I thought I would love not having to get ready for church meetings. I admit that holding sacrament meeting at home has been interesting. I enjoy holding the priesthood so I can bless and administer the sacrament for my family. Our musical qualities have a lot to be desired. My wife and I don’t play the piano, but we could always listen to the hymns with our phones. Our children play the piano, but they are in their own homes now. We have had the privilege of attending church meetings with them and their families in their homes. It has been a great experience. On occasion we still have children with us. The grandkids come to visit on occasion as well. These are special Sundays for all of us on.

Talk about special Sundays — we all have them. I have been in the Church my entire life. I can’t say that I am surprised with the recent changes in the Church and around the world. These modifications are needed and have reason, and I believe that they are ushering in the Second Coming. I hope so.

The pure love of Jesus Christ sustains and lifts us from the challenges of our day.

I remember going to church before the 3-hour block. And now we will all tell the story of attending church with face masks — but this is not the end, not yet.

We have peace despite the chaos in the world.

If you think this article is about sports or war, I can’t blame you. But the real message is that we can have peace in Christ and are all in this together. Our success is assured, if we simply endure to the end.

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

We are at war figuratively, especially in light of the coronavirus outbreak that seems to influence everything we do or don’t do right now. But we can’t forget the victory has already been determined, and none of this can frustrate God’s work.

I almost send this article to our editor numerous times, but the Lord was not finished with it yet. And He is not finished with any of us yet, either.

Incredibly, this apparent hardship too will promote His work and glory as well. His timeline is not ours.

Just watch. “Prove me now herewith” is the way that He put it.

Better yet, become deeply involved in the work — it will improve your life today just as it has for so many others.

Just watch.

Additional Readings: 

Triage of the Soul

Really Great Cathedrals

Calling an Audible: Finding Peace in Christ

I Was a Stranger

In Good Hands

The Greatest Comeback Ever

Don’t Miss This

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.

“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.

You’ve got to hear this. Last Christmas my mom gave me a white stocking. Inside it was this poem, and it was such a beautiful and touching gift that I want to share it with you.

The White Stocking

By Regina Slaugh

There were packages wrapped for the young and the old.

Each stocking was filled, and the Christmas story told.

Every child would be happy, no grown-ups were slighted.

Each soul was remembered, and we were delighted.

But when the first rays of Christmas were dawning,

The littlest child discovered the stocking.

Oh, we were surprised, now where had it come from?

And where had it been when the others were hung?

While we were remembered with presents a plenty,

The little white stocking was hanging there empty.

In all of our efforts to love and remember,

Who had we missed for our gift this December?

Remember on Christmas we honor the birth

Of our Savior divine and His life on the earth?

Well, this stocking so white with simple gold trim

Started each of us thinking of giving to Him.

So then all at once we began to explain,

That surely this stocking had a meaning quite plain.

We should include in our holiday giving,

A gift to the Savior, the King of all Living.

Now each Christmas Eve we all gather together,

And write down our gifts to Him on some paper.

Next into the stocking our papers will go

Goals to help faith and obedience grow.

We try to remember the gift that we’ve given

And make it a part of our everyday living.

Then our gift to the Savior will last all year through,

Until next Christmas Eve, when we write something new!

New Tradition

To read more of Abby’s articles in her Living in Harmony column, click here.

This year we are going to do as the poem says. We are starting a new tradition! I am so excited to see what my family decides to do.

And I am excited to have a chance to give the Savior a gift I can focus on all year long.

Abby Christianson

Abby is capable and caring. She is learning more about Autism and parenthood every day. Having completed training to be an RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) for ABA therapy she is beginning to understand her son. And even though she is the first to admit she makes a lot of mistakes, she is so grateful to be on this journey. She comes from a family with many autistic members. She invites us to join her, as she shares her adventures. She wishes to emphasize that Autism is a difference not a defect. If you or a family member have autism, Abby wants you to know that the challenges can be overcome, and there are blessings in autism. You or your loved one are not sick or broken. Together we will teach the world this new language.

I imagine glorious light piercing the night sky as Heaven touched Earth.

I wonder if I had walked outside of my house or inn and looked up at the sky that night in Bethlehem if I could have seen the same glorious scene. Would I have heard the host praising God? I wonder if the angel’s heralding song was available to everyone that night who was — available.

Remember the disciples on the road to Emmaus who walked with the Savior without discerning Him? Think of Elisha’s servant who trembled at the sight of the Syrian army until Elisha prayed for the servant’s eyes to be open.  With open eyes, like Elisha, he saw chariots of fire round about Elisha!

The Savior told modern-day disciples

I am in your midst and ye cannot see me; But the day soon cometh that ye shall see me, and know that I am; for the veil of darkness shall soon be rent, and he that is not purified shall not abide the day.

Light Bursting Onto the Scene

As I gathered my thoughts to write this post, a package arrived.  I excitedly opened artwork I bought for myself.

“Sacred Grove” by Brent Borup

Brent Borup’s image “Sacred Grove” captivated me the moment I saw it!  I love the light bursting onto the scene.

I love the nondescript kneeling person.  The person is Joseph Smith. The person is me. The person is you.

Deity rends a veil of darkness.  Heaven touches Earth. I often imagine the heavens erupting with a multitude of heavenly hosts shouting Hosanna at restoration!

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

Heavenly Host Praising God when Light Rends the Veil of Darkness

Standing in front of a lifesize version of The First Visions by Anthony Sweat took my breath away. There were the four “familiar characters” of the First Vision.  And there— there were the heavenly hosts!  The angels Joseph testified he saw. I loved it. And I could hear their anthems of worship fill the veiled corners of my mind.

“The First Visions” by Anthony Sweat

If I had wandered through the Sacred Grove on that sacred morning, would I have seen the heavens open?  Would I have seen the light?

The Lord’s People Receive Revelation

“In the Lord’s People Receive Revelation,” Elder Bruce R. McConkie declared that I could, and I should.

We can read about visions and revelations in the records of the past, we can study the inspired writings of people who had the fullness of the gospel in their day, but we cannot comprehend what is involved until we see and hear and experience for ourselves.

This Tabernacle is full of scenes from Vietnam and Washington. There is even a picture of men walking on the surface of the moon. But we are not seeing these things. The minute, however, in which we tune a radio to the proper wave band and tune a television receiving set on the proper channel, we begin to hear and see and experience what otherwise remains completely unknown to us.

And so it is with the revelations and visions of eternity. They are around us all the time. This Tabernacle is full of the same things which are recorded in the scriptures and much more. The vision of the degrees of glory is being broadcast before us, but we do not hear or see or experience because we have not tuned our souls to the wave band on which the Holy Ghost is broadcasting.

The Holy Ghost is a Revelator

Joseph Smith said: “The Holy Ghost is a revelator.” And, “No man can receive the Holy Ghost without receiving revelations.”

Moroni said: “… by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.”

The Comforter knoweth all things; he is commissioned to bear witness of the Father and the Son, to reveal, to teach, and to testify—and he is broadcasting all the truths of salvation, and all the knowledge and wisdom of God, out into all immensity all of the time.

How this is done we do not know. We cannot comprehend God or the laws by which he governs the universe. But that it does happen we know because here in the valley below, when we attune our souls to the Infinite, we hear and see and experience the things of God. …

It is the privilege and the right of every member of the Church to receive revelation and to enjoy the gifts of the Spirit. When we are confirmed members of the Church, we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, which is the right to the constant companionship of that member of the Godhead, based on faithfulness. The actual enjoyment of this gift depends upon personal worthiness. “God shall give unto you knowledge by his Holy Spirit,” the revelation says to the Saints, “yea, by the unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost. …” (D&C 121:26.)

Revelation for Our Personal Lives

“In Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Personal Lives,” President Russell M. Nelson also taught that light can rend our veils of darkness so we can see and know for ourselves.

Brothers and sisters, how can we become the men and women—the Christlike servants—the Lord needs us to be? How can we find answers to questions that perplex us? If Joseph Smith’s transcendent experience in the Sacred Grove teaches us anything, it is that the heavens are open and that God speaks to His children.

The Prophet Joseph Smith set a pattern for us to follow in resolving our questions. Drawn to the promise of James that if we lack wisdom we may ask of God, the boy Joseph took his question directly to Heavenly Father. He sought personal revelation, and his seeking opened this last dispensation.

In like manner, what will your seeking open for you? What wisdom do you lack? What do you feel an urgent need to know or understand? Follow the example of the Prophet Joseph. Find a quiet place where you can regularly go. Humble yourself before God. Pour out your heart to your Heavenly Father. Turn to Him for answers and for comfort.

Pray in the name of Jesus Christ about your concerns, your fears, your weaknesses—yes, the very longings of your heart. And then listen! Write the thoughts that come to your mind. Record your feelings and follow through with actions that you are prompted to take. As you repeat this process day after day, month after month, year after year, you will “grow into the principle of revelation.”

Does God Really Want to Speak to You?

Does God really want to speak to you? Yes! “As well might man stretch forth his puny arm to stop the Missouri river in its decreed course … as to hinder the Almighty from pouring down knowledge from heaven upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints.”

You don’t have to wonder about what is true. You do not have to wonder whom you can safely trust. Through personal revelation, you can receive your own witness that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, that Joseph Smith is a prophet, and that this is the Lord’s Church. Regardless of what others may say or do, no one can ever take away a witness borne to your heart and mind about what is true.

I urge you to stretch beyond your current spiritual ability to receive personal revelation, for the Lord has promised that “if thou shalt [seek], thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal.”

Oh, there is so much more that your Father in Heaven wants you to know. As Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught, “To those who have eyes to see and ears to hear, it is clear that the Father and the Son are giving away the secrets of the universe!”

Light of Revelation Rends Darkness

“Empyrean” by Gustave Dore

Light rent Saul’s veil on the road to Damascus.  Light pierced into the dark reality of King Lamoni’s father. Abinadab taught the Lamanites how to disperse the cloud of darkness surrounding them.  When the cloud dispersed, everyone discovered a pillar of fire surrounded them.

Light slicing through darkness. Darkened veils. Darkened minds. Darkened hopes. Darkened dreams. Light always prevails.

And [Jesus] spake unto the multitude, and said unto them: Behold your little ones.

And as they looked to behold they cast their eyes towards heaven, and they saw the heavens open, and they saw angels descending out of heaven as it were in the midst of fire; and they came down and encircled those little ones about, and they were encircled about with fire; and the angels did minister unto them.

And the multitude did see and hear and bear record; and they know that their record is true for they all of them did see and hear, every man for himself; and they were in number about two thousand and five hundred souls; and they did consist of men, women, and children.

Light from Earth to Heaven

I wonder what light looks like as it pierces the darkness between Earth from Heaven. Do pillars of light shine from Earth to Heaven? As people become purified and sanctified, how does their light shine?

There are so many scriptural stories of heavenly hosts. The scriptures are also full of individuals who become heavenly.  So many of us are on the journey to heaven so I like to imagine a “multitude of the [earthly] host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

This host praising God shews forth praises!

[Ye] are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Host Praising God Sings in Exultation

Sing, choirs of angels,

Sing in exultation;

— Sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above!

Glory to God,

Glory in the highest;

 Yea, Lord, we greet thee,

Born this happy morning;

— Jesus, to thee be all glory giv’n.

Son of the Father,

Now in flesh appearing;

Oh, come, let us adore him;

Oh, come, let us adore him;

Oh, come, let us adore him,

Christ, the Lord.

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

The Host Praising God With This New Song

Oh, may we be with the host praising God who are come down from Heaven or are caught up from Earth at the Savior’s triumphal return who sing His new song of praise!

For I, the Almighty, have laid my hands upon the nations, to scourge them for their wickedness.

And plagues shall go forth, and they shall not be taken from the earth until I have completed my work, which shall be cut short in righteousness—

Until all shall know me, who remain, even from the least unto the greatest, and shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, and shall see eye to eye, and shall lift up their voice, and with the voice together sing this new song, saying:

     The Lord hath brought again Zion; The Lord hath redeemed his people, Israel, According to the election of grace, Which was brought to pass by the faith And covenant of their fathers.

     The Lord hath redeemed his people; And Satan is bound and time is no longer. The Lord hath gathered all things in one. The Lord hath brought down Zion from above. The Lord hath brought up Zion from beneath.

     The earth hath travailed and brought forth her strength; And truth is established in her bowels; And the heavens have smiled upon her; And she is clothed with the glory of her God; For he stands in the midst of his people.

      Glory, and honor, and power, and might, Be ascribed to our God; for he is full of mercy, Justice, grace and truth, and peace, Forever and ever, Amen.

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.

Before Jesus Christ came into the world, Adam and Eve were commanded:

But of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it; for in the time that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die. (Abraham 5:13)

Adam and Eve did put forth their hands and partake of the “fruit of that tree” and man fell from immortality and the Garden of Eden into our mortal probation. In previous blogs I have discussed the Garden of Eden and roles of Adam and Eve in the lives of all who descended from them, which is every human being who has ever lived, is alive and will ever live on the face of this earth. It sufficeth me to say that Adam and Eve hold a place of honor, admiration and immense gratitude in my heart.

Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy. (2 Nephi 2:25)

Had Adam and Eve not made the choice they did we would not be here today. But because they did make that choice, all man born to the world from that point forward were caught forever in their sins because no Savior had yet been born to redeem them.

Enter Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, our Lord and Redeemer.

And God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou wast born.

 

And there stood one among them that was like unto God, and he said unto those who were with him: We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell; (Abraham 3:23-24)

And that One who was like unto God was Jesus Christ. Two stepped forward after Heavenly Father presented His plan of salvation, one was chosen and one fell taking a large number of the hosts of heaven with him. (Revelations 12)

From that moment a sacrifice beyond compare was agreed to and Jesus Christ, under the explicit and loving direction of His Father in Heaven, was born into the world in the meridian of time. Thirty years passed before He took up the mantle of godhood and began preaching His Father’s Word.

At the culmination of His great mission where miracle upon miracle was performed, the great and precious truths which had been lost until He taught them again in the synagogues, homes, streets and hills of Israel. Those who had previously been cast aside, those who preached at the pulpit, those who fished in the waters of Galilee, those who carried water from the wells were all taught the gospel of Jesus Christ, His Father’s word.

Then on that night in Gethsemane when Jesus Christ first took upon the weight of all the sins, sorrows and illnesses of all the children of God, no matter where or when they lived it caused even God, the greatest of us all, to bleed from every pore. This painting by artist, Derek Hegsted, shows the moment of greatest despair in the Savior as His robe was drenched in blood and His physical body weakened by the ravages of sin.

Throughout the night as He lived up to His promise to His Father in Heaven and to each of us, wave upon wave of agony was poured out upon Him as He descended below the lowest of us all and paid the price for our redemption. Justice was satisfied and mercy magnified on that night so long ago in a garden of Israel.

Of this astounding and boundless act of godly love Andrew C. Skinner said:

The Atonement of Christ is so great in its effects and so far-reaching in its consequences that it easily qualifies as the most important occurrence in time or in all eternity. Nothing ever has or ever will surpass in its significance. Nothing is greater in the entire universe or in the history of created things than Christ’s Atonement. … “When the prophets speak of an infinite Atonement, they mean just that. Its effects cover all men, the earth itself and all forms of life thereon, and reach out into the endless expanses of eternity.” McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 64) (Andrew C. Skinner, Gethsemane, Deseret Book, Salt Lake City, 2002 11)

This sacrifice beyond compare was, is and ever will be the single most critical and redeeming moment in the history of the children of God.

This article was originally published in February 2008. Minor changes have been made.

Candace

I began peeling.  The first swipe on the potato revealed some dark bruises.

I hadn’t seen any indication that the potato was bruised at all.  As I continue peeling around the potato, bruises peppered that little russet.

Potatoes are large, medium, or small and in a variety of colors. Some potatoes are peeled without any damage and are whole. Some potatoes have deep gashes and obvious bruises that need to be cut out.  Some don’t have any wounds, but still have green skin to be removed. Some potatoes have eyes growing like crazy that need to be knocked off. Some have mushy spots to cut off and discard.  And sometimes, you find the potatoes that seem to be whole but have a bruise or two or are covered in unseen wounds.

Nobody Rides for Free

How like people is this?

Except do people remain unscathed, unbruised, or unwounded?

I read these words from Brené Brown that rang so true to me.

Every single person has a story that will break your heart … And if you’re paying attention, many people … have a story that will bring you to your knees. Nobody rides for free.

“Nobody rides for free!”

This life is a beautiful opportunity to become more Christlike — like Christ who suffered all things.

Wounded

Elder Neil L. Andersen’s talk Wounded eloquently sums up the thoughts I had while peeling potatoes. Here’s a glimpse of his wonderful talk.

Our wounds may come from a natural disaster or an unfortunate accident. They may come from an unfaithful husband or wife, turning life upside down for a righteous spouse and children. The wounds may come from the darkness and gloom of depression, from an unanticipated illness, from the suffering or premature death of someone we love, from the sadness of a family member dismissing his or her faith, from the loneliness when circumstances do not bring an eternal companion, or from a hundred other heart-wrenching, painful “[sorrows] that the eye can’t see.”

We each understand that difficulties are part of life, but when they come to us personally, they can take our breath away. Without being alarmed, we need to be ready. The Apostle Peter said, “Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you.” Along with the bright colors of happiness and joy, the darker-colored threads of trial and tragedy are woven deeply into the fabric of our Father’s plan. These struggles, although difficult, often become our greatest teachers.

When telling the miraculous story of Helaman’s 2,060 young soldiers, we love this scripture: “According to the goodness of God, and to our great astonishment, and also the joy of our whole army, there was not one soul of them who did perish.”

But the sentence continues: “And neither was there one soul among them who had not received many wounds.” Each one of the 2,060 received many wounds, and each one of us will be wounded in the battle of life, whether physically, spiritually, or both.

Never give up—however deep the wounds of your soul, whatever their source, wherever or whenever they happen, and however short or long they persist, you are not meant to perish spiritually. You are meant to survive spiritually and blossom in your faith and trust in God.

God did not create our spirits to be independent of Him. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, through the incalculable gift of His Atonement, not only saves us from death and offers us, through repentance, forgiveness for our sins, but He also stands ready to save us from the sorrows and pains of our wounded souls.

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

The Potato Is Still Useable

The cool about potatoes is to realize is that each potato is usable!  After removing the damages or growths, what remains is perfectly edible.

Despite our gashes, wounds, and bruises, we are useful and valued, too! And the miraculous thing about Jesus Christ’s atonement is that when we seek and apply His grace, the gashes, wounds, and bruises are forever healed.  Through Him, we are made whole and complete.

I’ve seen bruises, gaping wounds, and gashes disappear from my mind and heart.  I’m still seeking for Christ’s grace to make me whole completely,  but I know that He can if I will.

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.

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.

Mary Magdalene

I never knew that Mary Magdalene had been one of Jesus’s disciples. For some reason it had always seemed like the group of people who traveled with the Savior were all men.

My mind clearly didn’t know how things really were, but that was the assumption I made reading the Gospels.

I thought that Mary and Martha stayed at home, and Mary Magdalene was a friend of theirs. Now that seems silly, but then it made sense to me. This series The Chosen showed me that Mary Magdalen was a disciple. She was there when the Savior taught. And she was his friend. Seeing that played out onscreen is eye opening to me.

Simon Peter

When I read the scriptures I read about Peter, James and John. What righteous men they were to follow Jesus and be part of the original 12 disciples. But this program, The Chosen, has given me new insight. These were also men with real life struggles.

They had to pay taxes, and had families with problems. They didn’t begin existing when the Savior called to them. They had lives and challenges I never imagined. But more than anything, I hadn’t really thought of them as real men.

The scriptures are in a special language, and describe a time long gone. And those distance me from the reality of these men and their lives. The Chosen has opened my eyes and helped these men become real to me. And I love them for what they overcame to be the men of God that Christ asked them to be.

Jesus before

Another wonderful thing The Chosen pointed out, was that Jesus was a man. I keep seeing him in the Son of God role for 99% of his life.

But he had to work to provide for his needs, and he had to cook his own meals. He got cut if his hand slipped with a tool.

For some reason I always imagined that angels healed him, or he never got sick. I know the scriptures say he suffered all pains, but I thought that only happened in the Garden of Gethsemane. I mean, looking back now that seems silly. But I never saw Jesus Christ as a real man before this series.

The Rock

After watching the episode where Christ called his apostles on The Chosen, I looked up the name of Peter to see what it meant. I love Hebrew names because they always mean something beautiful. Turns out it’s in a different tongue, but Peter means ‘The rock’.

To be a rock one has to be strong, tough, and hard to move. That is how Christ saw Peter becoming, and gave him a new name. But I know that Peter likely started out like you and me. He had a dream that the Savior would come one day. But as the riggers of daily life kept coming, he stopped making that his greatest focus.

Learning from The Chosen

To read more of Abby’s articles in her Living in Harmony column, click here.

I am like Peter. I long for the day the Savior will come again. But I get caught up in chores and kids and school work, and soon forget to stay focused on what matters. I am loving this series. Well done BYU TV!

Writing this article without filling it with spoilers has been really hard. So I will stop now and simply encourage you to please watch The Chosen.

You will be glad you did. And there is SO much to learn in each episode. I am so grateful BYU chose to tackle such a challenging topic. I am learning in every episode.

Abby Christianson

Abby is capable and caring. She is learning more about Autism and parenthood every day. Having completed training to be an RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) for ABA therapy she is beginning to understand her son. And even though she is the first to admit she makes a lot of mistakes, she is so grateful to be on this journey. She comes from a family with many autistic members. She invites us to join her, as she shares her adventures. She wishes to emphasize that Autism is a difference not a defect. If you or a family member have autism, Abby wants you to know that the challenges can be overcome, and there are blessings in autism. You or your loved one are not sick or broken. Together we will teach the world this new language.