Here is another GREAT YouTube Video. This one from a talk by Elder Neal A. Maxwell called The Women of God in the May 1978 Ensign. I have always loved his talks.
Here were some more excerpts from his talk that I thought were exceptional. We can never forget the single and childless women--I think their sacrifices are far greater than all women, except for those who loose their children in death.
"We men love you for meeting inconsiderateness with consideration and selfishness with selflessness. We are touched by the eloquence of your example. We are deeply grateful for your enduring us as men when we are not at our best because—like God—you love us not only for what we are, but for what we have the power to become."
"We have special admiration for the unsung but unsullied single women among whom are some of the noblest daughters of God. These sisters know that God loves them, individually and distinctly. They make wise career choices even though they cannot now have the most choice career. Though in their second estate they do not have their first desire, they still overcome the world. These sisters who cannot now enrich the institution of their own marriage so often enrich other institutions in society. They do not withhold their blessings simply because some blessings are now withheld from them. Their trust in God is like that of the wives who are childless, but not by choice, but who in the justice of God will receive special blessings one day."
And then these tender concluding remarks:
"When we return to our real home, it will be with the 'mutual approbation' of those who reign in the 'royal courts on high.' There we will find beauty such as mortal 'eye hath not seen'; we will hear sounds of surpassing music which mortal 'ear hath not heard.' Could such a regal homecoming be possible without the anticipatory arrangements of a Heavenly Mother? Meanwhile, there are no separate paths back to that heavenly home. Just one straight and narrow way, at the end of which, though we arrive trailing tears, we shall at once be 'drenched in joy.'"
Friday, May 7, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
The Queen's Word
Words are amazing. There is so much to learn just from words. Billions of words go into books that we can read and learn so much from. There really is no end to the things we can learn, or to the written word. I love to read and write. I'm good at pouring out the feelings of my heart into writing. But words don't come just on paper. Words come from our tongue in the form of communication, and sometimes that can be a stumbling block. It's one of my challenges of mortality. I very often cannot put into words on my tongue the things that are in my heart. It takes help from above for me to accomplish that, it just doesn't come easy.
Words are important in another way because "In the beginning was the Word. And the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1 Word is another name for Jesus Christ, and God the Father.
Picking up from the last post on Angels, and Elder Holland's talk on "The Ministry of Angels" where he said towards the end: "In the process of praying for those angels to attend us, may we all try to be a little more angelic ourselves--with a kind word, a strong arm, a declaration of faith and the 'covenant wherewith [we] have covenanted.' "
Do you ever feel like Alma when he said, "O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God!" Alma 29:1
I would really love to speak with the tongue of Angels. Elder Holland addressed this in a talk "The Tongue of Angels" in the May 2007 Ensign. This was a rather painful talk for me to listen to, and study, as I realized all the ways in which I have failed to speak with the 'tongue of angels'...but as is Elder Holland's custom he has a way to ever so lovingly teach us what is wrong and how to make it right, and he does it with such great love. Elder Holland truly is in similitude of our Savior Jesus Christ in his love for us, because I feel that love.
He starts out in this talk telling us how powerful words are, even to the extent that when we work by faith it is through words. He said, "Like all gifts 'which cometh from above,' words are 'sacred, and must be spoken with care, and by constraint of the Spirit.' (Doctrine and Covenants 63:64) He cautioned us on how we speak of others...and perhaps even more importantly, how we speak of ourselves.
Elder Holland continues, "The voice that bears profound testimony, utters fervent prayer, and sings the hymns of Zion can be the same voice that berates and criticizes, embarrasses and demeans, inflicts pain and destroys the spirit of oneself and of others in the process...Is this something we could all work on just a little?"
"Given the damage that can be done with our tongues, little wonder the Savior said, 'Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.'" (Mathew 15:11)
"It goes without saying that negative speaking so often flows from negative thinking, including negative thinking about ourselves. We see our own faults, we speak--or at least think--critically of ourselves, and before long that is how we see everyone and everything. No sunshine, no roses, no promise of hope or happiness. Before long, we and everyone around us are miserable."
We, as Latter-day Saints are so blessed to have the gospel in our lives. We of all the people on the face of the earth have reason to hope and be optimistic. There is so much hope in the gospel, knowing we will be resurrected and that there is a better world to come. And, knowing that the Savior Jesus Christ has made it possible for us to obtain all that. As Elder Holland said, "We should honor the Savior's declaration to 'be of good cheer.'" And why did He say to be of good cheer? Because even though we may have tribulation in the world Christ said, "I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
I have been thinking a lot about faith, and how as we exercise our faith, hope comes of it. Having increased faith and hope increases our chances of having charity. And if we have increase of these three things we are more patience and feel more peace and joy in our hearts. We are living more on the positive side of life. We are living in gratitude.
Elder Holland said we should, "Speak hopefully. Speak encouragingly, including about yourself. Try not to complain and moan incessantly...Yes, life has its problems, and yes, there are negative things to face, but please accept one of Elder Holland's maxims for living--no misfortune is so bad that whining about it won't make it worse." He also said, "Our words, like our deeds, should be filled with faith and hope and charity, the three great Christian imperatives so desperately needed in the world today."
Elder Holland then points out some verses in 2 Nephi chapter 31 where Nephi calls us to "follow the Son [of God], with full purpose of heart, that after ye have received the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost, [ye] can speak with a new tongue, yea, even with the tongue of angels...And...how could ye speak with the tongue of angels save it were by the Holy Ghost? Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ."
That's a relief to me, knowing that even the angels themselves need the power of the Holy Ghost to speak with the tongue of angels. I know that whenever something has actually come out of my mouth right, it was definitely through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Elder Holland pointed out that when our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ speak to us--"And they will--it will not be in the wind, nor in the earthquake, nor in the fire, but it will be a voice still and small, a voice tender and kind. It will be with the tongue of angels." Kind of like how Elder Holland spoke to us in his talk....definitely with the power of the Holy Ghost and the tongue of angels.
A few years ago, as we were studying the New Testament in Sunday School, and I was reading the New Testament, and not long after Elder Holland's address on the Tongue of Angels, I came to a verse in James that really struck me, and for weeks I could not get it out of my mind. It was so powerful in fact, that I memorized it and studied each and every attribute in it so I could more fully understand it.
The whole 3rd chapter of James is on governing your tongue, and that how as we do that we gain perfection. His words are much like Elder Holland's talk, where he shows us what is wrong, and then lovingly tells us how we can correct it. It's interesting how he said we can bridle a horse with a bit, or how a very small helm can turn a great ship even being driven by fierce winds, and that every beast has been tamed of mankind, but "the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison." [meaning we are all going to slip up now and then.] He said if a man's works are righteous his conversation will show meekness and peace, but if we are not righteous, the results are contention. We see a lot of contention and heated debates going on in our world today.
But here is wisdom in James 3:13
"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy."
So simple, really.
And who does it emulate? Our Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost.
First pure. Such a perfect first phrase to remember for our words. Let them be pure. We come into the world pure. Think of a newborn infant, or pure water, or the earth clean and fresh after rain and how it smells, or the color white. The dictionary defines pure as unmixed, untainted, simple, spotless, faultless, innocent. Our language should be first pure. Even though we no longer have a pure language, we can do our best to make our words pure, and this can start with pure thoughts.
Second, peaceable. Who doesn't love peace? Peace is like spring when the sun comes out to warm you and the world is bursting with all it's colors and flowers and fragrances. Peace is a sunset, a bird in flight, a breeze whispering through the leaves of the trees. Peace is quiet stillness that clears your mind of clutter and confusion. Peace is a warm hug, a friendly smile. The dictionary defines it as freedom from war, harmony, quietness of mind, calm, repose. Harmony is to be in agreement, like good music. When we agree with each other it would certainly rule the tongue. Peace is getting along, depending on each other, feeling safe with each other--so we can speak what we feel and be valued--not scorned or discredited.
Third, gentle. That is such a lovely word. I long to be a gentle person. We pick up gently a newborn infant, a baby animal, a breakable object, an egg. Breakable. Do our words need to be gentle so we don't break tender hearts and hurt feelings? It's hard here in mortality. We need gentleness and tenderness. The dictionary says it's mild, quiet, not rough or severe; soft and soothing; courteous; moderate; gradual; wellborn. The tone of our voice is everything. Sometimes we're not even aware of it. My daughter Emily used to say to me, "Why are you being so mean?" I would be confused, because what I had said wasn't mean, but the tone of my voice made my words mean. I thought I was just frustrated, and I was. But maybe those things were of little consequence. They do pass us by and we wish later we had been more kind.
Easy to be entreated. The footnotes in the scriptures say pliant, easily persuaded. Pliant is pliable or easily bent or influenced. Can we persuade others with coercion [compelling or forcing] or harsh words or a sharp tongue, or criticism, or contention. I think with my daughter Emily, if I had taken a more pliant approach we could have worked out our frustrations, even with happiness! Thank goodness for forgiveness. This also had a cross reference in Doctrine and Covenants 121:42 "...only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned [not by pretense or sham], by kindness, and pure knowledge [and who gives us that? God!], which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy [assuming a false appearance of virtue] and without guile [cunning, deceit].
Full of mercy. Just as we desire the Savior's mercy, we should be willing to give our mercy. Mercy is compassion. Mercy is refraining from the infliction of suffering by one who has the right and power to inflict it.
Good fruits. Hmmm, think about the best and sweetest fruit you have ever tasted. Then think about how disgusting bad fruit is, especially when you've paid a high price for it in the store. And can you tell it's bad before you buy it? Usually not. And if we had to go without good fruit, our health would suffer. Good fruits in language would be delicious and desirable, sweet and nourishing. When we use good nourishing words, those words bear good fruits. How much more whole would we all be if we were nourished with the good fruit of language?
Without partiality. Partiality is favoritism or a fondness for. It's easy to speak nice to people we have a favoritism for, but the Lord wants us to speak kindly to everyone. Like it says in Luke 6:32-33 "For if ye love them that love you, what thanks have ye? Or if ye do good to them that do good to you, what thanks have ye?" Which leads to the last advise...
Without hypocrisy. We need to strive for these true feelings of kindness to come from our heart and not just pretending to be kind when we are inwardly thinking unkind thoughts. That's probably the hardest one to work on. Do you think that's why James put it last? We will definitely need the Savior's help on many of these.
But as part of the Quest to become Queenly, our words are very important.
Words are important in another way because "In the beginning was the Word. And the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1 Word is another name for Jesus Christ, and God the Father.
Picking up from the last post on Angels, and Elder Holland's talk on "The Ministry of Angels" where he said towards the end: "In the process of praying for those angels to attend us, may we all try to be a little more angelic ourselves--with a kind word, a strong arm, a declaration of faith and the 'covenant wherewith [we] have covenanted.' "
Do you ever feel like Alma when he said, "O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God!" Alma 29:1
I would really love to speak with the tongue of Angels. Elder Holland addressed this in a talk "The Tongue of Angels" in the May 2007 Ensign. This was a rather painful talk for me to listen to, and study, as I realized all the ways in which I have failed to speak with the 'tongue of angels'...but as is Elder Holland's custom he has a way to ever so lovingly teach us what is wrong and how to make it right, and he does it with such great love. Elder Holland truly is in similitude of our Savior Jesus Christ in his love for us, because I feel that love.
He starts out in this talk telling us how powerful words are, even to the extent that when we work by faith it is through words. He said, "Like all gifts 'which cometh from above,' words are 'sacred, and must be spoken with care, and by constraint of the Spirit.' (Doctrine and Covenants 63:64) He cautioned us on how we speak of others...and perhaps even more importantly, how we speak of ourselves.
Elder Holland continues, "The voice that bears profound testimony, utters fervent prayer, and sings the hymns of Zion can be the same voice that berates and criticizes, embarrasses and demeans, inflicts pain and destroys the spirit of oneself and of others in the process...Is this something we could all work on just a little?"
"Given the damage that can be done with our tongues, little wonder the Savior said, 'Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.'" (Mathew 15:11)
"It goes without saying that negative speaking so often flows from negative thinking, including negative thinking about ourselves. We see our own faults, we speak--or at least think--critically of ourselves, and before long that is how we see everyone and everything. No sunshine, no roses, no promise of hope or happiness. Before long, we and everyone around us are miserable."
We, as Latter-day Saints are so blessed to have the gospel in our lives. We of all the people on the face of the earth have reason to hope and be optimistic. There is so much hope in the gospel, knowing we will be resurrected and that there is a better world to come. And, knowing that the Savior Jesus Christ has made it possible for us to obtain all that. As Elder Holland said, "We should honor the Savior's declaration to 'be of good cheer.'" And why did He say to be of good cheer? Because even though we may have tribulation in the world Christ said, "I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
I have been thinking a lot about faith, and how as we exercise our faith, hope comes of it. Having increased faith and hope increases our chances of having charity. And if we have increase of these three things we are more patience and feel more peace and joy in our hearts. We are living more on the positive side of life. We are living in gratitude.
Elder Holland said we should, "Speak hopefully. Speak encouragingly, including about yourself. Try not to complain and moan incessantly...Yes, life has its problems, and yes, there are negative things to face, but please accept one of Elder Holland's maxims for living--no misfortune is so bad that whining about it won't make it worse." He also said, "Our words, like our deeds, should be filled with faith and hope and charity, the three great Christian imperatives so desperately needed in the world today."
Elder Holland then points out some verses in 2 Nephi chapter 31 where Nephi calls us to "follow the Son [of God], with full purpose of heart, that after ye have received the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost, [ye] can speak with a new tongue, yea, even with the tongue of angels...And...how could ye speak with the tongue of angels save it were by the Holy Ghost? Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ."
That's a relief to me, knowing that even the angels themselves need the power of the Holy Ghost to speak with the tongue of angels. I know that whenever something has actually come out of my mouth right, it was definitely through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Elder Holland pointed out that when our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ speak to us--"And they will--it will not be in the wind, nor in the earthquake, nor in the fire, but it will be a voice still and small, a voice tender and kind. It will be with the tongue of angels." Kind of like how Elder Holland spoke to us in his talk....definitely with the power of the Holy Ghost and the tongue of angels.
A few years ago, as we were studying the New Testament in Sunday School, and I was reading the New Testament, and not long after Elder Holland's address on the Tongue of Angels, I came to a verse in James that really struck me, and for weeks I could not get it out of my mind. It was so powerful in fact, that I memorized it and studied each and every attribute in it so I could more fully understand it.
The whole 3rd chapter of James is on governing your tongue, and that how as we do that we gain perfection. His words are much like Elder Holland's talk, where he shows us what is wrong, and then lovingly tells us how we can correct it. It's interesting how he said we can bridle a horse with a bit, or how a very small helm can turn a great ship even being driven by fierce winds, and that every beast has been tamed of mankind, but "the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison." [meaning we are all going to slip up now and then.] He said if a man's works are righteous his conversation will show meekness and peace, but if we are not righteous, the results are contention. We see a lot of contention and heated debates going on in our world today.
But here is wisdom in James 3:13
"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy."
So simple, really.
And who does it emulate? Our Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost.
First pure. Such a perfect first phrase to remember for our words. Let them be pure. We come into the world pure. Think of a newborn infant, or pure water, or the earth clean and fresh after rain and how it smells, or the color white. The dictionary defines pure as unmixed, untainted, simple, spotless, faultless, innocent. Our language should be first pure. Even though we no longer have a pure language, we can do our best to make our words pure, and this can start with pure thoughts.
Second, peaceable. Who doesn't love peace? Peace is like spring when the sun comes out to warm you and the world is bursting with all it's colors and flowers and fragrances. Peace is a sunset, a bird in flight, a breeze whispering through the leaves of the trees. Peace is quiet stillness that clears your mind of clutter and confusion. Peace is a warm hug, a friendly smile. The dictionary defines it as freedom from war, harmony, quietness of mind, calm, repose. Harmony is to be in agreement, like good music. When we agree with each other it would certainly rule the tongue. Peace is getting along, depending on each other, feeling safe with each other--so we can speak what we feel and be valued--not scorned or discredited.
Third, gentle. That is such a lovely word. I long to be a gentle person. We pick up gently a newborn infant, a baby animal, a breakable object, an egg. Breakable. Do our words need to be gentle so we don't break tender hearts and hurt feelings? It's hard here in mortality. We need gentleness and tenderness. The dictionary says it's mild, quiet, not rough or severe; soft and soothing; courteous; moderate; gradual; wellborn. The tone of our voice is everything. Sometimes we're not even aware of it. My daughter Emily used to say to me, "Why are you being so mean?" I would be confused, because what I had said wasn't mean, but the tone of my voice made my words mean. I thought I was just frustrated, and I was. But maybe those things were of little consequence. They do pass us by and we wish later we had been more kind.
Easy to be entreated. The footnotes in the scriptures say pliant, easily persuaded. Pliant is pliable or easily bent or influenced. Can we persuade others with coercion [compelling or forcing] or harsh words or a sharp tongue, or criticism, or contention. I think with my daughter Emily, if I had taken a more pliant approach we could have worked out our frustrations, even with happiness! Thank goodness for forgiveness. This also had a cross reference in Doctrine and Covenants 121:42 "...only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned [not by pretense or sham], by kindness, and pure knowledge [and who gives us that? God!], which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy [assuming a false appearance of virtue] and without guile [cunning, deceit].
Full of mercy. Just as we desire the Savior's mercy, we should be willing to give our mercy. Mercy is compassion. Mercy is refraining from the infliction of suffering by one who has the right and power to inflict it.
Good fruits. Hmmm, think about the best and sweetest fruit you have ever tasted. Then think about how disgusting bad fruit is, especially when you've paid a high price for it in the store. And can you tell it's bad before you buy it? Usually not. And if we had to go without good fruit, our health would suffer. Good fruits in language would be delicious and desirable, sweet and nourishing. When we use good nourishing words, those words bear good fruits. How much more whole would we all be if we were nourished with the good fruit of language?
Without partiality. Partiality is favoritism or a fondness for. It's easy to speak nice to people we have a favoritism for, but the Lord wants us to speak kindly to everyone. Like it says in Luke 6:32-33 "For if ye love them that love you, what thanks have ye? Or if ye do good to them that do good to you, what thanks have ye?" Which leads to the last advise...
Without hypocrisy. We need to strive for these true feelings of kindness to come from our heart and not just pretending to be kind when we are inwardly thinking unkind thoughts. That's probably the hardest one to work on. Do you think that's why James put it last? We will definitely need the Savior's help on many of these.
But as part of the Quest to become Queenly, our words are very important.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Queen Angel
Some of the greatest talks I've ever heard and/or read have been about Angels. There have been several great ones recently. When Elder Jefferey R. Holland gave his talk entitled "The Ministry of Angels" at the October 2008 General Conference, it is hard to put into words what I felt as he gave that talk. I was electrified by the Spirit of his talk. I was weeping. I shall never forget that feeling, or the power of his words and the comfort they brought in such troubled times that we live in. I love the concept of Angels in our lives. I love the concept of being an Angel and helping lift others.
Elder Holland said, we came to earth in a fallen state to a "telestial world" with "thorns and thistles and troubles of every kind." We would be distanced from God. We would face challenges and loneliness and difficulties. God, in His infinite mercy and wisdom, did not leave us alone. He hears and answers our prayers and He sent apostles and prophets to help guide us, among other things. "But in times of special need, He sent angels, divine messengers, to bless His children, reassure them that heaven was always very close and that His help was always very near."
Time after time in the scripture are events where Angels were sent to deliver messages or bring comfort. As Elder Holland says, "From the beginning down through the dispensations, God has used angels as His emissaries in conveying love and concern for His children....Usually such beings are not seen. Sometimes they are. But seen or unseen they are always near. Sometimes their assignments are very grand and have significance for the whole world. Sometimes the messages are more private. Occasionally the angelic purpose is to warn. But most often it is to comfort, to provide some form of merciful attention, guidance in difficult times....I testify that angels are still sent to help us."
I love this scripture found in Moroni 7:35-37, 30. I had a previous spiritual experience about this scripture, in fact I had been pondering it for several weeks, and when Elder Holland quoted it, it was like pure testimony and conviction etched in my heart forever!!
“Has the day of miracles ceased?
“Or have angels ceased to appear unto the children of men? Or has he withheld the power of the Holy Ghost from them? Or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof to be saved?
“Behold I say unto you, Nay; for … it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men. …
“For behold, they are subject unto [Christ], to minister according to the word of his command, showing themselves unto them of strong faith and a firm mind in every form of godliness.”
And then Elder Holland said, [and who could not take comfort from this?!] "I ask everyone within the sound of my voice to take heart, be filled with faith, and remember the Lord has said He 'would fight [our] battles, [our] children’s battles, and [the battles of our] children’s children.' And what do we do to merit such a defense? We are to 'search diligently, pray always, and be believing. [Then] all things shall work together for [our] good, if [we] walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith [we] have covenanted.' The latter days are not a time to fear and tremble. They are a time to be believing and remember our covenants."
Elder Holland said that not all Angels are from the other side of the veil. Some of them we walk with and talk with here and now, every day. "Indeed heaven never seems closer than when we see the love of God manifested in the kindness and devotion of people so good and so pure that angelic is the only word that comes to mind."
Elder Holland then accounts a riveting story [you can read it in his talk] and then he finishes with this statement: "I testify of angels, both the heavenly and the mortal kind. In doing so I am testifying that God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges that we face. 'Nor will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man [or woman or child] upon the face thereof to be saved.' On occasions, global or personal, we may feel we are distanced from God, shut out from heaven, lost, alone in dark and dreary places. Often enough that distress can be of our own making, but even then the Father of us all is watching and assisting. And always there are those angels who come and go all around us, seen and unseen, known and unknown, mortal and immortal."
It is so comforting to KNOW that we have Angels watching over us. There have been many times I have had mortal Angels help me, and no doubt those on the other side, unseen. It is wonderful to KNOW that we can BE an Angel to someone else. I have had those experiences, too, and there have been other times I didn't even realize I had been an Angel til much later, when that person told me. On the other hand, there is much I feel I need to do to improve myself so I can be more of an Angel, as Elder Holland said, "In the process of praying for those angels to attend us, may we all try to be a little more angelic ourselves—with a kind word, a strong arm, a declaration of faith and 'the covenant wherewith [we] have covenanted.'"
Larry Barkdull, another favorite author of mine, wrote an article, "The Work of Angels" that is right up there with Elder Holland's talk! Elder Barkdull has written a book about rescuing wayward children. By wayward he means those who have been members of the church but have left it. And in fact, in a way, it's an analogy or allegory for all of us, because coming to earth in our fallen state has estranged us from God, and we are all lost and wandering, trying to find our way back to him. It can also apply to all who have been estranged from loved ones.
I have 2 children who have left the church. So, Brother Barkdull's words are very comforting and helpful to me. He said, "As we work to reclaim our wayward children, we are not alone. Often angels are dispatched to help us. These angels include our ancestors, whose love and concern for the child equals ours."
How comforting is that?!
He goes on, "As both Hezekiah and Elisha testified, there are many more which stand to help us than the powers that oppose our children and us."
Joseph Smith taught, "The spirits of the just are exalted to a greater and more glorious work; hence they are blessed in their departure to the world of spirits. Enveloped in flaming fire, they are not far from us, and know and understand our thoughts, feelings, and motions, and are often pained therewith."
Brother Barkdull said, "That the keys of the ministering of angels have been restored should fill us with hope and faith" And that "By virtue of the powers attendant to the Aaronic Priesthood, parents have the right to ask for angelic help in behalf of their children."
He didn't mention this in the article, but we have proof of that in the scriptures, in the Book of Mormon, in Mosiah 27 where righteous King Mosiah and Alma, a great man and leader of the church, dealt with wayward sons. In fact, it was more than just wayward. Four sons of Mosiah, and one son of Alma, also being called Alma, went about persecuting people of the church, in fact, they were in rebellion against God and did so even secretly, with much flattering words, leading away many of the people of God contrary to God's commandments, and also that of their king, who had sent a proclamation proclaiming that there should be none in the land to persecute the people of God, the believers.
And as they were going about an angel of the Lord appeared before them, and spoke to them with a "voice of thunder" and they were so astonished they fell to the earth. And the angel asked them why they were going about to destroy the church.
"And...the angel said: Behold, the Lord hath heard the prayers of his people, and also the prayers of his servant, Alma, who is thy father; for he has prayed with much faith concerning thee that thou mightest be brought to the knowledge of the truth; therefore, for this purpose have I come to convince thee of the power and authority of God, that the prayers of his servants might be answered according to their faith. And now behold, can ye dispute the power of God? For behold, doth not my voice shake the earth? And can ye not also me before you? And I am sent from God." Mosiah 27:14-15
Well, Alma and the four sons of Mosiah were converted and they became some of the greatest missionaries in the Book of Mormon, later bringing thousands to a knowledge of God, and more astounding was the fact that most of these converts were among the Lamanites who were enemies to their people, who hated them and sought constantly to kill them and take power over them. But they were so converted they were willing to go among their enemies, at the peril of their lives, in the chance that they might bring them to this knowledge of God. And God blessed them with success, and from these faithful Lamanite converts come many powerful stories of faith and righteousness. They became a people that, once converted, never did waver in their faith at any time. It is so inspiring.
So yes, we can ask for angels to help us with our wayward and rebellious children. God might not send an angel to convert them, but He will send help in the way He sees best for our situation.
I loved Brother Barkdull's concept of the angels being some of our ancestors. We know that as we faithfully attend the temple that we will have angels watching over us. And that as we do the work of redeeming the dead, that they will be helping with redemptive efforts on our side of the veil. Brother Barkdull said, "...they who perhaps understand better than we the power of the 'welding link' that binds us together through temple ordinances." Neither of us can be made perfect without the other. "Heaven and earth are partners in the cosmic work of salvation."
It's wonderful to know that angels are not strangers, "but from the ranks of our kindred, friends, and fellow-beings and fellow-servants." (as President Joseph F. Smith said). Brother Barkdull concludes with "No matter their choices and situations [our wayward children], God loves them and is constantly working to save and redeem them. And so are their family and friends that have gone before. We are never alone in the work of redemption."
We are angels in partner.
And then this great promise in Doctrine and Covenants 84:88, "And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up."
Elder Holland said, we came to earth in a fallen state to a "telestial world" with "thorns and thistles and troubles of every kind." We would be distanced from God. We would face challenges and loneliness and difficulties. God, in His infinite mercy and wisdom, did not leave us alone. He hears and answers our prayers and He sent apostles and prophets to help guide us, among other things. "But in times of special need, He sent angels, divine messengers, to bless His children, reassure them that heaven was always very close and that His help was always very near."
Time after time in the scripture are events where Angels were sent to deliver messages or bring comfort. As Elder Holland says, "From the beginning down through the dispensations, God has used angels as His emissaries in conveying love and concern for His children....Usually such beings are not seen. Sometimes they are. But seen or unseen they are always near. Sometimes their assignments are very grand and have significance for the whole world. Sometimes the messages are more private. Occasionally the angelic purpose is to warn. But most often it is to comfort, to provide some form of merciful attention, guidance in difficult times....I testify that angels are still sent to help us."
I love this scripture found in Moroni 7:35-37, 30. I had a previous spiritual experience about this scripture, in fact I had been pondering it for several weeks, and when Elder Holland quoted it, it was like pure testimony and conviction etched in my heart forever!!
“Has the day of miracles ceased?
“Or have angels ceased to appear unto the children of men? Or has he withheld the power of the Holy Ghost from them? Or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof to be saved?
“Behold I say unto you, Nay; for … it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men. …
“For behold, they are subject unto [Christ], to minister according to the word of his command, showing themselves unto them of strong faith and a firm mind in every form of godliness.”
And then Elder Holland said, [and who could not take comfort from this?!] "I ask everyone within the sound of my voice to take heart, be filled with faith, and remember the Lord has said He 'would fight [our] battles, [our] children’s battles, and [the battles of our] children’s children.' And what do we do to merit such a defense? We are to 'search diligently, pray always, and be believing. [Then] all things shall work together for [our] good, if [we] walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith [we] have covenanted.' The latter days are not a time to fear and tremble. They are a time to be believing and remember our covenants."
Elder Holland said that not all Angels are from the other side of the veil. Some of them we walk with and talk with here and now, every day. "Indeed heaven never seems closer than when we see the love of God manifested in the kindness and devotion of people so good and so pure that angelic is the only word that comes to mind."
Elder Holland then accounts a riveting story [you can read it in his talk] and then he finishes with this statement: "I testify of angels, both the heavenly and the mortal kind. In doing so I am testifying that God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges that we face. 'Nor will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man [or woman or child] upon the face thereof to be saved.' On occasions, global or personal, we may feel we are distanced from God, shut out from heaven, lost, alone in dark and dreary places. Often enough that distress can be of our own making, but even then the Father of us all is watching and assisting. And always there are those angels who come and go all around us, seen and unseen, known and unknown, mortal and immortal."
It is so comforting to KNOW that we have Angels watching over us. There have been many times I have had mortal Angels help me, and no doubt those on the other side, unseen. It is wonderful to KNOW that we can BE an Angel to someone else. I have had those experiences, too, and there have been other times I didn't even realize I had been an Angel til much later, when that person told me. On the other hand, there is much I feel I need to do to improve myself so I can be more of an Angel, as Elder Holland said, "In the process of praying for those angels to attend us, may we all try to be a little more angelic ourselves—with a kind word, a strong arm, a declaration of faith and 'the covenant wherewith [we] have covenanted.'"
Larry Barkdull, another favorite author of mine, wrote an article, "The Work of Angels" that is right up there with Elder Holland's talk! Elder Barkdull has written a book about rescuing wayward children. By wayward he means those who have been members of the church but have left it. And in fact, in a way, it's an analogy or allegory for all of us, because coming to earth in our fallen state has estranged us from God, and we are all lost and wandering, trying to find our way back to him. It can also apply to all who have been estranged from loved ones.
I have 2 children who have left the church. So, Brother Barkdull's words are very comforting and helpful to me. He said, "As we work to reclaim our wayward children, we are not alone. Often angels are dispatched to help us. These angels include our ancestors, whose love and concern for the child equals ours."
How comforting is that?!
He goes on, "As both Hezekiah and Elisha testified, there are many more which stand to help us than the powers that oppose our children and us."
Joseph Smith taught, "The spirits of the just are exalted to a greater and more glorious work; hence they are blessed in their departure to the world of spirits. Enveloped in flaming fire, they are not far from us, and know and understand our thoughts, feelings, and motions, and are often pained therewith."
Brother Barkdull said, "That the keys of the ministering of angels have been restored should fill us with hope and faith" And that "By virtue of the powers attendant to the Aaronic Priesthood, parents have the right to ask for angelic help in behalf of their children."
He didn't mention this in the article, but we have proof of that in the scriptures, in the Book of Mormon, in Mosiah 27 where righteous King Mosiah and Alma, a great man and leader of the church, dealt with wayward sons. In fact, it was more than just wayward. Four sons of Mosiah, and one son of Alma, also being called Alma, went about persecuting people of the church, in fact, they were in rebellion against God and did so even secretly, with much flattering words, leading away many of the people of God contrary to God's commandments, and also that of their king, who had sent a proclamation proclaiming that there should be none in the land to persecute the people of God, the believers.
And as they were going about an angel of the Lord appeared before them, and spoke to them with a "voice of thunder" and they were so astonished they fell to the earth. And the angel asked them why they were going about to destroy the church.
"And...the angel said: Behold, the Lord hath heard the prayers of his people, and also the prayers of his servant, Alma, who is thy father; for he has prayed with much faith concerning thee that thou mightest be brought to the knowledge of the truth; therefore, for this purpose have I come to convince thee of the power and authority of God, that the prayers of his servants might be answered according to their faith. And now behold, can ye dispute the power of God? For behold, doth not my voice shake the earth? And can ye not also me before you? And I am sent from God." Mosiah 27:14-15
Well, Alma and the four sons of Mosiah were converted and they became some of the greatest missionaries in the Book of Mormon, later bringing thousands to a knowledge of God, and more astounding was the fact that most of these converts were among the Lamanites who were enemies to their people, who hated them and sought constantly to kill them and take power over them. But they were so converted they were willing to go among their enemies, at the peril of their lives, in the chance that they might bring them to this knowledge of God. And God blessed them with success, and from these faithful Lamanite converts come many powerful stories of faith and righteousness. They became a people that, once converted, never did waver in their faith at any time. It is so inspiring.
So yes, we can ask for angels to help us with our wayward and rebellious children. God might not send an angel to convert them, but He will send help in the way He sees best for our situation.
I loved Brother Barkdull's concept of the angels being some of our ancestors. We know that as we faithfully attend the temple that we will have angels watching over us. And that as we do the work of redeeming the dead, that they will be helping with redemptive efforts on our side of the veil. Brother Barkdull said, "...they who perhaps understand better than we the power of the 'welding link' that binds us together through temple ordinances." Neither of us can be made perfect without the other. "Heaven and earth are partners in the cosmic work of salvation."
It's wonderful to know that angels are not strangers, "but from the ranks of our kindred, friends, and fellow-beings and fellow-servants." (as President Joseph F. Smith said). Brother Barkdull concludes with "No matter their choices and situations [our wayward children], God loves them and is constantly working to save and redeem them. And so are their family and friends that have gone before. We are never alone in the work of redemption."
We are angels in partner.
And then this great promise in Doctrine and Covenants 84:88, "And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up."
Sunday, March 21, 2010
The Queen's Ministry
An earthly Queen has a ministry because she serves her people. It is to give service, care, or aid to, or attend to, as in wants or necessities of others; to contribute to their comfort and happiness.
In other words, motherhood, womanhood.
Sheri Dew gave a wonderful Women's Conference address on May 1, 2008 which she entitled, "Awake, Arise, and Come Unto Christ." (You can read it, listen to it or watch it here.)
She said, "...to awake to who we are and to the expansive reach of our influence as women of God. To arise by making our lives a ministry, as the Savior did. And to come unto Christ by walking away from the world."
Do we ever take time out of the busy activities of our lives to realize just how much influence we have on those around us? No matter if our influence is for good or bad, women do wield powerful influence on those in their lives. And we cannot escape it, as our prophet has said:
"We cannot escape the influence our lives have upon others." -President Thomas S. Monson
Sister Dew lists five principles, in her talk, about influence that she felt was important for us to understand. Those were:
1. We all have more influence than we think.
2. Righteous influence is a spiritual gift.
3. Having influence is not about elevated self, but about lifting others.
4. It isn't possible NOT to have influence.
5. Women of God [Queens in the making] have influence that has no limit and no end.
She said we are not put here on earth to be influenced, but to lead, by our righteous influence.
We mothers are the teachers. Like the saying "The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world." -William Ross Wallace
We wield great power with our influence, for good or for bad. Mr. Wallace's poem is a beautiful one if you've never read it. (I hadn't til I just looked up where the saying comes from.)
Blessings on the hand of women!
Angels guard its strength and grace,
In the palace, cottage, hovel,
Oh, no matter where the place;
Would that never storms assailed it,
Rainbows ever gently curled;
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.
Infancy's the tender fountain,
Power may with beauty flow,
Mother's first to guide the streamlets,
From them souls unresting grow—
Grow on for the good or evil,
Sunshine streamed or evil hurled;
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.
Woman, how divine your mission
Here upon our natal sod!
Keep, oh, keep the young heart open
Always to the breath of God!
All true trophies of the ages
Are from mother-love impearled;
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.
Blessings on the hand of women!
Fathers, sons, and daughters cry,
And the sacred song is mingled
With the worship in the sky—
Mingles where no tempest darkens,
Rainbows evermore are hurled;
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.
It reminds me of a talk I heard given when I visited my daughter's ward one Sunday last year. The talk was entitled "The Women in My Life" and was one of the most touching tribute to women I have heard in my life! (I was not prepared in any degree for the amount of tissue I needed!) He talked about the "heroic faith" of women, and I love that phrase. And here is how that author (Brother Bullock) describes women's heroic faith:
"Only a woman can bestow upon man that supernal title of father, and she in turn becomes a mother. Can anyone dispute her part is different from and more demanding than his? While there are complementing rewards which are hers and hers alone, the mother must endure certain constraints and limitations while nature performs the miracle of creation within her. Yet, through her sacrifice, another spirit is clothed in a mortal body and crosses that frail foot path between the worlds to experience mortality. Intelligence and talent favor both men and women and while fathers and sons bear the burden of the Priesthood, in the woman's part, she is not just equal to man; she is superior! She can do that which he can never do; not in all eternity can he do it, for her glory lies in 'bearing the souls of men." (Doctrine & Covenants 132:63) And then, using her divine endowment of gifts; her selflessness, discernment, her sensitivity to the Spirit, and her heroic faith, with these she trains, nurtures and guides her children through ever darkening mists of the worlds around them. How mighty is the disarming wisdom of the daughters of God and how powerful are the tender and tempering teachings of Holy Women. For unto them is given power, through their faith in Jesus Christ, to save their families from the perils of this world and even from the power of the Evil one himself."
Sister Dew continued in her talk, "If we could unleash the full influence of covenant keeping women, the kingdom of God would change overnight. No one has more influence on husbands than wives, on children than their mothers, or on young men than young women. Show me the women of any family or community, and I will show you the character and soul of that family and community."
She goes on to say how Satan understands the power and influence women wield, therefore he has his strategies for working on us to destroy that influence. He wants us to believe such lies as men are smarter and more important than women, that marriage and family are confining and that motherhood is a waste of any talented woman's time, and that our value is determined by our size, our shape, and what we accomplish outside of the home.
I don't think William R. Wallace or Brother Bullock would agree with any of those lies, do you?
Sister Dew said, "If the world can't look to us for a true definition of womanhood, where can it look?"
President David O. McKay said, "Motherhood is the greatest potential influence...in human life." (Improvement Era, 1853, 452)
Sister Dew continues, "Our Father also gifted us with the nature to nurture, keen sensitivity to the Spirit, selflessness, discernment, and heroic faith [there's that beautiful phrase again!]. No wonder our Father placed us at the heart of the family and thus at the center of the plan of salvation. We are the Lord's secret weapon. Pre-mortally, when our Father described our role, we must have shouted for joy because of the ennobling stature He gave women in His kingdom. The world won't tell us this stunning truth, but the Spirit will."
Sister Dew issued a challenge in her talk to be even more than we are. To arise to the challenge to have the influence that the Lord intended for us to have.
"The Savior 'came not to be ministered unto, but to minister' (Mark 10:45). If He came to minister, then so did we. What would change if you thought of your life as a ministry? I am not talking about church callings or service projects. Those come and go. I'm not talking about doing more, although it may mean doing things differently...."
"Making of your life a ministry means consciously asking yourself in everyday situations, 'Why has the Lord brought me here today?' and then looking for ways to build up people and the kingdom. It means asking the Lord what He needs you to do rather than feverishly working down your list of To-Do's that may or may not have lasting significance. Ministering might mean talking to your friends of other faiths about your spiritual journey or starting a blog to share what you believe online, [*Ã*] or mentoring a young adult. It is our stewardship, after all, to pass along the legacy of what it means to be a woman of God to the next generation."
"Those who think of life as a ministry tend to be less lonely, less likely to feel that life has spun out of control, more inclined to have a gentle heart, more filled with purpose."
I might add to that, more filled with hope, faith, patience, long-suffering, charity---all those things that we could definitely use more of.
"Those who think of their lives as a ministries understand that the influence to lift others comes from coming unto Christ."
Sister Dew goes on to talk about the collective influence of one. Although we might be led to believe [one of Satan's lies] that what we do is so small it couldn't possibly make a difference, she says that if all of the things that we do as a body of the sisters of the church is put together, what a huge collective influence for good that would be. For instance:
"If every one of the 6 million of us (women of the church) helped convert just one person this year, next year there would be 12 million of us on the job. And the next year 24 million. And so on. Now, does this seem outrageous? Or, is it exactly what President Kimball foresaw---that WE would be a 'significant force in both the numerical and spiritual growth of the Church in the last days.' I believe it, and I believe it's high time we make it happen..."
She ends her talk with, "...the heavens are open, ..angels minister, and...the Spirit speaks. And I know that Jesus Christ can heal us, strengthen us, sanctify us, lift us, and redeem us. I testify that the power to have righteous influence comes when the Atonement changes our hearts."
Ours is a Queenly ministry. We are here in mortality to gain the education that will someday makes us Queens on High with the Eternal Life that our Heavenly Father wants to give us...if only we will follow after Him and do those things that He would have us to do.
We each can make a difference.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
The Queen's Treasures
I'm sure everyone has a different idea of what a treasure is. The dictionary had quite a variety of meanings for the word treasure. The most common being wealth or riches stored or accumulated in the form of precious metals, money, jewels, or things of value. Another meaning was any thing or person greatly valued or highly prized. Yet another was to retain carefully or keep in store, as in the mind. Also, to regard or treat as precious, as in to cherish.
Many in our world seek for power, wisdom, and riches. To have power can be good and bad, depending on how you use it. Power is the ability to do or act; it's strength, might, even force. It's the capability of doing or accomplishing something. It can also mean the possession of control or command over others, or authority. And, having power also means having influence. To have wisdom is to have accumulated knowledge. It is also the quality or state of being wise, having knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action, discernment, or insight. We all must decide our own meaning for riches. While it might mean money and possessions to many, to others it could mean their family and friends.
"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Luke 12:34
"A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things." Matt 12:35
Or, we could reword that as “A good Queen, out of the good treasure of her heart, bringeth forth good things.”
The Lord wants us to enjoy the good things of the earth that He has provided for us, and He has asked us to use them with wisdom and gratitude, and to share what we have with those less fortunate than ourselves.
In the Doctrine & Covenants 38:39 the Lord tells us, "And if ye seek the riches which it is the will of the Father to give unto you, ye shall be the richest of all people, for ye shall have the riches of eternity; and it must needs be that the riches of the earth are mine to give; but beware of pride, lest ye become as the Nephites of old."
"But wo unto the rich, who are rich as to the things of the world. For because they are rich they despise the poor, and they persecute the meek, and their hearts are upon their treasures; wherefore, their treasure is their god. And behold, their treasure shall perish with them also." 2 Nephi 9:30
There is certainly enough and to spare for all of us. "For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea, I prepared all things, and have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves." D&C 104:17
More importantly though, I believe, is storing up spiritual treasures that will be with us for eternity. A lot of things could fit into that category. A question to measure our treasures by is: Are we building up treasures on earth, or treasures in heaven?
Elder Neil A. Maxwell said, "An inventory of how we spend our time will tell us where our treasure is."
As we seek to obtain, if we follow our Father's will for us, He will lead us to the things that He wants us to obtain. He knows better than we ever could, the things that will truly be a treasure to us. And, we will surely enjoy them more, obtaining them and using them in righteousness.
I pondered upon my treasures.
One of my most priceless treasures is my "Queenly Jewels"---my children that is! What role is more Queenly than that of a mother? And what is more precious to a mother than her children? Of course we value and treasure other relationships, such as our spouse, who is important to becoming a Heavenly Queen someday. But ahh, our children are so precious! Mine have all grown up and gotten out on their own. I miss them, as my little children, but thank goodness for memories. And now I have new treasures--grandchildren! That is the best bonus of being a mother! God will bless us for all eternities for our roles of motherhood, for all that we do to help provide bodies for his spirit children here on earth, and in caring for them and teaching them and nurturing them and loving them.
As much as I treasure my children and my motherhood, one of the truly greatest treasures on earth is the word of God--our scriptures! They can give us power, wisdom and wealth! How can we fulfill our role as women, in the Lord's way, without them? We are especially blessed to have the Book of Mormon. I love the song the kids sing in Primary called Scripture Power!
Scripture Power! Keeps me safe from sin. Scripture Power! is the power to win.
Scripture Power! Every day I need, the power that I get each time I read!
I really love the scriptures. They have blessed my life so much. I truly treasure them. Sometimes, when I just hold them in my hands I feel their great worth and it brings comfort to my whole soul. God has told us that we "shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures." Doctrine & Covenants 89:19
We can't find those "hidden" treasures with a casual or occasional reading of them. We must search them with consistency. Go to them for answers to life's questions and trials and problems. God has promised answers and we so often find them in our scriptures. I have never forgotten what Ardeth Kapp calls scriptures: Love letters from Home. They truly are.
This is my special set of scriptures. My own scriptural topical guide.
I got the idea from Elder Henry B. Eyring in the Ensign, Jul 2005, 22–26 “A Discussion on Scripture Study,”
Elder Eyring was asked in an interview: What have you done to make your own scripture study meaningful?
He said, "When I came into the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Elder Richard G. Scott suggested I buy an inexpensive set of scriptures and mark the insights and revelations I would gain in my new calling. So I did. But I went a little further. I asked Heavenly Father what He would have me do as an Apostle. I wrote down what I felt His answers were. I typed, color coded, and pasted those answers in the front of my scriptures. For example, the first one was “I am to be a witness that Christ is the Son of God.” Then I read my scriptures looking for ideas that taught me how to witness that Christ is the Son of God. Every time I came to something, I marked it in blue. Soon I developed my own topical guide around what I thought the Lord wanted me to do. I have learned much through this process. Going to the scriptures to learn what to do makes all the difference. The Lord can teach us. When we come to a crisis in our life, such as losing a child or spouse, we should go looking in the scriptures for specific help. We will find answers in the scriptures. The Lord seemed to anticipate all of our problems and all of our needs, and He put help in the scriptures for us—if only we seek it."
I used my patriarchal blessing as a guide to look for and mark special scriptures that pertained to my life, that made for me my own special topical guide.
Knowledge is a treasure. Knowledge is the experience that we came here to gain that will enable us to become like our Heavenly Father. And with that knowledge to be blessed with the wisdom to use it in the way wisdom is defined in the dictionary as: having knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action, discernment, or insight. That is a great treasure!
"And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation; the fear (reverence or respect) of the Lord is His treasure." Isaiah 33:6
"For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy." Ecclesiastes 2:26
Prayer is a treasure. A priceless communication system with our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ, to let them know our needs. Of course we know they already know that, but praying for ourselves and others teaches us great things. Especially as we learn to trust and rely on God's answers and His will and timetable for us. We often learn patience as we wait for answers that can't come immediately. We are often amazed and so faith promoted when the answers come readily and quickly.
Prayer is a great comfort. "Pray always, and I will pour out my Spirit upon you, and great shall be your blessing---yeah, even more than if you should obtain treasures of earth and corruptibleness to the extent thereof." Doctrine & Covenants 19:38
Gratitude. Oh how important it is to be thankful always for the abundance of blessing the Lord pours out on us. If we don't have gratitude, our possession will become a curse to us.
"Ye do not remember the Lord your God in the things with which He hath blessed you, but ye do always remember your riches, not to thank the Lord your God for them; yea, your hearts are not drawn out unto the Lord, but they do swell with great pride, unto boasting." Helaman 13: 20-23
The gospel is such a treasure in my life. I can't even imagine trying to deal with all the things going on in this world without the sure and safe anchor of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. "...the kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field." Matt 13:44
God's commandments that He gives us, and the covenants He makes with us, is a sure treasure. "Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine." Exodus 19:5
So, with that covenant, not only do we obtain God's treasure, but we become His peculiar treasure. Just like my children are my jewels, we are God's jewels.
"And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels." Malachi 3:17
"Yet I will own them, and they shall be mine in that day when I shall come to make up my jewels." Doctrine & Covenants 101:3
A rich young man, who was living a good life, keeping all of God's commandments, approached the Savior and asked Him, "What lack I yet?" The Savior answered: "If thou will be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me." The young man went away sorrowing because he could not depart with his earthly riches. God probably isn't going to ask us to sell all that we have, but the lesson He is trying to teach us here is to give Him all that we have, which comes through our gift of agency--our heart, mind, might and soul, to the building up of His kingdom and by following Him. After all, He is the only way back to our Heavenly Father and to Eternal Life.
“Lay up for yourselves a treasure in heaven, yea, which is eternal, and which fadeth not away; yea, that ye may have that precious gift of eternal life, which we have reason to suppose hath been given to our fathers.” Helaman 5:8
Following Jesus Christ, His example, and His teachings is where true treasure lies: “In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:3
“Hearken ye to these words. Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Treasure these things up in your hearts, and let the solemnities of eternity rest upon your minds.” Doctrine and Covenants 43:34
As life’s trials and challenges come upon us, we will be better prepared to handle them when we have prepared ourselves spiritually beforehand. There are many things God has given us to strengthen us spiritually, but in my own experience, the scriptures have been what has helped me the most.
Elder Robert D. Hales said, “…when we want to speak to God, we pray. And when we want Him to speak to us, we search the scriptures.” He also said, “The holy scriptures are the word of God given to us for our salvation. The scriptures are essential in receiving a testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel….They are our spiritual lifeline.” And, “If the Savior were among us in the flesh today, He would teach us from the scriptures as He taught when He walked upon the earth.” (“Holy Scriptures: The Power of God unto Our Salvation,” Ensign, Nov 2006, 24–27)
The Holy Ghost is the supernal gift given to us to guide us and help us to know truth. “And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.” Moroni 10:4-5
Do you worry when you read and study that you cannot retain it? The Holy Ghost is the power by which all things can be brought to our remembrance. “Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say; but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man.” Doctrine & Covenants 84:85
Sister Ann Madson, in a Women’s Conference address in 2005 said that the scriptures are a treasure house, and that as we store these scripture treasures in our hearts, they enter into our prayers effortlessly. I would add, also to our thoughts and our conversations.
The more I read and study the scriptures, the more I have found this to true, that phrases from the scriptures come into my mind at the moments that I need them the most. I genuinely love that and find that very comforting in my life.
President Spencer W. Kimball said, "Regardless of your particular circumstances, as you become more and more familiar with the truths of the scriptures, you will be more and more effective in keeping the second great commandment, to love your neighbor as yourself. Become scholars of the scriptures—not to put others down, but to lift them up! After all, who has any greater need to 'treasure up' the truths of the gospel (on which they may call in their moments of need) than do women and mothers who do so much nurturing and teaching?" (Spencer W. Kimball, “The Role of Righteous Women,” Ensign, Nov 1979, 102)
And, the knowledge we gain in this life will give us advantages in the life to come!
“And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.” Doctrine & Covenants 130:19
“How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather…than silver!” Proverbs 16:16
To gain knowledge is to gain wisdom and power. To gain righteous knowledge coupled with wisdom is to yield a great spiritual power that gives us the “ability to do or act: it's strength, might, even force” according to our free agency in choosing good over evil and having power over Satan, but most importantly it gives us a great influence over those around us. And who better do we want to influence for good than our children, grandchildren, and other loved ones in our lives?! And with that wisdom, we then have “truth or right coupled with just judgment as to action, discernment, or insight” as the dictionary tells us. We then have power to stay on that strait path and bring others with us along that path that leads back to our Heavenly home.
And all along the way, the Savior is there to help us.
“…and I have spoken unto thee because of thy desires; therefore, treasure up these words in thy heart. Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love.” Doctrine & Covenants 6:20
I could not end this post without mentioning what a treasure true friends are!!
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