This coming weekend is a very special one to me and other members of my faith. In April and October, General Conference, consisting of four general sessions, is broadcast from Salt Lake City, UT to areas all around the world. This is a particularly special time as we have the opportunity to hear from general leaders of our church, including President Thomas S. Monson and members of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles.
It is such a time of spiritual rejuvenation for me as I listen to their inspired talks. I enjoy taking notes as I listen to help me remember the things that stand out to me and to help me pay better attention. I also enjoy re-reading the talks given when they become available online. As I make the effort to listen to as much of General Conference as I can, and with the proper preparation, I receive comfort and guidance through the course of the four conference sessions.
Perhaps one of my favorite parts about conference is the opportunity to sustain the general leaders of the church in their callings. The Living Prophets class I'm currently taking has greatly strengthened my knowledge and testimony of the divine callings of prophet, seer, and revelator. I know that the men in these positions today, the ones who will be speaking to the church and the rest of the world this coming weekend, have the same calling and authority as the prophets in the Old and New Testaments. As much as I love the scriptures, I can't imagine how I would get through some of the experiences I have had without the guidance of living leaders. I know that Jesus Christ works through his servants presently on the earth and that I can look to them for guidance just as I look to the biblical servants of the Lord.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Peaceful moments
There are so many things on my mind tonight, I'm not sure where to begin.
Most importantly however, I want to bear testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for the knowledge I have and the ways in which my life is blessed daily. I know that prayer works. I know God hears us and that we are known and loved. I know He answers our prayers, though not always how we expect. I know that there is a purpose to our lives. Life does not end with death, families truly can be forever, and that is how God intends it to be. I know that we can be an instrument in God's hands. I see the people who influence me every day, who teach me truths, lift me up, and answer my prayers. I know that God is working through them to bless my life. I pray that I am open to the opportunities I have to bless those around me and unknowingly answer their prayers.
I had a discussion with two of my roommates tonight, which helped me to come to some conclusions regarding a few things. It was one of those times when certain things I was told rang true in my heart. I love those special moments of peace when I hear or read something, and then that feeling comes that says "this is right." I hold on to those moments.
Most importantly however, I want to bear testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for the knowledge I have and the ways in which my life is blessed daily. I know that prayer works. I know God hears us and that we are known and loved. I know He answers our prayers, though not always how we expect. I know that there is a purpose to our lives. Life does not end with death, families truly can be forever, and that is how God intends it to be. I know that we can be an instrument in God's hands. I see the people who influence me every day, who teach me truths, lift me up, and answer my prayers. I know that God is working through them to bless my life. I pray that I am open to the opportunities I have to bless those around me and unknowingly answer their prayers.
I had a discussion with two of my roommates tonight, which helped me to come to some conclusions regarding a few things. It was one of those times when certain things I was told rang true in my heart. I love those special moments of peace when I hear or read something, and then that feeling comes that says "this is right." I hold on to those moments.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Service
This past week was not what I expected. One of my best friends has struggled with getting sick for quite awhile, but last Tuesday he became more sick than ever before. I ended up spending over 5 hours in the hospital with him that night until I finally took him home around 2am. I spent the rest of my week doing my best to spend as much free time as I could over at his apartment, helping him with whatever he needed. I didn't get as much sleep as I might normally have hoped for and I certainly spent most of my time worried about him, taking little thought for what I needed. I didn't do this because he asked, but because I wanted to...it was because of love.
I mention this for how it has helped me to grow closer to the Lord over the past several days. There is something very special about serving someone for no reason, but that you love them and want to make their life easier and happier. Christ's entire life was spent this way, in service. Though of course I can hardly compare the service I render to that of Christ's, I know that we become more like him as we practice his teachings. The interesting thing about taking time to serve someone else is suddenly I found other people serving me. It is such a beautiful chain reaction to see people taking care of people...on every end. I am certainly blessed to be surrounded by people so willing to serve and emulate Christ.
Tonight as I read in the Gospel of John, I was once again reminded of how Christ served and blessed those around him. I hope that I can always remember him and remember his example, that I might reach out to those I don't even know and continue to find ways to serve. I also must remember to be grateful to those who touch my life through service, each and every day.
I mention this for how it has helped me to grow closer to the Lord over the past several days. There is something very special about serving someone for no reason, but that you love them and want to make their life easier and happier. Christ's entire life was spent this way, in service. Though of course I can hardly compare the service I render to that of Christ's, I know that we become more like him as we practice his teachings. The interesting thing about taking time to serve someone else is suddenly I found other people serving me. It is such a beautiful chain reaction to see people taking care of people...on every end. I am certainly blessed to be surrounded by people so willing to serve and emulate Christ.
Tonight as I read in the Gospel of John, I was once again reminded of how Christ served and blessed those around him. I hope that I can always remember him and remember his example, that I might reach out to those I don't even know and continue to find ways to serve. I also must remember to be grateful to those who touch my life through service, each and every day.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Prophets and Apostles
It is so amazing to know that so many things found in the New Testament can be found today, if only you know where to look. I know that we have a prophet of God once again on the earth and that he is the Lord's mouthpiece. In my Living Prophets class we've started studying the biographies and recent conference addresses of the current First Presidency and Quorum of the 12 Apostles. I truly believe that the current 12 apostles have the same power and authority as did the apostles in the New Testament. It's a neat thing to read about ancient prophets and apostles in the New Testament, while also studying the living prophets and apostles on the earth today. As I learn more about them my love and appreciation for them grows. Of course, they are mortal men, with faults and weaknesses just like the rest of us, but I also know that they are men of God. I know that I can learn and draw closer to God from listening to their current day messages, as I can reading the scriptures. With General Conference approaching, I hope I can value the opportunity I have to listen to these leaders as I would if I could listen to Matthew or Peter. I know that part of valuing this opportunity is being prepared...being prepared to receive inspiration and answers, as well as being physically prepared to stay awake and pay attention! I'm so excited for this semi-annual feast upon things of the Spirit.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
The temple
I recently had the opportunity to go through the Draper Temple during their open house. A temple open house is a period of time before it is dedicated when tours are given and everyone is invited to go walk through. After it is dedicated, only worthy members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with a current temple recommend are allowed inside. It is a priceless opportunity to see the magnificent rooms and feel the peace within the walls of the temple. When I went, it was a particularly special opportunity because my grandparents were with me. My grandma works in another temple, but my grandpa has never been inside.
The more I learn and understand about ancient Judaism and scriptural history, the more sacred and precious the temple seems. Temples are not a new thing, but it is certainly a blessing to have so many, so close by. It is obvious that temples are sacred. They are a special place where we can go to learn and feel peace and draw closer to God. Many people have dedicated their lives to working in temples, protecting them, and studying them. I feel a kinship with people of many different faiths and particularly those that lived in days gone by, for the common bond we feel towards temples of the Lord. I know I am not alone in loving the temple and looking forward to the day when I can go inside often to partake of the blessings received there. I hope I can strive each day to never take the temple for granted, especially while I live so close to so many.
The more I learn and understand about ancient Judaism and scriptural history, the more sacred and precious the temple seems. Temples are not a new thing, but it is certainly a blessing to have so many, so close by. It is obvious that temples are sacred. They are a special place where we can go to learn and feel peace and draw closer to God. Many people have dedicated their lives to working in temples, protecting them, and studying them. I feel a kinship with people of many different faiths and particularly those that lived in days gone by, for the common bond we feel towards temples of the Lord. I know I am not alone in loving the temple and looking forward to the day when I can go inside often to partake of the blessings received there. I hope I can strive each day to never take the temple for granted, especially while I live so close to so many.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
How beautiful is the atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ! I know I cannot fully comprehend the magnitude of the atonement, but my appreciation for it grows every day. A couple days ago had a migraine, the worst I think I've ever had. I don't even remember the last time I was in that much pain. I knew that I just needed to sleep so that I could work past it, but it hurt so badly I didn't think I could fall asleep. And it didn't help that my pillow felt like concrete!
I asked a good friend if he would give me a blessing, a blessing meant for healing or comforting the sick. I hoped that this blessing would bring me comfort and help me to sleep. In the blessing he gave me, he reminded me of the atonement. He reminded me that the atonement is not only meant for the repentance of sin, but also for our comfort in times of trial and pain. He reminded me that Jesus Christ had felt this pain for me in the Garden of Gethsemane. This blessing did bring me comfort, though not immediate relief from the pain I was feeling.
As I lay down to try to sleep, with tears streaming down my cheeks, I pondered the atonement and the words of the blessing given to me. As I recognized how much I hurt, it took on a new depth and meaning to know that I was not alone. There is one who could perfectly comprehend what I was feeling because he had felt is before. And he felt my pain not because he had to, but because he loves me and wanted to be able to succor me in times of need. I am so grateful for Jesus Christ and for the knowledge I have of the atonement. I am also grateful for the opportunity to study the New Testament in class and learn more about the life of Jesus here on earth.
I asked a good friend if he would give me a blessing, a blessing meant for healing or comforting the sick. I hoped that this blessing would bring me comfort and help me to sleep. In the blessing he gave me, he reminded me of the atonement. He reminded me that the atonement is not only meant for the repentance of sin, but also for our comfort in times of trial and pain. He reminded me that Jesus Christ had felt this pain for me in the Garden of Gethsemane. This blessing did bring me comfort, though not immediate relief from the pain I was feeling.
As I lay down to try to sleep, with tears streaming down my cheeks, I pondered the atonement and the words of the blessing given to me. As I recognized how much I hurt, it took on a new depth and meaning to know that I was not alone. There is one who could perfectly comprehend what I was feeling because he had felt is before. And he felt my pain not because he had to, but because he loves me and wanted to be able to succor me in times of need. I am so grateful for Jesus Christ and for the knowledge I have of the atonement. I am also grateful for the opportunity to study the New Testament in class and learn more about the life of Jesus here on earth.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
In class last Thursday we had a discussion that touched my heart. It centered around Mark 15 and the interaction between Jesus and Pilate. In verse 5 and 44 the word "marvelled" is used to describe Pilate's reaction. As was mentioned in class- Pilate had never met anyone like Jesus before. Two stories were also related in class concerning heroic, selfless acts of others in our own day and time. And it was stated "These are people we don't meet everyday. We don't understand their actions. This is Jesus in front of Pilate." We marvel, because we don't understand... That thought- of these extraordinary people- brought tears to my eyes. I know people who live a Christ-like life, because they have touched me personally. Their example causes me to marvel and desire to be more like them and more like our Savior.
How blessed we are to live in a world that in the midst of so much evil, still contains so much light and good. Across ages, cultures, races, religions, etc. there are people out there who still surprise us. They surprise us with their good, their charity, their selflessness. It brings me great peace to dwell on those who choose the right with no thought to themselves, merely living their life, choosing good and service over evil and selfishness.
Sunday night I had the opportunity to attend a concert at the Tabernacle on Temple Square. It was an Interfaith Music Tribute with the theme: "Many Faiths: One Family." This event brought together people from many different countries, cultures, and religions. There was a Jewish children's choir, Native American dancers, a Muslim children's choir, Presbyterian Pipe Band playing the bagpipes, a Catholic and Baptist adult choir, a Buddhist children's choir, an LDS children's choir, Hindu dancers, and more. It was incredibly beautiful, particularly the voices of the children who sang about their common faith in God. Particularly touching was when the Muslim and Jewish children's choirs sang together of peace and friendship and common ancestry.
This event is one that I imagine many people would marvel over. But this is what the Gospel of Jesus Christ is all about. Recognizing that we are all children of God and He loves each of us regardless of race or religion. I believe that recognizing this- our nature as children of God- is central to loving as did Jesus Christ and having the charity and selflessness He possesses. These extraordinary people found all around us love and serve others. They surprise us with their ability to sacrifice for others and serve those they do not know. The New Testament is full of the teachings and example of Jesus in regards to these qualities. It is my humble hope that I may try to live in such a way that I add to the goodness and light in the world and in the lives of those around me.
How blessed we are to live in a world that in the midst of so much evil, still contains so much light and good. Across ages, cultures, races, religions, etc. there are people out there who still surprise us. They surprise us with their good, their charity, their selflessness. It brings me great peace to dwell on those who choose the right with no thought to themselves, merely living their life, choosing good and service over evil and selfishness.
Sunday night I had the opportunity to attend a concert at the Tabernacle on Temple Square. It was an Interfaith Music Tribute with the theme: "Many Faiths: One Family." This event brought together people from many different countries, cultures, and religions. There was a Jewish children's choir, Native American dancers, a Muslim children's choir, Presbyterian Pipe Band playing the bagpipes, a Catholic and Baptist adult choir, a Buddhist children's choir, an LDS children's choir, Hindu dancers, and more. It was incredibly beautiful, particularly the voices of the children who sang about their common faith in God. Particularly touching was when the Muslim and Jewish children's choirs sang together of peace and friendship and common ancestry.
This event is one that I imagine many people would marvel over. But this is what the Gospel of Jesus Christ is all about. Recognizing that we are all children of God and He loves each of us regardless of race or religion. I believe that recognizing this- our nature as children of God- is central to loving as did Jesus Christ and having the charity and selflessness He possesses. These extraordinary people found all around us love and serve others. They surprise us with their ability to sacrifice for others and serve those they do not know. The New Testament is full of the teachings and example of Jesus in regards to these qualities. It is my humble hope that I may try to live in such a way that I add to the goodness and light in the world and in the lives of those around me.
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