The act of looking for a sign is an interesting thing, particularly the signs of when Jesus Christ will come again in glory. On one hand, the Savior warned against an adulterous generation who seeks for a sign. (Matthew 16:4) On the other, the Lord also commanded His disciples to watch for the signs of His coming. (Matthew 24:42) This comparison is worth pondering when studying the topic of the Second Coming. A more specific question to ask is, “Am I looking for signs as proof or for hope?” I think intent will determine whether the topic is sensational or spiritual.
In preparation for stake conference this weekend, I have been thinking of some scriptures that pertain to the signs of the Second Coming. I am listing them here as a reference, not as a talk or a message, but a compilation of topics grouped by specific signs. For someone who may not be familiar with the signs recorded in the scriptures, this list will provide an overview of these events.
I have listed some of the scriptural references pertaining to these signs in five categories. “Long before” refers to events that were to take place long before the Lord’s coming. “Sometime before” refers to events that will precede the Second Coming but do not have a specific timeframe. “Just before” refers to events that the scriptures say will occur just before His Coming. “After” refers to events that will take place following His coming and “Near the end” lists some signs that are often included with the signs of the times but will pertain to the end of the Millennium.
No effort has been made to predict the order of these latter-day events except to follow the order in which these scriptural references appear in their respective accounts. This summary does group each of the scriptural accounts with like scriptures that relate to the sign being described. Thus, each of the bolded words or phrases refer to a specific or related sign of the time. This list does not contain all signs of the Second Coming, but does group those found in Daniel 7, Joseph Smith Matthew, and sections 29, 45, 88, 116, and 133 of the Doctrine & Covenants.
Lastly, there are some notes I have made for my own use which are typed in blue. This includes questions I have pondered and notes that help to understand how some of the signs relate to others.
If you have read this far, perhaps it is because you have some interest in understanding the signs of the second coming. I hope this list of scriptural references is helpful in your own personal study.
What I Believe…
http://saltypockets.blogspot.com/
Long before
Apostasy
False Christs. Many will say that they are Christ and will deceive many.
JSM 1:6
The apostles will be hated and killed.
JSM 1:7
Many will be offended, and will hate and betray one another.
JSM 1:8
False prophets will arise.
JSM 1:9
The love of many will wax cold.
JSM 1:10
Abomination of Desolation
Stand in the holy place when you see the abomination of desolation
JSM 1:12
Temple, and Jerusalem to be destroyed
D&C 45:18-20
JSM 1:3
Judah will flee to the mountains.
JSM 1:13-17
Great tribulation on the Jews, which are the beginning of their sorrows.
JSM 1:18-19
Hastening
Those days will be shortened for the elects sake.
JSM 1:20
Scattering of Israel
Israel will be scattered among all nations
D&C 45:19, 24
Sometime before
Continued apostasy
Again, false Christs and false prophets will arise showing great signs and wonders to deceive the elect. He will not be in the desert or secret places.
JSM 1:22, 25
Hastening
The Lord will hasten His work
D&C 88:73 (this is a prophecy for the last days)
Wars and commotion
In the times of the Gentiles there will be wars and rumors of wars, the earth will be in commotion, men’s hearts will fail them, they will say that God delays His coming. The love of men shall wax cold. Fear will come upon all people.
D&C 45:26-27
D&C 88:91
JSM 1:23, 28-29, 30
In spite of earthquakes and desolations, men will take up the sword and kill one another.
D&C 45:33
Preaching of the gospel
Angels (first mention) will fly in the midst of heaven to prepare the people for the coming of the Lord.
D&C 88:92
D&C 133:17
Angel flying in the midst of heaven having the everlasting gospel will appear unto many.
D&C 133:36
The gospel will be preached unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.
D&C 133:37
JSM 1:31
The servants of God will say: Fear God, and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment is come. Worship Him.
D&C 133:38-39
In the times of the Gentiles the gospel will be taken to those who sit in darkness. Many will not receive it because of the precepts of men.
D&C 45:28-29
In this generation the times of the Gentiles will be fulfilled
D&C 45:30
Parable of the fig tree – when the light begins to break forth, summer is nigh at hand.
D&C 45:36-38
JSM 1:38
Gathering of Israel
The elect will be gathered like eagles to the carcass from the four quarters of the earth.
JSM 1:27
Restoration of scattered Israel
D&C 45:17
Remnant will remain scattered until the times of the Gentiles is fulfilled
D&C 45:25
The remnant will be gathered to their place
D&C 45:43
Watching for signs
Those that fear the Lord will look for the great day of the Lord to come, even the signs of His coming.
D&C 45:39
Those who don’t watch for the signs will be cut off.
D&C 29:11
D&C 45:44
The servants of God will pray that He will come down and rend the heavens, and cause the mountains to flow down. Their prayer will be answered.
D&C 133:40-41
The Lord has prepared great things for those who wait for Him.
D&C 133:45
Watch, for you know not the day nor the hour that the Lord will come. Be ready.
JSM 1:40, 46, 48
Signs and wonders
There will be signs and wonders in heaven and on earth.
D&C 45:40
Blood, fire, and vapors of smoke.
D&C 45:40-41
(See also “signs in heaven” below)
Famines
There shall be famines.
JSM 1:29
Scourge
A desolation sickness will cover the land.
D&C 45:31
Pestilences
JSM 1:29
Holy Places
Disciples will stand in holy places.
D&C 45:32
Curses
The wicked will curse God and die.
D&C 45:32
Earthquakes and desolations
There will be earthquakes and many desolations in diverse places.
D&C 45:33
D&C 88:87-89
D&C 133:40
JSM 1:29
Testimony of thunder, lightning, tempests, and waves that heave themselves beyond their bounds
D&C 88:90
Zion, The New Jerusalem
The Lord will stand upon Mount Zion, the New Jerusalem with 144,000 with the name of the Father written on their foreheads.
D&C 133:18
D&C 84:2
The New Jerusalem will be a land of peace, a city of refuge, and a place of safety.
D&C 45:66
The wicked will not come to Zion because of the glory and terror of the Lord which will be upon it.
D&C 45:67, 70
Those among the wicked who don’t want to fight will need to flee to Zion.
D&C 45:68
Righteous people from every nation will be gathered there.
D&C 45:68, 71
Those among the Gentiles are to flee to Zion.
D&C 133:12
The Lord will utter His voice out of Zion. (When?)
D&C 133:21
Return of the city of Enoch (Not sure if this will be before, at, or after.)
D&C 45:11-14
Jerusalem
Those among the Jews are to flee to Jerusalem, and the mountains of the Lord’s house. (Is this referring to the Mount of Olives rather than the temple?)
D&C 133:13
The Lord will speak from Jerusalem. (When?)
D&C 133:21
Ocean and Islands
The Lord to stand upon the ocean and the islands.
D&C 133:20
Land returns
Voice of many waters and thunder will break down the mountains. The valleys shall not be found.
D&C 133:22
The lands of Jerusalem and Zion will be returned to their own place as it was before it was divided.
D&C 133:22
Water returns
The great deep will be driven back into the north countries. The islands will become one land.
D&C 133:23
Gathering at Adam-ondi-Ahman
Adam, the Ancient of Days, meets at Adam-ondi-Ahman. 1 million minister to him. 100 million stand before him. The Son of Man comes and is given dominion, glory, and a kingdom that all people will serve Him.
Daniel 7:9-14
D&C 116:1
Hailstorm
Great hailstorm that will destroy the crops of the earth. (Before or after the famine?)
D&C 29:16
Vengeance
Vengeance on the wicked. Flies and maggots will devour their flesh. Tongues shall be stayed. Flesh will fall off their bones, and eyes from their sockets. Beasts and fowls will devour them. (Why won’t the beasts and fowls be affected? Or will they?)
D&C 29:16-20
Just before
Abomination of desolation
Daniel’s vision of the abomination of desolation will again be fulfilled.
JSM 1:32
Mount of Olives
Jesus will stand on the Mount of Olives and it will cleave in two creating a great valley.
D&C 45:48
D&C 133:20
Zech 14:4-7
Jews will ask about the tokens in Jesus’ hands and feet. They will know Jesus is the Son of God and will weep.
D&C 45:51-53
Signs in heaven
Immediately after angels (first mention in D&C 88) fly through the midst of heaven to prepare the way, a great sign will appear in heaven, and all people will see it together.
D&C 88:93
Another angel (second mention, “first trump?”) will sound his trump regarding the mother of abominations, the great and abominable church, and all nations will hear it.
D&C 88:94
There will be silence in heaven for half an hour.
D&C 88:95
Immediately after, the curtain of heaven will be unfolded as a scroll. The face of the Lord shall be unveiled. (I’m not certain as to when the other signs in heaven will occur, whether before or after.)
D&C 88:95
Sun darkened, moon turned to blood, stars will fall, greater signs
D&C 29:14
D&C 45:42
D&C 88:87
D&C 133:49
JSM 1:33
The heavens will shake
D&C 45:48
JSM 1:33
(See also “signs and wonders” above)
The Lord Appears
The Lord will reveal Himself in the clouds with the hosts of heaven.
D&C 29:11
D&C 45:44
The Lord will come in power and glory.
D&C 29:11
D&C 45:16
JSM 1:36
As the light of the morning comes out of the east, so shall the coming of the Son of Man be.
JSM 1:26
Judgment of the righteous
The Twelve in Jerusalem will Judge the House of Israel.
D&C 29:12
Resurrection
Righteous dead will be resurrected, trump will sound (second mention, “first trump?”), earth will quake.
D&C 29:13
D&C 88:98
D&C 133:56
The heathen nations who knew no law will be resurrected
D&C 45:54
Meeting in the cloud
Two will be in the field, or the mill, and one will be taken.
JSM 1:44-45
The Lord will meet those who rejoice and work righteousness and remember Him.
D&C 133:44
The saints who are alive will be quickened and caught up to meet the Lord in the cloud.
D&C 88:96
The saints who have slept will meet the Lord in the cloud.
D&C 45:45
D&C 88:97
The parable of the ten virgins will be fulfilled. Those who are wise will not be cast into the fire.
D&C 45:56
Voice of the Lord
The Lord will utter his voice, and the ends of the earth shall hear it.
D&C 45:49
Second Trump: Redemption from spirit prison
Another angel (third mention, “second trump”) will sound. Those who accepted the gospel in the spirit world will be resurrected
D&C 88:99
Vengeance
The adversaries of the Lord will tremble at His presence when He does terrible things that they aren’t looking for.
D&C 133:42
The arm of the Lord will fall upon all nations.
D&C 45:47
The Lord will make bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations.
D&C 133:42
The Lord will come down in garments dyed red.
D&C 133:46-48
Wicked will burn
The presence of the Lord will be as a melting fire that burns and causes waters to boil.
D&C 133:3
Wicked will be burned as stubble that wickedness will not be on the earth
D&C 29:9
D&C 45:50
D&C 133:64
Malachi 4:1
The great and abominable church will be cast down by fire.
D&C 29:21
Third Trump: Those who will remain in spirit prison
Another angel (fourth mention, “third trump”) will sound. Those in spirit prison who are condemned will remain the thousand years are ended.
D&C 88:100-101
Fourth Trump: Sons of perdition
Another angel (fifth mention, “fourth trump”) will sound. There are those among those who will remain in the spirit prison those who will remain filthy still (sons of perdition)
D&C 88:102
Fifth Trump: The hour of judgment has come
Another angel (sixth mention, “fifth trump”) will sound. All people, in heaven, in earth, and under the earth shall hear: Fear God, and give glory to him who sitteth upon the throne, forever and ever; for the hour of his judgment has come.
D&C 88:103-104
Sixth Trump: She is fallen
Another angel (seventh mention, “sixth trump”) will sound. The whore of all the earth is fallen.
D&C 88:105
Seventh Trump: It is finished
Another angel, Michael the archangel, (eighth mention, “seventh trump”) will sound. The Lamb of God hath overcome and trodden the wine-press alone
D&C 88:106
The angels will be crowned with the glory. The saints shall be filled with His Glory, receive their inheritance, and be made equal with the Lamb in power, might, and dominion.
D&C 76:95
D&C 88:107
Repeated Trumps: Revealing the secret acts of men, Satan is bound
The first angel will sound his trump again, revealing the secret acts of men and the mighty works of God in the first thousand years. Each of the other angels will do the same making known these things for each thousand years until the seventh.
D&C 88:108-109
The seventh angel will sound his trump and will swear that there is time no longer, and Satan will be not be loosed for a thousand years.
D&C 88:110
After
Satan will be bound
Satan will have no place in the hearts of men.
D&C 45:55
The earth will be an inheritance
Those who were wise, like the five virgins, will multiply and their children will grow up without sin.
D&C 45:58
The Lord will reign
The Lord will dwell with men on earth a thousand years.
D&C 29:11
The Lord will be in the midst of the righteous. He will be their king and their lawgiver.
D&C 45:59
The Lord will stand in the midst of His people and will reign over all flesh.
D&C 133:25
The return of the Lost Tribes of Israel
(Not sure if this is before or after the second coming. It comes after D&C 133:25 which is commonly associated with the millennial reign. The references are placed here as a placeholder.)
Those in the north countries will come in remembrance of the Lord.
D&C 133:26
The prophets of the Lost Tribes will hear the Lords voice and will no longer stay themselves.
D&C 133:26
They will smite the rocks and the ice and it will flow down at their presence. A highway shall be cast up in the great deep.
D&C 133:26-27
Their enemies will be a prey to them.
D&C 133:28
There will be pools of water in barren deserts.
D&C 133:29
The Lost Tribes will bring their rich treasures to Ephraim.
D&C 133:30
The everlasting hills will tremble at their presence.
D&C 133:31
They will be crowned with glory by Ephraim in Zion.
D&C 133:32
Judah will be sanctified
Judah will be sanctified after their pain so that they can dwell in the presence of God.
D&C 133:35
Near the End
Wickedness returns
When the thousand years are ended, men will begin to deny God.
D&C 29:22
A little season
The earth is spared for a little season
D&C 29:22
Satan will be loosed for a little season to gather his armies.
D&C 88:111
The Battle of the Great God
Michael will gather his armies, even the hosts of heaven.
D&C 88:112
The devil will gather his armies, even the hosts of hell to come up to battle with Michael and his armies.
D&C 88:113
Then cometh the battle of the great God, the devil and his armies will be cast away. Michael will overcome him.
D&C 88:114-115
The resurrection
Before the end, Michael will sound his trump and the righteous will be resurrected.
D&C 29:22
The end
Heaven and earth shall be consumed and pass away. A new heaven and a new earth.
D&C 29:22
The beginning
The earth abideth the laws of the celestial kingdom and will be quickened after it passes away, and the righteous will inherit it.
D&C 88:25-26
Showing posts with label Second Coming. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Second Coming. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Watch
There is a delicious anxiety that clings to the winter holidays each year. It’s beautiful to see, unsettling when you feel it, and yet Christmas would not seem the same without it. If the feeling of waiting wasn’t worth the effort, the prelude would be torture.
Watching a young child watch a present under a tree can be quite amusing. There is so much anticipation invested in the unknown gift. While some might beg to open the present before the appointed time, others find the courage to shake the present and guess at what it contains.
Recalling a childhood memory, a friend recently told me how curiosity often bested her before Christmas morning. Unable to wait, she would secretly open her gifts, wrap them back up, and then pretend to be surprised. Though now a grandmother, there was a mischievous gleam in her eye as she confessed that this is a tradition she is still guilty of.
Waiting for company to arrive when you are expecting a visit can supplement any holiday anxiety quite nicely. As a boy, I would repeatedly go to the window to see if family or friends had come yet. Many times I would be disappointed – every time, in fact, except the last time. I’m happy to admit this is a tradition I continue to keep.
Now that I’m older, I still get deliciously anxious at the holidays. Christmas is somewhat different from when I was little, but I still find so much to look forward to.
The past few weeks have provided numerous reasons for me to think about the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. While celebrating His miraculous birth, I have also considered what it was like for those who were watching and waiting. I think they must have felt some of that delicious anxiety after seeing the star, or hearing the voices of heralding angels.
Similarly I have pondered His second coming that believers anxiously await. Like pulling out familiar decorations from the basement, or extracting a small piece of chocolate from an advent calendar, there are preparations right now that suggest the season of His coming is getting closer. How soon? I don’t know. But I am watching.
There is a difference in seeking a sign because of disbelief and watching for signs because you do believe. Jesus himself said that those who believe will be looking for the great day of the Lord to come, even the signs of His coming. Those who are not watching will be unprepared. Those who are ready will be invited to the wedding. (Doctrine & Covenants 45:39, 44, 57)
Many of the signs of Jesus’ coming foretold in the scriptures will be accompanied by great and terrible events. Some will make men anxious, and others will most definitely be worth the wait. Beautiful promises have been made to those who are faithful. The important thing is to watch and be ready at His coming. Perhaps all the years of waiting to open presents at Christmases past will pay off. Those who have learned to enjoy the anxious waiting before a holiday may find hope in doing difficult things. As for me, I plan to keep watch at the window.
Some concentrated sources for information on the signs of his coming can be found in Mathew 24; Mark 13; Luke 17 and 21; Doctrine & Covenants 29, 45, 88, and 133; and Joseph Smith Matthew 1.
What I Believe...
http://saltypockets.blogspot.com/
Watching a young child watch a present under a tree can be quite amusing. There is so much anticipation invested in the unknown gift. While some might beg to open the present before the appointed time, others find the courage to shake the present and guess at what it contains.
Recalling a childhood memory, a friend recently told me how curiosity often bested her before Christmas morning. Unable to wait, she would secretly open her gifts, wrap them back up, and then pretend to be surprised. Though now a grandmother, there was a mischievous gleam in her eye as she confessed that this is a tradition she is still guilty of.
Waiting for company to arrive when you are expecting a visit can supplement any holiday anxiety quite nicely. As a boy, I would repeatedly go to the window to see if family or friends had come yet. Many times I would be disappointed – every time, in fact, except the last time. I’m happy to admit this is a tradition I continue to keep.
Now that I’m older, I still get deliciously anxious at the holidays. Christmas is somewhat different from when I was little, but I still find so much to look forward to.
The past few weeks have provided numerous reasons for me to think about the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. While celebrating His miraculous birth, I have also considered what it was like for those who were watching and waiting. I think they must have felt some of that delicious anxiety after seeing the star, or hearing the voices of heralding angels.
Similarly I have pondered His second coming that believers anxiously await. Like pulling out familiar decorations from the basement, or extracting a small piece of chocolate from an advent calendar, there are preparations right now that suggest the season of His coming is getting closer. How soon? I don’t know. But I am watching.
There is a difference in seeking a sign because of disbelief and watching for signs because you do believe. Jesus himself said that those who believe will be looking for the great day of the Lord to come, even the signs of His coming. Those who are not watching will be unprepared. Those who are ready will be invited to the wedding. (Doctrine & Covenants 45:39, 44, 57)
Many of the signs of Jesus’ coming foretold in the scriptures will be accompanied by great and terrible events. Some will make men anxious, and others will most definitely be worth the wait. Beautiful promises have been made to those who are faithful. The important thing is to watch and be ready at His coming. Perhaps all the years of waiting to open presents at Christmases past will pay off. Those who have learned to enjoy the anxious waiting before a holiday may find hope in doing difficult things. As for me, I plan to keep watch at the window.
Some concentrated sources for information on the signs of his coming can be found in Mathew 24; Mark 13; Luke 17 and 21; Doctrine & Covenants 29, 45, 88, and 133; and Joseph Smith Matthew 1.
What I Believe...
http://saltypockets.blogspot.com/
Monday, March 22, 2010
Veils and Nutshells
About twenty years ago I stood on a street corner at the Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco watching a panhandler very closely. He had tricked me. He hadn’t taken my money, but he had hoped that I would give him some because I was amused. The man was very good. His art was with his hands. Repeatedly he led me to believe one thing, and then showed another.
You may have seen a similar nutshell game at some point in your life. The person performing the trick attempts to conceal a small ball or object beneath one of three nutshells. The point of the trick is to move the nutshells around so that you loose track of where the ball is. A good performer uses other slight-of-hand tricks to hide the ball. Rather than move the shells quickly, they will conceal the ball in some other way so that even slow moves will confuse the observer as to which shell actually hides the ball.
I carefully watched the panhandler for a while before leaving for my next destination. His game was rather interesting to see. Each time I would note which shell he used to cover the ball. Time after time, I was certain I knew where the ball was. Each time I was wrong, or at least he had a very good way of tricking me because I couldn’t see it. Though he would only perform when someone would pay to see his trick, there were enough people who paid the piper that I could observe without buying into his game. The man’s trick was harmless really, and it generated enough income that he gained some meager subsistence from it.
After leaving the Wharf and the tourist attractions at Pier 39, I went with my family up along the coast of Northern California. The weather and terrain was much different than what I was used to along the southern coasts. Instead of warm sandy beaches and perfectly clear skies, the northern coast had beautiful rock formations that jutted abruptly into the water. They were white from the flocks of oceanic birds that roosted on the tops of the rocks. The steep slopes of the coast were lightly covered in a sea of ferns that disappeared into forests of beautiful redwoods. Everything about the scenery seemed slightly hidden and veiled. And then there was the sky.
The marine layer of the coastal air adds another characteristic to the veiled landscape. Clouds that touch the ground in the form of fog shroud the beauty of the water and the slopes in varying amounts. Sometimes the clouds roll in from the distant horizon of the ocean. Sometimes the fog is so thick and present that you can scarcely see trees that are not far in front of you. Not everyone likes clouds, but I find them very beautiful at times, especially when I can have stretches of clear blue sky in between.
I am especially intrigued by moments of entering. The point at which a low flying cloud approaches the rocks of the coast can be very slow and imperceptible. Often it is as though the sky merely thickens until you realize it isn’t just sky anymore. It is fog also. Things that were once clear are not easily identifiable. Objects you may have recognized just minutes before take on a different appearance and seem less familiar. This can be disconcerting if you are already in a new place or experience. However, if you are on an established road with a good road map, you can take in the view a little more leisurely. The historian John R. Stilgoe said, "Storm makes sense of shelter, and if the shelter is sound, the shelter makes the surrounding storm good...." (Gaston Bachelard, The Poetics of Space, p. viii)
In recalling my memories of that particular trip to California, I noticed a few similarities between the nutshells and the fog. Both tend to move. In both cases, the perception of the experience didn’t change reality. Though the nutshells moved back and forth, the ball never really disappeared. It just wasn’t visible. The same thing could be said of the waves, the rocks, and the forest along the coast. They didn’t vanish from existence temporarily, but their appearance was hidden. If there was one difference that stood out to me between the shells and the fog, it was the intent behind the things that were hidden. The fog had no intent, it was just there. It’s then up to the observer to formulate an opinion as to whether the fog is good or bad. The funny thing about the nutshell game was that the man performing the trick had the intent to deceive. Not only was he good at it, but the people who were watching him were entertained by the fact and were willing to pay him to do it again and again.
For the faithful Salty Pockets reader, you probably see the lack of subtlety in comparing a harmless nutshell game with the deception of the adversary. Were nutshells the main topic of this post, I would be guilty of being too obvious. But this post is not about nutshells. Rather, my point is to show what the fog is not. Remember that the fog has no intent. It just is. It is merely a condition for us to respond to. Before I leave the subject of nutshells altogether, however, let me just give my opinion about spiritual matters. I think you are nuts if you pay someone to trick you.
Changing circumstances can really make us uncomfortable, particularly when we cannot see clearly. Unless I am careful, it is easy for me to be grumpier when I am not comfortable. I have to be cautious so that I don’t take out my frustrations on others, especially those who are closest to me. During difficult periods of our lives it may be tempting to question God, wondering if he is trying to trick us, or wondering why he doesn’t offer more help when we can’t see clearly. While the fog, of itself, may not have an intent, it helps me to remember that Father in Heaven does. He has a careful plan that works toward that intent and that plan includes a very important veil.
It is a fascinating thought to consider that we are in the middle of eternity. Forever stretches in both directions. While you can’t measure forever, the distance behind us and that which is ahead of us is the same, which places us right in the middle. I may not be able to comprehend eternity, but I can focus on the importance of now. Every decision we make leads to another decision. It is a series of good decisions that will help us get back to our heavenly home.
As a condition of this mortal life, each of us has a veil that is placed over our minds. While we existed as spirits before being born into mortality, our premortal existence is hidden from our view. Reducing our memory of the first half of eternity to what we experience here on this earth affords us the opportunity to be tested on what we feel and not just what we see or know. We have to put our trust in something greater than ourselves, and that something greater is God.
The prophet Mormon taught, “For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night. For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God. … And now, my brethren, seeing that ye know the light by which ye may judge, which light is the light of Christ, see that ye do not judge wrongfully….” (Moroni 7:15-16, 18)
Because the knowledge we gained previously needs to be brought back to our remembrance as we learn from our experience, this veil also blurs our current understanding from time to time and causes us to feel as though we were in a cloudbank or a dense fog. However, when we turn to the Son, and His light becomes strong enough to evaporate the fog, we begin to make sense of things that we may not understand otherwise.
Whether our vision is obstructed so we cannot see, or that we see so clearly the things in front of us that they become obstacles for our faith, vision problems, and learning how to deal with them, are an essential part of life.
Just as change can make us uncomfortable, we are often afraid of what we don’t know. We fear the things we don’t understand. In a spiritual sense, the veil is something we cannot see. Because it is not tangible and is merely an explanation of why we can’t remember, we may be afraid of making decisions with the veil present. This fear can be an unfortunate road block that may impede our mortal progress. It is similar to being surrounded by a cloudbank in the redwoods and then deciding to stop until the marine air clears. Understanding why the Lord refers to this reduction of memory as a veil in the scriptures may give us some insight on how to make better choices.
In the writings of the scriptures, a veil is used to describe a piece of cloth that separates two rooms or spaces. It also refers to an article of clothing that may be worn for various reasons, many times in association with prayer or a marriage. A veil is also used symbolically to describe a covering or a separation of the mind from understanding. In each case, the meaning of the word suggests something temporary that may be easily removed under the appropriate circumstances. Knowing when and how to remove it is very important and worth consideration. But first consider the reasons the veil was used.
Separation
Anciently, the veil of the tabernacle or the temple separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. The Holy Place contained an altar of incense, a candlestick, and the table of shew bread. Temple workers would perform some of their duties in the Holy Place. The Holy of Holies was the place where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. It was the throne of God. I think it significant that there wasn’t a wall or a door between the two places, but instead a piece of light fabric hung to separate or conceal. What does the Lord intend for us by suggesting such a light separation? It was His desire to have the ancient Israelites enter into His presence as did Moses, but they were not ready. Until such a time that they were ready, the veil was sufficient a separation to help them. (Exodus 26: 31, 33, 35)
Reverence
A veil is often draped over something to show honor or respect for what is beneath. When the camps of Israel were to move, the veil before the Ark of the Covenant was to be taken down and placed over the Ark. The altar of incense, the candlestick, and the table of shewbread were also to be covered. (Numbers 4:5-15) Those who were to carry the holy items were not to touch them lest they were to die. The Lord wished for them to understand that holy things are not to be treated lightly. The practice of covering is used today in worship meetings where the Lord’s sacrament is administered.
Covering
After Rebekah consented to marry Isaac, his servant brought her to him. As she approached and saw him in the distance, she asked the servant, and he confirmed that the man was Isaac. It was then that Rebekah took a veil and covered her face. She did not cover her face as she traveled with the servant, it was only when she was about to meet her husband-to-be that she felt she needed this propriety. (Genesis 24:61-65) While this may only be a custom, it is worth noting when the covering took place. Covering is an act of modesty and defines personal space.
Revealing
It was a Jewish custom at weddings, and still is in other cultures, for a bride to wear a veil as part of her wedding attire. The veil is then removed after the wedding is performed, symbolic of revealing and giving one’s self to a marriage partner. There is a difference between being acquainted with and knowing someone intimately. Lifting the veil is a symbol of removing the separation that keeps two people apart. This is significant in light of the description of separation above and the analogy used by Paul to describe the marriage between the Lord and the Church. (Ephesians 5:21-33)
Shielding
A veil may also be used as clothing to protect the eyes from dirt and dust. In a spiritual sense it may be used to protect us from other worldly things that may pollute things that should be kept clean. It is also possible for that veil which shields the eyes to obscure what we see with our natural eyes so that we focus more on a deeper meaning rather than what is on the surface. In the case of a wedding ceremony, it is suggestive of marrying for inner beauty and not looks that will fade with time.
Each of these examples of a veil can teach us about our relationship with God. There is a sacredness that is not to be taken lightly, and yet the veil is light enough to be removed when we have sanctified our hearts. The Lord intends for each of us to remove this veil at the appropriate time, when we are prepared to meet him, when the Bridegroom returns for the wedding. Until that time when we are ready to present ourselves, we should not be afraid of the veil, or making choices with it present. Instead we need to rely on the Holy Spirit who will teach us all things and bring all things to our remembrance. (John 14:26) We need to consider when we should veil our face in prayer and when we cover other sacred things that we carry with us or wear as an outward expression of an inner commitment to follow the Savior Jesus Christ.
The Lord told Joseph Smith that this veil is often of our own making. “And your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received – Which vanity and unbelief have brought the whole church under condemnation. And this condemnation resteth upon the children of Zion, even all.” (Doctrine & Covenants 84:54-56) Vanity and unbelief will hinder our progress, just like stopping in the fog. The solution to correct this is to replace our fear with faith.
We demonstrate our faith when we are willing to do hard things. We exercise our faith by acting upon the circumstances that are given to us and making correct choices when we are surrounded by fog. Our faith grows as we gain experience in mortality, by trusting our spirituality, or by following the promptings of the Holy Spirit. When our faith becomes such that we not only believe in Jesus Christ, but we believe Him enough to follow Him through any circumstance, then we are prepared to meet Him. Then we are ready for the wedding where we can rend the veil of unbelief. We do not have to be perfect. We merely have to turn our hearts to Him so that He can show us the way. We only need to find a good place to start and begin.
The prophet Moroni taught us, “Behold, when ye shall rend that veil of unbelief which doth cause you to remain in your awful state of wickedness, and hardness of heart, and blindness of mind, then shall the great and marvelous things which have been hid up from the foundation of the world from you—yea, when ye shall call upon the Father in my name, with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then shall ye know that the Father hath remembered the covenant which he made unto your fathers, O house of Israel.” (Ether 4:15) The decision to rend the veil of unbelief starts with a prayer and requires a broken heart and a contrite spirit.
Knowing that the veil provided us by a loving Father in Heaven is not meant to be a trick or a deception can help us trust Him more completely that He will help us and He will not lead us astray. He has promised to comfort us, direct us, and inspire us as we close our eyes and listen with our hearts and our minds. It is more important to focus on what we feel and not just what we see and what we know. In a nutshell, it all comes down to faith. If you rely only on your eyes, the great deceiver may yet deceive you again and again. But if we learn to trust in the Lord by using the veil to help us, at least until our faith is sufficiently strong to rend it, we will be prepared for the wedding when the Bridegroom returns. I look forward to that day. In the meantime, I am grateful for my veil.
http://saltypockets.blogspot.com/
You may have seen a similar nutshell game at some point in your life. The person performing the trick attempts to conceal a small ball or object beneath one of three nutshells. The point of the trick is to move the nutshells around so that you loose track of where the ball is. A good performer uses other slight-of-hand tricks to hide the ball. Rather than move the shells quickly, they will conceal the ball in some other way so that even slow moves will confuse the observer as to which shell actually hides the ball.
I carefully watched the panhandler for a while before leaving for my next destination. His game was rather interesting to see. Each time I would note which shell he used to cover the ball. Time after time, I was certain I knew where the ball was. Each time I was wrong, or at least he had a very good way of tricking me because I couldn’t see it. Though he would only perform when someone would pay to see his trick, there were enough people who paid the piper that I could observe without buying into his game. The man’s trick was harmless really, and it generated enough income that he gained some meager subsistence from it.
After leaving the Wharf and the tourist attractions at Pier 39, I went with my family up along the coast of Northern California. The weather and terrain was much different than what I was used to along the southern coasts. Instead of warm sandy beaches and perfectly clear skies, the northern coast had beautiful rock formations that jutted abruptly into the water. They were white from the flocks of oceanic birds that roosted on the tops of the rocks. The steep slopes of the coast were lightly covered in a sea of ferns that disappeared into forests of beautiful redwoods. Everything about the scenery seemed slightly hidden and veiled. And then there was the sky.
The marine layer of the coastal air adds another characteristic to the veiled landscape. Clouds that touch the ground in the form of fog shroud the beauty of the water and the slopes in varying amounts. Sometimes the clouds roll in from the distant horizon of the ocean. Sometimes the fog is so thick and present that you can scarcely see trees that are not far in front of you. Not everyone likes clouds, but I find them very beautiful at times, especially when I can have stretches of clear blue sky in between.
I am especially intrigued by moments of entering. The point at which a low flying cloud approaches the rocks of the coast can be very slow and imperceptible. Often it is as though the sky merely thickens until you realize it isn’t just sky anymore. It is fog also. Things that were once clear are not easily identifiable. Objects you may have recognized just minutes before take on a different appearance and seem less familiar. This can be disconcerting if you are already in a new place or experience. However, if you are on an established road with a good road map, you can take in the view a little more leisurely. The historian John R. Stilgoe said, "Storm makes sense of shelter, and if the shelter is sound, the shelter makes the surrounding storm good...." (Gaston Bachelard, The Poetics of Space, p. viii)
In recalling my memories of that particular trip to California, I noticed a few similarities between the nutshells and the fog. Both tend to move. In both cases, the perception of the experience didn’t change reality. Though the nutshells moved back and forth, the ball never really disappeared. It just wasn’t visible. The same thing could be said of the waves, the rocks, and the forest along the coast. They didn’t vanish from existence temporarily, but their appearance was hidden. If there was one difference that stood out to me between the shells and the fog, it was the intent behind the things that were hidden. The fog had no intent, it was just there. It’s then up to the observer to formulate an opinion as to whether the fog is good or bad. The funny thing about the nutshell game was that the man performing the trick had the intent to deceive. Not only was he good at it, but the people who were watching him were entertained by the fact and were willing to pay him to do it again and again.
For the faithful Salty Pockets reader, you probably see the lack of subtlety in comparing a harmless nutshell game with the deception of the adversary. Were nutshells the main topic of this post, I would be guilty of being too obvious. But this post is not about nutshells. Rather, my point is to show what the fog is not. Remember that the fog has no intent. It just is. It is merely a condition for us to respond to. Before I leave the subject of nutshells altogether, however, let me just give my opinion about spiritual matters. I think you are nuts if you pay someone to trick you.
Changing circumstances can really make us uncomfortable, particularly when we cannot see clearly. Unless I am careful, it is easy for me to be grumpier when I am not comfortable. I have to be cautious so that I don’t take out my frustrations on others, especially those who are closest to me. During difficult periods of our lives it may be tempting to question God, wondering if he is trying to trick us, or wondering why he doesn’t offer more help when we can’t see clearly. While the fog, of itself, may not have an intent, it helps me to remember that Father in Heaven does. He has a careful plan that works toward that intent and that plan includes a very important veil.
It is a fascinating thought to consider that we are in the middle of eternity. Forever stretches in both directions. While you can’t measure forever, the distance behind us and that which is ahead of us is the same, which places us right in the middle. I may not be able to comprehend eternity, but I can focus on the importance of now. Every decision we make leads to another decision. It is a series of good decisions that will help us get back to our heavenly home.
As a condition of this mortal life, each of us has a veil that is placed over our minds. While we existed as spirits before being born into mortality, our premortal existence is hidden from our view. Reducing our memory of the first half of eternity to what we experience here on this earth affords us the opportunity to be tested on what we feel and not just what we see or know. We have to put our trust in something greater than ourselves, and that something greater is God.
The prophet Mormon taught, “For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night. For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God. … And now, my brethren, seeing that ye know the light by which ye may judge, which light is the light of Christ, see that ye do not judge wrongfully….” (Moroni 7:15-16, 18)
Because the knowledge we gained previously needs to be brought back to our remembrance as we learn from our experience, this veil also blurs our current understanding from time to time and causes us to feel as though we were in a cloudbank or a dense fog. However, when we turn to the Son, and His light becomes strong enough to evaporate the fog, we begin to make sense of things that we may not understand otherwise.
Whether our vision is obstructed so we cannot see, or that we see so clearly the things in front of us that they become obstacles for our faith, vision problems, and learning how to deal with them, are an essential part of life.
Just as change can make us uncomfortable, we are often afraid of what we don’t know. We fear the things we don’t understand. In a spiritual sense, the veil is something we cannot see. Because it is not tangible and is merely an explanation of why we can’t remember, we may be afraid of making decisions with the veil present. This fear can be an unfortunate road block that may impede our mortal progress. It is similar to being surrounded by a cloudbank in the redwoods and then deciding to stop until the marine air clears. Understanding why the Lord refers to this reduction of memory as a veil in the scriptures may give us some insight on how to make better choices.
In the writings of the scriptures, a veil is used to describe a piece of cloth that separates two rooms or spaces. It also refers to an article of clothing that may be worn for various reasons, many times in association with prayer or a marriage. A veil is also used symbolically to describe a covering or a separation of the mind from understanding. In each case, the meaning of the word suggests something temporary that may be easily removed under the appropriate circumstances. Knowing when and how to remove it is very important and worth consideration. But first consider the reasons the veil was used.
Separation
Anciently, the veil of the tabernacle or the temple separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. The Holy Place contained an altar of incense, a candlestick, and the table of shew bread. Temple workers would perform some of their duties in the Holy Place. The Holy of Holies was the place where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. It was the throne of God. I think it significant that there wasn’t a wall or a door between the two places, but instead a piece of light fabric hung to separate or conceal. What does the Lord intend for us by suggesting such a light separation? It was His desire to have the ancient Israelites enter into His presence as did Moses, but they were not ready. Until such a time that they were ready, the veil was sufficient a separation to help them. (Exodus 26: 31, 33, 35)
Reverence
A veil is often draped over something to show honor or respect for what is beneath. When the camps of Israel were to move, the veil before the Ark of the Covenant was to be taken down and placed over the Ark. The altar of incense, the candlestick, and the table of shewbread were also to be covered. (Numbers 4:5-15) Those who were to carry the holy items were not to touch them lest they were to die. The Lord wished for them to understand that holy things are not to be treated lightly. The practice of covering is used today in worship meetings where the Lord’s sacrament is administered.
Covering
After Rebekah consented to marry Isaac, his servant brought her to him. As she approached and saw him in the distance, she asked the servant, and he confirmed that the man was Isaac. It was then that Rebekah took a veil and covered her face. She did not cover her face as she traveled with the servant, it was only when she was about to meet her husband-to-be that she felt she needed this propriety. (Genesis 24:61-65) While this may only be a custom, it is worth noting when the covering took place. Covering is an act of modesty and defines personal space.
Revealing
It was a Jewish custom at weddings, and still is in other cultures, for a bride to wear a veil as part of her wedding attire. The veil is then removed after the wedding is performed, symbolic of revealing and giving one’s self to a marriage partner. There is a difference between being acquainted with and knowing someone intimately. Lifting the veil is a symbol of removing the separation that keeps two people apart. This is significant in light of the description of separation above and the analogy used by Paul to describe the marriage between the Lord and the Church. (Ephesians 5:21-33)
Shielding
A veil may also be used as clothing to protect the eyes from dirt and dust. In a spiritual sense it may be used to protect us from other worldly things that may pollute things that should be kept clean. It is also possible for that veil which shields the eyes to obscure what we see with our natural eyes so that we focus more on a deeper meaning rather than what is on the surface. In the case of a wedding ceremony, it is suggestive of marrying for inner beauty and not looks that will fade with time.
Each of these examples of a veil can teach us about our relationship with God. There is a sacredness that is not to be taken lightly, and yet the veil is light enough to be removed when we have sanctified our hearts. The Lord intends for each of us to remove this veil at the appropriate time, when we are prepared to meet him, when the Bridegroom returns for the wedding. Until that time when we are ready to present ourselves, we should not be afraid of the veil, or making choices with it present. Instead we need to rely on the Holy Spirit who will teach us all things and bring all things to our remembrance. (John 14:26) We need to consider when we should veil our face in prayer and when we cover other sacred things that we carry with us or wear as an outward expression of an inner commitment to follow the Savior Jesus Christ.
The Lord told Joseph Smith that this veil is often of our own making. “And your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received – Which vanity and unbelief have brought the whole church under condemnation. And this condemnation resteth upon the children of Zion, even all.” (Doctrine & Covenants 84:54-56) Vanity and unbelief will hinder our progress, just like stopping in the fog. The solution to correct this is to replace our fear with faith.
We demonstrate our faith when we are willing to do hard things. We exercise our faith by acting upon the circumstances that are given to us and making correct choices when we are surrounded by fog. Our faith grows as we gain experience in mortality, by trusting our spirituality, or by following the promptings of the Holy Spirit. When our faith becomes such that we not only believe in Jesus Christ, but we believe Him enough to follow Him through any circumstance, then we are prepared to meet Him. Then we are ready for the wedding where we can rend the veil of unbelief. We do not have to be perfect. We merely have to turn our hearts to Him so that He can show us the way. We only need to find a good place to start and begin.
The prophet Moroni taught us, “Behold, when ye shall rend that veil of unbelief which doth cause you to remain in your awful state of wickedness, and hardness of heart, and blindness of mind, then shall the great and marvelous things which have been hid up from the foundation of the world from you—yea, when ye shall call upon the Father in my name, with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then shall ye know that the Father hath remembered the covenant which he made unto your fathers, O house of Israel.” (Ether 4:15) The decision to rend the veil of unbelief starts with a prayer and requires a broken heart and a contrite spirit.
Knowing that the veil provided us by a loving Father in Heaven is not meant to be a trick or a deception can help us trust Him more completely that He will help us and He will not lead us astray. He has promised to comfort us, direct us, and inspire us as we close our eyes and listen with our hearts and our minds. It is more important to focus on what we feel and not just what we see and what we know. In a nutshell, it all comes down to faith. If you rely only on your eyes, the great deceiver may yet deceive you again and again. But if we learn to trust in the Lord by using the veil to help us, at least until our faith is sufficiently strong to rend it, we will be prepared for the wedding when the Bridegroom returns. I look forward to that day. In the meantime, I am grateful for my veil.
http://saltypockets.blogspot.com/
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Brilliant Light
Christmas morning usually brings about a parental role reversal in our house. Consistently, our children have taken it upon themselves to lead an energetic charge of figurative reveille, minus the bugle. Their sole purpose is to get two very tired parents out of bed. Some day they will understand. Some day we will miss this morning ritual that happens once a year.
In more recent years, we have imposed a rule that Christmas can’t come until 7:00 AM. No buts. The rule mostly works, with a few minor glitches. Our kids may not wake us up deliberately, but we can usually hear their voices just outside our bedroom door, watching the clock and giggling with anticipation. It provides us an opportunity to be slightly disappointed about missing that last 15 minutes of craved-for sleep. But then a smile dawns on our faces, knowing that one of our favorite days of the year has arrived. With a mix of reluctance and excitement, we get out of bed.
Amidst the pleasant anxiety in the air, the morning has a few other procedures of policy that are to be followed carefully. Mom and Dad are the first to go downstairs to the living room. Press conference cameras have to be ready and in position to capture one more memory that will fade all too fast. One of us will take the still shot and the other will take video. We try not to hide behind the cameras too much. There is something to be said about living in the moment rather than always anticipating the future or remembering the past. Still, preserving the past for some future re-run of memories has given us great satisfaction from time to time.
Under the Christmas tree is an “urban sprawl” display of presents. Numbers multiply quickly in a family of seven. It doesn’t take much to cover the small floor of our living room with gifts of affection. The family presents that have been under the tree for days take a back seat to the wrapped presents left by Santa. (I have it on good authority that Santa really likes the cookies and milk the kids leave for him. I wonder about the carrots left for Rudolph.) After the “Santa presents” have been unearthed and enjoyed, we take a break to indulge in a family tradition of eating orange flavored sweet rolls. Properly fed and satisfied, we go back and open gifts given to each other.
Christmas morning has always been beautiful. It is a golden moment that has never left us disappointed. There is a beautiful glow that emanates from each of our children, and not just the Christmas tree lights. They are happy, excited, full of gratitude and love. Liz and I cherish these few remaining Christmas moments with our children at home. There is a greater reluctance to move on as our children unavoidably approach adulthood. In not many years they will be starting families and traditions of their own. This expectation makes it easier to give up the craved-for sleep that we could use a little more of now.
There is one procedure of policy that I didn’t mention in regard to our Christmas morning procession. It is small but essential to our household. Our children have come to accept it because it is just what we do. After Mom and Dad are aroused and have offered our own personal prayers, we invite the children into our bedroom to read from the scriptures. Their own scriptures are ready and waiting for them, prepared the night before. The presents under the tree can wait a little longer. We usually read some passages about the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ, and the love of God. Granted, there is only so much that can be discussed when the mind is distracted by the unknown wonder of what is waiting in the living room. But, first things first, we set the table of our hearts with proper etiquette and place settings. Turning on the brilliant light in our hearts on this special day illuminates everything else we do. We then pray as a family, thanking Father for another wonderful year and for the many, many blessings He has given us. With these preparations complete, we are ready to go down and enjoy the morning.
Regarding the advent of the first coming of Jesus Christ, the apostle John recorded, “In the beginning was the gospel preached through the Son. And the gospel was the word, and the word was with the Son, and the Son was with God, and the Son was of God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made which was made. In him was the gospel, and the gospel was the life, and the life was the light of men; And the light shineth in the world, and the world perceiveth it not.” (JST John 1:1-5)
The Son, who was with the Father and created all things, consented to be born on earth as a little babe in a stable. Jesus did this for us to provide us with brilliant light – the light of His life, the light of His example, and the light of His love. He gave us everything He had so that we might have life eternal with Him. His very life was a gift to us.
Jesus is “the true light, which lighteth every man who cometh into the world; Even the Son of God.” He was “made flesh, and sent unto us by the will of the Father, And as many as believe on his name shall receive of his fulness. And of his fullness have all we received, even immortality and eternal life, through his grace.” (JST John 1:10, 16)
“John the Baptist bore record, “He received a fulness of truth, yea, even of all truth; And no man receiveth a fulness unless he keepeth his commandments. He that keepeth his commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things.” (D&C 93:26-28) We give glory to God, when we forsake the evil one and choose the light instead.
The first advent of the Savior was as soft as the light of a star lighting upon the ground. That was His season to come in meekness and humility. We feel His love, and then we share it. In return we feel more love from Him and from others. The gift of love provides a wonderful light by which all may see. It is by this light that we may truly prepare to see Him again.
The Lord revealed to Joseph Smith, “It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am; And that I am the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world.”
If we seek Him, if we seek this Jesus of whom the prophets have testified and wise men have witnessed, we shall find Him. Someday we will understand. Hopefully we do not secretly hope that He will delay His coming because it is easier to sleep, or because our Christmas preparations are not yet ready. While it may not be tomorrow, the second advent of the Savior Jesus Christ is nearer. We may not see Him now, but if we are listening we will recognize His voice at the door as He calls to us to follow him. Then will a smile dawn on our faces, knowing that another special season has arrived – a Christmas of a different kind. I look forward to seeing that brilliant light. I look forward to the time when I will be sufficiently prepared. I anxiously await the time when I can greet him on a new Christmas morning.
http://saltypockets.blogspot.com/
In more recent years, we have imposed a rule that Christmas can’t come until 7:00 AM. No buts. The rule mostly works, with a few minor glitches. Our kids may not wake us up deliberately, but we can usually hear their voices just outside our bedroom door, watching the clock and giggling with anticipation. It provides us an opportunity to be slightly disappointed about missing that last 15 minutes of craved-for sleep. But then a smile dawns on our faces, knowing that one of our favorite days of the year has arrived. With a mix of reluctance and excitement, we get out of bed.
Amidst the pleasant anxiety in the air, the morning has a few other procedures of policy that are to be followed carefully. Mom and Dad are the first to go downstairs to the living room. Press conference cameras have to be ready and in position to capture one more memory that will fade all too fast. One of us will take the still shot and the other will take video. We try not to hide behind the cameras too much. There is something to be said about living in the moment rather than always anticipating the future or remembering the past. Still, preserving the past for some future re-run of memories has given us great satisfaction from time to time.
Under the Christmas tree is an “urban sprawl” display of presents. Numbers multiply quickly in a family of seven. It doesn’t take much to cover the small floor of our living room with gifts of affection. The family presents that have been under the tree for days take a back seat to the wrapped presents left by Santa. (I have it on good authority that Santa really likes the cookies and milk the kids leave for him. I wonder about the carrots left for Rudolph.) After the “Santa presents” have been unearthed and enjoyed, we take a break to indulge in a family tradition of eating orange flavored sweet rolls. Properly fed and satisfied, we go back and open gifts given to each other.
Christmas morning has always been beautiful. It is a golden moment that has never left us disappointed. There is a beautiful glow that emanates from each of our children, and not just the Christmas tree lights. They are happy, excited, full of gratitude and love. Liz and I cherish these few remaining Christmas moments with our children at home. There is a greater reluctance to move on as our children unavoidably approach adulthood. In not many years they will be starting families and traditions of their own. This expectation makes it easier to give up the craved-for sleep that we could use a little more of now.
There is one procedure of policy that I didn’t mention in regard to our Christmas morning procession. It is small but essential to our household. Our children have come to accept it because it is just what we do. After Mom and Dad are aroused and have offered our own personal prayers, we invite the children into our bedroom to read from the scriptures. Their own scriptures are ready and waiting for them, prepared the night before. The presents under the tree can wait a little longer. We usually read some passages about the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ, and the love of God. Granted, there is only so much that can be discussed when the mind is distracted by the unknown wonder of what is waiting in the living room. But, first things first, we set the table of our hearts with proper etiquette and place settings. Turning on the brilliant light in our hearts on this special day illuminates everything else we do. We then pray as a family, thanking Father for another wonderful year and for the many, many blessings He has given us. With these preparations complete, we are ready to go down and enjoy the morning.
Regarding the advent of the first coming of Jesus Christ, the apostle John recorded, “In the beginning was the gospel preached through the Son. And the gospel was the word, and the word was with the Son, and the Son was with God, and the Son was of God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made which was made. In him was the gospel, and the gospel was the life, and the life was the light of men; And the light shineth in the world, and the world perceiveth it not.” (JST John 1:1-5)
The Son, who was with the Father and created all things, consented to be born on earth as a little babe in a stable. Jesus did this for us to provide us with brilliant light – the light of His life, the light of His example, and the light of His love. He gave us everything He had so that we might have life eternal with Him. His very life was a gift to us.
Jesus is “the true light, which lighteth every man who cometh into the world; Even the Son of God.” He was “made flesh, and sent unto us by the will of the Father, And as many as believe on his name shall receive of his fulness. And of his fullness have all we received, even immortality and eternal life, through his grace.” (JST John 1:10, 16)
“John the Baptist bore record, “He received a fulness of truth, yea, even of all truth; And no man receiveth a fulness unless he keepeth his commandments. He that keepeth his commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things.” (D&C 93:26-28) We give glory to God, when we forsake the evil one and choose the light instead.
The first advent of the Savior was as soft as the light of a star lighting upon the ground. That was His season to come in meekness and humility. We feel His love, and then we share it. In return we feel more love from Him and from others. The gift of love provides a wonderful light by which all may see. It is by this light that we may truly prepare to see Him again.
The Lord revealed to Joseph Smith, “It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am; And that I am the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world.”
If we seek Him, if we seek this Jesus of whom the prophets have testified and wise men have witnessed, we shall find Him. Someday we will understand. Hopefully we do not secretly hope that He will delay His coming because it is easier to sleep, or because our Christmas preparations are not yet ready. While it may not be tomorrow, the second advent of the Savior Jesus Christ is nearer. We may not see Him now, but if we are listening we will recognize His voice at the door as He calls to us to follow him. Then will a smile dawn on our faces, knowing that another special season has arrived – a Christmas of a different kind. I look forward to seeing that brilliant light. I look forward to the time when I will be sufficiently prepared. I anxiously await the time when I can greet him on a new Christmas morning.
http://saltypockets.blogspot.com/
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Savior of the World Production
Recently our family performed in a musical production called "Savior of the World." It was a tremendous experience for me and my family. Following are some of my thoughts regarding the experience:
For two weeks, now, I have been pondering the events, firesides, and rehearsals that led up to the production of Savior of the World. It has had a more powerful effect on me than I could ever have imagined. The collective experience has been one of the most spiritual experiences of my life. In the time that has followed, I have had a wide range of emotions – from grand elation to deep mourning. These emotions have been very close to the surface and have caused me to weep many times, both for sorrow and for joy.
I was quite surprised when I first looked at the initial cast list and discovered that I had been asked to play the role of the Savior. Nothing had been further from my mind. I had anticipated nothing more than being in the chorus with our family. While the part meant more involvement than I expected, it has been a wonderful gift.
Our family had initially decided to be in the production as a way to share a unique spiritual experience together. With the exception of our six-year-old daughter, we each participated in learning lines and music. We also had numerous discussions at home that focused on the topics we were rehearsing. Even though our youngest daughter, Anna, was not able to be in the play, she heard us singing the music enough that she knew most of the words herself. Life continued at home much as it always had, but there was a subtle difference. As we began to discuss the life of the Savior more, His light increased in our lives.
We were delighted to find that we were not unique in our experience. Each time we attended the Saturday chorus rehearsals, we made new friends who had similar stories. It was wonderful to meet so many good people from neighboring stakes. I was grateful to become better acquainted with members of my own stake. Each of us had come together to make words and notes on paper become a presentation of testimony and faith. As we worked to learn our parts, the seeds of unity were sown and they began to take root in our hearts. I believe those roots unknowingly intertwined with each other. We became stronger as we relied upon each other for help. We became happier as we found we shared something beautiful. I recognized the seeds of Zion, and longed for it.
I remember meeting for the first time the men who would play the roles of the apostles. We left a chorus rehearsal to act out a scene in an adjacent room. The setting was when Jesus called to them while fishing on the Sea of Galilee. There was no water or fish in that room, just a group of us casually appraising each other, not knowing what to expect. The distance that accompanies unfamiliarity soon left as we practiced our lines and worked together to learn our parts. Each rehearsal began to create a bond between us. I don’t remember which one of us noticed first, but I believe we each felt the influence of the Spirit as we visualized the scripture and tried to repeat the event. This feeling continued to grow until we realized that we felt much like one would expect to feel in the Holy Temple.
The scene where Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene has been one of my favorites from the start of this production. It is there that the hopes and expectations of prophets and saints for hundreds of years is suddenly realized and Mary becomes the first mortal witness of the resurrected Savior. The apostles were too close to the Savior to fully understand what he had taught them. They were too emotionally wounded to believe that he could actually have risen as he said he would. What took place was unprecedented.
The moment when Mary Magdalene recognizes the voice of he Lord and turns to meet Him is extremely significant to each of us. It is a point of realization that what He said is true. It is the point in our lives when we really see, not just with our eyes, but with our faith. He does live, and he will come just as he said. Just as Mary looks into the eyes of the Savior, each of us is meant to have an intimate experience where we turn and recognize the Lord. Each of us can embrace him without touching him. We can hold on to what he taught. We can remember him. Each of us can believe with our hearts and follow with our covenants.
Some of the most spiritual experiences I had did not happen on stage. They occurred back stage, in the green room, and in other unexpected places when I could have individual conversations with many of the cast members. It wasn’t only when we were acting. Those spiritual moments happened when we forged friendships that will bless my life forever. Largely because of the role I played, I felt a unanimous acceptance. I felt the support of everyone involved, and it was a great blessing to me. Then something really beautiful happened. When I put on the costume and the beard and played the part of the Savior, everything changed. Each of the cast would look at me, and yet they weren’t looking at me. For a brief moment in each performance, it was as though I had the privilege of representing everything they believed in. Those moments truly felt sacred. I felt such an outpouring of love for the Lord.
The feeling then continued on stage with Mary Magdalene, the apostles, and the disciples. They looked at me, and yet they were looking past me. It seemed as though they were no longer acting. Instead they were worshipping. It was the Lord, Jesus, they worshipped, even though it was a set on a stage. Since then I have thought much about the topic. I was taught volumes about worship because of what I saw and felt.
After our performances were concluded, a great loss settled in my heart. I experienced sadness like I had not for many years, and I marveled. “How is it possible that this experience could have such a profound effect upon my heart?” Not only had I come to depend on the Lord, I had come to depend on how I felt when we performed. I had come to depend on being with my friends. I had grown accustomed to the roots of unity that had intertwined between us. When it was over, and we could no longer act out the scenes together, there was an immense void. I can only imagine what those who were truly close to the Savior actually felt.
Through this experience, I learned to appreciate mourning more. I discovered that mourning can be a beautiful gift – it can be a reverence for that which we treasure. Mourning for something we no longer have can increase our capacity to live – to do what we need to do to again obtain the thing we have lost. I loved those who loved me, more deeply than I could have ever thought possible. It was so sincere and simple. Every time I think about it, I feel it grip my heart. I feel the sorrow of not being able to experience that feeling the same way again. I am also very blessed to have loved and shared.
For me the play was life changing. My life will be much better because of this experience. Because of what I felt, my heart became more sanctified. I felt a greater desire to remove the obstacles and impurities in my heart. Others came up to me and confided the same feelings, that this production was a great blessing in their lives. They had either experienced difficult times, or they did not feel as close to the Spirit before the play. The play changed that for many.
We reprioritized our lives for a brief time with extra emphasis on the Savior, his words, his life, and his message. Frequently we prayed to Father for His help. I believe the requests became deeper with each prayer, as did our gratitude. We prayed personally, as families, and together as a cast. We prayed in our hearts, continually, and relied upon the Lord. Our prayers were focused. Who can wonder that the answers to our prayers were so great? Everything else in our lives moved or adjusted to accommodate the Savior. This time, there was room at the inn. We made room.
I have found, after having such an amazing experience, that I want to mourn with those who are mourning over the absences of the spirit. I wish to rejoice with my friends over our experiences – because they happened. As I look at the events of the past year that led up to this production, I see the Lord's hand in it. He is doing his work, and he is kind enough to let us assist. I feel as though I have been given a private lesson on how to be a better shepherd. And now I will be. I am better prepared to feed his sheep, because I love Him, and because I love them.
If I could pick one day to live over and over again, it would be that last Saturday. Our preparations, our time together, and our performances made it a very special day. The spirit I felt that day was overwhelming, particularly in our last performance. I hope to never forget the feelings we shared that night.
I express my gratitude to each member of the cast, chorus, and crew for making this such a special and memorable event. I truly love you. Thank you, especially, for being my friend. You were all so wonderful to work with. I know in my heart that the message we shared is entirely true. I know that Jesus is our Savior and Redeemer, of whom we testified. As I pattern my life after His and seek His divine help, I feel His influence in every part of my life. That influence grows in my life as fast as I am willing to let it. It fills my heart and spills over through small acts of services. Because of the witness of the Holy Ghost, I know Jesus came. I also know he will come again. For him I will wait, and I will trust that he will keep his promises. May we all be faithful in our testimonies and the witness that was born to us through this production is my prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
For two weeks, now, I have been pondering the events, firesides, and rehearsals that led up to the production of Savior of the World. It has had a more powerful effect on me than I could ever have imagined. The collective experience has been one of the most spiritual experiences of my life. In the time that has followed, I have had a wide range of emotions – from grand elation to deep mourning. These emotions have been very close to the surface and have caused me to weep many times, both for sorrow and for joy.
I was quite surprised when I first looked at the initial cast list and discovered that I had been asked to play the role of the Savior. Nothing had been further from my mind. I had anticipated nothing more than being in the chorus with our family. While the part meant more involvement than I expected, it has been a wonderful gift.
Our family had initially decided to be in the production as a way to share a unique spiritual experience together. With the exception of our six-year-old daughter, we each participated in learning lines and music. We also had numerous discussions at home that focused on the topics we were rehearsing. Even though our youngest daughter, Anna, was not able to be in the play, she heard us singing the music enough that she knew most of the words herself. Life continued at home much as it always had, but there was a subtle difference. As we began to discuss the life of the Savior more, His light increased in our lives.
We were delighted to find that we were not unique in our experience. Each time we attended the Saturday chorus rehearsals, we made new friends who had similar stories. It was wonderful to meet so many good people from neighboring stakes. I was grateful to become better acquainted with members of my own stake. Each of us had come together to make words and notes on paper become a presentation of testimony and faith. As we worked to learn our parts, the seeds of unity were sown and they began to take root in our hearts. I believe those roots unknowingly intertwined with each other. We became stronger as we relied upon each other for help. We became happier as we found we shared something beautiful. I recognized the seeds of Zion, and longed for it.
I remember meeting for the first time the men who would play the roles of the apostles. We left a chorus rehearsal to act out a scene in an adjacent room. The setting was when Jesus called to them while fishing on the Sea of Galilee. There was no water or fish in that room, just a group of us casually appraising each other, not knowing what to expect. The distance that accompanies unfamiliarity soon left as we practiced our lines and worked together to learn our parts. Each rehearsal began to create a bond between us. I don’t remember which one of us noticed first, but I believe we each felt the influence of the Spirit as we visualized the scripture and tried to repeat the event. This feeling continued to grow until we realized that we felt much like one would expect to feel in the Holy Temple.
The scene where Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene has been one of my favorites from the start of this production. It is there that the hopes and expectations of prophets and saints for hundreds of years is suddenly realized and Mary becomes the first mortal witness of the resurrected Savior. The apostles were too close to the Savior to fully understand what he had taught them. They were too emotionally wounded to believe that he could actually have risen as he said he would. What took place was unprecedented.
The moment when Mary Magdalene recognizes the voice of he Lord and turns to meet Him is extremely significant to each of us. It is a point of realization that what He said is true. It is the point in our lives when we really see, not just with our eyes, but with our faith. He does live, and he will come just as he said. Just as Mary looks into the eyes of the Savior, each of us is meant to have an intimate experience where we turn and recognize the Lord. Each of us can embrace him without touching him. We can hold on to what he taught. We can remember him. Each of us can believe with our hearts and follow with our covenants.
Some of the most spiritual experiences I had did not happen on stage. They occurred back stage, in the green room, and in other unexpected places when I could have individual conversations with many of the cast members. It wasn’t only when we were acting. Those spiritual moments happened when we forged friendships that will bless my life forever. Largely because of the role I played, I felt a unanimous acceptance. I felt the support of everyone involved, and it was a great blessing to me. Then something really beautiful happened. When I put on the costume and the beard and played the part of the Savior, everything changed. Each of the cast would look at me, and yet they weren’t looking at me. For a brief moment in each performance, it was as though I had the privilege of representing everything they believed in. Those moments truly felt sacred. I felt such an outpouring of love for the Lord.
The feeling then continued on stage with Mary Magdalene, the apostles, and the disciples. They looked at me, and yet they were looking past me. It seemed as though they were no longer acting. Instead they were worshipping. It was the Lord, Jesus, they worshipped, even though it was a set on a stage. Since then I have thought much about the topic. I was taught volumes about worship because of what I saw and felt.
After our performances were concluded, a great loss settled in my heart. I experienced sadness like I had not for many years, and I marveled. “How is it possible that this experience could have such a profound effect upon my heart?” Not only had I come to depend on the Lord, I had come to depend on how I felt when we performed. I had come to depend on being with my friends. I had grown accustomed to the roots of unity that had intertwined between us. When it was over, and we could no longer act out the scenes together, there was an immense void. I can only imagine what those who were truly close to the Savior actually felt.
Through this experience, I learned to appreciate mourning more. I discovered that mourning can be a beautiful gift – it can be a reverence for that which we treasure. Mourning for something we no longer have can increase our capacity to live – to do what we need to do to again obtain the thing we have lost. I loved those who loved me, more deeply than I could have ever thought possible. It was so sincere and simple. Every time I think about it, I feel it grip my heart. I feel the sorrow of not being able to experience that feeling the same way again. I am also very blessed to have loved and shared.
For me the play was life changing. My life will be much better because of this experience. Because of what I felt, my heart became more sanctified. I felt a greater desire to remove the obstacles and impurities in my heart. Others came up to me and confided the same feelings, that this production was a great blessing in their lives. They had either experienced difficult times, or they did not feel as close to the Spirit before the play. The play changed that for many.
We reprioritized our lives for a brief time with extra emphasis on the Savior, his words, his life, and his message. Frequently we prayed to Father for His help. I believe the requests became deeper with each prayer, as did our gratitude. We prayed personally, as families, and together as a cast. We prayed in our hearts, continually, and relied upon the Lord. Our prayers were focused. Who can wonder that the answers to our prayers were so great? Everything else in our lives moved or adjusted to accommodate the Savior. This time, there was room at the inn. We made room.
I have found, after having such an amazing experience, that I want to mourn with those who are mourning over the absences of the spirit. I wish to rejoice with my friends over our experiences – because they happened. As I look at the events of the past year that led up to this production, I see the Lord's hand in it. He is doing his work, and he is kind enough to let us assist. I feel as though I have been given a private lesson on how to be a better shepherd. And now I will be. I am better prepared to feed his sheep, because I love Him, and because I love them.
If I could pick one day to live over and over again, it would be that last Saturday. Our preparations, our time together, and our performances made it a very special day. The spirit I felt that day was overwhelming, particularly in our last performance. I hope to never forget the feelings we shared that night.
I express my gratitude to each member of the cast, chorus, and crew for making this such a special and memorable event. I truly love you. Thank you, especially, for being my friend. You were all so wonderful to work with. I know in my heart that the message we shared is entirely true. I know that Jesus is our Savior and Redeemer, of whom we testified. As I pattern my life after His and seek His divine help, I feel His influence in every part of my life. That influence grows in my life as fast as I am willing to let it. It fills my heart and spills over through small acts of services. Because of the witness of the Holy Ghost, I know Jesus came. I also know he will come again. For him I will wait, and I will trust that he will keep his promises. May we all be faithful in our testimonies and the witness that was born to us through this production is my prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
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.
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.
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