Faith by Lauren Bush

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I often get asked the question, “How do you know your church is true? There is no way of knowing for sure.” I reply with a simple answer. “I know my church is true because of the way I feel when I learn about the gospel and abide by its teachings. That feeling is the Spirit, and I know it is true because I have faith.” So what is faith? Paul, an Apostle from the New Testament, taught that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (1).

Too many people in the world have the mindset that “seeing is believing”. They are not willing to believe in something that they cannot visibly see and touch. They want proof. My grandpa Bush was a pilot in the navy. On one occasion he was flying through severe weather trying to get back to his aircraft carrier to land. He could not see anything and became disoriented. He was tempted to fly a certain course but knew he had to fight that urge and have faith in his flight instruments. His faith paid off because he flew directly to his ship. Even though I do not see angels or have other heavenly manifestations, I have faith "the ship" is there and that I will land safely home. Besides, seeing does not always produce, or enhance, faith. Laman and Lemuel saw plenty and were seriously lacking. In Alma 32:17, it reads, “Yea, there are many who do say: If thou wilt show unto us a sign from heaven, then we shall know of a surety; then we shall believe” (2). However, Moroni taught that “faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith” (3). We receive answers and blessings only after we exercise our faith.

There is a Primary children song that explains what faith is. The song says, “Faith is knowing the sun will rise, lighting each new day. Faith is knowing the Lord will hear my prayers each time I pray. Faith is like a little seed: If planted it will grow. Faith is a swelling within my heart. When I do right, I know” (4). We do not know for a fact that the sun will rise each morning. We just expect it to... we have faith that it will rise. The same goes with prayer. We cannot visibly see our Heavenly Father, but we know that He is there, listening to us and guiding us. I like how this song compares faith to a seed. We need to constantly be exercising our faith in order for it to increase. Just like a seed can grow into a great tree, our faith can grow into strong testimonies, and we can be so sure of something that we can, in fact, say that we know something is true. President Gordon B. Hinckley once stated, “When I discuss faith, I do not mean it in an abstract sense. I mean it as a living, vital force with recognition of God as our Father and Jesus Christ as our Savior. When we accept this basic premise, there will come an acceptance of their teachings and an obedience which will bring peace and joy in this life and exaltation in the life to come” (5).

It is important for us to exercise faith in all aspects of the Gospel. However, the primary focus of our faith should be revolved around the Savior. It is important to remember that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel. Demonstrating faith in the Savior will have its ultimate reward one day, but there are immediate rewards as well. When we see ever-increasing turmoil and unrest in the world, faith in Jesus allows a perfect brightness of hope. It is not false hope, nor is it wishful thinking, but rather an absolute faith that there is a wiser power that conquers all. Faith in Christ brings the ultimate comfort. "And whosoever shall believe in my name, doubting nothing, unto him will I confirm all my words, even unto the ends of the earth" (8). Furthermore, faith is what leads us to Christ, and Christ leads us to Heavenly Father. In the New Testament, it says (referring to Christ) that “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there in none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (6). Christ is our only way home, and we must therefore have faith that he can save us.

Nephi explains in the Book of Mormon that the Liahona showed them the way, but only if they had faith. I know that if we have faith in Christ, he will show us the way back to Heavenly Father. President James E. Faust once said, “The Lord can do remarkable miracles with a person of ordinary ability who is humble, faithful, and diligent in serving the Lord and seeks to improve himself. This is because God is the ultimate source of power” (7). I have personally witnessed miracles in my own life and in the lives of others through faith. Having recently graduated from High School I can say it is a miracle in itself that I survived! I kept my faith strong and tried to act in accordance with that faith every day. Looking back on those days, I realize the miracle has not been an immediate breath-taking moment, but rather a sweet realization of where that faith has brought me today. A small miracle for some, but a precious one for me. On a grander scale, it has been my privilege to know and love a family whose faith has brought about mighty miracles. Christian and Stephanie Nielson, a young married couple from Mesa Arizona with four small children, were in a horrific plane crash over a month ago. Their bodies were severly burned and both have been in critical condition. The combined faith of their family, along with thousands around the world, have brought about physical and spiritual miracles for their family. Christian has whispered that he feels the prayers and miracles taking place. Through faith we find safety, happiness, and eternal reward.

References:
1. Hebrews 11:1
2. Alma 32:17
3. Ether 12:6
4. Children’s Songbook, Pg. 96
5. “ ‘With All Thy Getting Get Understanding,’ ” Ensign, Aug. 1988, 5.
6. The Acts 3:12
7. President James E. Faust, Ensign, Nov. 1995, 47

8. Mormon 9:25

Dreams by Amanda Dinsdale

Close your eyes, think, ponder and drift into sleep. What happens next? “A series of images, ideas, emotions, and sensations occurring involuntarily within the mind.” Defines the American Heritage Dictionary. We all define our dreams in different words and interpretations. My blog will show you that dreams are used in more than one way. They are meant for more than one purpose.

“And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream” (Dan 2:3). Our dreams are more than just words they are emotions betrayed within our minds and souls. Many times I have gone to bed upset and mad, during the night I dreamt of horrifying events which only intensified my anger. When I woke up I was not anymore happy than I was before slept. To truly feel the intent and purpose of our dreams, be at peace before you rest your eyes.

What is a dream than an image played in your mind, while you slept? Our dreams are our goals and aspirations. The American Heritage Dictionary also defines dreams as “A condition or achievement that is longed for; to have a deep aspiration”. Dreams can become reality if we sacrifice everything like Jesus Christ’s example and never give up. “…be determined in one mind and in one heart, united in all things, that ye may not come down into captivity” (2 Nephi 1:21) These were the words and desires of Lehi’s heart, spoken to his sons in his final moments as he laid on his death bed. We can all learn from that teaching from Lehi and unite in determination to become more than we are, not giving a thought or doubt against our dreams. President Kimball also taught this principle in his closing remarks of General Conference. He bore his own testimony of realizing his dreams, making more of them, and never giving up. “As a result of my dream, I had this feeling that no matter what might be required of my hands, what the gospel might entail unto me; I would do what I should be asked to do even to the laying down of my life. If only I can be with my Savior and have that same sense of love that I had in that dream, it will be the goal of my existence, the desire of my life.”

“I believe in dreams, brethren. The Lord has given me dreams which to me are just as real and as much from God as was the dream of King Nebuchadnezzar, which was the means of saving a nation from starvation, or the dream of Lehi who through a dream led his colony out of the old country across the mighty deep to this promised land, or any other dreams that we might read in the scriptures. It is not out of place for us to have important dreams.” George F. Richards taught in a quorum meetings of the Council of the Twelve. Dreams are also more than just desires and our feelings; they are Gods way of showing us visions. In the Book of Genesis chapter 41 we have a great example of how God works through dreams to show us visions and what is to come. In this chapter the pharaoh has two dreams; the first was seven cows that are healthy and gracing on the grain are eaten up by skinny famished cows. In the second dream the pharaoh saw seven ears of corn that came up in one stalk, they were full and good, he also saw seven ears of corn that were withered, thin, and the thin ears devoured the seven good ears. He asked people to interpret his dream but none could accept Joseph. When Joseph did so with the help of the Lord he was blessed and made head of the pharaoh’s house hold. Like in that story we are all capable to receive the rich blessings of the lord through our dreams, if we are but in tune with him.

Finally dreams should be more then dreams in your mind and heart, make your dreams a reality and put them into action!

A Dream Deferred
by Langston Hughes
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?

Or fester like a sore-- And then run?

Does it stink like rotten meat?

Or crust and sugar over-- like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?!

Make every day count and make your dreams explode! We are but small servants of a bigger plan, don’t just let your opportunity to shine and do the Lords work stop within your dreams. Make your dreams reality!

1) The scriptures online
2) www.lds.org
3) The American Heritage Dictionary

Steadfastly Diligent

“Diligence…constant effort to accomplish something; attentive and persistent in doing anything… tireless, unremitting” (dictionary.com). Diligence is an absolutely essential characteristic needed in order to endure to the end. For Nephi and his family, if they started slacking in their diligence, the Liahona would stop working until they could show their diligence again. “And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the pointers which were in the ball, that they did work according to the faith and diligence and heed which we did give unto them” (1Ne. 16:28). Unless we remain diligent in our faith and conviction of the gospel, we too will be prone to loss our way. In order to attain eternal life, we must be diligent enthusiastically, steadily, and constantly.
Tasks tend to be accomplished faster and more efficiently when passion is involved. We must be excited and enthusiastic about the Lord’s work. “Diligence is steady, consistent, earnest, and energetic effort in doing the Lord's work. The Lord expects you to work diligently – persistently and with great effort and care…” (Preach My Gospel, 121). That energy is necessary for building the kingdom. In order for us to acquire that passion we must also be diligent in seeking to know the Lord’s work.”And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yeah, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith” (D&C 88:118). Just like the with the Liahona, diligence is key to understanding the Holy Ghost.
Another important aspect of diligence is steadiness. A classic nonscriptural example of being steadfast is found in Aesop’s fable The Hare and the Tortoise: “A Hare one day ridiculed the short feet and slow pace of the Tortoise, who replied, laughing 'Though you be swift as the wind, I will beat you in a race.' The Hare, believing has assertion to be simply impossible, assented to the proposal; and they agreed that the Fox should choose the course and fix the goal. On the day appointed for the race the two started together. The Tortoise never for a moment stopped, but went on with a slow but steady pace straight to the end of the course. The Hare, lying down by the wayside, fell fast asleep. At last waking up, and moving as fast as he could, he saw the Tortoise had reached the goal, and was comfortably dozing after his fatigue.” In our every day lives, we must remember the importance of being steady, and continuously moving and changing ourselves to be the best we can be. “And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order” (Mosiah 4:27). We cannot attempt to do more than time and strength allows. One person cannot build the kingdom alone. As long as we are prayerful in what we do with our time, the Lord will divvy up all the necessary tasks for everyone, and it will be in His way and in His time, but if we keep doing our best, persistently and with discipline, we will accomplish what he would want for us.
A third, and perhaps the most necessary, aspect of diligence is consistency. One of the best ways in which this message has been given is through the Parable of the Ten Virgins. In this parable, we are warned “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh” (Matthew 25:13). “the foolish [virgins]…himself…. In our lives, the oil of preparedness is accumulated drop by drop in righteous living” ” (Faith Precedes the Miracle, 255-256). Through our lives we have spiritual experiences that have brought us closer to the Lord. Think of some examples in your life. The youth in the church practically have spiritual experience handed to them on silver platters at things life efy and Girls Camp. The key to a diligent and constantly spiritual life is to create those spiritual experiences for ourselves. Adding to our lamps doesn’t mean simply reading the scriptures (although it helps); It’s finding a passage in the scriptures that touches our souls, and feeling the spirit deep inside and all around all at the same time and feeling it frequently. The best way for us to remain diligent is to seek for more and more ways to feel encompassed by the Holy Ghost.
In conclusion, diligence is absolutely key for eternal life. Alma relates, “Then my brethren, ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the tree to bring forth fruit unto you” (Alma 32: 43). This fruit represents eternal life. It is sweeter than anything that is sweet, and most precious above all other fruits. Eternal life is the most important thing we should be striving for in this life, and without diligence we have no chance of receiving that amazing fruit.

The Bible. Salt Lake City, Utah: The Church of JCLDS, 1979.
The Book of Mormon...., 1981.
Kimball, Spencer W. Faith Precedes the Miracles...
Preach My Gospel.

Doing with Diligence -- Vallan Sherrod

Most of us have heard the saying, “I will go and do,” but exactly what are we supposed to do? In Genesis 31: 16, Rachel and Leah tell Jacob, “…whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.” We are supposed to do what God asks of us.

In coming to earth, we agreed to do what he commands us. In Exodus 19, God makes a covenant with the Israelites. In verse 5, God says, “…if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine.” In verse 8, after Moses relays God’s message to the people, they agree to follow the covenant, “And all the people answered together, and said, All that the Lord hath spoken we will do.” I think in the pre-mortal life, we, like the Israelites, agreed to follow God’s commandments here on earth.

Now, what exactly are we commanded to do? I think the best answer is found in 3 Nephi 12: 48. In this verse, Christ tells the Nephites, “Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect.” The commandments all have the goal of making us more like Christ and our Heavenly Father.

I think one of the best ways we can become like Christ and our Father in Heaven is to look at Christ’s example, and strive to be like him. In 1 Nephi 17, Nephi tries to soften the hearts of his brethren by relating Israel’s travels through the wilderness when they were leaving Egypt. In verse 41 it says, “… he sent fiery flying serpents among them; and after they were bitten he prepared a way that they might be healed; and the labor which they had to perform was to look; and because of the simpleness of the way, or the easiness of it, there were many who perished.” We need to soften our hearts and follow Christ’s example. After all, it is our goal to become like him. I once heard that if you do not know what your destination is, how will you know when you get there? We must strive to know more about our Heavenly Father and Christ, so we can become like them. We do this by looking at their examples, just like the Israelites had to look to be healed.

Obviously, it is not always easy to follow Christ. We may become caught up in worldly things. Also, we may become discouraged. When Nephi was commanded to build a boat, some of his older brothers began making fun of his actions. They said, “…Our brother is a fool, for he thinketh that he can build a ship; yea, and he also thinketh that he can cross these great waters” (1 Ne. 17: 17). In verse 19 Nephi records,

And now it came to pass that I, Nephi, was exceedingly sorrowful because of the hardness of their hearts; and now when they saw that I began to be sorrowful they were glad in their hearts, insomuch that they did rejoice over me, saying: We knew that ye could not construct a ship, for we knew that ye were lacking in judgment; wherefore, thou canst not accomplish so great a work.

Similarly, Satan tries to discourage us when we try to follow the commandments. He tries to make us feel overburdened, or he may try to use our peers and worldly ideas to turn us away. When it does become hard we should remember what God said to Joseph Smith when he was in Liberty Jail. In D&C 121: 7-8, God says, “My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all they foes.” We should keep an eternal perspective when we go through trials. If we do, we will know that if we do our best, we will be able to live with Heavenly Father and Christ forever.

Christ endured sufferings and hardships throughout his life, especially in the Atonement. In Nephi 19: 9, Nephi describes some of Christ’s long-suffering.

And the world, because of their iniquity, shall judge him to be a thing of naught; wherefore they scourge him, and he suffereth it; and they smite him, and he suffereth it. Yea, they spit upon him, and he suffereth it, because of his loving kindness and his long-suffering towards the children of men.

Christ was long-suffering, or diligent, in following all the commandments of our Heavenly Father. We are striving to be like him, so we too must be diligent when following the commandments even when it becomes hard.

One of the first things we can do in being diligent is to do all that we can. After Nephi completed the boat, his family was commanded to go into the ship. However, they did not just go into the ship and expect God to provide everything else they needed.

And it came to pass that on the morrow, after we had prepared all things, much fruits and meat from the wilderness, and honey in abundance, and provisions according to that which the Lord had commanded us, we did go down into the ship, with all our loading and our seeds, and whatsoever thing we had brought with us, every one according to his age; wherefore, we did all go down into the ship, with our wives and our children. (1 Ne. 18: 6)

Nephi’s family did all that they could to prepare to cross the ocean. For example, they built the boat and gathered provisions for the journey. God gave them the tools to do this. He also gives us tools to help us follow him today. Prophets, scriptures, prayer, and the Priesthood are some examples. When we use these tools to do all we can to follow his commandments, then he will help us do the rest. “And it came to pass after we had all gone down into the ship, and had taken with us our provisions and things which had been commanded us, we did put forth into the sea and were driven forth before the wind towards the promise land” (1 Ne.18: 8). God will provide the “wind” for us after we do the best we can to follow him.

When it becomes hard to follow the commandments, we should not murmur, but be optimistic instead. President Gordon B. Hinckley once said,

I have little doubt that many of us are troubled with fears concerning ourselves. We are in a period of stress across the world. There are occasionally hard days for each of us. Do not despair. Do not give up. Look for the sunlight through the clouds. Opportunities will eventually open to you. Do not let the prophets of gloom endanger your possibilities. (Hinckley)

When we are commanded to do something, we shouldn’t murmur or complain because it may be hard. Instead, we should be optimistic and try our best to do what we can. God will help us do the rest.

And thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled. And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them; wherefore, he did provide means for us while we did sojourn in the wilderness. (1 Ne.17: 3)

Heavenly Father will always provide a way for us to follow, or do, his commandments.

Now, it may seem like a lot is required of us when we are asked to be perfect like Christ. However, we do not have to worry about becoming absolutely perfect in this life. As Nephi writes in 2 Nephi 25: 23, “For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after we do all we can do.” Once we have done our best to become like Heavenly Father through his commandments, he will help us do the rest just like in each individual trial we face.

Works Cited

Hinckley, Gordon B. “Words of a Prophet: The Spirit of Optimism.” New Era July 2001. LDS. 24 Sept. 2008 .

The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1981.

The Doctrine and Covenants of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1981.

The Holy Bible. Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1979.

"Go and Do" Not "Sit and Stew" --Michelle Lindsey

The future depends on what we do in the present. - Mahatma Gandhi [1]

Never has there been a more slothful and indolent generation upon this earth. We build and work in order to increase our position, financial holdings, and prestige. The most brilliant minds strive daily to understand the workings of the universe in which we live and the most powerful men expend enormous amounts of brainpower and cunning to interact politically with other men. While these appear to be quite the antithesis of slothful, the same people who are quite industrious in the ways of the world have become exceedingly neglectful to the ways of God. They spend all their time focusing on worldly ambitions, expecting spiritual things to fall simply into place without any effort on their part. They have replaced our Heavenly Father with gods of gold and intelligence.

What will happen to such people whose values and ambitions have betrayed their Creator? Helaman taught that if men build their lives using Christ as a foundation, “they cannot fall.” [2] The opposite is true if a man builds his life upon any foundation other than Christ. His spiritual life will crumble.

How could this spiritual crumbling affect our society as a whole? Albert Einstein said that “the world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.” [3] Our society is doing little to nothing spiritually. People will often go to great lengths to achieve something temporally, but reject any notion of doing anything other than the simple act of attending church on Sunday, if they go to the trouble of doing that.

There are other people who do nothing because they feel that they can make no difference in the world. President Hinckley said, “I believe in the principle that I can make a difference in this world. It may be ever so small, but it will count for the greater good. The goodness of the world in which we live is the accumulated goodness of many small and seemingly inconsequential acts.” [4] Too often people look back upon their lives and regret the things they didn’t do, rather than anything they did do. “Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.” [5]

It is a mark of the current generation to say, “I’ll try” and believe that to be sufficient, no matter what amount of effort they put into “trying.” This is not enough. It never has been and never will be. “Trying” provides an excuse for failure and leaves room not to put forth the ultimate effort. Spencer W. Kimball said, “Just do it!” [6] Christ gave us his best, and asks only for our best in return. We have been given commandments to act, not to react. We are commended to “go and do,” [6] not to “sit and stew.”

[1] thinkexist.com/quotation/the-future-depends-on-what-we-do-in-the-present/748149.html

[2] The Book of Mormon, Helaman 5:12

[3] www.quotedb.com/quotes/3417

[4] http://speeches.byu.edu/reader/reader.php?id=7077

[5] Edmund Burke, www.quotedb.com/quotes/862

[6]The Book of Mormon, 1Nephi 3:7

Diligence

Marina Bair

Rel 121 sec 58

Sis. Hallen

09-24-08

If we are a diligent people throughout our lives, we will be blessed here in mortality and in the life to come. Before we can talk about the blessings that come with being diligent, we first need to be sure that we understand the meaning of diligence. Menander said, “He who labors diligently need never despair; for all things are accomplished by diligence and labor.”[1] Diligence equals hard work plus persistence. To become good at anything it takes time and persistence. For instance, I started playing the piano when I was about seven years old. I certainly was not good right off the bat; I had to work hard and put in the time to be able to play “Maple Leaf Rag” by Scott Joplin and some Beethoven pieces decently. And truth be told if I had put forth more effort and hours, I could have been able to play Chopin's Fantasy, which I can not play right now. However, that is the idea of diligence. I worked and am still working to get better. The same idea holds true for school, though I would describe diligence, in reference to school, as good study skills with the addition of time. Now that we better understand what diligence is, we can go forward and discuss the application thereof.

We have been told to "Learn wisdom in thy youth," (Alma 37:35). In the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet we read, "The Lord wants you to educate your mind and improve your skills and abilities. Education will help you to be an influence for good in the world. It will help you better provide for yourself, your loved ones and those in need. Be willing to work diligently and make sacrifices to obtain learning," (emphasis added). We learn from this that we should be diligent in receiving a good education so that we can be able to provide for our families and those in need; and so that we, as mothers and fathers, can teach our children.

Diligence, good study skills and time, is the key to a successful education. If we do not take the time to study for our classes, how can we expect to succeed in those classes? There will always be at least one class that we struggle with more than any other and to that I say, "What we hope ever to do with ease, we must learn first to do with diligence,"–Samuel Johnson [2]. If we work hard and take the time to practice, the thing will become "easier for us to do; not that the nature of the thing itself is changed, but that our power to do is increased,"–President Heber J. Grant [3]. Diligence is a virtue that we should strive to have throughout our lives because of its usefulness.

After graduating and starting with our career, we should work diligently in that job and our chances for success will be much greater. As Miguel de Cervantes once said, "Diligence is the mother of good fortune, and idleness, its opposite, never brought a man to the goal of any of his best wishes."[4] The same is true for stay-at-home mothers. For all the things mothers do: take care of the kids, teach them, clean the house, cook and any other hobbies or goals that they want to accomplish, they must be very diligent and patient. My mother told of you experience in being diligent as a mother. She said, “While I was raising eight children, I continued to seek for opportunities to learn and be informed. I learned early in my marriage that if I wanted to have an intellectual conversation with my husband, I had to have something intelligent to say. I started reading the newspaper, and news magazines. I took a college class here and there. Eventually, my children were grown and I found that I was prepared to teach school. Instead of teaching while raising my children, I raised them and then started to teach. It took 33 years to keep informed so that I did not backslide after earning my Bachelors Degree. It was a diligent effort and well worth it.” I have gone over the importance of being diligent pertaining to things of this world and now I want to discuss the importance of diligence from an eternal perspective.

"We sow a THOUGHT and reap an ACT

We sow an ACT and reap a HABIT

We sow a HABIT and reap a CHARACTER

We sow a CHARACTER and reap a DESTINY."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson [5]

With destiny being the Celestial Kingdom, we learn from Emerson that we need to have a character worthy of that kingdom. How do we gain that kind of character? And how does being diligent help us reach that goal? From Emerson we learn that the habits that form our character first begin with our thoughts. In D&C 121:45 we read, "Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God," (emphasis added). We must be diligent in keeping our thoughts clean. It is certainly not easy, but I know that if we pray and have the spirit of the Lord with us, He will help us. Along with keeping our thoughts clean, we should be "feasting upon the words of Christ," (2 Nephi 32.3), learning His commandments and His will. These thoughts will turn to actions. And our actions that we are consistent in preforming will become our habits.

Habits do not come from doing something once in a while, but rather from a constant practice. If we want a Celestial type of character we need to have those types of habits. We need to “pray always,” (2 Nephi 32:9). We need to study the scriptures that we may know the word of God and listen to His prophets. D&C 88:78 says, “Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand.” If we teach with the spirit of Christ, He will reveal things unto us. We need to “keep the commandments and endure to the end,” (D&C 14:7) if we do the Lord will bless us with eternal life. And finally the one that I think is most important is found in 2 Nephi 31:20 it says, “Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life,” (emphasis added). That scripture has so much in it! Steadfastness, press forward these verbs require commitment, work and time. This is diligence! With Christ and the Celestial Kingdom as the goal. I know that if we are constantly practicing and working to have righteous thoughts and habits that our character will be a righteous one. I know Christ lives! And I know that if we are diligent in keeping His commandments and obeying His prophets we will make our goal. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Works Cited:

[1] www.brainyquote.com

[2]www.brainyquote.com

[3]Conference Report, Apr. 1901, p. 63

[4]www.brainyquote.com

[5]Ralph Waldo Emerson

From beginning to end

It all begins and ends the same way. It was there in the beginning as the wars raged on in heaven; it will be there in the end at the Savior’s coming. Faith is everywhere in our lives, probably even more than we realize. It took faith from every one of us to come to this earth and experience mortality. Each day we have faith that the sun will rise, just as it did the day before. Furthermore, we all must have faith that when our time comes, we will be able to return home.

The apostle Paul defined faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” [1]. Alma declared that faith is not a perfect knowledge; rather, if we have faith, we “hope for things which are not seen, which are true” [2]. The first principle of our gospel is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Having faith in Christ includes believing that He is the Son of God and the Redeemer of the world. We know that without our faith in Christ, there would be no chance of returning to live with our Heavenly Father. It is through Christ’s infinite atonement that all of us can be saved but it’s our choice and only possible through our firm faith. Our faith in Christ grows as we become better acquainted with him by studying his teachings and praying to him.

Faith is a principle of action that leads to repentance, obedience and service. When we have faith in Christ, we know we must follow his commandments and repent when we disobey. We learn to be obedient and direct our lives in a way the Lord would approve of. By doing so, we are blessed and also given the opportunity to serve others. Whether it is through a small act of kindness or a mighty miracle that affect nations, it is said that the Lord helps his children through the acts of others.

Additionally, we learn from past prophets and many other people in the Book of Mormon that faith is essential in our lives. The prophet Nephi taught us that it is necessary to have faith in the Lord even when trials come upon us. All throughout his traveling in the wilderness, Nephi faced adversity and had constant faith in order to press forward, especially with the continual murmuring from his family. “Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him? Wherefore, let us be faithful to him. And if it so be that we are faithful to him, we shall obtain the land of promise; and ye shall know at some future period that the word of the Lord shall be fulfilled concerning the destruction of Jerusalem; for all things which the Lord hath spoken concerning the destruction of Jerusalem must be fulfilled” [3]. Through Nephi we learn that it is because of our faith that we can trust in the Lord’s plan and are able to meet life’s daily challenges and endure to the end.

In the absence of faith we are left with fear. Imagine a world with no faith and only fear in its place. Such a world has existed in the past and would still exist were it not for a 14 year old boy in New York. Joseph Smith applied unwavering faith when following the Prophet James’s direction to ask of God in faith. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering” [4].

I know that if we strive to exercise faith in the Lord and his plan of salvation our burdens will be lightened, we will obtain a greater understanding of his work, and if each of us “press forward with a steadfastness in Christ…enduring to the end,” [5] we are promised eternal life. I pray that we may all be able to improve our faith and relationship with our Savior and Redeemer. I have faith in my Lord Jesus Christ. He atoned for our sins and will reign on this earth once more. This I know, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Works Cited

1. Hebrews 11:1
2. Alma 32:21
3. 1 Nephi 7:12-13
4. James 1:5-6
5. 2 Nephi 31:20

Diligence to God's Will by Eric Davis

“Teach ye diligently”; “work with diligence”; “labor diligently”; “seek me diligently”; “keep thy heart with all diligence”; “serve him with all diligence of mind.”  The written and spoken words of prophets of old and modern times are saturated with the word diligence.  It can and should be applied to every gospel principle, doctrine, and commandment.  Dictionary.com defines it as “constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken; persistent exertion of body or mind.”  It may be difficult to understand how to apply diligence in so many facets of life.  True diligence in everything we do requires us to put God first and shun the influence of the world.   

Diligence can be described in many ways through any number of metaphors.  Diligence can be described as standing firm in the decisions you have made.  As said by my last EFY councilor, “those who will not stand for something will fall for anything.”   Even if what you have committed to is imperfect, it is better to be stand for near-perfection than to fall for evil.   In Lehi’s vision of the tree of life he sees “others pressing forward…until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree.”  These people are those who made right choices; but diligence is about constant, persistent exertion of willpower.  Several verses later, in response to the mocking of those in the great and spacious building, “after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed… and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost.”   Diligence requires an unrelenting perseverance through the challenges we face.  Fear and doubt are from Satan.  Those who fell away were ashamed of their having received the fruit representing the love of God.  In order to refrain from falling away as they did we must take on the attitude of Paul when he wrote, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.”  It’s okay to face the world head on and declare your allegiance to the work of God, “for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.”   God must be our foundation and our source of strength during times of trial.  If we are diligent in effort he will make our burdens light. 

Another part of standing diligently is standing as a witness of God. Alma the elder teaches us in Mosiah 18:9, “to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places.”  Standing as a witness of God can also seem a little vague in application.  My last EFY session director said that to stand as a witness of God means to display the positions of God in everything we do.  This means that whenever someone sees us make a choice they should be able to assume that’s what Christ would have done, or what he wanted us to do.  Standing as a witness of God is one way we can be diligent to God’s will. 

A common phrase related to diligence is “endure to the end.”    In first Nephi chapter 13 we are promised that “if [we] endure unto the end [we] shall be lifted up at the last day, and shall be saved in the everlasting kingdom of the Lamb.”  Most of us have gone through the initial saving ordinances and understand the basics of faith, repentance, and the other foundational principles of the gospel.  Our next step is to be diligent and endure by seeking the will of God.   It we do this we will, as the scripture said, be saved in the kingdom of the Lamb.   

Diligence is also very important in more specific parts of righteous living.  Nephi teaches in chapter 15 the importance of diligent behavior if you want to receive answers to your prayers: “ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you.”  Diligence is also important to have to Holy Ghost with you.  Nephi testified that the Holy Ghost “is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him.”  Diligence to the will of God will give us the power to receive answers to our prayers and divine inspiration from the Holy Ghost. 

Diligence to God’s will is ultimately the effort to strive for eternal perfection.  It is the ultimate goal and what we should be striving for always.  If we are diligent and we will eventually be able to be described as Christ’s 12 Apostles “And, behold, they are righteous forever.”  It is my hope and prayer that all who read this will strive to be more diligent in submitting to the will if the Lord. 

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

Bibliography

http://www.quotationspage.com/

http://www.dictionary.reference.com/

http://www.scriptures.lds.org/

http://brainyquote.com/

http://lds.org/ search

EFY notes

Diligence is an Action

By: Ryan Chapman

 

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary diligence is defined as work “characterized by steady, earnest, and energetic effort” [1], and according to dictionary.com it means doing a task “constant in effort to accomplish something; attentive and persistent in doing anything”[2]. Diligence is the process of striving for a goal and obtaining it through patience and time. I have known this to be true, especially when I am in school. The more I work and patiently try to do my best, the more successful I am. It is only through diligence and persistence that we can achieve out goals.

            Antoine de Saint-Exupery once said, “What saves a man is to take a step, then another step.”[3] Once a goal or a task is placed in our sight, we must progressively move towards our goal and never stop our attempt to move forward. There will always be trials of some form in the way of achieving our goals; but that is what diligence is about. It is about enduring past the trials and crossing the bridges no matter how hard or long they are.

            In our church we have an ultimate goal to one day return and live with our Father in Heaven. D&C 103:36 says, “All victory and glory is brought to pass unto you through your diligence, faithfulness, and prayers of faith.”[4] The only way that we can obtain our eternal glory is to faithfully and diligently follow the commandments of the lord everyday of our lives, and endure any trials that come our way with great faith, knowing that they will pass by, and that they are trial sent to test our diligence and faithfulness to God. I have personally learned to take this to heart and apply it to my life. The knowledge, when a trial comes up, that the Lord is on my side and that he is constantly watching over and guiding me, is one of the best feelings in the world. It also helps calm me down in a stressful situation and helps me strive to live under the commandments of the lord, and to be diligent in following his counsels.

            Elder Merrill J. Bateman describes diligence as the quest for truth, for good.[5] As LDS members we are always on this quest as we are trying to become Disciples of Christ and take upon us the light of him. In Moroni 7:19 it says, “Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ.” [6] Notice that it says search “diligently”. If we are going to become like Christ, we must try with a desire to become more like him. We cannot fulfill this goal by just letting it be a low priority on our list of things to do. We must constantly be thinking of him in everything we do, and try to apply his counsels to our everyday lives.

            Elder Jacob de Jager said, "When we have learned to act right, we must put forth the right effort. This is also called diligence, or “good works.” [7] The only possible way for us to be diligent is to be involved in good works and for right reasons. It is not possible to be diligent in bad things. Unless we are engaging and aiming for goals that are pleasing to our Heavenly Father, it is not possible to be diligent in the work. I have come to learn that when I engage in the right activities and diligently try my best and focus on the right goals, I learn so much more both mentally and spiritually, and all the trials that come in my path don’t matter in the large scheme of things. And I can bear witness that as we all are diligent in our works we will be blessed with great blessings. As it says I D&C 30:8 “Wherefore, give heed unto these things and be diligent in keeping my commandments, and you shall be blessed unto eternal life”.[8] In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Works cited

[1] www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diligence

[2] http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/diligence

[3] http://thinkexist.com/quotations/diligence/

[4] D&C 103:36

[5] Merrill J. Bateman, “Becoming a Disciple of Christ,” Ensign, Apr 2006, pg.16–23

[6] Moroni 7:19

[7] Jacob de Jager, “Know Your ‘Rights’,” New Era, Mar 1991, 4

[8] D&C 30:8

 

 

 

Diligence; Nephi's example

Diligence; Nephi's Example

Rubie Huber

In learning any musical instrument, you can't just start off playing beautiful concerto's and pieces.  In order to get to a high level you have to put in countless hours of study and practice.  You have to learn theory and test it and apply it.  You have to practice diligently and intensely and slowly get better bit by bit.  You can't just practice once a week, or when it's convenient, you need to be constantly working in order to get to the level of understanding and skill to play the beautiful arrangements and masterpieces that bring you joy and peace.  The key to learning is diligence.  This is the same case with anything in life.  In order to master something you must work diligently at it.  Nowhere in life is this more important than your own personal progression in the gospel of Jesus Christ.  The only way to gain a strong testimony, and become more like our savior Jesus Christ, and ultimately reach exaltation is by working daily at it and never giving up.  The harder you work the faster you will progress and you will have ". . . so much the advantage in the world to come" (D&C 130: 19).  

We have some wonderful examples in the scriptures of people who worked diligently in serving our Heavenly Father.  One of these great Prophets is Nephi of 1st Nephi in the Book of Mormon.  Nephi was a man who understood the will of the Lord because he diligently sought it.  Nephi probably studied the scriptures daily, we know that he had many of them memorized because he was always quoting them in an effort to to teach and admonish his brethren Laman and Lemuel.  Nephi knew the importance of searching the scriptures diligently, he expressed his view of it's importance in 1 Nephi 10:19 which reads: "For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore the course of the Lord is one eternal round."  Nephi says that as you Diligently seek the word of God his mysteries will be unfolded unto you.  What a marvelous promise!  One that Nephi knew was true probably from experience.  What wonderful mysteries could be unfolded to us if we diligently study the word of God daily?  I know there have been many times in my life where I have felt overwhelmed by the power of the scriptures.  These "a-ha!" moments of mine have never come though from random or casual scripture study.  The true scriptural gems come from searching deeply and consistently, showing Heavenly Father your dedication and true desire for knowledge.  Elder L. Lionel Kendrick of the Seventy said in an article in the May 1993 Ensign, "It is not enough to read the scriptures. Random reading results in reduced retention...Schedule a time to search the scriptures daily. Scripture study is such an essential part of our spiritual development that we must take time and make it a priority in our daily schedule. Our spirits should never be deprived of the much-needed spiritual nourishment which comes from scripture study. Without this spiritual food our spirits become starved and weakened to temptation."  

Nephi was also diligent in his prayers.  He didn't pray with repetition or casually.  He went to Heavenly Father with questions and desires.  He studied out those questions in his mind beforehand and then asked in faith.  We know these things from reading about his preparation to pray for understanding of his father's vision.  In 1 Nephi 11: 1 Nephi describes how he was desirous to know and understand the vision.  So he believed in the Lord and pondered carefully those things he wanted answers to.  As a result he was carried away in the spirit and learned not only the interpretation of his father's vision, but also saw the virgin Mary, our savior Jesus Christ, and many other wonders.  Nephi knew how important it was to pray to God over every thing he did.  He prayed about Laman, about his bow, about the ship he was asked to build.  He prayed for his family and especially for his two brothers, Laman and Lemuel.  We all should follow Nephi's example of humble, thoughtful, and constant prayer.  He knew as we all should know, the great need we each have of our Father in Heaven and his son Jesus Christ.  We cannot succeed in this life without their help.

Nephi also taught us the importance of being diligent in preaching the gospel.  Tho he wasn't a missionary in the terms we often think of, he was a missionary to his family and all those who came in contact with him.  I can't think of many investigators who would have been harder to teach than Laman and Lemuel.  Nephi was constantly teaching his brother and sometimes even his father and mother the importance of obedience and faith through his actions and words.  Chapter fifteen of first Nephi is so touching and tender when you read of the care and diligence with which Nephi taught his brothers about the interpretation of his father's dream.  He patiently answered all their inquiries without judgement or chastisement because he loved them.  Just as the sons of Moroni and Ammon spent countless hours working diligently with the Lamanites, giving up many years of their lives to teaching to them.  They did so because they loved them and wanted to spread the gospel to all the inhabitants of the land because they knew how important it was.  We cannot afford to just be missionaries when there is a "golden Opportunity" or when the timing is just right.  We need to strive to be constant teachers and give constant service to those around us.  If we are always on a lookout for missionary opportunities then we will be given so many more.  

The last main way that Nephi was diligent was in his obedience to the Lords commandments.  He obeyed all in exactness and gratitude.  He was obedient when his family was commanded to leave, he was obedient when asked to go back for the plates, build a ship, and take a wife.  He only once in the scriptures doubted what he was commanded of the Lord, when he was asked to kill Laban.  He didn't doubt the Lord in this situation, he just questioned, as many of us do and as even our savior and Redeemer did when he was in the Garden of Gethsemane.  Though Nephi may have questioned in this one thing he was still more than willing to do whatever the Lord asked of him.  How many times are we not diligent like Nephi in our obedience to our Heavenly Father's will?  How many times do we obey some commandments but seem to ignore others?  We need to be striving to keep the big and little commandments.  

Of coarse we're going to make mistakes, even as Nephi in the end of second Nephi felt like he had made mistakes and prayed for forgiveness.  That is the beauty, we're always going to falter and stumble, but if we repent and strive to be diligent again those things can be forgiven and forgotten.  Nephi's exemplary life has been a testament to each of us of the importance of diligence.  Now the task is set to Latter-Day Saint members everywhere to make their lives the same type of example to all the world.  I pray that we can each diligently work in all of our endeavors, but most especially as we strive to come closer to our Father in Heaven and be more like our savior, in the name of that beloved savior and elder brother of us all, Jesus Christ, amen.

Diligence in the face of trials

“Diligence is steady, consistent, earnest, and energetic effort in doing what the lord asks of us” (Preach my Gospel). Diligence is build upon the foundation of faith that the lord is with us in all that we do if we are worthy and do as he asks. As we learn in the scriptures we must know the bitter to know the sweet. Diligence in the face of trial is the faith and strength in the lord that each bitter moment is given to us to bless us. Diligence is what helps us to make the understanding that in life we are tried and that god gives us tools to assist us. He did not leave us defenseless.
“Walk to the edge of the light, and perhaps a few steps into the darkness, and you will find that the light will appear and move ahead of you” (as quoted by Boyd K. Packer, regional representatives’ seminar, 1 Apr. 1977). When we find ourselves on the edge of light and what we know god asks us to diligently press on and take a few steps into what we do not know. In return we are given so much more perspective and blessings. Throughout our lives we are going to be faced with the challenge of diligently facing trials.
In my own life I had an experience where without diligence I would not been able to face my trial. Last February while on a family ski trip I had a terrible fall after attempting to master a double jump set on the tricks course. After multiple visits to the doctor and an MRI I was diagnosed with a torn ACL and a third degree rupture of my MCL. Needless to say my situation was less than desired. The recovery process for an ACL alone would mean surgery and months of physical therapy to get me walking normal again. As a girl who spent all her time on the soccer field or basketball court the idea of even wearing a brace hit me hard to the core. As of today I am 24 days away from being cleared to run again. My road to get from surgery to here has not been easy and it is far from being done.
I can still remember the first day after surgery as I crutched myself to the bathroom from my bed I bravely attempted to put my foot down as searing pain shot up my leg I clearly remember muttering to myself “I will never walk again”. Almost immediately after I was laying in my make shift bed on the couch reading a story out of a book my friend had given me.
The story goes that a man by the name of Samuel was going through some hard times in his life. As he said his prayers that night he asked god why he had abandoned him in such a hard time of his life. That night Samuel had a dream: he was walking along side the savior on a beach as he looked behind he could see two pairs of footprints in the sand. As Samuel watched he saw that sometimes there were two set and other times there were only one set of footprints, he also realized that there was only one when he was going thru that hardest times of his life. Feeling angry and abandoned by the Savior Samuel asked him why he had left him. The savior simply explained that the times when there were two footprints I was walking right beside you and the times when there was only one pair of footprints was when I carried you on my back.
With tears in my eyes I closed my book and said a prayer in my heart of sorrow for my prideful faults. I felt remorse for my thoughts of doubt and feelings of being alone in my trial. In 1st Nephi 16:29 it reads “and it was written and changed from time to time, according to the faith and diligence which we gave unto it. And thus we see that by small means the lord can bring about great things”. I have literally applied this scripture and story in my life today.
After I was cleared to start attending school again I literally had to be carried to and from the car and long distances. But soon I was able to crutch everywhere without the swing from the crutch causing pain to my knee. Then my progression was that I could put my foot down when I crutched around applying a slight pressure to my knee. Soon I was only using one crutch and then walking with the assistance of a brace.
I by small and simple steps learned how to walk again. I could not just simply go from surgery to walking again because I wasn’t ready just as how we cannot just experience the surface of a trial and then be at the end of it. In order to learn we must take each step ourselves. This is not to say we have to experience our trials on our own in fact we are supposed to turn to the lord and lean upon him. “Even through the darkest of shadows, we can walk in comfort and consolation if we lovingly trust God” (Patricia Holland). But he will not do it for us he will take our hands and help us until we can stand on our own two feet.
In this life we must face trials however as we read in Job 4:3-5 “and thou hast strengthened the weak hands. Thy words have upholden him that was falling and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees”. God is always with us. He gives us trials to learn, grow and progress in this life. He didn’t say it would be easy but he did say it was worth it. As I have learned through my own personal example I can learn to be strong through the lord by trusting in his plan and by having the diligence to overcome the trails I have in life. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

works cited
Patricia Holland
Book of Job
Book of Nephi
Preach my Gospel
Boyd K. Packer, regional representatives’ seminar, 1 Apr. 1977
March 2004 Engsign

Faith by Morgan Shill

"Having faith in Jesus Christ means relying completely on Him- trusting in His infinite power, intelligence, and love" (True to the Faith). A key word in this quote is "completely." When we fully trust in Christ, we fully exercise our faith. When we entirely put our faith in Him, we can receive a sure knowledge and testimony of Christ and His gospel. President Hinckley said, "There is no obstacle too great, no challenge too difficult, if we have faith." This quote is full of hope and encouragement that when we exercise true faith with pure intent and desire, with the Lord's help, we can overcome any hardship we may face.

To gain faith, one must have a desire for it. Alma 32:27 states, "But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words." A wonderful scriptural example of someone having desire and gaining faith through that desire is that of Nephi. Nephi 2:16 says, "And it came to pass that I Nephi, being exceedingly young, nevertheless being large in stature, and also having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father; wherefore I did not rebel against him like unto my brothers." A significant difference between Nephi, and his brothers is Nephi's "great desires" to know if the things which his father had told him were true. And through Nephi's great desire and faith in Heavenly Father to provide him with an answer, Nephi was able to gain a testimony of things, which his father had told him. But Nephi might not have ever received this reassurance if it was not for his initial desire to know.

Ether 12:6 says, "...faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." This scripture tells us that in order to know with a surety and gain a testimony, one must first put forth their faith in order to receive sure knowledge, just as Nephi did when he asked Heavenly Father to let him know if his father's words were true. 1 Nephi 15:11 also counsels us. "Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said? If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made know unto you." If we obediently do what Heavenly Father has asked of us, and exercise faith by putting our trust in him, he will reassure us and bless us with a firm testimony of the gospel and its truths. In Stand a Little Taller, President Hinckley has said, "Faith is the basis of testimony. Faith underlies loyalty to the Church. Faith represents sacrifice, gladly given in moving forward the work of the Lord." Faith is of the utmost importance to possess because it is critical to our relationship in the church and with our Heavenly Father. Without faith, we cannot gain a testimony. Once we have faith and a testimony, we must constantly be strengthening them, and as President Hinckley counsels us, progressing in the Lord's work. 

Nephi is a great example of continually and unfailingly progressing in the Lord's work, which in turns leads to blessings. In 1 Nephi 18, while Nephi and his family are on the ship sailing to the Promised Land, Laman and Lemuel become angry with Nephi and tie him up. As a result of this, the Liahona stops working and they are lost at sea in storms and tempests. Nephi is tied up for four days, until he is swollen and sore. Yet, in verse 16, Nephi says, "Nevertheless, I did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions." This scripture is a perfect and amazing example of Nephi's unshakable faith. Although Nephi is in obvious suffering and trouble, he does not complain of his afflictions, but displays his steadfast faith in the Lord. He knows and trusts that everything will be fine, according to the Lord's will. Instead of being angry or depressed because of his trials, he demonstrates his faith through his thankfulness to the Lord. By continually exercising our faith, we will be able to be more in tune with the spirit, and easily recognize the blessings that surround us.     

One way of showing our gratitude to the Lord is to be working continually on building our faith, and in building our faith, we also strengthen our testimony. In James 2:20 we read, "But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?" It is of utmost importance to continually exercise our faith so that we do not lose or weaken our faith. In True to the Faith it says, "Faith and testimony are like the muscles of my arm. If I use those muscles and nourish them, they grow stronger. If I put my arm in a sling, and leave it there, it becomes weak and ineffective, and so it is with testimony." We need to consistently be doing things that keep us moving forward, not backward, such as studying the scriptures and praying. When we have a testimony and knowledge, we must then share our knowledge and testimony with others to help them to know the gospel is true. Through missionary work, kind deeds, and other types of service to others, we can continue to grow and progress and help others to grow and progress as well.

Works Cited:

1. The Scriptures (Alma 32:27; 1 Nephi 2:16, 15:11, 18:16; Ether 12:6; James 2:20).

2. Stand a Little Taller by Gordon B. Hinckley.

3. True to the Faith by the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 

Do: The Lord Knows What He's Doing

Do: The Lord Knows What He's Doing

Genesis 31:16 says "...now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do." How many of us could truly say that we would be able to do whatsover the Lord asked us to do with sufficient faith and diligence? In this essay I hope to give us all a little more understanding into what kinds of tasks the Lord asks us to accomplish and how we can find the strength to do the things he asks us to do. In my own life I have had to put aside my own fears and trust that the thing the Lord asked me to do was the best for me, even though I would see the results later, rather than sooner. However, every time I look back, I understand the Lords reasoning and appreciate the growth that I experienced. The Lord has different things for all of us to do, and we must know how to accomplish them and remember to learn what we needed to learn.

What kinds of tasks has the Lord for us to accomplish? Of course, every one has very personalized plan and deal with different struggles, but there are a few universal things we must all learn and go through, in some way or another. We all must deal with heartbreak, whether by the death of a loved one or the end of a long relationship. When our hearts our broken, we learn to love the Lord more than others, because He will never break our hearts. In James 1:3 it says "...the trying of your faith worketh patience." All of us also need to learn to deal with difficult people and stressful situations. When we learn this patience and clear thinking we become more like Christ and closer to him. Neal A. Maxwell said "Patience is tied very closly to faith in our Heavenly Father", thus, when we learn patience, our faith will also grow.

Now how do we deal with these hard things the Lord has asked us to do while keeping our faith and strength and keeping a sunny countenance? This is where the standard primary answers come in. Pray, go to church, read the scriptures. Joel 2:32 says "...whosoever shall call on the Lord...shall be delivered." This may not come right away, but I have a testimony that it WILL come, and the time this deliverance cometh, is the best time. Doctrine and Covenants 88:118 says "And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith."

Once we have overcome our fear and done what the Lord asked us to do, how can we make sure that we learned what God wanted us to learn? We need to ponder and pray, look back and see how our lives have changed for good. Sometimes this is not easy to see at first, but if we are steadfast we will see what He wants us to see. Also, we must not underestimate the importance of bearing our testimonies. The Holy Ghost will whisper to us as we speak and show us things we never saw before.

We are all asked by the Lord to accomplish hard things. We must remember that we are not the only person on the earth who has been asked to do something hard, but also we must remember that our tasks are fitted for US specifically. To find the strength we need to do what the Lord has commanded, we must remember to pray, read the scriptures, and go to church. After we have done the task that God put before us, we need to make sure our efforts weren't in vain and meditate, ponder, and pray to ask what we should have learned. We are ALL capable of the type of faith Abraham of old had to do the things which God asks us to do, and the potential to grow closer to Him and more like the gods and goddesses we have the potential to be.

Faith: A guide to the right path.

And now as I said concerning faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore is ye have faith yea hope for things we have not seen, which are truth. The ancients prophets have experienced hard prove in their lives. For those who follow our heavenly father and his commandments to maintain the true gospel to others and preach their brothers in faith on their following times also had faith (Alma 32:21)

The Lord will work mighty miracles in our life according to our faith (2 Nephi 26:13). We have all have experience where our faith have been proved to make miracles becoming true. When I came here I experienced the fact of learn a new language but never to become a student at BYU. As international students we have to take a test for non- English speakers to be able to study on a university here in United States. I try to do it several times and I always failed. One day the second counselor of my bishop’s word said. “There is always hope for something you wish to happen if you have faith anything can come true if you have faith in God. Then I did my part as it is, I worked my faith and heavenly father heard me, then I passed my test and now I am a student in America.

The Savior promised, "If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me" (Moroni 7:33) Elder Bruce R. McConkie expressed this truth in these words: “Faith in its full and pure form requires an unshakable assurance and … absolute confidence that [God] will hear our pleas and grant our petitions” in His own due time. Believing that, we too can “stand fast in the faith” today and tomorrow. If we have faith and pray to believe and have hope of what is really truth and what we wish for.

Having faith in Jesus Christ means, relying completely on Him. Trusting in his infinite power, intelligence and love. It includes believing His teachings. It means believing that even though we do not understand all things, He does. Because He has experienced all our pains, afflictions, and infirmities, He knows how to help us rise above our daily difficulties. He has "overcome the world" and prepared the way for us to receive eternal life. (John 16:33)

If we want to develop our faith what you can do is studying the scriptures following the commandments and the words of latter-day prophets. The prophet Alma taught that the word of God helps strengthen faith. Comparing the word to a seed, he said that the "desire to believe" can lead us to "give place" for the word to be "planted in [our] heart[s]." Then we will feel that the word is good, for it will begin to enlarge our souls and enlighten our understanding. This will strengthen our faith. As we continually nurture the word in our hearts, "with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life." (Alma 32:26–43)

Every time that I kept ye commandments I feel like I am developing my faith because strength my spirit and help me to fell that I am in the right path.




(Alma 32:21)
(Moroni 7:33)
Ensign, Nov. 2003 Elder Bruce R. McConkie
(John 16:33)
(Alma 32:26–43)
(2 Nephi 26:13)

Learning

Once our life on earth has passed, there are only a few things we can bring with us to our next life. One of those few things is our education; everything that we have learned here on earth. Obviously it is important to learn as much as possible before we pass on so we can have a head start on our progression in our next life.

A common question asked is; why do we need to know as much as we can in this life or the next? The answer; our heavenly father knows everything, and it is our duty to try and be perfect just as he is. In D&C 130:18-19, it says’ “whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.” Imagine how great the blessings will be if we can stay focused for the such short time we are here on this earth, and put as much effort as we can into learning all that we can.

One of the reasons as to why we are even here on this earth is so that we can learn. We can learn by watching others, listening to others, or our own experiences. However, as spirit children of our heavenly father it is possible for us to learn through our faith. This means we must rely on our faith, and not only proven facts that what we see or feel is real. Elder David. A Bednar gave a talk in 2006 where he said, “Learning by faith and from experience are two of the central features of the father’s plan of happiness.” This lets us know that it must be very important to our god that we continue to build up our knowledge through life.

It is in fact so important to heavenly father that we continue learning that even when it seems one has grown to be the best they can be, god gives them challenges to help them learn and grow more. In first Nephi chapter sixteen, it tells of how Nephi breaks his bow in the wilderness. All seems lost for them because there is no other way for them to get food. Even the prophet Lehi begins to murmur against the lord. However, Nephi makes a new bow and gets food for the family and those with them. The lord made this situation in order to provide these people with a situation in which they could learn more about themselves and the lord. Even the prophet Lehi who was extremely righteous learned from this situation. This shows that the lord even wants the prophets to keep progressing, growing, and learning.

It seems like a hard task to try and learn all that we can, because there is so much out there that is possible to learn. But with the help of the spirit this task becomes much easier. In john chapter 16, vs. 13 it says, “when he, the spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whosoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” So the spirit is here to help each and everyone learn through him, and if you rely on him to help you learn by faith, the amount one can learn is endless.

Through all that we can, the most important thing that we need to focus on gaining more knowledge on is Christ and our heavenly father. In D&C 19, verse 23 it says, “learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my spirit, and you shall have peace in me.” So by learning as much as you can about our lord, and letting the spirit help teach you like I discussed earlier, one shall not only grow in intelligence, but also in faith and trust in the lord our god.

works cited:
1-D&C 130:18-19

2-David A. Bednar:seek learning by faith; February 3, 2006

3-1st Nephi:16

4-john 16:13

5-D&C 19:23

Faith to Act
By: Amy Mann


Life is filled with endless uncertainties and ever-changing ideas. It’s so easy to feel like I’m lost. Among the confusion, there is one thing I can be sure of. My faith to act has helped me gain my testimony.

When I was about 15 years old, I had a burning desire to know if the Book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ, was true. I had read parts of it and prayed about it and I still didn’t feel like I had my answer. I felt as if I was standing still. I shared my feelings with a good friend of mine and the first thing she asked was, “What have you been doing to gain this testimony?” I told her my situation about how I’d read sometimes, but I was really busy so I didn’t do that too much and that I had prayed about it from time to time as well. Her answer took me by surprise. She told me that if I wanted an answer I would have to act. I would need to not only have faith that I would get an answer, but work for it as well. “Dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.” Moroni also explains that it’s not supposed to be handed to you. It’s supposed to be worked for. As I did so, my testimony grew dramatically. My faith and action showed God that I was willing to sacrifice and work to gain that knowledge and in turn I was blessed with a stronger testimony.

Another way to look at it is this. We’ve all heard how with knowledge comes responsibility. Well, I feel that if we aren’t willing to take that responsibility and act, then why would God give us the knowledge in the first place? For example, Nephi said, “I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded…” Because Nephi was willing to act and had faith that the Lord would provide, when Nephi prayed for the vision of his father he received it. God knew that Nephi was willing to act and because of his faith and willingness, his testimony increased.

Faith is action. A perfect example of this comes from an ancient prophet named Alma. He said, “But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my word.” Look at how many action words he uses! This is my favorite scripture about faith because it so clearly states that to gain a testimony, you need to “awake” and get to work. It’s an invitation to anyone with even the slightest desire to gain a testimony. The best thing about it is that you don’t have to take his word for it because you can try it and see your testimony grow for yourself.

“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” Here is an example of how faith cannot be without works. You cannot spiritually progress without acting on your faith. For instance, I have a teacher who was taught by the missionaries not too long ago and he gained a testimony of the Book of Mormon because he read it. However, he was unable to go any farther because he stopped acting. He wouldn’t go to church unless it was convenient or commit to baptism because he was content with standing still. After reading a talk given at General Conference by an Apostle of the Lord, he was moved to act. He began coming to church every Sunday and having the missionaries over more often. My teacher’s testimony flourished immediately and soon after he was baptized because of his faith and action.

Finally, the Prophet Joseph Smith led by his example of faith and action. When he prayed to the Father, he did not only pray about which church was right, but which he should join. “My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all sects was right, that I might know which to join.” God knew that Joseph Smith was willing to act on his faith and in turn Joseph was blessed with knowledge and an increased testimony of God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost.

This I testify that our Father in Heaven cares about us and wants to bless us. As we show Him that we are willing to have faith and act, He is willing to bless us with our righteous desires. May our faith ever grow strong with our action and willingness to do the Lord’s will. I say these things in the name of the Savior, even Jesus the Christ, Amen.

Most Joyous to the Soul by Ariane Williamson

A few years ago my family and I traveled to Muir Woods in California. At first I wasn’t thrilled about killing a few hours walking around in a forest, and I had a pretty bad attitude about the whole trip. Then we got out of the car, and entered a haven of foliage. Lush, verdant trees surrounded me; clean air engulfed me, and the words written on a sign outside the woods echoed in my ears like the rustle of leaves overhead: “Few are altogether deaf to the preaching of trees. Their sermons on the mountains go to our hearts; and if people in general could be got into the woods, even for once, to hear the trees speak for themselves, all difficulties in the way of forest preservation would vanish.”[1] The beauty and sacredness of the forest struck me very profoundly. I was reminded of a fourteen-year-old boy who sought the refuge of a grove of trees and what these glorious creations have come to mean for people of all nations and tongues.

Throughout folklore, trees are often used to embody immortality, life, and/or fertility. In ancient Norse mythology, a Yggdrasil, or World Tree, was believed to connect the earth with heaven, where a great eagle nested in the upper boughs. Ancient Egyptians believed in a sacred acacia tree of Saosis, from which their gods emerged, and it was acknowledged as the tree that provided life and death. In the Bible we know that Adam and Eve were given commandments regarding trees in the Garden of Eden; Genesis 2:9 states, “And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.” Even during the American Revolution, the Sons of Liberty used a tree as the symbol to identify themselves as those who wanted freedom. With all the magnificence and symbolism that trees are associated with, it is little wonder that Lehi envisions a tree as a symbol of life and Christ.

Lehi tells his sons in 1 Nephi 8:10, “I beheld a tree, whose fruit was desirable to make one happy.” When Nephi goes to the Lord to find out what Lehi’s vision means, the Spirit comes to him and shows him the vision. Nephi then asks what the tree means, and he is shown a vision of the birth of Christ. He goes on to explain that the meaning of the tree “is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things.”[2] The tree of life gives the fruit of eternal life, which is “most desirable,” and it comes from the source of eternal life: Christ.

The tree of life has been used in scripture to represent many things. Truman G. Madsen wrote that, “through our own sacred history, the tree of life has symbolized Israel, the family of the faithful, and the Redeemer of Israel.” [3] In 1 Nephi 1:12-14 we read “concerning the house of Israel, that they should be compared like unto an olive tree, whose branches should be broken off and should be scattered… [and after] they should be gathered together again.” The image of an ancient olive tree, carefully tended and pruned, is a powerful depiction of our own lives, shaped by the touch of the Master’s hand.

Anyone who has visited the Sacred Grove or found repose in a secluded wood can deny the peace and spirit found amidst the majesty of trees. As an angel related to Nephi, the tree of life is “the most joyous to the soul.”[4] By providing clean air, trees literally become a source of life. And by looking to Christ, we find a source of eternal, celestial life.


Works Cited:

1. John Muir, "The National Parks and Forest Reservations", Sierra Club Bulletin Vol. 1, No. 7 (January 1896)
2. 1 Nephi 11:22
3. Truman G. Madsen, “The Olive Press,” Ensign, Dec 1982, 57
4. 1 Nephi 11:23