Talking to God

 A couple of years ago I was on a hike with a friend of mine and his son. We were talking about different things on the hike. We were talking about the different things that were going on in each other's lives. We were enjoying the scenery that was all around us. My friend's son asked a gospel-related question. I don’t recall what the question was. But I remembered that I started to answer the question. As soon as I started, this young man was ready with his next question. His dad, my friend said to his son you’re too worried about what you’re going to ask next than to listen to the answer to the question.

I was reminded of this experience this morning, as I was reading Come Follow Me. 

I realized I was the one interrupting the Lord.  I was trying to listen after I had asked a question. I was more intent on what was coming next than to hear and truly really understand or to participate in a conversation.

I realized that I wasn’t really paying attention. I realized that I wasn’t allowing my Heavenly Father to talk to me. I was blocking out the Holy Ghost because I was thinking of what I was going to say next.

I then listened to the song “Abide With Me!”
The heartache that comes as we shut the savior out is real. It is palpable as we try to go it alone. Sometimes we may realize it. Other times we might be like the disciples caught up in ourselves that we can’t recognize the Savior walking with us, and talking with us.

For me, when I take the time to be in a quiet place, that’s when I hear the Savior's voice. When I take the time to listen, that’s when I receive revelation. When I take time, that’s when I can experience being in the presence of the spirit.

When I am only willing to phone it in. When I’m only willing to give the essentials rather than my whole heart. That is when I’ve lost sight and I’m not paying attention.

Especially at this time, when there are distractions all around us. We have to pay attention! Paying attention and focusing on one thing at a time, rather than what’s coming next will give us what we need. Paying attention gives us the ability to stand and fight when life seems to be a constant battle.

I pray that I can be a little bit more aware. More wise.
When we are wise, we are able to discern the thoughts and hearts of those we serve (Alma18:22 , Alma 48:11–17)
Wise is being faithful and keeping the Commandments. Wise is a covenant, keeping commandments following faithful woman and man of God.

A Precious Fruit

A teacher started class. The goal was to see how much the class would work together. The job was big but if they worked together to complete the days tasks it could be done. The tasks were simple yet complex. They tested the knowledge of all involved.

 If the students over thought the task it would require more work and if they hurried through the test they for sure would fail. It had to be just the right mix. 

“If you complete the tasks by the end of class there is a great treat in store.” Just for added measure the teacher had added.

The students all worked hard. They had a hiccup here and there. Overall each group finished with a little time to spare. 

With great anticipation they waited for the last group to finish. When they did the teacher grabbed a bucket of tootsie roll candies. 

“As promised a great treat.” The teacher said with a bright smile.

The students each took one of the candies. They each had worked hard. And this was there reward. Most said nothing but all thought what others were saying. 

“What! We worked so hard for this?” 

The teacher only smiled and continued to offer the treats to the rest of the students. 

Sometimes, it seems like that is how we treat the things of God. The students worked hard together. And gained a treat.  They murmured because it wasn’t great it their mind. 

It seems to me that those who work so hard to cling to the rod of iron they make it to the tree and say with disappointment I worked so hard for this. Maybe they even give up because it’s just to hard. Are they really expecting something more? 

Lehi said that the fruit of that tree was most precious, the best that he had tasted. Then he wanted his family to come. He wanted to share this wonderful gift that he had been given with others. 

The real reward that had been given was the experience. The opportunity to work with like minded people. We here on this earth experience come in contact with people everyday that need our help to keep progressing forward. We are being tested in some way. We all need one another to make it to the presence of the Savior and partake of that wondrous gift that he offers. 

Back to basics

 Talking to a friend I realized something that I have always known. That the simple things are the things that matter most. You know the primary answers. Go to church, say your prayers, read your scriptures. Things that we know will strengthen our relationship with our heavenly father. So, why is it so hard to do them? Why is it so hard to do the things that we know will help us feel the spirit, receive revelation, and bring us back into the presence of our Heavenly Father?

I think that it’s times like these that I am just plain lazy. It’s not that I don’t want to do them. It’s that I’ll get to them I have so much on my plate why do I got to spend the time to to do this when I know it already. So horrible to think about but it is the rut you get in. Becomes an excuse that leads to a habit. And then you feel lost and maybe even a little afraid.

It’s that rut I’d like to address today. A few years ago on this blog I wrote a post that was the 10 minute fix.It was called unity written back in 2011. Take 10 minutes out of your day and create a place with each member of your family.

As you take that time with each member of your family you’ll find that what matters most is that relationship that you have with them. You’ll also realize how much you want to spend time with them.

And then you’ll start to spend time with your heavenly father again. Spending time with Heavenly Father means doing the primary answers. Taking the time to have meaningful conversation with the father. Taking time to understand his will concerning us. Taking time to understand that others need us. Once you feel like you’re needed there is a great feeling of satisfaction. A deep love that only comes from above.  it fills every aspect of your life. 

Live that you may be able to feel Savior and working in your life. Pay attention. There may be someone out there; something out there that needs to be accomplished only by you.

A message to the world

 About a year ago I wrote this book.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1099474612/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_awdb_imm_t1_IWp3FbG1JGHR1?fbclid=IwAR3_SLafVtumTvoTYi3ftHhRaC_ofP8fnlufULpPja5u7jZaQuFS-s4xoLA#

In it I share my testimony through poetry. A testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith.

Would you consider leaving me a review?

Would you consider sharing it with your loved ones at this holiday season?

Getting ready for general conference

It’s time to take a stroll through Joseph Smith history. When you do that with a video blog.

https://youtu.be/Sjc-4rC1IsU

I hope you enjoy it and look forward to making many videos throughout this thing. 62days to go to general Conference

A Message To The World:Joseph Called of God

Check out my Book
Amazon.com

A Message To The World: Joseph Called of God
What do you do when you do not understand something? Most people ask questions and base opinions and actions on the answers to those questions. That is exactly what Joseph Smith Jr did nearly two centuries ago. The answer to his question is still changing hearts and minds today.  With the religious climate at an all time high; Joseph wanted to know which church to join. Message to the world is a testimony of the events of the prophets life, His family, his love, his Heavenly Father, His ministry told in prose.  Joseph was a student of the Bible.  While studying he was told that if you need wisdom ask. In response to Joseph’s question God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to the boy. That event caused the boy to start on a journey that would lead him from upstate New York to Kirkland, Ohio to Missouri and then finally his martyrdom in Carthage, Illinois. His life was dedicated to serving his God. That in turn led the man to serve his fellowman. People would Travel great distance to be able to come and see. His invitation always the same. Come and Follow Jesus Christ. His passion was centered in serving and teaching all that would listen to his message.  A Message To The World!

Stay on the Boat

God Has To Laugh
Every day when I start a new
I think what is there to do.
A list of tasks from A-Z flood my mind.
There is so much to do
and not enough time
at least that’s how I see it.
So I stopped to ask,
Help for priority, help for the Mundane,
help for the little guy
I forgot his name.
Help for the guidance needed.
Not once have I asked for what priority God had
Not listening for the ease of the day
that would cast a ray
On all the things that I need to do and say.
Prayers, yes it’s true is a talk with God.
Part of praying is stopping long enough
for all of the days actions to be understood

Elder Ballard in his 2014 October conference address said “ Given the challenges we all face today, how do we stay on the Old Ship Zion?
Here is how. We need to experience a continuing conversion by increasing our faith in Jesus Christ and our faithfulness to His gospel throughout our lives--not just once but regularly. Alma asked, “And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren [and sisters], if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?”

I would like to address four things that we have to hold on to while the Old ship Zion is pitching in the waters of life.
1)we must follow the living Prophets and Apostles
2)We must have a working knowledge of the Plan of Salvation
3) We must realize that we are apart of an Eternal Family
4) We must learn to find the Holy Sabbath a delight

Who can we follow? That's a hard question. Especially when there are many who are shouting for and biding for our attention. Many give up floundering. Content to just doing their own thing. These people are lost.
The people of Zeniff eager to find the land of their inheritance went out only to run into the Lamanites. They gave up half of all they had eventually loosing all they had to lamenites. They thought their people had perished and became subject to the Lamenites. They were not paying attention to the prophets or their leaders.
There is someone that we can look to, to bring us to safety. That person is the prophet of the Lord.
President Russell M Nelson  has been prepared for our day. Like many that have come before him they were to guide their people through the torrent of worldly wisdom. He speaks for our day and time to bring us to safety.The heavens are not closed.
The Father loves and expects much from us. We need a leader who has a knowledge of and experience with listening to and applying the will of the father. The scriptures have taught that "surely the Lord God will do nothing, save he will reveal his secret to his servants the prophet. (Amos 3:7)" The prophet speaks with the Father.
With that knowledge then... that we have a leader. Someone who is willing to guide us through the storm. We have to then choose to follow him. No one is going to make us choose to follow him.
Just like everything in the gospel of Jesus Christ we are free to choose.
Christ told us that he would take care of us. As long as we are willing to follow him (2nd Nephi 2:27-29). The part of the individual is following the prophet.
When others have wandered from the path and jumped off the old ship Zion it is so important for us to help them back aboard. Give a hand of encouragement. Repentance is possible through the gracious gift of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Take the opportunity to share your testimony  every chance you can. Invite others to recognize the loftiness and pride of the worldly wisdom that is all around them. Be willing to share your testimony of how the Gospel has changed your life. Be able to offer examples of how your testimony of the prophet and following  his example has led you to come to know more of your Savior, Jesus Christ.
This is truly the work of the master. Bringing others to the knowledge of the Savior. Helping others back when they have fallen short. Ours is not to judge. It is but to be a help in facilitating our Heavenly Father in rescuing some of his children.
2nd  having an understanding of the plan of salvation is a crucial hand old to keeping on the Old Ship Zion.
Everywhere we go there are evidences of our heavenly father. From things so very small, to things huge Jesus Christ is found in it all. We just need to learn to recognize him. It is vital to learn to focus on the things of the spirit. The learning that is needed can be found by asking yourself a series of questions.
Who am I?
Where did I come from?
Where am I going?
Who am I suppose to be through the grace of the Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ?
Knowing the answers to these simple questions allows us to answer all the other questions that come during this thing called life.
 What are my goals?
What do I focus on?
How do I view the world?
What really matters to me?
Everything that we do has to in one way or another lead us to the Master. This life is a time for us to prepare to meet God. Alma taught that we are here in a probationary state that we may learn and grow. The Savior taught that we must come unto him. Cast on him our every care and find shelter in within his embrace.
What are your goals?
Everyone should set at least a few spiritual and temporal goals. Having goals creates an atmosphere of learning. Your willing to try new things. Seeking to better yourself and your following the example of Jesus Christ. Your always striving. You are always growing in an effort to attain those goals you have set.
Each person is  different. As such  your goals may not be the same as mine. The important thing is that you have them!
It is so important that you set them high and self inspect often to make certain that you are on the road to attaining yours and the Father’s aspirations for you.
Ask yourself, what do I focus on? What in the world excites me? What is it that gets my attention. Am I easily distracted from what I am doing?If so it is time to recognize it and discipline yourself. Focusing your attention is a huge asset to your family. Easily finding the ability to make the important decisions when it is time to make them!
How you view the world tells alot about what you care about. Recognizing the hand of the father in all things helps to see the greatness all around us. The strength of the oceans to the gentle breeze show us the hand of the father. All good things come from the father. Moroni tells us that all good things lead us to the Savior of the world, even Jesus Christ.
What matters most? Everything hinges on this question. If you are involved in something and you don't want to be you are not going to give one hundred percent. On the other hand if you recognize what you want and attack it you will accomplish so much more. As long as you are doing your best striving to live the gospel to the best of your ability. That is all that is being asked of you !!!

Third hand hold to keep us on the Old Ship Zion comes within the family.  The greatest opportunities for growth in this life are found with the walls of own homes. The family is where so many firsts are experienced. In the family is where sweet special memories are formed and eternal relationships are forged.

A few years ago during  FHE (Family Home Evening) I had been thinking a lot about the Proclamation on the family.

So I had everyone, spell the word family as an acronym

F (fart was the first choice) Forever Families. Families can be together forever. All of us are apart of an                                      eternal family. We are able to learn much from one another as we recognize that relationship with one another.

A Apply or Application We talked about applying what we learn. Internalize the lessons make them apart of our daily lives. study it out,  learn all you can and then put it to action.

M Marriage Recognize where and when it is appropriate to start a family. Marriage between a man and a woman is part of the plan. We are to work together and teach together and raise a family in unity an a desire to all return home.

I  Insurance, we might have stretched this a little. but the idea here is that we do those little things that insure us returning to our father. Reading our scriptures, Praying, FHE, going to church. These things build a safe haven from the outside world.

L Live, Laugh,LOVE memories that is where it is all at. Daily creating a atmosphere that will bring us closer together. I think it is so true that laughing provides for strong bonds. The greatest example of love is the Savior. If as a family we can learn about him and build our lives around him and his example we will come to be able to  love our neighbors that much easier.

Y Youth, You : In the family you are defined. Your character is molded and formed. Your values are created.

The family is the greatest and biggest piece to our fathers plan.

The fourth handhold keeping us on the Old Ship Zion is Sabbath day observance
Elder Ballard taught “All of us are blessed when the Sabbath is filled with love for the Lord at home and at church. When our children are taught in the ways of the Lord, they learn to feel and to respond to His Spirit. We will all desire to attend each Sunday to partake of the sacrament when we feel the Spirit of the Lord. And all, young and old, who are carrying heavy burdens will feel the spiritual uplift and comfort that comes from a Sabbath day of devoted contemplation of our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
When the Sabbath day is observed we are showing our love for the Father and Son. Christ taught us that “If ye Love me keep my commandments.” Just a few verses more he calls us his Friend if ye do whatsoever I have commanded. We make covenants that start us out on this path. Keeping the Commandments allows us to be exalted.
Sabbath day observance is a hard thing for me. Separating out the day from the rest of the week. The church has become apart of  who I am. If I am not at work I am doing something during the day like scripture study, driving kids to mutual activities, visiting someone in the ward. Everyday there is something that keeps Heavenly Father front and center. So, how should one single out the day?
Creating an atmosphere in the home on the Sabbath like one was at the temple could help to make a attitude of reverence and admiration for the Savior. Being in the temple working or worshipping allows for a different perspective. In the temple we are reverent, quiet. The phone is not at arms reach notifying one of the recent news events. The latest sale that Disney had before raising its prices for its new park attractions.  Placing all the cares of the day in the rear view. That can be a monumental task. However, allowing the things of God to be first for one day will change the smallest wave that challenges and heartaches cause. The whole observance requires what may seem as sacrifice at first. But opens a whole new perspective, a new higher view that offers sweet assistance and maybe even more proficient.
Placing the sweet special feeling of the temple within the home offers a blessing of security.

Conclude with testimony