This was great and I wanted to share it. It is by Elder F. Enzio Busche of the Quorum of the Seventy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while speaking at a BYU devotional on May 14, 1996.
Showing posts with label religion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label religion. Show all posts
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Happy Easter
Last week I had the opportunity to listen to Elder Holland give this beautiful and powerful message about Christ and the Atonement. I highly recommend reading it in its entirety here. Here is a clip:
I am grateful for Jesus Christ and his sacrifice. I cannot comprehend all of it, but I know that he did it for each of us. He loves us despite our weaknesses and that without Him we will always fall short of our potential. I know that He can heal our hearts. He lives today. What a wonderful opportunity we have as a world to celebrate this. I would like to end this post with a beautiful scene about the Ressurrection.
I am grateful for Jesus Christ and his sacrifice. I cannot comprehend all of it, but I know that he did it for each of us. He loves us despite our weaknesses and that without Him we will always fall short of our potential. I know that He can heal our hearts. He lives today. What a wonderful opportunity we have as a world to celebrate this. I would like to end this post with a beautiful scene about the Ressurrection.
Friday, January 2, 2009
The Parable of the Windshield
The New Year is always a time of self-analysis and resolutions. A couple years ago I came up with an an analogy based upon a simple windshield repair experience. I thought in the effort to be more Christ-like this year (but not to be sacrilegious) I thought I would turn it into a parable. I was going to save it for a talk in church, but I figured now would be a decent time as well. Please feel free to leave any insights into this analogy.
The Book of Jennette
1. Behold, a certain traveler, who had much commute, beheld some chips and a small crack in the windshield of her Corolla.
2. For the Corolla, being of much dependability, nevertheless, having traveled on diverse roads, sustained some minor damages.
3. And the traveler did ignore the damages, for she had little time and money.
4. And it came to pass on one hot, late spring day, the traveler had noticed the crack suddenly increased in size, yea, even longer than half the length of the windshield. And the traveler was grieved. Yea, she cried, I have a road trip of 2 weeks to embark upon soon, and I do fear much the highway patrol or that some greater damage may come upon my car.
5. And she did seek out the great book of information. Yea, a book of much wisdom, thickness and whose pages were of yellow.
6. And she came upon an ad that promised repair of very little cost. And the traveler rejoiced.
7. And the traveler journeyed unto a strange land, yea, even unto the boonies of Fontana.
8. And the repair man said unto the traveler: "Verily, Verily, I say unto you, I behold your cracked windshield and I exhort thee to replace it, yea, even the entire windshield. For the crack is very large and is beyond repair." And this did grieve the traveler much.
9. Nevertheless, the traveler had been blessed with means to repair her windshield, yea, even her financial aid, for she had spent it carefully. And she was also blessed to have a book for which to pass away the time as she waited upon a couch of much age.
10. And after much time had passed, she beheld her car with it's new windshield, yea, and also pieces of tape that were of bright blue. And the traveler rejoiced, for her view was much clearer and magnificent than she could remember, and she went forth on her journey...
Points learned...
When I was younger, I started driving with my parents around the empty parking lots of the church and park. These were the safest areas to drive. But as I got older, life took me on some roads that were a little harsh. Sometimes it was the road itself: potholes, construction zones, and other times it was other vehicles on the road, semi-trailers and cement trucks flinging matter into the air, only to chip at my paint and windshield. I learned that it's best to keep a greater distance from these vehicles...
Often these little chips and cracks will get bigger due to certain forces. Sometimes we forget to roll the windows up and heat builds up on the inside, causing sudden enlargements of the cracks in our windshield. Our windows, as necessary as they are sometimes, may also become barriers to things that are good. Guidance and inspiration are as necessary and wonderful as fresh air. Hot, stuffy air needs to be let out, just like our worries, anxieties, mistakes, bad habits, etc..., or it can do some damage.
When we begin to analyze these cracks, it may not be easy at first. We may have to go places that we don't want to go to or experience things that might make us feel uncomfortable. Often, changes, or the process of changing, may be outwardly visible to others, like the bright blue tape that holds the windshield on for the next 72 hours. While it may be a little uncomfortable or embarrassing, it is only for a moment and will eventually be forgotten. But when all is said and done -- the fears have been faced, the changes made, the price has been paid -- our view of life will be clearer and more beautiful than ever.
So, what chips and cracks do we have to repair, or remove completely from our lives? Is it a sin, a bad habit, or any other weakness that we need to overcome? A grudge that we have to let go? I hope everyone has a happier new year that brings more peace, clarity, and beauty to their lives.
The Book of Jennette
1. Behold, a certain traveler, who had much commute, beheld some chips and a small crack in the windshield of her Corolla.
2. For the Corolla, being of much dependability, nevertheless, having traveled on diverse roads, sustained some minor damages.
3. And the traveler did ignore the damages, for she had little time and money.
4. And it came to pass on one hot, late spring day, the traveler had noticed the crack suddenly increased in size, yea, even longer than half the length of the windshield. And the traveler was grieved. Yea, she cried, I have a road trip of 2 weeks to embark upon soon, and I do fear much the highway patrol or that some greater damage may come upon my car.
5. And she did seek out the great book of information. Yea, a book of much wisdom, thickness and whose pages were of yellow.
6. And she came upon an ad that promised repair of very little cost. And the traveler rejoiced.
7. And the traveler journeyed unto a strange land, yea, even unto the boonies of Fontana.
8. And the repair man said unto the traveler: "Verily, Verily, I say unto you, I behold your cracked windshield and I exhort thee to replace it, yea, even the entire windshield. For the crack is very large and is beyond repair." And this did grieve the traveler much.
9. Nevertheless, the traveler had been blessed with means to repair her windshield, yea, even her financial aid, for she had spent it carefully. And she was also blessed to have a book for which to pass away the time as she waited upon a couch of much age.
10. And after much time had passed, she beheld her car with it's new windshield, yea, and also pieces of tape that were of bright blue. And the traveler rejoiced, for her view was much clearer and magnificent than she could remember, and she went forth on her journey...
Points learned...
When I was younger, I started driving with my parents around the empty parking lots of the church and park. These were the safest areas to drive. But as I got older, life took me on some roads that were a little harsh. Sometimes it was the road itself: potholes, construction zones, and other times it was other vehicles on the road, semi-trailers and cement trucks flinging matter into the air, only to chip at my paint and windshield. I learned that it's best to keep a greater distance from these vehicles...
Often these little chips and cracks will get bigger due to certain forces. Sometimes we forget to roll the windows up and heat builds up on the inside, causing sudden enlargements of the cracks in our windshield. Our windows, as necessary as they are sometimes, may also become barriers to things that are good. Guidance and inspiration are as necessary and wonderful as fresh air. Hot, stuffy air needs to be let out, just like our worries, anxieties, mistakes, bad habits, etc..., or it can do some damage.
When we begin to analyze these cracks, it may not be easy at first. We may have to go places that we don't want to go to or experience things that might make us feel uncomfortable. Often, changes, or the process of changing, may be outwardly visible to others, like the bright blue tape that holds the windshield on for the next 72 hours. While it may be a little uncomfortable or embarrassing, it is only for a moment and will eventually be forgotten. But when all is said and done -- the fears have been faced, the changes made, the price has been paid -- our view of life will be clearer and more beautiful than ever.
So, what chips and cracks do we have to repair, or remove completely from our lives? Is it a sin, a bad habit, or any other weakness that we need to overcome? A grudge that we have to let go? I hope everyone has a happier new year that brings more peace, clarity, and beauty to their lives.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas!
I want to share the lyrics of my favorite Christmas song. I think it beautifully tells of the birth and mission of Jesus Christ."O Holy Night" version translated to English by John Sullivan Dwight
"O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
'Til He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! O, hear the angels' voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
O night divine, O night, O night Divine.
It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
'Til He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! O, hear the angels' voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
O night divine, O night, O night Divine.
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here come the wise men from Orient land.
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friend.
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King, Behold your King.
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here come the wise men from Orient land.
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friend.
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King, Behold your King.
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
His power and glory evermore proclaim."
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
His power and glory evermore proclaim."
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Thank you, Elder Wirthlin
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, an apostle from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints passed away Monday night. Having lived 91 fulfilling years of service, this was not much of a shock to me, but I will miss hearing him speak. I love to listen to all of the apostles, but I think in the past I probably have not paid as close attention to Elder Wirthlin's talks until the last few conferences. Those talks were remarkable! He taught me and many others how to live more Christ-like lives. In honor of him, I would like to share some of his words.Adversity (General Conference, October 2008)
" Learning to endure times of disappointment, suffering, and sorrow is part of our on-the-job training. These experiences, while often difficult to bear at the time, are precisely the kinds of experiences that stretch our understanding, build our character, and increase our compassion for others."
Charity and Love (General Conference, October 2007)
"Love is the beginning, the middle, and the end of the pathway of discipleship. It comforts, counsels, cures, and consoles. It leads us through valleys of darkness and through the veil of death. In the end love leads us to the glory and grandeur of eternal life... Without charity—or the pure love of Christ—whatever else we accomplish matters little. With it, all else becomes vibrant and alive. "
"Sometimes the greatest love is not found in the dramatic scenes that poets and writers immortalize. Often, the greatest manifestations of love are the simple acts of kindness and caring we extend to those we meet along the path of life."
" Oh, it is wonderful to know that our Heavenly Father loves us—even with all our flaws! His love is such that even should we give up on ourselves, He never will. We see ourselves in terms of yesterday and today. Our Heavenly Father sees us in terms of forever. Although we might settle for less, Heavenly Father won’t, for He sees us as the glorious beings we are capable of becoming."
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Analogy #2
Here goes another analogy of the spiritual kind...
As I said in a previous post, I went hiking in Kings Canyon National Park a couple weeks ago. I was hiking to a point called Panorama Point (which is the third picture in my previous blog). The whole trail was covered in snow, but fortunately there were still tracks from previous hikers and maybe even a wild animal or two. There were also these orange circle posted on an occasional tree to indicate that I was still on the trail. So, after some time I passed by a half-buried restroom and arrived at a scenic point. I took some pictures, settled on a boulder to eat some food, unintentionally littered (I wasn't willing to risk my life for my dropped wrapper and water bottle), and took a few pictures. I really wasn't sure if that was the end of the trail or not. Shortly after that point, I kept following the tracks until they abruptly stopped. Just like that. Only untouched snow ahead. What happened to the tracks? Were the previous hikers abducted by aliens or eaten by a flying bear? I had just passed an orange circle but I couldn't see any more beyond it. I figured that maybe that was the end of the trail and decided to back-track it from there.
I had a few insights during that hike. Isn't it interesting how nature opens one's mind like that? I started thinking of the spiritual "journeys" we take and the different religions on the earth today. Those tracks and orange circle signify the spiritual guidance that our Heavenly Father gives us. I was particularly thinking about the prophets that God has called since ancient times to be His representative and have His will communicated to His children on Earth. Since ancient times, God has called these men to be His messengers, teach eternal truths, record their teachings in scriptures for current and future generations, denounce false views and sin, prepare people for the coming (first and second) of Jesus Christ, and receive divine revelations and direction for our benefit. Some of these prophets in times past have included Adam, Abraham, Moses, Isaiah, and John the Baptist. People have the choice to either listen to the prophets and be blessed or to reject the teachings of the prophets and, as a result, distance themselves from God. One of Jesus Christ's purposes during his life was to establish His Church. His Church was built on a foundation of His teachings and eternal truths that had been taught by the previous prophets. He called Peter and other apostles to lead His Church and they were given the power and authority to act in His name and receive guidance for the Church. Unfortunately, Peter and the apostles were not well received. The prophet and apostles were killed or banished, and as a result the power and authority to act in God's name was taken from the earth, and the foundation of Christ's Church crumbled. This is where the snow tracks stopped. Where was the guidance? This is where many consider the heavens to have closed and God would not speak to His children any more. Through the hundreds of years that followed, inspiration still enlightened the hearts and minds of good men and women. The world was preparing for another prophet once again. (If you want to know what happened after that and when a new prophet was called, let me know).
Many people today think that the idea of a prophet today is outrageous. But why would it be? Is God, our Heavenly Father, only concerned with His children in ancient Israel? In the world we live in today, with so many things being labeled as "truth" and the other problems that we face, wouldn't there be an even greater need for divine direction and a solid foundation of truth? Isn't God the same yesterday, today, and forever? One of the unquestionable things in my life is that there is a prophet today. His name is Thomas S. Monson. He was sustained earlier this year as President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and also as a prophet, seer, and revelator. A couple months ago, I listened to his first address as a prophet and I had a confirmation, a feeling of confidence and certainty, that he is a true prophet. I have heard him speak may times before and I look forward to listening to him more. I know that as I follow his counsel and teachings, I can face the uncertainties of life -- the snow-covered paths -- with confidence and that I will always have a source for spiritual strength, insight, and truth. This upcoming weekend, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (aka Mormons) has a semiannual conference with messages from the prophet, apostles, and other leaders of the Church, that is broadcasted throughout the world. It's messages are not only for members of the church, but for everyone. I want to invite my friends and family, Mormons or not, to take the opportunity to listen to a prophet's voice. Everything that will be said could possibly improve your life. If you want more information, go to http://www.lds.org/ or you can drop by my place and watch it with me. This is a spiritual feast that I look forward to every year.
The trail has been laid before us and it is up to us to stay on it.
As I said in a previous post, I went hiking in Kings Canyon National Park a couple weeks ago. I was hiking to a point called Panorama Point (which is the third picture in my previous blog). The whole trail was covered in snow, but fortunately there were still tracks from previous hikers and maybe even a wild animal or two. There were also these orange circle posted on an occasional tree to indicate that I was still on the trail. So, after some time I passed by a half-buried restroom and arrived at a scenic point. I took some pictures, settled on a boulder to eat some food, unintentionally littered (I wasn't willing to risk my life for my dropped wrapper and water bottle), and took a few pictures. I really wasn't sure if that was the end of the trail or not. Shortly after that point, I kept following the tracks until they abruptly stopped. Just like that. Only untouched snow ahead. What happened to the tracks? Were the previous hikers abducted by aliens or eaten by a flying bear? I had just passed an orange circle but I couldn't see any more beyond it. I figured that maybe that was the end of the trail and decided to back-track it from there.
I had a few insights during that hike. Isn't it interesting how nature opens one's mind like that? I started thinking of the spiritual "journeys" we take and the different religions on the earth today. Those tracks and orange circle signify the spiritual guidance that our Heavenly Father gives us. I was particularly thinking about the prophets that God has called since ancient times to be His representative and have His will communicated to His children on Earth. Since ancient times, God has called these men to be His messengers, teach eternal truths, record their teachings in scriptures for current and future generations, denounce false views and sin, prepare people for the coming (first and second) of Jesus Christ, and receive divine revelations and direction for our benefit. Some of these prophets in times past have included Adam, Abraham, Moses, Isaiah, and John the Baptist. People have the choice to either listen to the prophets and be blessed or to reject the teachings of the prophets and, as a result, distance themselves from God. One of Jesus Christ's purposes during his life was to establish His Church. His Church was built on a foundation of His teachings and eternal truths that had been taught by the previous prophets. He called Peter and other apostles to lead His Church and they were given the power and authority to act in His name and receive guidance for the Church. Unfortunately, Peter and the apostles were not well received. The prophet and apostles were killed or banished, and as a result the power and authority to act in God's name was taken from the earth, and the foundation of Christ's Church crumbled. This is where the snow tracks stopped. Where was the guidance? This is where many consider the heavens to have closed and God would not speak to His children any more. Through the hundreds of years that followed, inspiration still enlightened the hearts and minds of good men and women. The world was preparing for another prophet once again. (If you want to know what happened after that and when a new prophet was called, let me know).
Many people today think that the idea of a prophet today is outrageous. But why would it be? Is God, our Heavenly Father, only concerned with His children in ancient Israel? In the world we live in today, with so many things being labeled as "truth" and the other problems that we face, wouldn't there be an even greater need for divine direction and a solid foundation of truth? Isn't God the same yesterday, today, and forever? One of the unquestionable things in my life is that there is a prophet today. His name is Thomas S. Monson. He was sustained earlier this year as President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and also as a prophet, seer, and revelator. A couple months ago, I listened to his first address as a prophet and I had a confirmation, a feeling of confidence and certainty, that he is a true prophet. I have heard him speak may times before and I look forward to listening to him more. I know that as I follow his counsel and teachings, I can face the uncertainties of life -- the snow-covered paths -- with confidence and that I will always have a source for spiritual strength, insight, and truth. This upcoming weekend, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (aka Mormons) has a semiannual conference with messages from the prophet, apostles, and other leaders of the Church, that is broadcasted throughout the world. It's messages are not only for members of the church, but for everyone. I want to invite my friends and family, Mormons or not, to take the opportunity to listen to a prophet's voice. Everything that will be said could possibly improve your life. If you want more information, go to http://www.lds.org/ or you can drop by my place and watch it with me. This is a spiritual feast that I look forward to every year.
The trail has been laid before us and it is up to us to stay on it.
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