Turning to God

After the tragic attacks on the twin towers on September 11, 2001, there was a sudden increase in attendance in all religious congregations.  After a few months, attendance began to drop again. It is as if when we are in physical danger, we turn to God. It makes me proud to know that the citizens of this great nation know where to turn in crisis.

So, why do we turn away when immediate crises are over? As I began thinking about this, I realized that we are never out of physical danger. Satan is always ready with his devilish followers to ensare us and lead us away. His threat is in front of us at all times.

Some may be saying, "But Michael, you said physical danger." Yes, I did. Consider this: if we give into the devil's temptations, then we become subject to the consequences of our choice. What consequences? Could be as extremely as addiction or even death. Our consequences could be as simple as a slap on the wrist. They are all physical results. On the other hand, our choices could lead to guilt, a physical emotion. Perhaps it could lead to confession. Don't we physically approach a spiritual leader to symbolize us approaching our Savior? Perhaps our choice leads us to something as extreme as divorce, which is a physical separation from the blessings of a spouse.

Whatever the consequence may be, there is a physical result to some degree. It doesn't matter why the sinner may admit, he/she is subject to physical trial. At the very least, sorrow will hit those who give into temptation at some point. And sorrow will always lead to a change in physical behavior. After all, aren't all emotions driven by electric impulses in the brain?

Why do I emphasize this physical result so hard? Well, if we really are in constant physical danger, then from the reasoning we as a nation showed after the 9/11 attacks, shouldn't awe always turn to the Savior?

Today is Easter. I want you to know that Jesus Christ lives. I know that, because if He hadn't been ressurrected on that first Easter Sunday, then I wouldn't have felt His influence on my life. He cares for each of us, and wants us to be free of all pain, physical and emotional, and the physical results from that pain.

He has provided a way so that we can eventually become as He is, ressurrected and free of physical pain from sin. He has also provided a way so that we can free ourselves from the shackles of sin.

What's more, we have been offered blessings of all types, emotional, physical, spiritual, etc., if we choose to follow Him. It is my prayer that we make the right choice, and prepare for all challenges, and open ourselves to the Lord's blessings.

(Read also the introduction to "Standing for Something" by Gordon B. Hinckley. In fact, read the whole book!)

Lesson 9: "My Soul Delighteth in the Words of Isaiah" (2 Nephi 11-25)

Much of this lesson is taken directly from The Gospel Doctrine Manual.  Any deviations, or other thoughts, I have put here in this post.


When the Savior appeared as a resurrected being to the nephites (3 Nephi 11-28), He commanded the people to read the scriptures, but particularly the Book of Isaiah.  Why is it so critical to read Isaiah?

• To "more fully persuade [us] to believe in the Lord," (1 Nephi 19:23)
• To provide another witness of Jesus Christ, (2 Nephi 11:2-4)
• To help us (his readers) rejoice, (2 Nephi 11:5-6) and
• To reveal God's judgments. (2 Nephi 25:3)

Why are they particularly important for us today?  We see these prophesies coming to pass with our very eyes (2 Nephi 25:7-8)

There are several important keys that help us better understand Isaiah?  Nephi gives some ideas to us:

• "Liken all scriptures unto us," (1 Nephi 19:23)
• "Know...concerning the manner of prophesying among the Jews," (2 Nephi 25:1) [For example, a mountain has always been a holy place to the Jews, a place where one could commune with God. So a mountain by Isaiah's standards is the same as a temple to us.]
• "Know the judgments of God," (2 Nephi 25:3) [Understanding how the Lord worked to judge and bless His people will help us understand what He can do in our lives]
• "Know concerning the regions round about [Jerusalem]," (2 Nephi 25:6)
• "Be filled with the spirit of prophecy." (2 Nephi 25:4)

For me, another key to understanding Isaiah is not to look at a particular chapter.  Often, Isaiah speaks about the same topic through multiple chapters, so only reading one chapter distorts the continuity.  For example, Isaiah 2-5 is about Temples and the Gathering of Israel.  Isaiah 7-12 uses the war between Judah (the people of God) and their enemies (Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and Kingdom of Syria) to prophecy of the life of the Savior and the Atonement, as well as the blessings for following Christ and the destruction of those who fight against the work of God.

To connect chapters, look for connecting words, such as, "Moreover," "Nevertheless," "And it shall come to pass in that day," "For behold," and so on.

What are some concepts you have noticed that help you better understand Isaiah?

2 Nephi 12:1-12   Isaiah sees the latter-day temple and the gathering of Israel

The best way to start studying Isaiah is to start reading.  Read 2 Nephi 12:1-12 before continuing this lesson.

Notes on this passage:

• 12:2  Definition: Utah: "The name "Utah" comes from the Native American 'Ute' tribe and means people of the mountains." (http://www.utah.gov/about/quickfacts.html)
• 12:3  "Mountain of the Lord" and "house of the God of Jacob" are both used synonymously here. Both are referred to as a place of teaching.  In Jewish society, this was done in the Temple.
• 12:4  Definition: Judge: verb. to decide or settle authoritatively. (from dictionary.reference.com)
• The east is a symbol of the world. From Jerusalem, all the wicked nations were to the east. Also, a wind coming from the east always caused death and destruction because it was so dry. When Adam and Eve were first created, they were placed eastward in the garden of Eden. After they fell, they left to the east, so their journey too the east was symbolic of leaving God's presence, and coming from the east to the west is a return to God's presence.

Lesson 8: "O How Great the Goodness of Our God" (2 Nephi 6-10)

Original lesson material found here.

Introduction
In last week's lesson (2 Nephi 3-5), the prophet Lehi died. Within a few days, a large rift formed between his sons, Laman and Lemuel, as well as the sons of Ishmael and all those who followed them, and Nephi.  This rift was so large that Laman decided to kill Nephi.  Nephi, being warned, fled into the wilderness with those that followed him.  Thus the two nations, the Nephites and the Lamanites, were formed.

Nephi had established an order to his people.  His younger brothers, Jacob and Joseph, were set apart as teachers in the church.  2 Nephi 6-10 consist of the teachings of Jacob to the people.

The manual doesn't cover 2 Nephi 6-8 at all, focusing completely on 2 Nephi 9-10.  These chapters are important, however, since 9-10 are Jacob's discussion on certain chapters of Isaiah, which he quoted in 6-8.  In these chapters, Jacob tells the people that he has received a witness that Jerusalem had indeed been destroyed, and that its inhabitants were carried off as captives to the great Babylonian Empire.  The chapters of Isaiah that he quotes (Isaiah 49-52) talk about the scattering and the eventual gathering of the House of Israel.  In describing the Lord's role in the gathering as advocate to the people, Isaiah encourages Jerusalem (or, in other words, the House of Israel) to "Awake, awake, put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city; for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean." (2 Nephi 8:24, Isaiah 52:1)  In other words, be clean and don't take in worldly ideals.

However, to every temporal idea the Lord gives, there is a symbol.  In explaining these chapters, Jacob doesn't  talk immediately about the scattering or gathering of Israel.  Instead, he talks about the Atonement and the Resurrection.  The connection?  "Wherefore, they that fight against Zion and the covenant people of the Lord shall lick up the dust of their feel; and the people of the Lord shall not be ashamed. For the people of the Lord are they who wait for him; for they still wait for the coming of the Messiah." (2 Nephi 6:13).  Although the teachings of Isaiah are literally true, we're not talking strictly about the nation of Israel anymore.  We are talking about all those who follow the teachings of the Gospel, and who trust in the Lord.  We are talking about those who have come to mortality, and who await the time that the Savior will come and gather in those who have been faithful to Him in this life, to once more live in God's presence.

Further, there are descriptive references to the Savior in these chapters.  For instance: The list may include the following words: deliver (2 Nephi 6:17; 7:2), redeem (2 Nephi 7:2), comfort, comforteth (2 Nephi 8:3, 12), light (2 Nephi 8:4), judgment, judge (2 Nephi 8:4–5), and salvation(2 Nephi 8:5–6)."  (LDS Book of Mormon Teacher's Manual)  Therefore, the gathering of Israel is a type and a shadow of the Atonement and the Resurrection, which serve as the bridge in the great plan of salvation rescuing us from death (spiritual and temporal).

The Atonement and the two Deaths
In the plan of salvation, we often show it as:

Post-Mortal Life
   ||Birth||
Mortality
   ||Death||
Spirit Paradise/Prison
   ||Resurrection||
   ||Judgement||
The Three Kingdoms (D&C 76)

It is also depicted at times as a bridge with three pillars: The Creation, The Fall, The Atonement (Bruce R. McConkie, Christ and the Creation, Liahona, Sep. 1983).  However, these two views can also be viewed together:

"Premortal existence
Spiritual creation
Agency
War in heaven
Physical creation
The Fall and mortality
Principles and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ (first principles: faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, …)
The Atonement
Life beyond the grave
Spirit world
Judgment
Resurrection" (Boyd K. Packer, Old Testament Teacher Resource Manual, The Great Plan of Happiness).

2 Nephi 9:6 - Adam's transgression -> the Fall -> death -> need for a resurrection.  In this plan outlined above, we can make it to the Spirit World. We are helpless beyond that point. How is this resurrection brought about?  Through an infinite atonement.

What would happen if there were no infinite atonement?  2 Nephi 9:7-9.  We would remain corrupt, our bodies would rot forever, we would be subject to the devil (even like the devil), and we would be "shut out from the presence of our God."

What does infinite atonement mean?  2 Nephi 9:11-12.  The grave must give up its dead (resurrection) (vs. 11), and hell must give up its dead (vs. 12).  Then, our bodies and our spirits "will be restored one to the other; and it is by the power of the resurrection of the Holy One of Israel." (vs. 12).  In addition, His atonement was meant to cover all sins, and to resurrect all of the children, as well as suffer for all sicknesses and infirmities (Alma 7:10-13).  This is why it is infinite.

Certain attitudes are needed for us to receive the blessings of the Atonement

a. Believe in Jesus Christ, the Holy One of Israel, and come unto Him (2 Nephi 9:18, 23–24, 41). Why is faith in Jesus Christ essential in order to receive all the blessings of His Atonement?
b. Endure the crosses of the world and despise the shame of the world (2 Nephi 9:18). What does it mean to endure the crosses of the world? (See Matthew 16:24d, footnote 24d; 3 Nephi 12:29–30.) What does it mean to despise the shame of the world? (See 2 Nephi 9:49.)
c. Hearken to the voice of the Lord (2 Nephi 9:21). How can we hear the voice of the Lord? (See D&C 1:38; 18:33–36; 88:66.)
d. Repent, be baptized, and endure to the end (2 Nephi 9:23–24).
e. Be spiritually minded (2 Nephi 9:39; see also Romans 8:5–8). What does it mean to you to be spiritually minded? How does being spiritually minded lead to “life eternal”? What does it mean to be carnally minded? How does being carnally minded lead to spiritual death? What can we do to become more spiritually minded?
f. “Feast upon that which perisheth not” (2 Nephi 9:50–51). What are some things that never perish? How can we “feast” on these things?
g. Remember the words of God (2 Nephi 9:52). How does remembering God’s words help us receive all the blessings of the Atonement? (See 3 Nephi 15:1.)
h. Pray continually and give thanks (2 Nephi 9:52). How has praying and expressing gratitude to our Heavenly Father helped you draw nearer to Him and His Son?


Certain attitudes prevent us from receiving all the blessings of the Atonement

a. Transgressing the commandments and wasting the days of our probation (2 Nephi 9:27). In the Book of Mormon, prophets often refer to our life on earth as a “state of probation,” or a time to be tested (2 Nephi 2:21; see also 2 Nephi 2:30; Mormon 9:28). How might some people waste the days of their probation? (See 2 Nephi 9:38; Alma 34:31–33; Helaman 13:38.)
b. Placing learning, money, and other idols above God (2 Nephi 9:28–30, 37). How can the pursuit of knowledge and riches keep us from receiving all the blessings of the Atonement? (See 2 Nephi 9:28, 30, 42.) In what situations are learning and riches good? (See 2 Nephi 9:29; Jacob 2:18–19.)
c. Being spiritually deaf and blind (2 Nephi 9:31–32). What does it mean to be spiritually deaf and blind? How can we open our ears and eyes to the truths of the gospel?
d. Being “uncircumcised of heart” (2 Nephi 9:33). In ancient Israel, a man who was uncircumcised was breaking a covenant with God (Genesis 17:11, 14). With this understanding, what does it mean to be “uncircumcised of heart”?
e. Lying and committing murders and whoredoms (2 Nephi 9:34–36).

The power of the Atonement is available to all who follow the above attitudes.  It is so easy to believe that, if we have made a mistake and either failed to follow some positive attribute or do something that from this second list, we no longer qualify for the blessings of Atonement.  However, this is not true.

Elder Boyd K. Packer taught: “The discouraging idea that a mistake (or even a series of them) makes it everlastingly too late, does not come from the Lord. He has said that if we will repent, not only will He forgive us our transgressions, but He will forget them and remember our sins no more (see Isaiah 43:25; Hebrews 8:12; 10:17; Alma 36:19; D&C 58:42)” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1989, 72; or Ensign, May 1989, 59).

Literal and Figurative Gathering of Israel
In 2 Nephi 10, Jacob returns to the concept of the scattering and gathering of Israel.  The House of Israel will literally (in fact, has been and is literally) be gathered from the four corners of the earth.  In our day, we, as members of the House of Israel (that is, as those "who wait for him and those that"still wait for the coming of the Messiah" (2 Nephi 6:13)) have a particular responsibility in helping this gathering.


President Ezra Taft Benson taught:  “The responsibility of the seed of Abraham, which we are, is to be missionaries to ‘bear this ministry and Priesthood unto all nations’ (Abraham 2:9). Moses bestowed upon Joseph Smith in the Kirtland Temple the keys to gather Israel (see D&C 110:11).

“Now, what is the instrument that God has designed for this gathering? It is the same instrument that is designed to convince the world that Jesus is the Christ, that Joseph Smith is His prophet, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. It is that scripture which is the keystone of our religion” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1987, 107–8; or Ensign, May 1987, 85).

Sunday School notes

Well, I think I should revive this blog. The reason is that at the end of last year, I was called as the Sunday School instructor. I have been trying to decide how to best prepare my lessons. I figured that since I'm sharing my thoughts to the class, I might as well share them to all who are interested. So, hopefully I'll have a good collection of talks/lessons/testimonies/thoughts/etc. by the time I'm released from this calling.

Comments and discussion are welcome.  However, please only make comments relevant to the discussion, and leave references for any quotes made.  We would like to stay as close to authoritative sources as possible.

Degrees

So, I was in church on Sunday. Not just in church, but I was on the stand since Eliza and I were speaking in our Ward for Mother's Day. We have been in our new Ward for about three months now. So it was an utter surprise when I was called up at the beginning of the meeting to be awarded a diploma for graduating from institute.

So, it's good that I've graduated from institute. However, there's one problem. I graduated in 2008-before we got married! And what's more, I graduated with two advanced certificates. So...I guess the moral of the story is that it doesn't hurt to keep going to institute. And that it's possible to get more than one degree!

I'm back

So, I've had a few people comment to me that they've been looking for updates on my blog. I haven't been because Eliza and I have started up a new blog. However, I finally realized that since that one's private, not everyone can read it. So I just thought I would let the world know that I am still alive. I have a few things to post later, but we'll save them for a more appropriate post.

Here's to you and your families!
Michael

2010

So, in honor of the new year, we decided to watch 2010, the sequel to 2001: Space Odyssey. All I have to say is that the predictions of where we would be today were a little...well...off.

A Chrsitmas Theme

On the 11th of this month, Eliza and I took Leslie and Emma, her little brother and sister, to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert. I think that's when my Christmas changed this year.

As many know, the Savior, Jesus Christ, was not really born on Christmas Day. We find from the ancient scriptures as well as modern revelation that He was really born at the beginning of the Hebrew year, being around April for us. So, I've never been able to see the reason for celebrating Christmas in December--until now.

The guests were Natalie Cole and David McCullough. Natalie Cole, of course, was the guest singer. However, it was David McCullough's performance that hit me. He began talking about how the Hymn "O Little Town of Bethlehem" was written. A pastor visited the Holy Land, and was inspired by the areas around Bethlehem where the shepherd would have been visited by angels.

When he returned home, he wrote the verse for the hymn, and asked his organist to compose the music for it for their Christmas Mass. He tried and tried, and nothing came to him, all confused. Then, in the middle of the night on Christmas Eve, he woke up from his sleep with "an angel's strain" in his head. He quickly wrote it down, then built on it. That is how this beautiful piece of music was written.

But there is more to the story. During the Christmas of 1941, Winston Churchill made a secret trip to the United States. There, he and Pres. Roosevelt together lit up the Christmas Tree at the White House on Christmas Eve. Each talked about the current war and how Christmas is a time to celebrate and feel peace. Churchill stated that "Here in the midst of war,...we have tonight the peace of the Spirit in each cottage and every generous heart. Here, then, one night only, should be a brightly lighted island of happiness and peace." Then on the next morning, Churchill went to church and heard the hymn "O Little Town of Bethlehem," for the first time.

There is one line from the first stanza of that hymn saying, "Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light." That was the message that Churchill gave. That was the story of how the music to the hymn was written. That was, for me, the theme of that Christmas Concert, as well as all of Christmas this year.

On the 21st, I made some comment as Eliza and I were waking up. In response, she said that we were at the shortest day of the year. That got me thinking about two things. The first was for my research, of which I won't bore you with that. But the second was that, as the shortest day of the year, it was, when all is told, the darkest day of the year. Here we are, in the darkest week of the year, and what holiday do we celebrate? Christmas, the birth of the Savior, where in this world of toil and trouble, we see a gleam of hope and peace. In this astronomically darkest period for us, we see, symbolically, the light of the birth and resurrection of the Holy Savior, the Everlasting Light.

The joys of change...again

So, on April 14, 2009, I made an entry on my new calling. The Sunday before Conference last October, I was called as Sunday School President. Sometime just before conference last April, I was called as Stake Music Chairman. I joked about what I might be called to in this October's conference. Maybe I shouldn't have joked quite so loudly...

Yes, I did indeed get another calling the Sunday before October General Conference. No, wasn't called as Elder's Quorum President, like Eliza suggested. I was sustained and set apart for the new calling last Sunday. I wasn't released from my calling as Stake Music Chairman. Rather, I was asked to serve, in addition to my new calling, as Ward Music Chairman. So, we're keeping up the trend. Three conferences in a row!

I really am excited to serve in my new calling. We have Stake Conference this weekend, and Ward Conference in about a month, so I definitely have a big job for the rest of this semester. But you know what? I love it! I love serving in the church! For some reason, that's where my life really is. School's important, but I live to serve in the church.

The Fall and the Atonement

Please note that these talks are my own work. Feel free to use the references in them and to learn from them. I kindly ask that you do not quote anything I say here as I am, by no means, an authority on the subject. Thank you.

Life is often full of trials and tribulations. Even the best hours of our lives can suddenly be halted by sudden difficulties. We have learned a lot about why trials are important in our lives. If these trials did not happen, we would not have as great opportunities to come to know the Savior, and to appreciate the Atoning Sacrifice He offered.

Abinadi was one who suffered much tribulation. He was mocked, persecuted, hunted, exiled, imprisoned, tried in the courts of wicked King Noah, falsely accused on personal grudges by the king and his priests, and finally martyred by fire. Yet up until his last breath, his testimony of the Savior’s Atonement was undeniable.

When Abinadi was brought before the priests to be tried, he was asked, “What meaneth the words which are written, and which have been taught by our fathers, saying: How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings; that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good; that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth...? (Mosiah 12:20-21)” This scripture the priests referenced was written by Isaiah himself, and is today recorded in the Book of Isaiah, chapter 52, of the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

Abinadi, appalled that the priests didn’t know the meaning of the scripture, proceeded to answer by teaching about the Atonement and the Resurrection. After citing the ten commandments, he quoted the next chapter of Isaiah: “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

“Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed…

“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb so he opened not his mouth…

“He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

“Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death; and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bore the sins of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. (Isaiah 53:3-5,7,11-12)”

Nearly 150 years before Christ was born, a prophet in the American Continent had come to know the Savior, and to feel the effects of the Atonement in his life. Because of that knowledge, he was able to testify with “power and authority.”

It is important that we all understand the Plan of Salvation and the Savior’s role in that plan. Perhaps those priests did not understand the Atonement because they did not understand the plan. The Plan of Salvation began to be carried out when Adam and Eve began walking in the Garden of Eden. Then came what for centuries was considered a disaster. Adam and Eve partook of the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge, and were thus exiled from the garden into a fallen state in the Telestial World.

The Fall is a critical part of the Atonement, for if there was no Fall, there would be no need for an Atonement, and thus no possibility of salvation nor Exaltation, “and all things which were created must have remained in the same state in which they were after they were created; and they must have remained forever, and had no end. (2 Nephi 2:22)”

The prophet Jacob, son of Lehi, helps us to understand the need for an Atonement after the fall:

“For as death hath passed upon all men, to fulfil the merciful plan of the great Creator, there must needs be a power of resurrection, and the resurrection must needs come unto man by reason of the fall; and the fall came by reason of transgression; and because man became fallen they were cut off from the presence of the Lord.

“Wherefore, it must needs be an infinite atonement—save it should be an infinite atonement this corruption could not put on incorruption… (2 Nephi 9:6-9)”

It is important to understand, however, that although the Atonement has been offered in our behalf, we are not free of pain. The difference, rather, comes in the righteous acts we do. Jacob explains this difference. Note in his teaching that all will feel pain, but only the righteous will receive more. He taught,

“...Wherefore, we shall have a perfect knowledge of all our guilt, and our uncleanness, and our nakedness; and the righteous shall have a perfect knowledge of their enjoyment, and their righteousness, being clothed with purity, yea, even with the robe of righteousness. (2 Nephi 9:14)”

Lehi teaches this true nature of the fall when he says, “Adam fell that men might be, and men are that they might have joy. (2 Nephi 2:25)” Adam himself knew that joy. Elder Bruce C. Hafen of the Quorum of the Seventy said, speaking of Adam’s fall, “Adam and Eve learned constantly from their often harsh experience…Yet because of the Atonement, they could learn from their experience without being condemned by it. Christ’s sacrifice didn’t just erase their choices and return them to an Eden of innocence.That would be a story with no plot and no character growth. His plan is developmental—line upon line, step by step, grace for grace. (Ensign, May 2004, p. 97)”

The Atonement is a powerful blessing in every individual’s life. It has the power to heal, to strengthen, and to teach. It is not meant to be a free ride to heaven, for that would give us nothing in the end. Rather, it brings us closer to God by teaching us to be like him. Again, Elder Bruce C. Hafen described the Atonement simply:

“…our Father’s plan subjects us to temptation and misery in this fallen world as the price to comprehend authentic joy. Without tasting the bitter, we actually cannot understand the sweet. We require mortality’s discipline and refinement as the ‘next step in [our] development’ toward becoming like our Father. But growth means growing pains. It also means learning from our mistakes in a continual process made possible by the Savior’s grace, which He extends both during and ‘after all we can do.’”

I testify that Jesus Christ, in performing His part of the great Plan presented by our Father in Heaven, suffered pain and agony in Gethsemane, in behalf of all of our sins. This He did so that we can learn and grow in this life and become more like God Himself. Even more importantly, I testify that He lives, and sits at the right hand of God. As we travel through the trials of mortality, I pray that we may come to know the Savior by trusting His holy hand, which is there to guide us through tribulation, and thus join Him in partaking of Eternal Life. This is my testimony that I leave with you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Faith - written Sep 3, 2009

Please note that these talks are my own work. Feel free to use the references in them and to learn from them. I kindly ask that you do not quote anything I say here as I am, by no means, an authority on the subject. Thank you.

Perhaps one of the most well-known scriptures concerning faith was written as an Apostle of the Lord wrote an epistle to the Hebrews after Christ’s resurrection: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) Often, when it is asked for the definition of faith, this is the scripture quoted. Yet, that may not entirely answer the question. In other words, what does it mean to be the “substance of things hoped for?

Continuing in this chapter, Paul recounts a number of historical events that were performed by faith. Abel was able to offer “a more excellent sacrifice,” (11:4); Enoch and his city were translated (11:5); Noah “prepared an ark to the saving of his house,” (11:7); Sara, the wife of Abraham, “received strength to conceive seed,” (11:11); and “by faith Moses…was hid,” and “when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.” (11:23-25)

With each action of faith, Paul also notes a particular reward to that faith. For Abel’s sacrifice, “he obtained witness that he was righteous.” Enoch was translated, “for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” Noah prepared an ark, “by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” Sara bore a child “because she judged him faithful who had promised.” Moses rejoined with the Israelites because he esteemed “the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt.” Every action of faith is accompanied by testimony. In some cases, the use of faith helps to gain a testimony, and in others, testimony becomes the source of faith.

Paul was not the only to notice the correspondence of faith and testimony. Jacob wrote on the Gold Plates that “we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea.” (Jacob 4:6) Faith gives the power to gain testimony, and testimony gives the power to gain faith. This faith can be used to perform miracles and command the elements around us.

So therefore, faith is the substance of hope, or the source of testimony, as well as the ability to act in God’s name. Having this hope, how do we strengthen it? It involves testimony, and a will to act. What is it we are to act on? Each act of faith mentioned by Paul was performed through a covenant. Simply put, the Lord gives a commandment, and the receiver receives a blessing.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke of these covenants in the April 2009 General Conference. He said, “The new and everlasting covenant is the gospel of Jesus Christ. In other words, the doctrines and commandments of the gospel constitute the substance of an everlasting covenant between God and man that is newly restored in each dispensation.” (Ensign, May 2009) The commandments are part of a covenant between man and God. Walking in obedience to these commandments brings about the fulness of blessings of the gospel into our lives.

In connection with these covenants, Elder Christofferson spoke of three ways that covenants help us endure through life. The first and second we already mentioned: 1) receiving blessings by walking in obedience to the commandments of the gospel, and 2) the covenants themselves produce more faith to continue to obey. The third is most vital to our salvation. As we accept and live covenants, we are endowed with “the power of godliness.” (D&C 84:20) When we are endowed from on high, this power comes in the influence of the Holy Ghost, and without his influence in our lives, miracles could not happen, for miracles are performed as our will is joined with the will of the Father, manifest by the same Holy Ghost. Thus, the covenants themselves give a power to perform miracles as Jacob and his people did.

Yet we are still weak. We make mistakes, and life presents us with unexpected surprises. Remember, as Jacob put it, these weaknesses exist “that we may know that it is by his grace…that we have power to do these things.” (Jacob 4:7) Many think of faith as a water bottle—we fill it while times are good, and when challenges come, we use that faith to get through. That notion, however, is not true. These moments are also times to grow in faith. Jacob continues,

“For behold, by the power of his word man came upon the face of the earth, which earth was created by the power of his word. Wherefore, if God being able to speak and the world was, and to speak and man was created, O then, why not able to command the earth, or the workmanship of his hands upon the face of it, according to his will and pleasure?

“Wherefore, brethren, seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand.” (Jacob 4:9-10)

This gospel is true. The Plan of Salvation is a plan inspired by God himself. We are blessed with the ability to have faith and to perform miracles. Yet the grandest of miracles include those of the Creation, the Atonement, and the Resurrection. No miracle will ever be as grand as the climax events of this plan. So why shouldn’t we take comfort in our Father who has power to perform even the simplest of miracles? After all, He accepted Abel’s sacrifice. He saved Noah and his family. He allowed Sara to bear a child, even in her own age. He helped Moses to accomplish the impossible task of delivering Israel from Egypt’s hand. If He can accept their faith, then He can accept ours. He can heal our hearts; He can forgive us; and He can help us through our weaknesses.

As we accept the Lord’s hand in our lives, then we shall have that greatest of blessings imaginable. As stated in the Joseph Smith Translation,

“And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

“God having provided some better things for them through their sufferings, for without sufferings they could not be made perfect.” (Hebrews 11:39-40)

It is my testimony that through our faith, anything is possible. It is my testimony that through faith, we can become better persons, and become an influence of good in others’ lives. He lives. Through His Infinite Gift, we have the hope needed to live in His presence, in this life as well as the life to come. Faith is the substance, or manifestation, of that hope, through which the Lord can perform miracles in and around us. I bear this testimony in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Weekly Talks

I seem to remember hearing an apostle (I remember Elder Boyd K. Packer) saying in a CES training session that one way to learn the gospel well is to write a talk every week. I looked for a reference for that, but couldn't find one. If anyone else has heard that, or better yet, knows where I can find the reference, that would be wonderful.

All the same, I never forgot that. I have always wanted to do that, but never could bring myself to such a commitment. I finally decided that I'm ready to try doing just that. I haven't quite succeeded in writing one talk weekly. However, I have written two during the past month (I started a third, but it didn't turn out like I had hoped). It has really improved my study time. I have thoroughly enjoyed coming to know the Savior by finding the words to teach the doctrines He has taught through His holy prophets.

As soon as I post this, I will post my two talks that I have written. I hope that everyone who reads them will feel the Holy Ghost testify of the truth of the Gospel. It is true. There is no possible way that it can't be true.

The joys of change

Last General Conference (October 2008) was a week of change for us. The Sunday before conference, the Bishop called us in and gave us callings. Eliza was called as a Visiting Teaching Supervisor. I was called as Sunday School President. That calling for me was really a shock. It was a week of reflection for sure. I studied, pondered, and prayed all week long for help in this calling and to find counselors. And if you haven't read the conference talks from Priesthood Meeting, do. They seemed as if they were directed to me. They all talked about new callings.

This General Conference (April 2009) was another week of change for me. Two Sundays before conference, the Stake President met with us. I received a new calling as the Stake Music Committee Chairman. Fun! Eliza had heard once just before Stake Conference that the current chairman would be released. Soon after that, our high councilman (who happens to be in charge of music) came and chatted with me about my music background. After that, Eliza told me about what she had heard. Hmmm......we kinda had a feeling this would come. But we are really excited. This is one calling that I have always looked forward to.

So, this last Sunday, I was sustained, and next Sunday, I will be set apart and begin my new calling. I wonder what next General Conference will bring.....

Usefulness of Blogs

I just finished having a colloquium with Kim Obbink from Montana State University, working with Distance Education in the said university. She gave a lot of good information about connecting with students using technology. It was a very wonderful presentation. But there was one thing in particular that hit me.

A couple of nights ago, I began thinking about where I am in my education and what other great professionals have done. I realized that almost all great professionals have kept a journal as they study their field. So I thought that perhaps I should do that as well. But today, Kim gave me an idea that I thought would be great. After all, what good is the stuff I learn if it doesn't help somebody else?

One technology that I realized in today's presentation as useful for classes is a blog. I need to look into using a blog for the next class I teach. I figured that in the meantime, that this would be a great idea for a new blog. You can see my new Teaching Journal at http://teachingmeo.blogspot.com/. I hope that this idea as well as those to follow become useful to some who browse through this blog.

My claim to fame

Erin is a good friend of mine and Eliza's. She just posted a very good metaphorical blog:
http://redheadedalto.blogspot.com/2009/04/for-one-single-moment-my-eyes-are-held.html

This is my response to one thing I think she was referring to:


(Last complete row to the right, right in the middle in a red shirt with red hair.)

Great job, Erin. We enjoyed your singing!

Update

Hello, everyone! Yes, it's time for my January blog post! Wahoo!

I figure that since there was a lot of change for me last year, I should change my title bar. So, first of all, the title. Yes, I am a Weather Weenie. However, I have sadly not been able to envelop myself in weather for almost a year since I graduated from the U. So, now I'll classify myself as what I really want to do: Space Weather Forecasting.

Since January 2007, I have been looking forward to this field. It's the entire reason I'm here at USU. So I found it fitting that the picture is one of Space, but a clear view also of the weather on Earth. I got this picture from APOD (Astronomy Picture of the Day). If you want to browse there, it's at http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap080412.html.

Santa's Frozen in Carbonite!!!

He's been frozen in carbonite!  He should be quite well protected--if he survives the eating process, that is...

Christmas

Ok.  We had fun with our Christmas Tree this year.  I am proud to announce that Eliza and I have caught ourselves a beautiful, 100% pure, genuine plastic tree!  Sad.  I really wanted a pine.  But, when you're gone for 2 weeks straight, we figured that the plastic was easier to take care of.

If you look closely, you will find our 4 favorite ornaments.  The first 3 are ornaments that we bought from a Fund Raiser for Emma's school.

The first three pictures are the ornaments, and the last is what we did to them.  It was a rather cool effect!  We liked it.

But most importantly, we put up our must-have ornament:

For those who don't recognize it, this was the ornament that Joe and Lacey put on our wedding cake last May.  We only thought it fitting that the temple take its place at the top.

Yes, we love our tree.

Merry Christmas, everyone!!!

Yet another new job.

Yeah. I don't know how it happens. But without even trying, jobs just fall into my lap. But this one's a doozie.

As I was finishing a lab for the day, the Physics Department Advisor poked her head in the door and said, "Michael, check your email." Uh-oh. She laughed and said it's really good. So I looked, and she had sent me a note saying that there was a potential job opportunity for me. So, I went to talk to the professor she mentioned. We talked for a while about the position. It involves computer programming, which I have always loved. There was a person involved in this project who wrote a program to demonstrate some electrodynamic effects. However, when they demonstrated the final results, showing that there won't be a problem, they realized that "Of course there won't be a problem! It's only in one dimension!" So, it's back to the drawing board. But the guy who wrote the program doesn't have time to work on that, so they decided to hire a graduate student--they're always cheaper and good for slave labor, right? So, I was invited to help. He told me to think about it, and to talk it over with Eliza, but I was half tempted right then and there to just say "Yes! I'll take it!"

Now, I think it only fitting to tell you why I was so eager to say yes. Well, this is a program modelling the electrodynamic effects of a satellite. In fact, it was made for a particular satellite called the James Webb Space Telescope. If you're unfamiliar with this project, click on the link. It's basically a modernized Hubble Telescope. In fact, you remember how Atlantis is supposed to go up for the last servicing mission for the Hubble? Well, from how I understand it, this project is why--we're sending up something bigger and better.

An opportunity to work on the James Webb Telescope? Absolutely! Will it be hard? Absolutely! But I wouldn't give it up for the world. Great experience, great time to learn, great for resumes...what more could I ask for?

By popular vote, Hurricane Katrina is a result of Global Warming!

AAAAAGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Can I say it even more clearly? AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tell me, why is it that because someone in the media has the wild idea that a severe natural disaster can be explained by man's misuse of the planet, that becomes doctrine?  I just went to a seminar on Global Warming for a class, and as is inevitable, someone brings up Hurricane Katrina.  Let me ask you: What is so rare about a category 2 hurricane?  There was NOTHING odd about Katrina.  NOTHING!!!  The only thing that was odd was that it happened to pass over the right spot, and the storm surge (associated with Fluid Dynamics, not with Global Warming) broke through the levies.  So, is it because I drove to the store when I first got my driver's license that the levies broke and New Orleans was desolated?  I think not.

And how much confidence do you have in a guy who is saying we need to cut back on pollution, but in the same breathe says "It would take a lot for me to leave my car and use my bike more frequently?"