Cremona is a village near Milano... This video shows Italy the way I remember it. Oh! And do you remember me telling you that I learned Italian from a German textbook - "Italienisch in Dreissig Stunden"?
Friday, October 23, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
And Al Gore invented the internet...
Well, Al Gore did DISCOVER the internet. He did! One day he was messing around with his secretary's computer and there it was!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
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)
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)
Sunday, April 26, 2009
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)
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)
Saturday, April 25, 2009
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)
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)
Friday, April 24, 2009
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)
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)
Thursday, April 23, 2009
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)
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)
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
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)
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)
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
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)
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)
Monday, April 20, 2009
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)
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)
Sunday, April 19, 2009
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)
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)
Saturday, April 18, 2009
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)
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)
Friday, April 17, 2009
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?
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)
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)
Thursday, April 16, 2009
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)
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)
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
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)
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)
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
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)
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)
Monday, April 13, 2009
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)
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)
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