Truth Confirmed

I often hear people suggest praying before General Conference that we will find guidance, comfort, and answers to our questions in the messages. Over the past few weeks I have thought a lot about basic doctrines of my religion. I have written posts about the scriptures, the fall, the Plan of Salvation (or Plan of Happiness) and our relationship with God. I have felt strangely exposed. I have felt insecure. I have felt a bit like the people in Lehi's dream.

24 And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree.


25 And after they had partaken of the fruit of the tree they did cast their eyes about as if they were ashamed.

26 And I also cast my eyes round about, and beheld, on the other side of the river of water, a great and spacious building; and it stood as it were in the air, high above the earth.

27 And it was filled with people, both old and young, both male and female; and their manner of dress was exceedingly fine; and they were in the attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit.

28 And after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost. (1 Nephi 8:24-28)

It isn't so much that I feel ashamed or embarrassed of my beliefs. I do feel mocked by the world. I suspect I am often too aware of those in the great and spacious building. I worry that I might sahre their fate if I am not careful.

The difference between me and those in the dream is that when I start to feel this way, I turn towards God instead of away from him. I look to the church, the scriptures, the gospel for guidance and assureance. Confirmation.

I didn't really articulate all of this prior to General Conference. I only hoped for guidance. I was not disappointed. In fact, I was both thrilled and humbled that so many of these very subjects were addressed in those few hours.


President Thomas S. Monson
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/watch/2012/04?lang=eng&vid=1542112413001&cid=11



President Henry B. Eyring
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/watch/2012/04?lang=eng&vid=1540737878001&cid=12


Elder D. Todd Christofferson
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/watch/2012/04?lang=eng&vid=1542112410001&cid=9


Elder L. Tom Perrry
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/watch/2012/04?lang=eng&vid=1542112418001&cid=3

167 years ago today...

In memory of the Prophet Joseph Smith.

For more information about Joseph Smith go to this link.

Words That Changed The World

In Sacrament Meeting the other week we sang hymn 26, Joseph Smith's First Prayer. I have always loved this hymn. But for some reason, this particular day, it touched me in a very powerful way.

Super Powers 101: spiritual learning

October 3-4 is General Conference, when the leaders of the church will speak to us. In light of this, I decided to share the following experience with you.

Growing up Mormon in the Bible-belt is like being a giraffe in a pride of lions. When people find out you're "one of them" they get this wide-eyed, gasping sort of look on their faces and run away...possibly telling you you are going to hell as they race for the nearest exit.

Being different was a way of life for me and the members of the little congregation I attended. Most of the adults had been raised in other faiths and converted to the LDS church as adults, my mother included. These good brothers and sisters had come to the church armed with knowledge of and faith in Jesus Christ. In the LDS church they had found more. They embraced their new-found religion with zeal and passion, teaching me the wonderful new things they were learning. Although I remember hearing Bible stories and learning about Jesus, those things seemed to take a back seat to the Book of Mormon and modern revelation.