Each December, we have the choice opportunity to reflect in awe upon the birth, the life, and the selfless service of the glorious Christ, the beloved Savior of us all. Nothing could ever persuade me NOT to celebrate our Father's most glorious gift: our Elder Brother, Our Redeemer, our constant, compassionate Friend. In celebrating the miracle of Christ's life, we honor our Father in Heaven. We sing hosannas to the most high God, expressing our immense gratitude to Him for the incredible gift of His Son. Any gift we freely give is in similitude of that sacred gift.
President Gordon B. Hinckley said of the Christ: "I believe in Him as the Firstborn of the Father and the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh. I believe in Him as an individual, separate and distinct from His Father… I believe that in His mortal life He was the one perfect man to walk the earth. I believe that in His words are to be found that light and truth which, if observed, would save the world… I believe that through His atoning sacrifice, the offering of His life on Calvary's hill, He expiated the sins of mankind, relieving us from the burden of sin if we will forsake evil and follow Him. I believe in the reality and power of His resurrection. None so great has ever walked the earth. None other has made a comparable sacrifice or granted a comparable blessing. He is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. I believe in Him. I declare His divinity without equivocation or compromise. I love Him. I speak His name in reverence and wonder. I worship Him as I worship His Father, in spirit and in truth. I thank Him and kneel before His wounded feet and hands and side, amazed at the love He offers me." I echo every word of that sweet testimony.
Spencer W. Kimball reminded us that "Christ is our pattern, our guide, our prototype…" Our highest priority should be to emulate Him. Since the Christ offered kindness, dare we do less? Every word we speak, every step we take, every thought in our hearts should reflect our attempts to be like Him, who was perfect in every regard. Jesus Christ offered us, in humility and purity, the incalculably precious gift of His selfless and loving atonement.
At Christmas time, may we offer to Him our broken hearts, our contrite spirits, and our deep desire to follow in His pure and lovely footsteps! Merry Christmas, and may peace abide.
Each December, we have the choice opportunity to reflect in awe upon the birth, the life, and the selfless service of the glorious Christ, the beloved Savior of us all. Nothing could ever persuade me NOT to celebrate our Father's most glorious gift: our Elder Brother, Our Redeemer, our constant, compassionate Friend. In celebrating the miracle of Christ's life, we honor our Father in Heaven. We sing hosannas to the most high God, expressing our immense gratitude to Him for the incredible gift of His Son. Any gift we freely give is in similitude of that sacred gift.
President Gordon B. Hinckley said of the Christ: "I believe in Him as the Firstborn of the Father and the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh. I believe in Him as an individual, separate and distinct from His Father… I believe that in His mortal life He was the one perfect man to walk the earth. I believe that in His words are to be found that light and truth which, if observed, would save the world… I believe that through His atoning sacrifice, the offering of His life on Calvary's hill, He expiated the sins of mankind, relieving us from the burden of sin if we will forsake evil and follow Him. I believe in the reality and power of His resurrection. None so great has ever walked the earth. None other has made a comparable sacrifice or granted a comparable blessing. He is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. I believe in Him. I declare His divinity without equivocation or compromise. I love Him. I speak His name in reverence and wonder. I worship Him as I worship His Father, in spirit and in truth. I thank Him and kneel before His wounded feet and hands and side, amazed at the love He offers me." I echo every word of that sweet testimony.
Spencer W. Kimball reminded us that "Christ is our pattern, our guide, our prototype…" Our highest priority should be to emulate Him. Since the Christ offered kindness, dare we do less? Every word we speak, every step we take, every thought in our hearts should reflect our attempts to be like Him, who was perfect in every regard. Jesus Christ offered us, in humility and purity, the incalculably precious gift of His selfless and loving atonement.
At Christmas time, may we offer to Him our broken hearts, our contrite spirits, and our deep desire to follow in His pure and lovely footsteps! Merry Christmas, and may peace abide.
Each December, we have the choice opportunity to reflect in awe upon the birth, the life, and the selfless service of the glorious Christ, the beloved Savior of us all. Nothing could ever persuade me NOT to celebrate our Father's most glorious gift: our Elder Brother, Our Redeemer, our constant, compassionate Friend. In celebrating the miracle of Christ's life, we honor our Father in Heaven. We sing hosannas to the most high God, expressing our immense gratitude to Him for the incredible gift of His Son. Any gift we freely give is in similitude of that sacred gift.
President Gordon B. Hinckley said of the Christ: "I believe in Him as the Firstborn of the Father and the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh. I believe in Him as an individual, separate and distinct from His Father… I believe that in His mortal life He was the one perfect man to walk the earth. I believe that in His words are to be found that light and truth which, if observed, would save the world… I believe that through His atoning sacrifice, the offering of His life on Calvary's hill, He expiated the sins of mankind, relieving us from the burden of sin if we will forsake evil and follow Him. I believe in the reality and power of His resurrection. None so great has ever walked the earth. None other has made a comparable sacrifice or granted a comparable blessing. He is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. I believe in Him. I declare His divinity without equivocation or compromise. I love Him. I speak His name in reverence and wonder. I worship Him as I worship His Father, in spirit and in truth. I thank Him and kneel before His wounded feet and hands and side, amazed at the love He offers me." I echo every word of that sweet testimony.
Spencer W. Kimball reminded us that "Christ is our pattern, our guide, our prototype…" Our highest priority should be to emulate Him. Since the Christ offered kindness, dare we do less? Every word we speak, every step we take, every thought in our hearts should reflect our attempts to be like Him, who was perfect in every regard. Jesus Christ offered us, in humility and purity, the incalculably precious gift of His selfless and loving atonement.
At Christmas time, may we offer to Him our broken hearts, our contrite spirits, and our deep desire to follow in His pure and lovely footsteps! Merry Christmas, and may peace abide.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Let's Be Shepherds
A shepherd goes after one lost sheep, leaving ninety-nine as he gathers in the lost one. The inclusion of the parable in scripture implies a gentle command to go and do likewise. It teaches us how to rescue.
The sheep that remained weren’t alone. They had safety in numbers. The wanderer, however, was vulnerable, and greatly in need of the shepherd’s concern. With the myriad pressures and lures of today’s world, any member who wanders from the safety of Christ’s fold is in grave peril.
This parable doesn’t mean the lost sheep was inferior, weak, or less valuable to the shepherd. A true shepherd would not leave his flock unattended without good reason, without a worthy cause: and to him, the lost one IS a worthy cause. It teaches that each of us is worth going after; each of us deserves loving hands embracing us.
There are those among us who are drifting, drowning, disappearing into nothingness because “no one cares”. If no one reaches for them, if no one notices their absence, what other conclusion will they draw? Most people don’t announce, “I’m drifting away. I’m in pain.” They simply drift away, in pain. Michael McLean’s “Safe Harbors” says, “There are refugees among us who are not from foreign shores, and the battles they are waging are from very private wars. And there are no correspondents documenting all their grief, but these refugees among us all are yearning for relief. There are refugees among us. They don't carry flags or signs. They are standing right beside us in the market check out lines; and the war they've been fighting, it will not be televised, but the story of their need for love is written in their eyes... Can you see through their disguises? Can you hear what words won't tell? Some are losing faith in Heaven 'cause their life's a living Hell. Is there anyone to help those who have no where else to flee? For the only arms protecting them belong to you and me.” In those lyrics, Michael McLean brought to life the parable of the shepherd.
As the song says, “This is a call to arms, to reach out and to hold the evacuees from the dark. This is a call to arms, to lead anguished souls to safe harbors of the heart.” Right in front of us, anguished souls long to matter, to be embraced by the rest of the flock, not in condescension or pity, but in respect and love. Let’s be those shepherds.
The sheep that remained weren’t alone. They had safety in numbers. The wanderer, however, was vulnerable, and greatly in need of the shepherd’s concern. With the myriad pressures and lures of today’s world, any member who wanders from the safety of Christ’s fold is in grave peril.
This parable doesn’t mean the lost sheep was inferior, weak, or less valuable to the shepherd. A true shepherd would not leave his flock unattended without good reason, without a worthy cause: and to him, the lost one IS a worthy cause. It teaches that each of us is worth going after; each of us deserves loving hands embracing us.
There are those among us who are drifting, drowning, disappearing into nothingness because “no one cares”. If no one reaches for them, if no one notices their absence, what other conclusion will they draw? Most people don’t announce, “I’m drifting away. I’m in pain.” They simply drift away, in pain. Michael McLean’s “Safe Harbors” says, “There are refugees among us who are not from foreign shores, and the battles they are waging are from very private wars. And there are no correspondents documenting all their grief, but these refugees among us all are yearning for relief. There are refugees among us. They don't carry flags or signs. They are standing right beside us in the market check out lines; and the war they've been fighting, it will not be televised, but the story of their need for love is written in their eyes... Can you see through their disguises? Can you hear what words won't tell? Some are losing faith in Heaven 'cause their life's a living Hell. Is there anyone to help those who have no where else to flee? For the only arms protecting them belong to you and me.” In those lyrics, Michael McLean brought to life the parable of the shepherd.
As the song says, “This is a call to arms, to reach out and to hold the evacuees from the dark. This is a call to arms, to lead anguished souls to safe harbors of the heart.” Right in front of us, anguished souls long to matter, to be embraced by the rest of the flock, not in condescension or pity, but in respect and love. Let’s be those shepherds.
Life's Puzzles
I love crossword puzzles, the harder the better. I like the “mind-stretch” required to find the solutions. I like pondering the
possibilities for answers and unraveling the quirky clues. I like
learning things when I discover what goes in the blanks. I love the
moment when the answer suddenly pops into my head, aided by letters
that get added as I solve the “down” clues while wondering about
the “across”.
Sometimes I look at a new puzzle’s clues, and I can’t fill in the answers. I may read futilely down through a few dozen clues before I
find a single answer that I’m sure about. Sometimes two or even three
different answers would fit: When the clue is “Mauna ___,” is it LOA
or KEA? I’m reduced to waiting to write in one of the “correct” responses
until I have a few letters from the opposite direction which help me
know which answer fits.
Without answers for lots of the “down” squares, I could never find
answers for all the “across” squares. Down and across are inseparably
bound; incomplete without the other. People are like that, too. Different people have different talents and strengths, as well as different stores
of experience and knowledge. We need the support of those other people,
and they need our support. Together, we help each other, lead each other,
“clue each other in”, and assure one another that the answers we fill in
are correct. Alone, we can’t really finish the puzzle. We can’t be sure
our solutions are the best for a particular puzzle.
We should always be grateful to those who teach us and support us.
We should realize how vital these supports are in our successes. We should
also try to always be that kind of support to those around us, giving them answers when they can’t find them alone. If two people can’t come up with answers, they can search together through the resources available, and they
can kneel together and ask for access to the ultimate key. We should be
willing and anxious to solve life’s puzzles, and we shouldn’t give up,
even when the solutions seem impossible or far away.
In life’s crossword puzzle, there is always available to us a “list
of clues”. There is often the assurance of opposite fill-ins; we “acrosses”
can check with the “downs” and the “downs” can check our “across” answers. There is always a “crossword dictionary” and there are myriad sources for answers and ideas as we work our puzzles and stretch our stores of
knowledge. One day we will have full access to life’s ultimate “key”.
As we face life’s puzzles, let’s open the scriptures, seek answers
from the special witnesses of Jesus Christ, counsel with honorable people who’ve experienced similar troubles, and above all, let’s turn to the Lord,
who knows exactly what answers we need. Though we may feel “puzzled”, if
we do not doubt, God will deliver us-- in His perfect time frame.
possibilities for answers and unraveling the quirky clues. I like
learning things when I discover what goes in the blanks. I love the
moment when the answer suddenly pops into my head, aided by letters
that get added as I solve the “down” clues while wondering about
the “across”.
Sometimes I look at a new puzzle’s clues, and I can’t fill in the answers. I may read futilely down through a few dozen clues before I
find a single answer that I’m sure about. Sometimes two or even three
different answers would fit: When the clue is “Mauna ___,” is it LOA
or KEA? I’m reduced to waiting to write in one of the “correct” responses
until I have a few letters from the opposite direction which help me
know which answer fits.
Without answers for lots of the “down” squares, I could never find
answers for all the “across” squares. Down and across are inseparably
bound; incomplete without the other. People are like that, too. Different people have different talents and strengths, as well as different stores
of experience and knowledge. We need the support of those other people,
and they need our support. Together, we help each other, lead each other,
“clue each other in”, and assure one another that the answers we fill in
are correct. Alone, we can’t really finish the puzzle. We can’t be sure
our solutions are the best for a particular puzzle.
We should always be grateful to those who teach us and support us.
We should realize how vital these supports are in our successes. We should
also try to always be that kind of support to those around us, giving them answers when they can’t find them alone. If two people can’t come up with answers, they can search together through the resources available, and they
can kneel together and ask for access to the ultimate key. We should be
willing and anxious to solve life’s puzzles, and we shouldn’t give up,
even when the solutions seem impossible or far away.
In life’s crossword puzzle, there is always available to us a “list
of clues”. There is often the assurance of opposite fill-ins; we “acrosses”
can check with the “downs” and the “downs” can check our “across” answers. There is always a “crossword dictionary” and there are myriad sources for answers and ideas as we work our puzzles and stretch our stores of
knowledge. One day we will have full access to life’s ultimate “key”.
As we face life’s puzzles, let’s open the scriptures, seek answers
from the special witnesses of Jesus Christ, counsel with honorable people who’ve experienced similar troubles, and above all, let’s turn to the Lord,
who knows exactly what answers we need. Though we may feel “puzzled”, if
we do not doubt, God will deliver us-- in His perfect time frame.
As A Team
It’s said that youth stay active when they feel part of the church “team”. They’ll more likely “play by the rules” when they feel accepted and valued by their home team. As fellow ward members, are we a team? Do we support one another? Do we sacrifice for the team? Do we overlook flaws and seek the good instead? A house divided against itself cannot stand, and we’re all safer when we stay united and strong.
We’re imperfect, of course. We annoy each other at times. We let each other down. We step on toes and trample egos. We can be difficult. We forget the Golden Rule. We should still be a team. The worth of souls is great, and the Lord entrusts us with His precious children. How He must weep when He sees us push away those we should gather in our arms.
With the lure of the world so incessant and strong, can we afford to make anyone feel unwelcome? Do we dare take the chance of driving our youth away? No one really knows the secret misery, the private challenges, or the unfulfilled dreams of another. Today’s youth can face physical, mental, or situational struggles that are staggering in their breadth. If we knew the trials others face, we might just stand in awe of those who endure difficulties we can’t imagine. It’s never appropriate to tear down those in our care. Too many youth simply walk away from the gospel’s safety because they cannot bear rejection; and criticism, intolerance, and impatience are perceived by a child as rejection.
Wouldn’t it be wiser and more Christlike to see each other with kind eyes? Our youth are literally waiting to feel the acceptance they need to keep them in Christ’s fold—even when, especially when, they seem the hardest to reach. Their hearts are crying, “Love me anyway!” We have a solemn responsibility to seek out, gather in, to nurture, to lift and build. If we don’t fill needs, who will?
Mary Ellen Edmunds asked, “Have you ever thought that someone somewhere may be pleading with Heavenly Father for help, and you may be the one chosen to help answer that prayer? If we're willing, He'll use us. You likely have no idea how often you rescue someone.” Let’s rescue. Let’s nurture. Let’s be able to stand in front of the Savior with the knowledge that we did all we could to cherish His little ones.
We’re imperfect, of course. We annoy each other at times. We let each other down. We step on toes and trample egos. We can be difficult. We forget the Golden Rule. We should still be a team. The worth of souls is great, and the Lord entrusts us with His precious children. How He must weep when He sees us push away those we should gather in our arms.
With the lure of the world so incessant and strong, can we afford to make anyone feel unwelcome? Do we dare take the chance of driving our youth away? No one really knows the secret misery, the private challenges, or the unfulfilled dreams of another. Today’s youth can face physical, mental, or situational struggles that are staggering in their breadth. If we knew the trials others face, we might just stand in awe of those who endure difficulties we can’t imagine. It’s never appropriate to tear down those in our care. Too many youth simply walk away from the gospel’s safety because they cannot bear rejection; and criticism, intolerance, and impatience are perceived by a child as rejection.
Wouldn’t it be wiser and more Christlike to see each other with kind eyes? Our youth are literally waiting to feel the acceptance they need to keep them in Christ’s fold—even when, especially when, they seem the hardest to reach. Their hearts are crying, “Love me anyway!” We have a solemn responsibility to seek out, gather in, to nurture, to lift and build. If we don’t fill needs, who will?
Mary Ellen Edmunds asked, “Have you ever thought that someone somewhere may be pleading with Heavenly Father for help, and you may be the one chosen to help answer that prayer? If we're willing, He'll use us. You likely have no idea how often you rescue someone.” Let’s rescue. Let’s nurture. Let’s be able to stand in front of the Savior with the knowledge that we did all we could to cherish His little ones.
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