Today I read Doctrine and Covenants section 137 which was a vision that Joseph Smith was given of the Celestial Kingdom and how those who are not permitted to have a chance to hear the gospel and participate in the saving ordinances in this life. I used to wonder why if you were dead and you had the gospel preached to you why you didn't accept it then since you were dead. But that was before I truly understood that after death, we still have the veil and all we know that we didn't know before is that we are dead and we are still around, so I can understand why some people still don't accept the gospel after death.
One of the things I have always loved about the gospel is it has always had all the answers to whatever question you can think of. I have heard from so many converts who used to attend other churches, including Joseph Smith and my own father for that matter, that other churches just are unable to answer certain questions, or their answers don't make sense if they have an answer at all. For example the question of children and what happens to them if they die before they are of an age to be baptized, I find other religions answer to that question completely unsatisfactory and totally in-congruent with what I know of God's nature.
A correct knowledge of God and His character is essential according to Joseph Smith and God is above everything else a just God. So what sense does it make that people who didn't have a fair chance to hear the gospel to be damned forever? It especially does not make sense for children who aren't even old enough to be baptized to have no chance at salvation. When we understand this train of thought it makes a lot more sense why we cannot be saved without our dead.
It is a wonderful reassurance that the Lord will not condemn any man or woman or child in ignorance. All will have an opportunity to hear and accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ. All will be given the chance to hear it and understand it and reject it before the judgment. Such is the only fair way for all mankind to be judged. I am very grateful that I was born into the covenant and did not have to search out the gospel on my own and am extremely grateful for a just God that will give all mankind a fair chance to be saved. To imagine anything else would only drive a person insane. Until tomorrow.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Appropriate Music
Today I read Doctrine and Covenants section 136, the only revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants that was given to Brigham Young. This revelation was given to Brigham Young when he was at Winter Quarters during the mass exodus from Nauvoo and it gave the prophet instructions concerning the Saints and their trek west.
Most of this section is actually just instructions for caring for the Saints that were going on to Salt Lake City and those that were going to remain behind in Winter Quarters for another year. It also reenforced several commandments such as cease to content one with another and cease to speak evil concerning one another. Basic commandments that help keep the peace between the Saints.
The part of the section that stands out most to me is verse 28, which states "If thou are merry, praise the Lord with singing, with music, with dancing and with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving." There are few things as controversial, at least in my opinion, in the church as music. Few things can inflame passions and emotions as easily and completely as music can. Just like with the gospel itself, the facts are all known and are all there but still people just can't seem to make a decision on it.
No one will content that music can inspire and inflame emotions. And yet there are those, particularly youth, who will deny the power of music and will say it does not affect them. I remember when I was a missionary and we would be having a really good day and the Spirit would be very strong and then we would go into a restaurant for dinner or lunch and the Spirit would just be gone. Just as quickly as you can snap your fingers. And getting the Spirit to come back is kind of like getting something wet, when it hits that water it's soaked in an instant, just like the Spirit leaving, but it takes awhile to get it dry again just like it does for the Spirit to come back.
Just like smoking, swearing, drinking, pornography and all other sins that drive away the Spirit in an instant, the first time you are exposed to inappropriate music you feel the Spirit telling you that this is not a good thing. You feel the hurt that is caused by the Spirit leaving. But unfortunately just like with sin, listening to the wrong type of music can start to feel comfortable, then pleasurable.
Here in Northern Alabama there are not very many radio stations that play the kind of music I prefer to listen to. I like most types of music, particularly classical music such as Handle, Mozart, and Bach. However, when I'm driving I typically prefer to listen to rock and roll. There are only a couple of stations down here that play rock and roll music, most are country or hip hop music, which are not my cup of tea so to speak. There is one station that plays particularly hard rock and roll music that I typically shy away from, but every now and then will play an ok song. Well it's kind of scary to me that sometimes I'll check that station and hear a song I used to listen to all the time and get excited and turn up the radio to sing along. What's scary is inevitably within a few moments I will feel the Spirit leave me and get that empty pit in my chest telling me this is not appropriate. It's nice to know that I have progressed in the right direction and so I am better in tune with where the Lord wants me to be, but it is sad and a little scary that I used to not find anything wrong with those songs or that type of music.
My Dad listens to very, very little music outside of classical music. His favorite singer is Andrea Bocelli, sometimes known as the Blind Tenor. I once asked him when I was a young teenager why he only listened to classical music and he replied that he tried to only listen to music that the Savior would listen to if He were here. That's quite profound in my opinion and is a great measuring stick to judge our music standards by. Can you picture the Savior listening to the songs they sing on "American Idol" or listening to gangster rap? I can't either. Do you think Heavenly Father listens to music? I can assure you He does. He listens to hymns and I daresay that He probably listens to other classical music. Now, not all classical music is created equal of course, there is some classical music that is just as inappropriate. Just because it's played by an orchestra does not make it good or appropriate.
As with all other forms of media, the greatest test of music is to ask yourself if you feel the desire to live the gospel, or be a better man/woman when you hear it. If the answer is no, then it's time to change your music choice. I love how in my house when my daughter starts to get fussy the one thing that will calm her down, every single time, is my wife and I sing primary songs to her. Every time by the time we are into the second line of whatever song she will stop crying and listen to us. If we stop she will go right back to crying but if we continue on and sing more songs, she stays happy and quiet. There is power in music. Just make sure to use it appropriately.
Most of this section is actually just instructions for caring for the Saints that were going on to Salt Lake City and those that were going to remain behind in Winter Quarters for another year. It also reenforced several commandments such as cease to content one with another and cease to speak evil concerning one another. Basic commandments that help keep the peace between the Saints.
The part of the section that stands out most to me is verse 28, which states "If thou are merry, praise the Lord with singing, with music, with dancing and with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving." There are few things as controversial, at least in my opinion, in the church as music. Few things can inflame passions and emotions as easily and completely as music can. Just like with the gospel itself, the facts are all known and are all there but still people just can't seem to make a decision on it.
No one will content that music can inspire and inflame emotions. And yet there are those, particularly youth, who will deny the power of music and will say it does not affect them. I remember when I was a missionary and we would be having a really good day and the Spirit would be very strong and then we would go into a restaurant for dinner or lunch and the Spirit would just be gone. Just as quickly as you can snap your fingers. And getting the Spirit to come back is kind of like getting something wet, when it hits that water it's soaked in an instant, just like the Spirit leaving, but it takes awhile to get it dry again just like it does for the Spirit to come back.
Just like smoking, swearing, drinking, pornography and all other sins that drive away the Spirit in an instant, the first time you are exposed to inappropriate music you feel the Spirit telling you that this is not a good thing. You feel the hurt that is caused by the Spirit leaving. But unfortunately just like with sin, listening to the wrong type of music can start to feel comfortable, then pleasurable.
Here in Northern Alabama there are not very many radio stations that play the kind of music I prefer to listen to. I like most types of music, particularly classical music such as Handle, Mozart, and Bach. However, when I'm driving I typically prefer to listen to rock and roll. There are only a couple of stations down here that play rock and roll music, most are country or hip hop music, which are not my cup of tea so to speak. There is one station that plays particularly hard rock and roll music that I typically shy away from, but every now and then will play an ok song. Well it's kind of scary to me that sometimes I'll check that station and hear a song I used to listen to all the time and get excited and turn up the radio to sing along. What's scary is inevitably within a few moments I will feel the Spirit leave me and get that empty pit in my chest telling me this is not appropriate. It's nice to know that I have progressed in the right direction and so I am better in tune with where the Lord wants me to be, but it is sad and a little scary that I used to not find anything wrong with those songs or that type of music.
My Dad listens to very, very little music outside of classical music. His favorite singer is Andrea Bocelli, sometimes known as the Blind Tenor. I once asked him when I was a young teenager why he only listened to classical music and he replied that he tried to only listen to music that the Savior would listen to if He were here. That's quite profound in my opinion and is a great measuring stick to judge our music standards by. Can you picture the Savior listening to the songs they sing on "American Idol" or listening to gangster rap? I can't either. Do you think Heavenly Father listens to music? I can assure you He does. He listens to hymns and I daresay that He probably listens to other classical music. Now, not all classical music is created equal of course, there is some classical music that is just as inappropriate. Just because it's played by an orchestra does not make it good or appropriate.
As with all other forms of media, the greatest test of music is to ask yourself if you feel the desire to live the gospel, or be a better man/woman when you hear it. If the answer is no, then it's time to change your music choice. I love how in my house when my daughter starts to get fussy the one thing that will calm her down, every single time, is my wife and I sing primary songs to her. Every time by the time we are into the second line of whatever song she will stop crying and listen to us. If we stop she will go right back to crying but if we continue on and sing more songs, she stays happy and quiet. There is power in music. Just make sure to use it appropriately.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Joseph Smith - Prophet, Seer and Martyr
Today I read Doctrine and Covenants section 135 which is actually not a revelation but rather the testimony of John Taylor concerning the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. I have always felt a special affinity for Joseph Smith, even as a young child and when I reach the other side, aside from being reunited with family and the Savior, he is the person I am most anxious to meet. It is probably because he and I share the same birth date.
As a child my parents took our family on several vacations to famous church sites. I've been to Liberty, Missouri and seen the jail cell that Joseph and others shared for 6 months. I've been to Nauvoo and walked the streets and been to the temple site. I remember being annoyed that my parents would not let me climb on the few stones that were still present in the temple's foundation. I quite understand now why they, rightly so, did not allow me to play and climb on them, but I was quite put out with them at the time. We also went to Carthage Jail. At that time there was still blood on the floor and bullet holes in the doorway. We also listened to a tape recording of a dramatization of the events that happened on that fateful day of June 27th. It made a very big impression on me as a child.
When I was a missionary, we had a set course that were to study up to a point. After that point we were allowed to pick our own area of study that was approved by the Mission President. I chose to study Joseph Smith's life. I have read probably a half a dozen different biographies, my favorite being the one by George Q. Cannon and Lucy Mack Smith. One scene that always has stood out to me was the night before they went to Carthage Jail. The Prophet had been warned to flee and so he left with Hyrum and a few others. After they crossed the Mississippi river they stopped and looked back. Joseph was about to keep riding and then he and Hyrum had a conversation. Joseph said that if he went back it would be to his death but Hyrum was convinced that they needed to have faith and everything would be alright. Again Joseph stated that if they returned he would die but he trusted Hyrum and they returned. Sadly, Joseph was right and in this instance, Hyrum was wrong.
Just before my wife and I started dating, a close friend of ours, actually the friend who introduced us to each other, got married. She decided to get married in the Nauvoo temple. My wife sadly did not get to attend but my sister and I drove up and my sister acted as the photographer for the wedding. We were only there that one day but we made a special trip up to Carthage Jail. Now they do not have bloodstains on the floor and the bullet holes in the door are all filled in, but the sacredness of that room and the Spirit that I felt there is every bit as strong as any temple. If you have not gone I strongly suggest that you make the time and effort to visit Nauvoo and especially Carthage Jail. The Nauvoo temple is especially beautiful also if you have the time.
Lastly I leave my testimony of Joseph Smith along with all those that have gone before. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet. I know that he saw God the Father and Jesus Christ that spring morning in 1820. I know that he translated the Book of Mormon and received all these revelations that we have been studying these past months. I know that he gave his life for this work. I know that, just as John Taylor said, he has done more for the salvation of mankind save Christ Himself. I know that when I die, after I bathe Christ's feet in my tears and kisses, that I will hug that wonderful man and thank him for all he did and for all he sacrificed for us all. That is my testimony and I leave it with you in Christs name. Amen. Until tomorrow.
As a child my parents took our family on several vacations to famous church sites. I've been to Liberty, Missouri and seen the jail cell that Joseph and others shared for 6 months. I've been to Nauvoo and walked the streets and been to the temple site. I remember being annoyed that my parents would not let me climb on the few stones that were still present in the temple's foundation. I quite understand now why they, rightly so, did not allow me to play and climb on them, but I was quite put out with them at the time. We also went to Carthage Jail. At that time there was still blood on the floor and bullet holes in the doorway. We also listened to a tape recording of a dramatization of the events that happened on that fateful day of June 27th. It made a very big impression on me as a child.
When I was a missionary, we had a set course that were to study up to a point. After that point we were allowed to pick our own area of study that was approved by the Mission President. I chose to study Joseph Smith's life. I have read probably a half a dozen different biographies, my favorite being the one by George Q. Cannon and Lucy Mack Smith. One scene that always has stood out to me was the night before they went to Carthage Jail. The Prophet had been warned to flee and so he left with Hyrum and a few others. After they crossed the Mississippi river they stopped and looked back. Joseph was about to keep riding and then he and Hyrum had a conversation. Joseph said that if he went back it would be to his death but Hyrum was convinced that they needed to have faith and everything would be alright. Again Joseph stated that if they returned he would die but he trusted Hyrum and they returned. Sadly, Joseph was right and in this instance, Hyrum was wrong.
Just before my wife and I started dating, a close friend of ours, actually the friend who introduced us to each other, got married. She decided to get married in the Nauvoo temple. My wife sadly did not get to attend but my sister and I drove up and my sister acted as the photographer for the wedding. We were only there that one day but we made a special trip up to Carthage Jail. Now they do not have bloodstains on the floor and the bullet holes in the door are all filled in, but the sacredness of that room and the Spirit that I felt there is every bit as strong as any temple. If you have not gone I strongly suggest that you make the time and effort to visit Nauvoo and especially Carthage Jail. The Nauvoo temple is especially beautiful also if you have the time.
Lastly I leave my testimony of Joseph Smith along with all those that have gone before. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet. I know that he saw God the Father and Jesus Christ that spring morning in 1820. I know that he translated the Book of Mormon and received all these revelations that we have been studying these past months. I know that he gave his life for this work. I know that, just as John Taylor said, he has done more for the salvation of mankind save Christ Himself. I know that when I die, after I bathe Christ's feet in my tears and kisses, that I will hug that wonderful man and thank him for all he did and for all he sacrificed for us all. That is my testimony and I leave it with you in Christs name. Amen. Until tomorrow.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Government is Ordained of God
Today I read Doctrine and Covenants section 134, which is not a true revelation but rather a declaration of beliefs in regard to governments of the earth. I remember when I was a new missionary, I lived in a townhouse with another companionship. One of the elders that I lived with was from New York, Long Island to be exact. One morning he was reading his scriptures during scripture study time and he came to this section of the Doctrine and Covenants. I can only assume he had never read it before because he was very surprised to find it and when he read it he was just floored that Latter-day Saints uphold their respective governments.
I was raised by my parents to believe that the Constitution of the United States was inspired by God and that the founding fathers were led here and put in place by our Heavenly Father for the express purpose of founding the United States of America on the principles of religious freedom so that the Gospel of Jesus Christ could be restored. Now, most of that is opinion but we DO know that most, if not all the founding fathers have accepted the gospel. It is one of my favorite stories in LDS culture that the founding fathers of this nation appeared to Wilford Woodruff and he was able to perform the saving ordinances for those wonderful men.
It is good to read this section and remind ourselves that governments are approved by God as long as they adhere to the principles in this section. In our current day when so many people are losing faith in the American government and by all appearances the American political leaders are following their own agendas instead of listening to the voice of the people who elected them, it is a comfort to be reminded that governments are instituted for the benefit of man. I of course was not alive during the time, but I am told that even during World War II members of the church in Germany were advised to follow their leaders and obey the laws of their land.
Obviously every law/rule has a circumstance when they can be broken. Even murder is condoned when it is self defense or when God Himself tells you to do it such as when Nephi was asked to kill Laban. Although I cannot think of a time when rape would ever be condoned, so there are exceptions to this exception. But I bring this up because I find it so interesting that in verse 5 of this section it states that as Latter-day Saints we are bound to sustain and uphold our governments and that sedition and rebellion are unbecoming every citizen. I bring this up because I can think of multiple reasons to rise up against a government and in fact I can bring to mind at least 2 scriptural cases where this happened without even pausing to ponder on it. So while this is the norm, there are obviously cases where such is approved by God. I have never been in a situation where I felt God was telling me to disobey any law or commandment so I cannot speak from experience, but perhaps the difference is similar to Nephi, you know it to be ok because you feel the Spirit whisper it to you. Again, I can't say for certain because I have not had such an experience.
I remember back in the first part of the last decade when the government wanted to invade Iraq and Afghanistan I was in college. And even though I was attending BYU - Provo, there were still lost and lots of students that wanted to protest. I don't know what it is about college students and protesting, but they sure seem to love it. I felt at that time and still feel, most of the time I should clarify, that the government really does have our best interest at heart and that they have access to information that we do not. In matters of international affairs, I have always trusted that our leaders are acting on the information that they have and that they have the best interests of our country at heart. To believe anything else is only going to drive you crazy because there is no way to prove it for one thing, nor can you do anything about it. I personally try and leave the government alone and hope they return the favor.
I will close by urging everyone to read this section some time soon and ponder on it's message. Our government may not be perfect, none are or will be until the Savior returns and takes over, but the Constitution is ordained of God as was revealed to Joseph Smith in section 101. It is our duty as citizens of this country to uphold it's principles and uphold our leaders as long as they adhere to the terms set forth in this section. And truly, yes they make some blunders, but again, I do believe they have the country's best interest at heart, at least most of the time. Until tomorrow.
I was raised by my parents to believe that the Constitution of the United States was inspired by God and that the founding fathers were led here and put in place by our Heavenly Father for the express purpose of founding the United States of America on the principles of religious freedom so that the Gospel of Jesus Christ could be restored. Now, most of that is opinion but we DO know that most, if not all the founding fathers have accepted the gospel. It is one of my favorite stories in LDS culture that the founding fathers of this nation appeared to Wilford Woodruff and he was able to perform the saving ordinances for those wonderful men.
It is good to read this section and remind ourselves that governments are approved by God as long as they adhere to the principles in this section. In our current day when so many people are losing faith in the American government and by all appearances the American political leaders are following their own agendas instead of listening to the voice of the people who elected them, it is a comfort to be reminded that governments are instituted for the benefit of man. I of course was not alive during the time, but I am told that even during World War II members of the church in Germany were advised to follow their leaders and obey the laws of their land.
Obviously every law/rule has a circumstance when they can be broken. Even murder is condoned when it is self defense or when God Himself tells you to do it such as when Nephi was asked to kill Laban. Although I cannot think of a time when rape would ever be condoned, so there are exceptions to this exception. But I bring this up because I find it so interesting that in verse 5 of this section it states that as Latter-day Saints we are bound to sustain and uphold our governments and that sedition and rebellion are unbecoming every citizen. I bring this up because I can think of multiple reasons to rise up against a government and in fact I can bring to mind at least 2 scriptural cases where this happened without even pausing to ponder on it. So while this is the norm, there are obviously cases where such is approved by God. I have never been in a situation where I felt God was telling me to disobey any law or commandment so I cannot speak from experience, but perhaps the difference is similar to Nephi, you know it to be ok because you feel the Spirit whisper it to you. Again, I can't say for certain because I have not had such an experience.
I remember back in the first part of the last decade when the government wanted to invade Iraq and Afghanistan I was in college. And even though I was attending BYU - Provo, there were still lost and lots of students that wanted to protest. I don't know what it is about college students and protesting, but they sure seem to love it. I felt at that time and still feel, most of the time I should clarify, that the government really does have our best interest at heart and that they have access to information that we do not. In matters of international affairs, I have always trusted that our leaders are acting on the information that they have and that they have the best interests of our country at heart. To believe anything else is only going to drive you crazy because there is no way to prove it for one thing, nor can you do anything about it. I personally try and leave the government alone and hope they return the favor.
I will close by urging everyone to read this section some time soon and ponder on it's message. Our government may not be perfect, none are or will be until the Savior returns and takes over, but the Constitution is ordained of God as was revealed to Joseph Smith in section 101. It is our duty as citizens of this country to uphold it's principles and uphold our leaders as long as they adhere to the terms set forth in this section. And truly, yes they make some blunders, but again, I do believe they have the country's best interest at heart, at least most of the time. Until tomorrow.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
The Second Coming
Today I read Doctrine and Covenants section 133, a section that was given a lot earlier than the other sections in the latter half of the Doctrine and Covenants. This section was given back in 1831. It mostly consists of prophecies concerning the Second Coming of the Lord.
Most of the prophecies in this section should be familiar to most Latter-day Saints and non-LDS alike. The sun, moon and stars disappearing, the graves opening up and the dead appearing to many people. It is the same thing as what happened when Christ was Crucified. I've often thought about that prophecy where the Saints who were dead will rise up out of the graves and appear to many. Now, I have wanted to meet several men and women from history and just talk to them, but I think if they appeared to me before I died I'd be a little freaked out. I also think of what would need to happen for this to miracle to occur. Let's say for example when the Second Coming happens President Hinkley rose from the grave to appear to people. For that to happen, the concrete covering his casket would have to break, 6 cubic feet of dirt would have to be removed not to mention his body would have to be resurrected. It's quite the undertaking for those who have died to appear unto the living if we are to take the graves opening up part literally.
I've often wondered at the prophecies that state that people will be confused about when Christ will return. They say that there will be people that say Christ is in the desert and it will confuse and confound people. This is weird to me because according to this and all the prophecies when Christ returns it will be a global thing. There will be no misunderstanding that Christ is back. Now I understand that Christ will actually come back several times before this big global come back happens, but all those other appearances are for a select few and even if you hear of it happening, you weren't invited and you need to just wait for the actual coming of the Lord that will be unmistakeable.
That's all I really have to say on the matter and if you wish to know more on the Second Coming, I was once told the best way to learn about it is to study the First Coming. Joseph Smith Matthew 24 is particularly good for studying on this subject. But really the best thing we can do is to live our lives the best we can and act as if the Second Coming were going to happen today. Until tomorrow.
Most of the prophecies in this section should be familiar to most Latter-day Saints and non-LDS alike. The sun, moon and stars disappearing, the graves opening up and the dead appearing to many people. It is the same thing as what happened when Christ was Crucified. I've often thought about that prophecy where the Saints who were dead will rise up out of the graves and appear to many. Now, I have wanted to meet several men and women from history and just talk to them, but I think if they appeared to me before I died I'd be a little freaked out. I also think of what would need to happen for this to miracle to occur. Let's say for example when the Second Coming happens President Hinkley rose from the grave to appear to people. For that to happen, the concrete covering his casket would have to break, 6 cubic feet of dirt would have to be removed not to mention his body would have to be resurrected. It's quite the undertaking for those who have died to appear unto the living if we are to take the graves opening up part literally.
I've often wondered at the prophecies that state that people will be confused about when Christ will return. They say that there will be people that say Christ is in the desert and it will confuse and confound people. This is weird to me because according to this and all the prophecies when Christ returns it will be a global thing. There will be no misunderstanding that Christ is back. Now I understand that Christ will actually come back several times before this big global come back happens, but all those other appearances are for a select few and even if you hear of it happening, you weren't invited and you need to just wait for the actual coming of the Lord that will be unmistakeable.
That's all I really have to say on the matter and if you wish to know more on the Second Coming, I was once told the best way to learn about it is to study the First Coming. Joseph Smith Matthew 24 is particularly good for studying on this subject. But really the best thing we can do is to live our lives the best we can and act as if the Second Coming were going to happen today. Until tomorrow.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Plural Marriage
Today I read Doctrine and Covenants section 132, which is on the doctrine of plurality of wives. This is a hard doctrine for most people and it is consistently the one question I get asked more than any other when people find out that I am a Latter-day Saint. It is indeed a hard doctrine and from what I know of my church history, Joseph Smith knew about it for 12 years before he shared it with the church as a whole because he too had a hard time with it.
In the Old Testament there were several prophets who had more than one wife. The most famous were Abraham, Jacob, David and Solomon. This is well known and they were all men of God and did not offend God in doing this. This fact has caused many to go astray and not understand the doctrines of the church appropriately. For example the Nephites during the time of Jacob, Nephi's younger brother, had studied the scriptures and were using those righteous men's example to commit whoredoms and break the hearts of their wives.
In this section the Lord explains how those men were able to have multiple wives and not offend God. The answer is really quite simple. The difference is that God gave those men their wives. He authorized them to take those wives and they were not an offense to God. The difference being that once Solomon stopped waiting on the Lord to give him more wives and he started taking them himself, he lost his standing in the sight of God. The same happened to David with Uriah's wife, Bathsheba.
Even in the early days of the church, no one who had multiple wives just woke up one day and decided to take another wife. Rather the Prophet would come to them and reveal the will of the Lord that they should take so and so to wife. It was always a case where the Lord came to them and commanded them to take another wife, the men were not seeking another wife. In most cases, if I correctly recall my church history, most of the men had a real problem with it and it was only after much prayer, and I am sure fasting, that they were able to come to terms that it was indeed the Lord's will. In some cases the men were told to marry a woman who was already married, a direct violation of what we read today in Doctrine and Covenants section 132. But in all such cases it was a trial of faith for that woman and her husband, similar to Abraham being asked to sacrifice Isaac.
People tend to ask me if I am going to have multiple wives when they find out I am LDS. I tend to at first smile and joke saying that I can barely handle one wife. Then I sober up and explain the doctrine to them and let the know that any such people that practice plural marriage are not of our faith and that any who are of our faith who do this are excommunicated. That is usually where it ends, but occasionally I come across someone who really desires to know the truth so I explain a little further about it and tell them about the Official Declaration given by Wilford Woodruff in 1890. I have typically not had anyone ask me in earnest in years though and these days it's mainly debunking the myth that Latter-day Saints are still practicing plural marriage.
It is a hard doctrine and I am not sure how I would handle it if it were ever to come back and heaven forbid if I am ever called upon to practice it. Perhaps it is like children, people always wonder how they could ever love a second child as much as they love the first child but they always do, but I do not see how I could ever love another woman as much as I love my wife. I just don't see how it is possible and I am very glad that we are not called upon to live this doctrine anymore in this life. I do not know what the future holds or what the next life holds, but we do learn from section 132 that it is a celestial principle, so it is my thought that odds are we will all come across this again in the next life if we are living a celestial life. That is of course my opinion only and that is all I will say on the matter. Until tomorrow.
In the Old Testament there were several prophets who had more than one wife. The most famous were Abraham, Jacob, David and Solomon. This is well known and they were all men of God and did not offend God in doing this. This fact has caused many to go astray and not understand the doctrines of the church appropriately. For example the Nephites during the time of Jacob, Nephi's younger brother, had studied the scriptures and were using those righteous men's example to commit whoredoms and break the hearts of their wives.
In this section the Lord explains how those men were able to have multiple wives and not offend God. The answer is really quite simple. The difference is that God gave those men their wives. He authorized them to take those wives and they were not an offense to God. The difference being that once Solomon stopped waiting on the Lord to give him more wives and he started taking them himself, he lost his standing in the sight of God. The same happened to David with Uriah's wife, Bathsheba.
Even in the early days of the church, no one who had multiple wives just woke up one day and decided to take another wife. Rather the Prophet would come to them and reveal the will of the Lord that they should take so and so to wife. It was always a case where the Lord came to them and commanded them to take another wife, the men were not seeking another wife. In most cases, if I correctly recall my church history, most of the men had a real problem with it and it was only after much prayer, and I am sure fasting, that they were able to come to terms that it was indeed the Lord's will. In some cases the men were told to marry a woman who was already married, a direct violation of what we read today in Doctrine and Covenants section 132. But in all such cases it was a trial of faith for that woman and her husband, similar to Abraham being asked to sacrifice Isaac.
People tend to ask me if I am going to have multiple wives when they find out I am LDS. I tend to at first smile and joke saying that I can barely handle one wife. Then I sober up and explain the doctrine to them and let the know that any such people that practice plural marriage are not of our faith and that any who are of our faith who do this are excommunicated. That is usually where it ends, but occasionally I come across someone who really desires to know the truth so I explain a little further about it and tell them about the Official Declaration given by Wilford Woodruff in 1890. I have typically not had anyone ask me in earnest in years though and these days it's mainly debunking the myth that Latter-day Saints are still practicing plural marriage.
It is a hard doctrine and I am not sure how I would handle it if it were ever to come back and heaven forbid if I am ever called upon to practice it. Perhaps it is like children, people always wonder how they could ever love a second child as much as they love the first child but they always do, but I do not see how I could ever love another woman as much as I love my wife. I just don't see how it is possible and I am very glad that we are not called upon to live this doctrine anymore in this life. I do not know what the future holds or what the next life holds, but we do learn from section 132 that it is a celestial principle, so it is my thought that odds are we will all come across this again in the next life if we are living a celestial life. That is of course my opinion only and that is all I will say on the matter. Until tomorrow.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Celestial Kingdom and Marriage
Today I read Doctrine and Covenants section 131. It is a very short section that is most famous for its verses on marriage and the Celestial kingdom. It also talks about the fact that everything is matter even spirit is matter we just can't see it because it requires more fine tuned senses than we have.
But the part that I like the most is the part about Celestial marriage. This section teaches us that within the Celestial Kingdom, and we can infer in the other 2 kingdoms as well, there are 3 levels within the kingdom itself. According to this section in order to obtain the highest level where we presume Heavenly Father resides, we have to be married in the temple by proper authority. In other words, we have to be married in order to obtain the highest level of the Celestial Kingdom and the only way we are married in the next life is if we are married in the temple as that is the only place on earth that marries for time and eternity, not just until death do us part.
I remember when I was a missionary my mission president wanted us to ask people a certain question on our door approaches. He wanted us to ask them if they believed they would be with their loved ones in the life to come. I was amazed that 99% of the people I asked responded that they did in fact expect to be with their families in the next life. When I would ask them how though, none could give me an answer. The most common response I got was, I don't know, God is just too good, there is no way He would separate me from my family, He wouldn't let that happen. It is interesting how people have an innate yearning towards the Gospel and the truth even though they don't know it. It is also amazing to me how many people not in the church don't listen to their own wedding ceremonies. It clearly states in every single marriage ceremony I have ever attended, "till death do you part" and yet despite all this, they expect to be with their spouse after this life. But they don't see anything in-congruent with that. Go figure.
However, the Lord is very, very clear, especially in this chapter. In order to be saved in the Celestial Kingdom and become like He is, we have to be married. And the only way we will still be married in the next life is if we have been married in the temple and have lived up to those temple covenants. I used to wonder why people could not be saved singly without their spouses but then I realized that it is because in order to create spirit children, which we will inevitably do as Gods, we will need a male and a female. Too often I think people give God a bad rap. He doesn't say don't do this and do this to be mean. He is trying to teach us what His life is like and what we need to do to live a life like His.
I have often mused what the two other levels of the Celestial Kingdom must be like. I have no idea of course but I often like to think on it and what type of people inhabit them. I mentioned that even though it is not stated thus we can infer that the other 2 Kingdoms have 3 levels also. I say this because if you think about it and think about the descriptions of those that inherit each type of kingdom, they are not all the same and even those that inhabit those kingdoms would not all be comfortable together. For example, those that inhabit the Telestial, or lowest, Kingdom are described as murders, liars, thieves and whoremongers. Do you really think that a thief is going to be comfortable with murderer or a liar with a whoremonger? I personally don't and I think God loves all His children enough to try and give them a place they can go where they will be happy and where they will feel comfortable. Again this is all just my opinion.
I'm personally glad I will be with my family in the next life and I want to dance for joy every time I think about being able to still be married to my wife in the next life since I can't imagine my life without her even for a minute. She is by far the BEST thing that has ever happened to me and I look forward to spending eternity by her side and progressing with her. I hope you also look forward to spending all of eternity with your spouse or future spouse if there are any single folks reading this. I thank Heavenly Father almost daily for my wife and for my family and I hope you do the same. Until tomorrow.
But the part that I like the most is the part about Celestial marriage. This section teaches us that within the Celestial Kingdom, and we can infer in the other 2 kingdoms as well, there are 3 levels within the kingdom itself. According to this section in order to obtain the highest level where we presume Heavenly Father resides, we have to be married in the temple by proper authority. In other words, we have to be married in order to obtain the highest level of the Celestial Kingdom and the only way we are married in the next life is if we are married in the temple as that is the only place on earth that marries for time and eternity, not just until death do us part.
I remember when I was a missionary my mission president wanted us to ask people a certain question on our door approaches. He wanted us to ask them if they believed they would be with their loved ones in the life to come. I was amazed that 99% of the people I asked responded that they did in fact expect to be with their families in the next life. When I would ask them how though, none could give me an answer. The most common response I got was, I don't know, God is just too good, there is no way He would separate me from my family, He wouldn't let that happen. It is interesting how people have an innate yearning towards the Gospel and the truth even though they don't know it. It is also amazing to me how many people not in the church don't listen to their own wedding ceremonies. It clearly states in every single marriage ceremony I have ever attended, "till death do you part" and yet despite all this, they expect to be with their spouse after this life. But they don't see anything in-congruent with that. Go figure.
However, the Lord is very, very clear, especially in this chapter. In order to be saved in the Celestial Kingdom and become like He is, we have to be married. And the only way we will still be married in the next life is if we have been married in the temple and have lived up to those temple covenants. I used to wonder why people could not be saved singly without their spouses but then I realized that it is because in order to create spirit children, which we will inevitably do as Gods, we will need a male and a female. Too often I think people give God a bad rap. He doesn't say don't do this and do this to be mean. He is trying to teach us what His life is like and what we need to do to live a life like His.
I have often mused what the two other levels of the Celestial Kingdom must be like. I have no idea of course but I often like to think on it and what type of people inhabit them. I mentioned that even though it is not stated thus we can infer that the other 2 Kingdoms have 3 levels also. I say this because if you think about it and think about the descriptions of those that inherit each type of kingdom, they are not all the same and even those that inhabit those kingdoms would not all be comfortable together. For example, those that inhabit the Telestial, or lowest, Kingdom are described as murders, liars, thieves and whoremongers. Do you really think that a thief is going to be comfortable with murderer or a liar with a whoremonger? I personally don't and I think God loves all His children enough to try and give them a place they can go where they will be happy and where they will feel comfortable. Again this is all just my opinion.
I'm personally glad I will be with my family in the next life and I want to dance for joy every time I think about being able to still be married to my wife in the next life since I can't imagine my life without her even for a minute. She is by far the BEST thing that has ever happened to me and I look forward to spending eternity by her side and progressing with her. I hope you also look forward to spending all of eternity with your spouse or future spouse if there are any single folks reading this. I thank Heavenly Father almost daily for my wife and for my family and I hope you do the same. Until tomorrow.
Monday, May 2, 2011
A Treasure Trove of Spiritual Knowledge
(I want to take a moment and explain why my posts have been sporadic lately and why they haven't been quite like my usual posts. I'm not sure I have mentioned it before but my family lives in Northern Alabama where all the tornadoes came through last Wednesday and we have been without power since Wednesday night, 5:30 pm-ish central time. I sent my wife and daughter up North to stay with her parents until this all blew over and we just got power back last night at 11:30 pm. Prior to the power coming on, I had been going to work and writing my blogs there and e-mailing them up to my wife so she could post them for me since my work would not let me get to this website. So a big thanks to my wife and I appreciate all of your patience and we should now be back to normal.)
Today I read Doctrine and Covenants section 130, a veritable treasure chest of spiritual knowledge. I literally don't know where to start with this post and what to focus on. Section 130 has long been one of my absolute favorite chapters/sections of scripture just because it contains SO much in there and what it does contain is rich with spiritual knowledge. This section explains the nature of a perfected world, more laws concerning angels, Urim and Thummims, a prophecy concerning the Civil War, Joseph's musing concerning the 2nd coming of the Lord, the nature of knowledge, blessings and the physical properties of the Lord God.
Where oh where to begin? I guess the first place to start is on the nature of angels. Joseph teaches that the only angels who visit this earth are those men or women that have lived on this earth or will live on this earth. And the scriptures confirm this with the help of prophets. Anytime we have a record of the angel's name when they visit someone it is someone who has already lived on this earth: Moses appearing to Jesus, Elijah, Gabriel(who are modern prophets teach is Noah from Noah and the ark), Moroni, Peter and James, the Founding Fathers of America and more. I had a strange thought just now, there is no record of female angels appearing to people. I wonder if they happen and we just are not told of them, which is possible because I don't believe for a second that we have a complete record of all the angels that have ever appeared on this earth. It's just really interesting that all the records of angels that we know their names have all been men. Very interesting.
The next thing in this section that has always captured my interest is the prophecy Joseph received concerning the Civil War. However, a careful reading will show that the Lord is not just telling Joseph about the Civil War here in America, but rather that there will many wars and they will start with the Civil War in America. It specifically states, "...the commencements of the difficulties which will cause much bloodshed previous to the coming of the Son of Man..." that to me states all wars that have come since that time. But I think it's neat that Joseph, being a prophet was able to prophecy that the Civil War would start because of South Carolina and it would be over the question of Slavery. How right he was.
The last 6 verses of the section are the meat of this section that most people use it for and they are spiritual gems to be certain. Verses 18 - 19 tells us that whatever degree of intelligence we attain to in this life will stay with us in the life to come. Moreover that if we attain more intelligence in this life we will be ahead in the life to come. I wonder how many people actually digest that information? We are still going to be learning in the life to come. That just makes sense to me when I think about it. If the Lord doesn't just touch our foreheads in this life and grant us knowledge, why would He suddenly change that pattern when we are dead? I'm honestly looking forward to studying in the next life or however we will be learning all we will need to know. To not have to contend with the veil and be forgetting things I have already learned and forgetting new things because my mind is mortal and fallible. It's gonna be GREAT!
Verses 20 - 21 talk about receiving blessings. Most of you reading this will probably be familiar with these verses so I won't quote them. It is really neat to me though that there were laws put into place before this world was created that govern what type of blessings we get for following what type of laws. I wonder how extensive it was? For example would it be too frivolous to suggest that the blessing of safety and health were put into place for all those who adhere to the law of gravity? Perhaps so. But I still think it is awesome to think that all blessings were put into place for their respective laws before this world was created physically. That means that the all too popular excuse of "No one told me" is not effective at all. We WERE told we just don't remember. But that is why we have scriptures and Prophets and Apostles. The Lord sees fit to tell them so they can tell us what those laws and their subsequent blessings are. Can you tell I love this section yet???? :)
Finally, we are treated to a couple of verses about the physical nature of the Godhead. We are told in verses 22-23 that the Lord Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father, the Creator of our Spirits, both have glorified bodies of flesh and bone. Have you noticed that they don't say flesh and blood? They are very careful when they talk about resurrected bodies to make sure they do not say blood but rather say flesh and bone. I have often wondered why resurrected bodies do not have blood and have thought to myself that perhaps the blood is what makes us mortal? I mean think about when people die? Despite what killed them, the ultimate cause of death is lack of blood to the brain which then shuts down. You can lose too much blood so that there is not enough to power your body or your heart can be damaged so that it does not pump any more blood, but the end result is that the brain is not receiving the blood and oxygen it needs to function. So if that is the case, it makes perfect sense that resurrected beings would not have blood in their systems.
The Holy Ghost however, having never been born in this life, does not have a physical body, with or without blood. He only has a body of Spirit, like we all have inside of us. The verses tell us that the reason He only has a body of Spirit is so that He can dwell within us. Remember it is the job of the Holy Ghost to be a testator and to testify of the truthfulness of all things to us and He does that apparently by dwelling within us and communicating directly with our Spirits. I will admit I do not understand how this happens but I accept it as truth from the scriptures and our modern day Prophets and Apostles.
I need to stop myself because I could literally go on for hours about this section and all its wonderful knowledge that it gives us. If you have not read it in a long time or never read it, I really urge you to take some time out of your day and read it. It is only 23 verses long and you will not be sorry you did. Until tomorrow and happy reading.
Today I read Doctrine and Covenants section 130, a veritable treasure chest of spiritual knowledge. I literally don't know where to start with this post and what to focus on. Section 130 has long been one of my absolute favorite chapters/sections of scripture just because it contains SO much in there and what it does contain is rich with spiritual knowledge. This section explains the nature of a perfected world, more laws concerning angels, Urim and Thummims, a prophecy concerning the Civil War, Joseph's musing concerning the 2nd coming of the Lord, the nature of knowledge, blessings and the physical properties of the Lord God.
Where oh where to begin? I guess the first place to start is on the nature of angels. Joseph teaches that the only angels who visit this earth are those men or women that have lived on this earth or will live on this earth. And the scriptures confirm this with the help of prophets. Anytime we have a record of the angel's name when they visit someone it is someone who has already lived on this earth: Moses appearing to Jesus, Elijah, Gabriel(who are modern prophets teach is Noah from Noah and the ark), Moroni, Peter and James, the Founding Fathers of America and more. I had a strange thought just now, there is no record of female angels appearing to people. I wonder if they happen and we just are not told of them, which is possible because I don't believe for a second that we have a complete record of all the angels that have ever appeared on this earth. It's just really interesting that all the records of angels that we know their names have all been men. Very interesting.
The next thing in this section that has always captured my interest is the prophecy Joseph received concerning the Civil War. However, a careful reading will show that the Lord is not just telling Joseph about the Civil War here in America, but rather that there will many wars and they will start with the Civil War in America. It specifically states, "...the commencements of the difficulties which will cause much bloodshed previous to the coming of the Son of Man..." that to me states all wars that have come since that time. But I think it's neat that Joseph, being a prophet was able to prophecy that the Civil War would start because of South Carolina and it would be over the question of Slavery. How right he was.
The last 6 verses of the section are the meat of this section that most people use it for and they are spiritual gems to be certain. Verses 18 - 19 tells us that whatever degree of intelligence we attain to in this life will stay with us in the life to come. Moreover that if we attain more intelligence in this life we will be ahead in the life to come. I wonder how many people actually digest that information? We are still going to be learning in the life to come. That just makes sense to me when I think about it. If the Lord doesn't just touch our foreheads in this life and grant us knowledge, why would He suddenly change that pattern when we are dead? I'm honestly looking forward to studying in the next life or however we will be learning all we will need to know. To not have to contend with the veil and be forgetting things I have already learned and forgetting new things because my mind is mortal and fallible. It's gonna be GREAT!
Verses 20 - 21 talk about receiving blessings. Most of you reading this will probably be familiar with these verses so I won't quote them. It is really neat to me though that there were laws put into place before this world was created that govern what type of blessings we get for following what type of laws. I wonder how extensive it was? For example would it be too frivolous to suggest that the blessing of safety and health were put into place for all those who adhere to the law of gravity? Perhaps so. But I still think it is awesome to think that all blessings were put into place for their respective laws before this world was created physically. That means that the all too popular excuse of "No one told me" is not effective at all. We WERE told we just don't remember. But that is why we have scriptures and Prophets and Apostles. The Lord sees fit to tell them so they can tell us what those laws and their subsequent blessings are. Can you tell I love this section yet???? :)
Finally, we are treated to a couple of verses about the physical nature of the Godhead. We are told in verses 22-23 that the Lord Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father, the Creator of our Spirits, both have glorified bodies of flesh and bone. Have you noticed that they don't say flesh and blood? They are very careful when they talk about resurrected bodies to make sure they do not say blood but rather say flesh and bone. I have often wondered why resurrected bodies do not have blood and have thought to myself that perhaps the blood is what makes us mortal? I mean think about when people die? Despite what killed them, the ultimate cause of death is lack of blood to the brain which then shuts down. You can lose too much blood so that there is not enough to power your body or your heart can be damaged so that it does not pump any more blood, but the end result is that the brain is not receiving the blood and oxygen it needs to function. So if that is the case, it makes perfect sense that resurrected beings would not have blood in their systems.
The Holy Ghost however, having never been born in this life, does not have a physical body, with or without blood. He only has a body of Spirit, like we all have inside of us. The verses tell us that the reason He only has a body of Spirit is so that He can dwell within us. Remember it is the job of the Holy Ghost to be a testator and to testify of the truthfulness of all things to us and He does that apparently by dwelling within us and communicating directly with our Spirits. I will admit I do not understand how this happens but I accept it as truth from the scriptures and our modern day Prophets and Apostles.
I need to stop myself because I could literally go on for hours about this section and all its wonderful knowledge that it gives us. If you have not read it in a long time or never read it, I really urge you to take some time out of your day and read it. It is only 23 verses long and you will not be sorry you did. Until tomorrow and happy reading.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Angelic Visitation
Today I read Doctrine and Covenants section 129. This section has always fascinated me because it is about the detection of angels and devils that pose as angels. I have always wondered what it would be like to have an angel appear to me. I imagine that it would scare me half to death. I do not imagine it would be a fun experience.
It is interesting though that so many people in the early days of the church were having visitations from heavenly beings that the Lord felt it necessary to give this sign and warning to let the members know how they could tell if it was a true angel or a devil in disguise. I often wonder if heavenly messengers have stopped or if we just don’t hear about them anymore? We are often told that such visitations are for the people who receive them and no one else so it would stand to reason that if they were in fact still happening they would not be broadcast, perhaps not even to those closest to the individual. Although if I had one visit me, unless I was specifically told not to, I don’t think I could keep it from my wife.
It also makes me wonder what the Lord needs to tell those persons that have an angel to them that He can’t tell them another way? Or perhaps it is a reward for their faithfulness? I personally don’t know. It also makes me think about Adam and Eve. When they were removed from the Garden of Eden the Lord sent angels to teach and instruct Adam and Eve. I wonder why the Lord did not just speak to them directly? Perhaps it had to do with helping Adam and Eve to develop faith that the Lord would help them? They knew the Lord was there for they had seen Him and talked to Him directly. Perhaps they had to learn to rely on Him in other ways.
I don’t have too much else to say when it comes to angelic visitation so here I will end, but please if you are ever lucky enough to receive such a visitation, remember what the Lord has told us in section 129 to ensure that you are not led astray. Until tomorrow.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Baptizim By Immersion
Today I read Doctrine and Covenants section 128, which is actually another letter from Joseph Smith to the Saints as opposed to a revelation from the Lord. The subject of his epistle is baptisms for the dead and he goes more in depth on the symbolism of baptisms for the dead.
Most people are probably already aware that baptismal fonts are built so that the water is underground. This is done to symbolize that when we are baptized we are laying to rest our old life. I remember when I was a missionary my companion and I tracted into a family. The father was the only one interested although the wife and daughter eventually did get baptized. But my companion and I were teaching the father and I was letting my companion lead the discussion to give him some experience. The father asked us at one point if there was any place in the Bible where it says we have to be baptized by immersion as opposed to sprinkling. Because he had been baptized before and he was not convinced that he needed to be baptized again by immersion. At this point I stepped in and shared with him Romans 6:4 which says, “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life”. After sharing that he got a thoughtful look on his face and then nodded and agreed to be baptized.
I have often wondered just where the idea of sprinkling for baptism came from. Even in the New Testament it talks about Christ being baptized by immersion in Matthew 3. Now I can kind of see where it is open to interpretation because all it says is Christ went up straightway out of the water, so that could mean when he left the water entirely, not just when he came up out of the water from being dunked. However, even if you did interpret it that way, where did the whole idea of sprinkling come from? It just makes no sense to me at all.
Baptism is a symbol as well as an ordinance. And as Paul explained thousands of years ago to the Romans, it is a symbol of our old life being over and done with. This is why all fonts are supposed to be built into the ground and why if a font is not available we are supposed to use a river, or below ground pool or something where we go underground.
The rest of the section is about the importance of keeping records and of having things done in the proper order. Joseph quotes John the Revelator’s Revelation where it says he saw the dead judged out of the book of life. How can the dead be judged out of the book of life if we do not keep it? Joseph also reminded the Saints that we cannot be saved without our dead. This is repeated multiple times throughout the scriptures but no one ever really says why. My opinion is because everyone has to have an opportunity to hear or accept the Gospel. God has said that it must be so, and if something were to somehow happen to contradict that, then God would cease to be God and we would all cease to exist, obviously none of us would be saved. That is just my opinion though.
I know we talked about baptisms for the dead yesterday so I don’t want to dwell too much on it today but I am once again just in awe of the grace of God that allows us to participate in saving ordinances and acting as saviors on mount Zion. The trust that our God puts in us is just awe inspiring. I think that is where we will leave it for today. Until tomorrow.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Temple Work For All
Today I read Doctrine and Covenants section 127, which is actually not a revelation from the Lord but rather a letter from Joseph Smith to the Saints in Nauvoo. I am always a little in awe of Joseph Smith and his pleasant attitude no matter what challenge came his way. The man was truly humble and willing to submit to all things the Lord saw fit to inflict upon him.
Now, the last half of the section is something the Lord directed him to tell the Saints in regard to baptisms for the dead. Apparently the Saints were doing the baptisms for the dead and not actually recording their work that they were doing. It’s really interesting to me that they would not think to record the work, but perhaps they assumed the work was being recorded in heaven. Also, we have the gift of hindsight and they were in the middle of the work. I think we have all had moments were we had an idea and thought it was the best thing anyone has ever done before. Then someone comes along and bursts our bubble by pointing out something so obvious that we wonder how we ever missed it.
Baptisms for the dead are some of the most sacred and special things we can do for those who are unable to help themselves. It really is quite awesome that the Lord allows us to help take part in this sacred work. I have mentioned in the past that I am originally from Louisville, KY and when I turned 12 years old and was able to perform baptisms for the dead, the closest temple was either in Chicago, IL or Atlanta, GA. Both were about an 8 hour drive. The first few times we went up to Chicago, but then afterwards we would always go down to Atlanta. Those were really fun trips. We would always caravan and looking back now I smile to see what we all sacrificed for just a 4-5 hour temple session. And it was worth all of it!
When I turned 15 they actually built a temple in St. Louis, Missouri. I remember how excited we were that we had a temple only a 5 hour drive away. We could now do temple trips in only 1 day, there and back. I actually got the chance to work at that temple’s open house helping visitors on with the protective footwear they had to wear over their shoes. Later I got to attend the temple’s dedication and I had a unique experience of meeting President Gordon B. Hinckley. It remains to this day one of the most spiritual experiences of my life.
While I was on my mission they built a temple in my hometown of Louisville, KY. Even more awesome was the fact that it was only 2 miles away from my parent’s house and only 4 miles away from my own house that I bought a few years later. Of all the blessings that the Lord has given us as a people, I don’t think any even come close to comparing with the temple. Through the temples we can have an eternal family and we can help those who are unable to help themselves. I stand in awe of those pioneers that sacrificed so much to build temples back in those days of persecution and hate. I often wonder how I would have fared in such a place and time. Thankfully I don’t have to find out. But I do feel the need to honor their sacrifice by making sure that I use those temples as often as I can, or what they went through will be in vain. At least that is how I see it. Until tomorrow.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
The Trust of Little Children
Today I read Section 126, a short section where the Lord tells Brigham Young it is no longer needed for him to spread the word as a missionary but that he should take care of his family.
It got me thinking of my own reponsibilities as a husband and a father.
I remember once when I was a teenager after spending a day with my nieces and nephews my mom made the statement that it was a wonderful thing to have the trust of a little children and animals. At the time I did not understand what she meant. But as I've gotten older and wanted little children, especially my own, and hoe they act around people they don't know I understand what she meant.
I don't think anyone who is not a parent can truly understand Heavenly Father's position and what He goes through. I can't even imagine leaving my little girl with someone she doesn't know for even a minute. She would be terrified and extremely upset. It always is heart rending to see her cry. I can only imagine Heavenly Father's anxiety at sending His children down here, especially if He knows they are going to less that wholesome parents.
I agree wholeheartedly that the most important job anyone will ever hold in the list is that of father or mother. The Lord is take a huge chance every time He sends one of His children down to earth to be cared for by someone other then Himself. Let's not give Him any reason to doubt that we will fulfill that responsibility wisely.
It got me thinking of my own reponsibilities as a husband and a father.
I remember once when I was a teenager after spending a day with my nieces and nephews my mom made the statement that it was a wonderful thing to have the trust of a little children and animals. At the time I did not understand what she meant. But as I've gotten older and wanted little children, especially my own, and hoe they act around people they don't know I understand what she meant.
I don't think anyone who is not a parent can truly understand Heavenly Father's position and what He goes through. I can't even imagine leaving my little girl with someone she doesn't know for even a minute. She would be terrified and extremely upset. It always is heart rending to see her cry. I can only imagine Heavenly Father's anxiety at sending His children down here, especially if He knows they are going to less that wholesome parents.
I agree wholeheartedly that the most important job anyone will ever hold in the list is that of father or mother. The Lord is take a huge chance every time He sends one of His children down to earth to be cared for by someone other then Himself. Let's not give Him any reason to doubt that we will fulfill that responsibility wisely.
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