Rainbows & the Supreme Court

In light of recent events in our country this week I thought it ironic that my granddaughter came home from church with this Rainbows wristband (she got from the Reverent Grab Bag). 

I'm so thankful my grandchildren are at church learning truths about God's wonderful  Plan of Salvation, His commandments, and that no matter what any Supreme Court says-marriage is divinely instituted between man & woman. (click here to learn more about God’s Plan: https://www.lds.org/topics/plan-of-salvation?lang=eng)

In The Family Proclamation our prophet and apostles “solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of his children.”

I'm thankful that my little granddaughter learned what Rainbows REALLY represent: God's love and that Noah & his wife and family were saved because of their obedience. 

Elder Dallin H. Oaks said “those who understand God’s plan for His children know that God’s laws are invariable, which is another great evidence of His love for His children. Mercy cannot rob justice, and those who obtain mercy are ‘they who have kept the covenant and observed the commandment’ (D&C 54:6) … If a person understands the teachings of Jesus, he or she cannot reasonably conclude that our loving Heavenly Father or His divine Son believes that Their love supersedes Their commandments.” (General Conference, October 2009)

In addition, Elder Oaks stated, “The effect of God’s commandments and laws is not changed to accommodate popular behavior or desires. If anyone thinks that godly or parental love for an individual grants the loved one license to disobey the law, he or she does not understand either love or law. The Lord declared: “That which breaketh a law, and abideth not by law, but seeketh to become a law unto itself, and willeth to abide in sin, and altogether abideth in sin, cannot be sanctified by law, neither by mercy, justice, nor judgment. Therefore, they must remain filthy still.”(D&C 88:35)

Sadly, when people try to rationalize wickedness they don’t want to hear the truth and they certainly don’t want to admit it. Declaring the truth cost the Book of Mormon prophet Abinadi his life. 

He said to the wicked & rationalizing King Noah “Because I have told you the truth ye are angry with me… Because I have spoken the word of God ye have judged me that I am mad.” (Mosiah 13:4) Today, we hear things like “bigoted, narrow-minded, and old fashioned.” Society today is just like the Politically-correct-God-denying people of Isaiah’s day. “[They] say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things… Get you out of the way.” (Isaiah 30:9-11) They would rather reject God and His prophets than face the truth.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland wisely observed, “it is a characteristic of our age that if people want any gods at all, they want them to be gods who do not demand much, comfortable gods, smooth gods who not only don’t rock the boat but don’t even row it, gods who pat us on the head, make us giggle, then tell us to run along and pick marigolds. Talk about man creating God in his own image!” (General Conference, April 2014)

The Savior said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments”

Elder Holland, speaking of love and obedience, went on to say, “So if love is to be our watchword, as it must be, then by the word of Him who is love personified, we must forsake transgression and any hint of advocacy for it in others. Jesus clearly understood what many in our modern culture seem to forget: that there is a crucial difference between the commandment to forgive sin (which He had an infinite capacity to do) and the warning against condoning it (which He never ever did even once).” (General Conference, April 2014 – Click here for the full talk: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/the-cost-and-blessings-of-discipleship?lang=eng&query=#9-10985_000_12holland)

And so as Rainbows cover TV adds, Facebook pages, and even the White House I stand for truth and righteousness. I share my witness that marriage is divinely ordained by God for man & woman. And, I am thankful for beautiful rainbows that remind us of God’s love and the need for obedience.

Deborah & Jael     (Judges 4-5)

I love these two women!  These women lived in a time of spiritual & national disunity and decay in Israel.  Sound familiar?? I think so. At this time in the Old Testament God would call up heroic spiritual leaders, called Judges, to save the people.

We also live in a troubled world today and I believe we have been called up to be heroic spiritual leaders. I believe we are here NOW purposefully and specifically because the Lord NEEDS strong Spiritual Leaders – who are WOMEN! Let’s look at these two remarkable women.

Deborah is given 3 titles:

1. Judge:  These judges were selected because for their wisdom, their Leadership abilities, and because of their trust in God.

LESSON: As mothers, wives and women today do we need these same “Judge”-like qualities.

2. Prophetess:  Women can receive personal revelation and inspiration for their families.

Elder Bruce R. McConkie “Where spiritual things are concerned, as pertaining to all the gifts of the Spirit, with reference to the receipt of revelation, the gaining of testimonies, and the seeing of visions, in all matters that pertain to godliness and holiness and which are brought to pass as a result of personal righteousness in all these things men and women stand in a position of absolute equality before the LORD. He is no respecter of persons, nor of sexes, and he blesses those men and those women who seek him and serve him and keep his commandments.” (Ensign, Jan 1979- he so declared in Nauvoo at the dedication of the Monument to Women)

Deborah prophesied and testified that God had not forgotten His people and He would bring them victory over the Canaanites. (Judges 4:14) As modern day “prophetesses” for our own families, we can do the same.

3. Mother in Israel:  (5:7) It is Interesting to note that nowhere does it say Deborah had children. So how can she claim to be a “Mother in Israel” if she has no children?  She selected this name-title for herself in response to her efforts in saving her people from their enemies.

Deborah: nurtured, protected, taught and inspired her people. Our duties and possibilities as mothers, as WOMEN is more than cleaning, cooking & laundry!

Our duties and possibilities as mothers, as WOMEN is to lead one’s charges to the source of salvation! Whoever our charges might be: our own children, siblings, sisters at church, nieces & nephews etc…

Sheri Dew said “Motherhood is more than bearing children… It is the essence of who we are as women. It defines our very identity, our divine stature and nature, and the unique traits our Father gave us. We are all Mothers in Israel, and our calling is to love and help lead the rising generation through the dangerous streets of mortality… If we really want to make a difference, it will happen as we mother those we have borne and those we are willing to bear with us.” (General Conference, Oct 2001)

One of those whom Deborah inspired and led was Barak. Remember, at this time the Israelites were being attacked by Canaanites. She REMINDED Barak, the military leader, of the command he already had from the Lord. (4:6-9) She REMINDED him that the LORD would deliver and make it all possible.

What was Barak’s response? He would go but he wanted Deborah to go with him. (Some Jewish tradition holds that perhaps Barak was actually Deborah’s husband)

We learn a sweet & valuable Lesson from this small part of the story: As Spiritual women of God we can and should have a good influence on our husbands, brothers, fathers… priesthood leaders in helping them fulfill their assignments and reach their potential.

Now comes…  Jael

While Deborah & Barak were defeating the Canaanite army the ruthless leader Sisera, who had terrorized Israel for 20 some years, escaped. He ran and arrived at Jael’s tent exhausted and beaten from the battle and from taking flight. He demanded Jael feed him & hide him. She proceeded to give him fermented goats milk. (I drank fermented horses milk in Mongolia. It is NOT good! But it was common among ancients and it does act as a sedative) Sisera was soon sound asleep. Jael grabbed the tent nail and drove it through Sisera’s skull! Ouch!

Now, we will likely never be called upon to do something as EXTREME as Jael.

But anyone who aspires to be a heroic Spiritual Woman can learn from her example.

1. Jael recognized an opportunity when she saw it.  The Lord equips and prepares us to serve him. She recognized that God put her in the right place at the right time & she went to action. Are we so living that we recognize those opportunities to serve and protect our families?

2. Jael acted courageously in the face of danger. Sisera was a desperate, dangerous man – killing was his job! Truly most people, and surely a woman, would have been absolutely terrified by Sisera’s intrusion. Imagine a dirty, sweaty, bloody, ruthless military leader in YOUR TENT! Yet, nowhere in the text does it suggest the Jael was frightened. Where does such courage come from?  God alone.

Nephi’s promise to the faithful is that the lord will “make them MIGHTY even unto the POWER of deliverance.” (1 Nephi 1:20)

Do we, as women in 2014, need that mighty power?? Do you hope for it? Do you live for it?

 

 3. Jael acted decisively.  She didn’t ask for help. She didn’t leave the job to someone more experienced or better suited. SHE TOOK ACTION! She truly is the David & Goliath for women! Jael grabbed the only weapons she could find and took down a monstrously intimidating foe! She didn’t say “Oh, well, I’ll be right back. I’m going to run to Walmart and get some better weapons.”  OR  “I’m going to go get Sister Jones. She’s much braver than I am!” And she certainly did not say “Well, I don’t want to offend him so I’ll let him stay”!!!  No! She took action and did what she needed to do with the best she had: IF that doesn’t describe the life of a mother – a woman – I don’t know what does!

Jael is a powerful example for us when the “enemy” invades our homes and/or families.

*Don’t allow it to linger  *Don’t mess around!  *Get rid of it immediately *Act decisively!!

Lesson: The Lord qualifies those he calls. Whatever he calls/asks us to do.

Be Jael: don’t be afraid and God WILL make you MIGHTY! 

I LOVE these two women! Separated by thousands of years and thousands of miles we can learn from them how to be strong, faithful & courageous. They are amazing...

Seeing Blessings Afar Off

James E. Talmage said “The world’s greatest champion of woman and womanhood is Jesus the Christ.” (Jesus the Christ)

Women are bombarded with ALL kinds of messages today. Who should we be? Should I have a career? How many children should I have? What should I look like? You’ll find all different kinds of answers from all different kinds of people.

The next few Blog Posts are going to be about some of my HEROES in the scriptures: WOMEN Heroes.

See if you can relate to any of these descriptions of women…

They plead, mourn, suffer, praise, show faith, sometimes complain…

Bear children, pray, fear, cry, convert

We summon, make merry, are comforted… sometimes we sin

We love, we mother, we hide, flee…

Believe, have broken hearts, we toil, we sing, dance and charm

Sometimes we are rude

Sometimes we are overcome

In the midst of all these things… we are often described as…  strong

And tender… mothers, daughters, sisters 

Did ANY of that describe you? Did much of that describe you?

All of those descriptions were taken FROM THE SCRIPTURES – describing women!

We are separated from these women by vast cultural differences, by 1000’s of miles, and by 1000’s of years and YET I submit that we have much in common with them.

They, like us, worried about their families. They struggled raising children, they worked at relationships with their husbands, parents, siblings. They had to work within their neighborhoods and communities. They dealt with wickedness. And they felt the same kind of sorrows and they celebrated the same kinds of JOYS.

We can look these – our Sisters in the Scriptures and learn valuable lessons.

Sarah:  (Genesis 11-25)

More space of scripture is dedicated to Sarah than any other woman in the Bible. I believe it is because she is the “Mother” of the Covenant. With Abraham she was promised that the great nation of God’s covenant children would come through her. Pretty big deal!

Sarah started in Ur… a splendid beautiful city. She left all the modern comforts of that great city to go into the wilderness. She arrived in Haran. Did she settle and begin her wonderful family with lots of little children running around her home? No.

They left Haran to go to a Promised Land. They ended up in Egypt! Does she settle there and start having babies? Nope. In fact, she must “pretend” she is Abraham’s sister and she is taken by Pharaoh!

           

How is she doing with fulfilling this great Promise? She’s not even with her husband anymore! I imagine she is feeling some feelings of anxiety, unfulfilled expectations, and  disappointment. I imagine she may have some feelings of “This is not at all what I thought was going to happen? Not at all how I imagined my life being?”

Have YOU ever felt that way?

There may also be some added feelings of “I’ll never get this promise/blessing – it is proving impossible.” She’s about 65 years old at this point!

Lesson: Sarah must have had incredible FAITH to endure these trials.

FINALLY they left Egypt and arrived in Canaan. HURRAY! Now she’ll start popping those babies out, right?  Wrong! 20 years passed by (now 85) and it seems the only obvious answer is to give Hagar to Abraham to have the children. It seems like a good answer. She’s just trying to be creative and productive in accomplishing this blessing.

Lesson: “Obvious” is a relative term – where God is concerned!

I believe it was still, in a sense, an act of faith. She knew this blessing needed to be fulfilled and she must have been thinking “Okay, I don’t understand but I guess it’s meant to come through Hagar.” It might have been a more shortsighted bit of faith but I think it still took some faith to do that.

Imagine how difficult it must have been. She knew the covenant went from Abraham ato her a to her family ato a people/a nation(Israel) a to the WORLD! Imagine how her heart must have been aching.

Finally the holy men come to visit and announce she WILL conceive! Impossible! Right?

Camille Fronk Olson said this “Anyone who has long sought fulfillment of a righteous desire, daily praying and at times pleading with God to grant a miracle, can relate to Sarah’s waiting a lifetime for a child. The most feasible time to be granted the promised desire passes and no scenario that even approximates the dream can be imagined. Then, at the least probable time, when every circumstance underscores that fulfillment is impossible, the Spirit whispers that God has kept His promise and will now bestow the blessing.” (Women of the Old Testament, pg. 41)

She is 90 years old when she gives birth to Isaac and they lived happily ever after and never had another test again. Right?

No! The Lord asked them to sacrifice Isaac.

Another great Lesson we learn from Sarah: Just because we have survived one test doesn’t mean we’re done! We are challenged and tested throughout our ENTIRE life! Even when we are 100 years old if necessary!! 

I believe this test to sacrifice Isaac included Sarah.  She and Abraham were covenanted husband & wife. Every test, trial and struggle they had faced so far - they faced together as husband & wife.

Can we even imagine the kind of FAITH this test required? Sarah died at 127 years. They didn't even own land yet in Canaan. They were wandering in tents.  Isaac, their only son, is not yet married and certainly not having grandchildren for this great family that is supposed to be as numerous as the sands of the sea! The Promise, at this point, has not even been fulfilled! Therefore, our last and most important lesson from Sarah actually comes from Hebrews 11:8-13. Paul, after listing off many great people – including Sarah, who accomplished incredible things through faith, then says:

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”

I LOVE that verse!

Lesson: Having Patience and an eternal perspective; seeing the blessings “afar off” is essential to our success in this life. We must remember those blessings and “embrace” those promises! If we are true and faithful to our covenants ALL promises and blessings WILL be fulfilled! We may have to wait months… we may have to wait years… we may have to wait a LIFETIME… BUT they will come!

Jesus Christ: The Mighty God

I love this time of year as our hearts and minds turn to our savior, Jesus Christ.

The Psalmist sang “Know ye that the Lord he is God… Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” (Psalms 100:3-4)

As I contemplate giving thanks and praise to the Savior I pondered Who He is and What He has done for me.

My mind first went to the beautiful prophecies of  Isaiah:

            “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulders: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

And then to Alma in the Book of Mormon

            “And he shall go forth, suffering the pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.” (Alma 7:11)

These two great prophets give us a wonderful description of Who the Savior is and What He does for us.

Using these two scriptures may we consider How the Savior truly fulfills these roles in our lives.

“A child is born, a son is given”

John 3:16  “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son…”

 How thankful I am that my elder brother, Jesus Christ, the creator of the world, descended from His throne on high.

He came willingly and lovingly into this world. A newborn babe in a manger – the most humble of circumstances for a King, the promised Redeemer, Savior of mankind, Son of God!  And yet, to these humble circumstances He came.

He walked the dusty roads of Palestine, healed the sick, raised the dead, and taught the Gospel.

This newborn babe… this child was born to change the world.

For this I sing praises unto Him.

“Wonderful”

But He was rejected, mocked, and beaten. And He gave His life that we might live!

On the third day after His crucifixion He was resurrected – to break the bands of death that all might live again. Wonderful indeed!

No words in Christendom are more meaningful and significant than the words which the angel spoke that sacred morning in the garden “He is not here, but is risen.”

President Thomas S. Monson said “Our Savior lives again. The most glorious, comforting and reassuring of all events of human history had taken place- victory over death. The pain and agony of Gethsemane and Calvary had been wiped away. The salvation of mankind had been secured.” (General Conference, April 2010)

Perhaps one of my most favorite testimonies of the living Christ is from the Prophet Joseph Smith who declared:

“And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!

For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father.” (D&C 76:22-23)

If for no other reason I would sing praises to my Savior for that Wonderful news.

“Counselor”

As a Counselor He pleads our case for mercy thus becoming our advocate with the Father. He is the champion of our cause like no other can be.

On more than one occasion, a devoted mother pleaded with Abraham Lincoln for the life of a son who had committed a serious offense while serving in the Union forces. Often, touched by the mother’s own sacrifice and pleading, Lincoln granted the pardon. Perhaps he thought “Not for your son’s sake, but for your sake I will pardon him.” Likewise, our Heavenly Father must be deeply moved by the incomparable sacrifice and pleading by our Savior on our behalf.

Because I – like those boys in the Union Army - make mistakes and I desperately need His pleading as my Counselor.

Because He is my Counselor on Judgment Day, when my eternal fate hangs in the balance I will be ever grateful that, as Abinadi taught, the Savior stands “betwixt me and justice.”(Mosiah 15:9)  I will beg for mercy as He “makes an intercession for the children of men” (Mosiah 15:9)

He is my Counselor!

“The Mighty God”

He truly is the Mighty God.

Everything in this world bears testimony of Him. Like Alma testified to Korihor “All things denote there is a God, yea even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it… motion & planets…” (Alma 30:44)

We have had the opportunity to visit church historical sites a couple of times as a family. One of my favorite spots is Palmyra.

I had a very moving experience one time while at Palmyra. In the visitor’s center in Palmyra there is a large Christus – like the one at the Salt Lake Temple visitor’s center.

In Salt Lake the Christus is surrounded by the universe – planets and stars swirling around Christ. Which is very appropriate as He is the Mighty God – creator of heaven and earth – the planets and stars and all things in them!

But in Palmyra the Christus is surrounded by a mural of a grove of trees.

It is a beautiful reminder that it was in a grove of trees that He appeared to the young Joseph Smith. As I sat in that Visitor’s Center and looked at the statue and the trees I was overcome with the most amazing Spirit and was reminded that He is not only the Mighty God who created the heavens and earth and all things in them - which He did. Or, He Who has all power and all wisdom - which He does!

But He is a very tender and personal God who appeared in a grove of trees.

And if He can appear in a Grove of Trees in Upstate New York to a young farm boy to answer his prayer… then He also knows me and can answer the prayers of a mother in *@*.

He is the Mighty God! He is also a very tender and personal God.

“Everlasting Father”

King Benjamin teaches us HOW he becomes our Everlasting Father.

King Benjamin said: “Because of the covenant ye shall be called the children of Christ.” (Mosiah 5:7)

As we make and keep sacred covenants, at baptism and in the temple, we take His name upon us. We become His covenant Children.

This is one of my favorite doctrines of the Gospel. We are His chosen children. If we are true and faithful all the promises and blessings of the Fathers: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob can and will be ours as we keep and honor those covenants.

“Prince of Peace”

In a world filled with wars, sadness, natural disasters, and turmoil I am so thankful for the Prince of Peace.

I realize everyone has at one time or another, for some reason or another, faced difficult challenges. Be they financial pressures, health issues, troubles with a marriage or child.

We have all had feelings of sorrow and discouragement. But the Lord offers peace!

In yet another powerful and moving message from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland in Conference this past October he addressed this very topic of sorrow and discouragement.  He said “In striving for some peace and understanding in these difficult matters it is crucial to remember that we are living in a fallen world. Of greatest assurance in God’s plan is that a Savior was promised, a Redeemer, [I would add Prince of Peace] who through our faith in Him would lift us triumphantly over those tests and trials.” (Conference, Oct 2013)

One of my favorite scriptures comes from the story of Moses and the Children of Israel. When they arrived at the Red Sea they were faced with a seemingly impossible situation. They had a great sea in front of them, hot dry dessert on each side and Pharaoh’s army approaching behind them!  They began to murmur. I probably would have done the same. But, the great prophet Moses said:

 “Fear not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord.”  

I LOVE that!

Fear not, be still and watch how I will save you!

When faced with difficulties & trials we need not panic but be still and have peace. He truly is the Prince of Peace.

Then we go to the verse from Alma. Alma tells us He will suffer pains and afflictions.

“Pains and Afflictions” 

I love this verse in Alma because as he describes the Savior and lists these wonderful things the Savior will do he never even mentions sins.

Now, I (and we all) will definitely NEED our Savior’s mercy to be forgiven of our sins. But this verse reminds us that He does even more!

The Savior also eases our pains & afflictions.

In our most recent conference President Monson sweetly reminded us

            “From the bed of pain, from the pillow wet with tears, we are lifted heavenward by that divine assurance and precious promise: ‘I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.’   President Monson adds “Such comfort is priceless.” (October 2013)

Several years ago I was going through a very difficult time. Without going into personal detail it was a time that I truly felt pain, discouragement and often wet my pillow with tears. One particular day I needed extra help and so I went to the temple.  Now, please know that every time I attend the temple I feel peace and my Savior’s love. But this time, when I needed Him so desperately, as I stood for a particular part of the ceremony I literally felt His Arms enfold me. It was as if He was right there in person. I felt as if I had opened my eyes I would have seen Him. I have never quite felt those arms the same way since. But on that day, when I needed Him, He eased my pains.

“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I shall give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matt 11:28-30)

How thankful I am for a loving Savior Who eases my pains and afflictions

“Temptations”

Next, the Atonement not only gives us the opportunity to be forgiven for our sins… But it gives us the POWER to overcome those temptations that so easily beset us.

Elder David A. Bednar said: “The enabling and strengthening aspect of the Atonement helps us see and do and to become good in ways that we could never recognize or accomplish with our limited mortal capacity. I testify and witness that the enabling power of the Savior’s Atonement is real.” (General Conference, Oct 2004)

That is absolutely a reason to not only sing but shout praises unto the Lord. Is it enough to just sing or shout praises to the Lord?  No!

The Lord said “There are many who draw near unto me with their lips… but their hearts are far from me.” (2 Nephi 27:25)

This being the Christmas season, if you could give a Gift to the Savior what would you give?

The Savior gives us the best answer. He has actually given us His Christmas Wish List. He said “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15)

Also, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these y brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matt 25:40)

One day the people came to the Savior and asked what the way to Eternal Life was. The Lord told them to love God with all their heart, soul, strength, and mind. He then added AND… “Love thy neighbor.” The people asked “Who is our neighbor?” And Lord gave the beautiful parable of the Good Samaritan. As the man lay at the side of the road robbed, beaten and left for dead many passed him by. But the Samaritan stopped. He bound his wounds and cared for the man. Then the Savior said “Go and do likewise.”   (Luke 10:25, 30-36)

As we faithfully keep the commandments. As we lift each other’s burdens. As we comfort those who stand in need of comfort… and mourn w/those who mourn. As we stand as a witness at all time and in all things and in all places. As we share our testimonies with others… These are the greatest gifs we could give the Savior. This is His Christmas Wish List.

May we, not only during this Holiday Season, but always in our lives recognize and be thankful for His Atoning sacrifice and for the eternal and divine works He does on our behalf. And give a Gift to the Savior through our actions of love and service to others.

I praise Him. Like the angels on that first sacred Christmas night who sang praises: “Glory to God in the highest”