Hope

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, General Conference, Saturday Morning Session, October 4, 2008

Elder Uchtdorf spoke about hope. He began by mentioning several attributes of hope. The first, hope has the power to fill our lives with happiness. Without it, our hearts can actually become sick. Second, hope encourages us to place our trust in a living Heavenly Father. Third, hope is not knowledge. It is trust and confidence in our Savior. It is believing and expecting that our prayers will be answered. It is confidence and optimism and patient perseverance.

For me, the most difficult part of that is probably patient perseverance. Its hard for me sometimes to remain optimistic when I may not see a light at the end of the tunnel. And its difficult to keep going sometimes when we don't see that what we are doing is making a difference. But he told us that hope can refresh us and give fresh courage to those who feel the walls of fear closing in around them.

So, how do we learn to have hope if we lack it? He counseled that we learn to cultivate hope one step at a time. And we do it through scripture study, prayer, and keeping the commandments. Obedience in these areas will bring us hope.

He also talked a lot about how hope faith and charity compliment one another. As one grows, the others grow with it. And when one is lacking, so are the others. And I can see that. When we lose hope, how can we possibly have faith? And also, when we are charitable, it naturally breeds hope.

My favorite quote from his remarks was, "When disobedience, disappointment and procrastination erode faith, hope is there to uphold us." Its always a pleasure to listen to President Uchtdorf.

Sacrament Meeting Worship

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, General Conference, Saturday Morning Session, October 4, 2008

Elder Oaks' remarks were all about Sacrament meeting worship. They were so instructional I really wished that he had spoken on Sunday when more people are likely to be listening. I know that even I get a little too lax about my Sacrament meeting worship and I think if everyone took his instructions to heart our Sunday meetings would take place in an entirely different and much improved atmosphere.

He reminded us that Sacrament meeting is the most important of any of our meetings. The program should always be focused on and lead us to think of the Savior and his Atonement. And since the primary purpose of Sacrament meeting is to partake of the Sacrament, how can we ensure that we are adequately prepared to do so?

He suggests several things to help us make the Sacrament more meaningful. The first was to come with a broken heart and contrite spirit. Second, show up early and prayerfully meditate. Use the time before the meeting to prepare ourselves spiritually. I'll admit, getting there on time is a pretty big deal for our family, let alone early. It seems no matter how hard we try, or how early we begin preparing, we just never make it on time. If I ever did though, I wonder if my kids would even let me prepare spiritually and meditate. I doubt it, but I'm sure it would be worth trying. If for nothing else, to set the example for them. And certainly not having to rush to get there would be a big improvement on our readiness to worship as a family and as individuals. He reminded us once again that the time before the meeting starts is not a time for conversations and passing of notes. This is really difficult, I think, in our socially oriented church. But we hear it over and over again. I'm certain we'd all be kind of shocked into reverence if we walked into a quiet chapel every Sunday. Wouldn't that be incredible?

He then addressed the issue of how we should dress. I loved this part because so many times people don't think it matters. He said "Our manner of dress indicates the degree to which we understand and will participate in the ordinance." Whoa. Didn't ever think of it that way. It always bothers me when the deacons or priests show up with long hair, tennis shoes, jeans, and jewelry. It's a sacred ordinance and should be treated as such, maybe even especially by those who administer the Sacrament (my opinion, not Elder Oaks').

He also brought up issues which, frankly, I'm astonished even need to be said. He said that Sacrament meeting is not a time for whispered conversations, cell phones, magazines or books. We are to remember Christ in Sacrament meeting. I wonder how he feels about me bringing books for my kids? I suppose it would be better if I could find some cute little LDS type books to bring. I don't know. Anybody have an opinion on that? I have seen families in my ward who allow their kids to read non-church related fiction during church. I've also seen more than one adult in my ward playing games on their cell phones. Sheesh!

The final thing he suggested is another one that I wish didn't even need to be mentioned. He said every person in attendance should join in singing the hymns. I wish that everyone felt the same way I do about the hymns. They are such an important part of worship and a valuable tool to teach, unify, and invite the spirit. He also made recommendations about our musical numbers saying that all sacrament music is "for worship and not for performance." AMEN to that. I get so tired of hearing "Mormon Pop" during Sacrament meeting. C'mon people! There's so much better music out there for Sacrament worship!

Elder Oaks gave me a good reminder for how I ought to worship in Sacrament meeting. It's a challenge with small children but I know that it's important to keep trying and to set a good example for them as well.

A Foundation Built on Christ

Last night in my scripture study I read Chapter 5 in the book of Helaman. It was such an awesome chapter! So many great verses. In this chapter, Helaman gives his sons Nephi and Lehi words of council. Among that is about the significance of their names. In verses 6 and 7 he tells them "Behold, I have given unto you the names of our first parents who came out of the land of Jerusalem; and this I have done that when you remember your names ye may remember them; and when ye remember them ye may remember their works; and when ye remember their works ye may know how that it is said, and also written, that they were good. Therefore, my sons, I would that ye should do that which is good, that it may be said of you, and also written, even as it has been said and written of them." I have always felt strongly about the importance of names. My children have been and my future children will be named with that same council in mind.

I also love this council found in verse 12: "And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."

But the part of the chapter that really stood out to me was when Nephi and Lehi were put in prison for preaching and converting. I'll try to summarize. The account says they were in prison many days when some men came in to kill them but they were encircled about with a pillar of fire so that no one dared to touch them. They told the people in the prison not to fear and that it was God who had created the pillar of fire to protect them. Then the prison walls and the earth shook. Following that, it says (in verse 28): "And it came to pass that they were overshadowed with a cloud of darkness, and an awful solemn fear came upon them." And then they heard a voice - not a loud voice of thunder, but a "still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper, and it did pierce even to the very soul" (Verse 30). And the voice said "Repent ye, repent ye, and seek no more to destroy my servants whom I have sent unto you to declare good tidings" (Verse 29). Then the earth shook again. This all happened three times. No one could flee because the darkness was so thick, and also because they were so terrified.

Then one in the prison, Aminadab, who was Nephite, born into the church but then had left it, turned his face towards Nephi and Lehi and he saw that their faces shone brightly and that they had lifted their heads heavenward and were conversing with angels. So Aminadab told the multitude to look and see. And he told the people that Nephi and Lehi were conversing with angels. And then the Lamanites asked Aminadab "What shall we do, that this cloud of darkness may be removed from overshadowing us?" (Verse 40) That's what really, really hit me. How many times have we been overshadowed by a "cloud of darkness"? Fear and doubt, contention and anger, sadness, depression, anxiety, etc. And how many times have we wanted to break free from that heavy darkness and have not known how to do it? I just felt it so strongly while reading last night. "What shall I do, that this cloud of darkness may be removed from overshadowing me?" And the answer was simple. From verse 41, "Repent, and cry unto the voice, even until ye shall have faith in Christ..." And so the multitude began to cry unto the voice until the darkness was dispersed. And when the darkness had cleared, they looked around and saw that they too were encircled about by fire and the Holy Spirit descended upon them and in verse 44 it says "They were filled with that joy which is unspeakable and full of glory." And the voice came again, as if a whisper, saying "Peace, peace be unto you, because of your faith in my Well Beloved, who was from the foundation of the world." (verse 47) And then the heavens opened and angels came down and ministered unto them.

Can you imagine being present for such a miraculous event? Usually when I read the scriptures it's late at night and I admit I probably don't get as much out of it as I could if I read them when I was more awake but for some reason, reading this account last night felt as though I was literally in the story myself, standing there with all those prisoners and guards.

If we truly want peace, if we want to be free from darkness in it's many forms, we need only look to the Savior, the Redeemer of the World, Jesus the Christ. And just as Helaman counseled, if we build our foundation on our Redeemer, "When the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."

A Few Words on the Temple

Yesterday we enjoyed Stake Conference in the Ogden Tabernacle on the beautiful Ogden Temple grounds. Among the first speakers were the Ogden Temple President and Matron. They spoke about the importance of having a current temple recommend and as an introduction, the Matron (I'm sorry, I can't remember her name), told of how she likes to stand near the front desk and watch as patrons come into the temple. She related how every once-in-a-while someone has to be turned away because their temple recommend has expired. She said sometimes they shrug their shoulders, apologize and turn away. Sometimes there are tears and exclamations like "Oh, how could I let my temple recommend lapse?" An sometimes she will hear them say something like this: "Now I know what it feels like to be unable to enter the temple. This will never happen to me again." Something about that really struck me. I felt it in the context of the eternities and wondered how devestating it would be to be told that I could not enter the presence of my Heavenly Father. I hope that will never happen to me.

The President reminded us that it is the Lord's house. He proposed that if we knew Christ would be in the temple on Tuesday we'd all be scrambling pretty fast to ensure that we would be there. But he then bore his witness that Christ does visit his temples. He testified that he has felt the presence of the Savior in the temple.

There was one final thing that made an impression on me. The President told us that 6 times a day, every day that the temple is open, the ordinance workers say a special prayer pleading that the promise of Elijah found in Malachi 4:6 will come to pass and that the people of the Ogden Temple District will turn their hearts to their fathers and come to the temple. He said that when we feel those impressions to return to the temple we need to heed them. It was a good reminder to me. I know that too many times I've put off those tuggings.

Being in the temple is always such a beautiful, peaceful experience. How grateful I am to live so close and to be able to attend at a moment's notice. I hope the words they shared at Stake Conference will come to my mind the next time I get one of those impressions and am tempted to put it off.

When You Save One Person, You Save Generations

Sister Silvia H. Allred, First Counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency, General Conference, Saturday Morning Session, October 4, 2008

Sister Allred spoke on the subject of missionary work. She reminded us that missionary work is the lifeblood of the church and is far-reaching. When you save one person, you save generations.

There were two main points she wanted us to know: First, "God loves all his children and desires their salvation", and second, "Our message of Jesus Christ and his gospel is the most important gift you have to give."

And then she outlined several ways that we can be missionaries. We hear these all the time, but it never hurts to have a reminder. She suggested the following:

• Be a good neighbor and friend
• Be cheerful, a good example, and lead a Christ-centered life
• Prepare ourselves and our children for missionary service
• Give friendship to investigators, non-members and converts.

Although I have a testimony of the importance of missionary work, it's something I've always been slightly uncomfortable with. I'm not a very social person so I don't have really close relationships outside of my family but beyond that, it is really scary to think about missionary work in the terms of "missionary work." But gradually I've come to learn (and I only speak for myself here), it isn't necessarily about actively proselyting and having conversion as our ultimate goal but is more about just living the way we're already supposed to be living and hoping that our friendships and examples will plant the seed. I believe true missionary work is done best when we care about the person themselves, love them for who they are and offer sincere friendship for the sake of friendship, rather than looking at people in the light of "potential convert".

Another thing I'm coming to realize is that missionary work comes naturally when you begin to have a solid testimony of the gospel. For me, it's because I love the Gospel so much and am so grateful for the blessings it brings that I naturally desire others to have the same light, joy, knowledge and peace in their lives as well.

With regard to full-time missionary service, I do aspire to serve a mission with Nate when our children are grown and will try to do everything I can to see that my sons are prepared and have the desire to serve full-time missions when they come of age.

Simplify

Elder L. Tom Perry, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, General Conference, Saturday Morning Session, October 4, 2008

Elder Perry began his remarks by relating an experience he and his wife had when they were younger. They lived near Walden Pond in Massachusetts where author and philosopher Henry David Thoreau spent two years. When times would get difficult for the Perry's, they would take a walk around Walden Pond. It was a time for them to take a break from stress and challenges and talk with and comfort one another. He recounted a little of Thoreau's experience on Walden Pond. During his simple time near Walden Pond, Thoreau lived with only basic needs. According to him, there were four: Food, Clothing, Shelter and Fuel. Elder Perry suggested we too could simplify our lives by focusing on these four basic needs and he then broke them down a little.

The first basic need is food. We believe in the Word of Wisdom given in Doctrine and Covenants 89. The body and spirit are interconnected and thus when one is suffering the other suffers as well. I have seen this to be true in my own life. The times when I have done something to offend my spirit (i.e. sin) or have invited or allowed an evil spirit to come into my home because of contention, my physical body always gets sick. From the minor stomach ache or headache, to the much more serious migraines, depression and panic attacks. Likewise, when we allow our bodies to become malnourished, sleep-deprived or when we suffer from illness and certainly if our bodies are addicted to certain foods or drugs, it is much more difficult for us to maintain a Christ-like spirit. As I've gotten older, I have especially noticed this interconnectedness between my physical body and my spirit. We are at our best when both body and spirit are properly nourished.

The second basic need is Clothing. Elder Perry reminded us that our clothing sends a message to those who view us and it also affects the way we act. He said "Very casual dress is almost always followed by very casual manners." Interesting thoughts.

The third basic need is Shelter. He referred here to the present mortgage crisis. His council was much the same as we've been told all our lives: Don't get into a bigger mortgage than you can meet with your current income. Probably my favorite quote from Elder Perry's remarks was this one: "Members of well-managed families do not pay interest, they earn it." Fantastic! I loved this one so much I printed it out and posted it near our computer monitors.

The fourth basic need is fuel. And for this, Elder Perry referred to spiritual fuel. He asked the question, "How do we ensure that we have a sufficient store of spiritual fuel?" and then he responded by suggesting that we need to understand God's plan and then surrender our will to it. Easier said than done, right? I'm working on it.

Thoughts on General Conference - October 2008

I LOVE General Conference. It is an absolute spiritual smorgasbord. I love the spirit it brings into my home and the general feeling of unity that seems to be present among all the Latter Day Saints. I love the traffic jams heading towards all the Stake Centers a few minutes before 6:00 on Saturday night and the crowds of men and boys in their suits and ties at the grocery store after 8:00pm that same night. I love the messages of hope, optimism, and faith. And I love the boost it gives me to keep fighting the good fight and even try a little harder to be just that much better. What a fantastic way to spend a weekend. In fact I'm always kind of shocked and sad when it's over and Monday comes and thrusts us back into "the world" again.

My next several posts will be about General Conference. I'll begin briefly with President Monson's opening remarks for the Saturday morning session of Conference, Oct. 4th. He announced 5 new temples: Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Cordoba, Argentina; Greater Kansas City Area; Philadelphia, PA; and Rome, Italy. It was exciting to hear Philadelphia because Nate's sister and her family live there and will soon have their own temple. But the highlight of the announcement was, obviously, Rome, Italy. My reaction was much the same as the audiance who were audibly shocked and delighted. President Monson even paused for a moment because the reaction from the congregation was so overwhelming and then he smiled, nodded his head and said "Yeah!" and the audiance chuckled. I was actually quite touched emotionally and it was a really nice way to begin the next two hours of "spiritual feasting." What an amazing thing to have a temple in beautiful Rome, Italy. I can't wait to see the design of the temple. Incidentally, I've included a link to the Church's Temple Site which contains images of all of the temples across the world if you would like to see what they look like. http://www.lds.org/temples/home/0,11273,1896-1,00.html or if you would just like to know more about temples. Currently there are 128 operating temples with at least 17 more announced or under construction.

It is a testimony of the truth of the work and the fulfillment of prophecy that the work will continue to go forward no matter what, until the Savior tells us it is finished. I am thrilled to be witnessing such growth. I wonder what it must be like to be in an area of the world where there are no temples close by and to be listening to conference and hear it announced that you will soon have a temple of your very own. It must be so exciting. I will probably never have that experience. But every time a new temple is announced, it reminds me of just how blessed I am to live in an area where I can choose which temple to attend and not only that, but I can decide at the last minute and drive 20 minutes one way or 40 the other and be there. I love this, but I admit I don't truly appreciate the blessing. Otherwise, I'd be attending the temple a lot more frequently than I am now. We all would, wouldn't we?

President Monson closed his remarks by reminding us that there are still many areas in the world that are as yet unopened to the church. He asked that we pray for those areas to be opened. His remarks began the session with a remarkable spirit of enthusiasm, energy and joy in the work of the Lord.

On the Issue of Gay Marriage

I've noticed increasing animosity and confusion with regard to the Church's stand on gay marriage and their decision to become involved in California's election with regard to Proposition 8. I've seen a lot of church members try to argue, defend, explain, etc. but it seems to me it's always a waste of time and only stirs up contention. I myself have wondered how I could effectively respond without giving offense and still answer in an intelligent way which reflected the church's actual stance and not just my own feelings on the matter. We know what is right, we know what is true, but how do we answer without contention and why bother when it probably won't change anything anyway?

I've come to the conclusion that the best thing to do when approached about it, is refer people to the church's official commentary on the issue. I've read through most of it. I found it to be very clear, leaving no questions unanswered. And it presents the views of the church in an unoffensive yet unapologetic manner. Listed on the same page are additional resources on the Internet one may look into to have a better understanding of why the church and other churches and organizations feel so strongly on this issue.

May I just say how grateful I am to belong to this church. It is truth and light and I know it without a doubt. Our Heavenly Father only wants what is best for us and what will ultimately bring us lasting joy and peace. The issue can be debated over and over again. Laws can be passed, society's rules can change. But it isn't for us to decide what's right and what's wrong. It's already been decided.

I know my audience is very small, but please, those of you who read this blog, take a minute to follow the link. If you've had any doubts, concerns or questions about why our church leaders have chosen to participate in this very politicized issue, and if you truly know as I do that our prophets speak for the Lord, I am sure you will find the commentary satisfactory.

http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/the-divine-institution-of-marriage

Virginia Hinckley Pearce

My mom invited me to her Relief Society Enrichment Night tonight. The featured guest speaker was Sister Virginia Hinckley Pearce, daughter of President Gordon B. Hinckley. She was delightful and so funny. I shouldn't have been surprised given that both her parents had keen senses of humor. The meeting started with a beautiful musical number. It was a soprano solo arrangement of "I Believe in Christ" and was just so gorgeous. Her voice was clear and controlled and so, so lovely. I wish we had musical numbers like that in my ward. All we get are lame 'mormon pop' songs. But I digress.

Sister Pearce talked about why we keep having meetings; conferences, enrichment nights, Sunday meetings, etc. They are to the end that we will learn, change and grow, become new creatures. And the kind of learning that takes place in these meetings is not the same kind of learning that takes place in school where we memorize facts and stuff like that. The kind of learning that takes place in these meetings is all about becoming a different person, more like our Heavenly Father.

But for change to happen, it has to be your idea. No one can force or coerce or entice you to change, really. That is how much God respects our agency. So, what do we do if we don't have the desire to change? How do we increase our appetite for righteous things?

She gave the analogy of physical exercise. We've all been there so we all can relate. When you begin an exercise program, it's really hard to keep going and it's painful and sometimes your desire to keep going is not very strong. But as you keep at it, you suddenly realize you enjoy what you're doing and the results you're getting and you desire more. You're appetite increases.

So she said first, we have to recognize that there is a need to change. We have to be made award somehow that our relationship with our Heavenly Father is not what it needs to be to carry us. And how do we do that? Sometimes it comes in the form of opposition, trials, challenges, etc. We go through something hard or we watch someone else go through something hard and we evaluate ourselves and realize something is missing. We recognize the need for change. Another way she suggested is by praying and studying to know our weaknesses. When they are revealed to us, we will see a need that we never even knew we had.

After recognizing the need for a change, the second thing she said we have to do is show up and do what we're told. By that simple act of what may just be "going through the motions" at first, our appetite will eventually increase and we will desire more.

She also gave a warning about discouragement. First, she said discouragement is the enemy of desire. Then she counseled that very often after we go through a huge burst of spiritual growth, we come away feeling tired and discouraged, and we begin to lose our desire. She wanted us to know this was natural and just part of the deal. I don't really know how to explain why, but knowing this was really helpful to me. I have seen that process more than once before in my life and it's helpful to be able to see that it's cyclical and that just because I may have a tired phase doesn't mean I'm going to stay that way.

She also said one of the worst things (and boy do I know this is true), is to compare ourselves to others around us. This goes for spiritual matters as well. We have to remember we're on an eternal journey and everyone is at a different place. Comparing ourselves only leads to discouragement, which leads to loss of desire, which means we don't change.

Lastly, she said we have to be responsible for our own desire. We can trust in our Heavenly Father, show up and work hard and our desire for righteousness will increase. I can add my own 'Amen' to that. I feel a little like I could have stood up there tonight as her poster child. As we all do, I've gone through some difficult challenges in the past several years and my response has been to look internally at where I was in my relationship to my Heavenly Father. I saw many things that were missing and many things that needed to change. I next took action and found that even though difficult at first, when I increased my actions, my desire and appetite grew along with it. I've come to the point this past year where I could truly say I thirsted after righteousness. I've also endured the periods of discouragement and tired feelings that follow a burst of spiritual growth. I feel like I'm just getting started on becoming a new person spiritually but I'm excited for the journey.

It's difficult to sum up a half hour talk into a little blog post and especially when my delivery is not nearly as charming or funny as hers was but I hope you got the basic idea. She was such a wonderful, charming speaker and it was so good to have another reminder to "keep up the good work" and even to do a little more. I love this church!

Abortion: An Assault on the Defenseless

If you haven't read this past month's Ensign article on abortion written by Elder Russell M. Nelson I highly recommend you do so. It was so well-written and to the point. I was particularly impressed by the figures. He said the total number of soldiers killed in the two World Wars combined over a period of 14 years was roughly 30 million. He compared that to the number of abortions performed world wide per year, 40 million! I was astounded.

I also felt he had such a brilliant argument against killing babies because they carry a risk of deformity and disability. He said, "To deny life to an individual because of a possible handicap is a very serious matter. Policy consistent with that logic would dictate that those already living with such deficiencies should likewise be terminated. One more step in that tragic train of thought would lead to the conclusion that those who are either infirm or inconvenient should also be eliminated. Such irreverence for life would be totally unthinkable!"

He also reaffirmed that barring cases of rape and incest, the choice is still the woman's to make. However, the choice is made long before conception happens. You take the risk, you have to be willing to deal with the consequences. It's called responsability!

The article was so great. If you haven't, please read it. You can follow this link if you like to read the online version: http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=f318118dd536c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=d11d88c617b9c110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1

This Sounds Familiar

Alma 46:10 "Yea, we see that Amalickiah, because he was a man of cunning device and a man of many flattering words, that he led away the hearts of many people to do wickedly; yea, and to seek to destroy the church of God, and to destroy the foundation of which God had granted unto them, or which blessing God had sent upon the face of the land for the righteous' sake."

Hugh Nibley wrote "Stirring people up to anger is the specialty of the great trouble-makers in the Book of Mormon, who find it the surest road to personal prominence and power." (Italics added) Seems to me our times are not so different from that of Moroni and Amalickiah. Seems to me we still have dangerous men who do not love us as a people or as a country but who are seeking political power for their own personal prominence. My hope is that the American people will see through all the cunning device and flattering words of politicians and press alike and will make their choice this November based on the same important truths Moroni knew must be preserved in order to maintain their liberty. "In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children". (From Alma 46: 12) I might add that it includes the freedom of our unborn children as well.

I hope we're all praying like Moroni did that the blessings of liberty will continue to rest upon us as a people.