I've been pondering some things following my last blog post. Along with my class, I have been pondering effectiveness, obedience, and
Where do we see ourselves on the scale of effectiveness?
This last week a lot of my thoughts have centered around religion and Jesus Christ as I prepared and taught a lesson on obedience. There was a talk called "The Perfect Executive" by LDS Presidnet Spencer W. Kimball. He said:
"Jesus was a patient, pleading, loving leader who didn't grow impatient with those he lead.
"And when Peter drew his sword and smote the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear, Jesus said, "Put of thy sword inthe the sheath" (John 18:11). Without anger or being perturbed, the incident passed.
"You will recall his saying several times, "Come follow me." HIs was a program of "Do what I do", rather than "Do what I say." HIs innate brilliance would have permitted him to put on a dazzling display, but that would have left his followers far behind. He walked and worked with those he was to serve. His was not a long-distance leadership. He was not afraid of close friends or that proximity to him would disappoint his followers. The leaven of true leadership cannot lift others until we are with and serve those to be led.
"Jesus kept himself virtuous and thus, when his closeness to the people permitted them to touch the hem of his garment, virtue could flow from him. The woman in the large press of people touched his garment: "For she said, if I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole... And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?" (Mark 5: 8, 30).
"We are not perfect as Jesus was, but unless those about us can see us striving and improving, they will not be able to look to us for example and they will see us as less than fully serious about the things to be done."
This takes me back to my earlier thought about Mother Teresa, to Norma Rae, to Sir Thomas, and to many of the accounts we have read in our texts. They were leaders from the field; they were not afraid of proximity to those around them; in a sense, virtue flowed from them and radiated to those around them.
Do we worry sometimes about putting on a "dazzeling display" to impress those around us, thus losing our followers along the way? Do we push people away because we are afraid they will become competition? Are we striving to improve each day, thus inspiring those around us to do the same?
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Thoughts at 12 a.m. - The Valley of Decision
I am sitting here waiting for photos to upload and somewhat contemplating people's complaints and their apparent disregard to make choices to change their situation. The thought is:
"Life doesn't just happen. People choose to be the way they are, and will either succeed or fail based on their decisions."
Just yesterday I had the opportunity to share a lesson in FHE on obedience. In preparation, it was a great reminder and teacher to me about this important principle of the gospel. My thoughts started to circle around a thought that was given on Sunday in correlation meeting about the Gift of Tongues. The following quote from President Monson was shared:
"There is one language ... that is common to each missionary — the language of the Spirit. It is not learned from textbooks written by men of letters, nor is it acquired through reading and memorization. The language of the Spirit come to him who seeks with all his heart to know God and keep His divine commandments. Proficiency in this language permits one to breach barriers, overcome obstacles, and touch the human heart."
After this was shared, the thought came to me: There are times in our lives when we feel we are inept at the very thing we want most. It is in those times we must seek for the gift of tongues just as we did as missionaries teaching a foreign language.
I often joke with some of my friends that if I want to efficiently express myself, that I need to write. To speak is a struggle for me, therefor I write. There is something calming, calculating, and redeeming about the written word. But I know I cannot go my whole life just writing. I need to seek for better speech skills. But how am I to go about this if I am not seeking, working, and most importantly, being obedient to God's commandments.
Another joke I have is about boys and ladders. I am not a big fan of climbing ladders, but I would rather do that than ask a boy out. Simple. However, if I am seeking that eternal companion and not doing anything to extend myself, how is it that God can bless me? If I chose not to open my mouth, how will I ever know? On the other hand, if I am doing all in my power on my side, God has said he is obligated to bless us (D&C 82:10).
If you are almost obedient, you almost receive blessings. Ugh! That's crappy... Elder Robert D. Hales said, "Our use of agency determines who we are and what we will be." So, who will you be? What gifts and help will you seek for?
In the book of Joel, speaking about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ we learn about something interesting. Joel writes about how we will come to the "valley of decision" (Joel 3:14). What is your Valley of Decision? When all is said and done, who will you be?
Right now, what you see is what you get. Are you happy with what you see in the mirror? BYU-Hawaii President Wheelwright said, "Trust in the Lord to lead you from what you are to what you have the power to become." Don't settle for the rickety house on the side of the road when God has mansions on high prepared for you.
If you want to open your mouth to that certain someone, pray for that gift; if you want to be better at something, pray for that too. There is nothing to large or small for God. In Proverbs he gives us a direct commandment to trust in him and lean not unto our own understandings.
If you are almost obedient... You almost get blessings. Seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you, ask and ye shall receive :)
"Life doesn't just happen. People choose to be the way they are, and will either succeed or fail based on their decisions."
Just yesterday I had the opportunity to share a lesson in FHE on obedience. In preparation, it was a great reminder and teacher to me about this important principle of the gospel. My thoughts started to circle around a thought that was given on Sunday in correlation meeting about the Gift of Tongues. The following quote from President Monson was shared:
"There is one language ... that is common to each missionary — the language of the Spirit. It is not learned from textbooks written by men of letters, nor is it acquired through reading and memorization. The language of the Spirit come to him who seeks with all his heart to know God and keep His divine commandments. Proficiency in this language permits one to breach barriers, overcome obstacles, and touch the human heart."
After this was shared, the thought came to me: There are times in our lives when we feel we are inept at the very thing we want most. It is in those times we must seek for the gift of tongues just as we did as missionaries teaching a foreign language.
I often joke with some of my friends that if I want to efficiently express myself, that I need to write. To speak is a struggle for me, therefor I write. There is something calming, calculating, and redeeming about the written word. But I know I cannot go my whole life just writing. I need to seek for better speech skills. But how am I to go about this if I am not seeking, working, and most importantly, being obedient to God's commandments.
Another joke I have is about boys and ladders. I am not a big fan of climbing ladders, but I would rather do that than ask a boy out. Simple. However, if I am seeking that eternal companion and not doing anything to extend myself, how is it that God can bless me? If I chose not to open my mouth, how will I ever know? On the other hand, if I am doing all in my power on my side, God has said he is obligated to bless us (D&C 82:10).
If you are almost obedient, you almost receive blessings. Ugh! That's crappy... Elder Robert D. Hales said, "Our use of agency determines who we are and what we will be." So, who will you be? What gifts and help will you seek for?
In the book of Joel, speaking about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ we learn about something interesting. Joel writes about how we will come to the "valley of decision" (Joel 3:14). What is your Valley of Decision? When all is said and done, who will you be?
Right now, what you see is what you get. Are you happy with what you see in the mirror? BYU-Hawaii President Wheelwright said, "Trust in the Lord to lead you from what you are to what you have the power to become." Don't settle for the rickety house on the side of the road when God has mansions on high prepared for you.
If you want to open your mouth to that certain someone, pray for that gift; if you want to be better at something, pray for that too. There is nothing to large or small for God. In Proverbs he gives us a direct commandment to trust in him and lean not unto our own understandings.
If you are almost obedient... You almost get blessings. Seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you, ask and ye shall receive :)
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Where Have All The Leaders Gone?
Remember Lee Iacocca, the man who rescued Chrysler Corporation from its death throes? He's now 82 years old and has a new book, 'Where Have All The Leaders Gone?'.
Lee Iacocca writes:
'Am I the only guy in this country who's fed up with what's happening? Where the hell is our outrage? We should be screaming bloody murder! We've got a gang of clueless bozos steering our ship of state right over a cliff, we've got corporate gangsters stealing us blind, and we can't even clean up after a hurricane much less build a hybrid car. But instead of getting mad, everyone sits around and nods their heads when the politicians say, 'Stay the course.'
Stay the course? You've got to be kidding. This is America , not the damned, 'Titanic'. I'll give you a sound bite: 'Throw all the bums out!'
You might think I'm getting senile, that I've gone off my rocker, and maybe I have. But someone has to speak up. I hardly recognize this country anymore.
The most famous business leaders are not the innovators but the guys in handcuffs. While we're fiddling in Iraq , the Middle East is burning and nobody seems to know what to do. And the press is waving 'pom-poms' instead of asking hard questions. That's not the promise of the 'America' my parents and yours traveled across the ocean for. I've had enough. How about you?
I'll go a step further. You can't call yourself a patriot if you're not outraged. This is a fight I'm ready and willing to have. The Biggest 'C' is Crisis ! (Iacocca elaborates on nine C's of leadership, with crisis being the first.)
Leaders are made, not born. Leadership is forged in times of crisis. It's easy to sit there with your feet up on the desk and talk theory. Or send someone else's kids off to war when you've never seen a battlefield yourself. It's another thing to lead when your world comes tumbling down.
On September 11, 2001 , we needed a strong leader more than any other time in our history. We needed a steady hand to guide us out of the ashes. A hell of a mess, so here's where we stand.
We're immersed in a bloody war with no plan for winning and no plan for leaving.
We're running the biggest deficit in the history of the country.
We're losing the manufacturing edge to Asia , while our once-great companies are getting slaughtered by health care costs.
Gas prices are skyrocketing, and nobody in power has a coherent energy policy. Our schools are in trouble.
Our borders are like sieves.
The middle class is being squeezed every which way.
These are times that cry out for leadership.
But when you look around, you've got to ask: 'Where have all the leaders gone?' Where are the curious, creative communicators? Where are the people of character, courage, conviction, omnipotence, and common sense? I may be a sucker for alliteration, but I think you get the point.
Name me a leader who has a better idea for homeland security than making us take off our shoes in airports and throw away our shampoo?
We've spent billions of dollars building a huge new bureaucracy, and all we know how to do is react to things that have already happened.
Name me one leader who emerged from the crisis of Hurricane Katrina. Congress has yet to spend a single day evaluating the response to the hurricane or demanding accountability for the decisions that were made in the crucial hours after the storm.
Everyone's hunkering down, fingers crossed, hoping it doesn't happen again. Now, that's just crazy. Storms happen. Deal with it. Make a plan. Figure out what you're going to do the next time.
Name me an industry leader who is thinking creatively about how we can restore our competitive edge in manufacturing. Who would have believed that there could ever be a time when 'The Big Three' referred to Japanese car companies? How did this happen, and more important, what are we going to do about it?
Name me a government leader who can articulate a plan for paying down the debit, or solving the energy crisis, or managing the health care problem. The silence is deafening. But these are the crises that are eating away at our country and milking the middle class dry.
I have news for the gang in Congress. We didn't elect you to sit on your asses and do nothing and remain silent while our democracy is being hijacked and our greatness is being replaced with mediocrity. What is everybody so afraid of? That some bonehead on CNN will call them a name? Give me a break. Why don't you guys show some spine for a change?
Had Enough? Hey, I'm not trying to be the voice of gloom and doom here. I'm trying to light a fire. I'm speaking out because I have hope - I believe in America . In my lifetime, I've had the privilege of living through some of America 's greatest moments. I've also experienced some of our worst crises: The 'Great Depression,' 'World War II,' the 'Korean War,' the 'Kennedy Assassination,' the 'Vietnam War,' the 1970's oil crisis, and the struggles of recent years culminating with 9/11.
If I've learned one thing, it's this: 'You don't get anywhere by standing on the sidelines waiting for somebody else to take action. Whether it's building a better car or building a better future for our children, we all have a role to play. That's the challenge I'm raising in this book. It's a "Call to Action" for people who, like me, believe in America '. It's not too late, but it's getting pretty close. So let' s shake off the crap and go to work. Let's tell 'em all we've had&nb! sp; 'enough.'
Lee Iacocca writes:
'Am I the only guy in this country who's fed up with what's happening? Where the hell is our outrage? We should be screaming bloody murder! We've got a gang of clueless bozos steering our ship of state right over a cliff, we've got corporate gangsters stealing us blind, and we can't even clean up after a hurricane much less build a hybrid car. But instead of getting mad, everyone sits around and nods their heads when the politicians say, 'Stay the course.'
Stay the course? You've got to be kidding. This is America , not the damned, 'Titanic'. I'll give you a sound bite: 'Throw all the bums out!'
You might think I'm getting senile, that I've gone off my rocker, and maybe I have. But someone has to speak up. I hardly recognize this country anymore.
The most famous business leaders are not the innovators but the guys in handcuffs. While we're fiddling in Iraq , the Middle East is burning and nobody seems to know what to do. And the press is waving 'pom-poms' instead of asking hard questions. That's not the promise of the 'America' my parents and yours traveled across the ocean for. I've had enough. How about you?
I'll go a step further. You can't call yourself a patriot if you're not outraged. This is a fight I'm ready and willing to have. The Biggest 'C' is Crisis ! (Iacocca elaborates on nine C's of leadership, with crisis being the first.)
Leaders are made, not born. Leadership is forged in times of crisis. It's easy to sit there with your feet up on the desk and talk theory. Or send someone else's kids off to war when you've never seen a battlefield yourself. It's another thing to lead when your world comes tumbling down.
On September 11, 2001 , we needed a strong leader more than any other time in our history. We needed a steady hand to guide us out of the ashes. A hell of a mess, so here's where we stand.
We're immersed in a bloody war with no plan for winning and no plan for leaving.
We're running the biggest deficit in the history of the country.
We're losing the manufacturing edge to Asia , while our once-great companies are getting slaughtered by health care costs.
Gas prices are skyrocketing, and nobody in power has a coherent energy policy. Our schools are in trouble.
Our borders are like sieves.
The middle class is being squeezed every which way.
These are times that cry out for leadership.
But when you look around, you've got to ask: 'Where have all the leaders gone?' Where are the curious, creative communicators? Where are the people of character, courage, conviction, omnipotence, and common sense? I may be a sucker for alliteration, but I think you get the point.
Name me a leader who has a better idea for homeland security than making us take off our shoes in airports and throw away our shampoo?
We've spent billions of dollars building a huge new bureaucracy, and all we know how to do is react to things that have already happened.
Name me one leader who emerged from the crisis of Hurricane Katrina. Congress has yet to spend a single day evaluating the response to the hurricane or demanding accountability for the decisions that were made in the crucial hours after the storm.
Everyone's hunkering down, fingers crossed, hoping it doesn't happen again. Now, that's just crazy. Storms happen. Deal with it. Make a plan. Figure out what you're going to do the next time.
Name me an industry leader who is thinking creatively about how we can restore our competitive edge in manufacturing. Who would have believed that there could ever be a time when 'The Big Three' referred to Japanese car companies? How did this happen, and more important, what are we going to do about it?
Name me a government leader who can articulate a plan for paying down the debit, or solving the energy crisis, or managing the health care problem. The silence is deafening. But these are the crises that are eating away at our country and milking the middle class dry.
I have news for the gang in Congress. We didn't elect you to sit on your asses and do nothing and remain silent while our democracy is being hijacked and our greatness is being replaced with mediocrity. What is everybody so afraid of? That some bonehead on CNN will call them a name? Give me a break. Why don't you guys show some spine for a change?
Had Enough? Hey, I'm not trying to be the voice of gloom and doom here. I'm trying to light a fire. I'm speaking out because I have hope - I believe in America . In my lifetime, I've had the privilege of living through some of America 's greatest moments. I've also experienced some of our worst crises: The 'Great Depression,' 'World War II,' the 'Korean War,' the 'Kennedy Assassination,' the 'Vietnam War,' the 1970's oil crisis, and the struggles of recent years culminating with 9/11.
If I've learned one thing, it's this: 'You don't get anywhere by standing on the sidelines waiting for somebody else to take action. Whether it's building a better car or building a better future for our children, we all have a role to play. That's the challenge I'm raising in this book. It's a "Call to Action" for people who, like me, believe in America '. It's not too late, but it's getting pretty close. So let' s shake off the crap and go to work. Let's tell 'em all we've had&nb! sp; 'enough.'
Friday, June 19, 2009
Experimentation
OK. So, little by little I have had different people come into my life to introduce new and healthy things to me. I am a firm believer in the Word of Wisdom and that God knows what he is talking about when it comes to our bodies. I haven't taken everything into my life, but little by little I am receiving Help as to the things I do need to do.
My bishop has mentioned juicing to me a few times and today I felt it was something I needed to do. So, I went out and bought a batch of veggies, some fruit, and a juicer. I am a little leery, but overall I'm excited. There are so many benefits I have found to it and I hope it helps problems I am having now, as well as prevents future problems (i.e. the heart disease that is prevalent in my family, cancer, etc.).
God inspires people along our path to help us. It is our duty to have the spirit with us so we know the things we do and don't need to do.
Here are a few of the recipes I have found. There are tons more out there and I would guess it's all a matter of taste and adjusting to find what you like best :) Happy juicing!
- Carrot-Parsley-Potato-Watercress Juice: 5 carrots, 4 sprigs parsley, ¼ potato, 4 sprigs watercress
My bishop has mentioned juicing to me a few times and today I felt it was something I needed to do. So, I went out and bought a batch of veggies, some fruit, and a juicer. I am a little leery, but overall I'm excited. There are so many benefits I have found to it and I hope it helps problems I am having now, as well as prevents future problems (i.e. the heart disease that is prevalent in my family, cancer, etc.).
God inspires people along our path to help us. It is our duty to have the spirit with us so we know the things we do and don't need to do.
Here are a few of the recipes I have found. There are tons more out there and I would guess it's all a matter of taste and adjusting to find what you like best :) Happy juicing!
Carrot Juice (The King of Juices)
Wash 4-5 carrots and juice.
Carrot juice supplies a high amount of pro-vitamin A, which the body converts to Vitamin A; vitamins B,C,D,E, and K, minerals, calcium, phosphorous, sodium, and trace minerals. This juice benefits intestinal walls, bones, teeth, skin, hair, nails and with regular use, cleanses the liver by helping to release stale bile and excess fats.
Serving sizes are 8 ounces
Alkaline Drink Juice Recipe
- Orange-Grapefruit-Lemon Juice: 1 orange, ¼ grapefruit, ¼ lemon with skin. Remember to discard the peel from the orange and grapefruit, leaving as much of the white pith on them as possible
- Carrot-Cabbage-Celery Juice: 2 carrots, 1 3-inch wedge of cabbage, 1 stalk of celery
Natural Laxative Juice Recipe
- Apple-Pear Juice: 2-3 apples, 1 pear
Blood Purifier Recipe
- Apple-Strawberry Juice: 3 Golden Delicious or other sweet apples, 8 strawberries
Nausea Relief Recipe
- Apple-Ginger Juice: 4 apples, 1-inch knob of ginger root
Anti-Virus/Cold Prevention - high in vitamin C
- Apple-Kiwi Juice: 2 apples, 4 kiwis
- Apple-Orange Juice: 2 apples, 1 orange (peel and discard skin of the orange)
- Pineapple-Tangerine Juice: 1 1-inch thick pineapple round, 3-4 tangerines (peel and discard skin of tangerine)
Immune System Support – high in vitamin A
- Carrot-Celery-Apple-Beet-Wheatgrass-Parsley Juice: 3 carrots, 1 stalk celery, 1 apple, ½ beet with greens, ½ handful wheatgrass, ½ handful parsley (you can substitute 1 whole handful of parsley if wheatgrass is unavailable)
Blood Regenerator – high in iron and chlorophyll
- Carrot-Spinach-Lettuce-Turnip-Parsley Juice: 5 carrots, 6 spinach leaves, 4 lettuce leaves, ¼ turnip, 4 sprigs of parsley
Internal Body Cleanser Juicing Recipe
- Carrot-Cucumber-Beet Juice: 2-3 carrots, ½ cucumber, ½ beet with greens. You can substitute ½ zucchini for the cucumber
Bone Building Tonic – high in calcium
- Carrot-Kale-Parsley-Apple Juice: 5-6 carrots, 4 kale leaves, 4 sprigs of parsley, ½ apple
- Carrot-Parsley-Potato-Watercress Juice: 5 carrots, 4 sprigs parsley, ¼ potato, 4 sprigs watercress
Life, love, and the meaning of
Well I never thought that I’d be where I’m at
At this point in my life looking back
My old heart’s been broken more than I can count
And my plans aren’t going like I’ve worked ‘em out
I think I just might spend the day looking up at the clouds above
Laying around and contemplate, life and love and the meaning of
Well I posed my questions and got no reply
Maybe God’s just saying why ask why
And I think how boring this old life would be if we had the answers to everything
I think I just might spend the day looking up at the clouds above
Laying around and contemplate, life and love and the meaning of
That’s the beauty of it
If I don’t solve nothing
I can try again
Another day is coming I should be on to something really good by then
I think I might just stay up late gazing up at the stars above
Laying around and contemplate, life and love and the meaning of
I think I just might spend the day looking up at the clouds above
Laying around and contemplate life and love and the meaning of
(Billy Currington, Tony Martin, Mark Nesler)
At this point in my life looking back
My old heart’s been broken more than I can count
And my plans aren’t going like I’ve worked ‘em out
I think I just might spend the day looking up at the clouds above
Laying around and contemplate, life and love and the meaning of
Well I posed my questions and got no reply
Maybe God’s just saying why ask why
And I think how boring this old life would be if we had the answers to everything
I think I just might spend the day looking up at the clouds above
Laying around and contemplate, life and love and the meaning of
That’s the beauty of it
If I don’t solve nothing
I can try again
Another day is coming I should be on to something really good by then
I think I might just stay up late gazing up at the stars above
Laying around and contemplate, life and love and the meaning of
I think I just might spend the day looking up at the clouds above
Laying around and contemplate life and love and the meaning of
(Billy Currington, Tony Martin, Mark Nesler)
Sunday, June 14, 2009
The Ride
The Ride - Chris LeDoux
(Sony Tillis and Sam Weedman)
I was six years old, my brother was ten
One July day came running in,
seen a ferris wheel at the edge of town
So, of course, we headed on down
Well it took us an hour to walk that far
Carrying our fortune in a Mason jar
It was all pretty sad, a cheap county fair
With a few old rides but there was ponies there
Well, the ponies stunk and the air was still
In that dusty circle behind the ferris wheel
This old guy smelling of smoke and rum
Swung me up and sat me down on one
Well I'd never rode a horse but I'd seen it done
Cowboy movies made it look like fun
This old man whispered a few soft words
It was the best advice I've ever heard
Chorus:
He said "Sit tall in the saddle, Hold your head up high
Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky
And live like you ain't afraid to die
And don't be scared, just enjoy your ride"
I went up a kid with shaking hands
And I came down a full grown man
It was like he'd cast some Voodoo spell
Things were different for me now, I could tell
'Cos whenever troubles come wandering in
His rhyme would pop in my head again
And somehow I rode through the needles and nails
Brambles and thorns that life entails
CHORUS
Well I know some day farther down the road
I'll come to the edge of the great unknown
There'll stand a black horse riderless
And I wonder if I'm ready for this
So I'll saddle him up and he'll switch his tail
And I'll tip my hat and bid fairwell
And lift my song into the air
That I learned at that dusty fair
"Sit tall in the saddle, Hold your head up high
Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky
And live like you ain't afraid to die
And don't be scared, just enjoy your ride"
Now don't be scared, just enjoy your ride
Burying swords
I was reading in Alma 24 the other day and had some interesting thoughts. The Lamanites in seven lands and cities had been converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ, they name themselves the Anti-Nephi-Lehies, and are subsequently freed from their curse. Those who had no converted are stirred up by the Amalekites and Amulonites to war. Then something interesting happens...
7 Now, these are the words which he said unto the people concerning the matter: I thank my God, my beloved people, that our great God has in goodness sent these our brethren, the Nephites, unto us to preach unto us, and to convince us of the atraditions of our wicked fathers.
8 And behold, I thank my great God that he has given us a portion of his Spirit to soften our hearts, that we have aopened a correspondence with these brethren, the Nephites.
9 And behold, I also thank my God, that by opening this correspondence we have been convinced of our asins, and of the many murders which we have committed.
11 And now behold, my brethren, since it has been all that we could do, (as we were the most lost of all mankind) to repent of all our sins and the many murders which we have committed, and to get God to atake them away from our hearts, for it was all we could do to repent sufficiently before God that he would take away our stain—
12 Now, my best beloved brethren, since God hath taken away our stains, and our swords have become bright, then let us stain our swords no more with the blood of our brethren.
14 And the great God has had mercy on us, and made these things known unto us that we might not perish; yea, and he has made these things known unto us beforehand, because he loveth our asouls as well as he loveth our children; therefore, in his mercy he doth visit us by his angels, that the bplan of salvation might be made known unto us as well as unto future generations.
15 Oh, how merciful is our God! And now behold, since it has been as much as we could do to get our stains taken away from us, and our swords are made bright, let us ahide them away that they may be kept bright, as a testimony to our God at the last day, or at the day that we shall be brought to stand before him to be judged, that we have not stained our swords in the blood of our brethren since he imparted his word unto us and has made us bclean thereby.
16 And now, my brethren, if our brethren seek to destroy us, behold, we will hide away our swords, yea, even we will bury them deep in the earth, that they may be kept bright, as a testimony that we have never used them, at the last day; and if our brethren destroy us, behold, we shall ago to our God and shall be saved.
Reading these passages I thought: What are some of our personal swords? Are there things we use to "slay" our bretheren and sisters that we need to bury?
Just as God did with the Anti-Nephi-Lehies, he will wash our "swords" clean through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We must bury them and take them up no more, even in the face of adversity when we think we may need them again.
All of this was interesting to me with the experiences I have had in the last week. I took myself on a date Friday night to the temple. Sitting in the Celestial Room I had something come to me very profoundly. There was a time in my life when I was not very kind to some people. Much time has passed, but I needed to bury the sword once and for all. I covenanted with the Lord that I would take care of it; and it was amazing, because once I did I rejoiced almost to tears. I felt the spirit come back stronger than it has been in a long time.
I really wanted to shout my joy from the rooftops. Joseph Smith's words today rang a vibrant sound for me:
"Come on, dear brother, since the ward is past,
For friends at first, are friends again at last."
I wasn't able to attend the whole lesson, but I can say that I have felt the power of forgiving in my life. Joseph Smith was the ultimate expample for us. The man who embraced and immediately forgave someone who did the most unkind things. The man who stood and spoke with power about the love of God the morning after he had been drug out of his home, tarred, and feathered.
Eliza R. Snow reported these words of the Prophet: "[The Saints] should be armed with mercy, notwithstanding the iniquity among us. Said he had been instrumental in bringing iniquity to light — it was a melancholy thought and awful that so many should place themselves under the condemnation of the devil, and going to perdition. With deep feeling he said that they are fellow mortals, we loved them once, shall we not encourage them to reformation? We have not [yet] forgiven them seventy times seven, as our Savior directed [see Matthew 18:21-22]; perhaps we ahve not forgiven them once. There is now a day of salvation to such as repent and reform.
"Suppose that Jeus Christ and holy angels should object to us on frivolous things, what would become of us? We must be merciful to one another, and overlook small things."
In the gospel of Jesus Christ we are perfecting the Saints; we are perfecting ourselves. Today I thought about how trite my prayers have been; how bold I have been to think that I don't have a lot to pray about; when indeed I have so much to pray for, daily sins to be forgiven of, and people to pray for. Our daggars, pocket knives, swords, etc. need to be burried. We must make a covenant to bury things in life and live a fresh life with faith in Christ. Joseph Smith said:
"... the spirit of confession and forgiveness was mututal among us all, and we covenanted with each other, in the sight of God, and the holy angels, and the bretheren, to strive thenceforward to build each other up in righteousness in al things, and not listen to evil reports concerning each other; but, like brothers indeed, go to each other, with out grievances, in the spirit of meekness, and be reconciled, and thereby promote our happiness, and the happiness of the family, and, in short, the happiness and well-being of all."
7 Now, these are the words which he said unto the people concerning the matter: I thank my God, my beloved people, that our great God has in goodness sent these our brethren, the Nephites, unto us to preach unto us, and to convince us of the atraditions of our wicked fathers.
8 And behold, I thank my great God that he has given us a portion of his Spirit to soften our hearts, that we have aopened a correspondence with these brethren, the Nephites.
9 And behold, I also thank my God, that by opening this correspondence we have been convinced of our asins, and of the many murders which we have committed.
11 And now behold, my brethren, since it has been all that we could do, (as we were the most lost of all mankind) to repent of all our sins and the many murders which we have committed, and to get God to atake them away from our hearts, for it was all we could do to repent sufficiently before God that he would take away our stain—
12 Now, my best beloved brethren, since God hath taken away our stains, and our swords have become bright, then let us stain our swords no more with the blood of our brethren.
14 And the great God has had mercy on us, and made these things known unto us that we might not perish; yea, and he has made these things known unto us beforehand, because he loveth our asouls as well as he loveth our children; therefore, in his mercy he doth visit us by his angels, that the bplan of salvation might be made known unto us as well as unto future generations.
15 Oh, how merciful is our God! And now behold, since it has been as much as we could do to get our stains taken away from us, and our swords are made bright, let us ahide them away that they may be kept bright, as a testimony to our God at the last day, or at the day that we shall be brought to stand before him to be judged, that we have not stained our swords in the blood of our brethren since he imparted his word unto us and has made us bclean thereby.
16 And now, my brethren, if our brethren seek to destroy us, behold, we will hide away our swords, yea, even we will bury them deep in the earth, that they may be kept bright, as a testimony that we have never used them, at the last day; and if our brethren destroy us, behold, we shall ago to our God and shall be saved.
Reading these passages I thought: What are some of our personal swords? Are there things we use to "slay" our bretheren and sisters that we need to bury?
Just as God did with the Anti-Nephi-Lehies, he will wash our "swords" clean through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We must bury them and take them up no more, even in the face of adversity when we think we may need them again.
All of this was interesting to me with the experiences I have had in the last week. I took myself on a date Friday night to the temple. Sitting in the Celestial Room I had something come to me very profoundly. There was a time in my life when I was not very kind to some people. Much time has passed, but I needed to bury the sword once and for all. I covenanted with the Lord that I would take care of it; and it was amazing, because once I did I rejoiced almost to tears. I felt the spirit come back stronger than it has been in a long time.
I really wanted to shout my joy from the rooftops. Joseph Smith's words today rang a vibrant sound for me:
"Come on, dear brother, since the ward is past,
For friends at first, are friends again at last."
I wasn't able to attend the whole lesson, but I can say that I have felt the power of forgiving in my life. Joseph Smith was the ultimate expample for us. The man who embraced and immediately forgave someone who did the most unkind things. The man who stood and spoke with power about the love of God the morning after he had been drug out of his home, tarred, and feathered.
Eliza R. Snow reported these words of the Prophet: "[The Saints] should be armed with mercy, notwithstanding the iniquity among us. Said he had been instrumental in bringing iniquity to light — it was a melancholy thought and awful that so many should place themselves under the condemnation of the devil, and going to perdition. With deep feeling he said that they are fellow mortals, we loved them once, shall we not encourage them to reformation? We have not [yet] forgiven them seventy times seven, as our Savior directed [see Matthew 18:21-22]; perhaps we ahve not forgiven them once. There is now a day of salvation to such as repent and reform.
"Suppose that Jeus Christ and holy angels should object to us on frivolous things, what would become of us? We must be merciful to one another, and overlook small things."
In the gospel of Jesus Christ we are perfecting the Saints; we are perfecting ourselves. Today I thought about how trite my prayers have been; how bold I have been to think that I don't have a lot to pray about; when indeed I have so much to pray for, daily sins to be forgiven of, and people to pray for. Our daggars, pocket knives, swords, etc. need to be burried. We must make a covenant to bury things in life and live a fresh life with faith in Christ. Joseph Smith said:
"... the spirit of confession and forgiveness was mututal among us all, and we covenanted with each other, in the sight of God, and the holy angels, and the bretheren, to strive thenceforward to build each other up in righteousness in al things, and not listen to evil reports concerning each other; but, like brothers indeed, go to each other, with out grievances, in the spirit of meekness, and be reconciled, and thereby promote our happiness, and the happiness of the family, and, in short, the happiness and well-being of all."
Saturday, June 06, 2009
The Great & Spacious Building
Tonight I had an interesting experience and a wonderful reminder about the importance of having the spirit with you at all times. I have a deeper understanding for Lehi's dream, "And great was the multitude that did enter into that strange building" (1 Ne. 8:33).
I was conversing with a recent convert and needed to say something to her, but I couldn't think nor hear what the Spirit needed to say to her. In attempt to find the spirit to talk to her I briefly left, but the music penetrated my thoughts. The thought then came, "You need to leave." And it wasn't the first time it had come to me...
I'm not sure those around me quote understood why, nor were they very pleased with me. Like the people who walk the path in Lehi's dream, I press forward paying no attention to those who mock in misunderstanding because I know what my end result is I seek. Oftentimes I want to stay in the building because that's "where everyone is." But I know that is only temporary gratification, and having the spirit with me is much more important than any of the junk in the building.
Just today I was told I wasn't invited to a party because it isn't a place where I would want to be. I am thankful people recognize where I stand and I don't have to worry about taking myself out of awkward situations. But there are times where Satan works like the mists of darkness.
I can't imagine that anyone walking along the rod of iron blatantly left and said, "I'll go check out that HUGE black cloud over there! It looks like so much fun!" Nope... People leave the rod thinking their guide isn't far away and then "there arose a mist of darkness; yea, even an exceedingly great mist of darkness, insomuch that they who had commenced in the path did lose their way, that they wandered off and were lost" (1 Ne. 8:23).
So often my talents are affected by what's around me. I remember my first show I shot in a bar. It wasn't too bad because there were some great bands playing an no DJ. When I went back a second time there was some kind of intermission thing and it was F-word this, and F-word that. I had to get out and my photos totally sucked it up that night. As it was with last night, I wasn't able to be productive and I had to leave so I could feel at peace again.
Effective talents + need for spirit = success and more talents!
I was conversing with a recent convert and needed to say something to her, but I couldn't think nor hear what the Spirit needed to say to her. In attempt to find the spirit to talk to her I briefly left, but the music penetrated my thoughts. The thought then came, "You need to leave." And it wasn't the first time it had come to me...
I'm not sure those around me quote understood why, nor were they very pleased with me. Like the people who walk the path in Lehi's dream, I press forward paying no attention to those who mock in misunderstanding because I know what my end result is I seek. Oftentimes I want to stay in the building because that's "where everyone is." But I know that is only temporary gratification, and having the spirit with me is much more important than any of the junk in the building.
Just today I was told I wasn't invited to a party because it isn't a place where I would want to be. I am thankful people recognize where I stand and I don't have to worry about taking myself out of awkward situations. But there are times where Satan works like the mists of darkness.
I can't imagine that anyone walking along the rod of iron blatantly left and said, "I'll go check out that HUGE black cloud over there! It looks like so much fun!" Nope... People leave the rod thinking their guide isn't far away and then "there arose a mist of darkness; yea, even an exceedingly great mist of darkness, insomuch that they who had commenced in the path did lose their way, that they wandered off and were lost" (1 Ne. 8:23).
So often my talents are affected by what's around me. I remember my first show I shot in a bar. It wasn't too bad because there were some great bands playing an no DJ. When I went back a second time there was some kind of intermission thing and it was F-word this, and F-word that. I had to get out and my photos totally sucked it up that night. As it was with last night, I wasn't able to be productive and I had to leave so I could feel at peace again.
Effective talents + need for spirit = success and more talents!
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Down to Earth
This has to be one of my favorite movies. I don't know why, but it just is :)
Actually, I think I've figured it out. So much of what happens on the Axiom reflects our daily lives to a degree. We are so consumed by electronics that we fail to see what is all around us. There is a failure to enjoy the very nature God has given us and the freedom to create. How is it that we are to every find the spiritual gifts God has given us if we are allowing ourselves to be consumed by less-important technology? (DyC 130:19).
Actually, I think I've figured it out. So much of what happens on the Axiom reflects our daily lives to a degree. We are so consumed by electronics that we fail to see what is all around us. There is a failure to enjoy the very nature God has given us and the freedom to create. How is it that we are to every find the spiritual gifts God has given us if we are allowing ourselves to be consumed by less-important technology? (DyC 130:19).
Gimme a Chance
I hear this song today by the Plain White T's and thought it was fitting to how I am feeling about some things in my life (and not just the boy thing either...).
Why don't you open up your eyes?
These are more than passing glances
Why don't you say what's on your mind?
Cause I'm taking all the chances
If I'm not everything you wanted, oh
If I'm not everything you need
Then you can walk right out the door (you can walk right out the door)
And you can walk right out on me (you can walk right out on me)
But you're never gonna see just how good it's gonna be until you gimme a chance
Gimme a chance, oh
What do you see in all these guys?
Don't you know they're just pretending?
Somehow you always seem surprised
That it's not a happy ending
Don't you want a happy ending?
If I'm not everything you wanted, oh
If I'm not everything you need
Then you can walk right out the door (you can walk right out the door)
And you can walk right out on me (you can walk right out on me)
But you're never gonna see just how good it's gonna be until you gimme a chance
Gimme a chance, oh
Yeah you can walk right out the door (you can walk right out the door)
And you can say goodbye to me (you can say goodbye to me)
But I know you're going to stay and be happy everyday if you just gimme a chance
Gimme a chance, oh
All I want to do is spend my life with you
And all I want from you is a chance so I can prove my love to you
Just gimme a chance
Gimme a chance
If I'm not everything you wanted, oh
If I'm not everything you need
Then you can walk right out the door (you can walk right out the door)
And you can walk right out on me (you can walk right out on me)
But you're never gonna see just how good it's gonna be until you gimme a chance
Gimme a chance, oh
Yeah you can walk right out the door (you can walk right out the door)
And you can say goodbye to me (you can say goodbye to me)
But I know you're going to stay and be happy everyday if you just gimme a chance
Gimme a chance, oh
Why don't you open up your eyes?
Just gimme a chance
Gimme a chance, oh
Why don't you say what's on your mind?
Just gimme a chance
Gimme a chance, oh
Why don't you open up your eyes?
These are more than passing glances
Why don't you say what's on your mind?
Cause I'm taking all the chances
If I'm not everything you wanted, oh
If I'm not everything you need
Then you can walk right out the door (you can walk right out the door)
And you can walk right out on me (you can walk right out on me)
But you're never gonna see just how good it's gonna be until you gimme a chance
Gimme a chance, oh
What do you see in all these guys?
Don't you know they're just pretending?
Somehow you always seem surprised
That it's not a happy ending
Don't you want a happy ending?
If I'm not everything you wanted, oh
If I'm not everything you need
Then you can walk right out the door (you can walk right out the door)
And you can walk right out on me (you can walk right out on me)
But you're never gonna see just how good it's gonna be until you gimme a chance
Gimme a chance, oh
Yeah you can walk right out the door (you can walk right out the door)
And you can say goodbye to me (you can say goodbye to me)
But I know you're going to stay and be happy everyday if you just gimme a chance
Gimme a chance, oh
All I want to do is spend my life with you
And all I want from you is a chance so I can prove my love to you
Just gimme a chance
Gimme a chance
If I'm not everything you wanted, oh
If I'm not everything you need
Then you can walk right out the door (you can walk right out the door)
And you can walk right out on me (you can walk right out on me)
But you're never gonna see just how good it's gonna be until you gimme a chance
Gimme a chance, oh
Yeah you can walk right out the door (you can walk right out the door)
And you can say goodbye to me (you can say goodbye to me)
But I know you're going to stay and be happy everyday if you just gimme a chance
Gimme a chance, oh
Why don't you open up your eyes?
Just gimme a chance
Gimme a chance, oh
Why don't you say what's on your mind?
Just gimme a chance
Gimme a chance, oh
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