A few years ago, while Jeri Lynn and I were taking a class at the USU Institute of Religion, our teacher asked us why we were pursuing a university education. The members of the class offered up several responses. Of course there were obvious answers, but it was clear that he had a particular answer in mind. I don't remember if we came up with it or if he eventually just told us, but I do remember the answer.
We were seeking and receiving an education in order to build the kingdom of God.
If we didn't intend to do that, then what would be the point? Our first area of concern is still the family, and so it's easy to see a link between our education and being able to provide for our family's needs. In other ways we are also able to serve Heavenly Father and build His kingdom through our education and careers.
Last thoughts for now:
I would hope for everyone to take this into consideration when they are deciding on their education and career. The course of my future is yet uncertain, but I will ensure that I keep a proper focus as I keep figuring out what to do.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Practical Preparedness
Some of these thoughts are very much inspired by other people's inspired thoughts.
This evening we've had heavy snow and a power outage in the neighborhood for several hours. It was a good opportunity to test some of our emergency equipment.
Some people complain about members of the Church having a supply of food and water, thinking that we're a bunch of nuts getting ready for "the end of the world". Well, should things get really bad, we'll be ready for that too, but in the meantime, there are a lot of more immediately practical uses. A family shared their thoughts on this matter stating that the father had been out of work for a year and during that time they lived off of their food storage.
It's that simple.
Our family is comfortable knowing that if roads are shut down and we can't get to the store, we have enough to last us for quite a while.
We probably should have a bit more firewood.
It's not even necessary to be a member of the Church to practice this kind of preparedness; a fellow lieutenant here at Ft. Lewis recognized a water pump for our 55-gallon barrel and told us that he has things of this nature at home, too.
Last thoughts for now:
Being prepared is being wise. Sure, people may think we're nuts. It doesn't matter. As with anything else, we'll take care of ourselves, and God will make up the difference if somehow we come up short.
This evening we've had heavy snow and a power outage in the neighborhood for several hours. It was a good opportunity to test some of our emergency equipment.
Some people complain about members of the Church having a supply of food and water, thinking that we're a bunch of nuts getting ready for "the end of the world". Well, should things get really bad, we'll be ready for that too, but in the meantime, there are a lot of more immediately practical uses. A family shared their thoughts on this matter stating that the father had been out of work for a year and during that time they lived off of their food storage.
It's that simple.
Our family is comfortable knowing that if roads are shut down and we can't get to the store, we have enough to last us for quite a while.
We probably should have a bit more firewood.
It's not even necessary to be a member of the Church to practice this kind of preparedness; a fellow lieutenant here at Ft. Lewis recognized a water pump for our 55-gallon barrel and told us that he has things of this nature at home, too.
Last thoughts for now:
Being prepared is being wise. Sure, people may think we're nuts. It doesn't matter. As with anything else, we'll take care of ourselves, and God will make up the difference if somehow we come up short.
Temples and Sacred Things
I like to ask people a certain question. It goes like this: "Answering in one or two words, what do you value?" I explain that their answer doesn't have to be what they value most, just something they value. It's interesting to hear people's answers. (On a side note, my answer used to be friendship, but currently I would say "commitment".)
Another good question for people (one that I've never yet asked) is, "What is sacred to you?"
There have been some who complain about temple ordinances being "secret", refusing to accept the fact that they are sacred. A woman once explained the difference by comparing the temple to another sacred thing: sexual relations between a husband and wife. The woman stated that while it was no secret what they were doing, she certainly wasn't going to talk about it to anyone. Similarly, the body itself is a temple, and while it's not secret what a body generally looks like, it's inappropriate for us to share too much of it with others.
Some people still won't understand, even in light of clear comparisons. I wonder how they would answer my second question. Some people hold nothing sacred.
Last thoughts for now:
I know I should be reserved in speaking of things that are too sacred. Of course, where the temple is concerned, it's good to remember that temples are for everyone. Everyone is invited to come to the temple; if a person is going to fulfill their purpose in living on Earth, they're going to do the same things they would do to get ready for the temple. If everyone did, it would be clear why it's not a matter of "secrets".
Another good question for people (one that I've never yet asked) is, "What is sacred to you?"
There have been some who complain about temple ordinances being "secret", refusing to accept the fact that they are sacred. A woman once explained the difference by comparing the temple to another sacred thing: sexual relations between a husband and wife. The woman stated that while it was no secret what they were doing, she certainly wasn't going to talk about it to anyone. Similarly, the body itself is a temple, and while it's not secret what a body generally looks like, it's inappropriate for us to share too much of it with others.
Some people still won't understand, even in light of clear comparisons. I wonder how they would answer my second question. Some people hold nothing sacred.
Last thoughts for now:
I know I should be reserved in speaking of things that are too sacred. Of course, where the temple is concerned, it's good to remember that temples are for everyone. Everyone is invited to come to the temple; if a person is going to fulfill their purpose in living on Earth, they're going to do the same things they would do to get ready for the temple. If everyone did, it would be clear why it's not a matter of "secrets".
Sunday, December 14, 2008
What Really Satisfies
I have long thought that it's better for us to study scripture in the morning rather than at night, because then we carry the influence with us during the day. It's not happening enough, though. My excuse is that I have to be to work so early. My work hours are also irregular, so I can't have a daily scripture-reading time until the evening. Perhaps what would be best for me right now is to get in bed around 9:00 and study scripture in bed. The "when", though, is not my biggest concern. It's the "how" that is key.
I find that when I get in some scripture reading at work or at some other times, I often am just concerned with getting it done. If I complete a chapter, I call it good, and move on to whatever else needs to be done. The problem is that it's just not satisfying. We are to "feast upon the words of Christ" and to "search the scriptures", then ponder and pray. I think the key is not to read until I have reached a certain point (like the end of a chapter), but rather to study until I have the Holy Ghost with me to reveal truth and sanctify me. That's searching and feasting.
That being said, I think chapters (or sections) and subsections (that I designate for myself) are useful in containing particular themes.
The point is that scripture study must be more than cognizance of words and sentences. I need it to be something that fills me and humbles me.
Last thoughts for now:
I have the right to have the Holy Ghost with me always. I need to truly search the scriptures and feast upon the word, and I need to do it daily.
I find that when I get in some scripture reading at work or at some other times, I often am just concerned with getting it done. If I complete a chapter, I call it good, and move on to whatever else needs to be done. The problem is that it's just not satisfying. We are to "feast upon the words of Christ" and to "search the scriptures", then ponder and pray. I think the key is not to read until I have reached a certain point (like the end of a chapter), but rather to study until I have the Holy Ghost with me to reveal truth and sanctify me. That's searching and feasting.
That being said, I think chapters (or sections) and subsections (that I designate for myself) are useful in containing particular themes.
The point is that scripture study must be more than cognizance of words and sentences. I need it to be something that fills me and humbles me.
Last thoughts for now:
I have the right to have the Holy Ghost with me always. I need to truly search the scriptures and feast upon the word, and I need to do it daily.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Death of an Apostle
Joseph Bitner Wirthlin: 11 June 1917 – 1 December 2008
There are things I just don't understand. A beloved apostle of the Lord has died, and I think back to the passing of our last president. Some reacted with great sadness, like the guy in this picture:
(AP) Thomas Richardson, a Brigham Young University student, pays his respects at a makeshift memorial in front of the Gordon B. Hinckley building on the campus of BYU after it was announced that Gordon Hinckley, the 97 year old leader of the Mormon Church died January 27, 2008 in Provo, Utah.
A fellow in my old ward bore his testimony the next Sunday and mentioned how sad he was.
I don't get it. For people who don't understand eternity, death can be frightening. But for us? I just don't get it.
What reason was there to mourn? If his life had been cut short, that would be unfortunate. If we had no hope of ever seeing him again, that would be bad. If he had been wicked and we knew he was going to face punishment before God, that would be horrible. If the Church was going to founder because of his loss, that would be absolutely terrible.
But none of these are the way things are! He was old. There's no doubt that he was righteous, and is in the next step of a glorious eternity. His wife had passed away years earlier, and (I'm certain that because they are sealed) they are now reunited. The Church prospered under his leadership, and it will continue to prosper with Thomas S. Monson as our president.
So why mourn?
If I died right now, it would be sad that my wife would face the challenge of raising our kids alone, and it would be sad that my children would have to grow up without a father. We'd miss out on a lot of wonderful experiences as a family. But ultimately, things would be fine; for the righteous, death is only a temporary separation.
If I live to be seventy or eighty or ninety years old, and then I die, I don't want anyone to mourn. If people have reason to believe that I've lived well, I want them to celebrate.
Last thoughts for now:
I have no doubt that Elder Wirthlin has been greatly blessed for his service. I also have no doubt that another apostle will be called, and that the work of God will continue and "the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent" as it has done. And we should have joy.
There are things I just don't understand. A beloved apostle of the Lord has died, and I think back to the passing of our last president. Some reacted with great sadness, like the guy in this picture:
(AP) Thomas Richardson, a Brigham Young University student, pays his respects at a makeshift memorial in front of the Gordon B. Hinckley building on the campus of BYU after it was announced that Gordon Hinckley, the 97 year old leader of the Mormon Church died January 27, 2008 in Provo, Utah.A fellow in my old ward bore his testimony the next Sunday and mentioned how sad he was.
I don't get it. For people who don't understand eternity, death can be frightening. But for us? I just don't get it.
What reason was there to mourn? If his life had been cut short, that would be unfortunate. If we had no hope of ever seeing him again, that would be bad. If he had been wicked and we knew he was going to face punishment before God, that would be horrible. If the Church was going to founder because of his loss, that would be absolutely terrible.
But none of these are the way things are! He was old. There's no doubt that he was righteous, and is in the next step of a glorious eternity. His wife had passed away years earlier, and (I'm certain that because they are sealed) they are now reunited. The Church prospered under his leadership, and it will continue to prosper with Thomas S. Monson as our president.
So why mourn?
If I died right now, it would be sad that my wife would face the challenge of raising our kids alone, and it would be sad that my children would have to grow up without a father. We'd miss out on a lot of wonderful experiences as a family. But ultimately, things would be fine; for the righteous, death is only a temporary separation.
If I live to be seventy or eighty or ninety years old, and then I die, I don't want anyone to mourn. If people have reason to believe that I've lived well, I want them to celebrate.
Last thoughts for now:
I have no doubt that Elder Wirthlin has been greatly blessed for his service. I also have no doubt that another apostle will be called, and that the work of God will continue and "the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent" as it has done. And we should have joy.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Not Just an Emotional Response
I've heard it said before (from someone who claimed to be a former member of the Church and a former bishop) that what we call the Holy Ghost is nothing more than an emotional response.
NOT SO!!
Yes, the Holy Ghost does produce a fruit that inspires emotion (see Galatians 5:22), but to feel these emotions and to truly know the Spirit of God are two different things. What great joy the Spirit brings, but even when emotions don't run strong, what a wonderful thing it is to recognize the presence of the Holy Ghost!
Of course, the only way to know the Holy Ghost is to listen to God's word and obey it. As we hear the "whisperings of the Spirit" and disregard them, they become quieter to us, but as we truly listen to them and follow them it becomes easier for us to do the same in the future.
I know that I need the Holy Ghost to guide me. I rely on the Spirit to guide me and give me the "tongue of angels" (2 Nephi 31:14, 32:2-3, 33:1) as I speak to others. I know that I have spoken words that were inspired at the very moment. One of the most interesting things to me is when I'm inspired to not say something, either because the listener wasn't ready or perhaps because what I was going to say was wrong.
I think many people don't realize that, having been baptized and confirmed, they can speak with the tongue of angels. It's a wonderful gift that we truly need in order to serve God.
Last thoughts for now:
The Holy Ghost is real. It is my responsibility to obey the charge given to me when I was confirmed and "receive the Holy Ghost." The Spirit of God testifies of truth, teaches us, comforts us, and guides us. And, as a bonus, it will often bring the best of emotional responses.
NOT SO!!
Yes, the Holy Ghost does produce a fruit that inspires emotion (see Galatians 5:22), but to feel these emotions and to truly know the Spirit of God are two different things. What great joy the Spirit brings, but even when emotions don't run strong, what a wonderful thing it is to recognize the presence of the Holy Ghost!
Of course, the only way to know the Holy Ghost is to listen to God's word and obey it. As we hear the "whisperings of the Spirit" and disregard them, they become quieter to us, but as we truly listen to them and follow them it becomes easier for us to do the same in the future.
I know that I need the Holy Ghost to guide me. I rely on the Spirit to guide me and give me the "tongue of angels" (2 Nephi 31:14, 32:2-3, 33:1) as I speak to others. I know that I have spoken words that were inspired at the very moment. One of the most interesting things to me is when I'm inspired to not say something, either because the listener wasn't ready or perhaps because what I was going to say was wrong.
I think many people don't realize that, having been baptized and confirmed, they can speak with the tongue of angels. It's a wonderful gift that we truly need in order to serve God.
Last thoughts for now:
The Holy Ghost is real. It is my responsibility to obey the charge given to me when I was confirmed and "receive the Holy Ghost." The Spirit of God testifies of truth, teaches us, comforts us, and guides us. And, as a bonus, it will often bring the best of emotional responses.
A Different Testimony
I love bearing my testimony of Christ, the Chuch, the prophets, and the Book of Mormon. Aside from my "regular" testimony, I realized two things as a missionary that while not as directly spiritual are nonetheless evidence that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church of God:
1. There is almost unbelievable opposition to the Church. That might not seem to indicate that the Church is good and true, but consider the opposition's viewpoint. Against whom does Satan fight? Against whom will he inspire others to fight?
2. The restored Gospel is being preached by immature 19- and 20-year-olds, and the Church is actually growing! Really, missionaries are almost kids. I know because I was one! Yeah, some are pretty mature (I thought I was, for my age), but how mature and wise can a person be at 20 years old? By all rights, such young missionaries should have crippled the Church years ago. Instead, those with "ears to hear" are baptized by the thousands.
Last thoughts for now:
These two ideas are not vital to my testimony, but they strengthen it at least to some degree. However, nothing beats the witness of the Holy Ghost.
1. There is almost unbelievable opposition to the Church. That might not seem to indicate that the Church is good and true, but consider the opposition's viewpoint. Against whom does Satan fight? Against whom will he inspire others to fight?
2. The restored Gospel is being preached by immature 19- and 20-year-olds, and the Church is actually growing! Really, missionaries are almost kids. I know because I was one! Yeah, some are pretty mature (I thought I was, for my age), but how mature and wise can a person be at 20 years old? By all rights, such young missionaries should have crippled the Church years ago. Instead, those with "ears to hear" are baptized by the thousands.
Last thoughts for now:
These two ideas are not vital to my testimony, but they strengthen it at least to some degree. However, nothing beats the witness of the Holy Ghost.
Same Old, Same Old
Sometimes people complain that they always hear the same thing in church, or they don't want to watch General Conference because "they always say the same stuff". I've known people who didn't see the need to read scripture more than once.
Well, yes, we do hear the same thing over and over again. I know of five reasons why:
1. Each time we receive a particular message, we may learn more if we invite the Holy Ghost's influence and have readied ourselves by practicing more basic principles. Many people have had the experience of learning something new from a passage of scripture they've read multiple times before. We hear things repeated because there is deeper knowledge to gain.
2. Simply hearing the truth from the prophets will bring us the Holy Ghost and ready us for personal revelation on any topic. Many people have listened to a witness of Christ and received personal revelation for something that is important but unrelated to what is being spoken.
3. We haven't really listened yet. So often we hear the standard answers: pray, read your scriptures, go to church. Are we doing these things? I tend to think I'm a good person, but I know that I have often forgotten to pray in the morning and I sometimes struggle to read my scriptures. (It's been pretty bad recently. I wake up early and go to work, leaving the house at 6:00 am at the latest. I haven't made it a habit recently to read my scriptures in the morning, and then I don't get to them later. Then, in my Gospel Doctrine class, I know I don't have as much to contribute because I haven't done enough studying.) Anyway, we hear things repeated because we often haven't obeyed yet.
4. There are other people listening who haven't heard it yet. So many people are only hearing the restored Gospel for the first time. We can be patient as they are enlightened by glorious truth, particularly since it's still good for us.
5. Repetition reinforces ideas. Truth ought to be reinforced in our lives (especially to counteract the falsehoods that come to us over and over again).
Beyond that, we actually do hear some new things in General Conference sometimes, and it can be thrilling. I should give a list of my favorite conference talks some time.
Last thoughts for now:
It's okay to hear a good thing again. Heavenly Father knows what He's doing.
Well, yes, we do hear the same thing over and over again. I know of five reasons why:
1. Each time we receive a particular message, we may learn more if we invite the Holy Ghost's influence and have readied ourselves by practicing more basic principles. Many people have had the experience of learning something new from a passage of scripture they've read multiple times before. We hear things repeated because there is deeper knowledge to gain.
2. Simply hearing the truth from the prophets will bring us the Holy Ghost and ready us for personal revelation on any topic. Many people have listened to a witness of Christ and received personal revelation for something that is important but unrelated to what is being spoken.
3. We haven't really listened yet. So often we hear the standard answers: pray, read your scriptures, go to church. Are we doing these things? I tend to think I'm a good person, but I know that I have often forgotten to pray in the morning and I sometimes struggle to read my scriptures. (It's been pretty bad recently. I wake up early and go to work, leaving the house at 6:00 am at the latest. I haven't made it a habit recently to read my scriptures in the morning, and then I don't get to them later. Then, in my Gospel Doctrine class, I know I don't have as much to contribute because I haven't done enough studying.) Anyway, we hear things repeated because we often haven't obeyed yet.
4. There are other people listening who haven't heard it yet. So many people are only hearing the restored Gospel for the first time. We can be patient as they are enlightened by glorious truth, particularly since it's still good for us.
5. Repetition reinforces ideas. Truth ought to be reinforced in our lives (especially to counteract the falsehoods that come to us over and over again).
Beyond that, we actually do hear some new things in General Conference sometimes, and it can be thrilling. I should give a list of my favorite conference talks some time.
Last thoughts for now:
It's okay to hear a good thing again. Heavenly Father knows what He's doing.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
To Respectfully Disagree
It is okay to disagree!
People get so wrapped up in trying to convince others to believe the same thing they do. We absolutely should stand up for what is right and true, but people are free to believe whatever they want. They are free even if what they believe is downright stupid and wrong, and demonstrably so. To respectfully disagree with others gives them the opportunity (should they want to take it) to think through your ideas and voluntarily accept or reject them. Too often, people lose their sense of decency and respect in their discourse. Then, conversation becomes contention, which leaves no room for the influence of the Holy Ghost. At that point, there's no use in any further discussion.
It's okay to simply say, "I disagree." State the truth, and leave it at that.
As a side note, some people use the phrase "agree to disagree". That actually kind of irritates me; it makes me think of something like this:
Bob: "All right. When we go in there, I'm going to say one thing and you'll say another. We'll make sure to disagree."
Susan: "Agreed."
Last thoughts for now:
The Golden Rule is key here. We're all struggling through life and eternity, and we ought to show charity for others, even when we disagree.
People get so wrapped up in trying to convince others to believe the same thing they do. We absolutely should stand up for what is right and true, but people are free to believe whatever they want. They are free even if what they believe is downright stupid and wrong, and demonstrably so. To respectfully disagree with others gives them the opportunity (should they want to take it) to think through your ideas and voluntarily accept or reject them. Too often, people lose their sense of decency and respect in their discourse. Then, conversation becomes contention, which leaves no room for the influence of the Holy Ghost. At that point, there's no use in any further discussion.
It's okay to simply say, "I disagree." State the truth, and leave it at that.
As a side note, some people use the phrase "agree to disagree". That actually kind of irritates me; it makes me think of something like this:
Bob: "All right. When we go in there, I'm going to say one thing and you'll say another. We'll make sure to disagree."
Susan: "Agreed."
Last thoughts for now:
The Golden Rule is key here. We're all struggling through life and eternity, and we ought to show charity for others, even when we disagree.
Joy of Fatherhood
At Snow College, I was an assistant ward clerk for a while. One day, while we were waiting for a meeting to start, Bishop Cragun shared a thought with us. I don't think he particularly intended to teach anything with his words, but they have stayed with me. He was speaking of one of his children and one of their activities (I believe it was wrestling). He said that he had wrestled when he was younger, but it was more fun to watch his children do it.
I remember coming to a strange realization myself. I remember echoing others' thoughts that children are entertained by the simplest things. Then, one day as I watched my own daughter, I saw the other side of it: I'm entertained when she does the simplest things. I love hearing her speak. I love watching her learn. She is endlessly entertaining.
Those who achieve the highest degree of exaltation do so specifically because they will exercise the greatest power: procreation. The greatest joy beings can have is found in watching our children and helping them to grow.
Last thoughts for now:
After personal righteousness, my greatest concern is for my family. I look forward to having more children and raising them to love life and live truth.
I remember coming to a strange realization myself. I remember echoing others' thoughts that children are entertained by the simplest things. Then, one day as I watched my own daughter, I saw the other side of it: I'm entertained when she does the simplest things. I love hearing her speak. I love watching her learn. She is endlessly entertaining.
Those who achieve the highest degree of exaltation do so specifically because they will exercise the greatest power: procreation. The greatest joy beings can have is found in watching our children and helping them to grow.
Last thoughts for now:
After personal righteousness, my greatest concern is for my family. I look forward to having more children and raising them to love life and live truth.
Paradise and Prison
I've never been certain about the barrier between Spirit Prison and Paradise. Is it two different locations, with an actual barrier or separation that keeps those who have not accepted the Gospel from those who have? Or is it just a distinction between two states of being? We certainly live in heaven or hell right now depending on what kind of people we are.
I tend to think it's probably an actual separation. When Christ was in the Sprirt World for three days, He only visited the righteous, that is, those who had truly accepted Him. But a commonly held perception of Hell combined with a distinct feature of temples gives me cause to wonder.
Many people with Christian backgrounds are told that "Hell" is a fiery, hot place, and that "Heaven" is in the clouds. The Church makes specific efforts to build temples such that fonts for proxy baptisms are located underground. Theory: the barrier between Paradise and Prison is the surface of the earth. The core of the earth is molten; anywhere under the surface is obviously dark. I think it would suffice as a place to let people suffer the pains of their own sins. When baptisms and confirmations are perfomed for the dead, the spirits would pass through the barrier in temples.
The bridging of the barrier also occurred simultaneously with the rupturing of the earth's surface (see 3 Nephi 8:18).
One might say that the classic version of "Hell" is of no importance, and I would say they're probably right. However, bits of truth, like pieces of a shattered mirror, can be found all over. Take Masonic symbols, for example.
One might also say that the location of temple baptismal fonts is just symbolic, and maybe it is. That's a lot of work for the sake of a single symbol, though, particularly when baptism already carries a lot of symbolism anyway. What symbolic meaning is really added?
Last thoughts for now:
I don't know of any prophetic statement that directly adresses this topic. It remains uncertain to me.
I tend to think it's probably an actual separation. When Christ was in the Sprirt World for three days, He only visited the righteous, that is, those who had truly accepted Him. But a commonly held perception of Hell combined with a distinct feature of temples gives me cause to wonder.
Many people with Christian backgrounds are told that "Hell" is a fiery, hot place, and that "Heaven" is in the clouds. The Church makes specific efforts to build temples such that fonts for proxy baptisms are located underground. Theory: the barrier between Paradise and Prison is the surface of the earth. The core of the earth is molten; anywhere under the surface is obviously dark. I think it would suffice as a place to let people suffer the pains of their own sins. When baptisms and confirmations are perfomed for the dead, the spirits would pass through the barrier in temples.
The bridging of the barrier also occurred simultaneously with the rupturing of the earth's surface (see 3 Nephi 8:18).
One might say that the classic version of "Hell" is of no importance, and I would say they're probably right. However, bits of truth, like pieces of a shattered mirror, can be found all over. Take Masonic symbols, for example.
One might also say that the location of temple baptismal fonts is just symbolic, and maybe it is. That's a lot of work for the sake of a single symbol, though, particularly when baptism already carries a lot of symbolism anyway. What symbolic meaning is really added?
Last thoughts for now:
I don't know of any prophetic statement that directly adresses this topic. It remains uncertain to me.
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