Purity: a Healthy Spirit

One of the stories of the Savior is when he comes across a leper who called on him saying, "Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean."  Without hesitation the Savior said, "Be thou Clean."  Instantly the man was healed of his leprosy.  Someone who was a leper was often shunned from society.  The body was literally unclean, which explained the cause of leprosy.  The neglected body was taken over by the disease.  We all know the benefits of a healthy body.  The activities you can participate in are endless.  However, when the body is neglected by poor eating, lack of exercise, or exposure to harmful substances like drugs will destroy it.   Purity is caring for the spirit.

What is Purity? Obviously cleanliness, but it is in a perfect form.  Purity in spirit is being clean from sin.  But why is purity so important?  Every culture in the world has some method of purifying their people.  Even Atheists, but that is a civic thing.  Purification is a process in which the body/spirit is cleansed in order to prepare the person for a special event such as marriage or entering manhood to name a few.  In Ancient Israel, the Levites had to be purified because they handled the Priesthood (God's power) and were given charge of handling sacred objects, such as the Ark of the Covenant.  Prophets were subject to purification too.  The process was not some crazy ritual where there were tom-toms and chants all through out.  It was more of a process of the heart, a change of character.

The same thing applies today, and the process remains the same.  Before we can handle anything sacred was must be pure before God.  This does not mean become a germ-a-phobic just so that you can be clean on the outside.  A clean body is good, but a filthy spirit will keep us from God.  The Prophet Isaiah said to abstain from the unclean things of the world and to be clean in order to bear the vessels of the Lord.  The vessels of the Lord could be the Priesthood, positions of leadership or even raising children.  If we are not pure in heart why should we be allowed to touch those things that are important to God?  Someone who is impure will abuse the privileges and powers God gives them.

One of the great responsibilities of having a pure heart before God is to help others reach that point.  One way is to be an example to others.  Even though you seem to remain anonymous, there are people who are watching you.  If you follow the commandments given to us by God, others will see in your actions that you are special.  This will inspire them to change, because obedience to God brings happiness and everyone wants to be happy.  One of the changes that may come on you is you will want to see others succeed as well.

One thing that is guaranteed to happen when you purify yourself before God is you will abhor sin.  Everything the world has that is degrading and unhealthy to your soul will be rejected.  Just like a healthy body is more able to fight sicknesses and infections when it is healthy, your spirit will reject evil by telling you this is not good so long as it is pure.  The Holy Ghost can help play a role in that too.

The most important part of becoming pure is the Atonement.  No one can take away the effects of sin alone.  Just like a regular person cannot fix a broken bone with out medical help, we cannot cleanse ourselves from sin without the Savior.  Jesus Christ suffered in Gethsemane and took upon himself the punishments for sin.  Because of that we are purified so long as we repent of our sins and resolve never to do it again. Being unrepentant is like finding a black widow and having it bite you after getting treatment for it the first time.

In my studies I have discovered to know that purity before God brings a very special gift from Him.  In Doctrine and Covenants 50:28 it says that those who are pure can have possession over all things.  This does not mean you are entitled to riches and pomp.  But you are able to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of God to which brings the greatest wealth, even greater than all the gold on this earth.  This is something that can only be obtained by the Holy Ghost which only available when one is obedient to God and lives worthy of the accompaniment of the Spirit.  Through Prayer, Diligent Scripture Study, Repentance and Obedience to the Commandments of God makes it possible for everything that God has promised is ours.  But only if we remain pure can this happen.

Not too Close!

I enjoy hearing stories from military personnel who are retired.  It is great to hear their stories and the sacrifices they made for us.  One story came from someone who worked with nuclear weapons in the Navy.  He told me about the Uranium they used and how it was transported.  They carried it in heavy lead cylinders with an iron frame.  The containers were nicknamed "Bird Cages".  These Bird Cages had to be kept a certain distance from each other.  If any of these boxes got too close, and if there was a crack or leak in any of them , a blue arch would jump in between the two containers.  Anyone unfortunate to be in this blue arch would experience hair loss, radiation sickness, and sometimes death.  Survivors were terminated from the military.

We all know what power Nuclear Energy has.  It can be very dangerous, but despite the danger, it has many uses.  Sometimes that power is abused.  Great care must be taken when handling this power.  Like Nuclear energy, we have a special power given to us by God.  That is the power to pro-create, to have children.  However, people who are negligent or misuse this power suffer serious consequences.  Like all dangerous substances, there are laws made for the protection of the handlers.  There may not be any physical dangers, but there are mental or spiritual dangers.  The Law governing this power is called "The Law of Chastity."  This law is not a restriction but a protection for your well being.  God gave us this law so that we could be happy, and still enjoy life.  Every law God creates is not for his own good, but for ours.  The Law of Chastity is:

• staying away from any sexual intercourse/activity outside of marriage
• being pure in thought and action
• Faithfulness to spouse after marriage
• avoiding the plague of Pornography
• Modesty in dress and speech
• No homo-sexual relationships

Now there will be activities that would seem "fun" that would go against everything I put on this list.  Doing the exact opposite of what God wants us to does not bring us happiness (Alma 41:10).  Activities we should participate in, especially when dating, should show respect to the opposite sex and ourselves.
Certain feelings that are felt with the human body are natural, but that doesn't mean we must follow every urge we experience. Elder Jeffery R. Holland, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said, "Love comes with open hands and open heart. Lust comes only with an open appetite."  Lust will lead us to breaks the law of Chastity and will get us to do things that will bring a lot of pain.  Don't rationalize that what you might be doing is okay.  What may seem as an innocent activity eventually, and often quickly, becomes a big mistake.  The Lord appreciates it when we are chaste.  Being chaste shows the Lord that we care and that we are willing to do as he says to obtain our promised happiness.

Gen. 2:24 & Jacob 3:5-7

Now that I've listed all the bad let me show you the benefits of obeying this law.  When we obey the Law of Chastity we will experience a lot of joy.  We will feel greater love towards our spouse once we are married.  We will have peace of mind, knowing we saved ourselves for our spouse.  The best reward for this is companionship from the Holy Ghost.  Since the Holy Ghost is part of the God head, we are driving it away when we get involved with activities that go against what God has asked of us.  God knows what is good for us and what isn't.  Just like handling uranium without the proper procedures can result in death.  Breaking the law of chastity results in a Spiritual death.  So please be wise when around members of the opposite sex.  There are safety protocols there too.  And they are for your growth and benefit. I can promise you that.



For the youth who want more info on the subject see what the strength of youth pamphlet says on said subjects: Chastity, and Dating.

Slow Down and Enjoy the Scenery

I heard someone tell me a story of a wonderful trip they were able to enjoy.  This person had the opportunity to visit Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa.  She told us that she saw many wonderful and beautiful things around her.  The trek was long and hard, but she was blessed to reach the top and enjoy the magnificent view around her.  On her way down she came across two hikers who also made it to the top.  She began telling them all the great things she saw thinking they would share also.  The hikers only said, "What? We didn't see anything like that.  All we saw were rocks and dirt." Why didn't they see what she saw?  They were in a hurry to reach the top.

Some of the most important things only appear as we carefully look for them.  Hurrying through life may get you to your intended destination.  But it will overwhelm your life with everyday things to the point where you miss the things that matter most.  This can easily can be avoided if we just slow down and see the beauty around us.

I enjoy stepping back a bit to see the work I've done.  It's makes me happy inside when I slow down, take a breath and see the hand of God around me.  We are not asked to try and accomplish as much as we can as fast as we can.  When we are in a made rush to get from A to B we miss a lot of good things.  King Benjamin, in the Book of Mormon taught, "it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength."  We should not overburden ourselves with a laundry list of tasks.  But we don't need to idle our time away waiting for something to happen.  Both activities are counter productive.  We should fill our time with productive activities but still leave room for adjustments and balance.  If you are constantly on the go you might miss an opportunity to grow, help someone in need, or avoid a nasty mistake that might be waiting to trip you.  When we are in a big hurry we will often miss important things and will become frustrated.  As you "slow time down" you are able to gain valuble treasures that will help you grow.

So as you are going through your busy lives take a moment and look around.  Listen to the spirit and let it teach you.  Find some one who is having a hard day and lift them higher.  Take a moment and read from the scriptures.  Look for those hidden treasures God has left for you,  In fact, find some time with your family and with those you love.  There is really treasure there.  Bonding with your family is a priceless commodity and cannot be replaced.  As you allow those precious moments to take part in your life, you will find little pieces of gold in your path which will bring true happiness.

Watch this video and see how these individuals found gold.

Baited Hooks

In the Disney, Pixar film, "Finding Nemo", there is a scene where Marlin and Dory are in a dark ravine.  While in the cavern Marlin and Dory find a light.  They don't know what it is our where it's coming from but go to check it out.  As they move closer Dory, in utter fascination, touches it and the light began to move away.  Marlin and Dory follow the light in innocent bliss.  Then they discover where it was coming from . . . it was from an Angler Fish.  And it was hungry.  They were lured into a trap.  Once they realized what it was they turned tail, and made a break for it.  Good thing they made it out alive, or the movie would have been over a bit early.

There are plenty of things in this world that may seem innocent and harmless.  But in reality they do more damage than we may realize.  They may give us that temporary satisfaction for the moment, but it will not give you lasting happiness.  These vices are often disguised as innocent and exciting activities, but it is in reality a baited hook.  To add an extra glitter, Satan will make us think that once won't kill us.  That is only half true.  It may not kill you then.  Notice I said 'may', you are not guaranteed to make it out.  But you will get hooked and dragged closer and closer to your doom and misery if you persist in dangerous behavior.

Just like a fish knows when it has been hooked by a fisherman, we can tell if we had been hooked by a temptation.  It hurts to get a hook in your mouth, and it doesn't feel very comforting when you do something wrong.  When you know it's wrong, and you do it, you are never going to feel happy.  The Prophet Alma told his son, "Wickedness was never happiness" (Alma 41:10).  When a fish is hooked it is not going to let the fisherman just bring him in.  It's going to fight to get loose.  That is what you need to do once you have commit a sinful (wrong) act.  It will only bring you pain and misery if you continue in such degrading behavior.  Some many also try to make excusses to do something wrong.  If it doesn't seem right, or you have a bad feeling about it, it is best that you don't do it.  Your peers may redicule you for it, but your happiness is not worth the loss of a few friends.  You are garenteed to find better ones if the ones you have are not any good.

If you ever broken any of God's laws, you need to stop the behavior immediately.  Remove the vice from your life and break free of your bad habits.  This is Repentance.  Once you have fully repented of your sins, you will find freedom and happiness beyond comprehension.  I can promise you that obedience to God, is joy and freedom forever.

Music, an Element of Power

Music is a powerful element in our life.  It is around us everywhere we go.  It influences everything we do.  It can calm us down and it can even fire us up.  It triggers the imagination and takes us places we've been to or never been to before.  Since it is so powerful we must be very careful how we use it.  Music has been a way for some religions to praise God.  God delights in wholesome music, because it is a prayer to him (D&C 25:12).  I can remember how music affects me.  When I was a youth, I enjoyed listening to music that was intense, upbeat, and portrayed conflict.  Not that any of it was bad, but it never could put me in the right mindset when it was need. 

We must maintain a proper balance in the music we listen to.  We should listen to music that will builds us up and portray us as something special.  We must avoid listening to to music that tears down, supports foul and degrading language, promotes harmful actions and immoral activity.  Don't think that just listening to any kind of music is harmless, because that is not true.  Music has a powerful influence over the way you think.  When you listen to your favorite music ask yourself, "Is this going to build me or hurt me?"  Pay attention to the lyrics.  Do they make you feel important? Or does it get you riled up in a very bad way?  Or make you feel like trash?  Choose carefully.  I can promise you that is you choose wholesome music, your mindset will change into something better.  The world you live in will be given color and joy.  You will become better.

Fortification for the Soul (Part 2: Weapons)



(Continuation of Fortification for the Soul (Part 1: Walls and Towers)

 



(Ephesians 6:11-18)



Once all the fortifications were built and ready, weapons were made to defend the city.  Without weapons the defences are just simple buildings.  We need weapons in life, but I'm not talking about literal weapons that kill.  God has given us special weapons to fight against the adversary.  It is stronger than any weapon formed by man.  We can find those weapons through daily scripture study.  Listening to the prophets, maintaining good moral standards and following God's commandments help us find stronger weapons and keep them sharp.  The scripture point to Christ who is the creator of our weapons (John 5:39).



(1 Nephi 15:24,
Heb. 4:12)



We will also be given "armor" as we apply the principles and commandments we are given and follow them. This is a continual process.  We must always strengthen our defences and never waver from it.  As we do so Satan can no longer triumph over us and will be forced to turn away in defeat.  Our spirits our kept safe and we can return to God knowing we have won the fight against Satan.



(Jeremiah 4:14)

 One other thing that Moroni did that help make sure his defences were strong is found in verses 9, 7, & 11-12.  He gathered his armies and drove out the Lamanites in certain places in the land to avoid having bulges in his lines.  Any bulges in Moroni's lines would have exhausted more resources to defend those cities on the other side.  It was not a matter of conquest.  We can have bulges in our lives, it is by allowing certain vices to remain in our lives while expecting to live God's law (Matt. 6:24).  Look at the image on the right.  As you can see that is a major mess.  Someone should have emptied that trash can out a long time ago.  When we allow any kind of vice to stay with us it's like letting our trash can go over the top.  We need to "empty out the garbage" in our lives.  It may mean tossing out those magazines, changing what we listen too or watch, picking more modest clothing or literally throwing out alcohol and tobacco in order to be in harmony with God.  It may not be easy to clean up the trash, but everything will look so much better.  Believe me, a clean house is better than a dirty one.  And it doesn't invite pests either.

Now that we have our defences made, and our bulges removed we are more than ready to fight Satan.  This is a battle we are sure to win.  Why?  Because you have been fortified and prepared to follow God so that Satan no longer has hold on you.

Good vs Evil

A classic element to books and movies is: Good vs Evil.  It's almost unheard of to not have the two opposing forces going at each other all the time.  No matter what there is always those two opposing forces battling it out for supremacy over the other.  Everyone is all familiar with the Star Wars Saga.  I find a perfect example of a Good vs Evil element in these movies/stories.  Two of the key forces is the Jedi and the Sith.  These two opposing parties used to united but the Sith were power hungry, and broke away.  This began an eternal war.  I find this very similar to God and Satan.  Satan used to be with God, but rebelled out of greed and was cast out.  In his wrath he began to tempt men here on earth to lead them away from God.  Satan's tactics are clever and well devised.  Yet there is a way to define which side you are serving.

The Jedi are the "Keepers of the Peace", and are there to protect the weak.  Some Jedi are better than others when it come to certain skills in the force. (For example: swordsmanship, mastering the force, foresight, etc.)  They work together to help keep the peace in the galaxy.  With God, his mission is to help all men to come unto Christ and become perfect.  He works with our weaknesses and turns them into strengths.  We each have special talents and abilities that can help in God's work.  To know that you are following God you need: Faith, Hope, Virtue, Patience, Humility, Diligence, Knowledge, Obedience, and Charity. (Moroni 10:20-21) Charity is the greatest of all of these attributes.  It is the pure love of Christ.  Charity doesn't put itself above others, don't put others down, looks for the good in others, and exercises all the attributes previously listed with love to all men. (Moroni 7:44-47, 1 Cor. 13:4-8, 13.)

The Sith, as you already know, are a break off of the Jedi Order.  They are in a desperate and greedy search for power.  Life has no meaning to them, and often they will fight each other for more power.  With Satan he tries to get us to be self-centered.  Everything that Satan does is the exact opposite of God.  God is trying to help us be happy.  Satan is trying to make us as miserable as he is (2 Nephi 2:27).  His traits are: Pride, Greed, Selfishness, Self-pity, Anger, Laziness, and anything meant for self gratification.  Satan uses the lie, "you're not good enough" but God says, "I can help you become better."  You are choosing happiness, or misery.

What side do you Choose?

The Cold of Winter to the Warmth of Summer

When you hear the word "winter" the image that might come to mind is a wasteland of white and cold.  I'm not always bothered by the cold chill, even though it can be plenty cold.  Yet the cold was still there and I'd often feel it on my face or back.  Sometimes it would penetrate my gloves and coat and then I'd feel it.  I knew it was cold outside, but I refused to see it as a winter wasteland.  Instead I turned it around and I saw a glowing Wonderland, full of beauty.

There are lots of bad things happening in the world right?  Wars are being fought, Africa is starving, the debt is increasing and the world is going to end.  Dear me!  It looks like the world is destroying itself right?  NO!  It may seem like there are so many bad things happening, but there is also lots of good things happening.  How do you find the good amongst all the bad?  You look past the bad searching for good.  You will always find what your searching for.

Do you remember the song "What a wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong? Part of the song reads:

"I see trees of green, red roses too
I see them bloom, for me and you
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world

"I see skies of blue, and clouds of white
The bright blessed day, dark sacred night
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world"

I have found out myself that even though the world is bleak and hopeless, there is beauty all around and hope.  I have found this by believing in the good and doubting the bad.  Through Jesus Christ I have found hope in the future.  I've found joy in the little things whether it was looking at a simple plant on the road side or even the majestic Eiffel Tower in Paris I see the good in the world and allow it to soak into my soul.  Because of that I have seen the work of God and how it blesses me.

The world isn't all doom and destruction.  There are lots of good things happening.  The sun is shining, birds are singing, Man has seen the far reaches of the galaxy and has even been to the deepest ocean.  That may seem so simple and petty, but it's true.  God has created a world with so many beautiful things so that we could be happy.  God never created wars, or poverty.  He created a earth to help us learn and grow so that we can find pure happiness.  Yes we are going to experience pain and loss.  But did you know that out of the ashes is the most fertile soil.  Some of the strongest plants our grown from adversity.  Our greatest leaders came during times of struggle and it is those individuals that we often honor.  (2 Nephi 2:11) Our happy times came after a struggle.

Winter never lasts forever.  Eventually the snow will melt and the colors of summer will break forth out of the ground and you will feel the loving warmth of the sun.  Our trials will not last forever.  We can find relief in our struggle through the Gospel of Jesus Christ and come to find warmth in our winters until summer comes.  I know you will find it.

A Father's Love

"Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee . . ." - Jeremiah 1:5

One of my favorite movies as a kid was Disney's "A Goofy Movie".  It follows Goofy and Max on a wild adventure as Goofy tries to establish a closer relationship with his teenage son.  Max on the other hand is trying to get away from his father.  Goofy as we know is . . . well . . . goofy.  But he makes us laugh as he stumbles across the screen.  This drives Max crazy, because Goofy is just an embarrassment to him.  Goofy wants to have a one-on-one relationship with his son, and tries relentlessly to get it.  Max on the other hand is so bent on pushing him away because, let's face it, he's ruining his life.


Well, life wasn't very good for these two.  Goofy loved his son very much and wanted what was best for him.  It hurt him when Max kept pushing him away or getting into trouble.  Max must have thought Goofy was out to make him miserable.  Can you blame Goofy for wanting to be apart of his son's life?  Luckily, there is a happy ending to the story Max finally stops fighting Goofy and finds out how much he really cared about him.  They even became best friends and wanted to do things with each other.

We have a father in heaven.  He loves us very much because we are his children.  He wants what is best for us.  At times it feels like he is not listening or is just there to annoy us.  But that is not true.  He puts us in places where we will learn and grow the most. (D&C 95:1.)  At times he will send others to act in his stead so that he are comforted.  He understands what we are going through and will give us comfort when it's needed.  We may not recognize it but when we open our hearts to him, trusting him that all will be well with us, we will see his hand in our lives.


(John 17:23)

 God also wants us to have all that he has, but it hurts him when we turn away his love.  God will never leave us.  When we feel abandon by him it's only because we left him.  God wants to be apart of our life because he created us.  God made it possible for us to return to him through Jesus Christ (John 3:16).  Christ atoned for our sins so that we can live in the presence of God.  Through Christ's teachings we are able to understand who God is and his plan for us (John 14:7, 9).  As we come to know God, we begin to see his love around us shine.

Fortification for the Soul (Part 1: Walls and Towers)

Fortification is a system of defence that has been prepared for an attack.  Through out the history of the world, men have made different fortifications to protect their homes and country from an attack from an enemy.  It has gone from simple wood walls, to majestic castles, to high tech radar that spots enemy movements long before the attack is made.  It is necessary for nations to be fortified in order to protect their rights and liberties.  The same thing applies to us.  We need spiritual fortification in order to protect ourselves from Satan and his lies.  If we are not fortified he can break through to our hearts and put us under his control.  I have here step-by-step instructions how you can built an unbeatable defence that Satan cannot punch through.

(Alma 48:11-13, 17)

In the Book of Mormon, in Alma Chapter 50, verses 1-6, it talks about about a man who fortified his people when their security was endangered.  His name was Captain Moroni.  He was the supreme commander of the Nephite Armies.  He came around during a time of great crisis.  The enemies of the Nephite Nation were invading their borders, jeopardizing their dearly treasured freedoms. The Lamanite Nations, their enemies, wanted to destroy all Nephites.  Naturally you'd expect tons of preparation immediately taking place once the attacks began.  However, they did not start building weapons and fortifying their cities once the Lamanite armies began marching into their county.  They were already prepared long before the attacks were made.  Verse one says that they never stop preparing for war and making fortifications.  It doesn't say, "and we began to fortify our towns and training our armies once the Lamanites attacked."  Once the Lamanites attacked there was no time left for preparing their fortifications.  Therefore they needed to be ready NOW, not later.  How do we get ready Now? Let's read on to find out what Moroni did to prepare now, then we will apply it to ourselves so that we are fortified and ready.

First he built "ridges/heaps of earth" around each city (verses 2-3).  He set up walls to slow the enemy down so they could not enter the city as fast.  We can build walls around us in order to protect ourselves.  We set up strong standards or morals to help keep unwanted influences out.  It's a matter of decision, it's like saying, "I am never going to drink alcohol."  When we decide to choose good over bad it adds stones to our walls.  When we are so set on choosing good, we have so high a walls that Satan cannot reach us.  When offered that drink, you will promptly refuse it and avoid the nasty consequence that follows.  The same can be said for Pornography, drugs and other vices.  Make sure your standards are strong stone walls, not simple wood walls that can be burned down.  Those are called, "maybe I won't choose bad". It's not firm.

Once the walls were built Moroni constructed towers.  Why would he want towers? Are not walls good enough?  Towers were built as a early warning system, long before airplanes and satellites were built.  Sending patrols of men were not good enough either.  In the case of a surprise attack, these men could not warn the city in time.  Towers could see the attack before it happens and give a warning just in time to meet the attack.  Since people in towers can see more than someone on the ground, they are able to know what is coming.  Our towers are people who we can trust that can guide us in life from a source of truth.  It can be parents, teachers, friends, or people of inspiration.  You wouldn't let a drunk or a lazy bum to stand guard in your towers now would you?  We should be very careful who we choose to follow.  There are many people who can lead you down "false paths" and into the land of shame and misery.  Christ has said, "By their fruits ye shall know them." (Matt. 7:20) If their actions and philosophy are not in harmony with God's commandments and will not help you become a better person, then it wouldn't be a smart idea to follow them.  God is usaully the best one to have in our towers.  Look to him, and Christ as often as you can.  He will never let you down.

(See "Fortification for the Soul (Part 2: Weapons) to have further instruction for you defence)

Checkmate!

"Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them that are expedient unto man.  And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life through the great mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself." - 2 Nephi 2:27 (see also Gal. 5:1)

I enjoy playing an occasional game of chess.  One thing I really like about it is you're always making choices.  Some are not so good.  Every choice you make decides the outcome of the game.  Careful consideration must be taken with each move.  Because your opponent has the same object as you, there will be opposition in your attempts to win.  Once you make too many poor choices you will be placed in checkmate.  However, if you are careful in your choices, you will win the game.

Imagine your life like a chess board.  You're making decisions every day.  Being able to make choices is a wonderful gift called "Free Agency", the ability to choose for ourselves.  But just because you can decide what you want to do doesn't mean you will always be right.  Just like in a chess game good decisions bring us closer to winning, good decisions in life bring us closer to happiness.  We are all trying to find happiness, just like in chess we are trying to put the opposing king in checkmate.  When we make a choice in life we are held responsible for the choices we make.  We can't blame others or certain events for making us.  We are our own masters, but if we allow someone to make our choices for us, then we are surrendering our freedom to choose.  You might as well let your opponent control your pieces and say nothing about what he does.

The decisions we make shape who we are and who we are decides our futures.  Satan is going to try and steal our freedom to choose by tempting us.  He is positioning is pieces to where he can checkmate your king.  When you refuse to listen to the lies he tries to feed you, you're counter moving him and exposing his king.  When we follow Christ he gives us strength and direction to where Satan has no say in our lives.  When we follow Christ with all our hearts Satan has no more power over us and he is put in Checkmate. (see Helaman 5:12, John 8:12)

Vice, Your Wolves

"Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning restoration, that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness. Behold, I say unto you, wickedness was never happiness." - Alma 41:10

In my travels I have talked to hunters and farmers and their most common hate are Wolves.  Why?  Wolves are predators and in order to help preserve the pack they must kill enough animals to feed the pack.  They do not have limits and are constantly hungry.  How does this effect these men?  Wolves will make short work of sheep, cows, horses and dogs in order to eat.  That's why farmers hate wolves.  Hunters hate them because they destroy the game population.  What could be just a pack of five could soon be a pack of fifteen, really fast.  These are pack animals and the more numbers they have, the more work they can accomplish.  I hate to say this but, there doesn't seem to be very much good said about wolves.  Wolves are often used as descriptions for bad things.

Now tell me, what is a vice? A few dictionary definitions would be: an immoral or evil habit or practice, depraved or degrading behavior, or a particular form of depravity.  A vice is destructive as you can see, but what's this have to do with wolves?  Just like wolves will ravage and destroy the country side, a vice of any kind (pornography, excessive drinking, etc.) will ruin and eventually destroy your character.  Before you start throwing rocks at me I want to explain I am not calling for the blood of every wolf I see.  I am making a comparison.  Have you ever watched someone who has allowed vices take over their life?  It's like a horror movie, a hideous transformation takes place as their soul is eaten away by the pitiful behavior that they embraced.

Why would someone want to embrace any kind of destructive behavior?  From my understanding is they either want to fit in with their group of friends or they are trying to find happiness.  Most often they don't find happiness.  It can bring temporary pleasure, but lasting happiness is not there.  Why?  President Ezra Taft Benson said, "You cannot do wrong and feel right. It is Impossible!"  Simply, you cannot embrace a vice without feeling the pain that follows with it.

One small vice can grow to a bigger one and even invite other vices to follow him.  That one will multiply into thousands if not stopped.  However there is a way to escape the dreaded seen before you.  It is not closing the blog page and leaving, but changing yourself.  In 1st Cor. 10:13 says, "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."  Look at the picture to your left, things are looking pretty bleak over there for that Buffalo.  God will never allow that to happen so long as you are willing to change.

The Solution: (Repentance)

Christ can help us overcome our struggles,
we just have to reach out to him.

How do you repent?  First, you have to recognize the vice which you have invited into your life.  You cannot fix something that isn't broken.  Next you have to want to change, you need to feel remorse.  Remorse is feeling sorry for what you have done; not because you were caught but because you have displeased God.  It will not change for you, you need to take action NOW.  You'll need to admit your wrong and take responsibility for your actions.  It isn't enough to admit your wrong.  Not only that you need to confess to God and take action to become better.  Action is abandoning the vice.  This may include avoiding certain areas, friends or throwing out certain items in you home to remove your temptations.  Do not procrastinate by saying I'll take care of it tomorrow.  That is rationalization, you would just be making excuses.  The faster you get rid of your temptations the less of a hold it has in staying.  If damages have been made you will need to make restitution, or amends.  That will restore any trust that has been lost.  The last thing you will need to do is continue doing good and avoiding evil.  This is the process of repentance, it doesn't stop there but continues.  We can always become better, and repentance allows that.  Repentance requires faith in Jesus Christ.  When we have fully repented of our sins he takes our burdens upon him and we are able to progress.  So quite simply, a vice or sin will stop your progression.  Repentance clears the way to Eternal Life.

To the peak of Angel's Landing

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and pray always, lest ye be tempted by the devil, and ye be lead away captive by him." - 3 Nephi 18:15

One of my favorite hiking spots in St. George is in Zion's National Park.  It is called "Angels Landing" and is the highest point in Zion's.  At one point of the hike you have to go over a thin trail head that is a straight drop on one side and a slide on the other.  The very ground you walk on is slippery sandstone.  Your only support is a chain that is chain that stretches along the trail.  This is a obstacle you must cross in order to make it to the top.  Many are deterred by this and do not reach the top.  When I made it to the top the first time I was deathly afraid of heights.  I couldn't get within ten feet of a ledge without turning white and running away.  My scout troop wanted to go to the top, and I did not.  One of my leaders offered me some words of encouragement and the troop had a group prayer before beginning our assent.  Almost instantly my worries were put aside.  Once we reached our major obstacle I had no fear at all.  I could look right over the cliff edge and have not an ounce of fear.  My heart still beats rapidly when I get close to the edge but it has never bothered me since that time.

One prayer was all I needed to help obtain the courage I needed to complete that hike.  I know it was not me.  I still hate heights but that one time I was never bothered by that fear.  What is so special about prayer?  Prayer is our two way communication with God.  In our journey through life God has given us a way to go through our trails with out being blind.  Just like on the trail to the peak of Angel's Landing, you are going to encounter trials and obstacles that will make you want to turn back.  All you have is a narrow pathway for you to travel on, and it appears that you may slip and fall.  BUT, you have a chain to hold you in place, you have prayer to hold to a solid and firm foundation so that you don't go anywhere.  Life will be challenging, you might slip at times, but you will not fall.  Because you have God to help keep you on the straight and narrow path YOU will make it to the top.  In Matt. 21:22 it reads, "whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall recieve." (see also 1 Nephi 15:11)  In our trials we can ask God for faith and give it to us.  He will only give us things that will benifit us.

Now I've saved the best for last.  When you reach the top of the peak you get to enjoy a spectacular view of most of the park.  The beauty of the canyons just soaks into you wit colors of red, green and blue.  When we reach our ultimate goal, despite our obstacles that try to turn us away, we get to enjoy the joy that comes from obedience to God's commandments and we have something that will last forever.  Eternal Happiness.  (D&C 121:7-8)  God has promised Eternal life when we diligently strive to obey his commandments and that is the most rewarding part of life.

You are something Special!

It can be challenging at times to be different from everyone else.  At times we wish we could be like the popular people or be liked by everyone else.  We are each different, but despite those differences we are each unique in our own special way.  Being different is not a bad thing. It may appear bad, but can we all be 110% identical?  No.  Everyone has their differences and those differences help shape the world we live in.

 

There is a story I loved as a kid.  It is called "You are Special" by Max Lucado.  It follows a puppet named Punchinello, he lived in a community of puppets who lived together in a small town.  They were each created by a loving woodworker named Eli, who live on a hill overlooking the town.  Punchinello was a bit of an outcast.  Every puppet would give each stars or dots to judge each other.  He only was given dots, negative comments.  No matter how hard he tried he could never get just one star.  Punchinello was not talented, he couldn't talk right, and he was despised.  Everyone seemed to be in a hurry to give him a dot.  He began to believe that's all he deserved.  One day he met a puppet named Lucia who had no stickers.  the stickers wouldn't stick because the opinions of others didn't matter to her.  Her visits with Eli help boost her confidence in herself.

 

Punchinello pondered about visiting Eli.  Why would Eli care to see someone like him?  Finally he decided he should go and see him.  He was warmly welcomed by Eli.  Eli placed Punchinello on his work bench and noticed the noticed the dots that covered his body.  Punchinello explained why he had so many. Eli responded by saying that he loved him just the way he was.  He was there maker and didn't judge one because he lacked certain qualities.  He saw each puppet as a special person including Punchinello.  When Punchinello asked why Eli's replied, "Because you are mine. THAT is why you matter to me."  He even told him that the opinions of others will only stick if they matter. But if Punchinello loved Eli more than what others think, those opinions will no longer matter.  That is why Lucia had no stickers.  Eli promised him that if he would continue to visit him he will realize what he meant.  As Punchinello walked out the door he thought maybe Eli was right.  And with that thought, a dot fell to the floor.

God does not look at what others say to define you as a person. In fact only men look on the outside to see who someone is. God however looks at your heart (1 Sam. 16:7).  God knows you personally and sees you as important in a major way.  If you do not see it, you can surely know it!  We have been asked to be perfect, however we are not perfect (Matt 5:48, D&C 67:13). We are asked to constantly strive to better our lives to be in harmony with God. When we have a relationship with God and Jesus Christ, and trust in them, the opinions of others will have no importance to us.  We don't need to be in a constant struggle to be just like everybody else.  We are only asked to diligently go at our own pace (Mosiah 4:27).  Remember "slow and steady wins the race".  Even though you may be different from others, you can make a difference in the world because God knows you personally and knows what you can do.  Trusting in the creator's hand, and by praying to him, you can gain a greater relationship with him that is so strong that it won't matter what anyone else says about you.  Because you will see that you are unique; you will see that you are special!