Having Humility

Being humble and having humility is defined in The Guide to the Scriptures as: ” To make meek and teachable, or the condition of being meek and teachable. Humility includes recognizing our dependence upon God and desiring to submit to his will.”

We know that we must be humble but I think many of us wonder if we have sufficient humility or exactly what it is. The scriptures give us many blessings from being humble such as ” Whosoever shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:4)

Richard C. Edgley, in the October 2003 General conference said, ” Many of us live or work in an environment where humility is often misunderstood and considered a weakness….Yet as we learn about the workings of God, the power of a humble and submissive spirit becomes apparent. In the kingdom of God, greatness begins with humility and submissiveness. These companion virtues are the first critical steps to opening the doors to the blessings of God and the power of the priesthood..”

We must humbly submit to the will of the Father. Elder Edgley continues, “.. It is the power to meet life’s adversities, the power of peace, the power of hope, the power of a heart throbbing with a love for and testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ, even the power of redemption. To this end, the Savior is our supreme example of the power of humility and submissiveness.”

In the 1976 April issue of the New Era there is an interesting story about having humility between Joseph Smith and Brighman Young:

A story is told of an encounter between the Prophet Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. In the presence of a rather large group of brethren, the Prophet severely chastised Brother Brigham for some failing in his duty. Everyone, I suppose somewhat stunned, waited to see what Brigham’s response would be. After all, Brigham, who later became known as the Lion of the Lord, was no shrinking violet by any means. Brigham slowly rose to his feet, and in words that truly reflected his character and his humility, he simply bowed his head and said, “Joseph, what do you want me to do?” The story goes that sobbing, Joseph ran from the podium, threw his arms around Brigham, and said in effect, “You passed, Brother Brigham, you passed” (see Truman G. Madsen, “Hugh B. Brown—Youthful Veteran,” New Era, Apr. 1976, 16).

Everyday we should strive to humble ourselves before God and do His will. By doing so He has said, “Humble yourselves before me and you shall see me and know that I am.” (D&C 67:10)

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My Peace I Give Unto You

In the last hours of Jesus’ mortality, he spoke to his 12 apostles and gave them instructions, teachings and words of comfort. Jesus gave teachings such as ” In my Fathers house are many mansions : if it were not so , I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2) As Smith explains this further:

“There are mansions for those who obey a celestial law, and there are other mansions for those who come short of the law, every man in his own order.” (Smith, Teachings, p. 366.) (Chapter 24: “My Peace I Give unto You”)

During the last supper Jesus instituted the sacrament and promised ” Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you : not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27) What was this “Peace” Jesus spoke of? The comforter: The Holy Ghost.

Bruce R. McConkie said:

“(1) The gift and constant companionship of the Holy Ghost; the comfort and peace which it is the function of that Holy Spirit to bestow; the revelation and the sanctifying power which alone will prepare men for the companionship of gods and angels hereafter;

“(2) Personal visitations from the Second Comforter, the Lord Jesus Christ himself, the resurrected and perfected being who dwells with his Father in the mansions on high; and

“(3) God the Father–mark it well Philip!–shall visit man in person, take up his abode with him, as it were, and reveal to him all the hidden mysteries of his kingdom.” (McConkie, DNTC, 1:735.)

(Chapter 24: “My Peace I Give unto You”)

We will face trials of faith, sadness, heartache, depression or even fear. But we can always trust the comfort of the Holy Ghost and like The Lord Himself said: ” Fear thou not ; for I am with thee : be not dismayed ; for I am thy God : I will strengthen thee : yea, I will help thee ; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (Isaiah:41:10)

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Having Faith in Jesus Christ

 I think we all face many trials in this life, and sometimes we may wonder “why?”. “why me?”. We learn from lds scripture these trials in life are for our good and benefit as progress through eternity.

When we were in the pre-mortal life, we agreed to Heavenly Father plan for us. We knew that it would be hard here on Earth, and that we would have a Savior, Jesus Christ. Through his atoning sacrifice, we can have faith in him. But how can we have faith when sometimes things may seem impossible, or of heavy burden?

During Jesus’ ministry, after feeding of the five thousand, he went to pray as the ship with Peter on it was already went to sea, and the following happened:

“In the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear
But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.” (Math. 14:25-29)

I think at this point, even though knowing Jesus is my Savior, I would hesitate to go forth and walk on the water towards Jesus. The story continues:

“But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” (Math:14:30-31)

The story is about faith. Having faith to put everything you have on the Lord, not knowing what will come, having faith that you will be comforten and given rest and know what to do. As we pray, we find comfort trough the Holy Ghost, that every trial and tribulation, no matter how bad, saddening, depressing or difficult it may be, we may have our burdens lifted and made easy, by having faith in Christ. We must first take that leap into the water.

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The Eternal Life of Man

 I recently came across a talk given by Spencer W. Kimball in the April 1977 Priesthood Session titled “ Our Great Potential” , and in it he begins with a quote by President Brigham Young, which I too will start this post with, as it is the basis of what i’d like to share my thoughts on.

“It is supposed by this people that we have all the ordinances in our possession for life and salvation, and exaltation, and that we are administering in those ordinances. This is not the case. We are in possession of all the ordinances that can be administered in the flesh; but there are other ordinances and administrations that must be administered beyond this world. I know you would like to ask what they are. I will mention one. We have not, neither can we receive here, the ordinance and the keys of resurrection.” (Journal of Discourses, 15:137.)

When I first read this today I never really thought about Priesthood Ordinances beyond the grave, yet that’s how Jesus Christ, under the direction of our Father in Heaven, organized matter into our Earth, as well as every thing in existence. That is how Jesus Christ instituted the Atonement and the Resurrection of all bodies to be reunited with their spirits, never to be separated again.  Theres so much on this Earth and in the Heavens that are done through ordinances, and it makes sense there are more ordinances beyond the grave.

Kimball goes on to talk about our potential as well as was Lorenzo Snow said, “As man is, God once was; and as God is, man may become.” Speaking of the Pre-Existence, “They came with the definite understanding that they could return to become like God and go forward in their great development and progress. Many people may think that once we die, and the veil is lifted, then we will know everything – even i thought that until recently. But, we continue to progress and become perfected in the after life, and learn line upon line. With that said, I now realize the importance of the revelation given in D&C 130:19, “ And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience tan another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.”

“We have no such ordinance here,” said Brigham Young. “We organize according to men in the flesh. By combining the elements and planting the seed, we cause vegetables, trees, grains, etc. to come forth.” But we do not give them life. “We are organizing a kingdom here according to the pattern that the Lord has given for people in the flesh, but not for those who have received the resurrection, although it is a similitude.” (JD,15:137.)

“Millions of us have contributed toward the creation and the development of a spirit, but “the germ of this, God has placed within us. And when our spirits receive our bodies, and through our faithfulness we are worthy to be crowned, we will then receive authority to produce both spirit and body. But these keys we cannot receive in the flesh.” (JD, 15:137)”

Spencer W. Kimball relates many good points about eternal life, and once we realize that our time on Earth, though may be difficult and cuppulled with stress, depression, difficulty,happiness, sadness and busy lives, where even at some points seem like theres no end or hope,  it is but the tiniest fraction of time, in an eternal life that we are living.

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Top 10 Mormon Myths/Urban Legends

I’ve always been a fan of mormon/LDS myths and legends primarily by the fact that it can reinforce our own beliefs, even though they may or may no be true. Some of these I heard myself growing up in the church and then realized i was taken out of context or not true at all. Many of these sources were taken from Holy Fetch, so here are my top 10 mormon myths

10.John Taylor’s watch saves his life

 I’ve heard this one my self and with many times changes in what saves his life.

John Taylor was with Joseph and Hyrum Smith in Carthage Jail in Illinois when the mob broke in, shot and killed Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith. The story goes that the ball (bullet) aimed for John Taylor’s chest was stopped by his watch in his pocket. I’ve heard other variations of this stories saying that John Taylor was the only one who wore his garments, after Joseph had instructed the men to take off their garments “so it wouldn’t fall in the hands of the enemy”, knowing that they would be attacked in Carthage Jail. This is also where the other myth comes from that garments can prevent bodily harm like burns and bullets (undetermined).

9. Youth were generals in the war in heaven. 

A common saying with the Church’s members, that gets attributed form President Boyd K Packer is that, youth of this generation were “generals in the War in Heaven” and in some future day will be worshipped by other eternal souls who will fall to a hush when they hear that the youth lived in the time of Gordon B. Hinckley.

The church came out and denied this myth in an official statement the Church published the following statement in the Church News on April 28, 2001:

President Boyd K. Packer, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve, has released the following concerning a statement he is said to have made: “We continue to receive reports of the distribution of a quote attributed to me which begins, ‘The youth of the Church today were generals in thewar in heaven,’ and ends with the statement that when they return to heaven ‘all in attendance will bow in your presence.’

“I did not make that statement. I do not believe that statement. The statement, on occasion, has been attributed to others of the First Presidency and the Twelve. None of the Brethren made that statement.”

8. Brigham Young transforms into Joseph Smith

 After the martydom of Joseph Smith many were convinced that the Church was over. With Brigham Young being the Prophet of the Church, he led the saints west to Salt Lake with great leadership. With this many claimed he “transformed” into Joseph Smith in his speaking and “glow”. We know this to not be true.

7. Rapper Snoop Dog converts to Mormonism

This picture has spread like wildfire around internet including Facebook, attached with a story about a missionary handing the Book of Mormon to rapper Snoop Dog on an airplane and snapping a picture of him reading it, then claiming he will be taking discussions and baptizing.

When I first saw this, I believed it myself and thought how cool it was he had been converted. It turned out to be a great April Fools Hoax.

6. Missionaries late for the Titanic

The story goes that a few missionary in England had just finished completing their missionary service and had tickets to board the Titanic to go back home to the U.S. Unfortunately one missionary was running late, and they were starting to board the ship. They waited and decided not to go without the other missionary, he then soon arrived late after the ship had left, missing the doomed maiden voyage.

5. All members late to arrive to meeting inside World Trade Center

Story goes that there was area meeting for missionaries that was scheduled to held at 9am on the morning of September 11th 2011, and for some reason EVERY SINGLE person that was supposed to attend this counci meeting was somehow late or missed their alarm to wake up, savings their lives avoiding the destruction that was shortly about to happen.

This story has no backbone since there are no records of any kind of meeting to have taken place or scheduled for that time and date, and also many fail to ask the simple questions of, ” why is there a missionary council meeting being held in an office in the World Trade Center? ”

4. The Three Nephites

I’ve heard this one myself among other family and church members, but unfortunately can’t be proven.

The story goes that some sister missionarys were out tracking and knock on the door of a serial killer, uknown to them. They talk and try to get Him to talk more about the Book of Mormon. He is short and quick with them and refuses to talk any further and just closes the door.

A few days later the police catch him, the serial killer they’ve been looking for a long time , and somehow knew about the sister missionaries and ask ” why didn’t you kill the missionarys?” which he then replies: “I was scared of the three huge Indian warriors that were standing behind them. ”

3. Cain is Bigfoot

Now this one I have heard many times growing up in the church in our teachers and priest quorums that Big Foot is Cain.

The story comes from Abraham Smoot, one of the Church’s first apostles, David W. Patten. Patten claimed that in 1835 he encountered Cain walking along the side of the road. He wrote: “He walked along beside me for about two miles. His head was abouteven with my shoulders as I sat in my saddle. He wore no clothing, but was covered with hair. His skin was very dark.”

This story was also quoted in Spencer W. Kimball’s book “The Miracle of Forgiveness. From that description many can see why Big Foot sounds like  what he is describing.

2. Missionaries cannot swim because Satan controls the waters

I heard this right when my brother was set up apart to go on his mission and that what he explained to me and what I’ve heard from many others, and when he told me “Satan controls the waters”, I got really scared about swimming on Sundays.

Though this myth is very false, it comes from the Doctrine and Covenants section 88 about Joseph Smith and others have a very hard time in the waters of the Missouri River coming back from Missouri and Elder William W. Phelps, in daylight vision, saw the destroyer riding in power upon the face of the waters. Then the revelation in D&C 61:13-19 was recieved:

13 And now, behold, for your good I gave unto you a commandment concerning these things; and I, the Lord, will reason with you as with men in days of old.
14 Behold, I, the Lord, in the beginning blessed the waters; but in the last days, by the mouth of my servant John, I cursed the waters.

15 Wherefore, the days will come that no flesh shall be safe upon the waters.
16 And it shall be said in days to come that none is able to go up to the land of Zion upon the waters, but he that is upright in heart.
17 And,as I, the Lord, in the beginning cursed the land, even so in the last days have I blessed it, in its time, for the use of my saints, that they may partake the fatness thereof.

18 And now I give unto you a commandment that what I say unto one I say unto all, that you shall forewarn your brethren concerning these waters, that they come not in journeying upon them, lest their faith fail and they are caught in snares;
19 I, the Lord, have decreed, and the destroyer rideth upon the face thereof, and I revoke not the decree.

We must remember that The Lord refers to “these” waters not ALL waters. Also many of missionaries travel by boat to reach certain islands, and that we perform baptisms in water.

The only connection, according to the handbook, missionaries have on water is simply to prevent drowning or other water-related incidents. Missionary rules are there to keep the missionaries safe, thats all.

1. Painting most accurate of Jesus Christ

The painting above is seen very often in LDS church builidings inlcluding seminary and institute buildings. I was told by a few people one day during Institute that ” this is the most accurate depiction of Jesus Christ” and that seems that many members also believe this story, like myself.

The story goes that the painter was commissioned by the Church to paint this painting and he would submit multiple drafts to the Presidency of the church and each time the Presidency would tell him what to chang to make the most accurate depiction of Christ.

Though the painter was commissioned by the Church to paint this, in no way is any of the rest true.

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Promises by Following Commandments

I was reading in the Doctrine and Covenants 89 at institute last week, discussing the Word of Wisdom. And what really great insight someone brought up was the fact The Lord does bless you for keeping His commandments.

It is there in the scriptures your blessings. To be more specific the section on the Word of Wisdom leaves as this:

” And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings…shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; And shall find wisdom, and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures ; And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.

And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen” D&C 89:18-21

What a beautiful promise we can recieve. I testify that I know and have seen these promises fulfilled in my life as well as all others who have followed the commandments and more specifically in this case the Word of Wisdom.

Seek after these blessings and to do good, and you will be blessed.

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[UPDATE]: Site news and Coming to old domain

Hello Readers! I’ve decided to give a bit of news and updates on my blog here and my future plans for it.

As you obviously have noticed I have decided come back to my original domain here at https://iammormon.wordpress.com

Second I plan to have a bit more different types of content on my blog, more multimedia, and new layout soon. I will also now be posting more often ( a couple times a week)

Any ideas or suggestions are welcome in the comments!

Thanks!

-David

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Symbols of the Salt Lake Temple

I am truly fascinated with the Salt Lake Temple. From its ground breaking to its completion 40 years later. Every part of the exterior and interior of the temple are done with the best and greatest detail.

The Salt Lake Temple has such beautiful architecture and design, but look carefully and you can see all the magnificent and deatiled symbolism on the outside of the temple that many people miss or just don’t realize thats there. ( I myself barely found all this out 2 months ago! ) Here they are and with their meaning in symbolism:

 Angel Moroni: Represnting Moroni, the Nephite prophet, and who, as a resurrected being, came in 1823 to the boy prophet Joseph Smith and delivered to him the message of the restored gospel, in acordance with teh prediction of the ancient Seer:

” And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgement is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of water.” (Revelation 14:6-7)

 

 Earthstones: these stones are located at the bottom of each buttress representing earth, ” the footstool of God”. Although the earth is currently a telestial kingdom, it will transition to a terrestrial kingdom at the coming of the Millennium; and at the end of one thousand years, it will become a celestial kingdom.

 Moonstones: these stones are located above the earthstones, and runs through a complete phase throughout the entire temple. This change can represent the stages of human progression from birth to resurrection or represent the patron’s journey from darkness to light.

Sunstones: Located directly about the moonstones, a symbol of the glory of the celestial kingdom.

” These are they whose bodies are celestial, whose glory is that of the sun, even the glory of God, the highest of all, whose glory the sun of the firmament is written of as being typical.” (D&C 76: 70)

Cloudstones:  Above the sunstones are two clouds with descending rays of light  This symbolism is found in the Old Testament. Once temples were dedicated in ancient Israel, they were filled with the “cloud of the Lord.”

” And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the Lord,” (Kings 8:10)

 

 Starstones: Six-pointed stars represent the actual stars in the heaven. Upside-down five-pointed stars represent morning stars, compared to the “sons of God” in the scriptures. The large upright five-pointed stars may represent the governing power of the priesthood while the small upright five-pointed stars may represent the saving power of the priesthood for those who attach themselves to it.

 Big Dipper: A constellation used by travelers for thousands of years to find the North Star. symbolizing that the temple guides us back home, or where we’re heading.

 

 

Handclasp: Identified as the “right hands of fellowship” (Galations 2:9), and the Lord using handclasps to denote covenant making

 

All seeing-eye: Representing God being able to see all things.

Battlements:  Symbolizing a separation from the world as well as a protection of the holy ordinances practiced within its walls.

Many of this information has been derived from http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/saltlake/ and some images from http://talkingtree.org/2007/12/angel-moroni-on-top-of-salt-lake-temple/ also Salt Lake Temple picture is courtesy of Ben Earwicker, Garrison Photography
http://www.garrisonphoto.org/sxc

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Days Never to be Forgotten

I was reading in the Pearl of Great Price the Joseph Smith History and when reading about Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery being ordained into the Aaronic Priesthood, and after the history, theres a footnote with how Oliver Cowedry descirbed these events.

The last paragraph which you will soon read, really caught my attention. His use of choice words to describe the amazing feeling of that glorious event, and his feelings were outstanding. I can only imagine that after having such a spiritual experience like that, you are compelled by the spirit to write the things you experienced with such beauty, pure, sublime and divine language.

These words hit my soul and I did feel the spirit just by reading Oliver’s testimony of the events that had just unfolded.

Please read the following quote carefully:

” I shall not attempt to paint to you the feelings of this heart, nor the majestic beauty and glory which surrounded us on this occasion; but you will believe me when I say, that earth, nor men, with the eloquence of time, cannot begin to clothe language in as interesting and sublime a manner as this holy personage. No; nor has this earth power to give the joy, to bestow the peace, or comprehend the wisdom which was contained in each sentence as they were delivered by the power of the Holy Spirit! Man may deceive his fellow-men, deception may follow deception, and the children of the wicked one may have power to seduce the foolish and untaught, till naught but fiction feeds the many, and the fruit of falsehood carries in its current the giddy to the grave; but one touch with the finger of his love, yes, one ray of glory from the upper world, or one word from the mouth of the Savior, from the bosom of eternity, strikes it all into insignificance, and blots it forever from the mind. The assurance that we were in the presence of an angel, the certainty that we heard the voice of Jesus, and the truth unsullied as it flowed from a pure personage, dictated by the will of God, is to me past description, and I shall ever look upon this expression of the Savior’s goodness with wonder and thanksgiving while I am permitted to tarry; and in those mansions where perfection dwells and sin never comes, I hope to adore in that day which shall never cease.” – Messenger and Advocate, vol. 1 (October 1834), pp. 14-16

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Power of the Priesthood

 Since I have recieved the Melchizedek Priesthood, I have had the wonderful opportunity to bless the lives of my family. Performing blessings, annointing for the sick, and comfirmation and baby blessing. It is a truly wonderful gift, and when I feel the spirit its is amazing.

I had the opportunity to bless my younger sister, who is 11, for the first time yesterday. It was a great experience specially since she’s had numerous health problems since she was born due to a chromosomal defect. Yesterday she had an asthma attack.

Not only was this the first time I had blessed her, but the first time I felt the way I did when I gave the blessing. The spirit was so strong at the moment. Now don’t think I don’t feel the spirit every time, because I do, but this time it was like nothing I’ve  ever felt before. I my self am not much of a cryer, if I am feeling the spirit strongly and emotionally, i’ll hold back, but yesterday I couldn’t stop it.

Mid prayer, I had a rush of feelings and the spirit of the Lord run through my body like never before, and instantly I paused and just let out all my emotions, trying so hard not to. It truly was amazing to feel what I felt, knowing she would be alright. Its almost like a still small voice sayings “she’ll be ok“. Right then and there all my worrying and fear had gone away. Right after the blessings my sister got up and within minutes was laughing, running, and feeling so lively again. This truly was a testament of the reality and authority of this priesthood blessings I had just performed by the power of Jesus Christ.

The priesthood is the eternal power and authority of God. In the ordinances of the Melchizedek Priesthood, “the power of godliness is manifest” (D&C 84:20).

President David O. McKay promised every man who uses the priesthood in righteousness that he “will find his life sweetened, his discernment sharpened to decide quickly between right and wrong, his feelings tender and compassionate, yet his spirit strong and valiant in defense of right; he will find the priesthood a never failing source of happiness – a well of living water springing up unto eternal life” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay [2003], 116)

” In my name they shall do many wonderful works; In my name they shall cast out devils;

In my name they shall heal the sick ; In my name they shall open the eyes of the blind, and unstop the ears of the deaf ; and the tongue of the dumb shall speak ; ” (D&C 84: 66-70)

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