Eternal Marriage: Love That Endures

Missionary Monday: Hastening the Lord's Work Within Ourselves

Contributed By Robert L. Millet, Church News contributor
Original article posted HERE

While “real growth” or deep conversion is surely the product of consistent and sustained gospel living, what does it look like? How might we know if we are, through the years, experiencing real growth? What might we begin noticing in our own discipleship?

“We need a witness and an assurance that produce and result in real growth, in deep conversion, in complete consecration. In this way and through this sacred process, the work of the Almighty is hastened—within our own souls.” —Robert L. Millet, professor emeritus of ancient scriptureARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS

• In addition to hastening the work of the Lord, we need to foster “real growth”—deep conversion and complete consecration to God and His Church and kingdom.

Specifically, the Brethren have called upon the Latter-day Saints to hasten the work of (1) reaching out to those who may not now enjoy the blessings of the restored gospel; (2) extending the blessings of that gospel to those who have died without the opportunity to receive its requisite covenants and ordinances; and (3) searching out and caring for the poor and needy among us.In recent years we have been reminded by our leaders that a significant prophecy is being fulfilled in our day. The Lord said: “Behold, I will hasten my work in its time” (D&C 88:73). To hasten is to urge on, to accelerate, to move or act quickly.

These selfless acts—missionary work, temple work, and compassionate service—are part of what we are called upon to do as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Apostle James, brother of our Lord, explained that this is what true Christians do; this is what he called “pure religion.” But there was one more thing involved in pure religion—namely, keeping ourselves unspotted from the vices of the world (Joseph Smith Translation, James 1:27). This facet of the Christian faith has to do with personal spiritual development.

In addition to hearing much about hastening the work, we have been told how important it is to encourage and foster “real growth,” that is, deep conversion, complete consecration to God and His Church and kingdom. While such growth is surely the product of consistent and sustained gospel living, what does it look like? How might we know if we are, through the years, experiencing real growth? What might we begin noticing in our own discipleship? Here are a few thoughts to consider:

1. There begins to develop within our hearts a desire to do more to further the work of the Lord and to be better people than we are. This seems to be what Abraham felt when he wrote of how he had previously been a follower of righteousness but had felt the need “to be one who possessed great knowledge, and to be a greater follower of righteousness, and to possess a greater knowledge” (Abraham 1:2). That is, Abraham wanted to do more and be more.

2. We gradually begin to view commandments, laws, and Church directives differently, to no longer see them as guard rails, barricades, or hindrances to life’s enjoyments, but instead as helps, guides, and kind gestures of a benevolent Father in Heaven. To those Saints who had begun to gather to the land of Missouri, those who had come out of the world and chosen the gospel path, the Savior promised that they would be “crowned with blessings from above, and with commandments not a few, and with revelations in their time” (D&C 59:4). We certainly cannot enjoy the blessings of living a law we do not keep or one of which we are ignorant. John the Beloved explained that “this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous [burdensome, oppressive]” (1 John 5:3).

The more we search the scriptures, we begin to see patterns, connections, parallels, and principles for living.

3. The more we search the scriptures, we begin to see patterns, connections, parallels, and principles for living. Holy writ becomes more and more relevant to everyday life. In a sense, the words of the prophets become our words. Many of us can still remember the final sermon and testimony of Elder Bruce R. McConkie. As he began to unfold the truths associated with Christ’s atoning sacrifice, Elder McConkie said: “In speaking of these wondrous things I shall use my own words, though you may think they are the words of scripture, words spoken by other apostles and prophets.

“True it is they were first proclaimed by others, but they are now mine, for the Holy Spirit of God has borne witness to me that they are true, and it is now as though the Lord had revealed them to me in the first instance. I have thereby heard his voice and know his word” (“The Purifying Power of Gethsemane,” April 1985 general conference).

4. Our personal gospel study becomes more and more enlightening and faith affirming, so that regularly during the week we are fed and spiritually strengthened. Because of this, our attendance at Church—in which we partake of the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, receive instruction and inspiration from those who teach us, and enjoy sweet association with members of the household of faith—need not be our only opportunity for building gospel scholarship and being edified. Sabbath worship thus becomes the capstone for a spiritually productive week.

5. We begin to be more secure and settled in our faith, less troubled by unanswered questions; in short, we begin to have doubt banished from our hearts and minds. Cyprian, one of the great defenders of the faith following the apostolic period, described his own experience: “Into my heart, purified of all sin, there entered a light which came from on high, and then suddenly, and in a marvelous manner, I saw certainty succeed doubt” (quoted by Harold B. Lee, in Stand Ye in Holy Places [1974], 57).

6. We begin to feel a deeper sense of love for and loyalty toward the apostles and prophets, those charged to guide the destiny of the kingdom of God. As the Lord explained in modern revelation (D&C 1:38; 21:5), their words truly become His words. Their counsel becomes His counsel. President Harold B. Lee was fond of teaching, “That man [or woman] is not fully converted until [they see] the power of God resting upon the leaders of this Church and that witness goes down into [their hearts] like fire” (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee [1996], 520). We begin to see and feel about world conditions and the state of society as the Brethren do.

7. With the passing of time and as we mature spiritually, our faith is transformed into certainty. Indeed, our receipt of personal revelation and our regular encounter with the Spirit of God leads us to that point where our faith begins to be “unshaken in the Lord” (Enos 1:11; see also Jacob 7:5). Further, that conviction manifests itself in commitment. Because true faith entails a decision (see Neil L. Andersen, “It's True, Isn't It? Then What Else Matters?” April 2007 general conference), it becomes with us, as it was with the early Latter-day Saints: It is the kingdom of God or nothing!

On more than one occasion I heard President Gordon B. Hinckley comment on the need for the Latter-day Saints to get the gospel from their heads to the hearts. Yes, we as followers of Jesus Christ need to have a reason for the hope within us (see 1 Peter 3:15)—an understanding of the doctrines and principles of the restored gospel that is as stimulating and satisfying to the mind as it is soothing and settling to the heart. In addition, we need a witness and an assurance that produce and result in real growth, in deep conversion, in complete consecration. In this way and through this sacred process, the work of the Almighty is hastened—within our own souls.

Robert L. Millet is professor emeritus of ancient scripture and former dean of religious education at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

He Is the Gift

This beautiful video was recently put out by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Please share this with your friends and family via social media, or for a wonderful FHE lesson.

Mormon Messages: Enduring Love

Watch how this couple demonstrates pure love and service in their marriage—even though they have to endure debilitating physical adversity.

Missionary Monday: Because of Him

Instead of highlighting one of our missionaries this Monday (we need more submissions- send us your missionary letters, please!), we are showing YOU a great and easy way to be a missionary!

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has put together a fantastic resource for us to share with our family and friends in regards to Easter. They have shared a program called "Because of Him" and have invited us to share it as well.

In addition to testimonies and teachings of Christ, here is a video they put together to go along with their message:


They also share the Easter story, and why Christ is essential in our lives.

For more information and to share the message of Christ to others, please visit: http://easter.mormon.org/

P.S. This would also make a great FHE lesson!

A Mother's Hope: An Idea For Family Home Evening

Do you need a great discussion piece for Family Home Evening? This short video shares the story of Dieter F. Uchtdorf's mother, who feared the train carrying her children during WWII left without her. This is a great video to share with your children and then have a discussion on family, love, prayer, and faith- or whatever the Spirit directs you to discuss!

Enjoy!

Women's Conference: Engraven Upon The Heart

Today the sisters of the Highlands Ranch Relief Society were blessed with a wonderful conference filled with inspiration, testimony, and great food- what could possibly be better than that?

The day started with a talk from Sister Crellin. She talked of the fortitude of her pioneer ancestors and then read a quote from Elder Holland:

“The pioneers  didn’t do what they did for a program, they 

didn’t do it for a social activity, they did it because the faith 

of the gospel of Jesus Christ was in their soul, it was in the 

marrow of their bones.”

She then asked the sisters a question: How can we put our faith in the marrow of our bones- or engraven on our hearts?

Next, Sisters Culebro and Sister Wilson talked about some of the new art pieces that grace the stake center. Look for a future blog post about these beautiful pieces of art!

President Walker then spoke to the sisters and shared this beautiful quote from President Monson:

“My dear sisters, your Heavenly Father loves you — each of you.[His love] is not influenced by your appearance, by your possessions, or by the amount of money you have in your bank account. It is not changed by your talents and abilities. It is simply there. It is there for you when you are sad or happy, discouraged or hopeful. God’s love is there for you whether or not you deserve love. It is simply always there.”

Next, the sisters broke into sessions. Four sessions were offered, and each sister got to choose two to attend.

(Unfortunately, I only have notes for the two I attended- if you attended another session and can provide notes, please e-mail highlandsranchmormons@gmail.com)

Brother Roger Allen: 

"How To Raise Responsible, Emotionally Mature Children"

This class was very well attended, and for very good reason! Brother Allen talked about how to use honesty and empathy to develop responsible children. For more information, you can visit his blog HERE.

Brother Wray:

He gave a beautiful lesson on anchoring ourselves upon the rock of Christ in order to survive these perilous times. He shared some beautiful quotes:

We should earnestly seek not just to know about the Master, but to strive, as He invited, to be one with Him, to 'be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man.' -Elder James E. Faust

We must change anything we can change that may be part of the problem. In short we must repent, perhaps the next hopeful and encouraging work in the Christian vocabulary. -Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

We can also keep moving. Only the Lord can compare crosses, but all crosses are easier to carry when we keep moving. Men finally climbed Mount Everest, not by standing at its base in consuming awe, but by shouldering their packs and by placing one foot in front of another. Feet are made to move forward- not backward! -Elder Neal A. Maxwell

Overall, it was a spiritual and uplifting day! Thank you to everyone involved in helping to make this day such a wonderful day!

Here's just a few photos of the day:

 Various kits were set up for sisters to participate in "Project Linus"- a take home project of putting together quilt tops

 President Walker and one of our wonderful speaker, Brother Wray

 The beautiful decorations!

 And DELICIOUS food!

 And, of course, some of the beautiful and fantastic women from our stake who came!

Thank you to everyone involved for an unforgettable day!

Healing Of A Broken Heart: Sister Ashby's Stake Conference Talk

Many people have asked for a copy of the beautiful talk given by Sister Ashby at stake conference last weekend because it cut out for the live stream during conference. In response, Sister Ashby has kindly agreed to share her talk on our blog. Thank you, Sister Ashby! 

You can listen to the talk by clicking below, or read the talk just underneath.

WHY I BELIEVE—MY SHATTERED HEART MADE WHOLE

Gina Ashby 3/2/14

My desire this morning is to convey the deep and immense love of God, a love that is so real that it can mend the broken heart.  I know because my own heart was once shattered into a million pieces.  After eight years of struggle, and despite my family’s best efforts, fasting, and endless prayer, my sweet older brother ended his life.

I’m going to attempt to describe what the healing process has been like for me. The path has been rough, unpredictable, and sometimes felt like I’d only been moving backwards, but through it I’ve learned God never leaves us alone.

THE PAIN:

I cannot describe the pain and agony that swept over me and my family having to bury my brother at the age of 23.  Life became very dark.  I felt like I entered a nightmare that would prevent me from ever feeling truly happy. I was absolutely broken.  The morning after receiving the tragic news and relaying the news to my family I stared at the mountains terrified of the painful climb ahead of me, but resolved to face things head on, determined to heal and do whatever it would take, no matter how hard.  I pleaded for God to help me through such a daunting process. 

If I could boil my 15 years of healing down to four key components, it would include these words: See, Search, Thank, and Give.

SEE: 

Once the choice was made to push forward, I had to try to see through God’s eyes—to see the situation, my brother, myself, life and death the way God sees.  This was really the process that freed me of anger.  God sees beauty and intention.  He sees potential and opportunity for growth.  He sees the big picture and the end result.  What He sees from such a high vantage point gives us a glimmer of hope, tolerance, patience, and forgiveness.  It helps us recognize that we can press forward in faith and hope for something better to come.

About two months after my brother’s death, I found myself in Guatemala on a humanitarian effort.  My agony was so intense.  One incredibly starry night, I cried out to God, telling him how much I hated my new reality, how I didn’t want this new life, I didn’t ask for it.  I was angry that reality meant our family was incomplete, I wouldn’t be able to see or talk to my brother any more, my future husband and children wouldn’t know him.  After giving a lengthy list of reasons why I hated reality, I heard a calm voice say to my mind, “Stop hating reality. Reality is—a Savior has been provided.  Reality is—He has overcome death and paid the price of our sins.  Reality is—you will see your brother again!” I suddenly zoomed out and saw the bigger picture of what that reality is and how glorious it is.  I realized that the reasons I mourned were temporary and ultimately conquered by Jesus Christ. How instantly grateful I became when my perspective of life and death was shown to me in the way that God sees it. My sorrow turned to rejoicing. Oh, how I love reality!

SEARCH:

After I received the awful news, feeling sick, I went into another room and collapsed to the floor, feeling as though my heart would stop from such pain, I started to quietly sing the words of the hymn “Where Can I Turn For Peace?” I knew my only hope was to turn to Christ to save me. I resolved to draw close to the Lord and ensue an all-out push towards Him.

Coupled with prayer, I have found no better way to propel myself toward God than by a sincere reading of the Book of Mormon.  The Book of Mormon literally changed the course of my life when the missionaries asked me to take an unmarked copy and read it as though I had never seen it before in my life. I was to mark, with a red pencil, all the passages that answered life’s most important questions to me.  I read with a long list of desperate questions—Does God truly exist?, Does He really have a plan for us?, Can families truly be together again after we die?  These were things I’d believed all my life, but suddenly were put in question with a desperate need to know the answers. As I read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover, a power swept through my soul with hope and reassurance opening my understanding to who Jesus Christ is, what He offers us, and how we obtain healing and deliverance.  I was astonished that almost every page speaks of Him. I love that holy book of scripture.  It calmed my troubled soul and really started to heal me. There is power in that book to draw everyone closer to God. Do you need answers? Healing? A testimony? I invite everyone everywhere to take a copy of the Book of Mormon and read it as though you’ve never seen it before.  I promise you miracles.

THANK:

Filling your heart with gratitude is a huge key to healing.  Look for every possible thing to be grateful for, and as that list starts to flow you’ll find it’s hard to stop adding to it.  You then recognize the Giver of the gifts—everything comes from God as demonstration of His love. A grateful heart cannot be an angry heart.  There is a softening that takes place when we fill our hearts with gratitude, a door that opens us to more of God’s love, and an urge to repay Him.

I learned to fill my heart with gratitude for the Savior and look forward with anxious, joyful anticipation to the day of the Savior’s return.  I learned for myself that even my brother has full access to the Atonement, that his spirit is alive, often near, that his mind is now clear.  I know that I will be rushing to his open arms after this life is over.  Now it is my turn to do all I must do to be with him.  I live each day longing for that day and make choices with that scene in mind. Truly, when you weigh everything, the reasons to be grateful and rejoice far outweigh the reasons to mourn.

GIVE: 

The fourth component of healing for me required an outward focus, a shift of attending to my own wounds and turning to the wounds of others, even if I didn’t feel like it. Getting out of myself and looking for ways to help others proved to be incredibly strengthening and brought tender blessings from heaven.

Noticing the healing take place in my heart, I felt a deep desire to show the Lord my gratitude and serve a full-time mission.  And what did He do? He assigned me to go back to my family’s happy childhood home of Helsinki, Finland, but this time as a missionary, wearing the name of Jesus Christ upon my heart. That was a place where the best times for our family happened before things got hard for my brother. Going back there brought back many wonderful forgotten memories and filled my heart with joy. I even returned to our old house and after explaining I had lived there as a young girl, and was welcomed in to the very living room where our family had knelt in prayer so many times, and shared the powerful message of God’s Plan of Happiness.  Yes, God wants to heal us! I bore witness daily to the people in that great country, some of whom had also lost loved ones, that because of the Savior’s Atonement—His incredible selfless sacrifice, there is a purpose for this life. Christ’s Church has been restored to the earth with power in His temples to seal families together forever. Through His prophets and apostles in our day so much truth and light has been revealed from heaven.  I loved testifying that Jesus Christ has already paid the price, desires to heal and cleanse us, and never gives up on any one of us.

THE MIRACLE:

At the end of my missionary service, I scanned my soul and could not find an ounce of pain.  And my heart? Not even a crack! I was astonished that I was whole! It was a total miracle. Repeatedly working to See through God’s eyes, Search for Him, Thank Him, and Give service to others brought about a mighty change in my once-shattered heart. Through the Atonement of Christ, darkness, resentment and pain were replaced with purpose, faith, and a brightness of hope.

Becoming whole meant for me a peaceful acceptance of what had happened and a release of blame towards everyone involved. It included my consenting to let my brother live where he is now, and a resolve to live where I am with a greater degree of patience and recognition that our realms overlap. With this acceptance came an inner harmony and wholeness, trusting that the Lord will do what He says He is will do.  In other words, faith in Christ and application of His Atonement enable His power to flow through and heal us.  This is not to say we are free from future heartache. I miss my brother everyday. Triggers still cause stabs of pain, but do not “re-break” my heart. I most quickly come back to acceptance when applying the principles of See, Search, Thank, and Give.

God is aware of us. We are His work. We are His full-time/over-time job.  As a loving parent so invested in our progress, our Heavenly Father has provided the perfect conditions to refine us, away from His presence here on earth.  He respects our freedom to choose for ourselves, and knows that there will be pain, suffering, and injustice in the world because of it.  But with that same freedom we can choose compassion, empathy, patience, courage, faith, to practice forgiving others, and experience the sweetness of being forgiven. He deserves our trust, our gratitude, our awe, our loyalty, and our worship.

Why do I believe all of this?  It is because I was almost completely ruined, seemingly irreparably.  I needed Him.  And He came.  It is my greatest joy to know Him more deeply.  In coming to know Him, I have discovered how desperately I need Him.  I have learned that "Happiness is not the absence of pain, but the presence of God. “ I need Him to cleanse me to be worthy to return to our Father in Heaven and be with my brother again. There is so much more God desires to bless us with.  All He asks is that we come to Him, broken heart and all.  I testify that if we have even the tiniest speck of desire to believe, to repent, to be baptized, to receive His Spirit, and to endure with faith to the end, God’s love will carry us through the trials of life, heal our wounded souls, and give us reason to rejoice!

A youtube video of the talk can be found HERE. This is great to share with friends!

Mormon Olympian

                                  

In honor of the upcoming Olympics, here's a video of Olympic swimmer Andrew Rutherfurd, who competed for Bolivia during the 2012 London games. Andrew is a world-class athlete and a devoted member of the Mormon faith. Learn about his journey to the Olympics and his faith in God.

Come Unto Christ

Youth from around the world share what this year's theme means to them and what they are doing to "Come unto Christ."