Historic Moment - New Apostles Part 2

On Saturday October 3rd in the Saturday Afternoon session of the 185th Semi-Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints history was made.
Three new apostles (#NewApostles) were called - Donald A. Rasband, Gary E. Stevenson, and Dale G. Renlund, the 98th, 99th, and 100th Apostles in the Last Dispensation.

See my previous post on how apostles are called - Historic Moment - New Apostle(s)

In some respects things went as expected, while at the same time things did not go as expected.  What this shows is that the expected is never what you get.  Common man is not at the helm of the church.  These calls were purely by revelation, not by voting, political pressure, best guess,  political correctness, or the like.

In each case these men that have been selected to fill the vacancies in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have been prepared for some time.  Each has a unique though extensive period of Church service.  In all cases unique service as full missionaries, members of the 1st quorum of Seventy, and more......

Over time we will find that this prior service will be of a blessing to the worldwide church.  Just because they all grew up in Utah does not mean they do not have global experience, or experience.

For example Elder Steveson served a mission in Japan.  Latter he served again a as a mission president.  Then as a general authority the president of the Asia North area.  Has this brother been prepared for some time as of yet unfulfilled activity in Asia?

It is these type of experiences that will ultimately help as they fulfill their callings as members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

As always someone had to ask why these guys were called and not someone from say South America or another area.  Why not some that does not fit the 80% norm of Utah Caucasians with a different skin tone.  To get that answer you'll need to ask the source.... Yes, even if you agree with the recent changes you should get your own personal confirmation that this was indeed a call from the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 7 ¶Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
Matthew 7:7

For if we believe this to be the true and living church we must accept the fact there is continuing revelation and that the person that can receive that revelation is Thomas S. Monson.

To see more information on why the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the true and living church please see my blog post on the subject.

True and Living Church


Buaidh - NO - Bas

Deceiving to get ahead in life. Is it right or is it wrong?

Well I'd like to broach the topic of deceiving in the workplace etc to get yourself ahead in the rat race of life.

Why do I bring this up?  I was watching a documentary on David Geffen the other night on one of the local PBS stations and found out that some of his success was all based on a lie and cover up of said deceit. (About: Inventing David Geffen PBS, 2012-11-07) He basically did not have any problem lying to get ahead in the workplace.  Very sad.  We eventually had to turn it off and change the channel since our daughter was watching as well.  I'd heard a bit about this man in the past and known of some of his success.  I just did not know it was based on lies and deceit.


Also I was reading something in a trade show magazine I receive called Exhibitor.  The article - Guerrillas in the Midst is very telling and informs you about some disturbing activities in the work place.
In the commentary it referred to a couple of blogosphere postings on how to get ahead in the marketing game by not paying anything.
The mentioned examples were a person going to a trade show and plastering posters and fliers all over the place like the stalls in the restroom etc.  Essentially, taking advantage of the trade shows setup without necessarily having a booth.  Not a good method if you do not have a booth.  Your therefore acting like a leech.

And talking about a leech.  The second example was an Asian guy who basically stole a persons identity at the trade show and then went on to promote his company all the while masquerading as the other guy.  Very low in deed.  Though in both cases the posters seemed to applaud them for their guerrilla tactics.  The commentary hopes the larger marketing industry will shun this type of activity.




Also during a discussion in church I learned about the length to which person will go to cheat on their exams in law school.  The person said people would throw in the trash in the bathroom some note cards with information that they could use in the test.  In the middle of the test they go to the bathroom and retrieve the information off the cards.  Coming back they have had some fresh information giving them a leg up on the rest of the students.  So due to this they now have to be accompanied to the bathroom during tests.  Oh the length to which people will go.




We find this also in the political arena.  Look at the underhanded tactics that have been used for the presidential campaign or even the local mayoral race for Los Angeles.  Full of half truths and misinformation being spread around to confuse the voter.  Most will not find out the truth..... or if they do ... by then the damage maybe done.
Just like when a lawyer leaks something out with the jury present in a line of questioning.  How does the jury forget these things even though they have heard them.  Kind of hard to "Disregard" that piece of information though inaccurate or misleading that is now out there. It taints the information pool and that is why the lawyers love to us it.

Look at the current IRS scandal. They targeted conservative groups to hold them up and stone wall their exempt status petitions.  Why do that?  If you can't get in the game you can't be effective.  And the fall out.  Fire or force out the acting head of the IRS who was set to retire in June.  Basically, push a scape goat out one month before he is set to retire.  Will anyone be held accountable for their actions?  We may never know.  This will loss strength in our 24 hour news cycle.  Then they will quietly sweep it under the rug.  No one will really find out who authorized what and when.
The problem is more why is this appearing to happen more frequently in the last few years?
Have things changed so much in the last 100 years?

"I recall a time—and some of you here tonight will also—when the standards of most people were very similar to our standards. No longer is this true. I recently read an article in the New York Times concerning a study which took place during the summer of 2008. A distinguished Notre Dame sociologist led a research team in conducting in-depth interviews with 230 young adults across America. I believe we can safely assume that the results would be similar in most parts of the world. "
Dare to Stand Alone Thomas S. Monson President of the Church

We now have the Internet, and 24 hour news stations.  But, are things getting worse or are we really just more hypersensitive?

Though this story relates how all is not lost.

"A friend related this experience her husband had while attending medical school. “Getting into medical school is pretty competitive, and the desire to do well and be successful puts a great deal of pressure on the new incoming freshmen. My husband had worked hard on his studies and went to attend his first examination. The honor system was expected behavior at the medical school. The professor passed out the examination and left the room. Within a short time, students started to pull little cheat papers out from under their papers or from their pockets. My husband recalled his heart beginning to pound as he realized it is pretty hard to compete against cheaters. About that time a tall, lanky student stood up in the back of the room and stated: ‘I left my hometown and put my wife and three little babies in an upstairs apartment and worked very hard to get into medical school. And I’ll turn in the first one of you who cheats, and you better believe it!’ They believed it. There were many sheepish expressions, and those cheat papers started to disappear as fast as they had appeared. He set a standard for the class which eventually graduated the largest group in the school’s history.” ²

The young, lanky medical student who challenged the cheaters was J Ballard Washburn, who became a respected physician and in later years received special recognition from the Utah Medical Association for his outstanding service as a medical doctor. He also served as a General Authority and is now the president of the Las Vegas Nevada Temple."

Honesty—a Moral Compass James E. Faust

The moral fabric of society is falling apart.

What was deemed unacceptable just a few years ago is now considered not so bad by some.  Take the change in music for example.  Many complained in the past about the gyrating hips of ELVIS.  Now some dancers in shows have maneuvers that simulate sex acts or other intimate activities reserved for married couples.  Even the lyrics are getting worse.  Some however thinly veiled talk about sexual things or use language not even suitable for an adult of any age.

So what are we to do?
What should we do?


We have to hold up the standard for ourselves even if it means that we might not get ahead as some would, or will.  We will in the end be conscious that we have done the right thing.

"Brethren, none within the sound of my voice should be in any doubt concerning what is moral and what is not, nor should any be in doubt about what is expected of us ... We have been and continue to be taught God’s laws. Despite what you may see or hear elsewhere, these laws are unchanging.

As we go about living from day to day, it is almost inevitable that our faith will be challenged. We may at times find ourselves surrounded by others and yet standing in the minority or even standing alone concerning what is acceptable and what is not. Do we have the moral courage to stand firm for our beliefs, even if by so doing we must stand alone? ... it is essential that we are able to face—with courage—whatever challenges come our way. Remember the words of Tennyson: “My strength is as the strength of ten, because my heart is pure.”

Dare to Stand Alone Thomas S. Monson President of the Church

"I can share with you a simple example from my own life of what parents can do. When I was about five or six years old, I lived across the street from a small grocery store. One day two other boys invited me to go with them to the store. As we stood coveting the candy for sale there, the older boy grabbed a candy bar and slipped it into his pocket. He urged the other boy and me to do the same, and after some hesitation we did. Then we quickly left the store and ran off in separate directions. I found a hiding place at home and tore off the candy wrapper. My mother discovered me with the chocolate evidence smeared on my face and escorted me back to the grocery store. As we crossed the street, I was sure I was facing life imprisonment. With sobs and tears, I apologized to the owner and paid him for the candy bar with a dime that my mother had loaned me (which I had to earn later). My mother’s love and discipline put an abrupt and early end to my life of crime."

Moral Discipline D. Todd Christofferson Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

 All is not lost.  We can start in our own homes and show the right direction by our actions.  We can train up our children to do the right.  And thus we can help to save the raising generation and the Nation in which we live.  For as the fabric of society falls apart and the family is attacked so goes the nation.  But, as we stem the tide and go against the flow of lacking morals and the like we can help to set a new standard.  Though in reality it is not a new standard.  For the standards of God do not change!

Buaidh - NO - Bas

The Christmas Spirit

I'd like to talk today about the Christmas spirit.  As we are in the "Holiday" or Christmas season this topic is very applicable.

"The spirit of Christmas is something I hope all of us would have in our hearts and lives—not only at this particular season but also throughout the year." Rediscovering the Christmas Spirit Thomas S Monson



I'd like to dive further into this Christmas spirit.  What is it really?
Does it amount to you not saying 'Bah Humbug'? or does it entail the extensive giving of gifts.  Some can be labeled as not having the Christmas spirit simply because they do not want to participate in the local giving tree, or don't seem interested in giving out many gifts or cards.   Then you have the other side of things with those that send Christmas cards with the picture of their smiling family. Depending on how well you know the people you might give a chuckle since it seems like a fascade.  Christmas spirit is more then any of this.  More then the gift giving, cards, presents and the like.
It is however, hard to separate the commercial, worldly things from the more religious aspects.  President Monson again sums up a bit of what real Christmas spirit is.

"In this marvelous dispensation of the fulness of times, our opportunities to love and give of ourselves are indeed limitless, but they are also perishable. Today there are hearts to gladden, kind words to say, deeds to be done, and souls to be saved."  Rediscovering the Christmas Spirit Thomas S Monson





To find the true meaning of Christmas spirit we have to look to the what the day/event is really all about.   Is it not a celebration of the birth of the Savior of the world - even Jesus the Christ?

Christ came to this earth with one main purpose.  He came to this earth to redeem us from sin so we could return to the presence of our Heavenly Father as was determined in the premortal existence.  He came to give the ultimate gift.  To bleed and die for us.  And Heavenly Father gave us also the ultimate gift -
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."  John 3:16


Any gift or present we give would pale in comparison to those gifts given by our Eternal parents and Christ Jesus.  However, we can consider what type of gift we might give him.  What we might do to emulate him more and provide a little Christmas spirit all around.

For some it can be as simple as giving up a space at the shopping mall.  Others it may be giving up a bad habit.  Still others it might be to go out of your way to be kind to all you encounter.  The list could go on.  Each and everyone of us can give something.  Even something seemingly small can be great in the eyes of the lord.

"...that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass..."  Alma 37:6

Imagine what would happen in the world if each and every person took it upon themselves to go one additional act of kindness, one additional good deed, one additional moment of Christlike attitude.

Hearts might be softened, and amazingly the world would be a better place.  Some grudges, or feuds would be put aside.  And there would be "Peace on Earth".

We all know that Satan the father of all lies would not be happy if this were to occur.  For he seeks to make us miserable like unto himself.  But, Heavenly Father and Jesus have a wholly different purpose for use.
"For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." Moses 1:39

Thus those feeling of dejection, of depression, of sadness that may come at this time of year as you see others "enjoying" themselves are not of the Lord.  They are not the feeling he want to you to have. 

Oddly I am reminded at this moment of some song lyrics of the "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" by Monty Python.

"Some things in life are bad
They can really make you mad
Other things just make you swear and curse.
When you're chewing on life's gristle
Don't grumble, give a whistle
And this'll help things turn out for the best...

And...always look on the bright side of life...
Always look on the light side of life..."

If your feeling down, dejected, or sad try and do something positive for someone else or even just go sing.  Try and provide some service, or even if it is simply giving a smile to everyone you see or offering a few words of Holiday cheer, you will begin to feel much better.  Christ did not hide his wonderful gift.  He did all in his power to get the 'Glad Tidings' out to the world.  He even asked all of us to do the same.

So if your tight on funds this year or fretting about the impending 'Fiscal Cliff' go out and do some acts of kindness, some service.   Because for some giving of their time is the hardest thing they have to do.  You'd be surprised at how many people thank you and how much you begin to feel the Christmas spirit.   And that is the same spirit that Christ has imparted to all of us.





Buaidh - NO - Bas

Standing in Holy Places

What or where is the most holy place on earth?  [pause] NO one would argue against anywhere that Heavenly Father or Jesus Christ is currently at.  However, we know they are not present on earth very frequently.  There are few recorded instances in the scriptures; Mount Sinai, Sacred Grove to mention a few.  Beyond that most would say the Temples of the Church, then maybe meeting houses and other church dedicated buildings.   I ask of you today – Are the 19 inches of bench you are currently sitting on holy? 

Or more importantly are the 19 inches of sofa you will occupy later today holy?  I’ll tell you why as we consider how where we are currently standing can be a holy place.

The Bible Dictionary specifies:

Holiness. According to the O.T. things or places were holy that were set apart for a sacred purpose; the opposite of holy is therefore common or profane…. Similarly a holy person meant one who held a sacred office.  …  The word holy therefore came to refer to moral character.

“What you see and hear depends a good deal on where you are standing; it also depends on what sort of person you are. -C. S. Lewis.”

http://www.worldofquotes.com/author/C.+S.+Lewis/4/index.html

Locations and places do not necessarily define who we are but, they can have an influence on what we will become.  Just because you are at a bar does not mean you’re an alcoholic.    Hanging around the Temple grounds all day does not therefore make us Celestial Kingdom material.  It sure can help in comparison to an establishment that serves alcoholic beverages or promotes something against the commandments.

“We unavoidably stand in so many unholy places and are subjected to so much that is vulgar, profane, and destructive of the Spirit of the Lord that I encourage our Saints all over the world, wherever possible, to strive to stand more often in holy places. Our most holy places are our sacred temples. Within them is a feeling of sacred comfort. We should seek to be worthy to take our families to the temple to be sealed together for eternity”

Standing in Holy Places James E. Faust

Second Counselor in the First Presidency

April 2005 http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/04/standing-in-holy-places

Also think of your home computer or Television.  At one moment you can be watching the Prophet at a session of General Conference.  A few clicks later you can be viewing images or video that do not invite the spirit.

“Standing in holy places is all about being in good company, whether you are alone or with others. It's being where the Holy Ghost is our companion—alone or in a crowd. When we determine within ourselves that we will control our thoughts and our actions and be the best we can possibly be, the best of life will come to us.”

Standing in holy places

Sister Sharon G. Larsen Second counselor, Young Women General Presidency

Published: Saturday, March 30, 2002

http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/41554/Standing-in-holy-places.html

Further more, Sister Larsen mentions the following:

“It is possible the loneliest times are when we are surrounded by people, even friends, who are making wrong choices, and we have to stand alone. There are some places it would not be safe for you to go even to help someone in need. The Lord said to stand in holy places. There are places where the Spirit would never be. You know where those places are. Stay away from them. Do not encourage a curiosity that ought to be stopped. Pay attention to what you are feeling so you will know when you are feeling unsure or uneasy.”

Standing in holy places

Sister Sharon G. Larsen
Second counselor, Young Women General Presidency

Published: Saturday, March 30, 2002

http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/41554/Standing-in-holy-places.html

We agreed to come to this earth and gain a body.  We knew there would be challenges.  A plan was detailed for us that we readily accepted.  NO one said it would be easy.   Therefore, there will be times when we have to make choices.  Sometimes really hard choices.

Doctrine & Covenants 87:8

Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come; for behold, it cometh ^bquickly, saith the Lord. Amen.

Bishop Stevenson Presiding Bishop relates the following story from the Priesthood Session of October 2012 Conference:

“Each of you will also have defining moments in your life requiring courage. A friend of mine, John, shared with me one of those moments in his life.

Some years ago, John was accepted at a prestigious Japanese university. He would be part of the international student program with many other top students from around the world. Some enrolled with a hope to deepen their understanding of the culture and language, others viewed it as a stepping-stone to an eventual profession and employment in Japan, but all had left home to study in a foreign country.

Soon after John’s arrival, word of a party to be held on the rooftop of a private residence spread among the foreign student population. That evening, John and two friends made their way to the advertised address.

Following an elevator ride to the top floor of the building, John and his friends navigated the single narrow stairway leading to the rooftop and began mingling with the others. As the night wore on, the atmosphere changed. The noise, music volume, and alcohol amplified, as did John’s uneasiness. Then suddenly someone began organizing the students into a large circle with the intent of sharing marijuana cigarettes. John grimaced and quickly informed his two friends that it was time to leave. Almost in ridicule, one of them replied, “John, this is easy—we’ll just stand in the circle, and when it is our turn, we’ll just pass it along rather than smoke it. That way we won’t have to embarrass ourselves in front of everyone by leaving.” This sounded easy to John, but it did not sound right. He knew he had to announce his intention and act. In a moment he mustered his courage and told them that they could do as they wished, but he was leaving. One friend decided to stay and joined the circle; the other reluctantly followed John down the stairs to board the elevator. Much to their surprise, when the elevator doors opened, Japanese police officers poured out and hurried to ascend the stairs to the rooftop. John and his friend boarded the elevator and departed.

When the police appeared at the top of the stairs, the students quickly threw the illegal drugs off the roof so they wouldn’t be caught. After securing the stairway, however, the officers lined up everyone on the roof and asked each student to extend both hands. The officers then walked down the line, carefully smelling each student’s thumbs and index fingers. All who had held the marijuana, whether they had smoked it or not, were presumed guilty, and there were huge consequences. Almost without exception, the students who had remained on the rooftop were expelled from their respective universities, and those convicted of a crime were likely deported from Japan. Dreams of an education, years of preparation, and the possibility of future employment in Japan were dashed in a moment.

Now let me tell you what happened to these three friends. The friend who stayed on the roof was expelled from the university in Japan to which he had worked so hard to be accepted and was required to return home. The friend who left the party that night with John finished school in Japan and went on to earn degrees from two top-tier universities in the United States. His career took him back to Asia, where he has enjoyed immense professional success. He remains grateful to this day for John’s courageous example. As for John, the consequences in his life have been immeasurable. His time in Japan that year led him to a happy marriage and the subsequent birth of two sons. He has been a very successful businessman and recently became a professor at a Japanese university. Imagine how different his life would have been had he not had the courage to leave the party on that important evening in Japan.³”

Be Valiant in Courage, Strength, and Activity

By Bishop Gary E. Stevenson Presiding Bishop October 2012 General Conference

Doctrine & Covenants 115:5

Verily I say unto you all: ^aArise and shine forth, that thy ^blight may be a ^cstandard for the ^dnations;

Joshua 24:15

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, ^achoose you ^bthis day whom ye will ^cserve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my ^dhouse, we will ^eserve the Lord.

“Our Heavenly Father did not launch us on our eternal journey without providing the means whereby we could receive from Him God-given guidance to assist in our safe return at the end of mortal life. I speak of prayer. I speak too of the whisperings from that still, small voice within each of us, and I do not overlook the Holy Scriptures, written by mariners who successfully sailed the seas we too must cross.”

Thomas S. Monson, “The Three Rs of Choice,” Ensign, Nov. 2010,

Truly we do not have to be like unto Lewis Carroll’s Alice in the Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass.   You may remember that at one point she was what some would say lost in the forest.  The Cheshire Cat was asked by Alice which path she should use as she lamented on the confusion of the signs and directions available.  The Cheshire Cat who gave some sage advice told her any path would do since she had not particular goal in mind.  The worm in the Movie Labyrinth also gave some great advice to Sarah as she began to navigate the maze in search of her baby brother.   However, since she did not listen long enough she wasted much more time getting to her final destination and goal.  We don’t have to be the wandering soul with no goal in mind.  We have that goal.  And we also are constantly given the directions we need as long as we will listen and head the advice and promptings of the spirit.

“Every time you make a choice, you are turning the central part of you, the part of you that chooses, into something a little different from what it was before. And, taking your life as a whole, with all your innumerable choices, all your life long you are slowly turning this central thing either into a Heaven creature or into a hellish creature -- either into a creature that is in harmony with God, and with other creatures, and with itself, or else into one that is in a state of war and hatred with God, and with its fellow creatures and with itself. To be the one kind of creature is Heaven: that is, it is joy, and peace, and knowledge, and power. To be the other means madness, horror, idiocy, rage, impotence, and eternal loneliness. Each of us at each moment is progressing to the one state or the other.”
Christianity Quotes – CS Lewis

http://www.worldofquotes.com/author/C.+S.+Lewis/1/index.html

Technically speaking we can not be fence sitters or non-progressing.  We are either moving forward in our progression to eternal life or we are slipping back thus losing ground.  There is no such thing as autopilot when it comes to eternal progression.  Unfortunately, it is a constant battle, one we wage each day.

“But remember that the Savior himself was tormented, ridiculed, spat upon, and finally crucified because he would not waver in his conviction. Have you ever stopped to think what would have happened had he weakened and said, “Oh, what’s the use?” and abandoned his mission? Do we want to be quitters, or do we want to be valiant servants in spite of all the opposition and evil in the world? Let us have the courage to stand up and be counted as true, devoted followers of Christ.”

For They Loved the Praise of Men More Than the Praise of God

President N. Eldon Tanner First Counselor in the First Presidency Ensign November 1975

Elder Whiting in the most recent conference talks of a time when he inspected a mostly finished temple in Hawaii and the imperfections that were found.  He was also surprised at the fixes actually being made to these seemingly insignificant parts of the temple.

“Why would walls with a little grit and a window with a little asymmetry require additional work and even replacement when few human hands or eyes would ever know? Why was a contractor held to such high standards?

As I exited the temple deep in thought, I found my answer as I looked up at the refinished exterior and saw these words: “Holiness to the Lord, the House of the Lord.”

The temples of this Church are precisely as proclaimed. These sacred buildings are built for our use, and within their walls sacred and saving ordinances are performed. But there should be no doubt as to whose house it really is. By requiring exacting standards of construction down to the smallest of details, we not only show our love and respect for the Lord Jesus Christ, but we also hold out to all observers that we honor and worship Him whose house it is.”

Temple Standard by Elder Scott D. Whiting of the Seventy  October 2012 General Conference

It is clear we are always refining ourselves.  We need to hold ourselves to a higher standard.  The Lord knows we can do it, we know we can do it.  The helps are there.  We can succeed.

Let me summarize briefly a few of the helps the Lord has provided for our use that will help us to stand in Holy Places.

• Holy Ghost and his promptings
• Scriptures and other church literature like the Ensign
• Prayer
• Sunday Meetings and the Sacrament
• Temple Attendance
• Church Music

With this plethora of helps it is obvious the Lord wants us to succeed.  We simple need to reach out and take it.  He’s stand at the door with no handle on his side.  We have to take the initiative and open the door so he can come more fully into our lives.

In Conclusion I’d like to quote from our dear Prophet Thomas S Monson.

“If any of you has stumbled in your journey, I want you to understand without any question whatsoever that there is a way back. The process is called repentance. Our Savior gave His life to provide you and me that blessed gift. Despite the fact that the repentance path is not easy, the promises are real. We have been told: “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”⁶ “And I will remember [them] no more.”⁷ What a statement. What a blessing. What a promise.”

Dare to Stand Alone Thomas S. Monson  President of the Church General Conference October 2011

{End}

Buaidh - NO - Bas

How not to become depressed

I have come to the conclusion that one of the best ways to not become depressed is to provide service.

Now you might ask how that is.  Well as we give service to others we have our minds on other things.  You get those feel good endorphins moving in your body.  Bottom line you have an overall generally good feeling when you provide service.  Thus how is it possible to be depressed when your providing service?



The great thing about service is you forget about yourself and apply your energy to someone else.  Have you ever been out doing some form of more physical service and completely forgotten about having lunch?  It is very possible as you are helping to clean up an elderly person's yard you simple lose track of the time and forget to have lunch.  This is what I'm talking about.  You lose yourself in the work and who can help but not be happy.

Now we all know there is service for service's sake (I.E. service to be seen or recognized) and then their is the more Christ like service were the giver is trying to stay anonymous or is not seeking recognition.  It is far better to give the second type of service then the first but, you have to admit it is dang hard to be depressed when doing either type.

"All of this illustrates the eternal principle that we are happier and more fulfilled when we act and serve for what we give, not for what we get."
Unselfish Service Elder Dallin H. Oaks Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

“Do [your] duty; that is best; leave unto [the] Lord the rest.”
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, “The Legend Beautiful,” in The Complete Poetical Works of Longfellow (1893), 258.

Have you done any good today? - President Thomas S Monson.


          So get out and do some good in the world today.  "A good turn Daily" (Boy Scout Slogan)  You might just feel good and get some exercise in the process.   Somebody is bound to thank you for your kind deeds.

Grateful Prayer

Just a short thought on prayer.

Have you ever done a prayer solely made up of what you are thankful for?

General at least in my case my prayers are heavy on the the stuff I need help with or things I want to ask for like "protection".  They are light on the things I'm grateful for.  Some have suggested to do a grateful prayer where you go on and on about all the fine things you have received in life, like health, roof over your head, employment, family, possessions, and the like.  It can seems hard at first but, in the end you really have a lot of things to be thankful for.










The Lord wants to give you more blessings and sometimes he's just waiting to hear that you are thankful for a few of the things he has provided to you.  it is like changing the way you think of things.  Moving away from the ME, ME, ME attitude and more to the attitude of gratitude.  Less selfishness and more service minded.







That is another things to tray as well.   Provide a lot of service even when your down.  Even when you are in need.  Provide some service.  Your whole mood will change.







Great place to provide service is at the Temple.  Help your ancestors that did not have the chance to receive the saving ordinances when they were alive.  You'll feel wonderful when your done.
To find a temple near you check out the list at http://www.ldschurchtemples.com


So long for now.

Buaidh - NO - Bas

Baptismal Program - Once Again

I'd like to revisit my previous posts on baptismal programs.

Baptismal Program - revisited
Baptismal Program
One of the reasons I want to do this is an article my wife found.  This article talks about using videos while the people who were involved in the baptism are changing out of their wet clothes.

see http://mormonlifehacker.com/use-mormon-messages-for-baptism-waiting/  for the whole article


This article talks in some detail about selection of the videos and some ideas on getting programs to help you compile them.


The reality is that there are some really good ones out there to use.  Many by Elder Dieter F Uchtdorf and others by President Monson.

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Create - Elder Dieter F Uchtdorf

Have I Done Any Good - President Thomas S Monson

The Mormon Messages put out by the church are recommended but, each is generally only a bit more then 1 minute and at the maximum about 3 minutes.  You'd have to have a fair number of these to make up the 10-20 minutes needed in most cases.  so a mix of slightly longer videos and Mormon message commercial style clips works best.    You do have to be careful to not use to many non-official church clips.  They can become awkward if you have not viewed them fully and in many cases they can be just a handful of pictures and the like with music.  Basically, a power point presentation moved into the video realm.


As I have specified in the previous posts the program is generally fairly simple.  There are not a whole lot things to resolve that are variable like.  You'll will always have an opening prayer and song.  There will also be a closing prayer and song.  The middle flexes a bit depending on whether you decide to have a separate person speak on the Holy Ghost and Baptism.  I've seen it done both ways and either works.  It's all a matter of preference and deciding what will work for the types of people present.  If you have a lot of people unfamiliar with the process and that are not members you will definitely want to have them split up.  If it is a bunch of relatives that are all members you will likely combine since it becomes a little like a review for the baptisee and others present.

The big thing that can break the spirit of the meeting is what happens will the people are changing their clothes.

Many things have been utilized to a varying degree of success.  Again it depends on those attending and what you  might want to achieve.   For a convert baptism the missionaries generally will take a few minutes to invite those attending who are not members to find out more and bear their testimonies.  Unfortunately, even for a great missionary it can be hard to accordion his comments to match that of the time needed.

Other times people will simply sing some hymn or primary songs. This works great to bring or maintain the spirit.  Bearing of testimonies is also a good one but, lets be realistic.  How many times have you sat in fast and testimony meeting and witnessed the long dead spaces of time when no one goes up to the pulpit?

So we decided on using some church videos but, felt at a loss original as to which to use.  Then after determining the longer ones would not work we considered the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  This also proved problematic since they have mostly Christmas related material available.   And then it hit us.  Use the videos from Mormon messages and the like found on the Internet.

I'm going to include a few here for your viewing pleasure.  You'll find they are all very excellent and depending on the audience can be used  to great advantage.

You Matter to God - Elder Dieter F Uchtdorf

Lessons Learned as Boy - President Gordon B Hinckley

Happily Ever After - Elder Dieter F Uchtdorf


So if you know someone that will be putting on a baptismal program in the near future, or even a 'Great to Be 8' presentation why not let them in on this new trend.  Videos during the interlude might just be what they have been looking for to fill the time appropriately.

Please leave your comments on what you have done and which videos you are using.

Buaidh - NO - Bas

If you feel impressed to find out more  after viewing some of these video clips you can request a missionary, Copy of the Book of Mormon or even a church video by clicking here

Power, Authority and Duty

This last Sunday in our Elders Quorum we were afforded the opportunity to go over the Ordinances and blessings we perform as priesthood holders.  One thing that came up is the distinction between power and authority.   Many of us there were present are authorized to perform the ordinances but we may not have the power vested in us.  This is due to circumstances occurring in our lives etc.


So this brings up several interesting points.  First we must acquire the authority (i.e. receive the Priesthood) then learn our duty and at the same time do all in our ability to be vested with the power of the Priesthood as we go about doing our duty through our righteous living.

Many may not bring into this discussion much the area of Duty.  Some times it seems they are talked about separately.  Duty and power of the Priesthood.

The duties of the Priesthood vary as do the offices which are held within the Priesthood.  A Deacon will have very different duties to that of a Bishop.   Can one say that the duties of the Bishop are greater then those of  Lowly Teacher?  Yes, they can but, it is no more important to fulfill your duty as a Teacher then it is those of a Bishop.  The Bishop has no more opportunity to obtain the highest levels in the Celestial Kingdom then does the Deacon if they fulfill their duties to the fullest.  A very interesting concept, right.

We discussed a situation were a missionary had hurt himself badly in a sporting accident.  He was pending surgery and the possibility that he may have to return home early.  At the time Elder Holland of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles was in the area and the missionary felt impressed to ask him for a blessing.  His chance slipped away due to circumstance beyond his control.  Eventual, his mission president asked if he'd like a blessing as he was looking a bit depressed.  They all came to the realization that the power and authority of the Priesthood vested in that mission president was the same at the member of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles.   Great results came from that blessing and a grand lesson was learned.   You will not be further blessed simply because a general authority gives you the blessing.  We might think so since they seem to have more faith and possess what seems like more power via their righteous living.  The Young worthy 12 year old Deacon has just as much right, Power and authority to call down angels to assist him as a Seventy in an area presidency does.   As long as it is the will of the Lord it can be done.  If it will help accomplish his aims he will let it happen.




At times we may feel overwhelmed.  We may feel inadequate etc.  That is natural since we to often are not properly instructed.  Too often those of us that have the Priesthood do not understand our duty or let alone the power the Lord has vested in us.  Remember this is not something we go seeking after.  Not something we proposition the congregation for.   Thus because all of us as leaders and followers are mere mortals we have our faults and short comings.  We strive to progress and become better.  We begin to see the grand picture and not just that which is in front of us or comprehensible by our small minds.  The Lord can see the begin and the end.  His wisdom and knowledge is thus far greater then our own.

"At times the wisdom of God appears as being foolish or just too difficult, but one of the greatest and most valuable lessons we can learn in mortality is that when God speaks and a man obeys, that man will always be right." Willing and Worthy to Serve Thomas S. Monson 

Hopefully we are instructed just as well as Elder Uchtdorf was as a young Deacon.

"Instead, he spent time with me and helped me understand not only the what of my assignment and new responsibility but, much more important, the why."

The Why of Priesthood Service Dieter F. Uchtdorf 

No wonder he did not take his duty and assignment lightly.  He had been instructed in what his duty really was.  What power and authority he really had received.  He as given the WHY.

When you have the WHY you will want to do your best, and not some half masted job.  My grandfather always did his home teaching on the first Sunday of the month.  He had the vision, and it helped he was living in a small town of a couple hundred.  But, irregardless of circumstances he was blessed just as much as the brother living in a metropolitan city of millions doing his duty to the fullest.  Same blessings and responsibilities, different circumstances.

This is well summed up by George Albert Smith.
“I have not wanted this position. I have not felt equal to it. But it has come to me, and I will fill it to the best of my ability. I want you all to know that, whatever you are doing in the church, from [home] teaching to presiding over a stake, if you do it to the best of your ability, your position is just as important as mine.”
The Life and Ministry of George Albert Smith

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: George Albert Smith, 2010

But, we are not  alone in figuring out what our duty is and how to be vested with true Priesthood power.  The scriptures are full of examples and information.  Section 107 of the doctrine and Covenants is full of information on our duties and responsibilities.
Conference talks are also a great place to learn more of our duties and become more endowed with the power god has given us.




As we become more aware of our duties and have that increased desire to help our fellow man we will begin to full espouse the true power of the Priesthood.  For in true reality the Priesthood is given to help others.  For we do not place our own hands upon our head and pronounce a blessing.  We must ask for another to do that.

The Lord has a vision for each and everyone of us.  He wants us to succeed, though he know it will not be easy.  And thus he provided his authority so that we on earth may be blessed.  And what a blessing it is to have the Priesthood.  Hard as it may seem to understand it fully.




The following are several good ways to live our lives.  They come from George Albert Smith and if society would lives by these 11 statements it sure would be a better place.

"When he was 34 years old, George Albert Smith made a list of resolutions that he called his “personal creed”—11 ideals that he committed to live by:

“I would be a friend to the friendless and find joy in ministering to the needs of the poor.

“I would visit the sick and afflicted and inspire in them a desire for faith to be healed.

“I would teach the truth to the understanding and blessing of all mankind.

“I would seek out the erring one and try to win him back to a righteous and a happy life.

“I would not seek to force people to live up to my ideals but rather love them into doing the thing that is right.

“I would live with the masses and help to solve their problems that their earth life may be happy.

“I would avoid the publicity of high positions and discourage the flattery of thoughtless friends.

“I would not knowingly wound the feelings of any, not even one who may have wronged me, but would seek to do him good and make him my friend.

“I would overcome the tendency to selfishness and jealousy and rejoice in the successes of all the children of my Heavenly Father.

“I would not be an enemy to any living soul.

“Knowing that the Redeemer of mankind has offered to the world the only plan that will fully develop us and make us really happy here and hereafter, I feel it not only a duty but also a blessed privilege to disseminate this truth"
Chapter 1: Living What We Believe

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: George Albert Smith, 2010

Are you curious to find out more the Priesthood?  Do you have questions on who can be ordained?  Then you might just need to talk with the missionaries.  They'll come and visit you no strings attached.

Request a visit from the missionaries here

Buaidh - NO - Bas

Pondering Easter

What does Easter mean to you?

Do it mean simple the Easter bunny coming and leaving some eggs with treats and other goodies?  Or does it hold the religious meaning?
Maybe your like me and it hold a little bit of both.....

For me Easter hold both the religious and secular meanings.  I revile in the fun a child has as they search for eggs left behind by the "Easter Bunny" and the joy of getting a nice little present.  It can affirm the being good aspects of childhood.  But, Easter is so much more.  It is that celebration of the final atoning acts performed by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

It all started with the Passover supper held by Jesus with his disciples in that upper room.  What we now call the "Last Supper".  That final of times when he had the ability to instruct and teach to his apostles.  The time when he instituted the sacrament and gave some parting words or advice and council.

Short there after he went to the Garden of Gethsemane and bleed for our sins.

 41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,

 42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, ^aremove this cup from me: nevertheless not my ^bwill, but thine, be done.

 43 And there appeared an ^aangel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

 44 And being in an ^aagony he prayed more earnestly: ^band his sweat was as it were great drops of ^cblood falling down to the ground.

Luke 22: 41-44 

Then after had finished bleeding from every pore for our sins he was betrayed into the hands of the Romans and the Chief Priests who had conspired against him.

We all know of his illegal trial before the priests and his scourging by a multi-pronged  whip.  His eventual other trials before Herod and Pontius Pilate where he became a political hot potato.

Then the final capstone to the whole Atoning process.  His death on the cross at Golgotha, after many long agonizing hours of hanging there in pain that one can not even imagine.  Which after three days lead to his resurrection and final glorious act of the Atonement.

I have many a time thought what would have happened if Christ has not been crucified or if he had not bleed for our sins in the garden.  Would the Atonement be whole? The answer is simple - NO.
We have the need for both portions of the Atonement.  The conquest of physical and spiritual death.  And both of these Jesus Christ the Only Begotten Son accomplished in less then a week's time.  Both parts are necessary to be able to accomplish our final goal of returning to live once again with our Heavenly Father.

So take this time to dwell on the good news that Christ brought us.  Do no dwell on the fact that he died on the cross.  Dwell on the fact that Mary found his tomb empty.  Dwell on the fact that he arose and over came physical death and has thus imparted this gift unto us all saint and sinner alike.

"Jesus Christ was the only one capable of performing the magnificent Atonement because He was the only perfect man and the Only Begotten Son of God the Father. He received His commission for this essential work from His Father before the world was established. His perfect mortal life devoid of sin, the shedding of His blood, His suffering in the garden and upon the cross, His voluntary death, and the Resurrection of His body from the tomb made possible a full Atonement for people of every generation and time.

The Atonement makes the Resurrection a reality for everyone. However, with respect to our individual transgressions and sins, conditional aspects of the Atonement require our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, our repentance, and our compliance with the laws and ordinances of the gospel."

What Does the Atonement Mean to You? By Elder Cecil O. Samuelson Jr. 

He Is Not Here

“Our Savior lived again. The most glorious, comforting, and reassuring of all events of human history had taken place—the victory over death. The pain and agony of Gethsemane and Calvary had been wiped away. The salvation of mankind had been secured. The Fall of Adam had been reclaimed.

He is Risen a Prophet's Testimony - President Thomas S Monson


So take some time out and find out the most recent words from the modern day prophets.  For the gospel of Christ is not on that has since been left to the dust and past.  It is a living gospel and we have the opportunity to feed from the living waters each 6 months at general conference. 

April 2012 general Conference Sessions

Be filled this is much to be thankful for this Easter Season.

Buaidh - NO - Bas