Service

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Sunday afternoon session of the October 2007 conference.

Many talk of the trouble they have receiving service, that they are more comfortable giving service. Well, I just might be the first person you've met who has the opposite problem. Giving service to those outside my family has been so difficult for me. I've tried to analyze why. The only explanation I can come up with is that I've been "burned" so many times trying to give service that I'm hesitant to do anything.

I'll give some examples. When I was a young single adult attending a family ward in Utah a young family immigrated from East Germany. The wife was expecting their third or fourth baby. I had been friendly with them, saying hello at church and such. When the baby was going to be blessed in church I thought I'd be kind and sit with the family so they wouldn't be alone. Wrong! They had relations that took up two or three rows in the chapel. I felt like an interloper as I was asked to scoot down the row to allow more family to sit together. It was so awkward! They didn't need my friendship, they had more family supporting them than I did! My "good deed" wasn't even needed.

In a different situation here in the Midwest, I signed up to bring a meal to a woman who had some surgery on her feet. I drove an hour to deliver the meal, knocked on the door, no answer. I waited about 30 minutes, kept knocking on the door and wondering what had happened. There were cars in the driveway, but no one seemed to be home, just the dogs barking inside. So I took the meal (no way to leave it on the stoop) home again and called the RS President to find out what happened. Turned out that the woman had gone shopping and out to dinner! Never again! At least not to that person. 

In the forty years between those two incidents there have been numerous other mishaps of various kinds which I try not to remember and catalog. I have had some successful experiences with service, but those seem to be rare for me. So I've been sort of gun-shy about serving. I am, however, a really gracious receiver of service and generally write thank you notes to those who give of their time or resources to me. Because my "love language" is service (and gifts) I feel loved when someone gives me service. 

Elder Steven E. Snow gave a wonderful talk on this subject setting forth three principles of service.

"First, we are commanded to serve one another. . . . This service is to be given unselfishly, with no thought of personal gain or reward. It is to be given as needed, not when convenient." It's rare that service is needed at a convenient time. Emergencies and deaths aren't preplanned, and those events seem to happen when we are busiest. Schedules have to change, sacrifices made, and resources reallocated. ". . . look for ways to bless the lives of others through seemingly simple acts of service. It is better to do even things of little consequence than to do nothing at all." 

After James died many in our branch wanted to bring in meals, but I asked that they not do that because I needed the simple routine of fixing food and cleaning up to keep from dissolving into a puddle of tears and self-pity. Plus, another son and his wife made all the food after they arrived to help us. (She eats a vegan diet and I felt I couldn't ask others to cater to her.) After the funeral I asked for help with preparing flower beds in the garden (it was Spring), and really appreciated phone calls, cards and visits. I learned the power of the prayers of others in times of grief.

"Second, we have an obligation as members of the Church to accept callings to serve in building the kingdom of God on earth." 

I've turned down a calling only once. I felt bad, but I also felt that I just couldn't do that particular calling at that particular time. We had just moved to a new area far from family; I had three children 5, 3 and 1, and we had just begun homeschooling our oldest. The calling was to be a Primary teacher. As soon as I heard it I spontaneously burst into tears. I couldn't face spending time at church with little children. I needed interaction with adults! I was with littles 24/7 as it was. A few months later I received a stake calling that turned out to be the perfect job for the time and circumstances of my life. But that's the only time. 

Building God's Kingdom isn't just through formal callings though. It can be as simple as greeting a new person at church and inviting them to sit with you, then helping them find the right classroom for second hour. It could be setting up or taking down chairs, picking up bulletins or other detritus after a meeting. Taking a turn at cleaning the building. Chaperoning a youth activity or temple trip. And many other things.

Currently I've been attending missionary lessons to a young mother who lives in our town. It's brought back lots of pleasant memories from my own missionary service as well as shown me how far I've come in my teaching ability! Mostly though, I enjoy her sweet spirit and her generosity! I feel energized by my service. Perhaps that is another key to service--what kind of service is energizing or satisfying to you? We don't all have the same talents or gifts so perhaps some service is "easier" to give than another kind of service. 

Elder Snow's final point is ". . . we have a responsibility to render service in our communities."  

In September I contacted a woman in town about a quilt guild and beyond the information she gave me about that, she invited me to a baby quilt making group that meets once a month. So I attended. It was a pleasant experience to be welcomed into a group of Christian women who meet each month to produce baby quilts for use by community public health nurses making new baby wellness checks. Except for the coffee break, it felt a lot like a Relief Society work day that I remember from attending with my mother and grandmother. I felt like I had found my people! My biggest regret is that I didn't look for this opportunity earlier; but I kept waiting for the Relief Society of our branch to do something. I finally gave up waiting. And now I have another circle of friends and am accomplishing something worthwhile.

"Unselfishness, sharing, and giving are essential to service. . . . If we fail to serve, we fail to receive the fulness of the privileges and blessings of the restored gospel."

I've also begun to serve in the temple each Saturday. I'm now one of those "sweet, little, old ladies". Oh my, do I have some work to do! But I love the spirit of the temple and in just the two weeks I've worked there have felt an increase in my love of the gospel and Our Father's plan. It feels so good to be serving there.

I'm so grateful that we have daily opportunities to repent and improve. I've been giving thought to what I want to accomplish in the new year and know that giving more service is part of it. 

Line Upon Line to the Goal of Clean Hands and a Pure Heart

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Sunday morning session of the October 2007 conference.

From Elder David A. Bednar

Small, steady, incremental spiritual improvements are the steps the Lord would have us take. Preparing to walk guiltless before God is one of the primary purposes of mortality and the pursuit of a lifetime; it does not result from sporadic spurts of intense spiritual activity.

That has been the reason for my daily scripture study, and going through the motions of attending church even when I don't "feel" like it. I'm trusting, as my mission president taught us, that my spirit will catch up to where my body is. 

Procrastination

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Priesthood session of the October 2007 conference.

I think I've struggled to overcome procrastination my entire life. I can do really well for a while then I backslide and fall right back into bad habits of putting off doing this, that, or the other thing.

Elder Donald L. Hallstrom tells the funny story of his 11 year old son putting off choosing a family recipe for submission to the school's cookbook. On the day it was due he wasn't ready and told his friend who gladly supplied an extra that he had. The result was published for all to see: the "Hallstrom Family Favorite Recipe--Bacardi Rum Cake."

Many of us place ourselves in circumstances far more consequential than embarrassment because of our procrastination to become fully converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ. We know what is right, but we delay full spiritual involvement because of laziness, fear, rationalization, or lack of faith. We convince ourselves that "someday I'm going to do it." However, for many "someday" never comes, and even for others who eventually do make a change, there is an irretrievable loss of progress and surely regression.

 

Elder Neal A. Maxwell spoke of this also in his talk titled "Why Not Now" which was one my mission president asked us to study. 

As mortals, natural men and women, we tend to want to pursue an easy path, I know I do. But that is not what mortal life is supposed to be. It is a test--and tests are by nature hard! But this is an open book test with lots of help and encouragement from our Headmaster and teachers. 

Elder Hallstrom says, "One of President Spencer W. Kimball's effective encouragements was the succinct "Do it." He later expanded this to "Do it now" to pointedly teach the need for timeliness." 

Procrastination may seem the easy way, as it momentarily removes the effort required to accomplish something of value. Ironically, in time, procrastination produces a heavy burden laced with guilt and a hollow lack of satisfaction. Temporal and, even more importantly, spiritual goals will not be achieved by procrastination. 

What have I procrastinated spiritually? Lots that has to do with ministering. It's so hard for me to respond to promptings and act immediately. It's embarrassing to admit that I have a fear of being wrong (as I have been so many times in the past!)

Elder Hallstrom invites, "Now is the time to do whatever is required to resolve our undesired circumstances. . . . It may not be easy, but our afflictions can be swallowed up in the joy of Christ." 

  

Payments and Dividends

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Saturday morning session of the October 2007 conference.

About six months prior to our son's suicide I felt a strong impression that I needed to "up my game" in gospel study. I worked on being more diligent at studying every day. When the crisis hit my testimony of the Savior and His Atonement was strong enough to support me through that trying time. 

Elder Keith K. Hilbig of the Seventy says, "If you set your payment, which is your personal effort, very low, you may not be able to avail yourself of all the Spirit has to offer. You may even quench the Spirit! However, if you set your personal contribution high, you will reap an abundant harvest from the Spirit. The payment I reference is, of course, not money, rather it is a greater commitment to and involvement in personal spiritual endeavors and behaviors."

"Would you consider investing more of your time in the things of eternity in order to merit the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost and to benefit more fully from His influence?"

I'll be forever grateful I paid attention and acted upon that particular prompting.

Modesty is More than Just Not Showing Skin

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the General Young Women session of the April 2007 conference.

Modesty has been a topic of conversation, blogs, YouTube videos, Pinterest photos, and much more for decades. Lots of opinions and counsel swirl around the internet. Often the discussion gets heated as opinions clash, offense is taken, and justifications are offered.

Sister Elaine S. Dalton, then Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency offered what I think is the best definition of modesty outside of scripture or prophetic/apostolic teachings.

Modesty is not a matter of being "hip." It is a matter of the heart and being holy. It is not about being fashionable. It is about being faithful. It is not about being cool. It is about being chaste and keeping covenants. It is not about being popular, but about being pure. Modesty has everything to do with keeping our footing securely on the path of chastity and virtue.

 

Measured against that description we, young, in the middle, or old, can know how to dress, speak, and behave. 

Even though I'm almost 67, I enjoy the counsel to the Young Women. In many ways, and especially compared to Heavenly Father, I feel like a teenager who needs encouragement and guidance. This particular Young Women presidency was one of powerfully spiritual women. Their instruction, encouragement and testimonies are still relevant.  

"Mom, Are We Christians?"

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Sunday afternoon session of the April 2007 conference.

I taught Primary for three years recently and began each year with spending a few minutes each Sunday teaching the children (they were 5-7 year olds, preparing for baptism) what I call "The Basics".

I'd start out asking "What is the name of our church?" The most common answer was "The Fairmont Branch". I'd then teach them the correct name of the church, and then ask, "Are we Christians?" Most children said, "No." Some of them emphatically! So I'd teach them the connection between the name of the church and who is the head of the church and who we worship. Then I'd ask "Who is the prophet and president of the church?" "Jesus!" They'd jubilantly proclaim. So I'd show them a photo of President Nelson and introduce them to the prophet. Then we'd learn the names of his counselors and what they looked like. We'd do this every week until all the children could give correct answers to all the questions. I wanted them to know without doubts that yes, we are Christians.

Elder Gary J. Coleman told of a 14 year old girl asking her mother, "Mom, are we Christians?" My heart went out to that girl and wondered how she'd gotten to be 14 without someone teaching her the connection between the name of the church, who is the head of the church, and who we worship. 

Elder Coleman tells his story of growing up in a devout Christian home having no question in his mind that they could define themselves as Christians. 

I think too many parents think their children will get it by osmosis rather than direct teaching in Family Home Evening. Feeling compassion for the children who weren't being taught at home guided my insistence on teaching them directly in Primary.

Elder Coleman bears his testimony saying, "As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you are a Christian, and I am too. I am a devout Christian who is exceedingly fortunate to have greater knowledge of the true "doctrine of Christ" since my conversion to the restored Church. These truths define this Church as having the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Like other members of the Church, I now understand the true nature of the Godhead, I have access to additional scripture and revelation, and I can partake of the blessings of priesthood authority."

I so love to hear conversion stories and testimonies. I grew up in the church and have known it is true since I was a little girl. Lately I have wondered if I hadn't been born in a covenant home would I have felt a lack and consequently searched for the truth? I hope I would have. I can't imagine life without the truths of the Gospel, or the hope of eternal life to come.

What does it profit?

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Priesthood session of the April 2007 conference.

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin asked some pointed questions.

How do we know if we are wise or foolish? When we hear inspired counsel, we obey. That is the test of wise or foolish. What does it profit us if we listen to wise counsel and do not heed the words? Of what use is experience if we do not learn from it? What good are the scriptures if we do not cherish the words and incorporate them into our lives?

Having had a wonderful General Conference weekend earlier this month these questions seem pertinent and timely. 

 

Gratitude

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Saturday afternoon session of the April 2007 conference.

I had forgotten what happened at this session, the rededication of the Salt Lake Tabernacle, so was pleasantly surprised to read the talks. Lots of reminiscing. I've chosen my favorite quote from Relief Society General President Bonnie Parkin's talk.

The kind of gratitude that receives even tribulations with thanksgiving requires a broken heart and a contrite spirit, humility to accept that which we cannot change, willingness to turn everything over to the Lord--even when we do not understand, thankfulness for hidden opportunities yet to be revealed. Then comes a sense of peace.

 

Yes, I understand that sort of gratitude. 

More Than A Few Good Things

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Saturday morning session of the April 2007 conference.

So many memorable talks in this session. I'll share some of my highlights:

Elder Richard G. Scott spoke of prayer - Think of it: the absolute Supreme Being, the most all-knowing, all-seeing, all-powerful personage, encourages you and me, as insignificant as we are, to converse with Him as our Father. . . . Our supplication can be brief or can occupy all the time needed. It can be an extended expression of love and gratitude or an urgent plea for help. . . . A key to improved prayer is to learn to ask the right questions. Consider changing from asking for the things you want to honestly asking what He wants for you. . . . Each prayer is tailored to its purpose, with a clear statement of what needs resolution, as well as ample expression of gratitude for specific, recognized blessings. . . . What do you do when you have prepared carefully, have prayed fervently, waited a reasonable time for a response, and still do not feel an answer? You may want to express thanks when that occurs, for it is an evidence of His trust. . . . When you are living righteously and are acting with trust, God will not let you proceed too far without a warning impression if you have made the wrong decision.

Elder Jay E. Jensen spoke of Hymns - [And aren't the new ones just lovely!] Hymns "create a feeling of reverence." The words reverence and revelation are like twins who like each other's company. . . . Singing hymns and listening to appropriate music begin at home.

Elder John B. Dickson spoke of Commitment to the Lord - (He was our Stake President in Washington) Your commitment can begin from where you are presently, whether young or old, including repenting and forsaking sin where mistakes have already been made. . . . As you commit now to do the will of the Lord, He will help and strengthen you. Your faith, trust, and desire to follow Him will be your greatest key to success.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland spoke of Words - We should honor the Savior's declaration to "be of good cheer." . . . Speak hopefully. Speak encouragingly, including about yourself. Try not to complain and moan incessantly. . . . no misfortune is so bad that whining about it won't make it worse. . . . With such words [the encouraging ones], spoken under the influence of the Spirit, tears can be dried, hearts can be healed, lives can be elevated, hope can return, confidence can prevail.

Elder David A. Bednar gave the famous Parable of the Pickle - [Even my children remember this one!] After we come out of the waters of baptism, our souls need to be continuously immersed in and saturated with the truth and the light of the Savior's gospel. Sporadic and shallow dipping in the doctrine of Christ and partial participation in His restored Church cannot produce the spiritual transformation that enable us to walk in a newness of life. Rather, fidelity to covenants, constancy of commitment, and offering our whole soul unto God are required if we are to receive the blessings of eternity.

President Thomas S. Monson spoke of the resurrection - Through tears and trials, through fears and sorrows, through the heartache and loneliness of losing loved ones, there is assurance that life is everlasting. Our Lord and Savior is the living witness that such is so.

Eternally Encircled in His Love

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the General Relief Society session of the October 2006 conference.

When I was about nine or ten I went in to my parent's bedroom to say goodnight to them. I hugged my mother and said goodnight then walked around the bed to my father. Before I could lean toward him to give him a hug he said, "I don't want a hug from a naughty girl like you." I was so taken aback that I couldn't say anything and simply left the room with an aching heart and a vow to never give him a hug ever again. And I didn't, until I was about eighteen. I don't remember what I did to be called naughty, it was probably teasing my younger brother or something similar. My father was a good man, committed to the Gospel, but he had a hard time giving grace, being merciful and would withhold his love if he felt I wasn't worthy. That affected my life for a very long time.

Sister Bonnie D. Parkin, (who hugged me the first and only time she ever met me!) said, "Feeling His love encourages us to press forward, reassures us that we are His, and confirms to us that He cherishes us even when we stumble and experience temporary setbacks."

At a time when my marriage was on the rocks and I was struggling to meet the demands of five young children I went into my closet, knelt down and poured out my heart to God. I said I just want to feel loved. Immediately I felt the warmth and strength of His love enveloping me from head to toe. It was a sacred, phenomenal moment. 

". . . women need to feel the Lord's love in their lives daily." After my experience feeling my Heavenly Father's love once I could recall that feeling whenever I needed a renewal and reassurance. He is the only one who has never let me down, left me disappointed, or caused me pain.

"Our Heavenly Father loved us before we came to this earth. I know that He loves us, sisters, as does His Son, Jesus Christ. That love will never change--it is constant. You can rely on it. We can trust it."

The most important thing I've learned is that I don't have to be perfect to be worthy of His love. He wants me to keep improving and progressing, but He loves me every step and misstep of the way.

"We must acknowledge that perfection is a process. This is a gospel of eternal progress, and we must remember to appreciate the journey. Eternal means 'without beginning or end,' so the encircling of His love is there for us every day."

In August I had another good experience feeling my Father's love, in my journal I recorded, "Last night I paused in my prayer to listen and cry. I think the Spirit said to me, 'Give yourself grace, you've had a hard life. Don't give up now.' That felt so merciful to me."

"Do you feel the Lord's love in your life? How I feel His love may be different from how you experience it. The key is to come to understand how you feel that love. And once you've felt it, be willing to share it."

The more I study the scriptures and General Conference talks the more I feel loved. The more I notice nature around me such as the colors, sounds, smells, etc. the more I feel loved. The more obedient I am to the commandments the more I feel loved. And the more I serve others and give grace and mercy to others the more I feel loved. But even when I'm feeling disappointed and angry, feeling tired of trying, and rebellious, I STILL feel loved by a perfect, infinitely patient Father who never turns me away, welcoming me with open arms to comfort and encourage. Which in turn increases my love for Him. My goal is to share His love with others so they can feel that too.

Settle This in Your Hearts, There are Prophets in the Land Again!

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Sunday afternoon session of the October 2006 conference. 

The talks by Elder Larry W. Gibbons followed by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland dovetailed as if planned.  Elder Gibbons talked about the blessings of having commandments, that they are meant to draw us closer to God.

My fear is that too many of us are not fully committed to living all the commandments. These Saints are not willing to leave the world completely behind. They are holding back.

When teaching our children I would explain that just as we have rules in our family and home to keep you children safe and happy, God has commandments to keep us safe and happy. His rules are not restrictive, any more than my rule to not touch the hot stove is restrictive. You are free to touch, but you are not free from the consequences of doing so. You will be safer and happier if you obey my rules!

The closer we get to the Savior's Second Coming the more clear the choice is between the two warring sides. We are either on the Lord's side or we are choosing (or defaulting to) Satan's side.

We cannot keep one foot in the Church and one foot in the world. One reason is the world and the Church are rapidly diverging. We will lose our balance. . . . How do we lose our savor? One way is when we stop being different from the world. Many in the Church are drifting in the direction of the world and looking and becoming more and more like the world. We must stop drifting.

I think about that as I try to navigate the current culture. I want to look and act and be seen as a disciple of Jesus Christ. I don't want to look, sound or act like the world. But we don't have a distinctive dress like the Amish or Mennonites do. (Although there are times when I'd like to have a simplified wardrobe and not have to make so many choices!) I do chose to be modest, in the old-fashioned sense of being covered up and not trendy. When I was in a homeschooling group years ago we joked about being "Denimites" because we all wore denim skirts or jumpers. 

I like what Elder Gibbons says, "There are precious blessings that come only from the complete yielding of one's heart to God." Perhaps one of those blessings is that we will receive inspiration about, and confirmation of, questions we have, such as what we should wear, and any other choices we face.

Then Elder Gibbons finishes with the admonition, "Brothers and sisters, stay on the straight and narrow path. No, stay in the middle of the straight and narrow path. Don't drift; don't wander; don't dabble; be careful." Wise counsel for our day.

Elder Holland was the next speaker and he said, "It is no trivial matter for this Church to declare to the world prophecy, seership, and revelation, but we do declare it."

In today's culture where youth is worshipped and the aged are largely disregarded, Elder Holland's testimony about the leadership of the Church is thrilling:

. . . I say with all the fervor of my soul that never in my personal or professional life have I ever associated with any group who are so in touch, who know so profoundly the issues facing us, who look so deeply into the old, stay so open to the new, and weigh so carefully, thoughtfully, and prayerfully everything in between. I testify that the grasp this body of men and women have of moral and societal issues exceeds that of any think tank or brain trust of comparable endeavor of which I know anywhere on the earth.

Wow!! What a declaration. And what a blessing to have, and know that we have, prophets, seers, and revelators among us to lead and guide us on the covenant path of discipleship. I'm eager for the upcoming General Conference!

Applicable to Relief Society

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Priesthood session of the October 2006 conference.

Rozy at Blue Mounds State Park - Prairie Flowers

Many of the principles taught by Elder Henry B. Eyring seemed to me to be equally applicable to the Relief Society.

. . . the strength of a quorum comes in large measure from how completely its members are united in righteousness. . . . [quoting Alma in the book of Mosiah] having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another.

The Relief Society was initially founded to give service to those working on building the temple. The Prophet Joseph Smith gave the sisters further direction to lead others to the Savior. Serving together, sharing resources and skills, enabled the sisters to serve both more effectively and more widely.

The quorum is a service unit, and the members learn in their service. A quorum can give greater service than the members could give alone. And that power is multiplied by more than their numbers. Every quorum has a leader with authority and responsibility to direct priesthood service. 

 

If you've ever been in a ward where there are cliques and partiality between members you might know the feelings of loneliness and exclusion, which should never exist in the Lord's church.

One of the hallmarks of a strong quorum is the feeling of fellowship among its members. They care for each other. They help each other. . . . so that they will lift and encourage each other to serve in righteousness with the Master in His work to offer eternal life to Heavenly Father's children.

As I listened to this talk I felt so strongly that these principles and instructions could apply equally to the Relief Society. I wondered what action I could take since I'm not in the Relief Society presidency, or any other RS calling. I have no authority, responsibility or influence over what happens in Relief Society. So I decided that all I can do is work within my small sphere of influence among the sisters I'm assigned to minister to. 

. . . He has promised us that with His help good quorums can become great quorums. He wants that for us. And I know that He needs stronger quorums to bless the children of our Heavenly Father, according to the covenants. I have faith that He will.

What a wonderful promise! 

Sunday Will Come

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Saturday afternoon session of the October 2006 conference.

The thing that gave me the most comfort when our son took his own life and was gone, was my belief in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the promise of the resurrection. I do not know how others get through life without it.

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin said, "The Resurrection is at the core of our beliefs as Christians. Without it our faith is meaningless."

Not only our faith, but our very lives. What meaning is there in life if this is all there is? There would be no rhyme or reason for the vicissitudes that afflict us. We would go from struggle to struggle without any hope of relief or recompense. Thankfully, through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which includes His resurrection, all things can be made right, and we will see and be with our loved ones again.

". . . when Christ rose from the tomb, He did something no one had ever done. He did something no one else could do. He broke the bonds of death, not only for Himself but for all who have ever lived--the just and the unjust. 

"When Christ rose from the grave, becoming the firstfruits of the Resurrection, He made that gift available to all. And with that sublime ast, He softened the devastating, consuming sorrow that gnaws at the souls of those who have lost precious loved ones."

Amen!

"No matter our desperation, no matter our grief, Sunday will come. In this life or the next, Sunday will come. . . . The Resurrection transformed the lives of those who witnessed it. Should it not transform ours? . . . Because of the life and eternal sacrifice of the Savior of the world, we will be reunited with those we have cherished."

Elder Wirthlin's testimony is so similar to mine, "I am grateful beyond measure for the sublime true doctrines of the gospel and for the gift of the Holy Ghost, which has whispered comforting and peaceful words . . . From the depths of my sorrow I have rejoiced in the glory of the gospel. I rejoice that the Prophet Joseph Smith was chosen to restore the gospel to the earth in this last dispensation. I rejoice that we have a prophet, . . . , who directs the Lord's Church in our day. . . . That we may know that no matter how dark our Friday, Sunday will come, is my prayer, . . . ." 

The First Generation

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Saturday morning session of the October 2006 conference.

Once when my companion and I invited a person we were teaching to be baptized the person said, "Oh, I can't join the church. I don't have any pioneer ancestors." To which I answered, "I don't either. My Grandpa Hansen joined in 1905 in Norway, and immigrated to Utah the next year. He crossed the plains on the train! And I'm so grateful that he did. Your grandchildren will be grateful to you and honor you for being the first in your family to join the Lord's church, just as I am so thankful for my Grandpa."

Elder Paul B. Pieper spoke of and to those who are the first in their family to join the church. "You add great strength to the Church when you use your testimony, talents, abilities, and energy to build the kingdom in your wards and branches. . . . You are an example to your family of a true disciple of Jesus Christ."

My husband is the first in his family to join the church. He has struggled at times to stay active and faithful. Elder Pieper's advice is helpful, "Do not be discouraged if you make a mistake. Repenting and continuing to press forward are perhaps the most important patterns to develop in the first generation. Be patient and move forward in obedience." That counsel is pertinent to all of us. Further, he says, "Be faithful, serve your fellowman, bless your family, and make proper choices."

The earliest member of the church that I can find in my family tree is a great-great grandmother named Charlotte Haynes who joined the church in 1865 in England. I'm eternally grateful for her, for my great-great grandfather James Campbell who joined in 1875 in Scotland, for great grandma Anne Marie Mathiasen, baptized in 1879 in Denmark, and Grandpa Conrad Hansen baptized 10 February 1905 in the Arctic Ocean off the coast of Norway. They were all the first generations of my ancestors, I am the fifth generation.

Zion in the Midst of Babylon

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Sunday afternoon session of the April 2006 conference.

Today we had a severe storm pass through including a tornado. My first clue was the sound of the sirens blasting away, and then an emergency notice on my phone to take cover now! I quickly gathered a few things and descended to the basement, set up my camp chair, sat down and cried. Severe weather is the only thing that really scares me. Cell service ceased for a time and I felt rather alone. Fortunately, the storm passed and we were spared any damage.

Spiritual storms swirl around us without much physical warning. Wickedness increases as does the darkness. It reminds me of what Gandalf said in Lord of the Rings about a darkness descending over the lands. It's very real!

I was impressed with Elder David R. Stone's talk about building Zion in the midst of Babylon. I didn't remember him and couldn't place his accent so I looked up information. He was born in Argentina, moving to Utah sometime in his teens. He lived and worked all over the world, and died in 2014. 

He could have been describing today's social media when he said, "People in every culture move within a cocoon of self-satisfied self-deception, fully convinced that the way they see things is the way things really are." This is probably nowhere more true than in our politically polarized time. Elder Stone said, "There is, of course, a zeitgeist to which we should pay attention, and that is the ethos of the Lord, the culture of the people of God." When the prophet talks to us of being peacemakers, and thinking Celestial, we should give heed and do what he asks of us. We are supposed to be preparing for the Savior's Second Coming, not building bridges to Babylon. "We can create the real Zion among us by limiting the extent to which Babylon will influence our lives. . . . Seduced by our culture, we often hardly recognize our idolatry, as our strings are pulled by that which is popular in the Babylonian world." 

Doesn't this sound like good advice: "We do not need to adopt the standards, the mores, and the morals of Babylon. We can create Zion in the midst of Babylon. We can have our own standards for music and literature and dance and film and language. We can have our own standards for dress and deportment, for politeness and respect. We can live in accordance with the Lord's moral laws. We can limit how much of Babylon we allow into our homes by the media of communication."

I have long admired the Amish and Mennonite peoples for their courage to live differently and follow their consciences without regard to fitting in with the rest of the world. They are recognizable and so inspiring because of their modestly and virtue. Their courage to be different is admirable. "If we are to have Zion in the midst of Babylon, we will need courage." 

Elder Stone finishes, "We do not need to become puppets in the hands of the culture of the place and time. We can be courageous and can walk in the Lord's paths and follow His footsteps. And if we do, we will be called Zion, and we will be the people of the Lord. . . . We seek Zion because it is the habitation of our Lord, who is Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. In Zion, and from Zion, His luminous and incandescent light will shine forth, and He will rule forever." Yes! I'm looking forward to that day.

Elizabeth aka Noble

Prophetic Counsel and Warnings

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Sunday morning session of the April 2006 conference.

Some real jewels shone in the talks of this session. I'll share what I think are the highlights.

President James E. Faust: "We believe that the fulness of the gospel of Christ has been restored, but this is no reason for anyone to feel superior in any way toward others of God's children. Rather, it requires a greater obligation to invoke the essence of the gospel of Christ in our lives--to love, serve, and bless others."

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: "Are you confused with gender identity or searching for self-esteem? . . . I testify that the Savior's Atonement lifts from us not only the burden of sins but also the burden of our disappointments. . . . Considering the incomprehensible cost of the Crucifixion and Atonement, I promise you He is not going to turn His back on us now. . . . He knows the way because He is the way."

Elder Earl C. Tingey: "Christ's suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane epitomizes the most magnificent of all the attributes of Christ, His perfect love. Here we see that He truly loved all of us. . . . The word atonement, or 'at-one-ment', means to restore or to come back. In terms of family, it means to be reunited with one another and with God and His Son, Jesus Christ. It means sadness through separation will become happiness through reuniting."

Sister Anne C. Pingree: Speaking of a pair of senior sister missionaries, "They demonstrated true spiritual maturity. . . . Daily prayer and scripture study, adherence to commandments and to covenants made at baptism and in the temple are at the core of growing up unto the Lord. . . . determined service to others, even in difficult circumstances, is required of those who truly desire 'to grow up unto the Lord.'"

Elder Dallin H. Oaks: "But what about 'bond and free?' Bond--the opposite of free--means more than slavery. It means being bound (in bondage) to anything from which it is difficult to escape. Bond includes those whose freedom is restricted by physical or emotional afflictions. Bond includes those who are addicted to some substance or practice. Bond surely refers to those who are imprisoned by sin--'encircled about' by what another teaching of the Book of Mormon calls 'the chains of hell' (Alma 5:7). Bond includes those who are held down by traditions or customs contrary to the commandments of God (see Matthew 15:3-6; Mark 7:7-9; D&C 74:4-7; 93:39). Finally, bond also includes those who are confined within the boundaries of other erroneous ideas. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that we preach to 'liberate the captives.' Our Savior 'inviteth . . . all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; . . . he denieth none that come unto him . . . ; and all are alike unto God.'"

And this little gem of humor from President Gordon B. Hinckley: "I trust that you will not regard what I have said as an obituary. I look forward to the opportunity of speaking to you again in October."

I so love that the messages of General Conference are both timely and timeless. The messengers are not called prophets for no reason. They truly are God's spokesmen on earth. We would be wise to heed their counsel and warnings.

Warning!

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Priesthood session of the April 2006 conference.

From President James E. Faust:

I counsel all of you brethren to avoid every kind of addiction. At this time Satan and his followers are enslaving some of our choicest young people through addiction to alcohol, all kinds of drugs, pornography, tobacco, gambling, and other compulsive disorders. Some people seem to be born with a weakness for these substances so that only a single experimentation will result in uncontrollable addiction. Some addictions are actually mind-altering and create a craving that overpowers reason and judgment. These addictions destroy the lives not only of those who do not resist them but also their parents, spouses, and children. As the prophet Jeremiah lamented, "The inhabitants of the world, would not have believed that the adversary and the enemy should have entered into the gates." The Lord in His wisdom has warned us that substances that are not good for us should be totally avoided.

Oh how I wish our son had listened and obeyed, rather than ending as a causality in the war of good versus evil. 

James' last birthday, 17 September 2022, age 26

God Decides

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Saturday afternoon session of the April 2006 conference.

In an age when people want to do their own thing it is good to be reminded that God sets the standards, entrance requirements, and rewards. Elder Bednar's talk on always having His Spirit to be with us resonated with me.

You and I do not decide the nature or elements of a covenant. Rather, exercising our moral agency, we accept the terms and requirements of a covenant as our Eternal Father has established them.

I find that comforting and encouraging. I can rely on Him because He is not capricious and fallible. Rather He is steadfast, reliable, eternal and unchanging. 

Spiritual Gifts

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Saturday morning session of the April 2006 conference.

Sister Julie B. Beck's talk "An Outpouring of Blessings" touched my heart. I looked up my notes from this conference and saw that I had only written down her major theme, nothing specific. But hearing her words and reading along opened my eyes this time around.

She was addressing concerns that were just coming over the horizon in the culture. That is, women seeking equality in holding and exercising the priesthood. Sister Beck taught eternal truths that we all are equal in God's sight and He pours out His blessings equally upon His sons and daughters. 

What interested me most was her description of Spiritual Gifts. I have struggled to know what my gifts are because they are not mentioned directly as such in my patriarchal blessing. One, in her talk, stood out to me.

I know people who are given the spiritual gift of a believing spirit. When they hear the gospel, it rings true in their hearts.

My patriarchal blessing says that ". . . as soon as [I] heard the gospel, it rang true to [me] and [I] accepted it readily." I always thought that line odd because I was born into a covenant family and raised by faithful, covenant keeping parents. I have always known that the church is the true church of Jesus Christ, and that Joseph Smith was who he said he was, and did what he says he did. So I guess that answers the question of whether or not I would have accepted the gospel if I hadn't been so blessed.

I'm so grateful for the Plan of Salvation and Happiness; for the Restoration of the Fullness of Christ's Gospel; and for modern prophets and apostles to lead and guide us as we prepare for the Second Coming of Our Savior, Jesus Christ.

 

Instruments in the Hands of God

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the General Relief Society session of the October 2005 conference.

Sister Kathleen H. Hughes is married to one of my favorite LDS authors, Dean Hughes. One of his books, Before the Dawn, was inspired, in part, by the unity of sisterhood he felt among the women when his wife served in the General Relief Society presidency. I enjoyed her talk so much in this session because she addressed some of my most glaring faults.

All of us long to possess Christ's pure love, called charity, but our humanness--the "natural woman" in us--gets in the way. We get angry, we become frustrated, we berate ourselves and others--and when we do, we cannot be the conduit of love we need to be if we are to become an instrument in Heavenly Father's hands. Being willing to forgive ourselves and others becomes an integral part of our ability to have the love of the Lord in our lives and to do His work.

I often think of the quote from C.S. Lewis about entering a cellar turning on the light and discovering rats. The light didn't create the rats, it revealed them. I have rats in my cellar! Big, ugly ones that are revealed when I'm frustrated by things I can't control. I often pray to be able to kill the rats and rid myself of them, to clean up my cellar.

Sister Hughes shared something she learned from a woman she had recently met.

Alicia told me something I will never forget. She said, "I only do one thing for myself when I go to church: I take the sacrament for me. The rest of the time I watch for others who need me and I try to help them and nurture them."

That is an insight I needed to be reminded of. And I tried it this past Sunday. At the potluck after the meetings I sat with sisters I don't normally sit with. We had a delightful time. I felt better for having done so. Not that I was better than them, rather that they gave me hope, strength, and sisterhood.

We can only be instruments in the hands of God if and when we are willing to forget our own troubles and inadequacies and reach out to serve others. He will sustain us, and though we may not know the outcome of our service each time, it is surely recorded in heaven. I look forward to seeing the effects of my efforts someday when I return Home.  

 

Conference Session Highlights

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Sunday afternoon session of the October 2005 conference.

Elder Russell M. Nelson - "Through times good and bad, the Lord expects each of us to endure to the end. . . . Thanks to Him, no condition is hopeless. Thanks to Him, brighter days are ahead, both here and hereafter. Real joy awaits each of us--on the other side of sorrow."

Elder Robert D. Hales - "The Lord expects us to be as faithful, as devoted, as courageous as those who went before us. They were called to give their lives for the gospel. We are called to live our lives for the same purpose. . . . Do we have eyes to see that the events and prophecies of our time are preparing us for the Savior's Second Coming?"

Elder Won Yong Ko - ". . . these sacrifices cannot be easily made unless we have the mind and the determination to make the sacrifices that are needed to be able to keep those commandments. . . . do not be afraid of sacrifice. Please enjoy the happiness and blessings from the sacrifice itself. . . . And then greater blessings will be poured out on us. It will be just like our surprise and joy when we receive an unexpected gift."

Elder Paul E. Koelliker - "As in Noah's day, our efforts to live these covenants may often be accompanied by a measure of sacrifice. This sacrifice, regardless of how great or small, often determines how committed in mind and heart we are to be submissive to the will of our Heavenly Father."

Elder Lowell M. Snow - "This very general conference is a modern Liahona, a time and place to receive inspired guidance and direction that prospers us and helps us follow God's path through the more fertile parts of mortality. . . . prophets and apostles through the ages are our compass from the Lord."

Elder Ulisses Soares - "People will remain in the Church when they feel someone cares for them."

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf - "As we strive to understand, internalize, and live correct gospel principles, we will become more spiritually self-reliant. . . . Developing Christlike attributes can be a painful process. We need to be ready to accept direction and correction from the Lord and His servants. This worldwide conference with its music, and spoken word offers spiritual power, direction, and blessings 'from on high' (D&C 43:16). It is a time when the voice of personal inspiration and revelation will bring peace to our souls and will teach us how to become more Christlike. This voice will be sweet as the voice of a dear friend, and it will fill our souls when our hearts are sufficiently contrite."

President Gordon B. Hinckley - "We leave you with our testimony of the divinity of this work. What a wonderful work it is. How empty our lives would be without it. God our Eternal Father lives. He loves us. He watches over us. Jesus is the Christ, the Redeemer of mankind. They have restored their work in this last and final dispensation through the instrumentality of the Prophet Joseph. I so testify in all solemnity and leave my love and my blessing with you, my beloved brethren and sisters of this grateful Church. God bless you every one."

Ministering and Forgiveness

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Sunday morning session of the October 2005 conference.

So many good talks this session, but I'm choosing just two quotes from President Hinckley's address. 

I do not enjoy travel [he had given figures of how many miles he'd recently traveled, about 35,000] but it is my wish to get out among our people to extend appreciation and encouragement, and to bear testimony of the divinity of the Lord's work.

This struck me as how I should feel about ministering. I should want to get out and visit personally with my sisters to encourage them, and strengthen their faith in the Savior. I've been working at doing better this year.

Somehow forgiveness, with love and tolerance accomplishes miracles that can happen in no other way.

The older I get the more I understand how important it is to forgive others. Not for their sake, but for mine. To harbor grudges and hurts without forgiving is like rust or rot to our soul. Part of the miracle that happens is a lighter feeling from letting go of burdens.

 

 

 

The Blessings of General Conference!

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Priesthood session of the October 2005 conference.

 

Elder Paul V. Johnson learned to love General Conference in about the same way as I did, by maturing on a mission, listening to and studying the talks. His mother sent him tapes of the talks.

". . . I listened to them over and over again. I grew to love the voices and the words of the prophets and apostles."

Do you recognize voices? President Kimball's distinct gravely voice, the result of losing some of his vocal chords. Elder McConkie's rich, sonorous voice. President Faust's habit of speaking to the end of his breath. I love hearing them! And not just their voices, but their choice of words, their stories, their testimonies, instructions and invitations. 

"There is so much guidance and direction available that you won't make major mistakes in your life unless you consciously ignore the guidance you receive."

A friend and I were talking about things and the subject of temple attendance came up. Our closest temple (2.5 hours away) is closed for six months and members of our family have talked about making arrangements to go to other temples, the closest one being about 5 hours away.  She said before accepting any job offer they looked at the distance to church and temple. They've generally lived quite close to those. For the past fourteen years we've lived fairly far away from them. (35-45 minutes from church, 1.5-2 hours from the stake center, and 1.5-2.5 hours from the temple) Anyway, I mentioned that she and her husband had made much better life choices than I and my husband, and that the Lord has greatly blessed them for the obedience and faithfulness. She denied a bit, saying maybe they weren't dedicated enough to drive 5-6 hours to attend the temple. I replied, No, you've stayed out of debt, magnified callings, served faithfully, and been obedient to just about everything the prophet asks. Nobody is perfect, no one is free from trials. But the consequences of our choices is so evident in our lives.

"In order for the messages of general conference to change our lives, we need to be willing to follow the counsel we hear. . . . This willingness to take action on what we have learned opens the doors for marvelous blessings."

"Every time we are obedient to the words of the prophets and apostles we reap great blessings. We receive more blessings than we can understand at the time, and we continue to receive blessings long after our initial decision to be obedient."

Start Early and Be Steady

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Saturday Afternoon session of the October 2005 conference.

Towards the end of 2022 as I began thinking about New Year's Resolutions, goals, and what I wanted to accomplish in the new year I felt the distinct impression that I needed to up my game, so to speak, in daily scripture study. I needed to be consistent and faithful. It was such a strong impression that I didn't think about anything else and began right away to make a weekly plan and study each day. 

I learned to love the scriptures as a child from my father and his father, my Grandpa Joe. Then as a teen seminary was a wonderful time of learning and I began to mark scriptures and look for cross references. Serving as a missionary brought greater understanding as I studied each day and then taught others the gospel of Jesus Christ. That time of my life laid a strong foundation for the rest of my life.

But, I failed to keep it up and there were times when I didn't study at all. Raising children limited my study time and I rarely got more than the minimum read for lessons, talks, or Family Home Evenings. After all the children left home I got more diligent and began to enjoy again the sweetness of personal revelation through the scriptures.

From December 2022 to April 2024 I don't think I missed a day of study. My testimony of the Savior deepened as I studied the New Testament accounts of His life. My gratitude for Him grew too.

Elder Henry B. Eyring said, "What we will need in our day of testing is a spiritual preparation. It is to have developed a faith in Jesus Christ so powerful that we can pass the test of life upon which everything for us in eternity depends. That test is part of the purpose God had for us in the Creation."

My day of testing came on a Monday when my husband called me to tell me our precious son was gone, killed by his own hand. I have never felt pain, nor screamed, nor cried like I did at that moment. It was horrific and frightening. But as my heart raced the thought that filled my mind and my heart was, "I know that my Redeemer lives, what comfort this sweet sentence gives." My faith was anchored to the Rock of Our Redeemer. I was so grateful to have followed the prompting to increase my gospel study over the preceding five months.

The great test of life is to see whether we will hearken to and obey God's commands in the midst of the storms of life. It is not to endure storms, but to choose the right while they rage.

I'm nobody special, I've no special powers, or even calling. Sometimes I'm really good at ignoring promptings or procrastinating following them. But in that instance I was obedient and I'm so glad I was. 

However much faith to obey God we now have, we will need to strengthen it continually and keep it refreshed constantly. We can do that by deciding now to be more quick to obey and more determined to endure. Learning to start early and to be steady are the keys to spiritual preparation. Procrastination and inconsistency are its mortal enemies.

Over the past year when I have felt like giving up and giving in to grief and despair, I remember the tender mercy from Heavenly Father prompting me to study more diligently. He knew what was coming and what I would need. I'm grateful I obeyed. I hope I can continue faithful and endure to the end of my mortal test.

James, Tatum & Daniel