Our family scripture study for the last little bit has been in Moroni, at Allen's request. I haven't decided if this is because of Moroni on the tops of the temples or why, but Allen always wants to ready Moroni. So we started in Chapter 1 and have read through Chapter 6 now. We dissect the big words and often turn to the internet to define words I can't define, like supplicate, to the understanding of my children. It is in Chapter 6 that Moroni talks about baptism and church meetings. I had always wondered why we don't just have Sacrament. It is obviously the most important meeting we go to, so why have the others? It doesn't specifically address and give direction for something like Primary, but it has this great saying of why we go, " And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls. (Moroni 6:5) While it may not seem like Primary addresses this concern, I think it does. Jennifer came home with thoughts on the temple and wanting to feel the peace there that's different than at church. Or Sunday school where we learned what an idiot Jeroboam was in the Old Testament (he got scared, didn't do what the Lord told him to, and then was overthrown by the people!). Both those examples have lessons, though I like to think perhaps I'm not as important as Jeroboam because I'd rather not be killed quite that way, but the lesson of obeying - sticks.
Other chapters in Moroni talk about the sacrament, including in them the sacrament prayers, Chapters 4 and 5. We haven't read beyond 6 yet, so I'll just share what stood out to me this morning. I've been thinking of it all day. So in verse 4 it says that when we choose to get baptized, that we are made clean and 'numbered' among the members of the Church of Christ and 'remembered and nourished by the word of God.' Nourished, now there's a thought. Of coarse our bodies need nourishment to stay healthy, and our minds need to be nourished to stay useful, but be nourished by the word of God? What a thought. It makes logical sense to assume that what we put in (good or bad) will also be what we get out, but to take time to be nourished by God - not by the universe, not by the power through mother earth or the movement of stars - but from God, himself. I don't think I've ever read more of a testimony of His ability to speak to me.
Then verse 7 talks about consequences (which were kind of a bummer so I don't want to dwell on them, but it'd be good for you to read them). And verse 8 says as many times as I seek forgiveness with real intent, I'll be forgiven. Being a parent, I can only imagine how much that's gotta stink for Heavenly Father. How many times do you think he goes, "Catherine! What were you thinking?!" And still He loves. And still He forgives. Amazing. Such a short chapter, only 9 verses. So much hope, so much love... for someone like ... me. And you.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
A moment to discover
We were talking in family home evening on Monday night about the 4 books that as Latter Day Saints we use as our scriptures. We talked about what they cover, why we have them, what their purposes are, and why other religions don't have them. So we started with the Old Testament. The Old Testament is really rather large and therefore covers a lot of time from the creation until the birth of Jesus Christ. There are prophecies for the coming of Christ, for our day, a genealogical record, and a history of people long since passed on. The New Testament and Book of Mormon are of roughly the same size. The Book of Mormon has 531 pages and the New Testament is a bit shorter. The New Testament is basically a book about the life of Jesus Christ, His ministry, and his disciples and their teachings. There is some revelation about what will happen in the time after the death of Jesus. The Book of Mormon is a book similar to the Old Testament. It too provides prophecies of the coming of Jesus Christ, prophecies for our day, a genealogical record, and a history of people long gone. Interestingly, there are two places where the Old Testament and the Book of Mormon Cross over, first with Laban in 1st Nephi and then again in Ether at the Tower of Babel. And finally the Doctrine and Covenants (and you could lump all the general conference talks in here too) which is DIRECT instruction, from the prophet, for our very SPECIFIC needs. But the thought that occurred to me as we were talking about it, came from a question from Allen.
Why are there so many places in each of the four different books that talk about the same thing?
Hmmm. Good question. Why are there? The answer is littered throughout the scriptures:
Deut. 17:6, Matt 18:16, 2 Cor 13:1, Ether 5:4, D&C 6:28, and D&C 128:3
"In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established."
They are all there to rely on each other and provide the witnesses that we have been told are there for us, so that we may know that they DO come from God.
Why are there so many places in each of the four different books that talk about the same thing?
Hmmm. Good question. Why are there? The answer is littered throughout the scriptures:
Deut. 17:6, Matt 18:16, 2 Cor 13:1, Ether 5:4, D&C 6:28, and D&C 128:3
"In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established."
They are all there to rely on each other and provide the witnesses that we have been told are there for us, so that we may know that they DO come from God.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
The Scriptures
Our lesson in Relief Society today had many points to it that I found thought provoking, things I hadn't thought of before. I didn't take notes, so I'll probably miss some, but I'll try to remember what struck me. First of all, the message came from Elder Todd D Christofferson of the 12 apostles and was entitled, The Blessing of Scripture. He basically said that scripture does 3 things for us: Enlarges our Memories, Distinguishes truth from error, and Brings us to Christ.
He started by talking about William Tyndale who translated the Bible into English in the 1530's. He had sought the approval of Catholic church authorities, who stated translating the Bible into English would be to cast pearls before swine, but he decided to do it anyway. People paid great prices to receive those "illegal" copies of the Bible. If they would pay so much for them, why don't we? (something to think about)
Enlarges our Memories: How does reading the scriptures 'enlarge our memory'? Usually with the ways our minds work, we are either people who learn through lists and direct facts, or though stories. I'm sure that is why the Old Testament and Book of Mormon are story based doctrines, and the New Testament and Doctrine and Covenants are list and direct facts based. The bottom line is whatever we put in is what we will get out, in the was of the Lord. If we put in effort to learn something or study it, the Lord will stretch our minds to hold it. It isn't a one to one ratio, but rather a I do work and the Lord blesses me in the way I need kind of ratio, sometimes making the balance tipped extremely in our favor. We also are reminded of the Pride Cycle (turn to the Lord, be blessed, live blessedly and forget the Lord, full of pride, trials from the Lord due to lack of humility, become humble: repeat) in constant study in hopes of not having to relieve it constantly.
Distinguish Truth from Error: God uses scripture to unmask erroneous thinking, false traditions, and sin with its devastating effects. A gal in the room stated that in the Book of Mormon, Korihor taught there were no absolute moral standards. Korihor's philosophy taught that every man prosper by his genius, conquers by his strength and when he dies that is the end. Alma's son, Corianton had believed Korihor's philosophy and dabbled in sexual sin. He father told him, "Know ye not, my son, that these things are an abomination in the sight of the Lord; yea, most abominable above all sins save it be the shedding of innocent blood or denying the Holy Ghost?” (Alma 39:5) Our worldly morality today is much of the opinion of Korihor, our society has imagined a Jesus who wants people to work for social justice but makes no demands on personal life and behavior. The scriptures are the touchstone for measuring correctness and truth, all things leading to God.
Brings us to Christ: We equated this with having and increasing our faith. Faith comes by the witness of the Holy Spirit to our souls, Spirit to spirit, as we hear or read the word of God. And faith matures as we continue to feast upon the word. As members of the LDS church we have access to over 900 pages of scriptural text. We cannot return to Christ without faith that he exists or rather a spirit to spirit confirmation that he is there. It is then that we use our resources to draw nearer to him.
All these things work together for our sole benefit. Whenever we are lost, distracted, unsure, or hurt the scriptures can pull us up, out of our bereft state and allow us to heal while safely cradled in the Savior's arms.
He started by talking about William Tyndale who translated the Bible into English in the 1530's. He had sought the approval of Catholic church authorities, who stated translating the Bible into English would be to cast pearls before swine, but he decided to do it anyway. People paid great prices to receive those "illegal" copies of the Bible. If they would pay so much for them, why don't we? (something to think about)
Enlarges our Memories: How does reading the scriptures 'enlarge our memory'? Usually with the ways our minds work, we are either people who learn through lists and direct facts, or though stories. I'm sure that is why the Old Testament and Book of Mormon are story based doctrines, and the New Testament and Doctrine and Covenants are list and direct facts based. The bottom line is whatever we put in is what we will get out, in the was of the Lord. If we put in effort to learn something or study it, the Lord will stretch our minds to hold it. It isn't a one to one ratio, but rather a I do work and the Lord blesses me in the way I need kind of ratio, sometimes making the balance tipped extremely in our favor. We also are reminded of the Pride Cycle (turn to the Lord, be blessed, live blessedly and forget the Lord, full of pride, trials from the Lord due to lack of humility, become humble: repeat) in constant study in hopes of not having to relieve it constantly.
Distinguish Truth from Error: God uses scripture to unmask erroneous thinking, false traditions, and sin with its devastating effects. A gal in the room stated that in the Book of Mormon, Korihor taught there were no absolute moral standards. Korihor's philosophy taught that every man prosper by his genius, conquers by his strength and when he dies that is the end. Alma's son, Corianton had believed Korihor's philosophy and dabbled in sexual sin. He father told him, "Know ye not, my son, that these things are an abomination in the sight of the Lord; yea, most abominable above all sins save it be the shedding of innocent blood or denying the Holy Ghost?” (Alma 39:5) Our worldly morality today is much of the opinion of Korihor, our society has imagined a Jesus who wants people to work for social justice but makes no demands on personal life and behavior. The scriptures are the touchstone for measuring correctness and truth, all things leading to God.
Brings us to Christ: We equated this with having and increasing our faith. Faith comes by the witness of the Holy Spirit to our souls, Spirit to spirit, as we hear or read the word of God. And faith matures as we continue to feast upon the word. As members of the LDS church we have access to over 900 pages of scriptural text. We cannot return to Christ without faith that he exists or rather a spirit to spirit confirmation that he is there. It is then that we use our resources to draw nearer to him.
All these things work together for our sole benefit. Whenever we are lost, distracted, unsure, or hurt the scriptures can pull us up, out of our bereft state and allow us to heal while safely cradled in the Savior's arms.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Quick Thought: Move On
In focusing on what we've lost, we rob ourselves of this moment's opportunity to gain. Look ahead and press forward with confidence, because pining over the past is detrimental to growth, healing and happiness. Learn from experience and then use that knowledge in the here and now, trusting that it will lead you to the beautiful future awaiting. The road ahead may be uncertain, but in refusing to travel it, the road behind was taken in vain.
"What you need to know about the past is that no matter what has happened, it has all worked together to bring you to this very moment. And this is the moment you can choose to make everything new. Right now." -Anonymous
"What you need to know about the past is that no matter what has happened, it has all worked together to bring you to this very moment. And this is the moment you can choose to make everything new. Right now." -Anonymous
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
The Lord's University #2
I often enjoy finding scriptures in the Old and New Testaments that reflect my feelings on what we are taught in church. As I reflected further on this University of the Lord concept, I turned to the scriptures and found what I was looking for. Joseph had an Institute teacher that showed that 'mountain' was often a replacement for temple in the scriptures. Sometimes it is important to be able to distinguish between where the Lord is talking about a physical mountain vs a temple. Moses went into the mountains to seek the Lord and found him there, as did Aaron.
Isaiah 2:2-3 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us ago up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the flaw, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
Later in Isaiah (Chp 65 v 9 & 11) "Judah an inheritor of my mountains: and mine elect shall inherit it...But ye are they that forsake the Lord, that forget my holy mountain" In 1993 in a conference address, Pres. Monson stated that when the Salt Lake City Temple was erected it was called, "The Mountain of the Lord's house."
2 Nephi 2:3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths; for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
Joel 2:1 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand
Micah 4:2 And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the claw shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
Isaiah 2:2-3 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us ago up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the flaw, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
Later in Isaiah (Chp 65 v 9 & 11) "Judah an inheritor of my mountains: and mine elect shall inherit it...But ye are they that forsake the Lord, that forget my holy mountain" In 1993 in a conference address, Pres. Monson stated that when the Salt Lake City Temple was erected it was called, "The Mountain of the Lord's house."
2 Nephi 2:3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths; for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
Joel 2:1 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand
Micah 4:2 And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the claw shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
A complete Priesthood
Mother's Day in church often brings about outstanding talks and examples of motherhood. This year, however, our meeting was filled slightly differently. The question posed was, "How does honoring your priesthood honor women?" Hmmm, it sparked my interest. Some of the points this particular speaker raised: 1. After the Lord created the woman, the world was complete. 2. To attain the highest level of paradise when we die, it takes a man and a woman. One cannot make it without the other. 3. Responsibilities of womanhood are so high in the scriptures - making their highest priority to enable God's children to return to him. I listened with interest.
When we read in Genesis and again in Moses, we have a full account of the creation of the world. The one in Moses does seem to give a few more details than the Genesis account - I think from re-translating several times over. I had always known the rough procession of things, though it had never really occurred to me, that the Lord was not done until he had given Adam a woman. Not because she was an after-thought, but because his work was not done and Adam's companionship not complete until he had a way to return to live with the Lord. We know the Lord gives no commandments unless he prepares a way for us to accomplish them, so why would this circumstance be any different?
I was speaking with my neighbor several weeks ago and had a discussion similar to this next point. I realized that this is something you only understand through personal study because our church doesn't REALLY teach it. We know there are three degrees of glory in heaven, or rather that based on what level of spiritual progression you have attained here is also what you will stay with on the other side. It makes sense when you consider the Prophets themselves have often said 'the longer they live, and more they study, the more they know less than they thought they knew'. So while I may strive to listen to the Spirit and choose good over evil, should I attain the same level of enlightenment on the other side as those Prophets? I shouldn't - I'm not ready to handle it, really. So what I learned through study is there are three degrees of heaven. And they are ALL good. It will be as heaven to each person as they are ready. Those with lesser light in their life have a degree that be-suits them, and with those that are more ready - a higher light. Also those spirits that just barely gained a body and returned to God were not contaminated here and therefore can have the highest glory. But as we progress toward heaven, we must have a complete priesthood and know all the keys to get there. You cannot know all of that information without having a man with you as a woman, or vice versa for a man. Men must be tempered by women and women strengthened by man. I'll try to readress this if it doesn't make sense, so let me know.
And finally, we learn that women are beloved of God and given the HIGHEST responsibility as caretakers of the home and children. There are several examples that show the mother is the responsible party in the household.
Genesis 24:60 "And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions..."
Genesis 27:13"And his mother said unto him, Upon me be thy curse, my son: only obey my voice, and go fetch me them."
2 Kings 4:19 "And he said unto his father, My head, my head. And he said to a lad, Carry him to his mother."
Alma 56:47-48 "Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them. And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it.
I left the meeting with more appreciation in my heart for the responsibility of motherhood and women.
When we read in Genesis and again in Moses, we have a full account of the creation of the world. The one in Moses does seem to give a few more details than the Genesis account - I think from re-translating several times over. I had always known the rough procession of things, though it had never really occurred to me, that the Lord was not done until he had given Adam a woman. Not because she was an after-thought, but because his work was not done and Adam's companionship not complete until he had a way to return to live with the Lord. We know the Lord gives no commandments unless he prepares a way for us to accomplish them, so why would this circumstance be any different?
I was speaking with my neighbor several weeks ago and had a discussion similar to this next point. I realized that this is something you only understand through personal study because our church doesn't REALLY teach it. We know there are three degrees of glory in heaven, or rather that based on what level of spiritual progression you have attained here is also what you will stay with on the other side. It makes sense when you consider the Prophets themselves have often said 'the longer they live, and more they study, the more they know less than they thought they knew'. So while I may strive to listen to the Spirit and choose good over evil, should I attain the same level of enlightenment on the other side as those Prophets? I shouldn't - I'm not ready to handle it, really. So what I learned through study is there are three degrees of heaven. And they are ALL good. It will be as heaven to each person as they are ready. Those with lesser light in their life have a degree that be-suits them, and with those that are more ready - a higher light. Also those spirits that just barely gained a body and returned to God were not contaminated here and therefore can have the highest glory. But as we progress toward heaven, we must have a complete priesthood and know all the keys to get there. You cannot know all of that information without having a man with you as a woman, or vice versa for a man. Men must be tempered by women and women strengthened by man. I'll try to readress this if it doesn't make sense, so let me know.
And finally, we learn that women are beloved of God and given the HIGHEST responsibility as caretakers of the home and children. There are several examples that show the mother is the responsible party in the household.
Genesis 24:60 "And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions..."
Genesis 27:13"And his mother said unto him, Upon me be thy curse, my son: only obey my voice, and go fetch me them."
2 Kings 4:19 "And he said unto his father, My head, my head. And he said to a lad, Carry him to his mother."
Alma 56:47-48 "Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them. And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it.
I left the meeting with more appreciation in my heart for the responsibility of motherhood and women.
The Lord's University
Grandpa always said we come to motel Earth to gain a body and be tested. What he never specified is where we get our instruction from. Sure, you can say it comes from the scriptures or church or just life lessons, but I heard from a reliable source, that those are more like elementary, middle, and high school. Good resources, but not really able to give you what you need to have. So that begs the question, where is the Lord's University? Good question. First let's examine the evidence: Moses had access to it, the 12 in Jesus' time had access to it, and we have access to it. Have you figured it out? Its the temple. The analogy is great. Not any old schmuck can get in, you have to be worthy or earned it. There is often one near your house, and you don't get dinged if you don't go, but when you do, you are amply rewarded. And most important and best of all, you can receive information and instruction there that you simply cannot receive anywhere else.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Your Light
I was reading a letter I received from a friend of mine who is serving a mission. It stuck me his remarkable words and testimony. He is tasked with a very, VERY challenging job and I love the way he is sticking to the Lord for aid. I'm going to share some of his letter here.
The Lord has taught me many times through the presence of His Spirit. I learn from notes I take and impressions I receive. This though came from a comparison by Justin Martyr nearly two thousand years ago, his explanation of the relationship between God and Christ, before the doctrine of the Trinity was established in Nicaea.
Each one of us carries a light within us, divinely given for the purpose of illuminating our part of the world. We are as billions of torches, casting light and shadow depending on the direction in which we move. When one torch begins to gutter and fade in a strong wind, a more powerful flame can be brought to it and rescue it, offering help without diminishing the stronger torch's light and heat. The Savior is the ultimate torch: His light is infinite, and illuminates all that we will permit. That said, sometimes we must too be torches, and rescue those around us who fall. We may enlighten and inspire those around us, help to bear their burdens, and generally help them, all without ever weakening ourselves. It requires that we let ourselves shine, and not bear ourselves down with unconfidence or sin. In the end, though, we may help many more than we can imagine, for the other torches that we light can then be used to rescue other guttering flames.
The Lord has taught me many times through the presence of His Spirit. I learn from notes I take and impressions I receive. This though came from a comparison by Justin Martyr nearly two thousand years ago, his explanation of the relationship between God and Christ, before the doctrine of the Trinity was established in Nicaea.
Each one of us carries a light within us, divinely given for the purpose of illuminating our part of the world. We are as billions of torches, casting light and shadow depending on the direction in which we move. When one torch begins to gutter and fade in a strong wind, a more powerful flame can be brought to it and rescue it, offering help without diminishing the stronger torch's light and heat. The Savior is the ultimate torch: His light is infinite, and illuminates all that we will permit. That said, sometimes we must too be torches, and rescue those around us who fall. We may enlighten and inspire those around us, help to bear their burdens, and generally help them, all without ever weakening ourselves. It requires that we let ourselves shine, and not bear ourselves down with unconfidence or sin. In the end, though, we may help many more than we can imagine, for the other torches that we light can then be used to rescue other guttering flames.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Achieving the Impossible
Place a cube of ice in a glass of water. It floats right? K, so now I have another glass. Looks like the same clear liquid. I'm going to add a cube of ice - should float, right? Wrong. It sinks.
It may look the same, but its not. We can look the same to other people, but what is inside and our final destination make the difference. It is impossible to make it back to live with our Heavenly Father and be perfect like him, unless we have something different inside us and use the atonement of Jesus everyday.
What would it mean to have it all? Be happy? Be safe? Be loved? Live with God? Yes, to all of it. "The secret to having it all, is knowing you already do.
We know from the scriptures, that the Lord does not expect us to "run faster than we have strength." And "King Benjamin indicated that “it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize.” God will not require more than the best we can give because that would not be just, but neither can He accept less than that because that would not be just either." We just have to realize we already have the power of the atonement within our grasp but we have to reach out and use it.
Also, as we recommit to returning to live with him, we must remember that "by partaking worthily of the sacrament, the commitment we made with our Heavenly Father the moment we entered the waters of baptism and when we received each one of the ordinances of the restored gospel."
It is possible for us to be happy now and forever. We need to fill our glasses with the right substance to achieve the impossible.
It may look the same, but its not. We can look the same to other people, but what is inside and our final destination make the difference. It is impossible to make it back to live with our Heavenly Father and be perfect like him, unless we have something different inside us and use the atonement of Jesus everyday.
What would it mean to have it all? Be happy? Be safe? Be loved? Live with God? Yes, to all of it. "The secret to having it all, is knowing you already do.
We know from the scriptures, that the Lord does not expect us to "run faster than we have strength." And "King Benjamin indicated that “it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize.” God will not require more than the best we can give because that would not be just, but neither can He accept less than that because that would not be just either." We just have to realize we already have the power of the atonement within our grasp but we have to reach out and use it.
Also, as we recommit to returning to live with him, we must remember that "by partaking worthily of the sacrament, the commitment we made with our Heavenly Father the moment we entered the waters of baptism and when we received each one of the ordinances of the restored gospel."
It is possible for us to be happy now and forever. We need to fill our glasses with the right substance to achieve the impossible.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Eve Rocks!
In preparation for our lesson today in relief society, I thought I'd learn about Adam and Eve. Being something that I was taught in the temple and is also something that most Christian religions believe, I thought it was kind of a simple lesson, but was really surprised at how well it turned out.
First we wrote out what we know about Adam and Eve. We came up with a few things, and then researched and participated in a discussion to tell me what I didn't know.
We knew: They were the first people on Earth. They had no opportunity for exaltation. They had no need for a Savior and had restricted choices. They were the first parents and Eve is the mother of all living. I found out Adam and Eve were not mortal and were married! (D&C 107:54-56)
We have a fairly descriptive account of the life of Adam and Eve in Moses 3 and 4. This part of scripture was shown to Moses in a vision. It doesn't change any of the facts recorded in the Old Testament, but it does provide clarity.
After Eve partook of the tree of knowledge of Good and Evil, they were cast out of the Garden of Eden. How did that change their lives?
1. They had to work for everything. Food, clothes, shelter, survival - everything.
2. They had a mortal body that was subject to illness, heat, cold, death, pain, health, and everything associated with mortality.
3. They now had to deal with sin and opposition.
4. Adam and Eve had the opportunity to experience joy, pain, and other emotions.
5. They now had a need for a Savior and repentance.
6. They had the opportunity for exaltation.
How many of those did you know? Me? Well, I guess I knew all of them, but some just hadn't occurred to me. Like the opportunity for exaltation. Of coarse if we're never tried we can never be exalted, and of coarse they couldn't be tried before they knew good from evil, but I guess it just hadn't hit me.
Then an interesting question was raised in Relief Society. Was Eve wise or naive to partake of the tree of knowledge of Good and Evil? Hmmm. There was silence, and then, the discussion ensued. What was ultimately shared was that we don't know how long Adam and Eve were in the Garden before Satan convinced Eve to take the fruit. And yes, Satan did tell Eve a partial lie, but at the same time, Eve could use logic to realize something was missing. While they didn't have worldly knowledge, they did have the limited experience they had gained while they were in the Garden. It was compared as children while they have no real world knowledge, they do have experiences in their limited world. That was what was Eve used to make her choice. As they gained mortal bodies when they were cast out of the Garden, they had not been able to "multiply and replenish the earth" and therefore no matter what they chose or did, were breaking the Lord's commandments in some way.
And where Eve was the first to partake of the fruit, Adam stood by her side even when speaking to the Lord. While Adam was given dominion over his wife, in some ways this makes him and his priesthood responsible for his wife's behavior. Many LDS women resent having a man have "dominion" over them, but in many ways, this does not mean that he can control the woman, but rather that there is responsibility for the things she does and choices she makes that affects people other than herself.
The second Article of Faith states, "We believe man will be punished for their own sins and not for Adam's transgression." It doesn't say, 'Adam's sin' but rather his 'transgression.' What is the difference between a "sin" and a "transgression"? The miriam-webster dictionary defines a transgression as: infringement or violation of a law, command, or duty. Whereas sin is defined as: an offense against moral law. So we know from the second article of faith that God did not consider partaking of the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil a sin, but rather a transgression.
And finally, Why is it important that we learn about the fall of Adam of Eve?
We learn the principle of work and what it will take for man to survive (Moses 4:23-25). The principle of work is an eternal one. Our work will not stop when we die, but will continue for the rest of our existence. But the most important reasons are summarized in Eve's response, written in Moses 5:11.
"And Eve, his wife, heard all these things and was glad, saying: Were it not for our transgression we never should have had a seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient."
First we wrote out what we know about Adam and Eve. We came up with a few things, and then researched and participated in a discussion to tell me what I didn't know.
We knew: They were the first people on Earth. They had no opportunity for exaltation. They had no need for a Savior and had restricted choices. They were the first parents and Eve is the mother of all living. I found out Adam and Eve were not mortal and were married! (D&C 107:54-56)
We have a fairly descriptive account of the life of Adam and Eve in Moses 3 and 4. This part of scripture was shown to Moses in a vision. It doesn't change any of the facts recorded in the Old Testament, but it does provide clarity.
After Eve partook of the tree of knowledge of Good and Evil, they were cast out of the Garden of Eden. How did that change their lives?
1. They had to work for everything. Food, clothes, shelter, survival - everything.
2. They had a mortal body that was subject to illness, heat, cold, death, pain, health, and everything associated with mortality.
3. They now had to deal with sin and opposition.
4. Adam and Eve had the opportunity to experience joy, pain, and other emotions.
5. They now had a need for a Savior and repentance.
6. They had the opportunity for exaltation.
How many of those did you know? Me? Well, I guess I knew all of them, but some just hadn't occurred to me. Like the opportunity for exaltation. Of coarse if we're never tried we can never be exalted, and of coarse they couldn't be tried before they knew good from evil, but I guess it just hadn't hit me.
Then an interesting question was raised in Relief Society. Was Eve wise or naive to partake of the tree of knowledge of Good and Evil? Hmmm. There was silence, and then, the discussion ensued. What was ultimately shared was that we don't know how long Adam and Eve were in the Garden before Satan convinced Eve to take the fruit. And yes, Satan did tell Eve a partial lie, but at the same time, Eve could use logic to realize something was missing. While they didn't have worldly knowledge, they did have the limited experience they had gained while they were in the Garden. It was compared as children while they have no real world knowledge, they do have experiences in their limited world. That was what was Eve used to make her choice. As they gained mortal bodies when they were cast out of the Garden, they had not been able to "multiply and replenish the earth" and therefore no matter what they chose or did, were breaking the Lord's commandments in some way.
And where Eve was the first to partake of the fruit, Adam stood by her side even when speaking to the Lord. While Adam was given dominion over his wife, in some ways this makes him and his priesthood responsible for his wife's behavior. Many LDS women resent having a man have "dominion" over them, but in many ways, this does not mean that he can control the woman, but rather that there is responsibility for the things she does and choices she makes that affects people other than herself.
The second Article of Faith states, "We believe man will be punished for their own sins and not for Adam's transgression." It doesn't say, 'Adam's sin' but rather his 'transgression.' What is the difference between a "sin" and a "transgression"? The miriam-webster dictionary defines a transgression as: infringement or violation of a law, command, or duty. Whereas sin is defined as: an offense against moral law. So we know from the second article of faith that God did not consider partaking of the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil a sin, but rather a transgression.
And finally, Why is it important that we learn about the fall of Adam of Eve?
We learn the principle of work and what it will take for man to survive (Moses 4:23-25). The principle of work is an eternal one. Our work will not stop when we die, but will continue for the rest of our existence. But the most important reasons are summarized in Eve's response, written in Moses 5:11.
"And Eve, his wife, heard all these things and was glad, saying: Were it not for our transgression we never should have had a seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient."
Monday, March 1, 2010
Womanhood - Such Potential
I have discovered so much the value of womanhood in my years since I got married. Let me suffice it to say my opinion of the values of being a woman was that they were there to attract, tease, and entice men to do what you wanted them to. I didn't value much more than that as a woman. What else did I have to offer? Our lesson in relief society yesterday really taught me the kinds of things women have. Some men have as well, and others they don't. But the point that was made in class, was that they should be things all men want in their lifelong (existence long) companion. The discussion and materials of the lesson were taken from a talk by President James E Faust, second counselor in the First Presidency of the Church.
So the 10 values talked about are: faith, honesty, chastity, humility, self-discipline, fairness, moderation, cleanliness, courage, and grace. Some of them I thought to be obvious...honesty? faith? chastity? duh.... But as I reflected on my own appreciation of womanhood and listened to the words said regarding each, I thought maybe I did have some space to grow.
Faith was one that I kinda really thought was a duh virtue. But the last line in this section caught me off guard. "In exercising faith, we become cheerful and optimistic, charitable and courageous, because faith is the moving cause of all of these virtues." This sentence reminds me of James 2:17, D&C 20:14, and 2 Nephi 1:10. All of which talk about how you have to have faith and works together to reach to your highest potential. The verse in 2 Nephi is worth putting on my mirror in my bathroom. What great motivation and reminder of faith.
Honesty - my favorite part was again at the last, that "you cannot be honest with others unless you are honest with yourself." So True! So much of what is important in life relies on an honest representation. And really, until I know what is honest and true, I cannot tell anyone else what that truth is. Whether I'm talking about learning to read, my current weight, or any other reason - honesty is crown and golden.
Chastity - Sometimes I wonder, 'for how long are we going to beat that horse?' Then I think, well, we wouldn't be hearing it so much if we were doing correctly, right? The passage quotes Jacob 2:28, similar to Proverbs, 31:10 - declaring the value chaste women. President Faust continues to say, "Those who engage in physical intimacies with someone outside of marriage are likely to suffer feelings of guilt as well as deep emotional and physical hurt. Intimate relationships between men and women outside the bounds the Lord has set bring great misery, shame, degradation, and unhappiness to those involved." The thought that struck me, is that sometimes those feelings don't come right away. So often it is after choices have been made to return to the Lord that the full reality of all that transpired takes its full effect. Such hard emotions to deal with! I remember those moments of sorrow as I realized how deeply I had offended and saddened my Lord.
Humility - My neice and I talked sunday night about having peace in life and balance in all things. Humility is the same way - keeping balance by being willing to graciously accept a compliment but remain humble and teachable.
Self Discipline - Self discipline to accomplish goals and enhance natural strengths. This discipline also will remain as part of my character for the rest of my life and even rise with me in the Resurrection (D&C 130:18).
Fairness - When raising my children, and often in dealing with my spouse, sometimes that fairness is difficult to achieve. I know that I am to forgive as I have been forgiven and remember the parable in the scriptures about the master who forgave the large debt but the servant who would not return the same fairness to his debtor.
Moderation - For this one, I am going to just copy the first paragraph, "Part of the spirit of the Word of Wisdom is moderation in all things, except those things specifically forbidden by the Lord. It is well to avoid extremes in dress, hairstyles, makeup, conduct, speech, and music. Extremes may attract the attention of some, but they are more likely to turn off those you really want to impress." We discussed some of the things critical moderation like balance and gratitude. So many things all tied up in moderation!
Cleanliness - When I was younger I liked the movie, 'Clueless.' There's a part where the main character says something to the effect of, "The boys roll out of bed, throw on some mismatched clothes, slick back their greasy hair under a backwards baseball cap, and we're supposed to swoon! As if!" This part of the talk reminded me of that. Not only do my clothes need to be clean, but so does my body and spirit.
Courage - I also like the movie, 'Princess Diaries'. "Courage is not an absence of fear, but rather a judgment that something else is more important." The Lord will strengthen me, help me, and cause me to stand. I can tell you this more today than in the last several months. I am not pain free, but I am drug free. Time ran short today and pain ran high and I didn't get out to refill my prescription. The only way I make it up to the bathroom is with the Lord's help.
Grace - In D&C 50:40 we are told to grow in grace. This is one of those traits that I don't think men have much of a chance to obtain. "Grace is a God-given virtue. It is a disposition to be kind and to do good." Grace comes from a feeling of personal dignity and an inner beauty that comes from a feeling of self-worth. I think it is something we develop over time and it has to be something I constantly work on. I like looking at the wives of prophets and apostles. They seem to have a positive outlook and look about them that makes me want to develop that grace this talks about.
So the 10 values talked about are: faith, honesty, chastity, humility, self-discipline, fairness, moderation, cleanliness, courage, and grace. Some of them I thought to be obvious...honesty? faith? chastity? duh.... But as I reflected on my own appreciation of womanhood and listened to the words said regarding each, I thought maybe I did have some space to grow.
Faith was one that I kinda really thought was a duh virtue. But the last line in this section caught me off guard. "In exercising faith, we become cheerful and optimistic, charitable and courageous, because faith is the moving cause of all of these virtues." This sentence reminds me of James 2:17, D&C 20:14, and 2 Nephi 1:10. All of which talk about how you have to have faith and works together to reach to your highest potential. The verse in 2 Nephi is worth putting on my mirror in my bathroom. What great motivation and reminder of faith.
Honesty - my favorite part was again at the last, that "you cannot be honest with others unless you are honest with yourself." So True! So much of what is important in life relies on an honest representation. And really, until I know what is honest and true, I cannot tell anyone else what that truth is. Whether I'm talking about learning to read, my current weight, or any other reason - honesty is crown and golden.
Chastity - Sometimes I wonder, 'for how long are we going to beat that horse?' Then I think, well, we wouldn't be hearing it so much if we were doing correctly, right? The passage quotes Jacob 2:28, similar to Proverbs, 31:10 - declaring the value chaste women. President Faust continues to say, "Those who engage in physical intimacies with someone outside of marriage are likely to suffer feelings of guilt as well as deep emotional and physical hurt. Intimate relationships between men and women outside the bounds the Lord has set bring great misery, shame, degradation, and unhappiness to those involved." The thought that struck me, is that sometimes those feelings don't come right away. So often it is after choices have been made to return to the Lord that the full reality of all that transpired takes its full effect. Such hard emotions to deal with! I remember those moments of sorrow as I realized how deeply I had offended and saddened my Lord.
Humility - My neice and I talked sunday night about having peace in life and balance in all things. Humility is the same way - keeping balance by being willing to graciously accept a compliment but remain humble and teachable.
Self Discipline - Self discipline to accomplish goals and enhance natural strengths. This discipline also will remain as part of my character for the rest of my life and even rise with me in the Resurrection (D&C 130:18).
Fairness - When raising my children, and often in dealing with my spouse, sometimes that fairness is difficult to achieve. I know that I am to forgive as I have been forgiven and remember the parable in the scriptures about the master who forgave the large debt but the servant who would not return the same fairness to his debtor.
Moderation - For this one, I am going to just copy the first paragraph, "Part of the spirit of the Word of Wisdom is moderation in all things, except those things specifically forbidden by the Lord. It is well to avoid extremes in dress, hairstyles, makeup, conduct, speech, and music. Extremes may attract the attention of some, but they are more likely to turn off those you really want to impress." We discussed some of the things critical moderation like balance and gratitude. So many things all tied up in moderation!
Cleanliness - When I was younger I liked the movie, 'Clueless.' There's a part where the main character says something to the effect of, "The boys roll out of bed, throw on some mismatched clothes, slick back their greasy hair under a backwards baseball cap, and we're supposed to swoon! As if!" This part of the talk reminded me of that. Not only do my clothes need to be clean, but so does my body and spirit.
Courage - I also like the movie, 'Princess Diaries'. "Courage is not an absence of fear, but rather a judgment that something else is more important." The Lord will strengthen me, help me, and cause me to stand. I can tell you this more today than in the last several months. I am not pain free, but I am drug free. Time ran short today and pain ran high and I didn't get out to refill my prescription. The only way I make it up to the bathroom is with the Lord's help.
Grace - In D&C 50:40 we are told to grow in grace. This is one of those traits that I don't think men have much of a chance to obtain. "Grace is a God-given virtue. It is a disposition to be kind and to do good." Grace comes from a feeling of personal dignity and an inner beauty that comes from a feeling of self-worth. I think it is something we develop over time and it has to be something I constantly work on. I like looking at the wives of prophets and apostles. They seem to have a positive outlook and look about them that makes me want to develop that grace this talks about.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Much have I learned
Yesterday I went to a woman's conference with my Stake. It was so good! The speaker was Sister Olsen. She has a master's in Middle Eastern Studies that she got mostly while attending the BYU extension in Jerusalem. Also, she knows Hebrew. She taught us many things, but today I want to talk about Sariah from the Book of Mormon, mostly mentioned in 1st Nephi. This mention of Sariah crosses the time when Lehi was commanded to leave Jerusalem and head for the Promised Land. So to start, a little history:
2nd Chronicles, Chapter 35. In about 620 BC King Josiah took found a scroll in a temple they were tearing down. Between him and his ancestry, they had been turning from the old religion and tearing down temples for at least 100 years. When King Josiah found the scroll, he wanted to know if it was from God. This chapter covers about 7 years in history as close as we can tell. It was between verse 18 and 19 that the scroll that changes King Josiah happens and he wants to keep the commandments. And just as that his happening the king of Egypt, Necho, invades Jerusalem and we see the destruction and the reason Lehi was told to leave. So it was in 613 BC that King Josiah was killed.
Now, in the first part of 1st Nephi, it says, "...being born of goodly parents..." I've read it a million times. I always thought it meant his parents were good and kind. In reality, when that type of phrase was said back in Jerusalem (she explained the Hebrew but I didn't catch it) it isn't talking about being nice and good, it is explaining how much wealth or comfort they were able to attain. From the ruins in the supposed area where Lehi lived, these homes had irrigation into the homes with running water and plumbed toilets or toileting areas. There were family areas with separated sleeping areas, several rooms in the house.
Also in that age, and mostly in history changing only recently, the women were responsible for the children, livestock, cooking, cleaning, clothing, set-up and take-down of camps when away from home. The men were responsible for finding a safe place to settle, fresh/drinkable water, and food.
Now most LDS women know Sariah as a complainer. Practically the only information we have out her is that she murmured and then later she bears a small testimony. Many LDS women lament that one of the only women well known in the scriptures is known for murmuring. But if you think about what she endured and what her purpose was, you start to wonder... why didn't she murmur more or earlier?
Think about this: Sariah had a large estate; running water and plumbed bathrooms. Her husband comes home and states he's had a dream and that she should get the tents, pack the house, ready the kids/animals and they're leaving. Also, as Lehi would be come the new and natural leader, thereby the patriarch of the family and church. Naturally, the family would need a strong Matriarch as both a standard family and church family. We all know, without women, so many things would go undone and one woman does need to be in charge. So Sariah had to leave all she had, ready everything and be in charge of everything. With no help from other women, that we know of, except many current historians think Nephi had to have at least 2 sisters who would help Sariah and provide wives for the son's of Ishmael (but that comes later)and may have been born in the wilderness.
Sariah followed her husband. Packing all, being responsible for all, and leaving all behind (1 Nephi 2:4) without murmuring. She was able to rely on her husband's testimony of what he had seen. But to have a strong matriarch, she needed to have a testimony of her own. So the Lord pushed and pushed until she finally had to have her own. It was when the Lord instructed Lehi to send the boys back to Jerusalem to get the plates from Laban. As a mom, you know how long things take.... (it should take this long to get there, that long to get the plates, this long to get back) and sat expecting them. It was when they didn't come back when she thought they should that there was a problem. In 1 Nephi 5 Sariah complains against her husband. And also that she obtains her testimony. Another thing I've learned, is in the scriptures when it states, "And after this manner of language did she speak." it means that person says it over and over and over again, repeating it frequently.
Sariah really left a lot behind. And she endured a lot, all at the testimony of her husband, but when she came to possibly loosing her children, that was the line. She had to seek the Lord herself. How many times do we need to be pushed to get where the Lord wants us to be? What's it going to take to turn you into the Matriarch or strong woman? It was good that Sariah was faithful unto her husband as he led her in righteousness. But she had to have her own legs to stand on. A woman is almost never quoted in the scriptures, but Nephi, so impressed by the strength and power of his Mother's testimony, published it in Verse 8 of Chapter 5.
Also, in Hebrew there is a tense they have that we do not. We only have past, present and future, they have the 'prophetic past' tense. There is an interesting verse in this part of 1st Nephi that demonstrates it. 1 Nephi 5:5 "..I have obtained a land of promise.." See, he's talking in past tense about something in the future. This obtaining of land in the future has not happened, but he is talking like it has already occurred because he knows it will. Kinda cool!
2nd Chronicles, Chapter 35. In about 620 BC King Josiah took found a scroll in a temple they were tearing down. Between him and his ancestry, they had been turning from the old religion and tearing down temples for at least 100 years. When King Josiah found the scroll, he wanted to know if it was from God. This chapter covers about 7 years in history as close as we can tell. It was between verse 18 and 19 that the scroll that changes King Josiah happens and he wants to keep the commandments. And just as that his happening the king of Egypt, Necho, invades Jerusalem and we see the destruction and the reason Lehi was told to leave. So it was in 613 BC that King Josiah was killed.
Now, in the first part of 1st Nephi, it says, "...being born of goodly parents..." I've read it a million times. I always thought it meant his parents were good and kind. In reality, when that type of phrase was said back in Jerusalem (she explained the Hebrew but I didn't catch it) it isn't talking about being nice and good, it is explaining how much wealth or comfort they were able to attain. From the ruins in the supposed area where Lehi lived, these homes had irrigation into the homes with running water and plumbed toilets or toileting areas. There were family areas with separated sleeping areas, several rooms in the house.
Also in that age, and mostly in history changing only recently, the women were responsible for the children, livestock, cooking, cleaning, clothing, set-up and take-down of camps when away from home. The men were responsible for finding a safe place to settle, fresh/drinkable water, and food.
Now most LDS women know Sariah as a complainer. Practically the only information we have out her is that she murmured and then later she bears a small testimony. Many LDS women lament that one of the only women well known in the scriptures is known for murmuring. But if you think about what she endured and what her purpose was, you start to wonder... why didn't she murmur more or earlier?
Think about this: Sariah had a large estate; running water and plumbed bathrooms. Her husband comes home and states he's had a dream and that she should get the tents, pack the house, ready the kids/animals and they're leaving. Also, as Lehi would be come the new and natural leader, thereby the patriarch of the family and church. Naturally, the family would need a strong Matriarch as both a standard family and church family. We all know, without women, so many things would go undone and one woman does need to be in charge. So Sariah had to leave all she had, ready everything and be in charge of everything. With no help from other women, that we know of, except many current historians think Nephi had to have at least 2 sisters who would help Sariah and provide wives for the son's of Ishmael (but that comes later)and may have been born in the wilderness.
Sariah followed her husband. Packing all, being responsible for all, and leaving all behind (1 Nephi 2:4) without murmuring. She was able to rely on her husband's testimony of what he had seen. But to have a strong matriarch, she needed to have a testimony of her own. So the Lord pushed and pushed until she finally had to have her own. It was when the Lord instructed Lehi to send the boys back to Jerusalem to get the plates from Laban. As a mom, you know how long things take.... (it should take this long to get there, that long to get the plates, this long to get back) and sat expecting them. It was when they didn't come back when she thought they should that there was a problem. In 1 Nephi 5 Sariah complains against her husband. And also that she obtains her testimony. Another thing I've learned, is in the scriptures when it states, "And after this manner of language did she speak." it means that person says it over and over and over again, repeating it frequently.
Sariah really left a lot behind. And she endured a lot, all at the testimony of her husband, but when she came to possibly loosing her children, that was the line. She had to seek the Lord herself. How many times do we need to be pushed to get where the Lord wants us to be? What's it going to take to turn you into the Matriarch or strong woman? It was good that Sariah was faithful unto her husband as he led her in righteousness. But she had to have her own legs to stand on. A woman is almost never quoted in the scriptures, but Nephi, so impressed by the strength and power of his Mother's testimony, published it in Verse 8 of Chapter 5.
Also, in Hebrew there is a tense they have that we do not. We only have past, present and future, they have the 'prophetic past' tense. There is an interesting verse in this part of 1st Nephi that demonstrates it. 1 Nephi 5:5 "..I have obtained a land of promise.." See, he's talking in past tense about something in the future. This obtaining of land in the future has not happened, but he is talking like it has already occurred because he knows it will. Kinda cool!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
We believe in God, the Eternal Father....
At the end of last week, I had the thought to write this week on a talk I found on prayer. But then as I was sitting in Relief Society today, I was struck by the obvious basicness of the lesson, and yet its absolute importance. So while we may get on to the other talk, for the first part of this week, I'm going to share some of the things that struck me from our lesson today.
To start, we had pictures up of all over the North American continent. Beautiful fields with flowers, dry desert plateaus, snow capped mountains, fall trees in their fall glory, plus an illustration of a planet other than ours in the solar system with all the stars surrounding it. There was also one picture of the Savior standing at a door, knocking. Many times we see this and are told that the Savior is just waiting for us to let him in, but it seems so often the door is just more difficult to open sometimes. The good news is that there are people in our lives on whom we can rely to help us open the door. Our teacher, Cassidy, relayed a story in which she couldn't open her bedroom door in her apartment. She wondered if she was just being retarded. How many times had she opened a door, or even this door? What was she doing wrong? Cassidy ended up having to call her brother at 1am who laughed a bit and then climbed in her window to assist her. The mechanism in the handle had an issue, but she related it to this picture, that Satan will always be there to put feeling into our hearts that we are inadequate. And there are many people we can call on to help us let the Savior in.
Even the fact that there is a Savior speaks to the fact that there is a God. Alma 30:44 has this, written by Alma, "All things denote there is a God, ; yea, even he earth, and all things that are upon the face of it yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator." We know that God is all about order. Sometimes the creation seems truly amazing, sometimes - eh, it's just the creation. But think, we have two places which clearly speak of the creation. It is recorded both in Genesis and in Moses. I always find it amazing that the Lord appeared to Moses when he was in a "high mountain". Until I learned the symbolism for mountain in the scriptures. A mountain is a temple. Therefore I can read Moses 1:1 "The words of God, which he spake unto Moses at a time when Moses was caught up into an exceedingly high [temple]" (2) "And he saw God face to face, and he talked with him, and the glory of God was upon Moses therefore Moses could endure his presence." And after Moses stood in the presence of the Lord, it was Satan who came tempting him saying, "Son of man, worship me." It is such like Satan to demote us to just son of Man. You wouldn't catch him reminding us of our lineage and Parentage. In fact it is his hope to dissuade us of our parentage. It was Joseph Smith who taught that God is the "Great Parent of the Universe". If he made the heavens and the earth and everything upon the earth, and we are upon the earth than we know that we must be His, and He our parent. "In the heavens are parents single? No, the thought makes reason stare. Truth is reason, truth eternal, tells me I've a mother there." (O My Father, Hymn 292) It is just like any father, and parent to love and want what is best for their children. To love and to help them in the ways they think are best and to plant people and things in their lives to shape them into the person they are to become. He wants us to, "Return with the Pearl, brave your way through the maze of that world. And you'll have my honor. Return to my side and I'll clothe you in raiment of light, just like thy brother. Heir to forever. Because you remembered to get the Pearl." It is earlier in the song, The Pearl, that it states, "He forgot he was the child of a King." Whenever I hear that song I wonder. How can anyone forget they are the child of a King? Its not like there isn't evidence every day they are the child of a King. Its not like there aren't parents around to remind them. Oh, I guess sometimes I forget I am the child of a King. Hmmm. It struck me like a ton of bricks. God is the Eternal Father. My Eternal Heavenly Father. He helps me in whatever ways he thinks I need it as parents let children experience life for themselves, so he does for me.
To start, we had pictures up of all over the North American continent. Beautiful fields with flowers, dry desert plateaus, snow capped mountains, fall trees in their fall glory, plus an illustration of a planet other than ours in the solar system with all the stars surrounding it. There was also one picture of the Savior standing at a door, knocking. Many times we see this and are told that the Savior is just waiting for us to let him in, but it seems so often the door is just more difficult to open sometimes. The good news is that there are people in our lives on whom we can rely to help us open the door. Our teacher, Cassidy, relayed a story in which she couldn't open her bedroom door in her apartment. She wondered if she was just being retarded. How many times had she opened a door, or even this door? What was she doing wrong? Cassidy ended up having to call her brother at 1am who laughed a bit and then climbed in her window to assist her. The mechanism in the handle had an issue, but she related it to this picture, that Satan will always be there to put feeling into our hearts that we are inadequate. And there are many people we can call on to help us let the Savior in.
Even the fact that there is a Savior speaks to the fact that there is a God. Alma 30:44 has this, written by Alma, "All things denote there is a God, ; yea, even he earth, and all things that are upon the face of it yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator." We know that God is all about order. Sometimes the creation seems truly amazing, sometimes - eh, it's just the creation. But think, we have two places which clearly speak of the creation. It is recorded both in Genesis and in Moses. I always find it amazing that the Lord appeared to Moses when he was in a "high mountain". Until I learned the symbolism for mountain in the scriptures. A mountain is a temple. Therefore I can read Moses 1:1 "The words of God, which he spake unto Moses at a time when Moses was caught up into an exceedingly high [temple]" (2) "And he saw God face to face, and he talked with him, and the glory of God was upon Moses therefore Moses could endure his presence." And after Moses stood in the presence of the Lord, it was Satan who came tempting him saying, "Son of man, worship me." It is such like Satan to demote us to just son of Man. You wouldn't catch him reminding us of our lineage and Parentage. In fact it is his hope to dissuade us of our parentage. It was Joseph Smith who taught that God is the "Great Parent of the Universe". If he made the heavens and the earth and everything upon the earth, and we are upon the earth than we know that we must be His, and He our parent. "In the heavens are parents single? No, the thought makes reason stare. Truth is reason, truth eternal, tells me I've a mother there." (O My Father, Hymn 292) It is just like any father, and parent to love and want what is best for their children. To love and to help them in the ways they think are best and to plant people and things in their lives to shape them into the person they are to become. He wants us to, "Return with the Pearl, brave your way through the maze of that world. And you'll have my honor. Return to my side and I'll clothe you in raiment of light, just like thy brother. Heir to forever. Because you remembered to get the Pearl." It is earlier in the song, The Pearl, that it states, "He forgot he was the child of a King." Whenever I hear that song I wonder. How can anyone forget they are the child of a King? Its not like there isn't evidence every day they are the child of a King. Its not like there aren't parents around to remind them. Oh, I guess sometimes I forget I am the child of a King. Hmmm. It struck me like a ton of bricks. God is the Eternal Father. My Eternal Heavenly Father. He helps me in whatever ways he thinks I need it as parents let children experience life for themselves, so he does for me.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Mormon 9
A truly amazing fact is that the scriptures use logic, don't you think? In this chapter, it doesn't just say, "This is how it is therefore believe!" In this chapter, Moroni actually employs logic to explain the existence of God the Father and Jesus Christ. It is important for us to remember that as we read in the Book of Mormon that these people were told the same stories and traditions about the coming of Christ and the same history including that of Noah and Moses as the people who remained behind in Jerusalem. Just like many of the histories, most were passed verbally and carried verbally, except those on the scrolls that were kept by kings and pharaohs. So for prophets and people in the Book of Mormon to be reminded of things that we can find in the New and Old testament, it is similar to our parents recalling something out of their past to teach us something. The people in the Americas are the same people in the Book of Mormon and came from the same people originally, thus all that applied and was revealed to them is also applicable to the generations in the Book of Mormon.
So here, in Mormon 9, we read that Moroni knows that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. It begs the question as to why so many people say that there cannot be prophets, seers, and revelators today, when they did happen in the past. Why is it that God worked such miracles in the time of Moses, that he couldn't do the same now, as the time of Christ's return approaches? It really doesn't make a lot of sense if you think about it. Moroni even makes reference that the God to which he refers to is the same God from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The fact that God performed miracles in olden days with time-line gaps in his miracles, makes even more sense that there was a brief (in his eyes) time without the gospel on the earth and that it is back now. I find it interesting that Moroni was dealing with such unbelief during this time that He felt the need to explain it. We're really not in that different of a place. And not only that, but this is simply 400 years after the coming of Christ.
Amazing the similarities! The people didn't believe and they thought God had changed and that miracles couldn't happen anymore. Hmmmm, sounds like today, doesn't it? Why else would the Joseph Smith story be so difficult to accept? Miracle acceptance?Moroni states that miracles stop occurring because people stop believing. Why would the Almighty show himself to us when we don't even believe in Him? And why does it not make sense that Joseph Smith and latter day prophets, who seek the Lord knowing His power and glory and believing that He will answer, would answer Joseph's prayer and begin His miracles again? It does! It does make sense. It makes sense that the same things that were present in the time of Moses on down to Jesus, is present today, including speaking with tongues, casting out devils, and healing the sick. His work is such a great work. So much potential of the Lord's work relies, and survives in spite of the imperfection within men. It survives because it is not prudent to rise up against the works of the Lord. We have seen His power and His Glory and what He can do.It is simply difficult to imagine! Only 400 years (like 4 generations) since Christ came and visited them and they are unbelieving already? Remarkable.
Moroni continues that I should not doubt, but Believe! I should go to the "Lord with all my heart and work out out [my] own salvation with fear". I used to wonder why I would 'fear' the Lord. He is my father, what is to fear? But as I studied more about fearing God, I understood more. To fear God is to respect him and be humble toward his requests and teachings. It isn't that I should be scared, but in awe, like the song, I Can only Imagine "When I stand in His presence, to my knees will I fall? Will I scream hallelujah? Will I be able to speak at all?" How will that humility and respect manifest in me? Or will I run to throw my arms around Him and be joyful? And will He be joyful at my works? At my choices? Will He be pleased with the things I chose in my life?This chapter really is a great one.
I love it how Moroni points out that he is not a perfect man. And that we should be thankful that we know he is not a perfect man because we can learn from his imperfections. He also gives us instruction to, "be wise in the days of your probation; strip yourselves of all uncleanness; ask not, that ye may consume it on your lusts, but ask with a firmness unshaken, that ye will yield to no temptation, but that ye will serve the true and living God." I love the phrase, "Be wise." Not be smart. Not be careful, but 'be wise'. Wisdom is mostly gained through experience and learning from other's records, trials and experience. Be wise, learn from those around you and grow into who you are. My son has a book that teaches, "be the person God made you to be."God is a miracle worker. It is true. But he can only work miracles in my life if I allow him. He will not force me, I need to go to him for my salvation and as a disciple of Christ.
I am a believer and I will strive to make that known as I live my life and work to improve myself until the day I meet my maker.
So here, in Mormon 9, we read that Moroni knows that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. It begs the question as to why so many people say that there cannot be prophets, seers, and revelators today, when they did happen in the past. Why is it that God worked such miracles in the time of Moses, that he couldn't do the same now, as the time of Christ's return approaches? It really doesn't make a lot of sense if you think about it. Moroni even makes reference that the God to which he refers to is the same God from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The fact that God performed miracles in olden days with time-line gaps in his miracles, makes even more sense that there was a brief (in his eyes) time without the gospel on the earth and that it is back now. I find it interesting that Moroni was dealing with such unbelief during this time that He felt the need to explain it. We're really not in that different of a place. And not only that, but this is simply 400 years after the coming of Christ.
Amazing the similarities! The people didn't believe and they thought God had changed and that miracles couldn't happen anymore. Hmmmm, sounds like today, doesn't it? Why else would the Joseph Smith story be so difficult to accept? Miracle acceptance?Moroni states that miracles stop occurring because people stop believing. Why would the Almighty show himself to us when we don't even believe in Him? And why does it not make sense that Joseph Smith and latter day prophets, who seek the Lord knowing His power and glory and believing that He will answer, would answer Joseph's prayer and begin His miracles again? It does! It does make sense. It makes sense that the same things that were present in the time of Moses on down to Jesus, is present today, including speaking with tongues, casting out devils, and healing the sick. His work is such a great work. So much potential of the Lord's work relies, and survives in spite of the imperfection within men. It survives because it is not prudent to rise up against the works of the Lord. We have seen His power and His Glory and what He can do.It is simply difficult to imagine! Only 400 years (like 4 generations) since Christ came and visited them and they are unbelieving already? Remarkable.
Moroni continues that I should not doubt, but Believe! I should go to the "Lord with all my heart and work out out [my] own salvation with fear". I used to wonder why I would 'fear' the Lord. He is my father, what is to fear? But as I studied more about fearing God, I understood more. To fear God is to respect him and be humble toward his requests and teachings. It isn't that I should be scared, but in awe, like the song, I Can only Imagine "When I stand in His presence, to my knees will I fall? Will I scream hallelujah? Will I be able to speak at all?" How will that humility and respect manifest in me? Or will I run to throw my arms around Him and be joyful? And will He be joyful at my works? At my choices? Will He be pleased with the things I chose in my life?This chapter really is a great one.
I love it how Moroni points out that he is not a perfect man. And that we should be thankful that we know he is not a perfect man because we can learn from his imperfections. He also gives us instruction to, "be wise in the days of your probation; strip yourselves of all uncleanness; ask not, that ye may consume it on your lusts, but ask with a firmness unshaken, that ye will yield to no temptation, but that ye will serve the true and living God." I love the phrase, "Be wise." Not be smart. Not be careful, but 'be wise'. Wisdom is mostly gained through experience and learning from other's records, trials and experience. Be wise, learn from those around you and grow into who you are. My son has a book that teaches, "be the person God made you to be."God is a miracle worker. It is true. But he can only work miracles in my life if I allow him. He will not force me, I need to go to him for my salvation and as a disciple of Christ.
I am a believer and I will strive to make that known as I live my life and work to improve myself until the day I meet my maker.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Tuesday: Contined reflections on Resurrection
Being a person who loves to sing, it is often that I am reading a scripture or reviewing a talk when a hymn or song pops into my head. I was at EFY when I was 15 and the leader of our group knew sign language. "His Hands", by Kenneth Cope, was on our CD for EFY for the year. The beauty of how the sign language visualized this song, really is hard to put into words. But as they apply to the resurrection, please know, the 'His' to whom the song refers, is Jesus. If you ever have a moment to listen to the song, please take it. This quote is actually starting in the chorus after the second verse.
"His hands would serve his whole life though, showing man what hands might do. Giving, ever giving endlessly. Each day was filled with selflessness, and I'll not rest until I make of my hands what they could be. 'Til these hand become like those from Galilee.
"His hands clasped in agony as they lay pleading, bleeding in the garden. While just moments away, other hands betray Him, out of greed, shameful greed. And then his hands are trembling, straining to carry the beam that they've been nailed to. As he stumbles through the streets, headed for the hill on which he'd die. He would die! They take His hands, His mighty hands, those gentle hands and then they pierce them. They pierce them! He lets them, because of love! From birth to death was selflessness and clearly now I see him with His hands calling to me. And though I'm not yet as I would be, he has shown me how I could be. I will make these hands like those from Galilee.
It is as we strive to be better, to do more, and be more like Christ that we become purified. Each day, as the day starts, I tell myself, "God is perfect and people are not. Today I will avoid judging people based on their imperfections, but rather myself on my progress toward God."
Perfection cannot be attained by me in this life. This I know to be true. It is why having a Savior is necessary. But it does not mean I cannot work toward perfection. It is as I draw closer to perfection that I will better understand the Savior. Ephesians 4:11-13 tells us we have people in high places in the church to help us, to lead us and give us encouragement in becoming perfected. Also, it says we need to have a unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God who was a perfect man. Please do be discourged by the perfection concept. I Know this! I will always fall short if I go it alone. I will always need the Savior. He was perfect in life, perfect in death, and perfect in resurrection. And perfect enough to perfect even someone as imperfect as me. D&C 1:38 "What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself." D&C 82:10 "I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise." 1 Peter 5:10, "...the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus...make you perfect".
Mormon 9:12-13 A clear path from the start to the end. God created Adam, Adam fell. Because Adam fell came Jesus Christ. Because of Jesus Christ came the redemption of man. Because of the redemption of man came resurrection and loosing of the eternal bands of temporal death.
A thought for tomorrow: A God of Miracles (more discussion on Mormon chapter 9)
"His hands would serve his whole life though, showing man what hands might do. Giving, ever giving endlessly. Each day was filled with selflessness, and I'll not rest until I make of my hands what they could be. 'Til these hand become like those from Galilee.
"His hands clasped in agony as they lay pleading, bleeding in the garden. While just moments away, other hands betray Him, out of greed, shameful greed. And then his hands are trembling, straining to carry the beam that they've been nailed to. As he stumbles through the streets, headed for the hill on which he'd die. He would die! They take His hands, His mighty hands, those gentle hands and then they pierce them. They pierce them! He lets them, because of love! From birth to death was selflessness and clearly now I see him with His hands calling to me. And though I'm not yet as I would be, he has shown me how I could be. I will make these hands like those from Galilee.
It is as we strive to be better, to do more, and be more like Christ that we become purified. Each day, as the day starts, I tell myself, "God is perfect and people are not. Today I will avoid judging people based on their imperfections, but rather myself on my progress toward God."
Perfection cannot be attained by me in this life. This I know to be true. It is why having a Savior is necessary. But it does not mean I cannot work toward perfection. It is as I draw closer to perfection that I will better understand the Savior. Ephesians 4:11-13 tells us we have people in high places in the church to help us, to lead us and give us encouragement in becoming perfected. Also, it says we need to have a unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God who was a perfect man. Please do be discourged by the perfection concept. I Know this! I will always fall short if I go it alone. I will always need the Savior. He was perfect in life, perfect in death, and perfect in resurrection. And perfect enough to perfect even someone as imperfect as me. D&C 1:38 "What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself." D&C 82:10 "I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise." 1 Peter 5:10, "...the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus...make you perfect".
Mormon 9:12-13 A clear path from the start to the end. God created Adam, Adam fell. Because Adam fell came Jesus Christ. Because of Jesus Christ came the redemption of man. Because of the redemption of man came resurrection and loosing of the eternal bands of temporal death.
A thought for tomorrow: A God of Miracles (more discussion on Mormon chapter 9)
Monday, January 11, 2010
Alma 40:25-26 and chapter 41
I have thought it both tiring and exhalting (mostly at the same time) that we're constantly exhorted to do better. It is hard to feel like you're doing your best, but it isn't enough! I don't really think that is it. When it is your best, it is enough, that is the beauty of the atonement and resurrection. But as Alma 41 states, we are judged by our works, so have good works and be restored good. And as that comes to fruition, everything is restored to its proper order and the heirarchy that the scriptures explain.
After reading my blog yesterday, a friend asked me if I thought those with a lost limb or something missing at birth would be resurrected that way. My first inclination is to say that we don't know for sure. But this chapter states having things restored to their proper order. I don't know that it will happen immediately - only the Lord knows for sure - but the scriptures clearly state they will be restored.
But remember, restored to wholeness, but perhaps not perfection, because we are raised as we were. Also, I love in verse 9, where it warns that we shouldn't risk another offense against the Lord. I think this is one instance where it is not easier nor better to ask for forgiveness rather than permission. With the Lord, forgiveness can be granted, but Alma is suggesting it is better not to use it on things you can avoid rather than waste it on things that could have been omitted; particularily when going against doctrinal issues. We know that we cannot be changed from sin to happiness just because of the resurrection. Its purpose is to restore us, not to purify.
Even in dealing with the resurrection, the scriptures teach us about 'paying it forward.' At the very end of chapter 41, it states, "For that which ye do send out shall return unto you again." It makes the connection that through this law, the sinner is more condemned than the person who strives to do good.
Alma 41:13-14 Resurrection, the scriptures here state, is basically equivalent to restoration. Restoring the body and the spirit to one another after the waiting period after death. So what you were on earth, will be restored in full swing. And then in the following verse it discusses how it is to be done; giving specific instructions.
After reading my blog yesterday, a friend asked me if I thought those with a lost limb or something missing at birth would be resurrected that way. My first inclination is to say that we don't know for sure. But this chapter states having things restored to their proper order. I don't know that it will happen immediately - only the Lord knows for sure - but the scriptures clearly state they will be restored.
But remember, restored to wholeness, but perhaps not perfection, because we are raised as we were. Also, I love in verse 9, where it warns that we shouldn't risk another offense against the Lord. I think this is one instance where it is not easier nor better to ask for forgiveness rather than permission. With the Lord, forgiveness can be granted, but Alma is suggesting it is better not to use it on things you can avoid rather than waste it on things that could have been omitted; particularily when going against doctrinal issues. We know that we cannot be changed from sin to happiness just because of the resurrection. Its purpose is to restore us, not to purify.
Even in dealing with the resurrection, the scriptures teach us about 'paying it forward.' At the very end of chapter 41, it states, "For that which ye do send out shall return unto you again." It makes the connection that through this law, the sinner is more condemned than the person who strives to do good.
Alma 41:13-14 Resurrection, the scriptures here state, is basically equivalent to restoration. Restoring the body and the spirit to one another after the waiting period after death. So what you were on earth, will be restored in full swing. And then in the following verse it discusses how it is to be done; giving specific instructions.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
My purpose here
And by here, I don't mean earth, but rather on this blog. The thought occurred to me, that so often I learn things while I'm studying that I want to share and don't know how, this will be a great way.
The topic of research and learning for the week of January 10-16, 2010 is The Reserrection.
I started researching this after having conversations with friends and family. There are many misconceptions regarding the resurrection and wanted to clear some things up.
Sunday's thought:
Alma 40:6 - time between death and resurrection, 21 - both soul and body, and be brought to stand before God, and be judged according to their works. 23 - "... all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame."
Hmmm, perfect frame? What does 'perfect frame' mean? So I looked and researched 'perfect frame' and found this! Alma 11:43, "...both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame, even as we now are at this time..." The whole verse is actually very good, speaking specifically regarding the resurrection when our spirit and body are reunited.
Many times my husband and I have discussed that so many people in our LDS faith believe that when you're resurrected, you're instantly perfect, and the scriptures do say that we are restored to our perfect frame. But even as we are now, our bodies are perfected, for Heavenly Father is perfect and we are made after him. I think, from reading and studying the above texts, that it is just that we will be reunited with our body in a bodious form. Now I realize bodious is not a word, but when our body has been on this earth without our spirit in it, we turn into dust and decomposition. So when our soul and body reunite, I believe it is in a body form, having been returned to that after the decomposition has taken place. I don't think we'll be altered, but restored to that same state to which we left our bodies. Our minds and spirits will be the same as that scripture says, Alma 11:43, that we will have 'a bright recollection of all our guilt'. So why would our body not be restored to its pervious state in the same way?
I was so intrigued by that verse, that I did not read on until just now! Holy Cow! In verse 44, it says that all shall be resurrected, and not only that, but again, repeating that everything shall be restored. I think that means that whatever you have in this life, you shall have when you go to stand before the Lord. It continues on and specifically says, "as it is now". Wow, well there's my answer. The verse continues on that we shall be that way when we are "brought and...arraigned before the bar of Christ the Son, and God the father....to be judged." We are brought to stand and be judged in the same physical state in which we died.
Other scriptures to consider:
D&C 129:1-3 Angels are resurrected personages; spirits are not resurrected.
D&C 138
D&C 76
The topic of research and learning for the week of January 10-16, 2010 is The Reserrection.
I started researching this after having conversations with friends and family. There are many misconceptions regarding the resurrection and wanted to clear some things up.
Sunday's thought:
Alma 40:6 - time between death and resurrection, 21 - both soul and body, and be brought to stand before God, and be judged according to their works. 23 - "... all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame."
Hmmm, perfect frame? What does 'perfect frame' mean? So I looked and researched 'perfect frame' and found this! Alma 11:43, "...both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame, even as we now are at this time..." The whole verse is actually very good, speaking specifically regarding the resurrection when our spirit and body are reunited.
Many times my husband and I have discussed that so many people in our LDS faith believe that when you're resurrected, you're instantly perfect, and the scriptures do say that we are restored to our perfect frame. But even as we are now, our bodies are perfected, for Heavenly Father is perfect and we are made after him. I think, from reading and studying the above texts, that it is just that we will be reunited with our body in a bodious form. Now I realize bodious is not a word, but when our body has been on this earth without our spirit in it, we turn into dust and decomposition. So when our soul and body reunite, I believe it is in a body form, having been returned to that after the decomposition has taken place. I don't think we'll be altered, but restored to that same state to which we left our bodies. Our minds and spirits will be the same as that scripture says, Alma 11:43, that we will have 'a bright recollection of all our guilt'. So why would our body not be restored to its pervious state in the same way?
I was so intrigued by that verse, that I did not read on until just now! Holy Cow! In verse 44, it says that all shall be resurrected, and not only that, but again, repeating that everything shall be restored. I think that means that whatever you have in this life, you shall have when you go to stand before the Lord. It continues on and specifically says, "as it is now". Wow, well there's my answer. The verse continues on that we shall be that way when we are "brought and...arraigned before the bar of Christ the Son, and God the father....to be judged." We are brought to stand and be judged in the same physical state in which we died.
Other scriptures to consider:
D&C 129:1-3 Angels are resurrected personages; spirits are not resurrected.
D&C 138
D&C 76
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