Have you read the definition of paradox lately? "A seemingly contradictory statement that may nonetheless be true" is one explanation. The gospel is full of paradoxes. The obvious, natural response may not be the best choice...it usually isn't.
While the natural reaction may be to respond to cruelty in kind, the Savior teaches us another way: respond with kindness, share your belongings, and give freely to them in need, but that's not all. He teaches the following: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
We are taught to pay tithes and offerrings to the Lord, and we will be blessed, but how can we do more with 90% than 100%? Logically, it seems impossible. But then how did the Lord feed 4000 with seven loaves and a few fishes? Matt 15:32-38
He performed miracles then, and He performs miracles today in our behalf as well.
Filling callings in church, participating in work projects, serving two years on a mission, and helping the needy--all these opportunities let us give back, and we too are blessed.
Do you consider it a valuable experience to not receive immediate answers to prayer? Why?
The trying your faith gives you an opportunity to strengthen it and allows the Lord to intervene and perform a miracle in your behalf if you will believe in Him.
Believing Christ may not be easy, but it is always worth it.
Wow! What a week. Any challenges I share with you today pale in comparison to the chaos and tragic circumstances in Colorado this week. Why does tragedy happen? Why does the Lord allow good people to suffer hardship?
One young woman who fell victim to these events had written the following:
I was shown how fragile life is. I say all the time every moment we have to live our life is a blessing. Every hug from a family member, every laugh we share with friends, every second of every day is a gift. - Jessica Hierba (deceased)
I don't know all the reasons, but I do know that we gain valuable qualities when we face and overcome challenges. Our Heavenly Father is all about our discipline and proper development. He wants for us the very best.
Today, I am going to share some personal stories. My objective - my hope - is that by showing lessons that I have learned, you will be wiser than I have been and my experiences will be of benefit to you in your life.
You all know I was in an accident when I was 17-years-old. To me, now, that sounds so young. The particulars aren't so important, but I was in the hospital for 2 1/2 months as a result. When Dr. Tice told me about the procedure to fix my dislocated neck, he said that they would take chips of bone from my hip to repair my neck and fuse it back together. Then he said "Your hip will be a lot more painful than your neck." I later learned he wasn't kidding. Therapists would come in daily to help me exercise and treat me for the effects of immobility. They would tap their hands on the sides of my chest to free the buildup of congestion. Then they would insist I get out of my bed and walk a few steps, and they would help me. All the walking wasn't the problem. It was moving around and getting out of the bed that was so painful. Invariably, somebody or something would bump my hip, causing me enormous discomfort. So I would complain a little, "Do I have to do this again?" Though I don't remember all the discussions that we had in my hospital room, I have never forgotten his answer. "Mathew, if we didn't get you up and walk a little each day, soon you would be unable to get out of bed or walk at all."
And so it is in life. If we never faced hardship, we would be unable to deal with obstacles. It sounds impossible, perhaps, but just as my walks in the hospital room enabled me to deal with the effects of atrophy and retain the ability to be mobile and continue walking, I expect overcoming obstacles enable us to continue moving forward despite adversity.
But tragedy is hard! It is difficult for those who haven't been through it to fathom the depth of sorry and despair experienced by those in its grip. It's all-consuming and overwhelming.
We can learn a lot by showing compassion for those in the throes of hardship. (job loss, health challenges, death of loved ones...), and we can find hope in expressing our appreciation to God for His blessings and acknowledging our reliance on Him.
He will not forsake us. He who notes the sparrow's fall surely hears the pleadings of our hearts. He suffered our pains so He could empathize with us in our struggles and free us from the chains of our misfortunes. And He does it willingly, because He loves us.
A few years ago, President Monson gave three suggestions that would lead us to safety amid the journey through mortality which at times places us in harm’s way:
1. Study diligently
2. Pray fervently
3. Live righteously
Adam prayed; Jesus prayed. We know the outcome of their prayers. Though they prayed with faith, their challenges were not removed. Remember the promise: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
"To those within the sound of my voice who are struggling with challenges and difficulties large and small, prayer is the provider of spiritual strength; it is the passport to peace. Prayer is the means by which we approach our Father in Heaven, who loves us. Speak to Him in prayer and then listen for the answer. Miracles are wrought through prayer." President Thomas S. Monson
Let us not despair, for the work in which we are engaged is the work of the Lord. It has been said, “The Lord shapes the back to bear the burden placed upon it.”
And when the chips are down, and we are at our wits end, perhaps the miracle manifest in us will be that we are able to endure to the end--where our burdens will be lifted once and for all. Hope sustains us through despair.
Look to your Heavenly Father. He says to you, as He said to Joseph Smith, “[Your] adversity and [your] afflictions shall be but a small moment; and then, if [you] endure it well, God shall exalt [you] on high.” Doctrine and Covenants 121:8
When your mother and I had you children, all of you would bring home your writing assignments from school when you were just little tikes. One we particularly enjoyed was your perception of the some of the idioms we use. Maybe some of you have remember doing this. It's a riot.
For example, I looked through the children's keepsakes to see if I could find one of those papers. I couldn't, so Emily helped me out by explaining the meaning of the following phrases:
A stitch in time saves nine... If you do something then it will save that person
A bird in hand is worth two in the bush... That item isn't worth anything
Don't cry over spilt milk... Make sure you clean up your messes
Pretty good! The point is children perceive things differently than we do. Sometimes their confusion makes sense; sometimes it is totally foreign to our way of thinking, and we find ourselves asking "huh?"
Well, it doesn't just happen with children. Even adults get mixed up and do things contrary to logic, common sense, and prudence. Did you ever feel that maybe our Heavenly Father is looking upon us thinking the same thing. He lovingly rebukes us and invites us to follow Him again - "Come follow me."
It must be frustrating when we refuse to listen and follow the path that has been so clearly set for us.
Dalai Lama said the following:
"Given the scale of life in the cosmos, one human life is no more than a tiny blip. Each one of us is a just visitor to this planet, a guest, who will only stay for a limited time. What greater folly could there be than to spend this short time alone, unhappy or in conflict with our companions? Far better, surely, to use our short time here in living a meaningful life, enriched by our sense of connection with others and being of service to them."
Serving others and making others feel good is essential to our happiness. Grandpa was a master at this. Each one of us felt like we were his favorite. We are. Why do we like listening to a favorite song or watching a favorite movie, because it makes us feel good. That's why I like Facing Giants so much. Other things you can do include reviewing things you have accomplished or participating in service projects.
Following the gospel of Jesus Christ is the road to true, lasting happiness.
The Prophet Joseph Smith said: “Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it...keeping all the commandments of God.”
I love this video. For a long time, it has been one of my favorites.
Think of all the beauty you can create--art, literature, relationships, departments, teams, families, characteristics, qualities--joy you bring into others' lives, and that is just a beginning.
My favorite phrase from the video above is "The more you trust and rely on the Spirit, the more your capacity to create." - Dieter Uchtdorf
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 3 John 1:4
These are all good things to remember.
Albert Schweitzer captured the essence of this thought when he wrote “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”
So I watched one of my favorite movies tonight, and it was even better than I remembered it.
Life can be hard. When there is no way you can do it alone, do you think God can help?
You have got to give it your best and leave the rest up to him...
Grant edged his way in the locker room through a bunch of rowdy Eagles, after their state
champion victory.
3:45
"Hey!" Grant barked. He lofted a tall, glistening trophy with both hands. "Who's the state champion?"
The players banged their helmets and cheered.
Grant handed off the trophy to Brady. He didn't want to put a damper on the mood, but he did
want to harness their energy and turn it in the right direction. He wanted them to remember
this moment, these words, this gathering, for the rest of their lives.
Not all of their experiences would be bright--he knew that firsthand. Some question would never be answered--he knew that too.
But none of that changes what God did here tonight.
4:00
"Okay, okay. I've got something to say.
"David Childers... don't you ever let anyone tell you that you're under par, second rate or
inferior. I just watched God do a miracle through you. I saw a field of Giants, eighty-five of
them to be exact, fall in defeat. Now you tell me what's impossible with God. Nothing coach.
"Zach I just watched you and the offense do what they said could not be done. Now you tell me what's impossible with God. Nothing coach.
4:40
"Broch how about it...built that stone wall didn't you? And it stood. Now you tell me what's impossible with God. Nothing coach.
"How about it Scott? What's impossible with God? Nothing. Are you sure cause those giants are big? They out number us three to one. Are you sure there is nothing impossible with God? I am sure coach.
"How about it Nathan? What's impossible with God? Nothing coach.
"Jonathan? Nothing. Are you positive? Positive coach.
5:10
"So am I. So am I. God can do whatever he wants to do however he wants to do it. And he chooses to work in our lives because he loves us, because he is good. Hope today is a milestone for what he can do for the rest of your life if you trust him."
We had such a great sacrament meeting today. The subject was prayer. I was so inspired by the comments. I have chosen to share some of my notes with you. Speakers shared some good direction including the following:
Pray everyday
Situate yourself so that at least once a day you can speak out loud
Live to receive the blessings
Ask that His will be done
Listen for answers
Consider it a valuable experience to not receive immediate answers to prayer
I recently read a great article on prayer from one of President Uchtdorf's former talks. An excerpt follows:
Prayer is a heavenly gift designed to help us achieve spiritual lift. It enhances and cultivates our relationship with God. Isn’t it remarkable that we can converse with the supreme Source of wisdom and compassion in the universe at any time of our choosing, in any place?
Daily simple, sincere, and mighty prayers lift our lives to a higher spiritual altitude. In our prayers we praise God, give thanks to Him, confess weaknesses, petition needs, and express deep devotion to our Heavenly Father. As we make this spiritual effort in the name of Jesus Christ, the Redeemer, we are endowed with increased inspiration, revelation, and righteousness, which bring the brightness of heaven into our lives.
I think back on my days as a pilot and those times when thick clouds and threatening thunderstorms made all appear dark and gloomy. In spite of how bleak things looked from my earthly vantage point, I knew that above the clouds the sun beamed brightly like a dazzling jewel in an ocean of blue skies. I did not have faith that such was the case—I knew it. I knew it because I had experienced it for myself. I did not need to rely on other people’s theories or beliefs. I knew.
In the same way that aerodynamic lift can transport us above the outer storms of the world, I know that the principles of spiritual lift can take us above the inner storms of life.
And I know something else. Although it was a breathtaking experience to break through the clouds and fly to the bright blue horizon, that is nothing compared to the wonders of what we all can experience as we lift up our hearts in humble and earnest prayer.
Prayer helps us transcend the stormy times. It gives us a glimpse of that blue sky that we cannot see from our earthly vantage point, and it reveals to us another vista—a glorious spiritual horizon filled with hope and the assurance of the bright blessings the Lord has promised to those who love and follow Him.
Mahatma Gandhi said "You must be the change you wish to see in the world."
Our happiness comes from serving others. As we contribute time and effort to lift and build those around us, we help improve others lives, and we see that we can influence others for good. And that changes the way we see the world. Each of us can make a difference.
Have you ever heard the phrase "stuck in the mud" when referring to a tumultuous condition? We have all been though challenging situations that seemed overwhelming and oppressive at the time. I think that is the very meaning of the phrase, when we are trapped in circumstances from which alone we cannot be freed.
We can use that terminology to mean a lot of things. I was visiting with Melanie and Emily recently, and they hadn't heard of these incidents, so I thought I would relate a few choice experiences today:
By 18 June, Zion’s Camp arrived within a mile of Richmond, the county seat of Ray County. As the army encamped, the Prophet had a premonition of danger. He went into the woods and prayed for safety, and he was assured that the Lord would protect them. He had the camp roused in the early morning hours, and they left without prayers or breakfast. As they marched through Richmond, a black slave woman agitatedly told Luke Johnson, “There is a company of men lying in wait here, who are calculating to kill you this morning as you pass through.” They met no resistance, although they were able to make only nine miles, being slowed down by broken wagon wheels.
Instead of reaching their intended destination of Liberty, they camped just inside Clay County on a hill between two branches of the Fishing River. When Joseph learned that mobs were preparing to attack, he knelt and prayed again for divine protection. Joseph’s fears were confirmed when five armed Missourians rode into camp, cursing, and swore that the Mormons would “see hell before morning.” 30 They boasted that nearly four hundred men had joined forces from Ray, Lafayette, Clay, and Jackson counties and were then preparing to cross the Missouri River at Williams Ferry and “utterly destroy the Mormons.” 31 Sounds of gunfire were heard, and some of the men wanted to fight, but the Prophet promised that the Lord would protect them. He declared, “Stand still and see the salvation of God.” 32
A few minutes after the Missourians left, a small black cloud appeared in the clear western sky. It moved eastward, unrolling like a scroll, filling the heavens with darkness. As the first ferry load of mobbers crossed the Missouri River to the south, a sudden squall made it nearly impossible for the boat to return to pick up another load. The storm was so intense that Zion’s Camp abandoned their tents and found shelter in an old Baptist meetinghouse nearby. When Joseph Smith came in, he exclaimed, “Boys, there is some meaning to this. God is in this storm.” 33 It was impossible for anyone to sleep, so the group sang hymns and rested on the rough benches. One camp member recorded that “during this time the whole canopy of the wide horizon was in one complete blaze with terrifying claps of thunder.” 34
Elsewhere the beleaguered mobbers sought any refuge they could. The furious storm broke branches from trees and destroyed crops. It soaked and made the mobbers’ ammunition useless, frightened and scattered their horses, and raised the level of the Fishing River, preventing them from attacking Zion’s Camp. The Prophet recalled, “It seemed as if the mandate of vengeance had gone forth from the God of battles, to protect His servants from the destruction of their enemies.” 35
These are just a few of the recollections that I have of the many times we have been spared problems or helped though hardship. Sometimes they are significant changes in our lives. Other times may be small, but these evidences are but a tip of the iceberg. Are you stuck in the mud figuratively speaking? What is God going to do for you?
We all have ways of coping with challenges. Some people freeze up or focus intensely on the issue at hand. You might know someone who laughs out loud, or cries. Other people get hysterical. Wow. You’re not going to believe this, but that just happened as I was writing these words. What are the chances of that? (No – it wasn’t me.)
We all have different coping strategies. And I have learned for myself that I am probably using several different coping mechanisms—but the one that comes to mind right now—I write. Weird, I know.
Mom tells me that writing a paper in college for her was like pulling teeth. She loathed it. She much rather take a multiple-choice test or complete a reading assignment in chapters from a book. But I derived then and still do now a great deal of satisfaction from writing…and reading well-written prose.
So what does that have to do with anything relevant to your life? Good question. Whether you like the narrative or not has nothing to do with it. Whether you are good at engraving your thoughts through the written word isn’t the point. The fact is you ARE good at something, and doing that well brings satisfaction, self-confidence, and joy to you and those around you.
Some may play the guitar or the piano. Others will paint or sing. Another may sew or plant or weed or clean…you get the idea. There are many good coping mechanisms.
Now you might say “Sure. There really isn’t anything that I am good at so this doesn’t apply to me.” And in that you would be wrong. We are told that we all have a gift—at least one. Doctrine and Covenants 46:11
Occasionally our gifts are less visible and, dare I say, common. But we must search them out nevertheless and magnify them. So you might think that your gifts are less valuable and less of a contribution to the whole. But again, you would error. Our gifts are given to profit all men and by sharing our gifts, we all benefit. Doctrine and Covenants 46:29
Now as we wrap up this thought, you might be thinking of several ways you could summarize it…helpful coping mechanisms, or sharing your gifts with mankind, or maybe struggles of dad and mom in college—all good attempts. But what I want you to remember from today’s message is much bigger and more influential than those and can be summarized in just two words “Be excellent.”
That’s how you survive the onslaught of life’s challenges. Unite with the Lord’s team and be the very best you can be…and that’s enough thanks to the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Whatever the challenge, uniting with the Lord means victory. Way to go team!
A marriage, like a human life, is a precious, living thing. Spouses should exercise faith in Christ and love for each other to heal and strengthen their relationship.
A good marriage does not require a perfect man or a perfect woman. It only requires a man and a woman committed to strive together toward perfection.
