"I WILL GIVE YOU RAIN IN DUE SEASON"

Southern California has been in a drought and the snow pack this winter is nearly non-existent.  This drought has caused many of my plants to whither and die.  My backyard looks like it has been scorched by fire.

Last month Latter-Day Saints were asked to pray for rain during our monthly fast this month.  Many did fast and pray for the relief of rain.  Last Sunday during Sacrament meeting many bore testimony of the blessings given by Heavenly Father when we are obedient to his commandments. 

 

Heavenly Father promises temporal and spiritual blessings when his people keep His commandments.  Israel was commanded to keep His Sabbaths and to reverence His Sanctuaries with blessings attached to those commandments:

 

"Ye shall keep my Sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary:  I am the Lord.  If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them; Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit."

 

Leviticus 26:2-4

 

Besides keeping the Sabbath day holy, there are other commandments that bring forth abundant blessings.  Paying an honest tithe and a generous fast offering bring forth blessings.  We have been promised so much that we will not have room for it.  We have also been promised that we would not be burned if we pay our tithing.

 

Blessings come when we hearken to the counsel of our leaders.  Submitting to the counsel of our leaders to pray for rain shows obedience to the Lord's counsel and shows forth a sign of faith.

 

In Chapter 5 of Moses the Lord had commanded Adam and Eve and their children to offer the firstlings of their flocks.  Abel obeyed, but Cain heeded the words of Satan and offered the fruit of the ground.  The Lord did not accept Cain's offering because it was not done in the manner that was prescribed by the Lord.

 

"If thou doest well, thou shalt be accepted.  And if thou does not well, sin lieth at the door"

 

Moses 5:22

 

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught:  "Abel offered to God a sacrifice that was accepted, which was the firstlings of the flock.  Cain offered of the fruit of the ground, and was not accepted, because he could not do it in faith.... Shedding the blood of the Only Begotten to atone for man ... was the plan of redemption;... and as the sacrifice was instituted for a type, by which man was to discern the great Sacrifice which God had prepared; to offer a sacrifice contrary to that, no faith could be exercised...; consequently Cain could have no faith; and whatsoever is not faith, is sin" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976, 58).

 

The Saints in Southern California humbled themselves and exercised faith in the counsel given by the Lord's servants to pray for rain.  The rain began slowly for us in Oxnard, California last Sunday as we attended our meetings.  The rain has continued off and on this past week.  Truly a blessing from the Lord.

 

This morning, Victor and I travelled to the Los Angeles Temple.  I observed the clouds continuing to gather and knew that we would be blessed with more rain.  After worshipping in the Lord's Sanctuary we travelled home to Oxnard and again noted the darkness in the sky as the gathering clouds grew thick with new rain.  As I type this blog there is a soft sprinkle falling from the sky.  The leaves and petals of the plants, shrubs and flowers in my front yard are quietly rejoicing as they are being cleansed and nourished this night.

 

We rejoice in the Tender Mercies of the Lord.  He hears and answers our prayers.  He knows our needs and grants us blessings when we are obedient and when we are willing to sacrifice our time, talents and means to bring about his great purposes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE HAND OF THE LORD

(excerpt from Tender Mercies journal)

As I have reflected today on some of my experiences over the past year I realize that the Lord has always been with me.  To remind myself of His great love for me I need to ask myself the question:

"Did I see the hand of the Lord today?"

Today, I saw the hand of the Lord when the High Counsel speaker extended the following invitation from the Stake President:

1. Attend the Temple regularly; participate in all Stake and Ward Temple nights.
2. Commit to the study of a particular book of scripture; study as a family.
3. Bring Souls unto Christ.

At the beginning of the year; while sitting at dinner we discussed as a family the things that we need to do better; what we needed to do to help Alex and Evan prepare for missions; and how to be a more righteous family.  As a result we have begun reading the Book of Mormon together as a family.  I am helping Evan and Alex on Sunday afternoons to gain a better understanding of the Gospel by studying together out of Preach My Gospel.  Victor and I attended the Temple last Friday as it was our stake's temple night.

My personal and family goals are the same as the invitations from the Stake Presidency.

This affirms to me that what we have decided to do as a family is right and that we are doing the will of our Eternal Heavenly Father.

I have shared many times my thoughts and feelings about counsel from our leaders.

It is, when we hear the counsel of President Monson, the apostles, our stake leaders and bishoprics we experience one of two events.  We either validated and have received affirmation that we are headed in the right direction; or we are chastened.

When we are in the position of being chastened we react one of two ways:

1.  We recognize that we are being chastised and we decided to make corrections in our lives, or

2.  We react as Laman and Lemuel would and we murmur - stating that it is too difficult and why are we required to do so much.

I would much rather be humble and obedient.  The best position to be in is to know the will of the Father and to be humble to act as he would have us act.

Have you seen the Hand of the Lord today?

HOPEFUL PARENT

"O that thou mightest be like unto this river, continually running into the fountain of all righteousness!"

"O that though mightest be like unto this valley, firm and steadfast, and immovable in keeping the commandments of the Lord!"

1 Nephi 2:9-10

Each morning before I leave for work I have my personal prayer and my heart is drawn toward my children at this time.  I express my desires that my children will continue to pursue those things that are righteous and that they always find themselves in the right place at the right time.

I believe it is every good parents desire to have good children.  Lehi expressed these desires when he shared his hope with Laman and Lemuel that they would be strong and dependable in keeping the commandments of the Lord.

I remember countless times when I have gone to the Lord pleading with him to help my children when they have drifted from the path of righteousness.  I remember the tear filled eyes as I have added their names to the prayer rolls of the temple.  Like Lehi, I continue to instruct and counsel my children when I have been prompted by the spirit to do so.

Like Laman and Lemuel, my older children do not always take my counsel.  The hope I have that they will return to the ways of righteousness is fueled by the promises made to me that if I keep my covenants my family will be preserved.  Someday, all my children will be steadfast and immovable in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

A similar promise was made to Nephi:

"And inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper."

1 Nephi 2:20

EARLY MORNING FAMILY DEVOTION

I love the new year and the opportunity we have to begin again.

 

Last week during family dinner we were discussing our plans for the new year and how we were going to become a better family and how we were going to help Evan and Alex prepare to serve missions.

 

Before family prayer last night we decided that we would all arise this morning at 5 a.m. and begin reading the Book of Mormon together as a family.

 

We began with 1 Nephi chapter 1.  It took every ounce of energy to contain my tears of joy as my children each took turns reading verses from the first chapter. 

 

I read the last several verses of Chapter 1 and as I read verse 20 I was reminded how much our Heavenly Father loves us when Nephi states:

 

"I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance."

 

Having faith is the first principle of the gospel and I believe it is the most significant and important principle in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Without faith, we would not be moved to act.  We would not be moved to follow the great example of the Savior.  We would not have the desire to be better than we are.

 

May you find the faith to know the many tender mercies of our Savior.

BAPTISM ESSENTIAL FOR SALVATION

A week ago Saturday, December 22nd, I was asked to give a talk on Baptism.  This was a special day for the Gonzales Family, as we were in attendance at the Baptism of Katie Wolf.  Katie has been attending church with us for the past six months and began taking the discussions at the beginning of the school year.

I have never spoken on Baptism or at a Baptism.  Below are some of the thoughts that I shared during my talk:

What is Baptism?

From a Greek word meaning to dip or immerse, Baptism in water is the introductory ordinance of the gospel, and must be followed by baptism of the Spirit in order to be complete.

As one of the ordinances of the gospel, it is associated with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Faith and Repentance are essential pre-requisites to being baptized.

Faith in Jesus Christ

The first principle of the gospel is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Having faith in Christ includes having a firm belief that He is the Only Begotten Son of God and the Savior and Redeemer of the world.  We recognize that we can return to live with our Heavenly Father only by relying on His Son's grace and mercy.  When we have faith in Christ, we accept and apply His Atonement and His teachings.  We trust Him and what He says.  We know that He has the power to keep His promises.  Heavenly Father blesses those who have faith to obey His Son.

Faith in Christ leads to action.  It leads to sincere and lasting repentance.

Repentance

The second principle of the gospel is repentance.  Our faith in Christ and our love for Him lead us to repent, or to change our thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that are not in harmony with His will.  Repentance includes forming a fresh view of God, ourselves, and the world.  When we repent, we feel godly sorrow, then we stop doing things that are wrong and continue doing things that are right.  Bringing our lives in line with God's will through repentance is a central purpose of our lives.  We can return to live with God the Father only through Christ's mercy, and we receive Christ's mercy only on condition of repentance.

Baptism, Our First Covenant

Faith in Jesus Christ and repentance prepare us for the ordinances of baptism and confirmation.  An ordinance is a sacred ceremony or rite that shows that we have entered into a covenant with God.

/God has always required His children to make covenants.  A covenant is a binding and solemn agreement between God and man.  God promises to bless us, and we promise to obey Him.  God sets the terms of gospel covenants, which we either accept or reject.  Keeping covenants brings blessings in this life and exaltation in the life to come.

Covenants place us under a strong obligation to honor our commitments to God.  To keep our covenants, we must give up activities or interests that prevent us from honoring those covenants.  For example, we give up shopping and recreational pursuits on Sunday so we can keep the Sabbath day holy.  We should desire to receive worthily the covenants that God offers us and then strive to keep them.  Our covenants remind us to repent every day of our lives.  By keeping the commandments and serving others we receive and retain a remission of our sins.

Covenants are usually made by means of sacred ordinances, such as baptism.  These ordinances are administered by priesthood authority.  Through the ordinance of baptism, for example, we covenant to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, always remember Him, and keep His commandments.  As we keep our part of the covenant, God promises the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, a remission of our sins, and being born again.

Baptism has always been practiced whenever the gospel of Jesus Christ has been on the earth and has been taught by men holding the holy priesthood who could administer the ordinances.

Baptism symbolizes death, burial, and resurrection, and can only be done my immersion.

Baptism is not optional if one wishes the fullness of salvation.  Jesus said a person must be born of water and of the Spirit.  (John 3:3-5)

When he sent the twelve apostles forth to teach the gospel he told them that whosoever believed and was baptized would be saved; and whosoever did not believe would be damned.  (Mark 16:16)

Jesus himself was baptized "to fulfill all righteousness."  (Matt 3:15; 2 Ne 31:4-11).

Baptism in water has several purposes.  It is for the remission of sins, for membership in the Church, and for entrance into the celestial kingdom; it is also the doorway to personal sanctification when followed by the reception of the Holy Ghost.

Baptism is a most sacred ordinance, which a person, having received it, can remember throughout life as a reminder of the personal commitment to Jesus Christ.  Its symbolism is beautiful, and its consequences ever so desirable.

John the Baptist had the single most honor among all men to take the Son of God into the water and baptize him, after which he saw the Holy Ghost descend upon Jesus Christ.  By being baptized Jesus obeyed the law himself, and set the example for all mankind.  (Matthew 3:13-17).

DAUGHTERS OF A LOVING HEAVENLY FATHER

I was speaking with a good friend today who has been burdened with the weight of being a single mom who worries about how she will continue to provide for herself and her son.  My heart was full of compassion and understanding as she expressed her desires.  I understood the fear and concern that many of us face in this world.

While we were talking I felt prompted to share with her some of the things that I have come to know during my search for peace and security in this life.

I shared with her that she did not need to be afraid because:

"I believe events in our lives are divinely orchestrated.  I also believe our deepest desires come to fruition when we believe that we deserve the best for ourselves and our loved ones."

She acknowledged her faith and devotion to Christian beliefs, yet has felt that it has been difficult to solely rely on God and his divine love.  She has felt that she should be able to survive all on her own.

I told her:  "God has a special love for his daughters.  He will not let you be left alone and without means to provide for yourself and those you care for.  He also listens to the pleading hearts of those who love him and trust him."

She shared with me her desires and what she really wants in her life.

I said:  "Then that is what you pray for."

When we find ourselves in the same place as my friend, we sometimes don't see the hand of the Lord in our lives.  We expect him to show us what we should do or where we should go.  When we don't see the expected results we feel that God is not there.

My counsel to her:  "You may have to find the perfect situation yourself.  Heavenly Father likes it when we figure things out for ourselves.  He actually expects us to do some work...  When you have found what you need you ask him to make it possible."

Because we are divine daughters of a Heavenly Father who loves us we have the assurance that he will provide for our needs and wants in this life.  As righteous daughters we have also been promised that we will prosper in this land as long as we remain obedient to his commands and counsel.

I am grateful for the relationship I have with my Heavenly Father.  I am grateful for the unbending knowledge of his great love for me and my family.  Heavenly Father's love for his daughters is a divine tender mercy that brings peace and security to the weary soul.

May you know the tender mercies of the Lord toward you.

HUMANITY VERSES TECHNOLOGY

Albert Einstein (14 March 1879 – 18 April 1955) was a German theoretical physicist who developed the theory of general relativity, effecting a revolution in physics. For this achievement, Einstein is often regarded as the father of modern physics.  While best known for his mass–energy equivalence formula E = mc² (which has been dubbed "the world's most famous equation"), he received the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics "for his services to theoretical physics, and especially for his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect".  The latter was pivotal in establishing quantum theory within physics.

In his lecture at Einstein's memorial, nuclear physicist Robert Oppenheimer summarized his impression of him as a person: "He was almost wholly without sophistication and wholly without worldliness . . . There was always with him a wonderful purity at once childlike and profoundly stubborn."

^{Albert Einstein was a noted scientist.  He was considered the most intelligent individual.  The scientific community hoped to discover the source of his intellegence by studying his brain.  He is often quoted in lectures, science books and many movies - sometimes mis-quoted.}

^{One of my favorite quotes:} 

"It has become appallingly clear that our

technology has surpassed our humanity.

I hope that someday, our humanity

 might yet surpass our technology."

I could spend time writing about what I think Einstein was trying to say and I could be wrong.  I do know what it means to be humane and I know what we can do to develop our humanity that it might surpass our technology.

When speaking to his people, King Benjamin, gave counsel that should inspire us in developing our humanity:

1.  Teach your children.

2.  Share with the poor.

3.  What your thoughts, words and deeds.

President Gordon B. Hinckley said, "The health of any society, the happiness of its people, their prosperity, and their peace all find their roots in the teaching of children by fathers and mothers" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1993, 79; or Ensign, Nov. 1993, 60).

When instructed to care for the poor and the needy, King Benjamin did not specifically spell out what we should do.  There is no single right approach to helping the needy.  We should remember the principles taught by King Benjamin and seek the guidance of the Spirit in each situation.  The Lord has established ways in which we can help the needy.  When we give fast offerings or donate money, goods, time, or other service to the Church, we can be confident that our contributions are being used wisely.

King Benjamin taught us that we should do all things "in wisdom and order."  King Benjamin taught his people that to avoid sin and maintain their commitment to God, they must watch their thoughts, words and deeds.

C.S. Lewis wrote:

"Christ says, Give me All.  I don't want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work:  I want you.  I have not come to torment your natural self, but to kill it.  No half measures are any good.  I don't want to cut off a branch here and a branch there, I want to have the whole tree down.... Hand over the whole natural self, all the desires which you think innocent as well as the ones you think wicked, the whole out-fit.  I will give you a new self instead.  In fact, I will give you Myself: my own will shall become yours." (C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, p. 167.)

When we take upon the name of Christ at Baptism we are also making a covenant or accepting a contract with our Lord in heaven.

After Alma taught the people who had gathered at the place of Mormon he invited them to "come into the fold of God, and to be called his people..."  As members of that fold we commit to:

"Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life."

Christ has always asked for just us.  In St Mark chapter 10, Jesus counsels a rich young man:

17 ¶And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none ^agood but one, that is, God.

19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit ^aadultery, Do not ^bkill, Do not ^csteal, Do not bear false witness, ^dDefraud not, ^eHonour thy father and mother.

20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.

21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and ^agive to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and ^bfollow me.

22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

I think when we prize our possessions, education, accomplishments, etc. above the simple sweet Gospel of Jesus Christ we have allowed "technology" to surpass our own humanity.  When we decide to take our covenants seriously... those made at baptism and those made in the temple we will find that our humanity has surpassed our technology.  And we will find that there is singular peace and solice in our lives.

YOU RAISE ME UP

For a little time each day I listen to Celtic Music on Pandora internet radio.

There is a lot of beautiful music.

As I type this blog I am listening to How Great Thou Art - performed by David Nevue a piano soloist.

I believe that all music is inspired.  There is something that speaks to the heart of the composer as he or she creates.  When I listen to Celtic Music I sense a great love for Heavenly Father and his creations.  I believe that the singer/songwriters of Celtic Music have deep faith and are inspired to write meaningful lyrics and blend it with heavenly melodies.

You Raise Me Up by Rolf Lovland and Brendan Graham is one of those songs that touches me deeply.  When I listen to the words and music I have my own personal film strip of images of the Savior in my mind.  I suspect that Rolf Lovland got his inspiration from the Savior and his ministry as recorded in the New Testament.

When I am down and oh, my soul so weary,

When troubles come and my heart burdened be.

Then I am still and wait here in the silence,

until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up so I can stand on mountains,

you raise me up to walk on stormy seas.

I am strong when I am on your shoulders,

you raise me up to more than I can be.

There is no life no life without its hunger,

each restless heart beats so imperfectly,

but when you come and I am filled with wonder,

sometimes I think I glimpse eternity.

You raise me up so I can stand on mountains,

you raise me up to walk on stormy seas.

I am strong when I am on your shoulders,

you raise me up to more than I can be.

You raise me up so I can stand on mountains,

you raise me up to walk on stormy seas.

I am strong when I am on your shoulders,

you raise me up to more than I can be.

REVELATION - THE TREE OF LIFE

Elder Dallin H Oaks said:

"Revelation is communication from God to man.  It can occur in many different ways.  Some prophets, like Moses and Joseph Smith, have talked to God face to face.  Some persons have had personal communication with angels.  Other revelations have come, as Elder James E. Talmage described it, 'through the dreams of sleep or in waking visions of the mind' (James E. Talmage, Articles of Faith, p. 229).

"In its more familiar forms, revelation or inspiration comes by means of words or thoughts communicated to the mind (see D&C 8:2-3; Enos 1:10), by sudden enlightenment (see D&C 6:14-15), by positive or negative feelings about proposed courses of action, or even by inspiring performances, as in the performing arts.  As Elder Boyd K. Packer has stated, 'Inspiration comes more as a feeling than as a sound' (Boyd K. Packer, "Prayers and Answers," Ensign, November 1979, pp. 19-20)." (Dallin H. Oaks, "Revelation," New Era, September 1982, p. 38.)

Many symbolic dreams and visions are recorded in the scriptures.  Nephi records the vision of the tree of life received by his father, Lehi, and then by himself.  The vision of the tree of life is a vision for all who believe in Jesus Christ.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland taught that the tree of life is a symbol of Jesus Christ.  He said:  "The images of Christ and the tree [are] inextricably linked....At the very outset of the Book of Mormon,...Christ is portrayed as the source of eternal life and joy, the living evidence of divine love, and the means whereby God will fulfill his covenant with the house of Israel and indeed the entire family of man, returning them all to their eternal promises" (Christ and the New Covenant [1997], 160, 162).

The fruit of the tree of life represents eternal life - "most sweet, above all that I ever before tasted" (1 Nephi 8:11) and "The greatest of all the gifts of God" (1 Nephi 15:36).  Eternal life is the "most sweet" and "most precious" blessing we can receive.  Because of Heavenly Father's great love for each of us, this blessing is available to us through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

When Nephi asked to know the interpretation of the tree of life, he was shown and understood Heavenly Father's love for us. He saw Mary, the virgin mother of Jesus Christ.  He witnessed the birth of the Savior of the world.  He saw Christ walk among men and minister unto them.  And then he witnessed God's great love as He "gave his only begotten Son."

When the Father asked His Beloved Son to pay the price of the world's sins, Jesus was prepared and willing.  The atonement included His suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane and His suffering and death on the cross, and it ended with His Resurrection. 

Both Lehi and Nephi were witnesses to the evidence of Jesus Christ's love for us.   Their desire for each of us is to partake of the fruit from the tree of life.  There is a strait and narrow path that leads to the tree of life.  Beside that path is the rod of iron. 

Many of us have learned through our youth that the iron rod is the word of God.  We have learned this through primary songs and sacrament hymns.  The word of God is found in the scriptures.  If we desire to come unto Christ and to partake of the sweet fruit of eternal life we need to seek after the scriptures and study them.

The vision of the tree of life shows us that we need to grasp onto the rod of iron and remain fixed.  There will come times of darkness and if we have already held fast and have been studying and praying we will not be lost.  Darkness can come in many forms: sickness, depression, loss of employment, loss of spouse, parents or children.  Even when we make mistakes, we can quickly resume our journey by seeking truth and knowledge and forgiveness.

The vision of the tree of life shows us what we must do to reach the tree of life and eternal life.  We must choose to walk on the strait and narrow path.  We must choose to grasp the rod of iron and cling to it.  We must continue moving forward, even through dark times, towards the tree - towards Jesus Christ.

"GOODLY PARENTS" - TEACHING BY EXAMPLE

Nephi begins his record with the words that we all know by heart:  "I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father..." 

We know from reading Nephi's account that he was educated; had a strong understanding of the scriptures; and that he trusted his father.  Lehi taught his children everything he knew.  Some of what he taught was done by example.

In chapter 1 verse 4 we learn that there were prophets that declared the destruction of Jerusalem prior to Lehi's prophecy.

Lehi went to the Lord to ask for a witness and confirmation.  Lehi was given confirmation through a vision.  He shares the vision with his family and then declared it to the people of Jerusalem.  Lehi's example sets a pattern that was taught to Nephi:  1)  Listening, 2) Prayer, 3) Proclaim, 4) Act.

When Nephi heard his father speak about his vision and the ultimate destruction of Jerusalem he followed that same pattern.   Because Nephi received confirmation himself he was able to support his father's decision to be obedient and depart from Jerusalem.

The early saints were also asked to leave their homes - relocating many times.  Ultimately, the saints settled in the Salt Lake Valley.  Not all who were asked to leave their homes did.  There will come a time when the Lord will ask us to make sacrifices again.  To leave our homes; relocate; and to build Zion.  Do we have the faith to follow the direction of our leaders and to be obedient to the Lord's commandments.

Our responsibility is to follow the pattern set forth in the very first chapter of the Book of Mormon.  Faith and obedience are principles that are essential in developing our testimonies.

We are often asked to do things.  We are extended callings; asked to fulfill assignments and to assist those in need.  Sometimes we may feel that it is difficult or that we don't understand.  It is our responsibility to inquire of the Lord; asking for a witness and a confirmation that what we have been asked to do is right  We then need to be faithful and go about doing.  We may not be able to accomplish the things we have been asked to do.  We need to have faith that the Lord will prepare a way for us.  We should in our heart's say:  "I will go and do..."  President Kimball counseled us to "Do it."  President Uchtdorf counseled us to stand where we are and be the best that we can in the callings and assignments that we have been given.

Lehi taught his children by living a righteous life.  He taught his children obedience, faith, trust in the Lord and most of all gratitude.

After three days in the wilderness, Lehi built an alter and gave thanks to the Lord.  Is it possible to express feelings of gratitude even in difficult circumstances?  I believe we can.

I believe it is very important that we express our gratitude to our Heavenly Father for the many blessings that he pours out upon His children every day.  Our daily prayers should begin with gratitude and thanksgiving.  I believe this gives us a better perspective before we ask for blessings and gifts from our Father in Heaven.  We are able to distinguish between wants and needs.

I am grateful that we have Nephi's account.  I am grateful that we have the scriptures so that we have the information we need to be better parents and faithful servants.  I am also grateful that we have this year to study the Book of Mormon.  The counsel within those pages is a benefit and a blessing to all who read; study; pray and then act.

FOR OUR DAY

"I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance." 

 - 1 Nephi 1:20

When Nephi wrote these words; I believe he was trying to share with us one of the purposes for his record:  "I will show unto you...the tender mercies of the Lord...even unto the power of deliverance."

Nephi knew that his record would be a testimony and a witness.  A witness that we would be able to ponder; study and pray about.

There have been many witnesses that have testified of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.  The Book of Mormon contains powerful witnesses of prophets like Nephi and Moroni.  These prophets were commanded to write and preserve a record of their people.  Moroni saw our day and he described the conditions of our day.  He was inspired to write about principles that would help us; using examples from his day.

President Benson taught:  "The Book of Mormon... was written for our day.  The Nephites never had the book; neither did the Lamanites of ancient times.  It was meant for us....Each of the major writers of the Book of Mormon testified that he wrote for future generations....If they saw our day and chose those things which would be of greatest worth to us, is not that how we should study the Book of Mormon?  We should constantly ask ourselves, 'Why did the Lord inspire Mormon (or Moroni or Alma) to include that in his record?  What lesson can I learn from that to help me live iin this day and age?'" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 5; or Ensign, Nov 1986, 6).

If the Lord did not love us; why would he have commanded his prophets to instruct us and provide us with the information we need to return to Him?  The tender mercies of the Lord are manifest in every word written for us.  Nephi knew that we are loved by Heavenly Father.  As a parent, it would be difficult to send my child out into the world without all the knowledge, talent and skills that I felt necessary to help him or her to be successful.  Heavenly Father's tender feelings for His children are the same.  The Book of Mormon contains every thing we need to be successful in this life.

The Book of Mormon provides for us another witness of Jesus Christ.  The Book of Mormon was written for the purpose of convincing all people that Jesus is the Christ, manifesting Himself to all nations.  The Book of Mormon is powerful evidence of the divinity of Christ.

The Book of Mormon also contains the fulness of doctrine.  President Ezra Taft Benson said:  "The Lord Himself has stated that the Book of Mormon contains the 'fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.' (D&C 20:9 [;27:5]).... In the Book of Mormon we will find the fulness of those doctrines required for our salvation.  And they are taught plainly and simply so that even children can learn the ways of salvation and exaltation."

The Message of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; The Plan of Salvation; The Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Commandments; Laws and Ordinances are examples of the teachings found in the Book of Mormon.

I am especially grateful this year that we are studying the Book of Mormon in Gospel Doctrine.  Each prophet since the restoration of the Gospel has instructed members of the church to study and ponder the words contained in the Book of Mormon.

President Gordon B Hinkley declared:  "Those who have read [the Book of Mormon] prayerfully, be they rich or poor, learned or unlearned, have grown under its power....Without reservation I promise you that if you will prayerfully read the Book of Mormon, regardless of how many times you previously have read it, there will come into your hearts...the Spirit of the Lord.  There will come a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to his commandments, and there will come a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God" ("The Power of the Book of Mormon," Ensign, June 1988, 6).

Elder Bednar shared with us his testimony:

"I am thankful for the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ through the Prophet Joseph Smith and for the knowledge we have today about the Lord’s tender mercies. Our desires, faithfulness, and obedience invite and help us to discern His mercies in our lives. As one of His servants, I declare my witness that Jesus is the Christ, our Redeemer and our Savior. I know that He lives and that His tender mercies are available to all of us. Each of us can have eyes to see clearly and ears to hear distinctly the tender mercies of the Lord as they strengthen and assist us in these latter days. May our hearts always be filled with gratitude for His abundant and tender mercies. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen."



I wish to all that this year is full of the tender mercies the Lord wishes to pour out upon his children.

Happy New Year!

“the Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works” (Ps. 145:9).

TO PLANT A SEED

Fourteen years ago Victor and Devlyn were baptized as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  A year later Victor and I were sealed in the Saint George, UT temple.  We were also sealed to our children: Devlyn, Evan and Aislyn.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a  fertile seed and will continue to grow eventually into a mature Olive Tree.  The fruits of that tree are the precious souls that are saved through the sharing of the Gospel. 

That tiny seed that was planted 14 years ago has continued to grow.  All of our children have been baptized, except one, as members of the church.  The branches have grown out and blessed the lives of Victor's family.  Sandy, Victor's older sister, joined the church over a year ago along with her son, Nico and her daughter, Raquel.

Nico has been a worthy and faithful priesthood holder who loves to attend church.  He has been a great example for his older brother, Rogelio.

The blessings of the Gospel continue to pour out on our family.  Evan was ordained a Priest at church yesterday.  Yesterday evening, Evan was given the opportunity to exercise his priesthood by baptizing his cousin, Rogelio.  Next Sunday, Evan and Victor will exercise their priesthood by blessing the sacrament together.

Rogelio, will soon be ordained and hold an office in the priesthood.  An added blessing to his family when they move to Lancaster this weekend. 

I have seen the hand of God working on Victor's family and have seen it present in the lives of his extended family living in Santa Maria and Lompoc.  There are cousins in his family who have family members who are also members of the church.  I know these little seeds will continue to grow and that Victor's family will be an orchard of strong Olive Trees. 

The Gospel of Jesus Christ can not be forced upon others.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ is patient and kind.  It is tolerant and forgiving.  As we continue to live as Christ, we are the examples that are necessary to touch the hearts and minds of our family members who are not yet members of His true church.

ETERNAL TRUTHS

I really enjoy reading the scriptures.  My favorite standard work is the Book of Mormon.  My favorite book is the Book of Enos.  My favorite chapter is chapter 1.  My favorite verse... well, they are all good.

I was reading the Book of Enos the other day and was touched again by the power of Enos's testimony.  I believe that any person who has experienced a mighty change can relate to the feelings of Enos.  Each time I read his account I reflect on my own life and the blessings of the atonement.  As I read his words this week there were several verses that meant more to me than any others I had read before:

"And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens.

"And there came a voice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed.

"And I, Enos, knew that God could not lie; wherefore, my guilt was swept away."

-Enos 1:4-6

Many years ago I had a similar experience and I remember asking the question "Have you forgiven me?"  The answer returned was a warm and distinct "Yes."

I felt the burden of my past mistakes and errors lift from me.  Each time I read the testimony of Enos I am reminded of the love and compassion my Heavenly Father had toward me.

I have also known that "God could not lie" and that I have no reason to doubt.

Heavenly Father blesses each of us "Because of thy faith in Christ," whom we have never seen or heard.  He has promised:  "I will grant unto thee according to they desires, because of thy faith."

Faith in Christ is the key to unlocking so many Eternal Truths.  Faith being the first principle of the Gospel brings us unto Christ.  Believing Christ helps us to gain a remission of our sins and to hear the loving, compassionate words of our Heavenly Father "go to, thy faith hath made thee whole."

With the experiences, trials and tests of the past year and a half I have come to rely on the words spoken by Heavenly Father:  "Whatsoever thing ye shall ask in faith, believing that ye shall receive in the name of Christ, ye shall receive it."  I have the same faith as Enos:  "I had faith, and I did cry unto God..."

Enos testifies:  "And I, Enos, knew it would be according to the covenant which he had made; wherefore my soul did rest."

When we are right with God and we make and keep sacred covenants we will find peace and rest for our souls.  I am grateful that I was prompted to turn to the Lord and to the scriptures during those times in my life that were so difficult.  I am grateful that I found peace where none was seen.  So many unbelievers counseled me to cut my losses and just give up.  I am glad that I did not listen and that I chose to turn to the Lord.  The blessings are much sweeter and more meaningful when you understand and learn the lessons taught through trials.  I am much stronger as a person.  I trust Heavenly Father in everything and turn to him often.  He knows better than any one my personal needs and what will bring happiness into my life.  I know he loves me and wants me to be happy.

ANSWER TO PRAYERS

Most of us pray regularly.  If you are like me you express your gratitude for the abundant blessings from a loving Heavenly Father.  I have found that I am grateful for a great many things.  An average person would probably find some of the things that I am grateful for trivial.  I have found that expressing my gratitude for all things, whether great or small, keeps me grounded.  I am able to discern what is needed vs. wanted.

When I pray for guidance or blessings I often check myself before the request is uttered in supplication to Heavenly Father.  I have never doubted that He hears and answers my prayers.  Often times the answers are found in my scripture study.  The answers are sometimes direct and to the point.  Other times the answers require further study and pondering during my daily scripture reading.

During my prayers today I expressed my sincere desires for the financial well-being of my family.  The pleas to continue to find favor with my employer and for Victor to find work have been the greatest of my desires.  These have been in my prayers for over a year. 

Today while reading in Jacob chapter 7 my answer came again as it usually does:

"Now, this thing was pleasing unto me, Jacob, for I had requested it of my Father who was in heaven; for he had heard my cry and answered my prayer."

Sometimes all we need to know is that Heavenly Father hears our cries and that because we asked he answers.

I may not know how or when my pleas will be satisified.  I do know that Heavenly Father hears me and he will bless me and my family with what we need.

THE GREATEST HUNGER

"The greatest hunger in life is not for food, money, success, status, security, sex or even love from the opposite sex.  Time and again people have achieved all of these things and wound up still feeling dissatisfied -- indeed, often more dissatisfied than when they began.  The deepest hunger in life is a secret that is revealed only when a person is willing to unlock a hidden part of the self.  In the ancient traditions of wisdom, this quest has been likened to diving for the most precious pearl in existence, a poetic way of saying that you have to swim far out beyond shallow waters, plunge deep into yourself, search patiently until the pearl beyond price is found.

"The pearl is also called essence, the breath of God, the water of life, holy nectar -- labels for what we, in our more prosaic scientific age, would simply call transformation.  Transformation means radical change of form, the way a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly.  In human terms, it means turning fear, aggression, doubt, insecurity, hatred, and emptiness into their opposites.  Can this really be achieved?  One thing we know for certain:  The secret hunger that gnaws at poeple's souls has nothing to do with externals like money, status, and security.  It's the inner person who craves meaning in life, the end of suffering, and answers to the riddles of love, death, God, the soul, good and evil.  A life spent on the surface will never answer these questions or satisfy the needs that drive us to ask them."

-written by Deepak Chopra

One of the greatest Tender Mercies provided by a loving Heavenly Father is the knowledge that we are divine.  We are sons and daughters of diety.  We know that we existed before we were born on this earth.  We know that we came here to obtain bodies and to learn and grow.  We have been given agency to choose.  We know that when we die that there is continued life.  The purpose of life and the Plan of Salvation give us hope.  We know the meaning in life.  We can find peace in the face of suffering and trials.  We understand the mysteries of love, death, God, the soul, good and evil.

There are many in this world who hunger b ecause they have not been introduced to the gospel.  There are many who have no hope and who can not find peace because they don't know of the divine Plan of Salvation.

There are others who have been taught and have forgotten or have fallen away.  They hunger and thirst.

We need to share what we know so that peace and hope can spread.  We can offer solace and refuge to the broken heart by sharing the gospel.

FIRST PRINCIPLES

I have had many opportunities to teach the gospel in many different settings.  Over the years I have learned that the gospel is based on the very basic principles and ordinances of faith, repentance, baptism and the Holy Ghost. 

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the first step to understanding the deeper lessons taught by our Savior.  Without Faith many of us would not be able to find peace in this world.  Faith helps us to rely upon and understand the great power and miracle of repentance and forgiveness.  Faith helps us to accept the cleansing and healing power of the Atonement.

My patriarchal blessing counsels me to teach my children of the great love that Jesus Christ has for each of them.  You can only teach what you know.  I know how great the love that Jesus Christ has for each of us.  His unending patience and tolerance with our faults and weeknesses.  As my children, spouse and siblings have encountered temptations and have made poor choices I have learned to love them and accept them for who they are.  My family will learn of the great love that the Savior has for them through my meager example of emmulating him by acting as he would.  As I have tried to do as the Savior would I have grown closer to Him and to my Heavenly Father.  I appreciate more the great sacrifice.  I love my family even more than I did before.  Remember Faith, Hope and Love.  The great being Love.

MESSAGE OF HOPE

A friend sent me this utube link and I thought that it was worth sharing with my family and friends.  I tried to add the video directly to this blog and discovered I did not have enough techinical expertice.  I hope the message touches you as much as it did me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTVECvTYpN0&feature=player_detailpage

http://youtu.be/jTVECvTYpN0

LINE UPON LINE; PRECEPT UPON PRECEPT

This morning while I was reading in 2 Nephi 28 I came across a couple verses that I have read many times before.  Yet, this time it meant a little bit more to me and my understanding was broadened.

2 Nephi 28:26-31

26Yea, wo be unto him that hearkeneth unto the precepts of men, and denieth the power of God, and the gift of the Holy Ghost!


27Yea, wo be unto him that saith: We have received, and we need no more!

28And in fine, wo unto all those who tremble, and are angry because of the truth of God! For behold, he that is built upon the rock receiveth it with gladness; and he that is built upon a sandy foundation trembleth lest he shall fall.

29Wo be unto him that shall say: We have received the word of God, and we need no more of the word of God, for we have enough!

30For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have.

31Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh flesh his arm, or shall hearken unto the precepts of men, save their precepts shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost.

A couple thoughts came to mind: 1) We receive counsel every six months from the Prophet and General Authorities of the Church 2) We have been counseled to read the scriptures daily - specifically The Book of Mormon 3) We have been counseled to pray continually.

What if we decided that we didn't need to listen to or read the Conference Talks?  What if we decided that we didn't need to read our scriptures or say our prayers?  What if we didn't head the counsel of our Priesthood leaders?  What if we decided that we had learned all that we needed to learn?

Every April and October I eagerly anticipate the messages given during General Conference.  I am excited to hear the messages that have been specifically prepared for me.  The messages are meant to inspire us to do good; make ourselves better; give us needed counsel; and sometimes it is designed to repremand.  It is given to each of us to glean from these messages those things that we are required to do; to change and to act upon.  Each step we take is added upon six months later. 

If we choose to not participate in the normal activities afforded Latter Day Saints we will lose the knowledge; comfort; peace and assurance that the Gospel brings.  Basically we start from scratch when we decide to participate again.  What we have learned so far needs to be protected and nourished so that it stays with us; preparing us to gain more wisdom and knowledge in this life.

Heavenly Father desires for us to be better than we are.  He desires for us to have everything he has.  We can't have it all at once.  We gain it a little at a time; when we are ready to receive more.

FRUITY FOLKS

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."  - Galatians 5:22-23

"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;"  - Col. 3:12

The fruit of the "Spirit" or the mission of the Holy Ghost is to help us attain God-like qualities.  We are to wear these qualities as attire befitting royalty.  We have been commanded to merciful, kind, gentle, meek and longsuffering.  We should practice patience, humbleness and tolerance.

When we begin to develop these God-like qualities we develop our unique individual personalities.  The fruit of the Spirit is indeed characteristics of Heavenly Father and his Son, Jesus Christ.  However, we exhibit them in our own unique personalities.  Whether we are like bananas with sensitivie skin protecting any easy-to-bruise interior or the coconut with a hard-as-a-rock exterior covering seet meat within, when we are alive in the Spirit, Heavenly Father's nature is exhibited through the person he has made us to be.

As a mother I need to teach my children how to put on the holy and beloved characteristics of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulnees, gentleness and self-control.  My words aren't enough.  I need to pattern my life after the Savior and teach through example.

My fruit basket will be full as will my joy.

THE POWER OF A POSITIVE HEART

God has given us a tool to keep ourselves

 radically happy and peaceful. 

All we have to do is believe.

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

Hebrews 11:6

A positive, believing heart is one of the heart attitudes that is absolutely vital in our relationship with God.  That may sound funny, since we are called believers.  Don't we all have a believing heart?  No, we don't.  The church is full of "unbelieving believers."

In Matthew 8:13, Jesus says that it shall be done for you as you have believed.  It is amazing how much we can do if we believe we can do it.  We need to get up and start every day by saying over and over, "I believe I can; I believe I can."

When the adversary starts screaming in our ears that we can't get what we are believing God for, we need the heart oand mind of Joshua and Caleb that says, "Let's go and take the Promised Land because we are well able to do so."    We need to have the kind of believing heart that says, "What do You want me to do, Lord?  Whatever it is, I'll do it!"

To live as God intends us to live, the first thing

 we need to do is truly believe that it is God's will for us

 to experience continual joy.  Joy and peace are found

 in believing, and nowhere else.