"But if all the sick were healed, if all the righteous were protected and the wicked destroyed, the whole program of the Father would be annulled and the basic principle of the gospel, free agency, would be ended.

"If pain and sorrow and total punishment immediately followed the doing of evil, no soul would repeat a misdeed. If joy and peace and rewards were instantaneously given the doer of good, there would be no evil - all would do good and not because of the rightness of doing good.  There would be no test of strength, no development of character, no growth of powers, no free agency, no Satanic controls.

"Should all prayers be immediately answered according to our selfish desires and our limited understanding, then there would be little or no suffering, sorrow, disappointment, or even death; and if these were not, there would also be an absence of joy, success, resurrection, eternal life, and godhood"

 

From Book of Mormon Student Manual Religion 121 and 122, p79 (1989, 1996 edition)

Quote by Spencer W. Kimball, "Tragedy or Destiny" 1966;

( When trying to find that manual online, I see that there is a 2009 edition of that manual and this quote is found on p196, and also in "Faith Precedes the Miracle" 

That newer manual is online, here, and looks great.  My old book has the last item listed in the Contents page, Subject Index on page 170 and the new book has that same item on page 417, so there must be much more added to the book.  I think I'll finish my study with my old manual but then buy the new manual and start over.  I love good study helps.)

 

 

Direction

Ponder this:

"If we don't change direction,

we will arrive at where we're going"

-Richard L. Evans
 

(found on p77 of Book of Mormon Student Manual Religion 121 and 122) 

 

Craving Praise and Popularity

"... craving for praise and popularity too often controls actions, and as they succumb they find themselves bending their character when they think they are only taking a bow."

"If individuals are more concerned with pleasing men than pleasing God, then they suffer from the same virus Satan had, for there are many situations where seeking the praise of men will clearly result in their hurting, not helping, mankind for they will do expedient and temporary things instead of those which are lasting and beneficial.
"How much more satisfying it is when we receive the praise of God, knowing that it is fully justified and that his love and respect for us will persist, when usually the praise of men is fleeting and most disappointing."

(Quote by N. Eldon Tanner, found on p45 of the Book of Mormon Student Manual Religion 121 and 122)

Helaman 5 (esp. vs 40-47) = Liken unto Depression

I love this promise!   Consider the "cloud of darkness" as ones inner feelings during times of depression.   I know this works - I have put it to the test more than once.

 

 

"What shall we do, that this cloud of darkness may be removed from over-shadowing us?" (v40)

 

"You must repent, and cry unto the [Lord], even until ye shall have faith in Christ, who was taught unto you..., and when ye shall do this, the cloud of darkness shall be removed from overshadowing you." (v41)

 

"... they did ..." (v42)

 

"the cloud of darkness was dispersed from overshadowing them ..." (v43)

 

"... and they were filled with that joy which is unspeakable and full of glory." (v44)

 

"And the Holy Spirit of God did come down from heaven, and did enter into their hearts, and they were filled ...." (v45)

 

"Peace, peace be unto you, because of your faith in [Him]."  (v47)

Scripture Study and Triumph Over Evil Influences.

"I think that people who study the scriptures get a dimension to their life that nobody else gets and that can't be gained in any way except by studying the scriptures.
There's an increase in faith and a desire to do what's right and feeling of inspiration and understanding that comes to people who study the gospel - meaning particularly the Standard Works - and who ponder the principles, that can't come in any other way".  Bruce R. McConkie



Image from HERE

President Gordon B. Hinckley taught that we can triumph over evil influences in life by disciplining ourselves to avoid them.

From the Book of Momon Student Manual Religion 121 and 122, p27

"If you treat an individual as he is, he will stay as he is. But if you treat him as if he were what he could be and ought to be, he will become what he ought to be." - Goethe

In 1 Nephi 16: 18-32 we read that Nephi's bow broke, and that was the cause of much complaining by several family members, including their father Lehi.  This may have been the first time Lehi complained, but certainly his faith was wavering at this moment of hunger and pain.

Nephi was a righteous son, who had been prepared to lead the family. He had seen angels, had talked with the spirit of the Lord, and had marvelous experiences. This could have been his time to take over and begin to lead the family of his own accord.  But, remember, he was righteous, he had a better plan.

Nephi made a bow and arrow and got a sling and stones. (Even this alone shows Nephi's faith, and how he was a leader and a doer instead of a slacker and a complainer.) Then he went to his father to ask where to go for food.  Certainly Nephi was smart enough to have knelt and prayed for direction, but he had strength enough, and humility enough, and manliness enough to go to his wavering superior and say, "You ask God," because somehow he knows this is how you make men strong, that wise confidence in men builds them.

Lehi did ask God and God told him, and Lehi's leadership was restored.

(Book of Mormon Student Manual  Religion 121and 122 p16)

... we will prevail ... and ... due reward of our deeds ...

It is not the conditions people are in that produce happiness, but how they respond to those conditions.

Even though we may be required to experience great hardship, we will prevail over any difficulty by exercising faith and trust in the Lord.

From the Book of Mormon Student Manual Religion 121and 122. Chapter 5 Introduction

and ...


President Spencer W. Kimball made it clear that people cannot escape the consequences of unworthy acts: “Every soul must stand trial and pay the uttermost farthing in one way or another. Escape from the consequences of acts of free agency is an impossibility. No one, however clever, bypasses the ‘due reward of our deeds.’ There are dark, deep corners, locked rooms, isolated spots, but no act, good or bad; no thought, ugly or beautiful, ever escapes being seen or heard. Every one will make the imprint on the individual and be recorded, to be met and paid for. Hence, one only deceives himself to think he is ‘getting by’ with anything improper” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 155).

Found in the same manual as above, Chapter 5;  1 Nephi 15:32–35, “Judged of Their Works”

Finding Joy in the Journey, Terry's talk

(I've been wanting to add this for a long time now, and just thought of it again, so, with Terry's permission, here is the talk he gave November 2011.)

The journey through life has a handrail. That handrail is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is there to give direction, comfort and stability to all who choose to use it.

When we are very young the handrail is set at the height of our mother’s hand.  As we get older it is elevated slightly but easy to hold on to.  In our primary years it begins to become more important to us.  As youth our handrail offers instruction as well as support.  These gospel instructions are in the For Strength of Youth, the Church magazines, parental counsel, the scriptures, YW and YM, Sunday School, Sacrament meetings, prayer, seminary and all wholesome and proper activities and all things that the gospel offers.

 A little bit later this handrail leads to the temple, missions, sealings, baptisms for the dead, joyful family life, and in the end to eternity.  The handrail provided by the Savior is the most sure way of finding joy in this our journey through mortality.

 It has been said “Life is not about the destination, but the journey.”  We know that the proper journey is the most important for it leads to the proper destination.

 Have you ever been hiking in the mountains knowing you’re on the right path?  Doesn’t this give you peace and comfort and allow you to see your beautiful surroundings, rather than worrying where you are headed?  Being on the right path leads to a joyful journey!

This does not mean we won’t get tired sometimes.  Jesus himself was weary from His journey and sat down at that ancient Jacobs well to rest.  He wasn’t tired from His assignment from His Father, but His physical being needed rest.  It was here He met the woman to whom he introduced Himself as the Messiah saying; “I that speak to thee am He.”

I have a friend who when we talk always brings up his family.  Our last conversation he said, “I have a good wife and my kids don’t disappoint me!”  This is similar to what John said to Gaius by letter stating; “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”  Knowing and walking in the truth brings joy to the journey.

 There are many journeys discussed in the scriptures.  Even the Plan of Salvation was instituted to help us on our journey.  All Christ does in Heaven and on earth, both as a Sprit and then born of Mary, is to allow us to return to Him and our Father in Heaven.  Adam and Eve initiated this earthly journey.

 Moses led a vast group of Israelites for 40 years as they journeyed in the wilderness.  Who supported them in their wanderings?  Who provided the manna?  Who provided the water from a rock?  Who gave them the Ten Commandments?  It was Jehovah, the Spirit son of Heavenly Father!  Who provides for us now?  Who delivers us from the grave?  Who extends His forgiveness that we may repent and be clean and come unto Him?  Jesus Christ, as the physical and spiritual Son of Heavenly Father.

 We on this earthly journey can find joy in knowing we are not alone.  Knowing God knows and understands and loves each of us brings joy to the journey.

There are many other scriptural accounts from which to learn.  Joseph who was sold into Egypt journeyed with a band of Ishmaelites, was re-sold to Potiphar, was put over his whole house, was imprisoned and eventually, through never losing faith or sight of who he was, saved the entire nation from famine, and his father’s household as well.

 Ammon, our great missionary friend and a true Nephite, journeyed to the kingdom of Lamoni.  Through his strength in the Lord and his own diligence Ammon found favor in the eyes of Lamoni and taught him and his whole kingdom the gospel.  Ammon was such a great representative of the Lord that Lamoni contended with his father.  Then Ammon defended him with the sword and so great was the power of the Lord in Ammon that later Lamoni’s father and all his household were converted.  This conversion was because Aaron helped king Lamoni’s Father understand the gospel.  The king had a similar experience as his son and was truly converted.  The king said in prayer; “I will give up all my sins to know thee.”

Both King Lamoni and his father were thinking everything was fine in their kingdoms.  They were the top dogs, period!  But they learned they were in error.  They had the faith and the strength and courage to change. There is great joy in the journey through repentance and coming more fully unto Christ.

 As many of you know, Elaine is the author of an internet blog.  She keeps many informed and encouraged through her “We are Family” site.  I know several of you are nearly addicted to her writings.  This seems to be an important help to those who want to know of the goings on in our house.  Even though this, at times, is a nearly daily responsibility, Elaine finds joy in helping others. There is joy in the journey through being of service.  Those who help others be happy are usually happy.

 We each have our own journey.  Many times we experience things we never thought we would.  Sometimes we feel all is well.  Sometimes we feel like the top dog in our own kingdom or career or livelihood or family or whatever.  There are seasons of life when we know we are not.  No one is immune to hard times or difficulties.  The only choice we have is how we will handle them.  With the handrail of the gospel we know we can make it through gracefully.

 I would like to share a personal experience of someone who I believe handled life well.  On my very first chemo treatment my body was not used to receiving such strong foreign materials that were being introduced into it that day.  When this happened things got sort of rough and I threw up.  After some medication and time to settle down, the elderly lady to my left asked,  “What are you in for?”  It sounded like a question from a prison inmate; but I knew what she meant.  I told her and she asked, “Are you willing to accept some advice?”  I said “sure, to which she said, “You have to remember three things. You have to be positive, you have to have faith, and you have to pray.”  I said, “I believe all of that!” and she said, touching me on the arm, “You’re going to be fine!”  She knew because she lived it, and I could tell!  She’s right.

 Partly because of her influence on March 2^nd 2010, just prior to going to the cancer center, the following was written;

I’m Fine

Having cancer is like the throwing of a rock into a peaceful pool.  In many instances it can be very unsettling and disruptive.  Many times the cherished peace no longer remains.

There are times though that the scene can be a thing of beauty.  Perhaps the rocking of the gentle waves can set a floating leaf to dance, lively and delighted and made happy by the new found energy.

To the observer the ripples may extend clear to the ponds edge where they may seem to be an harassment to a slumbering frog, seeming to be a never ending teasing at which he wants to smile but never even blinks.  Is he pleased by this?  It’s hard to say.  He stays.

In other ways this cancer rock penetrating the calm becomes a nuisance, as to the fish who lurked below just ready to dine on a mosquito now no longer visible nor available for his favorite lunch.  If that rock had not entered the water things could be different.

For many the hope is that the rock will settle on the ponds floor, being seized upon by the mud and debris and for ever there remain.  Probably for all who have cancer this is the wish.  Out of sight but never out of mind we wish for its demise in obscurity.

In an odd way though, many of us as owners, are grateful for this rock.  For though the disruptions and loss of calm, we become enlivened by the goodness of the constant ripple of kindness that seems to never end.  We have loved ones and care givers and other good people whom we never expected to ever know who have brought hope and help and faith and prayer and a positive attitude. We have doctors and nurses who never blink, who keep their eyes fixed upon the goal of making us well.  There are many through unseen efforts who are working to ensure that the rock remains submersed. If my rock should ever resurface I hope it won’t recognize me.

Sadly for many the splash is only the beginning and the rock is seemingly on a string, and those who know this fate awkwardly keep having it return to them.  We all wish this not to be the case.  But good can come from bad and happiness from sad strength from difficulty and experience from all.  So we seem to need to just make the best of it and trust in God.

We know that He who created all nature is the cure.  That He can fix our bodies.  That He can fix our spirits.  That He knows us.  That He loves us and that we will be alright, and that it will turn out better than we think.  I’m fine!

 Written by Terry, 2 March 2010 (4:51 am)

There is another special journey of a lady on a donkey, who came to Jerusalem to be taxed.  On this trip the Savior of the world was born.  In a stable He drew his first breath.  Having descended below them all He came to earth in the most humble of circumstances.

 Perhaps on that same donkey Joseph led Mary and Jesus to Egypt to save the Savior from the vicious and homicidal jealousy of King Herod.  When Herod died an angel told Joseph he could take his family back.  They ended up settling in Nazareth.

 The journey of this extraordinary man would continue. His efforts were wholly for the betterment of others.  He blessed, He healed, He extoled and exhorted, He fulfilled the law, cleansed the temple, set up His Church, called the apostles, performed many miracles, did all that He was sent forth to do.

 On His final earthly journey, once again upon a donkey, He made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem.  From there the scene erodes until the whole earth is threatened with darkness.  Only Christ Himself could overcome and supply the world with eternal light.  From there to the resurrection, to today, He continues to give His all.  Is there a better example to follow?  Has anyone been more selfless, more loving, more divine?

 It is by following Christ that we find joy in the journey. Maybe this joy is eternal and maybe our journey never ends.  Maybe we will always be learning and growing and progressing and helping others.  Maybe as the pre-existence prepared us for earth life, this life prepares us for exaltation if we’re willing.    I’m sure this is so.

 This is my testimony – the handrail extends to Heaven - in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

A quote I found during my scripture study this morning

With the power of the priesthood, faith, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Saints of the last days will be armed sufficiently to withstand all opposition.

(This was in reference to 1 Nephi 14:14)

Blessings of the Temple

Talk I gave in Spanish Branch  27 May 2012

32 years ago Terry and I were married in the Idaho Falls Temple.

At that point and time our immediate family began as we were sealed together, with any and all children that would be born into our family.

I was raised in an LDS family and from a very young age I learned of the importance of being sealed in the temple, and that was my goal.

Accomplishing that goal was truly a wonderful event.  That very moment I felt the “gladness” that the prophet Joseph Smith talked about when he said that these holy ordinances are a source of “gladness for the living and the dead.” 

That goal of being sealed in the temple to an awesome man was accomplished, but immediately another goal was set.  Together, Terry and I would need to live righteous lives to be worthy of those promises made to us as we covenanted with our Father in Heaven.  

The “gladness” I felt during our temple sealing has continued to grow.  As each of our 9 children were born we could feel of the joy and gladness knowing that they were ours for ever and always if we lived righteously – worthy of those temple blessings bestowed upon us in 1980.  How glorious!

When we started having children our goal included helping them learn the principles of the gospel, believe and have faith in Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father, and do all that was necessary so that they too would set and achieve a goal to be sealed in the temple. 

5 of our 9 children are now married, and that means we have added 5 more daughters to our family.  Each of them are sealed to us because each of those 5 were married and sealed in a holy temple to one of our sons.  We plan on the next 4 children marrying in the temple when the time comes, so that all 9 will have made those correct choices.

As of today, these 5 marriages have brought us 7 grandchildren.  Because those marriages were performed in holy temples we are all sealed / linked together.  So, each time one of our children is sealed and a grandchild is born our joy and gladness increases.   It is wonderful to be an eternal family and I pray that we all live worthy of those sacred temple blessings.

I have spoken of how our family is linked thru the future generations because of the temple covenants that Terry and I made 32 years ago, but the link goes back in history through our ancestors as well as forward to our descendants.

55 years ago Gelene Hill and Ronald Rodeback (my parents) were sealed in the SLC Temple. Their parents were sealed in the temple.  They were a great example to me.  My 3^rd great grandparents were the first in my family that were sealed in the temple in 1868, making me the 6^th generation of members.  

Terry’s parents, Idris Egbert and Keith Auger Hebdon were sealed in the Logan Temple 68 years ago.  Terry’s grandparents were sealed in 1910;  and his great grandparents were the first generation to be sealed - in November 1868, making Terry the 4th generation of members in his family. 

But the link doesn’t begin or end there in 1868.  Family history has been done back to Terry’s 5^th great grandparents, and each of those couples have now been sealed to each other and to their children, making our link continuous to that point.  That is the last of the records we can find, but I know that someday we will be able to find the rest of our line back to our first parents on earth, and have the temple work done for each of them, and it will bring me much joy and gladness when that happens.

Unlike Terry and me, many of you are the first generation of members, and some of you are the first generation of members to be sealed in the temple. Congratulations to you!  You have made a great choice.  Surely you experience the joy and gladness from having made covenants with God in His holy house.  Your children will be blessed as they follow your good example and righteous teachings.  There will be much joy and gladness in your future because of your great choices to be baptized, and then sealed in the temple to your spouse and your children.

When you go to the temple for the first time you receive your own endowment.  It is all about you.  Then you are able to be sealed to your spouse and then your children.  Then every time you go back to the temple you take the name of someone else through the temple so they can receive their endowment if they so choose.  You can also take the names of others to be sealed which creates more blessings for them because of your good choices. You are performing a great service for them. 

Not only is it a great service for those you are going through the temple for, but you and your family will have blessings added upon you. There is such a special feeling inside the temple. Every time you go to the temple you bring a bit of it back to your home.  That Spirit permeates your soul for a time and your family will feel of it.  Therefore, the more often you attend the temple the more often your soul is filled with His Spirit and the easier it is to stay with you, and the more good you will do.

Julie Beck said, “As we participate in temple ordinances and family history work, we are certain to have the spirit to comfort us in our challenges and to guide us in important decisions.”  I have experienced that comfort and guidance.

Russell M. Nelson said, “Temples bring us peace and spiritual strength in this life and enable us to be reunited with our families after death.”

During this last general conference Elder Hales reminded us that We become converted and spiritually self-reliant as we prayerfully live our covenants – thru worthily partaking of the sacrament, being worthy of a temple recommend by steadily and steadfastly obeying commandments, faithfully living the gospel and following the prophets, and sacrificing to serve others, and he promised us that “the sacrifices we make to receive temple ordinances are worth every effort we make.”  I believe that is true.

President Eyring promised that “there is nothing more important than honoring the marriage and family covenants you have made or will make in the temples of God.”

Our Prophet, Pres. Monson, reminds us of the importance of temple work almost every time he speaks. Surely he wants us to realize the joy that comes to faithful members as they attend the temple.  He has encouraged us to do all we can to make our marriage eternal. He has promised us that there is “no more important goal than to be worthy to enter the temple.” He also most always leaves a blessing upon us with words such as, “may righteousness guide your every step”.  That is my prayer too.

The blessings of the temple are many, but those blessings are not often easy to speak of, many are precious and personal, which means we each must experience those blessings ourselves.  I testify that the blessings of the temple are eternal and they seal our families together forever, and those blessings will be worth every effort we put forth. 

Give

Image from Ryan's LDS Quotes

Is it really just that simple?
I suppose it is!!!!

Charity

Image from Ryan's LDS Quotes



Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1915–94) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:

"Real charity is not something you give away; it is something that you acquire and make a part of yourself. And when the virtue of charity becomes implanted in your heart, you are never the same again. …

“Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended. … Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other”. (This quote is found HERE)




Image from Ryan's LDS Quotes