Mormons Made Simple March 15, 2010

I happened to have a discussion with my mother the other day about temples, and her fear that she would not be allowed into my temple wedding. Then today, I happen to come across this website on youtube.

It’s called ‘Mormons Made Simple’ and they produce cute little basics Mormon videos about various topics. . They’re accurate, easy to follow and effective. They also have, on the website, a “Facebook Missionary Challenge” in which you give them your email an join their Facebook group and they send you a video a week to post on your Facebook, sparking a  missionary opportunity. I’m really excited about this gateway into missionary work, and to see how it effects those in my life.

http://www.mormonsmadesimple.com

Check it out.

Lessons learned from Alma 12. February 2, 2010

I have learned a very important lesson this weekend. Never, ever skip over Alma because of it’s daunting length. I’m only in Alma chapter 12 in my second go-round with the Book of Mormon and I am already so touched by the spirit!

Alma 12 talks about spiritual death, which is to “die as to things pertaining unto righteousness.” A spiritual death makes it “as though there had been no redemption made(Alma 12:18).”  It is, essentially a seperation from God the Father and his influences. Through the atonement of Jesus Christ and the obidience of Gospel principles, man and woman can overcome this spiritual death.

Alma also talks about the fall of Adam, which struck me as it is something that I was recently discussing with a non-member friend. Alma teaches;

22 Now Alma said unto him:  This is the thing which I was about to explain. Now we see that Adam did ^afall by the partaking of the forbidden ^bfruit, according to the word of God; and thus we see, that by his fall, all mankind became a ^clost and fallen people.

23 And now behold, I say unto you that if it had been possible for Adam to have ^apartaken of the fruit of the tree of life at that time, there would have been no death, and the word would have been void, making God a liar, for he said: ^bIf thou eat thou shalt surely die.

24 And we see that ^adeath comes upon mankind, yea, the death which has been spoken of by Amulek, which is the temporal death; nevertheless there was a space granted unto ^bman in which he might repent; therefore this life became a ^cprobationary state; a time to ^dprepare to meet God; a time to prepare for that endless state which has been spoken of by us, which is after the resurrection of the dead.

So, in these verses Alma is saying that Adam did not die temporally after partaking the fruit as God promises in Genesis 3:3. So, if Adam ate the fruit, and he’s still kicking, does that make God a liar? No. In verse 24 Alma explains the need for spiritual death. That by partaking of the fruit Adam died a spiritual death, and God granted unto man a way to fix this through of course, repentance. Thus, this life became a time granted to us to prepare us to be worthy and clean to meet God.

Alma continues to elaborate on this “Plan of Redemption(Alma 12:25)” in which God made so that we could repent and be with Him again. In the next three verses Alma talks about the purpose of the Fall.

26 And now behold, if it were possible that our first parents could have gone forth and partaken of the ^atree of life they would have been forever miserable, having no preparatory state; and thus the ^bplan of redemption would have been frustrated, and the word of God would have been void, taking none effect.

27 But behold, it was not so; but it was ^aappointed unto men that they must die; and after death, they must come to ^bjudgment, even that same judgment of which we have spoken, which is the end.

28 And after God had appointed that these things should come unto man, behold, then he saw that it was expedient that man should know concerning the things whereof he had appointed unto them;

If it weren’t for the fall, friends, there would be no prepatory state. There would be no misery, or atonement, or joy. Because, in Genesis 3:3 it says that God knew that Adam would partake of the fruit and their eyes would be open. So, it was a part of the plan for the first man to Sin, without it, the entire plan of God would have been frustrated.

The rest of Alma 12 teaches that after this event, God sent angels to converse with man, and that he told man about the plan of redemption made possible by the atonement and made necessary by the fall. He then set commandments for man to follow, knowing that if he lives in wickedness he will die a spiritual death.

This all just clicked for me! I was so confirmed by the spirit of it’s truthfulness it still touches me. A lot of things, spiritually have been clicking lately. I re-read my blessing last night and saw so many things that have already happened, and remembered a lot of great advice the Lord gave me that perfectly pertains to things I was really stressing about last night.

God does live. He sent his son to atone for my sins, for your sins, and he does love us as a kind loving Father. We are his children, promised a great inheritence if we follow him righteously. I know without a doubt that Christ did this for me. I know that the Book of Mormon was brought forth in the time that it was by a Prophet of the Lord, Joseph Smith specifically for us. I know that God’s mouthpiece is on the Earth today through Thomas S. Monson, and that he lovingly and prayerfully directs God’s flock. I love this Church and I love my Savior, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Gospel conversations with non member family.. January 30, 2010

I had a talk with my sister tonight about the Gospel. My sister, who is in the process of converting to Catholicism, asked me about dating when I moved to Utah this summer for school. “What if you fall for someone who isn’t a Mormon?” she asks. I try to convey to her that that isn’t even something to think about–I don’t date outside the Church. She sees this as close minded and a Gospel talk ensues. I try to not get worked up, which i’m getting better at, but it’s so hard! I get so excited I want to yell for her to accept what I have, but I know it isn’t done that way. So, we touched on a few topics besides dating and marriage such as Alcohol, Sabbath day observance, Prophets, the usual. Then she says “I’m going to make a list of all the faults that I find with the LDS church and give it to you.” I cannot wait. This was the attitude that my grandmother had upon her conversion. “I’m going to read this book, and show the missionaries where they are wrong.” I cannot wait. I have my Quad, Preach My Gospel and Gospel Principle books poised and ready. I love discussing the Gospel with non-members, knowing my stuff and making them think.

Another thing I’ve realized lately is how much happier I am when I’m being a “Molly Mormon.” and in this new year I am determined to do things to a T. I’ve gotten a planner to keep track of dates and organize my life, I’m recording in my journal again, beginning a daily study of the scriptures again and doing my prayers. I’m even working on my diet and exercise more, pertaining to the word of wisdom. I want nothing more than to be an obedient daughter of my Heavenly Father, something that I have found brings me so so much joy.

Also, I’ve been accepted into Utah Valley University and am well underway of getting things settled to move out to Provo, Utah in August. My mother thankfully is helping me tremendously with money to get me started, and I’m getting so close to having everything ready for that. I’m so excited to be in a state that accomodates my beliefs! With my people, in Zion persuing my education and strengthening my testimony.

And yes, I’m terrified!

Mosiah on Economy? January 6, 2010

Disclaimer: This is NOT a belief, as far as I know, that is held by the official Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints…just me:)

I was reading in Mosiah the other day when i was looking through my new quad, and found something new! Surprise, huh? Wait, I need to set the mood!

Okay, as most of you know (those who do not live under a rock/in a cave/in a mountain in Siberia) there is a LOT of debate among the country about the Presidential appeal for nation-wide health care reform. I know that a majority of readers most likely do not agree with this reform. I do. I believe that President Obama is making a conscious effort to do something, to change, this country. He is making the effort, and therefore I do not believe so many people have the right to be so critical. Maybe he doesn’t have it perfect, he is human, but I believe he is headed in the right direction. He is trying to help and his intentions are good, so i believe. A complaint I hear often when discussing the matter with people is that of “Why should I have to work to only have to give some of that to the Government who in turn gives it to some bum who won’t buy health insurance.” I have always thought this was appalling. People are people, bottom line. Will some people abuse this chance given to them? Yes. Just like most things that are offered. People are greedy. Take over the counter meds. People use them to make Meth, ect. Does that mean we shouldn’t have them? I think it is sad when we complain over having to help one another on a basic thing such as quality of life.

Well, in Mosiah chapter Four it reads,

17 Perhaps thou shalt ^asay: The man has brought upon himself his misery; therefore I will stay my hand, and will not give unto him of my food, nor impart unto him of my substance that he may not suffer, for his punishments are just—

18 But I say unto you, O man, whosoever doeth this the same hath great cause to repent; and except he repenteth of that which he hath done he perisheth forever, and hath no interest in the kingdom of God.

19 For behold, are we not all ^abeggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every kind?

20 And behold, even at this time, ye have been calling on his name, and begging for a ^aremission of your sins. And has he suffered that ye have begged in vain? Nay; he has poured out his ^bSpirit upon you, and has caused that your hearts should be filled with ^cjoy, and has caused that your mouths should be stopped that ye could not find utterance, so exceedingly great was your joy.

21 And now, if God, who has created you, on whom you are dependent for your lives and for all that ye have and are, doth grant unto you whatsoever ye ask that is right, in faith, believing that ye shall receive, O then, how ye ought to ^aimpart of the substance that ye have one to another.

Does this not sound like our current situation? King Benjamin is telling the people that yes, some may bring this misery, poverty, affliction upon themselves, but at the same time it is our duty as children of God, as divine inheritors of His kingdom to help our brothers and sister as he would. Even in the beginning God granted us this mercy. In the garden of Eden when Eve partook of the fruit of the tree of knowledge, He still provided for us, he gave us health and life and joy and sorrow. It just hit me hard that my thinking wasn’t “liberally wrong” but that it is our duty, says our God, that we do this thing.

So I say way to go reform. It may not be perfect, but it is a step towards the right direction.

Just my thought of the day:)

The way it is. December 28, 2009

As a female who will one day be a Sister Missionary, I couldn’t resist posting this joke I found online.:)

THE MISSION PRESIDENT:
Leaps tall buildings in a single bound,
Is more powerful than a locomotive,
Is faster than a speeding bullet,
Walks on water,
Associates with God.

THE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT:
Leaps short buildings in a single bound,
Is more powerful than a switch engine,
Is just as fast as a speeding bullet,
Walks on water if the sea is calm,
Talks with God.

THE ZONE LEADER:
Leaps short buildings with a running start and favorable winds,
Is almost as powerful as a switch engine,
Is faster than a decelerating bullet,
Walks on water in an indoor swimming pool,
Talks with God if special request is approved.

THE DISTRICT LEADER:
Barely clears a mud hut,
Loses tug-of-war with locomotives,
Can fire a speeding bullet,
Swims well,
Is occasionally addressed by God.

THE SENIOR COMPANION:
Makes high marks on the wall when trying to leap tall buildings,
Is run over by locomotives,
Can sometimes handle a gun without inflicting self-injury,
Dog paddles,
Talks to animals.

THE JUNIOR COMPANION:
Runs into buildings,
Recognizes locomotives 2 out of 3 times,
Is not issued ammunition,
Can stay afloat with a life jacket,
Talks to walls.

THE GREENIE:
Falls over doorsteps when trying to enter buildings.
Says, “Look at the choo-choo!”
Wets himself with a water pistol,
Plays in mud puddles,
Mumbles to himself.

THE SISTER MISSIONARIES:
Lifts buildings and walks under them,
Kicks locomotives off the tracks,
Catches speeding bullets with her teeth and eats them,
Freezes water in a single glance,
Knows God.

…Happy Sabbath:)

Happy Christmas, War is Over (if you want it) December 27, 2009

I am NOT a holiday person. But, John and Yoko always get me into the spirit of the holidays with their Happy Christmas song:) Christmas here was great. The eve before, we got the worst Blizzard in 22 years. It was wild. It consisted of 50 car pile-ups, two feet of snow, and sadly God’s diciples being alone. Our family had an appointment to feel Elder M and his new companion, Elder E, and we attempted to get out in the blizzard to pick them up, but unfortunately there were too many cars stuck in the middle of the roads and on the side of them, and we had to abandon ship. It was sad that they had to be alone on Christmas Eve, but I think they made it. They made it over and spent all of Christmas day with us. They came with us down to our Grandmother’s dock, and Elder M. proceeded to do back flips off the dock and into the snow, which I video taped:) Haha. It was a good day.

Presents? All great, as usual. My favorite? A mini Quad!! That’s right, I now have a mini quad that I can easily take EVERYWHERE. I was stoked.

OH! Imua got to call from his Portugal Mish too! That was soooooooo great getting to hear his voice! I can’t wait until mother’s day, then August 2010! Yeahh!

Oh, my quad. I used it this morning, which was exciting. haha. I knew I had to go into work early, and spent the morning doing my Preach my Gospel study then looking up scriptures on working and idleness, and re-read the story of the cursing of the Lamanites due to their idleness and un-willingness to work. It made me realize it won’t kill me to work, and work hard. After all, that’s what my people do.. and it helped me out at work I think. I had a GREAT night, and I could feel the spirit telling me what to do so I wasn’t idle, and I even talked to my managers about the church.

Tonight? I’m off early and relaxing. Take care world.

My all-time favorite scripture December 22, 2009

Okay, so every Mormon has their own favorite scripture, book, chapter, character, ect, ect. Although I love the book of Mosiah, and King Benjamin is my favorite character, I have a very unique and cool favorite scripture–I think. This concept was given to me by my returned missionary at the time, Spencer, who learned about it in a Zone Conference from his Mission President.

Ether 3:1 states the following,

“And it came to pass that the brother of Jared, (now the number of the vessels which had been prepared was eight) went forth unto the mount, which they called the mount Shelem, because of it’s exceeding height, and did molten out of a rock sixteen small stones; and they were white and clear as transparent glass; and he did carry them in his hands upon the top of the mount and cried again unto the Lord, saying:”

This seems like such a simple and pointless verse, right? Wrong. Allow me to explain. In order to fully understand this verse we must look at Ether 2:19. This is right after the brother of Jared has built the ships as the lord commanded to take his people across the sea to the promised land that is spoken of in Ether 2:12. Verse 19 reads;

“And behold, O Lord, in them there is no light; wither shall we steer? And also we shall perish, for in them we cannot breathe, save it is the air which is in them; therefore we shall perish.”

In this verse the brother of Jared presents the Lord with two problems. 1.) There is no light in the ship, and 2.) There is no way to get air into the ship as they journey.

in the first half of verse 20, the Lord solves one problem as follows;

“And the Lord said unto the brother of Jared; Behold, thou shalt make a hole in the top, and also in the bottom; and when thou shalt suffer for air thou shalt unstop the hole and receive air…”

The problem of light still remains. In verse 25 of Ch 2 the Lord tells the brother of Jared “Therefore what will ye that I should prepare for you that ye may have light when you are swallowed up in the depths of the sea?” Ether 3:1 is the answer. The brother of Jared will make clear rocks–essentially glass– out of the Mount Shelem, and because he KNOWS that the Lord has the capability to turn them into light when the ship is plunged into darkness, he knows the Lord will. Problem solved. But there is so much more to this little verse!

Think about it. The brother of Jared is in the wilderness. He’s got pre-made, ready to go rocks everywhere. Under his feet, his bed, everywhere. So why wouldn’t he just pick some up somewhere and ask the Lord to change them? Why does he go all the way to the Mount which is revered for it’s exceeding height to hand make these beautiful clear rocks to offer up to the Lord? Because Jared is teaching us all a lesson here. He’s giving the Lord the very best of what he has. He’s sacrificing his time, efforts, and skills to make these stones to give to the Lord. What a concept! Even then, in “book of Mormon” days, God’s children were taught to give the Lord the very best of what we have. Isn’t it amazing how we can get so much from a single verse? It astounds me every time!

For another example of this, check out 1 Nephi 2:15 on how we are taught to sacrifice our worldly things sometimes for our Heavenly Father:)

Did I mention tomorrow will be my two year anniversary of my baptism? And the 23, my confirmation, is Joseph Smith’s Birthday. Cool, huh?