The Will Of The Father

In Matthew 26:39, Christ begins to perform the Atonement. The verse isn't long, but is one of my favorites in the entire Bible. The reason for this is that we get a look at the character of Christ. We all know that Christ was perfect as he ministered and completed his Earthly mission, but this verse takes it a step further. The verse reads-

"39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and ^aprayed, saying, O my ^bFather, if it be possible, let this ^ccup pass from me: nevertheless not as I ^dwill, but as ^ethou ^fwilt."

This scripture humanizes Christ a bit for me, which I like a lot. At times, it can be hard to have a relationship with Christ or God because we feel they are so superior to us. This verse shows me that, even Christ Himself, saw how difficult and painful the Atonement was going to be and asked to not do it unless it was the will of the Father.

As we go throughout our lives, we will encounter many situations where we must react in a similar way. There will be temptations that may seem enticing to us, but they are not the will of the Father, thus we must put aside our own pride and desires to do the right thing. I think a good example of this is confessing of a sin. To sit down with a leader and confess to wrongdoing is extremely difficult. No one likes to admit that they are wrong, or have made a mistake. But, we know that true repentance can only take place as we share those things with a Priesthood leader with the authority to help us. In this way, we are doing as Christ did as He performed the Atonement. We know that confession, and the resulting process of repentance will be painful, but being truly forgiven is worth so much more than our pride.

Which is greater? The gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?

This week we were told to read in Matthew. I was especially struck by Matthew 23:17 which says the following:

 17 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?

I gave this verse a lot of thought as I think it pertains to me especially at this time in my life. This week was crazy because I heard back from a job that I applied for a couple of months ago. I found out that I got the job, which is great! I'll be making a great deal more money than any other point in my life, which will allow me to provide for my family. I'm extremely blessed to get this job right out of college.

So, when I read the above referenced verse, it hit me quite hard. I need to be very careful to not let financial gain take too much of a place in my life. God should always be first, followed by everything else. This is the pattern due to the fact that because of God, we are able to have everything else. Without God, there is no temple, no gold, no great post-college jobs.

I think the formula for keeping our priorities in life in check isn't that complex. Love God, Love our neighbor, and constantly be improving. I'm grateful for this next chapter of my life, and also excited for all the good that I can do with increased financial prosperity.

Faith Can Move Mountains

This week I wanted to touch on what is taught in Matthew 17:20. This verse is one that is tossed around frequently in religious circles, but not often realistically considered. In this scripture we are taught that faith can move mountains. Let us take a moment and consider what this is really saying. If we, as insignificant small beings, demonstrate a force that cannot be physically seen, anything is possible with the inclusion of gigantic bits of earth moving to our will.

Now, upon consideration of the logic above, this seems absolutely impossible. It is human nature to have doubt and question things, but I believe we are missing and important lesson. God, or whatever form of deity you believe in, does not work in ways we understand. God is not bind to work in accordance of the laws of men. It is for this reason it is so difficult for us to understand when things don't operate in accordance to those laws. Remember that they are man-made laws, laws that we created and change as we determine more about the world around us. God is not bound to these laws.

So, next time we need something to happen in our lives that seems impossible, remember that it may seem impossible to us, but not to someone who operates by different laws and loves us. As the picture above shows, simply making a change to the word impossible leaves possible, and we have the great fortune of working with someone with the power to cross-out those first two letters.  

Spiritual Roots

This week our readings in the New Testament touched the Parable of the Sower. I wanted to comment on that parable and what it means to me.

I think about my life, the good and the bad, the times I did things right, and the times I did things wrong. The times where things went wrong were times when my spiritual
roots were not very strong. I find this so interesting because, for me at least, it was difficult to gain a testimony and realize the spirituality was important to me. I have watched people become great men and leaders, and those who do have strong roots. If I am to achieve my full potential in life, it will necessary to be strongly rooted to my gospel upbringing.

Individual roots are generally small and not strong by themselves, but when combined together they hold up mighty trees. This is perfectly applicable to how our gospel roots work in our lives. Saying daily prayer, studying the scriptures, and attending church each week are small things by themselves. But, when combined together, they enable us to resist temptation and stand firm.

I would encourage the reader of this to analyze not only your gospel-related roots, but all the important roots you have in your life. How are your family, ethical, and social roots? All of these combined lead us into a productive, fulfilling life.

Be Prepared

This week I have been studying the Old Testament, particularly the story of Joseph.

Most of us are aware of the story of Joseph and Potiphars wife. If you aren't, you should go back and read it. Basically, Joseph is presented with the temptation to lie with Potiphars wife, who has been coming on to him for a considerable amount of time. Joseph resists to such an extent that when she grabs him to force him to lay with her, he rips his clothes getting away.

Now, I believe there is more here to consider. First, Joseph didn't think about sleeping with another mans wife and then make the decision to leave. He didn't slowly walk away or discuss with her another time or place. He RAN away. He got away from her in such a way that it RIPPED his clothes! To me this is a great example for us on how to deal with temptation. We should even entertain the thought; we should get out!

Second, would the outcome of this story have been different if Joseph hadn't been prepared beforehand? I believe the answer is yes. If Joseph had stopped obeying the commandments, or had stopped praying and communicating with God before this event, I believe he would have fell. This teaches us that we don't know when the temptations of life will come, whatever they may be. But, we can rest assured that if we are prepared, we will be better able to make the correct decision.

I wonder if in a world filled with pornography and sexual material what the difference is for the people who do not indulge in those things. Are they less likely to cheat on their spouse or divorce and create broken homes? I answer yes to that question; a resounding yes.

Let us take the example of Joseph and be prepared in all things, so that when temptation or trial come, and it inevitability will, we will be ready to face our demons.

Enjoy all the flavors of life

***update with content***

***speak about the importance of trying things that we are not accustomed to, and or are foreign to us.***

The pen is mightier than the sword.

So, Blogger, we meet again.

I had forgotten that this blog even existed. While preparing an assignment for my programming class, I stumbled across it again; an old friend.

How interesting it is that writing can contain so much power and emotion. We have all heard that the pen is mightier than the sword, but how many of us actually believe that? Upon stumbling across my writings and muses de nuevo, I began to read some of my posts.

It feels strange to read things I have written and get chills. To think, "Wow, this is really good." I read about my fathers influence on me, coping with the death of a friend, and why writing is important to me.

So, to put it lightly, it is good to be back. I don't make any promise that I will continue to write. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if I forgot about my blog again. That being said, it is very satisfactory to know that the writing is there, stored in some deep, hidden location on a Google server. I'm grateful that writing can instantly transport me back to events and emotions that I may have forgotten about.

True, This! —

Beneath the rule of men entirely great
The pen is mightier than the sword. Behold
The arch-enchanters wand! — itself is nothing! —
But taking sorcery from the master-hand
To paralyse the Cæsars, and to strike
The loud earth breathless! — Take away the sword —
States can be saved without it!

 Edward Bulwer-Lytton - 1839

Also, note a similar usage by Shakespeare

William Shakespeare in 1600, in his play Hamlet Act 2, scene II, wrote: "... many wearing rapiers are afraid of goosequills.