Sunday, June 28, 2015

Building Faith in Jesus Christ - Talk Given on Sunday, June 28, 2015

I am grateful for this chance to speak to you today, especially since within a few weeks I will be starting a new chapter in this adventure we call life. It is with bittersweet feelings that I will leave Green River as I have made so many wonderful friends here in the 18 years since I first arrived and it will be hard to leave you behind. But I have faith that I am following the path that the Lord would have me take at this time in my life and that gives a great deal of comfort.

What is faith? Most people would say that faith is belief. You and I both have faith that it was inspiration and not desperation that had Brother Holyoak asking me to speak this week… I have faith that despite how greatly my hands are shaking and my knees are knocking the Spirit will be with me and that I will be able to share the message the Lord would have me speak and that you will be able to receive it in the same way.

In Alma chapter 32 verse 21 we are told - And now as I said concerning faith—faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true. And in Hebrews chapter 11 verse 1 it states - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. In our lives and in our membership in the Church there are many things and people that we have faith – or -  a confidence and belief in. But the faith that is spoken of most often in the church is Faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ.

The first Article of Faith states: We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. And the first of the “principles and ordinances of the Gospel” as defined in the fourth Article of Faith is - Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. That is something to think about. Ultimately everything we do and every reason we are here today boil down to our belief and faith in Jesus Christ and his divinity.

If that is true, then how do we build our Faith in Jesus Christ so that it is strong enough to sustain us during difficult times we face in our lives, as a church, and as a society? What can we do to withstand the ‘fiery darts of the adversary’? One common theme I kept seeing as I prepared my talk was the idea that faith is not a passive principle. Faith requires action. If we are to build our faith in Jesus Christ we must act and not sit idly on the sidelines.

In Alma chapter 32, starting with verse 27 and going through verse 43 we are taught: “(27) But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words.

(28) Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.

(29) Now behold, would not this increase your faith? I say unto you, Yea; nevertheless it hath not grown up to a perfect knowledge. (30) But behold, as the seed swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, then you must needs say that the seed is good; for behold it swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow …

(34) And now, behold, is your knowledge perfect? Yea, your knowledge is perfect in that thing, and your faith is dormant; and this because you know, for ye know that the word hath swelled your souls, and ye also know that it hath sprouted up, that your understanding doth begin to be enlightened, and your mind doth begin to expand.

(35) O then, is not this real? I say unto you, Yea, because it is light; and whatsoever is light, is good, because it is discernible, therefore ye must know that it is good; and now behold, after ye have tasted this light is your knowledge perfect? (36) Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither must ye lay aside your faith, for ye have only exercised your faith to plant the seed that ye might try the experiment to know if the seed was good.

(37) And behold, as the tree beginneth to grow, ye will say: Let us nourish it with great care, that it may get root, that it may grow up, and bring forth fruit unto us. And now behold, if ye nourish it with much care it will get root, and grow up, and bring forth fruit.

(38) But if ye neglect the tree, and take no thought for its nourishment, behold it will not get any root; and when the heat of the sun cometh and scorcheth it, because it hath no root it withers away, and ye pluck it up and cast it out.

(39) Now, this is not because the seed was not good, neither is it because the fruit thereof would not be desirable; but it is because your ground is barren, and ye will not nourish the tree, therefore ye cannot have the fruit thereof. (40) And thus, if ye will not nourish the word, looking forward with an eye of faith to the fruit thereof, ye can never pluck of the fruit of the tree of life.

(41) But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life.

(42) And because of your diligence and your faith and your patience with the word in nourishing it, that it may take root in you, behold, by and by ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, and which is white above all that is white, yea, and pure above all that is pure; and ye shall feast upon this fruit even until ye are filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst. (43) Then, my brethren, ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the tree to bring forth fruit unto you.”

As I speak today, I want you to know that the talks and scriptures that I will share today are only a very small portion of what the scriptures and our Church leaders have said about faith in Jesus Christ and about building and strengthening it. There are so many more resources out there available to us. I recommend going to LDS.ORG and searching for Faith and Building Faith. You will be amazed at what you will find. There is enough information and guidance on the subject there to supply personal study, Family Home Evenings, and Primary, Youth, and Relief Society and Priesthood lessons for months.

In April of 2014 during General Conference there was an address given by Elder Neil L. Andersen titled “Spiritual Whirlwinds.” If you haven’t read it recently I recommend doing so as it is especially timely. To me it is yet another testimony that the Lord inspires his prophets, seers, and revelators to give us the guidance we need at the time that we need it. It was a talk aimed primarily at the youth but it has great value for all of us.

In his talk, Elder Andersen begins by saying, “My young friends, the world will not glide calmly toward the Second Coming of the Savior. The scriptures declare that “all things shall be in commotion.” Brigham Young said, “It was revealed to me in the commencement of this Church, that the Church would spread, prosper, grow and extend, and that in proportion to the spread of the Gospel among the nations of the earth, so would the power of Satan rise.”

He continues by saying, “In nature, trees that grow up in a windy environment become stronger. As winds whip around a young sapling, forces inside the tree do two things. First, they stimulate the roots to grow faster and spread farther. Second, the forces in the tree start creating cell structures that actually make the trunk and branches thicker and more flexible to the pressure of the wind. These stronger roots and branches protect the tree from winds that are sure to return.

You are infinitely more precious to God than a tree. You are His son or His daughter. He made your spirit strong and capable of being resilient to the whirlwinds of life. The whirlwinds in your youth, like the wind against a young tree, can increase your spiritual strength, preparing you for the years ahead.
How do you prepare for your whirlwinds? “Remember … it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, … his shafts in the whirlwind, … when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power … to drag you down … because of the rock upon which ye are built.”(Helaman 5:12)  This is your safety in the whirlwind.

Elder Andersen gives the following guidance for building a stronger faith to help withstand the ‘whirlwinds’:  Build more firmly your foundation upon the rock of your Redeemer. Treasure more completely His incomparable life and teachings. Follow more diligently His example and His commandments. Embrace more deeply His love, His mercy and grace, and the powerful gifts of His Atonement.

Elder Andersen also says, “The Lord has given you another way to stand firm, a spiritual gift more powerful than the whirlwinds of the adversary! He said, “Stand … in holy places, and be not moved.” (Doctrine and Covenants 87:8) When I was a teenager, there were only 13 temples in the Church. Now there are 142. Eighty-five percent of Church members live within 200 miles (320 km) of a temple. The Lord has given your generation greater access to His holy temples than any other generation in the history of the world. Have you ever stood in the temple, dressed in white, waiting to do baptisms? How did you feel? There is a tangible feeling of holiness in the temple. The peace of the Savior subdues the swirling whirlwinds of the world. The way you feel in the temple is a pattern for how you want to feel in your life.”  So, as Elder Andersen tells us, by attending the Temple both as youth and as adults, we can strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ.

Another way to strengthen our faith was given by President Harold B. Lee when he said: “The only safety we have as members of this church is to … learn to give heed to the words and commandments that the Lord shall give through His prophet. … There will be some things that take patience and faith. You may not like what comes. … It may contradict your political views … your social views … interfere with … your social life. But if you listen to these things, as if from the mouth of the Lord Himself, … ‘the gates of hell shall not prevail against you … and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you …’ (D&C 21:6).”

Elder Quentin L. Cook also spoke on the necessity of following the council of our leaders in building faith in October 2007 when he was called to be a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He states, “We live in a precarious time. The world is in desperate need of the fresh springwater, which is the gospel of Jesus Christ. We should listen intently to the prophet as we make choices. My own informal records indicate that President Hinckley has continually emphasized faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. That has been followed by his emphasis on strengthening families and having family religious observance in the home. Over and over again he has told us that if we would live a principle, we would gain a testimony of the truthfulness of that principle, which would in turn increase our faith.

I know that many of you are concerned about raising your children during these difficult times and increasing their faith. When my wife and I were starting our family in the San Francisco Bay Area, we had that same concern. At a critical point our stake members were advised by Elder Harold B. Lee, then a member of the Twelve, that we could raise our families in righteousness if we would:
1. Follow the prophet. 2. Create the true spirit of the gospel in our hearts and homes. 3. Be a light to those among whom we live. 4. Focus on the ordinances and principles taught in the temple. (See D&C 115:5; Harold B. Lee, “Your Light to Be a Standard unto the Nations,” Ensign, Aug. 1973, 3–4.)

As we followed this counsel, our faith increased and our fears decreased. I believe we can raise righteous children anywhere in the world if they are taught religious principles in the home.
Elder Cook further teaches that, “It is our faith in Jesus Christ that sustains us at the crossroads of life’s journey. It is the first principle of the gospel. Without it we will spin our wheels at the intersection, spending our precious time but getting nowhere. It is Christ who offers the invitation to follow Him, to give Him our burden, and to carry His yoke, “for [His] yoke is easy, and [His] burden is light” (Matthew 11:30).

There is no other name under heaven whereby man can be saved (see Acts 4:12). We must take upon us His name and receive His image in our countenance so that when He comes we will be more like Him (see 1 John 3:2; Alma 5:14). When we choose to follow Christ in faith rather than choosing another path out of fear, we are blessed with a consequence that is consistent with our choice (see D&C 6:34–36).

President Henry B. Eyring encourages us to build our faith in Jesus Christ by studying the Book of Mormon. He testifies: “I [love to] go back to the Book of Mormon and drink deeply and often.”“[It] is the most powerful written testimony we have that Jesus is the Christ.”

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf gave this counsel in October 2005. “Living according to the basic gospel principles will bring power, strength, and spiritual self-reliance into the lives of all Latter-day Saints. Faith is such a principle of power. We need this source of power in our lives. God works by power, but this power is usually exercised in response to our faith. “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:20). God works according to the faith of His children.”

President Uchtdorf goes on to say, “The Prophet Joseph Smith explained, “I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves” To me, this teaching is beautifully straightforward. As we strive to understand, internalize, and live correct gospel principles, we will become more spiritually self-reliant.” Later he tells us, “Having faith in Jesus Christ and in His Atonement means relying completely on Him—trusting in His infinite power, intelligence, and love. Christlike attributes come into our lives as we exercise our agency righteously. Faith in Jesus Christ leads to action. When we have faith in Christ, we trust the Lord enough to follow His commandments—even when we do not completely understand the reasons for them. In seeking to become more like the Savior, we need to reevaluate our lives regularly and rely, through the path of true repentance, upon the merits of Jesus Christ and the blessings of His Atonement.”

As with many of his talks President Uchtdorf ends with an airplane analogy, “Our faith in Jesus Christ will provide power and a strong forward thrust; our unwavering and active hope will provide a powerful upward lift. Both faith and hope will carry us across oceans of temptations, over mountains of afflictions, and bring us safely back to our eternal home and destination.”

I would like to finish with part of another talk by Elder Neil L. Andersen given in October 2012 which focuses on those times when we have trials of our faith. Once again, a very powerful address and one I would recommend rereading.

Elder Andersen teaches us, “The gift of faith is a priceless spiritual endowment. “This is life eternal,” Jesus prayed, “that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” Our faith is centered in God, our Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. It is bolstered by our knowledge that the fulness of the gospel has been restored to the earth, that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and that prophets and apostles today hold the keys of the priesthood. We treasure our faith, work to strengthen our faith, pray for increased faith, and do all within our power to protect and defend our faith.

The Apostle Peter identified something he called a “trial of your faith.” He had experienced it. Remember Jesus’s words: “Simon, … Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” Peter later encouraged others: “Think it not strange,” he said, “concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.”

These fiery trials are designed to make you stronger, but they have the potential to diminish or even destroy your trust in the Son of God and to weaken your resolve to keep your promises to Him. These trials are often camouflaged, making them difficult to identify. They take root in our weaknesses, our vulnerabilities, our sensitivities, or in those things that matter most to us. A real but manageable test for one can be a fiery trial for another.

How do you remain “steadfast and immovable” during a trial of faith? You immerse yourself in the very things that helped build your core of faith: you exercise faith in Christ, you pray, you ponder the scriptures, you repent, you keep the commandments, and you serve others.

When faced with a trial of faith—whatever you do, you don’t step away from the Church! Distancing yourself from the kingdom of God during a trial of faith is like leaving the safety of a secure storm cellar just as the tornado comes into view.

The Apostle Paul said, “Ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God.” It is within the sanctuary of the Church that we protect our faith. Meeting together with others who believe, we pray and find answers to our prayers; we worship through music, share testimony of the Savior, serve one another, and feel the Spirit of the Lord. We partake of the sacrament, receive the blessings of the priesthood, and attend the temple. The Lord declared, “In the ordinances … , the power of godliness is manifest.” When you are faced with a test of faith, stay within the safety and security of the household of God. There is always a place for you here. No trial is so large we can’t overcome it together.

Elder Andersen then continues, “Joseph Smith said, “I never told you I was perfect; but there is no error in the revelations.” The miracle of God’s hand in the history and destiny of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is understood only through the lens of spiritual inquiry. President Ezra Taft Benson said, “Every [person] eventually is backed up to the wall of faith, and there … must make his stand.” Don’t be surprised when it happens to you!
By definition, trials will be trying. There may be anguish, confusion, sleepless nights, and pillows wet with tears. But our trials need not be spiritually fatal. They need not take us from our covenants or from the household of God.

And here Elder Andersen reminds us of Helaman 5:12 again, “Remember, … it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.”

…Like the intense fire that transforms iron into steel, as we remain faithful during the fiery trial of our faith, we are spiritually refined and strengthened.

…Peter described these experiences as “much more precious than … gold.” Moroni added that a witness follows “the trial of your faith.”

Elder Andersen concludes by reminding us, “With faith come trials of faith, bringing increased faith. The Lord’s comforting assurance to the Prophet Joseph Smith is the very same promise He makes to you in your trial of faith: “Hold on … , fear not … , for God shall be with you forever and ever.”

I have a testimony that as we study the scriptures, attend our church meetings, serve others, attend the Temple, and listen to and follow the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, our faith in our Savior Jesus Christ will grow and as our faith grows so will our ability to withstand whatever we may be confronted with during our journey here in mortality. I have a testimony that Thomas S. Monson is the living Prophet upon the earth today and that he leads through the power and authority of Jesus Christ. I have a testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and that it is as Joseph Smith said, “…the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” I have a testimony that our Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers, maybe not in the time or in the way that we want or expect but he ALWAYS answers. I have a testimony that because of the sealing power of the Priesthood which was restored to earth and found within the Temple that families are eternal. We will see our loved ones – both family and friends - who have gone before us once again. And finally, I have a testimony of the divinity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that he came as man to earth and that through his death and resurrection and atonement for our sins we can return to live with Him and with our Heavenly Father once again if we live worthily.

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




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Sources:
-          Spiritual Whirlwinds - By Elder Neil L. Andersen – General Conference – April 2014
o   Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee (2000), 84–85; see also Robert D. Hales, “General Conference: Strengthening Faith and Testimony,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 6–8.
o   Henry B. Eyring, Choose Higher Ground (2013), 38.
o   Henry B. Eyring, To Draw Closer to God (1997), 118.
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             Trial of Your Faith - By Elder Neil L. Andersen – General Conference – October 2012
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      Live by Faith and Not by Fear - Quentin L. Cook – General Conference - October 2007
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      Christlike Attributes—the Wind beneath Our Wings - Dieter F. Uchtdorf – General Conference – October 2005
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     Alma 32:21, 27-41
-        Hebrews 11:1
-        Articles of Faith 1 and 4
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-          Other scriptures as found in the talk resources


Sunday, April 27, 2014

Gratitude... Grateful in Any Circumstances - President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

I was asked to speak in Sacrament Meeting today on my favorite talk from this April's General Conference. When I was given the assignment I knew instantly which talk I was going to focus on because I was so profoundly touched by it when it was given. Below I have shared my talk. If you want to see or read President Uchtdorf's conference address in it's entirety I have added links so that you can do so.

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When I was asked if I would speak today, I was grateful for the chance. That’s a little ironic coming from me, since speaking in front of people is one of the things that make me the most nervous. Still I truly am thankful to have this opportunity. I pray that the Spirit will be with me as I speak so that I will be able to give the message I have prepared in a way that is of worth to all of us and pleasing to our Heavenly Father.

I was asked to choose my favorite talk from this past General Conference. That’s not necessarily an easy task, given that there was so much of great worth that was spoken of during Conference.  One of the greatest things I gained from Conference was a renewed testimony that our Heavenly Father and our Elder Brother Jesus Christ know each one of us personally and inspire our leaders to give us the messages we need to hear when we need to hear them.

The talk I chose to speak on today was President Uchtdorf's which seemed to be a direct answer to prayers that have been lifted to Heavenly Father recently. I hope you will bear with me and forgive me if I am a bit emotional as I speak because the message of this talk touched me so deeply.

President Uchtdorf began his address by saying: “Over the years, I have had the sacred opportunity to meet with many people whose sorrows seem to reach the very depths of their soul. In these moments, I have listened to my beloved brothers and sisters and grieved with them over their burdens. I have pondered what to say to them, and I have struggled to know how to comfort and support them in their trials.

Often their grief is caused by what seems to them as an ending. Some are facing the end of a cherished relationship, such as the death of a loved one or estrangement from a family member. Others feel they are facing the end of hope—the hope of being married or bearing children or overcoming an illness. Others may be facing the end of their faith, as confusing and conflicting voices in the world tempt them to question, even abandon, what they once knew to be true. Sooner or later, I believe that all of us experience times when the very fabric of our world tears at the seams, leaving us feeling alone, frustrated, and adrift. It can happen to anyone. No one is immune.

Everyone’s situation is different, and the details of each life are unique. Nevertheless, I have learned that there is something that would take away the bitterness that may come into our lives. There is one thing we can do to make life sweeter, more joyful, even glorious.

We can be grateful!

It might sound contrary to the wisdom of the world to suggest that one who is burdened with sorrow should give thanks to God. But those who set aside the bottle of bitterness and lift instead the goblet of gratitude can find a purifying drink of healing, peace, and understanding.

As disciples of Christ, we are commanded to “thank the Lord [our] God in all things,” to “sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving,” and to “let [our] heart be full of thanks unto God.”

Why does God command us to be grateful?

All of His commandments are given to make blessings available to us. Commandments are opportunities to exercise our agency and to receive blessings. Our loving Heavenly Father knows that choosing to develop a spirit of gratitude will bring us true joy and great happiness.

I know that in our own lives, all of us have times when we are dealt situations that may cause us to wonder how we can have a grateful heart as President Uchtdorf suggests.  It may be an illness of our own or that of a loved one. It may be someone we care about or even ourselves dealing with the emotional or mental anguish brought on by battling depression or anxiety. Maybe it is the separation from family members and friends who need to move on. Perhaps it is the loss of a family member or a friend in tragic circumstances and we wonder why they are gone so soon when it seemed they had so much more they could have done, so much of life left to live and so much left to give. 

President Uchtdorf says, “…some might say, “What do I have to be grateful for when my world is falling apart?

He then continues, “Perhaps focusing on what we are grateful for is the wrong approach. It is difficult to develop a spirit of gratitude if our thankfulness is only proportional to the number of blessings we can count…I don’t believe the Lord expects us to be less thankful in times of trial than in times of abundance and ease. In fact, most of the scriptural references do not speak of gratitude for things but rather suggest an overall spirit or attitude of gratitude.

It is easy to be grateful for things when life seems to be going our way. But what then of those times when what we wish for seems to be far out of reach?

Could I suggest that we see gratitude as a disposition, a way of life that stands independent of our current situation? In other words, I’m suggesting that instead of being thankful for things, we focus on being thankful in our circumstances—whatever they may be…the choice is ours. We can choose to limit our gratitude, based on the blessings we feel we lack. Or we can choose to be like Nephi, whose grateful heart never faltered. When his brothers tied him up on the ship—which he had built to take them to the promised land—his ankles and wrists were so sore “they had swollen exceedingly,” and a violent storm threatened to swallow him up in the depths of the sea. “Nevertheless,” Nephi said, “I did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions.”

We can choose to be grateful, no matter what.”

To me, that means we can be thankful in spite of what we may see as endings. Instead of remaining sorrowful at the loss of those for whom we care, we can have gratitude that we were blessed to know them for whatever amount of time we did, whether lengthy or brief.  Instead of being saddened by the trials we are asked to go through we can be grateful for the strength the Lord gives us to help us overcome them through our own efforts or through the blessing of others who are prompted to help us.

President Uchtdorf reminds us that “We can choose to be like Job, who seemed to have everything but then lost it all, yet…responded “… the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”

This type of gratitude transcends whatever is happening around us. It surpasses disappointment, discouragement, and despair. It blooms just as beautifully in the icy landscape of winter as it does in the pleasant warmth of summer.

When we are grateful to God in our circumstances, we can experience gentle peace in the midst of tribulation. In grief, we can still lift up our hearts in praise. In pain, we can glory in Christ’s Atonement. In the cold of bitter sorrow, we can experience the closeness and warmth of heaven’s embrace.
We sometimes think that being grateful is what we do after our problems are solved, but how terribly shortsighted that is. How much of life do we miss by waiting to see the rainbow before thanking God that there is rain?

Being grateful in times of distress does not mean that we are pleased with our circumstances. It does mean that through the eyes of faith we look beyond our present-day challenges.

This is not a gratitude of the lips but of the soul. It is a gratitude that heals the heart and expands the mind.

Being grateful in our circumstances is an act of faith in God. It requires that we trust God and hope for things we may not see but which are true. By being grateful, we follow the example of our beloved Savior, who said, “Not my will, but thine, be done.”

True gratitude is an expression of hope and testimony. It comes from acknowledging that we do not always understand the trials of life but trusting that one day we will.

In any circumstance, our sense of gratitude is nourished by the many and sacred truths we do know: that our Father has given His children the great plan of happiness; that through the Atonement of His Son, Jesus Christ, we can live forever with our loved ones; that in the end, we will have glorious, perfect, and immortal bodies, unburdened by sickness or disability; and that our tears of sadness and loss will be replaced with an abundance of happiness and joy, “good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over.”

In light of what we know about our eternal destiny, is it any wonder that whenever we face the bitter endings of life, they seem unacceptable to us? There seems to be something inside of us that resists endings.

Why is this? Because we are made of the stuff of eternity. We are eternal beings, children of the Almighty God, whose name is Endless and who promises eternal blessings without number. Endings are not our destiny.”

“The more we learn about the gospel of Jesus Christ, the more we realize that endings here in mortality are not endings at all. They are merely interruptions—temporary pauses that one day will seem small compared to the eternal joy awaiting the faithful. How grateful I am to my Heavenly Father that in His plan there are no true endings, only everlasting beginnings.

While I was inspired by all of President Uchtdorf’s talk it was the part I just read that addressed so clearly what I needed.  I’d like to share some of the reasons why.

Starting around October my mother began to have some significant health issues. After meeting with her doctor several times with little conclusive information on what was happening to her, and with her health continuing to deteriorate - my mom was finally referred to a neurologist in Provo at the beginning of March.

 After battling and surviving cancer almost a dozen years ago, and dealing with and successfully managing diabetes for the last several years, I think we all thought that my mom would be able to beat whatever it was that was causing her health issues. 

After meeting with the neurologist he said that given the progressive state of her condition he felt that it could be one of two things. However without further tests, the neurologist didn’t want to make a final diagnosis. He wanted my mom to see another neurologist, an expert in the field of ALS research who runs the University of Utah’s ALS clinic. He put in an urgent request for a consultation with this doctor and my parents were sent home to wait for the ALS clinic to call and set up an appointment. They were told that it could be several weeks before they were able to be seen by the doctor and so they prepared to wait.  It was about a week and a half after her initial meeting with the doctor in Provo that the ALS clinic called to say there had been a cancellation and that they could see my mom if she was able to come in the next Tuesday. Arrangements were made and they met with the neurologist on March 25th. After some more tests were run, they concluded that my mother had a rapidly advancing form of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and that, given how quickly it is progressing; she might have up to six months to a year left to be with us. It was shocking news to all of us.

And yet, in spite of the situation, I have found several things that added to an ‘attitude of gratitude’ for me in this situation.

I am grateful that there was an actual diagnosis. After months of not knowing, to have a definitive answer is a blessing, even though it is bittersweet.

I am grateful for a knowledge of the plan of salvation and that the sealing power of the Priesthood has been restored so that my family can be together eternally if we live worthily.

How grateful I am for personal prayer. It has been a sustaining thing for me. I am equally grateful for the prayers of friends in my behalf and in my family’s behalf. There is not much sweeter than hearing a child with all their tender faith praying for you.

I have gratitude for the fact that my five brothers and sisters, along with their spouses and children (except my nephew who is on his mission) were able to meet at my parent’s house the weekend after the diagnosis to spend some time together and were able to witness the power of the Priesthood in action as a family prayer was said and then as a blessing of peace and comfort was given to my mom by my dad with my three brothers and two brothers-in-law standing in the circle and then a blessing was given to my father by my brother with my remaining brothers and brothers-in-law again exercising the precious gift of the Priesthood. There wasn’t a dry eye as these special prayers were given and it felt like Heaven was a little closer for those moments. How could I not be grateful to have had the chance to experience those special moments with my family?

Three of my siblings live in Huntington near my parents and have taken on the day to day support of both my mom and dad. I am grateful that they are there and willing to give the care and support that those of us who live further away cannot give.

Many people who know my parents have called or stopped by to visit and tell my mom what a profound impact she had on their lives and how grateful they are to know her. Because it has become more difficult for her to communicate, some dear friends come simply to sit and share quiet moments with her. Several men in the ward came together and over two days built a ramp for my parent’s house so that my mom can move around with the wheelchair she now must use. Another friend provided a chair with a lift to make it easier for my mom to get out of the chair when she needs to. How thankful I am that my parents have that support.

I have gratitude for a mother who has been a profound influence and example in my life of love and care and compassion especially for her family.

I have gratitude for a father who has a deep and abiding love for my mom and takes care of her with such love and tenderness every day.

I am grateful for and have been blessed by both of their examples throughout my life.

I am thankful for friends who share and care and love and support in so many different ways. All of these things mean so very much.

I have found that even in the midst of trials there are so many blessings that can be counted when looked at with an attitude of gratitude.

President Uchtdorf concludes his talk by saying, “Brothers and sisters, have we not reason to be filled with gratitude, regardless of the circumstances in which we find ourselves?

Do we need any greater reason to let our hearts “be full of thanks unto God”?

“Have we not great reason to rejoice?”

How blessed we are if we recognize God’s handiwork in the marvelous tapestry of life. Gratitude to our Father in Heaven broadens our perception and clears our vision. It inspires humility and fosters empathy toward our fellowmen and all of God’s creation. Gratitude is a catalyst to all Christlike attributes! A thankful heart is the parent of all virtues.

The Lord has given us His promise that those “who [receive] all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto [them], even an hundred fold, yea, more.”

May we “live in thanksgiving daily”—especially during the seemingly unexplainable endings that are part of mortality. May we allow our souls to expand in thankfulness toward our merciful Heavenly Father. May we ever and constantly raise our voices and show by word and deed our gratitude to our Father in Heaven and to His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ."

I add my own testimony to that of President Uchtdorf’s. I know that we have a merciful and kind Father in Heaven who will sustain us through all we are asked to go. I know that having a grateful heart in all our circumstances will allow us to become closer to our Heavenly Father and more like our Savior, Jesus Christ. I have a testimony of the power of prayer, of the power of the Priesthood, of the eternal nature of families. I have a testimony of the Atonement. I know that because our Elder Brother bore all things for us in the Garden of Gethsemane and then on the cross that we can do all things and return to live with our Heavenly Father and with loved ones, our families and friends when our time on this earth is through. I have a sure knowledge of these things and so many more. I leave you with this testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Sunday, June 17, 2012

The Influence of Righteous Fathers



The Influence of Righteous Fathers

This morning, the Primary children sang a song about three fathers – Heavenly Father – the Father of us all, the Bishop – the father of our ward, and our own father – the father of our home.

President Thomas S. Monson, in a talk on gratitude, had this to say about fathers.
"Let us reflect gratitude for our fathers… Father . . . is ever willing to sacrifice his own comfort for that of his children. Daily he toils to provide the necessities of life, never complaining, ever concerned for the well-being of his family. This love for children, this desire to see them well and happy, is a constant in a time of change."
(Thomas S. Monson, "An Attitude of Gratitude," Ensign, Feb. 2000, 4)

A couple of weeks ago Br. Hughes asked if I would speak today on the influence of righteous fathers in our lives.

In the scriptures, church history, and our families, there are many stories of fathers who lead in righteousness.  

President Spencer W. Kimball spoke of one such father from the Old Testament – Abraham  -when he said,
 “Abraham’s desire to do God’s will in all things led him to preside over his family in righteousness. Despite all his other responsibilities, he knew that if he failed to teach and exemplify the gospel to his children he would have failed to fulfill the most important stewardship he had received. Abraham’s instruction and example in his home led the Lord to say of him: “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.” (Gen. 18:19.)

President Kimball further stated,
“Fatherhood is leadership, the most important kind of leadership. It has always been so: it always will be so. Father, with the assistance and counsel and encouragement of your eternal companion, you preside in the home. It is not a matter of whether you are most worthy or best qualified, but it is a matter of law and appointment. You preside at the meal table, at family prayer. You preside at family home evening; and as guided by the Spirit of the Lord, you see that your children are taught correct principles. It is your place to give direction relating to all of family life. You give father’s blessings. You take an active part in establishing family rules and discipline. As a leader in your home you plan and sacrifice to achieve the blessing of a unified and happy family. To do all of this requires that you live a family-centered life.”

In the New Testament we have the example of Joseph as a righteous father who taught our Savior by loving example the way he should go. Who can imagine the tremendous pressure Joseph must have felt knowing he was responsible for loving, nurturing, and teaching the Son of God? Yet he did not shrink from his duty to raise his family in righteousness.

President James E. Faust said,
“Brethren, noble fatherhood gives us a glimpse of the divine attributes of our Father in Heaven. A father should be many things. He should magnify his priesthood and be an example of righteousness. In companionship with his wife, he should be the source of stability and strength for the whole family. He should be the protector and the provider and the champion of the members of his family. Much of his love for his children should flow from his example of love, concern, and fidelity for their mother. By his uncompromising example he should instill character into his children.”
(James E. Faust, “Them That Honour Me I Will Honour,” Liahona, July 2001, 53–56)

The Book of Mormon also has many examples of fathers who led in righteousness, beginning with Lehi, who led his family from Jerusalem to a new world, leaving behind worldly treasures for spiritual ones. We also learn of Alma the Elder and King Mosiah who, like Lehi, despite their righteous guidance had children who rebelled against what they had been taught. Yet, none of these fathers gave up on their children. They prayed constantly for them to return to the path of righteousness. In the case of Alma and King Mosiah, their prayers and pleading led to their children throwing off their rebellious ways and becoming devoted to the gospel.  As with Lehi, however, sometimes we may not see the fruition of prayerful pleading in this life, but we have been given the promise that when children are raised in righteousness and given the proper start in life they will eventually return. It is never too late.

In the early history of the church we have the example of two more Josephs who led their families in righteousness. Where would Joseph Smith, Jr. have been if not for the teaching, example, and understanding of his father, Joseph Smith, Sr.? His life of sacrifice and dedication helped to mold the young boy Joseph into the man who would restore the Gospel to the earth and who would ultimately give his life for the truth. Joseph Smith, Jr.’s own dedication to his wife and children was an example to those around him.  Throughout the early history of the church there are many more examples of the effect that righteous fathers can have upon their families.

In my own life I have been blessed with a father who, along with my mother, led our family in righteousness. I remember family home evenings, morning and evening scripture study and prayers, personal interviews, and simple, spur of the moment conversations that let me know that each one of us were cared for immeasurably. My brothers are now fathers as well and I see within them many of the same attributes that my father has. My sisters also married worthy men who seek to follow the guidance of the Lord as they raise their families.

I have observed many fathers in our community and ward who also preside over their families with righteousness, kindness, and compassion.  I honor all those fathers who continue to battle the adversary to keep their families safe both physically and spiritually.

Elder L. Tom Perry in an article in the May 2004 Ensign stated,
"Satan, in his carefully devised plan to destroy the family, seeks to diminish the role of fathers. Increased youth violence, youth crime, greater poverty and economic insecurity, and the failure of increasing numbers of children in our schools offer clear evidence of lack of a positive influence of fathers in the homes. … A family needs a father to anchor it.
"Surely we have learned by now, from the experience over centuries, that the basic family provides the most stable and secure foundation for society and is fundamental to the preparation of young people for their future responsibilities. We should have learned by now that alternate styles of family formations have not worked and never will work."
(L. Tom Perry, "Fatherhood, an Eternal Calling," Ensign, May 2004, 70)

Elder Russell M. Nelson adds to this by saying,
"As we go through life, even through very rough waters, a father's instinctive impulse to cling tightly to his wife or to his children may not be the best way to accomplish his objective. Instead, if he will lovingly cling to the Savior and the iron rod of the gospel, his family will want to cling to him and to the Savior. This lesson is surely not limited to fathers. Regardless of gender, marital status, or age, individuals can choose to link themselves directly to the Savior, hold fast to the rod of His truth, and lead by the light of that truth. By so doing, they become examples of righteousness to whom others will want to cling."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Set in Order Thy House," Ensign, Nov. 2001, 69)

Are any of the men that I have mentioned without fault in their lives? No. The only perfect father is our Heavenly Father after whom all fathers should try to pattern their lives. Each person in our family, ward, and community has the responsibility to encourage and support the fathers in their lives as they seek to lead their families along the strait and narrow path in an increasingly wicked world.

President Joseph F. Smith warned:
'Brethren, there is too little religious devotion, love, and fear of God, in the home; too much worldliness, selfishness, indifference, and lack of reverence in the family, or it never would exist so abundantly on the outside. Then, the home is what needs reforming. Try today, and tomorrow, to make a change in your home.' "
(L. Tom Perry, "Fatherhood, an Eternal Calling," Ensign, May 2004, 71)

This change can and will happen as we seek to put the Lord first in our lives and teach our children to do the same. Fathers, yours is the example they will look to as one who holds the Priesthood and presides in your families.

President James E. Faust gave this advice,
 “In order to strengthen the father in the home, I make two simple suggestions: first, sustain and respect the father in his position; second, give him love, understanding, and some appreciation for his efforts. . . .
“In terms of giving fathers love and understanding, it should be remembered that fathers also have times of insecurity and doubt. Everyone knows fathers make mistakes—especially they themselves. Fathers need all the help they can get; mostly they need love, support, and understanding from their own.”
(James E. Faust, “The Father Who Cares,” Liahona, Sept. 2006, 4)

Up to this point, I have been speaking of fathers as we think of them more traditionally, those who have been blessed with children through birth or adoption. But there are others who can fill the role of a righteous father beyond this definition.

Several years ago Sister Sheri Dew gave a talk titled, “Are We Not All Mothers?” In this talk she spoke of the influence of all righteous women, including those who have not had the opportunity to be mothers in the traditional sense.

I think the same could be said of fathers. “Are You Not All Fathers?” Those of you who hold the Priesthood, whether married or single, old or young, have the responsibility to live your lives in such a way that those with whom you associate can say, “Now, there is a man I can honor and respect.”

Countless stories are told of righteous men who have been influences for good in the lives of others to whom they may have no literal family relationship, but who, through loving kindness and service, have been examples of righteous priesthood and fatherhood.
Think of Helaman and his Stripling Warriors. He was not the father of those 2,000 righteous young men, but he took upon himself the role of protector and example as he led them into battle.

There are battles that are being fought even today to win the hearts and souls of our families. Fathers, brothers, Priesthood holders, we need you to lead the way, to be examples of courage and honesty, of sacrifice and devotion.

I would like everyone to take a moment right now, or even later on when you have more time, to think of those who fill the important role of Father in your own lives.

Before closing, I’d like to share a poem.

Fathers

We honor you upon this day
For actions small and great

For courage to stand up and fight
And lead on the path that’s straight.

We thank you for your sacrifice
Your gentle, constant love

Your example to your family
With guidance from above

May our Heavenly Father bless you
As you lead with love and care

May you rely upon him always
As you go to Him in prayer
 - M. Durrant, June 17, 2012


I know that our Heavenly Father will help all of the Fathers in our lives as they seek to lead in righteousness. On this Father’s Day, may we honor all those who love, serve and sacrifice for our families every day. May we show them our love and support always. Thank you for your examples and your love.



Why another blog?


I decided to create this new blog to house some of my ponderings of a more spiritual nature, as well as to post any talks or other things I might give that are think might be slightly worthy of notice.