Detour

I left the house of one of the students I tutored one day, and met some "detour" signs that weren't there an hour and a half ago.

I followed the detour, and prepared to turn onto the desired street that would give me the shortest way around the closed road, but found that it was also detoured.

I decided to drive in the completely opposite direction after seeing a few more detour signs. My trusty GPS led me through another passageway that lead me to my next student's house.

As I pondered in the car while driving, I laughed to myself as I realized that life has God-given detours.

The planned road I had in mind was in need of repairs. Had I travelled it, I might've found my car and/or myself injured.

A friend of mine recently showed me a picture quote: "God wrecks your plans when He sees your plans are about to wreck you."

This can occur with education choices (or lack of education choices), career decisions, searching for your EC, or simply the route one would take to arrive at a destination.

The reason I laughed, is because recently in my life, God has given me a detour to get to a metaphorical destination. I was hurt, but accepted it.

How grateful I should be for detours. They are signs of God's love. He wants what's best, so we should follow Him.

Motivation

"The Savior’s only motivation was to help people."

Said President Eyring.

There is something sublime about this declaration – something deep and wonderful!

I can ask myself: "is my only motivation to help people?"

Love of Companion

I have a few friends, who are readers of these spiritual thoughts, who are preparing for their mission. What a wonderful investment of time and love for Heavenly Father!

My motivation for this spiritual thought is the hope that they will know how to make each day of their mission count, more than counting each day.

One of the most meaningful ways to make each day count is to make it meaningful for something - or, someone - that will be by their side almost 24/7. I speak of their companions.

I am more than aware of the difficulties that come with being with a companion all day and all night. The Atonement makes it easier, and not using the Atonement makes it harder.

I say "the Atonement", but from now on, I will say "the Lord's ways" since the Atonement does not fully apply without our obedience to His ways, and our sacrifice of whatever ways we might have, that do not harmonize with His.

We have all heard of the experience of other missionaries having a companion that did not want to work. Who did not desire to serve the Lord.

I think of the parable of the prodigal son – we love comparing ourselves to the son, in search of where it is in our lives we must "come to ourselves" as he did. Yet, what's not to say that the father saw his own past self in his son? What's not to say that the father had such love for his son, so as to keep his heart open because he himself had the same or similar experiences his son had, once upon a time?

Regarding opening our hearts, I think this it is one of the greatest challenges that we face in mortality: keeping our hearts open for those who have hurt us.

Listen to the words of God, who exemplifies this principle perfectly:

D&C 58:42
"Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more."

The Lord will keep opening His heart, and is always willing to keep His heart open, for as long as it takes us before it is too late, to return to Him.

The father of the prodigal son made no mention of the wealth spent. He didn't say, "so, will you work hard to earn all of that money back?" Neither did he enquire, "so what did you do with all that money?"

Instead, "the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:" (Luke 15:22-23.)

Instead of enquiring his motives, he gave him more! His best robe! A ring! Even slaying the fatted calf for a feast and a party!

This was after the son's return home. But what of during the son's rebellion?

The parable tells us the son said:

"I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,

"And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

"And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him"

(Luke 15:18-20).

This is the type of father that believed his son would return home. I see him praying earnestly, deeply for his son. I see him, during his daily tasks, keeping his eye out for any approaching body in the horizon. During dinner, he is not at the family dinner table, for he is out in the yard eating his dinner, watching, waiting, listening for every sound. Any sound that would hint at the return of his son.

Then, upon seeing his son return, he throws his food on the ground, breaks the chair he was sitting on (if he was sitting at all), and runs to embrace his son, calling "servants, servants come quick! My son has returned!"

How do we view our companions in their rebellion?

I admit, I found it hard at times to forgive. Yet, listen to the voice of the father as he teaches us of eternal perspective:

"For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found."
(Luke 15:24.)

I propose that the truly Christlike will not even worry about what pains and worries their companion(s) brings them.

The Christ healed the ear of a man who was arresting Him on false accusation. Will we heal our companion, no matter what pain they may be bringing to us?

I have learned in my life that when we do what's right, God plants a deep, warm, inner peace within us. This is true in extremely large measure, regarding meeting our companions with kindness.

John A Widstoe taught:

“Love is a positive active force. It helps the loved one. If there is need, love tries to supply it. If there is weakness, love supplants it with strength. …Love that does not help is a faked or transient love."

Love of God and love of neighbour is what will rule the world (Elder Jeffrey R Holland).

We are to assume the good in our companions, and doubt the bad in all they do.

This does not mean, leave them to suffer in their consequences, but rather, take into account the difficulty of battling the natural man, the results of the fall of Adam and Eve, and the very nature of this earthly, mortal existence, which involves tests of our character that help us grow.

You may, and should, hear the teaching often: "Your loyalty is first to the Lord, and then to your companion." This phrase should clear up any questions we may have on what goals we should have, and what vision of the ideal we are to hold on to, no matter what.

Of course, these principles do not only apply to companions, but to our family, our friends, our leaders, those whom we are leaders to, strangers, how we speak about those in political power, how we view those whom we have no affiliation with, and even applies to how we treat ourselves. Basically, these principles apply to how we view, communicate with (and behind), and treat everyone.

I cannot adequately express my dreams and hopes of these principles in this spiritual thought today. Nor am I able to powerfully and sufficiently testify of these principles for this reason: there remaineth in me the guilt of not accepting these principles until it was too late.

And so, I share this spiritual thought as a testimony of one of the deepest yearnings of my heart: to be more Christlike.

I also share this spiritual thought in the hope that my dearest of friends (which is everyone - if not in reality, then in desire) preparing for their missions will not make the same mistake.

You will get to know a little bit more of what the Savior puts up with in us.

Allow me to list some of the blessings that come with the diligent commitment to follow the Savior's ways in loving companions:

• No matter who you encounter in life, you will know how to ask for revelation for how to love each individual.

• No matter what you encounter in life, you will have developed the characteristic of peace that surpasses all understanding.

• You will fulfill the promise given in D&C 121:41-46 – specifically, all dominion will flow unto you without your "compulsory means", meaning without your necessary effort. Your effort is in serving the Lord, not gaining dominion. Thus, dominion will naturally flow to you, and you will use this dominion to bless others.

• You come to know the Savior on a very, very personal level, having made the sacrifices in His similitude and His name, and the obedient decisions He desires of us.

Oh how sweet it becomes, when you come to know the Savior by experiencing your token experience of His Atonement.

I close with the lyrics of a sweet song sung at a recent CES Devotional Fireside I attended. It was sung by two dear friends of mine.

I'm learning of the Savior,

I feel His love for me.

I realize His sacrifice

in Gethsemane.

And when I felt He gave His all

I had desire to learn,

if there was anything that I

could offer in return,

and I learned

that all of my heart,

no more, no less

All of my heart

was His request.

He gave His all,

not merely a part.

So I will give all of my heart.

I have decided

to stand on His side.

And I must have a loyalty

I never will divide.

Although other voices

would call me away, 

I have made choices

and here I will stay,

always.

With all of my heart,

no more, no less.

All of my heart

is His request.

He gave His all,

not merely a part.

So I will give all of my heart.

He gave His all,

not merely a part.

So I will give all of my heart.

Hold to the Rod

A new commitment I've made is to solidify my institute experience.

Part of this, is by actually studying the chapters that will be in the institute class the coming Wednesday night, and accompany that study with the study of the respective student manual.

So, I am repenting. And it feels good. =D

One question posed in the student manual for the Book of Mormon class is this:

In what ways are you progressing toward the tree of life?

For my personal reflection, I collected some of my understanding and knowledge (without appropriate references) on this topic, and logically building my understanding. Then, as I typed my thoughts and feelings on the topic, I pondered what it means to me, and how well I am doing.

I only record here in this blog post, the doctrine and teachings of the topic at hand.

Here it is:

One progresses to the tree of life through holding on to the iron rod, no matter what mists of uncertainty or temptation or trial besets us. Not even prosperity, wherein many fall into forgetfulness of the One who blessed them with prosperity.

So, what does it mean to hold to the rod? What does it mean to press forward? Am I doing these two things?

The iron rod is the word of God, analogous to the sword of the Spirit in the armor of God.

Elders Bednar and Packer taught that the iron rod is not necessarily a thick, solid rod that one may hold to as one ascends a stair, but they suggested that the iron rod consists of three interwoven cords of great strength.

These three cords are:

1. Personal Revelation.
2. The Word of God as spoken by prophets of the past.
3. The Word of God as spoken by living prophets.

So, my holding on to the iron rod to make it to the tree is about my holding on to these three channels by which the Lord communicates to me.

I notice that 1 Nephi 8-15 talks about not only about receiving revelation - analogous to seeing the rod, and seeing that the rod leads to the tree. It is about action - do we HOLD to the rod?

Do I hold on to the personal revelation that the Lord gives me? Or do I just receive it? Do I record it, and put it away? Or do I organize it in orderly fashion, showing the Lord’s its sacredness to me? Do I search through it often?

Do I know that life’s problems recur over the history of mankind? Do I know that my issues have been faced by someone else, somewhere, sometime in the past? If I do know so, how diligent am I in searching the words of past prophets? How much do I value and follow the example of Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Peter, Paul, Joseph Smith? They are the words of Christ, for Christ spoke through to them. Indeed, we have Christ’s personal life, ministry, and words.

How do I feel for the prophets today? How earnestly do I pray for them? How much value do I find in their teachings? Do I live in their example and words? Do I hold dear to the revelation I received through them, as I attended general conference?

Now, even as the scriptures teach us to walk in the words of God, holding to the rod, it seems that there is a variable quality in the way we hold to the word of God.

“And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree.

“And after they had partaken of the fruit of the tree they did cast their eyes about as if they were ashamed.”

- 1 Nephi 8:24-25.

These individuals made it to the tree! I had never seen this: Elder Bednar pointed out that these people were merely “clinging to the rod of iron.” They held to the rod. These people saw the importance of making it to the tree, and holding on to the word of God, and the prophets.

Yet, they feel away. Why?

Elder Bednar points out another group of people that made it to the tree, and outlines the difference.

“[Lehi] saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree.”

- 1 Nephi 8:30.

These people were not “clinging”, but instead they were “continually holding fast to the rod of iron.” Now, what does that mean?

Dictionary.com helps us here. Let’s compare the two phrases.

verb (used without object), clung, clinging.

1. to adhere closely; stick to:

The wet paper clings to the glass.

This indicates a loyalty of some degree. Though, I feel it is easy to remove the wet paper from the glass. Would it be easy to remove someone from the iron rod when that person is merely clinging? I think so.

2. to hold tight, as by grasping or embracing; cleave:

The children clung to each other in the dark.

This indicates a level of loyalty as well - even positive. We most definitely want to embrace the gospel. Though, because those who were merely clinging - and therefore embracing - the rod of iron didn’t stay at the tree, we see that we need something more than just merely to stick to and passionately embracing the gospel.

3. to be or remain close:

The child clung to her mother's side.

This sounds like someone who might run off, and come back every now and then. Someone who runs off in rebellion to join the world, then when convenient, returns to the gospel, and repeats this pattern frequently throughout life.

4. to remain attached, as to an idea, hope, memory, etc.:

Despite the predictions, the candidate clung to the belief that he would be elected.

A wise friend of mine once shared her father’s words with me: “hope leads to happiness, whereas expectation leads to disappointment” (paraphrased). Is eternal life an expectation for me to achieve? or is it a hope?

I may need to clarify the two definitions of hope I think we find in the world. Worldly hope is demonstrated in perspectives such as, “I hope I win the lottery”, “I hope it rains tomorrow”, “I hope I get good marks in this test” (when I haven’t studied much, except having crammed the night before). Godly hope is in something that is sure and definite, but by true faith in Christ, such as “I hope to be resurrected someday”, which confession is equivalent to the faithful saying, “I know I will be resurrected someday” when one doesn’t know out of pure knowledge, but only by faith, through the witness of the Spirit. “I hope the Book of Mormon will guide me through life” which is equivalent to “I know the Book of Mormon is true, and God guides me through it.”

5. to cohere.

Dictionary.com defines cohere as to stick together; be united; hold fast, as parts of the same mass: The particles of wet flour cohered to form a paste.

So we do see some overlaps between holding fast and clinging.

Let us observe the definitions of the words in the phrase, continually holding fast. Thanks to dictionary.com.

Continually

adverb

1.

very often; at regular or frequent intervals; habitually.

2.

without cessation or intermission; unceasingly; always.

Hold

verb (used with object), held; held or (Archaic) holden; holding.

1.

to have or keep in the hand; keep fast; grasp:

She held the purse in her right hand. He held the child's hand in his.

2.

to set aside; reserve or retain:

to hold merchandise until called for; to hold a reservation.

3.

to bear, sustain, or support, as with the hands or arms, or by any other means.

Fast

adverb, faster, fastest.

18.

quickly, swiftly, or rapidly.

19.

in quick succession:

Events followed fast upon one another to the crisis.

20.

tightly; firmly:

to hold fast.

I leave it to the reader to join the dots.

I want to note that those that were continually holding fast to the iron rod, when they arrived at the tree, they fell down. Why would they fall down? Was holding to the rod continually - as an experience - harder, than occasionally letting go of the rod when convenient? I think so.

The reward of continually holding fast? When we get to the tree, we actually desire to stay. We have developed a complete and unreserved love for the Lord - as opposed to a partial love for God, and a partial love for worldliness.

The clingers of the rod were ashamed because they had that love of the world in their hearts. The world mocked them, and they felt ashamed.

So don't feel silly when you are mocked - even by church members - for being too Mormon, or too serious about the gospel, or over emphatic about living the gospel. But don't judge them to be clingers of the rod - that would make you a clinger to, through your unrighteous and non-omniscient judgment. They have their own stories as to why they may be mocking you. Yet, they need your light. Instead of replying to their mockery with "I'll stay at the tree when we get there, and you'll fall away" just say "I love you too!" In future, I may very well find in them a testimony and conversion to the gospel in certain areas that are stronger than my own.

I pray we continually hold fast, assist others along the way, and identify when we get casual in our gospel living.

I testify that those times in my life when I have continually held fast to the iron rod, I have felt the constant companionship of the Spirit in greater measure. I have tasted of the sweet fruit of the Atonement many times in life, and it has only been after my wholehearted and enduring commitment to eternal principles.

The Ups and Downs of Life

As you read the quotation of Nephi’s experience in his own words, keep an eye out for the dramatic change of emotions Nephi might have been feeling.

“And it came to pass that after I, Nephi, had been carried away in the Spirit, and seen all these things, I returned to the tent of my father.

“And it came to pass that I beheld my brethren, and they were disputing one with another concerning the things which my father had spoken unto them. 

“For he truly spake many great things unto them, which were hard to be understood, save a man should inquire of the Lord; and they being hard in their hearts, therefore they did not look unto the Lord as they ought. 

“And now I, Nephi, was grieved because of the hardness of their hearts, and also, because of the things which I had seen, and knew they must unavoidably come to pass because of the great wickedness of the children of men. 

“And it came to pass that I was overcome because of my afflictions, for I considered that mine afflictions were great above all, because of the destruction of my people, for I had beheld their fall."

- 1 Nephi 15:1-4.

I have had days when, after I finish a temple session, I enter back into the world, and face my struggles and trials that I left behind when I entered the temple that day.

I learned quickly that the temple doesn’t always remove trials. I think the temple strengthens my ability to face my trials in this way: I receive an eternal perspective in the temple. I feel the love of God to know that He is there, He loves me, and is watching over me as I face those trials. I receive reminders of what type of man I am to be. I see what role His covenants with me play as I sail through life.

Nephi had just come from a major spiritual experience and vision! Immediately afterwards (according to his record), his encounter with family struggles brought him low.

Yet, I perceive that Nephi had learned through practice throughout his life, how to use the Atonement to receive strength.

I take that observation from the verse after my quotation above:

“And it came to pass that after I had received strength I spake unto my brethren, desiring to know of them the cause of their disputations.”
- 1 Nephi 15:6

Not only had he overcome his depressed moment, but he exercised his initiative to serve.

I think that the motivation to serve was part of the strengthening power of the Atonement.

I think that silences from God, or continuous and lengthy trials, should not deter us from our commitment to the gospel.

“An unusual thing happened after that great first vision. The Prophet Joseph received no additional communication for three years. However, he did not wonder, he did not question, he did not doubt the Lord. The Prophet Joseph patiently waited. The Prophet Joseph taught us the principle of patience – by example.”
- Boyd K Packer, General Conference.

“Life is full of difficulties, some minor and others of a more serious nature. There seems to be an unending supply of challenges for one and all. Our problem is that we often expect instantaneous solutions to such challenges, forgetting that frequently the heavenly virtue of patience is required.”
- President Thomas S Monson, General Conference.

“Life’s journey is challenging. It’s easy to be distracted, wander off the path, and get lost. Tribulation is an inevitable and indispensable part of our eternal progression. When adversity comes, don’t let something you don’t fully understand unravel everything you do know. Be patient, cling to truth; understanding will come. Trials are like great mists of darkness that can blind our eyes and harden our hearts. Unless we are “continually holding fast” to the word of God and living it, we will become spiritually blinded rather than spiritual minded. Search the Book of Mormon and the words of the living prophets every day, every day, every day! It’s the key to spiritual survival and avoiding deception. Without it, we are spiritually lost.”
- President Kevin W Pearson, General Conference.

I love my trials!

I Love Trials

“And when the day cometh that the wrath of God is poured out upon the mother of harlots, which is the great and abominable church of all the earth, whose founder is the devil, then, at that day, the work of the Father shall commence, in preparing the way for the fulfilling of his covenants, which he hath made to his people who are of the house of Israel.” 

- 1 Nephi 14:17

How interesting and weird and scary. The Lord’s fulfillment of covenants didn’t come for the house of Israel until the wrath of God was poured out upon the earth’s wicked.

The entire world felt the effects of that – the wickedness of mankind in history has made it harder to find family history records. We see gruesome lifestyles of their time. There were no major and brilliant inventions in the dark ages of the world. Mankind had confusion to the extreme – ideas about the purpose of life and the nature of reality were completely distorted and incorrect.

But Heavenly Father has the brilliant ability to use negatives to produce positives, to use weaknesses as strengths.

As in the scripture above, the initial observation is Heavenly Father’s use of the time of wrath-pouring upon the wicked as a checkpoint for when the preparation of His marvelous work and a wonder to begin.

An example of this is illustrated in the story about two young, cheeky boys and a homeless man. This story was shared with me in my years of primary at church. I think it will always stay with me.

One day, a homeless man, enclosed in his makeshift box home and bed, prayed and asked God for a loaf of bread. 

Two boys overheard the prayer, and unknown to the homeless man, decided together to trick him. 

“He thinks that God exists, and will bring him bread!” said one. 

“Let’s bring him a loaf of bread, and show him that God doesn’t exist.” Said the other.
So, they fetched a loaf of bread (they bought it, I’m sure) and dropped it into the homeless man’s home. They made sure the man was asleep so he wouldn’t know who brought him the bread, and waited. 

Upon the homeless man’s awakening, he discovered the bread, and knelt in grateful prayer and praise for the God’s love and providence. 

After the prayer, the boys jumped up in arrogant excitement, and said, “God didn’t bring you the bread, we did!” 

The homeless man said, “Ah, then I guess God sent the two of you. Thank you for the bread.” 

It seems to me, that in general life, diamonds shine brighter against dark backgrounds, just as the truly good people in this life shine brighter when there are trials and hardships.

Easy atmospheres do not produce professional pilots, just as an easy lifestyle doesn’t produce wise and experienced individuals.

Smooth seas don’t produce skillful sailors, just as schooling without tests and exams don’t show/give solidification of knowledge and learning.

Blunt scalpels don’t bring successful surgical operations, just as untrained individuals in following the Holy Ghost won’t know how to receive the guidance and strength they need in the harder times in life.

A Heavenly Father who doesn’t give us trials and tests in this life, who won’t place in our lives the pattern of choice bringing consequences, and who wouldn’t send us to earth as a home away from home to be tested and grow – a Heavenly Father who doesn’t do those things wouldn’t produce children of strength, quality, trustworthiness, character, and loyalty.

With tenderness in my heart, I have learned to say, “thank you Heavenly Father, for trusting me enough to go through this trial and test. Please walk with me through it. I know I can do it if I have Thee with me. Thank you for this hardship.”

I can say with full honesty and peace in my heart that I love my hardships, and I love all my past hardships.

I believe there will come a day, when we will look back upon all our experiences, and say "thank you Heavenly Father, for all of my blessings, but also for all of my lack of blessings and all of my trials. They have been a blessing."

I quoted a scripture at the beginning of this blog. I leave it as a prayerful exercise for my readers to find the answer to this question:

How does God use His wrath, being poured out among the wicked of the earth, to bring about blessings to His righteous, and to the world?

The answer to this questions is the perspective we will need to keep, as the world approaches the second coming of the Messiah.

The Gift of Life

“This work is bigger than just you and me” my wise, obedient missionary trainer once told me, directing my behaviour and teaching me.

I have wondered what those words have meant. When I am reminded of this companion, I am also reminded of those words of his. I have come to see the inspiration of that statement.

There is great work underway, and I had to stop obsessing with the missionary struggles I was facing. In the words of President Hinckley's father, “Forget yourself, and go to work.”

My companion's words and President Hinckley's Father's words have strengthened me on my mission, and throughout life.

Now, on a turn of direction, I recall with fondness the emotions I had when first encountering Elder Holland's counsel. Paraphrasing, he taught that our first convert should be ourselves! If we were to leave the mission with only one convert, who would it be?

Because, ultimately, everyone is responsible for their own salvation, it is ourselves. We should be focused and concerned with our own salvation.

How can I help others at any rate, if I myself am fallen? Wise words once were expressed as such: “You cannot lift someone higher than where you are.”

Now, the two principles I have addressed seem contradictory. Forget yourself and serve? and, focus on your own salvation?

I suggest the following statement that combines the two: “It is all about you learning that it is not about you.”

Heavenly Father is the perfect demonstrator of this principle. His work and His glory, his focus and the apple of His omniscient eye, is our progression to obtain all He has, and become all that He is in righteous character.

He can't do that if He is imperfect.

Christ was the perfect example. It is doctrine that the highly pure and righteous from the preexistence only came to earth for a short time to receive bodies of flesh and bone.

Christ was the purest, even as God. Yet, He not only obtained a body, but remained on earth. He completed a mission to save us, to be the example and the light. Thus, every moment of His life is a gift to us.  For Himself, He didn't need to stay. For us, His need to stay was beyond a need. For Him, it was a must.

And so, I propose this thought: is every moment of my life a gift to Him?

What a high standard! Only achievable through His Atoning strength. It is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do. Since Elder Bednar taught to replace “grace” in the scriptures with “enabling and strengthing power”, we can understand that salvation is a choice through the Atonement. We choose it. We work for it.

Giving every moment of our lives is our gift to give Him – it never repays Him, but it fulfills His plan to bring us to Him, Home again.

When we are in the service of our fellow beings, we are only in the service of our God. How great will be our joy over every soul we have assisted to return to His presence!

What a grand work we have to do!

My Study Journal Entry for Today

I think one reason we are to read, study, ponder the scriptures and pray to know their truth, and what we should do, is because the scriptures are meant to convince man of the truth. The scriptures don't force minds to believe. Nor do they make simple suggestions either. They simply testify of truth, without excuse. God will not force us.

Why is it, that good things still come when I make silly mistakes? Good things even come because of silly, even rebellious choices. So, why?

I had the thought just now - probably a prompting - that god makes those good things happen because He knows I know of the cause and effect of good and bad choices, and He knows that that knowledge is in my heart. Hence, I think He sends good things when I make bad choices, because He knows it will bring me into enough shock to turn to Him and ask, "Why?" In doing so, I become guiltily humbled.

I also think that He sends them to remind me He loves me.

He loves me, and still wants me to be as happy as I can be, no matter my circumstances and choices. I feel that many times, Christ has earnestly pushed through a crowd to get to me, considering how many people there are in the world.

He still needs me to suffer the consequences for my bad choices. Most common of consequences, I think, is a depreciation of the Spirit's companionship. He will only take the unhappiness away, which was created by guilty and shameful acts, through my repentance though. Other than that, He loves blessing us, regardless, I think.

He is not the type of Father to throw us out of the house because we've done something terribly wrong. He misses us deeply for leaving Him and His Heavenly Home, after living with Him for eons and eons. I think He misses us much, so He tries to stay as close as He can to us.

I have traveled enough of the world to experience only a smidget of Heavenly Father's love for everyone. I look around as I stroll the city, wonder, "How many of these people have the fulness of the gospel, and know of God's love for them?" and my heart drops.

God will not force me or anyone to follow Him. But I think, along the rebellious sessions of my life, He follows us secretly and anonymously, watching us to make sure we're okay, and dropping little blessings here and there to keep us safe and as happy as we can be.

In our rebelliousness, I'm sure His words to us are like Helam's words to his rebelling son in the movie, "The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Christ."

"I am happy because you are happy, but I am sad because that happiness cannot last. In your new kingdom I cannot be your father. But wherever you go, you will always be my son."
 (paraphrased, from the top of my head.)

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for always staying close to me, and to all of us around the world.

The Good to Grow in Us

Good timber does not grow with ease,
The stronger wind, the stronger trees.
The further sky, the greater length.
The more the storm, the more the strength.
By sun and cold, by rain and snow,
In trees and men good timbers grow.

Douglas Malloch, “Good Timber,” in Sterling W. Sill, Making the Most of Yourself (1971), 23. Quoted in President Thomas S. Monson's October 2013 General Conference Address, "I Will Not Fail Thee, Nor Forsake Thee."

A Testimony of Early Rising and Early Sleep

I want to share an experience I've had.

The Lord has – without my awareness – guided me to do a course that I have no need of doing in my degree.

In this course, have been three assignments.

Whatever other factors there are in this experience, I want to focus on the affects/effects of early morning rising and retiring to bed.

For the first two assignments of this course, I have had to stay up late until the next morning, thus having almost zero sleep for two days in a row. Surprisingly, I survived those days.

Along with other distractions in life from sleeping early – such as studies, hanging out with friends, basketball, etc. – I started to develop a habit of late night retiring.

My body clock began to adjust, and whenever I would make the effort to sleep early, my body would not let me sleep.

One day, I met with my RM Advisors, who reminded and taught me of the doctrine, methods, and power of setting goals and making plans to an effective level.

It was that night (or a subsequent night) that I got on my knees, explained my situation to the Lord, and pleaded with Him to help me get back on track. Late night sleep and rising had taken a toll on my spirituality and therefore, my spiritual effectiveness. I wanted to gain the Holy Ghost's influence in my life more fully.

I knew that of all spiritual goals I could commit to, that early retiring and rising would have the biggest impact for me, as it would provide two hours each morning for soul searching, and God-searching in prayerful and ponderous scripture study. It would provide spiritual experiences that would kick start my day wonderfully. I knew I would receive revelation daily that would change the degrees of my life's direction forever, and I believed in President Hinckley's promise: “I promise you that if you go to bed at 10pm, and get up by 6am, things will work out for you” (paraphrased, Filled with Life and Energy, Ensign 2015).

So, I followed the steps of goal setting taught by my advisors. I placed my heart in complete, full, and unreserved commitment to keep this goal, no matter what. I pleaded with the Lord in my closet for the power and capacity, through the Atonement of Christ, to not only change my bad habit, but to change me forever. I promised Him that I would make it a lifelong commitment to be an early retiree and riser.

On that first night of commitment, I had forgotten to iron my shirt for the Sabbath day the next day. There were two houses in the neighbourhood playing extremely loud music. I still had my lack of ability to sleep early from an altered body-clock. These and other things made me see that everything and anything that could get in the way was indeed getting in the way.

But I held to my commitment. I determined what I should do for the following hour or so, and stuck to it. It was soul-wrenching in a way, but it felt good. It was a good pain.

I got to bed at 10pm, and slept considerably well after my night prayer of another heartfelt plea to God.

I arose at 6am, and surprised myself by being awake enough, energetic enough to study my scriptures. It was an amazing scripture study, which I recorded in my journal.

From that morning on, throughout that day, and even now, I know by experience that is possible to accomplish a good goal, no matter what is in the way, because it is possible to take upon you the enabling and strengthening power of Christ and His Atonement.

This occurred some days or weeks after the second assignment of the three assignments due for that aforementioned course. The first two assignments had me staying up all night into the next morning.

Having established a pattern and life of early retiring and rising, I began to discover long-loved blessings, particularly in my spirituality, but also in secular aspects of life – all things are spiritual to Him anyway.

The third assignment was completed with difficulty, struggle, prayer, but without a loss of wink of sleep. My commitment to sleeping early could have scared me to think that I would not be able to handle and balance life, having less time to commit to life's pursuits. Yet, I have experienced for myself that in a commitment to God's ways, He in turn gives you everything you need.

Even friends who asked for my help on the night before it was due, I committed to help them the next day, not during the night time when I needed to sleep.

Everything worked out well. My friends finished their assignment. I handed my assignment in, completed. More than all of that, I gained a witness that a full commitment to the Lord's ways actually makes life easier.

I leave a testimony of the power of retiring to bed early, and arising early, that places the sweet taste of eternal life upon the tongue, and the joy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost with us more fully throughout life. It takes faith to exercise, and it is worth the eternal blessings in the end.

Greater Than Us All

I think we all have found a song that hit us firmly and strongly, that seemed to reach deep into our souls, resonating with our deepest questions, our most heartfelt thoughts and beliefs.

Kenneth Cope's "Greater Than Us All" is one such song for me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9szv6Ozvtpk

Before we all came to earth,
we lived together with God in His world.
He helped His children progress,
yet one advanced so much more than the rest,
He was greater than us all.

Then Father offered a plan.
He'd sends us off with a way to return again.
But this required a spotless Man,
One who'd be worthy to free us from sin,
Someone greater than us all.
And God's most humble Son
was the Greatest One of all.

We looked on Him,
God's best Son
would He give His great life for us?
Pay the price for all our sins?
And knowing no other could,
He humbly said He would.
He was greater than us all.
God's most humble Son
was the greatest One,
every heart felt of His love.
For us He'd come. The greatest One
of all.

Sarcasm

What is the Lord's view of sarcasm?

This is something I need to improve on in my language. I use sarcasm lightly, in jokes, but even then, I walk away with feelings of guilt.

I think a woman, who wrote an article for the August 2013 issue of the Ensign magazine, illustrates the principles behind sarcasm better than I can.

Her name is Jennifer Jones. She wrote:

“I moved away from my college town immediately after graduation and was eager to make friends in my new area. I quickly acclimated to a good group of people, and I enjoyed getting to know them. But some of my new friends relied on sarcasm to be funny, sometimes exploiting others’ weaknesses for humor. At first I ignored it. However, months of interactions in which humor came at the expense of someone’s feelings—including mine—left my heart heavy. I yearned for friends who would encourage me instead of make fun of my shortcomings.

“I returned to my college town for a short visit and reunited with women whom I admire for their faith, vigor, and optimism. We spent the day playing sports and talking. They were eager to hear about my life, and they listened without belittling me. We laughed hard and often—but never at someone else.

“As I sat with these women in the afternoon sunlight, I looked into their cheerful faces, and my heart lifted. Their kindness soothed like a balm, and I resolved to become a better friend, especially when it came to uplifting others with my conversation.

“The Greek root for sarcasm is sarkazein and means “to tear flesh like dogs.” One dictionary defines sarcasm as irony designed to “give pain.” Sarcasm has many uses in our communication: it can convey aggression and insult, it can be used to dominate others, and it can communicate contempt and anger. Not all sarcasm is intentionally sinister, but it has a hypocritical edge because it requires us to say the opposite of what we mean. Some use it for humor, but it often damages our relationships because it leaves our friends and family doubting our sincerity and confused by what we say.”

The For the Strength of Youth pamphlet says:

“How you communicate should reflect who you are as a son or daughter of God. Clean and intelligent language is evidence of a bright and wholesome mind. Good language that uplifts, encourages, and compliments others invites the Spirit to be with you. Our words, like our deeds, should be filled with faith, hope, and charity.

“Choose friends who use good language. Help others improve their language by your example. Be willing to politely walk away or change the subject when those around you use inappropriate language.

“Speak kindly and positively about others. Choose not to insult others or put them down, even in joking. Avoid gossip of any kind, and avoid speaking in anger. When you are tempted to say harsh or hurtful things, leave them unsaid.”

This feels like such a high standard in out day, because, it is so common and easy to overlook. Yet, I have had enough moments in my life when I have been misinterpreted, or I have misinterpreted, or someone has been hurt by my words, or the words of someone else.

I commit to being more aware of the words I use.

All Wrongs Made Right

Mortal life is filled with deliberate and conditioned and natural wrongs and failures that come simply because they can. Remember the Fall of Adam and Eve?

Eternal life is filled with deliberate and conditioned and developed rights and successes because they were chosen and worked on. Remember the Atonement of Christ? Remember your covenants?

Early to Bed, Early to Rise

A goal that I will fight like a lion for, starting from right now, is to be early to bed, and early to rise.

The consequences for breaking this pattern, and making this pattern in my life has been as night and day! I don't think I have words adequate enough to express how much I want this habit!

Although, one way I could attempt such, is to list all the blessings that are recorded in Randal A. Wright's article in the July 2015 Ensign, titled "Filled with Life and Energy."

Here they are:

• "your body and mind will become rested and then in the quiet of those early morning hours, you will receive more flashes of inspiration and insight than at any other time of the day."

• "...receive more assistance in the early morning hours than at any other time of the day."

• "I have also learned that actions traditionally associated with receiving revelation like prayer, scripture study, fasting, temple attendance, and service are greatly enhanced when I go to bed early and get up early."

• More than 5 mentions of inspiration/revelation received at an improved level.

• "Cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated" (D&C 88:124).

• "Invigorate means 'to fill with life and energy.'"

• "It is well to be up before day-break, for such a habit contributes to health, wealth and wisdom" (Aristotle).

• "Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise" (Benjamin Franklin).

• "...longevity..."

• "...health benefits."

• "One of the great reasons, I am sure, why President McKay has lived to such a good, ripe, and vigorous old age has been the fact that as a young man he developed habits of retiring to bed early, arising early, generally before sun up, when his mind was clear and his body vigorous, to do the day's work" (Ernest L. Wilkinson).

• "...mental and emotional health."

• "To those who feel defeated and downtrodden, look to the early hours of the day for your rescue."

• "A study conducted by researches at Brigham Young University looked at the effect of several variables-such as exercise, nutrition, and sleep habits-on students' grade point average (GPA). The researchers found that of all the variables,'the largest relative effects on semester GPA'", and that would apply to the ATAR (for high school students) and WAM (for Australian uni students.

• "...knowledge acquisition."

• "I counsel our children to do their critical studying in the early hours of the morning when they're fresh and alert, rather than to fight physical weariness and mental exhasustion at night. I've learned the power of the dictum, 'Early to bed, early to rise'" (President Boyd K. Packer).

• "The world is a more beautiful place early in the morning. Life is so much more calm. Much more can be accomplished in a shorter amount of time" (Elder Joe J. Christensen, and Barbara Christensen).

• "If you go to bed at 10:00 and get up by 6:00 a.m., things will work out for you" (President Gordon B Hinckley).

• "...more I get accomplished in a day when I retire early and arise early."

• "When we win the first battle of the day against the mattress, we are far more likely to win more battles during the day."

• "We are... more likely to be filled with life and energy."

So don't mind me... I'm getting some early sleep tonight.

You Know Better Than I

Many events in life come, where, when I had given my all, pushing hard, praying hard, feeling close to God, it doesn't turn out the way I wanted, or worked for, or thought was right.

I have pondered much the question of "why don't things turn out better, when I feel I am trusting the Lord the greatest I can?"

I feel silly to reflect upon times in life when I have forgotten that I have received the warm, peaceful assurance of the Spirit, and God's answer to this question already in years past. Today was one such day.

As I cleaned the chapel with my family today (as assigned), I reflected upon life. I love washing clothes, cleaning things, and vacuuming, because I get to reflect on life, and do something productive, simultaneously.

Suddenly, in a moment of clarity and peace, the song "Better Than I" by Jessie Clark Funk* came to my mind and heart, and I paused vacuuming, took a deep breath, and realized how short-visioned I had been as of recently.

The lyrics of this song have always reached my heart, humbled me, and given me strength.


I thought I did what's right,
I thought I had the answers.
I thought I chose the surest road,
but that road brought me here.

So I put up a fight,
and told You how to help me,
and just when I had given up,
the truth's come in clear.

For You know better than I.
You know The Way.
I've let go the need to know why,
for You know better than I.

If this has been a test,
I cannot see the reason, 
but maybe knowing I don't know
is part of getting through.

I try to do what's best,
and faith has made it easy
to see the best thing I can do
is put my trust in You,

For You know better than I.
You know The Way.
I've let go the need to know why,
for You know better than I.

I saw a cloud and thought it was the sky.
I saw a bird and thought that I could follow.
But it was You who taught that bird to fly.
If I let You reach me,
will You teach me?

For You know better than I.
You know The Way.
I've let go the need to know why,
I'll take what answers You'll supply,
for You know better than I.


I pray we all trust in the timing, plan, and will of the Lord.
He always gives us what we need, when we need it.
He is always taking care of us.


*(ignore video in link, just music? haha... also in the animated film, "Prince of Egypt")

Of Things That Matter Most

“If you are struggling, confused, or spiritually lost, I urge you to do the one thing I know will get you back on track. Begin again to prayerfully study the Book of Mormon and live its teachings every day, every day, every day! I testify of the profound power in the Book of Mormon that will change your life and strengthen your resolve to follow Christ. The Holy Ghost will change your heart and help you see “things as they really are.” He will show you what you need to do next.”

- President Kevin W Pearson, Stay By the Tree, April 2015 General Conference.

“Those who understand the eternal blessings which come from the temple know that no sacrifice is too great, no price too heavy, no struggle too difficult in order to receive those blessings. There are never too many miles to travel, too many obstacles to overcome, or too much discomfort to endure. They understand that the saving ordinances received in the temple that permit us to someday return to our Heavenly Father in an eternal family relationship and to be endowed with blessings and power from on high are worth every sacrifice and every effort.”

- President Thomas S Monson, The Temple– A Holy Beacon, April 2011 General Conference.

“You have the power of the priesthood directly from the Lord to protect your home. There will be times when all that stands as a shield between your family and the adversary’s mischief will be that power. You will receive direction from the Lord by way of the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

- President Boyd K Packer, The Power of the Priesthood, April 2010 General Conference.

Builders

Nephi and his family built a ship, and boarded it to embark on the watery journey of a lifetime! (1 Nephi 18:1-6.)

The performance of their ship was dependent upon following of the blueprints God provided Nephi.

As for ourselves, we are builders of our own ships in life.

If I am complacent with my practice, my ship will be full of holes and bumps, inefficiency and errors.

If I am diligent, faithful, patient, hardworking, smart working, sacrificial, consecrated - Christlike, I can be sure that not only will my ship be firm and reliable, but my attitude in life will be right before God.

President Monson said, "When the time for performance arrives, the time for preparation is past" (Our Sacred Priesthood Trust).

I build the ship of my piano talents as I practice - whether in daily diligence or lazy monthly practices - and I use this ship in the moment when my talents are required before God, to perform for the blessing of lives.

I build the ship of my mathematics skills as I ponder hard puzzles, and work through hard problems, focusing on the basic principles found therein, fueled with a purpose and passion for that work.

I build the ship of a future marriage as I work on my Christlike attributes NOW, erasing pride, erasing the intention to be right, erasing unkindness, and developing sensitivity, a listening ear, a loving heart, obedience to God and other attributes coloured throughout the scriptures, and the principles of the gospel.

A wise man once asked me to reflect on why I had not achieved my worthy goals in life. In response to my lack of surety, he gave me this counsel: "your 'why' was not big enough."

"Why do you want to earn a degree at university?" - someone may ask me.

I could reply with any of the following:
- well, I don't.
- well, my parents want me to.
- hmm... I need something to do in life.
- I have lots of friends there at uni.
- I am in search of pretty girls.
- I need something that excites me!
- I want to find some direction in life.
- I want to make something of myself.
- I believe education is important.
- I want to obtain a good job for the future.
- I desire to place food on the table for a future family I will raise.
- I want to continue to progress and become like God.
- I want to develop my talents and skills to obtain opportunities to build, help and even save lives in this world.
- I want to make this world a better place.

I think we all know which of the above are poor motives, which are mediocre motives, and which are exalting motives.

I pray we all become builders of real intent, with the highest motives possible, dreaming high with goals and plans that can help us reach the greatest things in life that we could ever achieve!

I end with a quote (modified), from a wise man and friend:

"A goal is not necessarily something to achieve, but something to aim for - if we are to progress to become like God, we will achieve it sometime in the future anyway."