Keep a Regular History

Behold, it is expedient in me that my servant John should write and keep a regular history. Doctrine & Covenants 47:1

In 1831 the Lord called John Whitmer, one of the Eight Witnesses of the Book of Mormon plates, to write the history of the Church. The Lord told him “that he shall continue in writing and making a history of all the important things which he shall observe and know concerning my church” (D&C 69:3). Before this call, he had served as a scribe to the Prophet Joseph in Fayette, New York. Although he later became disaffected from the Church, he remained true to his testimony of the Book of Mormon plates until his death in 1878. His early history of the Church is a significant treasure today. Record-keeping has always been commanded by the Lord. When the Church was organized in this dispensation, the Lord commanded that a record be kept of people and events, doctrines and covenants (D&C 21:1). We are also to keep individual and family records. These records and journals will be among our most precious possessions for us and for generations yet unborn. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 127)

Right to Discern

Unto such as God shall appoint and ordain to watch over the church and to be elders unto the church, are to have it given unto them to discern all those gifts lest there shall be any among you professing and yet be not of God. Doctrine & Covenants 46:27

It would be wonderful if all who profess to have spiritual gifts were indeed inspired by God. Such is not always the case, however, for some manifestations are of God, some are of men, and some are of the devil (D&C 46:7). In the Church, the presiding elder, or bishop, is given the right to discern the source of such gifts. Further, the prophet, seer, and revelator is given the right to all the spiritual gifts, “which [God] bestows upon the head of the Church” (D&C 107:92). “The devil is an orator,” the Prophet Joseph Smith declared. “He is powerful. … The gift of discerning spirits will be given to the Presiding Elder. Pray for him that he may have this gift” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 162). We need not fear nor be confused, for God has set in place a system for discerning spiritual gifts, whereby we may uphold the true and discard the false. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 126)

The Gift of Testimony

To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world. To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful. Doctrine & Covenants 46:13-14

The first of the gifts of the Spirit named in Doctrine and Covenants 46 is the gift of testimony, the gift of knowing with certainty of the truthfulness and divinity of this work (see also 1 Corinthians 52; Moroni 10). It is by the spirit of prophecy, which is the spirit of revelation, that we come to know that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and that his was an infinite and eternal sacrifice. Not everyone comes to this knowledge with the same certainty or at the same pace. Many have the gift of a believing heart, the gift to believe on the testimony of those who do know. They have taken seriously the command to “search diligently, pray always, and be believing” (D&C 90:24) and to lean upon the faith of others while they are the process of gaining their own. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 125)

Seek the Best Gifts

For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God. To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby. Doctrine & Covenants 46:11-12

All spiritual gifts come from God, and he gives them for the benefit of his children (D&C 46:26). That he bestows gifts of the Spirit upon his children is another sign of his divine generosity and loving fatherhood. Each of us is given a gift—not for our own gratification or self-aggrandizement but to bless other people and to build up the kingdom of God. Gifts are given to those who are spiritually prepared, who are diligently seeking righteousness. The Giver of all gifts knows our hearts, our desires and intents, and he gives us our agency in developing and exercising the spiritual gifts he has given us. In humility we are to “covet earnestly the best gifts” (1 Corinthians 12:31) and seek “the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given” (D&C 46:8; 1 Corinthians 12 - 14; Moroni 10; D&C 46). (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 124)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

To Liam Asher and his parents...

Spiritual Spontaneity

But notwithstanding those things which are written, it always has been given to the elders of my church from the beginning; and ever shall be, to conduct all meetings as they are directed and guided by the Holy Spirit. Doctrine & Covenants 46:2

Almost always, organizations that expand at a rapid rate eventually suffer from stagnation, regimentation, and fossilization. They begin to emphasize rules and regulations rather than principles. Though the Church of the Lamb of God will grow to fill the entire earth, it will maintain the spiritual spontaneity required for the revelation necessary to the Lord’s living Church. Handbooks and other formal guides are useful aids in directing the affairs of the kingdom, but life and light are breathed into the souls of the Saints through the direction and animation of the Holy Spirit of God. There can be no written constitution for the kingdom of God, no rigid system of theology, for growth and development are the hallmark of a church led by the living Lord. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 123)

Why Not Share?

When I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins. For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, ... shall not be hewn down... but shall abide the day. Doctrine & Covenants 45:56

No doubt many have read the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) and asked themselves, Why don’t the wise virgins simply share what they have with the foolish virgins so that they can all go to the wedding feast? We can hardly imagine that Jesus would not encourage people to share with one another. But some things simply cannot be shared. For example, individuals may share their testimonies, but they cannot actually give their testimony to another person. They may share doctrinal truths, but they cannot convey to someone else the knowledge they have gained over a lifetime of study. Spiritual marathons will not do. Sudden bursts of spiritual energy will not suffice. Rather, every prayer we offer, every passage of scripture we ponder, every act of Christian service we render fills our spiritual lamps gradually, one drop at a time. Spiritual preparation cannot be rushed. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 122)

Then shall they know...

Then shall the Jews look upon me and say: What are these wounds in thine hands and in thy feet? Then shall they know that I am the Lord; for I will say unto them: ... I am Jesus that was crucified. I am the Son of God. And then shall they weep. Doctrine & Covenants 45:51-53

The day of the Jew, the time when a nation will be born again in a day, is yet ahead. In fact, it is millennial. Though it is true that many of our Jewish brothers and sisters will receive the fulness of the gospel before the Lord returns, the day of mass conversion will begin with the Master’s appearance on the Mount of Olives. And what a day it shall be! It is difficult to imagine the pain and disappointment and even frustration in the hearts and minds of many of God’s chosen people as they discover that for more than two millennia they have rejected the Anointed One of Israel. In that day, the Jews will see the tokens of the crucifixion in the resurrected Lord and hear from his own mouth that he is indeed the Savior and Redeemer of all humankind. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 121)

Light Shall Break Forth

When the times of the Gentiles is come in, a light shall break forth among them that sit in darkness, and it shall be the fulness of my gospel; but they receive it nor; for they perceive not the light and they turn their hearts from me because of the precepts of men. Doctrine & Covenants 45:28-29

We live in the day of the Gentile, the day when the gospel goes first to those who are Gentile by culture (though most are Israelite by descent) and then to the Lehites and the Jews. A light, a marvelous light, has burst upon the world as a result of the Restoration. Too many, however, do not perceive the light because they have been blinded by the precepts of men. Having trusted in the arm of flesh, they cannot perceive the all-powerful arm of the Lord in the midst of this marvelous work and a wonder. Deliverance from such blindness comes only through trusting in the Almighty. “O Lord,” Nephi exulted, “I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. ... Yea, I know that God will give liberally to him that asketh. ... I will cry unto thee, my God, the rock of my righteousness” (2 Nephi 4:34-35). (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 120)

Not a Plan of Fairness

Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him—Saying: Father behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin...; wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life. Doctrine & Covenants 45:3-5

Amulek taught that the atonement of Jesus Christ is an infinite atonement: It defies man’s sense of justice, for the blood of an innocent victim atones for an offender (Alma 34:10—12). The plan of salvation is not what we would call a plan of fairness, because, thankfully, none of us will receive hereafter exactly what we deserve. None of us could qualify for exaltation in the highest degree of the celestial kingdom if we had to depend totally upon our own perfect righteousness. The plan of salvation is very much about mercy and goodness and grace, even the grace that makes up the difference, for indeed, it is grace that makes all the difference! In the end, we are saved by “the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah” (2 Nephi 2:8). Our task is to believe on the name of him who offered for us his atoning blood, the name that stands above all other names (Philippians 2:9), the blessed name of Jesus. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 119)

Treasure Truth

Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Treasure these things up in your hearts, and let the solemnities of eternity rest upon your minds. Be sober. Keep all my commandments. Doctrine & Covenants 43:34-35

The scriptures point us to the Lord and his righteousness. They are given so that we might prepare for eternity while in this mortal probation. “This life is the time. ... to prepare to meet God” (Alma 34:32). In the next life there will be no lenience for those who paid no attention to gospel study because of laziness or apathy or for those who had no time for the things of eternity because of worldly preoccupations. There will be no special arrangements or acceptable rationalizations—neither for the gifted and talented nor for the wealthy and powerful. We must each give an accounting to the Lord’s unchangeable, nonnegotiable realities of the universe, the solemnities of eternity. If we treasure these truths in our hearts, if we more fully strive to live with an eternal perspective, if we keep the commandments with soberness, the Lord will bless us with “peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come” (D&C 59:23). (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 118)

Opening Day at Cheney

Here's what the Tacoma Rainiers management is say about opening day:

Friday, April 17, at 7:00 PM the Tacoma Rainiers will take on the defending Triple-A Champion, Sacramento River Cats.

There's never been a season opener at Cheney Stadium like this, and that's not a hyperbole.

Here is what you'll see on this special night:

· - · A brand new widescreen video board, fueled by four camera locations to show you all the game and fan action
· - · A brand new scoreboard and 150 feet of animated LED display for great entertainment
· - · A special tribute to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of baseball at Cheney Stadium
· - · Top secret throwback jerseys and hats, to be auctioned off during the game for charity
· - · Gates open at 5:00 PM - commemorative tumbler to first 2,000 fans

And after it all - Fireworks!!

See you at the park on Friday, April 17?

Prophecies Are Upon Us

For the great Millennium, of which I have spoken by the mouth of my servants, shall come. For Satan shall be bound, and when he is loosed again he shall only reign for a little season, and then cometh the end of the earth, and the earth shall pass away so as by fire. Doctrine & Covenants 43:30-32

The wickedness long prophesied by the ancients is now upon us (2 Timothy 3:1-7). The number of fatherless homes increases, violence spreads rampantly, and immorality becomes an accepted way of life. One day this all will change, however, for the King of Kings will come with mighty power and cleanse the earth of all wickedness. That will be the end of the world, meaning the end of worldliness. Then the Millennium will be ushered in by power and maintained by righteousness (1 Nephi 22:26). At the end of the thousand years, some mortals will once more deny God (D&C 29:22), and the forces of good and evil will once again war against one another in what we know as the battle of Gog and Magog (Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 280). And once again, Michael and his forces will achieve the victory and the final end of the earth will come. This earth will then be glorified and become the celestial kingdom. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 117)

Sent Forth to Teach

Again I say, hearken ye elders of my church, whom I have appointed. Ye are not sent forth to be taught, but to teach the children of men the things which I have put into your hands by the power of my Spirit. Doctrine & Covenants 43:15

It is healthy and worthwhile to learn of others’ religious views and doctrines, for such learning not only stimulates our minds but broadens our horizons and allows us to speak intelligently with persons of other religious persuasions. None of us knows so much that he or she cannot learn from what another knows or believes and be benefited by it. At the same time, the Saints of God, particularly those called as missionaries, are sent forth not to be taught but rather to teach the principles of salvation. Such counsel should not lead us to be either insular or arrogant but rather cause us to be careful stewards over our time and talents and testimony. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 116)

More Than Sociality

And now, behold, I give unto you a commandment, that when ye are assembled together ye shall instruct and edify each other, that ye may know how to act and direct my church, how to act upon the points of my law and commandments, which I have given. Doctrine & Covenants 43:8

There is much value in meeting together as Saints to renew friendships and reinforce relationships, but there is more to the gospel of Jesus Christ than sociality. A sobering responsibility rests upon the shoulders of those called to teach in the Church, namely, to see that meetings are instructive, inspirational, and edifying. A person’s time is sacred, and to waste that time dealing with trivia or focusing upon the unimportant is counter to the Spirit. Faith comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). The messengers of salvation should constantly strive to be equal to the sublime message they are called to teach through the Spirit. In short, we need to be taught the gospel, we need to be taught our duty, and our witness needs to be strengthened in the meetings of the Church. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 115)

Weep for Them That Die

Thou shalt weep for the loss of them that die, and more especially for those that have not hope of a glorious resurrection. … those that die in me shall not taste of death, for it shall be sweet unto them. Doctrine & Covenants 42:45-46

When we experience the loss of loved ones, our hearts are tender with emotion, our feelings subdued, and our thoughts turn heavenward. That is the time when our beliefs come face to face with the final reality of our mortal life: We all must die. Questions of life and death are in the Lord’s hands. But it is how we die, what is in our heart and reflected in our actions, wherein we can exercise agency. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die” (John 11:25-26). Those, who die in the Lord will find joy everlasting. But for, those who die without the Lord, much will have to be done on the other side of the veil. The Lord loves his children and will, within the constraints imposed by human agency and the immutable laws of divine justice and mercy, work out these eternal judgments to the fullest blessing possible of all involved. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 114)

Because of Love

Thou shalt live together in love. Doctrine & Covenants 42:45

Love is the essence of the gospel. “Let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God. ... if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another” (1 John 4:7-11) The plan of happiness was established by a loving Father, who wants ultimate joy and eternal life for his children. Because of love, Heavenly Father “sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10). Because of love, Jesus laid down his life that we might live again (John 10:17-18; 11:25-26). A caring Father dispersed the darkness of apostasy to speak to mankind anew and usher in the last and greatest of gospel dispensations. All this and so much more was done because of love. When the love of God fills our souls, we feel more inclined to forgive, we desire to live with our family in love, and we seek to bless all people. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 113)

He Alone Knows

And the elders of the church, two or more, shall be called, and shall pray for and lay their hands upon them in my name; and if they die they shall die unto me, and if they live they shall live unto me. Doctrine & Covenants 42:44

We live in a fallen world, a world in which things break down. None of us is immortal, and it is inevitable that no matter how prudently we eat and exercise, we will eventually come to the end of our mortal existence. Thankfully, our benevolent Lord steps into history occasionally and brings to pass a miracle. People are healed, the sick are made well, the blind are made to see, and the dead are raised. But knowing as we do that death is a significant part of “the merciful plan of the great Creator” (2 Nephi 9:6), we humbly acknowledge that not all of the sick will be healed, and not all of our prayers and administrations will be answered affirmatively. We trust in the Almighty, in his eternal purposes and timetable. He alone knows who should live and who should die. Surely that is a burden, an overwhelming responsibility that no mortal would want to bear. Mercifully, such decisions rest with our Heavenly Father. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 112)

Principle of Consecration

Behold, thou wilt remember the poor, and consecrate of thy properties for their support that which thou hast to impart unto them, with a covenant and a deed which cannot be broken. Doctrine & Covenants 42:30

Once individuals have enjoyed the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in their lives, even “that Spirit which leadeth to do good—yea, to do justly” (D&C 11:12), they feel compelled to look to the welfare of their fellow beings. Because “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof” (Psalm 24:1), because all things really do belong to God, it is natural that regenerated souls desire to confess the hand of God and to surrender all that they possess to the proper Owner. This is the principle of consecration. Because we are agents, not owners, we are designated as stewards, assigned to manage our affairs in a way that would be fruitful and beneficial to the larger kingdom. The pure in heart rejoice in this system, “every man seeking the interest of his neighbor, and doing all things with an eye single to the glory of God” (D&C 82:19). (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 111)

None Else

Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else. And he that looketh upon a woman to lust after her shall deny the faith, and shall not have the Spirit. … Thou shalt not commit adultery. Doctrine & Covenants 42:22-24

Prophets of God have spoken clearly about chastity in thought, word, and deed. President Ezra Taft Benson admonished: “Decide now to be chaste. The decision to be chaste and virtuous need only be made once. Make that decision now, and let it be so firm and with such deep commitment that it can never be shaken” (New Era, January 1988, 6). The powers of creation are most sacred and are to be employed only as the Lord has directed. The greatest joys of life come when husband and wife love each other with all their hearts, when they are trustworthy and loyal to each other, when they bridle their thoughts and actions. President Gordon B. Hinckley counseled, “You should recognize, you must recognize, that both experience and divine wisdom dictate virtue and moral cleanliness as the way that leads to strength of character, peace in the heart, and happiness in life” (Ensign, May 1987, 48). Husband and wife are to cleave to each other in love and faithfulness. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 110)

By the Spirit

And the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith and if ye receive not the spirit ye shall not teach. Doctrine & Covenants 42:14

Teaching and learning spiritual truth can only be done spirit to spirit, as a transaction between the spirit of the teacher, the spirit of the hearer, and the Spirit of the Lord. Righteous teachers pray for the Spirit to be with them so that a confirmation will come to their hearers of the truthfulness of what they teach. Because all who are members of the Church are teachers in one way or another, ours is a continual process of studying and preparing, repenting and overcoming, as we humbly do our best to be “an example of the believers” (1 Timothy 4:12). We cannot fake, shortcut, or cram. If we do not have the Spirit, we can talk, but we do not teach; we can speak, but we do not inspire with the influence of the Spirit. Both hearer and teacher can usually feel the difference. It is both a commandment and a statement of fact: If we do not have the Spirit, we cannot teach. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 109)

Mission Story:

There was an Elder in the South German Mission that had worse German than me. It was so bad that even I could hear the mistakes. But he had converts nonetheless. One particular Sister he taught was an interpreter by profession and spoke English as well as any missionary. Interestingly enough the Sister preferred to be taught in German even though her English was better than ours and obviously her German was quantum leaps beyond our abilities. The reason: the spirit was stronger in German.

It has been said that missionaries do not convert, the spirit does. The following is a quote from Brigham Young on this topic.

“If a man speaks by the power of God, it is little matter to me what his words are, or the language he uses. If I understand the spirit of it, that is the way I find ‘Mormonism’ to be true. The brethren who came to preach the Gospel to me, I could easily out-talk them, though I had never preached; but their testimony was like fire in bones; I understood the spirit of their preaching; I received that spirit; it was light, intelligence, power, and truth, and it bore witness to my spirit, and that was enough for me. I have received it, and I have tried to improve upon it.” (Journal of Discourses, vol 9, p 141)

That should be enough to encourage the most timid of us to bear testimony when moved by the spirit. It need not be boisterous or condescending but a simple statement of belief presented lovingly as directed by the spirit.

Newberg

After some email back and forth it was decided that I would come to Newberg for a few days. Ostensibly in order to take part in the 25 year anniversary celebration of the Pioneer Courthouse Square. They were offering free cake. And you know how hard that is to pass up.
My first idea was to climb on Amtrack Sunday after conference. That didn't sit well with Kathy and although she didn't say anything her face said most of what she was thinking. Well, maybe everything but since I don't play poker I didn't see it. Eventually she told me. So Kathy and I drove to Newberg. Kathy stopped for a quick visit and then drove back to Gig Harbor. And here I am in Newberg.
Monday went as planned plus some. Christine drove over to the Oregon Zoo and from there we caught the MAX to the Square arriving about 11:30 a.m. Because cake wouldn't be served until noon we went to find lunch at the food court at Pioneer Place. Just as I like it - in and out before the crowds. Then back to the Square in time for cake. My favorite - devils food with raspberry filling - was offered. A no-brainer for me. Christine and Colin opted for the chocolate with white chocolate. Which in retrospect made the choice a bit harder.
Then being the eternal Portland booster, I asked the not so innocent question, "Do you want to see a giant statue? ...of its type second only to the Statue of Liberty?" And with that we set off on a mini walking tour of downtown Portland. First stop - Portlandia. And on to the Ira Keller forecourt fountain at the Civic Auditorium, Portland State University, South Park Blocks, Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, ... Colin was held up pretty well. Even after we returned to the zoo and visited the elephants Colin was still on his feet.
Kudos to Colin and Christine for the day in Portland.
As I can remember when Chris got home from work we went out on the bikes for about an hour and a half. Even though he has changed his gearing more for speed than to facilitate climbing I didn't see much change in how the ride went. He told me we weren't going to ride hills just as we started up a steep incline. Admittedly the rest were what Chris calls rollers.
Later Monday evening Chris and Craig got started on Craig's bike. Building and refining the parts list for the rest of the build. Today it is well toward being finished. I must say Craig has been the model of patience.
Yesterday I did a solo ride from Newberg to my Mom's place in Milwaukie. A good ride after Christine helped me find the corners on Google Maps. Well, maybe I should say good up to and after Oregon City. My impression of Oregon City - it is not a bicycle town. I had a good long visit with Mom. Then I couldn't see trying to find my way back through Oregon City or attempting the Sellwood Bridge in the afternoon. So again it was Christine - this time with Chris's car - to the rescue.
I'm trying to repay a bit by helping with supper tonight.
I'll let you know how it comes out.

From the Scriptures

[They] shall teach the principles of my gospel, which are in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, in the which is the fulness of the gospel. And they shall observe the covenants and church articles to do them, and these shall be their teachings, as they shall be directed by the Spirit. Doctrine & Covenants 42:12-13

All who teach in the Church are to teach the fulness of the gospel: faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, arid the gift of the Holy Ghost as found in the standard works of the Church (D&C 33:12; 39:6; 3 Nephi 27:20-21; Hebrews 6:1-2). We are also blessed to continue to receive further light as part of the new and everlasting gospel covenant, light that expands our understanding of God’s plan of happiness (for example, the ordinances of the temple). Nevertheless, we are not to cast gospel pearls before unprepared or unappreciative individuals (D&C 41:6). We are to teach from the scriptures, bear testimony of the scriptures, and feast upon the doctrines and transcendent teachings found therein. We are to follow the living prophet and bear witness in word and deed of his counsel and teachings. We who teach—and every member of the Church is a teacher—must focus on gospel essentials and not stray away into speculative interests or gospel hobbies.. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 108)

Called and Set Apart

It shall not be given to any one to go forth to preach my gospel, or to build up my church, except he be ordained by some one who has authority, and it is known to the church that he has authority and has been regularly ordained by the heads of the church. Doctrine & Covenants 42:11

No one can preach the gospel as a missionary (“go forth to preach”) or serve or teach in any way in the Church (“build up my church”) without having first been called and ordained or set apart by the acknowledged authorities of the Church, sustained publicly by the membership, and then set apart appropriately (D&C 42:11). Secret ordinations or clandestine callings have no part in the Lord’s Church. This law protects the Saints both personally and institutionally. We can trust the authority and callings of those who have been ordained or set apart by the leaders of the Church. We are protected from imposters who seek to deceive Church members and lead the Church astray. For this reason, we regularly raise our arm in sustaining votes. We manifest our support of the priesthood authority of our leaders and all who are called to serve. We extend the hand of fellowship and support in behalf of those who are called. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 107)

Inside-Out

He that receiveth my law and doeth it, the same is my disciple; and he that saith he receiveth it and doeth it not, the same is not my disciple, and shall be cast out from among you. Doctrine & Covenants 41:5

True disciples of Jesus Christ strive to become even as he is and thereby receive his image in their countenances (Alma 5:14). They do more than believe—they do. “Believing requires action,” said President James E. Faust. “If you prepare to walk down the path of life, you can be rewarded beyond your dreams and expectations. But to achieve this, you must work hard, save, be wise, and be alert. You must learn to deny yourselves of worldly gratification. You must be faithful in paying tithes; you must keep the Word of Wisdom; you must be free from other addictions. You must be chaste and morally clean in every respect. You should accept and be faithful in all of the calls that come to you. Steadiness and toil will serve you better than brilliance” (New Era, July 1998, 4). With all their hearts, faithful followers of Christ do their utmost to live with inside-out congruence as they both believe and live the gospel. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 106)

This Is My Gospel

And this is my gospel - repentance and baptism by water, and then cometh the baptism of the fire and the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which showeth all things, and teacheth the peaceable things of the kingdom. Doctrine & Covenants 39:6

The gospel of Jesus Christ is the glad tidings that the Son of God came into the world to ransom us from death and sin and eternal unhappiness (D&C 76:40-42). It is the good news that redemption from the Fall and deliverance from the effects of individual sins are available to every accountable person on conditions of repentance. But the gospel is also described in scripture as the good news that can be appropriated into our personal lives through receiving what the Prophet Joseph called “the articles of adoption”: those actions and rites that enable us to be adopted into the family of the Lord Jesus Christ (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 328). These articles of adoption we know as the first principles and ordinances of the gospel (Articles of Faith 1:4; D&C 33:11-12). These simple principles and ordinances lead the obedient disciple to understand and experience profound truths. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 105)

Riches of Eternity

If ye seek the riches which it is the will of the Father to give unto you, ye shall be the richest of all people, for ye shall have the riches of eternity and it must needs be that the riches of the earth are mine to give; but beware of pride. Doctrine & Covenants 38:39

The Book of Mormon is a vivid account of the pride cycle. The Lord pours out blessings upon his people and yet in time many of those people become proud and wicked, ultimately turning against the gospel verities that once touched their hearts. The lust for riches has been present in every dispensation, but the love of money, obsession with material things, acquisitiveness in all its varieties, will have no place in the glorious hereafter. Those who do the works of righteousness will receive the riches of eternity—peace in this life and “eternal life in the world to come” (D&C 59:23). What can worldly wealth possibly mean to him who is Eternal? What can the things of this earth mean to him who is Everlasting, without beginning or end? We are to be humble and content with what the Lord has given us (Alma 29:3) (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 104)

BBC

Spring is here. Can Baseball be far behind?

You may have noticed that “baseball” is capitalized.

That’s because I’m not talking generic baseball. I’m talking Beecher Baseball at Cheney. (BBC?)
Right now the most I can say for certain is that we have the same ten seats. And I plan on getting tickets for the July 3 game against Portland. That should be an interesting game for a few of us. I would like to make an excursion the end of the last week in August to see Tacoma at Portland. That may be the last time to see baseball in PGE Park. MLS Timbers are scheduled to take over PGE and the Beavers will move to a new 9000 seat park to be built on the site of the old Memorial Coliseum. Then again I’m waiting to hear from Chris Metz for news about the first home game in the new stadium.

Information I need from the family is - How many plan to attend the “Fourth of July Game” on the third of July? That will be in conjunction with the barbecue, the bicycle ride and Saturday Fireworks. (For Mo and Alex - Let’s plan on putting more in the sky than last year.)

Ready Refuge

If ye are prepared ye shall not fear. Doctrine & Covenants 38:30

The chief weapon in Satan’s arsenal is fear. The father of lies whispers to us that authentic gospel living is too hard, that life is essentially hopeless, that all people are ultimately hypocrites, that we cannot really change or be forgiven. The Master, conversely, speaks the truth and wants for us everlasting happiness and eternal life. Despite the trials and temptations of life, we need to have hope in the Lord and trust his promises. To live in peace and joy, here and hereafter, we must go forward with faith. Life is never easy. But we can do our part to be prepared. We can stand faithful with the Saints. We can earnestly keep our covenants. We can be humble and prayerful. We can feast upon the words of eternal life from the scriptures and the living prophets. We can be anxiously engaged in serving others. We will then have no need to fear the coming day of the Lord but will look forward with eagerness. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 103)

Love One Another

And let every man esteem his brother as himself, and practice virtue and holiness before me. Doctrine & Covenants 38:24

The brotherhood and sisterhood of faithful Latter-day Saints is one of the sweetest aspects of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. We are united in our devotion to the Lord; united in faith, belief, and doctrine; united in our desire to serve others and build Zion. As fellow believers, we are to hold our brothers and sisters in the gospel in high esteem, to be concerned for their welfare, and to look after them with kindness and respect. We are to follow the admonition of Paul that “no one of you be puffed up for one against another” (1 Corinthians 4:6). Christ gave us the vital commandment “that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:3-35). We demonstrate the virtues of holiness most vividly in how we regard and treat our fellow beings. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 102)

April Fools – Not!!!

I woke up this morning with the weatherman talking about snow in Bremerton and the surrounding area.
“Nice joke,” I thought. “But kind of lame. Who’s going to believe that?”
That was until I looked out the window. It was snowing!
Let me tell you truthfully, that was inconvenient. Yesterday afternoon was “warm” and reasonably sunny. I expected to be on the road today. Not without Gore-Tex, I guess.

Eye of Faith

But behold, verily, verily, I say unto you that mine eyes are upon you. I am in your midst and ye cannot see me. Doctrine & Covenants 38:7

Our God is not, as the deists proclaimed, the divine watchmaker who winds up the universe and lets it run down on its own. He is not a distant Deity, nor is he an absentee God. He is close to his people, as close as they will allow him to be. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that the disembodied spirits of the just are not far from us, and so it is with him who is the Lord of the living and the dead (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 326). We may see him now only with the eye of faith, but the day is coming when we will see him even as he now sees us. This sobering reality ought to affect our speech, our actions, and our attitudes, for we know full well that we live and move and have our being in the midst of those charged to look after us and oversee the work of God’s kingdom. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 101)