Gathering

Again, a commandment I give unto the church, that it is expedient in me that they should assemble together at the Ohio, against the time that my servant Oliver Cowdery shall return unto them. Doctrine & Covenants 37:3

Individuals and nations are scattered when they reject the true Messiah and forsake his Church and doctrine. Conversely, they are gathered when they come unto Christ by covenant, accept his doctrine, and congregate with the faithful. The gathering is first to Christ, the Person, and second, to a place, a location. That is, first we are gathered spiritually and then temporally. Once we have been baptized into the true Church, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and are thereby qualified to associate with the household of faith, we then prepare to participate in the final phase of gathering. “What was the object of gathering the Jews, or the people of God in any age of the world?... The main object was to build unto the Lord a house whereby He could reveal unto His people the ordinances of His house and the glories of His kingdom, and teach the people the way of salvation” (Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 307—8). (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 97)

From Family History

The following account is taken from a chapter of the book Ancestors and Descendants of Andrew Lee and Clarinda Knapp Allen compiled by Gerald Ralph Fuller. In the words of an editor of that book, the “purpose in presenting these stories is to help strengthen family ties and faith in God. The love and sacrifice shown by these people help strengthen our testimonies of the truthfulness of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” It is a witness to the gathering of the Saints in both a spiritual and temporal sense.

"Andrew Lee Allen acquired one hundred and sixty acres of land in Cattaraugus County, New York, where he made himself a very nice home. He planned to settle down for life and he soon owned a large grove of sugar maple trees besides his prosperous farm. He married Clarinda Knapp in December 1824. She was a refined, educated woman who was highly skilled in the arts of fine painting, sewing, tailoring, ladies’ leg horn hat designing, and homemaking. Her gentle upbringing had a great influence on the lives of those about her. She was a woman of true faith and was a Bible scholar. They had seven children, namely: Elijah, Lydia, Saphronia, Andrew, James, Sidney and myself, Charles, the second son.
"Andrew and Clarinda had not joined any religious society but were honest and upright with all men, waiting for something to come along that would give them better satisfaction than the religions of the day.
"In September 1833 there were two Latter-day Saint Elders who came through that part of the country and held meetings. Andrew Lee Allen was not at home at the time and did not hear them preach, but his wife, friends and neighbors did, and they were much impressed. When my Father came home Mother told him of the Elders and the Gospel that they preached and he became very anxious to hear them. He learned that they would preach at a place eighty miles from there and he concluded he would go hear them. This he did and he listened to the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the first time. He was much pleased and satisfied that it was true and he was baptized 3 September 1833 by Ezra Landing before he returned home. He received a testimony that never left him.
"He went home and began to arrange his business according to the spirit of gathering which he had. He sold his beautiful home for a low price and moved to Kirtland, Ohio. Here he met the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Saints and rejoiced with them. It was here that their daughter, Susan, was born 31 December, 1837.
"My father bought considerable real estate and paid a good price for it, but the price of land soon went down and he did not receive anything for it. He left and started West for Missouri. Because of sickness and the want of means, he stopped on the Illinois River at Bardstown and stayed through the winter. My father cut cordwood all winter and my brother Elijah hauled it. In this way we were sustained. We then moved back East to Virginia, Cass Co., Illinois, where we rented a farm from Mr. Levi Springer, who was a Methodist preacher. He treated us very kindly. There another son was born, 1 April, 1842. He was given the name of Levi, after the name of the good preacher. After farming there one year we moved about twenty-five miles farther East and rented a farm from a man by the name of Alfred Dutch, who lived on the road that led to Springfield. Mr. Dutch was very kind to our people. While we were living there, the Prophet Joseph was taken to Springfield to be tried on a false charge. The Prophet Joseph and his company stayed overnight on the 29th December 1842 with Captain Dutch.
"After living there one year, we moved back to Mr. Springer’s again and lived there one year longer. Then we moved west again toward Nauvoo and stopped with Mr. Roberts, ten miles east of Carthage, where the Prophet and Patriarch were murdered. We became acquainted with Miner T. Deming who afterwards became the High Sheriff of Hancock Co. He was very friendly to our people.
"Water became low in the streams while we were there which retarded the grist mill in grinding flour, so my brother, Elijah, and I were sent into Nauvoo to get our grist ground at the steam mill and it was there I saw the Prophet Joseph for the first and the last time. As we stayed in Nauvoo a few days we were looking around town and went near where the Prophet Joseph lived. He had a brick barn nearly finished and men were hauling hay into it. There was a gully or ravine washed out by the rain water running down by the side of the road next to the barn where the wagons had to cross with their loads of hay. The Prophet came along. I was standing nearby and heard what he said. He spoke to one of the boys and said, 'I think this ditch or gully ought to be filled up so the wagons could cross better,' In reply the brother said, 'I think, Brother Joseph, that it would be better to put a culvert or bridge in there so when it rains, the water will run under the bridge and will not wash it out again.' 'Yes, yes,' said the Prophet, 'That is better. Even though you can outwit me I can throw you down.' This made an impression on my mind that I have never forgotten.
"In the fall of the 1844 we moved toward Nauvoo, and stopped on Camp Creek, fourteen miles north and east of Nauvoo. Miner R. Deming had been elected sheriff and had moved up to Carthage, where he lived in the lower room of the stone jail. As we were moving up to Camp Creek, we passed through Carthage and were welcomed by Mr. Deming to stay overnight. We made several trips and stopped with him each time. My older brother Elijah and I were allowed to go through any part of the jail that was not occupied. We went into the room where the Prophet and Patriarch were when they were so cruelly shot and murdered outright without any cause. We looked at the blood stained floor and the ball hole through the door. The ceiling was knock- off in many places. It made us feel very sorrowful.
"We moved up to Camp Creek and rented a farm from Mr. Hibbert, where we farmed one year and raised a good crop of corn. We could not get anything for it there, but by hauling it to Nauvoo, fifteen miles away we could get ten cents a bushel for it. As I was the oldest boy at home, I started to haul corn to Nauvoo with two yoke of three year old steers. I hauled nearly all winter. My older brother, Elijah, had gone away from home to look for work. He started west and traveled a number of days, crossed the Mississippi River and traveled through the country for sometime and failed to get work. On his re turn he came to Nauvoo and called at President Brigham Young’s home and asked for counsel. Brother Young told him that he could stop with him and go to work, which he did, and lived with him until the Church moved West. He drove a team for President Young through to Winter Quarters on the Missouri River where he enlisted in the Mormon Battalion and went through to California. He served one year in the Government service, and was discharged at Los Angeles on 16 July 1847.
"When I was hauling corn to Nauvoo I stayed at President Young’s where Elijah w as living. I became well acquainted with the family and was much pleased and well entertained by the young ladies of the house. Vilate, who was Brigham’s daughter, and Susan Divine, who played on the piano and sang their beautiful songs, made the time pass very pleasantly during the long winter evenings.
"On 27 January 1846 my father and mother went into Nauvoo and received their blessings in the Temple of the Lord. In the spring of 1846 we crossed the Mississippi River and started west with the Saints. It was very rainy and muddy which made it slow traveling. My mother was feeble in health and my oldest sister, Lydia, was also afflicted with poor health (asthma) and they suffered a great deal as they were exposed to wet and cold with only one wagon for eleven in the family. As we had no tent some of us were obliged to sleep out on the ground in the open air in rain and storm.
"We traveled on and stopped at Mt. Pisgah where we built a log house and put in some wheat and corn. As our supply of food was about gone we were obliged to go on and leave our improvements for others to enjoy. We traveled to Winter Quarters on the Missouri River and were obliged to go down into the state of Missouri and work for provisions. We traveled about seventy-five miles down the river and stopped with Mr. Cole in a small log house where we stayed through the winter. We worked harvesting corn and splitting rails. In the Spring of 1847 we moved down on the bottom to farm with Mr. Jacob H. Rose and we raised a large crop of corn. There was a Government Post about sixty miles up the river and I started to haul corn to it expecting to sell it and get something to help us along. As the post was on the west side of the river, it was not convenient to cross the river during the winter on account of the floating ice that was floating most of the time. I decided to put the corn into the crib near the river and keep hauling until some time in February when the ice would freeze over sufficiently to bear up wagons. When it was frozen over, my younger brother, Andrew, and I went up and hauled corn over for a day and a half. Then it turned warm and the ice began to break. As we were hauling with cattle we hitched them three or four chain-lengths from the wagon, so if the wagon broke through, the oxen and wagon both would not go down. About four o’clock in the afternoon, we had gotten about one third of the way across the river with a big load of corn, when the wagon broke through the ice, and the corn floated down the river to make a good bait for the catfish. We got help and got the wagon out and went home. That was the last time we got across the river. We left the balance of the corn in the crib and got nothing for it.
"In the spring of 1848 we moved up towards Kanesville and stopped on Keg Creek, eighteen miles south of Kanesville where there was a small branch of the Church organized with Elder Libeus G. Coons presiding. We stayed there four years and opened up and improved two farms. My brother, Elijah, came home from California in the fall of 1849 while we were living on Keg Creek. The first summer it was thought best for me to go down into Missouri to work out and get some means to help the family out. I started out afoot and alone, and traveled about a hundred miles, then stopped at a little town called Aragon, and went to work in the harvest field. I worked all through the harvest binding wheat for seventy-five cents per day
"The next summer I went again but not so far down into the state of Missouri. I worked for wheat and went back and got the ox team and hauled it home for bread and seed.
"In the fall of the year before we started to Utah, Brother Elijah thought each of us had better take a team and go down into Missouri and buy up two loads of apples as they were selling in Kanesville for a good price. We started out and traveled down into Missouri some distance below St. Joseph and stopped at a Mrs. Thornton’s who was a widow. She was well-off and had a large plantation and lots of negroes. We were treated very kindly and were invited into the house to eat our meals with the family. We bought fifty bushels of apples from her and loaded our two wagons and started home. We stopped at St. Joseph on our return and called on General Doniphan who was a son-in- law to Mrs. Thornton, and also was a merchant in St. Joseph. He treated us very kindly and made us some presents from the store. We returned home after a long and hard trip. Levi, now seven, wanted an apple so badly but was told we must sell them for money to go to Utah. He was happy to get one very small apple. (Levi remembered this very vividly when he was 86 years old).
"Saphronia married Jacob Rose. They moved to the junction of the Missouri and Platte Rivers and established two ferry boats in 1849. Many were traveling through to California for gold so they did pretty well. My oldest brother, Elijah, and the younger boys established a saw mill near father’s farm and ran it one season before they sold it for $1,000.00. They used the money to get ready to come to Utah.
"In the spring of 1852 we sold out our farms and prepared for starting west with the saints. We went in the first company of 100 wagons. Our trip to Utah was a long and tiresome journey about two months and a half on the road. We arrived in Salt Lake City the 13th of August 1852. We stopped a few days in Salt Lake City and then moved south to Provo."

Andrew Lee Allen is my second great grandfather. His son Andrew Lee Allen, Jr. is the father of my maternal grandmother, Clarinda Ann (Allen) Cafferty.

Now let me add something regarding gathering from more recent family history. In August 1973 we went to the area conference in Munich. Explaining the purpose for holding area conferences President Harold B. Lee said “… when people are baptized in the Church, they desire to be gathered where a body of Saints may be found, particularly where they can have the fullness of the blessings of the Church, including the blessings to be found in our temples. With this desire to gather on the part of our people so evidenced, we have thought to come to them with these area conferences. Here we are able to meet our leaders and to get acquainted with conditions of each country. Here we are able to communicate more fully than we could if we were to stay just at the headquarters of the Church.”
At the end of the conference, we heard President Lee instruct those who were at the conference from nations under communist control to return home. The reason, as we understood from his remarks, was to make their attendance at future conferences possible. I also received the impression that their return would facilitate a greater work in their own countries. With that in mind as I now think back on President Monson’s effort with the government of the German Democratic Republic on behalf of the Saints in that country, I can see the Lord’s hand at work. The gathering, both spiritual and temporal, is now progressing rapidly.

(Click here for a report of Munich Conference. When you read the report, look for a story about Pietro and Delicta Snaidero and Luigi Pittino. They are the members in San Tomaso my companion and I met with every Sunday.)

By Divine Authority

And I will lay my hand upon you by the hand of my servant Sidney Rigdon and you shall receive my Spirit, the Holy Ghost, even the comforter, which shall teach you the peaceable things of the kingdom. Doctrine & Covenants 36:2

Those who are called to bear the priesthood receive a divine investiture of authority. God is our Principal, and as bearers of the priesthood, we are his agents. In a very real sense, as agents we do not have the right to do things our way; we must do things his way, for “whatever ye do according to the will of the Lord is the Lord’s business” (D&C 64:29). The truest exercise of our moral agency is therefore in learning and carrying out the will of our Principal. Those who act by divine authority act in his name. Those who speak by divine authority speak in his name. Thus, when a priesthood bearer is properly ordained and living so as to qualify for the promptings and guidance of the Holy Spirit, his deeds—whether prayers or sermons or ordinances—are His deeds; it is as though the Almighty were performing the acts himself. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 96)

More than helpful commentary...

And a commandment I give unto thee—that thou shalt write for him; and the scriptures shall be given, even as they are in mine own bosom, to the salvation of mine own elect. Doctrine & Covenants 35:20

Sidney Rigdon was called by God to act as a scribe to the Prophet in what we know now as the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible. Although others served as scribes in this great prophetic enterprise (Oliver Cowdery, Emma Smith, John Whitmer, and Frederick C. Williams), Sidney was the principal scribe; he was to the Joseph Smith Translation what Oliver Cowdery was to the Book of Mormon. The Lord said the scriptures would be given to the translators “even as they are in my own bosom” (D&C 35:20). That is, God would give through Joseph Smith scriptural insight that mirrored the thinking and feelings of the Almighty. Because we are commanded to live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (D&C 84:44), the inspired translation of the Bible serves as more than a helpful commentary, more than a useful historical device, more even than an alternative version of scripture. Receiving it in faith would lead to the salvation of souls. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 95)

Report from Italy

Well, another week in Italy, another in the Army, and a full week of training for me this week. It wasn’t anything like that I saw at Ft Polk - a lot different. Let’s start with the weather. I saw sun, rain, snow, sleet and hail in the course of an hour tops on Tuesday and didn’t like it at all. I’ve been cold before and this really sucked. We crammed a week of any and all team and squad training into four days this week and it was hell. Slept like I was at Ranger school all over again. No more than 4 hours a night really and straight into training again. Haven’t had much time the past week to really see the sights, but four days coming up I’ll have more than enough time to go and see more sights which will be nice. I love you all and will tell more to come. So take it easy and have fun. Your grandson son, brother, and friend. Alex

Imperfect People

And I have sent forth the fulness of my gospel by the hand of my servant Joseph; and in weakness have I blessed him. Doctrine & Covenants 35:17

Joseph Smith never claimed to be perfect (History of the Church, 6:366). Like us, he was human, with strengths and weaknesses, imperfections and flaws. In fact, he was blessed with weaknesses so that he might be humble, teachable, and dependent on the Lord. He was no more than a man but no less than a prophet of God: the one called from the foundation of the world to restore the truth, to translate the ancient record containing the fulness of the gospel, to usher in the last and greatest of all dispensations. Because no perfect person but Jesus has ever walked the earth, the Lord has always done his work through the weak and the simple. It is reassuring to know that the Lord works through imperfect people. Whom the Lord calls, he qualifies—when they are steadfast, diligent, and have their eye single to his glory. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 94)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KATE!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KATE!!!

Isn't it wonderful to be two?!

I'm looking forward to going out for ice cream and cake with you, lovely Kate.

Today is your day. May it bring nothing but love and happiness.

Who Is Good

And there are none that doeth good except those who are ready to receive the fulness of my gospel, which I have sent forth unto this generation. Doctrine & Covenants 35:12

A lawyer once asked Jesus: “Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God” (Matthew 19:16-17). God’s perfection is the standard against which we judge all things. To achieve anything less than the highest standard is to fall short of the divine ideal. And so it is with our response to hearing the fulness of the gospel. Clearly, the Lord is not saying that there are no good people outside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There are many devoted, God-fearing, Christ-seeking individuals in the world who are striving to live in harmony with the light they possess. But our Heavenly Father cannot be completely satisfied with their standing before him until they have the opportunity to get on the path that leads to the divine ideal. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 93)

And now it's over...

When I left my job at the Supply Center on February 26, I knew I would be going back one more time to receive a service pin and certificate. There had already been a luncheon and a day later a presentation from the department. So I expected I would go to the Captain’s suite and in a little ceremony be handed a pin and a roll of paper. What happened was a bit more.
The command came to ‘our’- the Contracting Department’s - Blue Room and the crowd was out the door. So much for small. The Captain and the Executive Officer showed up in class ‘A’ uniform and the Executive Director in a suit and tie. I had toyed with the idea of simply riding my bike and slipping in that way. Fortunately I decided to wear a suit and tie and Kathy whole heartedly supported the idea and came home to give me a ride in.
Leading up to the presentation, the Captain and I had an impromptu conversation about my history of forty years service to the government. There was a lot of back and forth as he reviewed the various places I’d been and things I’d done during twenty-fives years in the military - US Army – and fifteen years as a civil servant – US Navy. Then the actual presentation of the certificate. Not just a rolled up piece of paper but a beautifully framed certificate signed by the Secretary of the Navy. All that with a photographer taking pictures of smiles and handshakes. Genuine smiles and warm, heart felt handshakes.
Then the Captain stepped back and said, “We want you to say a few words.” So I had my chance to talk about what’s ahead, and more importantly, what the experience and the people had meant to me. After which they gave me a chance to say a final good-bye and thank each person individually. And a lot of hugs. And it started to sink in.
But it wasn’t until the ride home that it finally really hit me. I like people. I really like people. I like talking to people. Sharing experiences with people. Answering questions and sharing knowledge. I will miss that. But more than that, I will miss them. I will miss the individuals. That’s from a person who professes to be without a close friend. I like being close to people. Isn’t that strange?

Remain Open

I say unto my servant Sidney. I have looked upon thee and thy works. I have heard thy prayers. and prepared thee for a greater work. .. . Behold thou wast sent forth, even as John, to prepare the way before me, and before Elijah which should come, and thou knewest it not. Doctrine & Covenants 35:3-4

Marvelous things happen when we surrender our lives and submit our wills to an omniscient God. The prophets have repeatedly taught us that God can do far more with us than we can do with ourselves, especially if we are left to our own limited resources. As intelligent a man as Sidney Rigdon was, he had no idea that the Lord, through his Holy Spirit, was working upon him and preparing him and those within his congregations for the richer blessings of the fulness of the gospel. Truly, Sidney was an Elias, a forerunner, one who was sent to lay the foundation and prepare the hearts of hundreds of people to receive the ever lasting gospel when it was preached by the early Latter-day Saint missionaries. Like Sidney, many of us do good things, but if we will open ourselves to divine guidance, the Almighty can accomplish even greater things through us. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 92)

We Can Become

Who so loved the world that he gave his own life that a many as would believe might become the sons of God. Wherefore you are my son. Doctrine & Covenants 34:3

This verse, a restatement of John 3:16 for the benefit of Elder Orson Pratt, sets forth one of the grand purposes of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel is intended to do far more than help people get along with each other, as important as that is. It is intended to do more than make bad people into good people, although that is also important. The gospel is “the power of God unto salvation” (Romans 1:16), a power that not only forgives our sins and cleanses our souls but also reinstates us in the royal family of God. Acceptance of the fulness of the gospel and faithful participation in the ordinances of exaltation empower us to become the sons and daughters of God. As such, when Jesus “shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 91)

Got Oil?

Be faithful. praying always, having your lamps trimmed and burning and oil with you that you may be ready at the coming of the Bridegroom. Doctrine & Covenants 33:17

When the tests of life inevitably come, cramming does little good. Either we are prepared, or we are not. Either our loved ones are prepared, or they are not. "The kind of oil that is needed to illuminate the way and light up the darkness is not shareable,” said President Spencer W. Kimball. “How can one share obedience to the principle of tithing; a mind at peace from righteous living; an accumulation of knowledge? How can one share faith or testimony? How can one share attitudes or chastity or the experience of a mission? How can one share temple privileges? Each must obtain that kind of oil for himself” (Faith Precedes the Miracle, 255—56). When a priesthood blessing is needed, the time of preparation is over for that priesthood bearer. Spiritual preparedness takes time, effort, righteous choices, and willing sacrifice. Spiritual strength that endures over time comes from humble submission and faithful obedience to the Lord’s plan of happiness. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 90)

Outward Expressions

Repent and be baptized, every one of you, for a remission of your sins; yea, be baptized even by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost. ...and remember that they shall have faith in me or they can in nowise be saved. Doctrine & Covenants 33:11—12

Ordinances themselves do not save us; rather, Christ the Person saves us. Yet ordinances are outward expressions of our inward covenant to come unto Christ. Baptism by water symbolizes our acceptance of the Atonement, our willingness to go down into the watery tomb by burying the old man of sin and coming forth unto “newness of life” (Romans 6:4). Though we speak of our sins being washed away through baptism by water (Acts 22:16; D&C 39:10), a remission of sins comes only after we have received the gift of the Holy Ghost, who is the Sanctifier (2 Nephi 31:17). The Prophet taught: “You might as well baptize a bag of sand as a man, if not done in view of the remission of sins and getting of the Holy Ghost. Baptism by water is but half a baptism, and is good for nothing without the other half—that is, the baptism of the Holy Ghost” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 314; see also 360). (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 89)

Relevant Revelation

Declare my gospel and learn of me, and be meek and lowly of heart, give heed to that which is written, and pretend to no other revelation; and they shall pray always that I may unfold the same to their understanding. Doctrine & Covenants 32:1-4

Some early members of the Church expressed interest in preaching the gospel to the Lamanites. The Lord, who directs the missionary work of his Church, granted their desires and gave counsel and instruction regarding their efforts. These missionaries were to learn the gospel, be humble, go forth in the strength of the Lord, knowing that he would be with them and protect them (D&C 32:3), and preach the words given to the Lord’s prophet and none other. This is a model for all who desire to spread the gospel message. Yes, we are entitled to receive revelation in our own callings and stewardships, but only the prophet is authorized by the Lord to speak to the entire membership of the Church (D&C 21:4-6; 28:2-3). This first mission to the Lamanites found success in unexpected, unplanned places. Like all faithful missionary labors, it bore rich fruit that is still being harvested today. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 88)

Pray Always

Pray always, lest you enter into temptation and lose your reward. Be faithful unto the end, and lo, I am with you. Doctrine & Covenants 31:12-13

Loved and respected by the early Saints, Thomas B. Marsh served as the first president of the Quorum of the Twelve in this dispensation, went on missions, and faithfully defended the Prophet Joseph Smith against dissidents. But pride and the spirit of apostasy pushed the Spirit of the Lord from his heart. He became estranged from the Church because of leaders’ decisions regarding his wife’s dishonest domestic dealings. For nineteen years he remained away. At last he begged for forgiveness and asked to be rebaptized. Aged beyond his fifty-seven years from the afflictions of apostasy, Brother Marsh was a broken man when he stood before a congregation in Salt Lake City and pleaded with the Saints to avoid the mistakes he had made. We can learn from his example. We can pray that we will be obedient and faithful to the end. We can seek for the strength to avoid temptation, to be humble and to stand by the Brethren who lead the Lord’s Church today. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 87)

Tests of Discipleship

Be patient in afflictions, revile not against those that revile. Govern your house in meekness, and be steadfast. Doctrine & Covenants 31:9

Doctrine and Covenants 31 is a revelation given through the Prophet Joseph to Thomas B. Marsh in 1830, five years before the first Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in this dispensation was organized. Had Brother Marsh, who later served as president of the Twelve, continued to follow the Lord’s counsel, his subsequent apostasy from the Church could have been averted. The Lord foresaw potential problems and gave him relevant counsel. Thomas needed to be patient with the decisions of priesthood leaders; he needed to set his house in order and govern it in meekness; he needed to remain faithful and obedient to the end. This counsel is for each of us. We must be meek and humble, patient and faithful. Sometimes we are given trials and afflictions to test our faithfulness. These are the tests of discipleship. Will we taste the bitter cup without becoming bitter? Will we endure our adversities well, unto the end? Will we hold fast to the iron rod even in affliction? (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 86)

Preach Restoration

Lift up your heart and rejoice, for the hour of your mission is come and your tongue shall be loosed … You shall declare the things which have been revealed to my servant, Joseph Smith, Jun. You shall begin to preach from this time forth, yea, to reap in the field which is white already to be burned. Doctrine & Covenants 31:3-4

The instruction given to Thomas B. Marsh regarding how to proclaim the restored gospel is true for us today as well. Elder Marsh was called upon to lift up his heart and rejoice, to “declare glad tidings of great joy” (D&C 31:3). What was he to do? Was he to deliver again the Sermon on the Mount? Was he to teach once again the Bread of Life sermon? Was he to go into all the world quoting hundreds of passages from the Old and New Testaments? No, he was to declare the glad tidings of the Restoration, to make known the things that had been revealed through Christ’s preeminent, prophetic revealer, Joseph Smith. In short, Thomas B. Marsh was instructed to be true and loyal to the message of the Restoration. In so doing, he would avoid the condemnation, scourge, and judgment that come to those who treat lightly that which God has revealed in these latter days (D&C 43:15-16; 49:1-4; 84:56-58). (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 85)

Rely on the Everlasting

You have feared man and have not relied on me for strength as you ought. But your mind has been on the things of the earth more than on the things of me, your Maker, and the ministry whereunto you have been called; and you have not given heed unto my Spirit. Doctrine & Covenants 30:1-2

Trusting in the arm of flesh is akin to fearing the world. If we are afraid of what we might miss out on by holding fast to the iron rod of the gospel, if we focus so much on this world because the hereafter seems so far away, if we rely on present gratifications rather than eternal rewards, we show fear and faithlessness. We cannot be passive in our covenant relationship with the Savior. We must be actively involved in growing spiritually. Each of us has been called and elected to live worthily so that we might enjoy the quality of life that God himself enjoys—eternal life. To do so, we must humbly heed the promptings of the Spirit of the Lord, meekly center our hearts on everlasting things, and steadfastly follow the prophet and other authorized leaders. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 84)

Innocent Children?

But behold, I say unto you, that little children are redeemed from the foundation of the world through mine Only Begotten, wherefore, they cannot sin, for power is not given unto Satan to tempt little children, until they begin to become accountable before me. Doctrine & Covenants 29:46-47

Are little children innocent? The obvious answer is yes. Less obvious is why. The humanistic explanation is that little children are innocent by nature—they’re just way. They are always kind and patient, eager to share, and never cross or irritable. So much for that explanation. But the scriptural explanation is clear: Little children are innocent because they are decreed so by and through the atonement of Jesus Christ. They may be guilty of deeds that you and I might consider sins, but “they cannot sin” in the sense that such sins are covered by the Savior until the children reach the age of accountability. In addition, the sweet message of revelation tells us that those who never become mentally accountable are open to the tender mercies of a loving Savior who treasures all the children of his Father (D&C 29:49-50). (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 83)

At Michael’s Signal

But, behold, verily I say unto you, before the earth shall pass away, Michael, mine archangel, shall sound his trump, and then shall all the dead awake, for their graves shall be opened, and they shall come forth – yea, even all. Doctrine & Covenants 29:26

Jesus was the “firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Corinthians 15:20). After he rose from the tomb, the righteous dead from the days of Adam to the meridian of time came forth from the grave (Mosiah 15:21). The first resurrection will resume when the Savior returns to the earth in power and glory. Michael (or Adam, the Ancient of Days) has been delegated “the keys of salvation under the counsel and direction of the Holy One (D&C 78:16). Joseph Smith taught that as the father of the human family, Adam (or Michael) oversees angelic ministrations and the proper administration of the keys of the priesthood and the ordinances of salvation (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 167-68). Thus, when Christ returns in glory and at Michael’s signal, the graves will once again be opened, the righteous dead will have body and spirit joined forever, and the blessings of immortality and eternal life will be theirs. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 82)

Alex's Report from Italy

So the weather has been good the past week unlike the week before when it rained everyday. Had a great weekend went out and saw two movies and hung out with friends. Its been a long week at work though. I dont think that they get off early a whole lot here. Been working till almost 6 everynight. But Im not complaining I work with a great bunch of guys and we seem to find ways to keep ourselves entertained when work gets dull. Thursday and Friday though I had some sorta alergic reaction. The docs said that it was from my shirt mom said possible the new bedding I got. Well I think that it was the two new soldiers I got this week. New soldiers thats got to be it. Well thats really all the news that I got from Italy this week. I love you all and miss tons. Take care. Alex

The Solvang Century

And so it ends. The vacation.

I came to Solvang to ride and I did. By my estimate this past week I did about 230 miles – maybe a bit more.
The first 130 miles was to get ready for the last 104. I probably did better on the first 130 than I did on the final 104. Probably because they were spread out over six days. The final 104 was done in one day. Makes a big difference.
What I really came to Solvang for was the final 104 - The Solvang Century.

I could give you a mile by mile report but that would probably be insufferably boring even to someone who’s ridden the event – perhaps especially to someone who’s ridden the event. So just the highlights.
Bike time: Seven hours and eleven minutes – I’m looking for a 7-11 jersey. The time is not my best but considering the time of year (translation: not much training) and the difficulty, this isn’t a time I need to be ashamed of.
Best part: Mile 33. That’s where Chris rode up beside me to ask if I was feeling okay The last time I had seen him was at the Lompoc SAG stop - mile 23. I had stopped to eat and to look for him and Jens. They had pulled away at the descent off the hill at mile 13. As I was threading my way through the crowd I saw them in line for food. Since I had my own food and had eaten, I told them that I was going on. They would catch me up soon enough anyway.
So when Chris appeared beside me, I had been leading for about 10 miles. That doesn’t happen very often nor does it last very long. I kept waiting for them to catch up and was amazed how far I had gotten before they found me. Suddenly a line came by with Jens about midway back. He tapped Chris on the arm and off they went. And I continued loafing up the hill. It was good while it lasted.

The very best part: I rode the 104 miles. It wasn’t pretty but it got done.And there was so much more. The people I met – almost without exception everyone was to willing to engage in conversation. The scenery – amazingly the farm roads are almost as clean as those in Switzerland. (The roadway itself – another story.) The challenge – made it worth doing.

Millenium

For I will reveal myself from heaven with power and great glory, with all the hosts thereof and dwell in righteousness with men on earth a thousand years, and the wicked shall not stand. Doctrine & Covenants 29:11

Despite the challenges and pains of mortality life is good and is meant to be enjoyed. And yet, in a not too distant future, the Lord Jesus will return to earth in power and great glory The Prophet Joseph Smith taught: “Christ and the resurrected Saints will reign over the earth during the thousand years. They will not probably dwell upon the earth, but will visit it when they please, or when it is necessary to govern it” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 268). The wicked will be destroyed, the righteous will be lifted up, and earth will become for a thousand years a paradise. Pain and death and heartache and tears will be no more. Righteousness will prevail. Though there is much in this life that brings satisfaction and enjoyment, the righteous look forward with an eye of faith the future. They echo the plea of John the Revelator: “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 12:20). (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 81)

Familiar Voice

And ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts. Doctrine & Covenants 29:7

Latter-day Saints go into all the world to preach the gospel to every creature, striving to do so by the power of the Holy Ghost. When these servants of the Lord speak by the power of the Spirit, those who are listening with real intent will hear the voice of their Master, a voice that they had come to know very well in the premortal life that preceded this life on earth. That is what the Savior meant when he taught in the meridian of time: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). The elect of God thus identify themselves by accepting the proclamation of truth when it is delivered by legal administrators of God’s church and kingdom. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 80)

Why We Build Temples

Click here to read the Church's Statement on "Big Love."

Listen

Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, the Great I Aid, whose arm of mercy hath atoned for your sins. Doctrine & Covenants 29:1

Jesus Christ wrought the infinite and intimate atonement for each of us individually and all of us collectively. Drawing upon the power of the Atonement begins when we listen to his voice and reach for his outstretched hand. In sickness and in health, in good times and bad, our lives improve and become more peaceful and joyous when we turn to our Redeemer. Although we, like Nephi, “do not know the meaning pf all things,” yet we may always have the full assurance that God “loveth his children” (1 Nephi 11:17). His love and mercy toward us are constant and everlasting. The Savior beckons: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:28—30). Listen to his voice; accept his atoning invitation. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 79)

Only Spokesman

No one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church excepting my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., for he receiveth them even as Moses. . . And thou shalt not command him who is at thy head, and at the head of the church. Doctrine & Covenants 28:2-6

In the fall of 1830, the Church was a young and inexperienced organization. When Hiram Page professed to receive revelations concerning the Church, some members became confused. The Prophet Joseph Smith inquired of the Lord, and line upon line, the Lord revealed the order and structure of his latter-day kingdom. One fundamental governing principle is that the Lord reveals his will for members of the Church through a duly authorized prophet (D&C 28:7). Another is that “all things must be done in order” and by common consent (D&C 28:13). Each of us is to seek the spirit of revelation for our own lives and for those in our stewardship, but the Prophet is the Lords sole mouthpiece for the Church, his only spokesman on the earth. He is the one who presides over the whole Church. He is the one who possesses the keys of the priesthood (D&C 107:91—92; 132:7). We are to keep our eyes firmly fixed on the Lord and his prophet. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 78)

The Whole Armor

Wherefore, lift up your hearts and rejoice, and gird up your loins, and take upon you my whole armor, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all, that ye may be able to stand. Doctrine & Covenants 27:15

The apostle Paul taught the Ephesian Saints to put on the whole armor of God, “that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). The doctrine of morality and the principles of chastity and virtue have been given to assist us and our posterity to remain free from moral taint. We fend off the blows of the evil one through personal righteousness and stand among those whose feet are considered beautiful because they proclaim the message of salvation. Our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ empowers us to withstand and overcome temptation (Alma 37:33). We fight against orchestrated evil by wielding the sword of the Spirit, cultivating that sacred influence in our life that directs our path and cleanses our soul. The helmet of salvation, or, more specifically, the helmet of the hope of salvation (1 Thessalonians 5:8), is the sweet assurance that our lives are in order and we are on course to gain eternal life. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 77)

What weather?

How’s the weather? What weather? Oh, you mean all this sunshine?
Coolest in the morning (35-40°F) and not so cool (65°F) in the afternoon. A lot of sun and warm enough if I’m just standing in the middle of a parking lot. However, if I’m on the bike pushing air, it can feel a bit chilly. Almost to the point of making me want something under my jersey. But then what would I do when I’m really standing on it. Unzip I guess.
So far this week I’ve done 80 miles. The time-trial-plus twice and yesterday the half-century route. The next few days I’ll do Ballard backwards and some flats just to let my legs recover and build strength. Does that make sense? If it doesn’t, let me know quickly.
Here’s something to think about. The roads are worse than last year – something approaching Texas farm roads. Coming down Ballard is definitely not for denture wearers. The wind comes up out of the northwest in the afternoon and makes a significant difference in how easy or hard some of the hills seem. The other day coming down Ballard, it was blowing me off my line. Really made it exciting for on coming traffic.
Well, it’s time to help with supper. So I’d better close for today.
So good to be in California! Sorry – I just had to say that.

A Serious Study

Behold, I say unto you that you shall let your time be devoted to the studying of the scriptures, and to preaching. and to confirming the church at Colesville, and to performing your labors on the land, such as is required. Doctrine & Covenants 26:1

In June 1830 Joseph Smith began a serious study of the King James Version of the Bible. Acting by appointment and direction (D&C 42:56; 76:15), the Prophet and his scribes read the Bible and made alterations according to the promptings of the Spirit. In the process, more than 3,400 verses were altered. This branch of Joseph Smith’s calling as a translator (Smith, History of the Church, 1:238) was a significant means by which plain and precious truths were restored, as prophesied in the Book of Mormon (1 Nephi 13:20-40). This work was an important part of the Prophet’s spiritual education and became the impetus for the receipt of several revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants (D&C 74; 76; 77; 91; 132). Joseph Smith’s inspired translation of the Bible is one of the great evidences of his prophetic call, a vital means by which the Bible has begun to be restored to its pristine purity. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 76)

Hello from Solvang!

We got here Sunday just after midday and put in our preferences for rooms and , although we weren't able to check in until about 4:00 p.m., got exactly what we wanted. After unpacking and a quick snack, I was on the road. Went out to test my legs on the time trial route (2007 edition). My concern was the back end of Ballard but all went well except for the stiff wind coming down Ballard. That slight uphill after the 10 mph corner is always a delight and I really cranked it up. All in all a lot of fun. So good to be on the bike.

Alf Gunn, a friend, sent me the video below. So good I had to share. Enjoy!

Lift Your Voice

For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart yea, the song of the righteous is-a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads. Doctrine & Covenants 25:12

The song of a righteous heart is a prayer unto the Lord. He delights when we sing with love, reverence, and worship. Music is the universal language of the saints. Since the earliest days of this dispensation (and we suppose in every dispensation beginning with Adam), inspiring, worshipful music and singing have been part of the everlasting gospel. In meetings large and small, at home and in congregations, in conferences and solemn assemblies, the Saints have lifted their voices in praise and thanks. Oftimes, the soul’s sincere desire is more fully expressed in song. Music can invite the Spirit and touch hearts with a power that transcends the spoken word. It matters not if our voice is beautiful or our pitch perfect. What matters is that we lift our voices in song with righteous hearts and sincere expression. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 75)

Real Treasure

Thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better. Doctrine & Covenants 25

The world crowds upon us, enticing and beckoning us to partake of its allurements. Power, prestige, and possessions are what matter on the worldly score board. But the Lord, ever encouraging us toward Zion and treasures in heaven, admonishes us to step out of the worldly mainstream and seek for that which is of everlasting worth. Elder Boyd K. Packer has said, “The choice of life is not between fame and fortune, nor between wealth and poverty but between good and evil” (Memorable Stories and Parables, 47). The things that matter to the Lord are the things that should matter to us. Certainly, the Lord of the universe is not impressed by wealth or celebrity. He cares greatly about the integrity of our hearts, our willingness to love and to forgive, our selfless service to others, our obedience to truth, our faithfulness to God and his Son. Where our treasure is, there will our hearts be also (Matthew 6:19—21). (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 74)

Remain Steadfast

Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days. Doctrine & Covenants 24:8

The persecution of Joseph Smith had become intense by the summer of 1830 and would only increase. But the Lord, ever mindful of his prophet and his faithful associates, continued to strengthen, encourage, and instruct. From the earliest days of the Prophet’s ministry the Lord told him forthrightly that we would have many afflictions. With honesty authenticity, and perfect empathy, the Lord who under stands better than anyone what persecution and affliction mean — encouraged his latter-day prophet to remain steadfast and faithful, looking to the Lord for comfort, guidance, and strength. Likewise, when we feel weighed down by despair and discouragement, the Lord beckons us to come unto him. When we feel we cannot go on, the Lord offers rest to our souls. When we are true and faithful, the Lord is with us every step of the way. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 73)

Baptism

This is a new and an everlasting covenant... Wherefore, although a man should be baptized an hundred times it availeth him nothing, for you cannot enter in at the strait gate by the law of Moses, neither by your dead works. Doctrine & Covenants 22:1-2

Early converts to the Church wondered if they needed to be baptized again if they had previously been baptized by immersion in another church. The Lord instructed the Saints that his house is a house of order and that certain principles and practices are eternal and cannot be bypassed. An ordinance performed without the Lord’s true authority is invalid; no covenant is established; no sealing by the Spirit takes place. Dead works are just that—dead, without power or efficacy. Every ordinance depends upon the presence of the Spirit for life. The Holy Ghost must ratify, or seal, an ordinance for it to be a valid, living covenant (D&C 13 2:7). For that to be possible, both proper priesthood authority to transact the ordinance and worthiness on the part of the covenant maker are necessary (Articles of Faith 1:5). Thus, baptism is both a new and an everlasting covenant, revealed anew to the Saints in the dispensation of the fulness of times and binding in all dispensations. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 72)

Law of the Prophets

For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith. For by doing these things ... the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory. Doctrine & Covenants 21:5-6

The importance of the law of the prophets was under scored by its being revealed at the organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at Peter Whitmer’s farmhouse, 6 April 1830. This law, like the law of the Sabbath or the law of tithing or the law of chastity sets forth an admonition and an associated blessing: follow the prophet and be blessed; reject him and suffer. If we heed the words and commandments that the Lord’s anointed prophet gives us, we will receive transcendent blessings both here and hereafter. Hell and its damning effects will have no power over us. The darkness of sin and arrogance will be dispersed. Heaven will pour out blessings of peace and joy as we walk in holiness before the Lord and humbly follow his prophet. In all ages, the Lord works through choice seers and inspired prophets who are foreordained to their appointed missions (Amos 3:7). Our responsibility is to patiently, faithfully, and wholeheartedly follow them. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 71)

Responsibility of Membership

And the members shall manifest before the church, and also before the elders, by a godly walk and conversation, that they are worthy of it, that there may be works and faith agreeable to the holy scriptures — walking in holiness before the Lord. Doctrine & Covenants 20:69

The apostle Paul taught that the natural man, the unregenerated individual, brings forth the “works of the flesh” (Galatians 5:19), the sins and spiritual flaws that are only so obvious in the life of one who has spurned the gracious gift of the Atonement. On the other hand, Paul taught, those who have put on Christ enjoy the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22), the sweet manifestations of righteousness that follow naturally from a changed heart. Paul concluded, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). In today’s parlance, if we talk the talk we really ought to walk the walk. There’s something different about individuals who have been born again, who have given themselves to the Lord and his work and whose highest aspiration is to learn the will of God and do it. They evidence that they are worthy of membership in the Lord’s Church, and their walk and talk are uplifting to everyone they meet. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 70)

In the Meantime - STUTTGART

I've been working at cleaning up some of the “stuff” I dragged home with me from work as I attempt to ride between the rain storms. Been pretty successful, tool - missing the rain, I mean. So I haven't got caught up with my notes regarding the past couple weeks. That period of my life really deserves more than a quick dash-it-off so I’m taking my time. However, I can say this, one thing I‘m discovering about myself, I need structure. A schedule.
So while I get that all sorted, why don’t you watch this promo from Stuttgart

Besides, the sun’s out and the streets are drying.



See why I loved it?

Sanctification

And we know also, that sanctification through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is just and true, to all those who love and serve God with all their mights, minds, and strength. Doctrine & Covenants 20:31

As we come unto Christ by covenant and receive the ordinances of salvation, we are justified by him - our slate is wiped clean, and we are treated as if we had never sinned. Justification thus deals with our legal standing before God. Thereafter, we cultivate the influence of the Holy Spirit in our lives so that his divine influence can direct, empower, and cleanse us from the effects of sin. To be so cleansed is to be sanctified, to enjoy a change of state. This change also is a gift, a manifestation of God’s grace. “Therefore they were ... sanctified, and their garments were washed white through the blood of the Lamb. Now they, after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost, having their garments made white, being pure and spotless before God, could not look upon sin save it were with abhorrence; and there were many, exceedingly great many, who were made pure and entered into the rest of the Lord their God” (Alma 13:11-12). (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 69)

Justification

And we know that just justification through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is just and true. Doctrine & Covenants 20:30

To be justified before God is to be made right, declared innocent, pronounced clean. If it were possible, one way to attain God’s justification would be to live God’s law perfectly, traversing life’s paths without error. Anyone who so lived could be described as one who was justified by works or by law; however, Jesus alone lived a perfect life (Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:22). Truly, “by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified” (Romans 3:20; 2 Nephi 2:5). Thus, the only real way to attain justification from God is to lean upon the One who did live the law of God perfectly. We must exercise faith in Jesus Christ—have complete confidence in him and maintain a ready reliance upon him. Though we strive to do good works and show our conversion by our deeds, in the end it is by the grace of God that we are pronounced clean and thus prepared to dwell in the Holy Presence. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 68)

The Godhead

Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are one God, infinite and eternal, without end. Amen. Doctrine & Covenants 20:28

Some have thought that Doctrine and Covenants 20:28 seems to convey the notion that there are not three Gods but one. Joseph Smith’s first vision represents the beginning of the revelation of God to man our day, and it shows clearly that the Father and the Son are distinct personages and distinct Gods. And yet there is a unity, a divine indwelling relationship that exists among the members of the Godhead such that they are infinitely more one than they are separate. Their oneness may be described as follows: They are three separate persons, each of whom possesses all the attributes of godliness in perfection. Further, they are a completely united, divine community of beings whose oneness is occasionally expressed in the scriptural formula “they are one God” (2 Nephi 31:21; Alma 11:44; 3 Nephi 11:23-25; Mormon 7:7). Their oneness a lesson, a signal, a call for all true disciples to like wise be one. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 67)