tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73011875323613661562024-03-18T21:42:21.371-07:00My Heart Squared"When filled with God’s love, we can do and see and understand things that we could not otherwise do or see or understand. Filled with His love, we can endure pain, quell fear, forgive freely, avoid contention, renew strength, and bless and help others in ways surprising even to us." -John H. GrobergMy Heart Squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02682463713795874520noreply@blogger.comBlogger582125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7301187532361366156.post-19862660590649730742020-04-12T18:27:00.000-07:002020-04-14T07:58:10.455-07:00The Tomb Was Not EmptyThis morning my thoughts turned to things being empty.<br />
<br />
It began when I had to use a Q-tip to scrape for any remaining foundation in my makeup bottle.<br />
<br />
And then simultaneously noticing that it’s also time to buy new facial powder. (First world problems, I know).<br />
<br />
And then it made me think about the empty salsa bottle I threw away after dinner last night.<br />
<br />
And the newly opened bag of dried mangoes I passed around to my family. . . that came back empty when I placed my hand inside to grab a few.<br />
<br />
It also made me think of how I feel when I discover an empty container of milk left in the fridge.<br />
<br />
And my thoughts when I walk past an empty, abandoned house.<br />
<br />
Then I thought about how we tend to describe the tomb on that Easter morn.<br />
<br />
We describe it as empty.<br />
<br />
The Empty Tomb.<br />
<br />
Except, it wasn’t.<br />
<br />
The tomb was NOT empty.<br />
<br />
No, empty is <i>not</i> the word the gospel writers used to describe the sepulchre that morning the stone had been rolled back from the door.<br />
<br />
Empty would mean that the tomb contained nothing.<br />
<br />
But that is not true!<br />
<br />
Luke wrote that Peter “beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves” (Luke 24:12) while John emphasized “the napkin, that was about [Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself” (John 20:7).<br />
<br />
Doesn’t sound like an empty tomb to me.<br />
<br />
Mark wrote that, upon entering, “they saw a young man sitting on the right side” (Mark 16:5) who declared, “Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him” (Mark 16:6).<br />
<br />
Definitely not empty!<br />
<br />
And then when Mary, weeping outside the sepulchre, stooped down to look in, she saw “two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus has lain” (John 20:11-12).<br />
<br />
No, Jesus did not leave the tomb empty.<br />
<br />
He left the tomb filled.<br />
<br />
Filled with testimony of His divine mission.<br />
<br />
A rolled stone.<br />
<br />
Linen.<br />
<br />
Angels.<br />
<br />
And a folded napkin.<br />
<br />
So that everyone who entered into that tomb would also come out filled.<br />
<br />
Filled with the utmost assurance that He was not there because--<br />
<br />
He is risen.<br />
<br />My Heart Squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02682463713795874520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7301187532361366156.post-11358363441634197232020-03-29T19:06:00.000-07:002020-03-29T19:06:01.438-07:00Covenant MinisteringThursday night, as I was pondering <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btwh40huKIo">President Nelson's prophetic invitation for us to fast this Sunday</a>, I found myself in <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/18?lang=eng">Mosiah 18</a>.<br />
<br />
You know the chapter--where Alma sets forth the covenant of baptism.<br />
<br />
I pondered on that covenant each of us has made:<br />
<br />
Willing to bear one another's burdens--<br />
<br />
Willing to mourn with those who mourn--<br />
<br />
Standing as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places.<br />
<br />
Then, as I continued to read, I wondered why I had never before connected THE specific blessing that comes with this type of covenant ministering. . .<br />
<br />
It is that God "may <i>pour out</i> (pour out!) His Spirit <i>more abundantly</i> upon [me]!"<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
POUR, To flow; to issue forth in a stream, or continued succession of parts; to move or rush, as a current.</blockquote>
Covenant Ministering allows God to pour out His Spirit<br />
<br />
<i>more abundantly</i><br />
<br />
upon me and upon those to whom I minister.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Verily this is a mission for a season, which I give unto you. Wherefore, labor ye in my vineyard. Call upon the inhabitants of the earth, and bear record, and prepare the way for the commandments and revelations which are to come. Now, behold this is wisdom; whoso readeth, let him understand and receive also; For unto him that receiveth it shall be given more abundantly, even power." D&C 71:3-6</blockquote>
My Heart Squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02682463713795874520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7301187532361366156.post-14294291646492709602020-03-22T14:59:00.001-07:002020-03-26T21:13:50.646-07:00Gasping for AirToday was the first time our family had the privilege of administering the sacrament in our home. It was beautiful, sacred, special experience. I am learning that talking, teaching, and sharing about Christ in our home-centered experiences leads to more intimate, more holy experiences with each other and with the Spirit.<br />
<br />
During my sacrament experience today, it was brought to my mind how <i>essential</i> breathing is. In the beginning, "the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul" (Genesis 2:7).<br />
<br />
By <i>His breath</i> we are living souls. And in our living, <i>breathing </i>is the very essence of our mortal existence.<br />
<br />
Interesting, isn't it, that one of the most severe symptoms of COVID-19 is the <i>difficulty to breathe</i>?<br />
<br />
The virus the <i>entire</i> global population facing right now is now known as the <i>severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2</i> (SARS-CoV-2)?<br />
<br />
Severe. Acute. Respiratory. Syndrome.<br />
<br />
This is <i>why</i> our prophet is lovingly inviting us to <a href="https://www.comeuntochrist.org/hearhim">#HearHim</a>--because Christ <i>is</i> the reason we breathe.<br />
<br />
He is the reason why deep, meaningful breathing can calm us and bring us peace.<br />
<br />
He is the reason why we gasp desperately for air when we're winded or weak or anxious or fearful.<br />
<br />
Breathing is not just a blessing. Breathing is <i>essential</i> to our existence.<br />
<br />
Christ is not just a blessing. He and His power is <i>essential</i> to our eternal existence.**<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"When you reach up for the Lord’s power in your life with the same intensity that a drowning person has when grasping and gasping for air, power from Jesus Christ will be yours. When the Savior knows you truly want to reach up to Him—when He can feel that the greatest desire of your heart is to draw His power into your life—you will be led by the Holy Ghost to know exactly what you should do.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"When you spiritually stretch beyond anything you have ever done before, then His power will flow into you. And then you will understand the deep meaning of words we sing in the hymn 'The Spirit of God':</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The Lord is extending the Saints’ understanding. …</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The knowledge and power of God are expanding;</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The veil o’er the earth is beginning to burst.</i></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"The gospel of Jesus Christ is filled with His power, which is available to every earnestly seeking daughter or son of God. It is my testimony that when we draw His power into our lives, both He and we will rejoice." <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2017/04/drawing-the-power-of-jesus-christ-into-our-lives?lang=eng">- President Russell M. Nelson</a></blockquote>
I am a witness that His power can be ours when we daily breathe to #HearHim.<br />
<br />
<br />
(**I have a friend who is a respiratory therapist. She taught me this about breathing: "Breathing is something that happens automatically yet, you can control breathing to some degree. You can't hold your heart like you hold your breath. You can't control your digestive system or easily change your endocrine. Thus, we unconsciously count on Christ and yet, we also control how much we let Him in.")My Heart Squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02682463713795874520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7301187532361366156.post-46907609636110791692019-12-22T14:47:00.002-08:002019-12-22T14:55:14.086-08:00Becoming New in ChristThis week I listened to <a href="https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/dale-g-renlund/experience-gods-love/">THIS TALK</a> by Elder Dale G. Renlund, and it has left me pondering about the sacrament and my covenants.<br />
<br />
Elder Renlund quoted President Russell M. Nelson saying:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I made a covenant as I partook of the sacrament that I would be willing to take upon me the name of Jesus Christ and . . . to obey His commandments. Often, I hear the expression that we partake of the sacrament to renew covenants made at baptism. <i>While that’s true, it’s much more than that. </i>I’ve made a new covenant. You have made new covenants (italics added).</blockquote>
Whoa. The sacrament is much. more. than. renewing. covenants.<br />
<br />
Much more.<br />
<br />
So I have been thinking about that. About Jesus <i>being</i> the New Covenant and how I can make a new covenant with Him each and every week.<br />
<br />
Each Sabbath, as I give to Him my offering of my righteous desires coupled with my carnal tendencies, I can become new.<br />
<br />
When taken worthily and with real intent, the sacrament is The Way I become a new creature in Christ.<br />
<br />
This means that in partaking of the sacrament, the things of the world slowly--ever so imperceptibly slow-- start to become less and less important to me, and the things of God--the very things of eternity--start to become more and more important to me.<br />
<br />
The sacrament not only helps me to become more like Him, it is my cry to Him that I <i>need</i> Him to give me the ability to live His doctrine--especially the "endure to the end" part--with Christ-like determination.<br />
<br />
And He does.<br />
<br />
He gives me what I need.<br />
<br />
What an amazing covenant I have made.My Heart Squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02682463713795874520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7301187532361366156.post-35485776947989187172019-12-10T13:42:00.000-08:002019-12-22T14:13:45.307-08:00Small and Simple ThingsThis evening I had the opportunity to participate in our Relief Society Christmas Program entitled, <i>Women Who Knew Christ.</i> I was asked to play the part of the mother of Mary. As I practiced my part, there was a phrase from <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/luke/1?lang=eng">Luke 1:35</a> that jumped out at me:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also <b>that holy <i>thing</i></b> which shall be born of thee <b>shall be called the Son of God.</b></blockquote>
Had I read correctly? Did the angel just refer to the Son of God as a <i>holy thing?</i> And right then <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/37?lang=eng">Alma 37:6-7</a> was brought to my remembrance:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by <b>small and simple <i>things</i> are great things brought to pass</b>; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and <b>by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls.</b></blockquote>
Yep. The very Son of God was born by and in and to small and simple circumstances.<br />
<br />
Compared to how a king would have been received.<br />
<br />
Compared to how birthing accommodations are today.<br />
<br />
Compared to what can be announced to the world in real time on social media.<br />
<br />
Yet, in His small and simple way, He continues to confound the wise and brings about the salvation to many souls.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/3?lang=eng&clang=eng">I share my witness with King Benjamin</a> that "there is no other name give nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only <b>in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent."</b>My Heart Squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02682463713795874520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7301187532361366156.post-71032474355505867722019-10-08T22:48:00.002-07:002019-10-08T22:48:15.055-07:00Doctrine and Covenants 25 ChiasmusTonight, I took a look at <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/25?lang=eng">Doctrine and Covenants 25</a> as President Nelson invited us to do on Saturday. And I decided to look at it with a chiasmus eye. And really, I don't know much about chiasmus, except that it is AWESOME. But here's what I discovered. It is quite powerful when I read it in first person, taking the liberty to liken "husband" to "God," and thinking about "hymns" more in line as "preparations" for the upcoming April 2020 General Conference and beyond.<br />
<br />
1 God speaks to all—all who are covenant-makers and keepers of the gospel<br />
<br />
2 If you are faithful, you will receive an inheritance in Zion<br />
<br />
3 Your sins are forgiven. You are an elect lady. Called by the Lord.<br />
<br />
4 Murmur not about the things you have not seen<br />
<br />
5 Speak consoling words in the spirit of meekness<br />
<br />
6 Be a scribe<br />
<br />
7 You are called under [God’s] hand to expound scripture/exhort<br />
<br />
8 Receive the Holy Ghost to write and learn much<br />
<br />
9 [God] will support thee; all things to be revealed according to faith<br />
<br />
10 Lay aside the things of the world<br />
<br />
11 Make a selection of hymns [spiritual preparations]<br />
<br />
12 Song of the righteous is a prayer unto Him, a blessing upon heads<br />
<br />
13 Lift up your heart. Cleave unto your covenants.<br />
<br />
14 Be meek. Beware of pride. Soul delight in/glory given to [God]<br />
<br />
15 Keep commandments. Receive a crown of righteousness.<br />
<br />
16 My voice unto all<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What are you learning as you study the 25th section of the Doctrine and Covenants?</div>
My Heart Squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02682463713795874520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7301187532361366156.post-71033821922900157532019-07-09T17:43:00.000-07:002019-07-09T17:43:03.032-07:00Tidbit Tuesday: Talking About FamilyWe talk a lot about families. Sometimes in bitterness, you will want to say ‘all this talk about families, but I don’t have a family, and …, ’ stop there! Don’t add that extra phrase, ‘I wish they would stop talking so much about families.’ You pray that we do keep talking about families; about fathers and mothers and children and family home evening, temple marriage and companionship and all of the rest, because all of that will be yours. If we stop talking about it, then you, among all others, will be the losers.<br />
<br />
-<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1973/10/happiness-is-having-a-father-who-cares?lang=eng">James E. Faust quoting Boyd K. Packer</a>My Heart Squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02682463713795874520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7301187532361366156.post-31698751962823285482019-01-20T10:03:00.000-08:002019-01-24T10:11:46.048-08:00How is it that I Seek Him?In Luke 2:49, young Jesus responds to Mary and Joseph when they find Him in the temple and question His whereabouts, "How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?" To which Luke writes, "And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them."<br />
<br />
This has got me to thinking, Jesus did not ask. "<i>Where</i> have you sought me?" or "<i>When</i> have you sought me?" or "<i>Why</i> have you sought me?" His question was "<i>How</i> is it that ye sought me?"<br />
<br />
<i>How</i> is it?<br />
<br />
In the 1828 Dictionary, the word <i>how</i> is defined as "by what means, in what state, or in what manner." Which begs the question, HOW is it that I seek Him?<br />
<br />
Do I seek Him only when I need His help?<br />
<br />
Do I seek Him only when I need fast, temporary relief?<br />
<br />
Do I seek Him looking for easy answers to my profound questions because I don't want to wait?<br />
<br />
Do I seek Him on my time, with no regard to <i>all</i> He is and <i>all</i> He does and <i>all</i> He offers?<br />
<br />
Or,<br />
<br />
Do I seek Him with real intent?<br />
<br />
Do I seek Him with the desire to know? With the desire to follow Him the whole. entire. way. The long, eternal way.<br />
<br />
Do I seek Him because I, too, want to go about His Father's business, no matter what the cost?<br />
<br />
Do I seek Him willingly because I want to do His will and not mine, for His work and His glory?<br />
<br />
"<i>How</i> is it," He asks, "that ye seek Me?"My Heart Squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02682463713795874520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7301187532361366156.post-52567197528383687252018-12-30T09:55:00.000-08:002019-01-24T09:56:45.651-08:00Hitting Rock BottomToday I visited a boys' juvenile detention center for Sabbath worship services.<br />
<br />
Missionaries teach a Sunday School class in three rotations.<br />
<br />
The boys who attend Sunday meetings do so voluntarily.<br />
<br />
The Sunday School lesson focused on Jesus Christ being our Teacher, our Healer, our Forgiver, our Advocate, our Savior.<br />
<br />
In all of the groups, the instructor missionary asked, "What does it mean that Jesus is our rock?"<br />
<br />
Several answers from several boys in all groups . But one answer stood out to me.<br />
<br />
"It's like when we hit rock bottom---Jesus will be there."<br />
<br />
What a beautiful way to think about that!My Heart Squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02682463713795874520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7301187532361366156.post-24284166719792228442018-12-22T19:39:00.000-08:002019-01-02T19:40:29.520-08:00He is the Way, the Truth, and the LightEarlier this month I woke up with a terrible, awful 10+ headache. Nothing I did took away the pain--not sleep, not darkness, not medication, not even prayer. On top of it all, I still had all my "mom" responsibilities I had to do, which included judging a science fair at the junior high, chauffeuring the children from school to home to work, helping with homework, and attending a junior high basketball game. Even though I tried very hard to be positive and happy, the excruciating pain wouldn't leave me. My head throbbed all day long.<br />
<br />
At about 4:30, as I was sitting on the bleachers waiting for the basketball game to begin, squinting my eyes in an attempt to protect myself from the noise and the lights and the commotion, I received a distinct impression. The impression told me that my headache was going to go away. In a matter of a few moments, I could literally feel the tremendous pain that had tortured my head all day gradually dissipate. In a matter of five or so minutes, my headache was gone. My headache was COMPLETELY gone!<br />
<br />
So, in my head, I began a little conversation with this impression I had. This impression that told me that I was going to witness my headache leave.<br />
<br />
Me: "Why?" Why did it take so long for the pain to go away? I was in so much pain. All day. Why now? Why not sooner when I could have been so much more productive?"<br />
<br />
Impression: "Because I wanted you to know that when everything is said and done, it is Me who Heals. It is not the darkness or the sleep or the medication. It is not time or circumstance. It is Me because I am the Way, the Truth, and the Light. I am the Healer. And it is I in Whom you must have faith."<br />
<br />
That afternoon, in the middle of a noisy, crowded gymnasium, I learned, through the Spirit that each of us, at different times in our lives, have things that hang over us, burden us, weary us, even torture us. Many times, we feel like that weight is carried for a long time. A longer time than what we desire. Or what we think we are capable of enduring. And in those times, God, in His infinite mercy, places many things and needed people in our way who will and can help us come unto Him.<br />
<br />
But in the end, in the very end, <i>it is only in and through</i> Jesus Christ that we are healed. He IS the Way, the Truth, and the Light!<br />
<br />
I know that He lives and that He loves us. I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the World.My Heart Squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02682463713795874520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7301187532361366156.post-35700987663731486582018-12-19T08:34:00.000-08:002018-12-29T19:20:02.000-08:00Book of Mormon Reading: Moroni 10Today I finished reading the Book of Mormon!!<br />
<br />
Did you know that the word "exhort," in some form or another, appears in the Book of Mormon 28 times?<br />
<br />
6 of those times span within the book of 1 Nephi.<br />
<br />
10 of those times appear in Moroni 10, alone!!<br />
<ul>
<li>I have spoken a few words by way of <i>exhort</i>ation unto you:</li>
<li>I would <i>exhort</i> you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men,</li>
<li>I would <i>exhort</i> you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ,</li>
<li>I would <i>exhort</i> you that ye deny not the power of God . . .</li>
<li> I <i>exhort</i> you, . . . that ye deny not the gifts of God . . .</li>
<li>I would <i>exhort</i> you, . . . that ye remember that every good gift cometh of Christ.</li>
<li>I would <i>exhort</i> you, . . . that ye remember that [God] is the same yesterday, today, and forever, </li>
<li> I <i>exhort</i> you to remember these things . . .</li>
<li> I would <i>exhort</i> you that ye would come unto Christ . . .</li>
</ul>
<br />
<i>exhort</i>: To incite by words or advice; to animate or urge by arguments to a good deed or to any laudable conduct or course of action.<br />
<br />
Perhaps President Nelson does not use the word "exhort," but his does use words such as "urge," "invite," "encourage," and "plead." These words summon me to action.<br />
<br />
I love the Book of Mormon!<br />
<br />
I know the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ.<br />
<br />
And I know that Jesus Christ is the Redeemer, the Savior of the World.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">P.S. Just did a quick search on General Conference talks, and President Nelson used the word "exhort" in <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2018/04/revelation-for-the-church-revelation-for-our-lives?lang=eng">THIS TALK</a> and in <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2018/04/let-us-all-press-on?lang=eng">THIS TALK</a>.</span>My Heart Squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02682463713795874520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7301187532361366156.post-16955470003012845912018-12-18T21:23:00.000-08:002018-12-29T19:20:32.128-08:00Book of Mormon Reading: Moroni 9After reading Moroni 9 chapter, I truly believe that the goodness and prosperity of a nation reflects on how women and children are treated and regarded.My Heart Squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02682463713795874520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7301187532361366156.post-24727108635484106872018-12-17T20:26:00.000-08:002018-12-29T19:20:40.134-08:00Book of Mormon Reading: Moroni 8Today's reading prompted me to make this important scripture note:<br />
<br />
Performing saving ordinances correctly is of utmost importance to God. Doing otherwise mocks Him and His atoning sacrifice. Thus, when the Spirit ceases striving with an individual (or, as a whole people, as in the case of the Nephites), then there is a greater likelihood that ordinances will be changes according the to teachings of man, rather than the doctrine of Christ.My Heart Squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02682463713795874520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7301187532361366156.post-11440256516383921332018-12-16T23:01:00.000-08:002018-12-29T19:20:52.744-08:00Book of Mormon Reading: Moroni 7I marveled today at these phrases of Christ, which are <i>all</i> found entirely in Moroni 7. These phrases talk, speak, rejoice, and testify of Him.<br />
<br />
What was even more amazing to me was when I placed them in a list, in order, I realized, these phrases follow the chiasmus rule (oh me, of little chiasmus knowledge).<br />
<br />
Peaceable followers of Christ<br />
<br />
Spirit of Christ<br />
<br />
Believe in Christ<br />
<br />
Power and gift of Christ<br />
<br />
Light of Christ<br />
<br />
Child of Christ<br />
<br />
Coming of Christ<br />
<br />
Good cometh of Christ<br />
<br />
Faith in Christ<br />
<br />
Word of Christ<br />
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Atonement of Christ<br />
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Jesus is the Christ<br />
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Pure love of Christ<br />
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True followers of His Son, Jesus ChristMy Heart Squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02682463713795874520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7301187532361366156.post-21370121715890501282018-12-15T13:15:00.000-08:002018-12-17T22:50:09.853-08:00Book of Mormon Reading: Mormon 1-6What I read:<br />
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"Ye shall call on the Father in my name, in mighty prayer; and <i>after</i> ye have done this ye shall have power that to him upon whom ye shall lay your hands . . ." (Moroni 2:2).<br />
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What I learned:<br />
The Lord strongly encourages those who hold the priesthood to pray <i>before</i> giving a priesthood blessing.My Heart Squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02682463713795874520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7301187532361366156.post-58315208583891404202018-12-14T22:14:00.000-08:002018-12-29T19:21:09.572-08:00Book of Mormon Reading: Ether 12-15<div class="tr_bq">
The entire story of the Jaredites is a lesson to me of what happens when a people forget their God.</div>
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Here are the final numbers in the final days of the Jaredites:<br />
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Team Coriatumr and Team Shiz spend four years (4 years!) gathering together their team, their army, their support. Then, the battle begins:<br />
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Day 1-2: Fighting and death all the day long; mourning and howling all the night long.<br />
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Day 3: Team Coriantumr writes a note to Team Shiz, "Please, let's not do this anymore. Take my kingdom. Spare our lives." Team Shiz, "Not on your life."<br />
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Day 4 - 6: Fight on. Die on. Sleep on swords.<br />
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Day 6: More fighting. More bloodshed. More deaths. End of day Team Coriantumr: 52. Team Shiz: 69. (And another night of sleeping on swords).<br />
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Day 7: More fighting. More bloodshed. Deaths. Eating and sleeping to prepare for death on the morrow. End of day: Team Coriantumr: 29. Team Shiz: 32<br />
(P.S. That's a reduction of 58% of Coriantumr's army and a 46% reduction of Shiz's army in ONE day!)<br />
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Day 8: Both armies fight for three hours. Faint because of the loss of blood. Rest up and, with remaining strength, the army of Shiz pursue the remaining of the army of Coriantumr. Into the night.<br />
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Day 9: Shiz's men overcome Coriantumr's men, leaving only Coriantumr and Shiz. Coriantumr prevails.<br />
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End of the Jaredite civilization.<br />
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Contrast that to the building up of God's kingdom:<br />
<blockquote>
Suppose for a moment you are a member of a team. The coach beckons you from the bench and says: “You are to enter this contest. I not only want you to win; you shall win. But the going will be tough. The score at this moment is 1,143,000,000 to six, and you are to play on the team with the six points!”</blockquote>
<blockquote>
That large number was the approximate population of the earth in the year 1830 when the restored church of Jesus Christ was officially organized with six members. The setting was remote and rural. By standards of the world, its leaders were deemed to be unlearned. Their followers seemed so ordinary. But with them, the work was begun. . . .</blockquote>
<blockquote>
If any tasks ever deserved the label impossible, those would seem to qualify. But, in fact, our Lord had spoken: “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.”</blockquote>
I want to be numbered with those who do not forget who is Lord, their God.My Heart Squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02682463713795874520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7301187532361366156.post-36563089581647878802018-12-13T14:13:00.000-08:002018-12-17T22:14:08.312-08:00Book of Mormon Reading: Ether 6-11In my reading today, this particular title of the Savior stood out to me: "Son of Righteousness." (Which, by the way, is found only three times in the scriptures and only in the Book of Mormon).<br />
<br />
One way I pondered this titles is that Righteousness is the very personification of our Heavenly Father. One <a href="http://webstersdictionary1828.com/Dictionary/Righteousness">definition of <i>righteousness</i></a> is "it includes all we call justice, honesty, and virtue, with holy affections; in short, it is true religion."<br />
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Thus understanding the true nature of the Godhead is understanding true religion.<br />
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Another way I have pondered this title, "Son of Righteousness," is that through obedience to my covenants and by applying the atoning blood of Christ, I, too, can become a daughter of Righteousness. That is why I chose to come to earth--to prove that I want to live His life (which is eternal life) and be with Him forever.My Heart Squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02682463713795874520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7301187532361366156.post-18757961194833749092018-12-12T16:03:00.000-08:002018-12-17T22:04:42.834-08:00Book of Mormon Reading: Ether 3-5Exercising faith in Jesus Christ requires a degree (I would say a high degree) of sanctification. And in that sanctification <i>in Him</i>, the Lord promises (and I know His promises are sure), "then will [He] manifest unto [us] the things which the brother of Jared saw, even to the unfolding unto them all my revelations, saith Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of the heavens and of the earth, and all things that in them are" (Ether 4:7).<br />
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Wow.<br />
<br />
Just wow!My Heart Squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02682463713795874520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7301187532361366156.post-39621812097020811372018-12-11T21:44:00.000-08:002019-01-24T10:13:34.604-08:00Book of Mormon Reading: Ether 1-2The story of Jared and his brother (the brother of Jared, ha ha), continues to fascinate me every time I read it<br />
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This time around wasn't any different.<br />
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What really stood out to me is how much the Lord does prepare things for us in our present and in our future, and how much He wants to help us prepare for good and bad things that will come.<br />
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I love that the brother of Jared is the spokeman to the Lord for his family.<br />
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I love the role Jared plays in that making sure Jared is the spokesman for their family.<br />
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I love this injunction from the Lord: "Go to work and build."<br />
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And I love that the Lord cares for the physical needs of the Jaredites (air to breathe) and sets the brother of Jared to ponder and act onhow to take care of their spiritual needs (light for the barges).My Heart Squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02682463713795874520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7301187532361366156.post-29023858157369263992018-12-10T12:48:00.000-08:002018-12-11T12:03:04.120-08:00Book of Mormon Reading: Mormon 1-9I don't think I have ever read the whole Book of Mormon in one day.<br />
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I'm not talking 531 pages of The Book of Mormon, but the Book of Mormon chapters in The Book of Mormon 1 through 9.<br />
<br />
And I have to admit that in reading all nine chapters today, I was completely overcome with emotion. I was <i>not</i> expecting to feel such deep anguish and sorrow for the Nephites who were annihilated because of their wickedness. And I was definitely not expecting to have my love and admiration for Mormon grow.<br />
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Beginning at age 16, Mormon served as the head of the Nephite army. He held that title for 36 consecutive years, and then, because he couldn't lead such a wicked nation, he relinquished his title and his leadership, taking somewhat of a sabbatical and wiping his hands from the wickness of his generation. But twelve years later, he once again agreed to lead the Nephite nation. All in all, Mormon served as a leader of war for 45 years. 45 years!!<br />
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In addition, at the age of 10, Mormon was asked to be the future record keeper of the plates. If my calculations are close, he started compiling and keeping the records when he was about 24 years old.<br />
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So here's this boy-to-man Moroni, who, in the midst of being in charge of protecting/defending an entire people, keeping record and compiling a book for our day, he also has a family and, as we know, raises up a righteous son, Moroni.<br />
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And in spite of the wickedness and evil; carnage and terror; whoredoms and abominations, he and Moroni, are ever true and steadfast disciples of Jesus Christ.<br />
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They exercised faith and obedience when God withdrew from their people.<br />
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They endured with Him, even when they knew it was over for their people.<br />
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They witnessed miracles because of their immovable faith in their Redeemer.<br />
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Mormon and Moroni set a precedence. They teach me that I can live righteously and teach righteous living in a day like today.<br />
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"Be wise in the days of your probation," Moroni wrote, "strip yourselves of all uncleanness; ask not, that you may consume it on your lasts, but ask with the firmness and shaken, that you will yield to no temptation, but that you will serve the true and living God" (Mormon 9:28).My Heart Squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02682463713795874520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7301187532361366156.post-36992198654419232202018-12-09T22:37:00.000-08:002018-12-11T12:00:44.846-08:00Book of Mormon Reading: 4 NephiAfter the visit of Christ in the Americas, there were years of plenty.<br />
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110 of them filled with peace.<br />
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"No contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people<br />
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No envyings.<br />
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No strifes.<br />
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No tumults.<br />
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No whoredoms.<br />
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No lyings.<br />
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No murders.<br />
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No lasciviousness.<br />
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"Surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God. . . they were in one, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God" (4 Nephi 1:15-16).<br />
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Imagine what we, as a people, would give up, if we were filled with peace; if we were filled with the pure love of Christ.<br />
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Certainly, the headlines for the nightly news would be different---or not exist at all.<br />
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It would be Christmas everyday.My Heart Squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02682463713795874520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7301187532361366156.post-20147358183225213032018-12-08T11:43:00.000-08:002018-12-11T11:48:52.115-08:00Book of Mormon Reading: 3 Nephi 24-30God tries my faith.<br />
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First, by seeing if I will accept the small and simple things He has already placed before me:<br />
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Scriptures.<br />
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Words of living prophets.<br />
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Commandments.<br />
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Ordinances and covenants.<br />
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If I believe on these things, He manifests greater things unto me.<br />
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If I don't, then those greater things are withheld and, I am held accountable.<br />
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I am grateful He sees fit to try me faith.My Heart Squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02682463713795874520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7301187532361366156.post-19985182359225761072018-12-07T09:19:00.000-08:002018-12-11T09:32:29.855-08:00Book of Mormon Reading: 3 Nephi 21-23Some thoughts from today's reading:<br />
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1. God's wisdom > the cunningness of the devil<br />
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2. Being clean to bearing the vessels of the Lord:<br />
For men: being worthy to hold the priesthood to administer the sacrament<br />
For women: being worthy to bear choice spirits that are given to us as children<br />
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3. God's timing + my obedience = gathering of Israel<br />
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4. There will come a day when "all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children" (3 Nephi 22:13).My Heart Squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02682463713795874520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7301187532361366156.post-23678520539262514962018-12-06T16:39:00.000-08:002018-12-07T10:50:09.823-08:00Book of Mormon Reading: 3 Nephi 14-203 Nephi 17 is one of my most favorites from 3 Nephi.<br />
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This morning, I noticed Mormon's careful compilation of this chapter.<br />
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1. There is a third person narrative, describing the event.<br />
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2. There is a first person invitation, from the Savior Himself, to the Nephites, as He beckons them to come to Him for healing.<br />
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3. There is a powerful plural first person witness of 2500 souls, who jointly testify that seeing, hearing, and learning from the Savior is too marvelous and wonderful to capture in any earthly words.<br />
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I add my witness to theirs.<br />
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I know He heals.<br />
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I know He lives.<br />
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I know He loves us.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">** You can use this chapter to teach the power of the word of God. In a group setting, have one person, who has been assigned before hand to read the chapter, take 1-2 minutes to summarize what happens in 3 Nephi 17. Then, have another person from the group read this chapter word for word. Discuss with group members the difference that was felt in reltaing the story and in reading from the scriptures.</span><br />
<br />My Heart Squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02682463713795874520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7301187532361366156.post-66957022729915889332018-12-05T10:35:00.000-08:002018-12-07T10:36:47.776-08:00Book of Mormon Reading: 3 Nephi 11-13Two principles stood out to me in my reading today:<br />
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First, God speaks to holy prophets today to preach us what we need to know and do <i>now. </i>With many changes that have been made in the past year, we are to follow the directives that have been given us in 2018, not what we have been doing in the past.<br />
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<a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1997/04/finding-safety-in-counsel?lang=eng">Henry B. Eyring taught</a>:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The choice not to take prophetic counsel changes the very ground upon which we stand. It becomes more dangerous. The failure to take prophetic counsel lessens our power to take inspired counsel in the future. The best time to have decided to help Noah build the ark was the first time he asked. Each time he asked after that, each failure to respond would have lessened sensitivity to the Spirit. And so each time his request would have seemed more foolish, until the rain came. And then it was too late.</blockquote>
Second, I'm very grateful God gives me more than just one chance to hear and understand His voice.My Heart Squaredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02682463713795874520noreply@blogger.com0