The Book of Mormon

Yeah, I know. It's been a while since I've posted. You find out that the longer you've been out on your mission, the less time there is to do things. Unfortunately, my blog just happened to be something that I just haven't had the time to do. I want to write about something that has been on my mind in the last month or so since I've posted.
A lot of emphasis has been made, both in the Ensign magazine and in the most recent General Conference a few weeks ago, about the Book of Mormon. I talk to a lot of people everyday of various religious backgrounds, yet so few people understand what this precious book of scripture is or how it can help them in their lives. A lot of people can't even accept it as scripture.

Members of the Church believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly. We accept the King James Version as the most correct translation. The Lord Himself tells us to study and teach out of the Bible: " And again, the elders, priests and teachers of this church shall teach the principles of my gospel, which are in the Bible..." (Doctrine and Covenants 42:12). Yet, there are some things that the Bible never mentions at all or leaves unclear. This is where the Book of Mormon comes into play.

The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. Just as the Bible is a testament about Christ, the Book of Mormon provides an additional witness and testament about Him. It has the fullness of Christ's Gospel. It answers what the Bible leaves unclear. The Book of Mormon is a record a family who around 600 B.C. left Jerusalem at God's command and came to the Americas. This family soon split up into two nations: the Nephites and the Lamanites. Throughout the course of the book, God called prophets to warn the people of the consequences of sin and to tell of the coming of a Savior who would redeem them and suffer for their sins. The climax of the book is the personal appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ to the people after He rose from the dead. He teaches them His Gospel, performs miracles, and organizes His church. The people live in peace for many years after His coming until the Nephites become so wicked that they are destroyed. Moroni, the last living Nephite and prophet to write in the Book of Mormon, gives this promise and testimony: "And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ..." (Moroni 10: 4-5, 32)

A wonderful talk about the Book of Mormon was given in General Conference a few weeks ago. It was by Tad R. Callister of the Presidency of the Seventy of the Church. Here is a link to his talk and I would encourage you to listen to his words. He explains things so clearly: http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/the-book-of-mormon-a-book-from-god?lang=eng

I know the Book is true because I have read it. I have felt the power and peace that it brings as I have searched its pages. I have asked the Author of all truth if the book is true, and I know by the power of the Holy Ghost that it is true. I encourage all, as an authorized representative of Jesus Christ Himself, to read the Book of Mormon and find out for yourself. You will be blessed if you do. To request a free copy of the Book, go to http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon/

Men are that they might have joy

As a missionary, you get to meet a whole bunch of people every single day. My experiences have led me to discover that there are a bunch of unhappy people in the world. I can't help but wonder why this is. The prophet Lehi in the Book of Mormon teaches simply that one of the reasons that God has put us on this earth is for us to be happy. "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy." (2 Nephi 2:25)

So if one of the purposes of mortality is to be happy, why are tons of people completely miserable? To be sincerely honest, a lot of the time it's because they choose to be. The prophet Lehi also taught on the power and the lasting impact of our choices:  "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." (2 Nephi 2:27)

I love music. Music, no matter what language we all speak, touches all who hear and all who hear understand the message of what is being portrayed. One of my favorite composers is a man named Eric Whitacre. The video below is one of his songs entitled "Hope, Faith, Life, Love." This song has only eight words: hope, faith, life, love, dream, joy, truth, and soul. As you listen to this beautiful choral arrangement, focus on what word is focused on longest and is the most elaborated musically.

I know that we can choose to be happy. Life is going to hand you lemons sometimes. That's as real and unavoidable as death and taxes. The real question is what are you going to do with those lemons. Lemonade sounds good to me! 

Inspiring Musician

Alex Boye has always been an inspiration to me. Listen to his conversion story and how he was prepared to hear the message of the Restoration of the Gospel.

Marriage and Family

We live in a world where the family is being targeted and ruthlessly attacked. Satan is trying his hardest to destroy family relationships. Divorce is becoming increasingly common these days and prophets, both ancient and modern, have stated that it will only get worse. The Atonement of Jesus Christ will help us stay strong in our families. The family is ordained of God. We are in families because that's the way God wanted us to be in. Families are meant to last beyond the grave. Elder Dallin H. Oaks, a member of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles, gives some counsel if you might be struggling in your relationship with your family. I know that families can be forever. I know that Jesus Christ can heal your family relationship if you let Him. Trust Him. He will help you.

Watch and Pray

"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matthew 26:41)

"Pray always, that you may come off conqueror; yea, that you may conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work." (Doctrine and Covenants 10:5)

Temptation is all around us. Everywhere you go, you see violations of God's commandments. Whether it's on the television, Internet, or with our friends, the commandments are seen as something that's optional and breaking them as something that's even desirable. You see, there's this wonderful thing about our marvelous gift of agency, with every choice comes a consequence. This is as certain as death and taxes. We control what we choose, but what happens because of this choice is out of our hands. The same is true with breaking the commandments of God.

The prophet Alma taught in the Book of Mormon that: "wickedness never was happiness" (Alma 41:10) If that's so, why does it seem that those who break God's commandments are happy? The consequences of sin may not happen immediately, but they WILL happen. Just as Dory and Marlin find out in this video clip, we may not notice the dangers of what we are doing until it's too late.

My friends, let us follow the voice of the Savior who told us to:  "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matthew 26:41) The easiest way to avoid the consequences of caving into temptation is to make the choice well in advance that you won't. That way, when the temptation comes, you already know what you're going to do. I know that this is a true principle. Let's avoid subjecting ourselves to Satan and his awful chains. I know that wickedness never leads to happiness. It leads to misery. God's commandments make us free. Let us strive to make the choice to follow the example of our Savior, and strive everyday to become more like Him.  

The Book of Mormon (Reflections of Christ)

All I can say for this video is wow. This picture slide show shows the ministry of the Savior Jesus Christ among the people in the Americas as recorded in the Book of Mormon. The Spirit of the Lord is so present in this video. If you'd like a free copy of the Book of Mormon, please visit: http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I have read it. It testifies of Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer of the world. His grace and mercy after all we can do is the only way we can return back into the presence of the Father. You too can gain this knowledge for yourself as you read, ponder and pray about the Book of Mormon. God will answer your prayers.

None were with Him.

"For it is expedient that an atonement should be made; for according to the great plan of the Eternal God there must be an atonement made, or else all mankind must unavoidably perish; yea, all are hardened; yea, all are fallen and are lost, and must perish except it be through the atonement which it is expedient should be made." (Alma 34:9)

"And now, the plan of mercy could not be brought about except an atonement should be made; therefore God himself atoneth for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice, that God might be a perfect, just God, and a merciful God also." (Alma 42:15)

"He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:3-5)

"And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities." (Alma 7:11-12)

I love these scriptures and the video about the sacrifice our Savior made for us. He loved us so much to suffer our pains, afflictions, trials, sorrows, everything we would ever experience in this life. I know these things are true.

Music!

A lot of people think the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are not Christian. We are very much so Christians. Christ is the center of everything that we do in the Church. The Church itself has His name in the title. One of my favorite ways that members testify of the Savior is through music. Some of my favorite songs are all about the Savior, His life, and His Atonement. I thought that today that I would share a few of my favorites with you. I hope you enjoy and feel the Spirit of the Lord as the artists share their talents and testimonies.

For Lyrics, click on this link: http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Curriculum/music.htm/hymns.htm/prayer%20and%20supplication.htm/136%20i%20know%20that%20my%20redeemer%20lives.htm#JD_Hymns.136

For Lyrics, click on this link: http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Curriculum/music.htm/hymns.htm/sacrament.htm/193%20i%20stand%20all%20amazed.htm#JD_Hymns.193

For lyrics, click on this link: http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Curriculum/music.htm/hymns.htm/prayer%20and%20supplication.htm/134%20i%20believe%20in%20christ.htm#JD_Hymns.134

I hope you enjoyed the videos and music. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer. He came down to earth and suffered for the sins of the world. It is Him, and only through Him, that we can return and live with God someday.

Fathers

Since today is Fathers Day, I figured I'd base my post off a really cool video of a really devoted dad. The role of the father is huge in a family. In 1995, the Church came out with a Proclamation to the World on the family. It says that "By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for the families." What a privilege and responsibility from the Lord. I'm still a few years away from having my own children, but I know that I will do my best to fulfill that call from the Lord. I love my father very much and I know that he's watching over me. Happy Fathers Day to all you dads out there. Have a great day!

Find out for yourself

I know I've shared this video before, but I couldn't not post it again. I know that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, in the year 1820. I don't, however, want you to take my word for it. I want you to find out for yourself. The Savior said that: "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." (Matthew 7:20) One of the fruits of the prophet Joseph Smith is the Book of Mormon. He received it by an angel and translated it by the gift and power of God. The Lord, through Joseph Smith, restored the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ upon the earth again. You can know for yourself that what I'm telling you is true. Read the Book of Mormon with an open mind, then take it up with the Author of all truth, which is our Heavenly Father. He is our Father. He loves us. He wants us to return to live with Him someday. He will tell us what is true and what is not. I know that as you read the Book of Mormon and ask God, He will tell you that it is true. Millions of people around the world have done it and God has told them, so why not you? I promise you, as an official representative of Jesus Christ, that you will receive an answer, for God has promised it. Here's another video going into detail about Joseph Smith's experience with our Heavenly Father and His Son.

Temples made simple

I really like these videos. They explain things that people don't know much about, like the temple, and explain it in very simple terms. The temple is a very sacred place. In it, we make promises with God. We learn so many things about the purposes of this life and how to return to live with God one day. I hope you enjoy this video.

Can't explain it better than that!

What is the Book of Mormon? In this fun little video, it explains very clearly what the Book of Mormon is. It is a companion to the Bible. It doesn't add to or take away from the Bible. Instead, it supports everything that the Bible teaches and even encourages us to read it. In the last chapter of the Book of Mormon, a prophet named Moroni makes a powerful promise: "Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts. And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things." (Moroni 10:3-5) God will fulfil all of His promises. If you read the Book of Mormon and pray about it, God will tell you that it is true. I know that the Book of Mormon is true, because I have applied this promise myself. The Holy Ghost has come to me, and told me that it is true. If God will tell me the truth, He will tell you as well.

Common Misconceptions

I'm sure a lot of you have heard some pretty outrageous stuff about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Some of which may seem true, but you don't know for sure. Here's a fun little video clip of some rumors that are out there about the Church. Hopefully this clears up some of your concerns. If you have more questions, visit http://mormon.org/faq/. I know that this Church is the same Church that Jesus Christ established while He was on the earth, restored by the prophet Joseph Smith. The knowledge I obtained can be obtained by you as well. If you read the Book of Mormon (visit this link to request a free copy http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon/), and truly, sincerely read it and ask our Father in Heaven if it is true, He will tell you. God is our loving Heavenly Father. He wants us all to return to Him. Why wouldn't He give us the knowledge and direction we need in order to accomplish this? I know God answers prayers. I encourage you to find out for yourself the truth. God will tell you.

Shoulder Angels and Agency

How many times do we have this kind of conversation with ourselves? We're thinking about doing something wrong, and we argue with ourselves whether we go ahead, do it, and justify it with ourselves, or we don't do it. In Kronk's case, he didn't do it in the end, but how many times do we listen to our miniature devil or carnal side of us?

 One of the purposes of this life is to "see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them." (Abraham 3:25) Obviously, this means that we have agency, or the ability to choose. If there's an ability to choose, there's a good and a bad. The prophet Lehi explained it best when he said that "it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my first-born in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility." (2 Nephi 2:11)

 Agency is part of God's plan. We must choose whether to follow God and His Son Jesus Christ, or to follow the devil. This choice is a very significant one, obviously, as it determines our eternal destiny. Let us choose to follow Jesus Christ by keeping His commandments. The Savior said that "If ye love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15) Let's choose to follow the Example of God's Beloved Son. We will be blessed beyond belief if we do.

The Whys of Missionary Work

Haven't we all felt like Phil in this song at least once in our lives? We have a goal or vision of what we want to accomplish, and you just try everything that you know to make it happen, but it doesn't for whatever reason. Take being a missionary for example. We want everybody to have faith in Jesus Christ, repent, be baptized by somebody who holds the Priesthood authority of God, receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost by that same authority, and endure to the end of their lives. This is the formula that brings happiness not only in this life, but in the life to come.

Why do missionaries do what they do? What motivates us to devote two years and pay our own way to share the gospel with people? While many missionaries have many other motives for serving a mission, the main one is generally the same. "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God; For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him. He hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance. And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth!...And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father! And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!" (Doctrine and Covenants 18:10-13, 15-16)

Is everybody going to accept the joyful message we come out here to share? Of course not, but that doesn't stop us from trying. We go from door to door, talking to people we see on the street, in the hope that we can help just one person on the path towards returning to live with our Heavenly Father. We come to testify sincerely of the Savior Jesus Christ and His divine role as Savior and Redeemer. We testify that His gospel, which was lost after the death of Christ and His Apostles, has been restored through a modern day prophet Joseph Smith. We testify that the Book of Mormon is tangible evidence of this Restoration. As you read it, ponder its teachings, and sincerely pray about it, God will tell you what he's told millions of others...that it's true! I know myself that these things are true, for God has told it to me through the Holy Ghost, and He will for you as you put in your part to seek for the truth.   

It's not over til the fat lady sings.

One of the coolest things in basketball is that the game really isn't over until the final buzzer sounds. You have to play hard until the game really is over. I've posted a couple of videos that demonstrate phenomenal comebacks in just a short period of time.

This reminds me of a lot of people that feel that they cannot be forgiven of the sins that they have committed. The Savior said: "For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men." (Doctrine and Covenants 19:16-19) The Savior suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane for ALL of us. He did this out of complete selflessness, taking upon Him the pains of sin so we would not have to. The Savior also invites us to "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)

The thing about repentance is that there will be a time when we will not be able to repent. Just like the basketball game, there's always time for a comeback until the actual buzzer sounds, then there's nothing that can be done. The prophet Amulek explained it this way: "And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed." (Alma 34:33) I exhort you not to wait until this time comes! Repentance is possible! The Savior Jesus Christ made it so by His ultimate suffering and death. Take advantage of this priceless gift of the Atonement. The Lord has promised that if we repent:"...I, the Lord, remember [our sins] no more." I know that these things are true. I bear my witness that God loves us, and wants us to return to Him. The way we do this is through repentance. I testify of these things.

United we stand

The inspiration for this post comes from a scripture in the Book of Acts, 10th chapter, 34th verse: "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons." (Acts 10:34) This scripture has always stood out to me. God loves us all individually and equally. He doesn't play favorites. Pondering about this, a scene from a movie I really liked as a child came back to my memory. In the beginning of the movie Quest for Camelot, the Knights of the Round Table are returning to Camelot. It talks about how "hand upon hand, brother to brother, no one shall be greater than all." That's the same way it is with God. Nobody is greater than anybody else! Isn't that how it should be with us? Let us all look at everybody the way God sees people, as equals.

Chastisement=a positive experience???

The scriptures teach us that sometimes chastisement is necessary for God's people.

"My people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have for them, even the glory of Zion; and he that will not bear chastisement is not worthy of my kingdom." (Doctrine and Covenants 136:31)

"Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you whom I love, and whom I love I also chasten that their sins may be forgiven, for with the chastisement I prepare a way for their deliverance in all things out of temptation, and I have loved you—" (Doctrine and Covenants 95:1)

"Yea, wo unto this people who are called the people of Nephi except they shall repent, when they shall see all these signs and wonders which shall be showed unto them; for behold, they have been a chosen people of the Lord; yea, the people of Nephi hath he loved, and also hath he chastened them; yea, in the days of their iniquities hath he chastened them because he loveth them." (Helaman 15:3)

"And thus we see that except the Lord doth chasten his people with many afflictions, yea, except he doth visit them with death and with terror, and with famine and with all manner of pestilence, they will not remember him." (Helaman 12:3)

I love this video clip from the Prince of Egypt. Moses is talking with the Lord at the burning bush. Moses doubts that he can accomplish the task which the Lord has asked him to do, and the Lord rebukes him. Yet, in His loving way, the Lord picks him up and gives him His confidence and encourages him.

That's really the whole point of chastisement. Yeah, you may be getting yelled at for something dumb that you did, but in the end, they're only yelling at you because they love you and don't want to see you hurt. So, when chastisement comes, bear it and look for what you can do to make it a learning experience.

For more on this subject, check out an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ's view of chastisement: http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/as-many-as-i-love-i-rebuke-and-chasten?lang=eng&query=D.+Todd+Christofferson

"If...if is good." Or is it?

 As I was thinking about what to post today, I had a sudden spark of inspiration relating to this scripture found in the Doctrine and Covenants. "Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled. What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same." (Doctrine and Covenants 1:37-38) It really got me thinking about how God's promises really are all fulfilled. It may take time and patience, but in the end, they really are all fulfilled. Then I thought about the world and how the world might think about this subject. As I pondered this, this little video clip from the Disney movie Hercules came into my head. Towards the end of the clip, Pain and Panic (the little minion guys who are the only voices you can hear in this clip) expresses what I feel the world's view is towards whether or not God's promises are fulfilled.

If...if can sometimes be a frightening word. If expresses uncertainty or sometimes even fear. From my experiences as a missionary, I can really see how people really aren't sure about whether God's promises will be fulfilled, or even if there is a God at all. Yet, I know, from personal experience that there is a God in heaven who loves us more than we could possibly know. To show us His love, he makes promises, or covenants, with us and because He is our Father, He cannot lie to us. I know that God's promises will be fulfilled that have been spoken by Him personally, or by His servants the prophets. If you don't know, take it up with Him. He'll tell you if you're sincere enough when you ask Him. 



Great example of sportsmanship

In the world of sports today, it's really hard sometimes to find any sort of chivalry or sportsmanship. Most of what we see are technical fouls for fighting in basketball, 15 yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in football and what have you. We don't see much kindness or respect in sports anymore like we used to In this video, we have two softball teams playing for a conference title. One player, a senior playing in perhaps her final game, hits a three run home run. On her way around the bases, she forgets to touch first base. The run won't count unless she touches all of the bases. As she turns around to do so, she tears the ACL in her knee. What happens next is very touching. 

I can't help but be reminded of the Savior's teachings that "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethern, ye have done it unto me." Let's always remember this as we associate with our fellow men.