Day 1 - Merry Christmas!

As sure as the signs of Christ's birth came to pass, so also did the signs of His death (3 Nephi chapter 8). And the people in the ancient Americas knew that all that had been prophesied of Christ was true. And faith was again rewarded, for the resurrected Christ came to the people, and taught and ministered unto them as He had the people in Israel (3 Nephi chapters 9-28). They truly knew for themselves--no longer needing faith--that Christ was and is the Savior. That He did come to earth. That He laid forth His Gospel. That He saved mankind from their sins. And that He was raised from the dead, giving us all the opportunity to be resurrected when our turn comes. 

Yet faith is still required for us to believe all these things. And to trust in His coming again to earth. Isaiah prophesied much about the Savior's Second Coming. Christ even quotes Isaiah to the ancient American inhabitants (3 Nephi chapter 22). And recently it is these verses that have given me so much comfort in my personal struggles and trials as well as watching the trials and struggles of the world around me. They are signs that the Second Coming is so near. But there is no need to fear, because if we truly believe in Christ and follow His ways, then we know He will watch over us and take care of us:

7 For a small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mercies will I gather thee.

8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment, but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer....

10 For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the 

of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee....

13 And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children....

15 Behold, they shall surely gather together against thee, not by me; whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake....

17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall revile against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.

I know I've sent this video to you before, but I just cannot get enough of it. These promises that the Lord gives us are possible because of His Atonement. And that Atonement would not have taken place if our Savior did not condescend to come to earth for each of us (1 Nephi 11).

I am so grateful to my Savior for what He has done for all, but especially for me. I see His hand in every aspect of my life. I know I am never alone, for He is at my side--understanding everything I am suffering, and knowing why I am suffering it. I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for sending His one perfect and Only Begotten Son to be the sacrifice that would enable all of us to return to His presence. I hope I may be deserving of that sacrifice. For now, I will do what I know I can--show my gratitude and love for the Savior and Heavenly Father, especially showing that by serving others.... 

...I know that Heavenly Father loves you, as does the Savior. I know they are there for you. That they understand your personal trials and struggles, too. And that that baby born In Bethlehem was just as much just for you as it was for me. Please know of my love for you, and even more of the Lord's love for you.... 

Merry Christmas!

Day 2

And after the promise that the Savior would come on the morrow, this is what transpired (3 Nephi 1:15-21): 

15 And it came to pass that the words which came unto Nephi were fulfilled, according as they had been spoken; for behold, at the going down of the sun there was no darkness; and the people began to be astonished because there was no darkness when the night came.

16 And there were many, who had not believed the words of the prophets, who fell to the earth and became as if they were dead, for they knew that the great plan of destruction which they had laid for those who believed in the words of the prophets had been frustrated; for the sign which had been given was already at hand.

17 And they began to know that the Son of God must shortly appear; yea, in fine, all the people upon the face of the whole earth from the west to the east, both in the land north and in the land south, were so exceedingly astonished that they fell to the earth.

18 For they knew that the prophets had testified of these things for many years, and that the sign which had been given was already at hand; and they began to fear because of their iniquity and their unbelief.

19 And it came to pass that there was no darkness in all that night, but it was as light as though it was mid-day. And it came to pass that the sun did rise in the morning again, according to its proper order; and they knew that it was the day that the Lord should be born, because of the sign which had been given.

20 And it had come to pass, yea, all things, every whit, according to the words of the prophets.

21 And it came to pass also that a new star did appear, according to the word.

Faith, dedication, steadfastness, righteous living--all of it rewarded with the greatest blessing mankind could ever receive--the birth of a tiny baby who would one day grow to save all who ever did and ever would live on the earth. May we remember Him always, and continue in our way to live as those believers did. For our Savior will come again.

Day 3

[Post 100!!]

So, there has been a time appointed when the believers shall be put to death if Samuel's prophesied signs do not come about. You might be able to imagine what the believers may have been feeling. Nephi (whose great-great-great-great grandfather was the Alma who listened to Abinadi and ran away from King Noah; whose great-great-great grandfather was Alma the Younger who taught among the Nephites, including the discussion on faith in Alma chapter 32) went to the Lord in prayer. He prayed "in behalf of his people". He "cried mightily unto the Lord all that day." And the most beautiful answer came (3 Nephi 1:12-14): 

12 ...and behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, saying:

13 Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets.

14 Behold,  come unto my own, to fulfil all things which I have made known unto the children of men from the foundation of the world, and to do the will, both of the Father and of the Son—of the Father because of me, and of the Son because of my flesh. And behold, the time is at hand, and this night shall the sign be given.

Just think how Nephi must have felt--to hear the Savior Himself basically tell you, "Don't worry. I'm being born tomorrow." To not only have the comfort and reassurance that your believing people will be safe from the wickedness of the unbelievers, but also the comfort and reassurance that all people every where and in every time would soon be saved from sin (3 Nephi 9:21). Such beautiful words because they tell of prophecies and promises long foretold, finally being fulfilled. So many Christmas songs that rejoice in such wonderful things:

"O Little Town of Bethlehem"

...The hopes and fears of all the years 

Are met in thee tonight...

O morning stars together 

Proclaim the holy birth, 

And praises sing to God the King, 

And peace to men on earth. 

How silently, how silently

The wondrous gift is giv'n!

So God imparts to human hearts

The blessings of his heav'n.

No ear may hear his coming;

But in this world of sin,

Where meek souls will receive him, still

The dear Christ enters in.

"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"

Light and life to all he brings, 

Ris'n with healing in his wings.

Mild he lays his glory by

Born that man no more may die;

Born to raise the sons of earth,

Born to give them second birth.

"I Wonder as I Wander"

...But high from God's heaven, a star's light did fall

And the promise of ages it then did recall.

"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"

O come, O Dayspring, come and cheer

Our spirits by Thine advent here,

And drive away the shades of night

And pierce the clouds and bring us light.

Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel

Shall come to thee O Israel.

On Joseph's 203rd Birthday

I love Joseph Smith, Jr. He has always been a hero to me. I have loved learning more about the man and prophet throughout my life. I have enjoyed visiting, walking, and even living in the same places that he did. He was truly amazing. I like that his birthday comes exactly in between Christmas and my parents' anniversary. It just seems to fit that I get to honor his birth as well as the two other most important events that could have ever affected my life.

In tribute, here is a quote that very briefly sums up the many, many things that Joseph did in his ministry.

Neal A. Maxwell, "By the Gift and Power of God," Ensign, Jan. 1997, 41

"Why do we not have more disclosure concerning the process of translation of the Book of Mormon? Perhaps the full process was not disclosed because we would not be ready to understand it, even if given. Perhaps, too, the Lord wanted to leave the Book of Mormon in the realm of faith, though it is drenched with intrinsic evidence. After all, Christ instructed Mormon, who was reviewing the Savior's own teachings among the Nephites, not to record all of them on the plates because 'I will try the faith of my people' (3 Ne. 26:11). Perhaps the details of translation are withheld also because we are intended to immerse ourselves in the substance of the book rather than becoming unduly concerned with the process by which we received it.

"In any case, as soon as the translation process was completed, it was necessary for the Prophet Joseph to move on quickly in what would be a very busy and highly compressed ministry. This ministry included retranslating hundreds of verses in the Bible; fully establishing the Church; receiving various priesthood keys, with each of which came new duties and new concerns, from heavenly messengers; leading the winnowing Zion's Camp march; and calling and training many of the Church leaders, including the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and others, as in the School of the Prophets. (Notably, the Prophet sent nine of the Twelve to England when he could least afford to send them.) He also continued receiving revelations; he oversaw large gatherings of Church members in Kirtland, Jackson County, and Nauvoo. He experienced awful and severe apostasy among members, especially in the Kirtland period and in Nauvoo. On one illustrative occasion, when Wilford Woodruff met Joseph in Kirtland, the Prophet scrutinized him for a moment, then said: 'Brother Woodruff, I am glad to see you. I hardly know when I meet those who have been my brethren in the Lord, who of them are my friends. They have become so scarce' (quoted in Matthias F. Cowley, Wilford Woodruff [1964], 68). As his ministry progressed, he focused on temple building and temple ordinances—in many ways, the crowning achievement of his life.

"The Prophet Joseph did all of these and so much more while serving simultaneously as father and husband. He and Emma lost six of their children to early death.

"Finally, of course, came the engulfing events leading up to the Martyrdom.

"So many large undertakings were compressed into such a small period of time! The Prophet's ministry almost defies description. No wonder Joseph once said that if he hadn't experienced his own life, he would not have believed it himself (see History of the Church, 6:317)."

Day 4

After Samuel proclaimed the prophecies, some chose to believe. Others did not. Those who did not believe persecuted those who did. (Something we see still today.) The unbelievers began to mock the believers when they believed the time had passed for the signs which Samuel had prophesied of. But it wasn't just mocking. 3 Nephi chapter 1 tells this story. In verse 6, the unbelievers mock. Verses 7 and 8, the believers are sorrowful, and yet "they did watch steadfastly." It is the same for us. Are we not to watch steadfastly? Christ will be coming again. We must watch for it and prepare for it. And part of that watching and preparing is helping others to do so. And recognizing the Lord's hand in all things. And, indeed, freely sharing His love with those around us. These are all things I have been trying to work on recently. I think once in a while I falter in my duties of watching. But then I take another firm hold upon my faith and press forward. I have to watch. My life wouldn't be what it is, and I wouldn't be who I am if I did not watch. And live for it. I would have no true happiness. I wonder if that is how it was for the Nephites who watched for the signs. 

Yet they had more at stake. In verse 9 we see that "there was a day set apart by the unbelievers, that all those who believed in those traditions should be put to death exept the sign should come to pass." Maybe the members in the beginnings of the LDS church had to defend their homes, families, and very lives for what they believed. But I peronally do not have that threat over me. I do have ostracization and ridicule and even shunning. But my life has not been threatened, yet. And I am still free to believe as I do, and hope, watch, and live for the time when our Savior comes again. 

Certainly, reason to rejoice: I am free to love my Savior. To believe in Him. To worship Him. To become like Him. To be understood, succored, and lifted by Him. To have Him as the greatest, truest friend I have ever known. If only I could show my full gratitude to Him for all He has done and still does for me. If only I could share it with others. "If Only..." It makes me think of two songs. One from "Whistle Down the Wind," when she sings "'If only it was so'--these are the loneliest words I know." It is that which makes me realize to stop being an If Only and just do what I wish I could do. Which is why I'm sharing all of this with you. I cannot help but share it. Which brings me to the other song, called "If Only." It is a duet my sister and I have been singing for years. These are the lyrics:

If only they had known.

If only they could understand.

If only they had looked into His eyes 

To understand what sort of man.

If only they had seen.

If only they had known.

If only they had heard

With open hearts and open minds.

If only they had listened to the words He spoke--

The greatest of all time.

If only they had heard.

If only they had known.

Had I been there

Could I stem the tide?

Could I stand my ground 

And hold on till the end?

Or, in my weakness, 

Would I fail the test?

Would I show my faith

And prove myself a friend?

If only I could know.

If only I had felt the pain.

How could I do the things I've done?

At times it seems 

He sacrificed in vain.

If only I could feel.

If only I could know.

If only I could show

The gratitude I feel inside.

Despite my weakness

Every time I try to change

His love can't be denied.

It's hidden in my heart.

It's written in my soul.

Want to share it with you now--

If only you could know.

Day 5

As mentioned earlier, at Christmas we should think of Christ's death, Atonement, and resurrection as well as the birth. They all are the reasons we celebrate His birth. So if Samuel the Lamanite prophesied about the birth of Christ...yep! You got it. He did about His death, too. As well as His resurrection. Helaman chapter 14 verses 14-31 . I love especially the verses that talk about how salvation comes through Christ, in verses 15-17: 

15 For behold, he surely must die that salvation may come; yea, it behooveth him and becometh expedient that he dieth, to bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, that thereby men may be brought into the presence of the Lord.

16 Yea, behold, this death bringeth to pass the resurrection, and redeemeth all mankind from the first death—that spiritual death; for all mankind, by the fall of Adam being cut off from the presence of the Lord, are considered as dead, both as to things temporal and to things spiritual.

17 But behold, the resurrection of Christ redeemeth mankind, yea, even all mankind, and bringeth them back into the presence of the Lord.

"Back into the presence of the Lord." What marvelous joy! Indeed, nephew Fred in A Christmas Carol had it so right when he said, "I believe that [Christmas] has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it!" Oh, Fred, you have no idea how much good it has done you and each and every one of us. 

Hope You Know...

[from today's entry of my personal online journal]:

Okay, today was very, very hard. First there was a very emotionally exhausting conversation in the early afternoon. It left me pensive and somber. Then I spent more than half of the day packing. I teared up a couple of times. And I only completely broke down once. It was a good, cleansing cry.

All from putting many things in the pile for Goodwill, and throwing away almost as much. It feels good to be getting rid of what all really is just stuff. But it's hard. It is so hard. I couldn't believe I could be so attached to such material things. So many memories I've been re-living. So many dreams and hopes from the past as well as the present all around me.

As I looked at before re-packing the Superman quilt I've been making for my baby sons, I was reminded yet again of things unachieved and paths never followed. And the thought came to me with all I've been doing the last few days and weeks, that I really am throwing dreams away. That's when I broke down. The life I had envisioned for myself ever since I was very young just isn't to be. Not now. It hasn't been for years. I've known that my life has been taking all new directions for a long while. But I have held on to so much that was intended for, or let me fantasize about, or even just symbolized that dream life. It's saddening. And it really hurts. But this is good. I can't hold on to the past like this. How am I to progress in my future otherwise?

It is all for my greater good, for I am giving away all to know the Savior and our Father (Alma 22:18). I feel that I have too many distractions about me. And I want them gone. I want to show them how much I truly want to come unto Christ. To be more Christlike. And I personally don't feel that I can with things that not only keep me focusing on a life that God did not intend for me at this time, but that also temporally and spiritually distract me from doing my all to know them.

So, really, this is all just a very strong lesson that

No Pain, No Gain.

or in the Savior's words:

"know thou, my [daughter], that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he? Therefore, hold on thy way...fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever." -Doc&Cov 122:7-9

And even if I already have this on the blog, I'm adding it again here--because I need it.

Day 6

Now how about what was happening in the ancient Americas around the time that Christ was born in Israel? I LOVE the story of Christmas from the perspective of this continent. It seems even more joyous and beautiful. And more full of hope and faith, because while the Savior came to earth, he was on the other side of the world.

If you've read some of the Book of Mormon, by now you may have noticed what we often call the Pride Cycle. The Nephites are doing well and prosper, they become prideful and forget the Lord, they begin do wicked, the Lord chastens them (with famine, wars, or something), the people are humbled, they repent, they begin to live righteously, the Lord blesses them, they begin to do well and prosper--and the cycle repeats itself. Over and over again. Main lesson: beware pride. 

Well, around 6 B.C., many of the Nephites were in the forgetting the Lord and doing wicked part of the cycle. And a Lamanite prophet named Samuel came to call them to repentance. Samuel's story (Helaman chapters 13-16) is another awesome one. No one wants to be told they're doing wrong, and a lot of people did not want to hear Samuel. They wouldn't even let him in. So Samuel went up on the city wall to declare his message. And all the stones and arrows that people sent up "could not hit him" (Helamane 16:2). And part of Samuel's message not only was about the coming of the Savior, but also included the signs that the people in the Americas would see to know when Christ was born as well as when he would die. The signs of his birth are found in Helaman 14:2-13, specifically verses 2-6:

 2 And behold, he said unto them: Behold, I give unto you a sign; for five years more cometh, and behold, then cometh the Son of God to redeem all those who shall believe on his name.

  3 And behold, this will I give unto you for a sign at the time of his coming; for behold, there shall be great lights in heaven, insomuch that in the night before he cometh there shall be no darkness, insomuch that it shall appear unto man as if it was day.

  4 Therefore, there shall be one day and a night and a day, as if it were one day and there were no night; and this shall be unto you for a sign; for ye shall know of the rising of the sun and also of its setting; therefore they shall know of a surety that there shall be two days and a night; nevertheless the night shall not be darkened; and it shall be the night before he is born.

  5 And behold, there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you.

  6 And behold this is not all, there shall be many signs and wonders in heaven.

Day 7

Abinadi was a prophet who prophesied to a group of Nephites, under rule of wicked King Noah and his priests. By the power of God, no men were able to lay hands on Abinadi until he had delivered his message of Christ and called the people to repentance. When his message--thus his work--was done, he was soon after burned, a martyr for Christ. But his work was not in vain. One priest named Alma believed him. He ran away and hid from King Noah's men who sought to kill him, too. In secret, people went to Alma whereupon he taught them what Abinadi had taught. Alma became a high priest when his group of baptized followers rejoined the larger, main body of Nephites later on. It was his son Alma the Younger, along with his friends the sons of Mosiah (Ammon, Aaron, Omner, and Himni), have a fantastic story about them (Mosiah, chapters 27-28). Alma the Younger gives a great sermon about faith (Alma chapter 32). He served small missions among the Nephites while the sons of Mosiah served among the Lamanites (as previously talked about). So many came to know the truth about Christ--all from Abinadi performing his work and proclaiming Christ to the people he was called to preach to. 

And what did he preach of? Well, pretty much what all of the other prophets talked of. The Savior. Abinadi even quoted Isaiah, and basically summarized what Christ would come to earth to do. It comprises all 12 verses of Mosiah 14 . What stands out to me personally, is the line "surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows" (verse 4). That and everything else that was part of Christ's work here on the earth began with the birth of a tiny baby in Bethlehem. 

What Child is this, who laid to rest,

On Mary's lap is sleeping?

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet

While shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this is Christ the King

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.

Haste, haste to bring Him laud,

The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate

Where ox and ass are feeding?

Good Christian, fear: for sinners here,

The silent Word is pleading.

This, this is Christ the King

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.

Haste, haste to bring Him laud,

The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Nails, spear, shall pierce Him through,

The Cross be borne, for me, for you:

Hail, hail, the Word made flesh,

The Babe, the Son of Mary!

This, this is Christ the King

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.

Haste, haste to bring Him laud,

The Babe, the Son of Mary.

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh;

Come peasant, king to own Him.

The King of Kings salvation brings;

Let loving hearts enthrone Him.

This, this is Christ the King

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.

Haste, haste to bring Him laud,

The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Raise, raise, the song on high,

The Virgin sings her lullaby:

Joy joy for Christ is born,

The Babe, the Son of Mary!

This, this is Christ the King

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.

Haste, haste to bring Him laud,

The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Day 8

The missionaries Aaron and Ammon (along with their brothers) were sons of Mosiah, who was the last king of the Nephites before they ended kingship and implemented the use of judges. Mosiah's father was King Benjamin. Both were righteous kings and led the people on a good path, working right along beside them and following the Lord's ways and the Lord's prophets' counsel. At the beginning of the book of Mosiah, King Benjamin gathers the people together so he may speak to them one last time before he dies. (Story found in chapters 2-6.) King Benjamin, also, preached of the Savior and of what would come to pass (124 years later). He spoke of the birth, life, ministry, atonement, crucifixion, death, and resurrection. Those beautiful words are found in chapter 3, verse 5-12: 

 5 For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and is from all eternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and curing all manner of diseases.

  6 And he shall cast out devils, or the evil spirits which dwell in the hearts of the children of men.

  7 And lo, he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people.

  8 And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning; and his mother shall be called Mary.

  9 And lo, he cometh unto his own, that salvation might come unto the children of men even through faith on his name; and even after all this they shall consider him a man, and say that he hath a devil, and shall scourge him, and shall crucify him.

  10 And he shall rise the third day from the dead; and behold, he standeth to judge the world; and behold, all these things are done that a righteous judgment might come upon the children of men.

  11 For behold, and also his blood atoneth for the sins of those who have fallen by the transgression of Adam, who have died not knowing the will of God concerning them, or who have ignorantly sinned.

  12 But wo, wo unto him who knoweth that he rebelleth against God! For salvation cometh to none such except it be through repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Yet again, faith. Belief. The Spirit testifying to them that Christ would come and bring the greatest gifts to mankind. And the same for us. Our faith and belief are strengthened, supported, and expanded when we let the Spirit speak to us and testify of the reality of Christ. That He did come as a tiny baby, and grow and endure the daily trials and joys that each of us has endured. And then taught us the way we should be. And then atoned for our sins and pains and grievances. Was slain for us. And then rose from the dead, allowing us the chance to be reunited with our perfected body after we die. All of this providing us the possibility to learn and live in this life so we can one day return to our Savior as well as our Father in Heaven. Gospel doesn't just mean "great news." It's glorious, glorious news! All of those songs that sing "glory" and "alleluia" and "hallelujah" and "praise" and such joyous words like that are ways that I love to proclaim my excited wonderment and gratitude over all that Christ has done and still does for us.

Day 9

So, with the faith required for people to believe, what did they do with that faith and belief? Well, some went about telling others about it. After all, if there is something you are so convinced about, something you find so wonderful and incredible, all you want to do is share it with everyone around you. (It's why I'm always talking or wanting to talk about what I believe!) There are great stories throughout the Book of Mormon. Some that I thoroughly enjoy are the missions and missionary opportunities that the sons of Mosiah and Alma the Younger experience. One often told story in the LDS religion is that of Ammon (Alma chapters 17-20). Briefly--he was caught in enemy lands (the Lamanites), he asked to serve King Lamoni, and then defended King Lamoni's flocks by using a sling and cutting off the arms of his attackers! King Lamoni was in awe as well as fear--worrying that Ammon was the Great Spirit the Lamanites believed in. King Lamoni was open to anything Ammon had to say, thus Ammon was able to teach him. His teachings are in Alma 18: 14-42.  Verse 39 specifically refers to the coming of Christ:

"...for he expounded unto them the plan of redemption, which was prepared from the foundation of the world; and he also made known unto them concerning the coming of Christ, and all the works of the Lord did he make known unto them."

Ammon's brother Aaron had the opportunity to teach King Lamoni's father (Alma chapters 21-22). He, too (in Alma 22:13-14), explained the plan of redemption, or what LDS often refer to as the Plan of Salvation:

"And Aaron did expound unto him the scriptures from the creation of Adam, laying the fall of man before him, and their carnal state and also the plan of redemption, which was prepared from the foundation of the world, through Christ, for all whosoever would believe on his name.

"And since man had fallen he could not merit anything of himself; but the sufferings and death of Christ atone for their sins, through faith and repentance, and so forth; and that he breaketh the bands of death, that the grave shall have no victory, and that the sting of death should be swallowed up in the hopes of glory; and Aaron did expound all these things unto the king."

The Atonement. The Resurrection. Christ gave us so much. It is just...unfathomable. It is awesome in every true sense of the word. You know I have trouble picking favorites on anything. But one of my very, very favorite hymns that we sing is "I Stand All Amazed." 

It is such an expression of wonder and awe at all that Christ did and does for us still. Every pain. Every ill. Every heartache. Every everything. Yes, Christmas is truly worth celebrating with our whole hearts. For how can we not sing praises, shout for joy, and express our love and gratitude for the greatest gifts ever given to mankind through our Lord and Savior? It is just so wonderful, what other words can there be to express it? I don't think they exist.

Day 10

So, with everything "going on" over in the land of Israel, what was happening in the ancient Americas? Since Nephi's vision, many prophets testified of the coming of Christ. They did just as it says in 2 Nephi 25:26 -

"And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins."

Can you imagine the faith these prophets and the people who believed them must have had? I mean, not only had the Savior not yet come and there was no written record of his earthly works as we have with the New Testament, but it wasn't even on their continent! They were going by prophecies in the brass plates (equivalent of the Old Testament up to the reign of Zedekiah), and their faith. I am always highly impressed by their faith and sometimes wonder if my faith could have been so strong in such a situation. 

And that leads me to think on faith, and what faith is. There are so many scriptures that talk of faith. We read in Hebrews 11:1 that "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Moroni also talks of this in Ether 12: 6 - "I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith" (emphasis added). 

I believe those generations of prophets and followers were greatly blessed when they came to see that their faith was in something real. That Christ was and is real. That He did come to earth and atone for us. And made it possible for us to return to Him after this life. Their faith became perfect knowledge. But it really isn't all that different for us. While we may be over 2000 years since Christ was born, and we have two written accounts of Christ's teaching, doctrine, and ministry, we still need to know for ourselves. We still have to have faith in something--someone--that we have never seen on this earth. It requires a lot on our part. But I think you know as I do, that such faith--such strong faith--is possible. Else we wouldn't be the believers we are. We wouldn't be wanting to live our lives as best as we know our Father in Heaven and His Son our Savior would have us live. And we can take comfort and courage in the Savior's own words that "blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed (John 20:29).

Day 11

President Gordon B. Hinckley (our 15th prophet in these latter days) once said, "We must think about His death as we celebrate His birth--because without the death, it was just another birth."

In the LDS religion, the death was not just His crucifixion, but all that surrounded that. That would mean the Atonement (and later His Resurrection). The pains Christ suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane were experienced again when He was on the cross. All of that was His sacrifice to buy us back from an awful state of misery. He felt every pain and sorrow we have ever and will ever feel. It's what causes Him to be the only one who can truly succor us. During a most difficult time of my life a little over a year ago, I read a passage in the scriptures that I had never quite noticed before. Now it is one of my favorites. It is what I remember was the whole reason He came to earth.

The scripture is in Alma, chapter 7, verses 11-12.

Day 12

I am doing a sort of 12 Days of Christmas with my dear friend who is not a member of the LDS church, but whom I have had many conversations of what we believe. She accepted The Book of Mormon, too. I thought it would be fun to do a 12 Days of Christmas - Book of Mormon style! Doing this is one of the ways I am personally focusing on Christ and celebrating Christmas this year. So I thought I would share it here, too.

600 years before Christ came to earth, Nephi (a young man at the time) wanted to know for himself what his father Lehi had told him. His answer came as a vision that showed him many things which were to come. This included the coming of the Son of God. The account is very beautiful and can be read in 1 Nephi, chapter 11.

Come Unto Christ

"The Father and the Son appeared to Joseph Smith to restore the faith of our Father on this earth, never to be taken away again. God desires that all of His children receive it, irrespective of their background, culture, or tradition. True religion should not originate from what pleases men or the traditions of ancestors, but rather from what pleases God, our Eternal Father.

"Continuing revelation is a fundamental feature of this faith. Joseph Smith's first prayer is a powerful testimony of this. Revelation is a constant compass that keeps us always true to the will and the faith of our Heavenly Father.

"Our Heavenly Father loves His children. He hears the prayers of the humble and sincere of every nation, tongue, and people. He grants light to those who seek and honor Him and are willing to obey His commandments. We joyously proclaim that the faith of our Father is on the earth today.

"We invite everyone on this beautiful planet to taste of His doctrine and see if it is not sweet and good and precious. We ask those of sincere heart to learn of this doctrine and ask their Father in Heaven if it is not true. And by doing so, all can discover, embrace, and walk in the true faith of their Father, which faith will make them whole.

"That is our message to the world."

-Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Faith of Our Father," Ensign, May 2008, 75


This quote makes me think of the lyrics of one of Sally DeFord's songs:

Feast Upon the Word of the Lord

Come, ye who hunger and thirst,

Hear the Master's voice

Come and feast on the word of the Lord

Nourish the hungering soul

Freely given it hath no price

Come and feast on the word of the Lord

Here find ye hope; find peace for the weary heart

Come and feast on the word of the Lord

Come, set aside mortal cares

And choose now the better part

Come and feast on the word of the Lord

Ye who would partake of truth, ye who seek the fountain sweet

Lay all mortal burdens by and learn at Jesus' feet

Come let your souls delight where hearts are full and hope is bright

Where all may gain eternal life

Feast upon the words of Christ

How I wish that all could hear the sound of my voice--or the words of my hands--and know what I know, feel what I feel, and have the joy in their lives as I have in mine. At the time of year when so many recognize and celebrate the Savior's work, even more do I long to share all that I know. Of His birth, His life, His teachings, His Atonement, His Resurrection, His love for each of us, His ability to understand us, His ability to succor us and take away our pain, His willingness to always help us, His ever-mindfulness of each and every one of us.
These things I do know and testify of with complete assurance that they are true.

May each of you come to know for yourself the great and wondrous gift that truly is the Savior and Redeemer--when He came to this world for the purpose of saving each one of us.

Passing of Another Apostle

I just saw this update on my iGoogle lds.org gadget:

Joseph B. Wirthlin, Oldest Apostle, Dies, Age 91

I hadn't expected that, but in a way I had. Ever since that time in the Conference Center when Elder Nelson stood behind him to literally support him, I knew that Elder Wirthlin's health was not as it had been. But only 2 months ago he had still seemed so vital and strong--for a 91 year old! His talks have been so wonderful to and for me of late, and I have loved understanding his humor in the last few years, too. Like the other apostles that I have "grown up with," I will miss him very much. I will miss hearing him speak. But I know he is so happy to be reunited with his wife and other brothers (and sisters) that he has served with in his life.

It will be interesting to see who the Lord calls as his next apostle. (I still have my hopes for President Bateman. :-) I love that man so much!!!)

Oh, so true

“I am at a stage in my life when, because of great distances, I cannot come to know well grandchildren and, in time, great-grandchildren. There are also people who have never had the opportunity for marriage and parenthood who have the same yearning as I do to somehow be close to family. Because of the restoration of the knowledge of eternal families, we are more hopeful and more kindly in all our family relations. The greatest joys in this life center in families, as they will in the worlds to come. I am so grateful for the assurance I have that if we are faithful, the same sociality which we enjoy here in this life will be forever with us in the world to come, in eternal glory (see D&C 130:2).”

Henry B. Eyring, “The True and Living Church,” Ensign, May 2008, 22

This quote hits home for me not just because I have not yet been blessed with marriage and parenthood, but because we are entering the holiday season. This time of year is such a family time for me. And I am far from any family (immediate or extended) for the first time in my life. I have been quite homesick for a home that doesn't exist for me any more. As I do what I can in living life and hoping to establish a home at some point in my life, I am so glad that I do have a family--no matter how scattered--that loves and supports me. Eternal families are awesome! :-)

Happy Thanksgiving!

"May we be found among those who give our thanks to our Heavenly Father. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues. Despite the changes which come into our lives and with gratitude in our hearts, may we fill our days—as much as we can—with those things which matter most. May we cherish those we hold dear and express our love to them in word and in deed."

--Thomas S. Monson, "Finding Joy in the Journey", Ensign, Nov 2008, 84–87

Prop 8 Support--from BOTH sides

The support is in many telling others to stop the harassment and ridicule and protests (etc.) of those who are angry with Prop 8 passing. This is just a collection of quotes from people/groups on both sides of the issue trying to show these extremists how wrong their actions are. I think that is very telling. And I think some people need to start listening.

More Prop 8 reactions

Read more on some reactions to the passing of Prop 8, and how we may still have our religious freedom in jeopardy. Most certainly the dark and troubled last days before the Savior comes again.

"So much to be thankful for..."

[from my online journal today]:

I've been planning this video for a couple of weeks. But it actually was a lot harder to create than I thought it would be. I just didn't have enough of "the right kind" of pictures. But I think it has come together fairly well. Some very personal parts to it, but they are things that make me thankful or remind me of the "so much more" that I can do. So here it is--just in time for Thanksgiving!

Something I Need to Work On

"When you attempt to live life's experiences alone, you are not being true to yourself, nor to your basic mission in life. Individuals in difficulty often say: 'I'll do it alone,' 'Leave me alone,' 'I don't need you,' 'I can take care of myself.' It has been said that no one is so rich that he does not need another's help, no one so poor as not to be useful in some way to his fellowman. The disposition to ask assistance from others with confidence, and to grant it with kindness, should be part of our very nature."

Robert D. Hales, "We Can't Do It Alone," Ensign, Nov. 1975, 93

Ironic that I look at this quote now--at a time when I'm struggling to see if I have done any good for others, realizing that I have a weakness for being uncharitable and have a lot of work to do to change that weakness. And yet Elder Hales also has me looking at charity from the opposite angle, and has me seeing that I have a problem there, too. Charity, it seems, is a weakness for me in every aspect.

See, I have a major problem asking for help, as well as receiving it. I feel undeserving of it and thus guilty that their time is not being spent better off somewhere or with someone else. It's ironic that I turn so much to the Lord for help and know He is always there and always lifting me up. But then at the same time I have such trouble accepting some of the help that He sends through people around me. And then there are times when I feel I need and desire quite strongly someone physically present right then--and it's not what I'm given. Those are the times the Lord is expecting me to rely on only Him and myself. It's just between us. While those times are tough, I would say it's even harder for me to accept the help when it is there and it isn't what or how I wanted. I really am glad the Lord knows best, because I would completely botch up my life on my own.

Sacrifice brings forth...?

I have thought and pondered and finally concluded that there are some friends (mostly those I am closest to) to whom I am a terrible friend to. I have opened up too much of myself and all they see now is nothing good. Just the negative, un-Christlike aspects. When Moroni 7:45 shows you everything you're not, that's a sign that you're tearing others down and not lifting them up. I may be working on changing, but during that all I'm going to do is make them miserable. That isn't being a friend. I know they'll be fine without me. They were fine before I entered their life and they will be happier when I'm out of it. Other friends are works in progress like me, on levels closer to where I am. I believe we understand one another and help lift each other up. But when the lifting is done by one and all the other one (namely me) does is tear them down, that is an unhealthy friendship/relationship. There can be no greater pain for me than losing some of the closest friends I have ever known. But I don't want to hurt them any more than I do. I can't. Today we talked about leaving people better than we found them. And I've just made them worse. The Christlike thing is to walk away before any more harm is done. These people will be better off without my "friendship." 

"You must do the thing you think you cannot do."-Eleanor Roosevelt.

"Our main purpose in life is to love each other. If we can't do that, we can at least try not to hurt one another." -Dalai Lama

All for us

"In the moonlit silence of that Near Eastern night, every acute pain, every heartfelt grief, every crushing wrong and human hurt experienced by every man, woman, and child in the human family was to be heaped upon his weary shoulders. But in such a moment, when someone might have said it to him, he rather says to us, 'Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.' (John 14:27.)"

Jeffrey R. Holland, "He Loved Them unto the End," Ensign, Nov. 1989, 25)

If the Savior didn't give up on the hardest thing known in this world and beyond, then we should not give up when we reach hard times. We can do it. He is there to help us through.

Someday...

“‘Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it’ (Eph. 5:25). With that kind of love, brethren, we will be better husbands and fathers, more loving and spiritual leaders. Happiness at home is most likely to be achieved when practices there are founded upon the teachings of Jesus Christ (see Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102). Ours is the responsibility to ensure that we have family prayer, scripture study, and family home evening. Ours is the responsibility to prepare our children to receive the ordinances of salvation and exaltation and the blessings promised to tithe payers. Ours is the privilege to bestow priesthood blessings of healing, comfort, and direction.”



Russell M. Nelson, “Our Sacred Duty to Honor Women,” Ensign, May 1999, 39-40

Charity

[from my personal online journal today]:

"Most of us experience some measure of what the scriptures call “the furnace of affliction” (Isa. 48:10; 1 Ne. 20:10). Some are submerged in service to a disadvantaged family member. Others suffer the death of a loved one or the loss or postponement of a righteous goal like marriage or childbearing. Still others struggle with personal impairments or with feelings of rejection, inadequacy, or depression. Through the justice and mercy of a loving Father in Heaven, the refinement and sanctification possible through such experiences can help us achieve what God desires us to become."

-Elder Dallin H. Oaks, "The Challenge to Become," Ensign November 2000, 32-34.

"This parable teaches us that we should never give up hope and loving associations with family members and friends whose fine qualities (see Moro. 7:5–14) evidence their progress toward what a loving Father would have them become....Instead of being judgmental about others, we should be concerned about ourselves. We must not give up hope. We must not stop striving. We are children of God, and it is possible for us to become what our Heavenly Father would have us become.

"How can we measure our progress? The scriptures suggest various ways. I will mention only two....(Mosiah 5:2). If we are losing our desire to do evil, we are progressing toward our heavenly goal....(1 Cor. 2:16). I understand this to mean that persons who are proceeding toward the needed conversion are beginning to see things as our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, see them. They are hearing His voice instead of the voice of the world, and they are doing things in His way instead of by the ways of the world."

-Elder Dallin H. Oaks, "The Challenge to Become," Ensign November 2000, 32-34.

"We are called upon to purify our inner feelings, to change our hearts, to make our outward actions and appearance conform to what we say we believe.…We need to extend the hand of friendship. We need to be kinder, more gentle, more forgiving, and slower to anger” 

-President Howard W. Hunter, “A More Excellent Way,” Ensign, May 1992, 61–63.

Have you ever wondered what "charity suffereth long" means? It doesn't mean that charity is a painful process. It is saying that charity is patient. It doesn't give up on others. Suffer means to wait patiently, to tolerate, to hold out, to allow. I do not equate "long-suffering" or "patient" charity with submissiveness to others or lack of energy. Quite the opposite--charity is energetically persistent in reaching its goals. It is submissive only to the Spirit of the Lord.

Sometimes the most important thing we do for others is to suffer long in their behalf....This is the suffering that works understanding. It reminds us that others have been patient with us, that the process of individual growth means we take turns suffering long and being suffered for.

-Elaine L. Jack, "Charity: How We Treat Each Other," March 10, 1992

Another charitable habit: Lighten up and chill out. Take a healthy helping of enjoyment and laughter from the smorgasbord of life's experiences. And give some to your neighbors and friends. While we don't choose all that lands on our plates, we may choose some of the trimmings. Laughter is a condiment that makes just about anything go down better. And the ability to enjoy life with all its frustrations and diversity is like a good sorbet--it freshens the palate. Good humor refreshes me as nothing else can. Sharing a good laugh with someone is often an act of charity.

-Elaine L. Jack, "Charity: How We Treat Each Other," March 10, 1992

11/11: Remember on this Day of Remembrance- and All Days

Veteran's Day has always been a favorite of mine, for we get to honor those who have fought--not just those who have died fighting. My grandfathers and great-grandfather all fought for their country. I am so proud of that heritage. And I am proud of and very grateful to all those who have fought to defend the freedoms we have been blessed with. 

Here are just a few things in tribute:

But the freedom that they fought for, and the country grand they wrought for,

Is their monument to-day, and for aye.

~Thomas Dunn English

And each man stands with his face in the light of his own drawn sword. Ready to do what a hero can. ~Elizabeth Barrett Browning

In war, there are no unwounded soldiers. ~José Narosky

(I have learned that my recently deceased great-grandfather was a part of Iwo Jima)

How far that little candle throws his beams!

So shines a good deed in a weary world.

~William Shakespeare

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

We must be prepared to make heroic sacrifices for the cause of peace that we make ungrudgingly for the cause of war. There is no task that is more important or closer to my heart. ~Albert Einstein

Valor is stability, not of legs and arms, but of courage and the soul. ~Michel de Montaigne

Heroism is latent in every human soul - However humble or unknown, they (the veterans) have renounced what are accounted pleasures and cheerfully undertaken all the self-denials - privations, toils, dangers, sufferings, sicknesses, mutilations, life. ~Lawrence Chamberlain

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. ~Elmer Davis

Courage is almost a contradiction in terms.  It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die. ~G.K. Chesterton

When eating bamboo sprouts, remember the man who planted them. ~Chinese Proverb

We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude. ~Cynthia Ozick

This is a different kind of army. If you look at history you'll see men fight for pay, or women, or some other kind of loot. They fight for land, or because a king makes them, or just because they like killing. But we're here for something new. This hasn't happened much in the history of the world. We are an army out to set other men free. America should be free ground, from here to the Pacific Ocean. No man has to bow, no man born to royalty. Here we judge you by what you do, not by who your father was. Here you can be something. Here you can build a home. But it's not the land. There's always more land. It's the idea that we all have value, you and me. What we're fighting for, in the end, is each other. Sorry. Didn't mean to preach. ~Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, Gettysburg

Freedom is never free. ~Author Unknown

When our perils are past, shall our gratitude sleep? ~George Canning

I think there is one higher office than president and I would call that patriot. ~Gary Hart

The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten. ~Calvin Coolidge

May we never forget--those who have died and those who are still living. And those who are still fighting. Never forget. But even more, never forget that 

"This is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all our other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ." -Ether 2:12