Like any story in the scriptures, the story of the creation is not solely history. In it, we also see doctrine; we see how God governs and how He works; we see examples of which to pattern our lives; we learn principles that help us return to Heavenly Father and become more like our Savior. In reading about the Creation, there are a few overlooked key points that stand out in particular importance to me.
Marriage is ordained of God from the beginning and is eternal. Before Adam and Eve were cast out of the Garden, before there was death and when all was eternal, Adam and Eve were wed. Being married, they set the precept for all mankind to follow after. At the time, there was no end and so it must have been that God meant for marriage to last forever. It clearly states that Eve was his wife and Adam her husband. And it reads in Mark 10, "6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. 7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; 8 And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. 9 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." We believe that what is bound on earth through Gods power- priesthood keys- will be bound in heaven. Thus, Adam and Eve were bound together in marriage and made one flesh eternally.
Temples are essential for worshiping God. From the account in Moses we find that Adam was commanded to make a sacrifice upon an alter, this being the first temple in existence. We learn that Adams sacrifice was in similitude of the sacrifice of Jeaus Christ. In every dispensation there must needs be a temple for ordinances and for the cause to come to Christ.
We are created after Gods image- women also- which implies that we have a Heavenly Mother. Genesis quotes God as saying "let us make man in our own image, after our likeness... So Gos created man in His own image, in the image of God created he him; make and female created he them." Notice, in this scripture, god make man in "our" image. We could interpret this to mean Heavenly Father, Christ, and Michael- since Christ and Michael helped organize and create the earth under Heavenly Father's direction; or, we could interpret this as Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother. We, as women, being created after Her likeness. Verse 3 in the hymn "O My Father" ring true to my heart: "In the heav'ns are parents single? No, the thought makes reason stare! Truth is reason, truth eternal, tells me I've a mother there." Heavenly Father is just that- our Father in Heaven. Even as on earth, a male and female are required for procreation. We must have need of a Mother in Heaven for this to be true. It's a beautiful thing to realize that God lives by the same rules and laws that we do, for He too, is eternally married.
The more I study the account of Adam and Eve, the more I realize that the fullness of the gospel can be found. God gave all things unto Adam and Eve, but through unbelief and wickedness, truths were quickly lost. I also find that there is more to every story with the insights of modern day prophets. They are those who give the power to see the mysteries of heaven. To all, it is given in writing, but only those who seek diligently the restored gospel will understand and have truth unfolded to them.
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Saturday, August 1, 2015
Blessings of the Temple
Blessings of the Temple
Sacrament talk July, 26, 2015
There is a timeless question that once led a people to build a tower to the sky. In fact, the Los Lonely Boys wrote a popular song about the same question: "How Far is Heaven?" Well, I have the answer. From St. Kitts, heaven is 478 miles (771 km) away. I know this because our prophet, Thomas S. Monson said so. He said, "How far is heaven? I testify that in the holy temples it is not far at all- for it is in these sacred places that heaven and earth meet and our Heavenly Father gives His children His greatest of blessings."
It is now my privilege to talk about those "greatest of blessings" that come from the temple.
Temple blessings are blessings for now- in this earth life; for later- our eternal or post-mortal existence; they are for us, for our families, and for others. Most of the blessings of the temple are outlined in Section 109 of the Doctrine and Covenants where the Kirtland Temple was dedicated. If you are like me, you will want or need all the blessings offered. They include:
-Feeling God's power and being armed with God's power
-Being taught words of wisdom
-Receiving a fullness of the Holy Ghost
-Growing up in Christ and Having His name upon you (those who go to the temple)
-Having angels to guide and protect you
-To have no combination of wickedness prevail over you
-To be organized according to the laws of God (in other words, to be organized and sealed as eternal families
If I could put into words the blessings o the temple,they would be: peace, revelation, learning, protection, and the sealing power that unites and binds families. Also, no where on earth is the veil thinner. You can literally feel angels and God within the walls of the temple.
president Monson said, ":In the temple, the precious plan of God is taught. It is in the temple that eternal covenants are made. The temple lifts us, exalts us, stands as a beacon for all to see, and points us toward celestial glory. It is the house of God. All that occurs within the walls of the temple is uplifting and ennobling.
As we go to the holy house, as we remember the covenants we make therein, we will be able to bear every trial and overcome each temptation. The temple provides PURPOSE for our lives. It brings PEACE to our souls—not the peace provided by men but the peace promised by the Son of God when He said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Such peace can permeate any heart—hearts that are troubled, hearts that are burdened down with grief, hearts that feel confusion, hearts that plead for help."
With the temple being 478 miles and an ocean away, I realize that not everyone has had, or will get, the opportunity to physically go to the temple. Brothers and sisters, if there is any possible way, please go. You will be most grateful you did. There is no place more beautiful or that will bring you greater happiness. BUT, if indeed you can't, or are waiting for that day, we need to bring the blessings of the temple to YOU instead of you to it.
James E. Faust said that the temple building alone does not bless. The endowed blessing and divine functions come through obedience and faithfulness to priesthood authority and covenants made." Similarly, President Boyd K. Packer told us that "it is in the ordinances of the temple that we are placed under covenant to Him... I we will enter into our covenants without reservation or apology The Lord will protect us. We will receive inspiration sufficient for the challenges of life."
So we see, it is 1) obedience, 2) faithfulness, and 3) the keeping of our covenants that gives us power. Blessings are not dependent on solely going to the temple. Whether or not you have been to the temple, you can reap some degree of blessings by keeping the covenants you have made and by being worthy of the temple. I would encourage all of is to be worthy of and hold a current temple recommend at ALL times. Be able to declare that you have a testimony of Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith, and the Restored gospel. Be able to say that you are a full tithe payer, you keep the word of wisdom, attend your church meetings, are chaste, wear your garments- or dress modestly as if you had garments to wear, and act in accordance with church beliefs.
Why? Why have a temple recommend if you are not planning to physically attend the temple? It brings the blessings to you.
There are other ways to bring the temple to St Kitts. One way is tondo family history work or indexing. The other way is to make your house a temple. Make your house a "house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of glory, and of God."
The last blessing I want to talk about is the blessing to come to know and feel our Savior. Russell M. Nelson said, "the basis for every temple ordinance and covenant is the Atonemtn of Jesus Christ." It is because of this that he says, "Each temple stands as a sign of life after death, and as a sacred step toward eternal glory for us and our families."
I think it is really special they the Chrichnod Jesis Christ of Latter-Day-Saints- His Church- uses the temple instead of a cross as our symbol. To think of the temple is not to forget about Christ, but quite the contrary. In the temple, we worship Him, we learn how to return to Him, learn how to be more like Him. We see pictures of Christ inside the tole and symbols in and on the temple itself which testify and represent Christ.
Why temples and not the cross? It is because we believe I'm eternal life, not death, and progression with our families all made possible by our Savior through His Atonement and Resurrection.
Going to the temple is like getting baptized. Just like you are a new person after coming out of the water, you are a new person once you come out of the temple. The temple is one of the vital steps we must take to return to our Father in Heaven. To truly understand the importance of this step, you must truly comprehend the Plan of Salvation. It is as Jar writes in his small book in the Booknof Mormon, "For what could I write more than my fathers have written? For have they not revealed the plan of salvation? I say into you, Yea, and this sufficeth me."
In the temple, you have beauty beyond description awaiting you. It's as if you get a small glimpse of the mansions above that are being prepared for you. One of my favorite things is staring at the chandeliers- maybe because they are shiny, or maybe it's because I feel the blessings of Heavenly Father an all He wants to give me. The other thing I love the most about the Celestial room is the large mural of Chriat that hangs. With His arms stretched out wide, it's as if He is there with me sharing His love.
As if these blessings weren't enough, we have the awesome opportunity to submit names to the Prayer Roll for those who need ultimate healing and power from on high. Where we cannot go submit the names ourselves, we can call any temple to submit the names of those who need help.
The temple really is like a castle- it's a place where princes and princesses become kings and queens. It is where happily ever afters are made because that is exactly what Heavenly Father wants for us- to live happily ever after with Him. That is why our Savior Atoned and died for us. It is a place where we can eternally be with our families- I wouldn't want it any other way. Now it is up to us to take hold of the blessings offered by going to the temple. How blessed we are to have the Restored gosple and to live in a age where temples are again on the earth. For that is where we find heaven.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen
Sacrament talk July, 26, 2015
There is a timeless question that once led a people to build a tower to the sky. In fact, the Los Lonely Boys wrote a popular song about the same question: "How Far is Heaven?" Well, I have the answer. From St. Kitts, heaven is 478 miles (771 km) away. I know this because our prophet, Thomas S. Monson said so. He said, "How far is heaven? I testify that in the holy temples it is not far at all- for it is in these sacred places that heaven and earth meet and our Heavenly Father gives His children His greatest of blessings."
It is now my privilege to talk about those "greatest of blessings" that come from the temple.
Temple blessings are blessings for now- in this earth life; for later- our eternal or post-mortal existence; they are for us, for our families, and for others. Most of the blessings of the temple are outlined in Section 109 of the Doctrine and Covenants where the Kirtland Temple was dedicated. If you are like me, you will want or need all the blessings offered. They include:
-Feeling God's power and being armed with God's power
-Being taught words of wisdom
-Receiving a fullness of the Holy Ghost
-Growing up in Christ and Having His name upon you (those who go to the temple)
-Having angels to guide and protect you
-To have no combination of wickedness prevail over you
-To be organized according to the laws of God (in other words, to be organized and sealed as eternal families
If I could put into words the blessings o the temple,they would be: peace, revelation, learning, protection, and the sealing power that unites and binds families. Also, no where on earth is the veil thinner. You can literally feel angels and God within the walls of the temple.
president Monson said, ":In the temple, the precious plan of God is taught. It is in the temple that eternal covenants are made. The temple lifts us, exalts us, stands as a beacon for all to see, and points us toward celestial glory. It is the house of God. All that occurs within the walls of the temple is uplifting and ennobling.
As we go to the holy house, as we remember the covenants we make therein, we will be able to bear every trial and overcome each temptation. The temple provides PURPOSE for our lives. It brings PEACE to our souls—not the peace provided by men but the peace promised by the Son of God when He said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Such peace can permeate any heart—hearts that are troubled, hearts that are burdened down with grief, hearts that feel confusion, hearts that plead for help."
With the temple being 478 miles and an ocean away, I realize that not everyone has had, or will get, the opportunity to physically go to the temple. Brothers and sisters, if there is any possible way, please go. You will be most grateful you did. There is no place more beautiful or that will bring you greater happiness. BUT, if indeed you can't, or are waiting for that day, we need to bring the blessings of the temple to YOU instead of you to it.
James E. Faust said that the temple building alone does not bless. The endowed blessing and divine functions come through obedience and faithfulness to priesthood authority and covenants made." Similarly, President Boyd K. Packer told us that "it is in the ordinances of the temple that we are placed under covenant to Him... I we will enter into our covenants without reservation or apology The Lord will protect us. We will receive inspiration sufficient for the challenges of life."
So we see, it is 1) obedience, 2) faithfulness, and 3) the keeping of our covenants that gives us power. Blessings are not dependent on solely going to the temple. Whether or not you have been to the temple, you can reap some degree of blessings by keeping the covenants you have made and by being worthy of the temple. I would encourage all of is to be worthy of and hold a current temple recommend at ALL times. Be able to declare that you have a testimony of Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith, and the Restored gospel. Be able to say that you are a full tithe payer, you keep the word of wisdom, attend your church meetings, are chaste, wear your garments- or dress modestly as if you had garments to wear, and act in accordance with church beliefs.
Why? Why have a temple recommend if you are not planning to physically attend the temple? It brings the blessings to you.
There are other ways to bring the temple to St Kitts. One way is tondo family history work or indexing. The other way is to make your house a temple. Make your house a "house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of glory, and of God."
The last blessing I want to talk about is the blessing to come to know and feel our Savior. Russell M. Nelson said, "the basis for every temple ordinance and covenant is the Atonemtn of Jesus Christ." It is because of this that he says, "Each temple stands as a sign of life after death, and as a sacred step toward eternal glory for us and our families."
I think it is really special they the Chrichnod Jesis Christ of Latter-Day-Saints- His Church- uses the temple instead of a cross as our symbol. To think of the temple is not to forget about Christ, but quite the contrary. In the temple, we worship Him, we learn how to return to Him, learn how to be more like Him. We see pictures of Christ inside the tole and symbols in and on the temple itself which testify and represent Christ.
Why temples and not the cross? It is because we believe I'm eternal life, not death, and progression with our families all made possible by our Savior through His Atonement and Resurrection.
Going to the temple is like getting baptized. Just like you are a new person after coming out of the water, you are a new person once you come out of the temple. The temple is one of the vital steps we must take to return to our Father in Heaven. To truly understand the importance of this step, you must truly comprehend the Plan of Salvation. It is as Jar writes in his small book in the Booknof Mormon, "For what could I write more than my fathers have written? For have they not revealed the plan of salvation? I say into you, Yea, and this sufficeth me."
In the temple, you have beauty beyond description awaiting you. It's as if you get a small glimpse of the mansions above that are being prepared for you. One of my favorite things is staring at the chandeliers- maybe because they are shiny, or maybe it's because I feel the blessings of Heavenly Father an all He wants to give me. The other thing I love the most about the Celestial room is the large mural of Chriat that hangs. With His arms stretched out wide, it's as if He is there with me sharing His love.
As if these blessings weren't enough, we have the awesome opportunity to submit names to the Prayer Roll for those who need ultimate healing and power from on high. Where we cannot go submit the names ourselves, we can call any temple to submit the names of those who need help.
The temple really is like a castle- it's a place where princes and princesses become kings and queens. It is where happily ever afters are made because that is exactly what Heavenly Father wants for us- to live happily ever after with Him. That is why our Savior Atoned and died for us. It is a place where we can eternally be with our families- I wouldn't want it any other way. Now it is up to us to take hold of the blessings offered by going to the temple. How blessed we are to have the Restored gosple and to live in a age where temples are again on the earth. For that is where we find heaven.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen
Saturday, July 18, 2015
Why the Temple and not the Cross?
In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints we display and adorn the pictures of the temple as opposed to the traditional symbol of the cross. In our homes, on our jewelry, on publications, you will see the House of The Lord- a Holy Temple. Why is that, you ask?
The answer is not to take away from Christ or to forget the Atonement. It is quite the contrary. The very essence of the temple glorifies Christ and His infinite Atonement for us. In fact, Russel M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, "The basis for very temple ordinance and covenant is the Atonement of Jesus Christ."
If you take time to study the symbols of the temple, you will find that all depict the Savior in some way. The inside of the temple is decorated in murals of Christ and His scripture stories. In addition to the visual depictions of Jesus, it is as President Nelson stated: all ordinances and covenants performed within the walls of the temple testify, teach, and brin us closer to Christ. It is the temple, then, that is the ultimate symbol of our Savior. We are not forgetting Him, but rather coming unto Him by treasuring the temple.
It is our belief to capitalize on the Resurrection and to see beyond the grave. Through the Atonement, Chrost gave us the ultimate gift of Eternal Life and progression. It is that life, not death, which we hope to magnify. The temple does just that. The blessings wrought through the Atonement are made possible in the temple.
President Russel M. Nelson sums it up perfectly:
The answer is not to take away from Christ or to forget the Atonement. It is quite the contrary. The very essence of the temple glorifies Christ and His infinite Atonement for us. In fact, Russel M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, "The basis for very temple ordinance and covenant is the Atonement of Jesus Christ."
If you take time to study the symbols of the temple, you will find that all depict the Savior in some way. The inside of the temple is decorated in murals of Christ and His scripture stories. In addition to the visual depictions of Jesus, it is as President Nelson stated: all ordinances and covenants performed within the walls of the temple testify, teach, and brin us closer to Christ. It is the temple, then, that is the ultimate symbol of our Savior. We are not forgetting Him, but rather coming unto Him by treasuring the temple.
It is our belief to capitalize on the Resurrection and to see beyond the grave. Through the Atonement, Chrost gave us the ultimate gift of Eternal Life and progression. It is that life, not death, which we hope to magnify. The temple does just that. The blessings wrought through the Atonement are made possible in the temple.
President Russel M. Nelson sums it up perfectly:
Each holy temple stands as a symbol of our membership in the church, a a sign if life after death, and as a sacred step toward eternal glory for us and our families."
Sunday, July 5, 2015
Midnight snack, anyone?
Another week has passed. Can you believe it? Tomorrow marks the half way point for Austin's first semester in medical school. We have been here two months today- Austin's second set of block exams go all day tomorrow.
Well, its almost midnight our time and Eden is just finishing her midnight snack. Crackers are a new favorite! It's been fun to see her rapid development with feeding her this week. In letting her feed herself, she has been able to figure out the juxtaposition and grabbing of her thumb.
While he is studying hard, each day is like vacation for me and Eden. We really are lucky to be in the situation in which we enjoy. Not many people have the chance to be a stay at home mom like me, and definitely not at this stage at life. Most people look forward to retiring in a place like the Caribbean; here we are in our 20's doing just that. Now that we have a car, the world is ours to explore. The island is now at my demand rather than me being at the mercy of others. It's great!
We took complete advantage and had lots of adventures this week. The Marriott has a good section of the pool that is only 6 inches deep with fountains that is perfect for entertaining Eden. We also made it to the island park, which is amazingly impressive, even compared to the States. It is very colorful and quite big. They have space for a good 50-100 kids to play comfortably, I'd say. They also have an adult "playground" off to the side designed for the parents to use to exercise while their children play. I even found a few things appropriate for Eden to enjoy. I was dismayed, however, to find that I was not allowed to enjoy the playground. I got in trouble by a local for climbing on the playground. All I wanted to do was take Eden down the slide! One of the other moms told me not to listen to her because, as it has been the custom, it is just like the locals to parent each other and have an opinion about everything you do and then boss you around. Well, I got in trouble with the same lady later for trying to ride a see-saw with Eden. Apparently, she had more authority that we both thought and must have worked at the park. It will be something to look forward to when Eden gets to the walking stages. For now, I was more disappointed that I couldn't play too. It didn't help that while my fun was ruined, I discovered that the grass was infested with nasty biting ants. SO even though I didn't sit on an ant hill this week, they still found me.
We of course had our regular gatherings with the mom at the pool and did the routine grocery shopping. too.
Things are going quite well, all considering.
I taught my Primary today and will teach sharing time next week. The kids are just wonderful and our lesson went very well. I taught about the First Vision. We ended up talking about Satan a bit because of his part binding Joseph's tongue as he prayed in the grove. After talking about Satan, the 7 year-old girl in the class said, "I'm beginning to not like Satan very much." I thought it was funny; the other little boy went off explaining how Satan is a snake so we also talked about how Satan never got a body and is jealous of us because of it. I really enjoyed teaching though and look forward to being in Primary.... other than the meetings.
Well, its almost midnight our time and Eden is just finishing her midnight snack. Crackers are a new favorite! It's been fun to see her rapid development with feeding her this week. In letting her feed herself, she has been able to figure out the juxtaposition and grabbing of her thumb.Saturday, July 4, 2015
Matthew 3
Here we learn of John the Baptist- one who was foreordained and prophesied. I found it interesting to learn that Elizabeth, John's mother, hid him in the wilderness so he would not be killed due to Herod's decree to slay all children under two. Zacharias, John's father was martered because he would not tell where his son was hiding. Once again, my theory on opposition stands.
Verse 9 stands out to me. (9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham as our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.) John is talking to the Pharisees and Sadducees about their right to baptism. He explains that they are not saved on account of birth or status, but on their works and covenants. Just like the branches of the olive tree can be grafted in and can produce good fruit, so can all men be "grafted" into the fold of God. As we are baptized we covenant to take His name upon us. Even so, it is like being adopted into His family, or Abraham's family as it is noted here.
We learn from Christ that baptism is part of "fulfilling all righteousness." Thus, we see that there are steps we have to take and physical acts- called ordinances- that we must take part in so that we can return to God. Baptism is more than just being forgiven of all our sins, for Christ had no need to be forgiven of sin.
From this account we also learn that baptism must be by immersion if we are to follow Christ's example:"he came straightway out of the water."
Christ's baptism may be the only time, that I am aware, where the Godhead is present together. What a beautiful picture, imagining Christ emerging from the water as the Holy Ghost falls present and the Father watching from heaven, beaming with joy in His son. Undeniably, God, the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate beings.
John the Baptist held what we call the Aaronic Priesthood- the power of the God and laying on of Hands. We know that this Priesthood was lost soon after Christ left the earth, but was restored again in 1829. When John the Baptist himself returned to restore this power, he taught that the Aaronic Priesthood gave power of three things, which power come by keys:
Verse 9 stands out to me. (9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham as our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.) John is talking to the Pharisees and Sadducees about their right to baptism. He explains that they are not saved on account of birth or status, but on their works and covenants. Just like the branches of the olive tree can be grafted in and can produce good fruit, so can all men be "grafted" into the fold of God. As we are baptized we covenant to take His name upon us. Even so, it is like being adopted into His family, or Abraham's family as it is noted here. We learn from Christ that baptism is part of "fulfilling all righteousness." Thus, we see that there are steps we have to take and physical acts- called ordinances- that we must take part in so that we can return to God. Baptism is more than just being forgiven of all our sins, for Christ had no need to be forgiven of sin.
From this account we also learn that baptism must be by immersion if we are to follow Christ's example:"he came straightway out of the water."
Christ's baptism may be the only time, that I am aware, where the Godhead is present together. What a beautiful picture, imagining Christ emerging from the water as the Holy Ghost falls present and the Father watching from heaven, beaming with joy in His son. Undeniably, God, the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate beings.
John the Baptist held what we call the Aaronic Priesthood- the power of the God and laying on of Hands. We know that this Priesthood was lost soon after Christ left the earth, but was restored again in 1829. When John the Baptist himself returned to restore this power, he taught that the Aaronic Priesthood gave power of three things, which power come by keys:
- keys of ministering of angels
- keys of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins
- keys of the gospel of repentance
It is evident that John did indeed hold the keys to the Aaronic Priesthood. To be a ministering angel is to be a missionary. It is to declare the word of God and invite all men to repentance as John did (Matthew 3:2-3).
We know him to baptize by immersion and to have the authority to do so, for why else would Christ come to him to be baptized?
I think it wise to note that baptism is one of the first things mentioned in the account of Matthew and in the New Testament. From here, Christ started His work and ministry. As it was for Him, we must also take that first step to make our way back to God.
Thursday, July 2, 2015
Opposition and Resistance
It may be strange to have a testimony in opposition and resistance yet it is something in which I strongly believe in. Time and time again I see patterns of the truest things on earth being trampled, disregarded, or argued over. It is evidence that the War in Heaven continues on earth. Satan is obviously fighting and trying to thwart God's plan. He is the reason there is opposition and the reason I believe even more in the things I know to be true. They have to be, or Satan wouldn't put so much work into convincing men otherwise.
The examples are countless. The following are just some of the things most precious to God which meet the most opposition.
Marriage and family are under attack. To understand why marriage and family are such a big deal to Satan, you have to understand the Plan of Salvation: God's plan for each of us. As a loving Heavenly Father, God wants us to return to Him. He sent us to earth to get a physical body, something we yearned for so that we could be more like Him, our Eternal Father. He sent us to families, with a mother and a father, where we were most likely to succeed. After proving ourselves on Earth and learning all that we can, it is our quest to return to God. If we follow His commandments and make covenants with Him on Earth, we are able to return to His presence. I'm jumping ahead, but it is important to know that ALL of God's children on Earth will return to some degree of heaven. What degree of heaven we get to enjoy depends on the covenants we keep and the ordinances we perform here on Earth. The highest degree of heavenly glory guarantees that we be with our families for eternity. Did you get that? We are guaranteed to be with our family for all eternity! AND we are promised that we can inherit all that the Father hath. In our quest to return to His presence and become like Him, we can no more become like Him and progress unless we are married, sealed, and bound to our spouse through the ages. Heaven is an extension of earth. We are taught that those who are wicked, shall be wicked still. Those who are righteous, shall remain righteous. So it is with the family. As we are organized here on earth, we will also be organized in heaven.
The take away message is that eternal marriage is one of the means we have to become like God and the only way we will obtain the highest degree of glory in Heaven. It's no wonder that Satan degrades family morals, wants divorce, encourages premarital sex, places priority outside the home, prevents people from having children, convinces men that homosexuality and immoral behavior is appropriate or even normal. If the family fails, the plan fails, for there is no way to make it back to Him. (Read more: The Family: A Proclamation to the World)
Another topic of argument is that of the Bible. Men believe that we have no need for further scripture or guidance than what was already written. Of course Satan would have us believe that! If the word of God ends with the Bible, the precious mysteries of heaven are forever hidden and revelation has no place. Thinking the Bible is all that we need is like standing under an umbrella when God's blessings are raining around us. In addition to the Bible, we understand more fully Christ's teachings and receive a higher law. We recognize the need and guidance offered through living prophets, which also brings more scripture. Once again, with only the Bible we are missing complete instruction on how to return to God.
For the same reasons, Joseph Smith was met with opposition and hardship his entire life. Knowing how crucial the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ was, Satan tried everything to stop it. From a young age, Joseph contracted typhoid fever and fought the long consequences thereof. In the grove, Satan overcame Joseph and forbade him to speak. Mobs were sent to molest, prisons called his name, and death eventually named him a martyr. The restoration of the gospel is the most important event in our day. Satan knew it too. He met Joseph with affliction and he continues to persecute the true and living church today because he can't stand to see God's work go forth. With the restoration here, he is losing the war. Still, he fights. (Read more: page 25)
Possibly more than any other denomination, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints meets opposition, persecution, attention, and ridicule. Why? Because it is true. The church is picked on, made fun of, belittled, and criticized. It is Satan's ploy to prevent God's work from going forward.
All things good and true stand to meet opposition. The greatest example of all, is that of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He knows opposition. Perfect and without sin, he was accused, spat upon, hated, and crucified. The Son of God, he was questioned, disbelieved, and mocked. He of all, is our key to salvation. With Christ Atoning for our sins, fulfilling the will of the Father, and doing all He was foreordained to do, Satan fails.
And so it is, the battle continues even though Satan has already lost. He fights, and with his war, brings opposition, resistance, persecution, and enmity. It is proof that all he fights against is good and of God. Opposition is real and it testifies of God's work.
The examples are countless. The following are just some of the things most precious to God which meet the most opposition.
Marriage and family are under attack. To understand why marriage and family are such a big deal to Satan, you have to understand the Plan of Salvation: God's plan for each of us. As a loving Heavenly Father, God wants us to return to Him. He sent us to earth to get a physical body, something we yearned for so that we could be more like Him, our Eternal Father. He sent us to families, with a mother and a father, where we were most likely to succeed. After proving ourselves on Earth and learning all that we can, it is our quest to return to God. If we follow His commandments and make covenants with Him on Earth, we are able to return to His presence. I'm jumping ahead, but it is important to know that ALL of God's children on Earth will return to some degree of heaven. What degree of heaven we get to enjoy depends on the covenants we keep and the ordinances we perform here on Earth. The highest degree of heavenly glory guarantees that we be with our families for eternity. Did you get that? We are guaranteed to be with our family for all eternity! AND we are promised that we can inherit all that the Father hath. In our quest to return to His presence and become like Him, we can no more become like Him and progress unless we are married, sealed, and bound to our spouse through the ages. Heaven is an extension of earth. We are taught that those who are wicked, shall be wicked still. Those who are righteous, shall remain righteous. So it is with the family. As we are organized here on earth, we will also be organized in heaven.
The take away message is that eternal marriage is one of the means we have to become like God and the only way we will obtain the highest degree of glory in Heaven. It's no wonder that Satan degrades family morals, wants divorce, encourages premarital sex, places priority outside the home, prevents people from having children, convinces men that homosexuality and immoral behavior is appropriate or even normal. If the family fails, the plan fails, for there is no way to make it back to Him. (Read more: The Family: A Proclamation to the World)
Another topic of argument is that of the Bible. Men believe that we have no need for further scripture or guidance than what was already written. Of course Satan would have us believe that! If the word of God ends with the Bible, the precious mysteries of heaven are forever hidden and revelation has no place. Thinking the Bible is all that we need is like standing under an umbrella when God's blessings are raining around us. In addition to the Bible, we understand more fully Christ's teachings and receive a higher law. We recognize the need and guidance offered through living prophets, which also brings more scripture. Once again, with only the Bible we are missing complete instruction on how to return to God.
For the same reasons, Joseph Smith was met with opposition and hardship his entire life. Knowing how crucial the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ was, Satan tried everything to stop it. From a young age, Joseph contracted typhoid fever and fought the long consequences thereof. In the grove, Satan overcame Joseph and forbade him to speak. Mobs were sent to molest, prisons called his name, and death eventually named him a martyr. The restoration of the gospel is the most important event in our day. Satan knew it too. He met Joseph with affliction and he continues to persecute the true and living church today because he can't stand to see God's work go forth. With the restoration here, he is losing the war. Still, he fights. (Read more: page 25)
Possibly more than any other denomination, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints meets opposition, persecution, attention, and ridicule. Why? Because it is true. The church is picked on, made fun of, belittled, and criticized. It is Satan's ploy to prevent God's work from going forward. All things good and true stand to meet opposition. The greatest example of all, is that of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He knows opposition. Perfect and without sin, he was accused, spat upon, hated, and crucified. The Son of God, he was questioned, disbelieved, and mocked. He of all, is our key to salvation. With Christ Atoning for our sins, fulfilling the will of the Father, and doing all He was foreordained to do, Satan fails.
And so it is, the battle continues even though Satan has already lost. He fights, and with his war, brings opposition, resistance, persecution, and enmity. It is proof that all he fights against is good and of God. Opposition is real and it testifies of God's work.
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Turning Corners
We had quite the week. All of a sudden, I have a calling, and we have a car. Say what? You heard correctly. Austin and I bought a car. It was the most impulsive, accidentally on purpose thing we could have done, but it will be a good thing. We really bought the car without meaning to. The whole situation is funny because I am SO stubborn and was pretty adamant against buying a car. It seemed like such a hassle between getting a license, paying the associated fees, figuring out how to drive and where to go here, and the mess of having to get rid of it when we leave, and fixing it's problems while we are here. Problems? Oh yes! Buy a car, buy its problems. "Island cars," as they are known, are old, junky, and do little more than drive. Plus, they have a history of owners. So, how did we get into this mess? Well...We have been toying with the thought of moving, mostly for location sake. Then, Austin came back from an Elder's Quorum meeting last week that lasted 4 hours. FOUR HOURS!! As if that weren't enough, he came home with the assignment to home teach 4 families. Him nor his companion has transportation so the thought of doing so was overwhelming. Can you blame him? Between that and not wanting to deal with the thought of moving and because I am feeling guilty that we depend on others for transportation and can't give much service in return- the thought of getting a car became more serious.
Our neighbor happens to fix cars and sell them. I called him to see if he couldn't help us look for cars. All of a sudden, he called an hour later and said we had a car for us. Uh....
We drove it around the block and before I knew it, we wrote him a check and didn't know what we had done.
Already, I feel liberated having a car. Knowing that we have the freedom to go to the pool and the store is quite awesome. It was nice not to walk to church this morning and nice to come home. There are plenty of problems with are car. I'm not kidding when I say it only drives (and the radio works, but I wish it didn't); but I feel good about buying from our neighbor because I have the promise that he will fix things and take care of us. Pray for us!
I decided to name our car Michelangelo after the Ninja Turtle because that's what the inside reminds me of. (One of the other moms told me we had to name our car.) I can now say that I have driven on the wrong side of the street rightly. It's a mental game at first, but really isn't so bad. The tricky part is learning how to maneuver the roads as they are so narrow and often so steep. I'd bet a lot of the hills here are 60-70% grade. You think I'm kidding! Really! I don't think we will be driving anywhere at night either. That's tempting death. No lines and horrible glares makes it difficult to see anything. It doesn't help that the people camouflage in the night too.
The other big news is that I am now the second counselor in the Primary presidency. After being in the Primary for the last 4 years, I guess it wasn't enough. This will be a good place for me: I can stand up more often and avoid getting "bum sore;" the kids are easy to talk to; and I don't worry about Eden being completely silent the whole time.They have it set up so that I can go to RS at least once a month, but being a counselor also means I am a teacher. There are only 15 kids: 2 classes and nursery.
The Senior Missionary Sister told me that a while back they were praying for good families to come into the branch. A month later, the Kims- who is now our new Branch President- moved to St. Kitts. A month later, a family from Utah arrived. Another week later, we came with the other Utah family. She said, "I guess we just needed good families from Utah (and our Korean president)." So, I know why we are here. It's not because we want to be, but maybe because we need to be.
We are getting into a more normal routine here. I think we are accustomed to life. At the pool this week, the craziest thing happened. I was sitting on the edge with my feet in the water when I kept feeling little pokeys on my bum. I looked down once thinking I had sat on something, but couldn't see anything. I looked down again, nothing. Finally, I stood up and the other moms started yelling at me to get in the pool. There were- what they said to be- 100-200 ants around my swim bottoms- all different sorts: sugar ants, military ants, fire ants. They were biting me, the little buggers! They didn't have to tell me twice. I quickly handed Eden off and jumped in the pool, stripping my pants as I went. ewww! Ha.... paradise. .
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