Like Leaven

Why does God want us to live "In the world, but not of the world?" Wouldn't it just be easier for us all to pack up and head for the hills where we could live as the Monks do all alone or with only those of our same beliefs?

Dallin H. Oaks taught "We must live in the world because, as Jesus taught in a parable, His kingdom is “like leaven,” whose function is to raise the whole mass by its influence. (Matt 13:33)  His followers cannot do that if they associate only with those who share their beliefs and practices. But the Savior also taught that if we love Him, we will keep His commandments"

In my personal study the last few days I've been reading near the end of the Book of Mormon where Mormon's story is told. His calling was truly to live in the world. He speaks of a scene of war and carnage continually before him. In fact "there never had been so great wickedness among all the children of Lehi." They "did struggle for their lives without calling upon that Being who created them." Mormon is a perfect example of what it means to be "like leaven" in the world, without succumbing to the influences of the world around him.
 
"Followers of Christ should be examples of civility. We should love all people, be good listeners, and show concern for their sincere beliefs. Though we may disagree, we should not be disagreeable." -Oaks

I was impressed by the genuine love Mormon had for his rebellious and wicked brethren. In Chapter 3 he says. "notwithstanding their wickedness I had led them many times to battle, and had loved them, according to the love of God which was in me, with all my heart; and my soul had been poured out in prayer unto my God all the day long for them; nevertheless, it was without faith, because of the hardness of their hearts." 

Eventually their "wickedness and abomination" led Mormon to remove himself from his brethren and he refused to be their leader. However it wasn't long until his love for them caused him to repent of his oath and again take up position to lead them. Mormon then shares his lament over the darkest days in the Nephite history. His soul was rent with anguish, because of the slain of his people as he cried his famous, "Oh ye fair ones."

Elder Oaks continued, "When our positions do not prevail, we should accept unfavorable results graciously and practice civility with our adversaries. In any event, we should be persons of goodwill toward all, rejecting persecution of any kind."

"The commandment to love one another surely includes love and respect across religious lines and also across racial, cultural, and economic lines... In so many relationships and circumstances in life, we must live with differences. Where vital, our side of these differences should not be denied or abandoned, but as followers of Christ we should live peacefully with others who do not share our values or accept the teachings upon which they are based... As a Book of Mormon prophet taught, we must press forward, having “a love of God and of all men” (2 Ne 31:20)

The Savior showed us the way. As we face a troubled world with differing and sometimes wicked opinions, loving-kindness is required, but follower of Christ—just like the Master—will be firm in the truth. May we all be "like leaven" while we dwell in the world but not of it. Do not hide yourself away from others not of our faith, but let your light shine and be a blessing to all those around you. I know that God will bless us in our efforts to invite other to come unto Christ. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

The Suprising Science Behind "Supremely Happy" People

I read an article on the Church News that really fasinated me and I thought I would share a brief overview:
https://www.lds.org/church/news/the-surprising-science-behind-supremely-happy-people?cid=HPFR102414513&lang=eng
 
It is a fact, human beings want to be happy, They cannot get rid of that pursuit. Type in ‘happiness’ on Amazon.com and you’ll find 2,000 books on happiness.

Statistics show that one in four people struggle with depression in the United States, It is a common thing, but we treat it as if it is some sort of stigma. We don’t do that with diabetes and think that person must not be spiritual, or that a person with cancer must be sinning.

Sometimes a normal day consists of challenges. Boyde K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said: “It was meant to be that life would be a challenge. To suffer some anxiety, some depression, some disappointment, even some failure is normal. Teach our members that if they have a good, miserable day once in a while, or several in a row, to stand steady and face them. Things will straighten out. There is great purpose in our struggle in life”(That All May Be Edified [1982], 94).
 
What can we do? How can we help ourselves? Kate Bratskeir, a happiness researcher, took data from multiple happiness studies from the past 40 years and put together a list of what she called “The Habits of Supremely Happy People,”

Ten things that supremely happy people do:

1.       Happy people surround themselves with other happy people. Joy is contagious. People are four times more likely to be happy in the future with happy people around them.

2.       Happy people try to be happy. When happy people don’t feel happy, they cultivate a happy thought and smile about it.

3.       Happy people spend money more on others than they spend on themselves. Givers experience what scientists call the “helper’s high.”

4.       Happy people have deep in-person conversations. Sitting down to talk about what makes a person tick is a good practice for feeling good about life.

5.       Happy people use laughter as a medicine. A good old-fashioned chuckle releases lots of good neurotransmitters. A study showed that children on average laugh 300 times a day versus adults who laugh 15 times a day.

6.       Happy people use the power of music. Researchers found that music can match the anxiety-reducing effects of massage therapy.

7.       Happy people exercise and eat a healthful diet. Eating a poor diet can contribute to depression.

8.       Happy people take the time to unplug and go outside. Uninterrupted screen time brings on depression and anxiety.

9.       Happy people get enough sleep. When people run low on sleep, they are prone to feel a lack of clarity, bad moods, and poor judgment.

10.   Happy people are spiritual.

I know that this life can be hard, that depression is a real problem that many of our loved ones face every single day. I also know that sometimes those same challenges and hardships are exactly what we need in order to grow and become more like Jesus Christ. Don't pray away your trials. Accept them, learn from them! He will be there with you as you strive to become more like him. I love you all, and so does He.

30 Day Challenge

During a Zone Training this week I was given a 30 Day Challenge that I want to extend to each of you. As I listened to the Challenge the Spirit touched my heart letting me know that I had some work to do! It's not an easy challenge, but I know that is what makes it so worthwhile.

"During an informal fireside address held with a group of adult Latter-day Saints, the leader directing the discussion invited participation by asking the question: “How can you tell if someone is converted to Jesus Christ?” For forty-five minutes those in attendance made numerous suggestions in response to this question, and the leader carefully wrote down each answer on a large blackboard. All of the comments were thoughtful and appropriate. But after a time, this great teacher erased everything he had written. Then, acknowledging that all of the comments had been worthwhile and appreciated, he taught a vital principle: “The best and most clear indicator that we are progressing spiritually and coming unto Christ is the way we treat other people.” Marvin J Ashton

How are we treating one another? Specifically how are we speaking one to another?

“The stroke of the whip maketh marks in the flesh: but the stroke of the tongue breaketh the bones.”

Is this something we could all work on just a little? Is this an area in which we could each try to be a little more converted to Jesus Christ?

"The voice that bears profound testimony, utters fervent prayer, and sings the hymns of Zion can be the same voice that berates and criticizes, embarrasses and demeans, inflicts pain and destroys the spirit of oneself and of others in the process. “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing... “My brethren and sisters, these things ought not so to be.” Jeffrey R. Holland

If you feel like you can do better in this way, I hope you will find this 30 Day Challenge to be as inspired as I did.

PHASE 1: NO NEGATIVE WORDS ONE TO ANOTHER

"None of us need one more person bashing or pointing out where we have failed or fallen short. Most of us are already well aware of the areas in which we are weak. What each of us does need is family, friends, employers, and brothers and sisters who support us, who have the patience to teach us, who believe in us, and who believe we’re trying to do the best we can, in spite of our weaknesses... Be one who nurtures and who builds. Be one who has an understanding and a forgiving heart, who looks for the best in people. Leave people better than you found them." Marvin J Ashton

I know as we strive to refrain from speaking negatively to or about each other we will be closer to the spirit and to those we love. 

PHASE 2: NO WORDS TO OFFEND THE SPIRIT

Please accept one of Elder Holland’s maxims for living, "No misfortune is so bad that whining about it won’t make it worse." Take an inventory of your speech. Are your words offensive to the Spirit? In what ways are your words limiting the Holy Ghost. In order to do better I offer a few ideas of caution:

• • Don't use words full of
   anger or hurt or defensiveness, it will drive away the Holy Ghost.
• • Remember a murmuring tongue shows a lack of faith, understanding and charity. 
• • 
  Be cautious with humor. Loud, inappropriate laughter will offend the Spirit. A good sense of humor helps revelation; loud laughter does not.”
• • 
  Another enemy to the spirit comes from exaggeration or loudness in what is stated. Careful, quiet speech will favor the receipt of revelation.
• • 
  You cannot lie. W
  e must be honest with ourselves, honest with God, and with our fellowmen. 

It's interesting to note that each week as we take the sacrament with our mouths, which is the very member that gets most of us into trouble during the week. Maybe this is a reminder not a coincidence. 

PHASE 3 NO UNCLEAN THOUGHTS

So what are the thoughts of your heart? What do you hear whispered to your mind each time you make a choice? What is your innermost desire? Are you driven my a love for Heavenly Father or are you an instant judge? Which way do you face, in or out? This step is the most challenging but the most important because our thoughts determine who I am. 

"I suppose it goes without saying that negative speaking so often flows from negative thinking, including negative thinking about ourselves. We see our own faults, we speak—or at least think—critically of ourselves, and before long that is how we see everyone and everything. No sunshine, no roses, no promise of hope or happiness. Before long we and everybody around us are miserable." Holland

President Monson said "So much in life depends on our attitude. The way we choose to see things and respond to others makes all the difference... We can’t direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails. For maximum happiness, peace, and contentment, may we choose a positive attitude."

THE PRIZE: "let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distill upon thy soul as the dews from heaven. The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever."

"So, in this long eternal quest to be more converted to our Savior, may we try to be “perfect” in at least this one way now—by offending not in word, or more positively put, by speaking with a new tongue, the tongue of angels. Our words, like our deeds, should be filled with faith and hope and charity." Holland

Ponder the path of thy feet

"In thousands of different ways we are privileged to choose for ourselves."

At different times in each life we come to a point of decision. Maybe that choice is career, school, marriage, mission, children, retirement etc. With so many choices ahead of us it is sometimes intimidating to make a decision because we don't know the effects that one decision can have on the rest of our life.

Of all the choices we make "There is no higher end than this, that we should choose to accept His discipline and become His disciples and do His work throughout our lives. Nothing else, no other choice we make, can make of us what He can."

When I heard this in conference last weekend I realized that of all the choices that lay ahead of me after my mission the most important is to follow the path laid out by the Savior. In the end my Father in Heaven will not ask me where I worked or which neighborhood I chose to live in, but He will ask me what good I did with it. 

What would Jesus Christ do with the opportunities you have been blessed with?

 

"Of paramount importance we have been provided with a perfect example to follow... All of us can walk the path He walked when, with His words ringing in our ears, His Spirit filling out hearts, and His teachings guiding our lives."

"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the words of Christ, and endure to the end, behold thus saith the Father: ye shall have eternal life." 2 Ne 31:19

The Saviors example is perfect and simple. It is laid out in the open for all to see and learn from. If the path is so clearly marked, why is it that so many deviate from it and do not correct their course?

"The Saviors example provides a framework for everything that we do, and His words provide an unfailing guide. His path will take us safely home."

Quotes from Thomas S. Monson Oct 2014 Ponder the path of thy feet

The Cost of Riches

 

I hope it's a wide known fact that, you cant buy happiness at Disney Land,

but that doesn't stop us from trying. 

Our world is so saturated with a greed for more money and more things. It's hard not to get caught up in the whirlwind that credit cards and mortgages create. We give up more and more cherished things as we work more and more to buy the next best thing. What are we sacrificing? 

"For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?"

Elder Christofferson shared a study in his latest CES fireside, he said, "This is not to say that we should not seek to succeed, even excel in worthy endeavors, including education and honorable work... Comparing several groups in American society at large on measures such as “income, academic accomplishment, corporate leadership, professional attainment, and other conventional metrics,” Chua and Rubenfeld say: “If there’s one group in the U.S. today that’s hitting it out of the park with conventional success, it’s Mormons." 

It seems like God is staying true to his word when He said, "And if ye seek the riches which it is the will of the Father to give unto you, ye shall be the richest of all people, for ye shall have the riches of eternity; and it must needs be that the riches of the earth are mine to give; but beware of pride, lest ye become as the Nephites of old." D&C38:39

The scriptures give us countless accounts of  people who stay true to their covenants and sacrifice worldly wealth to align their will with God. Alma gave us his position as the Chief Judge over all the Nephites to fulfill his role as a missionary and a prophet. (Alma 4:18) Similarly his companion Amuleck gave up his riches to spread the gospel. (Alma 10:4) Later these two great men were tempted by others to deny the existence of a Supreme Being in exchange for money. Their reply, "Thou knowest that there is a God, but thou lovest that lucre more than him."

Are we sometimes guilty of that as well. How much of our time is invested in worldly gain rather than eternal truths. Elder Chrisofferson counciled how we might balance the two.

"With our faith in Christ, we must see political, business, academic, and similar forms of success not as defining us but as making possible our service to God and fellowman—beginning at home and extending as far as possible in the world. Personal development has value as it contributes to development of a Christlike character."

So in a world that revolves around money, and that requires us to work for our own support, how much is enough? "It's interesting to note that in the 1990s, people were “on average four-and-a-half times richer than their great-grandparents were at the turn of the century, but they were not four-and-a-half times happier"... One antonym for greed, and perhaps the antidote to it, is contentment. The Apostle Paul stated, “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content”(Philip. 4:11). Contentment and gratitude are essential if one is to be truly happy." -Elder Lynn G. Robbins

The Lord doesn’t expect us to seek out poverty, but His counsel is direct: “Thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better”(D&C25:10)

The truth about Laman

In the Book of Mormon we learn about a man named Laman. He was asked by God to give up all his worldly possessions, which were plentiful, and follow his father in to the wilderness. He packed up his tent with the rest of his brothers and headed out. A short time later he was told he needed to return to Jerusalem and get the Brass Plates. He made the trek back to the city and went to speak to Laban alone trying to get the plates. He was chased out and nearly killed in the process. Laman journeyed in the wilderness for years, caring for his family and pregnant wife. They struggled with hunger, fatigue and many other trials but he kept working. When they finally reached the ocean he was again asked to trust that God was talking to his little brother and help him build a boat. None of them had made such an attempt before but his labors went in with everyone else’s to build this ship. 

After all of this, what is Laman really famous for? Murmuring. As you read the story it’s interesting to note that Laman and Lemuel did many of the same things as their brother Nephi. They sacrificed and worked and dwelt in a tent too, but they did it complaining and murmuring every step of the way. Sadly now as we hear their story we don’t remember their sacrifices we remember their doubting.  

What does that teach you about doubting and complaining and murmuring?

Murmuring is defined as a half-suppressed resentment or muttered complaint.

Many of us like Laman get up and do, but we murmur the whole way through. We attend church each Sunday, we do our calling, we do our visiting teaching, we hold family home evening and we even show up at the Relief Society luncheon. But we grumble about the inconvenient time that church starts, we gripe about the pesky 9 year old in our primary class, we whine about how hard it is to actually get a visiting teaching appointment and doubt our companion will even show up. We get discouraged by how chaotic and irreverent our Family Home Evening lesson is, and then vent to our friends about our neighbor through the entire Relief Society luncheon.  

Elder Maxwell said, “A basic cause of murmuring is that too many of us seem to expect that life will flow ever smoothly, featuring an unbroken chain of green lights with empty parking places just 
in front of our destinations!”

I am just as guilty with my murmuring spirit as the rest. I catch myself too many times being pessimistic and ornery.  “Perhaps when we murmur we are unconsciously complaining over not being able to cut a special deal with the Lord. We want full blessings but without full obedience to the laws upon which those blessings are predicated.” -Maxwell

The Lords teaches us a parable that warns against murmuring and teaches how it can lead to distraction and disobedience in D&C 101. It is broken up into 3 steps.

First, we begin to question (D&C 101:48). We question first in their own minds and then start to plant questions in the minds of others. 

Second, we rationalize and excuse ourselves from doing what they had been instructed to do (D&C 101:49). We find reasons why that rule doesn’t apply to us, or why we are the exception. Thus, they made an excuse for disobedience.

The third step inevitably follows: slothfulness in following the commandment of The Lord. The parable says, “They became very slothful, and they hearkened not unto the commandments of their lord” 
(D&C 101:50). 

In summery it really comes down to one fact. “And thus Laman and Lemuel … did murmur because they knew not the dealings of that God who had created them.” (1 Ne. 2:12.)

That fact that Murmuring causes damage to ourselves is sufficient reason to resist murmuring, but another obvious danger is its contagiousness. Even faithful father Lehi, for one brief moment, got caught up in the contagion of murmuring. (1 Ne. 16:20.)  Murmuring over the weight of our crosses not only takes energy otherwise needed to carry them but might cause another to put down his cross altogether.

Let us each recommit ourselves to “arise from the dust, and be men, and be determined in one mind and in one heart, united in all things, that ye may not come down into captivity.” (2 Ne. 1:21) I know that as I’ve gone to my Father in Heaven in prayer and asked for his help to put off the natural and complaining man that he has blessed and supported me in my efforts. He wants us to be happy! Let us follow the example of Nephi who trusted in the Lord with all his heart without a murmuring spirit.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Because I live, ye shall live also

Connor Benjamin Thredgold, 19, of Springville, Utah, and Yu Peng Xiong, 24, of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, were found dead Saturday in an apartment they shared in Taiwan.

My prayers go out to all those who knew and loved these Elders. I didn't know Elder Thredgold but he was from my home stake in Springville, Utah and my heart goes out to his family and friends.

Why did God allow such a thing to happen? Why didn't he protect these young boys who were so willing to serve Him?

2 Nephi 11:17 I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.

"Because Adam and Eve did fall, we have temptation, trials, and death as our universal inheritance. However, our loving Heavenly Father gave us the gift of His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, as our Savior. The great gift and blessing of the Atonement of Jesus Christ brings a universal inheritance: the promise of the Resurrection and the possibility of eternal life to all who are born." Henry B. Eyering

"This is what the gospel gives us-- not immunity from death, but victory over it!" -Richard J. Maynes

The hurt is real when someone so young is taken away from a family but Elder Russell M. Nelson promised, "From an eternal perspective, death is only premature for those who are 

not prepared to meet God."

I know that Elder Thredgold and his companion have not been excused from their missionary labors but they continue to labor for the cause on the other side. Each of us have heard countless stories of ways God has protected his missionaries and saved their lives. I know without a doubt that God is watching over me and my friends here in the Montana Billings Mission. We have seen many miracles and been watched over by the Good Shepherd. God's timing is perfect and if He chooses to bring one of his children home to Him it is for a wise purpose. 

And should we die before our journey's through,

Happy day! All is well!

We then are free from toil and sorrow, too;

With the just we shall dwell!

But if our lives are spared again

To see the Saints their rest obtain,

Oh, how we'll make this chorus swell--

All is well! All is well!

I'm trying to be like Jesus

This week I watched the movie Ephraim’s Rescue for the first time. As we watched it with our investigator I learned some very valuable lessons. I was struck by an exchange near the end when a women tells Ephraim, “You must be a holy man.” His humble response is something like, “I have too many flaws to even count.” Her question to him is then, “Then how do you accomplish so much good?”

His answer is what truly stuck with me, “I try.”

Does trying count in the eyes of God?

We all have grown up with quoting the famous “Do or do not, there is no try.” Although I can appreciate the sentiment trying to be portrayed in this scenario, I believe that our loving and forgiving Heavenly Father recognizes that we will not always be able to accomplish all that is placed before us 

but He asks us to try.

I’m trying to be like Jesus, I’m following in His ways

I’m trying to love as He did, in all that I do and say.

“I do not believe in a God who would set up rules and commandments only to wait for us to fail so He could punish us. I believe in a Heavenly Father who is loving and caring and who rejoices in our every effort to stand tall and walk toward Him. Even when we stumble, He urges us not to be discouraged—never to give up or flee our allotted field of service—but to take courage, find our faith, and keep trying.”

“My dear brothers and sisters, don’t get discouraged if you stumble at times. Don’t feel downcast or despair if you don’t feel worthy to be a disciple of Christ at all times. The first step to walking in righteousness is simply to try. We must try to believe. Try to learn of God: read the scriptures; study the words of His latter-day prophets; choose to listen to the Father, and do the things He asks of us. Try and keep on trying until that which seems difficult becomes possible—and that which seems only possible becomes habit and a real part of you.” –Uchdorf

I know that as we follow this council to try, our efforts will be blessed and through Christ we will be able to accomplish all things. He knows what each of us are capable of becoming and

He will help us to get there if we will try.

What desirest thou?

All of us have heard the scripture, “For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts.” (D&C 137:9 ) For much of my life I have found comfort in knowing that even though my actions are flawed and I often fall short, God will look upon my heart and recognize that I meant to do what was right. I’m sure that many of us have come to that same conclusion, and it is true. As we stand before our Eternal Judge He will look not only upon our actions but our hearts also. It was only recently that I realized that maybe my desires are not as easy of a cop out as I once thought. They too are riddled with pride, selfishness, greed and envy and they too need to be educated and refined.

 

Elder Anderson said “In order to serve as a substitute for action, desire cannot be superficial, impulsive, or temporary. It must be heartfelt, through and through. To be efficacious for blessings, the desires of our hearts must be so genuine that they can be called godly.”

I began to ask myself some honest questions. What are my hearts desires? Some were honorable and genuine, like a desire to return to live with my Father in Heaven as an eternal family.

Other desires were a lot less appropriate.

Elder Oaks said, “Have you ever found yourself doing something you thought was right, but doing it because you “had” to? Did you ever keep a commandment of God with an attitude of resentment or self-righteousness, or even because you expected some immediate personal benefit? I suppose most of us have had this experience. Remember your feelings on such occasions? Do you think such feelings will be ignored by a Father in Heaven who gave us the willpower we call agency? Don’t such feelings tell us something about the desires of our hearts?”

I came to the realization that like it or not, reality requires that I acknowledge my responsibility for my desires. What do I really desire, God’s plans for me or Satan’s?

It is up to us. This is life’s greatest and most persistent challenge. When people are described as “having lost their desire for sin,” it is they, and they only, who deliberately decided to lose those wrong desires by being willing to “give away all [their] sins” in order to know God (Alma 22:18).

President McKay said, “The greatest battles of life are fought … within the silent chambers of the soul.”

So how do we educate our desires? Where do we begin? Elder Oaks counseled to start with our feelings. “The desires of our hearts are deep-seated and fundamental. But our feelings are closer to the surface and easier for us to identify and influence… In order to have righteous desires, we have to control our thoughts and achieve appropriate feelings.”

It is up to us. God will guide, but He will not force.

Righteous desires need to be relentless, said President Brigham Young, “The men and women, who desire to obtain seats in the celestial kingdom, will find that they must battle every day.”

Fortunately for us, our loving Lord will work with us, “even if we can do no more than desire to believe,” providing we will “let this desire work in us” (Alma 32:27.)

I know there is real power in desire. I testify that if we will seek to build our righteous desires, heaven will not abandon us and our Heavenly Father will give us answers to our prayers. The love of God is most desirable (1 Nephi 8:12) and if we let Him, I know that true happiness comes when we align our desires with His. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.