Infinite Atonement

As many as would believe and be baptized in his holy name, and endure in faith to the end, should be saved—not only those who believed after he came in the meridian of time, in the flesh, but all those from the beginning,. . . as well as those who should come after. DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 20:25-27

Jesus Christ brought to pass an infinite atonement. It is infinite because it overcomes the most universal fact of mortality: physical death (2 Nephi 9:7). It is infinite because it was performed by an infinite Being. One who had within himself the powers of Godhood, the powers of immortality (John 10:17-18; Alma 34:14). It is infinite because it reaches beyond this earth to the untold numbers of worlds created by the Lord Jehovah: Jesus redeems all that he creates (D&C 76:24; Moses 1:33-35). It is infinite because it is timeless: Christ is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8; Moses 7:47). His atoning sacrifice in the meridian of time reached back to take effect from the days of Adam and forward through time until the last person is born, lives, and is redeemed. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 64)

An Unchangeable God

There is a God in heaven, who is infinite and eternal, from everlasting to everlasting the same unchangeable God, the framer of heaven and earth and all things which are in them. DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 20:17

Joseph Smith taught that God “changes not, neither is there variableness with him; but that he is the same from everlasting to everlasting, being the same yesterday, today, and for ever; and that his course is one eternal round, without variation” (Lectures on Faith, 3:15). God’s plan for the creation and redemption of his children is eternal; his work and glory — “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39) — is forever the same. Nephi taught that God is unchanging, “and the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world, if it so be that they repent and come unto him” (1 Nephi 10:18). Policies and procedures in the administration of the Lord’s Church may change, but the principles are eternal, for “God doth not walk in crooked paths,... neither doth he vary from that which he hath said, therefore his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round” (D&C 3:2). (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 63)

Book of Mormon

[The Book of Mormon] contains a record of a fallen people, and the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles and to the Jews also. DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 20:9

The Doctrine and Covenants testifies that the Book of Mormon is a “record of a fallen people (D&C 20:9), a chronicle of the rise and fall of two major civilizations—the Jaredites and the Lehites. In both cases these powerful nations allowed themselves to become ensnared by secret combinations and succumbed to pride and arrogance, which are destructive to individual souls and entire nations. Perhaps less obvious, the Book of Mormon is a haunting reminder of the nature of fallen man, a sobering testimonial that unless people put off the natural man and put on Christ, unless they acknowledge their weakness and seek his strength, they remain lost and fallen forever. The message of the Book of Mormon is clear and penetrating, that “salvation was, and is, and is to come in and through the atoning blood of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent” (Mosiah 3:18). (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 62)

Joseph Smith

After it was truly manifest unto this first elder that he had received a remission of his sins, he was entangled again in the vanities of the world. DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 20:5

Young Joseph Smith went into the grove of trees in the spring of 1820 for two reasons. He wanted to know which of all the churches was right, for the thought that the true church was not on the earth had not occurred to him (Joseph Smith—History 1:18). In addition, Joseph went into the grove seeking a remission of his sins and striving to improve his standing before the Almighty. In two of the dictated accounts of that great theophany (1832, 1835), Joseph was told: “Thy sins are forgiven thee” (Backman, Joseph Smith’s First Vision, 157, 159). It was after he had learned that his sins had been remitted and that he would be an instrument in the hands of God in restoring the true church to earth again that young Joseph found himself “entangled again in the vanities of the world” (D&C 20:5). Thus, he sought God once more, was visited by Moroni, reinstated in the divine favor, and readied for the manifestations, revelations, and visitations to come. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 61)

Debt

Pay the debt thou hast contracted. ... Release thyself from bondage. DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 19:35

Prophets have long counseled the Saints to live within their means and stay out of debt. Materialism and acquisitiveness are slavery; they lead only to disappointment and misery. Crippling debt can destroy a marriage and drain the joys out of family life. President Gordon B. Hinckley has said: “We have been seduced into believing that borrowed money has no penalty that financial bondage is an acceptable way to live. I suggest that it is not. We would do well to be modest and prudent in our expenditures, to discipline our purchasing and avoid debt to the extent possible. to pay off debt quickly, and to free ourselves from the bondage of others” (Stand a Little Taller, 74). Just as we desire to be spiritually free from the bondage of sin. so we must strive to be temporally free from the bondage of debt. We are to be industrious and self reliant, wise stewards of our resources, and humble enough to live prudently. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 60)

Declare Glad Tidings

Of tenets thou shalt not talk, but thou shalt declare repentance and faith on the Savior and remission of sins by baptism, and by fire, yea, even the Holy Ghost. DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 19:31

The early missionaries of this dispensation were called to go into the world and “declare glad tidings” (D&C 31:3). That is, they were to teach Jesus Christ and him crucified, as revealed by a modern prophet, Joseph Smith. Likewise today our missionaries are called upon to teach “a portion of [Christ’s] word” to earth’s inhabitants (Alma 12:9) — the first principles and ordinances of the gospel and what investigators must know in order to inquire of God and learn the truth for themselves by revelation. Tenets are doctrines, teachings, or dogma. Doctrine and Covenants 19:31 essentially teaches us that in delivering the message of the Restoration to the world, we need not (and should not) dot every doctrinal “i” or cross every theological “t.” It is the simple and straightforward proclamation of divine truth that leads to lasting conversion. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 59)

Seek Learning

Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me. I am Jesus Christ; I came by the will of the Father and I do his will. DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 19:23-24

We are to “seek learning, even by study and also by faith” (D&C 88:118). But in the hierarchy of learning and truth, some things matter more than others. For example, it’s interesting to know the plots of Shakespeare’s plays, but it’s vital to know the Author of eternal life. It’s useful to be able to identify stars in the cosmos, but it’s indispensable to know how to draw upon the powers of heaven in humble prayer. It’s valuable to commit passages of scripture to memory, but it’s essential that we follow the Savior by striving to become more like him. Christ did the will of his Father because of his love for him and for us. He wants us to come unto him and find peace. The Lord Jesus “so loved the world that he gave his own life, that as many as would believe might become the sons of God” (D&C 34:3). We enter into covenant kinship with him by learning of him, listening to his words, following his gospel plan, and becoming spiritually reborn. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 58)

Week of Lasts

Seeing that I have “earned” and still have over 100 hours of sick leave on the books that I won’t be paid for when I retire, Chris suggested I shouldn’t go back to work. That and the fact that the stress of the previous week had caused a seizure Thursday evening as I tried to get my desk ready for a long weekend. I would be out of the office on Friday and the following Monday was President’s Day. That meant I would walk in cold on Tuesday morning to take over a critical materials list that was started by someone else the preceding Friday. I don’t like cleaning up other peoples messes. And so it was that Tuesday was a sick day. Making this past week a bit shorter than anticipated. Especially short seeing that each day had an hour or so dedicated to clearing desk drawers and getting old work to a point of hand-over-ready. My office has changed almost to the point of being unrecognizably impersonal. All pictures are gone. There is nothing on the bulletin boards. All my hats are gone including the hard hat that the Carl Vinson SPO gave me. The only way to know it is or was mine is the name plate outside and on the desk. The one on the desk goes Monday evening. Starting yesterday the week became one of “lasts.” Last Friday – last Crit List – last expedite request – last retirement.

Stand All Amazed

Which suffering caused myself even God, ... to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and-to suffer both body and spirit —and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men. DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 19:18-19

The pain and anguish that our Savior experienced so that we might be redeemed “is unfathomable by the finite minds.” Great though his physical suffering was, his mental, emotional, and spiritual suffering was immeasurably greater. Truly, his agony was beyond anything in our ability to comprehend. And yet with perfect love and courageous perseverance—and with all eternity in the balance—the Savior took upon himself the burden of the sins and sorrows and pains of all humankind from Adam to the end of the world. He “overcame all the horrors that Satan ... could inflict.” He carried out his appointed mission with compassion and humility (Talmage, Jesus the Christ, 613). In Gethsemane and on Golgotha, he suffered for each of us, sinners one and all. He bled and died that we might live forever with God, if we would repent and come unto him. Truly, we stand all amazed at the love and grace he offers us (Hymns, no. 193). (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 57)

Remembered No More

I command you to repent ... For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; but if they would not repent they must suffer even as I. DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 19:15-17

“The unrepentant are to be sorely punished,” wrote Elder Joseph Fielding Smith. “Our Father in heaven is very merciful, long-suffering and forgiving. He has promised to forgive the repentant sinner. Never has greater love been manifest than that by our Father in sending his Son, and by that Son in coming to the earth, to die for man. But one of the immutable, or eternal laws of God is that the unrepentant sinner must suffer even as Christ suffered ([D&C 19] verses 15-18), for the blood of Christ will not cleanse those who will not repent and in humility accept the free gift which comes from God” (Church History and Modern Revelation, 1:83). The Lord will freely forgive when we repent with godly sorrow and sincere intent, when we not only stop doing that which is wrong but also start doing that which is right. If we repent, the Lord will remember our sins no more (D&C 58:42). (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 56)

Qualitatively Eternal

Surely every man must repent or suffer, for I, God, am endless. … Nevertheless, it is not written that there shall be no end to this torment, but it is written endless torment. ... wherefore it is more express than other scriptures, that it might work upon the hearts of the children of men, altogether for my name’s glory. DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 19:4-7

All scripture attests that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, from eternity to eternity. But what does this mean? Our God is an exalted Man of holiness (Moses 6:57), he has a body of flesh and bones (D&C 130:22), and mortals are created in his image. Church leaders have taught that for God to be “from eternity to eternity” means that he is from one premortal existence to the next (Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 1:12; McConkie, Promised Messiah, 166). The revelation recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 19 declares that such words as eternal and endless are descriptions, characteristics of God and of God’s time; in that sense, they are nouns rather than adjectives, for God is endless and God is eternal. It was only under the influence of Greek philosophy that the words eternal or eternity came to mean timeless and without end. Eternal and endless punishment are qualitative forms of punishment, just as are eternal and endless life. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 55)

Whom We Worship

And you shall fall down and worship the Father in my name. DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 18:40

We worship God by study, prayer, meditation, sermons, lessons, service, and song. We worship God the Father and look to him as the great Governor of the universe, the Father of our spirits, and the ultimate object of our worship. It is true that we worship Christ, the Son (2 Nephi 25:29), in that we are reverentially grateful for all that he has done for us and we seek to emulate his matchless life, but our ultimate worship is reserved for the Father, “the only living and true God, ... the only being whom [we] should worship” (D&C 20:19). This same order of worship was taught anciently. Jacob, son of Lehi, explained that the ancients “worshiped the Father in [Christ’s] name, and also we worship the Father in his name” (Jacob 4:5; 2 Nephi 25:16). One day every knee will bow and every tongue “confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:11). (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 54)

Take His Name

Wherefore, all men must take upon them the name which is given of the Father, for in that name shall they be called at the last day. DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 18:24

There is a name above every other name, on earth or in heaven, save only the name of the Almighty Elohim. The name brings joy to the desolate heart and speaks peace to the sorrowing soul. The name falls in hushed and hallowed tones from the lips of Saints and angels and leads true believers on both sides of the veil to glory everlasting. It is the name of the One sent of God to bring salvation, the One who paid an infinite price to ransom us from Satan’s grasp. It is the blessed name of Jesus Christ. When we come unto Christ by covenant, we take upon us his holy name, promising to bear it with fidelity, dignity, and devotion. Like Adam and Eve, we are to “do all that thou doest in the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forever more” (Moses 5:8). (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 53)

Rock Around the Clock

It wasn't clear to me if the dance last Saturday was a ward or stake function, although I assumed it was sponsored by the McMinnville Stake. Nonethe less the mere mention of a Gold and Green Ball brought back memories of girls in party dresses and semi-formal gowns. Corsages and boutonnières. White sport coats and pink carnations. All dressed up for the dance. The theme chosen - “The Fifties.” So interestingly the “Ball” became a “Hop”. This Gold and Green Ball was a sock hop. So in place of gowns, pedal pusher jeans. Hair done up in a pony tail. I’m not sure how the boys interpreted the look of the fifties, but as is apparent by the photo, Cassie was living the part of a teen in the era of the big bopper. Now if I remember correctly, an invitation to attend was extended by someone and I would have accepted. However, the real possibility of embarrassing myself and all of my family kept me from it. A sixty-six year old bopper is not a pretty sight. Cassie on the other hand…

A Ministry of Healing

Contend against no church, save it be the church of the devil. DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 18:20

Elder B. H. Roberts observed that Latter-day Saints “are not brought necessarily into antagonism with the various sects of Christianity as such. So far as they have retained fragments of Christian truth — and each of them has some measure of truth that far they are acceptable unto the Lord; and it would be poor policy for us to contend against them without discrimination. Wherever we find truth, whether it exists in complete form or only in fragments, we recognize that truth as part of that sacred whole of which the Church of Jesus Christ is the custodian. ... All that makes for truth, for righteousness, is of God; it constitutes the kingdom of righteousness — the empire of Jehovah; and, in a certain sense at least, constitutes the Church of Christ. ... With ... the kingdom of righteousness. ... we have no warfare” (Conference Report, April 1906, 14-15). We are agents of the Prince of Peace, and ours is a ministry of healing and blessing. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 52)

How to Find Rest

The Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh ... that all men might repent and come unto him. And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance. And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth! DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 18:11-13

Our souls are precious in the sight of God. Because of the Father’s great love for us, his spirit offspring, he provided a Savior who suffered death to make it possible for us to repent and return to him in his exalted kingdom. Not only did Jesus die but he rose triumphant from the grave, victorious over death, that he might bring each of us unto him, if we repent. We must do our part; we must draw upon the powers of heaven, repent, and access the Atonement in our lives. Though it is incomprehensible to us, our Redeemer suffered the pain and sin of every person. His perfect empathy and love teach us how to find rest to the soul and everlasting happiness. His greatest joy is in seeing the sons and daughters of God humble themselves, repent, and become truly changed, “new creatures” in Christ (Mosiah 27:2 6). Repentance is the key that unlocks the door to eternal joy in the kingdom of God. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 51)

Our Worth

Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God. DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 18:10

As children of a loving Father in Heaven, we are endowed with the seeds of divinity. Ours is neither a Father removed and disconnected from his children nor a spirit essence, unembodied and without affection. He is the Father of our spirits; he knows us, he loves us, he wants for us eternal happiness. His greatest joy and ultimate glory come from seeing his children become like him (Moses 1:39). We are here because a loving Father gave us life, and he provided a Savior so that we might repent and return to him. “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). We must remember who we are and Whose we are, for we were “bought with a price” (1 Corinthians 6:20). We honor our divine endowment of worth by living faithfully and becoming more like the Father and the Son. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 50)

A Solid Foundation

Rely upon the things which are written; for in them are all things written concerning the foundation of my church, my gospel, and my rock. Wherefore, if you shall build up my church, upon the foundation of my gospel and my rock, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you. DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 18:3-5

The early Saints were instructed to “rely upon the things which are written” (D&C 18:3). First, they were to rely upon the sacred teachings known to Christians and Jews throughout the world — the Holy Bible. In addition, the Saints were called upon to teach and testify of the singular truths to be found within the Book of Mormon. This “new covenant” (D&C 84:57) was foundational to the faith and essential to the establishment of the restored Church. What is true for the Church is likewise true for individual members of that Church: Our doctrinal understanding, our pattern for living, our language, and our logic ought to be grounded in the teachings of the Book of Mormon. Such a solid foundation — a foundation built upon by additional revelations and prophetic utterances — will empower us to face and thwart the fiery darts of the adversary. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 49)

His Testimony

And he has translated the book, even that part which I have commanded him, and as your Lord and your God liveth it is true. DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 17:6

Great power attends us in bearing testimony of the truthfulness of the words of God as spoken through his prophets. Faith comes by hearing the word of God as that word is preached by legal administrators, a word that is always accompanied by the spirit of prophecy and revelation (Romans 10:17; Smith. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 148). Even greater power attends when God himself testifies of some thing. But he does more than simply bear witness. The phrase “and as your Lord and your God liveth” is an oath statement. Elder Bruce R. McConkie declared: “This is God’s testimony of the Book of Mormon. In it Deity himself has laid his godhood on the line. Either the book is true or God ceases to be God. There neither is nor can be any more formal or powerful language known to men or gods” (Ensign, May 1982, 33). (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 48)

It’s Back…

We were the last ones out of the office on Tuesday evening. Everyone else had jumped ship at the earliest opportunity. Management even gave the token fifty-nine minutes as it was determined that the snow was indeed heading right for us.
Mom simply said, “It will be easier driving home without so many people on the road.”
When we finally did make it to the house, Mother Nature had endowed us with about three and a half – maybe four - inches of heavy wet snow. That measurement was scientifically made by sticking my extended fingers karate fashion into the snow accumulation on various surfaces around the house. Then it was my pleasure to shovel the walks. Mom had hot soup waiting for me when I finished.
Since I’m trying to burn sick-leave as well as ease into retirement, I didn’t go to work due to a 3:00 p.m. dental appointment. Generally I would take a 7:00 a.m. appointment so it wouldn’t break into the day so badly. But to get ready for retirement I need to do it the civilian way – put it late in the day or somewhere near midday. So venturing out into the afternoon sun it was plain to see that our snow was still with us. I’m not sure who I should thank - Punxsutawney Phil or the global warming people. Probably neither.
Perhaps I should, however, be thankful for global warming. Without it this winter could have been so much worse. We could have been snowbound for days. Oh…, what? There were people on the peninsula confined to their homes for… a week? In December? Because of the snow? Well, it could have been worse.
Maybe we should talk to the strawberry farmer in Louisiana trying to save his 92,000 strawberry plants from several nights of freezing temperatures. He expected to lose a significant portion of his crop, especially with temperatures forecast to drop into the lower 20s. "We had 29 this morning," he said. He wouldn't know how big a loss he faces until after the cold snap ends and he can pull back the fabric covers to inspect the plants.
Can you imagine how cold it might have been without global warming?

Of Most Worth

And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father. Amen. DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 15:6

The Church of Jesus Christ is a vehicle for the salvation of God’s children on earth. It provides the means whereby members receive the ordinances of salvation, engage together in a work of organized sacrifice, and gather to socialize with others with similar moral values. The Church offers numerous avenues for growth — various opportunities for learning, living, and sharing the gospel. The great mission of the Church is to “invite all to come unto Christ” (D&C 20:59). That mission is accomplished most directly by thousands of missionaries throughout the globe proclaiming the gospel and by sharing personal witness with neighbors and relatives boldly but without overbearance (Alma 38:12). The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that “after all that has been said, the greatest and most important duty is to preach the Gospel” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 113). Such teaching is of greatest worth and brings the greatest satisfaction (D&C 18:10-16). (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 47)

Gift of God

And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God. DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 14:7

The Lord’s promise to David Whitmer in 1829 is the same promise given to each of us today: If we keep the commandments and endure in faith until the end, we will inherit eternal life. No gift could be greater than to enjoy the quality of life that God himself enjoys: eternal life. Nothing greater could be bestowed, nothing more supernal could be experienced, than to live as God lives. Ultimately, eternal life is a divine gift, a heavenly endowment, given by the grace of God to those who walk the gospel path with humility, integrity and righteousness. God’s work and glory is to bless us with his greatest gift: eternal life. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 46)

Legal administrators

Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I confer the priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth... DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 13:1

As the Prophet Joseph and Oliver Cowdery knelt on the banks of the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania, it must have been a thrilling and soul-satisfying moment to hear John, the great forerunner of the Master — the prophet designated by Jesus as the greatest of all the prophets (Luke 7:28 - 30) — utter the words “Upon you my fellow servants.” After long centuries when divine, saving authority had not been on earth, the heavens had now been opened and the keys of the priesthood of Aaron were returned to earth. Once more there were legal administrators to officiate in the affairs of God’s kingdom. Once more the ministry of angels, the gospel of repentance, and the power to baptize were conferred upon mortals. The foundation was in place, and the stage was set for the later receipt of apostolic authority and the organization of the Master’s own true Church. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 45)

Assisting the Work

And no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care. DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 12:8

Each of us is laboring to become a better person day by day We strive to keep the commandments and do the right things, and, perhaps more difficult, to do them for the right reason. But we do not hold back our contribution or refuse to be involved because our hearts are not perfectly pure. Paradoxically, God’s perfect work is accomplished through imperfect people. To assist in the work of the Lord, we do our very best with what we have, always seeking through prayer for a purification of our motives and a gradual endowment of the divine nature. In Doctrine and Covenants 12:8 the Lord sets forth the divine ideal, an ideal toward which we reach all the days of our life. As the years pass and as our souls are slowly but surely sanctified by the Spirit, precious divine qualities, which once existed only in embryonic form, begin to distill upon us, and our labor becomes increasingly effective and lasting. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 44)

Build on the Rock

Build upon my rock, which is my gospel. DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 11:24

In the beautiful region of Caesarea Philippi, only six months before the Savior’s death, Peter bore his Spirit-given witness that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Jesus replied, “And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). Upon what, then, was the Christian church to be built? First of all, Jesus is the Rock (1 Corinthians 10:4), the very Foundation (Helaman 5:12), the Chief Cornerstone of the Church (Ephesians 2:19—20). In addition, the Prophet Joseph Smith explained, the rock upon which the Lord’s Church was to be built was the rock of revelation (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 274). As individual Church members build their lives upon Jesus Christ and upon continuing revelation (both personal and institutional’), the gates of hell—the power and dominion of the devil—will never prevail. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 43)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, STEPHANIE!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, STEPHANIE!!!

I know. I know. I know. ...

To some that is a subject to be avoided. But I celebrate your life not the march into age. And what of it? Should we not embrace our added experience as a gift to us that we share with others? I love you. I cherish the life we have shared. Thank you for being one of my girls.

Seek to obtain my word

Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men. DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 11:21

There are times when individuals are inspired to speak words that are new, original to them, words they had not intended to deliver and even ideas they had never before considered. Most of the time, however, the Lord through his Spirit draws forth from us those things which we have previously studied, learned, and understood. The Savior taught at the Last Supper that “the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26). One of the great keys to individual revelation is institutional revelation- scriptures and the words of living prophets. The more we immerse ourselves in holy writ, the more readily our thoughts, our feelings, and our speech are directed by the word and will of the Almighty. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 42)

Trust in that Spirit...

Put your trust in that Spirit that leadeth to do good – yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit … I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy. D&C 11:12-13

The spirit of the Lord brings light, not darkness; clarity, not chaos; joy, not despair; peace and assurance, not fear and uncertainty. By this Spirit, we can know all things pertaining to righteousness. By this Spirit, we can also discern counterfeit spirits and evil influences. That which comes of God will always lead us to goodness, justice, humility, and righteousness. Any influence that fails to do so does not come from heaven. Mormon said, “Whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one.” (Moroni 7:17). The spirit of the Lord always inspires us to do good as it enlightens the mind and brings joy to the heart. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 41)

Real Joy

This I do that I might establish my gospel, that there may not be co much contention; yea, Satan doth stir up the hearts of the people to contention concerning the points of my doctrine; and in these things they do err, for they do wrest the scriptures and do not understand them. D&C 10:63

The Lord said that the publication of the Book of Mormon is “to bring to light the true points of my doctrine” (D&C 10:62), fulfilling his promise to the ancient prophets by including in it “all those parts of my gospel which my holy prophets, yea, an also my disciples, desired in their prayers should come forth unto this people” (D&C 10:46). Then, as now, true disciples of Christ desire that all may receive the glad tidings of the gospel and come into the fold of Christ. To do so we must be grounded in gospel truth and humble enough to be taught by the authorized servants of the Master. If we genuinely follow the Lord and his apostles and prophets, we will stay firmly on the gospel path and not tossed to and for with every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:11-14). Understanding and following the true doctrine of Christ are essential to living without contention and feeling real joy. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 40)

The Restored Church

And for this cause have I said: If this generation harden not their hearts, I will establish my church among them. Now I do not sat this to destroy my church, but I say this to build up my church. D&C 10:53-54

Doctrine and Covenants 10 is part of a revelation given almost two years before the formal organization of the restored church. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints possesses the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ and is the custodian of divine priesthood authority, and yet good and noble souls throughout the earth are acting under the quiet influence of God’s Holy Spirit. When Nephi stated that there were two churches only – the church of the Lamb of God and the church of the devil (1 Nephi 14:10) – he was not saying that there are only two types of people in the world, namely, the Latter-day Saints and all others. Rather, the divine word affirms that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was established on earth to shine additional light onto the nature of God and his plan of salvation for his children. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 39)

Another Testament of Christ

And now, behold, according to their faith in their prayers will I bring this part of my gospel to the knowledge of my people. Behold, I do not bring it to destroy that which they have received, but to build it up. D&C 10:52

The Book of Mormon was sent fort to the world for the purpose of proving to the world that the holy scriptures are true, and that God does inspire men and call them to his holy work in this age and generation, as well as in generations of old. (D&C 20:11). Although critics of the Church often exclaim that the Book of Mormon contradicts the Bible, this assertion is patently false. The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ, as its subtitle indicates, and it bears witness of the same sacred, saving truths as does the Bible. Thus the Lord teaches his servants that he Book of Mormon was brought forth not to supplant or put away the Old and New Testaments but rather to build them up – to support them, to sustain them, to testify of their essential truthfulness, and in places to offer clarification and correction. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 38)

'S Gonna Work

To the astonishment of the management of the Regional Contracting Department of the Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Puget Sound, February 28 will work. Of course that was never a concern to me since I have made it known for literally months that after that date I would no longer be an employee of said Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Puget Sound.

I got the word from Tisca Minor who responded directly to my question “will 28 February work?” with “No problem.” Who is Tisca? The wonderful young lady at the Civilian Benefit Center in Portsmouth, Virginia, who is taking care of me.
How do I know she’s taking care of me? She told me.
She has a special interest in me.
When she called to tell me that my retirement packet had been received, she said, “You have a special birth date!”
“How is that?” I asked.
“It’s my birthday too! I’m going to take special care of you!”
So now I have her direct line, fax, and email address.

I am on track. I will work the first two weeks of February and then step back to mentor, advise, and direct the last two. March 2, 2009, will find me making breakfast for my dear Tassie then waving good-bye.
I expect to put three hours on the bike that day. And the next. And the next…

Truth will cut its own way

Verily, verily, I say unto you, wo be unto him that lieth to deceive because he supposeth that another lieth to deceive, for such are not exempt from the justice of God. D&C 10:28

One Latter-day Saint religious educator viewed a video on Mormonism in which a score of falsehoods were presented as fact. In one case, the narrator of the video purposely misquoted a passage from the Doctrine and Covenants. When the Later-day Saint inquired why such a thing would be done, the critic of the Church replied simply, “Well, sir, we call it divine deception.” From his perspective, all was fair in war against the Latter-day Saint, even lies. Doctrine and Covenants 10:28 is a warning to those convinced that the work of the restoration is false and who may use dishonesty and questionable methods in denouncing the Church. It is also a sobering reminder of the necessity for us to be accurate and honest in out presentation of gospel truths. The restored gospel is robust enough that it requires neither exaggeration nor folktales to buttress its strength, for “truth will cut its own way.” [Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 313] (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 37)