Blissfull Bee

The Book of Mormon Testifies of Christ

2011-10-04T20:36:00.003-06:00

As Latter Day Saints we use the Book of Mormon along with the Bible. The Book of Mormon supports the Bible and testifies of Christ and they should be used together to study the gospel and the teachings of Christ.

"The Book of Mormon speaks of the ancient covenants God made with His children; the
Bible tells of great prophets who also received these covenants by faith. The Book of
Mormon testifies of Christ and His Atonement; the Bible provides the account of His
birth, ministry, death, Atonement, and Resurrection. Thus, the Bible and Book of Mormon
complement and enrich each other." Preach My Gospel, pg 106.

I love to read and study my scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon, because it gives me peace in a harried world and answers my questions about life and it teaches me the truths that I need to know in order to return to my Heavenly Father some day. It helps me to be a better person for myself and my family.

I would like to share a few of my favorite verses (I have many!) from the Book of Mormon. These passages most definitely testify of Christ.

This one is unmistakeable as to who it is that we speak of and who it is that we believe in and worship...................

2 Nephi 25: 26

26 And we ^atalk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we ^bprophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our ^cchildren may know to what source they may look for a ^dremission of their sins.

These next two passages are similar and I love the way it says to us to "feast upon the words of Christ". I can testify to you that if you do just that--feast upon the words of Christ by reading and studying the scriptures you will come to know Him more closely and your knowledge and testimony will grow and you will have a peace that you cannot otherwise obtain. You will receive answers to your questions. Just like the last verse states "the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do. Go ahead give it a try! Think of a question, offer a sincere prayer asking your question and then go to your scriptures, be it the Bible or the Book of Mormon and see if you don't get an answer.

2 Nephi 31:20

20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a ^asteadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of ^bhope, and a ^clove of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and ^dendure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have ^eeternal life.

2 Nephi 32:3

3 ^aAngels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, ^bfeast upon the ^cwords of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will ^dtell you all things what ye should do.

If you don't have a Book of Mormon and would like one you may Email me and I will be happy to send you one or you can also read the Book of Mormon online HERE.

The Book of Mormon

2011-10-01T23:04:00.006-06:00

For the month of October I will be joining other LDS bloggers in the sharing of the Book of Mormon, through the blog event the Book of Mormon Forum hosted by Jocelyn of We Talk of Christ, We Rejoice in Christ.

I hope to be able to share with you what the Book of Mormon is and why it is important and what it means to me.

Today I would like to share what the Book of Mormon is.

The Book of Mormon is "another" testament of Jesus Christ.

The Book of Mormon testifies of Jesus Christ and of His visit to the ancient people of the American continent. I will share more on that in a post to come. The Book of Mormon is comparable to the Bible as it is also a record of God's dealings with these ancient people of the Americas. The Bible is the record of the people in the Holy land while the Book of Mormon is the record of the people in the America's.

The Book of Mormon was written by ancient prophets. These writings were recorded onto gold plates. That is the way they kept their records at that time in history. Fast forward to the 1800's when these plates were translated by Joseph Smith.
The King James version of the Holy Bible was translated into English by William Tyndale in the 1500's.

We can see the similarities in both the Book of Mormon and the Holy Bible. They are both ancient records of ancient peoples, written by ancient prophets on two different continents. They both testify that Jesus is the Christ and the Son of God and they were both translated in later times from ancient languages into the English language (and many other languages now as well), so that we could have these precious truths in our day and time in this the Last Dispensation.

A Prophet Testifies

“The Book of Mormon has come forth by the gift and power of God. It speaks as a voice from the dust in testimony of the Son of God. It speaks of His birth, of His ministry, of His Crucifixion and Resurrection, and of His appearance to the righteous in the land Bountiful on the American continent.

“It is a tangible thing that can be handled, that can be read, that can be tested. It carries within its covers a promise of its divine origin. Millions now have put it to the test and found it to be a true and sacred record.”

President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008), “The Great Things Which God Has Revealed,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2005, 81–82.

I would like ask that anyone who reads my posts here about the Book of Mormon take this challenge. The challenge is to do as the following scripture from the Book of Mormon asks.....

Moroni 10: 3-5

3 Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how ^am erciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ^bponder it in your ^chearts.

4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ^aask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not ^btrue; and if ye shall ask with a ^csincere heart, with ^dreal intent, having ^efaith in Christ, he will ^fmanifest the ^gtruth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may ^aknow the ^btruth of all things.

There is also a special issue of the LDS magazine the Ensign, that is devoted entirely to the Book of Mormon. You may view, listen to, or download this issue online HERE.

I know that the Book of Mormon is true and I would like to share this with you.

If you would like a copy of the Book of Mormon please EMAIL me and I would be more than happy to send you one.

He Lives!

2010-04-04T17:32:00.004-06:00

Joy To The World

2009-12-10T08:34:00.001-07:00

Joy to the World , the Lord is come!

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11)

Let earth receive her King

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Let every heart prepare Him room

And Saints and angels sing,
And Saints and angels sing,
And Saints, and Saints, and angels sing.

Wise men still seek him……Wise men still give him gifts….

What gifts you ask? The gift of our heart, of our will, of ourselves.

Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life. 2 Nephi 31:20

Lifting Burdens: The Atonement of Jesus Christ

2009-10-23T11:50:00.003-06:00

The 179th Semiannual General Conference

2009-10-03T09:00:00.003-06:00

Today and tomorrow--October 3rd and 4th 2009, marks our 179th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

As members of the church we look forward to conference time each year, always held in early April and again in early October. This is the time that we are able to listen to the voice of our Prophet and living Apostles here upon the earth today.

Depending on where one lives, we can listen to conference either in our meeting houses, in person at the LDS Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah or in the comfort of our own homes, where it is available via TV. It is also available through the internet. I have attached a link for viewing conference online below. There are 4-2 hour sessions. Two each on Saturday and on Sunday each beginning at 10:00 am and again at 2:00 pm and each session will have different speakers. It is also available in many, many different languages.

YOU MAY WATCH CONFERENCE HERE

Docrtine and Covenants 1:38

What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.

Hope

2009-09-27T09:36:00.004-06:00

Alma 32:21

And now as I said concerning faith-faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true.

"Hope has the power to fill our lives with happiness.

Hope sustains us through despair."

--President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

A very inspiring message of hope and faith is found in the story of Nienie (Stephanie Nielson). In the video above she is the young mother shown with her two little daughters--the first photo after President Uchtdorf begins his talk. To read about Nienie and her families story you can visit her blog Nienie Dialogues. To read the story from the beginning you can to to her archives and start reading from August 2008 to the present time.

The Book of Mormon--Why and What Is It?

2009-09-10T11:09:00.005-06:00

The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. It testifies of Jesus Christ. It is the history of the people who lived upon the earth on the American Continent from 600 BC to about 421 AD. The Bible is also a testament of Jesus Christ and it is the history of the people in the Holy Land. So as you can see they are both written histories, of people in two different parts of the world that have recorded the events of their times from before the birth of Christ until shortly thereafter.

They both fortell of Christ's birth and his ministry. Jesus ministered to the people of the bible while he lived and walked here upon the earth. After his death and crucifixtion he came and ministered to the people here on the American continent.

In the bible in John 10:16 we read....

And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

Where were these sheep? Some of them were on the American continent. They were the people spoken of in the Book of Mormon. Here is one my favorite stories from the Book of Mormon which tells of Christ administering to these other sheep......

Please click HERE to read this account.

(found in 3 Nephi 17)

There were prophets in the Old World and prophets in the New World and they each kept records of their history and they both prophesied of Jesus Christ. These records of the Old World are The Bible and the records of the New World are The Book of Mormon.

"The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God’s dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains, as does the Bible, the fullness of the everlasting gospel"

"The crowning event recorded in the Book of Mormon is the personal ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ among the Nephites soon after his resurrection. It puts forth the doctrines of the gospel, outlines the plan of salvation, and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come."

If you would like to read the Book of Mormon you may order a free copy or may also read it online. To order a free copy of the Book of Mormon you can go HERE to Mormon.org and in the gray box at the bottom of the page you can order a free Book of Mormon. You can also order a free copy of the Bible-King James version (and there are also a number of free videos you may enjoy). Or if you prefer to read the Book of Mormon online please click HERE.

Before you read the Book of Mormon I would like to suggest that you read this verse first......

Moroni 10:4

And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

I testify to you that I know the Book of Mormon is true beyond a shadow of a doubt. It holds the true word of God and testifies of Christ and through it's teachings we will learn the plan of salvation and what we must do to gain peace in this life. When you read the Book of Mormon if you do so with real intent, you will feel a special feeling of peace come into your life and you too can know that these things are true. I leave this testimony with you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Temples Will Dot The Land

2009-06-14T10:02:00.003-06:00

I thought I'd share this beautiful video about temples. To find out more about our temples you may visit HERE.

Angels In Times of Need

2009-05-03T23:24:00.002-06:00

"In the course of life all of us spend time in 'dark and dreary' places, wildernesses, circumstances of sorrow or fear or discouragement. Our present day is filled with global distress over financial crises, energy problems, terrorist attacks, and natural calamities. These translate into individual and family concerns not only about homes in which to live and food available to eat but also about the ultimate safety and well-being of our children and the latter-day prophecies about our planet. More serious than these—and sometimes related to them—are matters of ethical, moral, and spiritual decay seen in populations large and small, at home and abroad. But I testify that angels are still sent to help us, even as they were sent to help Adam and Eve, to help the prophets, and indeed to help the Savior of the world Himself. Matthew records in his gospel that after Satan had tempted Christ in the wilderness 'angels came and ministered unto him' (Matthew 4:11). Even the Son of God, a God Himself, had need for heavenly comfort during His sojourn in mortality. And so such ministrations will be to the righteous until the end of time."

By Jeffrey R. Holland found in his talk "The Ministry of Angels," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 29–30

How Can I Find Happiness?

2009-05-01T23:46:00.002-06:00

The Symbol of the Cross

2009-04-20T12:10:00.003-06:00

I thought that since we just celebrated Easter, that this would be a good time to explain how we believe about using the symbol of the Cross. It's not that we don't believe in the Cross, because we do, but it's that to us the Cross signifies Christ as being dead and He is alive. I would like to share with you what President Gordon B. Hinckley has explained as it sums it up the best.......

"President Gordon B. Hinckley explained the reason in a talk delivered in general conference. He told about talking to a Protestant minister following a temple open house. The minister had asked why there were no crosses anywhere if we say we believe in Jesus Christ. President Hinckley answered, “ ‘I do not wish to give offense to any of my Christian brethren who use the cross on the steeples of their cathedrals and at the altars of their chapels, who wear it on their vestments, and imprint it on their books and other literature. But for us, the cross is the symbol of the dying Christ, while our message is a declaration of the living Christ.’

“He then asked, ‘If you do not use the cross, what is the symbol of your religion?’

“I replied that the lives of our people must become the only meaningful expression of our faith and, in fact, therefore, the symbol of our worship” (“The Symbol of Christ,” New Era, Apr. 1990, p. 4).

President Hinckley further explained, “On Calvary he was the dying Jesus. From the tomb he emerged the living Christ. … Because our Savior lives, we do not use the symbol of his death as the symbol of our faith. But what shall we use? No sign, no work of art, no representation of form is adequate to express the glory and the wonder of the Living Christ. He told us what that symbol should be when he said, ‘If ye love me, keep my commandments’ (John 14:15)” .

Even though we do not believe in using the cross as a symbol in our Church, we do not criticize others for wearing or using the cross in their religions. We should understand that the cross is significant and sacred to them. In fact, the 11th article of faith says, “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.”

We focus on the great atonement of our Savior, his sacrifice for us that makes eternal life possible. We think of his life and sacrifice every Sunday during the sacrament. Our testimonies become the precious things that we bear, along with our obedience, to show we are true followers of Christ."

An Easter Message

2009-04-11T23:22:00.005-06:00

This is a message from Jeffery R Holland, an apostle of the Lord here upon the earth today. I would like to share with you my testimony, that I know that the true gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored and is upon the earth today and that I am thankful to have it in my life, because it is a great blessing to me. I know that Jesus is the Christ, my Savior and yours. That he came to earth to live and then died for our sins, so that we may live again and that he does still live. It is truly a wonderfully amazing gift. If you think of how most people may not know their very own neighbor or are not willing to help others with even the smallest thing, yet Christ died for us full well knowing what he was taking upon Himself and He did it for each and every one of us. As we watch the world today, we can see the same thing happening. That people are again leaving behind their faith and relationship with Jesus Christ. It is so important for us to take time to remember, so that we will not be one who leaves Jesus standing alone again. It is my sincere prayer that all of my friends and family will draw nearer unto Jesus and follow Him as we should, so that we may rejoice together again someday.

Cathy

Jesus Has Risen

2009-04-11T22:57:00.000-06:00

John 20:10-18
Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. John 20:16

Having found Jesus' tomb empty on the third day after His death, Mary Magdalene ran to tell Peter and John. They went back with her and saw for themselves that Jesus' body was not there. After Peter and John went home, Mary stood weeping outside the empty tomb. She looked into the sepulchre and saw two angels in white. Both were sitting where Jesus' body had lain. The angels asked Mary why she was crying. She said, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him" (John 20:13; see also John 20:10-12).

Mary turned away and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not recognize Him. He asked her why she was crying and whom she was looking for. Mary thought He was the gardener or caretaker and said, "Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away" (John 20:15; see also John 20:14).

Then Jesus said, "Mary." Mary turned and recognized Him and cried, "Rabboni," which means Master. (See John 20:16.)

Jesus asked Mary not to touch Him because He had not yet ascended to His Father in Heaven. He told her to go to the Apostles and tell them that she had seen Him. Jesus said, "Say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God" (John 20:17).

Mary hurried to tell the Apostles that she had seen the Lord and that He had spoken to her (see John 20:18).

Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19,20, John 20:24
Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. Luke 24:39

The Sunday evening after Jesus was resurrected, the Apostles and some other disciples were gathered together discussing the Resurrection. Suddenly Jesus appeared to them and said, "Peace be unto you" (Luke 24:36; see also John 20:19).

They were frightened because they thought they were seeing a spirit. Jesus asked, "Why are ye troubled?" (Luke 24:38; see also Luke 24:37).

"Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have" (Luke 24:39).

Jesus showed them the wounds in His hands, feet, and side. To further prove to them that He was not a spirit but had a body, Jesus asked for something to eat. They gave Jesus a piece of broiled fish and a piece of honeycomb, and He ate in front of them. They were happy to see the Savior and to know He had been resurrected. (See Luke 24:40-43; John 20:20.)

I Know That My Redeemer Lives - Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Jesus' Tomb

2009-04-11T18:00:00.000-06:00

Matthew 27:59,28:8; Mark 15:46; Mark 16:18; Luke 23:53; Luke 24:1-12; John 19:39-42; John 20:1-10
Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. Luke 24:13

After Jesus died, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, another disciple of Jesus, took the body down from the cross and prepared it for burial according to Jewish burial custom. They laid Jesus' body in Joseph's new sepulchre (tomb), which was in a garden near where Jesus was crucified. They then rolled a stone against the tomb doorway. (See Matthew 27:59,60; Mark 15:46; Luke 23:53; John 19:39-42.)

The Pharisees and chief priests, afraid that the followers of Jesus would try to steal His body and then claim that He had been resurrected, asked Pilate to place guards around the tomb. When Pilate agreed, "they ... made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch" (Matthew 27:66; see also Matthew 27:62-65).

On the third day after Jesus' death (on the first day of the week), Mary Magdalene and several other women went to the tomb to put spices and ointments on the body of Jesus. When they arrived, they saw that the stone had been rolled away from the sepulchre and that Jesus' body was gone. (See Matthew 28:12; Mark 16:14; Luke 24:13, Luke 24:10; John 20:1.) As they entered the tomb, they saw a "young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment. ... And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here" (Mark 16:56; see also Matthew 28:27; Luke 24:47).

When Mary Magdalene saw that the tomb was empty, "she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him" (John 20:2). Peter and John followed Mary back to the tomb and saw for themselves that the burial clothes were there but the body of Jesus was gone (see John 20:39).

The Crucifixion

2009-04-10T14:05:00.002-06:00

John 19

Matthew 27:33-50; Mark 15:22-37; Luke 23:32-46; John 19:17-37
And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him. Luke 23:33

Jesus was taken to a hill called Golgotha or Calvary to be crucified. Roman soldiers nailed His hands and feet to a cross and raised it between two thieves who were also crucified. (See Matthew 27:33-35, Matthew 27:38; Mark 15:22, Mark 15:27; Luke 23:33; John 19:17,18.)

As the Roman soldiers finished their awful task, Jesus prayed with great mercy, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).

The guards and the soldiers made fun of Jesus. Some said, "If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself" (Luke 23:37). The leaders of the Jews cried aloud, "He saved others; himself he cannot save" (Matthew 27:42; see also Mark 15:31). They said they would believe He was the Messiah if He would come down from the cross. People passing by called out, "If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross" (Matthew 27:40; see also Matthew 27:39-43; Mark 15:29-32; Luke 23:35-37).

One thief hanging by Jesus said, "If thou be Christ, save thyself and us" (Luke 23:39). The other thief reminded his companion that they were being crucified justly, but Jesus had done nothing wrong. This thief said to Jesus, "Remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom" (Luke 23:42). Jesus answered, "To day shalt thou be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43).

Jesus' mother, Mary, came to Calvary. The Apostle John was also there. Jesus looked down at His mother and said to her, "Woman, behold thy son," and to John, "Behold thy mother" (John 19:2627). Jesus wanted John to take care of Mary. John led Mary away from the cross and "took her into his own home" (John 19:27).

At noonday, about three hours after Jesus was nailed to the cross, darkness spread across the land (see Matthew 27:45; Mark 15:33; Luke 23:44,45). About three hours later, Jesus cried, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46, see also Mark 15:34). Jesus' suffering was almost more than He could stand. The Savior atoned for us by suffering in Gethsemane and by giving His life on the cross. Heavenly Father had to let Him do it alone. (See Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34.)

Having accomplished His mission, Jesus exclaimed, "It is finished" (John 19:30). Then He said, "Father, into thy hands I commend [give] my spirit." Jesus bowed His head and gave up His life. (See Matthew 27:50; Mark 15:37; Luke 23:46; John 19:30.)

I Believe in Christ - The Mormon Tabernacle Choir

The Betrayal of Jesus

2009-04-09T15:20:00.004-06:00

Matthew 26:47-56

Matthew 26:14,16, Matthew 26:46-50; Mark 14:42-46; Luke 22:47,48; John 18:38, John 18:12
Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss? Luke 22:48

After Jesus finished praying in Gethsemane, He awoke His Apostles, saying, "Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me" (Matthew 26:46). While Jesus was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, brought a large group of men that had been sent by the chief priests and elders. They were carrying swords and clubs. (See Matthew 26:47; Mark 14:42,43; Luke 22:47; John 18:3.)

Judas had plotted with the Jewish leaders to betray Jesus, having agreed to lead them to Him if they would pay 30 pieces of silver (see Matthew 26:14-16; see also John 18:2). Judas told the armed men who accompanied him, "Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast" (Matthew 26:48; see also Mark 14:44). Judas then came to Jesus and said, "Hail, master," and kissed Him (Matthew 26:49; see also Mark 14:45). Knowing that Judas had betrayed Him, Jesus said, "Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?" (Luke 22:48).

Then Jesus stepped forth and asked the group of men, "Whom seek ye?" They answered, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus told them, "I am he." At this, the group stepped back and fell to the ground. Jesus asked them again whom they sought. Again they answered, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said, "I have told you that I am he," and He asked that His followers be permitted to leave unharmed. (See John 18:48.) He then allowed Himself to be arrested (see John 18:12; Matthew 26:50; Mark 14:46).

In the Garden Of Gethsemane

2009-04-08T22:11:00.004-06:00

The Atonement

Matthew 26:36-45; Mark 14:32-41; Luke 22:40-46; John 18:1
Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. Luke 22:42

Jesus led His disciples to a garden of olive trees called Gethsemane, where He instructed them, "Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder" (Matthew 26:36). Then He went farther into the garden, taking Peter, James, and John, whom He asked to wait nearby and watch while He withdrew to pray (see Matthew 26:37,38; Mark 14:32,33; Luke 22:40,41; John 18:1).

Jesus' soul was filled with sorrow. Knowing that the time had come when He must suffer great agony to atone for the sins of the world, Jesus fell to the ground and prayed, "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt" (Matthew 26:39; see also Matthew 26:38; Mark 14:34-36; Luke 22:41,42).

An angel from heaven appeared to Jesus, "strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground" (Luke 22:43,44).

Then Jesus arose from prayer and went back to Peter, James, and John, who were sleeping. He said to Peter, "What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation" (Matthew 26:40,41; see also Mark 14:37,38; Luke 22:45,46).

Again Jesus went to pray, and again He returned to the three Apostles and found them asleep (see Matthew 26:42,43; Mark 14:39,40). "Then he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time. ... Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners" (Matthew 26:44,45; see also Mark 14:41).

In the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus suffered for our sins.

“On the night Jesus was betrayed, He took three of the Twelve and went into the place called Gethsemane. There He suffered the pains of all men. He suffered as only God could suffer, bearing our griefs, carrying our sorrows, being wounded for our transgressions, voluntarily submitting Himself to the iniquity of us all, just as Isaiah prophesied (see Isa. 53:4–6).

“It was in Gethsemane that Jesus took on Himself the sins of the world, in Gethsemane that His pain was equivalent to the cumulative burden of all men, in Gethsemane that He descended below all things so that all could repent and come to Him. The mortal mind fails to fathom, the tongue cannot express, the pen of man cannot describe the breadth, the depth, the height of the suffering of our Lord—nor His infinite love for us.” --Ezra Taft Benson

Jesus Washes The Apostles Feet

2009-04-07T12:30:00.004-06:00

Jesus Washes The Apostles Feet

John 13:1-30

John 13:4-15
He poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. John 13:5

After Jesus had eaten the Last Supper with His Apostles, He removed His outer robe and put a towel around His waist. Then He poured water into a basin and, one by one, began to wash and dry the Apostles' feet. (See John 13:45.)

When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter asked the Lord why He was washing his feet. Jesus told Peter that he would not understand then but that he would know later. Peter said, "Thou needest not to wash my feet". "Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me" (John 13:8). Peter said to Him, "Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head" (John 13:9). Jesus told him that He needed only to wash his feet. John 13:10.

Jesus told His Apostles that they were not all clean because He knew one would betray Him (see John 13:10,11).

When Jesus finished washing the Apostles' feet, He said, "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you" (John 13:14,15).

A Week of Easter-Day 1-The Triumphal Entry

2009-04-06T13:50:00.005-06:00

I hope you will join me for a week of Easter and learn more about the Savior's time here on earth during the week preceding the Atonement and Resurrection.

The Triumphal Entry

Mark 11:1-10

Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-38; John 12:12-15
Much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. John 12:12-13

Jesus and His disciples were traveling to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. As they neared the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of His disciples to a nearby village, telling them that as they entered it they would find a donkey and her colt. The disciples were to untie the animals and bring them to Him. If anyone asked why they were doing this, they were to say, "The Lord hath need of them," and there would be no trouble. (See Matthew 21:15; Mark 11:16; Luke 19:29-34.)

After the two disciples had brought the animals to Jesus, they laid clothing on the colt's back for Jesus to sit on. As Jesus rode the colt toward Jerusalem, large crowds of people gathered to honor Him and to spread clothing and palm branches on the ground in front of Him. The followers rejoiced and cried out, "Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord" (Mark 11:9; see also Matthew 21:69; Mark 11:7-10; Luke 19:35-38; John 12:12-13).

After Jesus entered Jerusalem, many of the people asked, "Who is this?" The multitude replied, "This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee" (Matthew 21:10,11).

179th General Conference

2009-04-04T07:51:00.003-06:00

Today and tomorrow--April 4th and 5th is the 179th General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We have Conference twice a year. The next one being in October. I always look forward to Conference and hearing what our prophet and apostles messages from the Lord are. It is a time when we have the opportunity to hear the things that the Lord wants us to do and how we can better our lives. It is a message to the world for everyone to share and enjoy. In many areas Conference is aired on local television stations. Conference may also be viewed online. There will be 2 sessions of Conference today and tomorrow, each lasting about 2 hours long. If you'd like to join the millions who will be listening worldwide, but not sure where to find it on television you may go HERE to watch it online. I do hope you will join us and listen to a prophets voice to hear the message of the Lord today in our own time.

Click HERE to watch Conference online.

The Purpose of Temples

2009-03-15T08:20:00.007-06:00

What is a temple and why? A temple is the house of the Lord. A place where we perform sacred not secret ceremonies. It is where we have marriages where a husband and wife and children are sealed together for all eternity. It is where we receive our temple endowments which is to receive blessings from God when we make covenants or promises to God to live a better life. It is where we do baptisms for the dead. A worthy member is baptized for the name of someone else who has passed on from this life that did not have the opportunity for baptism here upon the earth and that person has the opportunity to accept or reject the baptism.

There is no other feeling on earth as there is being inside one of the Lord's temples. It is filled with a peace you can not feel anywhere else. It is the closest thing to heaven on earth.

Here is a short video on why we have temples.....

For even more in depth information on the temple please click on the picture below.

We have temples all over the world. If you will click on the picture below you can see a listing with photos of the temples around the world. You may even have one near you that you can go and visit. While only Latter Day Saints with a current temple recommend are permitted inside others are welcome to walk around the temple grounds outside and to visit the many visitors centers where you can learn even more about our temples. The temple grounds are quite beautiful and even there you can feel a wonderful peace and enjoy the beauty around you.

The Family: A Proclamation To The World

2009-03-02T22:09:00.002-07:00

This Proclamation of the Family was given to us by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1995. It clearly states our values about our families and what is of utmost importance to us. It is an integral part of the gospel of Jesus Christ and His plan of salvation.

The Family

A Proclamation To The World

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.

Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.

Create

2009-02-24T15:38:00.005-07:00

I thought I'd share a video clip of President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, one the Twelve Apostles. In this video he is encourging us to create, to be creative. Below the video is a link to the original talk that he gave where this came from.

Please click HERE to read the original talk "Happiness, Your Heritage".

The Divine Roles of Women

2009-02-20T09:45:00.002-07:00

Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president:

“I have a testimony gained from pondering and studying the scriptures of a plan of happiness given to us by our Father in Heaven. That plan has a part for His daughters. We have the female half to take care of, and if we don’t do our part, no one else is going to do it for us. The half of our Father’s plan that creates life, that nurtures souls, that promotes growth, that influences everything else was given to us. We can’t delegate it. We can’t pass it off to anyone. It’s ours. We can refuse it, we can deny it, but it’s still our part, and we’re accountable for it. There will come a day when we will all remember what we knew before we were born. We will remember that we fought in a great conflict for this privilege. How do we meet this responsibility? We daily put our energies into the work that is uniquely ours to do.”

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:

“Every sister in this Church who has made covenants with the Lord has a divine mandate to help save souls, to lead the women of the world, to strengthen the homes of Zion, and to build the kingdom of God.”

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:

“By divine design, men and women are intended to progress together toward perfection and a fulness of glory. Because of their distinctive temperaments and capacities, males and females each bring to a marriage relationship unique perspectives and experiences. The man and the woman contribute differently but equally to a oneness and a unity that can be achieved in no other way.”

Silvia H. Allred, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency:

“The Lord has blessed women with divine attributes of love, compassion, kindness, and charity. Through our monthly visits as visiting teachers, we have the power to bless each sister as we extend our arms of love and kindness and give the gifts of compassion and charity. No matter what our individual circumstances are, we all have the opportunity to edify and nurture others.”

President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985):

“To be a righteous woman during the winding up scenes on this earth, before the second coming of our Savior, is an especially noble calling. The righteous woman’s strength and influence today can be tenfold what it might be in more tranquil times.”

A Perfect Brightness of Hope

2009-02-19T10:07:00.004-07:00

2 Nephi 31:20

Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

The Gift of the Holy Ghost

2009-02-15T09:36:00.003-07:00

The gift of the Holy Ghost is something that is very special and very necessary. The best way to describe to you about the gift of the Holy Ghost is found HERE. I hope that you will take the time to read it and ponder it.

Baptism-By Immersion

2009-02-11T11:00:00.003-07:00

"Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins “is the introductory ordinance of the gospel” of Jesus Christ and must be preceded by faith in the Savior and by sincere and complete repentance. “Baptism in water … must be followed by baptism of the Spirit in order to be complete." As the Savior taught Nicodemus, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5)
---Elder David A Bednar

We believe in baptism by immersion, the same way that Christ himself was baptized. We do not believe in infant baptism, because children under the age of 8 are still innocent and have not reached the age of accountability, which is the age of 8.

Matthew 3:16
And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

This letter to a little boy named Tommy by Elder Mark E. Petersen, describes it best I think.....

Dear Tommy,

I have just heard that you were baptized this month, on your birthday. It made me happy indeed, because your baptism will mean so much to you all the rest of your life.

When we are baptized, when we reach eight years of age, we enter the Church of Jesus Christ, and we receive the many blessings of the Church. We must be baptized to fill the Lord’s commandment.

Baptism is not just a custom in our Church. It is something we do because the Lord commands it. Baptism is as old as the gospel. Adam was baptized, and by immersion, just as you were. And millions of people since that time have also been baptized.

It was Jesus who gave us baptism. He gave it to Adam, and he gave it to all of us who have lived since that time. And he himself was baptized, to show that everyone over eight must receive this ordinance.

Do you know why it is that we are immersed in baptism? Some churches believe in an ordinance which they call baptism, but it is merely the sprinkling of some water on the head of a child.

Immersion is the only true way of baptism, and it has a real meaning. All your life you have believed in Jesus. You have learned how he taught the people, blessed little children, and even raised two boys and a little girl from the dead. But then he was taken by cruel men and crucified.

Our Heavenly Father used that crucifixion, though, to bring us many blessings. Jesus suffered greatly when he died, but his Father, who is also our Father in heaven, permitted Jesus’ suffering to pay the penalty for our sins if we repent of them.

It is when we are baptized that our Heavenly Father allows Jesus’ suffering to pay for our sins. In this way we receive forgiveness through baptism.

But why are we immersed? It is to represent the burial and resurrection of Christ. As he was buried in the tomb, so we are buried in the water. As he came forth from the tomb to a newness of life as a resurrected person, so we come forth from baptism in water to a newness of a religious life on earth, serving the Lord and keeping his commandments.

So you see, our immersion is to help us remember the burial and resurrection of Christ. This is one reason baptism is so important to us. It will always remind us that Christ died for us, and that he was resurrected. As surely as we come forth from the waters of baptism, just so surely will we all come forth from our graves after we die, and live forever with the Savior who made all of this possible.

So Tommy, be thankful for your baptism, and know that now you are a true member of the Church of Jesus Christ. He expects that from this day on you will always remember him and keep his commandments, so that someday you may see him and live with him in the eternal heavens above. May the Lord bless you always, is my prayer for you.

Yours sincerely,
Mark E. Petersen

Letting Your Light Shine

2009-02-02T12:21:00.002-07:00

Matthew 5: 14-16

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Doctrine &Covenants 11: 28
Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I am the life and the light of the world.

Doctrine &Covenants 93:2
And that I am the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world;

3 Nephi 18:24
Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up—that which ye have seen me do. Behold ye see that I have prayed unto the Father, and ye all have witnessed.

3 Nephi 15:9
Behold, I am the law, and the light. Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal life.

Having Faith

2009-01-29T05:55:00.002-07:00

Alma 32:21

And now as I said concerning faith—faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true.

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “Don’t look for a life virtually free from discomfort, pain, pressure, challenge, or grief, for those are the tools a loving Father uses to stimulate our personal growth and understanding. As the scriptures repeatedly affirm, you will be helped as you exercise faith in Jesus Christ. … Faith in Christ means we trust Him; we trust His teachings. That leads to hope, and hope brings charity, the pure love of Christ—that peaceful feeling that comes when we sense His concern, His love, and His capacity to cure us or to ease our burdens with His healing power”

Bonnie D. Parkin, Relief Society general president: “As we exercise faith in the Lord, we learn to trust that His promises to us will be fulfilled. We have confidence that we will not be left alone, for the Lord will be our source of strength. His peace that passeth understanding will fill our souls. Sisters, seek faith in the Savior first.”

Keep the Commandments

2009-01-27T22:42:00.003-07:00

Children's songs have a way of saying things very simply and sweetly. Today I thought I'd share one of our Primary songs "Keep the Commandments".

The lyrics are.....

1. Keep the commandments; keep the commandments!
In this there is safety; in this there is peace.
He will send blessings;
He will send blessings.
Words of a prophet:
Keep the commandments.
In this there is safety and peace.

2. We are His children; we are His children,
and we must be tested to show we are true.
Hold to His promises;
Hold to His promises,
Heeding the prophets:
Keep the commandments.
In this there is safety and peace.

Words and music: Barbara A. McConochie

Mosiah 2:22

And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments; and he has promised you that if ye would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land; and he never doth vary from that which he hath said; therefore, if ye do keep his commandments he doth bless you and prosper you.

Keep the Commandments -

The 1st Article of Faith

2009-01-26T10:32:00.002-07:00

I thought I would expand a little on our 1st Article of Faith which is.... We believe in God the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

We believe they are 3 separate beings--not one and that God (or Heavenly Father as we most commonly refer to Him as) and Jesus Christ have bodies of flesh and bone just like us and the Holy Ghost is a personage, without a body of flesh and bone.

They are one in the fact that they are one in purpose. Just like a husband and wife are one in purpose, but they are two separate and distinct people and so are God and Jesus Christ--2 separate, living, distinct beings with real tangible bodies.

In Acts we read....

Acts 7:55

But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

and in the Doctrine and Covenants it is pointed out a little more clearly.

D&C 130:22

The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us.

Here's an article that describes it a little more. The original article can be found HERE.

The Godhead

The Trinity of traditional Christianity is referred to as the Godhead by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While the same terms are used by Latter-day Saints and other Christians for the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (or Holy Ghost), Latter-day Saint understanding of the three members of the Godhead is significantly different from that of traditional Christianity.

God the Father

God is often referred to in the Church as Heavenly Father, because He is the Father of all human spirits and they are created in His image (Genesis 1:27). It is an appropriate term for a God who is kind and just, all wise and all powerful. Mormons believe He has a human-like body but is immortal and perfected. Heavenly Father instituted the “plan of salvation,” which allows individuals to live in His presence and with their families for eternity. In fact, this is His work — to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of His sons and daughters.

Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is central to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which bears His name. Every prayer in the home and every sermon in a chapel closes in the name of Jesus Christ. The emblems of the sacrament (communion) that are taken weekly in worship services are symbols of His atonement. Latter-day Saints wholly accept the New Testament accounts of the birth, life and ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He, like His Father, has a physical body — the same body that walked out of the tomb after His resurrection, and which He invited His apostles to “handle … and see” (Luke 24:39).

As the only perfect man who ever lived, Jesus set the example in His life for all to follow. Because humans fall short, Christ’s atoning sacrifice pays the price of sin on condition of individual repentance. His sacrifice also allows all humankind to be resurrected into immortality. He is the Savior, and in a future time will be the Judge.

Holy Ghost

Church members believe the Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit, not a physical being. The special mission of the Holy Ghost — sometimes called the Holy Spirit — is to testify of the Father and the Son, to reveal truth, to comfort and to sanctify. He is a divine guide and teacher.

Latter-day Saints believe that the Holy Ghost can inspire and influence righteous people who are receptive to those promptings. In addition, the “gift” of the Holy Ghost is the privilege of enjoying His constant companionship if God’s commandments are followed. It is given after baptism to members of the Church by a priesthood holder who puts his hands on the head of the baptized person and blesses him or her to “receive the Holy Ghost.”

Love At Home

2009-01-23T13:00:00.002-07:00

Doctrine and Covenants 88:124-125

Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated. 125 And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace.

"Imagine how our own families, let alone the world, would change if we vowed to keep faith with one another, strengthen one another, look for and accentuate the virtues in one another, and speak graciously concerning one another. Imagine the cumulative effect if we treated each other with respect and acceptance, if we willingly provided support. Such interactions practiced on a small scale would surely have a rippling effect throughout our homes and communities and, eventually, society at large." --Gordon B Hinckley

Love at Home - Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Finding the Truth

2009-01-22T11:15:00.003-07:00

Moroni 10:4-5

And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

A True and Living Prophet

2009-01-21T10:28:00.004-07:00

Our current living prophet--Thomas S Monson (seated) and his counselors, (L to R) Henry B Eyring and Dieter F Uchtdorf

"It is no small thing, my brothers and sisters, to have a prophet of God in our midst. Great and wonderful are the blessings that come into our lives as we listen to the word of the Lord given to us through him."
--Elder M. Russell Ballard
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

We do have a true and living prophet and apostles (12 of them) on the earth today, just as we did in the days of old during bible times. I truly believe this with all of my heart and I know it without a shadow of a doubt. I find it a comfort that we have a prophet and apostles here upon the earth to help lead us and guide us. They are the voice of the Lord in our day and time. Why would the Lord leave us without this ever so important guidance. In days of old during the Bible times and the time of the Book of Mormon prophets were here on the earth to testify of the coming of the Saviour to the world. Of his birth. The true gospel has once again been restored to the earth and we also in our time or dispensation have living prophets and they too are here to testify of the coming of the Saviour once again, only this time it is his Second coming and we are being called to repentance and for all to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our prophets today help to lead us and guide us in this ever changing world and to be a beacon of the truth and to help us know what is real, what is true and what to avoid. All we have to do is listen. We also have the free agency to pray about it, so that we too can know for a surety if what is being taught it true. That is our right and our duty.

I think sometimes people believe that such things as prophets and apostles were only things of old and how could they be in our time let alone in our own country. Did Christ's teaching stop with the end of the New Testament? No. Why would he let the entire rest of the world throughout time go unguided without revelation? He hasn't. They are here--prophets and apostles living upon the earth today. It is through them that we hear the Lord's voice, just as in days of old. Pray about it earnestly and ask for yourself if this is true. You will find the answer.

A Choice Land

2009-01-20T12:00:00.002-07:00

Ether 2:12

Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ, who hath been manifested by the things which we have written.

What Do We Believe

2009-01-19T12:33:00.002-07:00

I thought today I would share what we call our Articles of Faith. In short it tells what we believe.

The Articles of Faith
of The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.

3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.

7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.

8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

Love One Another

2009-01-18T09:09:00.002-07:00

John 13: 34

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

If you'd like to listen to the song Love One Another, please click HERE.

Sunday Church Meetings

2009-01-17T13:48:00.002-07:00

Last week I had mentioned how our church meetings were 3 hours long and that I would explain that later, so I thought I'd do that today.

First our congregations are divided into what we call "Wards". A Ward encompasses a certain geographic area as well as number of members. If a Ward grows too large it is then split and made into two Wards or congregations. We do this so that a congregation does not get so big that the people can't be served or helped as needed.

Then there are Stakes. Stakes are made up of Wards, there again a Stake also encompasses a certain geographic location and number of Wards and members. Think of the structure sort of like a school district and the schools within. You go the Ward within your nieghborhood boundaries--like a school and then that Ward is in a certain Stake's boundaries.

We also have a lay ministry. Nobody is paid for their position within the church and we do not ask to be put into positions. Instead we are called and we refer to our positions in the church as callings and yes everyone at some time or another receives a calling and will most likely hold a calling at all times. For instance I am currently called as a leader for our Primary Activity Days. In this calling me and the other sister who assists me in this calling are in charge of having an activity for the Primary girls ages 8 to 12 twice a month. We have a Bishop instead of a Pastor, Minister or Reverend--unpaid--who spends many, many hours each week at his calling. A calling can last typically from a few months, to a year or even to a few years.

Now for the church meeting part. Our Sunday meetings are 3 hours long. We start with our Sacrament meeting, which is our main worship meeting held in the chapel. We sit as families and everyone attends Sacrament. There is no nursery for babies or young children. This is a meeting for the entire family. We sing traditional hymns accompanied by either an organ or a piano and no other musical instruments although on occasion we may have a flute or violin or other such instrument as part of a rest hymn or music solo. We partake of the sacrament. This is where the bread and water are blessed and passed to the members. I'll explain in detail more about the Sacrament another time. Instead of our Bishop preaching to us, we the congregation give talks. The Bishop or one of his counselors will assign the talks to members sometime the week or two before along with a chosen topic. Everyone has a turn at some point in time and no I have to be honest with you, I do not look forward to having to give a talk! LOL! Sacrament meeting is about an hour and 10 minutes long.

When Sacrament is over then the youth and adults go to Sunday School. The youth go to classes by age and the adults go to their Sunday School class. The children 3 through 12 go to Primary while the babies 18 months up to 3 years old go to nursery. The youngest of them stay with mom and dad. The Primary children have their Sunday school class at this time too. Each year we have a course of study based on the one of the Standard Works or scriptures. For instance this year our course of study is the Doctrine and Covenants.

After Sunday School then we divide up. The men and boys ages 12 and up go to what we call Priesthood, which is best described as another Sunday School class. The girls age 12 and up go to Young Women's again like a Sunday School class, where they learn and receive spiritual guidance.

The Primary children will have music time during this hour, where they sing lots of songs and learn stories from the scriptures.

The women go to what we call Relief Society. Again it is like another Sunday School class.

And there you have it in a very simple nutshell. I'll explain more about each subject as I go along, however in the meantime if anyone has any questions, I'm always happy to answer them. The picture above is a picture of what a typical LDS church building looks like, although there are many other styles, they don't all look alike.

President Gordon B. Hinckley's Be's

2009-01-16T10:34:00.007-07:00

President Gordon B. Hinckley was a beloved prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for 12 years. One of the many things he gave us during that time was his "Be's", which is what I would like to share today.

Be grateful--Express appreciation to everyone who does us a favor or assists us in any way.

Be smart--The Lord wants us to train our minds and hands to become an influence for good.
Be clean-- We live in a world filled with filth and sleaze. We cannot afford to let it touch us. We should not be disrespectful of the body which the Lord has given us.

Be true--Let us be loyal to the Church under all circumstances. The authorities of this Church will lead us in paths of happiness.

Be humble -- The meek and the humble are those who are teachable.

Be prayerful-- Look to the Lord for understanding and guidance, and walk according to His precepts and commandments.

There were originally 6 Be's, however later when he wrote the book "Way to Be", he included the last 3....

Be Positive

Be Still

Be Involved

You can find the first 6 in a neat little booklet format on pdf. file HERE.

Do What Is Right

2009-01-15T12:39:00.002-07:00

Doctrine & Covenants 6:20

Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love.

"Be true to your convictions. You know what is right, and you know what is wrong. You know when you are doing the proper thing. You know when you are giving strength to the right cause. Be loyal. Be faithful. Be true."

Gordon B. Hinckley--from Stand a Little Taller

I Believe In Christ

2009-01-14T11:03:00.003-07:00

I thought I'd share a favorite scripture from The Book of Mormon testifying of Christ and also a very favorite hymn. I hope you'll take time to listen to it using the bright little pink player below. I testify to you of the truthfulness of these things.

2 Nephi 25:26

And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.

I Believe In Christ

Text by Bruce R McConkie
Music John Longhurst

Performed by The Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Pray Always

2009-01-13T09:59:00.003-07:00

Prayer--one of the most important things we can do. It is the way that we communicate with our Heavenly Father and brings us many blessings as well as a way to bless others when we pray for them. I don't know if we really stop to think just how important prayer truly is. I thought I'd share a couple of scriptures on prayer and also two of my favorite songs......................

Luke 21: 36

Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

2 Ne. 32: 9

But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul.

A Child's Prayer

This song is one our Primary children's song and one of my favorites.

A Childs Prayer - LDS

Did You Think To Pray?

What Kind Of Woman?

2009-01-12T10:46:00.002-07:00

I'd like to share a favorite quote on women by Margaret D Nadauld.......

"The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity."

It's one of those quotes that has stuck with me and makes me think about my behavior and actions.

The article this quote came from says it all much better than I can and be found here-- "The Joy of Womanhood" Margaret Nadauld says it beautifully.

Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy

2009-01-11T08:50:00.002-07:00

Keeping the Sabbath day holy means for us to rest from our worldly cares. Not only physically, but mentally too. Which means no work, no play, no shopping..........wait a minute, no play and no shopping? Well, yes........

No work is the easier one. Of course there are times when we have to work, because that's what our employer requires and there are those doctors, nurses, police and firemen and other such jobs, that are needed and that's different. If we own a business or have a job where working on Sunday is optional then we should not work on Sunday. We shouldn't work on our house, in our garden that sort of work that isn't necessary on this day. Of course if you're a farmer with animals to take care of you do need to still do that. Just like mom still has to cook to feed the family. So there are still things need to be done that involve caring for others, but the types of work that involve making more profit should be left alone on Sundays.

No play!? Yup. We're supposed to rest from our worldly cares, which includes the fun stuff....skiing, going to the lake for a picnic, going to sports events. We can visit with our families and friends, work on geneology, read our scriptures or other good books, things that keep us focused on the Lord and his work.

No shopping!? Surprisingly to most we do not shop or eat out on Sundays. Why? Well shopping can be considered work--you know grocery shopping isn't always fun! and then of course shopping is also a form of play and it also means that if we are out shopping on Sunday then people have to come to work to keep the stores open. Just think if everyone stopped shopping or eating out on Sunday's then there would be no need to keep the stores and such open and those people could have Sunday off to enjoy their families and attend church if they so desired. And no the economy would not be turned upside down--instead it would be blessed!

Sunday really isn't as bad as it sounds. LOL! I enjoy going to church--which for an LDS family is a 3 hour long event on Sundays. I'll cover that one later--maybe next Sunday. I try to keep my cooking simple--well who doesn't want to do that any day of the week! LOL! Of course a nap is always ok too and sometimes I get to sneak one in and I will try and call family that lives far away. I'll read and check in on my emails on the computer, but I don't post on my fun blog or work on my website or etsy and I don't work on any sewing projects that I'm doing that are for sale or pattern design, but really I do have plenty of other things to keep me otherwise occupied, which I enjoy and then when Monday comes and it's time to start our weekly work, I feel much more refreshed and ready to go!

Here is an article from The Ensign that might be helpful to understand keeping the Sabbath a little better. It's "The Sabbath--A Delight" by President Spencer W Kimball.

I Am A Child Of God

2009-01-10T08:50:00.002-07:00

Today I thought I'd share one of my favorite children's Primary songs "I Am A Child of God".

Text: Naomi W. Randall (1908 - 2001)
Music: Mildred T. Pettit (1895 - 1977)

I Am A Child Of God

I am a child of God,
And he has sent me here,
Has given me an earthly home
With parents kind and dear.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday.

I am a child of God,
And so my needs are great;
Help me to understand his words
Before it grows to late.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday.

I am a child of God.
Rich blessings are in store;
If I but learn to do his will
I'll live with hime once more.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday.

I am a child of God.
His promises are sure;
Celestial glory shall be mine
If I can but endure.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday.

I Am a Child of God - LDS Childrens Choir

Visiting Teaching

2009-01-09T10:21:00.002-07:00

What is Visiting Teaching you ask? Visiting Teaching is one of the many ways we have in our church for caring for each other. It is a part of the Relief Society. Relief Society is our women's group.

As a Visiting Teacher you have another sister as your partner and then each set of Visiting Teaching partners has about 3 or 4 sisters that they are assigned to visit monthly. It is our duty to visit them at least once a month and our goal is to offer them support, comfort and friendship. We have a spiritual message that we deliver and we chat and visit and get to know them better and see if there is anything that they may be in need of. If our sisters need anything during the month they know that they can call on their Visiting Teacher and ask for help. It's just one way of helping to strengthen each other and to make new friendships and to get to know each other better and to be able to be of service to one another.

Visiting Teaching is something that I enjoy and can testify to the many blessings of being a Visiting Teacher as well as receiving Visiting Teachers. Special bonds and friendships can often be made, besides just knowing that there is someone out there you can count on or talk too and to help along the way.

"The Lord has blessed women with divine attributes of love, compassion, kindness, and charity. Through our monthly visits as visiting teachers, we have the power to bless each sister as we extend our arms of love and kindness and give the gifts of compassion and charity. No matter what our individual circumstances are, we all have the opportunity to edify and nurture others."---Silvia H. Allred First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency

This month's Visting Teaching message is "Stand Strong and Immovable in Faith".

Here is a part of it. To view the entire message click HERE.

Mosiah 5:15

“Be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life.”

Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president: “Latter-day Saint women must be strong and immovable in their faith. They can and should excel in living and sharing their testimonies of the Lord Jesus Christ and His restored gospel. We do this as we:

“1. Make and keep covenants with Him.

“2. Are worthy and worship in His temples.

“3. Study His doctrine in the scriptures and the words of prophets.

“4. Qualify for, recognize, and follow the Holy Ghost.

“5. Share and defend His gospel.

“6. Participate in sincere personal and family prayer.

“7. Have family home evening.

“8. Live principles of self-reliance and provident living.

“These are essential things which must be done before nonessential things. These are simple, indispensable practices that almost seem mundane. … No one can do these things for us—these are personal practices and habits that set us apart as strong and immovable for that which is correct.”

What is Charity?

2009-01-08T10:46:00.006-07:00

Usually we think of charity as giving to the poor or needy, or dropping off our unwanted items to a thrift store, which is all a part of charity. And of course the old adage “charity begins at home”. The Book of Mormon has one of my favorite scriptures about charity. To me it defines it simply and even better. It encompasses even more than giving to those in need and certainly clarifies that charity does begin at home.

Moroni 7: 47

But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.

I thought I’d share one of my favorite hymns that goes along with this. It’s "Because I Have Been Given Much". Text by Grace Noll Crowel. Music by Phillip Landgrave

Because I Have Been Given Much

"Because I have been given much, I too must give;
Because of thy great bounty, Lord, each day I live.
I shall divide my gifts from thee,
with every brother that I see
who has the need of help from me.
Because I have been blessed by thy great love, dear Lord.
I'll share thy love again, according to Thy word.
I shall give love to those in need;
I'll show that love by word and deed:
Thus shall my thanks be thanks in deed."

To listen to this song just click on the player below

LDS - Afterglow - Because I Have Been Given Much.mp3 -

Be Vigilant

2009-01-07T10:17:00.005-07:00

1 Peter 5:8

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.

Now the way that I learned this scripture was to read it in a tone similar to that of remember in the Wizard of Oz the part where it goes.....Lions and tigers and bears. Oh my! Only just the seriousness of the lions and tigers and bears part. With a little added extra at the end (not intended to be irreverent) . So now read it like this............

Be sober---be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Grrrrrrrrr!

It sure makes me think to try to pay more attention to the traps that are out there in the world and to try to do my best. It also reminds me of this quote that I love, but I do not know where it originated..........

“Be the kind of woman who, when she wakes up in the morning the devil says, oh crap, she's up!”

Feast Upon the Words of Christ

2009-01-06T21:41:00.003-07:00

2 Nephi 32:3

Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.

This is one of my many favorite scriptures. It is found in The Book of Mormon. If you're not familiar with The Book of Mormon it is another Testament of Jesus Christ. It is the record or history of the people who lived on the American Continent starting at 600 BC and ending about 421 AD. There is not a single page in The Book of Mormon that does not speak of Christ--every single page testifies of Christ and will tell us the things that we should do. The things that Jesus would have us to do.

I enjoy reading or feasting upon the words of Christ and have a set time everyday that I spend doing my own personal scripture study. It is a blessing in my life that brings me peace, hope and knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ and when I pray and listen to what the Holy Ghost has to teach me through the scriptures I learn by leaps and bounds. The scriptures teach us what we need to know. All we have to do is open them and feast!

The Blissfull Bee

2009-01-05T13:09:00.004-07:00

Welcome to my newest blog--Blissfull Bee. I decided to open a new blog where I can share what I believe as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints--or Mormon as we are often called.

I'm hoping to share my beliefs in an effort to help others to understand the Latter Day Saint (LDS) beliefs and religion and maybe even to offer something uplifting and inspirational. It is not my intent to try to change anyone's beliefs or to argue religious points of view, but merely to share and the rest is up to the individual.

I have added some links in the right hand column that I think are important and that can also answer many questions that a reader might have.

I will try and post often and share my thoughts on various topics or maybe just share a scripture that I enjoy or have recently read. It will be pretty random, but insightful I hope.

I would also like to start with sharing my testimony that I do know that Jesus Christ lives and that he is my Saviour and I am thankful for the gospel having been restored and here upon the earth today and that I have the opportunity to know of it's truthfulness and fullness. I do believe in the Bible--both Old and New Testaments as well as in The Book Of Mormon, The Doctrine and Covenants and The Pearl of Great Price. (All of which I will be sharing at some point in time on this blog, so I hope you will enjoy reading about them and why I believe in them). I also know that we have a living prophet today, President Thomas S Monson as well as apostles to lead us and guide us and who receive revelation for us today. I do know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints does have and hold all of the keys of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ in it's fullness and for this I am grateful and this is what I hope to be able to share with you.

I welcome comments and always enjoy hearing what my fellow bloggers have to say. I will also be happy to answer any questions to the best of my abilty.