Six Months Latter

Well, it's been six months since I was a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and even longer since my last blog post.  Life has drastically changed for me in these few short months.  I'm back home in Utah and I'm back up at school at Utah State University.  Go Aggies!!!  I've already completed a semester since returning home and I only have 3 more before I graduate with a degree in Business Administration.  I can't believe how quickly time has gone!!  

These last fews days have called me to reflection on what has happened to me in such a short time.  I still feel that love I have for my mission.  The New York Rochester Mission is the greatest place on earth for me!!  It was there in the Sacred grove of the Smith family farm that I learned for myself the truthfulness of the Restored gospel of Jesus Christ!!  I still carry that testimony deep in my heart!  For this reason I've decided to try and continue with this blog.  I've taken a break and I believe it's time for me to return.  For how can a testimony be maintained and grow if you don't share it?  

I know I'm not perfect, but I strive to get better each and every day, through the help of my Lord and Redeemer Jesus Christ.  Through this blog, I will try to share how the Gospel of Jesus Christ helps me through the eyes of an ordinary college student trying to make his way in life.  Consider this the next phase of The Standard of Truth blog!!!  I know God lives, He loves us!!  His son Jesus Christ lives and Atoned for all of us so that we may make it back home to our Eternal Father!!  I know Joseph Smith is His Prophet and we are lead by a living Prophet today!

Our Father, His Son Our Savior, Their Messanger and Witness

First Vision

I'm so honored and blessed to be a missionary serving in Western New York, where some amazing things happened that are near and dear to my heart.  As I've been a missionary for this Church, I've come to learn and know more about who God really is, who Jesus Christ really is, and what exactly they expect from me.  But from the very beginning I want to say this, I know they live, they love us, they know us!!! 

 God, Our Heavenly Father

There truly is a God!!!  Many people in today's world unfortunately don't  believe this or have lost faith in that belief.  I am here to tell you that He is real!  "God the Father is the Supreme Being in whom we believe and whom we worship. He is the ultimate Creator, Ruler, and Preserver of all things. He is perfect, has all power, and knows all things. He “has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man's” (D&C 130:22)." (http://www.lds.org/topics/god-the-father?lang=eng).  He is literally the father of our spirits and we are very much His children.  Here on earth we catch a glimpse of the relationship we really have with Him.  We are born on this earth with earthly parents who love and care about us.  Our earthly father helps us understand how much God loves us, knows us, protects us, teaches us, and helps us reach our full potential as His children.  Many people here on earth don't have a great relationship with their earthly father for a variety of reasons, or he isn't there at all in their lives.  Despite this challenges, God our Heavenly Father can and will fill that void in our hearts if we let Him.  "All your losses will be made up to you in the resurrection, provided you continue faithful. By the vision of the Almighty I have seen it." - Joseph Smith, Jr.   

We have a body just like He does, for we are created in His image (Genesis 1:27), but His body is glorified and perfected.  He is omnipotent (all powerful), omniscient (all knowing), and omnipresent (present everywhere).  He has a plan for us to come to earth, learn how to make right choices, and come back to live with Him and reach our full potential as His children.  He knew we would mess up here on earth, and has provided a way for us to overcome those mistakes.  That is through His son, our Older Brother, Jesus Christ.

 Jesus Christ - Our Savior

 Jesus is a name of Greek origin.  It's Hebrew equivalent is Joshua or "Yeshua".  Both of these names mean "Savior, Redeemer".  Christ is a title also of Greek origin.  It's Hebrew equivalent is Messiah.  Both of these mean "The Anointed One, Deliverer".  So Jesus Christ literally means "Savior, the Anointed One."  All of us are God's children, and Jesus Christ is God's first born son in the Spirit and Only Begotten Son in the flesh.  He is our older brother and our Lord and King.  God our Father knew we would mess up in this life, and in order to return and live with Him we had to be free from mistake, sin, and spiritual uncleanliness.  He knew we would be unable to meet the requirements to live in His presence and we couldn't make ourselves clean, so He gave us the gift of His son Jesus Christ, who would Atone for our sins and mistakes and make it possible for ALL MANKIND to return and live with Him.

Jesus Christ in the Garden

 Jesus Christ gave Himself voluntarily as a sacrifice for sin and death.  He suffered for all mankind's sin in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the Cross of Calvary.  His sufferings in the Garden, His death and Resurrection provide the way for us to overcome our sins.  On conditions of Faith and Repentance, everyone has the opportunity to be clean from sin.  He is our Lord and our King, because without Him we can't progress any further.  He loves us with a perfect love like any true brother would.  He helps us when we struggle, comforts us when we need it, and works tirelessly and constantly to help us all understand Him and His Father more and our divine heritage.  It's His name which is born in the title of the Church, The Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints.  It's His Church.  He is our advocate with God our Father, meaning He pleads our case before the Father, as our Redeemer and Savior.  He is Jehovah, the God of the Old Testament.  He acts under the direction of the Father, and represents Him in all things.  If anyone wants a more declarative statement on who Jesus Christ is, check out the Living Christ document from the Church.  http://www.lds.org/topics/jesus-christ?lang=eng

Symbol of the Holy Ghost, a Dove

 The Holy Ghost

The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead (Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ are the other two).  He is personage of Spirit, not having a body of flesh and bones unlike God our Father and Jesus Christ.  He is known as the Comforter, The Holy Spirit, The Spirit of God, or the Spirit of the Lord.  The Holy Ghost acts as God's messenger here on earth to us, letting us know that God is real and all about His truths and doctrines.  His main purpose is to testify and bear witness about the reality of God, His Plan for us, His Son Jesus Christ, and the doctrines of Salvation.  The Holy Ghost communicates with us as God's Children in a marvelous way beyond the ways of man and earth.  He speaks to us on a Spirit to Spirit level, that's why he doesn't have a body otherwise he couldn't.  When we communicate on a Spiritual level and we are taught things through the Spirit, they are imbedded in our hearts and we know they are true.  A witness from the Holy Ghost is more powerful than anything on earth, even more powerful than our 5 senses.  He speaks to the heart along with our mind.  If we want to know if anything is true, I have the utmost faith in Moroni 10:5 "And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of ALL things." (caps added).  http://www.lds.org/topics/holy-ghost?lang=eng

The GodHead

These three individuals, God our Father, Jesus Christ His son, and the Holy Ghost, make up what we call the Godhead.  The doctrine and true nature of the Godhead were lost with the Great Apostasy, and have once again been restored to the earth, beginning with the First Vision of Joseph Smith.  They are separate and distinct individuals, but all One in Purpose!!  That purpose is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man (mankind).  God leads this work, Jesus Christ His son represents Him in all He does and is our Lord and Savior. The Holy Ghost witnesses and testifies of each of them.  They all love us, and want what's best for us.  We ourselves can come to our own personal knowledge of the reality and existence of our Father.  We can come to know the Savior and learn about His true role and relationship to us as our Savior through His Atonement.  And we can receive answers to our heartfelt prayers, learn true doctrine, and communicate to our Father through the Spirit.  I know they are real, I know they live, I know they love us!!!  http://www.lds.org/topics/godhead?lang=eng

Scripture Marking!!!

I absolutely love the scriptures!!  They provide a lot of insight on my faith and how I can come closer to my Father in Heaven and my Savior Jesus Christ.  To be honest, I see no downside to reading scriptures.  But it can be a struggle sometimes.  Scriptures are written in a style of writing we don't normally use in today's society.  "And it came to pass.....thou shalt not..... verily I say unto thee...."  It can be hard to get into and understand the scriptures sometimes.  But there are many tips and tools available to us  to help us get more out of our scripture study.  One of those tools is by marking your scriptures.  I'd like to share with you how marking scriptures has helped me understand God's word even more.

First we need to understand why scriptures are even important in the first place.  2nd Nephi 25:26 offers some insight, "And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies  that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins."  2nd Timothy 3:16-17 also says "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness:  That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." The scriptures are an essential source of faith in Christ.  The ultimate goal of scriptures is to teach us of Him and help us grow our faith in Him.  No wonder God asks us to "Feast upon the words of Christ." (2nd Nephi 31:20, 32:3)  Marking our scriptures is a tool we can use to help us more better feast upon His word.

There isn't one right way to mark your scriptures.  Each person has a unique and individual way of doing it that makes the most sense to them.  However you mark your scriptures, do what works for you!  Here is a system that works for me that I'd like to share with you. 

There are 10 different colors I use.  Light blue, dark blue, light green, dark green, red, orange, purple, pink, yellow, and gold.  Each one represents a different gospel topic or doctrine.  Here's how it's organized.

Faith – Light Blue

Christlike Attributes, Service, Charity, Love – Pink

Prayer, Answers to Prayers, Personal Revelation – Purple

Jesus Christ, Atonement, Gospel of Jesus Christ – Red

Commandments, Obedience, Counsel – Dark Green

Repentance, Forgiveness – Gold

Holy Ghost, Spiritual Gifts – Yellow

Plan of Salvation, Resurrection – Orange

Prophets, Prophecy, Priesthood, Scriptures – Dark Blue

Baptism, Missionary Work, Temple, Fasting, Tithing, Covenants, Miscellaneous but Important Topics - Light Green

Whenever I come across a verse or passage of scripture that talks about one of these topics, I either color the whole verse that color or just the portion of that verse that talks about that specific topic.  Sometimes you'll come across a verse that has multiple topics discussed and you can highlight those portions their respective color  Sometimes you'll have a verse that talks about two or more topics all together and you might question which one to color it.  Use your best judgement and do what you feel is best.  The whole purpose of marking scriptures is to help you in your personal study of the scriptures.  

Whatever works for you, do it!!  As you develop a pattern of marking your scriptures, your desire to read and study them will increase.  You begin to study more intently as you contemplate each verse and how it should be marked.  You'll start seeing things and understanding things you haven't before, and your faith in Christ will grow.  I know this is true because I've experienced it myself and continue to do so each day.  I know the Bible and the Book of Mormon testify of Jesus Christ, and as we feast upon His word in the way that we learn the best, we will be filled and blessed!!

Scriptures on Scriptures!!!:

• 2nd Timothy 3:14-17
• 2nd Nephi 25:26
• 2nd Nephi 31:20
• 2 Nephi 32:3
• John 5:39
• John 20:31
• 2nd Peter 1:20-21
• Luke 24:32
• Psalms 19:7
• 2nd Nephi 4:15
• Alma 37:8
• Alma 37:44
• Preach My Gospel Chapter 2

A Moses for Our Day!!!

Moses parting the Red Sea

So hopefully you all know about the story of Moses from the Bible.  He was a prophet called by God and given the special assignment to lead the captive House of Israel out of bondage from the Egyptians and take them to the promised land in Canaan.  Moses was given the power and authority of God (priesthood) to perform many miracles and wonders to help him fulfill this sacred task, including parting the Red Sea, enabling the Israelite's to escape from the pursuing Egyptian armies.  After their escape from Egypt, Moses became the Israelite's connection with God.  Moses received divine revelation from God concerning where they needed to go in the wilderness, how long they should stay, and even what they were to eat when food was scarce.  

Moses and the 10 Commandments

Among some of the most amazing feats of Moses was the revelation for what later became known as the Law of Moses.  Written upon stone tablets, it was the word and Law of God after the order of the Aaronic Priesthood, with specific rules, guidelines, and ordinances which were types and shadows of the Savior Jesus Christ's future sacrifice and Atonement.  Moses was and is one of the greatest examples of a prophet.  Through him we have so much revelation from God about Jesus Christ and His gospel.  

Moses called to be a Prophet 

Prophets are righteous and faith filled men, called by God to act as His spokesmen for His children here on earth.  They receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ through revelation from God and in turn teach that to God's children.  They warn people of dangers of things to come and blessings that are promised through obedience to God's laws and commandments.  Prophets hold all the keys of the priesthood (the power and authority to act in God's name for the salvation of His children) and use them to love and serve others as Christ would.  There are many examples of prophets throughout history.  Moses, Abraham, Noah, Isaiah, Jeremiah  Peter James & John, and Paul.  We even have Book of Mormon prophets like Lehi, Nephi, Alma the younger, Mormon and Moroni.

Our Savior Jesus Christ

Without prophets, were would our scriptures be?  Where would the Bible be?  How would we know anything about God or Jesus Christ?  We wouldn't!!  But God loves us, He wants us to be successful in this life and return to live with Him.  In order to do so, we need revelation from Him to understand His will.  He gives us the opportunity to live with Him again through the Gospel of Jesus Christ and through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  Through prophets, we gain all the understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ we need to obtain salvation and exaltation in this life.  Giving us prophets is a sign that shows God really loves us.

Joseph Smith and Restoration of the Priesthood

So God loves and us He sends us prophets.  Sometimes His children don't listen to the prophets and even persecute or kill them.  As a result, people end up in spiritual darkness.  When they are ready again to listen to God's word, He calls another prophet.  In our day and age, He has done the same thing.  He loves us just as much as He loves His children in times of old!!  He doesn't leave us to tread this journey of life alone.  He has given us prophets in our day just like times of old!!!  In 1820, a young New York farm boy named Joseph Smith, was called to be the next prophet of God, called to restore the Gospel of Jesus Christ as it had been given during the Savior's ministry.  How exciting and amazing is this!!!

Modern day Prophets

I know Joseph Smith was called to be a prophet in our day and age.  I have come to know the truthfulness of his calling through the divine witness from God that the Book of Mormon is true.  After Joseph Smith died, prophets weren't gone from the earth.  An unbroken line of succession has followed him, each man afterward called of God.  They are the leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the Presidents of the Church.  We believe and know that these men are called of God as was Moses and they act as prophets, seers, and revelators in our day.  Along with the prophet, we have 12 Apostles who function in the same capacity, teaching people and maintaining the purity of the doctrine just as in days before.

Current Church President Thomas S. Monson and Counselors

We have our own Moses for our day!!  A man of great spiritual strength, who receive direct revelation from God, who leads and guides us through the sin stained world of our day.  His name is Thomas S. Monson!!!  He is our living day prophet.  Having a prophet however doesn't eliminate the need for us to receive our own personal revelation.  The prophet simply receives revelation from God for the whole Church as a body.  God still wants us to talk to Him through prayer and listen for the still small voice for answers.  But through the Prophet, He has given us another wonderful tool to better our lives, learn more of the Savior, and became more like Jesus Christ.  By listening and heeding the words of our living prophets, we can be blessed abundantly.

General Conference

Every six months we have the opportunity to hear from our beloved Prophet.  This even is called General Conference and believe it or not, it's this weekend!!!  If you don't know or don't believe that we have prophets in our day, I invite you to listen to this upcoming session of General Conference, with a prayer in your heart and learn for yourself from God is the men that speak are truly prophets of our Lord and God.  If you have a testimony already of living day prophets, I invite you to strengthen that testimony by listening and heeding the words of the Prophet.  By doing so, we will not be lead astray.  As a former Prophet, President Wilford Woodruff said "The Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as President of this Church to lead you astray. It is not in the programme. It is not in the mind of God. If I were to attempt that, the Lord would remove me out of my place, and so He will any other man who attempts to lead the children of men astray from the oracles of God and from their duty. (Sixty-first Semiannual General Conference of the Church, Monday, October 6, 1890, Salt Lake City, Utah. Reported in Deseret Evening News,October 11, 1890, p. 2.)"  

President Thomas S. Monson

I know that we have our own Moses today.  He is not the head of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Jesus Christ is.  President Monson simply speaks for Him, as His prophet, as His Modern Day Moses!!!

The 7 Rules of Life - A New Perspective

I give so much thanks to a kind Sister from the Niagara Falls Ward for the inspiration behind this next post.  She and her husband came down to our ward in Lancaster about 2 months ago or so and both gave amazing talks in our Sacrament meeting.  But this Sister's talk really was amazing!!  One of the things she shared was this, 7 Rules of Life.  I don't know where it came from or who created these, but for the last few months, they've really blessed my life.  I have a copy of these rules on my desk where I see them every day as I study.  As I'm been doing my studies in the scriptures, I've looked at these rules many times and each time I see more and more how applicable these are to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

1)  Make Peace with your past so it won't screw up the present:  The Lord has always expected us to forgive each other.  In D&C 64:9-10, it says "Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin."  The Lord also states in D&C 58:42 "Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more."  We all make mistakes in this life.  some harm others, some harm us.  Sometimes other people's mistakes cause us harm.  Whatever the harm done is, we can be forgiven, we can forgive, and through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can make peace with our past and move gracefully on into our present and future without interruption.

2) What others think of you is none of your business:  So true!!  We get caught up so much about what we think what other may think about us.  Does it really matter?  Who is the only one qualified to judge us?  That would be the Savior Jesus Christ because He's been through it all.  D&C 137:9 says "For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works of their hearts."  I myself stress get so stressed out about what others may think of me in terms of my appearance  mannerisms, personality, or anything I say.  But it really doesn't matter, we have no business poking around in that state of mind.  You are who you are and you are loved by Him who created you and Him who is our Father.

3) Time heals almost everything, give it time: I came across this quote from President Thomas S. Monson on page 120 of Preach My Gospel.  It says "Life is full of difficulties, some minor and others of a more serious nature. There seems to be an unending supply of challenges for one and all. Our problem is that we often expect instantaneous solutions to such
challenges, forgetting that frequently the heavenly virtue of patience is required."  Sometimes we are required to wait before we can receive the necessary aide from Heaven.  I find this scripture a big help for times like this.  Psalms 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God:"  If somebody has wronged us and we can't forgive immediately  give it time and with the Lord's help, you'll get there.  Never forget to wait for some things.

4) Don't compare you life with others and don't judge them.  You have no idea what their journey is all about:  This kind of goes back to rule 2 about judging.  Remember, the Lord states in Matthew 7:3-5 "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?  Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?  Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye."  We each have our own unique challenges, obstacles, strengths and weaknesses.  We are all God's Children though, and we are all trying to reach the same place.  Give yourself and others some slack, "Do your best and forget the rest." - P90X

5 ) Stop thinking so much, it's alright not to know the answers.  They will come when you least expect it:  Most of us are used to the instant answer, google it type society where we get answers to our questions almost instantly.  And when we don't get an answer as quickly as we would like, we freak out and get very stressed, anxious, sometimes even angry and frustrated.  But we have to remember, our thoughts are God's thoughts, nor are our ways His ways (Isaiah 55:8)  And sometimes He wants us to wait before we receive an answer.  It took me 3 to 4 months before I got an answer from God as to which Univesrity I should attend.  It took Brigham Young 2 years before he came to know by the Holy Ghost that the Book of Mormon was true.  Be patient, keep studying it out, and be ready for when answers come because they will.  No stressing :)

6) No one is in charge of your happiness except you:  There is one scripture about our life on earth that really gives me comfort.  It's 2 Nephi 2:25 " Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy."  You see, God's whole purpose for us being here is to be happy!!  The Savior didn't have a very easy life during his mortal ministry, but I bet He was a pretty happy and joyful guy to be around.  You decide if you are happy, not your external circumstances.  If you need help being happy, turn to Him who can lead you too that of happiness and fulfillment.

7) Smile :)  You don't own all the problems in the world:  Simple, yet effective.  Simply smile, it'll make others feel happier and it will trigger your brain into a happier state of mind.  In my opinion (and this is strictly my opinion) clean, wholesome humor is an amazing tool to get smiling and living a more abundant and fulfilled life.

Just remember, He is the one who can help us live a better life.  These 7 Rules aren't there to replace Him in anyway shape or form.  They are here to help us draw closer to Him.  They are to help us apply His Atonement more in our life.  They are in a way, His tips for comfort and counsel in this life.  I love Him with all my heart and strive to do my best to serve Him.

Easter - He is Risen!!!

I guess Easter hasn't been that exciting of a time for me in my life.  I always remember waking up in the morning, searching around the house for fake Easter eggs filled with candy and a basket filled with candy.  We'd go to Church, come back, and either have our own family dinner or go to a large family gathering at my Grandparent's.  Either way I guess the real meaning of my we celebrate Easter has never really sunk into me.  I've always known it was about Jesus Christ, but not until I've been out serving a mission for nearly 20 months have I come to know who He really is.  As I've come to know the Master more, Easter has started to take on a new meaning for me.  Not just a time of festivities and fun, but something much more than that.

I guess the only way I can really describe the events of Jesus Christ's Crucifixion and Resurrection  is from one of the most famous talks modern day Apostles have ever given.  Elder Bruce R. Mckonkiee gave this talk during the April 1985 General Conference.  It was his last and final testimony before he passed away about Jesus Christ.  I quote an exerpt from his talk.  "We do not know, we cannot tell, no mortal mind can conceive the full import of what Christ did in Gethsemane.  We know he sweat great gouts of blood from every pore as he drained the dregs of that bitter cup his Father had given him. We know he suffered, both body and spirit, more than it is possible for man to suffer, except it be unto death. We know that in some way, incomprehensible to us, his suffering satisfied the demands of justice, ransomed penitent souls from the pains and penalties of sin, and made mercy available to those who believe in his holy name.  We know that he lay prostrate upon the ground as the pains and agonies of an infinite burden caused him to tremble and would that he might not drink the bitter cup.  As near as we can judge, these infinite agonies—this suffering beyond compare—continued for some three or four hours. 

After this—his body then wrenched and drained of strength—he confronted Judas and the other incarnate devils, some from the very Sanhedrin itself; and he was led away with a rope around his neck, as a common criminal, to be judged by the arch-criminals who as Jews sat in Aaron’s seat and who as Romans wielded Caesar’s power. They took him to Annas, to Caiaphas, to Pilate, to Herod, and back to Pilate. He was accused, cursed, and smitten. Their foul saliva ran down his face as vicious blows further weakened his pain-engulfed body. With reeds of wrath they rained blows upon his back. Blood ran down his face as a crown of thorns pierced his trembling brow. But above it all he was scourged, scourged with forty stripes save one, scourged with a multithonged whip into whose leather strands sharp bones and cutting metals were woven. Many died from scourging alone, but he rose from the sufferings of the scourge that he might die an ignominious death upon the cruel cross of Calvary. 

Then he carried his own cross until he collapsed from the weight and pain and mounting agony of it all. Finally, on a hill called Calvary—again, it was outside Jerusalem’s walls—while helpless disciples looked on and felt the agonies of near death in their own bodies, the Roman soldiers laid him upon the cross. With great mallets they drove spikes of iron through his feet and hands and wrists. Truly he was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities. Then the cross was raised that all might see and gape and curse and deride. This they did, with evil venom, for three hours from 9:00  Then the heavens grew black. Darkness covered the land for the space of three hours, as it did among the Nephites. There was a mighty storm, as though the very God of Nature was in agony. And truly he was, for while he was hanging on the cross for another three hours, from noon to 3:00, all the infinite agonies and merciless pains of Gethsemane recurred. And, finally, when the atoning agonies had taken their toll—when the victory had been won, when the Son of God had fulfilled the will of his Father in all things—then he said, “It is finished”, and he voluntarily gave up the ghost.  As the peace and comfort of a merciful death freed him from the pains and sorrows of mortality, he entered the paradise of God. When he had made his soul an offering for sin, he was prepared to see his seed, according to the messianic word. After some thirty-eight or forty hours—three days as the Jews measured time—our Blessed Lord came to the Arimathaean’s tomb, where his partially embalmed body had been placed by Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathaea. 

Then, in a way incomprehensible to us, he took up that body which had not yet seen corruption and arose in that glorious immortality which made him like his resurrected Father. He then received all power in heaven and on earth, obtained eternal exaltation, appeared unto Mary Magdalene and many others, and ascended into heaven, there to sit down on the right hand of God the Father Almighty and to reign forever in eternal glory. His rising from death on the third day crowned the Atonement. Again, in some way incomprehensible to us, the effects of his resurrection pass upon all men so that all shall rise from the grave.  Now, the atonement of Christ is the most basic and fundamental doctrine of the gospel, and it is the least understood of all our revealed truths. Many of us have a superficial knowledge and rely upon the Lord and his goodness to see us through the trials and perils of life. But if we are to have faith like Enoch and Elijah we must believe what they believed, know what they knew, and live as they lived. May I invite you to join with me in gaining a sound and sure knowledge of the Atonement. We must cast aside the philosophies of men and the wisdom of the wise and hearken to that Spirit which is given to us to guide us into all truth. We must search the scriptures, accepting them as the mind and will and voice of the Lord and the very power of God unto salvation. 

Bruce R. Mcconkie

As we read, ponder, and pray, there will come into our minds a view of the three gardens of God—the Garden of Eden, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the Garden of the Empty Tomb where Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene. And now, as pertaining to this perfect atonement, wrought by the shedding of the blood of God—I testify that it took place in Gethsemane and at Golgotha, and as pertaining to Jesus Christ, I testify that he is the Son of the Living God and was crucified for the sins of the world. He is our Lord, our God, and our King. This I know of myself independent of any other person. I am one of his witnesses, and in a coming day I shall feel the nail marks in his hands and in his feet and shall wet his feet with my tears. But I shall not know any better then than I know now that he is God’s Almighty Son, that he is our Savior and Redeemer, and that salvation comes in and through his atoning blood and in no other way. God grant that all of us may walk in the light as God our Father is in the light so that, according to the promises, the blood of Jesus Christ his Son will cleanse us from all sin. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen."

This Easter time, let us reflect on the amazing power of the Atonement and the immense sacrifice Jesus Christ has made on our behalf.  I love Him dearly and strive to be like Him each day.  I know I'm not perfect, I make mistakes just like everyone else.  But this much I do know.  I know He Lives, He is Risen, He is the Christ, He is my King, He is my Friend.

Humility - A Spiritual Strength

Jesus Christ in Garden of Gethsemane

I stumbled upon this Christlike attribute this morning while I was reading from the Book of Mormon.  I was touched by the verse in Alma 37:33 which reads "Preach unto them repentance, and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ; teach them to humble themselves and to be meek and lowly in heart;"  I began to ponder the meaning of humility and what it all entails.  I ended up studying humility for almost an hour, and it has forever changed my life.  Let me show you how powerful humility really is.

Jesus Christ washing Apostle's Feet

Humility

In Preach My Gospel Page 120-121, we find an awesome definition of humility.  "Humility is willingness to submit to the will of the Lord and to give the Lord the honor for what is accomplished. It includes gratitude for His blessings and acknowledgment of your constant need for His divine help. Humility is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of spiritual strength. When you humbly trust Him and acknowledge His power and mercy, you can have the assurance that His commandments are for your good. You are confident that you can do whatever the Lord requires of you if you rely on Him. You are also willing to trust His chosen servants and follow their counsel. Humility will help you as you strive to be obedient, to work hard, and serve selflessly."

So humility requires us to accept God's will, give Him the honor, rely on His help, obey the commandments, and follow His chosen servants.  I also love how it says humility is a Spiritual Strength, not a weakness.  In Ether 12:27, the Lord says "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."  The Lord gives us weakness so we will humble ourselves and rely upon His help and His grace.  Through His grace and Atonement, He can help us make those weak things about ourselves become strong.  We have to be humble and willing though in order for Him to help us.

Pride

However, as in all things, there is an opposite to humility.  That would be pride.  Preach my Gospel defines pride as "The opposite of humility is pride, which is condemned in the scriptures. To be prideful means to put greater trust in oneself than in God or in His servants. It also means to put the things of the world above the things of God. Prideful people take honor to themselves rather than giving God the glory. Pride is competitive; those who are prideful seek to have more and presume they are better than other people. Pride usually results in feelings of anger and hatred, and it is a great stumbling block."

Blessings of Humility

There are so many blessings in being humble.  As you are humble you can become teachable.  Just like little children are humble and are teachable, so we must be as well in learning from our Father in Heaven.  The Savior says in Matthew 18:3 "And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."  The Savior also states in Doctrine and Covenants 67:10 "that inasmuch as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me, for ye are not sufficiently humble, the veil shall be rent and you shall see me and know that I am - not with the carnal neither the natural mind, but with the spiritual."  The greatest example of humility is that of our Savior Jesus Christ.  While in the Garden of Gethsemane, with the weight of the world's sins and pains upon his shoulders, he cried out to His Father, asking if there was another way.  But in a supreme act of humility, He humbly states, "nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt."  He was able to do it, He completed the Atonement.  He has shown us the way, and we can be healed physically and spiritually.  All we have to do is humble our selves sufficiently and we can access a power greater than ourselves.  He knows and loves each one of us.  Of this I so testify :)

Cradle of the Restoration Part 2 - The Joseph Smith Farm (Log Home)



Joseph Smith Farm

The second historical site that is of significance to the Church is the family farm of Joseph Smith Sr.  Here is where Joseph Smith Jr. spent most of his childhood.  It was on the property of this farm that the Restoration of Christ's Church through the Prophet Joseph Smith began to unfold.  The Farm is located at 843 Stafford Road Palmyra, New York.  Here on the farm is where the Sacred Grove resides, the Smith Log Home, and the Smith Frame Home.  Many significant events of the Restoration occurred on this 100 acre property.

Log Home of Smith Family

 Log Home

In 1818 the Smith family moved into the Log Home on their property, one of the first structures to be built on the farm.  The entire family lived in this small home which consisted of Joseph Smith Senior, his wife Lucy Mack Smith, and their eight children which included Hyrum and Joseph Junior.  It was here on the night of September 21st, 1823, Joseph Smith Junior was awoken that night by a spectacular vision.



Upstairs Bedroom of Log Home

Vision of Angel Moroni

It had been 3 years after Joseph Smith's first vision and he hadn't received any guidance, revelation, or direction on what to do since that day.  That night Joseph decided to pray to God to repent of his mistakes and see what God wanted him to do next.  While he was praying, a bright light filled the room, getting brighter and brighter till he says "until the room was brighter than at noonday".  A personage came to his bedside, standing in the air, dressed in a white robe with the "most exquisite whiteness.  It was a whiteness beyond anything earthly I had ever seen;"

The Angel Moroni appearing to Joseph Smith

In Joseph Smith Jr's own words, he says "He called me by name, and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni; that God had a work for me to do; and that my name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people.  He said there was a book deposited, written upon gold plates, giving an account of the former inhabitants of this continent, and the source from whence they sprang.  He also said that the fullness of the everlasting Gospel was contained in it, as delivered by the Savior to the ancient inhabitants;"

The Angel Moroni delivered this message three separate times that night, and once more the following morning while Joseph Smith Jr started working in the fields that day.  Each and every time, the Angel Moroni delivered the same message, adding on it with new insights from Biblical scripture and further counsel and direction.  From their Joseph Smith Jr. went to the directed place at the Hill Cumorah near his father's farm, and uncovered the gold plates which Moroni told him of that night.  The story of the Hill Cumorah and plates will be told later.

Many years have passed since this vision occurred, and many events have followed since this all happened.  Because of Joseph Smith, we now have the Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ, which was translated by Joseph Smith through the power of God from the gold plates.  It's a far fetched story, believe me, but I've come to know it's true.  I've taken Moroni's challenge to read and pray about the Book of Mormon, and you know what?  I've received an answer from God that it is true.  The book has blessed my life so much I can't even describe.  I hope all of you take a chance to read the Book of Mormon sincerely, that you might come closer to the Savior and be healed by Him through His words which are in it.  I know it all to be true.

Joseph Smith Farm : 843 Stafford Road
Palmyra, New York 14522

Cradle of the Restoration Part 1 - The Sacred Grove

As a missionary serving in Western New York, those I have the amazing opportunity to teach and serve have something special just around the corner.  Very few people in the world actually get to set foot in the places where The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints first began.  The towns of Palmyra, Fayette, and the nearby surround areas are commonly known among Church members as The Cradle of the Restoration.  Amazing stuff happened in these places.  This is where it all began, where the Lord's true Church and Gospel where restored to the earth by living prophets.  Those living and serving in Western New York have such a unique opportunity to actually visit these places and feel how sacred they really are.  I would like to share with you brief descriptions of these places and what happened there.  This is how it all transpired.

The Sacred Grove

The Sacred Grove

While growing up, young Joseph Smith was very concerned about which church he should join.  He had been taught to love God and Jesus Christ all his life by his parents and wanted to do what was right.  But so many different religions where out there, preaching many different things.  Some said they were right, some said others weren't right.  Joseph was very confused at what he should do.  Then he stumbled upon a verse in the Bible that touched him in such a way that he had never felt before.  It read "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, which giveth to all men liberally and upradeith not; and it shall be given him." (James 1:5)

The Sacred Grove

So one day in the spring of 1820, Joseph Smith at the age of 14 decided to do just what he felt he should do, go and ask God personally.  So one morning he went into a grove of trees next to his father's farm and his family's cabin to do this.  In Joseph Smith's own words, this is what happened.

After I had retired to the place where I had previously designed to go, having looked around me, and finding myself alone, I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God. I had scarcely done so, when immediately I was seized upon by some power which entirely overcame me, and had such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. Thick darkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction.

 But, exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon me, and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into despair and abandon myself to destruction—not to an imaginary ruin, but to the power of some actual being from the unseen world, who had such marvelous power as I had never before felt in any being—just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.

 It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!

 My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that all were wrong)—and which I should join.

 I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that: “they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.”

 He again forbade me to join with any of them; and many other things did he say unto me, which I cannot write at this time. When I came to myself again, I found myself lying on my back, looking up into heaven. When the light had departed, I had no strength; but soon recovering in some degree, I went home. And as I leaned up to the fireplace, mother inquired what the matter was. I replied, “Never mind, all is well—I am well enough off.” I then said to my mother, “I have learned for myself - Joseph Smith History verses 15-20

Picture I took in the Sacred Grove

I've had the special chance to be in the Sacred Grove, on more than one occasion.  I've seen it in the middle of summer, the days of fall, the end of winter, and now the middle of spring.  Each and every time I feel something special and powerful.  I feel the Spirit witnessing to me that what Joseph Smith said happened in these woods is true, that the Father and His Son appeared to a simple fourteen year old farm boy.  I know that this is all true.  I hope everybody gets a chance to come here and feel for themselves how sacred the Sacred Grove really is.

Here's the address for the historical site and phone number:

843 Stafford Road
Palmyra, New York 14522
315-597-4383 (Main)

Schedule:

Summer: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Winter: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

The Mediator

 

 I remember watching this movie in Sunday School when I was a kid.    Somehow it's always stuck with me and has left a lasting impression in my life.  It helps me really understand how necessary the Atonement of our Lord and Savior really is.  It helps me really understand how much He love us.  he wasn't required to pay the debt for us, He wasn't forced to do anything.  Everything He did was all voluntary, because He Loves us!!  

How wonderful it is that we have been given such a marvelous opportunity to be forgiven of all our mistakes.  Although there is more to the Atonement then this simple parable, it's real.  Our Savior lives and loves each and everyone of us.  His Sacrifice enables us to be cleansed from our sins and all the guilt and shame that accompanies them.  Because of Him, we can return to live again with our Father in Heaven.  We still have to do our part, but as the Mediator said "It will be possible."  I know this to be true.  I love my Savior and I know that He loves me and died for me so that I can return to live with Him and my Heavenly Father some day.

"For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all that we can do." - 2nd Nephi 25:23

Faith + Effort = Sucess!!

This equation is something that my dad taught me ever since I was a kid.  I remember distinctly him teaching a lesson on this to me and a group of friends in church one day.  But as I've been growing up and starting my own life I've really learned how true this equation is in any aspect of our life, including our spirituality.

The scriptures, including the Book of Mormon, tell us stories of individuals who often times encounter problems and need help solving them.  One such example in the Book of Mormon is one of my favorite and I love sharing it.

The Brother of Jared (Ether 2 & 3)

So just a quick back story.  The story of the Brother of Jared starts when they are building the tower of Babel.  The Lord confounds the languages but the Brother of Jared, his family, his brother and his family, gathered themselves together and plead with the Lord to not confound their language and they could still understand each other.  The Lord answered their prayers and He lead them through the wilderness to the sea so they could journey to the promised land.  They were commanded to build ships which they did.  However there were some problems with the design of the ships that were apparent after their completions.  So the Brother of Jared went up and prayed to the Lord for guidance on how to fix these problems.  Here are the 3 problems they faced (Ether 2:19)

1. Can't breath
2. Can't steer
3. Can't see

So the Lord gives him some guidance as to how to fix these problems. 

First one He says "Behold, thou shalt make a hole in the top, and also in the bottom; and when thou shalt suffer for air thou shalt unstop the hole and receive air.  And if it be so that the water come in upon thee, behold, ye shall stop the hole, that ye may not perish in the flood." (Ether 2:20)

The second problem He says "Nevertheless, I will bring you up again out of the depths of the sea; for the winds have gone forth out of my mouth, and also the rains and the floods have I sent forth.  And behold, I prepare you against these things; for ye cannot cross this great deep save I prepare you against the waves of the sea, and the winds which have gone forth, and the floods which shall come." (Ether 2:24-25

But the third problem the Lord says "What will ye that I should do that ye may have light in your vessels?" (Ether 2:23)

So the Brother of Jared has to solve a problem, which is to provide light in his ships without using fire or windows (Ether 2:23-24).  How is he going to find success in solving this problem?  He applies Faith + Effort = Success.

 The Brother of Jared goes out and starts to put forth effort.  The scriptures say that he ""did molten out of a rock sixteen small stones; and they were white and clear, even as transparent glass; and he did carry them in his hands upon the top of the mount, and cried again unto the Lord."  I'm no expert on glass or metal work, but I do know that there is a lot of effort involved.  The Brother of Jared didn't just grab a couple rocks off the ground, he made them!!  He had to go and gather the materials, make a furnace and bellows, get everything hot enough, and work with all those materials to make very pure and beautiful stones.  He put forth a lot of effort.

Then he exercised his faith.  He then went up and asked the Lord if He could touch the stones with His finger to make them shine.  This was the solution the Brother of Jared developed to solve the problem.  Not only that, he put forth the effort to make it work.  Now he had enough faith to ask the Lord if He could help finish the job.  What courage and what faith he had to ask the Lord for this favor.  

Long story short, the Brother of Jared had his prayer answered.  The Lord touched the stones and they shined, giving light to the vessels.  Not only that, the Brother of Jared was able to see the finger of the Lord.  And because of that faith that developed in him he was able to see all of the Lord and was shown everything, because of his faith.  Wow, what an experience!

The Brother of Jared applied two simple things.  He had the faith and he exercised it, and then he put forth the effort that he was capable of.  Because of this, he was shown marvelous things and was blessed with success.  I know this simple equation to be true.  I see it all throughout the scriptures.  Not only that I've applied it in my own life.  I know that if we have the faith and do our part, the Lord will take care of the rest and we will be blessed with success.  That's how the Atonement works really.  If we have faith in Christ, do all that we can, then Christ takes care of the rest and we are blessed with remission of our sins and the opportunity to live with God again.  I know this to be true.  I know the gospel to be true.  I know that Jesus Christ lives and His Atonement is real.  I know this to be true and I hope this will be of some help to someone.  I love Him with all my heart!!