Well, after a LONG drought here, I'm back - hopefully I can be a more regular writer here...
I was thinking just this morning - I don't know what brought it to my mind - about the blessings I've received in the ward that I'm in. It has been an interesting time as far as wards go recently, since I'm single and over the 31-year single ward limit. Just last year the limit was enforced in my singles stake, so my records were moved to the regular ward in the neighborhood. At the time, I felt nudges to go to another singles ward in the area whose boundaries include two entire cities and whose age limit is "officially" relaxed. But, for various reasons, I decided that it was time to be content with my lot and make the most of a regular ward.
A couple of months later I began remembering those nudges, so I decided to go once and see how I liked it. To be honest, I wasn't too impressed. But, a friend of mine who attends that ward took me aside and explained why I was needed in the ward. That, together with the spiritual promptings that continued, convinced me to stay.
That was 8 months ago. I can't say I've always enjoyed the ward, or felt at home in it, but I can say this. I have met some amazing friends - the kind that will support and inspire me through my lifetime. I have become more tolerant of others and more sensitive to their trials and difficulties. And I have had marvelous opportunities to teach and to serve. I have taught Elder's Quorum a few times, and I am a Sunday School teacher. I've learned much about teaching and about the Spirit, even to the extent that I am astounded at the end of a lesson at the Lord's magnifying power.
That's how it is so often. Life's greatest opportunities, experiences, and adventures so frequently begin with some small nudge, some tiny piece of insight, some seemingly small decision toward the right. How thankful I am that the Lord honors our obedience to His graciously-given guidance!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Priesthood
This last weekend I had the opportunity to participate in the Priesthood ordination of my oldest nephew, who just turned 12. Although it is a very common event within the Church (probably hundreds of boys receive the Priesthood weekly), it is a very significant event for the individual and his family.
We gathered at my brother's crowded home with family from both sides. It was noisy, busy, and unrestful as we waited for everyone to arrive. Finally all were present and the atmosphere stilled. My nephew sat in a chair in the middle of the room and his father, joined with the other priesthood holders that were present, laid his hands on his head. As I stood in the circle, my brother exercising his priesthood authority to confer the priesthood I considered the magnitude of what was taking place. My nephew at that moment received real, actual authority to act for God - he received God's power. He will never be the same.
What a miracle that God delegates His power and authority to man! What trust He places in us! I suspect that He could retain His authority for Himself and act as the only officiator for all ordinances on earth. Why does He share it with imperfect mortals? Is it not so that we can learn how to serve? So that we learn accountability? So that we strive for greater worthiness - even to become like Him? Even as we exercise His power to bless others, we are blessed. Even as we administer ordinances of salvation, we are drawn closer to salvation ourselves. What a glorious plan!
We gathered at my brother's crowded home with family from both sides. It was noisy, busy, and unrestful as we waited for everyone to arrive. Finally all were present and the atmosphere stilled. My nephew sat in a chair in the middle of the room and his father, joined with the other priesthood holders that were present, laid his hands on his head. As I stood in the circle, my brother exercising his priesthood authority to confer the priesthood I considered the magnitude of what was taking place. My nephew at that moment received real, actual authority to act for God - he received God's power. He will never be the same.
What a miracle that God delegates His power and authority to man! What trust He places in us! I suspect that He could retain His authority for Himself and act as the only officiator for all ordinances on earth. Why does He share it with imperfect mortals? Is it not so that we can learn how to serve? So that we learn accountability? So that we strive for greater worthiness - even to become like Him? Even as we exercise His power to bless others, we are blessed. Even as we administer ordinances of salvation, we are drawn closer to salvation ourselves. What a glorious plan!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
The Resurrected Christ
Easter Sunday almost passed me by. It was so early this year, and my week was so full of life-changing events that I didn't even see it coming. Thankfully, I was reminded shortly before Sacrament Meeting started.
My Easter highlight today came during the Sacrament. The bread was blessed and reverently passed to the congregation. As the tray came to me, I thought of Christ's pierced and broken flesh that arose that glorious morning in perfection and glory. As I drank the water I thought of His precious blood that was willingly spilt for me.
I've been studying a particular verse in the Book of Mormon - 1 Nephi 19:10: "And the God of our fathers, who were led out of Egypt, out of bondage, and also were preserved in the wilderness by him, yea, the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, yieldeth himself ... as a man, into the hands of wicked men, to be lifted up, ... and to be crucified, ... and to be buried in a sepulchre...."
What a sacrifice! He, the God over all, yielded Himself as a man into the hands of those who would mock, scourge, torment, deride, and finally crucify Him. I had never before noticed the words "as a man." Truly He descended below all things, and He did it for me and for you and for all men.
The glory in this is that He rose in perfect glory from the tomb on the third day. He came off conqueror of death and hell and He offers eternal salvation and glory to all who will accept Him and walk in His ways. What a glorious gospel! What great gifts He offers! Jesus Christ, son of Mary, is the Lord and Savior of mankind. He is the Lamb of God, slain for the sins of the world. He is the One True Light, the Bright and Morning Star. He is the Living Water, the Fountain of Truth and Light, the Giver of all Good Gifts. How I love Him - how I yearn to be like Him.
My Easter highlight today came during the Sacrament. The bread was blessed and reverently passed to the congregation. As the tray came to me, I thought of Christ's pierced and broken flesh that arose that glorious morning in perfection and glory. As I drank the water I thought of His precious blood that was willingly spilt for me.
I've been studying a particular verse in the Book of Mormon - 1 Nephi 19:10: "And the God of our fathers, who were led out of Egypt, out of bondage, and also were preserved in the wilderness by him, yea, the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, yieldeth himself ... as a man, into the hands of wicked men, to be lifted up, ... and to be crucified, ... and to be buried in a sepulchre...."
What a sacrifice! He, the God over all, yielded Himself as a man into the hands of those who would mock, scourge, torment, deride, and finally crucify Him. I had never before noticed the words "as a man." Truly He descended below all things, and He did it for me and for you and for all men.
The glory in this is that He rose in perfect glory from the tomb on the third day. He came off conqueror of death and hell and He offers eternal salvation and glory to all who will accept Him and walk in His ways. What a glorious gospel! What great gifts He offers! Jesus Christ, son of Mary, is the Lord and Savior of mankind. He is the Lamb of God, slain for the sins of the world. He is the One True Light, the Bright and Morning Star. He is the Living Water, the Fountain of Truth and Light, the Giver of all Good Gifts. How I love Him - how I yearn to be like Him.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Small and Simple Things
One of the principles that is repeated in the Book of Mormon is that the Lord often performs His work in small and simple ways. Referring to the great work to be wrought by the advent of the Book of Mormon, the prophet Alma said: "Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise."
Another example of this principle is the Lord's choice of servants. He called Joseph Smith, a farmboy with hardly any formal education to restore His church to the earth. He sends 19-year-old young men and 21-year-old young women across the world as missionaries to spread His truths. And the leaders and teachers in the Church are lay members, not professional clergy. There are numerous verses that describe this principle: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; D&C 1:19; D&C 133:57-59.
How does this principle apply in my life? I've been pondering this question lately with reference to my daily habits. I recently began waking up early to spend an hour or so studying various things, including the scriptures, poetry, languages, current events, history. Some mornings I wonder if I'm really getting anything out of my study. But I remember this principle and I know that although I don't see the fruits of my efforts in the short run, I will one day look back and recognize the power of today's daily habits.
Consider the power of 20, 30, 50 years of daily prayer, daily scripture study, regular fasting. Each individual effort may seem trivial (or small, or simple), but diligent, continuous effort brings great growth and spiritual strength. Even if our efforts are humble and faltering, the Lord will recognize our diligence and dedication to Him and will bless our faithful efforts.
So often we look for some grand thing to show our faith and dedication to the Lord. But that is not what He is seeking from us. He wants our hearts and our wills and this is best shown in our daily devotions - in the small and simple things that turn our hearts to Him.
"Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things procedeth that which is great.
"Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days." (D&C 64:33-34)
Another example of this principle is the Lord's choice of servants. He called Joseph Smith, a farmboy with hardly any formal education to restore His church to the earth. He sends 19-year-old young men and 21-year-old young women across the world as missionaries to spread His truths. And the leaders and teachers in the Church are lay members, not professional clergy. There are numerous verses that describe this principle: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; D&C 1:19; D&C 133:57-59.
How does this principle apply in my life? I've been pondering this question lately with reference to my daily habits. I recently began waking up early to spend an hour or so studying various things, including the scriptures, poetry, languages, current events, history. Some mornings I wonder if I'm really getting anything out of my study. But I remember this principle and I know that although I don't see the fruits of my efforts in the short run, I will one day look back and recognize the power of today's daily habits.
Consider the power of 20, 30, 50 years of daily prayer, daily scripture study, regular fasting. Each individual effort may seem trivial (or small, or simple), but diligent, continuous effort brings great growth and spiritual strength. Even if our efforts are humble and faltering, the Lord will recognize our diligence and dedication to Him and will bless our faithful efforts.
So often we look for some grand thing to show our faith and dedication to the Lord. But that is not what He is seeking from us. He wants our hearts and our wills and this is best shown in our daily devotions - in the small and simple things that turn our hearts to Him.
"Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things procedeth that which is great.
"Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days." (D&C 64:33-34)
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Fast Sunday
Once each month, usually on the first Sunday of the month, Latter-day Saints fast. It is a practice that allows us to come closer to God and remember our dependence on Him. My favorite scriptural passage on fasting is found in Isaiah 58, where it describes the proper mindset of fasting and outlines the rich blessings that flow from a proper fast.
Two thoughts on fasting: First, I have always loved the elegance and efficiency of the Lord's program of fasting. Fasting, when done in the proper spirit, edifies me and draws me closer to God. It builds my spirit and allows me the opportunity to express my devotion to my Father and His Son. Yet my fasting also blesses the lives of others. Inherent in the fast is to "draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul" (Isaiah 58:10). In the Church, this goal is facilitated through the fast offering, whereby I contribute (at least) the value of the meals that I would have eaten, the funds going to feed the hungry and support the needy. What an elegant program! Fasting helps me spiritually and others temporally, and does so efficiently and simply.
Second, though I have fasted many times, it is still not an easy thing. After a few hours I feel discomfort; after missing two meals, I feel quite weak. How dependent we are on regular nourishment! And if my body weakens so quickly without food, how quickly must my spirit weaken without spiritual nourishment. No wonder we are taught to pray always (Luke 21:36; Alma 34:17-27; D&C 88:126). No wonder we are encouraged to make the scriptures a part of our daily lives. How thankful I am for the principle of fasting!
Two thoughts on fasting: First, I have always loved the elegance and efficiency of the Lord's program of fasting. Fasting, when done in the proper spirit, edifies me and draws me closer to God. It builds my spirit and allows me the opportunity to express my devotion to my Father and His Son. Yet my fasting also blesses the lives of others. Inherent in the fast is to "draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul" (Isaiah 58:10). In the Church, this goal is facilitated through the fast offering, whereby I contribute (at least) the value of the meals that I would have eaten, the funds going to feed the hungry and support the needy. What an elegant program! Fasting helps me spiritually and others temporally, and does so efficiently and simply.
Second, though I have fasted many times, it is still not an easy thing. After a few hours I feel discomfort; after missing two meals, I feel quite weak. How dependent we are on regular nourishment! And if my body weakens so quickly without food, how quickly must my spirit weaken without spiritual nourishment. No wonder we are taught to pray always (Luke 21:36; Alma 34:17-27; D&C 88:126). No wonder we are encouraged to make the scriptures a part of our daily lives. How thankful I am for the principle of fasting!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
The Lord's Work
I have recently been trying to establish a habit of memorizing scriptures. I'll memorize one every day (unless it's long), and if I remember it the next day, I'll check it off and move to the next one. The scripture that came up this morning made me think a bit. It's 1 Corinthians 15:58: "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord; forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
I first discovered this verse during my college years (though I had read it a few times before). It speaks to me of always being willing to serve others in whatever context I am in. As a member of the Church (my shorthand for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), it means being willing to accept callings extended by my church leaders and to be vigilant in the fulfilling of my duties. This includes such things as home teaching, helping with the planning and execution of activities, and well, serving in whatever way I can.
But the application of this scripture extends far beyond formal church duties. For what is "the work of the Lord"? Clearly, it includes anything the Lord Himself would do. This idea has implications for my daily walk - for my often mundane interactions with others at home, in the grocery store, and on the road.
I once heard some wise counsel that I try to implement in my day-to-day. "Never suppress a generous impulse." There's that quiet, inner part of us that will occasionally give us hints as to how we can brighten another's day or lift another's burden. But how easy it is to ignore the nudge, seeing as we're almost late for that meeting or already have too much on our plates. Yet the principle is clear. "Your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
I hope I can do better, remembering that as small as the service that I feel nudged to offer may be, it will not have been in vain in the Lord.
I first discovered this verse during my college years (though I had read it a few times before). It speaks to me of always being willing to serve others in whatever context I am in. As a member of the Church (my shorthand for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), it means being willing to accept callings extended by my church leaders and to be vigilant in the fulfilling of my duties. This includes such things as home teaching, helping with the planning and execution of activities, and well, serving in whatever way I can.
But the application of this scripture extends far beyond formal church duties. For what is "the work of the Lord"? Clearly, it includes anything the Lord Himself would do. This idea has implications for my daily walk - for my often mundane interactions with others at home, in the grocery store, and on the road.
I once heard some wise counsel that I try to implement in my day-to-day. "Never suppress a generous impulse." There's that quiet, inner part of us that will occasionally give us hints as to how we can brighten another's day or lift another's burden. But how easy it is to ignore the nudge, seeing as we're almost late for that meeting or already have too much on our plates. Yet the principle is clear. "Your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
I hope I can do better, remembering that as small as the service that I feel nudged to offer may be, it will not have been in vain in the Lord.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
What this Blog is About
Well, now that you know a little bit about me, you should probably know what I hope this blog will be. As the title describes, I hope to make of this a bit of a journal of the things that have defined my Latter-day Saint experience. Probably there will be some day-to-day reflections and that sort of thing, but I also hope to recount past experiences that have increased my faith or helped to define me as an individual of faith.
I also hope that this blog will be a place for faith-building discussion. Feel free to comment, ask questions, or respond to questions. Please note that I will be moderating the comments and will not post comments that are abusive, argumentative, or that belittle individuals or attack faith. The primary filter for all content will be: does it invite to do good? does it persuade to believe in Christ? (See Moroni 7:16)
I hope this endeavor bears fruit. I hope that it allows me to think deeper about my faith and that it brings spiritual events from my past back to my mind. And I hope you, the reader, find some value in it as well. I hope you'll not hesitate to contribute, and that it will be a tool for building faith in any who encounter it. I look forward to watching its development.
I also hope that this blog will be a place for faith-building discussion. Feel free to comment, ask questions, or respond to questions. Please note that I will be moderating the comments and will not post comments that are abusive, argumentative, or that belittle individuals or attack faith. The primary filter for all content will be: does it invite to do good? does it persuade to believe in Christ? (See Moroni 7:16)
I hope this endeavor bears fruit. I hope that it allows me to think deeper about my faith and that it brings spiritual events from my past back to my mind. And I hope you, the reader, find some value in it as well. I hope you'll not hesitate to contribute, and that it will be a tool for building faith in any who encounter it. I look forward to watching its development.
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