I Hear the Savior’s Voice

        If I had been a little child when Jesus lived on Earth,
        I would have liked to walk with Him and listen to His words.
        But as I search the scriptures I can hear His words of peace,
        And if I listen with my heart I hear the Savior’s voice.
        (If I Listen With My Heart, new Primary song.)

Last night, I spent some time looking at a painting of Jesus (as a boy) teaching the Elders in the temple and tried to imagine being there and learning directly from Him.  It probably wasn’t the same for everyone there, but hopefully they were all better because of the experience.  I’ll bet those who benefited the most were the ones who had been studying and pondering the scriptures beforehand.

Actually, I think it probably wasn’t too different from the experiences we can have now reading the scriptures and praying for understanding.  After all, we have the Savior’s words from His prophets and the Comforter  who was promised would come to teach all things (John 14:26).  Each of us has unique experiences learning from the scriptures and the Holy Ghost, unique but always good.

It’s hard to believe that anyone could have met the Savior and rejected Him, but some did.  Of course, I hope that I wouldn’t have been part of that crowd, but I think it’s also a mistake to criticize them too harshly.  Some of them were very good Jews, and I mean that in a good way.  They knew the scriptures well, they obeyed the law and lived righteously.  But somehow, even though the prophets had foretold His coming, they didn’t understand.

I think the crucial mistake is that they were so sure in their minds that they hardened their hearts against Jesus and refused to recognize Him as the Messiah.  This is why I can’t point fingers, because I’m such a know-it-all myself.  It’s a constant struggle—trying to be humble and teachable, to “listen with my heart.”  But when I do, I am filled with peace . . . and light and truth and love.  It’s wonderful!

I love this description of gaining divine knowledge:  “Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.  Now behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground.”  (Doctrine and Covenants 8:2-3)

My faith is strengthened when I learn things that way, in my mind and in my heart--when my understanding is clear and I feel good, too.  My faith is strengthened when the things I learn naturally lead me to live more righteously and serve better.  Such good fruits can only come from the good tree.  All goodness comes from Jesus Christ.  He is our Savior and Redeemer, the Messiah who was chosen before the foundation of the world.  He beacons all the come unto Him.

Earth Life, a Parent’s Perspective

One thing I love about being a parent is that it helps me understand God better.  I think that’s one of the reasons He organized us into families: so that we could experience being parents—with all the challenges and miraculous love—and relate to Him in that way.

Insights from Being a Parent

A while ago I took my toddler to a popular fast food Play Place.  It was his first time there and I thought he’d enjoy the experience, but I couldn’t play with him because I also had a small baby.  Sending him alone and watching from a distance made me wonder what it felt like for Heavenly Father to send us away to Earth.  Keep that thought in mind as you read my account:

• Before I set my child loose, I showed him the whole play structure and pointed to where he would need to go to reach the ultimate destination: the slide.  I knew he was capable of reaching his destination if he would follow my guidance.
• Once he was inside, he didn’t have the same perspective.  Vision was much more limited and he couldn’t remember where to go.  He was easily distracted and took some wrong turns.
• My boy could only see the areas immediately surrounding him, but from where I stood, I could see the entire play structure and beyond.
• I watched him the entire time (shadows in the tunnels) even though he couldn’t see me, except for a few glimpses he caught through windows.
• At one point, I sent a messenger to him—someone who was familiar with the structure whom he could trust to take him to the slide.
• Knowing he was lost, I went to the bottom of the slide and called to him.  He listened and followed the sound of my voice all the way to the end where I was waiting for him.  We were happy to be together again, and he was happier from having the experience.

As much as I love my children, I know Heavenly Father loves them and me even more.  He wouldn’t turn us loose on Earth without a plan.  He watches us with great interest.  He speaks to us, answers our calls.  Sometimes he sends messengers.  He provided a model (Jesus Christ) for us to follow and revealed a map (scriptures)showing the path.  He looks forward to our return.  Following His plan will make us happier than anything else.

Heaven and Earth

If you’re not familiar with the doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, here’s a summary of what we call The Plan of Salvation or The Plan of Happiness.  We are all spirit children of our Heavenly Parents.  Our spirits are eternal; we lived before coming to Earth.  Father created a plan for us to be able to live on Earth and gain bodies.  Earth life would be challenging because we’d be away from Him and because we’d experience mortal bodies for the first time.  He knew we would sin so He provided a Savior, Jesus Christ.

Jesus agreed to come to Earth as an example for the rest of us.  He was perfect and showed us the way to return to Father again.  He suffered terribly as though our sins, sorrow, and sickness were His.  It’s incomprehensible but true.  (This is what we call the Atonement.)  He died and rose again, overcoming death and making resurrection possible for all of us.  When we accept the Savior’s sacrifice, repent, and are baptized; He makes our burdens light and cleanses us of our sins.  If we endure this life faithfully, then we will be able to live in God’s presence forever.  It will be different from before we lived on Earth, because of the added joy of having bodies and because many of us will live together in families from marriage on Earth.

Got Spirit? The gift of the Holy Ghost

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23

The Holy Spirit, or Holy Ghost, can influence all of God’s children at critical times in their life.  It might be a time when they are seeking to know if God exists, if He knows and loves them.  It might be to bring peace during times of turmoil, a warning when there’s danger, or joy in the midst of beauty.  It might be a still, small voice or a strong feeling that leads them to do something right and important.  The Spirit’s main role before baptism is to testify of truth.

After a person is baptized into the church, they are given the gift of the Holy Ghost.  This means that they can always have the Holy Ghost with them, as long as they are faithful in keeping their baptismal covenants and repentant when they falter.  It’s like opening the window to Heaven from a little peak to full view, having the Holy Ghost as a constant companion.  It gives the person full access to the cleansing power of Christ’s Atonement—like a refining fire, purging sinful tendencies, making them more Christlike.  This gift allows for so much more—more knowledge, more desire and ability to serve, more good feelings.  It’s wonderful!

I’ve been singing this song with the children at church and I love it.  It’s entitled The Holy Ghost.


     When Christ was on the earth, He promised he would send 
     The Holy Ghost to comfort us, our true, eternal friend. 
     The Holy Spirit whispers with a still small voice. 
     He testifies of God and Christ and makes our hearts rejoice.
     And when we are confirmed by sacred priesthood pow’r, 
     The Holy Ghost is giv’n to us to guide us ev’ry hour. 
     Oh, may I always listen to that still small voice. 
     And with his light I’ll do what’s right each time I make a choice.

Preaching to Believers

I had a nice conversation at the park yesterday with a Christian woman who has slightly different faith than mine.  We both really value the Bible and whole-heartedly believe Jesus’s claim: “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).  The whole conversation was so positive and I felt a kinship to this woman because of our common belief in Jesus Christ.

That’s why it seemed so funny when before leaving, my new friend offered me some reading material about prayer and trusting in God.  It didn’t surprise me because I’ve visited with members of her church before and received similar pamphlets, but I did wonder why she was giving this to me as though she needed to convince me when I already believed.  She clearly believed that her church had something to offer me, that my faith was lacking something significant.

I often think this is how other Christians feel when approached by exuberant members of my church.  After all, we’re not the only ones who believe in Jesus Christ and have real spiritual experiences.  So why do we promote our faith, our church, so much?  Particularly, what do we have to offer to those who already believe in Christ?  Here are my three best answers:

1. Pure truth
2. Priesthood blessings and ordinances
3. The Gift of the Holy Ghost

My Friends, Read the Book of Mormon

It’s entire purpose is to draw souls to Christ.  Please, just read it.  Don’t make excuses because none of them are good enough.  I could write a book about all the reasons I love the Book of Mormon but you’d understand better if you just read it yourself.  I know it well and it is wonderful!  But don’t take my word for it.  This book comes with a guarantee!

“And when ye shall receive these things . . . 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.” – Moroni 10:4

I read it, I prayed, and I know it’s true.  Now it’s your turn.

“Hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ.  And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good.” – 2 Nephi 33:10

I Love Being a Mormon!

I really do.   My faith in Jesus Christ is my core value, my anchor, and my membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints helps me in my goal of drawing nearer to the Savior.

There are so many things I love about this church - pretty much everything.  I’ll do my best to list them but this is by no means comprehensive.

• Priesthood ordinances – This is the only church that has God’s power and authority to perform ordinances, such as baptism.  I have been baptized by someone given authority from God.  It is a great blessing to me.
• True doctrine – The scriptures are a source of knowledge to me and to many people in and out of the church, but there is still some confusion among Christians.  This church has the Book of Mormon and others scriptures that complement the Bible and offer clarification.  Additionally, living prophets receive revelation specifically for us who are living now.  Thirdly, I have learned to seek answers through study and prayer and to hear the whisperings of the Spirit.  This is my primary source of knowledge, the primary source, because it is personal revelation from God.  I have learned that what my church teaches is all true, and it is the full gospel of Jesus Christ.
• Friendship and fellowship – I have lived in several places, and everywhere I go I find great friends at church.  We have meetings on Sunday and activities during the week.  We fast and pray together, sing and worship together, work and serve together.  We bear testimony to each other.  I love being among friends of faith.
• Service opportunities – When I serve others, it helps me understand the Savior better.  I feel His love for me and for those I serve, and it changes my heart.  Outside of the service I give within my family, I find the most service opportunities at church.
• Goodness – “By their fruits ye shall know them.”  I see good fruits in the the teachings of the church as well as in the members.  Best of all, I have experienced the goodness.  I taste it and it is delicious.
• It is Christ’s church.  He organized it, He is at the head.  It is His Kingdom on the Earth.

Some people misunderstand the church and really don’t like it; others think it’s fine but not for them.  I believe it’s for everyone.

“And I pray the Father in the name of Christ that many of us, if not all, may be saved in his kingdom at that great and last day.”        (Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 33:12)