tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38131177541525527112024-03-04T20:56:30.795-09:00Eating ElephantsJust like eating an entire elephant, gospel truths are best digested one bite at a time.JElsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498353159710757511noreply@blogger.comBlogger124125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813117754152552711.post-70423927311059232232020-03-28T21:42:00.000-08:002020-03-28T21:42:07.486-08:00Have faith, be well, and wash your hands.It has been a long, tragic, and challenging few weeks – even longer for countless other people around the world. The impact of COVID-19 starting really hitting Alaska as of a couple weeks ago – above and beyond the crazed shoppers buying up toilet paper and other supplies. I am grateful for the wisdom of many teachers while I was growing up (my parents, church leaders, schoolteachers, etc.) who taught me about being prepared and ready for unexpected circumstances. I am also very grateful for a loving husband whose outlook and perspective on many things line up with my own. He’s also great company for hunkering down and social isolation. <br /><br />That being said, things aren’t perfect, but we’re doing OK. The organization I work for rolled out an official telecommuting policy as of January 1st this year which allowed me to work from home twice weekly starting then since I work behind the scenes in management. Thankfully, when leadership asked everyone who could work from home to do so in an effort to stay a step ahead of COVID-19 risks, the transition was pretty smooth. Rick hasn’t had such an easy time given that he works directly with clients, but his employer has been understanding and allowed him do alternative work tasks for a few days this last week. When he hasn’t been working for work, he’s been home working by rearranging and cleaning the garage (yippee!) and making fabric masks; yes, he’s cool like that. <br /><br />Others aren’t so lucky right now, so we’re trying hard to count our blessings every day. <br /><br />While reading for my religion class, I thought of all the missionaries around the globe from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints who were out serving the Lord, sharing His gospel, and now have been relocated and/or sent home from their missions amid this pandemic. They have worked diligently, prepared themselves for their missions, and I know this was a huge alteration of plans for everyone. Despite the change of plans, these wonderful men and women should hold their heads high and be proud of all the work they’ve done, the examples they’ve set, and the hearts they’ve softened. When they share about this time in history with their future children, grandchildren, friends, etc., I hope they are able to share a strong testimony (made only stronger by this experience). In Alma 36:24-26, a great missionary (Alma) said the following to his son: <br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
Yea, and from that time even until now, I have labored without ceasing, that I might bring souls unto repentance; that I might bring them to taste of the exceeding joy of which I did taste; that they might also be born of God, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.<br /> <br />Yea, and now behold, O my son, the Lord doth give me exceedingly great joy in the fruit of my labors;<br /> <br />For because of the word which he has imparted unto me, behold, many have been born of God, and have tasted as I have tasted, and have seen eye to eye as I have seen; therefore they do know of these things of which I have spoken, as I do know; and the knowledge which I have is of God. </blockquote>
Something else I’m extremely impressed with is the inspiration shared by the prophet and other leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-ay Saints. The church has had programs in place for many years to help its members serve each other and have people to turn to if needs arise. Growing up, I was told that the programs were in place so that one day when the world got to a place where we couldn’t worship together anymore, we’d have a system already in place to ensure we remained united. Never did I think we’d see this in my lifetime, nor did I figure it would be due to a pandemic (I had imagined something more political myself). The ministering program (previously known as Home and Visiting Teaching) is a wonderful resource and strength right now as we’re socially distant, yet together in spirit. <br /><br />In addition to the ministering program, a recent change reduced our well-known 3-hour church block to 2 hours with the advice to use the old 3rd hour worship at home. Who would have thought that so soon, we’d be worshiping, teaching, and learning at home full-time? Thankful for technology, it isn’t as challenging as it could be, but it is still new and different. Here we are in 2020, we are in a way teaching and learning in private, much like Alma taught people after his conversion in Mosiah 18:1-3: <br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
And now, it came to pass that Alma, who had fled from the servants of king Noah, repented of his sins and iniquities, and went about privately among the people, and began to teach the words of Abinadi—<br /> <br />Yea, concerning that which was to come, and also concerning the resurrection of the dead, and the redemption of the people, which was to be brought to pass through the power, and sufferings, and death of Christ, and his resurrection and ascension into heaven.<br /> <br />And as many as would hear his word he did teach. And he taught them privately, that it might not come to the knowledge of the king. And many did believe his words. </blockquote>
Despite being prepared, finding ways to cope, having things in place to keep going through trials, it can still be tough. I know that I have started feeling the stress in different ways over the last 2 weeks. The tragedies that have affected people I know (not COVID-19 related) has worn me down – as one with a helper spirit, it’s hard to stand by with limitations of how I can support those I love. I’m impressed at their strength to keep going, and I found what I see as their strength spoken in Alma 26:6-7 by Ammon: <br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
Yea, they shall not be beaten down by the storm at the last day; yea, neither shall they be harrowed up by the whirlwinds; but when the storm cometh they shall be gathered together in their place, that the storm cannot penetrate to them; yea, neither shall they be driven with fierce winds whithersoever the enemy listeth to carry them.<br /> <br />But behold, they are in the hands of the Lord of the harvest, and they are his; and he will raise them up at the last day. </blockquote>
May we all remain gathered together in our places as the storm roars through. The storm cannot take us down, we shall stand firm because we are in the Lord’s hands. Have faith, be well, and wash your hands.JElsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498353159710757511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813117754152552711.post-70127119591648584942020-03-11T02:12:00.000-08:002020-03-11T02:49:47.689-08:00He Kept His Promise - Go, Do, and Keep His CommandmentsIn <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/17?lang=eng" target="_blank">1 Nephi 17:50</a>, Nephi told to his brothers that if God were to command him to do all things, he could do them. Nephi declared the following: “If he should command me that I should say unto this water, be thou earth, it should be earth; and if I should say it, it would be done.”<br />
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God had commanded Nephi to build a ship, which his brothers doubted in his ability to do and were unwilling to help with the labor toward such. In verse 51, Nephi profoundly asked them, “[…]if the Lord has such great power, and has wrought so many miracles among the children of men, how is it that he cannot instruct me, that I should build a ship?” <br />
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Perhaps <b>we </b>should start questioning ourselves similarly when we come upon life’s various happenings. <br />
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<i>If the Lord has such great power, and has wrought so many miracles among the children of men, how is it that He cannot <b>strengthen me, that I should withstand this trial?</b> How is it that He cannot <b>guide me, that I should find what I am seeking?</b> How is it that He cannot <b>heal my heart, that I might love once more? </b></i></blockquote>
Knowing the power of God, one answer we can turn to for every inquiry comes from <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/philip/4?lang=eng" target="_blank">Philippians 4:13 </a>– <b>“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” </b><br />
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<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/3?lang=eng" target="_blank">1 Nephi 3:7</a> offers another answer we can draw strength from - Nephi testified that “[…]the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save <b>he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.</b>” <br />
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Reyna I. Aburto, Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, spoke in October 2019 General Conference (find her talk <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/10/31aburto?lang=eng" target="_blank">HERE</a>). She discussed struggles that are very real for many people (more than most realize), life circumstances which bring folks to the edge of their tolerance limits, and how the refiner’s fire has great potential to make us better people. Addressing those of us who are struggling or supporting someone who is struggling, Sister Aburto reminded us that we need to have The Spirit with us always, and in order to ensure that, we need to follow God’s commandments. She echoes something I touched on in an earlier blog post, that it’s the <i>small</i> and <i>simple</i> things we do “that will give us spiritual strength.”<br />
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Sister Aburto then addressed the fact that Christ came here to earth in a mortal state and took upon himself every ailment, burden, challenge, trial, pain, loss, etc. that all humankind had and would be faced with. He did this so that He could know and understand how to help, comfort, heal, and guide us through this mortal experience. This very topic is something that I was again reminded of recently by the instructor of my religion course this semester, Brother Jeffrey Coleman (highly recommended if you’re taking online classes through BYU-Idaho). <br />
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Brother Coleman shared a passage with me from a book I read <i>years</i> ago by Chieko N. Okazaki called, “Lighten Up! Finding Real Joy in Life” (p. 175). The message shared was wonderfully timed and really hit home for me, much like Sister Aburto’s talk referenced earlier did. As a conclusion to this blog post and a point of thought for all who pass through (I refuse to distract from the gem below by writing anything further), here is what Sister Okazaki wrote: <br />
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We know that on some level Jesus experienced the totality of mortal existence in Gethsemane. It’s our faith that he experienced everything—absolutely everything. Sometimes we don’t think through the implications of that belief. We talk in great generalities about the sins of all humankind, about the suffering of the entire human family. But we don’t experience pain in generalities. We experience it individually. That means Jesus knows what it felt like when your mother died of cancer—how it was for your mother, how it still is for you. He knows what it felt like to lose the student-body election. He knows that moment when the brakes locked, and the car started to skid. He experienced the slave ship sailing from Ghana toward Virginia. He experienced the gas chambers at Dachau. He experienced napalm in Vietnam. He knows about drug addiction and alcoholism.<br />
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There is nothing you have experienced as a woman that he does not also know and recognize. On a profound level, he understands about pregnancy and giving birth. He knows about PMS and cramps and menopause. He understands about rape and infertility and abortion.<br />
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His last recorded words to his disciples were, “And, lo, I am with you always even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20) What does that mean? It means he understands your mother-pain when your five-year-old leaves for kindergarten, when a bully picks on your fifth-grader, when your daughter calls to say that the new baby has Down’s syndrome. He knows your mother-rage when a trusted babysitter sexually abuses your two-year-old, when someone gives your thirteen-year-old drugs, when someone seduces your seventeen-year-old. He knows the pain you live with when you come home to a quiet apartment where the only children who ever come are visitors, when you hear that your former husband and his new wife were sealed in the temple last week, when your fiftieth wedding anniversary rolls around and your husband has been dead for two years. He knows all that. He’s been there. He’s been lower than all that.<br />
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He’s not waiting for us to be perfect. Perfect people don’t need a Savior. He came to save us in our imperfections. He is the Lord of the living, and the living make mistakes. He’s not embarrassed by us, angry at us or shocked. He wants us in our brokenness, in our unhappiness, in our guilt and our grief. </blockquote>
<br />JElsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498353159710757511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813117754152552711.post-76934659700567324432020-02-29T19:42:00.001-09:002020-03-11T20:40:35.833-08:00What Percent Are You?With all the natural disasters over the past few years and concerns of illness outbreak that have recently come to light, emergency preparedness has been on the forefront of many peoples’ minds. The organization I work for is updating the policies and procedures in our operations manual, something I got roped into helping with recently. Doing this includes updating our preparedness plan for 4 supported living apartment sites housing anywhere from 4 to 10 clients each, somewhere around 20 clients who live independently in the community, over 100 clients who are employed in the community, and somewhere around 200 employees.<br />
<i><b>Disclaimer: </b>The numbers here are estimates based on my best guess. After 12 years at the organization, you'd think I'd know all the stats, but nope! </i><br />
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The CDC recommends storing at least 1 gallon of water per day for each person; more for folks who are pregnant or sick, and for those living in hot climates. The minimum water storage advised is a 3-day supply for each person with a goal to have at least a 2-week supply, if possible.<br />
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Do you know what that means??? It means we have to store a LOT of water.<br />
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Why is water so important?<br />
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Water is a vital nutrient involved in maintaining the health of all the cells in our body. It’s the building material for cells, a good medium for chemical reactions in the body, and a solvent (it cleanses). It also transports nutrients throughout the body and helps with efficiently getting rid of waste – always important. Water also absorbs shock for our brains, spinal cords, and babies in the womb. <br />
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Up to 60% of the human adult body is water. Did you know the brain and heart are composed of 73% water? The lungs are about 83% water. Our muscles and kidneys are 79% water. Each day we need to consume a certain amount of water in order to survive, dependent upon various factors like age and climate.<br />
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There was a woman a long time ago, living in a very dry climate, who needed water. She grabbed her clay pot and went to a well to fill it. The woman lived in Samaria, a place generally avoided by Jews due to conflict between them and the people occupying it; the Samaritans. While Christ and his disciples (to note, all Jews) were traveling to Galilee from Judea, He purposely chose to pass through Samaria. While there, they stopped at the well for water and to rest – the same well that the Samaritan woman was at gathering water. The disciples left to find food while Christ stayed at the well to chat. He asked the woman for a drink of water. She questioned Him, asking, “How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria?”<br />
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He told her if she knew the gift of God, and who He was, she would have asked Him for water and He would have given her living water, what the Bible dictionary defines as a symbol of Him and His teachings, both essential for eternal life. The woman didn’t immediately realize this, though. Seeing that Christ had nothing that could have held water, she asked where He had the living water. This is where Christ testified that he was the source of living water and said, “Whosever drinketh of this water [meaning the well water] shall thirst again. But whosever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” <br />
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The woman completely missed what Christ was getting at; she was intrigued by the idea of never being thirsty again and getting to ditch the duties of hauling the clay pot back and forth all the time. I can relate, I don’t like feeling thirsty and I certainly wouldn’t want to haul water to make sure I remained hydrated. If I lived back then, I’d have no problem surviving a famine (obviously), but I’d definitely die from thirst first. I have a hard time remembering to fill the Brita water pitcher in our fridge - I’d never make it back then. <br />
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In a talk delivered in 1975, Elder A. Theodore Tuttle shared the following, referring to the initial misunderstanding the woman had in response to Christ’s declaration at the well:<br />
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This difficulty of understanding about water recalls the story of a sailing ship that had become disabled in a storm. It drifted aimlessly for many days. The crew and passengers became famished and parched from lack of food and water. Finally, another ship came into view. They signaled frantically for water. The other ship replied, “Let down your buckets where you are.” This communication made no sense at all, for they supposed they were far out to sea in typical ocean water [which you can’t drink because it’s saltwater]. Again, the famished ones requested water. Again, the signal came, “Let down your buckets where you are.” They could not know that they had drifted into the mouth of a great river and that the water beneath them was fresh and could save their lives. The water of life lay just beneath them, yet they were dying for lack of this knowledge.</blockquote>
Like the folks on the first ship who didn’t realize their ship was in fresh water that they could have consumed to save their lives, many people around us are thirsting and seeking to find “living water.” Just as water is a vital nutrient for our physical bodies, living water (Christ, His teachings, and the Holy Ghost) are vital nutrient for our spiritual selves. It’s the building material for our testimony, a good medium for spiritual change and growth, and a solvent (it’s cleansing). Living water also helps with efficiently getting rid of spiritual waste – always important.<br />
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Like the people on the second ship, we as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are trying to signal that we have found Christ, His teachings, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, or the “living water.” This has brought us happiness, peace, fulfillment, and the promise of eternal life. Food for thought: Are we sharing our testimony our actions, our words, and our deeds? <br />
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Though the woman at the well took a little bit, she did come to know who Christ was. What did she do next? She left the well, left behind her clay pot, and testified of Him – she ran around the city telling people there was a Jew at the well and she believed he was Christ. The testimony of this 1 woman brought many of the Samaritan people to Christ where they asked him to stay and teach them. Christ stayed there for 2 days before continuing his journey to Galilea. During those two days he taught a lot of people. <br />
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The promise Christ made to the Samaritan woman has been made to all of us; every one of Heavenly Father’s children. Doctrine and Covenants 63:23 states that “unto him that keepeth my commandments I will give the mysteries of my kingdom, and the same shall be in him a well of living water, springing up unto everlasting life.” By living a faithful and obedient life, we develop an eternal life source within us that will quench our thirst for happiness, peace, and eternal life.<br />
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As we do to prepare for natural disasters and emergencies, we need to work on preparing ourselves to endure the variety of physical and spiritual trials life may hand us by filling our personal emergency spiritual storage with living water. We can do this through the daily exercise of our faith; an essential part of our spiritual development and maintenance. This is where Primary answers fit perfectly. We can exercise our faith each day by reading our scriptures, praying, being kind to others, practicing humility, loving our neighbors, keeping the commandments, adhering to the covenants made at baptism and in the temple, and many other things. <br />
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Recalling that our physical bodies are made of about 60% water, supplied through consuming ample amounts of water on a daily basis, I pose this question for thought: What percentage of you is made up of living water?<br />
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I bear my testimony that I know this is the true church of Jesus Christ on the earth today. Heavenly Father loves each and every one of us, as we are, and wherever we are on our journey back to Him. This is the time to prepare ourselves for that journey; to do hard things, endure through trials and challenges that come our way, and to do so faithfully.JElsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498353159710757511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813117754152552711.post-30562064113200130752020-02-22T22:22:00.001-09:002020-02-22T22:22:08.017-09:00Fun Little Update!The last post has the magazine spread that I created... but was merely my <b>rough draft</b>. I just wanted to share the complete project, which has taken on a whole different look! <br />
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Thanks for hanging in there with me!<br />
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<b>Overall view of my magazine spread final draft:</b><br />
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<b>Close-up view of my final draft, page-by-page!</b></div>
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<br />JElsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498353159710757511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813117754152552711.post-33657905247114154622020-02-15T21:39:00.001-09:002020-02-15T22:07:25.788-09:00In Humility, Our Burdens Are Hefted<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For this week's insight sharing assignment in the religion course (REL 275C - The Teachings and Doctrine of the Book of Mormon) I'm taking through BYU-Idaho online, I've been given permission to utilize an assignment I've also been working on this week in my communications course (COMM 130 - Visual Media). </div>
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In my Visual Media course last week, we learned about and analyzed common design elements used in magazines. This week, we designed our own single page and corresponding 2-page spread. One of the assignment requirements was that we utilize an article or talk from <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/" target="_blank">our church's website</a> or <a href="https://byuiscroll.org/" target="_blank">BYU-Idaho's news website</a>. Another requirement was that we needed to utilize at least 2 photographs that we took ourselves during this semester. My mind immediately went to a the snapshot I took with my cell phone of a winter sunset behind the large cross outside the Methodist church in Eagle River where my Great Aunt Kathy's funeral services were held last month. Though I understand <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/cross?lang=eng" target="_blank">why members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints typically don't wear or display crosses as symbols of faith</a>, I love the symbolism of the cross that so many Christians worldwide use and have used for many generations. At that, I decided my second photo would be one that features a cross necklace a friend gave me a while ago who said she thought of me when she saw it; what a kind and touching compliment that I may never feel deserving of. I wear that necklace occasionally, not so much to remind me of Christ, but to remind me of my own potential and that maybe, just maybe, I'm doing something right with my life. </div>
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With my visuals mostly planned out, I set out to find my spread's content. Imagine how thrilled I was to remember a recent talk from a recent conference that was centered on the concept of taking up our own crosses! The talk I chose is from October 2019 General Conference, delivered by Elder Ulisses Soares, titled "<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/10/55soares?lang=eng" target="_blank">Take Up Our Cross</a>." </div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Elder Soares said something that spoke to my quiet love of the symbolic cross:</span><i style="text-align: center;"><br /></i><br />
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<i style="text-align: center;">Jesus purposely and metaphorically used the symbol of a cross to help His disciples better understand what sacrifice and devotion to the Lord’s cause would truly mean. The image of a cross was well known among His disciples and the inhabitants of the Roman Empire because Romans forced victims of crucifixion to publicly carry their own cross or crossbeam to the place where their execution would occur.</i></blockquote>
<span style="text-align: center;">I imagine that<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> back then, the aforemen</span></span></span><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: center;">tioned victims forced to carry their own cross were compelled to do so by means of physical punishment and torture. On the way to </span><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bd/golgotha?lang=eng" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Golgatha</a><span style="text-align: center;"> for His crucifixion, Christ carried His own cross, willingly. The son of God, on His way to his final saving sacrifice and act of love, set an example of incredible humility. </span></span><span style="text-align: center;">Christ carried His cross; more than just the huge heavy beam. He carried His burdens, the things weighing heavy on His heart, and exercised faith in the grimmest of times. He set the ultimate example for us to follow, so are we? It's something to think about, for sure. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Thinking about the example Christ set for us during His life, but especially during His last days as a mortal being, reminds me of Alma 32 and the blessings of humility. It discusses the whole concept that those who are compelled or <i>forced</i> to be humble by reasons of circumstance, etc. are blessed, and those who are humble <i>without</i> the need to be compelled are blessed even more. Where here do I stand? How about you?</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Elder Soares's talk reminds us that taking up our own cross or burdens requires humility, faith, patience, and the ability to endure; never give up. It includes other wonderful gems of wisdom that I believe individuals of many faiths can really appreciate. If anyone is reading this, please take some time to read his message.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Below is the magazine layout I created (1 single page and a 2-page spread) with Elder Soares's talk, two original photos of mine, and one of my favorite Latter-Day Saint artist's portrayal of Christ (quote added); if you haven't checked out <a href="https://www.ldsart.com/liz-lemon-swindle-2?pagesize=99" target="_blank">Liz Lemon Swindle's art</a>, please do! If you want to read a fabulous story about the man who is the model behind that gentle face of Christ, check <b><a href="https://www.deseret.com/2007/12/27/20061541/modeling-brings-jesus-back-into-utahn-s-life#kathy-left-and-phillip-miner-talk-with-artist-liz-lemon-swindle-in-swindles-studio-this-month-miner-has-posed-as-jesus-for-swindle-as-a-volunteer" target="_blank">this</a></b> out too!</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">The smaller images show the whole layout so you can see how it works together. Below them are larger sizes of each page where more detail is able to be seen.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Thank you for sharing this time with me today. Know you are loved and can handle anything life hands you. You got this. We got this. I believe in you, and so does your Heavenly Father. </span></div>
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<br />JElsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498353159710757511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813117754152552711.post-83437465618178251112020-02-01T21:53:00.003-09:002020-02-02T21:09:39.461-09:00Now That's Dedication.<br />
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This last week, we were asked to submit two inspired questions
regarding the required reading in my “Teachings of the Book of Mormon”
course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the questions I turned in has been on my mind since I submitted it on Wednesday. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Is "the fall of Adam" a
deceptive description for what took place after Adam ate of the fruit from the
tree of the knowledge of good and evil?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you could rename this event per your understanding of God's plan,
what would you call it to help others really see its significance and worth?<o:p></o:p></div>
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First off, we need to talk about God’s plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Previous to eating fruit from the tree of the
knowledge of good and evil, Adam and Eve were innocent, pure, had ongoing communications
with God, and were living in a paradisaical state within the Garden of Eden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were given two commandments: 1) don’t eat
of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and 2) procreate
and populate the earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are two
commandments they had to choose between as it was impossible to follow both. Their innocence was maintained by not
partaking of the fruit, but that prevented them from even knowing they were
naked; a huge hindrance to the whole “get busy and make me grandchildren”
request from Heavenly Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Logic, people… logic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In order to enter into a state of
understanding that would allow them to procreate, they had to have their eyes
and minds opened to full knowledge. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
way to do that, was to eat of the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good
and evil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Heavenly Father knew that Adam and Eve wouldn’t partake of
the fruit on their own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without a push
in the righ-… wron-… <i>different</i> direction, they would have lived forever
in their innocent state and nothing would have come of the rest of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The serpent, or Satan, being in the garden
wasn’t a fluke; if God didn’t want him there, He would have kept him out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> P</span>erhaps the scriptural
record describing Satan as a serpent was just a representation of him to
illustrate his wiliness, trickery, manipulative nature, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder if Satan presented himself to Adam
and Eve in the same way he presents himself to us – in a type of thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Picture the dialogue from the scriptures
without the serpent, Adam and Eve deliberating with themselves, possibly in
their own minds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s what I envision
Eve’s self-dialogue might go:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ah, the tree is very beautiful
today, indeed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m here hanging out with
the new goat family and these cute bear cubs, but I just want another look at
that tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mmm, it really is a marvelous
view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder what the fruit is like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since we were told not to eat it, it’s
probably far less desirable than the fruit of the other trees we eat from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or maybe… it’s more desirable?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, it couldn’t be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why would God make it so that desirable fruit grows on a tree that will cause us to die?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Well, we won’t surely die.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
probably not immediate. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eventual death
might be a worthy trade-off for the taste of that fruit, and the knowledge that
comes with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would a small bite
hurt?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A nibble?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, no, no, no, no!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve been commanded not to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why am I even glancing at it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just so… beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I want to know more!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like how can we keep our second commandment?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only things that are fruitful and replenishing
anything around here are the plants and animals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is great, but what about us? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps a taste of the fruit will help me
understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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[Eve walks up to the tree.]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow, it smells fantastic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just want to know more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With more knowledge, I can navigate the
disappointment Adam will have in me, and God… ooooh, He’ll be upset. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, I shouldn’t do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[Looking back at the baby goats and bear
cubs.]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why am I drawn to the new little
lives so much?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m missing something… I’m
missing something big.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[Looks back at
the tree.]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I won’t die, what will it hurt? [Takes a bite.]<o:p></o:p></div>
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I imagine Adam’s self-dialogue would be similar, ending with
Eve (having full knowledge) helping him understand how breaking one commandment is
necessary to fulfill the other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If Adam
wouldn’t eat of the fruit, Eve would be cast out of the garden, he’d be left in
the garden, and they doubly wouldn’t be able to fulfill the commandment to procreate
and replenish the earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adam partook of
the fruit in order to ensure our existence would come to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Now <i>t</i></span><i>hat’s</i> dedication.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This also shows that Satan, be it him in a representative
serpent or a influenced thought, played right into God’s plan all along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God knew what needed to occur in order for
mankind exist. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />JElsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498353159710757511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813117754152552711.post-32992546689314110112020-01-19T23:30:00.000-09:002020-01-20T01:04:54.546-09:00Testifying of DivinityMy husband and I taught the 11/12 year-old Sunday School class last year and moved up with them for the new year, so now we're teaching the 12/13 year-old class. I think we were more excited to keep them than they were to keep us (I got really attached, <i>OK</i>?). Then again, they're in that awkward "tween-age" time of life where they'll stick around class and deal with you if they know oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are part of the bargain (or mint gum on fast Sundays). I don't take their harmless mild attitudes to heart much, it's a touchy age... an age I struggled to enjoy when I was in their shoes myself. <b>They're good kids and I love 'em.</b><br /><br /> This week's "<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-sunday-school-book-of-mormon-2020/03?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-sunday-school-book-of-mormon-2020/03?lang=eng">Come Follow Me</a>" studies covered 1 Nephi 8-10 in the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/title-page?lang=eng">Book of Mormon</a>. During our Sunday School class today, we engaged in a conversation with our kids about how Lehi described the physical attributes of the fruit on the tree of life in 1 Nephi 8:11.<div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Yea, and I beheld that the fruit thereof was white, to exceed all the whiteness that I had ever seen.</i></blockquote>
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I had asked everyone to relay to me how Lehi described the fruit. I heard, "glowing," "white," and "white to exceed all whiteness." Then a question: "How do we know it was a fruit?" I replied with a reminder that it <i>was</i> Lehi's vision and accounting regarding what he saw and ate, and that we need to have a little faith that he shared his vision with accuracy and honesty. Right as I got cozy with my opportunistically inserted testimony of faith, another kid piped up with a little 'tude and proclaimed, "<i>Geeze</i>, we know it was <i>fruit</i> because <i>vegetables</i> <u>don't grow on trees</u>." Oh my goodness, if there was ever a "mic drop" moment in class, this was most definitely <b>it</b>. I'm still chuckling a little on the inside and <u>proud as heck</u>!</div>
<div>
<br /> This led to further discussion about the descriptions in various scriptures that mention others as shining, appearing as lightening, fire, or having an exceeding light, brightness (sometimes compared to the sun), or whiteness, etc. Just two weeks ago, "<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-sunday-school-book-of-mormon-2020/01?lang=eng">Come Follow Me</a>" covered the introduction to the Book of Mormon, which includes the testimony of Joseph Smith where we see a repetition of these descriptors with every visit from the messenger (angel), Moroni. From a quick surf through the scriptures online, I have found 24 instances (including references to the fruit from the tree of life) where these are used throughout all the written works (Old and New Testament, Book of Mormon, Doctrine of Covenants, Pearl of Great Price); 25 plus if you count the multiple references in Joseph Smith's testimony. The fruit on the tree of life exceeding "all the whiteness" is in good company with the following:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Christ's disciples having recently been blessed and "shined upon" by His countenance (3 Nephi 19:25).</li>
<ul>
<li><i>"[...]and behold they were as white as the countenance and also the garments of Jesus; and behold the whiteness thereof did exceed all the whiteness, yea, even there could be nothing upon earth so white as the whiteness thereof."</i></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Christ as He was transfigured in the presence of Peter, James, and John (Matthew 17:2).</li>
<ul>
<li><i>"And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light."</i></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Christ as He was transfigured in the presence of Peter, James, and John (Mark 9:3).</li>
<ul>
<li><i>"And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them."</i></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Christ as He appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirkland temple (Doctrine and Covenants 110:3).</li>
<ul>
<li><i>"His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun[...]"</i></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The messenger (angel), Moroni, as he appeared to Joseph Smith in the account of his first visit (Joseph Smith - History 1:31).</li>
<ul>
<li><i>"He had on a loose robe of most exquisite whiteness. It was a whiteness beyond anything earthly I had ever seen; nor do I believe that any earthly thing could be made to appear so exceedingly white and brilliant."</i></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>God's glory, as described by Ezekiel from a vision (Ezekiel 10:24).</li>
<ul>
<li><i>"Then the glory of the Lord went up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the Lord’s glory."</i></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>God, as described by Habakkuk in a prayer (Habakkuk 3:4).</li>
<ul>
<li><i>"And his brightness was as the light[...]"</i></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Christ, as described by Paul (Acts 26:13).</li>
<ul>
<li><i>"At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun."</i></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The twelve apostles, as described by Lehi from a vision (1 Nephi 1:10).</li>
<ul>
<li><i>"[...]their brightness did exceed that of the stars in the firmament."</i></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Christ, as described by Lehi from a vision (1 Nephi 1:9).</li>
<ul>
<li><i>"[...]his luster was above that of the sun at noon-day."</i></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The justice of God, as interpreted by Nephi from Lehi's dream (1 Nephi 15:30).</li>
<ul>
<li><i>"[...]and the brightness thereof was like unto the brightness of a flaming fire[...]"</i></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The light of God and Christ that appeared as a precursor to the first vision, as described by Joseph Smith (Joseph Smith - History 1:16).</li>
<ul>
<li><i>"[...]a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun[...]"</i></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Moses, as observed (three times) by the children of Israel after having spoken to God (Exodus 34:29, 30, and 35).</li>
<ul>
<li><i>"[...]the skin of his face shone[...]"</i></li>
<li><i>"[...]the skin of Moses’ face shone[...]"</i></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Abinadi, while delivering his divine message of truth to King Noah and his priests while imprisoned before his death (Mosiah 13:5).</li>
<ul>
<li><i>"[...]his face shone with exceeding luster, even as Moses’ did while in the mount of Sinai, while speaking with the Lord."</i></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The faces of Nephi and Lehi while they testified to a multitude of people as prisoners of the Lamanites (Helaman 5:36).</li>
<ul>
<li><i>"[...]they did shine exceedingly, even as the faces of angels."</i></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The righteous saints of the church in paradise after their death, as described by Joseph F. Smith from a vision (Doctrine and Covenants 138:24).</li>
<ul>
<li><i>"Their countenances shone, and the radiance from the presence of the Lord rested upon them[...]"</i></li>
</ul>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
These are wonderful patterns in the scriptures, which I unfortunately was only able to touch on briefly earlier today in class. I believe the way in which Lehi described the appearance of the fruit of the tree of life in his vision shows us that it was instilled with God's power and love based on what we know from all these similar references. This conclusion is right in-line with 1 Nephi 11:21–24, which clarifies that the tree and fruit represent the love of God and the blessings of the atonement of Christ. To conclude, the exceeding whiteness of the fruit from the tree of life does more than just offer a detailed description, it testifies to the divinity of this significant symbol in Lehi's vision.<br /> <br /></div>
JElsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498353159710757511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813117754152552711.post-47996117602055223612020-01-18T23:00:00.000-09:002020-01-19T15:22:02.876-09:00Simple The Way<br />
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I am feeling that blogging day-to-day scripture studies with my husband is not achievable right now given that I'm back in school and life remains busy (full-time work, part-time school, teaching piano lessons, teaching Sunday School, and the list goes on). We began reading together when I was inspired to choose it as the activity for the "conversion project" in my religion class for school, for which I'm truly grateful.</div>
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The following in an excerpt from the working document I will be turning in throughout the semester in various stages of completion regarding the conversion project:</div>
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My goal with this conversion project is to make scripture study as regular and normal as our daily prayers have become. I want to do this for me, for my husband, and for our future family. Having been single for quite a while (I married at 34), my efforts over the years have been mine alone. I am excited to see how things will be different now that I’m married with a supportive husband. If we can work on this together, I believe we can succeed together and establish diligent scripture study into our daily lives and marriage. </blockquote>
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I will begin by setting aside time every day to read from The Book of Mormon, starting at the beginning, and will invite my husband to join me. After reading, I would like each of us to identify one thing we read that sparked intrigue, made us feel good, inspired a question, etc. and share why or what we learned. The anticipated challenges I foresee relate to time management; some days will be tougher than others. I will just need to remind myself that making time to do this is as important as the time I set aside for school studies, the time I dedicate to my job, the time I prioritize for date night, etc. Even if we must read by the light of a flashlight as we cuddle at the end of a long and tiresome day, we must read. My intention for recording progress will be to take notes during our brief discussion each time, and then transpose them to a blog I created years ago for a past religion course. </blockquote>
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Again, I'm feeling like the blogging part of this goal is not achievable on a day-to-day basis (obviously, if you've seen the past post and note the date on this one). Though it is part of the assignment and a way to document our progress, I need to set my sights a little lower; simplicity is key. The daily reading and quality discussion with my husband is what I should focus on. I will come and write about it frequently enough to document things, toss around some ideas, pose some questions, etc., but I will NOT beat myself up for not writing <b>every day</b> anymore (I felt really bad about it this week). </div>
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I need to simplify things, which brought me to the story of Moses and the people people he saved by parting the Red Sea for a safe exodus from Egypt. They were poisoned by the bite of a serpent God sent to teach them a lesson when they essentially complained about their meager and challenging circumstances. God gave them a simple way to be healed (physically and spiritually); he had Moses make a bronze serpent to place on a pole so people could simply look at it and be healed. As evidenced in the scriptures below, many people couldn't bring themselves to engage in such a simple act.</div>
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<b><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/17.41?lang=eng#40" target="_blank">1 Nephi 17:41</a></b></div>
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<i>And he did straiten them in the wilderness with his rod; for they hardened their hearts, even as ye have; and the Lord straitened them because of their iniquity. He sent fiery flying serpents among them; and after they were bitten he prepared a way that they might be healed; and the labor which they had to perform was to look; and because of the simpleness of the way, or the easiness of it, there were many who perished.</i></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/33.18-22?lang=eng#17" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/33.18-22?lang=eng#17" target="_blank">Alma 33:20-22</a></b></div>
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<i>But few understood the meaning of those things, and this because of the
hardness of their hearts. But there were many who were so hardened that they
would not look, therefore they perished. Now the reason they would not look is
because they did not believe that it would heal them.</i></blockquote>
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<i>O my brethren, if ye could be healed by merely casting about your eyes
that ye might be healed, would ye not behold quickly, or would ye rather harden
your hearts in unbelief, and be slothful, that ye would not cast about your
eyes, that ye might perish? </i></blockquote>
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<i>If so, wo shall come upon you; but if not so, then cast about your eyes and begin to believe in the Son of God, that he will come to redeem his people,and that he shall suffer and die to atone for their sins; and that he shall rise again from the dead, which shall bring to pass the resurrection, that all men shall stand before him, to be judged at the last and judgment day,according to their works.</i></blockquote>
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At first glance, the fact that the people who were bitten by serpents wouldn't look at the brass serpent baffles me. It was such an easy thing to do; look and live. Heck, even if it didn't work, looking wouldn't have cost them anything to try at least. Looking in faith would be best but looking with skepticism would have been better than dying, and probably could have led to a renewal of faith. Maybe they were just over-complicating the whole situation? I do that all the time. Don't we all? If my leg were cut off in an accident and someone told me that putting a bandage on it would make it regrow, I'd think they were nuts. I wouldn't even try it because for sure, it wouldn't work. But who says it wouldn't (forget biology and science for a moment)? If it were the prophet or an apostle who gave me that instruction, would I do it then? I surely hope that I would because, <i>helloooooo</i>, they are incredibly tight with God and if He wants to fix me up, I'm not arguing. <i>Hand me that bandage and a roll of tape, let's regrow me a leg!</i></div>
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All jokes aside, how often are we given promises from God that are predicated on our choices and actions? <b>All the time. </b> Listen to any General Conference talk, read any lesson in "Come Follow Me" and the scriptures that correspond, pay attention during your temple work and you'll see that we are given simple instructions to follow with results that include opportunities to receive blessings, grow closer to God, recognize truth, be spiritually healed, and more... constantly. Am I following the simple instructions I've received? <i>Are you?</i></div>
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In Doctrine and Covenants 88:63, it says:</div>
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Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and
ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto
you.</blockquote>
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I am committing myself to quit over-complicating simple things. I will read and discuss the Book of Mormon each day with my husband, enjoy the simple act of drawing closer to and seeking Christ together, and write here in the blog as I'm inspired to do so.<br />
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<br />JElsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498353159710757511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813117754152552711.post-29264733320100801112020-01-12T01:30:00.000-09:002020-01-19T03:01:34.942-09:00Well... Um... Crap.The remainder of this week was a bust.<br />
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On day 4 (Wednesday), I had one of the worst migraine headaches of my life. It started in the morning and by the time I got home from work, I was completely useless. I was hydrated, I ate dinner, I took Ibuprofen... nothing helped at all. I ended up passed out on the couch with my face buried in a pillow on my husband's lap. There was no phone, no computer, no reading, no homework, no nothing for me that evening. I'm not even sure I remember going to bed that night... or brushing my teeth. Ugh. *Shutter*<br />
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Day 5 (Thursday) brought great relief from the previous day's horrid experience. I telecommuted from home for over 9 hours of work before taking a shower and enjoying date night with my husband (yes, you read that correctly, Thursdays are our date night; long story). I learned this week that we shouldn't bank on reading scriptures on date night... because date night activities *ahem* don't always offer the extra time to do so. <b>OK, fine.</b> We're all <u>adults</u> here. I really don't want to go flip open my scriptures after a good romp in the hay. There, I said it. Thursdays are <u>out</u>. Other days where hay romping may occur will be dealt with individually... but I'm calling it for Thursdays for sure. God understands and still loves me, we're cool.<br />
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Day 6 (Friday) came with the last leg of that killer migraine from Wednesday. They can last up to 72 hours and it seems that Thursday was just a merciful eye of the storm for me. It got worse as each hour passed and by the time I got home on Friday, I was unable to speak well, unsteady on my feet, nearly in tears, and probably shouldn't have driven from work to the chiropractor, or home from there. I didn't realize this until I stumbled across my kitchen floor, sideways flopped into a chair, and noticed the room spinning. Needless to say, I ended up again passed out on the couch. Like before, I was hydrated, fed, and this time I took Exedrin Migraine with no relief. One of our nieces was over for dinner but I don't remember much beyond her opening Christmas gifts from us (Influenza B had us out of commission for the holidays), her giving me a big stuffed whimsical narwhal stuffed animal for Christmas which I had clutched under my arm when I woke up on the couch around midnight, and me almost vomiting on my husband's lap twice. This was another evening of no reading for us, and no anything-else-either for me.<br />
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Day 7 (Saturday - today) was the <i>perfect</i> opportunity to get back on the reading wagon. I slept (finally) in till about 12 noon thanks to yesterday's migraine, worked on school stuff most of the day in rotation with playing what-the-heck-is-wrong-with-my-gut marathons (fun side affect of post-flu recovery and some migraines), and attempted to watch an episode of "Blue Bloods" with my husband while also responding to stray discussion posts in my classes that nobody replied to (I try to be nice like that). I thought that after the episode we'd read scriptures together and review the "Come Follow Me" lesson for tomorrow's Relief Society/Priesthood classes, but my sweet husband fell asleep sitting up! I didn't realize he was so tired, so he went to bed and I'm still up writing this blog post.<br />
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<b>UPDATE (well into Sunday morning):</b><br />
I received a Facebook message from a sister at church whose whole family is now down with the flu asking for help teaching her new Primary class. What my husband doesn't know yet is that tomorrow (or I guess today since it's <i>weeeelllll</i> after midnight) we're teaching a combined class of 7, 8, 9, and 10 year-old Primary kids (apparently there is a teacher shortage at the moment)! On the first and third Sundays, we teach the 11/12 year-old Sunday school class, but last week someone covered for us since we were still sick enough we didn't want to accidentally spread it to our church friends. Now we can pay-it-forward by teaching for someone else... and by we, I mean me. I am going to stay up until I'm done preparing a lesson for the kiddos. So, <i>technically</i>, this counts toward my scripture reading goal, right???<br />
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<br />JElsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498353159710757511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813117754152552711.post-18911689882231638442020-01-07T23:51:00.000-09:002020-01-19T03:01:24.046-09:00A Father's SupportThis evening we read <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/js?lang=eng" target="_blank">the testimony of the prophet, Joseph Smith.</a> Immediately, the unquestioning support of Joseph Smith's father stood out to me in the following passage (emphasis added):<br />
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The first thing that I can recollect was a voice speaking unto me, calling me by name. I looked up, and beheld the same messenger standing over my head, surrounded by light as before. He then again related unto me all that he had related to me the previous night, and commanded me to <i><span style="color: #ffe599;">go to my father and tell him of the vision and commandments which I had received</span></i>.</blockquote>
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I obeyed; <span style="color: #ffd966;"><i>I returned to my father in the field, and rehearsed the whole matter to him.</i> <i>He replied to me that </i></span><i style="color: #ffd966;"><b><u>it was of God, and told me to go and do as commanded by the messenge</u></b></i><span style="color: #ffd966;"><i><b><u>r</u>. </b></i></span>I left the field, and went to the place where the messenger had told me the plates were deposited; and owing to the distinctness of the vision which I had had concerning it, I knew the place the instant that I arrived there.</blockquote>
I am an only child and a "daddy's girl." I love stories that illustrate strong connections between parents and their children, especially fathers and daughters. Though that (the fathers and daughters thing) is not the case here, I was still drawn to the fact that Joseph's father did not hesitate to affirm that his experience was "of God," then told him to get going with what he had been commanded to do. This tells me that Joseph's father was a man of faith who recognized God's hand in his daily life, and was in-tune enough to know the message from his son was truth.<br />
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This passage similarly stood out to my husband as a testament that people truly can change. From <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/joseph-smith-sr?lang=eng" target="_blank">church history</a>, we learn that Joseph Smith's father was known to be a religious man but not one who bought into organized religion much, though he did join a Universalist society in his young adult years. We also learn from church history that early on in his marriage, he invested in ginseng root as it grew wild in Pennsylvania, but was robbed of his profitable return due to a deceitful business partner. It is my theory that to the knowledge of his ventures with ginseng, twisted or perhaps malicious reports seem to have somehow equated Joseph Smith's father with some "out there" stuff as his name appeared on a flyer or advert in an episode of "Mysteries at the Museum" my husband watched a while back that touched on Houdini, spiritualists, and something to do with poison and ghosts...? Case in point, ever since seeing that episode, my history-buff brain-like-a-sponge husband had it in his head that Joseph Smith's father was into some super weird stuff back in the day and incorrectly assumed he went from some voodoo magic type to all-supportive-God-fearing-father type. We had quite the research session between the two of us to clear this all up. Those who search historical content together stay together, right? Right???JElsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498353159710757511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813117754152552711.post-75040686781930465932020-01-06T23:48:00.000-09:002020-01-19T03:01:14.940-09:00The WitnessesWe haven't "officially" begun reading The Book of Mormon yet in the traditional sense of hitting the ground running with First Nephi. We read the testimonies of the three and eight witnesses this evening... and by evening, I mean we got to bed, set our alarms, and then panic ensued because we didn't get any reading done and it was only day two! My husband pulled up the audio for both testimonies on his phone and I read along on mine.<br />
<br />
We reviewed both testimonies a few times to review the differences between the two, the most prominent being that the<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/eight?lang=eng" target="_blank"> testimony of the eight </a>bore witness to the physical aspects of the gold plates, while the <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/three?lang=eng" target="_blank">testimony of the three</a> bore witness to spiritual aspects of such as well.<br />
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The eight testified of the following:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Joseph Smith was in possession of and showed them the plates / they saw the plates</li>
<li>The plates had "the appearance of gold" </li>
<li>They physically touched all the pages or "leaves" that Joseph had translated / they "hefted" the plates</li>
<li>They saw the engravings on the pages and acknowledged that they had "the appearance of ancient work, and [were] of curious workmanship"</li>
<li>They "lie not" </li>
<li>Their testimony was given in a serious manner or "soberness" to all people </li>
</ul>
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The three testified of the following:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>"Through the grace of God" and Christ, they saw the plates</li>
<li>The plates contain the "record of the people of Nephi," the Lamanites, and the people of Jared</li>
<li>The plates were "translated by the gift and power of God" because they heard His voice "declare it unto" them, therefore they "know of a surety that the work is true"</li>
<li>They saw the engravings on the pages by "the power of God, and not of man" / it was "an angel of God" who "came down from heaven" and showed them the plates</li>
<li>Their testimony was given in a serious manner or "soberness" to all people </li>
<li>"The voice of the Lord commanded" them that they "should bear testimony of these things"</li>
<li>"If we are faithful in Christ, we shall rid our garments of the blood of all men, and be found spotless before the judgement-seat of Christ, and shall dwell with him eternally in the heavens"***</li>
</ul>
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I put the <b>***</b> at the end there because this particular phrase brought up a question of what it meant. My husband dozed off soon after vocalizing the curiosity, but I've stayed up and poked around for some information. Keith H. Meservy, professor emeritus of ancient scripture at BYU, provided insights <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1992/04/i-have-a-question/what-does-the-phrase-blood-on-ones-head-or-on-ones-garment-mean?lang=eng" target="_blank">HERE</a> that helped me with this. It is now my understanding that the three witnesses were testifying that if they are faithful in Christ, they will share the truth that they know, which is what will "rid [their] garments of the blood of all men." This applies to us, too. We all have the responsibility of sharing the truth with others... our children, our families, our friends, our neighbors... if anyone is not taught the truth, the burden of their lack of knowledge ("the blood of men" or their spiritual death) is essentially on us.</div>
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That's heavy stuff there, eh?</div>
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I also would like to share some material below that I found valuable to our study from the first lesson in this new year's "<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-sunday-school-book-of-mormon-2020/01?lang=eng" target="_blank">Come Follow Me</a>" curriculum for Sunday School. The additional resources at the end of the lesson included the following two insights that I found quite powerful in their illustration of the humanity of all men (even those who have seen angels and heard God's voice) as well as the validity of one's testimony despite the paths one may take off the "straight and narrow."</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Importance of the Three Witnesses</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Testimony of John Whitmer</span></b></div>
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JElsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498353159710757511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813117754152552711.post-911153863727280762020-01-05T23:58:00.001-09:002020-01-19T03:01:00.931-09:00The JareditesThe "Title Page of The Book of Mormon" and the "Introduction" both mention the Jaredites, or people of Jared. The Book of Ether is an abridgment of their record, which can be found near the end of The Book of Mormon, one book before Moroni.<br />
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My husband's family joined the church when he was around 7 years old. During his teenage years, he read the Book of Mormon here and there with his parents and siblings. He stopped going to church when he left home, so his reactivation last year came after over 20 years of being an inactive member. I was as surprised as anyone else! </div>
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Tonight, we started reading The Book of Mormon together, inspired by a "conversion" project I have to do for a religion class I'm taking this semester. We are taking it slow and steady; I am determined to make this a habit in our home and am grateful for my loving husband's support. </div>
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As for the Jaredites, my husband brought them up in discussion after reading because he doesn't remember them from his time learning as a teenager. He's a history buff and has a mind like a sponge, so it was nice to see him intrigued by something "new."</div>
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More to come with each passing day!</div>
JElsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498353159710757511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813117754152552711.post-20971105278248329242020-01-04T23:30:00.000-09:002020-01-06T00:06:37.118-09:00"The scriptures which we have give prophecies and promises, and they have been fulfilled in our day. What a glorious blessing! For when we want to speak to God, we pray. And when we want Him to speak to us, we search the scriptures; for His words are spoken through His prophets. He will then teach us as we listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. If you have not heard His voice speaking to you lately, return with new eyes and new ears to the scriptures. They are our spiritual lifeline."<span style="color: white;"><b><br /></b></span>
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<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: white;"><b>Robert D. Hales, as shared in October 2006 General
Conference.</b></span><span style="color: #0070c0;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />JElsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498353159710757511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813117754152552711.post-12689470719622841502015-08-06T18:25:00.002-08:002015-08-06T18:25:51.935-08:00“Hope Ya Know, We Had a Hard Time”<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Elder Quentin L. Cook<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">October 2008 General Conference<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What it’s about:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Elder
Cook spoke about trials, how they are ever-present in our lives, and how they
become contributors to our growth. He
discussed forgiveness and gratitude, especially being grateful for the
atonement of Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Quotes:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“One
of the essential doctrines illuminated by the Restoration is that there must be
opposition in all things for righteousness to be brought to pass. This life is
not always easy, nor was it meant to be; it is a time of testing and proving.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Whatever
the source of the trials, they cause significant pain and suffering for
individuals and those who love them. We know from the scriptures that some
trials are for our good and are suited for our own personal development. We
also know that the rain falls on the just and the unjust. It is also true that every cloud we see
doesn’t result in rain.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Regardless
of our trials, with the abundance we have today, we would be ungrateful if we
did not appreciate our blessings. […]Our foremost gratitude should be for the
Savior and His Atonement. […]I testify that the Atonement of Jesus Christ
covers all of the trials and hardships that any of us will encounter in this
life. At times when we may feel to say, ‘Hope you know, I had a hard time,’ we
can be assured that He is there and we are safe in His loving arms.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What it means to me:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Quotes
#1 & 2: I found that these statements are very inspirational and clear
reminders of what our trials are all about; their purpose and the reality that
sometimes things just happen because they happen (good things happen to bad
people, bad things happen to good people).
I appreciate it when messages from the brethren are simple and
applicable, as this was. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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#3: He shared a story of two women in the church brought together by a tragic
automobile accident that left them both longing for loved ones lost. I learned from this story that where
forgiveness is found, there is love… with love, there is healing… and with
healing, one is better able to find things to be grateful for amongst even the
most challenging trials. The woman who
lost her husband in the accident that was caused by the other woman’s son, had
an amazingly loving and forgiving heart.
She said, “Through this trial, I have felt the love of my Father in
Heaven and my Savior in greater abundance than I had ever felt before.” Just as was counseled by Elder Cook, this
woman found blessings through all of her pain and grief. I have a thought… Christ understands all our
pain and sorrows because he has experienced them firsthand, and is there with
us ready to help carry our burdens if we will let Him in. If we follow Elder Cook’s further counsel to
remember to be grateful for the atonement, which allows Christ to share in our
burdens, then we are inviting Him to walk beside us often. Someone once said, “familiarity breeds love”…
so in enduring the frequent trials that come with this mortal experience,
ensuring that we have Christ by our side helping us carry them, we will come to
know Him better because we are in His presence more. Feels kinda good. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
JElsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498353159710757511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813117754152552711.post-71954013943428170092015-08-06T18:24:00.002-08:002015-08-06T18:24:54.764-08:00“In Tune with the Music of Faith”<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Elder Quentin L. Cook<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">April 2012 General Conference<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What it’s about:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Elder
Cook spoke about how we can move faithfully in a forward direction, doing what we
need be doing in order to keep our lives in line with God’s will. He even took this beyond an individual need
to “be in tune” with God’s will, and counseled us regarding what we can do to
help our families to grow strong and full of faith. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Finally,
there are those who are in tune with the music of faith. You know who you are.
You love the Lord and His gospel and continuously try to live and share His
message, especially with your families. You are in harmony with the promptings
of the Spirit, have awakened to the power of God’s word, have religious
observance in your homes, and diligently try to live Christlike lives as His
disciples.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Our
great desire is to raise our children in truth and righteousness. One principle
that will help us accomplish this is to avoid being overly judgmental about
conduct that is foolish or unwise but not sinful. […]it [is] important to
distinguish between youthful mistakes which should be corrected and sins that
require chastening and repentance. Where there is lack of wisdom, our children
need instruction. Where there is sin, repentance is essential.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Religious
observance in the home blesses our families. Example is particularly important.
What we are speaks so loudly that our children may not hear what we say. […]Mothers
and fathers praying with children may be more important than any other example.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“The
essential doctrine of agency requires that a testimony of the restored gospel
be based on faith rather than just external or scientific proof. Obsessive
focus on things not yet fully revealed, such as how the virgin birth or the
Resurrection of the Savior could have occurred or exactly how Joseph Smith
translated our scriptures, will not be efficacious or yield spiritual progress.
These are matters of faith. Ultimately, Moroni’s counsel to read and ponder and
then ask God in all sincerity of heart, with real intent, to confirm scriptural
truths by the witness of the Spirit is the answer. In addition, when we inculcate
into our lives scriptural imperatives and live the gospel, we are blessed with
the Spirit and taste of His goodness with feelings of joy, happiness, and
especially peace.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What it means to me:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">I was drawn in by how
Elder cook delivered a simple message that addressed everyone’s circumstances
and where they are in their journey down, around, away from, or returning to
the narrow path of righteousness. The
quotes above were all just really good and contained clear council that I felt
was good to note. Though nothing really
reached out and shook my soul about this talk, it did testify to me that Heavenly Father has not made things
terribly complicated in regards to what we need to do to return to Him and live
with our families for eternity. </span>JElsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498353159710757511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813117754152552711.post-82126327619942818082015-08-06T18:23:00.002-08:002015-08-06T18:23:53.795-08:00“The Tender Mercies of the Lord”<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Elder David A. Bednar<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">April 2005 General Conference<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What it’s about:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Elder
Bednar spoke all about tender mercies, “the very personal and individualized
blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses,
consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of
and through the Lord Jesus Christ.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Quotes:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Let
me suggest that one of the ways whereby the Savior comes to each of us is
through His abundant and tender mercies. For instance, as you and I face
challenges and tests in our lives, the gift of faith and an appropriate sense
of personal confidence that reaches beyond our own capacity are two examples of
the tender mercies of the Lord. Repentance and forgiveness of sins and peace of
conscience are examples of the tender mercies of the Lord. And the persistence
and the fortitude that enable us to press forward with cheerfulness through
physical limitations and spiritual difficulties are examples of the tender mercies
of the Lord.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“[…]the
Lord’s tender mercies do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence.
Faithfulness, obedience, and humility invite tender mercies into our lives, and
it is often the Lord’s timing that enables us to recognize and treasure these important
blessings.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“We
should not underestimate or overlook the power of the Lord’s tender mercies.
The simpleness, the sweetness, and the constancy of the tender mercies of the
Lord will do much to fortify and protect us in the troubled times in which we
do now and will yet live. When words cannot provide the solace we need or
express the joy we feel, when it is simply futile to attempt to explain that
which is unexplainable, when logic and reason cannot yield adequate
understanding about the injustices and inequities of life, when mortal
experience and evaluation are insufficient to produce a desired outcome, and
when it seems that perhaps we are so totally alone, truly we are blessed by the
tender mercies of the Lord and made mighty even unto the power of deliverance.”
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Some
individuals who hear or read this message erroneously may discount or dismiss
in their personal lives the availability of the tender mercies of the Lord,
believing that “I certainly am not one who has been or ever will be chosen.” We
may falsely think that such blessings and gifts are reserved for other people
who appear to be more righteous or who serve in visible Church callings. I
testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are available to all of us and that
the Redeemer of Israel is eager to bestow such gifts upon us. To be or to
become chosen is not an exclusive status conferred upon us. Rather, you and I
ultimately determine if we are chosen. […]God does not have a list of favorites
to which we must hope our names will someday be added. He does not limit “the
chosen” to a restricted few. Rather, it is our hearts and our aspirations and
our obedience which definitively determine whether we are counted as one of
God’s chosen. […]we become God’s chosen and invite His tender mercies as we use
our agency to choose God.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What it means to me:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">OK…
so I really just wanted to put the WHOLE TALK in here. I remember when Elder Bednar delivered this
talk originally in April General Conference 2005. My thoughts then were, “Oh nice. That felt
good; he’s a great speaker.” During
September of 2005, just a few months later, a drunk driver nearly took me off
the face of this earth. It was a
life-changing event for me, and the outpouring of tender mercies delivered that
night made this talk come alive in my recollection during the following
weeks. As the years pass, I am reminded
that tender mercies from Heavenly Father are very abundant in my life,
sometimes even when I really don’t feel deserving of them. This testifies to me that my all-knowing and
all-loving Heavenly Father truly does know my heart and the intentions of it
far better than I ever will. I love how
tender mercies from Heavenly Father are incredibly individualized, and always <i>exactly</i> what we need, whether we
recognize it immediately or not. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
JElsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498353159710757511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813117754152552711.post-89678343760218855402015-08-06T18:22:00.002-08:002015-08-06T18:22:47.702-08:00“The Powers of Heaven”<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Elder David A. Bednar<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">April 2012 General Conference<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What it’s about:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Elder
Bednar spoke about the priesthood. He gave
a basic description of priesthood, the qualifications for priesthood
ordination, how it is received, qualities of priesthood (selfless, active), and
requirements needed to exercise the power of the priesthood. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Quotes:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“A
priesthood holder is expected to exercise this sacred authority in accordance
with God’s holy mind, will, and purposes. Nothing about the priesthood is
self-centered. The priesthood always is used to serve, to bless, and to
strengthen other people. […]Receiving the authority of the priesthood by the
laying on of hands is an important beginning, but it is not enough. Ordination
confers authority, but righteousness is required to act with power as we strive
to lift souls, to teach and testify, to bless and counsel, and to advance the
work of salvation.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“[…]men
who bear God’s holy priesthood should be different from other men. Men who hold
the priesthood are not inherently better than other men, but they should act
differently. Men who hold the priesthood should not only receive priesthood
authority but also become worthy and faithful conduits of God’s power.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What it means to me:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Quote
#1: When I read this, my mind immediately turned to women who suffer abuse at
the hand of a priesthood-holding husband.
Many women faithfully endure various types of abuse for years with the
oh-so-faulty mindset that they are obligated to the demands of their
priesthood-holding husband and his head-of-household status. Many of us don’t understand how anyone could
possibly justify enduring ill treatment from another, but it happens more and
more often as our world becomes more corrupt.
Spousal abuse often begins with small things, progressing over time, and
is mistakenly set aside as circumstantial.
A friend of mine with 7 children had been abused for many years by her
husband. Nobody knew about it. I was
with her mother and the children one evening so she could attend the temple
with her husband, and out of nowhere my friend burst through the door in tears
saying, “I left him!.” She had no other
way to get away from the abuse and manipulation of her husband safely then to
go to the temple with him, step out of the session to use the restroom, and run
away. At this point my friend’s husband had started abusing the children too,
and it was the waking realization that her children were in grave danger that
got her to do something about it all. My
heart aches with the memory of this experience; I spent many weeks supporting
them in hiding and relocation efforts until the proper legal protections were
in place… and have never been so fearful of a man in my life. Oh, if only my friend had understood that her
husband’s authority to lead and guide the family went out the window when he
started using his priesthood selfishly and not in accordance with God’s “holy
mind, will, and purposes.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Quote
#2: Elder Bednar’s story about his
father really touched me. This quote is
the great lesson he learned from his father, long before he even joined the
church, about how priesthood holders should be conducting themselves. I found this remarkable, and have similarly
found that most of my friends and co-workers who aren’t LDS have higher
expectations of members of the LDS faith than many actual members do of
themselves and each other. Because of
this phenomenon, when I need opinions regarding, for example, the upstanding
nature of a recently released movie… I turn to my non-member friends for
opinions of whether or not it is, as they have termed it, “Joanna-friendly.” As a whole, I think we should all definitely put
a little more effort into paying better attention to how we conduct ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
JElsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498353159710757511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813117754152552711.post-76903814890882280452012-08-03T20:23:00.000-08:002020-01-19T18:27:31.324-09:00"Patience—the ability to put our desires on hold for a time—is a precious and rare virtue. We want what we want, and we want it now. Therefore, the very idea of patience may seem unpleasant and, at times, bitter. Nevertheless, without patience, we cannot please God; we cannot become perfect. Indeed, patience is a purifying process that refines understanding, deepens happiness, focuses action, and offers hope for peace[...] patience is not passive resignation, nor is it failing to act because of our fears. Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can—working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude, even when the desires of our hearts are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well!"Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Continue in Patience", April 2010 General Conference<br />
<br />
READ the full talk <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/04/continue-in-patience?lang=eng&query=patience+wait">HERE</a>JElsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498353159710757511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813117754152552711.post-12968657841877711522012-07-23T18:23:00.000-08:002020-01-19T18:24:51.559-09:00“[God] loves you to a depth and completeness you cannot conceive of in your mortal state. Indeed, were you to know His entire plan, you would never ask for that which is contrary to it even though your feelings tempt you to do so. Sincere faith gives understanding and strength to accept the will of our Heavenly Father when it differs from our own. We can accept His will with peace and assurance, confident that His infinite wisdom surpasses our own ability to comprehend fully His plan as it unfolds a piece at a time.”Richard G. Scott, "The Sustaining Power of Faith in Times of Uncertainty and Testing", April 2003 General Conference<br />
<br />
READ the full talk <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2003/04/the-sustaining-power-of-faith-in-times-of-uncertainty-and-testing?lang=eng&query=%22the+sustaining+power+of+faith+in+%22">HERE</a><br />
WATCH the full talk <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2003/04/the-sustaining-power-of-faith-in-times-of-uncertainty-and-testing?lang=eng&format=general-conference&view=sessions&media=">HERE</a>JElsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498353159710757511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813117754152552711.post-62813774113594522852012-07-23T15:26:00.000-08:002020-01-19T18:23:32.435-09:00“To you who are not yet married, pay careful attention to finding your eternal companion. Young men, remember something else that President Joseph F. Smith said: “Bachelorhood … [carries] to the superficial mind the idea that [it is] desirable because [it brings] with [it] the minimum of responsibility. …The real fault lies with the young men. The license of the age leads them from paths of duty and responsibility. … Their sisters are the victims … [and] would marry if they could, and would accept cheerfully the responsibilities of family life[…] And to you young women, I would add that you must also not lose sight of this responsibility. No career can bring you as much fulfillment as rearing a family. And when you are my age, you will realize this even more.”M. Russell Ballard, "That the Lost May Be Found", General Conference April 2012<br />
<br />
READ the full talk <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/that-the-lost-may-be-found?lang=eng&query=%22that+the+lost+may+be+found%22">HERE</a><br />
WATCH the full talk <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/that-the-lost-may-be-found?lang=eng&format=general-conference&view=sessions&media=">HERE</a>JElsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498353159710757511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813117754152552711.post-76271292668543586912012-07-20T23:23:00.002-08:002012-07-20T23:23:46.049-08:00"Our Heavenly Father wants husbands and wives to be faithful to each other and to esteem and treat their children as an heritage from the Lord. In such a family we study the scriptures and pray together. And we fix our focus on the temple. There we receive the highest blessings that God has in store for His faithful children."Russell M. Nelson, "Salvation and Exaltation", April 2008 General Conference<br />
<br />
READ the full talk <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/04/salvation-and-exaltation?lang=eng&query=temple">HERE</a><br />
WATCH the full talk <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/04/salvation-and-exaltation?lang=eng&format=general-conference&view=sessions&media=">HERE</a><br />JElsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498353159710757511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813117754152552711.post-42113916962549647722012-07-20T23:21:00.002-08:002012-07-20T23:21:27.244-08:00"While salvation is an individual matter, exaltation is a family matter. Only those who are married in the temple and whose marriage is sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise will continue as spouses after death and receive the highest degree of celestial glory, or exaltation. A temple marriage is also called a celestial marriage. Within the celestial glory are three levels. To obtain the highest, a husband and wife must be sealed for time and all eternity and keep their covenants made in a holy temple."Russell M. Nelson, "Celestial Marriage", October 2008 General Conference<br />
<br />
READ the full talk <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/celestial-marriage?lang=eng&query="celestial+marriage"+(name%3a"Russell+M.+Nelson")">HERE</a><br />
WATCH the full talk <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/celestial-marriage?lang=eng&format=general-conference&view=sessions&media=">HERE</a>JElsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498353159710757511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813117754152552711.post-69488930690243487852012-07-20T23:14:00.002-08:002012-07-20T23:14:46.081-08:00"Relationships can be strengthened through the veil with people we know and love. That is done by our determined effort to continually do what is right. We can strengthen our relationship with the departed individual we love by recognizing that the separation is temporary and that covenants made in the temple are eternal. When consistently obeyed, such covenants assure the eternal realization of the promises inherent in them."Richard G. Scott, "How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your Personal Life", General Conference April 2012<br />
<br />
READ the full talk <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/how-to-obtain-revelation-and-inspiration-for-your-personal-life?lang=eng&query="how+to+obtain+revelation+and+inspiration+for+your+personal+life"">HERE</a><br />
WATCH the full talk <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/how-to-obtain-revelation-and-inspiration-for-your-personal-life?lang=eng&format=general-conference&view=sessions&media=">HERE</a>JElsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498353159710757511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813117754152552711.post-89434511287889957682012-07-20T23:10:00.002-08:002012-07-20T23:10:33.992-08:00"Avoid the deadly poisons of pornography and narcotics. If these are in your life, beware! If allowed to continue, they can destroy you."Boyd K. Packer, "Counsel to Young Men", April 2009 General Conference<br />
<br />
READ the full talk <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/04/counsel-to-young-men?lang=eng&query=pornography">HERE</a><br />
WATCH the full talk <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/04/counsel-to-young-men?lang=eng&format=general-conference&view=sessions&media=">HERE</a>JElsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498353159710757511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3813117754152552711.post-15781444454392239982012-07-20T23:00:00.002-08:002012-07-20T23:00:16.751-08:00"Our willingness to repent shows our gratitude for God’s gift and for the Savior’s love and sacrifice on our behalf[...] Remember: the heavens will not be filled with those who never made mistakes but with those who recognized that they were off course and who corrected their ways to get back in the light of gospel truth."Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "A Matter of a Few Degrees", April 2008 General Conference<br />
<br />
READ the full talk <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/04/a-matter-of-a-few-degrees?lang=eng&query=choose+good+media">HERE</a><br />
WATCH the full talk <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/04/a-matter-of-a-few-degrees?lang=eng&format=general-conference&view=sessions&media=">HERE</a>JElsiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03498353159710757511noreply@blogger.com0