Moroni 4-5

The sacrament is our acknowledgment that Jesus died for us. it reminds us of that Passover night when he gathered his disciples and ministered to them for the last time  - always in the role of servant bestowing blessings upon them.

Oh, how I have longed my whole life to know Him as they did. I always loved the song, "I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked" because I wanted to have been there and to have walked with Him. 

And so I did the best I could. I read His words and tried to live them. I did so imperfectly and yet each Sunday I renew my desire to do so as I partake of the sacrament and promise once again that I will remember him in all I do (at all times and in all things and in all places)

This year in Primary we learned a new song that really touched me. I think perhaps I am just a child at heart for there in Primary that I feel God's love the very strongest.

Jesus walked in wisdom

Jesus grew in truth.

He showed love to God and man

While in his youth.

Jesus wants to guide me.

Jesus shows the way.

Calling me to come and walk

With him each day.

I walk with Jesus to my home above

He will bless me with his spirit

And fill me with his love.

Change my heart forever

And help me clearly see.

I will walk with Jesus

And he will walk with me.

"I Will Walk with Jesus" by L Goosen

I will walk with Jesus and he will walk with me. Isn't that what the sacrament is all about?

Ether 12

I was reading this week's lesson in the Come Follow Me Art Companion. I absolutely love the questions they have posed for this week.

1.  Moroni explains the power of faith through a series of examples. (Read Ether 12:7-22). He introduces these examples with the phrase, "It was by faith that" someone was able to do something. If he had included you in his series of examples, how would he have completed the sentence,  "It was by faith that. . . .? "

I had to exercise faith so many times in my life as I stepped into the unknown. Every step along the way of life can be exciting and yet at the same time frightening. When I say I exercise faith I mean that I trusted that the Lord would be with me and help me through each of these challenges.

The first big step for me was when I went to Wayne State University. I was the first person in my family to go to college so I had no one to help and guide me. I had faith that I could do the work, that I could work and go to school at the same time, and that I would be able to pay for this step in my life. I had faith that I wwould be able to create a life for myself through my education.

It took faith to join the church.

It took faith to pack up and go out to BYU.

It took faith to get in my car and head to Winnebago.

It took faith to marry my first husband.

It took faith to divorce that husband.

It took faith to get my job Farmington Public Schools.

It took faith to retire from that job.

And it took faith to marry again and start a whole new life

Every step was a momentous step for me. These are all the things you do that will impact your life greatly. I have always trusted that the Lord would guide me.

Oh, I've been mad when things weren't easy and went wrong. But I learned that growth comes from hardship. Along the way I learned that having faith meant each experience would help me grow toward my potential - and not that faith would make life easy. I learned that lesson painfully.

I feel like my greatest exercise of faith was learning to stop trying to manipulate and control. I gave it all to the Lord and I trust him. I am now free to just love others! What a blessing.

2. Moroni evidences his personal insecurities when he writes about his concern that the readers will mock what he has written because of his weakness in writing. (Ether 12:23) In response to those concerns, the Lord tells Moroni that fools mock (Ether 12:26) and that weaknesses can become strengths (Ether 12:27). And Moroni was comforted. ( Ether 12:29) What does this teach you about acknowledging to the Lord your insecurities?

Oh, man. I love this question! There is something so profound and acknowledging our insecurities to the Lord.

We admit that we have them. Just naming them and owning them is a big step. These insecurities own us until we finally start talking about them.

Addressing them in prayer is such a safe place to have that discussion. Heavenly Father loves us so much. He already knows our struggles. He must be so happy when we finally come to talk about them.

My experience has been that when I "get real" in my prayers and talk about the reality of my life instead of just "saying prayers" - well, those are the times when I have experienced the Lord's love.  I love that about prayer and about Heavenly Father.  

3. According to Moroni, if we do not overlay our talents with charity, our talents will be taken away (Ether 12:34-35) what talents do you have? How can you demonstrate charity in using your talents?

I'd like to add to that thought and question a challenge that the pope issued this week.  He was talking about the world's economic systems and is suggesting that as we use our talents to solve those issues that we also exercise charity.

He said the future will be "time that reminds us that we are not condemned to economic models whose immediate interest is limited to profit and promoting favorable public policies, unconcerned with their human social, and environmental cost." "We are speaking of a conversion and transformation of our priorities and of the place of others in our policies and in the social order."  "We need to accept structurally that the poor have sufficient dignity to sit at our meeting, participate in our discussions and bring bread to their own tables."

Isn't that just such a great example of adding a level of charity to our talents?

When I look back over my life it has been really fun to see how I was able to use my talents to serve in any way that I can. When we were on our mission in Santa Rosa California we became the mission photographers, engaged the missionaries in community volunteer service, and did musical programs both inside the church and in the community. Right now I'm having the fun of doing Primary music, and even making videos for Primary. My husband is the one who initiated handmade birthday cards and how much fun that has been! I am enjoying making quilts for the family. Our work at Samaritas' refugee program has evolved into using what we learned from our welfare mission and training to now train volunteers that are working with refugees. All the things that we love to do we are able to find ways to use them to help others!

Ether 12:4

Wherefore, who so believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yay, even a place at the right hand of god, which help cometh a faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men which would make them sure and steadfast always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.

What could be more beautiful than to live this verse - to know that your life is such that you have a place with God - and that He is with you and all your efforts to do good here on the earth - to feel His influence and His love - to feel confident and filled with hope for a better world here as well as in the eternities.

Hope is everything. We need hope. It's been so hard to find this last year. but I hope for an end to this pandemic. I hope for a peaceful transition of the new presidency. I hope for peace on eath, goodwill toward men.

Ether 7-11

What a story this is! The first time I've read this book (Ether) I thought it was fiction. I could not believe that such a trauma could be true. I felt more like it was a soap opera!

Then I read the book "The World of the Jaredites" by Hugh Nibley.  His chapter called "Early Asiatic and Jaredite Civilizations" describes the civilizations that ruled the Asian steppe where he says, "It is rather, and always has been, a shrewd game of chess played by men of boundless ambition and formidable intellect with mighty armies at their disposal."

He doesn't suggest any proof for the Jaredite civilization but rather shows us that the Jaredite story is consistent with the histories of this part of the world.

"It was after cheating his brother of the throne that Attila hoped to subdue the entire world and after his death two descendants went out into the wilderness and there gathered about them armies of outcasts each hoping to win back the world empire for himself."

"Genghis Khan lived for years as an outcast and a bandit as he gathered around him the forces that were to conquer all his rivals and those forces were actually drawn off from the armies of the rivals themselves."

As I read through the pages of Ether chapters 7 - 11 I was taken by the following phrases

• rebelled against his father
• his cutting words
• exceedingly sorrowful because of the loss of his kingdom
• his heart was set upon the kingdom
• drew away the more part of the people after them
• also sought power

It is all about power. It is all too easy to get caught up in the struggle for fame and power. We saw it with the disciples and the Savior instructed them:

"He that his greatest among you shall be your servant period and whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted."

In our day, the Lord reminded us with these words:

No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by longsuffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned.

by kindness, and pure knowledge which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile.

President Trumps unwillingness to accept defeat in the 2020 election is very much a Jaredite type drama play out before us  "His heart is set upon the kingdom."

Power is addicting. It is hard to let go.

Ether 1-6

The story of the Jaredites is a story of preparation. We read about all the many ways the Lord prepared these people for their biggest challenge of all.

They began with desire - they wanted to stay together as a family and friends and not have their language confounded.

They had faith - they took their desires, their wishes, to the Lord.

They traveled by land and by sea several times as they made their way to the shore of the ocean. They built barges and cross several smaller bodies of water. They learn to work together, to travel and live that nomadic life. They exercised faith and saw the Lord's hand guiding them.  When they at last stepped into those last barges they were prepared.

I'm not sure I can find any such pattern in my life. No great journey came to me. I don't look back and see events that prepared me for any of my greatest trials.  But the trials themselves became the preparation for my future.  This is the pattern I see in all of life. Each experience builds upon the past as we go through our mortal journey. We learn it is not so fun to repeat mistakes and we begin to learn the lessons we need to know.

There is always a forward movement - growth comes. We become better people as we go along if we are willing to be taught.

Perhaps the great journey we are being prepared for is not here in this life but is our eternal destiny.  That is so hard to even imagine. What will I be a thousand years from now or 10,000? Will I be a light shining in the dark? For now I am content to just learn something new each day and to grow closer to my Heavenly Father. I'm filled with gratitude for this mortal experience. I treasure every day.

Ether 6:8-11

• The wind never did cease to blow toward the promised land.
• They did sing praises unto the lord.
• No monsters of the sea could break them.
• And thus they were driven forth 344 days upon the water.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer on March 19th 2014. I had my last radiation treatment on January 19th, 2015 - roughly 300 days later. This was my voyage across the deep.

Every person who has had the diagnosis of a life-threatening disease knows what it is to face the unknown - the darkness of not knowing, of fear, of disbelief. But it is not just disease. In 2020 it may be loss of homes to flood and fire or loss of jobs due to Covid 19. Countless people around the globe in 2020 have learned how quickly life can be turned upside down, the darkness of despair upon us.

Like the brother of Jared we must find a light to guide our way. We need winds to push us forward. We need the spiritual strength to fight the monsters of depression and despair. We need to find beauty and joy in each day and be thankful for those daily gifts.

Such was my journey. My light came in a priesthood blessing - and infusion of hope that lighted my path.

The wind pushing me forward was my family. They came to love and support me through those long weeks of chemo. They gave me something to look forward to - a treasured vision visit with my children - one at a time. And of course there was Lynn, my constant and faithful friend and companion, my devoted husband who served my every need. All this love kept me going.

My life slowed down considerably. Chemo was tough on my body. I spent hours and meditation and prayer. I learned to visualize healing and to enjoy moments of just "being". I practiced daily affirmations - my life became a storehouse of such affirmations. The Lord was with me and I knew it.

There was so much to be thankful for. Each day was more precious than I had ever imagined life to be. Cards, emails, text, phone calls, flowers. My life was filled with daily gifts of love.

We are in another difficult time today.  This pandemic has reminded us not to take life for granted. Each day is a gift.

This time family cannot come so time via zoom or phone or text has to make do. We all miss the hugs! Oh, do we miss them! Did we ever appreciate how much they really meant in our lives? I think not. It took a pandemic to make us see.

The lack of togetherness, the isolation, puts us in danger of the duel monsters of depression and despair. More than ever before daily prayer and meditation have been needed. I count on that time daily to boost me and prepare me for another day.

And each day that comes is a blessing which I treasure. I have such a rich life with so much to do and to love. Lynn and I know how much we have been given and are filled with gratitude to the Lord!

Ether 4:12

And whatsoever thing persuaded men to do good is of me; for good cometh of none save it be of me. I am the same that leadeth men to all good; he that will not believe my words will not believe me - that I am.

I have tried to fill my life with goodness - good friends, good times, good books, good music, good movies. There is no end of opportunities. Museums are filled with beautiful art. The world of nature is all around us.

Being surrounded by good is not the same as doing good. The first can just happen because of the community where you are born. But at sometime in our lives we must consciously begin to choose good - to do good.

I have tried to follow the Spirit and let it be my guide. I may be reading a book and not like the how it feels so I stop and choose another. I have turned off movies that felt wrong. I have walked away from conversations.

But the more important is to do good things for others. Being a good neighbor, reaching out to serve in the community, accepting a church assignment have become an important part of my life. Connecting to others in meaningful ways brings abiding joy.

There are endless ways to fill your life with goodness and with beauty. Sometimes though you have to take a stand and fight for something that is right.

My first attempt to do that was as a young college student. I joined a Civil Rights group at Wayne State University. We worked to create a local library for blacks living in a small town in Mississippi where the community library was for whites only.

I knew I was doing something good. Working for Samaritas and the refugees now gives me that same feeling. I'm so grateful to be able to serve others and especially to be able to do it along side my husband.

I like to think about all the times the scriptures admonish us to do good.

Romans 12:9 

Cleave to that which is good.

2 Corinthians 9:8 

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.

Philippians 4:8 

Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, think on these things.

1 Thessalonians 5:21 

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

1 Timothy 6: 7-9

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God who giveth us richly all things to enjoy. That they do good, that they be rich and good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate. Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against a time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life

3rd John 1:11

He that doeth good is of God.

Mormon 9:31

Condemn me not because of mine imperfection, neither my father because of him imperfection neither them who have written before him; but rather give thanks unto God that he has to make manifest unto you are imperfections that you may learn to be more wise than we have been.

As a parent this is the hope that is foremost in your heart. You know your own imperfections as well as those who came before you. You know you have passed some of these imperfections on to the next generation (or more). You love your kids more than life itself and just hope they will love you and your whole family - forgiving all and condemning none.

Oh, it is hard to be a mortal.

Mormon 3

The Nephites have totally forsaken the Gospel and all reason and are now determined to kill the Lamanites. War kills the Spirit. Perhaps they had had so many wars and battles at this point that they had numbed their spiritual senses. We know enough about soldiers who return home never to be normal again to know this is possible.

Mormon says of them, ". . . They began to boast in their own strength, and began to swear before the heavens that they would avenge themselves of the blood of their brethren who has been slain by their enemies."

Vengeance- it destroys the soul. It is a canker that eats away at all that is good until the avenger succumbs and loses the ability to reason.

In the affairs of men it becomes the deadly games of war. When the enemy strikes, we must strike back to prove our strength - to give our show of power.

But the Savior taught us otherwise. He taught us to turn the other cheek, to go the second mile, to love our enemy, to do good to them that hurt you.

Will love ever prove itself in the affairs of government? I would say it was impossible if we did not have have the book of 4th Nephi.

It has to always be the goal  -to love, to be peacemakers. It works in the lives of individuals and families. It works in congregations and communities.

I saw it at Highmeadow. What a wonderful place for children!

Mormon Women for Ethical Government has 6 principles of peacemaking. I love how these are such an obvious outgrowth of the Gospel.

1. Peacemaking is proactive and courageous.
2. Peacemaking seeks to unify instead of divide.
3. Peacemaking demands great tolerance for people and none for injustice.
4. Peacemaking views human suffering as sacred.
5. Peacemaking chooses love instead of hate.
6. Peacemaking believes that ultimate peace is not only possible, but sure.

I listened to a zoom conversation about having civil conversations about tough ìssues last week. It was hosted by a news agency- Spaceship Media. I felt like I was in a Sunday School class being reminded to be kind.

1. Listen
2. Slow Down
3. Be Curious
4. Be Kind
5. Be Humble
6. Build Relationships
7. Take the High Road
8. Have Fun

Long ago Lehi wrote, Wherefore men are free according to the flesh, and all things are given unto them which are expedient to man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great mediator of all men, our to course captivity and death, according to the captivity of the devil, for her seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.  2 Nephi 2:27

Here in chapter 3 of Mormon we have two groups who have sworn to hate and kill each other.

I fear here in 2020 we have two groups in the United States that have become too much like them. Our political parties are so at odds with each other that they cannot compromise and work together for the good of our country. It is a sorry state.

Instead of aligning ourselves to one political party or the other, we who are followers of Jesus Christ must be the peacemakers.

Dear Father, please bring peace to our country.

Let us be like the Anti-Nephi-Lehites and bury our weapons of war 

Let us be l like the people of Zion where "they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them."  Moses 7:18

Let us be like the Nephites after the Savior's visit. "And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people." 4 Nephi 1:15

Elder Quentin L Cook gave a timely address in General Conference last month.  It was called Hearts Knit in Righteousness and Unity  

"In this dispensation, although we live in a special time, the world has not been blessed with the righteousness and unity described in 4 Nephi. Indeed, we live in a moment of particularly strong divisions. However, the millions who have accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ have committed themselves to achieving both righteousness and unity. We are all aware that we can do better, and that is our challenge in this day. We can be a force to lift and bless society as a whole."

That is our challenge.  Can we who are the followers of Jesus Christ do it?  The future of our world is depending on us.