Priorities

I often hear people say, "I'm too busy..." or "I don't have time...". Whenever I hear people say that, a quote from my grandmother comes to mind, "One excuse deserves another". :-)

The truth of the matter is, everybody has the same amount of time. It's all about priorities and choices and where your heart is -- what you feel is important. And as they say, actions speak louder than words.

There are many who profess one thing, yet do something else. How many people claim to love God and believe in and want to live the commandments yet their actions speak otherwise?

"This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me." --Matthew 15:8

How or where do we choose to spend our time? That is the true evidence of our character and integrity. Where you place your values is where and how you spend your time. Or as the scriptures more eloquently state, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."-- Luke 12:34

With the advancement of technology, people appear busier than ever. When in actuality most of them are more idle than ever.  Wasting their time on useless endeavors.  Constantly on their smart phones or tablets or whatever the current device is, keeping tabs on which of their friends had Cheerios for breakfast. But the same technology which can be so detrimental to people's lives -- not necessarily intrinsically but because it consumes time from more worthwhile endeavors --can also be very helpful. 

Never before have people had such easy access to the scriptures, general conference addresses, uplifting music i.e. hymns, devotionals, all the printed words of the prophets and apostles via LDS.org, etc. and all for free!  It really is amazing that almost everybody has immediate access to these things at the tip of their fingers -- literally. Yet how many people take advantage of such?  I fear not nearly as many as could or should.

Here's a thought -- while you're busy driving around to work, doctors offices, grocery stores, etc. use those electronic devices-- that you are attached to at the hip-- to listen to the scriptures or general conference or  some uplifting music.  In fact, I challenge you to do so.  I will even issue you a bold promise that if you do accept my challenge, you will feel much better during the day.  I know because it works for me. My day always goes better when I start with spiritual nourishment.

When I thought of doing this blog post several days ago, I wasn't aware that the Super Bowl was coming up on Sunday. But it fits in nicely with the point I'm trying to make in this blog post.  So perhaps my timing wasn't coincidental.:-)

I really have no idea why people are interested in watching an obviously rigged sporting event where the players care more about the money in their wallets, or how much publicity they get, than the outcome of the game. Especially when those watching don't even care about or like the teams involved.  It really does baffle me. But I digress.

My point is, how many people will choose to break the Sabbath by watching an absolutely inconsequential sporting event -- which really is a dumb idol? And by so doing, choosing to ignore family and lessons lovingly prepared in their behalf?  Now don't get me wrong, I have nothing against football games.  In fact, I love college football and look forward to watching it every fall. But it's just a game.

 For the past few years the Super Bowl has fallen on our family home evening gatherings. It always amazes me that some family members choose to stare at a dumb idol instead of joining the family for family dinner and a family home evening lesson.  To me it's a no-brainer.  I mean really, what message does it send?  Is a dumb idol really more important than family?  Apparently to some it is.  Priorities.

I guarantee you that on Judgment Day the Lord isn't going to ask you who won Super Bowl whatever number it is.  But I guarantee he will ask you about your family. He won't ask you how much time you spent at work or how much money you made or what material possessions you acquired during your lifetime.  But he will ask you how much time you spent with your family in righteous endeavors.  He will ask you about your stewardship over those you are responsible for nurturing, providing for, and teaching.  He won't ask you how popular, famous or well liked you were by the world. He will ask you what you did to help others.

In the eternal scheme of things, things that people value so highly now are really absolutely inconsequential.  Fame, fortune, football games mean absolutely nothing.  What does matter is family, following commandments, and service.( I couldn't think of an F for that last one :-))

So when I hear people say they're too busy or don't have time to follow the commandments and serve the Lord I say, "One excuse deserves another".  Prioritize.

That's my two cents.  :-)

Four Generation Maternal Line Pictures :-)

I was looking in my ancestors picture folder today -- uploading pictures of my grandparents to family search.org.  Anyway, I came across these awesome four generation maternal line pictures.

For some reason these pictures just put a big smile on my face.  I'm not sure if I've posted them before but they are worth posting again anyway.  :-)

Ancestral Quotes T-Shirt Designs

I've spent the last few days designing T-shirt transfers with quotes from some of my ancestors.  I think they turned out awesome!  If I do say so myself :-).  As a matter of fact, I'm wearing the Grandpa Al shirt right now.  :-) 

We've been talking about doing this for a long time and I finally took the time to do it.  I'm real proud of all my hard work :-)

This is something we overheard Grandpa Al say when Gram told him that "Mike's family is here" when we went to visit them one time during one of our vacations. Nothing like feeling welcome!  :-)

This is something Grandma Wall said about her daughter (My maternal grandmother) marrying my grandpa.  The funniest part about it was that grandpa was there when she said it. :-)

I outdid myself on this design! This is the pièce de résistance if you will.  :-)
I'm not as clear on this story but this is some motherly advice that Grandma Wall gave her daughters when they were young. you can tell by this picture that she lived by her own advice :-)

Anyway it was a lot of fun making these designs.  And don't fret, I've got many more ideas -- so stay tuned.  :-)

Elder Scott Quote

Not sure if I've posted this before but even so it's worth posting again.  My favorite line is when Elder Scott says that feasting on the word of God each day is more important than sleep!  That's pretty powerful.  Hold fast to the rod!  :-)

"Don't yield to Satan's lie that you don't have time to study the scriptures. Choose to take time to study them. Feasting on the word of God each day is more important than sleep, school, work, television shows, video games, or social media. You may need to reorganize your priorities to provide time for the study of the word of God. If so, do it!"

—Richard G. Scott, "Make the Exercise of Faith Your First Priority"

Quotes of the Day :-)

I received these two quotes in my inbox today.  I thought both of them were very poignant and important reminders from two of God's chosen servants.  Enjoy!

"The very moment you begin to seek your Heavenly Father, in that moment, the hope of His light will begin to awaken, enliven, and ennoble your soul. The darkness may not dissipate all at once, but as surely as night always gives way to dawn, the light will come." —Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Hope of God's Light"

"Everybody in this life has their challenges and difficulties. That is part of our mortal test. The reason for some of these trials cannot be readily understood except on the basis of faith and hope because there is often a larger purpose which we do not always understand. Peace comes through hope." —James E. Faust, "Hope, an Anchor of the Soul"

Happy 23rd Anniversary!

Today marks the 23rd anniversary of the beginning of my mission.  23 years ago today I entered the MTC -- Missionary Training Center in Provo Utah.

I know we have pictures of my family dropping me off but don't know where they are.  :-( So I'm including some pictures from my own camera in the MTC.  I know I've posted them before but some of them I took the time to crop and enhance.

Happy anniversary to me!  :-)

 My MTC district with one of our teachers -- right front.  Standing in the hallway outside of our classroom.

 Where I spent most of my time at the MTC -- in our classroom.  With my two companions.

 Studying in our bedroom.

Writing letters while doing laundry on preparation day.

With one of my teachers.  In our classroom.

The empty chair with the green Scripture cover was my desk.  :-) Obviously I'm not in it because I'm taking the picture.  That is where I sat for three weeks. :-)

Looking back, I think the elder next to my desk had a crush on me.  But who didn't really?  :-) 

Happy MTC Anniversary!

Femur Fracture Five Weeks S/P diagnosis/stabilization

Here are my x-rays from today.  The doctor was pleased.  Even though there are no signs of healing on x-ray, he seems to think it is normal and looking good.

I personally think the x-rays from three weeks ago looked better.  The AP looked about the same but the lateral looks more displaced to me today.  Although it is kind of hard to see through the artifact.

Here are the x-rays from three weeks ago -- you be the judge.  :-) Keep in mind the lateral is upside down.

23 Years Ago Today, Farewell!

There are certain dates in my history that I will always remember.  Today is one of them.  January 12, 1992 -- 23 years ago -- was my missionary farewell!

I know I've already posted the pictures from my farewell -- and I'm sure there must be more than this -- but these are what I have scanned.  So I will just put a few of them on here.

It's funny because we were just talking about playing rook at my farewell.  Here's the picture:

I guess it was grandpa not grandma that was playing with us.  It looks like he takes his rook very seriously!

The funny thing is, I think that's the first and last time I ever played rook.

With my maternal grandparents.

With my maternal great aunt -- aunt Evelyn and uncle Ken

This picture makes me laugh!  Lisa knows why.  :-)

With another maternal great aunt -- aunt Leora and uncle Bruce.

 

In my bedroom photo studio.  :-)

Another photo studio shot.

Check out my handwriting :-) as beautiful as ever.  :-) Ting

Three short days later I was in the MTC!

The Iron Rod

This might be my last post about what I read in the Ensign this month. No promises. :-)  As you know, I have been very persistent in encouraging those of you who read my blog to study your scriptures and pray on a daily basis.  I really believe that is key to navigating through mortality.

I really like analogies and teaching gospel principles using analogies.  Similar to the way the Savior taught using parables.  One of my favorite analogies in the scriptures is that of Lehi's dream.  Since Lisa just did an excellent family home evening lesson on this subject, I guess it has been on my mind recently.

In Lehi's dream the iron rod-- which represents the word of God -- leads to the tree of life representing the love of God and eternal life.  Many people grasp the iron rod and follow it to the tree of life.  Some people are lost along the way. Perhaps they let go of the iron rod momentarily and got lost in temptation or felt ashamed because of the mocking of those in the great and spacious building.  Some people make it to the tree and partake of the fruit and are lost afterwards.  And some people don't even get close to the iron rod -- but spend their lives in the great and spacious building.

Lisa pointed out during her lesson that even those who cling to the iron rod find themselves lost because of the mists of darkness -- or temptations which lead them away.  To me these are people who occasionally read their scriptures when it's convenient.  Or perhaps have good intentions but don't follow through.  Just like physical nourishment is required daily -- in fact most people nourish their bodies at least three times a day--  spiritual nourishment, in the form of scripture study, is also required on a daily basis to stay spiritually healthy.

Interestingly the wording in Lehi's dream for those who make it to the tree of life and partake of the fruit and do not fall away is that they held fast to the iron rod.  To me that means they never let go -- they held on for dear life.  These are people who were diligent in feasting upon the word of God daily.  That's my take on it.

President Benson said: "My dear brethren, this is an answer to the great challenge of our time. The word of God, as found in the scriptures, in the words of living prophets, and in personal revelation, has the power to fortify the Saints and arm them with the Spirit so they can resist evil, hold fast to the good, and find joy in this life."  -- President Ezra Taft Benson, "The Power of the Word", April 1986

So because of the great importance of daily scripture study, I want to relate a couple of stories that I read recently.  The first is from this month's Ensign. I will paraphrase the first part of the story -- but you can click on the link at the bottom and read the entire story if you wish.  It's not very long.

A young man who was raised in the church decided, as a teenager, that he didn't want anything to do with the church anymore.  And because he knew his family would be disappointed in him, he decided to join the military to get away.  Before he left, his mother gave him a military set of scriptures to carry with him.

Over the next several years this young man advanced in the military as a medic.  He did not live gospel standards.  He chose to live a riotous life for many years.  Eventually, seeing the destruction of war and death took its toll on him and he desired to change.

Despite having vowed to never have anything to do with the Church again, he carried around those military scriptures his mother gave him for 10 years.  Never having opened them. One night after realizing his own mortality after a close brush with death, he decided to open The Book of Mormon and start reading.  Here's what he said:

"The change was not instant, but over several weeks, as I read the scriptures daily, I recognized that fear no longer ruled my life. I still had no intention of returning to church and still believed the lie that I was beyond saving, but I was willing to read. At some point I read Alma 32:26–27, which forever altered my life:

“Now, as I said concerning faith—that it was not a perfect knowledge—even so it is with my words. Ye cannot know of their surety at first, unto perfection, any more than faith is a perfect knowledge.

“But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words.”

"I had no faith or hope, but I had the “desire to believe” that I could be forgiven of my sins through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I began to “experiment” as directed in the scriptures. It took many months after I returned home for me to gain a testimony of the gospel and follow the steps required to receive forgiveness of my sins.

"I still suffer consequences from some of my unrighteous decisions, but I no longer carry the burden of past transgressions. Today I know and testify that Christ atoned for my sins, that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and that following the precepts taught within its covers will guide us in all we should do. I am so grateful for that."  -- Eric Carter, Book of Mormon in Battlefield, January 2015 Ensign

The second story I want to relate to you is from a devotional by Sheri Dew.  She relates the story of a friend whose life was turned around by scripture study.

Sister Dew said: "I have a lifelong friend whose teenage tampering with pornography evolved into a deadly addiction, and for years it has ruled him and ravaged his marriage. Frankly, I had lost hope that he would ever really change.

"And then, a year ago, a remarkable sequence of events began to unfold. He began to study the scriptures for the first time since his mission. The word of God pierced his heart, and he knew he had to repent—which involved heart-wrenching confessions and subsequent excommunication. Now he is working his way back by immersing himself in the gospel as never before.

"He wrote me this recently:

It was when I began to study the gospel that I realized I had been under Satan’s power for years. When I finally got on my knees, pleaded for help to change, and surrendered my sins to the Lord, my world turned upside down. This past year has been a crash course in the ways of God and His Son. It has been the most difficult but wonderful year of my life. I wish I could tell everyone who is in a situation like I was to not be afraid to surrender to the Lord. They will find joy like never before in His Atonement. They will feel the Father wrap His arms around them. They will discover there is power in the gospel to really change.

"Some may be skeptical about this man’s transformation, believing that “once addicted, always addicted.” But that is not true. The gospel has the power to cleanse and make new, because the word “is quick and powerful,” it “divide[s] asunder all the cunning . . . of the devil,” and it “lead[s] the man of Christ” home (Helaman 3:29). The Atonement is real. My friend is evidence of that. His great change is the change that comes with conversion.

"Do you know what we believe? Do you know there is power in the doctrine of Christ to change and overcome weakness? Do you realize that the scriptures contain the answer to every life dilemma? A casual understanding of the gospel will not sustain you through the days ahead, which is why it is imperative that you immerse yourself in the word of God."...

"There is power in the word to heal our wounded souls (see Jacob 2:8), to help us overcome temptation (see 1 Nephi 11:25), to prompt us to repent (see Jarom 1:12), to humble us (see Alma 32:14), to help us overcome the natural man (see Mosiah 3:19), to bring about a mighty change in our hearts (see Alma 5:13), and to lead us to Christ."  --You Were Born to Lead, You Were Born for Glory, Sheri L. Dew, December 9, 2003, BYU Devotional

The Scriptures are very powerful.  The Book of Mormon records:

"And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else..." Alma 31:5

The Prophet Joseph Smith said: “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.”  -- The Book of Mormon, Introduction

And one last quote by the current President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Boyd K. Packer:

"The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior." --President Boyd K. Packer, “Little Children,” Ensign, November 1986, 17

It is my prayer that we all realize the power and importance of daily scripture study in not only producing a mighty change of heart in those who have strayed and desire to return to Christ but also to keep us all on the straight and narrow path leading to eternal life by strengthening our conversion and feeding our spiritual souls.

Hold fast to the iron rod!

That's my two cents.

Deep Beauty

As I mentioned in my post, I've been reading this month's Ensign magazine.  Something I read in one of the articles jumped out at me because it sparked a memory.

Someone once told me that, "Beauty runs deep with you."  That amazing compliment means even more to me now after reading Sister Dalton's quote in the Ensign this month.  As soon as I read the quote from Sister Dalton I immediately thought of the compliment I had received.

Elaine S. Dalton, former Young Women general president said, "...I learned about what I now call “deep beauty”—the kind of beauty that shines from the inside out. It is the kind of beauty that cannot be painted on, surgically created, or purchased. It is the kind of beauty that doesn't wash off. ...Deep beauty springs from virtue. It is the beauty of being chaste and morally clean. ...It is a beauty that is earned through faith, repentance, and honoring covenants.

... When you are virtuous, chaste, and morally clean, your inner beauty glows in your eyes and in your face. My grandfather used to say, “If you live close to God and His infinite grace—you won’t have to tell, it will show in your face.”  When you are worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost, you are confident and your inner beauty shines brightly." -- Elaine S. Dalton, Young Women General President, "Remember Who You Are!", May 2010 Ensign 

Of course every woman wants to hear that she is beautiful -- but even more meaningful than that is to have others recognize your "deep beauty" which radiates from within.  For others to be able to see the beauty that comes from living righteously.  That is the ultimate compliment in my opinion.

I think I mentioned this during my mission blog posts but I'll mention it again here since it pertains to this topic.  One day, during my mission, while my companion and I were out tracting, I was doing the door approach.  The lady who opened the door pointed out that I "looked wholesome" or something to that effect.  I took that as the highest of compliments.

It really is true that when you are striving to live a moral, righteous, Christlike life -- you're literally more physically beautiful.  Your eyes sparkle as you radiate the light of Christ.

People can be physically beautiful by world standards yet appear ugly because of their lifestyle choices.  Their eyes are dark and they are much less attractive because they don't have the confidence and inner beauty that only comes through, "faith, repentance, and honoring covenants."

As was so graciously pointed out to me -- my "beauty runs deep" despite my physical changes. It's nice to know that others can see the beauty that comes from striving to live righteously.  It really does show in your countenance as you radiate confidence and "deep beauty" by striving to live the gospel.

Superior genetics don't hurt either.  Ting.

That's my two cents.

Unconditional Love

It appears that this has become the year of President Uchtdorf.  :-) I was reading the Ensign for this month and there was a quote in one of the articles that stuck out to me.  Naturally it was by President Uchtdorf.  He has become my favorite speaker.

I know there are times when we all feel like we've fallen short.  This quote is a good reminder of God's unconditional love for us.  And His desire for us to return to Him someday.

It kind of goes along with my last post about hope.  Always remember that God loves you and never give up!  :-)

From the January 2015 Ensign

President Uchtdorf said: “God loves you this very day and always. He is not waiting to love you until you have overcome your weaknesses and bad habits. He loves you today with a full understanding of your struggles. … He knows of your remorse for the times you have fallen short or failed. And still He loves you. … He wants you to achieve your destiny—to return to your heavenly home in honor.”

--Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Living the Gospel Joyful,” Ensign, Nov. 2014, 123.

The Infinite Power of Hope

I actually did a Relief Society lesson on President Uchtdorf's talk "The Infinite Power of Hope" -- but today I was thinking a lot about hope and decided to read through the talk again.

There are a few things that stood out to me as I read through it this time.  So I want to share with you President Uchtdorf's words that resonated with me.

From a General conference address given April 2008 -- link below.

" Doubt, despair, and failure to care for our fellowmen lead us into temptation, which can cause us to forfeit choice and precious blessings."

"The adversary uses despair to bind hearts and minds in suffocating darkness. Despair drains from us all that is vibrant and joyful and leaves behind the empty remnants of what life was meant to be.  Despair kills ambition, advances sickness, pollutes the soul, and deadens the heart. Despair can seem like a staircase that leads only and forever downward."

"Hope, on the other hand, is like the beam of sunlight rising up and above the horizon of our present circumstances. It pierces the darkness with a brilliant dawn. It encourages and inspires us to place our trust in the loving care of an eternal Heavenly Father, who has prepared a way for those who seek for eternal truth in a world of relativism, confusion, and of fear."

"If only we could look beyond the horizon of mortality into what awaits us beyond this life. Is it possible to imagine a more glorious future than the one prepared for us by our Heavenly Father? Because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we need not fear, for we will live forever, never to taste of death again. ²³ Because of His infinite Atonement, we can be cleansed of sin and stand pure and holy before the judgment bar. ²⁴ The Savior is the Author of our Salvation."

"And what kind of existence can we hope for? Those who come unto Christ, repent of their sins, and live in faith will reside forever in peace. Think of the worth of this eternal gift. Surrounded by those we love, we will know the meaning of ultimate joy as we progress in knowledge and in happiness. No matter how bleak the chapter of our lives may look today, because of the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we may hope and be assured that the ending of the book of our lives will exceed our grandest expectations."

"Everyone has experienced discouragement and difficulty. Indeed, there are times when the darkness may seem unbearable. It is in these times that the divine principles of the restored gospel we hope in can uphold us and carry us until, once again, we walk in the light."

"We learn to cultivate hope the same way we learn to walk, one step at a time. As we study the scriptures, speak with our Heavenly Father daily, commit to keep the commandments of God, like the Word of Wisdom, and to pay a full tithing, we attain hope."

"There may be times when we must make a courageous decision to hope even when everything around us contradicts this hope." 

"Hope sustains us through despair. Hope teaches that there is reason to rejoice even when all seems dark around us."

"And to all who suffer—to all who feel discouraged, worried, or lonely—I say with love and deep concern for you, never give in."

"Never surrender."

"Never allow despair to overcome your spirit."

-- The Infinite Power of Hope, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, April 2008 General Conference

I really love President Uchtdorf!  Please remember that no matter what trials we face, no matter what mistakes we've made, no matter how dark our lives seem, there is always hope!

That is the beauty of the atonement of Jesus Christ!  Don't let Satan discourage you.  If you have a desire to improve your life, take the necessary steps to attain hope -- daily prayer, committing to keep the commandments of God.

Step-by-step as you apply the atonement in your life and work towards salvation, your life will begin to improve.  The darkness will turn to light and you will begin to feel true joy and happiness.  

As Sheri Dew pointed out to me in a devotional I read recently -- the atonement isn't just for sinners and those who have chosen not to follow God's laws.  Of course repentance is real and necessary for all of us.  But the atonement also is for those who are facing trials of any kind.  We can all rely on Our Savior to help us through this mortal journey.

Never give up!  There is always hope!

That's my two cents.

President Uchtdorf Quote

"Personal testimony of the gospel and the Church is the most important thing you can earn in this life. It will not only bless and guide you during this life, but it will also have a direct bearing on your life throughout eternity."

—Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Receiving a Testimony of Light and Truth"