Me jumping off 30-foot Waimea Rock into the ocean

For various reasons, I knew some fears festered in my psyche so I created a Fear Bucket List and set out to conquer my fears.

I jumped off cliffs, swam with sharks, tried scary-looking foods, did a hike I didn’t think I could do, kept my nerve as I fought through a riptide (I didn’t do that purposely, but it had been a fear), and various other typical fear things. I came to a point a couple of years ago where I couldn’t think of anything else to do.

Had I really conquered all of my fears?

I sat the checked-off Fear Bucket List on a mental shelf and went on with my life.

Short List of Mutual Interests

In one of our marriage chats, Anthony and I made a very short list of mutual interests. The ways we relax are totally different. What we need to fill our souls is totally different. So instead of dwelling on how we’d evolved over the years to have nothing in common, we identified and celebrated the things we do have in common.

Riding motorcycles together is one item on that list. Before moving to Hawai’i, we always had a bike we rode together. For many years I had my own bike.  We loved our motorcycling adventures.

I had a lingering medical issue where I’d black out and experienced that while riding my motorcycle to work through an intersection.  Totally freaked me out. I didn’t ride by myself for a while.  Someone approached us to buy my bike when we were moving, and we sold it.

Impact at Applecross

One of Anthony’s dreams was riding Applecross in the Highlands of Scotland. Having served my mission in Scotland, I’m always willing to return. So in 2009 we booked our trip, planned a stay on Skye where we rented two motorcycles from an amazing chap, and from there set out on our Applecross adventure.

Applecross from applecross.uk.com

I’ve written about that experience several times.  For the point I’m making here, suffice it to say that I crashed dramatically in front of Anthony on a switchback on Applecross.  He thought I was dead and going over the side of the cliff, so did I. Conveniently, I lived.

We’d had a scooter store, so still had a favorite nimble red scooter we took with us to Hawai’i.  I’d go visiting teaching on it with my companion who also had a scooter.  We thought we were so cool.  At the time, we lived in Punalu’u on the North Shore of O’ahu which has basically one road to ride on.

While riding my scooter on Kamehameha Highway, I’d flashback to the crash. I felt fear grip my chest and look for escape routes. Well, there weren’t any escape routes aside from plunging into oncoming traffic or the beach or ocean. I stifled my fears and ultimately felt I’d overcome them.

We sold the scooter and Anthony’s motorcycle when we moved from Hawai’i to Salt Lake City, Utah. He soon felt the need for his cycle therapy and bought another bike in Utah. I said I’d rather spend the money elsewhere so we didn’t buy me a bike.

During this time in Salt Lake City, I climbed the suspended-in-space ladder and created my Fear Bucket List. After moving back to Hawai’i, I felt like I’d checked everything off the list.

Adding to the Fear Bucket List

Then we landed in Lubbock, Texas, with the small list of things we like to do together.  Anthony actively searched for a motorcycle for me to drive or one to ride with him.  He kept asking if it was something I wanted. I knew we both loved it and said, yes, but didn’t feel drawn to rush out and buy anything.  Plus, I’m often freezing and riding in the cold does not interest me. That’s one thing I kept repeating.

Anthony went to look at bikes.  He took me back to test ride a big bike with the cushiest passenger seat I’d ever experienced.  But it wasn’t the right bike for us.

Anthony found a Harley Davidson Sportster in excellent condition with low miles and scheduled a time to see it. Since it would be my bike, he asked if I could go with him. I told him I would but I would not test drive the bike with an audience. I trusted his opinion on its rideability.

Wow, what an awesome bike! He said it rode well. I sat on it to make sure the stance worked for me. It did. And we drove away.

At home, he asked about my reticence.  It confused him. We talked about Applecross and how I hadn’t really operated a motorcycle since then. I realized I felt some trepidation at the prospect of riding by myself again.

On Monday, he messaged me to see if I wanted the bike. It was still available.

That evening, we bought the bike. I didn’t get out of the truck. (It was cold!) Anthony had cold-weather gear and rode the bike home in 30-degree temperatures. He was giddy pulling into the garage.  It rode well and was nimble.  He said it handled better than my Honda did.

Back on the Horse(power)

The next afternoon was a respite from the freezing temperatures.  When he got home from work, I was ready to ride the bike.

We have a really long driveway from the back of the house to the street. I felt comfortable testing out my skills on the driveway and then progressing when ready.

I excitedly got on the bike.  I felt its power rumbling beneath me and I suddenly skidded across the Applecross asphalt again.  The force of feeling took my breath away.  I didn’t turn off the bike, but I just sat there for a moment. I told Anthony what I was experiencing.

He’s so compassionate and patient. “When you’re ready” was all he said.

“This isn’t Applecross,” I told myself.  I saw myself climbing down that ladder and climbing out of shark-infested waters.  I could do this! I let out the clutch and began to move.

I thought I’d be able to quickly overcome the fear once I got on the bike, but actually, I worked up gradually to the road.  When I hit the asphalt and felt the acceleration and the wind hitting my face and hair again, I shouted out loud for joy, remembering all the awesome years of riding!

I felt so free.

I still felt flashbacks;  the Applecross experience seriously traumatized me. But I didn’t consciously realize how that one experience bound me until I faced operating a motorcycle again. And when I made the conscious decision to shake off what bound me, I immediately felt free.

This is what each new year, each new day offers us.  We have an opportunity to face triggers and fears, even when we don’t recognize them as such, and find a freeing fresh wind against our faces. We can be free from the things that bind us if we use those opportunities as opportunities.

Good luck in conquering anything that binds you.

Delisa Hargrove

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have moved 64 times and have not tired of experiencing this beautiful earth! I love the people, languages, histories/anthropologies, & especially religious cultures of the world. My life long passion is the study & searching out of religious symbolism, specifically related to ancient & modern temples. My husband Anthony and I love our bulldog Stig, adventures, traveling, movies, motorcycling, and time with friends and family.

“Thomas, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. Thus the other disciples said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe” (John 20:24-25.)

“And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, . . . and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” (John 20:26-29.)

Although there was momentary doubt in the heart of Thomas, and even “unbelief” among the other apostles, they all had a foundation of faith in Christ, for they believed and followed Him during His mortal life; thus, seeing the risen Lord reaffirmed their faith in Him.

In contrast, for those who fail to nurture even the smallest seed of faith, time and again the conclusion comes: seeing does not directly bring believing.

Think of the thousands who stood in the very presence of the Son of God, and yet could not perceive His divinity; they had eyes but could not see their Savior — they were spiritually blind. Consider those who have seen angels or a spectacular fireball from Heaven, and yet would not believe based upon a compelling visual witness. Isaiah explains the cause of spiritual blindness:

“But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, . . . The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: . . . we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness. We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if we had no eyes: we stumble at noonday as in the night” (Isaiah 59:2,8-10).

Clear and complete spiritual discernment comes as we repent of our sins, and the separation between God and the natural man is removed; thus, He draws near to us as we draw near to Him (James 4:8); the Lord liberally gives His witness and wisdom to the penitent–He gives “grace unto the humble” (James 4:6).

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Cor 2:14).

Just as the risen Lord showed Himself to His apostles at Jerusalem, in like manner the resurrected Christ appeared to His “other sheep” of ancient America, and invited them to see and feel His body which was bruised for their sake:

“And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto them saying: Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world. And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; . . . And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did worship him” (3 Nephi 11:13-17).

These people of ancient America did not believe in Christ just because of the visual evidence of His tangible presence; these were the more righteous followers of God whose lives were spared amid great destruction prior to Christ’s glorious appearance. They were previously faithful to the witness of the still small voice, and looked forward to the coming of their Savior.

Twelve days before he died, a latter-day Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, Bruce R. McConkie (1915-1985), gave this witness of Him at a general conference of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

“The most important doctrine I can declare, and the most powerful testimony I can bear, is of the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. . . . I testify that he is the Son of the Living God and was crucified for the sins of the world. He is our Lord, our God, and our King. This I know of myself independent of any other person. I am one of his witnesses, and in a coming day I shall feel the nail marks in his hands and in his feet and shall wet his feet with my tears. But I shall not know any better then than I know now that he is God’s Almighty Son, that he is our Savior and Redeemer, and that salvation comes in and through his atoning blood and in no other way.”

As to evidence of eternal truth, better than seeing with mortal eyes is the spiritual vision given by the Spirit of truth — a sure witness revealed to faithful followers, the humble and penitent believers in Christ.

This article was originally published in December 2007. Minor changes have been made.

Matt M

Back at home, I watched a squirrel in the backyard gathering treasures. It ran up a tree with a mouthful and disappeared from view.

I’m fascinated by how creatures follow their inborn instinct.  How do the Canadian geese know to fly thousands of miles to Lubbock, Texas? How do squirrels know to hoard their treasures for winter?

Do we have inborn instincts?  What do those instincts lead us to do?

Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.

from The Chosen’s The Shepherd

The Shepherd

My favorite scene of this Christmas season was from The Chosen‘s short nativity film The Shepherd.

The backstory: A lame shepherd took a spotless lamb to Bethlehem, but along the way, and unbeknownst to the shepherd, the lamb was injured. The Pharisee who purchased unblemished lambs derided the shepherd and basically tossed him out of town, threatening to ban the shepherds’ future sales. Annoyed and frustrated, his fellow shepherds leave him to wend his way back alone.

During his time in town are moments where the shepherd seeks to learn more about the Messiah.  He asks the Pharisee who mocks his desire to learn and refuses to talk about the Messiah.  He hears someone reading the Torah and steps inside to hear but is quickly asked to leave.

Soon after he returns to the flock, the angel appears with the glorious news of the Christchild’s birth.  Joy spreads across the shepherd’s face and he begins running as fast as he can with his crutch. Clearly, his only and pure intent is to reach the Messiah.

from The Shepherd

The scene switches to Mary who labors to deliver her Son. When we see the shepherd again, his strength visibly increases. He drops the now unneeded crutch as he joyfully runs unimpeded to the manger.

from The Shepherd

All Things Are Given Them Which Are Expedient

What am I doing with “all things are given them which are expedient?” Am I running, despite physical limitations and without distractions, to the Messiah’s presence? Does finding at-one-ment with Him fill my soul with joy?

All things are given them which are expedient.  That means that in my circumstances and situation, with my limitations and weakness, regardless of my past, present, or apparent future, I can “choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men,” and through Him, I can find it.

To read more of Delisa’s articles, click here.

Delisa Hargrove

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have moved 64 times and have not tired of experiencing this beautiful earth! I love the people, languages, histories/anthropologies, & especially religious cultures of the world. My life long passion is the study & searching out of religious symbolism, specifically related to ancient & modern temples. My husband Anthony and I love our bulldog Stig, adventures, traveling, movies, motorcycling, and time with friends and family.

The story is told that when President George Albert Smith was ill, he had a dream where his deceased grandfather George A. Smith appeared to him and asked “I would like to know what you have done with my name.” Everything he had ever done passed before him as though it was a picture on a screen. President Smith responded to his namesake, “I have never done anything with your name of which you need be ashamed.” This was a meaningful experience as he relates it.

Incredibly, I will get a similar opportunity because I too bear the name of my great-grandfather. He has always been a beacon to me because even as a young boy I realized that I he was my namesake. I think that is pretty special and has provided an instant connection for me with my great grandpa. Though I never met him, there is a picture of great grandpa with my dad sitting on a Model T. My dad is the boy sitting on the hood of the car. This picture kind of helps me realize how closely we are connected—not divided by multiple generations and separate continents like we sometimes think of when we discuss our ancestors. 

Believe it or not, this is not the first time I have been in a similar situation, and it is likely not the first time for you either. When I was a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I wore the name of Jesus Christ on my lapel in the form of a name tag every day for two years. I stood as a representative of Jesus Christ in homes, on the street, while riding the bus or train, and with each and every contact that I made. Millions around us experience similar scenarios every day. How could that be? 

This condition plays out for many of us every day though we may not have expected such a situation or realized its impact until now. Millions of members of the Church all across the world have taken upon them the name of Jesus Christ through baptism, and they renew that covenant every week by partaking of the sacrament. That important and frequently-renewed covenant in part states that we are “willing to take upon them the name of thy Son.” The full sacrament prayers can be found in Doctrine and Covenants 20, verses 77 and 79.

To read more of Walter’s articles, click here.

What does it really mean to take upon us the name of the Son of God? To make Him our namesake?

I think it means much the same as it did for President George Albert Smith when he responded “I have never done anything with your name of which you need be ashamed.”

I would like to be able to say that to Him as well. That is my hope.

And if I fail to live up to my covenants as I would like, the Savior has provided the gift of repentance so that we all can be forgiven and approach our Father in Heaven and be reunited with Him.

Thus we sing praises to Him the whole year through.

Walter Penning

In 1989, Walter Penning formed a consultancy based in Salt Lake City and empowered his clients by streamlining processes and building a loyal, lifetime customer base with great customer service. His true passion is found in his family. He says the best decision he ever made was to marry his sweetheart and have children. The wonderful family she has given him and her constant love, support, and patience amid life’s challenges is his panacea.

We all have baggage we carry in our hearts — grudges of old, hurt feelings that resurface now and then, raw emotion that never seems to mature into forgiveness. While we are counseled to forgive those who have trespassed against us, it can be the most difficult thing to do. This is multiplied when the pain we’ve experienced has come from someone close — a relative or a longtime friend.

In the Bible, Joseph was sold into slavery by his older brothers. They were jealous of him because he was favored by their father. They sold him and then took his precious coat, tore it, and soiled it with blood. They brought it back to their father, claiming Joseph had been ripped apart by wild beasts and was dead. Their father was grief-stricken.

Meanwhile, Joseph did the best he could and worked hard in Egypt. Eventually he was discovered to be a great interpreter of dreams and became a counselor in Pharaoh’s court. The Egyptians followed his counsel when he predicted seven years of famine would follow seven years of plenty by stocking up on food and supplies to prepare for the upcoming drought. But all the people in the lands around Egypt knew not of the coming famine. They were not prepared and many people starved. Joseph’s brothers traveled to Egypt to beg for food. They came directly to the Pharaoh’s court and pled their case to Joseph himself. It had been so long since they last saw him that they did not recognize him. Joseph knew who they were, though. His heart looked upon them in their afflictions with mercy and forgiveness. Not only did he give them the food they needed, but he revealed to them who he was and had them send for his father. The family was reunited again in love.

This is a breathtaking story of the power of forgiveness. Had Joseph remained bitter all the years he was betrayed, this story would have turned out very differently. But because he had a forgiving heart, he was able to make a terrible situation fruitful. In time, he was in a position to feed all of Egypt and his family not only temporally, but spiritually. His forgiveness softened their hearts too, and they were able to repent of their past transgressions.

I think sometimes how this story could have unfolded. Joseph could have turned to bitterness. If so, he may have missed all his opportunities to develop his talents and become the great interpreter of dreams. Egypt may have suffered for lack of food during the famine. Joseph’s brothers could have died; indeed, the entire region could have fallen. But happily, this was not so — all because of Joseph’s willingness to forgive and to move on.

In some respects, Joseph was thrown into an abrupt move himself, much like my friend. He was forced to “pack lightly” by taking only the things that mattered most. He chose to take his testimony and his forgiving heart. That made all the difference for him in his new circumstances.

We can learn a lot from Joseph, even if we are only in a figurative move in life. Each situation we face is like a chance to “make a move” one way or the other, toward bitterness and anger or toward love and forgiveness. In essence, we move with each choice either toward or away from eternal life. We choose to pack lightly or to carry every ounce of hurt and pain with us.

To read more of Nanette’s posts, click here.

What we take with us determines how happy we will be along the way. I know when I hold grudges, I feel like I’ve been carrying a 20-lb. weight in each hand high over my head — I get too tired to go on. But when I let go of anger, when I forgive those who have harmed me, I am renewed by the Spirit of the Lord. When I “pack lightly,” I have a better outlook on my situation and I have the strength to accomplish things when I lacked strength before.

We have the opportunity each day to rewrite our history. We may not be able to control the trials that come or the severity of them, but we can control how long we dwell on them. We can focus on our misery and go to bed each night feeling more miserable, thus adding to a past full of pain. But if we adopt an attitude of forgiveness in our hearts, exercising it each day with gratitude for our situations regardless of what they may be, we can make the most recent yesterday a good day. The more often we turn our hearts toward good works, the more successful we will be in overcoming emotional pain.

To anyone who is thinking of moving or who is in the middle of moving (whether that is literally or figuratively), I offer the same advice — pack lightly. Bring only the things that matter. Rebuild your life with a renewal of spirit, having forgiven those who’ve tarnished your past. Your own true worth can then shine through your countenance more sincerely, wherever your new destination takes you. Your life is worth beginning again.

This post was originally published in August 2014. Minor changes have been made.

Nanette ONeal

Nanette O’Neal loves the gospel and is very happy to share her testimony on LDS Blogs. She is a convert to the church and still feels the spirit burn strong within her heart. She graduated from Mason Gross School of the Arts with a degree in music education and has taught children and adults in the private and public sphere for over twenty years. Nanette continues to study the gospel and the art of writing. She writes weekly inspirational articles on her blog and is currently working on an LDS fantasy novel series, A Doorway Back to Forever. You can find her at NanetteONeal.blogspot.com. Nanette has a wonderful husband, talented son, and three beautiful dogs.

Becoming Disciples of Christ

I am Austin Bushman. I have been called to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Barcelona Spain Mission, speaking Spanish.  I depart to the mission field at the end of December and have been reassigned to the Texas Dallas East Mission until I can go to Spain.

Austin Bushman

I wanted to share some thoughts on the topic of Coming unto Christ.

I discovered a talk by Elder Neal A. Maxwell entitled “The Man of Christ” given in the April 1975 General Conference. While reading the talk, I found that it discussed the attributes of a true disciple of Christ. I firmly believe and attest to the fact that as we live as disciples of Christ we, in turn, come unto Christ, and as we come unto Christ, we become even stronger disciples of Christ.

While I do draw heavily from the above-stated talk, I will also draw upon several scriptural references, as well as additional quotes from Elder Maxwell, specifically about the subject of discipleship.  I hope that my words will resonate and the Spirit will testify of the truthfulness to each of you.

Come Unto Christ

 As we come unto Christ, we become His disciples.  I believe that disciples of Christ are those who exemplify the qualities of the Savior. They serve others and the Lord. They emulate His teachings and follow the great example of Him who obeyed with exactness, Jesus Christ.

When talking about discipleship, or being a man or woman of Christ, Elder Maxwell stated,

“He experiences the Church as a blend of action and contemplation, and knows the importance of individual involvement. … He testifies with his time as well as with tithing; he witnesses with works as well as with words; he expects perspiration to precede inspiration.” (1)

I love the first part of this statement, “a blend of action and contemplation.” (1)

As it says in the scriptures, “Faith without works is dead” (2). We must believe in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, but we must also act in our faith. We must act in prayer, act in scripture, act in our church callings.

Elder Maxwell said, “Each of us is an innkeeper, and we decide if there is room for Jesus.” (3)  

Absorbing the Fiery Darts of the Adversary

As we each decide for ourselves if there is room for Jesus in our proverbial “inns,” Satan will come and use his forces to persuade us that there is not room enough for the Savior. Satan has studied and worked over centuries of time to find the most deceiving ways to divert us from the covenant path. Elder Maxwell said that a true disciple,

“marvels not…when customized challenges and temptations come his way-with soul-stretching experiences…These may constitute “but a small moment (4)” (5).” “Real disciples absorb the fiery darts of the adversary by holding aloft the quenching shield of faith with one hand, while holding to the iron rod with the other. There should be no mistaking; it will take both hands!(6)” 

I know that while Satan does have power in this world, we have even more power when we exercise our faith and stand with God.

When Moses was transfigured before God, and Satan came tempting, Moses tried to rebuke him twice but it was only the third time when Moses commanded Satan saying, “In the name of the Only Begotten, depart hence, Satan.”(7) It was not just that the third time’s the charm, but the very fact that God has more power than that of Satan. Moses acted as a disciple of Christ and in faith by stating in the Name of the Only Begotten! His name is Jesus the Christ.

When we stand closer to God, Satan attacks us hard, sometimes even harder than when we aren’t being disciples and coming unto Christ. We must see his devious attacks for what they are, simply works of the devil. The road of discipleship is not easy, but it is the right path to follow.

The Apostle Paul’s Decision

We read in the scriptures the account of the Apostle Paul, who held a position in his society as a Pharisee.  He had power because he was a Pharisee. He persecuted the saints and helped to arrest many of the followers of Christ. While traveling to Damascus, Paul saw Jesus and went blind. He then became one of the foremost disciples of Christ leading many to the truthfulness of the Gospel despite all the challenges he faced. He went to prison, was criticized, hated, and eventually killed.

However, I would like to point out that it was not the heavenly visit nor his blindness that led him to be one of the main contributors in our bible. While these helped him turn unto Christ, he Came unto Christ with his actions and faith. He could have stopped persecuting the Saints and lived among them, however, he decided to become a disciple of Christ knowing, probably more than most, of the kind of persecution that awaited him should he choose to follow the life he ended up choosing to live as a disciple of Christ. 

Elder Maxwell also said, “Discipleship in our day, as in all eras, has as a goal not our being different from other men, but our need to be more like God.” (8) In each of our lives we will meet those who are not of our faith who are good people. We may look up to them and see them as an example based on some Christlike attributes they possess.  As Elder Maxwell stated, the goal is not to be different from other men or women but rather to become more like God.

How Do We Come Unto Christ and Become His Disciples?

So, how do we come unto Christ and become disciples?  Elder Maxwell remarked that a disciple is “conscious of the past and present injustices, but he knows that real remedies are to be found in contemporary Christian Compassion, and not in compensatory justice.” (9) While we all see the wrongs and issues in our society, we should focus on the love of Christ. If we act in love and not in hate, we can help to solve some of the problems we face and, in turn, create solutions. Christ’s doctrine is not one of hate, but of Love and compassion.

My bishop recently stated that we need to love our fellow men as Christ did, regardless of what political affiliation or religious beliefs they may hold.  I know that as we live by the precepts of Christ’s gospel, we will have charity enough to love our enemies and our friends. We will be able to unite with others on commonalities rather than divide and argue on our differences.

Elder Maxwell has also said, “Disciples are not perfect, but, having chosen the Christian course, they are put together with principle rather than being a bundle of appetites.” (10).  It’s important for us to remember that we aren’t perfect and we are striving to continue on the path to Christ.

As we each act and make the decision for ourselves whether to stay on the covenant path or not, we must remember to point our faces toward the everlasting Kingdom of God. As Elder Maxwell eloquently stated, a disciple “knows that having put his hand to the plow he must not look back, because when we are looking back, we are also holding back.” (11) 

John Tanner

 One of many examples of disciples not holding back is that of one of my ancestors on the Bushman side, John Tanner. John Tanner had an infectious disease that caused an open sore in his leg. Being a self-made wealthy man, he was able to see many physicians and doctors in the New York area where he lived. All prescribed an amputation of his leg. Refusing to depart with his leg, he started setting his affairs in order in preparation of his death. One day he noticed a flyer to come and hear missionaries from the newly formed Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After meeting with the missionaries for a time, they proposed baptism, and while John believed in all the words the missionaries had taught him, he could not be baptized because of the infection in his leg. Having the authority to administer in the priesthood, one of the missionaries healed John Tanner’s leg and commanded him to walk.

John, upon receiving the blessing and exercising his faith, stood and was healed. He then immediately walked the three-quarters of a mile to a lake and was baptized that night, beginning his discipleship on the chosen course. He gave up coffee and strong drink upon hearing the Word of Wisdom.

One night, he dreamed he was needed in Kirtland. Upon arriving in Kirtland, he loaned $45,000 to the Church and Temple committees. Throughout his time with the Saints, he literally gave everything he had. Whenever he was asked to do something, he did it. When moving to Missouri to help build the church in that area, he had given so much to the Church and others that all he had was a borrowed wagon, a broken horse and $7.50 in cash. John Tanner continued to serve the Lord in multiple ways including leaving his wife and children for a time to serve a mission. I am at awe of the faith he had and the way he acted in becoming a disciple of Christ.

Scarlet Bushman

A more recent example of coming unto Christ and becoming a disciple that has affected me very personally is that of my mom, Scarlet. When she was 16, my mom started searching for answers to the questions she had about God, religion, her spiritual well-being, and relationship with Christ. When her church leaders could not answer the questions she had, she began going to her friends’ congregations and churches to see if she could find answers on her own.

Missionaries were at her aunt and uncle’s house helping them move and asked if they could come teach her family the gospel discussions.  She received permission from her parents and she and her siblings began meeting with the missionaries.  The missionaries were able to answer all the questions she had.  As they taught her about the gospel and Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost helped her know the truth and resolved the questions she had.  She and her siblings were baptized shortly after the discussions and she has been on the path of discipleship ever since. 

She has been a huge example of discipleship to me. She has helped me learn the gospel throughout my life and has helped me find how the Holy Ghost talks to me. I see her commitment to come unto Christ in her everyday actions and words.

God Loves Us, Not the Gifts He Has Given Us

I believe that when we truly become the disciples of our Lord and continue to consecrate our time to Him, we can see the ways the Lord will use us to be an example and Light to the World. By being an example, we can help others come unto Christ. God has given us the gifts and blessings we need to be His disciples.

Austin Bushman

I love this quote by Elder Maxwell that reads, “Each day we decide the degree of our discipleship. Each day we answer the question, “Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?(12)” (13)”  As disciples who are striving to come unto Christ, we must love Him and we must realize “…that God loves us, not the gifts he has given us.”(14)

I know that we can be as King Benjamin’s people, we can be disciples of Christ. As it states in the scriptures, “And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons and his daughters.”(15)

What Matters Is What We Have Become

I would like to close with a final quote from Elder Maxwell.

“What finally matters, brothers and sisters, is what we have become. There will be no puffed vitas circulating in the next world. They stay here-in the files. What we will take with us- to the degree we have developed them- will be the cardinal qualities that Jesus has perfected; these are eternal and portable.”(16) 

These are the qualities we develop as we come unto Christ and become His disciples. Again, as the chaos of the world seems to continue to grow ever challenging, we must remember that “real disciples absorb the fiery darts of the adversary by holding aloft the quenching shield of faith with one hand, while holding to the iron rod with the other. There should be no mistaking; it will take both hands!(6)”

I know that this is the true and everlasting Church. I know that by striving to live by the precepts it teaches, we can become worthy to enter into that heavenly rest. As disciples of Christ, we can emulate His teachings and His example in our actions toward others. 

Coming unto Christ means that we are acting as He would act, serving as He would serve, and loving others as He would love others.  I am not perfect, but I can have a perfect love for Christ and do my best to come unto Him in all I do and say.  I have faith in and know of the reality of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

I say these things in the name of the Only Begotten Jesus Christ, Amen.

To read more of Delisa’s articles, click here.

Sources:

1.     The Man of Christ April 1975 General Conference Neal A. Maxwell
2.     James 2:26
3.     Searching for God in America, page 129. Elder Neal A. Maxwell
4.     D&C 121:7
5.     The Man of Christ April 1975 General Conference Elder Neal A. Maxwell
6.     Ensign, May 1987 page 70. See also Ephesians 6:16; 1 Nephi 15:24; D&C 27:17
7.     Moses 1:21
8.     A Time to Choose page 16 Elder Neal A. Maxwell
9.     The Man of Christ April 1975 General Conference Elder Neal A. Maxwell
10.   A Time to Choose page 44-45 Elder Neal A. Maxwell
11.   The Man of Christ April 1975 General Conference Elder Neal A. Maxwell
12.   Hymn 260
13.   Ensign, May 1992 page 39
14.   The Man of Christ April 1975 General Conference Elder Neal A. Maxwell
15.   Mosiah 5:7
16.   Out of the Best Faculty page 48 Elder Neal A. Maxwell

Delisa Hargrove

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have moved 64 times and have not tired of experiencing this beautiful earth! I love the people, languages, histories/anthropologies, & especially religious cultures of the world. My life long passion is the study & searching out of religious symbolism, specifically related to ancient & modern temples. My husband Anthony and I love our bulldog Stig, adventures, traveling, movies, motorcycling, and time with friends and family.

My grandfather Charles Allan was a Scot through and through. He often quoted from Robert Burns, the great Scottish poet. One of his favorites helps us define mere pleasure:

But pleasures are like poppies spread:
You seize the flow’r, its bloom is shed;
Or like the snow falls in the river,
A moment white—then melts for ever;
Or like the borealis race,
That flit ere you can point their place;
Or like the rainbow’s lovely form
Evanishing amid the storm.
(“Tam o’ Shanter,” lines 59–66)

Only true happiness has the potential to last, to truly lift our spirits, our hearts and minds. No riches are needed; you don’t even need to have your name on all the A-list parties. Passing pleasure does not make lasting happiness. As Elder David O. McKay, then of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,  once said, “You may get that transitory pleasure, yes, but you cannot find joy, you cannot find happiness. Happiness is found only along that well beaten track, narrow as it is, though straight, which leads to life eternal” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1919, 180).

In the book of James in the New Testament, we read, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5.) Here is the solution for your confusion: ask of God and He will show you the better part.

The Prophet Joseph Smith told us, “Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 255–56).

Virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping the commandments of God are the only true way to obtain true and lasting happiness. Pray, and God, your Heavenly Father, will tell you how to live these worthy values so that you may obtain your righteous desire and be happy.

This post was originally published on December 5, 2007. Minor changes have been made.

Ali C

“These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; “but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.  Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.

 

“What we obtain too cheaply, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.”

Yes, heaven does know how to put a proper price upon its goods. And freedom (with its companion agency) is at the top of the list.

President Benson said:

“The fight for freedom is God’s fight. Freedom is a law of God, a permanent law. Men cannot break it with impunity. They can only break themselves upon it. When a man stands for freedom, he stands for God. As long as he stands for freedom, he stands with God. And were he to stand alone, he would still stand with God. Any man will be eternally vindicated and rewarded for his stand for freedom. The Lord has so endowed this matter of freedom with such everlasting repercussions that it sifted the spirits of men before this world in the Great War in heaven, and it seems today to be THE CENTRAL ISSUE that is sifting those who are left in the world. Life’s failures arise when men neither take the time nor find the season to perform their eternal duties” (An Enemy Hath Done This, pp. 54-55).

Every July 4th we celebrate our nation’s independence and freedom. It was a long and arduous process to initially achieve this. Eight years of war, then four more filled with divisive debate before the adoption of the US Constitution. Of this new government the Lord said, “For this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose” (D&C 101:80).

Most of the blessings we enjoy as citizens of this nation come to us because of their work, which also served to prepare the way for the restoration of the gospel.

Jesus Christ is the ultimate source of freedom, both physical and spiritual. We are forever indebted to Him and our Father in Heaven for this priceless gift!

While my remarks may touch upon things of a political nature, my message is about principles, not partisanship. The underlying theme is “Choose Christ by choosing and defending Liberty.” I pray that message will shine through.

Wouldn’t it be nice if once established, freedom would be self-perpetuating? But alas, there is “opposition in all things.” And some things, like the restored gospel and our divinely inspired Constitution, seem to attract an inordinate amount of opposition. But that isn’t surprising given the nature of the struggle between good and evil.

In the premortal world we chose Christ. If we hadn’t, we wouldn’t be here. Was it an easy choice? Were we firm and resolved, or did we waiver or hesitate? Due to the veil placed over our minds, we can’t remember. I suspect it was not as easy as we might assume.

The arguments put forth by Lucifer must have been extremely persuasive and appealing. I can imagine his rousing speeches appealing to supposed fairness, equality, security, and compassion—after all, only his plan guaranteed the outcome “that one soul shall not be lost.” And then there was the seductive appeal of his counterfeit version of “freedom”—the ability to do whatever one wanted, without any consequences!

These are the same appeals and promises we hear today.

Think for a moment of the heavy price paid by those spirits who chose wrongly in the premortal life. Even the vilest of sinners on earth (aside from the sons of perdition) will still receive a reward—a kingdom of glory because they supported the principle of agency. Those who succumbed to Lucifer’s sophistry were cast out! For them it was game over.

Why such a severe consequence for a single choice? As members of this Church, we are blessed to have a more complete understanding of the word “agency.” We understand that agency is more than just the ability to choose—it also involves accountability for those choices. You can’t separate the two. Agency and accountability are like two sides of the same coin.

We usually associate the war in heaven with being about agency, but more correctly it was about agency and accountability. This is important to remember because both are central to God’s plan.

In Abraham we read, “We will go down… and make an earth whereon these may dwell; And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them” (Abraham 3:25).

The purpose of this life is for us to “prove ourselves” to God. In order to do this, we need agency and accountability. Those who choose to follow Lucifer rejected both, and that was a fatal flaw.

Some mistakenly believe that Lucifer’s plan was based entirely on force or compulsion. But how could Lucifer entice so many spirits to follow him a proposal like this? “I have this great plan. I know it doesn’t sound like much, but trust me, it will work. You will go to earth, but for your protection, you won’t be allowed to make any choices. I will make all of them for you, and I will make all of you do exactly as I say.”

Would that plan appeal to you?

Remembering that agency and accountability are interdependent, now think about what would happen if instead of a direct attack on agency, he used the back door approach and removed accountability? Now you would have a plan with astonishing appeal – “I have this plan. You’re going to love it! You can go to earth and pretty much do anything you want; we’re talking ultimate ‘freedom.’ And the best part is, no matter what you do, you will ALL be saved… Am I awesome or what?”

He whispers in our ears, “God will justify… a little sin;”—lie, cheat, steal, be immoral—“there is no harm in this… and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God” (2 Nephi 28:8).

By removing accountability, Lucifer also destroys agency, and he does it all under a façade of freedom. Oh how cunning!

His objective appeared noble and compassionate—helping to get God’s spirit children from point A to point B—but this was merely a cover to his own selfish interests.

Satan and his minions have not abandoned their plan or the methods they employ. You can see their continued application in the world around us.

When you think back on the history of mankind and look at the condition of the world today—the decisions people make, the agency-and-accountability compromising policies and programs that are proposed and supported, the confusion over what is right and wrong—it appears that many who passed the first test are flunking the current one.

With the knowledge we have of his methods and tactics, there is no good excuse for members of the Church to get this wrong! We should not have difficulty choosing Christ. But Satan is persuasive. He is very good at what he does.

None of us is immune. Sometimes we forget eternal truths.

To read more of Walter’s articles, click here.

If we take our eyes off of Christ, it is easy to become confused. If we wish to choose and defend liberty, we must remember these principles and use them as a yardstick to evaluate the methods used by others.

When someone supports policies and programs that rely on compulsion rather than “persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness and meekness, and love unfeigned” and when anyone, regardless of their position or title, seeks “to cover [their] sins, gratify [their] pride or vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness” because they believe the outcome is more important than the methods used to achieve it, “the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved,” they are choosing someone other than Christ.

Walter Penning

In 1989, Walter Penning formed a consultancy based in Salt Lake City and empowered his clients by streamlining processes and building a loyal, lifetime customer base with great customer service. His true passion is found in his family. He says the best decision he ever made was to marry his sweetheart and have children. The wonderful family she has given him and her constant love, support, and patience amid life’s challenges is his panacea.

[A]s turmoil rages around us, we need to create places where we are safe, both physically and spiritually. When your home becomes a personal sanctuary of faith—where the Spirit resides—your home becomes the first line of defense. … [A] place of security is anywhere you can feel the presence of the Holy Ghost and be guided by Him. … I invite you, my dear sisters, to create a home that is a place of security. And I renew my invitation for you to increase your understanding of priesthood power and of temple covenants and blessings. Having places of security to which you can retreat will help you embrace the future with faith (President Russell M. Nelson, “Embrace the Future with Faith,” Oct. 2020 General Conference).

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t struggle from time to time to keep their home a peaceful place. I remember being a busy mom when my kids were growing up. Sibling rivalry and outside influences made me feel more like a referee than a partner with my husband and Heavenly Father in creating an eternal family in a place of security. Our home was chaotic and loud. Having said that, it was also a place of love. I tried to make our home a place where everyone’s opinion mattered, everyone felt comfortable in his/her own skin, and everyone knew he/she had a voice. I tried to make our home a refuge from the outside world. It may not have been a quiet refuge, nor the most organized place, but it was a refuge and place of security nonetheless. I hope our children felt that our home was their retreat. I hope they felt loved. I hope they felt protected. I hope they felt secure.

We are in a different phase of our lives now. Our children are grown and are learning to build their own sanctuaries of peace and security. Now our home is quiet—especially when we take out our hearing aids. Our sanctuary is very different than it was in years past. That doesn’t mean that there are not daily struggles to keep our home that peaceful retreat from the world. Today, making our home a sanctuary and place of security means taking care of each other’s physical needs. It’s the little things that make us feel safe from the world. Night lights, organized medical supplies, kicking the dog toys to the side of the room so they are not a trip-and-fall hazard, making sure there is no lingering shampoo residue in the bottom of the bathtub for someone to slip on, and even organizing the refrigerator so most used items are on the edge of the top shelf for easy reach—are all things that make us feel safe, secure, and loved.

Sanctuaries are built in different ways; each architect has a different style. Individuality is a gift from Heavenly Father. The result, however, is always the same. The home that is the sanctuary is a place of security and love.

To read more of Tudie’s articles, click here.

President Nelson reminded us that we needed to prepare our minds to be faithful to God and to strengthen our foundations. He renewed his earlier invitation to gain an understanding of priesthood power. Making our homes a place of security will allow us that needed sanctuary to strengthen our foundations. A place of security gives us spiritual energy to study priesthood power and the wondrous miracle that is God’s plan for us.

We tend to compare our place of security, our homes, our lives with others. That can be counterproductive. Heavenly Father created us all in His image, but with very individual personalities, traits, gifts, circumstances, and challenges. There is an eternal plan for us collectively, but there is also an individual plan for each one of us. My life doesn’t look like yours—my place of security does not look like yours. What your place of security looks like doesn’t matter; you are the architect. Go and build.

Heavenly Father wants us to feel safe, secure, and loved. He wants us to make our homes a place to progress. He wants us to take advantage of the Holy Ghost, which requires a place of refuge—a place of security.

Tudie Rose

Tudie Rose is a mother of four and grandmother of ten in Sacramento, California. You can find her on Twitter as @TudieRose. She blogs as Tudie Rose at http://potrackrose.wordpress.com. She has written articles for Familius. You will find a Tudie Rose essay in Lessons from My Parents, Michele Robbins, Familius 2013, at http://www.familius.com/lessons-from-my-parents.

Anna mentioned how the trees looked so strong and healthy, but their roots actually remained really shallow. So when the exceptional winds hit them, the shallow-rooted trees toppled right over.

What a shallow root system!

As we continued through the park, we noticed there were lots of towering trees that still stood.  Their tall and steady strength stood in stark contrast to the toppled trees nearby.

We talked quite a bit about roots and strength. What helps us build a deep root system?  What are the hurricane-force winds in our lives?

We’ve both faced tempestuous winds that have tried our faith and refined our souls.

Standing Steadfast and Immovable

Me and Anna Maeser standing with the strong trees who survived the storm.

Recently in General Conference, President Russell M. Nelson used the metaphor of standing strong and steadfast in the turbulence of natural disasters.

[O]ur spiritual foundations must be solid. Then…we can stand “steadfast and immovable” because of our faith.

 

The Lord taught us how to increase our faith by seeking “learning, even by study and also by faith.” We strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ as we strive to keep His commandments and “always remember him.” Further, our faith increases every time we exercise our faith in Him. That is what learning by faith means.

For example, each time we have the faith to be obedient to God’s laws—even when popular opinions belittle us—or each time we resist entertainment or ideologies that celebrate covenant-breaking, we are exercising our faith, which in turn increases our faith.

To read more of Delisa’s articles, click here.

Now is the time to assess the strength and depth of our roots. What are our triggers? Where are we weak? Where are we strong?

As children of God, we actually are so capable and strong! We choose which direction we face, where to find our food and water sources, and how deep to grow our roots.  As our relationship with the divine source of all things develops and matures, we can stand next to the eternally steadfast Tree of Life, steadfast and immovable ourselves.

“Come to the tree of life
Partake of the fruit
I feel the love of God
And you’ll feel it too, when you
Come to the tree of life
There’s joy here and peace
The greatest place in all the world to be
Is at the tree!
The greatest place in all the world to be
Is at the tree!”

 

“The Tree of Life” by Shawna Edwards

Delisa Hargrove

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have moved 64 times and have not tired of experiencing this beautiful earth! I love the people, languages, histories/anthropologies, & especially religious cultures of the world. My life long passion is the study & searching out of religious symbolism, specifically related to ancient & modern temples. My husband Anthony and I love our bulldog Stig, adventures, traveling, movies, motorcycling, and time with friends and family.