Feasting

What is your favorite part of a Thanksgiving meal? For me, it is hard to narrow down to just one food item! And, for my extended family, Thanksgiving dinner is a real feast!

“Feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do,” Nephi said (2 Nephi 32:3). Many times, reading or listening to the words of Christ and the words of the prophets brings a delicious “taste” into my mind and heart.

Frequently, while reading or listening to the scriptures, thoughts will come to me that help me with “all things what (I) should do.” Our Savior is concerned about our wellbeing, our families, and even our success at work. What an amazing promise for simply reading for a few minutes!

Bon appétit!

Toddler starts to step out of row boat ...

  “We decided to enjoy a free afternoon with our two-year-old daughter,” recounts Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Twelve.  “We went to one of Minnesota’s many beautiful lakes and rented a small boat. After rowing far from shore, we stopped to relax and enjoy the tranquil scene. Suddenly our little toddler lifted one leg out of the boat and started to go overboard, exclaiming, ‘Time to get out, Daddy!’

“Quickly we caught her and explained, ‘No, dear, it isn’t time to get out; we must stay in the boat until it brings us safely back to land.’  We had a hard time convincing her that leaving the boat early would lead to disaster.”^[1]

Like a boat, the Savior’s teachings help me stay afloat through the “storms and sunburn” ^[2] of daily life.  In His last public declaration, Jesus said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.  In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).

1 - http://www.lds.org/ensign/1997/05/endure-and-be-lifted-up?lang=eng

2 - http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2004/04/abide-in-me?lang=eng

Fiscal Cliff, Physical Cliff

If you follow current events at all, you know economists and news commentators are fretting over the coming “fiscal cliff”:  income-tax increases and federal government budget cuts on January 1, 2012.  Another “cliff” looms, about which mankind has fretted throughout the ages:  the physical “cliff” or death of the body.

As believers in Christ, we need not fret over the inevitable physical “cliff.”

“The word that we declare, the word that generates faith in Christ, is the gospel, or good news, of Jesus Christ. Simply put, the good news is that death is not the end of existence and our separation from God is temporary. We have a Savior, Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, who by His Atonement has overcome death and hell so that all will be resurrected and all who will repent and be baptized in His name may have place in the heavenly kingdom of God forever.”*

While our daily lives are filled with work and interesting events, and the world is filled with turmoil, may we all enjoy peace through the good news of Jesus Christ.

* Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, see http://www.lds.org/ensign/2012/09/building-faith-in-christ?lang=eng

The Missing Bread

I miss the programs the Church offers, particularly Sacrament Meeting. 

In the last several years, I have suffered from Diabetic Charco (dislocation of bones in the foot) and I’ve had several surgeries and treatments.  I have an ulcer on the bottom of my right foot that will not heal or close up.  As a result, my activity has been severely curtailed and I am not able to attend church with any regularity.

The primary purpose of Sacrament Meeting is to partake of the bread and water and reflect on the sacrifice the Savior made for us.  In addition, in this meeting we receive instruction and reminders of the principles of the gospel as presented by leaders and local members and to participate in worship through singing hymns of the Church.

Additionally, I miss the fellowship and association with the members and friends, our brothers and sisters of the branch (congregation).  I welcome the opportunity to be with people of faith and I hope to return to a more active role and meet with new people in the church as well as long-time members.  Perhaps I will be able to meet you there in the near future.

My name is Hugh, age 71.  I am a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  I was born and raised in the Church.  I am retired and have lived in Harrison for 22 years.

        Yours in the gospel,

        Hugh

Grocery Store Hours

            An empty grocery store parking lot in broad daylight?  I do a double take every Easter when I pass Glenn’s and see no cars in the parking lot.

So many people are hopeful that they can continue their existence after passing from this earth, they take one day a year to celebrate the Savior’s resurrection with family and friends.  For this one day, shopping is done in advance and the store parking lots are empty. 

“We need not doubt the reality of the Resurrection simply because we do not understand it. We witness the constant miracle of birth; it is real, although not fully understood. The coming of a newborn child occurs under the direction of a loving Father in Heaven. So will the resurrection of everyone who has lived, who now lives, or who will yet live upon this planet.”  (Elder Neal A. Maxwell, “Our Acceptance of Christ,” http://www.lds.org/ensign/1984/06/our-acceptance-of-christ?lang=eng&query=neal+maxwell+great+question+life )

            Jesus broke “the bands of death” (Mosiah 16:7) that you and I can live forever.  I am thankful for the peace and hope this miracle brings to my life.

David Jensen, 29 March 2012

“FREE GIFT! GET YOURS NOW.”

            A business newsletter that I recently read suggested the words above really grab attention when used as a headline or email subject line.  Alas, as a tightwad and skeptic, I’ve learned to ignore offers that appear to good to be true.

            But, there is one free gift I confidently look forward to.  Everyone who is born on earth will receive it – and there are no strings attached!  That is the resurrection made possible by our Savior, Jesus Christ.

           

Paul explained to the Corinthians:  “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. ... For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:20,22)

As the Son of the Eternal Father, Jesus had the power to give up his life and the power to unite His spirit body with His “body of flesh and bones, never again to be divided.”*  Anticipating this gift brings peace and contentment to my daily life.

* LDS Bible Dictionary, page 761  http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bd/resurrection?lang=eng&letter=r

Service

There is one recorded conversation with the Savior that strikes me personally every time I hear or read it:

34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: ...

37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? ...

40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. (Matthew 25:34-40)

When I serve others, I not only notice the blessings from doing what Jesus asks, but I am happier.  “Your happiness will be in proportion to your charity and to your kindness and to your love of those with whom you associate here on earth.” (President George Albert Smith)*

Thank you for all you do to help your neighbors, family members and work associates.

(My thoughts from January, 2012)

* http://lds.org/manual/teachings-george-albert-smith/chapter-2?lang=eng