December 2008
22 posts
The last vestiges of impurity
I found this “Daily Gem” to be particularly interesting:
“Let us not justify ourselves in a casual effort. Let us not be content to retain some disposition to do evil. Let us worthily partake of the sacrament each week and continue to draw upon the Holy Spirit to root out the last vestiges of impurity within us. I testify that as you continue in the path of spiritual rebirth,...
Gratitude for good friends
The longer I live the more I appreciate good friends. Not just associations, not just people I run into from time to time but genuine, good, righteous friends. Everybody needs good people that surround and inspire them.
Draw near unto me
We have the sacred privilege of “drawing near” to Christ. He asks that of us. When we are seeking the Lord’s will, we are in a position to be spoken to and for our hearts to burn with the light of truth.
Then… the Lord tell us to, “call upon me when I am near.” Consider what that means.
Regardless of the circumstances of our lives, if we seek Christ and...
Quick to observe
This talk, about being quick to observe, is destined to be a classic and has gotten my attention. Words are easy to come by, but having the desire and constant determination to always be obedient to the Lord is the goal.
Christmas
I think Luke 2 is appropriate for today. Verse 52 - And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
Merry Christmas.
Finding Joy in the Journey
This talk was given by President Monson in the last general conference and I’m giving a lesson on it next week so I’m reading and preparing for it now. A few things that stick out to me:
First, this quote - “Both abundance and lack of abundance exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend …...
Ten Lepers
The story of the ten lepers. Paul said, “In every thing give thanks, for this is the will of God.”
After the trial of your faith
Doing my study today I went to the BYU speeches to listen to a talk. Let me say this… This collection of speeches is inspired. Listen and learn.
I randomly chose this speech today by Peter Johnson and found out he had a similar experience to me and was led to BYU-Hawaii. Laie, where BYUH is, was historically a pu’uohonua, or “place of refuge”. It was no coincidence that...
A book with a promise
Quick read. Critical message.
Church was excellent
I wanted to write 3 things that I took from church today. Each one of these could be their own section but they are what I’m thinking about now, so I’m writing them all.
1. A line from the hymn Reverently and Meekly Now was read today in sacrament meeting that hit me — “be constant unto me”.
“Be obedient, I implore, Prayerful, watchful evermore, And be...
Come what may and love it
This was the last talk given by Elder Wirthlin before he passed away early this month. It’s always interesting to hear an apostle’s last talk.
Let this desire work in you
Alma 32 - The entire chapter deserves to be read. Probably the most straightforward words about faith ever written. I wanted to point out this key phrase in these two verses, 27-28.
“Let this desire work in you.”
The object of our lives
I was watching a surf movie called Water Man and Gerry Lopez, renowned Pipeline surfer from the 1970’s said something that I liked:
“We need to somehow find peace within ourselves. And then to share that peace with other people. By doing that you discover the true meaning of life.”
For me that pretty much sums it up.
I know I’m happier when I’m sharing a moment...
Character of Christ
Elder Bednar’s talks have particularly resonated with me the past few weeks. My sister sent me a talk today that Elder Bednar gave at BYU-Hawaii in 2003, called the “Character of Christ.”
It’s a must read.
The basis of the talk is Christ’s charitable acts in what were some of his darkest hours, when most of us would turn inward, seeking to sooth our pain through...
Continuing Revelation
Another thought that came through the LDS Gems today that I liked:
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland:
“Some Christians, in large measure because of their genuine love for the Bible, have declared that there can be no more authorized scripture beyond the Bible. In thus pronouncing the canon of revelation closed, our friends in some other faiths shut the door on divine expression that we in The...
Inspiration
Thomas S. Monson, current President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
“I know without question, my brothers and sisters, that God lives. I testify to you that this is His work. I testify as well that our Savior Jesus Christ is at the head of this Church, which bears His name. I know that the sweetest experience in all this life is to feel His promptings as He directs us in...
Ask. Seek. Knock.
Ever considered what it means to ask, seek and knock? Here are a few verses of scripture that contain these concepts. The promises are:
Ask and ye shall receive. Seek and ye shall find. Knock and it shall be opened unto you.
Asking is prayer. Seeking is searching by study and by faith. Lastly I’d like to suggest that knocking is attending the temple.
Daily Gems
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints puts out emails on a daily basis called LDS Gems. They’re my reminder to jump into the scriptures or listen to a talk. To daily Hold Fast to the word.
Enjoy.
Joseph B Wirthlin - Apostle
I just got done watching Elder Wirthlin’s funeral services. My sister just emailed this statement over:
***
His {Elder Worthlin’s} son quoted J. Reuben Clark:
“In living our lives let us never forget that the deeds of our fathers and mothers are theirs, not ours; that their works cannot be counted to our glory; that we can claim no excellence and no place, because of what they did,...
Service
When we serve others, we serve Christ. Mosiah 2:17
Keep Scripture Study Alive
Here’s a great resource for keeping consistent in your daily scripture study.
General Conference Highlights - 10.2008
I haven’t seen the church put together these video highlights in the past, but this is great idea. Each of these talks deserve our time and attention. I listened to each talk in a focused 10-15 minute segment and wrote down my impressions, over the past few weeks. Try it.
A quick summary of the highlights:
- Simplify our lives
- Make the sacrament a meaningful weekly experience
- Hope...