Urdaneta Net: Maligayang Pasko!

Friday, September 6, 2013

Maligayang Pasko!

Merry Christmas, or as they say in Tagalog....Maligayang Pasko! Christmas celebrations in the Philippines start September 1st. Last Sunday, we were wished a Merry Christmas. Several branches sang Christmas hymns in their church meetings. On preparation day this week, President Monahan and I listened to Christmas music as we did our grocery shopping. The Christmas lights have started going up this week, also. Last year at this time, I have to say the Christmas celebrations in September caught me off guard. I know we are supposed to keep the "spirit of Christmas" in our hearts all year long, but I had never been accustomed to singing or listening to Christmas music in September. It is a wonderful Filipino tradition to focus on the birth of Christ from September through January (actually, through February if you count all the Christmas lights still hanging along the streets). Now, a year later, what joy I will have in singing Christmas hymns during the next four months!

Not all Christmas displays show Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus in the manger. This display was at a hotel. Maybe they were dreaming of a white Christmas.

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Message from President Monahan

PRESS FORWARD

To “press forward” (2 Ne 31:20) we must move forward, not backward.

A well-known saying implies that each of us gets one shining moment in life’s spotlight– our fifteen minutes of fame. For some, those fifteen minutes are melancholy memories of bygone days. For example, men often relive their glory days in school sports–that winning touchdown, the lunge for the tape, a last second jump shot. Remembering the past is one thing; dwelling on it is another. Dwelling on yesterday can shackle today. Living in the past to the exclusion of the here and now is like a repeating loop, a daily resurrection of long-dead triumphs and failures from yesteryear. Yesterday is gone; remember it fondly, but let it rest in peace.

What matters is today. Are you closer to Christ today than you were yesterday? And what about tomorrow? While many suffer with the plague of what might have been, others struggle with tomorrows that never arrive. Fretting over tomorrow is equally destructive. The Lord said: “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself” (Matt. 6:34). Besides, improving our tomorrows requires better effort today! By making today the best day of your life and mission, you will have many fond memories of yesterday and the sure knowledge that tomorrow can stand on the shoulders of today’s 100% effort.

One of our sacred hymns urges us to, “Improve the shining moments; don’t let them pass you by.” (Hymn 226) That is a lesson to learn and live. As Sister Monahan and I bid farewell to each of you, please know that you are always in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. Your quest for discipleship is our quest. Your success and joys are ours as well. May you have many “shining moments” as missionaries, as future husbands and wives, mothers and fathers and leaders of the rising generation.

'Till we meet again.

CROOKED LINES and NARROW PATHS

Just as a crooked line is longer from any destination, so a straight line leads to a given destination more efficiently. Investigators may acknowledge that the path they are on is crooked, but comfortable. For that reason the straight path of change is usually uncomfortable. Repentance requires the straight and narrow path leading to life eternal. It is not a path designed for comfort.

Real repentance is defined as a turning of the heart and will to God (see Bible Dictionary p. 760). Many investigators wrongly believe that repentance means feeling sorrow for getting caught, or saying some prayers and waiting for God to beat them “with a few stripes” of guilt (see 2 Ne 28:8).

Faith in Jesus Christ and our love for Him “leads us to repentance” (PMG p. 62). The evidence of genuine repentance is to bring our lives “in line with God’s will” (Id). God’s will is a straight path leading directly to Christ, to genuine sorrow for sins, and the faith to turn away from crooked lines and prodigal paths.

When we repent of our sins, we feel “godly sorrow” and we “stop doing things that are wrong” (PMG p. 62). Some believe that mere confession wipes away the stain of sin. In fact, John the Revelator said, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins” (1 John 1:9).

The problem with confession alone is that it gives no incentive for changing direction leading to the straight and narrow path. We must confess and forsake our sins. As John warns, “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. But if we walk in the light...the blood of Jesus Christ…cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:6-7). In other words, the mercy of Christ’s Atonement and forgiveness are conditional upon real repentance.

Some years ago I home taught a man who loved car racing more than God. Races on the weekends were his whole life. He was always going to repent someday. He would forsake car racing to attend church...some day. He would take his sweet family to the temple...some day. The problem is he ran out of some days. God called him home sooner than he thought, right in the middle of a Sunday race. Ironically, the crooked path of the racetrack the man so loved was a circle of procrastination spiraling away from things which matter most.

When our investigators sincerely repent, not only do they turn away from sin now, but they also grow stronger in their desire to follow God all the days of their lives (PMG p. 62).

May each of us access the glorious gift of Christ’s Atonement on conditions of real repentance-- the straight line, even the narrow, uncomfortable path of true discipleship.

EASTER AND THE ATONEMENT

The Savior’s all-encompassing sacrifice in the garden of Gethsemane made possible the glorious resurrection and events of that first Easter morning. In Gethsemane “all humanity hung on the hinge of Christ’s character” (Elder Neal A. Maxwell, “Plow in Hope,” Ensign, May, 2001). Jesus accomplished the exquisite Atonement and took upon Himself every pain, all sorrow, and each sin. (see Alma 7:11). In agony, Jesus sweat from every pore as it were “great drops of blood” (Luke 22:42). He did not shrink, but drank from “the bitter cup” (D&C 19:18).

Christ’s exquisite suffering in Gethsemane would yet require complete submissiveness to His Roman captors and the cruelty of Calvary.

After ordering the scourging of Jesus, Pilate brought Him before the angry mob. Arrayed in a purple robe and crowned with bloody thorns, Jesus silently bore Pilate’s declaration, “Behold the man!” (John 19:5). Man of Holiness is one of Christ’s names. (see Moses 7:35). Unwittingly, Pilate had borne a second witness of the Savior’s divinity. Seeking to release Jesus, Pilate would later petition the crowd: “What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call King of the Jews?” (Mark 15:12). From the chief priests came the condemning reply: “We have no king but Caesar” (John 19:15). However, in an ever-approaching day, Pilate, Herod, the chief priests and all people shall acknowledge the Savior’s divinity, for, “Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess” that Jesus is the Christ (Mosiah 27:31; Isaiah 45:23).

Gethsemane, Calvary and the empty tomb are forever linked. As the emblem of the Passover, Jesus is the true Lamb whose sacrifice is universal. John declared: “Behold, the Lamb of God!” (John 1:36). Innocent, holy, without spot, our Lord was “lifted up by men so that all men might be lifted up by the Father” (3 Ne 27:14).

What can we do and who can we become to honor the supernal events of Gethsemane, Calvary, and the empty tomb? Elder Christofferson has said, “People should be able to see in us something of Jesus Christ. The way we act, speak, look, and even think will reflect Him and His ways...In this vein, the Lord commanded us that we be even as He is” (Elder D. Todd Christofferson, “Becoming a Witness of Christ,” Ensign, March, 2008).

Jesus is Easter–the true Passover. We must never pass by Him, but instead come unto Him, for He beckons us. His complete surrender for all mankind allows us to fully and finally surrender to Him whose name we bear. May we enjoy the richest blessings of the Atonement and the Savior’s victory over death, even to “the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph 4:13).

Is Christmas Safe In Your Mouth?

Schools celebrate Winter Break, but not the Creator of winter and all seasons. Cities string glittering stars across roads but ignore the heavenly light shining “out of darkness” (2 Corinthians 4:6). Stores greet us with “Happy Holidays” but remain timidly silent about the Holy Days. The reason for the season is Jesus Christ. The empty Garden Tomb is a testament to the loftiness of a lowly manger. We revere the birth in Bethlehem by honoring the sacrifice of Calvary and Gethsemane.

When asked what love is, a little boy replied, “Love is when someone says your name just a little different, and you know your name is safe in their mouth.”

Is the Christ in Christmas safe in your mouth?

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Do we honor the gift of Jesus Christ–year round? Do we show His love to others when they speak ill of us? Do we forgive one another as the Savior forgives us? Are we patient in suffering? Are we focused on sharing the Plan of Happiness, or instead, are we focused on our personal comforts and desires?

May we recognize as did Emerson that, “Rings and other jewels are not gifts, but apologies for gifts. The only gift is a portion of thyself” (Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Gifts,” Essays XIII, 1844).

Perhaps this Christmas season each of us will commit to giving more of ourselves and worry less about what we can acquire. Discipleship requires “our whole souls” (Omni 1:26). Jesus referred to this process as being “born again” (John 3:5) and converted to “become as little children” (Matthew 18:3). A Book of Mormon prophet called it “put(ting) off the natural man” (Mosiah 3:19). Another said it is “the purifying and sanctification of (our) hearts” (Helaman 3:35). Alma declared it to be a “mighty change of heart” (Alma 5:14). The transformation from the natural to the spiritual man or woman of Christ reminds us of another birth two millennia ago.

“And she brought forth her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7). To the shepherds an angel declared, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).

The true spirit of Christmas is not found in pretty bows, glossy wrapping paper, or sparkling lights, though all these things can remind us of a higher purpose: the love Jesus offers us. The baby Jesus, born in a feeding trough for sheep, would one day feed with the Bread of Life all who come unto Him. In return, He asks His followers to feed His sheep. Ours can be a season of peace from the Prince of Peace. May the name and life of Jesus Christ be the true spirit of the season and forever safe in our mouths. Merry Christmas.

November 2014

Reflections on General Conference

This month we are studying Baptism and the Christlike attribute of humility. Please also ponder the messages from the Brethren at Conference. Here are a few to remember:

Elder Robbins: “Which Way Do You Face?" This was Elder Packer’s question to him as a new Seventy. You represent the prophet to the people. Never forget which way you face. "Fear ye not the reproach of men" (Isaiah 51:7). When the fear of men tempts us to condone sin, it is a snare. For example: fear of men, where missionaries don't report flagrant disobedience of their companions to their mission presidents. The Savior always faced His Father. He never yielded to the finger of scorn.

Elder Christofferson: “Free Forever to Act for Themselves.” Every man is accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment. We have the principal role in our life's drama. God does not save us just as we are. We are unclean. God will not act to make us something we do not choose to become. The real manifestation of our love is keeping His commandments; to act for ourselves and not to be acted upon. (See 2 Ne 2:26.)

Elder Oaks: “Loving Others and Living with Differences.” Jesus taught, “Love one another as I have loved you.” This teaching about contention is central to living among those who do not share our beliefs. Contention is a tool of the devil.

Elder Andersen: “Joseph Smith.” Good and evil spoken of Joseph. “Studying the church through the eyes of its defectors is like studying Jesus through the eyes of Judas” (Maxwell). Internet information does not have a truth filter. Some information, while true, may be presented out of context.

Elder Klebingat: “Approaching the Throne of God with Confidence.” If you had an interview with the savior one minute from now: 1&2: Take responsibility for your own spiritual and physical well-being. 3. Embrace wholehearted obedience as part of your life. Selective obedience brings selective blessings. 4. Become really good at repenting thoroughly and quickly. 5. Become really good at forgiving. Don't hold grudges. 6. Accept trials and setbacks as part of your mortal experience. Acknowledge and face your weaknesses, but don't be controlled by them.

President Monson: “Ponder the Path of Thy Feet.” We learn that decisions determine destiny. We have the tools we need to help us gain eternal life: scriptures, teaching of the prophets, the perfect example of our Lord and Savior. Walking in Jesus’ path is far more important that retracing His steps in mortality. We can all walk the path He walked as His teachings guide our lives. Jesus walked the path of disappointment, of temptation, of pain. Without temptation there is no agency. Jesus walked the path of obedience, and we can also. We can also walk the path of service, of scriptures, of moral cleanliness. Through the account of the Good Samaritan, Christ teaches us love. With other parables He teaches service and to go to the rescue. The Savior's example provides a framework for everything we do. His path will guide us safely home.

September 2014

Drink Ye All of It

Before undertaking the weight of all mankind’s sins and afflictions, the Savior broke bread and shared wine with his disciples, saying, “Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the new testament (or “covenant” in the revised version) which is shed for many” (Matt. 26:27-28). By this simple declaration Jesus instituted the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. The word sacrament comes from the Latin the word sacramentum, meaning to “set aside for a holy purpose.”

By studying the Lord’s exquisite Atonement, we might ask what is meant by the commandment to “drink ye all of it”?

As missionaries and disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are all in or we are all out. “For he that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand” (D&C 107:100). Just as the vineyard cannot produce sweet fruit without strong roots and sturdy vines, so it is with the servants who tend the vineyard. In order to reap the fruit, we must plant and harvest through diligent labor.

Jesus said, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). As we work in the Lord’s vineyard, we must tend our area with great care, always giving credit to the True Vine, the Lord of Glory.

As a child, I remember going to the doctor for checkups and vaccines. To prevent disease and ensure a healthier life, my doctor would hand me a cup of bitter-tasting purple medicine, instructing me to “drink it all up, every drop.” No physician who truly cares for his patient would give a half-cup of medicine or a reduced measure of vaccine. Although the medicine was hard to swallow, there were blessings on the other side of bitterness.

The Savior’s admonition to “drink ye all of it” is the price of discipleship: all or nothing. Like the rich, righteous young man who “went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions” (Matt. 19:22), we are sometimes reluctant to give our all to the Savior. We hold back that which is precious to the natural man: pride, selfishness, total effort.

Drinking deeply from the fruit of the True Vine does not require us to drink (or run) faster than we have strength. (See D&C 10:4). For “the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong...”(Eccl 9:11). However, drinking deeply requires a thirst for righteousness, not laziness.

Like the five foolish virgins who delayed filling their lamps with pure oil, we cannot live on borrowed light, borrowed wine or borrowed testimony.

“Drink ye all of it” is a simple charge to fill our souls with the words of life, the tree of life and the fruit of life–even the Savior and His Atoning sacrifice. As one poet remarked, “drink the whole summer down.” Your mission is the summer and sunshine of life, a time of planting and harvest, of sacrament and sacrifice. May you be eternally blessed for drinking from the well and cup that Jesus shares, for in so doing you “shall never thirst” (John 4:14; 3 Ne 20:18).

August 2014

The Power of Example

Our study theme this month is Faith. But faith in what? Many individuals have faith in false gods, pop-culture and misguided causes. Real faith is centered in Jesus Christ and His Atonement. His is the ultimate cause for peace in a troubled world and true happiness for troubled souls. Worthy of emulation is the power of the Master’s example.

Benjamin Disraeli, noted British politician and author, said, “The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example.” The power of your example cannot be underestimated. Each person is influenced for good or ill by the examples of others. What we admire, we imitate. Listen to anyone singing a favorite Videoke song. Not only do they sing the notes, but they imitate the words, the voice inflections and movements of the song’s composer.

Parents are most influential in our lives. While some children stray from the good examples of their parents, there are more successes than prodigals. The righteous influence of a parent is vital, especially during the formative years. For example, Jesus grew from “grace to grace” under the influence of righteous parents. Raised as a carpenter’s son by a loving mother and father, the Savior also learned to trust and follow the example of His Father in Heaven.

We become what we think, admire and desire. The Bible teaches, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). To illustrate, consider the latest dance craze: Some devotees rock to the music until the rhythm becomes an addiction. For them, the beat forms a habit that molds a lifestyle and shapes character.

In the October, 2009 General Conference, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, “For what we love determines what we seek. What we seek, determines what we think and do. What we think and do determines who we are–and who we will become” (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Love of God,” Ensign, November, 2009).

Who inspires you to do better; to be better? Whose example inspires excellence? Who are your heroes? One of my heroes is President Thomas S. Monson. His life is a legacy of lifting and serving others, especially when it isn’t convenient. “Let us ask ourselves the questions,” said President Monson, “Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need? What a formula for happiness!...There are gifts to be given. There are deeds to be done. There are souls to be saved” (Thomas S. Monson, “Now is the Time,” Ensign, Nov. 2001, 60).

True heroes are defined by their willingness to do hard things to accomplish noble things. We should emulate heroes worthy of our adoration. In this way, we learn excellence in service, devotion and discipleship. Our ultimate exemplar is Jesus Christ, who declared, “...If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me (Matt. 16:24).”

As we center faith and devotion in our ultimate hero, Jesus Christ, we become all that we can be. We influence others who then desire to emulate our good example. In effect, we become a true friend and hero when we lose ourselves in the friendship and heroism of the Master of mankind.

What is the power of your example? If centered in Christ, it is generational and limitless.

May 2014

LADDERS

Mortality requires us to stretch, reach and climb. Ladders provide a useful example; they are built for climbing. Ladders help us go from ground level to heights we could never reach without help. In a similar way, we all need the Savior’s help in order to stretch, reach and climb the rungs of our own character. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can reach our potential–even “the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph 4:13).

Ladders are also a useful symbol for setting and achieving our goals. As we move upward, we do not climb or “run faster than we have strength” (D&C 10:4). We achieve our goals using wisdom and safety. For example, I once needed to inspect the roof of my house. I used an extension ladder anchored at the bottom and stretching several meters above the roof at the top. As I began my ascent, the ladder shifted violently to one side. I crashed to the ground. I had placed the base of the ladder on shifting, sandy soil. Without a solid foundation, climbing the ladder was unsafe. Once I repositioned the ladder on more solid ground, my climb to the top of the roof was limited only by my fear of heights. In life, even solid foundations require faith in order to climb to the top of a worthy goal. Fear limits our achievement and potential.

Some destinations, like some goals, are inherently dangerous and unworthy of our heart and effort. In gospel terms, disciples should never aspire to positions. We accept calls when they come. We do our best. We are then released to serve in other ways for the good of God’s Kingdom. As Paul counseled, “And no man taketh this honour unto himself” (Heb 5:4). Thus, there is no leadership ladder-climbing in the Lord’s mission. We may serve for several transfers as a district or zone leader, or STL. Then, we are released from those positions to allow others an opportunity for leadership.

Think of a ladder as our testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Think of the rungs of our ladder as help from the Holy Ghost. We place our ladders on firm doctrinal footings and begin our ascent to worthy goals. Isn’t it interesting that no one can climb our ladder for us. Mentors can encourage our climb to the top, but we must individually put one foot forward and upward, challenging and overcoming our fear of heights in the process. Our safety net, should we fall back or misstep, is obedience and repentance.

The climb to the top of our character is a lifelong effort–one rung at a time. As we climb above our pride and selfishness, we do our best not to fall back to a lower rung, but grateful for repentance and obedience and the chance to continue our climb. As we do so with slow, steady progress we gain confidence, we overcome our fear and feel the joy and satisfaction of achieving discipleship at the top.

Consider Samuel the Lamanite. He was charged to cry repentance to the wicked Nephites. Picture him climbing the mighty stone wall using a tall wooden ladder. Even after the ascent, he would face the arrows of opposition while boldly teaching the truth. No doubt the climb to the top of the wall was difficult, but the assignment once he reached the top was the real test of his character.

As the Lord’s missionaries, may each of us anchor our ladders to the solid foundation of the Doctrine of Christ. May we climb one step at a time to overcome pride and selfishness. May we reach heights that only come as we partake of the Savior’s love and Atonement. If we misstep, we must repent, obey and press forward and upward. At the top of our character we will meet opposition, but we will face all the fiery darts protected by God’s armor and the sword of His incomparable Spirit.

April 2014

Repentance

This month’s study theme is Repentance. Genuine repentance is “a change of mind, i.e., a fresh view about God, about oneself, and about the world. Since we are born into conditions of mortality, repentance comes to mean a turning of the heart and will to God” (Bible Dictionary).

Repentance and true conversion are closely linked. Alma’s penetrating questions are worthy of review: “Have ye been spiritually converted? Have ye received His image in your countenance? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?” and “can ye feel so now?” (Alma 5:14, 26). Elder Bednar said, “Please note that the conversion described in these versus is mighty, not minor–a spiritual rebirth and fundamental change of what we feel and desire, what we think and do, and what we are” (Elder David A. Bednar, “Ye Must Be Born Again,” Ensign, May 2007).

Parents understand that young children are completely innocent. They act out of trust for their parents and a desire to please mom and dad. They see the world through fresh eyes. Young children also love unconditionally. As a requirement for eternal glory, Jesus counseled us to “become as little children” (Matt. 18:3; see also 3 Ne 11:37-38).

When we teach the Doctrine of Christ to investigators and members alike, may we focus on the true meaning of repentance and the resulting “mighty change of heart.” Repentance leads to conversion and a lifelong–even eternal–commitment to God’s will and commandments.

For all who struggle with the tug and pull of earthly challenges that cause us to withhold portions of our love, allegiance and service to God, Jesus declared, “No man can serve two masters. For either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matt 6:24).

One of the most significant ways for members and investigators to demonstrate their penitent heart is to keep the commandment to partake of the sacrament. (D&C 20:37; 3 Ne 18:10-14.) As with all of God’s commandments, weekly sacrament participation is not optional; it is not a pick-and-choose buffet. We cannot work in the field on rice-harvest Sunday, while claiming the blessings of discipleship the rest of the week. For disciples of Christ, we are all in, or we are out.

It is a comfort to know that mistakes can be corrected, sins forgiven and broken hearts healed. Through Christ’s Atonement, genuine repentance leads to a “mighty change of heart.”

The highest compliment any child can give to a loving parent is this one: “I want to grow up to be like my mommy and daddy.” May each of us strive to grow up and become like our heavenly parents. Repentance is the first step in becoming like God and is life’s most noble pursuit.

March 2014

THE FAITH OF NEPHI AND LEHI

Chapter five of the Book of Helaman is one of the most remarkable accounts of preaching with faith and power in all of scripture. Nephi delivered up the judgment-seat to bear down in pure testimony to those who “chose evil” and “could not be governed by law nor justice” (Hel 5:2-3). Together with his brother, Lehi, Nephi was one of the Lord’s most effective and powerful missionaries.

Review with me the formula for becoming a powerful missionary. Nephi begins with the desire to set aside his employment, his position and his own personal wants. In fact, he committed to “preach the word of God all the remainder of his days” (Hel 5:4). Next, Nephi recalled the words of his father to “keep the commandments of God” and “to remember your names” in order to respect the sacrifice of father Lehi and his son, Nephi, who came out from Jerusalem (Hel. 5:6).

Next, Nephi remembered his father’s counsel to “do that which is good” (Hel. 5:7) and to “lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven” (5:8) that “ye may have the precious gift of eternal life” (5:8). Nephi also recalled the words of King Benjamin that Jesus Christ is the only “means whereby man can be saved” (5:9).

One of the most beautiful passages in the Book of Mormon is found in Helaman 5:12. There we learn that we must build our foundation on the “rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ” and that if we build on this sure foundation, we “cannot fail.”

Nephi and Lehi taught with power as they spoke the words given them by the Spirit (Hel. 5:18). As a result of bearing down in pure testimony, they baptized eight thousand souls and converted three hundred others after being cast into prison and protected by a pillar of fire and hearing God’s “still voice of perfect mildness” (5:23,30). Angels also ministered to them. This led to an army of missionaries who, in turn, ministered and declared these things unto the people (5:50).

As a result of these miraculous missionary efforts, the Lamanites laid down their weapons of war and became more righteous than the Nephites (Hel. 5:51 and 6:1).

The example for each of us is that to be an effective and powerful instrument in the Lord’s hands, we must follow these patterns of righteousness. Even then, we are not exempt from trials and hardships, but we are protected and preserved to fulfill the Lord’s purposes.

May each of us learn from the examples of righteous disciples how to come closer to Jesus Christ every day. From our desires to our effort and obedience, the Lord blesses those who seek Him first and always. Is not this the fruit of faith?

September 2013

The Atonement and the Parable of the Sower

The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-9) teaches us to flourish, despite challenging conditions. Through Christ’s Atonement we can grow to our full potential.

In the parable, a sower tossed identical seeds over four different soils (Matthew 13:3). Some seeds “fell by the way side,” devoured by birds (13:4). Other seeds fell “in stony places,” and lacking deep roots, sprang up and withered in the sun (13:5-6). A third group “fell among thorns” which “choked” the roots (13:7). The last seeds “fell into good ground,” taking root and bringing forth a varying abundance of fruit (13:8).

Each of the differing soils represent our receptivity to God’s will and word. The seeds were identical, yet flourished only in receptive soil. Notably, the seeds which flourished were subject to the same storms and sunshine.

The seeds which fell by the wayside represent those persons who hear the gospel but allow the wicked world to “catch away” that which was sown (Matthew 13:19). The second seeds are those who joyfully receive the gospel but allow trials or persecution to harden them like stony ground (13:20-21). The third seeds represent those who hear the word but allow the thorns of greed and deceit to choke tender testimonies (13:22). The seeds sown in “good ground” represent those who hear and obey the word, bringing forth different yields of fruit in abundance (13:23).

As we yield our hearts to God, the roots of our character grow deep in good ground. The nutrient-rich soil of faith in Christ’s Atonement nourishes us to withstand all spiritual attacks of wind and weather.

In the process of weeding out our individual thorns, faith in the Savior’s Atonement and repentance bear the fruit of our true potential “that (we) might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord...” (Isaiah 61:3).

Although rocky soil can be plowed and improved to yield fruit, the best environment is free from the stones of sin and the weeds of apathy which stunt our growth and choke our character.

Much like the seeds in the parable, we are sometimes scattered into less than ideal soil; even environments we did not choose. No matter our circumstance in life we are still free to choose our attitude and allegiance. That freedom to repent and exercise faith in Christ’s Atonement may well determine our upgrade to richer spiritual ground.

May each of us allow the Savior’s Atonement to plant us in fertile soil, where we become a tender seed “springing up unto everlasting life” (Alma 32:41).

About Us

We met in the Philippines over 40 years ago and were married on Clark Air Base and honeymooned in Baguio. Who knew that after raising 7 children and enjoying 17 grandchildren, we would return? We were called to serve in the Baguio Mission in 2012. The Baguio Mission split in July 2013, and we are now serving the Lord in the newly-created Philippines Urdaneta Mission. We will continue serving through July 2015. Bill practiced law for 32 years, taught law classes at the community college and wrote the Friday Minute for Mormon Times and Meridian magazine. He enjoys cracking jokes, cooking, writing poetry and studying the scriptures. LuAnn has worked as an office manager at an elementary school for 16 years. She enjoys working with primary children and has served in the primary presidency. She loves being with family and friends and is always willing to serve others.

Our home is in Gilbert, Arizona.

Friday, September 6, 2013

Maligayang Pasko!

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