Friends

Today, I'm feeling especially grateful for friends. They come in so many forms: Spouses, children, moms, siblings, in-laws, mission comps, etc... I'm am so blessed to have so much support around me.

My wife is an amazing example to me. She teaches our children, fulfills her callings, supports my ambitions, finds time for dinners and lunches, and about two million other things. On top of that, she makes me laugh and will even indulge me by actually laughing at me once in awhile.

I have the greatest kids in the world. Lincoln has become my greatest little friend. What would I do without his smile and antics? He reminds me that life is simpler and happier than I make it out to be. He appreciates the kid in me and loves me unconditionally.

Shiloh can melt my heart faster than anyone I know. Although she constantly requires attention, it makes it all worth it when she smiles or giggles at me. I'm telling you, when she gives me one of those huge, chubby grins, I'm done!!! Her personality is so cute.

I could mention my brothers and sister, my mom, my in-laws, old friends, new friends, etc... Each one plays an important role in my life and some add a depth and richness that without them would otherwise feel void and empty.

Thanks to all of you who invest so much time and love and add so much richness to our lives. I know the relationships we form in the 'here and now' last so much longer and reach so much farther beyond the margins and time contraints of this life. I am truly grateful for that knowledge.

Better Man

I love General Conference. It always seems to come just when I need it. I admit, it can be hard to do 10 hours of church meetings in a matter of two days, but it's some of the best time I ever spend. 

I've been thinking a lot about some of the things that were said. I already have a few favorite talks, but there is one thing that has kept coming back to my mind more than anything else. It was a simple but genuine prayer given at the opening of the General Priesthood session. The man offering the invocation, with all the tenderness and sincerity of his heart prayed, "Father, we want to be better men," he continued, "Help us to help the women in our lives feel a greater sense of self-worth..."

Those deep yet unembellished words caused me to engage in some serious self-reflection. Am I really trying to be a better man? Do I live as a Priesthood holder should? Do I cultivate an environment of self-worth for those around me, especially for my wife, daughter, and the other special women in my life?

I am grateful for inspired words and the influence of the spirit of truth which is the spirit of change.

3 Simple Steps

We had stake Temple night this last week. I love to attend the chapel meetings at the temple. There is just an extra special spirit there.

One of the counselors in the Temple presidency spoke. He expounded on a scripture and related it to our temple worship and our own personal revelation. The Lord gives us these simple steps to follow: 

"Therefore, go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow, and I come unto you again." (3 Ne. 17:3)

This scripture means so much more to me now. The Lord is telling us that we must:

1) Ponder upon his words. His words are found in the scriptures, in the Ensign, in the temple, through the whisperings of the spirit, and other forms of personal revelation.

2) Pray that you might more fully understand His words. How many times do I settle for simply feeling the spirit, or merely reading the scriptures?  Do I take the time and effort to prayfully ask for more enlightenment and understanding? Why did the spirit touch me at that time? What would the Lord have me know? What is it I need to do to improve?

3) Prepare your mind for MORE. We must be prepared and excited for more gospel light and truth. We cannot settle for what limited understanding we now have.

The last words in this passage are encouraging and reassuring when the Lord says, "and I come unto you again." The Lord promises He will not stop there but continue to give us more light as we Ponder, Pray, and Prepare. 

PS - Thanks to you who have commented. It's means the world to me to know that you are enjoying this blog. I will try and be more consistent in my updates.

Triumphant

Last night Anna and I were getting to bed kind of late. We were both lying down nearly asleep when we realized we still needed to read and pray. Anna said, "Tell me or read me a good scripture". (No pressure!) :-) So I opened to Moroni 10, (one of my favorite chapters). I was looking for a specific scripture, but I couldn't find what I was looking for... (I only had my Romanian scriptures handy, which aren't as well marked). So while I was quickly skimming for this scripture, and not finding it, I eventually came to the very last verse. Here's what Moroni said:

"And now I bid unto all, farewell. I soon go to rest in the paradise of God, until my spirit and body shall again reunite, and I am brought forth triumphant through the air, to meet you before the pleasing bar of the great Jehovah, the eternal judge of both quick and dead. Amen." (Moroni 10:34)

The word "triumphant" stuck out to me. I have been pondering a lot about some of the trials each of us are divinely allotted. There are times when I want things to be different than they are. There are certain trials and stumbling blocks I would rather not face. More than anything I would like to say with faith and conviction, as Moroni did, that I will "rest in the paradise of God" and that I will be "brought forth triumphant". It then hit me more than ever before that I cannot be truly "triumphant" if I don't have anything to triumph over! If I attempt to pray away my troubles, I would be, in a very real sense, denying myself the high privilege of conquering this estate. Moroni was not "brought forth triumphant" by having an easy lot. Christ did not "overcome the world" by facing little tribulation. (John 16:33; see also D&C 50:41; D&C 76:107)

Christ even told us, "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) I hope to "be of good cheer" so I too, in a small measure, can be like my Savior and overcome the sacred trials and "thorn[s] in the flesh" the Lord has in store for me. (2 Cor. 12:7)

Personal Inventory

I often take inventory of my own life. Where am I at? What am I doing to progress and grow? In what ways am I doing better now compared to just a few months ago? What can I do and should I do tomorrow to improve upon today? Unfortunately, I don't always love the honest answers to these soul-searching questions.

I came across this passage the other day and it gave me reason to reflect upon my own discipleship:

"And when [Jesus] was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
"And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
"Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
"And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
"Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
"And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions." (Mark 10:17-22)

I wonder if I would react as this man did or would I be truly dedicated enough to Christ and His gospel to do the thing I felt least able to do? This man had observed all the commandments from his youth and perhaps was quite pleased with himself, thinking he was ready for the next step. Do we think, as this man apparently did, true discipleship is to simply not kill, steal, commit adultery, etc...? I hope not. I think once we master the "thou shalt not" commandments, (and desire further discipleship), we will be given the "thou shalt" commandments which most likely will be those things we feel least able to perform.

I often think of Nephi's bold statement and covenant with the Lord concerning obedience: "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded" (1 Ne. 3:7) A promise, so simply stated, yet so valiantly kept! Nephi, too, was asked to do something he thought he would never have to do when he happened upon an intoxicated Laban. (1 Ne. 4:7-18) We know that Nephi "shrank" but nevertheless he "did obey the voice of the Spirit." (1 Ne. 4:10,18) What a contrast!

Now here's the inventory part: Can I follow the various commands and counsels of the Lord no matter how difficult or will I "[go] away grieved" when the counsel is much harder than previously anticipated?

Count Your Blessings

About two weeks ago I was privileged to give a Priesthood blessing to a woman at my work. I've been reflecting on the trials she has been given in her life and in so doing I have felt so very grateful for all my many blessings but also for the many "thorns" I have been "given"! (See 2 Cor. 12:7)

In explaining this woman's situation I think it's worth noting that she lost a son a few years back just after his mission. She also lost her mother within the last year. And if all that wasn't enough, a few weeks ago, this woman's husband passed away unexpectedly in his sleep.

She had, understandably, been away from work for a couple of weeks and her first few days back were extremely hard! She asked for a blessing and I was honored to give her one. Without going into too many details, I would like to share just a few thoughts.

During the blessing I was deeply moved. I couldn't stop thinking about the perfect love of our Savior! I had this feeling that the Lord gives us trials BECAUSE He loves us, not because He doesn't; and often times those trials are very specific to our individual situations, strengths and needs! I couldn't help but feel that these trials were in some way a part of God's love.

This experience has also caused me to count my many blessings! I have so many good things going for me and unfortunately I don't appreciate those wonderful things quite like I should. It's hard enough for most of us to recognize God's love when things are going great, but it is a true disciple that can see God's flawless and abiding love even through the deepest despair.

The Testimony of Lamoni

During Sunday school last week I had an interesting experience. Actually, so far I've had really great experiences almost every week here in our new ward. I love the teachers!

We were discussing the sons of Mosiah and their diligence in teaching the gospel to the Lamanites. Most of us are familiar with the story of Ammon and King Lamoni. The King had been so touched by the spirit that he "believed all [Ammon's] words." (Alma 18:40) He was so humbled by this experience that his strength completely failed him and "he fell unto the earth, as if he were dead." (Alma 18:42)

It wasn't until three days later that he arose. He immediately began praising God saying, "blessed be the name of God." (Alma 19:12) He then said something that hasn't ever hit me quite as hard as it did on Sunday. Lamoni testified, "behold, I have seen my Redeemer." (Alma 19:13) After reading this line, our tender-hearted and humble teacher then paused, holding back his obviously profound emotions, and with sincerity and modesty asked, "If any words were to be coveted, would not these be they?"

What a profound and reflective question! Words cannot describe how I long for that same privilege to say, "behold, I have seen my Redeemer!"

I am humbled and grateful for teachers like this. I am so grateful to him for preparing properly for that lesson. By so doing, he was able to follow the guidance of the spirit, which ultimately touched me profoundly. I will never read that passage again without reevaluating my commitment to my Redeemer!