obsessed with Lindsay Lohan's trial and jail sentence?
Should I be shocked that the government views tax decreases as an "expense" for them?
Should I be shocked that all of the major "benefit" changes from the recent health care legislation is an increase cost for my family? I received a memo from my employer yesterday outlining all of the major changes (that they are aware of so far...it states that many of the details are still being determined by the government).
Should I be shocked that the recent financial legislation is going to have a negative impact on my employer?
Should I be shocked that those in power are frighteningly close to voting against basic rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution?
In this time of chaos, uncertainty, and moral decay, I am eternally grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. I am grateful for a living prophet. I am grateful for the scriptures. I am grateful for my family.
Should I be shocked that President Obama is more worried about improving poll numbers among women voters than he is the honorable tradition of the Boy Scouts of America?
Should I be shocked that Senator John Kerry was trying to avoid paying taxes in his own state by docking his new 7 million dollar yacht in Rhode Island (which is perfectly legal...although hypocritical)?
Should I be shocked that a young woman would be expelled from her graduate program at Eastern Michigan University because of her opinion about the sanctity of marriage?
Should I be shocked that our own federal government is suing one of its states for trying to enforce a federal law? And part of their rationale is that it would be overwhelming to the federal system?
Should I be shocked that the nation is obsessed with Lindsay Lohan's trial and jail sentence?
Should I be shocked that the government views tax decreases as an "expense" for them?
Should I be shocked that all of the major "benefit" changes from the recent health care legislation is an increase cost for my family? I received a memo from my employer yesterday outlining all of the major changes (that they are aware of so far...it states that many of the details are still being determined by the government).
Should I be shocked that the recent financial legislation is going to have a negative impact on my employer?
Should I be shocked that those in power are frighteningly close to voting against basic rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution?
In this time of chaos, uncertainty, and moral decay, I am eternally grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. I am grateful for a living prophet. I am grateful for the scriptures. I am grateful for my family.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Come To The Temple
I love this symbol on top each temple of the Angel Moroni sounding the trump...a call to the House of Israel to come to the House of the Lord.
I was in Raleigh this week and couldn't get to the temple fast enough on Tuesday. I needed strength and protection...physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. It had been too long. And I was grateful for the opportunity. I was overwhelmed with emotion as I stood outside this gate...soaking in the feeling of gratitude, peace, and redeeming grace.
I was in Raleigh this week and couldn't get to the temple fast enough on Tuesday. I needed strength and protection...physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. It had been too long. And I was grateful for the opportunity. I was overwhelmed with emotion as I stood outside this gate...soaking in the feeling of gratitude, peace, and redeeming grace._
Since I don't keep a traditional journal, I'm using this to speak to the me of the future. If I should wander from the path 2 or 5 or 7 or 10 or 50 years from now, I testify that the temple is a source of strength and protection. I felt it quite literally Tuesday night. And I want to experience that more in my life...and not take it for granted.
The land on which these sacred edifices lay are certainly the most holy on all the earth.
And I love how more and more of them are on the same property as our church buildings. I told Karen that I want to live where we can see the temple each Sunday when we go to church.
The land on which these sacred edifices lay are certainly the most holy on all the earth.
And I love how more and more of them are on the same property as our church buildings. I told Karen that I want to live where we can see the temple each Sunday when we go to church.
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? Do ye exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you? Do you look forward with an eye of faith...?
_
And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?
_
Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you.
_
And now I say unto you, all you that are desirous to follow the voice of the good shepherd, come ye out from the wicked, and be ye separate...I say unto you that the good shepherd doth call after you; and if you will hearken unto his voice he will bring you into his fold, and ye are his sheep... (excerpts from Alma 5)
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
The Sacred Valley
Such a prayer I never heard from the lips of man. I left him alone praying. I went home and told my wife, "I saw a sight and heard today what I never saw or heard before," and just related to her what I had seen and heard and observed. We never thought a man could be a soldier and a Christian, but if there is one in the world, it is Washington. We thought it was the cause of God, and America could prevail.
____________________________Isaac Potts
I went to Valley Forge this afternoon. It is holy ground. It marked a turning point in the American Revolutionary War. I walked where General George Washington walked. And I was moved...spiritually and emotionally. This was his headquarters during the Winter of 1777-1778. Not a single fire was shot at Valley Forge, yet 2000 of an army of 12,000 men died for the cause of freedom here. And it proved to be a victorious campaign. The army was tested. Their cause was tested. I believe Washington was tested here far greater than he was in any other battle of weapons. His will was tested...his faith was tested. And he chose to serve God despite the hardship. The army left this valley refined and prepared to endure several more years of war because of Washington's leadership here.
I walked the National Park wondering where the General offered his prayer of gratitude and supplication. I wondered if he passed by his men on his way to pray. Offering them words of encouragement...making sure they were as comfortable as they could be given the harsh circumstances. Reminding them of the cause of freedom similar to another great captain 1800 years earlier--"In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children..." (Alma 46:12)
And then after visiting with his men, perhaps he continued walking alone. I looked for a grove of trees that may have been suitable for him. Wondering if he may have chosen an area with three majestic trees...symbolizing the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
Or perhaps General Washington walked further. Perhaps across this field and into a more secluded area. "And therefore, at this time, Moroni prayed that the cause of the Christians, and the freedom of the land might be favored. And it came to pass that when he had poured out his soul to God, he named all the land....A chosen land, and the land of liberty." (Alma 46:16-17)
____________________________Isaac Potts
I went to Valley Forge this afternoon. It is holy ground. It marked a turning point in the American Revolutionary War. I walked where General George Washington walked. And I was moved...spiritually and emotionally. This was his headquarters during the Winter of 1777-1778. Not a single fire was shot at Valley Forge, yet 2000 of an army of 12,000 men died for the cause of freedom here. And it proved to be a victorious campaign. The army was tested. Their cause was tested. I believe Washington was tested here far greater than he was in any other battle of weapons. His will was tested...his faith was tested. And he chose to serve God despite the hardship. The army left this valley refined and prepared to endure several more years of war because of Washington's leadership here.
I walked the National Park wondering where the General offered his prayer of gratitude and supplication. I wondered if he passed by his men on his way to pray. Offering them words of encouragement...making sure they were as comfortable as they could be given the harsh circumstances. Reminding them of the cause of freedom similar to another great captain 1800 years earlier--"In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children..." (Alma 46:12)
And then after visiting with his men, perhaps he continued walking alone. I looked for a grove of trees that may have been suitable for him. Wondering if he may have chosen an area with three majestic trees...symbolizing the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
Or perhaps General Washington walked further. Perhaps across this field and into a more secluded area. "And therefore, at this time, Moroni prayed that the cause of the Christians, and the freedom of the land might be favored. And it came to pass that when he had poured out his soul to God, he named all the land....A chosen land, and the land of liberty." (Alma 46:16-17)
Although I do not know the exact location of his prayer, the spirit of this sacred valley can still be felt today. His prayer must have been so sincere, heartfelt, and according to the will of God that the spirit of that prayer lives on. I felt something as I walked this valley. And I will forever thank God that George Washington lived his life in such a way that he was able to take part in preparing this land for the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I can't wait to meet him someday. It will be an honor to be in his presence.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Champion Chess Players in the Scriptures
I'm not a great chess player. I love the game...I love the strategy...but I'm not a great chess player. But there's another version of chess that I'm getting better at. It's a spiritual version. And I have champion spiritual chess players to look up to like Adam, Moses, Melchizedek, Nephi, Joseph Smith and the greatest one of all - Captain Moroni. Maybe some background will help you see how these men were such expert chess players.
In Seminary, we recently studied the Jaredite civilization. The group came out of present-day Iraq about 2200 B.C. Their language was preserved following the destruction of the Tower of Babel and they were brought by the hand of the Lord to the American continent.
Hugh Nibley wrote that "The insane wars of the Jaredite chiefs ended in the complete annihilation of both sides, with the kings the last to go." He went on to describe two Asiatic tactics of warfare:
1) Since every war is strictly a personal contest between kings, the battle must continue until one of the kings falls or is taken.
2) And yet things are so arranged that the king must be very last to fall, the whole army existing for the sole purpose of defending his person.
He goes on to say that "This is clearly seen in the game of chess, in which all pieces are expendable except the king, who can never be taken. 'The shah in chess,' writes M. E. Moghadam, 'is not killed and does not die. The game is terminated when the shah is pressed into a position from which he cannot escape. This is in line with all good traditions of chess playing, and back of it the tradition of capturing the king in war rather than slaying him whenever that could be accomplished.' You will recall the many instances in the book of Ether in which kings were kept in prison for many years but not killed. In the code of medieval chivalry, taken over from central Asia, the person of the king is sacred, and all others must perish in his defense. As long as the war went on, the king could not die, for whenever he did die, the war was over, no matter how strong his surviving forces. Wars of extermination are a standard institution in the history of Asia."
Fascinating. But what's the connection? How can I apply this game of chess to my spiritual life? Stay with me just a little longer. I'm getting there. It came to all of us as we were taking this journey together during the lesson.
Actually, I'll cut it short. Because it would make this post way too long if I went into the other part of this learning experience. I'll save that for another time. But here's the bottom line/application:
Wherefore, I, Moroni, am commanded to write these things that evil may be done away, and that the time may come that Satan may have no power upon the hearts of the children of men, but that they may be persuaded to do good continually, that they may come unto the fountain of all righteousness and be saved. (Ether 8:26)
The great men listed above were great chess players because they learned how to place Satan in checkmate. If we humble ourselves and learn how to do good continually, we too can place him in checkmate...and he will have no power over us...no matter how strong his surviving forces are. The Savior has given us the ability to overcome Satan.
Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men. (Alma 48:17)
In Seminary, we recently studied the Jaredite civilization. The group came out of present-day Iraq about 2200 B.C. Their language was preserved following the destruction of the Tower of Babel and they were brought by the hand of the Lord to the American continent.
Hugh Nibley wrote that "The insane wars of the Jaredite chiefs ended in the complete annihilation of both sides, with the kings the last to go." He went on to describe two Asiatic tactics of warfare:
1) Since every war is strictly a personal contest between kings, the battle must continue until one of the kings falls or is taken.
2) And yet things are so arranged that the king must be very last to fall, the whole army existing for the sole purpose of defending his person.
He goes on to say that "This is clearly seen in the game of chess, in which all pieces are expendable except the king, who can never be taken. 'The shah in chess,' writes M. E. Moghadam, 'is not killed and does not die. The game is terminated when the shah is pressed into a position from which he cannot escape. This is in line with all good traditions of chess playing, and back of it the tradition of capturing the king in war rather than slaying him whenever that could be accomplished.' You will recall the many instances in the book of Ether in which kings were kept in prison for many years but not killed. In the code of medieval chivalry, taken over from central Asia, the person of the king is sacred, and all others must perish in his defense. As long as the war went on, the king could not die, for whenever he did die, the war was over, no matter how strong his surviving forces. Wars of extermination are a standard institution in the history of Asia."
Fascinating. But what's the connection? How can I apply this game of chess to my spiritual life? Stay with me just a little longer. I'm getting there. It came to all of us as we were taking this journey together during the lesson.
Actually, I'll cut it short. Because it would make this post way too long if I went into the other part of this learning experience. I'll save that for another time. But here's the bottom line/application:
Wherefore, I, Moroni, am commanded to write these things that evil may be done away, and that the time may come that Satan may have no power upon the hearts of the children of men, but that they may be persuaded to do good continually, that they may come unto the fountain of all righteousness and be saved. (Ether 8:26)
The great men listed above were great chess players because they learned how to place Satan in checkmate. If we humble ourselves and learn how to do good continually, we too can place him in checkmate...and he will have no power over us...no matter how strong his surviving forces are. The Savior has given us the ability to overcome Satan.
Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men. (Alma 48:17)
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Simple Prayers
I wonder if God is being more intentional these days about answering prayers...or if I am just more observant lately? Or, if there is some truth to the first premise, I wonder if there is a reason God is being more intentional about answering prayers these days?
As a parent, one of my more heart-felt and sincere prayers is that God will answer my children's prayers. And the past few days, my prayers have been answered.
Like when my daughter loses a "precious" possession and comes to me in desperation. I'll often ask if she has prayed about it. Then, when she goes off to pray, I'll say a quiet, simple prayer myself, in desperation, that Heavenly Father will help her. And He has.
Or when my 5 year old comes running into our bedroom after lights have been turned off, as he did tonight, to excitedly share that he prayed his 2 year old brother would be quiet...and his prayer was answered. I encouraged him to tuck this away in his memory and/or write it down.
Another time, when our power went out in the dead of winter and we had to go to a hotel for a night. Eight individuals piled into one hotel room because 40,000 others in the area were in need of a room as well. It was a restless night. And our 2 year old woke up prematurely just before 6am. We desperately needed a little more sleep. And as I held him in my arms, I prayed that he would be calm so his siblings and mother could continue to sleep...just for a few more minutes. And the prayer was answered without hesitation.
Finally, tonight...a sweet 4 year old boy...who couldn't speak a single word 18 months ago due to a speech delay, offered a simple prayer of gratitude...using respectful pronouns:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank thee for the lights.
We thank thee for our house.
We thank thee for the snow.
We thank thee for...
And this sweet 4 year old went on and on. He may not have asked for one single thing, but his prayer was heard and will be answered all the same...he will be blessed.
These are the simple prayers that I have taken note of in the past few days. And they are being heard and answered.
I need to be more consistent in my prayers. I need to exercise more faith when I pray. I long to commune with my Father and feel Him near. And I pray that He will continue to bless my children.
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? --Matthew 7:11
As a parent, one of my more heart-felt and sincere prayers is that God will answer my children's prayers. And the past few days, my prayers have been answered.
Like when my daughter loses a "precious" possession and comes to me in desperation. I'll often ask if she has prayed about it. Then, when she goes off to pray, I'll say a quiet, simple prayer myself, in desperation, that Heavenly Father will help her. And He has.
Or when my 5 year old comes running into our bedroom after lights have been turned off, as he did tonight, to excitedly share that he prayed his 2 year old brother would be quiet...and his prayer was answered. I encouraged him to tuck this away in his memory and/or write it down.
Another time, when our power went out in the dead of winter and we had to go to a hotel for a night. Eight individuals piled into one hotel room because 40,000 others in the area were in need of a room as well. It was a restless night. And our 2 year old woke up prematurely just before 6am. We desperately needed a little more sleep. And as I held him in my arms, I prayed that he would be calm so his siblings and mother could continue to sleep...just for a few more minutes. And the prayer was answered without hesitation.
Finally, tonight...a sweet 4 year old boy...who couldn't speak a single word 18 months ago due to a speech delay, offered a simple prayer of gratitude...using respectful pronouns:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank thee for the lights.
We thank thee for our house.
We thank thee for the snow.
We thank thee for...
And this sweet 4 year old went on and on. He may not have asked for one single thing, but his prayer was heard and will be answered all the same...he will be blessed.
These are the simple prayers that I have taken note of in the past few days. And they are being heard and answered.
I need to be more consistent in my prayers. I need to exercise more faith when I pray. I long to commune with my Father and feel Him near. And I pray that He will continue to bless my children.
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? --Matthew 7:11
Sunday, January 3, 2010
John 12:28-29
I discovered something tonight and was fascinated by it. So I must share!
First, to make sure all readers are on the same page, the Godhead is comprised of three distinct personages: God the Father, His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. God the Father and Jesus Christ have glorified and immortal bodies of flesh and bone. The Holy Ghost is a spirit and does not have a body of flesh and bone.
Jesus Christ has divine investiture, which is the authority to speak for and in behalf of the Father. The best comparison would be a power of attorney when someone gives you the right to act on their behalf. In the scriptures, God the Father rarely speaks to His children. 99.999% of the time it is Jesus Christ speaking on behalf of God. Those few occasions when God the Father speaks are referenced in Matthew 3:16-17 when Jesus was baptized; Matthew 17:5 on the Mount of Transfiguration; 3 Nephi 11:6-7 when God introduced His Son to the Nephite nation who lived on the American continent. Christ appeared to this people shortly after his crucifixion. And Joseph Smith-History 1:17 when God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to the boy Joseph in 1820.
But here is an account I was not previously aware of and which is filled with incredible application. John 12:28-29 begins with the Savior speaking:
Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.
God spoke and I've never picked up on that before. And it wasn't to introduce or to bear record of His Son. He testified of Himself...and no one recognized Who it was. They didn't recognize their Father's voice. Here's the application as written by a modern day prophet, Harold B. Lee:
In the Gospel of John is related a parallel experience in the Master’s ministry showing how, out of a multitude, only a few—or none—may hear God when he speaks.
Only the Master, apparently, knew that God had spoken. So often today, men and women are living so far apart from things spiritual that when the Lord is speaking to their physical hearing, to their minds with no audible sound, or to them through his authorized servants who, when directed by the Spirit, are as his own voice, they hear only a noise as did they at Jerusalem. Likewise, they received no inspired wisdom, nor inward assurance, that the mind of the Lord has spoken through his prophet leaders.
Has God, our Heavenly Father, spoken to you lately? Did you hear it...or was it just noise?
First, to make sure all readers are on the same page, the Godhead is comprised of three distinct personages: God the Father, His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. God the Father and Jesus Christ have glorified and immortal bodies of flesh and bone. The Holy Ghost is a spirit and does not have a body of flesh and bone.
Jesus Christ has divine investiture, which is the authority to speak for and in behalf of the Father. The best comparison would be a power of attorney when someone gives you the right to act on their behalf. In the scriptures, God the Father rarely speaks to His children. 99.999% of the time it is Jesus Christ speaking on behalf of God. Those few occasions when God the Father speaks are referenced in Matthew 3:16-17 when Jesus was baptized; Matthew 17:5 on the Mount of Transfiguration; 3 Nephi 11:6-7 when God introduced His Son to the Nephite nation who lived on the American continent. Christ appeared to this people shortly after his crucifixion. And Joseph Smith-History 1:17 when God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to the boy Joseph in 1820.
But here is an account I was not previously aware of and which is filled with incredible application. John 12:28-29 begins with the Savior speaking:
Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.
God spoke and I've never picked up on that before. And it wasn't to introduce or to bear record of His Son. He testified of Himself...and no one recognized Who it was. They didn't recognize their Father's voice. Here's the application as written by a modern day prophet, Harold B. Lee:
In the Gospel of John is related a parallel experience in the Master’s ministry showing how, out of a multitude, only a few—or none—may hear God when he speaks.
Only the Master, apparently, knew that God had spoken. So often today, men and women are living so far apart from things spiritual that when the Lord is speaking to their physical hearing, to their minds with no audible sound, or to them through his authorized servants who, when directed by the Spirit, are as his own voice, they hear only a noise as did they at Jerusalem. Likewise, they received no inspired wisdom, nor inward assurance, that the mind of the Lord has spoken through his prophet leaders.
Has God, our Heavenly Father, spoken to you lately? Did you hear it...or was it just noise?
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