Scripture Insight: 2 Nephi 32:3

3 Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.

Discussion
You know that hunger you feel at the end of the fast, where you are willing to anything in sight because it all sounds good. I think of that when I read this scripture and feasting upon the words of Christ. We are so hungry for truth and knowledge we want to gobble it all up. We want to read and learn as much as we can.

Then there re are other times where we feel only slightly hungry. We get more picky. We may want to eat this but not that. It can be like, yeah, I like that, but I'm not in the mood for it. There's something specific we have in mind. These are times where we are seeking something specific from the scriptures and become picky about what we read. This is not feasting. This is going back and forth to the kitchen every 5 minutes looking for something to eat but never getting anything (we think what we want will magically appear but it never does). We finally settle for something that sounds okay and walk away unsatisified.

We need to approach our scripture study like the first example and not the second. And lets hope we never get to the point where we're "full" and feel we don't need anymore nourishment from the good word of God.

The trick is to always remain "spiritually hungry" so we can feast like the scripture advises. Any thoughts on how to do this?

Study Recap: The Importance of Receiving a Personal Testimony by Elder Robert D. Hales

Title: The Importance of Receiving a Personal Testimony
Author: Elder Robert D. Hales
Source: October 1994 General Conference
Link: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1994/10/the-importance-of-receiving-a-personal-testimony?lang=eng

Rating: 4/5


Favorite Points

• Our testimony comes by the gift and power of the Holy Ghost. The testimony received and carried within us enables us to hold a steady course in times of prosperity and to overcome doubt and fear in times of adversity.
• Each of us needs to know what a testimony is, how we can get it, and what our responsibilities are once we have received a testimony. 
• Individual testimonies are the foundation and strength of the Church. Our testimony provides a guiding light that leads to a commitment which directs our conduct and our way of life. Our testimony is true north on a spiritual compass. It is a moving force that cannot be seen but can truly be felt. It is a burning within that tells us what is right. It is when “your heart tells you things your mind doesn’t know” (Harold B. Lee).
•  
  Our testimony is a gift from God. It should be shared, but we do not have the authority to bestow a testimony upon someone else, because a personal testimony is granted by the Holy Ghost. It can aid others in gaining knowledge for themselves—a knowledge abiding in the heart that leaves no room for doubt.
• We must each gain such a testimony if we are to withstand the trials and adversities of mortality and go on to the glorious eternal future we all desire.
• Joseph Smith sealed his testimony with his own blood. The Prophet’s martyrdom was a voluntary acceptance of death to seal the testimony of the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants (see D&C 135:1) and to bear holy witness of Jesus Christ and his gospel in this dispensation. 
• We do not give our testimony and life in the manner that Joseph Smith, the martyred Prophet, gave his life. Rather, we give testimony by devoted service in our lives each day to lift and strengthen others.
•  People often ask me, “How do you know?“ “How can you know that God lives and that Jesus is the Christ?” While there seems to be no exact formula by which each of us receives a testimony, there does seem to be a discernable pattern. Though prayer is important in gaining a testimony, we cannot merely ask in prayer for a testimony and expect it to be given immediately to us.
• Generally, testimony emerges over time and through life’s experiences. We can compare testimony to the process of watching a photograph develop. Powerful impressions of the Spirit come like flashes of light on receptive photographic film. Like the chemicals needed to develop the picture, certain spiritual conditions and experiences are needed in our lives for our personal testimony to develop into a certain truth and knowledge. And like a photograph, a testimony, if not carefully preserved, will fade with time.
• Testimonies often come when there is willingness to serve where we are called. They come when a decision is made to strive to be obedient. Testimonies come during efforts to help, lift, and strengthen others. They come from prayer and from studying the scriptures and applying them in our lives. Whatever our circumstances, there seem to be moments in each of our lives when we can be given the knowledge that God lives and that Jesus is the Christ.
• There is no greater search in life that we can embark upon than the quest to gain a testimony of the truth.
• Be willing to endure the test of time. Do not think that it is easy to maintain a testimony. Others will test you. Sometimes they will point the finger of mockery and scorn. Sometimes they may persecute you openly. Be prepared. Know in advance that the best of God’s children have had the courage of true conviction and were willing to suffer ridicule, deprivation, and even death for the sake of true testimony. Is each of us willing to do likewise?  
• Doubts about matters of religion that arise from a lack of knowledge can be constructively resolved. The solutions are instruction, study, and prayer, which result in increased testimony, which drives out further doubts.

Scripture Insight: D&C 76: 75, 79

75 These are they who are honorable men of the earth, who were blinded by the craftiness of men.

79 These are they who are not valiant in the testimony of Jesus; wherefore, they obtain not the crown over the kingdom of our God.

Discussion
This scripture seems more applicable now than ever before. While Satan has always had his power to influence and deviate those away from the true principles of the gospel, it seems that there are more and more members that I come across that have views or beliefs that are in stark contrast to church teachings.

For example, a large movement in the US and in many countries around the world has made a push for adopting same-sex marriage for "equality." Even a casual reading of "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," the scriptures, and other teachings of the prophets makes it clear that acting on same-sex desires is a grievous sin. It has been clarified more in recent years that having those desires is no different that the carnal desires one might have towards the opposite sex or to use illicit substances. The sin comes from acting on those impulses or allowing them place in our minds.

The church as a policy does not get involved in politics and allows members to support whatever political affiliation they choose. Civic duty is encouraged. It is interesting to note that one of the few and rare circumstances that the church did get involved with the political scene was when it encouraged members in California to oppose the adoption of same-sex marriage in that state. Again, the church's (and by the church we can also say the Lord's) position on this topic has been clear.

Yet there are many active church members who support same-sex marriage. I came across one person who stated that they did not believe that the Family Proclamation was true revelation by a prophet. My response, you had the First Presidency and the entire Quorum of the Twelve get together and sign a document of one accord and send it out to the entire world...there not going to do that unless it is revelation.

It's sad to see even faithful members of the church get caught up in the wiles of the devil and his craftiness. I know that they are good people, even "honorable" as the scripture above states. But we all need to look to the Prophet in all things and hold strong to the iron rod.

#MissionaryStoryMonday: Mexican Coke

There are few things better tasting in the world that Coca-Cola from Mexico. They use real sugar instead of corn syrup which gives it a better (and more addicting) flavor. Now I stopped drinking caffeine by personal choice a few years before my mission and was a little shocked at first as to how many members and other missionaries were drinking Coke (how can that be!?). My first Zone Leader is the only guy I met on the mission staunchly avoided it all cost.*

But then one day I had one and it was awesome. The best was when the family you were eating with had Coke to drink for you. Now things are a little different where I served and most of the time the family did not actually sit and eat with us. They would've eaten beforehand or they ate in another room. I'm still not sure why they did this. Anyway, since they were not there it was just you and your companion plus any other missionaries that happened to be with you.

One day we were with another companionship and eating in the home of one of my converts (the one mentioned in a previous post). She set down two 2 liter bottles of Coke on the table and we all began salivating like Pavlov's dog. We completely forgot about the amazing enchiladas she made us that day because we just wanted Coke.

One of the other missionaries that was there said something that I had not realized before that day but immediately knew it was true. He said that we shouldn't freak out because there was Coke because what happened every time is that we would become so fixated on it instead of the food and would try to drink more of it than someone else before it was gone. Guilty.

We all stopped for a moment to appreciate the truth bombs he was throwing at us. But then I looked at him said, "You're just saying that so we'll drink less of it so there will be more for you." And thus began the frantic race to drink Coke.

*This guy would sing the follow lyrics to the tune of "Choose the Right": Choose the Sprite, when the coke is place before you!

Study Recap: “Swallowed Up in the Will of the Father” by Elder Neal A. Maxwell

Title: “Swallowed Up in the Will of the Father”
Author: Elder Neal A. Maxwell
Source: October 1995 General Conference
Link: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1995/10/swallowed-up-in-the-will-of-the-father?lang=eng

Rating: 5/5


Favorite Points 

• Whenever Church members speak of consecration, it should be done reverently while acknowledging that each of us “come[s] short of the glory of God,” some of us far short (Rom. 3:23). Even the conscientious have not arrived, but they sense the shortfall and are genuinely striving.
• A second group of members are “honorable” but not “valiant.” They are not really aware of the gap nor of the importance of closing it (see D&C 76:75, 79). These “honorable” individuals are certainly not miserable nor wicked, nor are they unrighteous and unhappy. It is not what they have done but what they have left undone that is amiss. For example, if valiant, they could touch others deeply instead of merely being remembered pleasantly.
• In a third group are those who are grossly entangled with the “ungodliness” of the world, reminding us all, as Peter wrote, that if “[we are] overcome” by something worldly, “[we are] brought in bondage” (2 Pet. 2:19).
• To the extent that we are not willing to be led by the Lord, we will be driven by our appetites, or we will be greatly preoccupied with the lesser things of the day. 
• Busy, he ends up in a posture of some accommodation with the world. Thus he forgoes building up the kingdom first and instead builds up himself. A small course correction now would make a large, even destinational, difference for him later on.
• Once the telestial sins are left behind and henceforth avoided, the focus falls ever more on the sins of omission. These omissions signify a lack of qualifying fully for the celestial kingdom.
• Only greater consecration can correct these omissions, which have consequences just as real as do the sins of commission. Many of us thus have sufficient faith to avoid the major sins of commission, but not enough faith to sacrifice our distracting obsessions or to focus on our omissions.
• Most omissions occur because we fail to get outside ourselves. We are so busy checking on our own temperatures, we do not notice the burning fevers of others even when we can offer them some of the needed remedies, such as encouragement, kindness, and commendation.
• Actually, everything depends—initially and finally—on our desires. These shape our thought patterns. Our desires thus precede our deeds and lie at the very cores of our souls, tilting us toward or away from God (see D&C 4:3).
• One’s individual will thus remains uniquely his. God will not override it nor overwhelm it. Hence we’d better want the consequences of what we want!
• Another cosmic fact: only by aligning our wills with God’s is full happiness to be found. Anything less results in a lesser portion (see Alma 12:10–11).
• The Lord will work with us even if, at first, we “can no more than desire” but are willing to “give place for a portion of [His] words” (Alma 32:27). A small foothold is all He needs! But we must desire and provide it.
• So many of us are kept from eventual consecration because we mistakenly think that, somehow, by letting our will be swallowed up in the will of God, we lose our individuality (see Mosiah 15:7). What we are really worried about, of course, is not giving up self, but selfish things—like our roles, our time, our preeminence, and our possessions. 
• He is only asking us to lose the old self in order to find the new self. It is not a question of one’s losing identity but of finding his true identity! Ironically, so many people already lose themselves anyway in their consuming hobbies and preoccupations but with far, far lesser things.
• As one’s will is increasingly submissive to the will of God, he can receive inspiration and revelation so much needed to help meet the trials of life.
• The complete consecration which effected the Atonement ensured Jesus’ perfect empathy; He felt our very pains and afflictions before we did and knows how to succor us (see Alma 7:11–12; 2 Ne. 9:21). Since the Most Innocent suffered the most, our own cries of “Why?” cannot match His.
• Progression toward submission confers another blessing: an enhanced capacity for joy.
• Consecration, likewise, is not shoulder-shrugging acceptance, but, instead, shoulder-squaring to better bear the yoke.
• If we have grown soft, hard times may be necessary. If we are too contented, a dose of divine discontent may come. A relevant insight may be contained in reproof. A new calling beckons us away from comfortable routines wherein the needed competencies have already been developed. One may be stripped of accustomed luxury so that the malignant mole of materialism may be removed. One may be scorched by humiliation so pride can be melted away. Whatever we lack will get attention, one way or another.
• God’s blessings, including those associated with consecration, come by unforced obedience to the laws upon which they are predicated (see D&C 130:20–21).

Ooooh, Teaching BURN!

Below is another excerpt from Teaching, No Greater Call:

Sister Virginia H. Pearce, who served as first counselor in the Young Women general presidency, said:
“A teacher’s goal is greater than just delivering a lecture about truth. It is to invite the Spirit and use techniques that will enhance the possibility that the learner will discover the truth [and] be motivated to apply it. …
“… Imagine hundreds of thousands of classrooms every Sunday, each with a teacher who understands that ‘the learning has to be done by the pupil. Therefore it is the pupil who has to be put into action. When a teacher takes the spotlight, becomes the star of the show, does all the talking, and otherwise takes over all of the activity, it is almost certain that he is interfering with the learning of the class members’ [Asahel D. Woodruff,Teaching the Gospel (1962), 37].

Scripture Insight: Helaman 12:3

3 And thus we see that except the Lord doth chasten his people with many afflictions, yea, except he doth visit them with death and with terror, and with famine and with all manner of pestilence, they will not remember him.

Discussion
This is very sad and yet very true. I also find it sad that there are many that when it situations like this, do not take that opportunity to exercise greater faith in the Lord but curse or revile Him instead for letting that happen to them.

Study Recap: Lessons from the Atonement That Help Us to Endure to the End by Presiding Bishop Robert D. Hales

Title: Lessons from the Atonement That Help Us to Endure to the End
Author: Presiding Bishop Robert D. Hales
Source: October 1985 General Conference
Link: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1985/10/lessons-from-the-atonement-that-help-us-to-endure-to-the-end?lang=eng
Rating: 2.5/5

Favorite Points

• My brothers and sisters, I believe in Christ, and I stand to be accountable for that testimony.
• In the gospel of Jesus Christ, there comes a point in time when we must stand accountable for who we are and what we are going to be.
• How many of us are sleeping when those around us are hurting and are in need? How many of us give our testimonies of the Lord, but then do not listen, as in 1 Jn. 4:20, “For he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?”
• Do we not understand that we, too, will have moments in our lives when we will be brought to our knees, when we will need help to endure to the end? Even Joseph Smith showed impatience after being in jail for a few months and wondered why he could not get on with his mission. At that time the Lord said to Joseph, “All these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.” (D&C 122:7.) The ways in which we handle our trials are part of the maturing of the physical and spiritual man.
•  There are times when it is best to follow the Lord’s example and not attempt to answer every accusation made against us.
• Many lessons can be learned from the account of the Atonement. It is comforting to know that, though suffering, Jesus Christ was able to look down from the cross and be concerned for His mother, that she should be properly cared for, as He asked for the help of a disciple. This is one of the great messages we have heard this conference—that we turn some of our attention from our own trials and tribulations to concern and caring for others.
• Each one of us will someday, either in this life or in the life to come, have to give our testimony that He is truly the Son of God, the Savior of all mankind, Jesus Christ.
• Some years ago, as a pilot, I was taken by an instructor up in an airplane. By turning the airplane at less than two degrees at a time, the instructor succeeded in turning the airplane completely upside down. My inner ear could not detect the transition because he kept positive gravity upon us at all times. Therefore, I did not know that, when he gave the airplane to me, it was upside down. Everything on the airplane, every instrument, was exactly right except for the landing gear, which was upside down; and every reaction I made had an opposite reaction from what I thought it would have. This is called vertigo, and it taught me a great lesson.
  I would like to talk for a moment about spiritual vertigo. Although we know of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, of His obedience, of His willingness to serve and to be an example to us, and of His message to “come, follow me,” there are times when we get off course, less than a degree at a time, and do not know that we turn totally upside down.
   

Excerpt from Teaching, No Greater Call

Each Individual’s Responsibility to Learn the Gospel

In a letter about studying the gospel, Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote: “Now let us come to … a conclusion that will have an important bearing on our eternal salvation. It is that each person must learn the doctrines of the gospel for himself. No one else can do it for him. Each person stands alone where gospel scholarship is concerned; each has access to the same scriptures and is entitled to the guidance of the same Holy Spirit; each must pay the price set by a Divine Providence if he is to gain the pearl of great price.

"The same principle governs both learning truth and living in harmony with its standards. No one can repent for and on behalf of another; no one can keep the commandments in the place and stead of another; no one can be saved in someone else’s name. And no one can gain a testimony or press forward in light and truth to eternal glory for anyone but himself. Both the knowledge of the truth and the blessings that come to those who conform to true principles are personal matters. And as a just God offers the same salvation to every soul who lives the same laws, so he offers the same understanding of his eternal truths to all who will pay the truth seeker’s price.

“The Church system for gaining gospel knowledge is as follows:

a. The responsibility rests upon each person to gain a knowledge of the truth through his own efforts.

b. Next, families should teach their own family members. Parents are commanded to bring up their children in light and truth. The home should be the chief teaching center in the life of a Latter-day Saint.

c. To help families and individuals, the Church, as a service agency, provides many opportunities to teach and to learn. We are commanded to ‘teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom’ (D&C 88:77). This is done in sacrament meetings, in conferences and other meetings, by home teachers, in priesthood and auxiliary classes, through seminaries and institutes, and through the Church educational system” (“Finding Answers to Gospel Questions,” in Charge to Religious Educators, 3rd ed. [1994], 80).

Scripture Insight: D&C 58:27

27 Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;

Discussion
I have mixed feelings about this particular passage. I love the insight and importance it conveys about autonomy and our responsibility when it comes to living the gospel. I also dislike the scripture because of the same reason. It makes me realize that I am not "anxiously engaged" and "do many things of [my] own free will." Indeed, I do many things because of my calling and its what I'm supposed to do. I don't murmur or complain about it and there is no resentment of any kind. I enjoy what I do. But I also know deep down I wouldn't do most of what I do without having the calling.

It makes me think of the scripture in 1 Nephi 16:2:

 "And it came to pass that I said unto them that I knew that I had spoken hard things against the wicked, according to the truth; and the righteous have I justified, and testified that they should be lifted up at the last day; wherefore, the guilty taketh the truth to be hard, for it cutteth them to the very center."

 I'm the wicked man getting cut "to the very center." But the original scripture in D&C does give me hope though because it gives me a standard to follow so I can work towards that goal of being "anxiously engaged."

#MissionaryStoryMonday: My Second Area

I love my mission and every moment. Even those three months with the companion from hell that I would punch in the face today if I saw him. Most of my memories though are from my second area. It's not just that I had a great time there and was able to accomplish a lot of work, but I have a lot of fond memories from there because I was there for so long. And by long, I mean long.

I'm not exaggerating this one bit, but I was there for literally one year. HALF of my mission was in this one area. Companions and other Elders in the house would come and go, but I would carry on. And this was a small area. I would estimate approximately 2 miles by 5 miles. I really did knock on every door and most I hit twice. We could be contacting someone and then I would cut my companion off and we would leave. When my companion asked why, I told him that the person gave us a bad address because that's how well I knew the streets.

I had four companions there and we each enjoyed success. In fact, I was more successful as a missionary towards the end of my service there compared to the beginning. You would think it would the other way around due to burn-out from being in the same small place. But no, just the opposite (I was burnt out though).

The bishop there was great. The ward was great. We had an awesome apartment. Everything about the place was amazing. I was there so long I consider myself an honorary citizen of the city.

I always wondered though: why I was there so long? Other missionaries would joke around and say my picture of the Mission President's wall was behind the door so he always forgot about me. Now I had some thoughts as to why, but I was never sure. So during my exit interview with my Mission President before going home I asked him, "why was I in [INSERT AREA HERE] for so long?" I'll never forget his response: "I don't know, I thought you knew."

This has always stuck with me. The Lord has everything happen for a reason and each experience we have, whether good, bad, or neutral, is for our benefit. I also know that He will indicate to us the why behind it when we are ready and if we ask for the answer.

Study Recap: The Purpose of Church Welfare Services by Marion G. Romney

Title: The Purpose of Church Welfare Services
Author: Marion G. Romney
Source: April 1977 General Conference
Link: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1977/04/the-purpose-of-church-welfare-services?lang=eng

Rating: 2.5/5


Favorite Points

• I hope we all understand how our consecrations to the Lord—whether in time, work, or money—unite to relieve suffering while sanctifying both the giver and the receiver.
• In this revelation, which the Prophet designated the “law of the Church,” the Lord revealed the essentials of the united order, which was His program for eliminating the inequalities among men. It is based upon the underlying concept that the earth and all things therein belong to the Lord, and that men hold earthly possessions as stewards accountable to Him.
• In His way, there are two cardinal principles: (1) consecration, and (2) stewardship.
• This procedure preserved in every man the right of private ownership and management of his property. Indeed, the fundamental principle of the system was the private ownership of property. Each man owned his portion, or inheritance, or stewardship, with an absolute title, which, at his option, he could alienate, keep and operate, or otherwise treat as his own. The Church did not own all of the property, and life under the united order was not, and never will be, a communal life, as the Prophet Joseph himself said.
• “For,” declared the Lord, “if ye are not equal in earthly things ye cannot be equal in obtaining heavenly things; “For if you will,” he continued, “that I give unto you a place in the celestial world, you must prepare yourselves by doing the things which I have commanded you and required of you.
• The united order is implemented by the voluntary freewill actions of men, evidenced by a consecration of all their property to the Church of God. No force of any kind is ever involved.
• “The Church never was, and under existing commandments never will be, a communal society, under the directions thus far given by the Lord. The United Order was not communal nor communistic. It was completely and intensely individualistic, with a consecration of unneeded surpluses for the support of the Church and the poor.” (J. Reuben Clark, Jr., “The United Order and Law of Consecration As Set Out in the Revelations of the Lord,” from a pamphlet of articles reprinted from the Church Section of the Deseret News, 1942, pp. 26–27.)
• The united order exalts the poor and humbles the rich. In the process both are sanctified. The poor, released from the bondage and humiliating limitations of poverty, are enabled as free men to rise to their full potential, both temporally and spiritually. The rich, by consecration and by imparting of their surplus for the benefit of the poor, not by constraint, but willingly as an act of free will, evidence that charity for their fellowmen characterized by Mormon as “the pure love of Christ.” (Moro. 7:47.) In this way they qualify to “become the sons of God.” (Moro. 7:48.)
• “Many people spend most of their time working in the service of a self-image that includes sufficient money, stocks, bonds, investment portfolios, property, credit cards, furnishings, automobiles, and the like to guarantee carnal security throughout, it is hoped, a long and happy life. Forgotten is the fact that our assignment is to use these many resources in our families and quorums to build up the kingdom of God—to further the missionary effort and the genealogical and temple work; to raise our children up as fruitful servants unto the Lord; to bless others in every way, that they may also be fruitful. Instead, we expend these blessings on our own desires, and as Moroni said, ‘Ye adorn yourselves with that which hath no life, and yet suffer the hungry, and the needy, and the naked, and the sick and the afflicted to pass by you, and notice them not.’ (Morm. 8:39.)
  
  “As the Lord himself said in our day, ‘They seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man walketh in his own way, and after the image of his own God, whose image is in the likeness of the world, and whose substance is that of an idol, which waxeth old and shall perish in Babylon, even Babylon the great, which shall fall.’ (D&C 1:16; italics added.)” (Ensign, June 1976, pp. 4–5.)

Quick Note About Teaching

While studying the other day I came across this useful piece of advice that's directed towards teachers but is useful for all members and leaders:

A call to teach does not require that you know everything about the gospel, so you should not feel embarrassed if a class member asks a question that you cannot answer. Instead of making up an answer, admit that you do not know and offer to try to find an answer.

Scripture Insight: D&C 101:37

37 Therefore, care not for the body, neither the life of the body; but care for the soul, and for the life of the soul.

Discussion
This scripture throws me off some. I read it through and on the surface and it looks like it could mean that I don't have to worry about those second servings of ice cream or chocolate anymore, after all, it says "care not for the body, neither the life of the body." It talks about caring more for the soul. Which makes sense because our current physical bodies are just temporal in nature and in the resurrection they will be perfected regardless of who we are or what we did to them.

That covers the saved from physical death part. But there's also spiritual death which is more significant for our eternal outcome. This is also the main meaning behind this particular scripture as it advises us to focus our souls which brings the more spiritual matter into it. So I'm all good up until here. I'll eat that extra piece of fried chicken and then finish my wife's fries that she's not going to eat. As long as I'm in line with the commandments of God and repenting appropriately, I'm good to go.

But then I come back to the word soul, which is the combination of the body and the spirit. So if I am to worry about the soul, I still have to worry about my body. But is this referring to our current physical bodies (the temporal one) or the resurrected ones? Because I really would like that extra helping of mac n' cheese...

Study Recap: Healing Soul and Body by Robert D. Hales

Title: Healing Soul and Body
Author: Elder Robert D. Hales
Source: October 1998 General Conference
Link: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1998/10/healing-soul-and-body?lang=eng
Summary: If we seek the truth, develop faith in Him, and … sincerely repent, we will receive a spiritual change of heart which only comes from our Savior. Our hearts will become new again.
Rating: 3/5


Favorite Points

• I pondered deeply the purpose of pain and studied in my mind what I could learn from my experience and began to comprehend pain a little better. I learned that the physical pain and the healing of the body after major surgery are remarkably similar to the spiritual pain and the healing of the soul in the process of repentance. “Therefore, care not for the body, neither the life of the body; but care for the soul, and for the life of the soul” (D&C 101:37).
• I have come to understand how useless it is to dwell on the whys, what ifs, and if onlys for which there likely will be given no answers in mortality.
• To receive the Lord’s comfort, we must exercise faith. The questions Why me? Why our family? Why now? are usually unanswerable questions. These questions detract from our spirituality and can destroy our faith.
• Pondering takes our thoughts from the trivial things of this world and brings us closer to the gentle, guiding hand of our Maker as we heed the “still small voice” of the Holy Ghost (see 1 Kgs. 19:12; 1 Ne. 17:45; D&C 85:6).
• Our Savior knows the heart of each of us. He knows the pains of our hearts.
• It is interesting to note that, other than in the book of Job and a few other places, there are very few scriptural references to physical or mortal pain. The pain most frequently spoken of in the scriptures is the pain and anguish of the Lord and His prophets for the disobedient souls.
• Elder Orson F. Whitney wrote: “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God, … and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire” (quoted in Improvement Era, Mar. 1966, 211).
• The greater and more intense suffering of the Lord was not physical—not the trial nor the mocking, not the beating or being spat upon; it was not even being betrayed by a beloved associate or rejected by those whom He loved, nor was it the physical act of crucifixion. Although all of these things happened and each action was very painful, the Savior’s greatest pain during the Atonement was endured to help the transgressor to be healed:

  “For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;

  “But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;

  “Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit” (D&C 19:16–18).

Scripture Insight: D&C 29:34-35

34 Wherefore, verily I say unto you that all things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal; neither any man, nor the children of men; neither Adam, your father, whom I created.

35 Behold, I gave unto him that he should be an agent unto himself; and I gave unto him commandment, but no temporal commandment gave I unto him, for my commandments are spiritual; they are not natural nor temporal, neither carnal nor sensual.

From the Doctrine and Covenants and Church History: Gospel Doctrine Teacher's Manual: Lesson 14: The Law of Consecration:

Explain that the principles of the law of consecration have not changed since it was revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith. However, the application of those principles changes from time to time.  The current prophet helps us understand how to apply these principles in our day.

Discussion
I was studying the Sunday School one week in preparation for Sunday and came across the above scripture. I had to stop and take a step back for a moment to more fully comprehend it because something was not adding up for me. Now I know the scripture is true because it was revelation received for these latter days and is included in the canonical works of the church. I have a strong testimony of that. So I know if there is any discrepancy with these and other teachings, the fault is on me and my lack of understanding.

But I confess I was perplexed at first with the scripture. I understood the principle it was outlining perfect. My difficulty came in the history of its application which when looking at the surface level of the evidence seems to contradict it (i.e, changes with Blacks receiving the priesthood, the support and then non-support of polygamy, etc.). Again, because I know the scriptures to be true that this could not be the case.

I decided to return to the manual and continue studying so my mind could wrestle with that one in the background. No sooner do I return to studying the manual do I come across the second bit which is also included above. These made it abundantly clear where my lack of understanding was. What seemed like a contradiction in statement is perfectly explained in three simple sentences (one really if you look at the highlighted portion).

Study Recap: The Lord Offers Everyone a Way Back from Sin by Robert D. Hales

Title: The Lord Offers Everyone a Way Back from Sin
Author: Robert D. Hales of the Seventy
Source: October 1976 General Conference
Link: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1976/10/the-lord-offers-everyone-a-way-back-from-sin?lang=eng

Rating: 4/5


Favorite Points

• The message I am sharing with you today is that the gospel protects us and that the gospel principle of repentance has the ability to restore us if we have committed a sin.
• "Satan is insidious. He leads a person away from the righteous way of living and little by little tempts them into greater and greater wrongs."
• “After my confession the bishop commended me on taking the first step toward returning to my Heavenly Father and outlined additional steps to prepare me for the day when I would realize that I had truly been forgiven. He emphasized that he, himself, could not forgive me. That was the Lord’s decision. He helped me to understand that I could be forgiven, that my Heavenly Father loves me, that I could gain an awareness of my future goals and not constantly condemn myself all of my life, thus halting my eternal progression."
• "Do not be misled by the superficial moral codes of our day. They are Satan’s most persuasive tools. They have no eternal significance."
• Finally, the greatest of all blessings: the forgiveness of the Lord. We no longer look back with depression and hurt, but forward to the future with hope and joy and love for God, self, and all mankind.
• The depth of our repentance must be as deep as the sin we have committed. There is no easy way. It hurts, but it also cleanses.
  
  
  NOTE: All quoted portions above are from a letter that was read and are not direct words by Robert D. Hales.
  

Missionary Story Monday: Carpet

I served my mission in Mexico. I loved it there and the people. They have a rich culture and the best food in the world (plus Coke with sugar instead of corn syrup). But one thing they don't have: carpet. I saw carpet a total of two times during my entire mission.

The first time I came across it was in my first area at the church building. I was serving in a small branch and some how they had gotten a building built even though they had fairly low numbers. And not only did they have this nice, big building, but there were two parts of it that had carpet. One part was on the stage in the sacrament hall. The other was this small little room that could barely hold one table and a few chairs. Not sure how, but that became the "missionary room." This carpet was course, rough, and industrial strength but I loved every fiber of it.

Fast forward more than a year later in my second area. My companion from Idaho and I are knocking doors and this elderly gentleman invites us in. We're talking with him when we see that one of the rooms in the house has carpet. and not just any carpet, the lush, soft, "I just want to take a nap on it" stuff. We were mesmerized. My companion and I looked at each other and then to the guy. I asked, "sir, would you mind if we touched your carpet?"

The guy just looked at us kinda funny and said, "You can walk on it if you like" and shrugged his shoulders like what are these two gringos smoking.* But my companion and I were beyond caring what this guy thought of us because we were ecstatic! It was like Christmas come early! Now our shoes were extremely dirty because of where we were serving so we took them off before walking on this heavenly piece of joy. It was like walking on clouds. It is one of the best memories I have from my mission.

*the guy never invited us back

Happy Mother's Day!

Please enjoy the following images to have a good laugh and better enjoy this wonderful day for those women that are so special to each of us!

More Truth Bombs, this time from Elder Boyd K. Packer

I came across the other day while studying the Sunday School lesson and like what was said:

Elder Boyd K. Packer said that we should be reverent in the chapel so we do not intrude “when someone is struggling to feel delicate spiritual communications.” He also cautioned that reverence “does not equate with absolute silence. We must be tolerant of little babies, even an occasional outburst from a toddler being ushered out” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1991, 28; or Ensign, Nov. 1991, 22).

 My favorite part of this is the highlighted portion at the end: "being ushered out." It's a nice way of saying we will be tolerate of babies/toddlers making noise...especially as you take them out when they reach that one point. Don't be those parents who keep their kids in the meeting because you don't want to miss anything or you think its teaching them an important lesson. Its not, you just making everyone else have a headache and not feel the Spirit. Look again at the beginning of the quote.

I also like how he said "toddler" and "little babies" but not "children." He's implying that you need to have them in check by a certain age. Teach them to be reverent because at a certain point that noisy hullabaloo* is not cool.

*How awesome is this word? It just came to me out nowhere as I was typing and I never use that word. 10 points to me though for how awesome it is and using it.

Study Recap: The Unique Message of Jesus Christ by Elder Robert D. Hales

Title: The Unique Message of Jesus Christ
Author: Elder Robert D. Hales
Source: April 1994 General Conference
Link: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1994/04/the-unique-message-of-jesus-christ?lang=eng

Rating: 1/5*


Favorite Points

• For the rest of my sojourn here in mortality, I will have the opportunity to bear testimony as a special witness of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

 *This appears to be the General Conference when Elder Hales was called to be an apostle given that the majority of the talk centered on that.

Study Recap: “Settle This in Your Hearts” by Elder Neal A. Maxwell

Title: “Settle This in Your Hearts”
Author: Elder Neal A. Maxwell
Source: October 1992 General Conference
Link: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1992/10/settle-this-in-your-hearts?lang=eng

Rating: 5/5

Favorite Points

• Instead, these comments are for the essentially “honorable” members who are skimming over the surface instead of deepening their discipleship and who are casually engaged rather than “anxiously engaged.” (D&C 76:75; D&C 58:27.)
• Though nominal in their participation, their reservations and hesitations inevitably show through. They may even pass through our holy temples, but, alas, they do not let the holy temples pass through them.
• Some regard themselves as merely “resting” in between Church callings. But we are never in between as to this soaring call from Jesus: “What manner of men [and women] ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am.” (3 Ne. 27:27; see Matt. 5:48; 3 Ne. 12:48.)
• All are free to choose, of course, and we would not have it otherwise. Unfortunately, however, when some choose slackness, they are choosing not only for themselves, but for the next generation and the next. Small equivocations in parents can produce large deviations in their children!
• While casual members are not unrighteous, they often avoid appearing to be too righteous by seeming less committed than they really are—an ironic form of hypocrisy.
• Some of these otherwise honorable members mistakenly regard the Church as an institution, but not as a kingdom. They know the doctrines of the kingdom, but more as a matter of recitation than of real comprehension.
•  One common characteristic of the honorable but slack is their disdain for the seemingly unexciting duties of discipleship, such as daily prayer, regular reading of the scriptures, attendance at sacrament meeting, paying a full tithe, and participating in the holy temples.
• When the determination is first made to begin to be more spiritually settled, there is an initial vulnerability: it is hard to break with the past. But once we begin, we see how friends who would hold us back spiritually are not true friends at all. Any chiding from them reflects either resentment or unconscious worry that somehow they are being deserted. 
• In any attempt to explain to them, our tongue is able to speak only “the smallest part.” (Alma 26:16.) We continue to care for them, but we care for our duty to God more.
• Brigham Young counseled candidly: “Some do not understand duties which do not coincide with their natural feelings and affections. … There are duties which are above affection.” (Journal of Discourses, 7:65.)
• Some would never sell Jesus for thirty pieces, but they would not give Him their all either!
• One might share talents publicly yet privately retain a particular pride.
•  Still others find it easier to bend their knees than their minds. Exciting exploration is preferred to plodding implementation; speculation seems more fun than consecration, and so is trying to soften the hard doctrines instead of submitting to them.
• Each of us is an innkeeper who decides if there is room for Jesus!
• When, at last, we are truly pointed homeward, then the world’s pointing fingers of scorn can better be endured. As we come to know to Whom we belong, the other forms of belonging cease to mean very much.
• For now, consecration may not require giving up worldly possessions so much as being less possessed by them.
• A little criticism of the Brethren, which seems harmless enough, may not only damage other members but can even lead to one’s setting himself up as a substitute “light unto the world.” (2 Ne. 26:29.)
•  

Dropping Truth Bombs as Only a Prophet Can

I was studying the Sunday School lesson for this week and came across this powerful quote that I felt impressed to share:

President Spencer W. Kimball, the 12th President of the Church, said: “We do not go to Sabbath meetings to be entertained or even solely to be instructed. We go to worship the Lord. It is an individual responsibility, and regardless of what is said from the pulpit, if one wishes to worship the Lord in spirit and truth, he may do so by attending his meetings, partaking of the sacrament, and contemplating the beauties of the gospel. If the service is a failure to you, you have failed. No one can worship for you” (“The Sabbath—A Delight,” Ensign,Jan. 1978, 4–5).

Study Recap: Spirituality by Elder Dallin H. Oaks

Title: Spirituality
Author: Elder Dallin H. Oaks
Source: October 1985 General Conference
Link: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1985/10/spirituality?lang=eng

Rating: 5/5


Favorite Points

• As faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have a distinctive way of looking at life. We view our experiences in terms of eternity.
•  To be spiritually minded is to view and evaluate our experiences in terms of the enlarged perspective of eternity.
• Each of us has a personal lens through which we view the world. Our lens gives its special tint to all we see. It can suppress some features and emphasize others. It can also reveal things otherwise invisible. Through the lens of spirituality, we can know “the things of God” by “the Spirit of God.” (1 Cor. 2:11.)
• As the Apostle Paul taught, such things are “foolishness” to the “natural man.” He cannot see them “because they are spiritually discerned.” (See 1 Cor. 2:14.)
• How we interpret our experiences is also a function of our degree of spirituality. Some interpret mortality solely in terms of worldly accomplishments and possessions. In contrast, we who have a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ should interpret our experiences in terms of our knowledge of the purpose of life, the mission of our Savior, and the eternal destiny of the children of God.
• Spirituality is not a function of occupation or calling. A scientist may be more spiritual than a theologian; a teacher may be more spiritual than an officer. Spirituality is determined by personal outlook and priorities. It is evident in our words and actions.
• ...we should not be so occupied with what is routine and temporal that we fail to cherish those opportunities that are unique and spiritual.
• Many Esaus have given up something of eternal value in order to satisfy a momentary hunger for the things of the world.
• The Roman soldiers of Pilate provided an unforgettable illustration of the different perspectives of the carnal mind and the spiritual mind. During a tragic afternoon on Calvary, a handful of soldiers waited at the foot of a cross. The most important event in all eternity was taking place on the cross above their heads. Oblivious to that fact, they occupied themselves casting lots to divide the earthly property of the dying Son of God.
• Jim, you don’t understand,” President Dunn replied. “You see, I’m raising boys, not cows.”
• What we see around us depends on what we seek in life.
• The enemies of the young prophet, Joseph Smith, hounded him to get possession of the golden plates from which he was to translate the Book of Mormon. They sought the golden plates to get money, not a message. The temporal value of the plates had a price; their spiritual value was priceless.
• Materialism, which gives priority to material needs and objects, is obviously the opposite of spirituality.  
• There is nothing inherently evil about money. The Good Samaritan used the same coinage to serve his fellowman that Judas used to betray the Master. It is “the love of money [which] is the root of all evil.” (1 Tim. 6:10; italics added.)
• As faithful Latter-day Saints, we can bear the death of loved ones because we have faith in the resurrection and the eternal nature of family ties. We can repent and rise above our mistakes and inadequacies because we know that our Savior “suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent.” (D&C 19:16.)
• Seen with the perspective of eternity, a temporal setback can be an opportunity to develop soul power of eternal significance. Strength is forged in adversity. Faith is developed in a setting where we cannot see what lies ahead.
• Spirituality is not acquired suddenly. It is the consequence of a succession of right choices. It is the harvest of a righteous life.
• Through the lens of spirituality, we see all the commandments of God as invitations to blessings.
• To the faithful, spirituality is a lens through which we view life and a gauge by which we evaluate it. The Apostle Paul expressed this thought in two of his letters:
  
  
  “We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Cor. 4:18.)
  
  
  “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
  “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” (Rom. 8:5–6.)

Missionary Story Monday: The Fogotten Book of Mormon

One day in my second area my companion and I had just left the apartment in the morning to start working and hadn't even made it to the end of the street when my companion realized he forgot to bring his Book of Mormon to give away. We stopped for a second and debated whether or not to go back for it. I had extra in my bag so we didn't need them. We also gave away few of them per day because not many people knew how to read so they didn't want to accept them.

But something told us to go back and we did. So we go back, get them, and then head back out again. As we reach the street corner and are prepared to cross to the other side we see this lady standing there looking at us timidly. I could see her mustering up the courage to say something to us. She finally found her voice and called us over (we would had gone over anyway with that type of body language). Turns out she had spoken to missionaries before and had been looking for us. She was walking down the street that day and saw us as we came to the corner. She baptized two weeks later along with her two kids.

Now I often think what would have happened if we didn't turn back that day to get my companion's Book of Mormon. Our paths wouldn't have crossed with that sweet sister and her family could have been delayed in getting the gospel. I'm grateful to our Heavenly Father and all the little things that He puts is place so that His purposes can come to pass.

FYI: we never ended up needing that extra Book of Mormon we went back for.

Scripture Insight: Moroni 10:22

22 And if ye have no hope ye must needs be in despair; and despair cometh because of iniquity.

Discussion
I came across this scripture while reading a talk recently on lds.org. It made me remember another talk I read many years ago while still on the mission. In that particular talk there was a story about a missionary who was complaining about his companion who took forever to get ready in the morning and they were never able to leave the house on time. What was happening is that the companion was praying for 30 or minutes each day when he awoke in the morning.

Well that doesn't sound too bad, right? I mean, come on, the guy is praying. But the Mission President still wanted to address the issue because it was causing problems within the companionship and while praying is nice and all, 30 minutes can excessive when you have a tight schedule like missionaries do. So the MP sits down with this young Elder and asks why he is praying for so long. His response was that he had to wait until he could feel the spirit in order prayer properly.

Now the MP immediate response was to ask about any immorality or sins that the Elder had not repented up. The Elder denied. But either through revelation or knowledge of the scripture above (probably both), the MP probed deeper with the young Elder who finally confessed to some serious transgressions that he had not repented of.

It stuck out to me then as it does now that sin impedes our ability to have hope and faith in the gospel. I recently interacted with someone who was struggling with their faith and testimony that the church was true and the President Monson was indeed a prophet. I thought then, but not mention it to the person, that perhaps there was some sin or transgression that they had not repented of that could have been holding them back. Although hard, sometime we have to take that first step into the darkness in order for the light to come.

Although we may feel hopeless and in despair in our iniquities, I know that if we take that first step of repentance by exercising even the smallest sliver of faith the Lord will bless us.

Study Recap: The Law of Chastity by President Ezra Taft Benson

Title: The Law of Chastity
Author: Ezra Taft Benson
Source: October 1988 Liahona (from a devotional address delivered at BYU)
Link: https://www.lds.org/liahona/1988/10/the-law-of-chastity?lang=eng
Summary: When we keep ourselves morally clean, we will experience the blessings of increased love and peace, and a deep and significant sense of joy and happiness.
Rating: 4.5/5

Favorite Points

• From the beginning of time, the Lord has set a clear and unmistakable standard of sexual purity. It always has been, it is now, and it always will be the same. That standard is the law of chastity. It is the same for all—for men and women, for old and young, for rich and poor.
• The law of chastity is a principle of eternal significance. We must not be influenced by the many voices of the world. We must listen to the voice of the Lord and then determine that we will start to keep his commandments.
• As the world seeks solutions for this disease, which began primarily through widespread homosexuality, they look everywhere but to the law of the Lord. There are many health agencies, both public and private, trying to combat AIDS. They seek increased funding for research. They sponsor programs of education and information. They write bills aimed at protecting the innocent from infection. They set up treatment programs for those who have already become infected. These are important and necessary programs, and we commend those efforts. But why is it we rarely hear anyone calling for a return to chastity, for a commitment to virtue and fidelity?
• I recognize that most people fall into sexual sin in a misguided attempt to fulfill basic human needs. We all have a need to feel loved and worthwhile. We all seek to have joy and happiness in our lives. Knowing this, Satan often lures people into immorality by encouraging their basic needs. He promises pleasure, happiness, and fulfillment.
• There is an old saying that states: It is better to prepare and prevent than it is to repair and repent. How true that is of the law of chastity. The first line of defense in keeping ourselves morally clean is to prepare ourselves to resist temptation and prevent ourselves from falling into sin.
•  No one steps into immorality in an instant. The first seeds of immorality are always sown in the mind. When we allow our thoughts to dwell on crude or immoral things, the first step on the road to immorality has been taken.
• Many of the tragedies of immorality begin when a man and woman are alone in the office, or at church, or driving in a car. At first there may be no intent or even thought of sin. But the circumstances provide a fertile seedbed for temptation. One thing leads to another, and very quickly tragedy may result. It is so much easier to avoid such circumstances from the start so that temptation gets no chance for development.
• One of Satan’s most effective strategies with those whom he has lured into sin is to whisper in their ears that they are not worthy to pray. He will tell you that Heavenly Father is so displeased with you that He will never hear your prayers. This is a lie, and he says it to deceive us.  
• No one is more anxious to help you flee from sin than your Heavenly Father
• It is not enough simply to try to resist evil or empty our lives of sin. We must also fill our lives with righteousness. We must engage in activities that bring spiritual power.