Opportunities to Do Good

Joseph and Mary Travel to Bethlehem

The Road to Bethlehem, by Joseph Brickey © 2000 Joseph Brickey

More art from Joseph F. Brickey

Testimony of God

     In this fishbowl we call mortality, my heart has always believed in God.  God, the Eternal Father, knows us, loves us, and wants us to become like Him.  He loves us so much; he sent His only begotten Son to save us.  Through the atonement, we may re-enter the presence of God and share in eternal happiness!

I am a Child of God, And he has sent me here,

Has given me an earthly home With parents kind and dear.

Lead me, guide me, walk beside me, Help me find the way.

Teach me all that I must do To live with him someday.

I am a Child of God,

And so my needs are great;

Help me to understand his words

Before it grows too late.

Lead me, guide me, walk beside me, Help me find the way.

Teach me all that I must do To live with him someday.

I am a Child of God. 

Rich blessings are in store;

If I but learn to do his will,

I’ll live with Him once more.

Lead me, guide me, walk beside me, Help me find the way.

Teach me all that I must do To live with him someday.

I am a Child of God. 

His promises are sure;

Celestial glory shall be mine

If I can but endure.

Lead me, guide me, walk beside me, Help me find the way.

Teach me all that I must do To live with him someday.

by Naomi Harriet Ward Randall

Hymn listening link:  http://lds.org/churchmusic/detailmusicPlayer/index.html?searchlanguage=1&searchcollection=1&searchseqstart=301&searchsubseqstart=%20&searchseqend=301&searchsubseqend=ZZZ

Men's Hearts Shall Fail Them

Elder Russell M. Nelson shares a personal story to give encouragement for when we feel "weak in the heart."

The Book of Mormon Testifies of Christ

The Book of Mormon has brought me closer to Christ!

Testimonies of the Book of Mormon

Book from God

History of Hark the Herald Angels Sing

     The original words, penned by Charles Wesley, are found in the 1739 publication, Hymns and Sacred Poems.  The popular versions we use today have been altered, most notably by George Whitefield.  The music was composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1840 as part of his cantata Festgesang "Vaterland in deinen Gauen" to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg.  The music was adapted by the English musician W. H. Cummings into what we commonly love to sing today.

Hark the Herald Angels Sing

Hark the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ by highest heav'n adored
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Hymn for Christmas Day (original words)

Hark how all the welkin rings

“Glory to the King of kings,

Peace on earth, and mercy mild,

God and sinners reconciled!”

Joyful all ye nations rise,

Join the triumph of the skies,

Universal nature say

“Christ the Lord is born today!”

Christ, by highest heav’n adored,

Christ, the everlasting Lord,

Late in time behold him come,

Offspring of a virgin’s womb.

Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see,

Hail th’ incarnate deity!

Pleased as man with men t’ appear

Jesus, our Immanuel here!

Hail the heav’nly Prince of Peace!

Hail the Sun of righteousness!

Light and life to all he brings,

Ris’n with healing in his wings.

Mild he lays his glory by,

Born—that man no more may die,

Born—to raise the sons of earth,

Born—to give them second birth.

Come, desire of nations, come,

Fix in us thy humble home,

Rise, the woman’s conqu’ring seed,

Bruise in us the serpent’s head.

Now display thy saving pow’r,

Ruined nature now restore,

Now in mystic union join

Thine to ours, and ours to thine.

Adam’s likeness, Lord, efface,

Stamp thy image in its place,

Second Adam from above,

Reinstate us in thy love.

Let us thee, though lost, regain,

Thee, the life, the inner man:

O! To all thyself impart,

Formed in each believing heart.

Thanksgiving 2011

     I would be totally ungrateful not to give thanks this day.  Just in the past week I have seen so many acts of Christ-like service.  My oldest daughter gave her all in putting on a bridal shower for her sister.  My youngest daughter gave her all to my new son-in-law at the Mt. Timpanogos Temple yesterday.  My new son-in-law strives for my daughter's happiness.  My two youngest sons babysat, carried all the heavy items, and gave so much to their family with so many acts of selfless service.  My three oldest children and their wives let me spend time and play with my six grandchildren several times this past week.  My grandchildren helped each other in a multitude of ways.  My oldest daughter-in-law hosted a wonderful birthday party at their place.  My oldest son let me help prepare and share in the opening of his new store.  My son, the award-winning filmmaker, made a special film for his sister's special day.  My new in-laws hosted a wonderful dinner at La Jolla Groves and were so loving in so many ways.  My employer let me work part-time while I rehabilitate from six broken ribs, a torn quadraceps muscle, etc.  My coworkers and my patients have been so kind to me during my recent trials.  An amazing amount of family and friends supported the the new bride and groom before and after their wedding.  My father gave the best he could to the newlyweds under the trials he faces.  My lawyer fought for the insurance company to replace my destroyed bicycle.  My beautiful bride of over 35 years continues to serve all above and beyond human capability; she is amazing!  I am so grateful for Heavenly Father's plan that allowed His Son Jesus Christ to atone for our sins, so that families and friends can be together forever!

I Thank Thee, God

     I thank thee for your marvelous plan, for freedom of choice, for a physical body, for this time in mortality, for the many miracles that have kept me living, and for the opportunity to grow.  I thank thee for a wonderful wife, a great family, and a beautiful country to live in.  I thank thee for scriptures, opportunities to pray, capacity to render service, and the blessings of work and employment.  I thank thee for wholesome recreation, for uplifting music, and for inspiring art, literature, and video.  I thank thee for the air I breathe, for the earth under my feet, for the water that preserves life, and for the warmth and light of the sun.  I especially thank thee for thy beloved son Jesus Christ who makes eternal happiness possible!

Christus 

by Bertel Thorvaldsen

A Little Child Shall Lead Them

During the Galilean ministry of our Lord and Savior, the disciples came unto Him, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

“And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

“And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

“Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

“And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

“But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Matt. 18:1–6.)

The poet described a child so recently with its Heavenly Father as “a sweet new blossom of humanity, fresh fallen from God’s own home to flower on earth.”

Who among us has not praised God and marveled at His powers when an infant is held in one’s arms? That tiny hand, so small yet so perfect, instantly becomes the topic of conversation. No one can resist placing his little finger in the clutching hand of an infant. A smile comes to the lips, a certain glow to the eyes, and one appreciates the tender feelings which prompted the poet to pen the lines:

Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting:

The soul that rises with us, our life’s star,

Hath had elsewhere its setting,

And cometh from afar;

Not in entire forgetfulness,

And not in utter nakedness,

But trailing clouds of glory

Do we come from God

Who is our home.

(William Wordsworth, “Ode: Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood.”)

When the disciples of Jesus attempted to restrain the children from approaching the Lord, He declared:

“Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

“Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.

“And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.” (Mark 10:14–16.)

 Tyler

Last summer I received a letter from a woman...

She wrote of a trip which she, her husband, and their three sons made from the family home to Grandmother’s home in Idaho. While driving through Salt Lake City, they were attracted by the message which appeared on a billboard. The message invited them to visit Temple Square. Bob, the husband, made the suggestion that a visit would be pleasant. The family entered the visitors’ center, and Father took two sons up a ramp that one called “the ramp to heaven.” Mother and three-year-old Tyler were a bit behind the others, they having paused to appreciate the beautiful paintings which adorned the walls. As they walked toward the magnificent sculpture of Thorvaldsen’s Christus, tiny Tyler bolted from his mother and ran to the base of the Christus, while exclaiming, “It’s Jesus! It’s Jesus!” As Mother attempted to restrain her son, Tyler looked back toward her and his father and said, “Don’t worry. He likes children.”

After departing the center and again making their way along the freeway toward Grandmother’s, Tyler moved to the front seat next to his father. Dad asked him what he liked best about their adventure on Temple Square. Tyler smiled up at him and said, “Jesus.”

“How do you know that Jesus likes you, Tyler?”

Tyler, with a most serious expression on his face, looked up at his father’s eyes and answered, “Dad, didn’t you see his face?” Nothing else needed to be said.

As I read this account, I thought of the statement from the book of Isaiah: “And a little child shall lead them.” (Isa. 11:6.)

The words of a Primary hymn express the feelings of a child’s heart:

Tell me the stories of Jesus I love to hear,

Things I would ask him to tell me if he were here.

Scenes by the wayside, tales of the sea,

Stories of Jesus, tell them to me.

Oh, let me hear how the children stood round his knee.

I shall imagine his blessings resting on me;

Words full of kindness, deeds full of grace,

All in the lovelight of Jesus’ face.

(Children’s Songbook, 1989, p. 57.)

I know of no more touching passage in scripture than the account of the Savior blessing the children, as recorded in 3 Nephi. The Master spoke movingly to the vast multitude of men, women, and children. Then, responding to their faith and the desire that He tarry longer, He invited them to bring to Him their lame, their blind, and their sick, that He might heal them. With joy they accepted His invitation. The record reveals that “he did heal them every one.” (3 Ne. 17:9.) There followed His mighty prayer to His Father. The multitude bore record: “The eye hath never seen, neither hath the ear heard, before, so great and marvelous things as we saw and heard Jesus speak unto the Father.” (3 Ne. 17:16.)

Concluding this magnificent event, Jesus “wept, … and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them. …

“And he spake unto the multitude, and said unto them: Behold your little ones.

“And as they looked to behold they cast their eyes towards heaven, and they saw the heavens open, and they saw angels descending out of heaven … ; and they came down and encircled those little ones … ; and the angels did minister unto them.” (3 Ne. 17:21, 23–24.)

Over and over in my mind I pondered the phrase, “Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.” (Mark 10:15.)

Elder Wilson

One who fulfilled in his life this admonition of the Savior was a missionary, Thomas Michael Wilson. He is the son of Willie and Julia Wilson, Route 2, Box 12, Lafayette, Alabama. Elder Wilson completed his earthly mission on January 13, 1990. When he was but a teenager, and he and his family were not yet members of the Church, he was stricken with cancer, followed by painful radiation therapy, and then blessed remission. This illness caused his family to realize that not only is life precious but that it can also be short. The family began to look to religion to help them through this time of tribulation. Subsequently they were introduced to the Church and baptized. After accepting the gospel, young Brother Wilson yearned for the opportunity of being a missionary. A mission call came for him to serve in the Utah Salt Lake City Mission. What a privilege to represent the family and the Lord as a missionary!

Elder Wilson’s missionary companions described his faith as like that of a child—unquestioning, undeviating, unyielding. He was an example to all. After eleven months, illness returned. Bone cancer now required the amputation of his arm and shoulder. Yet he persisted in his missionary labors.

Elder Wilson’s courage and consuming desire to remain on his mission so touched his nonmember father that he investigated the teachings of the Church and also became a member.

An anonymous caller brought to my attention Elder Wilson’s plight. She said she didn’t want to leave her name and indicated she’d never before called a General Authority. However, she said, “You don’t often meet someone of the caliber of Elder Wilson.”

I learned that an investigator whom Elder Wilson had taught was baptized at the baptistry on Temple Square but then wanted to be confirmed by Elder Wilson, whom she respected so much. She, with a few others, journeyed to Elder Wilson’s bedside in the hospital. There, with his remaining hand resting upon her head, Elder Wilson confirmed her a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Elder Wilson continued month after month his precious but painful service as a missionary. Blessings were given, prayers were offered. The spirit of his fellow missionaries soared. Their hearts were full. They lived closer to God.

Elder Wilson’s physical condition deteriorated. The end drew near. He was to return home. He asked to serve but one additional month. What a month this was! Like a child trusting implicitly its parents, Elder Wilson put his trust in God. He whom Thomas Michael Wilson silently trusted opened the windows of heaven and abundantly blessed him. His parents, Willie and Julia Wilson, and his brother Tony came to Salt Lake City to help their son and brother home to Alabama. However, there was yet a prayed-for, a yearned-for, blessing to be bestowed. The family invited me to come with them to the Jordan River Temple, where those sacred ordinances which bind families for eternity, as well as for time, were performed.

I said good-bye to the Wilson family. I can see Elder Wilson yet as he thanked me for being with him and his loved ones. He said, “It doesn’t matter what happens to us in this life as long as we have the gospel of Jesus Christ and live it.” What courage. What confidence. What love. The Wilson family made the long trek home to Lafayette, where Elder Thomas Michael Wilson slipped from here to eternity.

President Kevin K. Meadows, Elder Wilson’s branch president, presided at the funeral services. The words of his subsequent letter to me I share with you today: “On the day of the funeral, I took the family aside and expressed to them, President Monson, the sentiments you sent to me. I reminded them of what Elder Wilson had told you that day in the temple, that it did not matter whether he taught the gospel on this or the other side of the veil, so long as he could teach the gospel. I gave to them the inspiration you provided from the writings of President Joseph F. Smith—that Elder Wilson had completed his earthly mission and that he, as all ‘faithful elders of this dispensation, when they depart from mortal life, continue their labors in the preaching of the gospel of repentance and redemption, through the sacrifice of the Only Begotten Son of God, among those who are in darkness and under the bondage of sin in the great world of the spirits of the dead’ [D&C 138:57]. The spirit bore record that this was the case. Elder Thomas Michael Wilson was buried with his missionary name tag in place.”

When Elder Wilson’s mother and his father visit that rural cemetery and place flowers of remembrance on the grave of their son, I feel certain they will remember the day he was born, the pride they felt, and the genuine joy that was theirs. This tiny child they will remember became the mighty man who later brought to them the opportunity to achieve celestial glory. Perhaps on these pilgrimages, when emotions are close to the surface and tears cannot be restrained, they will again thank God for their missionary son, who never lost the faith of a child, and then ponder deep within their hearts the Master’s words, “And a little child shall lead them.” (Isa. 11:6.)

Peace will then be their blessing. It will be our blessing, also, as we remember and follow the Prince of Peace. That we may do so is my sincere prayer. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Excerpts from a talk given by Thomas S. Monson in April of 1990. Link: http://lds.org/ensign/1990/05/a-little-child-shall-lead-them?lang=eng&query=christus+%28name%3a%22Thomas+S.+Monson%22%29

Discipleship

"Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going" said Jim Ryun. 


Four daily acts that have blessed my life and continue to help me are one, scripture study, two prayer, three service, and four obedience.  Feasting on the scriptures every morning energizes me.  Talking with my father in heaven points me in the right direction.  Doing good deeds and performing acts of kindness sets the right tone.  Diligently accomplishing chores and work contributes to the greater good.  All four together help me to befittingly endure as a disciple of Christ.

Moments That Matter Most

Allegory of the Intense and the Gradual Light

Consider two experiences most of us have had with light.

The first experience occurred as we entered a dark room and turned on a light switch. Remember how in an instant a bright flood of illumination filled the room and caused the darkness to disappear. What previously had been unseen and uncertain became clear and recognizable. This experience was characterized by immediate and intense recognition of light.

The second experience took place as we watched night turn into morning. Do you recall the slow and almost imperceptible increase in light on the horizon? In contrast to turning on a light in a dark room, the light from the rising sun did not immediately burst forth. Rather, gradually and steadily the intensity of the light increased, and the darkness of night was replaced by the radiance of morning. Eventually, the sun did dawn over the skyline. But the visual evidence of the sun’s impending arrival was apparent hours before the sun actually appeared over the horizon. This experience was characterized by subtle and gradual discernment of light.

From these two ordinary experiences with light, we can learn much about ... the spirit of revelation and basic patterns whereby revelation is received...

Some revelations are received immediately and intensely; some are recognized gradually and subtly. The two experiences with light I described help us to better understand these two basic patterns of revelation.

A light turned on in a dark room is like receiving a message from God quickly, completely, and all at once. Many of us have experienced this pattern of revelation as we have been given answers to sincere prayers or been provided with needed direction or protection, according to God’s will and timing. Descriptions of such immediate and intense manifestations are found in the scriptures, recounted in Church history, and evidenced in our own lives. Indeed, these mighty miracles do occur. However, this pattern of revelation tends to be more rare than common.

The gradual increase of light radiating from the rising sun is like receiving a message from God “line upon line, precept upon precept." Most frequently, revelation comes in small increments over time and is granted according to our desire, worthiness, and preparation...

Another common experience with light helps us learn an additional truth about the “line upon line, precept upon precept” pattern of revelation. Sometimes the sun rises on a morning that is cloudy or foggy. Because of the overcast conditions, perceiving the light is more difficult, and identifying the precise moment when the sun rises over the horizon is not possible. But on such a morning we nonetheless have sufficient light to recognize a new day and to conduct our affairs.

In a similar way, we many times receive revelation without recognizing precisely how or when we are receiving revelation...

As you appropriately seek for and apply unto the spirit of revelation, I promise you will “walk in the light of the Lord." Sometimes the spirit of revelation will operate immediately and intensely, other times subtly and gradually, and often so delicately you may not even consciously recognize it. But regardless of the pattern whereby this blessing is received, the light it provides will illuminate and enlarge your soul, enlighten your understanding, and direct and protect you and your family.  -- David A. Bednar

Link to full talk: http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/the-spirit-of-revelation?lang=eng

All Creatures of Our God and King

Play Now

 

     The history behind “All Creatures of Our God and King”—St. Francis of Assisi, the gentle preacher who loved the birds and animals of the forest and every manifestation of the natural world, could have left no more fitting legacy than this great hymn to nature. It is a joyous inventory of the blessings heaped upon us by a loving Creator, as each of His creations is urged to join in a chorus of praise. This remarkable hymn was put to the musical arrangement done by Ralph Vaughan Williams. Translation below is by William H. Draper. This program also features contemporary renditions of this hymn.

All creatures of our God and king 
Lift up your voice and with us sing 
Alleluia, Alleluia
Thou burning sun with golden beam
Thou silver moon with softer gleam
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Oh praise Him, Alleluia.

Thou rushing wind that art so strong
Ye clouds that sail in heav’n along
Alleluia, Alleluia
Thou rising morn in praise rejoice
Ye light of evening find a voice
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Oh praise Him, Alleluia.

Thou flowing water pure and clear 
Make music for thy Lord to hear 
Alleluia, Alleluia
Thou fire so masterful and bright
That gives to man both warmth and light
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Oh praise Him, Alleluia.

Dear Mother earth who day by day

Unfoldest blessings on our way

Alleluia, Alleluia

The flow’rs and fruit that in thee grow

Let them his glory also show

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Oh praise Him, Alleluia.

Consequences of Laziness and/or Rebelliousness

Thank You John Wycliffe

Born in 14th century England, John Wycliffe translated the Bible into English.

Gift of the Atonement

Brian T. Kershisnik, Cat Gift, 2000. Oil on paper mounted on wood panel. Brigham Young University Museum of Art, purchased with funds provided by Lew and Gail Burnham

Kershisnik’s painting, Cat Gift, can be considered a modern day parable of man’s response to Christ’s atoning sacrifice. In the painting, a man on his hands and knees offers a morsel to the cat that completely ignores the kind gesture. Just as cats are notoriously aloof to well-intentioned offerings, so mankind is often dismissive of the supernal gift of the Atonement. The artist has included a cropped figure at the top of the painting. The figure’s bare feet signify that this is holy ground and that the domestic scene unfolding below has sacred implications.