A Man on a Wall

Prophet.

What does this term mean? It's heard so often in religion. I have spoken of following the teachings of the Prophets. But what is a Prophet.

Well here we go...

A Prophet is a man called of God to teach us what God would have us do. So here's the best example I can come up with...

I want you to picture a giant thick wall. Now put God on one side of the wall and all of us on the other side. We don't get to have face to face conversations with God. We can pray and he can answer through thoughts and feelings but we don't have face to face conversations with him. Now imagine God putting one of the men from our side of the wall on top. That is a Prophet. He can turn and see and hear what God has for us to know and then he can turn around and share with us what God has told him.

Now does it make sense why we would want to listen to a Prophet? He receives guidance and direction from God, who sees the beginning from the end. God has always worked this way. "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." (Amos 3:7)

I bear witness to you that as we listen to the Prophets we will have the guidance and direction we need to live happy and successful lives.

A Baseball Players Prayer

"Dear Lord,

Help me to be a sport in this little game of life. I don't ask for an easy place in the line-up. Play me anywhere you need me. I only ask that I might give you 100% of all I've got. If all the hard drives seem to come my way- I thank you for the compliment. Help me to realize that you won't let anything come my way that you and I can't handle together."



I can promise you that the principles in this prayer are true. I can also promise that if we go about our lives with this attitude rather than the attitude of..."Why me?", "Why can't I get all the breaks?", "God, give me this and this and this or else I don't believe anymore!"...we will have a greatly blessed and directed life and we will be much more happy.

I love you and testify this to you in the name of the Lord and Master; Jesus Christ.

A Special Family

Family. What do you think about when you hear this? A lot of people think of family dinners or holidays. Maybe you think of crowded houses and arguments. Regardless, everyone has a family. The question is, how do we make our families closer and more loving? It seems to me that our families should be something more than merely 4, 5, or 6 individuals that just happen to share a last name and live under the same roof for a few years. But how do we do it?

"The family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children." When we come to the realization of this then we understand more how important it is to build our families. Having a loving close knit family takes effort. Making a special family takes a special effort. Since families are central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny and happiness for us the adversary is taking extra steps and strides to try to tear families apart and make it harder for them to succeed. If you don't believe me just look at the divorce rate in this world.

So once again the question sits before us...How do I do it? Well, here is your answer.

"Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners."

My friends and family I don't know what else to tell you. The Gospel of Jesus Christ in it's fulness and simplicity is once again the answer. Not only is it the answer to success in our individual lives, it is also the answer for success in our families.

So what do we do? What are our actions in this? I promise you that if you sit down with your family and read from the scriptures (Bible and Book of Mormon), have family prayer, have family dinner, go on family activities, have a designated night as a family night, go to church you will have a closer family. I know that if this is not something you have before done it may not make sense. I can testify the truths of it to you because I have seen the blessings in my family as we made this simples steps. I have also seen the consequences of not doing it. My family is not a perfect family, but we are an eternal family and a loving family and it is because of following the simplicity of the teachings of the prophets.

I love you and leave this testimony and promise with you as an authorized representative and disciple of Jesus Christ.

Hold to the Rod

Have you ever thought, "It would be amazing if there was just a definite path or guidebook or something like that for life"? What if there was? Would you follow it? What if it wasn't the most popular thing in the world but it was still the way to success and happiness? Would you withstand the pressure and stick with it?

Guess What...

There is. There once was a Prophet named Lehi who had a dream about that very thing. He saw in a vision a rod of iron that led on a straight and narrow path, through mist and darkness, along the banks of a river to a tree "whose fruit was desirable to make one happy". (1 Nephi 8:10) Fruit that "was desirable above all other fruit". (1 Nephi 8:12)

Awesome right!? A rod of iron that you can hold onto along a straight path through the darkness and mists! That's what we were looking for!

Here's the thing...

 On the other side of the river is a great and spacious building filled with people pointing and laughing at those who stayed on the path and held to the rod.

"I also cast my eyes round about, and beheld, on the other side of the river of water, a great and spacious building; and it was filled with people, both old and young, both male and female; and they were in the attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit.

 And after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost." (1 Nephi 8:26-28)

These people had found what they were looking for. They found the path, the guide, they tasted the happiness they had arrived! The problem was it wasn't popular. It wasn't the way of the world. It wasn't how everyone else thought they should do things.

My family and friends, brothers and sisters. Does this happen to us? Do we reject the guide that we need so desperately in our lives. I tell you that a lot of the time we do. In Lehi's vision the iron rod resembles the word of God i.e. the scriptures and the words of the Prophets. That is our guide that lead us along the path that leads to our happiness and success, the Tree whose fruit is desirable above all other. In closing I leave you my testimony in love that I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is real. That the mists of darkness in this life are real. I testify to you that the Gospel is delicious to the taste and is more desirable than anything else we will find. I promise you that it brings happiness and success not only in this life but in the life to come. So I invite you to hold to the iron rod, to follow the straight and narrow path and not be ashamed.

I love you.

I promise and testify you these things in the name of Jesus Christ.

New Year Resolutions

Happy New Year!

The New Year is an exciting time of the year. Everyone is making resolutions to do things different and hopefully better. New Year resolutions are always fun. Some people decide they are going to lose weight, others decide that they want a different job, no matter what the goal is it seems like everyone has something.

So...what's yours? What is your resolution going to be? What are you going to have be better. Is it going to be physical? Financial? Locational? How about a resolution that will effect ALL of that? Crazy right? I know you're thinking, "What could he possibly be talking about that could effect all the different aspects of my life?". Well, I will tell you. The answer is...

A Spiritual Resolution.

The Savior Jesus Christ invited all, "Come follow me". I can promise that those who heed this call will gain the blessings we have talked about.

Not quite convinced? Don't think it makes sense? Let me explain. Say you are going to be setting financial goals if a person will follow the example and teachings of Jesus Christ and pay tithing they will be greatly blessed.

Malachi 3:10
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

So many blessings that we can't even receive it! Can you believe that people say they can't afford tithing. You can't afford not to.

Let's continue to physical blessings. Following the Lord has physical blessings and promises also. For instance, just following and waiting upon the Lord...

Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Whereas those who go a bit further and follow the physical guidelines and instruction that the Lord has set forth known as The Word of Wisdom...

Doctrine and Covenants 89:18-21
18And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;

 19And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;

 20And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.

 21And 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.

My friends and family I can go on and on about the blessings that will come in every aspect of our lives if we heed the call, "Come follow me". I add my testimony that Jesus Christ is the one to follow and even though it will not be easy we will be greatly blessed. This is my New Year Resolution, to be a better follower of my Lord and Master.

Modern-Day Grinches

Seeing Christmas through New Eyes

DIETER F. UCHTDORF

"Seeing Christmas through New Eyes," 2010 First Presidency Christmas Devotional, (December 5, 2010)

---

"Isn’t this a wonderful time of the year! So many things fill our hearts with the spirit of Christmas: the melody of Christmas carols, the lights, the decorations, and the happy greetings of “Merry Christmas!”

There are certain words that ring like bells in my soul and remind me of the beauty and meaning of Christmas—words such as “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus”¹and, of course, “Joy to the World!” “Away in a Manger,” and “Silent Night.”

There are other words, more cautionary, that are worthy of our consideration as well—words such as:

Every Who

Down in Who-ville

Liked Christmas a lot . . .

But the Grinch,

Who lived just north of Who-ville,

Did NOT!²

The Grinch, that memorable character from a classic children’s story by Dr. Seuss, had a heart that “was two sizes too small,” and he hated everything about Christmas. Through the course of the story, however, he undergoes a dramatic transformation when he learns that there is more to Christmas than decorations and gifts.

Perhaps the Grinch’s story is so memorable because, if we are honest, we may be able to relate to him. Who among us has not felt concern over the commercialization and even greed of the Christmas season? Who hasn’t felt overwhelmed by the packed calendars, the stress of finding gifts, the pressure of planning meals and events? In fact, psychologists tell us that during this season of cheer and goodwill, many feel sorrow and depression.

We know what the Christmas season ought to be—we know it should be a time of reflection on the birth of the Savior, a time of celebration and of generosity. But sometimes our focus is so much on the things that annoy and overwhelm us that we can almost hear ourselves say in unison with the Grinch: “Why, for fifty-three years I’ve put up with it now! I MUST stop this Christmas from coming! . . . But HOW?”

While it’s true that we can find materialism and anxiety in Christmas, it is also true that if we have eyes to see, we can experience the powerful message of the birth of the Son of God and feel the hope and peace He brings to the world. We, like the Grinch, can see Christmas through new eyes.

Looking for Christ

As an old family tradition, our family has always celebrated the Advent of Christmas. Starting on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, we would get together on Sunday afternoons, light wax candles on a pine Advent wreath, enjoy delicious homemade cookies, and read passages of scriptures that center on the Christ.

We read accounts of ancient prophets who yearned for the coming of the Messiah. We read scriptures that proclaim the wondrous story of His birth. Each week by singing beautiful Christmas songs and having a fun time together, our family tried to refocus on the true meaning of the season. I must admit that delicious hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and tasty homemade cookies helped a lot to catch the joyful feeling of the Christmas season!

While celebrating the Advent of Christmas is not part of all cultures around the globe, there is something we can learn from this widespread Christian tradition. Perhaps even this year we might carve from our busy schedules some time to study and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas—personally and as families.

When we prepare for Christmas by pondering its real meaning, we prepare to experience the Christ and His message. May I suggest three things we may want to study, ponder, and apply in this season of preparation.

Rejoice in the Birth of Our Savior

First, rejoice in the birth of our Savior. We celebrate the birth of the Son of God, the Creator, our Messiah. We rejoice that the King of kings came to earth, was born in a manger, and lived a perfect life. When Jesus was born, the joy in heaven was so great it could not be contained, and angelic hosts parted the veil, proclaiming unto shepherds “good tidings of great joy, . . . praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”³

Wise Men “rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when . . . they saw the young child with Mary his mother, [they] fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts.”⁴

It is only fitting that we—like the Wise Men, shepherds, and angels—take time to rejoice and celebrate that glorious first Christmas Day.

Ponder His Influence in Our Lives Today

Second, ponder His influence in our lives today. The more commercialized and busy the Christmas season becomes, the easier it is for the sublime message of the Savior’s life to get lost along the way. If we notice that planning for parties and scrambling for presents begin to detract from the peaceable message of Jesus Christ and distance us from the gospel He preached, let us take a step back, slow down a little, and reconsider what matters most.

Christmas is a time for remembering the Son of God and renewing our determination to take upon us His name. It is a time to reassess our lives and examine our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Let this be a time of remembrance, of gratitude, and a time of forgiveness. Let it be a time to ponder the Atonement of Jesus Christ and its meaning for each of us personally. Let it especially be a time of renewal and recommitment to live by the word of God and to obey His commandments. By doing this, we honor Him far more than we ever could with lights, gifts, or parties.

Look Steadfastly for His Coming

Third, look steadfastly for His coming. The early disciples of Jesus Christ yearned for the time when He would come again. For them, mortality was a time of preparation and growth, of sifting and refining, a time for trimming their lamps and preparing for the return of their beloved Savior.

Brothers and sisters, 2,000 years later we also stand as His disciples. We are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The term latter-day is significant. We live and serve in a time prior to the Lord’s triumphant return. Our work is to prepare ourselves and the world for the coming of the Messiah in glory!

Not long after His mortal ministry, Christ said to the Apostle John, “Surely I come quickly.” And John answered, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”⁵

We live in the 11th hour before the coming of the day of our Lord. Let us therefore look forward to that blessed day when the King of kings descends with a shout,⁶ takes away death, dries up tears, and ushers in a new era of peace, joy, and learning.

While the Christmas season is typically a time for looking back and celebrating the birth of our Lord, it seems to me that it should also be a time of looking to the future. Let us look forward. Let us prepare for that blessed day when He will come again. Let us be as wise as those ancients who watched for His coming. As His disciples, let us have in our hearts and minds the words of John: “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

Seeing Christmas with New Eyes

If we look for what is wrong with the Christmas season, we can surely find it. Like the Grinch, we can grumble and complain, becoming cold and cynical about what we see around us. Nevertheless, if we look for the good, we can see this time of year with new eyes—perhaps even with the eyes of a child.

The Grinch saw the good in Christmas when he learned to look past its worldly trappings. If we do the same, we can, with the Grinch, proclaim: “Maybe Christmas . . . doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas . . . perhaps . . . means a little bit more!”

Our heart may not grow three sizes as the Grinch’s did, but our heart will change. Our eyes will open to the miracles all around us—at Christmastime and throughout the year.

I pray that during this season and always, we will see the purity of the story of the Savior’s birth and feel sincere gratitude for His life, teachings, and saving sacrifice for us. May this gratitude cause us to renew our determination to follow Him. May it also lead us to draw closer to our family, our church, and our fellowmen. And may we look steadfastly forward to that blessed day when the resurrected Christ will walk the earth again as our Lord, our King, and our blessed Savior.

I pray that each and every one of you will have a wonderful and merry Christmas season. I leave you my love and blessings in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen."

I add my testimony to that of President Uchtdorf's. As we come to realize what the true reason for Christmas is we will lose some of the stress and a lot of the "modern-day grinches". 

Merry Christmas

It was the Christmas season once again and with all the hustle and bustle surrounding the popular holiday a local newspaper decided to interview people about what they knew about Christmas and Jesus Christ.

An interviewer selected 3 people from the chaotic shops to ask their thoughts.

The interviewer spoke to each of them individually. He asked the first person, "It's Christmas time again and you are obviously very engrossed in the holiday with the decorations and the shopping. So, since it is Christmas what do you know about Jesus Christ?"

"Well," the shopper thought, "they say Jesus was born in a barn, somehow born of a virgin. I've also heard that he performed some miracles and supposedly died for our sins, however that works. That's what I've heard."

The interviewer smiled at him and showed him out the door and invited in the second and asked him the same question.

This person was a little more emphatic in his beliefs replying, "I KNOW that Jesus Christ lived. I believe in his virgin birth. I believe in the miracles he performed and KNOW that he died for me and paid for my sins."

The interviewer smiled at him and showed him out the door only to bring in the third and final shopper. When they sat down he asked him the same question. This man gazed into the interviewer's eyes and with tears in his own eyes he fell to his knees exclaiming, "Master."

My dear family and friends I hope that I could be the third man. I don't know that I would recognize my Savior if I saw Him, I hope I would. I can tell you that I know that Jesus is the Christ, the promised Messiah. I know that it is because of His miraculous virgin birth that we celebrate the Christmas holiday. I know that He loves us. I know that He knows us. Do we know Him?

I love the lights and decorations and excitement of the holidays as much as anyone (if not more), may I suggest that we reflect for a moment on the humble birth of our Brother and Savior.