As I read 2 Nephi 28:24 this morning these are the thoughts that went through my mind:
Working for the cause of the Lord will always be uncomfortable, challenging, or tiring. It is enjoyable and worthwhile, but it is not easy. See Matt. 16:24-27; Mark 8:34-38; Luke 9:23-26. We can liken our work in the Kingdom as if we were taking up our cross. It requires work, it requires spiritual, mental, and physical strength. It requires a firm testimony in the Son of God who carried the cross of the world on His shoulders.
Friday, September 11, 2015
Friday, August 28, 2015
The Rinsing Principle
I like to clean. There was a time in my life where I made money from cleaning, and every time I clean something I think profoundly about what I am doing and how I can ensure the best possible clean. As I have thought deeply about cleanliness I have made connections with Gospel principles and patterns, and one of those is called the principle of the rinse.
When something has become dirty it is important to use the right product, the right tool, and the right process to clean it. An all-purpose cleaner and a paper towel will not eliminate hard water stains simply by spraying and wiping. One must use a more heavy-duty cleaner, scouring brush, and apply a repeated amount of elbow grease in order to vanquish such stains. Keeping this in mind we would not use the same cleaner to clean our household dishes because of the potentially dangerous chemicals in the cleanser. When it comes to scrubbing bath tubs and dishes having the right cleaner, and applying necessary scrubbing power are necessary for an effective clean, but there is something else that allows the surface to remain clean. This is the principle of the rinse.
When we have scrubbed all of the dirt, grime and muck off of any surface it is essential to rinse it off. If the surface is left un-rinsed the same dirt, grime and muck that so much effort was expended to remove will either stay on the surface, or the the scrubbing tool. Rinsing ensures the surface will stay completely clean for as long as regular cleaning procedures are practiced.
At times we may ask the the same question the writer of Proverbs asked: "Who can say, I have my heart clean, I am pure from my sin? (Proverbs 20:9). Our imperfections inevitably get the better of us, and when this happens we need to clean our heart and soul. The same principles that apply to cleansing material things of impurities applies to our own souls as we strive to stay clean.
There is no doubt that we need this cleansing in our lives. Jacob in the Book of Mormon taught that we all need cleansing because of the effects of the fall of Adam, and why the Atonement of Jesus Christ is the only cleansing tool that will work. He said: "For as death (spiritual and physical) hath passed upon all men, to fulfil the merciful plan of the great Creator, there must needs be a power of the resurrection (spiritual and physical)...Wherefore, it must needs be an infinite atonement--save it should be an infinite atonement this corruption could not put on incorruption." (2 Nephi 9:6-7)
Just as we need to use the right cleansing products and tools to get the job done, we need to make sure the source we turn to for spiritual cleansing is the right one. The one that is designed to cleanse us infinitely and completely. David knew where to turn when he needed to be cleansed. He said: "Create in me a clean heart, O God..." (Psalms 51:10). Many prophets and apostles have testified of the cleansing power of Christ's atonement. Paul testified that Christ is "In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the remission of sins." (1 Col. 1:14). The prophets Alma and Mormon exhorted people to be cleansed be the blood of Christ to be found spotless before God (Morm. 9:6, Alma 5:21). It is very clear that the blood that was spilt during Christ's atonement expiated for our sins which allows us the opportunity to turn to Christ and access that cleansing power. We can apply the blood of Christ through repentance, but this is only one step in the process of repentance. We can compare the application of the blood of Christ to getting the dirt, grime and muck off of our souls. It requires hard work and sacrifice. The next step in the repentance process is to "rinse" away our sins.
To rinse away our sins we need to never return to them. This step in the repentance process can also be difficult. Sometimes it will mean avoiding friends who are a negative influence. Sometimes it will mean breaking long-standing habits. Sometimes we will feel embarrassment or anxiety over changing so dramatically, but we need to remember that not returning to our sins is essential in the repentance process. Our Savior and Redeemer who suffered and bled to allow us the opportunity to become cleansed and purified will not leave us comfortless. He said: " for verily I say unto you, I will that ye should overcome the world; wherefore I will have compassion upon you." (D&C 64:2).
We need to not revert back to those sins and weaknesses we have, and we need to keep the commandments. Some commandments are more directly related with keeping a clean image before God, like in Doctrine and Covenants, section 59, verse 9 it says: "And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day."Other commandments are not as related, but nevertheless important for retaining a remission of our sins (Mosiah 4:11-12).
We are fallen sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father, and he truly is loving because He has provided one way for us to return back to live with him (Alma 38:9). The Lord taught Adam this eternal truth: That by reason of transgression cometh the fall, which fall bringeth death, and inasmuch as ye were born into the world by water, and blood, and the spirit, which I have made, and so became of dust a living soul, even so ye must be born again into the kingdom of heaven, of water, and of the Spirit, and be cleansed by blood, even the blood of mine Only Begotten; that ye might be sanctified from all sin, and enjoy the words of eternal life in this world, and eternal life in the world to come, even immortal glory." (Moses 6:59).
I know that we can become clean through Christ, our Savior, and he teaches and guides us through the path of repentance, which includes a period of spiritual scrubbing and rinsing, so that we can find happiness in this life and in the life to come.
When something has become dirty it is important to use the right product, the right tool, and the right process to clean it. An all-purpose cleaner and a paper towel will not eliminate hard water stains simply by spraying and wiping. One must use a more heavy-duty cleaner, scouring brush, and apply a repeated amount of elbow grease in order to vanquish such stains. Keeping this in mind we would not use the same cleaner to clean our household dishes because of the potentially dangerous chemicals in the cleanser. When it comes to scrubbing bath tubs and dishes having the right cleaner, and applying necessary scrubbing power are necessary for an effective clean, but there is something else that allows the surface to remain clean. This is the principle of the rinse.
When we have scrubbed all of the dirt, grime and muck off of any surface it is essential to rinse it off. If the surface is left un-rinsed the same dirt, grime and muck that so much effort was expended to remove will either stay on the surface, or the the scrubbing tool. Rinsing ensures the surface will stay completely clean for as long as regular cleaning procedures are practiced.
At times we may ask the the same question the writer of Proverbs asked: "Who can say, I have my heart clean, I am pure from my sin? (Proverbs 20:9). Our imperfections inevitably get the better of us, and when this happens we need to clean our heart and soul. The same principles that apply to cleansing material things of impurities applies to our own souls as we strive to stay clean.
There is no doubt that we need this cleansing in our lives. Jacob in the Book of Mormon taught that we all need cleansing because of the effects of the fall of Adam, and why the Atonement of Jesus Christ is the only cleansing tool that will work. He said: "For as death (spiritual and physical) hath passed upon all men, to fulfil the merciful plan of the great Creator, there must needs be a power of the resurrection (spiritual and physical)...Wherefore, it must needs be an infinite atonement--save it should be an infinite atonement this corruption could not put on incorruption." (2 Nephi 9:6-7)
Just as we need to use the right cleansing products and tools to get the job done, we need to make sure the source we turn to for spiritual cleansing is the right one. The one that is designed to cleanse us infinitely and completely. David knew where to turn when he needed to be cleansed. He said: "Create in me a clean heart, O God..." (Psalms 51:10). Many prophets and apostles have testified of the cleansing power of Christ's atonement. Paul testified that Christ is "In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the remission of sins." (1 Col. 1:14). The prophets Alma and Mormon exhorted people to be cleansed be the blood of Christ to be found spotless before God (Morm. 9:6, Alma 5:21). It is very clear that the blood that was spilt during Christ's atonement expiated for our sins which allows us the opportunity to turn to Christ and access that cleansing power. We can apply the blood of Christ through repentance, but this is only one step in the process of repentance. We can compare the application of the blood of Christ to getting the dirt, grime and muck off of our souls. It requires hard work and sacrifice. The next step in the repentance process is to "rinse" away our sins.
To rinse away our sins we need to never return to them. This step in the repentance process can also be difficult. Sometimes it will mean avoiding friends who are a negative influence. Sometimes it will mean breaking long-standing habits. Sometimes we will feel embarrassment or anxiety over changing so dramatically, but we need to remember that not returning to our sins is essential in the repentance process. Our Savior and Redeemer who suffered and bled to allow us the opportunity to become cleansed and purified will not leave us comfortless. He said: " for verily I say unto you, I will that ye should overcome the world; wherefore I will have compassion upon you." (D&C 64:2).
We need to not revert back to those sins and weaknesses we have, and we need to keep the commandments. Some commandments are more directly related with keeping a clean image before God, like in Doctrine and Covenants, section 59, verse 9 it says: "And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day."Other commandments are not as related, but nevertheless important for retaining a remission of our sins (Mosiah 4:11-12).
We are fallen sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father, and he truly is loving because He has provided one way for us to return back to live with him (Alma 38:9). The Lord taught Adam this eternal truth: That by reason of transgression cometh the fall, which fall bringeth death, and inasmuch as ye were born into the world by water, and blood, and the spirit, which I have made, and so became of dust a living soul, even so ye must be born again into the kingdom of heaven, of water, and of the Spirit, and be cleansed by blood, even the blood of mine Only Begotten; that ye might be sanctified from all sin, and enjoy the words of eternal life in this world, and eternal life in the world to come, even immortal glory." (Moses 6:59).
I know that we can become clean through Christ, our Savior, and he teaches and guides us through the path of repentance, which includes a period of spiritual scrubbing and rinsing, so that we can find happiness in this life and in the life to come.
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Where Should We Spend Our Time and Money?
Jacob 9:51
51 Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your alabor
for that which cannot bsatisfy.Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the
words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and cfeast
upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delightin fatness.
Thoughts: This scripture could be used for those who have addictions. Gamers, coffee/soda/alcohol drinkers, shop-a-holics. etc.
When money or effort is spent toward an addiction it does not satisfy. It only leaves the individual wanting more.
51 Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your alabor
for that which cannot bsatisfy.Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the
words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and cfeast
upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delightin fatness.
Thoughts: This scripture could be used for those who have addictions. Gamers, coffee/soda/alcohol drinkers, shop-a-holics. etc.
When money or effort is spent toward an addiction it does not satisfy. It only leaves the individual wanting more.
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Same-Sex Marriage
Due to the recent decision by the Supreme Court to legalize same-sex marriage I would like to share my own thoughts regarding the incorrectness of same-sex marriage on a moral level and a spiritual level.
Morally same-sex marriage opposes the traditional values that are meant to help children and society develop healthy relationships that are ideal for growth, development and identity. It is true that children who grow up in homes where the complimentary attributes of father and mother are present are in the most ideal environment to develop wholesome attitudes and relationships. A father and mother can and should provide an exemplary spousal relationship that will most likely exist in their child's life considering same-sex attraction is a tendency experienced by the minority of the population.
Spiritually same-sex marriage prohibits spiritual progress. Our purpose on Earth stated in the lessons from Preach My Gospel "is to have joy and prepare to return to God’s presence." (p. 50). To return to live in God's presence we must become like Jesus Christ and perform all of the necessary covenants. A same-sex matrimony cannot be performed as a sealing ordinance and therefore halts our spiritual progression, and prevents us from completing our purpose on the Earth.
Related Links:
"Same Gender Attraction" from Elder Oaks and Elder Wickman
Morally same-sex marriage opposes the traditional values that are meant to help children and society develop healthy relationships that are ideal for growth, development and identity. It is true that children who grow up in homes where the complimentary attributes of father and mother are present are in the most ideal environment to develop wholesome attitudes and relationships. A father and mother can and should provide an exemplary spousal relationship that will most likely exist in their child's life considering same-sex attraction is a tendency experienced by the minority of the population.
Spiritually same-sex marriage prohibits spiritual progress. Our purpose on Earth stated in the lessons from Preach My Gospel "is to have joy and prepare to return to God’s presence." (p. 50). To return to live in God's presence we must become like Jesus Christ and perform all of the necessary covenants. A same-sex matrimony cannot be performed as a sealing ordinance and therefore halts our spiritual progression, and prevents us from completing our purpose on the Earth.
Related Links:
"Same Gender Attraction" from Elder Oaks and Elder Wickman
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Chinese Culture Tidbits
It is time to say good-bye to China after 5 months of living and teaching in the middle kingdom (中国 is the word for China in Chinese and literally translated is middle kingdom). Throughout the experience I have written down some of the culture differences that were interesting to me. There are many, but here are a few that I managed to write down.
1. Fruit is like a dessert here. It is eaten at the end of a meal and some will say it is bad for digestion to eat bananas without any other food. Fruit can also be given as a gift.
2. Speaking of digestion, that is the main reason why almost everyone in China drinks warm water. They serve warm water during the summer at restaurants, and consistently drink warm tea (this is more during the winter, but also during the summer). The Chinese believe there are various health benefits associated to drinking warm water such as improved circulation, and promoting a healthy digestion. When some of our cooperating teachers at the school returned from a 2 week stay in England they told us that they have been drinking too much cold water and they were "feeling the effects" in their digestion. Another tidbit about drinking warm water. One student told me that some athletes will drink water after a hard work-out during the summer because it will help the body cool down faster.
3. Wendy, one of our wonderful English-speaking Chinese teacher friends said that there is a superstition among some Chinese people that if a child believes ghost stories then they will wake up with a fever the next day. She proceeded to say that doctors do not know how to remedy the sickness, but there are natural (or "other" in her words) remedies that can help.
4. In China the saying "it takes a village to raise a child" is actually practiced. There is a group of 7 or 8 grandparents (most families in a home, or more commonly apartment, consist of mom, dad, dad's parents, and children. Because both parents work the grandparents are the ones who will watch the small children) that come to the college to let their grand-babies play. They all look after each other's child while keeping their own close by. They all tend to share toys with each other. Yesterday this was really evidenced when Andelyn was running to the bathroom in the teacher's cafeteria.Tessa and I were eating and before we could reach her a Chinese lady had already taken Andee to the bathroom, pulled her pants down and had her in the proper pee-pee position for going in a squat toilet. The lady just told me to go back and eat, which I did.
5. When we found out Tessa was pregnant we wanted to get some pre-natal vitamins. Tessa asked Wendy where we cold get some and she said: "why would you need those? just drink lots of soup."
6. Ping-pong is a big deal here. I went to play with a student and I was just wearing jeans and a T-shirt, same as my student, and when we got there (to the table tennis training room which was a very nice facility) he said he needed to change. He disappeared for a bit and came back in work-out type clothes. I thought maybe this was an isolated event, but when Tessa and I stayed at a hotel in Xi'an (西安), China we were told we were not allowed to go play ping-pong due to our footwear. We had just been swimming and were wearing sandals.
7. The concept of marriage and family is very strong, and also very different. Most modern Chinese in the city get married in their late 20s or early 30s. They feel it is necessary to have started their career and created a stable life for themselves before they get married. They argue that stability is the financial of a happy family. i asked my students what they hope to find in a spouse and one of the most important factors was stability for her and her family ( and that includes her mom and dad). Divorce is becoming popular, but still rare. 1 or 2 of the students out of 60 knew of someone who had been divorced. The main reason is for the children. Interestingly, between having a happy marriage or a stable life. Almost all of my students would rather have a financially stable life.
8. The education system is a whole new world. We were able to visit a kindergarten, and it was very interesting. First of all, the building was painted in all of the colors of the rainbow, and not muted pastels, but bold bright yellows, blues, and pink! Next the classroom had about 40 students, and there were 3 teachers. Each teacher was responsible for something different. One of the responsibilities was to prepare food and feed the students. Apparently the teachers teach more than just simple math they also help the students with life skills. Wendy was explaining that the teacher will make sure each student is eating enough food for each meal. Wendy's child had trouble eating enough for his age until he entered school and after a while he was taught how to eat enough. Teachers in general are responsible for more than academics. They are also expected to help with discipline and behavioral management.
9. A good Chinese friend came over to teach us how to make a local food called huo shao (火烧). My whole cooking paradigm has changed and expanded. We cooked eggs in a bowl that was placed in boiling water. Made a past out of flour and oil that was used to infuse in the pastry part of the huo shao. Soaked dried mushrooms in a bowl until they were big. Chopped up the biggest green onions I've ever seen and mixed sausage meet with a spiced water. It was great!
1. Fruit is like a dessert here. It is eaten at the end of a meal and some will say it is bad for digestion to eat bananas without any other food. Fruit can also be given as a gift.
2. Speaking of digestion, that is the main reason why almost everyone in China drinks warm water. They serve warm water during the summer at restaurants, and consistently drink warm tea (this is more during the winter, but also during the summer). The Chinese believe there are various health benefits associated to drinking warm water such as improved circulation, and promoting a healthy digestion. When some of our cooperating teachers at the school returned from a 2 week stay in England they told us that they have been drinking too much cold water and they were "feeling the effects" in their digestion. Another tidbit about drinking warm water. One student told me that some athletes will drink water after a hard work-out during the summer because it will help the body cool down faster.
3. Wendy, one of our wonderful English-speaking Chinese teacher friends said that there is a superstition among some Chinese people that if a child believes ghost stories then they will wake up with a fever the next day. She proceeded to say that doctors do not know how to remedy the sickness, but there are natural (or "other" in her words) remedies that can help.
4. In China the saying "it takes a village to raise a child" is actually practiced. There is a group of 7 or 8 grandparents (most families in a home, or more commonly apartment, consist of mom, dad, dad's parents, and children. Because both parents work the grandparents are the ones who will watch the small children) that come to the college to let their grand-babies play. They all look after each other's child while keeping their own close by. They all tend to share toys with each other. Yesterday this was really evidenced when Andelyn was running to the bathroom in the teacher's cafeteria.Tessa and I were eating and before we could reach her a Chinese lady had already taken Andee to the bathroom, pulled her pants down and had her in the proper pee-pee position for going in a squat toilet. The lady just told me to go back and eat, which I did.
5. When we found out Tessa was pregnant we wanted to get some pre-natal vitamins. Tessa asked Wendy where we cold get some and she said: "why would you need those? just drink lots of soup."
6. Ping-pong is a big deal here. I went to play with a student and I was just wearing jeans and a T-shirt, same as my student, and when we got there (to the table tennis training room which was a very nice facility) he said he needed to change. He disappeared for a bit and came back in work-out type clothes. I thought maybe this was an isolated event, but when Tessa and I stayed at a hotel in Xi'an (西安), China we were told we were not allowed to go play ping-pong due to our footwear. We had just been swimming and were wearing sandals.
7. The concept of marriage and family is very strong, and also very different. Most modern Chinese in the city get married in their late 20s or early 30s. They feel it is necessary to have started their career and created a stable life for themselves before they get married. They argue that stability is the financial of a happy family. i asked my students what they hope to find in a spouse and one of the most important factors was stability for her and her family ( and that includes her mom and dad). Divorce is becoming popular, but still rare. 1 or 2 of the students out of 60 knew of someone who had been divorced. The main reason is for the children. Interestingly, between having a happy marriage or a stable life. Almost all of my students would rather have a financially stable life.
8. The education system is a whole new world. We were able to visit a kindergarten, and it was very interesting. First of all, the building was painted in all of the colors of the rainbow, and not muted pastels, but bold bright yellows, blues, and pink! Next the classroom had about 40 students, and there were 3 teachers. Each teacher was responsible for something different. One of the responsibilities was to prepare food and feed the students. Apparently the teachers teach more than just simple math they also help the students with life skills. Wendy was explaining that the teacher will make sure each student is eating enough food for each meal. Wendy's child had trouble eating enough for his age until he entered school and after a while he was taught how to eat enough. Teachers in general are responsible for more than academics. They are also expected to help with discipline and behavioral management.
9. A good Chinese friend came over to teach us how to make a local food called huo shao (火烧). My whole cooking paradigm has changed and expanded. We cooked eggs in a bowl that was placed in boiling water. Made a past out of flour and oil that was used to infuse in the pastry part of the huo shao. Soaked dried mushrooms in a bowl until they were big. Chopped up the biggest green onions I've ever seen and mixed sausage meet with a spiced water. It was great!Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Thy Faith Hath Made Thee Whole
First, regarding physical wholeness. Maintaining a faith in Christ will provide the power necessary to becoming physically whole. We are able to maintain this faith because healing the sick was an integral part of Christ's life. In Matthew, chapter 14, verse 36 an extremely similar phenomenon as what happened to the woman with an issue of blood happened to many in the land of Gennasaret, they being made "perfectly whole." In John, chapter 5 Christ heals the man by the pool of Bethesda and it was said: "And immediately the man was made whole." (John 5:9). Those who exercised their faith in Christ, even after many years and trials were blessed with physical wholeness. As Christ speaks to the woman that had an issue of blood he reassures and testifies that by acting in faith she became whole from her physical illness, and we can experience the same miraculous healing power.
Although I have not experienced any miraculous healing powers in my own life, I can testify that an enduring faith in Christ has filled the emotional, mental, and spiritual sicknesses, or gaps that I lack. Most recently as a full-time teacher, a struggling student, a faithful father (or at least trying my best), and a (also trying to be) diligent disciple I find myself frequently at a loss for time, talents, and testimony. I know what I should be doing, but the how, amidst all of my other responsibilities escapes me. During one particularly trying week I felt like I could relate with the woman with an issue of blood on all accounts except physically. I was emotionally spent, mentally strained, and spiritually drained after months of persevering. This was the moment when I realized I needed to, figuratively, touch the hem of the Savior's garment. I needed to, like the woman with an issue of blood, rely wholly and completely on the Savior's grace. To understand what I mean let's look at what Christ said to the woman with an issue of blood with a different perspective.
Jesus says to the woman: "thy faith hath made thee whole," he continues: "go in peace, and be whole of thy plague." (Mark 5:34). It is interesting that the Savior seems to be saying the same thing twice. He could either be repeating himself, or each statement could have a different purpose. The second phrase seems to refer directly to her sickness, "...be whole of thy plague..." while the first refers more to the faith of the woman and what having faith has done for her, not in a physical sense, but in a spiritual sense. Christ is telling this woman that it was her faith, not the healing that made her whole, or complete. Elder Ballard speaks of this same wholeness:
"If our faith is anchored securely in our testimonies of Christ, we will be able to cope with whatever adversity comes our way, and we will be able to do so in a positive, faith-promoting manner. if we keep the eye of faith focused on Christ, we gain a broader view and an eternal perspective, and with that we can understand adversity from within the context of Heavenly Father's eternal plan for all of His children. And we can find comfort in this life in the safety, peace, joy and security that He promises" ("When Shall These Things Be?" Ensign, Dec. 1996, 61).
If I were to extrapolate on what the Savior said it would sound something like this: "My daughter, your faith is extraordinary, it has carried you through your trials, and because of that faith you are whole even though you are physically debilitated. Now, go in peace, and also be whole of thy plague."
Saturday, June 13, 2015
Connecting With God
Is God hard to reach on a personal level? Some groups of people throughout human history have evidenced that their answer to this question is yes. Some believe that a human sacrifice, or long periods of self-inflicted suffering, or building an immensely tall tower is necessary to appeal to God's attention. Without trying to criticize the beliefs and practices of others, for all honest seekers of God will find Him, I submit that approaching god with the end to connect with Him can be achieved as correct principles are followed honestly.
Honesty is the key. This is the first principle to seek a connection with god. The words of the Prophet Moroni testify of that: "For behold, God hath said a man being evil cannot do that which is good; for if he offereth a gift, or prayeth unto god, except he shall do it with real intent it profiteth him nothing." (Moroni 7:6 italics added). God is "bound when [we] do what [He] say[s], but when [we] do not what [He] say[s], [we] have no promise." (D&C 82:10). Therefore, when the Son of God promises "ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" (Matthew 7:7) during the Sermon on the Mount the condition for this promise is that we do what He says by coming to Him with a sincere and honest heart. The consecutive principles can only be validated as the first principle is followed.
the second principle is preparation, but before discussing this principle in detail I would like to provide an analogy as a basis for this and the rest of the principles. Let us think of a time when information didn't travel quite as fast as it does today. Back to when I couldn't have shared this information with you except if it was coming from my own mouth. As early as the prophet Enoch there is record that those who sought for revelations, communications, and connections with God went to a mountain to receive those blessings (Moses 7:2-3). Likening the climbing of a mountain to our journey to connect with God we must start with preparation. Preparation for mountain climbing is essential for success, and is a pattern we can see illustrated in the lives of prophets throughout the scriptures who achieved a connection with God. Referring to Enoch, he needed to be anointed and washed (Moses 6:35) before his journey up the mountain. Nephi "desired to know" (1 Nephi 11:1) what his father saw and needed to ponder on those things before his journey to the mountain. Our preparation could be extremely similar to Nephi's and Enoch's.
Principle three is taking advantage of the resources God has already given us. An interesting irony lies in the object of the group of people that tried to build a tower to reach God. They were exerting effort into building something that already existed in the world that served the same purpose. the summit of mountains creates a perfect "altar" at which one can commune with God. Had these people not been consumed by their pride they might have realized one only needs to use the God-given gifts on earth to reach him.
My testimony is that God is present in our lives. I testify of the veracity of His words: "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20) with emphasis on the last part that lets us know just how intimate a relationship the Savior wants to have with us. Not as the neighbor who brings cookies occasionally, but as the friend who we have invited to dine with us, a friend who is ever present, ever supportive, and ever teaching to edify. He is there, we just need to seek Him honestly.
Honesty is the key. This is the first principle to seek a connection with god. The words of the Prophet Moroni testify of that: "For behold, God hath said a man being evil cannot do that which is good; for if he offereth a gift, or prayeth unto god, except he shall do it with real intent it profiteth him nothing." (Moroni 7:6 italics added). God is "bound when [we] do what [He] say[s], but when [we] do not what [He] say[s], [we] have no promise." (D&C 82:10). Therefore, when the Son of God promises "ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" (Matthew 7:7) during the Sermon on the Mount the condition for this promise is that we do what He says by coming to Him with a sincere and honest heart. The consecutive principles can only be validated as the first principle is followed.
the second principle is preparation, but before discussing this principle in detail I would like to provide an analogy as a basis for this and the rest of the principles. Let us think of a time when information didn't travel quite as fast as it does today. Back to when I couldn't have shared this information with you except if it was coming from my own mouth. As early as the prophet Enoch there is record that those who sought for revelations, communications, and connections with God went to a mountain to receive those blessings (Moses 7:2-3). Likening the climbing of a mountain to our journey to connect with God we must start with preparation. Preparation for mountain climbing is essential for success, and is a pattern we can see illustrated in the lives of prophets throughout the scriptures who achieved a connection with God. Referring to Enoch, he needed to be anointed and washed (Moses 6:35) before his journey up the mountain. Nephi "desired to know" (1 Nephi 11:1) what his father saw and needed to ponder on those things before his journey to the mountain. Our preparation could be extremely similar to Nephi's and Enoch's.
Principle three is taking advantage of the resources God has already given us. An interesting irony lies in the object of the group of people that tried to build a tower to reach God. They were exerting effort into building something that already existed in the world that served the same purpose. the summit of mountains creates a perfect "altar" at which one can commune with God. Had these people not been consumed by their pride they might have realized one only needs to use the God-given gifts on earth to reach him.
My testimony is that God is present in our lives. I testify of the veracity of His words: "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20) with emphasis on the last part that lets us know just how intimate a relationship the Savior wants to have with us. Not as the neighbor who brings cookies occasionally, but as the friend who we have invited to dine with us, a friend who is ever present, ever supportive, and ever teaching to edify. He is there, we just need to seek Him honestly.
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