Voices

Mindswept with noise and distraction,
Ubiquitous sounds that permeate and tangle my thoughts,
I savor the unique familiarity that calls my name
With resonant feeling,
Opening doors to things I once felt.

Today, I retrieve and gather
The seeming remnants of purpose that span forever,
Spoken with a soft and gentle voice,
A constant presence,
To find answers of hope and clarity.

Intently I listen to calming words,
Attempting to cut through the ever present raucous
That shrouds my understanding
In order to see
Things as they really are.

There is elegant beauty about the voice
Contrasting the sharp emptiness of what I know not
With understanding that lightly distills
On heart and soul,
Leaving lasting impressions.

Whether the voice of a dear friend, servant or Master,
I cherish the conversations that repeat greater meanings
Each in like pattern of that most familiar,
Still and small,
Voices within a voice.


http://saltypockets.blogspot.com/

Pointing the Way

I think she was an angel, just a different sort. The woman had beautiful white hair and she was dressed completely in white to match. Were it not for the fact that I had just arrived at the temple, and that this is not an uncommon experience there, she might have given me enough reason to think she was a heavenly messenger. Instead, her life is still grounded by mortality and a desire to serve others.

Upon my entering the Salt Lake Temple, the woman in white greeted me. She stood waiting to point the way for me to go, wanting to make sure that my experience was as pleasant as possible. Though I have been to the temple many, many times and am quite familiar with finding my way, her presence provided a good reminder of what a difference one person can make in the experience of another. As I approached, she smiled and said hello. She made me feel welcome.

There are many who go to the temple for the first time, either to receive their own endowment, or because they have come from a far distance to visit a particular temple. Even in a place that is as holy and beautiful as a temple, one can feel a little disconcerted if he or she is not sure what to do or where to go. You may know that you are in the right place at the right time, but beyond that you might ask, “Now what?”

On any given visit to the temple, I may meet six or seven temple workers who are there just to greet me at various points. I have thought about how different my experience would be if they were not there. What would it feel like to be greeted by signs instead of a person? Would I feel more like a stranger in the Lord’s Holy House? Because the temple is the House of the Lord, signs are not enough. A house suggests hospitality. It is a place for family, friends, and warm welcomes. A home is a place of belonging.

As children of our Father in Heaven, we have all left our heavenly home for a time with the expectation of returning. In order to go back, we are required to demonstrate to Him that we really do want to – that we are willing to do anything to get there. While we are mere strangers here, this earth is intended to be our temporary home until we can again enter the presence of the Lord. It is the right place, and this is the right time to be tested. Though this is by design, signs from heaven may not be sufficient to make us feel welcome and comfortable for this earthly home that God has prepared for us. Someone who cares, standing at the crossroads of life’s decisions, can make all the difference in helping a fellow brother or sister to feel completely welcome.

Throughout my life there have been many individuals who have stood at the crossroads of my decisions, ready to greet me and offer some direction.
They have provided comfort just when it was needed most. Their experience has provided a sense of familiarity that I could not get on my own. Throughout my life I have relied heavily on my parents and family. My wife has supported me unlike anyone else in the world and has provided a spring of hope and encouragement. Close friends have been an invaluable blessing to me. At times when I have felt weakest, I have become much stronger as I have learned to depend on them. Those who are closest to me have greeted me with their hearts and have shaped who I have become. Without them, this life would not even closely resemble home.

There is great power in presence, and not just physical presence, but presence of heart and mind. Most often when I am going through a difficult change in my life, a friend may not be able to take the difficulty away. Doing so may actually defeat the purpose of being here on earth. The presence of a friend, however, seems to distribute the load that I carry in a way that is more bearable. It helps me to feel that I am not alone and allows me to focus on what I am supposed to learn instead of the difficulty of the moment.

Another presence that has shaped my decisions is that of the Holy Ghost. Similarly, the Holy Ghost won’t take away my challenges, but He will bring me comfort. His presence strengthens me. It inspires me to do great things. He helps me to believe that I can, and then He reminds me that I did, so I will have the faith to do it again.

Some of the most influential moments in my life have come when I have experienced the combined presence of those pointing the way – when I feel the warmth of those who are closest to me along with the presence of the Holy Ghost. The presence of God seems to cement any relationship. It amplifies and enriches. If a friend can do much to bring comfort, then a friend who brings the spirit with them can work miracles, and all just because of presence.

In life there are individuals, and even organizations, that are willing to point a direction, but they point the wrong way. Instead of pointing towards the happiness that comes from restraint and discipline, they are busy directing traffic towards selfish motives and gainful employment for the adversary. Occasionally, this comes from those who are well-intended and are not meaning to distract me. As comforting as it is to have the presence of friends, I am quick to see what friends they bring with them. Do they bring the spirit with them? Do they take the Holy Spirit as their guide? While a friend may not be able to receive revelation for me, I can judge the power of their presence by what I feel, and by how much I feel the power of the Holy Ghost.

There are individuals who do have the authority to receive revelation for me. I will never forget that my parents will always have that stewardship, and that I will do well to honor them in righteousness. Additionally, local priesthood leaders who hold priesthood keys have been called of God to guide me and point the way. I honor and respect them as I do my own parents. While neither my leaders nor my parents are perfect, I can judge the power of their presence by what I feel.

In a week from now, I will have the opportunity to be taught by other friends, most of whom I have not met. I call them friends because I feel they sincerely have my personal interests at heart. I have found them to be unwavering in their efforts to lead me to faith in Jesus Christ. They have been diligent in helping me to return to my home with Father. They are consistent in helping me to feel the Spirit of the Lord. These friends provide me good counsel and direction that enable me to make good decisions.

God speaks to living prophets today. They hear His voice in much the same way I do when I receive answers to my prayers. They hear His voice through the gentle promptings of the Holy Ghost. The presence of the comforter directs them to teach the things that Father wants us to be taught. That presence also confirms the truth of what we hear in our hearts.

The prophet Nephi taught that the will of God is “manifest unto the prophet by the voice of the Spirit; for by the Spirit are all things made known unto the prophets, which shall come upon the children of men according to the flesh… both temporal and spiritual….” (1 Nephi 22:2-3) Further he taught, “when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men.” (2 Nephi 33:1)

The Lord also revealed to Joseph Smith, “Verily I say unto you, he that is ordained of me and sent forth to preach the word of truth by the Comforter, in the Spirit of truth, doth he preach it by the Spirit of truth or some other way? And if it be by some other way it is not of God. Therefore, why is it that ye cannot understand and know, that he that receiveth the word by the Spirit of truth receiveth it as it is preached by the Spirit of truth? Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together.” (Doctrine & Covenants 50:17-22)

What a blessing it is to receive personal revelation and learn how to communicate with God. What a gift it is to receive the Holy Ghost by receiving revelation.

During the times where we still feel alone, Father places others in our lives who can stand at the crossroads of difficult experiences. He provides family and friends who can help point the way. Their presence combined with the presence of the Holy Ghost can restore our faith and secure our hope. The signs of the second coming are increasing, but they may not be sufficient to bring us all the comfort we need. It is when I put my faith in those whom God has called to testify to His children that I find lasting peace. As I listen and affirm my willingness to yield to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, I find the strength to do the most difficult things. It is after those moments of trial, whether clear or ambiguous, that the confirming feeling of peace settles in my heart that Jesus lives and He will come again.

If you have not had a chance to listen to the words of living prophets and apostles, I invite you to join with me this next weekend in the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to hear their words and judge for yourself the direction that they point. If you have listened to them before, then I invite you to listen again and again, and seek the confirming voice of the Holy Spirit that what they say is true.

I add my witness that God speaks to His children today. I know His servants the prophets speak His will. These are heavenly messengers, grounded to mortality through their service. As I listen to the Holy Spirit and follow, there is a peace that fills my heart unlike any other.

I am grateful for family, friends, and dearest loved ones who have been there for me during difficult times. They are the angels in my life who have pointed the way. You know who you are. Thank you!


http://saltypockets.blogspot.com/

Prone to Wander

Everyone should wear a blindfold once in a while. You learn to trust your remaining senses when you can’t see with your eyes. You discover new things. Just be careful where you go when you choose not to see. I will never be able to think about blindfolds again without thinking about Washington Lake.

Years ago, when I was a Scoutmaster, I took a troop of Boy Scouts on a camping trip in the Uinta National Forest in Utah. One activity, a simple five mile hike, will always be a favorite Scouting memory for me. The hike involved maps, compasses, and blindfolds. The Assistant Scoutmaster, who was a good friend of mine, assisted me in tying blindfolds on each of our Scouts. We then drove to our starting point and helped the boys get out of the vehicle. With compasses and maps in hand, we led them through a grassy meadow in the forest until my vehicle was no longer in sight. That is when the blindfolds came off.

The instructions that followed were simple. “Okay, find your way back to camp.” That was it. We told them that our camp at Washington Lake was about five miles away, but no more. Like a boomerang, this retrieved some looks that varied from incredulity to worry, and then to something that conveyed the meaning, “You are joking, right?” Nope. It was no joke. We stayed with the boys to make sure they didn’t do anything stupid (not that boys would do such a thing if left to their own devices.) We didn’t offer much help.

The first few attempts at trying to figure out what to do weren’t very fruitful. We went a few paces this way, followed by a few paces that way, and then the boys did a few paces in their minds before coming to a complete stop. In addition to temporarily losing sight, some lost their confidence. Things were topsy-turvy. Those that were used to leading by popularity were suddenly confused, while those who liked to think emerged as new leaders.

Without giving anything away – and we were pretty stingy with our advice – we suggested that they look for landmarks they might recognize on the map. At that point they couldn’t see any landmarks because we were still surrounded by forest. So, we gave one more suggestion. “Why not climb some place higher where you might be able to see better?” That was the first principle that got things started.

On higher ground, the boys identified some small ponds, streams, and mountains that might be on their maps. They were guesses to start with, but they were at least attempts to see how they fit into the context of the map. This was the second principle we wanted them to learn.

From there, the guess work continued. They deduced that this pond and that stream next to that mountain could either be this place on the map or that one. Believing that the map was valid, they took some risks to see if their guesses were right. This was the third thing we hoped they would learn, and it worked. Some of their guesses were better than others. Occasionally we would have to back track because of an error. For the most part, though, they did pretty good.

Our boys learned how to use their tools with a little intuition, which I think is a really good combination. The compasses were generally helpful to make sure that we were still going the right direction when we had to descend back into the trees of the forest. The maps gave us some indication of how far we might have to go before finding the next landmark. Our intuition gave us the drive to keep going when we weren’t quite sure if we were still on track.

Fortunately, the fourth thing we hoped they would discover worked out as well. After a few hours of walking with nosebleeds, scratches, and mild dehydration, we successfully arrived back at our camp. They had a new appreciation for Washington Lake. It was nice to be some place with more certainty, comfort, and of course, food.

I have often looked back at that experience with gratitude. It was definitely one worth keeping in my pocket. There was really only one thing we wanted the boys to discover when we started, and that was how to get back to camp. The other three things sort of came up as we went along. While they were principles that my friend and I had learned when we were younger, we hadn’t identified them as specific things we hoped to teach. You might say that we learned to teach by doing, just as our Scouts learned to hike through their own experience. Perhaps that is another reason why that trip was so memorable. Both the teachers and the learners were edified.

Reflecting on this story caused me to think of the words from one of my favorite hymns, “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” Transposing a couple of the lines from the second verse, it says, “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love…” “Let thy goodness, as a fetter, Bind my wandering heart to thee.”

Like my Scouts, I wonder how inclined I am to wander when I don’t’ take an appropriate guide. It is in our natures to choose things that are often not in our best interest. Left to our own devices, we seem to be attracted and enticed by things that will do us harm. I am learning that it is not because the things we choose are always wrong, as much as how we try to meet our needs. We are learning to make appropriate choices, which often involves some risk. When I make mistakes by choice, I am often prone to wander.

Moses led the ancient Israelites out of Egypt, just so they could experience what it is like to wander for forty years. I’m sure that isn’t quite what he had in mind when he told Pharaoh, “Let my people go,” but there they were. Moses was weary, and the people were weary, and it took a long time to do it. They had two choices, to wander or not to wander. They chose to harden their hearts against their guide, the Great I Am.

On one occasion when the Israelites were whining about wandering, “the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people,” and many of them died. They repented a little and asked Moses to pray for them, so he did. The Lord then told Moses, “Make a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole” so that “every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.” (Numbers 21:5-9) Sadly, because of the hardness of their hearts, in spite of the easiness of the way, they did not believe and would not look and live, therefore they perished.

Sometimes we blindfold ourselves without meaning to. We become blinded by our appetites, our desires, and our ambitions. We set our hearts upon the things of this world so much that we fail to recognize the voice of the Master. Then, before we are aware, we are left to our own devices, “to kick against the pricks… and fight against God.” (D&C 121:35, 38)

It is hard to see afar off until we get to higher ground. When we elevate our thoughts to be more in line with Father’s, we can see much clearer. We begin to recognize where we are because of landmarks that were meant to be familiar. If we are wise, these landmarks will encourage us to look for the Savior in the symbols, and then act.

Until I become perfect, I am still growing and learning. I am still like a little child that needs to depend on my Father for direction, because I know that He knows all things. Until I can see further past the forest, I am learning to trust His all-seeing eyes. In those moments when I forget, I wonder just how long I wander. Hopefully it is not forty years.

The ancient American prophet, Alma, taught us to “Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good.” (Alma 37:37) Similarly, the prophet Jacob taught, “seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. For behold, ye yourselves know that he counseleth in wisdom, and in justice, and in great mercy, over all his works.” (Jacob 4:10)

Like the Scout hike in the Uintas, each of us can remove our blindfolds and use the tools we have been given. We have the prophets who can see afar off and will give us direction. Thankfully, they are not very stingy, but prefer to share with the whole world. We also have good maps of scripture that help us identify landmarks for our faith. We have a moral compass which is enhanced by the Gift of the Holy Ghost to point us in the right direction. And finally, we have our agency that can be applied intuitively to our circumstances.

Whether it is living prophets, the scriptures of old, or the Holy Ghost that speaks to our hearts, they all speak the words of Christ. Our intuition is only as good as our faith, heed, and diligence in following His voice.

Alma continues by telling us that these things are not without a shadow. For, “it is as easy to give heed to the word of Christ, which will point to [us] a straight course to eternal bliss, as it was for [his] fathers” to follow the Liahona, or for a troop of Scouts to follow their compasses. If it was easy for the Israelites to look at a serpent on a staff and live, can it be any easier for us to pick up the scriptures and read so we might live? Or perhaps we prefer wandering, merely because we are prone to do so. As Jesus said, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 11:15)

If I choose not to blindfold my eyes, I hope it is so that I can use the tools I have been given. When I choose to wear a blindfold once in a while, hopefully it is so I can trust Father’s eyes all the more.


http://saltypockets.blogspot.com/

Kinda Hungry

Driving home the other day I noticed a little light appear on the dashboard of my car. The symbol of a gas pump was an indicator that I was running low on fuel. Knowing that many drivers are like me, the light was designed to turn on in advance to protect the driver from being stalled on the road. I’m never excited to see the light, especially with rising gas prices, but I am grateful for the warning.

Fortunately I haven’t run completely out of gas for several years. The last time I did, I was lucky to have a cell phone with me. I called my wife and she helped me on the side of the freeway.

The incident reminds me of a parable Jesus told to his disciples about ten virgins who had gathered for a wedding. They were waiting for the bridegroom, but half of them did not bring oil for their lamps. When the bridegroom finally arrived, it was later than they had expected and they were not prepared. The five who lacked oil left to buy more and were not able to attend the wedding. What a sad ending to a happy story, at least for those who weren’t prepared. (See St. Matthew 25:1-13)

I wonder if a dashboard indicator would have been helpful to the five who missed the wedding. Wouldn’t it be nice to have an appropriate warning that you are running low on fuel? Whether it is increasing dusk or an emptying fuel tank, lack of preparation is something that creeps up on us if we are not watching.

The oil referred to in the parable is a symbol our spiritual preparation. This example prompts the question, “Do I have enough faith to sustain me through sunset that may precede the wedding?” The foolish virgins had lamps but chose to ignore the lack of fuel.

Fortunately we each have a low-fuel indicator to warn us. The light of Christ is given to everyone to know right from wrong. The question is whether or not we choose to act. I believe we can recognize these spiritual warnings in much the same way that we receive physical warnings from our body when we are hungry.

My young children have a tendency to become grumpy when they are hungry or tired. Basic functions of the body are strained because the supply of nourishment is inadequate. They compensate by subconsciously diverting available but limited energy away from their good manners to more important priorities.

The older I get, the more I realize that I am no different from my children. My circumstances are more sophisticated, perhaps, but I have the same motivations for comfort and satisfaction that they do.

One difference between me and my children is my ability to recognize what my body is trying to tell me. It’s one of the things that we get with age and experience. When I get hungry, I am quicker to recognize what the problem is. I often feel a need for nourishment before it becomes critical. Quite often I am able to recognize what type of food my body is lacking, be it protein, carbohydrates, or some sort of vegetable. This is simply because I have a craving or appetite for a certain type of food.

Communication to our spirit happens in much the same fashion. Warnings come from the Holy Ghost as feelings or impressions. Instead of the calm peaceful feeling that comes when we are doing what is right, the impression may be that something is missing, or that we are running low on strength. As we learn to recognize these promptings, and act on them without delay, we can keep ourselves properly nourished.

The spiritual fuel we need is that which sustains and increases faith. It is the word of God given through revelation to his servants the prophets and recorded for our use.

The ancient Israelites were given manna daily by God to sustain them. Jesus taught that he was the bread of life and the staff that would uphold us. It is his word that we are invited to feast upon. There are junk food counterfeits that seem to satisfy for a while, but they do not sustain us. Only the word of God will satisfy us and stay with us.

I am grateful for inspired individuals who have recorded God’s word for our benefit. Like the ancient prophet, Nephi, I feel to say, “my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard.” He recorded his experiences and inspiration from God so that others could feast upon them as well. Nephi stated, “And upon these I write the things of my soul…. For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and profit of my children. (2 Nephi 4:15, 16)

We live in a time when our fuel tends to run out quicker. The opposition to making good choices is increasing. I see many who are looking for a clear direction but are confused about what is right and wrong. There are also those who are quick to offer spiritual junk food in this climate of confusion. Instead, we need to be consistent in providing proper nourishment for our spirits. We need the word of God.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Men have come to speak of revelation as somewhat long ago given and done, as if God were dead. It is my duty to say to you, that the need was never greater of new revelation than now. It is the office of a true teacher to show us that God is, not was; that He speaketh, not spake.”

How blessed we are to live in a time when apostles and prophets still teach us God’s word. They are not just spiritual leaders of ancient history, but are an active part of God’s plan for his children. God still speaks to his prophets and they do in fact still teach his children. One such opportunity is approaching in a couple weeks at a General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints.

Whether it be through scripture recorded by prophets gone before, or the word of the Lord through living prophets and apostles, the word of the Lord is sweet to me. It brings peace to my heart and light for my path.

I know God lives. I know He loves us, and He wants us to know just how much. His words will heal us. They will sustain us in difficult times and increase our gratitude in times of plenty. I am grateful for the scriptures and the words of the prophets. They always satisfy my hunger.