Now the joy of (Tova) was so great even that (she) was full; yea, (she) was swallowed up in the joy of (her) God, even to the exhausting of (her) strength; ...
Now was not this exceeding joy? Behold, this is joy which none receiveth save it be the truly penitent and humble seeker of happiness.
One of the most comforting beliefs in the LDS church is that families can live together FOREVER!! If you are sealed in the temple, and stay faithful to each other and to God then you can be together even after you die.
These are a few stories about people who have found comfort, and grown through this belief:
While
Catherine and Kimball Herrod and their four young children, ages nine
months to seven years, were driving home from a family dinner at their
grandparents’ place, a double wheel from a huge semitruck on the
opposite side of the freeway suddenly sprang loose, flew across the
median, and pounded into the driver’s side of the family van. Kimball,
the driver, husband, and father, was severely injured and unconscious.
Catherine somehow guided the car to the shoulder and called for
emergency help. While she watched the paramedics work on her husband and
two older children, she sat in a police car with her two little ones on
her lap and prayed vocally, “Heavenly Father, we know that Thou hast
the power to heal Kimball if it is Thy will, but if not, we have faith
that somehow Thou wilt sustain us through this.” Kimball was
life-flighted to the hospital, but he did not make it there alive.
After
the children were treated for cuts, bruises, and other minor injuries,
dismissed from the hospital, and safely home in bed, Catherine returned
to the hospital to say her final earthly good-bye to her husband. As
difficult as it was, she declared to her parents, who were with her, “I
know that Kimball and I are sealed by our temple covenants, and we will
be together again someday.” In the most terrible trial of a young
mother’s life, her covenants sustained her.
At
the funeral, we were reminded of the power of covenants to sustain us
in moments of distress and grief. As we joined in the closing song, we
all heard above the crowd the voice of Taylor, the five-year-old son,
loudly singing, “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Hymns, no.
300). It was joyous for the congregation to know that a child had been
taught of the sealing covenants that would bind him to his father and
mother. --Susan B Tanner (former YW's president)
I know that we can live forever with our families. I know that I can be with my little brother again, and remember him, know him, and love him.
I had the chance to attend a "Best of EFY" meeting a year or so ago, and one of the speakers was Brad Wilcox. He talked about how the church is different from other churches. He help us remember by spelling the word GOSPEL, like so: Godhead Only True Church Spirit Priesthood Everyone Living Prophets
Godhead: We know that Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are separate beings. (examples of this in the Bible can be found in Acts 7:55-56, and Jesus' Baptism) We also know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have physical bodies.
This was revealed in the latterdays through Joseph Smith's 1st Vision.
Some people argue that Joseph Smith just lied about the first vision. Well, let me quote The Trickster's Queen "If I was going to lie to you, I'd want to to believe me." Back then, the idea that the godhead was made up of 3 SEPARATE beings was unheard of! So why would Joseph try to get people to believe him with something as outrageous as that?
Others say that he wasn't lying, he was just crazy, and having a hallucination. Bro. Wilcox shared that when people have hallucinations they are things that they know about. ie, If you've never seen an elephant you can't imagine you see one/have a hallucination about one, because you don't know what it looks like.
Only True Church: There can only be one true church. Because all of the churches say different things. Like it says in "Fiddler on the Roof": "You are also right"(-Tevye) "He's right? and he's right? They can't both be right." "You are also right" :)
How can you tell which church is true? That is what Joseph Smith wanted to know. That is why he went to the Sacred Grove and prayed to Heavenly Father to know. I'm sure he didn't expect to actually SEE God and Jesus Christ, but he did, and they told him that none of the churches on earth were true. Later, others appeared to Joseph Smith, and helped him organize Christ's church on the earth.
The way that YOU can find out is the same way: pray. I suggest that you read the Book of Mormon. It is really an amazing book. It has comforting words, it has battles, and people dying for the truth. If you read it and pray about it, I'm sure that you will feel the Spirit telling you that it is true.
Spirit: Soon after you are baptized a member of the church, you are Confirmed-- given the gift of the Holy Ghost (or the Holy Spirit, whatever you want to call it), who will guide you and comfort you through life. You can still feel it, even if you aren't a member. But this is how Brad Wilcox described the difference: When you feel the spirit, it's like blowing up a balloon, you feel full and happy. If you haven't been confirmed, the air just wooshes right back out. But if you HAVE been confirmed, then it's like tying th knot on the balloon.
Priesthood: The LDS church has the Priesthood authority. Think about this situation Bro Wilcox gave: Suppose you were driving down the road, and you saw a kid on a bike. The kid 'pulled you over' and said "You were speeding, here's a ticket." Would you think the kid was serious? (say "no") Why not? Because the kid doesn't have the authority to pull you over and give you a ticket! That's what it's like with the priesthood. The priesthood is the right for all worthy men on earth to act for Heavenly Father. In the church we have the Aaronic Priesthood, which is given to male members at 12 yrs. and the Melchezidek Priesthood, which is given when boys turn 18.
Here are a couple videos that have to do with the priesthood:
"The Power of God:
African-Americans/Africans are able to get the priesthood.
Everyone: Once there were a couple of missionaries. They were spreading the truth of the gospel. They met a woman one day, and started to talk to her. She asked them "So you claim that your church is for everyone?" "Yes" the missionaries said. "Well, what about the people who have died? How do you bring your gospel to them?" the woman asked "I've asked this question of many religious leaders, and not one has answered me. But when someone DOES answer it, I'll know their church is true." The missionaries were overjoyed "We do take our gospel to the dead!" and they explained how in our temples, we do saving ordinances (like baptism) for those who have died, and then the spirits of those people can choose whether or not to accept the gospel. This woman was sooooo happy to finally find the true gospel, and was baptized, and one day, she probably went herself into a temple to do some saving ordinances.
Living Prophets: Here is a story that demonstrates the importance of having living prophets.
"In January of 1975, on a dark,
rainy night in Tasmania, a 7,300–ton barge smashed into two piers of the
Tasman Bridge, which connects Hobart, Tasmania, with its eastern
suburbs across the bay. Three spans of the bridge collapsed. An
Australian family by the name of Ling were driving across the bridge
when suddenly the bridge lights went out. Just then a speeding car
passed them and disappeared before their very eyes. Murray Ling 'slammed
on his brakes and skidded to a stop, one yard from the edge of a black
void' (Stephen Johnson, "Over the Edge!" Reader's Digest, Nov. 1977, 128).
"Murray got his family out of the car and then began warning oncoming
traffic of the disaster ahead. As he frantically waved his arms, to his
horror, a car 'swerved around him and plummeted into the abyss' (p.
128). A second car barely stopped in time, but a third car showed no
sign of slowing down and crashed into the Lings' car at the edge of the
bridge.
"Suddenly a loaded bus headed toward Murray, ignoring his waving
arms. In desperation, risking his very life, he 'ran alongside the
driver's window. "There's a span missing," he yelled' (p. 129). The bus
swerved just in time and came to a halt against the railing. Dozens of
lives had been saved.
"I am grateful for these Brethren whom we sustain as prophets, seers,
and revelators who forewarn us of bridges not to be crossed"(Spencer J. Condie)
The scriptures tell us that God is unchangeable. To finish up with prophets, this is a poem Sophie wrote expressing appreciation to the prophets of today:
What have the prophets done for me? They have spoken for God. All of my questions they're answering 'Bout how to hold on the rod.
I wonder "What's truth? And how do I know? When I find it what's it like?" Why look, here's a talk that perfectly shows Everything. Now I can hike.
But, I think I'm worthless. I'm not important. Why should anybody like me. But then I read stories, and words of a chant. And now I know who I'm to be!
If you should ask what the prophets have done, I will just smile and say. They've spoken for God, and, with the sun Have helped me to start a new day. -Sophie
Luke 9:23 ¶And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
Following are some stories of people who have made sacrifices for what they knew was right. They are examples to people today that if you sacrifice for the right reasons, you will be blessed.
Elder Gordon B. Hinckley spoke of meeting a young naval officer from
Asia. The officer had not been a Christian, but during training in the
United States, he had learned about the Church and was baptized. He was
now preparing to return to his native land.
“President Hinckley asked the officer: ‘Your people are not
Christians. … What will happen when you return home a Christian and,
more particularly, a Mormon Christian?’
“The officer’s face clouded, and he replied: ‘My family will be
disappointed. … As for my future and my career, … all opportunity [may]
be foreclosed against me.’
“President Hinckley asked, ‘Are you willing to pay so great a price for the gospel?’
“With his dark eyes moistened by tears, he answered with a question: ‘It’s true, isn’t it?’
“President Hinckley responded, ‘Yes, it’s true.’
“To which the officer replied, ‘Then what else matters?’
In the course of constructing (the) tabernacle, the local brethren
ordered the glass for the windows from New York and had it shipped
around the cape to California. But a bill of $800 was due and payable
before the panes could be picked up and delivered to St. George. Brother
David H. Cannon, later to preside over the St. George Temple being
built at the same time, was charged with the responsibility of raising
the needed funds. After painstaking effort, the entire community, giving
virtually everything they had to these two monumental building
projects, had been able to come up with only $200 cash. On sheer faith
Brother Cannon committed a team of freighters to prepare to leave for
California to get the glass. He continued to pray that the enormous
balance of $600 would somehow be forthcoming before their departure.
Living in nearby Washington, Utah, was Peter Neilson, a Danish
immigrant who had been saving for years to add on to his modest two-room
adobe home. On the eve of the freighters' departure for California,
Peter spent a sleepless night in that tiny little house. He thought of
his conversion in far-off Denmark and his subsequent gathering with the
Saints in America. After coming west he had settled and struggled to
make a living in Sanpete. And then, just as some prosperity seemed
imminent there, he answered the call to uproot and go to the Cotton
Mission, bolstering the pathetic and sagging efforts of the
alkali-soiled, malaria-plagued, flood-bedeviled settlers of Dixie. As he
lay in bed that night contemplating his years in the Church, he weighed
the sacrifices asked of him against the wonderful blessings he had
received. Somewhere in those private hours he made a decision.
Some say it was a dream, others say an impression, still others
simply a call to duty. However the direction came, Peter Neilson arose
before dawn on the morning the teams were to leave for California. With
only a candle and the light of the gospel to aid him, Peter brought out
of a secret hiding place $600 in gold coins--half eagles, eagles, and
double eagles. His wife, Karen, aroused by the predawn bustling, asked
why he was up so early. He said only that he had to walk quickly the
seven miles to St. George.
As the first light of morning fell on the beautiful red cliffs of
southern Utah, a knock came at David H. Cannon's door. There stood Peter
Neilson, holding a red bandanna which sagged under the weight it
carried. "Good morning, David," said Peter. "I hope I am not too late.
You will know what to do with this money."
With that he turned on his heel and retraced his steps back to
Washington, back to a faithful and unquestioning wife, and back to a
small two-room adobe house that remained just two rooms for the rest of
his life.
This story is a favorite of mine, because I can totally relate to it. I love playing the violin, and would have the hardest time making this sacrifice.
A story written by Karen Nolen, which
appeared in the New Era in 1974, tells of a Benjamin Landart who, in
1888, was 15 years old and an accomplished violinist. Living on a farm
in northern Utah with his mother and seven brothers and sisters was
sometimes a challenge to Benjamin, as he had less time than he would
have liked to play his violin. Occasionally his mother would lock up the
violin until he had his farm chores done, so great was the temptation
for Benjamin to play it.In late 1892 Benjamin was asked to
travel to Salt Lake to audition for a place with the territorial
orchestra. For him, this was a dream come true. After several weeks of
practicing and prayers, he went to Salt Lake in March of 1893 for the
much anticipated audition. When he heard Benjamin play, the conductor, a
Mr. Dean, told Benjamin he was the most accomplished violinist he had
heard west of Denver. He was told to report to Denver for rehearsals in
the fall and learned that he would be earning enough to keep himself,
with some left over to send home.A week after Benjamin received the good
news, however, his bishop called him into his office and asked if he
couldnt put off playing with the orchestra for a couple of years. He
told Benjamin that before he started earning money there was something
he owed the Lord. He then asked Benjamin to accept a mission call.
Benjamin
felt that giving up his chance to play in the territorial orchestra
would be almost more than he could bear, but he also knew what his
decision should be. He promised the bishop that if there were any way to
raise the money for him to serve, he would accept the call.
When Benjamin told his mother about the
call, she was overjoyed. She told him that his father had always wanted
to serve a mission but had been killed before that opportunity had come
to him. However, when they discussed the financing of the mission, her
face clouded over. Benjamin told her he would not allow her to sell any
more of their land. She studied his face for a moment and then said,
Ben, there is a way we can raise the money. This family [has] one thing
that is of great enough value to send you on your mission. You will have
to sell your violin. Ten days later, on March 23, 1893,
Benjamin wrote in his journal: I awoke this morning and took my violin
from its case. All day long I played the music I love. In the evening
when the light grew dim and I could see to play no longer, I placed the
instrument in its case. It will be enough. Tomorrow I leave [for my
mission]. Forty-five years later, on June 23,
1938, Benjamin wrote in his journal: The greatest decision I ever made
in my life was to give up something I dearly loved to the God I loved
even more. He has never forgotten me for it.
I love this talk. Elder Holland really helps the scriptures become real to me.
I know that if we truly love God, nothing else will matter to us. We will pray to have His guidance, and we will act for Him and with Him in everything we do.
I say this in the name of Jesus Christ.
Amen
A story is told that during the bombing of a city in World War II, a large statue of Jesus Christ
was severely damaged. When the townspeople found the statue among the
rubble, they mourned because it had been a beloved symbol of their faith
and of God’s presence in their lives.
Experts were able to repair most of the statue, but its hands had
been damaged so severely that they could not be restored. Some suggested
that they hire a sculptor to make new hands, but others wanted to leave
it as it was—a permanent reminder of the tragedy of war. Ultimately,
the statue remained without hands. However, the people of the city added
on the base of the statue of Jesus Christ a sign with these words: “You are my hands.” (-told by Elder Uchtdorf)
Think about that. "You are My Hands"
Elder Uchtdorf continued "When I think of the Savior,
I often picture Him with hands outstretched, reaching out to comfort,
heal, bless, and love. And He always talked with, never down to, people. He loved the humble and the meek and walked among them, ministering to them and offering hope and salvation.
That is what He did during His mortal life; it is what He would be
doing if He were living among us today; and it is what we should be
doing as His disciples and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints.
On this beautiful Easter morning, our thoughts and hearts are drawn to Him—the Hope of Israel and the Light of the World.
As we emulate His perfect example, our hands can become His hands; our eyes, His eyes; our heart, His heart."
How can you be His hands? You can comfort people, laugh with someone, help someone up.
Here is a "Karma" video, showing people doing things that the Savior would do (no matter how small it was), and the effects it had:
My mom is an amazing person. She listens to the spirit, and if it whispers that she should call someone, or make an extra batch of rolls to give to someone else, she does it. And other people have told her (or told me) how much she's done for them. Even if it was something super small, like a quick chat or call, it made a difference to them.
To end, this is a video about a girl who recieved help, and how she helped others:
We are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves us anad we love Him. We will "stand as witnesses of God at alltimes, and in all things, and in all places"* as we strive to livethe YW values, which are Faith, Divine Nature, Individual Worth, Knowledge, Choice and Accountibility, Good Works, Integrity, and Virtue. We believe as we come to accept and act upon these values we will be prepared to strengthen home and family, make and keep sacred covenants, recieve the ordinances of the temple, and enjoy the blessings of exaltation. (*Mosiah 18:9)
This is the YW's Theme, that the most LDS Young Women say before their classes. It is a very powerful thing. Thomas S Monson said "My young friends, believe in the words you say each week as you recite
the Young Women theme. Think about the meaning of those words. There is truth there. Strive always to live the values which are set forth. ... These are
beautiful gospel truths, and by following them, you will be happier
throughout your life here and hereafter than you will be if you
disregard them"
I think that this theme can be a great tool for teenage girls, as well as adult women. It boosts your esteem (We are Daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves us...) It tells us how to show our love for him (We will stand as witnesses of God... as we strive to live (with) Faith, Divine Nature, Individual Worth, Knowledge, Choice and Accountibility, Good Works, Integrity, and Virtue.) And it tells you how He'll bless you for showing your love for Him (we will be prepared to strengthen home and family, make and keep sacred covenants, recieve the ordinances of the temple, and enjoy the blessings of exaltation.)
When young women memorize this, I think that they don't think about it very much. I think that we take it for granted. But it is an AMAZING thing that we are saying!
Here is a video showing a girl who lives this theme:
I believe that the YW's theme can help us through life, and can serve as a map for an easier road.
The Welshman said
Huck had good spots in him, and the widow said:
"You can depend
on it. That's the Lord's mark. He don't leave it off. He never does. Puts it
somewhere on every creature that comes from his hands."
That is a quote from The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. It really struck me. Everyone has a little spark in them- a little Light of Christ.
Some people have had that light smothered, and some have put it out themselves. Some people are running low on light. What do you do if you're one of these people? You should seek Christ (it's His light, after all), and seek peoplewho have the light.
This light can guide you, and can help you have comfort and warmth in a storm.
We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul-- we believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, we seek after these things.
This is the longest article of faith, and it is one of my favorites.
There was an article in the New Era (an LDS Youth magazine :)) that has some words from prophets and other church leaders about some of the key words/phrases:
We Believe
“[This]
article of our faith is one of the basic declarations of our theology.
We ought to reflect on it again and again. Then, whenever we might be
tempted to do anything shoddy or dishonest or immoral, there would come
into our minds with some force this great, all-encompassing statement of
the ethics of our behavior.”
President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008), “Fear Not to Do Good,” Ensign, Jan. 2000, 2.
Chaste
“Human
sexuality is more than a physical matter. Chastity and fidelity begin in
the spirit, not in the body. They are an expression of the condition of
our spirit. When our spirit is in tune with godly thinking and gospel
truths, we want to live high standards, and our actions reflect that
desire. Thus, chastity and fidelity are more than sexual abstinence
before marriage and sexual fidelity after marriage. They express the
quality of our spiritual life.”
Terrance D. Olson, “Truths of Moral Purity,” Ensign, Oct. 1998, 43.
To be benevolent is to be kind and giving, in a word—to do good. During His ministry Jesus Christ “went about doing good, … for God was with him” (Acts 10:38). As you live your life with benevolence, God will strengthen and uplift you.
Seek after These Things
Read the “Entertainment and Media” section in For the Strength of Youth
(page 17). Is the entertainment you choose consistent with these
standards and with the thirteenth article of faith? Consider writing in
your journal about how you have been blessed by making good media
choices.
Virtuous
“Virtue ‘is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards’ (Preach My Gospel,
118). It encompasses chastity and moral purity. Virtue begins in the
heart and in the mind. … It is the accumulation of thousands of small
decisions and actions. … Virtuous women and men possess a quiet dignity
and inner strength. They are confident because they are worthy to
receive and be guided by the Holy Ghost.”
Elaine S. Dalton, Young Women general president, “A Return to Virtue,” Ensign, Nov. 2008, 78–80
I think that these are excellent thoughts about this article.
Here are a couple of other connections I had:
Admonition of Paul
When it refers to the 'admonition of Paul' it's talking about this scripture: Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are atrue, whatsoever things arebhonest, whatsoever things arecjust, whatsoever things aredpure, whatsoever things areelovely, fwhatsoever things are of good report; if there be any gvirtue, and if there be any praise, hthink on these things. (KJV)
Honesty
And that is the last article of faith. The last statement that sums up the belief of us Latter-Day Saints.
I hope this has helped with understanding the Articles of Faith, and what Mormons believe in and helped make them seem real, instead of just words on a screen.
Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us acheerfullybdo all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the csalvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed. But they that await upon the Lord shall brenewtheircstrength; they shall mount up with wings as deagles; they shall erun, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (D&C 123:17/ Isaiah 40:31)
Why would we have wings like eagles? Here is a connection someone shared with me:
Did you know that an eagle knows when a storm is approaching long before it breaks?
The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it. The eagle does not escape the storm, it simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm. When the storms of life come upon us – and all of us will experience them – we can rise above them by setting our minds and belief toward God. The storms of life do not have to overpower us. We can allow God’s power to lift us above them. God enables us to ride the winds of the storm that brings sickness, tragedy, failure, and disappointment in our lives. We CAN soar above the storm. Remember it’s not the burdens of life that weigh us down – it’s how we handle them.
There is a little video about this called "Mountains to Climb":
There is also a song called "Mountains to Climb", it is an awesome song! Here is a link to the Youth Music where is is found. (to find it more easily, narrow the search to 2013 Strength of Youth Album, it should be in the middle).
Here a couple of thoughts I found on a friend's blog:
This one is very important (but then again, they all are :)) "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law"
Many of the YM in the church, (at least in the US) do the Boy Scouts program-- including Citizenship in the World/Nation/Community (I think those are the ones :S)
During the early days of the Church, Joseph Smith was imprisoned in Liberty Jail, Missouri. Why? Because he was the leader of the Mormons.
Wait! doesn't the Constitution give us the right to worship whatever religion we want to? Yes it does.
Here is a section of the article in the Ensign (a LDS adult magazine):
It began in 1839. The Prophet Joseph Smith,
finally free after more than four months of imprisonment in Liberty,
Missouri, had settled in Illinois, and the Saints had begun building
what would become the city of Nauvoo. With the Missouri persecutions
fresh in their minds, the Saints sought redress for the grievances they
had suffered, but they were not successful.1
Frustrated,
Joseph determined to seek help from the federal government. ...
Joseph
Smith left Nauvoo for Washington, D.C., with Sidney Rigdon, Elias
Higbee, and Orrin Porter Rockwell in a two-horse carriage “to lay before
the Congress of the United States, the grievances of the Saints while
in Missouri.”2 Joseph and Judge Higbee met with President Martin Van Buren on
November 29, 1839. At first Van Buren was inconsiderate of the Prophet’s
plea. However, as the discussion progressed, the president promised to
reconsider his position and “felt to sympathize with [the Mormons], on
account of [their] sufferings.”3
After
their visit with President Van Buren, the Prophet and Elias Higbee
stayed two months in the East, trying to gain support from senators and
representatives who might be willing to espouse their cause.4 They met with President Van Buren again in February 1840.5 By this time, Van Buren had lost any sympathetic feelings he
might have had for the Church. According to the Prophet, the president
treated them rudely and declared: “Gentlemen, your cause is just, but I
can do nothing for you. … If I take up for you I shall lose the vote of
Missouri.”
Now, this might have nothing to do with the 12th Article of Faith, but I think that it ties in, if you think about it.
To finish, here is a way that it was re-stated in a "Friend" (a LDS Children's magazine): We believe it is right to follow the leaders and obey the laws of the
country and city where we live. It is important to Heavenly Father that
we are good citizens.
I just read this scripture: "He is the light and the life of the world; yeah a light that is endles, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life that is endless, that there can be no more death." (Mosiah 16:9)
For some reason, I'd never noticed this scripture before(a good reason to read your scriptures multiple times :)).
I just wanted to share it really quickly, because it is awesome, and gives insight to what the Savior's roles are.
As I was reading my scriptures this morning, I read the story of Korihor, the anti-Christ in the Book of Mormon.
Korihor goes around preaching that there isn't a God, and that the leaders of the church are ust lying to the people to have fun, and that they are taking the money of the people and using it to buy rich stuff, basically.
Well, some of the people take Korihor, and bring him to the chief judge, where Korihor criticizes him, too. The cheif judge sees that Korihor is determined to be right, and so he send him to Alma. Alma bears his testimony, and tells Korihor that he is wrong, and that there is a God.
Korihor demands a sign, and Alma says that if God will send a sign, "let it be that you are struck dumb." Sure enough, the next time Korihor opens his mouth, he can't talk.
He then realizes his error, and writes that he is sorry, that the devil appeared to him like an angel, and told him all the things that he had preached.
Then he goes off, and begs for food. He eventually gets trampled by some people.
The last verse in the chapter says this: "60 And thus we see the end of him who aperverteth the ways of the Lord; and thus we see that the devil will not bsupport his children at the last day, but doth speedily drag them down to chell." (Alma 30:60)
I saw a skit about this once, when 'Dorothy' was walking down the 'yellow-brick road', and some bad people came up to her, and got her to go off of the road. Then they left her, and she was lost and alone. (then some REAL friends come and help her, but that isn't applicable to this).
The devil doesn't want us to be happy. He is jealous of our bodies, and want us to misuse them. He wants us to be miserable. So following him won't get us anywhere except for to misery.
I recently finished reading "The Screwtape Letters" and there are some really interesting insights in there. It's a book full of letters from one devil (Screwtape) to another. He talks a lot about how the devils are just trying to tell you lies, and there is a logical way to think your way out of it, but they try to keep your mind away from that logic. He also talks about how Heavenly Father loves us, and actually wants us to be happy. But the devils just want you to come down to where they are. They only want your misery.
So RESIST! You are mightier then the devil!
I'm going to end with this scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation ataken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be btempted above that ye are able; but will with the ctemptation also make a way to descape, that ye may be able to ebearit
I don't know about eveyone else out there, but sometimes I have a hard time feeling like I'm important, and that I matter.
One quote that always helps boost my self-confidence, is this one, from Elder Holland (Oct, 2005 "To the Young Women"):
"You can’t live your life worrying that the world is staring at you.
When you let people’s opinions make you self-conscious you give away
your power. … The key to feeling [confident] is to always listen to your
inner self—[the real you.]” And in the kingdom of God, the real you is “more precious than rubies."
(note: rubies are among the 4 most precious stones)
Here's another one, talking about how we are ALL important to God:
While we may look at the vast expanse of the universe and say, ‘What
is man in comparison to the glory of creation?’ God Himself said we are
the reason He created the universe! His work and glory—the purpose for
this magnificent universe—is to save and exalt mankind (see Moses
1:38–39). … Our Heavenly Father created the universe that we might reach
our potential as His sons and daughters.
“This is a paradox of man: compared to God, man is nothing; yet we
are everything to God. While against the backdrop of infinite creation
we may appear to be nothing, we have a spark of eternal fire burning
within our breast. We have the incomprehensible promise of
exaltation—worlds without end—within our grasp. And it is God’s great
desire to help us reach it.
There is another quote that says "Be yourself, everyone else is taken" :)
I think that people really want to know what you're like. They don't want you to pretend. Of course, some people just want you to be what they want you to be, but those people aren't worth being around, unless you can still be strong, and be yourself.
This poem was supposedly written by an African Paster before he was martyred.
I memorized it once, and it is AMAZING!
I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed.The dye has been cast.I have stepped over the line.The decision has been made;I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.I won’t look back, let up, slow down, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, andmy future is secure.I’m finished and done with low living,small planning, smooth knees,Colorless dreams, tinted visions, worldly talking,cheap giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need pre-eminence, positions,promotions, plaudits, or popularity.I don’t have to be right, first, recognized, praised,regarded, or rewarded. I now live by Faith, lean on His presence,walk with patience.I am uplifted by prayer, and labor with power.My face is set, my gait is fast,my goal is heaven.My road is narrow, my way is rough,my companions few, my Guide is reliable,my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured,lured away, divided or delayed.I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice,hesitate in the presence of the adversary,negotiate at the table with the enemy,ponder at the pool of popularity,or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won’t give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayedup, stored up, and paid up for the cause of Christ. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till allknow, and work till He stops me. And when He returns for His Own, He will have no problemrecognizing me. My Banner will be clear. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for itis the power of GOD unto Salvation to every onethat believeth…” Romans 1:16.
We believe all that God has revealed, all that he does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the kingdom of God.
This is one of my favorite Articles of Faith (for memorizing, that is :)).
One repeated word is "revelation", or the equivalent thereof. The scriptural definition of "Revelation" is communication from God to His children. This guidance comes through
various channels according to the needs and circumstances of
individuals, families, and the Church as a whole. When the Lord reveals
His will to the Church, He speaks through His prophet. According to our faithfulness, we can receive revelation to help us with
our specific personal needs, responsibilities, and questions and to
help us strengthen our testimony. (True to the Faith; Revelation)
So we believe all He HAS. I think that this is the scriptures. The Bible and the Book of Mormon. We believe in them, and that they come from God.
All that He does NOW. This is an interesting comcept. And sometimes hard for other faiths to grasp. God still reveals things today. Just like the above definition says, when God wants to speak to His church, He speaks through the prophet.
When you think about it, God isn't a changeable God (*), and He isn't a respecter of persons (*). So why wouldn't He give revelations always?
God's Words... Never Cease
Elder Holland
All that He will YET. This means that God will continue to speak to us. And we have decided before hand to believe what He will say.
God is omniscience. He is all-knowing. He knows what's going to happen, and what's happening right now. His revelations can give us counsel TODAY of what we should do to get the best FUTURE experiences.
I know Jesus loves you.
Ask "Really? How do you?"
I say, I feel Him by me
I feel His love inside me
Always here to guide me
Sending love to you.
Jesus suffered for you.
He sweat blood just for you.
As He kneeled, crying
Loving you, and buying
Your soul, I'm not lying,
From Satan, who wants you.
Jesus. Now He haves you.
But, He doesn't cage you
The devil. He would cage me.
He would try to change me Make me a deranged me.
But Jesus will free you.
That is why I told you
I know Jesus loves you.
Because He really does.
He wants you. Why? Because
He knows how it was
To be a sinner, too.
He knows to be happy
You have to go the right way
You just have to find
And keep the place in mind
Of where you want to bind.
In cage? or on wings of light?
This is and awesome scripture that I've been trying to memorize. It's James 2:17, and it goes something like this: Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
What does that mean? What is faith? Why do we need that? Why do we need to act on it? Isn't just believing enough? Doesn't God know our hearts?
Well, for starters you have to have faith. Faith is belief is something, even if you can't see it, if it is true (just because we can't see unicorns doesn't mean they're true, but that's a personal decision-- to believe in unicorns, that is :)).
If you don't have faith in God or Jesus Christ, then you are... stuck. You just can't move forward. So first off, you gotta have faith.
But, even having faith might not be enough. Because faith needs works, faith needs action! (That could be a cheer :).)
If you believe in God, then follow God! Do what He wants you to do! 'Cause if you don't, that's like saying that you DON'T have faith in Him.
Yes, He can see your heart, and He knows your intentions; but no one else can! And He said that you should be a Light to the World. The only way to do that is to live your faith, and live your beliefs.
There's a proverb that says "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions." Well, I don't want to travel down that road, so I'd better get busy.
We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
These gifts are some of the gifts of the Spirit. The gifts of the Spirit come in many forms, and are part of your character. There are some examples in this article of faith. Here are some others (from 1 Corinthians 12 KJV) Wisdom Knowledge Faith Working of Miracles Discerning of Spirits
Here are more, from D&C 46 To know Jesus Christ is the Son of God To believe the words of the scriptures To know differences in administration (I'm not sure what this one means, but maybe you do :)) Have faith to be healed
D&C 46 also says that (11) All have not every agift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.
12 To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby.
So you won't have every gift, but you do have one or more.
Elder Ashton mentioned a few more:
Let me mention a few gifts that
are not always evident or noteworthy but that are very important . . . :
the gift of asking; the gift of listening; the gift of hearing and
using a still, small voice; the gift of being able to weep; the gift of
avoiding contention; the gift of being agreeable; the gift of avoiding
vain repetition; the gift of seeking that which is righteous; the gift
of not passing judgment; the gift of looking to God for guidance; the
gift of being a disciple; the gift of caring for others; the gift of
being able to ponder; the gift of offering prayer; the gift of bearing a
mighty testimony; and the gift of receiving the Holy Ghost --Ashton
What are your gifts? You can probably work on some. Just because you don't have one doesn't mean you can't ever have it.
I really like these gifts because there are so many, and they're so unusual, and specific.
1) This blog does not have doctrine in it. Just because we say something doesn't mean that it is a belief of ALL the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints (the LDS church).
2) We think that there are other awesome churches out there. We think that there are people who really desire to know God, and to do good. But there is only (and can only be) one true church, and that is the LDS church.
People have said: "Oh, mormons. Aren't those the people who want to convert everyone?" Not neccessarily. We just want people to be happy. We have both felt the happiness that comes when you follow God's commandments. It's like the scripture says: "Now the joy of (your name here) was so great even that s/he was full; yea, s/he was swallowed up in the joy of her/his God, even to the exhausting
of her/his strength; ...
Now was not this exceeding joy? Behold, this is joy which none receiveth
save it be the truly penitent and humble seeker of happiness" (Alma 27:17-18)
