tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18704899550174190092024-03-19T15:17:41.980-07:00The Mormon waysStandard of Truth:
"The Standard of Truth has been erected: no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing. Persecutions may rage, mobs may assemble, calumny may defame, but the
truth of God will go forth, boldly, nobly and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and
sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the great Jehovah shall say the work is done."
Joseph Smith, Jr.Tyson Nicollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086069454443970603noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870489955017419009.post-47900346248461963952011-11-06T11:30:00.000-08:002011-11-06T11:30:52.596-08:00The Lost ArtIt is often a hard and strange thing to make changes in our lives. The world is an ever changing place where traditions die out and new ones begin. While it is good to change and progress there are somethings that should always be similar no matter what day and age you live in. No matter how hard people try, there will always be those who oppose and this is the case with traditions. Today there are the traditions, that to some have become a lost art. Of one art in particular I have thought a lot about in the past few months. This is the art of courtship.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYh8zPnKH3C8tfOBYKeTHYENLTqUxWVHwfHZfVzfKIC977jnFYel-957XO4G-FDZiBLDMEPvu6yVG2iuTY3Y73wtV_-ydhubsbRlFyro-K1B9TKbNSL70VWVhJjGNVlNq8bJiwqhjWps4/s1600/Leighton-Courtship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYh8zPnKH3C8tfOBYKeTHYENLTqUxWVHwfHZfVzfKIC977jnFYel-957XO4G-FDZiBLDMEPvu6yVG2iuTY3Y73wtV_-ydhubsbRlFyro-K1B9TKbNSL70VWVhJjGNVlNq8bJiwqhjWps4/s320/Leighton-Courtship.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Today we live in a world where the morals of dating and marriage are constantly changing. There seems to be a lack of commitment and pride in a relationship. There was once a time when the media of the world didn't change the opportunity to date and be social. People could meet in person and talk. It wasn't a hard thing to ask someone on a date instead of just going to hang out. Facebook or texting was never a means to ask someone out. For me, I am a person who enjoys Tradition. For me, I feel that the world as it has made some things so easy, has made other things so hard.<br />
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I was talking to my sister the other day about how hard it is sometimes to know exactly what people are saying when it comes in the form of a text or facebook message. Sometimes you think it sounds rude or mean, but the person sending it wants it to sound funny or cute. While I feel that these new technologies are a great thing, dating is one way that does not need to change. We date to find someone to spend eternity with and spending eternity with someone is a huge commitment. A commitment that if we are to keep we need to really get to know the person we are going to marry. Satan knows how hard marriage can be and if he can use technology to put up a false wall for people he knows he can use it to tear apart a family.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHELe_m22kAQLcpleITXcz5HIQIGew-3EirxPKiACmp_qp3ZjqnDUBF-HZJ-490wjB-Zm_c269KBIS3_pgLjgcyZY96SzVkIBxz2el8TPLLW7W6aO-_j3CA3yWM3PMzo07GdYbFYBaQjk/s1600/lds-wedding-communication.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHELe_m22kAQLcpleITXcz5HIQIGew-3EirxPKiACmp_qp3ZjqnDUBF-HZJ-490wjB-Zm_c269KBIS3_pgLjgcyZY96SzVkIBxz2el8TPLLW7W6aO-_j3CA3yWM3PMzo07GdYbFYBaQjk/s320/lds-wedding-communication.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Gawain and Gayle Wells teach us in an Ensign article about the importance of coutship. "When we were teenagers, we had the notion that <span class="highlight">courtship</span> would be a blissful period of strolling down shady lanes hand-in-hand, looking deep into each other’s eyes, and planning the future. This period, we were sure, would immediately precede “happily ever after.”<br />
<div uri="/ensign/1979/12/courtship-labor-of-love.p5">In reality, we found it to be a time of great adjustment and compromise. <span class="highlight">Courtship</span> is a time of abandoning independence and learning interdependence. It is the process of developing a trusting, sharing relationship, of learning to listen and really hear, of caring about the other and sharing self. You might say it is a “tenderizing” experience."</div><div uri="/ensign/1979/12/courtship-labor-of-love.p5"><br />
</div><div uri="/ensign/1979/12/courtship-labor-of-love.p5">To have this experience one needs to spend time with the person they will marry. We cannot know for sure if the person we are to marry is the right one unless we take the time to get to know all we can about them.</div><div uri="/ensign/1979/12/courtship-labor-of-love.p5"><br />
</div>Tyson Nicollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086069454443970603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870489955017419009.post-70182516015892225752011-08-07T23:02:00.000-07:002011-08-07T23:02:14.823-07:00Till the cows come home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHdgLaddALMFwkCaFgqHOpYJsTZOQsQlZRz3J3tle7o90MRtx88NY-0bwDChhxELMMPRNtpbd54FhJh4P9pU_XcId_hFQ95w61CAY4BQiFaO4sgZs8fwI3mKJOy_-VCHv_6vgBohH2mU/s1600/cows+come+home" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHdgLaddALMFwkCaFgqHOpYJsTZOQsQlZRz3J3tle7o90MRtx88NY-0bwDChhxELMMPRNtpbd54FhJh4P9pU_XcId_hFQ95w61CAY4BQiFaO4sgZs8fwI3mKJOy_-VCHv_6vgBohH2mU/s1600/cows+come+home" /></a></div>Have you ever wondered about what the phrase means "till the cows come home"? Where in the world have the cows been? I feed mine every morning and probably once a day I have some form of beef for one of my meals. I don't think they ever left, but if they did I am sure glad that they are home now. I think that this phrase can relate to us in many ways in our own individual lives and settings. For one it might be a long punishment. For another it might be a long vacation. For another it might be an attitude to forget about the immediate responsibilities of life having little care for what is going on around you. You see, I think cows are like this last one. Sometimes they could really care less about what is going on around them and they will come home when they want to and how they want to. Usually for me when I want the cows to come home I want them there now so I can feed them and get on my way.<br />
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With the care free slow paced life of a cow there is something that we all can learn from this. Yes it is important to work hard and take care of our responsibilities in life, but sometimes it is necessary to stop and smell the roses. Forget about the worries of life and what is going on around you and take a few deep breaths. As I have been out in the world a lot more over the past few years, I Have seen a lot of things that trouble me. The biggest one is in families and individuals everyday lives. It is sad to see when a spouse gets caught up too much in their personal life that they do not have time for those around them, especially not their families. They neglect family time, they spend more time at work and not enough time at home, they pursue personal goals that does not help their family at all, and because of it families draw further apart. Although the cows are often slow they bring great value to the world. So how do we become like the cows and be of use, but still slow down and enjoy life? My Favorite suggestion that leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints have given us is hold Family Home Evenings. Family Home Evening is a time where we as families can spent time together to learn more about each others likes and dislikes and grow in the gospel. Here are a few things church leaders have said about the importance of family home evening.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ac8QRRjTwbaSloFGnBZHgOszAZK-301NaQoGHf2HoxrlqLA1eTm6kUGskmabynmAaAgIpCQSnKxYg_cD4rPOFlpZUwrtha3JuIUmU2UFRkFMQxkQNTKJ2mIgfsnox7IzzBTYmcojhI0/s1600/fhe" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ac8QRRjTwbaSloFGnBZHgOszAZK-301NaQoGHf2HoxrlqLA1eTm6kUGskmabynmAaAgIpCQSnKxYg_cD4rPOFlpZUwrtha3JuIUmU2UFRkFMQxkQNTKJ2mIgfsnox7IzzBTYmcojhI0/s1600/fhe" /></a></div><br />
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"After twenty years, family home evening continues to help families withstand the storms of life."(<a href="http://lds.org/ensign/1986/09/an-anchor-to-family-security?lang=eng&query=family+time">Giles H. Florence, Jr.</a>)<br />
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<div class="">"Spending consistent time together is an important part of family home evening. When this becomes a priority, families can be strengthened, individuals helped, and testimonies shared."(<a href="http://lds.org/search?lang=eng&query=family+time">October 2005 Ensign</a>)</div><div class=""><br />
</div><div class=""> <a class="scriptureRef" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/ot/eccl/3.1-8?lang=eng#0">Ecclesiastes 3:1–8</a> tells us that “there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven,” including “a time to laugh.” </div><div class=""><br />
</div><div class=""> “Young people want and deserve parents and a family they can be proud of... No matter how busy we are, we should take time as a family to relax and have fun together. Our homes should be full of laughter and happiness.</div><div class="">"Even work can be enjoyable if approached in the right way. For example, in families with small children, work such as planting a garden, cleaning the house, or washing the dishes can be approached as a game. This will keep enthusiasm and interest high. Such an approach can help us lead our families toward happy lives that are balanced between work, rest, and play."(<span class="emphasis"><a href="http://lds.org/manual/duties-and-blessings-of-the-priesthood-basic-manual-for-priesthood-holders-part-b/lesson-14-having-fun-together-as-families?lang=eng&query=family+time">Home and Family Relations</a>) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKs7Y5iECgdDlHUM2DDnxsRZYepkOSAv3FC7gIwZZs5Numem-YmhsS47IpQlHYcoHf0yab1WvD8sGpdFdKwf-7slz4DbeyureYIay-aBOJTsgpbEI8mnU5LpYLahYJ6XpjDEvQwIXRUA/s1600/fhe1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKs7Y5iECgdDlHUM2DDnxsRZYepkOSAv3FC7gIwZZs5Numem-YmhsS47IpQlHYcoHf0yab1WvD8sGpdFdKwf-7slz4DbeyureYIay-aBOJTsgpbEI8mnU5LpYLahYJ6XpjDEvQwIXRUA/s1600/fhe1" /></a></div><div class=""><span class="emphasis"><br />
</span></div><div class=""><span class="emphasis"> I know that good quality family time can bring families closer together and strengthen them against the things of this world. Most of my greatest joys in life come from the times that I have spent with my family building my relationship with them. I know that as you do the same and spend more time with your family, you will truly remember what joy families are in your life and how much more important they are to you than all other things.</span></div><div class=""><br />
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Tyson Nicollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086069454443970603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870489955017419009.post-18877104930539584972011-07-22T01:00:00.000-07:002011-07-22T01:00:05.916-07:00Homeward Bound<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTquDAd6ejmo82_Q39fqgohUjG-NeCT3kH8YNxyL09ng3oCXmMkpJmx6bQwXOyznNt14VYcNZ_uPKlF9ggQ13MXJxt5lPCBLA36-GuzRrMhDjPMJ_VJweXUOglhF-hKkOkMuRFzEv61o/s1600/home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTquDAd6ejmo82_Q39fqgohUjG-NeCT3kH8YNxyL09ng3oCXmMkpJmx6bQwXOyznNt14VYcNZ_uPKlF9ggQ13MXJxt5lPCBLA36-GuzRrMhDjPMJ_VJweXUOglhF-hKkOkMuRFzEv61o/s320/home.jpg" t$="true" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love the movie Homeward Bound. It is a movie that relates so much to so many people especially me in my life. A family who goes on vacation takes their pets which include two dogs and a cat to a relatives house way out in the country. While the three animals are there they decide that they don't like it where they are at and they are going to find their way home. So they escape and begin their journey back home. Their adventure is full of many learning opportunties as they fight through the dangers and trials of being on their own. It wasn't always easy for them. They were used to having someone take care of their every needs. Now they had to work together for each other's safety and lives. The family who loved these animals so much searched hard to bring them back home. Eventualy these animals find their way back home to the people who love them so much. It wasn't easy for them, they had many obstacles to overcome, but they pushed forward with a hope of making it home. And home they made it where they knew they would have the most joy.</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"> For us in life we may not always like where we are at. We may have trials and struggles to overcome and we want to have a better life. This better life will come as we strive to make it back home to live with our Heavenly Father.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It’s comforting to know that God’s Son, Jesus Christ, suffered all things. He understands your pain and can help you through your trials. When you have faith in God and His plan, you can be assured that there’s a purpose to all that happens to you here on earth. Our time here is short compared to our eternal life.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1yU3Ae6xC_ONPbPUdB6bASwSxX_zWO9XC8WTFOtstV0U9pQu1bdHEmB8gYxPBYX4MVjbDiEywbtqkyLjTWzM1Khb2rxiz_1gScLuY1YUbWy1xK2IOwo-iTKJk3YNZQCH58EGCoBRwDH0/s1600/Jesus-Prodigal-Bench-300x225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1yU3Ae6xC_ONPbPUdB6bASwSxX_zWO9XC8WTFOtstV0U9pQu1bdHEmB8gYxPBYX4MVjbDiEywbtqkyLjTWzM1Khb2rxiz_1gScLuY1YUbWy1xK2IOwo-iTKJk3YNZQCH58EGCoBRwDH0/s1600/Jesus-Prodigal-Bench-300x225.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">"Your life didn’t begin at birth and it won’t end at death. Before you came to earth, your spirit lived with Heavenly Father who created you. You knew Him, and He knew and loved you. It was a happy time during which you were taught God’s plan of happiness and the path to true joy. But just as most of us leave our home and parents when we grow up, God knew you needed to do the same. He knew you couldn’t progress unless you left for a while. So he allowed you to come to earth to experience the joy—as well as pain—of a physical body."(<a href="http://mormon.org/plan-of-happiness/">1</a>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Most of us would probably say we want to live forever. That’s exactly what God gave to each of us when He sent His son, Jesus Christ, to earth to die for us and to atone for our sins. It’s called resurrection and everyone born on earth, even wicked people, will receive this gift of immortality (<a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_cor/15/22#22" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 15:22</a>)."(<a href="http://mormon.org/plan-of-happiness/">2</a>)</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Having this gift allows us to return home where we can have a fulness of joy forever.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Two years ago I left on a mission to serve the Lord and his children for two years. I left my family and my friends. I left behind many things that I love and enjoy doing. I went on an adventure of a lifetime to learn and to grow. I grew from a boy to a man. I have learned many things that will help me the rest of my life. It has not been easy, but I have had many people help me along the way. I haven't had much communication with those back home that I love so much, but I know they still care for me and are waiting for me to come home. During these past two years I have been through a lot. I have had many trials. I have watched others go through many trials and gone through some of them with them. I have had joy and happiness. It has been something that I will never forget. Now here in a few weeks I will return back to my home in Arizona. I will be homeward bound to those that I love so much and want to be with forever. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gjy0PLsyuGxDgavCZlwvzEPnLDiL1NvgeKSNvIhItu4SznaujYrm3YnOpZPKorxZqwHfDJInkG9YdBh-yZF-RCgxguraILGD2VkAGs0FlXtuNQP2eSXCo5Z351jViC_p5CXP9h5YtIo/s1600/fam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gjy0PLsyuGxDgavCZlwvzEPnLDiL1NvgeKSNvIhItu4SznaujYrm3YnOpZPKorxZqwHfDJInkG9YdBh-yZF-RCgxguraILGD2VkAGs0FlXtuNQP2eSXCo5Z351jViC_p5CXP9h5YtIo/s1600/fam.jpg" t$="true" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">"Coping with calamities can strengthen you and make you more compassionate. It can help you learn, grow and want to serve others. Dealing with adversity is one of the chief ways you're tested and tutored in your life here on Earth. Our loving Heavenly Father has the ability to compensate us for any injustices we may be called upon to endure in this mortal life. If we endure faithfully He will reward us beyond our ability to comprehend in the life to come (<a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_cor/2/9#9" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 2:9</a>). Amazingly, with God’s help you can experience joy even in times of trial, and face life’s challenges with a spirit of peace."(<a href="http://mormon.org/plan-of-happiness/">3</a>)</div>Tyson Nicollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086069454443970603noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870489955017419009.post-12222721633539669342011-07-11T10:08:00.000-07:002011-07-11T10:09:05.413-07:00The Refiner's Fire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NWT7PcrIz86X5LMysyqh9B4GWZFZCPULnhl633MpQa3ny98ToF3iZ8OkoxGekDUd-JLvdtfMyiKRR95ywIF0fcLYgVKDvIabdNeUDuRNx19LTRq-KDKrZ93iYQiOMuUIN3UFpGxbM-8/s1600/Silver_Melting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NWT7PcrIz86X5LMysyqh9B4GWZFZCPULnhl633MpQa3ny98ToF3iZ8OkoxGekDUd-JLvdtfMyiKRR95ywIF0fcLYgVKDvIabdNeUDuRNx19LTRq-KDKrZ93iYQiOMuUIN3UFpGxbM-8/s1600/Silver_Melting.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 30px; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 10px! important; padding-bottom: 0pt! important; text-align: center;">“Here then is a great truth. In the pain, the agony, and the heroic endeavors of life, we pass through a refiner’s fire, and the insignificant and the unimportant in our lives can melt away like dross and make our faith bright, intact, and strong. In this way the divine image can be mirrored from the soul. It is part of the purging toll exacted of some to become acquainted with God. In the agonies of life, we seem to listen better to the faint, godly whisperings of the Divine Shepherd.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px! important; padding-bottom: 0pt! important; text-align: center;">“Into every life there come the painful, despairing days of adversity and buffeting. There seems to be a full measure of anguish, sorrow, and often heartbreak for everyone, including those who earnestly seek to do right and be faithful. … In this way the soul can become like soft clay in the hands of the Master.” </div><div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 10px! important; padding-bottom: 0pt! important; text-align: center;"> —James E. Faust</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMxqKfGfImbGheBv9i9acemVLPP_j421A3l-5Mhjif_buvMG3DmCDilKOLg9_YSyJ4Qv_75412KFToiyLt4qmb768-fzx_fQP5OczZTm1Z4VnhBUgHm6tATjATyD-Zwh8ymkQBxEVMVs/s1600/Silversmith_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMxqKfGfImbGheBv9i9acemVLPP_j421A3l-5Mhjif_buvMG3DmCDilKOLg9_YSyJ4Qv_75412KFToiyLt4qmb768-fzx_fQP5OczZTm1Z4VnhBUgHm6tATjATyD-Zwh8ymkQBxEVMVs/s1600/Silversmith_2.jpg" /></a></div>The process of refining silver has always been done by a master silversmith because of the importance of doing it right. As the silver is heated the dross or the impurities float to the top and the master silver smith scrapes them off. He then turns up to heat to bring more impurities to the top. He continues this process until all the impurites have risen and been scraped away. During this time he must watch the silver always, for if it is heated too much it will be destroyed. The final product is finished when he can see his reflection in the silver.<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 10px! important; padding-bottom: 0pt! important; text-align: center;">“Being human, we would expel from our lives sorrow, distress, physical pain, and mental anguish and assure ourselves of continual ease and comfort. But if we closed the doors upon such, we might be evicting our greatest friends and benefactors. Suffering can make saints of people as they learn patience, long-suffering, and self-mastery. The sufferings of our Savior were part of his education. —Spencer W. Kimball</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7uPaBND2O2r_1bVzSZy_v6RYjR9DEcHjB3MbtFVDlvtsl-XpmSM0ffat7S02_hgIBWBvPNNfvqVfpGMTVq2i-Htf43oXa1lqcZp4CNkBU2LXto6TrufkfPd5HFYIB9ki0X-DyCrMhXo/s1600/holy_one_israel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7uPaBND2O2r_1bVzSZy_v6RYjR9DEcHjB3MbtFVDlvtsl-XpmSM0ffat7S02_hgIBWBvPNNfvqVfpGMTVq2i-Htf43oXa1lqcZp4CNkBU2LXto6TrufkfPd5HFYIB9ki0X-DyCrMhXo/s320/holy_one_israel.jpg" width="246px" /></a></div> So much of our lives are like the process of refining silver. That is what life is, a process. We as human beings are unpure and sinful. King Benjamin in the Book of Mormon teaches us about the natural man that we are, and must overcome.<br />
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<span class="verse">19</span>For the <sup class="studyNoteMarker">a</sup><a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/3?lang=eng#" id="footnote62" jquery1310310062125="78" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=bofm&bookUri=mosiah&chapterUri=3&noteID=19a&lang=eng"><span style="color: #486fae;">natural</span></a> <sup class="studyNoteMarker">b</sup><a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/3?lang=eng#" id="footnote63" jquery1310310062125="79" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=bofm&bookUri=mosiah&chapterUri=3&noteID=19b&lang=eng"><span style="color: #486fae;">man</span></a> is an <sup class="studyNoteMarker">c</sup><a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/3?lang=eng#" id="footnote64" jquery1310310062125="80" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=bofm&bookUri=mosiah&chapterUri=3&noteID=19c&lang=eng"><span style="color: #486fae;">enemy</span></a> to God, and has been from the <sup class="studyNoteMarker">d</sup><a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/3?lang=eng#" id="footnote65" jquery1310310062125="81" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=bofm&bookUri=mosiah&chapterUri=3&noteID=19d&lang=eng"><span style="color: #486fae;">fall</span></a> of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he <sup class="studyNoteMarker">e</sup><a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/3?lang=eng#" id="footnote66" jquery1310310062125="82" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=bofm&bookUri=mosiah&chapterUri=3&noteID=19e&lang=eng"><span style="color: #486fae;">yields</span></a> to the enticings of the Holy <sup class="studyNoteMarker">f</sup><a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/3?lang=eng#" id="footnote67" jquery1310310062125="83" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=bofm&bookUri=mosiah&chapterUri=3&noteID=19f&lang=eng"><span style="color: #486fae;">Spirit</span></a>, and <sup class="studyNoteMarker">g</sup><a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/3?lang=eng#" id="footnote68" jquery1310310062125="84" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=bofm&bookUri=mosiah&chapterUri=3&noteID=19g&lang=eng"><span style="color: #486fae;">putteth</span></a> off the <sup class="studyNoteMarker">h</sup><a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/3?lang=eng#" id="footnote69" jquery1310310062125="85" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=bofm&bookUri=mosiah&chapterUri=3&noteID=19h&lang=eng"><span style="color: #486fae;">natural</span></a> man and becometh a <sup class="studyNoteMarker">i</sup><a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/3?lang=eng#" id="footnote70" jquery1310310062125="86" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=bofm&bookUri=mosiah&chapterUri=3&noteID=19i&lang=eng"><span style="color: #486fae;">saint</span></a> through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a <sup class="studyNoteMarker">j</sup><a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/3?lang=eng#" id="footnote71" jquery1310310062125="87" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=bofm&bookUri=mosiah&chapterUri=3&noteID=19j&lang=eng"><span style="color: #486fae;">child</span></a>, <sup class="studyNoteMarker">k</sup><a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/3?lang=eng#" id="footnote72" jquery1310310062125="88" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=bofm&bookUri=mosiah&chapterUri=3&noteID=19k&lang=eng"><span style="color: #486fae;">submissive</span></a>, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/3?lang=eng">Mosiah 3:19</a>). <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">“Our needed conversions are often achieved more readily by suffering and adversity than by comfort and tranquillity. … Father Lehi promised his son Jacob that God would ‘consecrate [his] afflictions for [his] gain’ (2 Nephi 2:2). The Prophet Joseph was promised that ‘thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; and then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high’ (D&C 121:7–8).</div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px! important; padding-bottom: 0pt! important; text-align: center;">“Most of us experience some measure of what the scriptures call ‘the furnace of affliction’ (Isaiah 48:10; 1 Nephi 20:10). Some are submerged in service to a disadvantaged family member. Others suffer the death of a loved one or the loss or postponement of a righteous goal like marriage or childbearing. Still others struggle with personal impairments or with feelings of rejection, inadequacy, or depression. Through the justice and mercy of a loving Father in Heaven, the refinement and sanctification possible through such experiences can help us achieve what God desires us to become.”</div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px! important; padding-bottom: 0pt! important; text-align: center;">—Dallin H. Oaks</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="314" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aBgq-MJScE4" width="500"></iframe><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> This life is all about overcoming our natural tendencies to do wrong. In this process we can't do it alone. As we accept the gospel of Jesus Christ and his atonement we become like the silver. Over time the heat is turned up and we have trials that we must face. These trials are what help us to learn and overcome impurities. Then when one trial is over the heat is once again turned up and there are many more trials waiting for us. During these times of trial and agony in our lives we are not alone. Christ is the Master Silversmith. He will watch us always so that we are not in the fire too long and are destroyed. We will not be "tempted above that which we are able to bear"(<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/64?lang=eng">1</a>). </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Orson F. Whitney said:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px! important; padding-bottom: 0pt! important; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">“No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God … and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven.” </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin-bottom: 10px! important; padding-bottom: 0pt! important; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div></div>Tyson Nicollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086069454443970603noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870489955017419009.post-31838651714226255172011-07-01T01:00:00.000-07:002011-07-01T01:00:07.175-07:00One Nation Under God<div class="" uri="/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream.p13"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWn06l1CWvHZ0aoTT23qIBnyExDJYNgGqUw2zszvkEFcnsBRw-USwewVhPUkI-r8LF_HVR2Dd5NqenmWoGp4osbSIN8Qh0o1q2Kas6ZPA7S3ebn5QhdjOzkWsx1DPXgYCFGCImbQy46E/s1600/flag1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWn06l1CWvHZ0aoTT23qIBnyExDJYNgGqUw2zszvkEFcnsBRw-USwewVhPUkI-r8LF_HVR2Dd5NqenmWoGp4osbSIN8Qh0o1q2Kas6ZPA7S3ebn5QhdjOzkWsx1DPXgYCFGCImbQy46E/s320/flag1.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I love the song "America, The Beautiful" It teaches us about what America is, how it was founded, fought for, and preserved today. It teaches us that without God this nation and its people would never succeed. From the ancient civilizations, to the discovering of America, to this very day in which we live, God has had his hand in setting this land appart for an elect people. Those who founded this nation and those who preserve it today do so under the inspiration of the Almighty God.</div><br />
<div class="" style="text-align: center;" uri="/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream.p13"><span style="font-family: inherit;">O beautiful for spacious skies, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For amber waves of grain, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For purple mountain majesties </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Above the fruited plain! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">America! America! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">God shed his grace on thee </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And crown thy good with brotherhood </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">From sea to shining sea! </span></div><br />
<div class="" style="text-align: center;" uri="/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream.p13">For thousands of years this land has been a promised land. A land that God has preserved for those who desire to serve him and obey his teachings. The Book of Mormon prophet Lehi, taught about the terms by which we must follow in order to keep and enjoy our many freedoms.</div><div class="" style="text-align: center;" uri="/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream.p13">Wherefore, this <sup class="studyNoteMarker">a</sup><a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/1?lang=eng#" id="footnote15" jquery1309377867890="31" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=bofm&bookUri=2-ne&chapterUri=1&noteID=7a&lang=eng"><span style="color: #486fae;">land</span></a> is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring. And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of <sup class="studyNoteMarker">b</sup><a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/1?lang=eng#" id="footnote16" jquery1309377867890="32" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=bofm&bookUri=2-ne&chapterUri=1&noteID=7b&lang=eng"><span style="color: #486fae;">liberty</span></a> unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound <sup class="studyNoteMarker">c</sup><a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/1?lang=eng#" id="footnote17" jquery1309377867890="33" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=bofm&bookUri=2-ne&chapterUri=1&noteID=7c&lang=eng"><span style="color: #486fae;">cursed</span></a> shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever. (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/1?lang=eng">2 nephi 1:7</a>)</div><div align="left" class="" uri="/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream.p13"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmXkaYf0IQM5ceHOX5OQGMmF41dWqHSqS6gjwaX3jDPBVrYDHiAEX0bwfuV12zurPCXCF5V4pBcz6Mxdj4L6xZcWyih_Kr8BC1h1j6sjdMkZsrqpWOju0L_vy-jwf8gSfGQZvF660cXQU/s1600/landing_columbus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; height: 216px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; width: 313px;"><img border="0" height="216px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmXkaYf0IQM5ceHOX5OQGMmF41dWqHSqS6gjwaX3jDPBVrYDHiAEX0bwfuV12zurPCXCF5V4pBcz6Mxdj4L6xZcWyih_Kr8BC1h1j6sjdMkZsrqpWOju0L_vy-jwf8gSfGQZvF660cXQU/s320/landing_columbus.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="" style="text-align: left;" uri="/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream.p13"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">O beautiful for pilgrim feet,<br />
Whose stern impassion'd stress<br />
A thoroughfare for freedom beat <br />
Across the wilderness!<br />
America! America! God mend thine ev'ry flaw,<br />
Confirm thy soul in self-control,<br />
Thy liberty in law!</span></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On several occasions Columbus gave credit to the Almighty. In writing to the Spanish leaders, he said, “Our Lord unlocked my mind, sent me upon the sea, and gave me fire for the deed. Who heard of my enterprise, called it foolish, mocked me, and laughed. But who can doubt but that the Holy Ghost inspired me?” (Jacob Wassermann, <span class="emphasis">Columbus, Don Quixote of the Seas, </span>trans. Eric Sutton, Boston: Little, Brown, and Co., 1930, p. 20.) During the voyage, after weeks of sailing with no land in sight, mutiny raised its head. Finally Columbus promised the captains of the two other ships that they would turn back if land was not sighted in 48 hours. Then he went to his cabin and in his words “prayed mightily to the Lord.” The next day, October 12, they sighted land. We know a land of liberty and religious freedom was a necessary ingredient in the plan of God. Thus, Columbus and others, particularly those seeking religious freedom, were led to the shores of America. (<a href="http://lds.org/new-era/1976/07/gods-hand-in-the-founding-of-america?lang=eng&query=god's+hand+founding+america">1</a>)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;" uri="/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream.p13"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XtUkOixUUICecxXj42Xmn8Pu0T5Dgshq8iKku156TD8dtfwcMPjL4XwWQy2aZBG0b4VQC8C1dA7oJY-0A-oXh4R7BIU5b2AqZxMZWo1_LaETtLH0WoPjcHjQ-jH2WOQDDjKC9w7cnw4/s1600/washington.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XtUkOixUUICecxXj42Xmn8Pu0T5Dgshq8iKku156TD8dtfwcMPjL4XwWQy2aZBG0b4VQC8C1dA7oJY-0A-oXh4R7BIU5b2AqZxMZWo1_LaETtLH0WoPjcHjQ-jH2WOQDDjKC9w7cnw4/s320/washington.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="" style="text-align: left;" uri="/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream.p13"><br />
</div><div class="" style="text-align: center;" uri="/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream.p13"><span style="font-family: inherit;">O beautiful for heroes proved <span id="goog_646300316"></span><span id="goog_646300317"></span></span></div><div class="" style="text-align: center;" uri="/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream.p13"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In liberating strife. </span></div><div class="" style="text-align: center;" uri="/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream.p13"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Who more than self their country loved</span></div><div class="" style="text-align: center;" uri="/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream.p13"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And mercy more than life! </span></div><div class="" style="text-align: center;" uri="/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream.p13"><span style="font-family: inherit;">America! America! </span></div><div class="" style="text-align: center;" uri="/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream.p13"><span style="font-family: inherit;">May God thy gold refine </span></div><div class="" style="text-align: center;" uri="/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream.p13"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Till all success be nobleness </span></div><div class="" style="text-align: center;" uri="/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream.p13"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And every gain divine!</span></div><div class="" style="text-align: center;" uri="/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream.p13"><br />
</div><div class="" style="text-align: left;" uri="/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream.p13">That’s the way it was, from Boston to Lexington to Concord, as the war for independence and liberty began. Most of all, it was for people, men and women of courage and vision and faith, strengthened by God as a part of his plan, who struggled, froze, starved, and when necessary, died, that these free states in union might be born, in Thomas Jefferson’s incisive words, “To assume, among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature’s God entitle them.” (“Declaration of Independence.”) (<a href="http://lds.org/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream?lang=eng&query=oh+beautiful+patriot+dream">2</a>)</div><div class="" style="text-align: left;" uri="/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream.p13"><br />
</div><div class="" style="text-align: left;" uri="/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream.p13"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1b60F3Og4eblItCesY1NlN-LG-Cs_mpBiRdUWQMAvcRuoyPz9kDGRT2U8f2jKWu56zYlUwAt46s950Wr6RemHuITWXoXjXndgrH7lYTrdlVVdh2KRE5o39lsEc10EgIyWy5DuSGOxFg/s1600/DeclarationIndep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1b60F3Og4eblItCesY1NlN-LG-Cs_mpBiRdUWQMAvcRuoyPz9kDGRT2U8f2jKWu56zYlUwAt46s950Wr6RemHuITWXoXjXndgrH7lYTrdlVVdh2KRE5o39lsEc10EgIyWy5DuSGOxFg/s320/DeclarationIndep.jpg" width="320px" /></a>The success of the Declaration of Independence and the Revolutionary War came about through men who were raised up by God for this special purpose. You must read the Declaration of Independence to feel its inspiration. You merely need to study history to recognize that a group of fledgling colonies defeating the world’s most powerful nation stemmed from a force greater than man. Where else in the world do we find a group of men together in one place at one time who possessed greater capacity and wisdom than the founding fathers—Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, and others? But it was not to their own abilities that they gave the credit. They acknowledged Almighty God and were certain of the impossibility of their success without his help. Benjamin Franklin made an appeal for daily prayers in the Constitutional Convention. In that appeal he said, “If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? I believe without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the building of Babel.” (<a href="http://lds.org/new-era/1976/07/gods-hand-in-the-founding-of-america?lang=eng&query=america">3</a>)</div></div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;" uri="/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream.p13"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;" uri="/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream.p20">We believe that the Constitution was brought about by God to insure a nation where liberty could abound, where his gospel could flourish. Joseph Smith said, “The Constitution of the United States is a glorious standard; it is founded in the wisdom of God. It is a heavenly banner.” (<a href="http://lds.org/new-era/1976/07/gods-hand-in-the-founding-of-america?lang=eng&query=god's+hand+founding+america">4</a>)</div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;" uri="/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream.p20"><br />
</div><div class="" uri="/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream.p20"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRAeav-PE5GtbJiq5Bj0B1DESWlZG22Yz0qLpjsIPN7mrK2sFWzjEFT7a9c2kiT_mS0mhCg0As3CB_r95Va2dxLI2nsv51X4srSr6YZA0yNJHGTeoYUsdm87XxkUpmtngr6rl25zYr60/s1600/first-vision.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRAeav-PE5GtbJiq5Bj0B1DESWlZG22Yz0qLpjsIPN7mrK2sFWzjEFT7a9c2kiT_mS0mhCg0As3CB_r95Va2dxLI2nsv51X4srSr6YZA0yNJHGTeoYUsdm87XxkUpmtngr6rl25zYr60/s320/first-vision.jpg" width="242px" /></a> We believe that both America’s freedom and the continuing reformation that flourished here occurred in preparation for the restoration from heaven of the <a href="http://mormon.org/restoration/">full gospel of Jesus Christ</a>. That restoration took place in the 1820s through a man named Joseph Smith. We believe that God and his son Jesus Christ appeared to the Prophet, who described his vision in these words: “I saw two personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other<span class="emphasis">—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!</span>” (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/pgp/js-h/1.17?lang=eng#16" onclick="function anonymous()
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}"><span style="color: #486fae;">JS—H 1:17</span></a>.) An important part of the Restoration was the return of the <a href="http://mormon.org/restoration/">priesthood</a> or the power of God. This was restored to Joseph by Peter, James, and John, who appeared as heavenly messengers and ordained Joseph Smith by the laying on of hands.(<a href="http://lds.org/new-era/1976/07/gods-hand-in-the-founding-of-america?lang=eng&query=god's+hand+founding+america">5</a>)</div></div></div><div class="" style="text-align: left;" uri="/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream.p20"><br />
</div><div class="" style="text-align: left;" uri="/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream.p20">O Beautiful for patriot dream</div><div class="" style="text-align: left;" uri="/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream.p20">That sees beyond the years</div><div class="" style="text-align: left;" uri="/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream.p20">Thine alabaster cities gleam,</div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;" uri="/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream.p20">Undimmed by human tears!</div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;" uri="/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream.p20">America! America! God shed His grace on thee,</div><div class="" style="text-align: left;" uri="/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream.p20">And crown thy good with brotherhood</div><div class="" style="text-align: left;" uri="/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream.p20">From sea to shining sea!</div><div class="" style="text-align: center;" uri="/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream.p20"><br />
</div><div class="" style="text-align: center;" uri="/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream.p20">Today we are fortunate to live in a choice and promised land. It will remain free and blessed as long as its people remember the God who gave them life and this free land. We must remember that the family is the basic unit of a strong society. We are all part of God’s family; and as our Father, he expects us to build strong family units. It is in the family that the basic morality and righteousness should be taught that will keep America free. Each member of every family plays an important role in America. For several thousand years throughout this land the great fathers and mothers, the noble sons, the patriot sons, the choice daughters have forged America into what we have today. (<a href="http://lds.org/new-era/1976/07/gods-hand-in-the-founding-of-america?lang=eng&query=america">6</a>)</div><div class="" uri="/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream.p20"><br />
</div><div class="" style="text-align: center;" uri="/new-era/1976/07/gods-hand-in-the-founding-of-america.p36">It is America’s conscience that has preserved her. America is beautiful only when she is good, when children are laughing in her streets, and love abounds in her families. Without this conscience, civilization crumbles, as it has before on this continent. We are all part of America’s future. Our job is to remember the lessons of the past, to patch up the mistakes and the sins of everything that has gone before. The place to start is within our own families; and as we have been counseled, “No success can compensate for failure in the home.” (<a href="http://lds.org/new-era/1976/07/gods-hand-in-the-founding-of-america?lang=eng&query=god's+hand+founding+america">7</a>)</div><div class="" uri="/new-era/1976/07/gods-hand-in-the-founding-of-america.p36"><br />
</div><div class="" style="text-align: justify;" uri="/new-era/1976/07/gods-hand-in-the-founding-of-america.p36"> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKLz2UMQFT_4h19oCkeLIZYwbGBaY5LqyUbUuYAifn4VNjr2sHCrZKzn6q2YivYa7OmPuoFITW39ZzIEq31S7jyV3M4xei-tmI49vxF6nctK0-ZU-DLEwbWnmAQeVgq9HXqDc0Ejz7lY/s1600/America_the_Beautiful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKLz2UMQFT_4h19oCkeLIZYwbGBaY5LqyUbUuYAifn4VNjr2sHCrZKzn6q2YivYa7OmPuoFITW39ZzIEq31S7jyV3M4xei-tmI49vxF6nctK0-ZU-DLEwbWnmAQeVgq9HXqDc0Ejz7lY/s320/America_the_Beautiful.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;" uri="/new-era/1976/07/gods-hand-in-the-founding-of-america.p39">French historian Alexis de Tocqueville said: </div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;" uri="/new-era/1976/07/gods-hand-in-the-founding-of-america.p39">“I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers, and it was not there; in her fertile fields and boundless prairies, and it was not there; in her rich mines and her vast world of commerce, and it was not there. Not until I went to the churches of America and heard her pulpits aflame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.” (Jerreld L. Newquist, comp., <span class="emphasis">Prophets, Principles and National Survival, </span>Salt Lake City: Publishers Press, 1967, p. 60.)</div><br />
<div class="" style="text-align: left;" uri="/new-era/1976/05/oh-beautiful-for-patriot-dream.p13"><br />
</div>Tyson Nicollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086069454443970603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870489955017419009.post-9073797493013162942011-06-24T13:09:00.000-07:002011-06-24T13:09:18.246-07:00Healing Waters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7erbqYl4zS44p6PU8v-tUrD1vnX3IPkgrSyQfywAXELTiuq70Ta2gQqouNGhzojPrAde4VqAjL4GCw35ntKig0W2fu5LMG5T1Bi2DQoxm6OG1EycbnV_I_friWpcXnzNwjDpYi52aqU/s1600/healing-waters-1-300x222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7erbqYl4zS44p6PU8v-tUrD1vnX3IPkgrSyQfywAXELTiuq70Ta2gQqouNGhzojPrAde4VqAjL4GCw35ntKig0W2fu5LMG5T1Bi2DQoxm6OG1EycbnV_I_friWpcXnzNwjDpYi52aqU/s320/healing-waters-1-300x222.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://mormon.org/jesus-christ/">Jesus Christ</a></u></span> is the only way by which we can return to live with our Heavenly Father. Jesus suffered and was crucified for the sins of the world, giving each of God’s children the gift of repentance and forgiveness. Only by His mercy and grace can anyone be saved. His subsequent resurrection prepared the way for every person to overcome physical death as well. These events are called the Atonement. In short, Jesus Christ saves us from sin and death. For that, he is very literally our Savior and Redeemer.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"> The <span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://mormon.org/restoration/">Gospel</a></u></span> of Jesus Christ is the "good news" of Christ's sacrifice for us, giving us a path back to the Father. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">On our path back to live with our Heavenly Father there are certain things that we must do. Nephi, a Book of Mormon prophet teaches us about the gate by which we enter to get on the path.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/31?lang=eng">2 Nephi 31:17-18</a></u></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">17Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and <sup>a</sup><span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/31?lang=eng"><span style="color: #486fae;">baptism</span></a></u></span> by water; and then cometh a <sup>b</sup><span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/31?lang=eng"><span style="color: #486fae;">remission</span></a></u></span> of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/" name="18"></a><span style="color: #486fae;"> </span>18And then are ye in this <sup>a</sup><span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/31?lang=eng"><span style="color: #486fae;">strait</span></a></u></span> and narrow <sup>b</sup><span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/31?lang=eng"><span style="color: #486fae;">path</span></a></u></span> which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which <sup>c</sup><span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/31?lang=eng"><span style="color: #486fae;">witnesses</span></a></u></span> of the <sup>d</sup><span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/31?lang=eng"><span style="color: #486fae;">Father</span></a></u></span> and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br />
Baptism opens the gate, beginning the road that will take us back to His presence. This <span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://mormon.org/church/">covenant</a></u></span> is a commitment we make to follow Jesus Christ throughout our lives. It symbolizes the end of our old life and the beginning of a new life as a disciple of Christ. </div><div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZSKUEVamgc0" width="425"></iframe></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Even after we are baptized, we will still make mistakes, however this doesn't mean we have to get baptized again. Instead we have the opportunity to go to church where we are able to renew our covenants.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">At Church we sing, pray, and discuss the gospel with the other members of the congregation and we also take the <span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://mormon.org/commandments/">sacrament</a></u></span> in remembrance of the Savior. At Church we participate in the sacrament by eating bread and drinking water that was prepared to symbolize the body and blood of Jesus Christ. We can take that time to meditate on how Jesus Christ can help us and think about how we can better keep the covenants we have made with Him.</div><div class="stanza"><div class="line" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><i>’Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer</i> </div><div class="line"><i>Thought it scarcely worth his while</i> </div><div class="line"><i>To waste much time on the old violin,</i> </div><div class="line"><i>But held it up with a smile:</i> </div><div class="line"><i>“What am I bidden, good folks,” he cried,</i> </div><div class="line"><i>“Who’ll start the bidding for me?”</i> </div><div class="line"><i>“A dollar, a dollar”; then, “Two!” “Only two?</i> </div><div class="line"><i>Two dollars, and who’ll make it three?</i> </div><div class="line"><i>Three dollars, once; three dollars, twice;</i> </div><div class="line"><i>Going for three—” But no,</i> </div><div class="line" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJ8FusR2lu0ycCq6doW3l2-dA-MDStF0mmMJB-_JbUHSgQnqebg30xaDE-R_4WjlDf68gd0h_OArfxlRxUNlJIFBQUXSyWsla4_p7otedj3fA3IbdLyKJ1RAnnOjFDrCoIWoes1usLVQ/s1600/old-violin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJ8FusR2lu0ycCq6doW3l2-dA-MDStF0mmMJB-_JbUHSgQnqebg30xaDE-R_4WjlDf68gd0h_OArfxlRxUNlJIFBQUXSyWsla4_p7otedj3fA3IbdLyKJ1RAnnOjFDrCoIWoes1usLVQ/s320/old-violin.jpg" width="320" /></a><i>From the room, far back, a gray-haired man</i> </div><div class="line"><i>Came forward and picked up the bow;</i> </div><div class="line"><i>Then, wiping the dust from the old violin,</i> </div><div class="line"><i>And tightening the loose strings,</i> </div><div class="line"><i>He played a melody pure and sweet</i> </div><div class="line"><i>As a caroling angel sings.</i> </div></div><div class="stanza"><div class="line"><i>The music ceased, and the auctioneer,</i> </div><div class="line"><i>With a voice that was quiet and low,</i> </div><div class="line"><i>Said, “What am I bid for the old violin?”</i> </div><div class="line"><i>And he held it up with the bow.</i> </div><div class="line"><i>“A thousand dollars, and who’ll make it two?</i> </div><div class="line"><i>Two thousand! And who’ll make it three?</i> </div><div class="line"><i>Three thousand, once, three thousand, twice,</i> </div><div class="line"><i>And going, and gone!” said he.</i> </div><div class="line"><i>The people cheered, but some of them cried,</i> </div><div class="line"><i>“We do not quite understand</i> </div><div class="line"><i>What changed its worth.” Swift came the reply:</i> </div><div class="line"><i>“The touch of a master’s hand.”</i> </div></div><div class="stanza"><div class="line"><i>And many a man with life out of tune,</i> </div><div class="line"><i>And battered and scarred with sin,</i> </div><div class="line"><i>Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd,</i> </div><div class="line"><i>Much like the old violin.</i> </div><div class="line"><i>A “mess of pottage,” a glass of wine,</i> </div><div class="line"><i>A game—and he travels on.</i> </div><div class="line"><i>He’s “going” once, and “going” twice,</i> </div><div class="line"><i>He’s “going” and almost “gone.”</i> </div><div class="line"><i>But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd</i> </div><div class="line"><i>Never can quite understand</i> </div><div class="line"><i>The worth of a soul and the change that’s wrought</i> </div><div class="line"><i>By the touch of the Master’s hand.</i></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> Myra Brooks Welch, “The Touch of the Master’s Hand,” <i>The Gospel Messenger, </i>Brethren Press, 26 Feb. 1921.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"> Boyd K. Packer taught:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;" uri="/general-conference/2001/04/the-touch-of-the-masters-hand.p36">"We can even “retain a remission of [our] sins.”<sup class="noteMarker"> <a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2001/04/the-touch-of-the-masters-hand?lang=eng&query=touch+master's+hand#21-" jquery1308944540140="41"><span style="color: #486fae; font-size: x-small;">21</span></a> </sup>Baptism by immersion is for the remission of our sins. That covenant can be renewed by partaking of the sacrament each week.<sup class="noteMarker"> <a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2001/04/the-touch-of-the-masters-hand?lang=eng&query=touch+master's+hand#22-" jquery1308944540140="42"><span style="color: #486fae; font-size: x-small;">22</span></a> </sup></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;" uri="/general-conference/2001/04/the-touch-of-the-masters-hand.p37">The Atonement has practical, personal, everyday value; apply it in your life. It can be activated with so simple a beginning as prayer. You will not thereafter be free from trouble and mistakes but can erase the guilt through repentance and be at peace." </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;" uri="/general-conference/2001/04/the-touch-of-the-masters-hand.p37"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"> I know that through the atonement of Christ we can all be healed. <a href="http://mormon.org/missionaries/"><span style="background-color: white; color: red;">Start now</span></a> by taking the first step and repent. Through baptism we can be cleansed from sin. As we continue through life we can continue to repent and improve if we will just let Christ help us. We cannot overcome sin alone. It is only through faith and repentance that we can be forgiven, and when we are, we will be at peace.<br />
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</div>Tyson Nicollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086069454443970603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870489955017419009.post-37692926077593357182011-06-17T14:49:00.000-07:002011-06-20T09:36:31.932-07:00Small and Simple Things Sometimes in life what we do isn't good enough. Now matter how much we do it always seems not to be enough in the eyes of the world. We burn ourselves out trying to fit in or please people, but we still feel like we have not accopmlished a thing. Doubt can be one of Satan's biggest tools against us. He want us to think that no matter what we do it is not good enough. He wants us to think that no matter how hard we try we will fail. Our loving Heavenly Father through his servants teach us differently. The prophet Alma in the Book of Mormon stated: "Now ye may suppose that this is <sup class="studyNoteMarker">a</sup><a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/37?lang=eng#" id="footnote8" jquery1308345068156="23" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=bofm&bookUri=alma&chapterUri=37&noteID=6a&lang=eng"><span style="color: #486fae;">foolishness</span></a> in me; but behold I say unto you, that by <sup class="studyNoteMarker">b</sup><a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/37?lang=eng#" id="footnote9" jquery1308345068156="24" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=bofm&bookUri=alma&chapterUri=37&noteID=6b&lang=eng"><span style="color: #486fae;">small</span></a> and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise." (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/37?lang=eng">Alma 37:6</a>)<br />
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President Eyring and others in this video testify of the small and simple acts of others and the great impact they had on their lives.<br />
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President Howard W. Hunter (1907–1995) taught that people who have honest doubts can overcome them and gain a stronger faith. “I have sympathy for young men and young women when honest doubts enter their minds and they engage in the great conflict of resolving doubts. These doubts can be resolved, if they have an honest desire to know the truth, by exercising moral, spiritual, and mental effort. They will emerge from the conflict into a firmer, stronger, larger faith because of the struggle. They have gone from a simple, trusting faith, through <span class="highlight" id="searchQueryTerm">doubt</span> and conflict, into a solid substantial faith which ripens into testimony” (<a href="http://lds.org/new-era/2002/06/qa-questions-and-answers?lang=eng&query=doubt">1</a>)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGcxcXjxemZlAkIhzy1grAu9j8SrPo-2Q_oZQCScOAsLz7BytF0W8aK7RmIw0cZm_AYC0pLWQu_awp9yHenV4C5hN78hrvR3JAVgu7K7UATcPinLMbXrQBWDV5KX6FrxiRlSCo6_Wirk/s1600/drip-irrigation-system.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGcxcXjxemZlAkIhzy1grAu9j8SrPo-2Q_oZQCScOAsLz7BytF0W8aK7RmIw0cZm_AYC0pLWQu_awp9yHenV4C5hN78hrvR3JAVgu7K7UATcPinLMbXrQBWDV5KX6FrxiRlSCo6_Wirk/s400/drip-irrigation-system.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div> Using the example of drip irrigation, Elder Bednar explained that “with drip irrigation, applications of water are more focused and more frequent than with . . . other methods.” Similarly, “if you and I are focused and frequent in receiving consistent drops of spiritual nourishment, then gospel roots can sink deep into our soul, can become firmly established and grounded, and can produce extraordinary and delicious fruit.” If we understand this, the pattern of small and simple things has greater power. This pattern “produces firmness and steadfastness, deepening devotion, and more complete conversion to the Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel.” In this way we become “increasingly steadfast and immovable” and “less prone to zealous and exaggerated spurts of spirituality followed by extended periods of slackness.” (<a href="http://lds.org/study/prophets-speak-today/unto-all-the-world/small-simple-things-essential-to-growth?lang=eng&query=small+simple+things">2</a>)<br />
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I know that God wants us to be happy and overcome the trials that we face. I know that overcoming life's challenges is a process and takes time. As we take time to recognize the small and simple things in our lives that we do we will feel more useful in the world. We won't need to worry about what the world thinks about us. We will recognize ourselves as children of God who loves us and wants us to learn all we can here on earth. During your times of doubt and trials, take a little time to think of all the small and simiple things you are doing for others. I know that this will bring you a sense of belonging and a strength and a desire to do more.Tyson Nicollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086069454443970603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870489955017419009.post-18040678187374435112011-06-09T12:42:00.000-07:002011-06-09T12:42:39.677-07:00Cleansing Effects of Fire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplBQCvKtsnsMnpHh82gluE_1tBOxPKJTXOw26qQFTmADDhjdukOcgxL349u82R6PXHWXb-uXrb0Bky8qJ7TpqiwjqwiEail3LjuD_0nDpJAHuDKV1Nw-ipvgfQeNIsDqKfZ7fXUD4tdQ/s1600/f1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplBQCvKtsnsMnpHh82gluE_1tBOxPKJTXOw26qQFTmADDhjdukOcgxL349u82R6PXHWXb-uXrb0Bky8qJ7TpqiwjqwiEail3LjuD_0nDpJAHuDKV1Nw-ipvgfQeNIsDqKfZ7fXUD4tdQ/s320/f1.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Growing up I learned the importance of opposition in all things. I have learned that opposition is all around us. When you start to get on top someone decides it is time to try and knock you down. When you try to do what is right, the doors open for you to do wrong and you have to make a choice. There are things in our lives that can be used for good and bad depending on how we want to use them. For instance Fire. Fire has been a blessing to man from the beginning of time. It gives us light. It gives us a way to sustain life through warmth and cooking food. I remember sometimes during the spring we would use fire to burn grass in the ditches or the lawn, to clean any impurities from it. This would allow the water to run freely through the ditches and the grass to grow greener. Whenever I had a sliver I was taught to burn the end of a needle to clean it before useing it. So many times fire can be used for great purposes. However, in opposition to those uses come consequences if used wrongly. If we let the fire burn the grass too much it wouldn't grow back. If I touched the fire it would burn me which has no possitive effect. Careless use of fire can cause great destruction in wildlife and communtities. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqzFbXCdbQsTosNR3zA-hgzHXb4xeEg0ffMgrTVLMMti2CZhhU_CK9aIjr3esuDAMYb4pMxIVLFrMFQwWGxla23Id6GKUlj3H_KsjI-3bm0vh90zZgxMO82IU3vEw4OFYmi8gkAqB5NW8/s1600/fire5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqzFbXCdbQsTosNR3zA-hgzHXb4xeEg0ffMgrTVLMMti2CZhhU_CK9aIjr3esuDAMYb4pMxIVLFrMFQwWGxla23Id6GKUlj3H_KsjI-3bm0vh90zZgxMO82IU3vEw4OFYmi8gkAqB5NW8/s320/fire5.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> Recently I learned of a fire burning out of control near my home in Arizona. Supposedly the fire was started by careless campers who left their fire to go on a walk. The winds caught some embers and caused the surrounding area dry from lack of rain to catch fire. It took no time for the heavy spring winds to quickly spread the fire. <br />
<img alt="Wallow fire in Arizona" height="276px" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2011/6/9/1307608898236/Wallow-fire-in-Arizona-007.jpg" width="460px" /><br />
<div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="99"> Currently the fire has burned 339,000 arcres and has 0% containment. Over 8,000 people have been forced from homes with over 3,000 people being prepared to evacuate. There are over 2,500 people along with many pieces of machinery fighting the fire. It is crazy to think how something so useful as fire can yet be so destructive. It can be a great aid to humanity, yet it can be a great downfall. There are things in life that we must learn to control and use for the purposes they are intended for.</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPklPwJbRH-X38M6KQgWVXvTprxDQnrdFWBj6ce_K4P6XEgRl0x3e4wjg7qEmn_epeWXYtcAwee9lrWbpm6p3um4jUqjZsfNLr15sAfy13Ho6lqra-JutYTX4Fa7HM3on8rvcobR9hHJA/s1600/fire7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPklPwJbRH-X38M6KQgWVXvTprxDQnrdFWBj6ce_K4P6XEgRl0x3e4wjg7qEmn_epeWXYtcAwee9lrWbpm6p3um4jUqjZsfNLr15sAfy13Ho6lqra-JutYTX4Fa7HM3on8rvcobR9hHJA/s320/fire7.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></div><div itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="85"> There is another type of fire that is talked about in the scriptures, and that is the baptism by fire or the Holy Ghost. Just like fire, the Holy Ghost has many uses in our lives. Just like fire the Holy Ghost works in ways of opposition as well. He works in our lives according to our obedience and ways that we live our lives. Just like we must be careful when using fire we must be careful to never lose the fire of the Holy Ghost. If we follow the teachings of the scriptures and modern day prophets we will have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. So what does the Holy Ghost do for us, and what specificaly must we do to have him with us all the time?</div><div itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="85"></div>The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead, along with God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. The Holy Ghost is one in purpose with the Father and the Son, but is a separate being. Through Joseph Smith, the Lord revealed:(<a href="http://mormon.org/faq/#Holy+Ghost|question=/faq/the-holy-ghost/">2</a>)<br />
<div itxtharvested="0" itxtnodeid="85"> </div>The special mission of the Holy Ghost is to testify of the Father and the Son, to reveal the truth (<a href="http://mormon.org/book-of-mormon/">Book of Mormon</a>, <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/moro/10/4,5#4" target="_blank">Moroni 10:4,5</a>), to comfort us (<a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/john/14/26#26" target="_blank">John 14:26</a>), and to sanctify us. He is a divine guide and teacher.<br />
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"Almost everyone has felt the Holy Ghost at some time. But there is a difference between experiencing the occasional influence of the Holy Ghost and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.<br />
Although the Holy Ghost may temporarily comfort someone or reveal truth to them, the gift of the Holy Ghost is reserved for those who have been baptized and confirmed into <a href="http://mormon.org/church/">Christ’s Church</a>. This gift is the privilege of enjoying the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost conditional upon keeping the commandments.<br />
The gift of the Holy Ghost is given when a person is confirmed a member of the Church after baptism by someone having priesthood authority from God. It is given by the person having authority laying their hands upon the head of the person who was baptized and giving them a blessing to receive the Holy Ghost (<a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/acts/8/14-18#14" target="_blank">Acts 8:14-18</a>). Whether or not we then receive this great gift depends on our keeping the commandments of God."(<a href="http://mormon.org/faq/#Holy+Ghost|question=/faq/holy-ghost-blessings/">3</a>)<br />
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Like fire, the Holy Ghost has a cleansing effect on us. Just like we must be careful when using fire we must be careful to never lose the fire of the Holy Ghost. When we sin the spirit is driven away from us because it cannot be in unholy places, but when we repent and live the gospel standards we feel clean and pure. I know that through repentance we can receive the fire or feelings that the Holy Ghost gives us. When we do what is right we receive feelings in our heart. <br />
The Scriptures Teach:<br />
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</div><a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="http://www.blogger.com/" name="8"> </a><span class="verse"> </span>But, behold, I say unto you, that you must <sup class="studyNoteMarker">a</sup><a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/9?lang=eng#" id="footnote8" jquery1307482043968="23" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=dc-testament&bookUri=dc&chapterUri=9&noteID=8a&lang=eng">study</a> it out in your <sup class="studyNoteMarker">b</sup><a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/9?lang=eng#" id="footnote9" jquery1307482043968="24" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=dc-testament&bookUri=dc&chapterUri=9&noteID=8b&lang=eng">mind</a>; then you must <sup class="studyNoteMarker">c</sup><a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/9?lang=eng#" id="footnote10" jquery1307482043968="25" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=dc-testament&bookUri=dc&chapterUri=9&noteID=8c&lang=eng">ask</a> me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your <sup class="studyNoteMarker">d</sup><a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/9?lang=eng#" id="footnote11" jquery1307482043968="26" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=dc-testament&bookUri=dc&chapterUri=9&noteID=8d&lang=eng">bosom</a> shall <sup class="studyNoteMarker">e</sup><a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/9?lang=eng#" id="footnote12" jquery1307482043968="27" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=dc-testament&bookUri=dc&chapterUri=9&noteID=8e&lang=eng">burn</a> within you; therefore, you shall <sup class="studyNoteMarker">f</sup><a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/9?lang=eng#" id="footnote13" jquery1307482043968="28" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=dc-testament&bookUri=dc&chapterUri=9&noteID=8f&lang=eng">feel</a> that it is right.</div><div uri="/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/9.9"><a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="http://www.blogger.com/" name="9"> </a><span class="verse"> </span>But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a <sup class="studyNoteMarker">a</sup><a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/9?lang=eng#" id="footnote14" jquery1307482043968="29" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=dc-testament&bookUri=dc&chapterUri=9&noteID=9a&lang=eng">stupor</a> of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is <sup class="studyNoteMarker">b</sup><a class="footnote" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/9?lang=eng#" id="footnote15" jquery1307482043968="30" rel="/scriptures/chapter/footnote/default.xqy?volumeUri=dc-testament&bookUri=dc&chapterUri=9&noteID=9b&lang=eng">sacred</a> save it be given you from me. (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/9?lang=eng">Doctrine and Covenants section 9:8-9</a>)</div><br />
I know how much the Holy Ghost can and will help us in our lives if we will take the time to allow him to. God works in us through the Holy Ghost. As we strive to be obedient to God's commandments we can have the "burning" feelings of the Holy Ghost at all times to lead us to always make the right choices and do the right things.</div></div>Tyson Nicollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086069454443970603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870489955017419009.post-83745261589377858832011-06-04T13:35:00.000-07:002011-06-06T13:34:43.569-07:00Power Through The Priesthood <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> When I was in the sixth grade I had an accident that helped me gain a strong testimony of the power of the Priesthood. I had just woken up from a nap and had to go feed the cows before dinner. I hopped on my bike to ride down to the barn. As I was coming around the corner there was a big pudle of water that I tried to avoid, but because of my speed my back tire slid out from under me and my handle bar hit my stomach and knocked the air out of me. After what seemed forever I got my breath back and staggered back up to the house. I laid on the couch for awhile and my mom thought I was just being a baby. She told me to go upstairs and lie down. She told me that I just needed to suck it up and I would get better. Around 11 O'clock that night my parents decided to take me to a family friend who was a doctor. He checked my stomach and thought it would be good to go to the hopital. Before we left my Father and the doctor who both held the Priesthood authority of God laid their hands on my head and gave me a Priesthood blessing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Now I am sure that some of you are wondering what the Priesthood authority of God is and why it is so important in the world today?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (</span><a href="http://mormon.org/faq/#Priesthood|question=/faq/purpose-of-priesthood/"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">) The priesthood is the authority to act in God’s name. The same priesthood authority that existed in the original Church established by Jesus Christ exists in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today. The Church is directed and led through this authority. All male members of the Church who are prepared receive the priesthood in order to help lead the Church and serve Heavenly Father’s children. A man with the priesthood might serve in some of the following ways:</span><br />
<ul class="faq-official-list"><li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Leading congregations of the Church</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Performing the ordinances of the Church, such as baptism</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blessing those who are sick</span></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPK0A8SXJHZJbtswsJ2C4x9_1MnIZI_vN4ohhB2A_Tot2PTQf1HlTAVPGeh6Cc68doPm1_u5RuXHMFYRjoJx418Wy6NlIEgq-X4tC7hgdjf1pZqMsbpGIU37SCIhCAgLFiRqNz4xf3aH8/s1600/ArtBook__105_105__TheGiftOfTheHolyGhost_th___.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPK0A8SXJHZJbtswsJ2C4x9_1MnIZI_vN4ohhB2A_Tot2PTQf1HlTAVPGeh6Cc68doPm1_u5RuXHMFYRjoJx418Wy6NlIEgq-X4tC7hgdjf1pZqMsbpGIU37SCIhCAgLFiRqNz4xf3aH8/s1600/ArtBook__105_105__TheGiftOfTheHolyGhost_th___.jpg" t8="true" /></span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I was one of those who was sick after having my bike reck and I was able to receive a blessing. We arrived at the hospital and they ran tests on me to see what was wrong. They found out that I had lacerated my liver. Because I lived in a small town and resources were tight I was flown to a major hospital in Phoenix Arizona. There I was put into the ICU. One night I wasn't doing very well. I had a fever and was in a lot of pain. The doctor's came in and decided that they would do surgery. They left and prepared the room for me to have surgery and returned again thirty minutes later. They decided to check me again just to make sure I needed surgery. In that thirty minute time span my liver had healed just enough to where I didn't have to have surgery. The liver is the only internal organism that heals by itself. However, I know that it wasn't just luck that kept me from having surgery, but it was the Priesthood of God that healed me. I was still kept under close watch, but was released from the hospital a few days later. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I know that the Priesthood authority works in the world today. God has a living prophet on the earth. The Priesthood is a blessing in our lives. through it the necessary </span><a href="http://mormon.org/faq/#Baptism|question=/faq/authority-to-baptize/"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ordinances</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> can be performed and we can experience many miracles.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div>Tyson Nicollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086069454443970603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870489955017419009.post-68923458326786002862011-05-13T12:54:00.000-07:002011-05-13T12:54:30.906-07:00Do you want to be Happy?<div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVL1a-vdb3lKuILxpCe8PCfMaLDgmKyYcw_FJ24Oh_yxgpdHNa-4s3hR6f944Op0L6NJaxsefhTc88TaRoAE0UuaTTi-Vw1ncG11CuKHgswXXi7vBGoy712bKKpkUXu0YAsZsl1JQB8U/s1600/repairman.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVL1a-vdb3lKuILxpCe8PCfMaLDgmKyYcw_FJ24Oh_yxgpdHNa-4s3hR6f944Op0L6NJaxsefhTc88TaRoAE0UuaTTi-Vw1ncG11CuKHgswXXi7vBGoy712bKKpkUXu0YAsZsl1JQB8U/s320/repairman.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">“Do you want to be happy? Forget yourself and get lost in this great cause. Lend your efforts to helping people. . . . Stand higher, lift those with feeble knees, hold up the arms of those that hang down. Live the gospel of Jesus Christ.” President Gordon B. Hinckley</div><br />
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<div class="italic1">Service allows us to practice doing what Jesus would do. It connects us to those we serve and gives us a kind of satisfaction that self-interest can never offer.(<a href="http://mormon.org/service/">1</a>)</div><div class="italic1"><br />
</div><div class="italic1">Serving like Jesus Christ has a cleansing effect on us. It helps us understand the idea that our time, talents and possessions are not just our own.(<a href="http://mormon.org/service/">2</a>)</div><div class="italic1"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4bzalaMNHlWKRa8-kNPwBAaUClo9wYgboIHHL1gq5jKf5WPIvCgoEM5AlOQwaWr1TRIcmMfc9caqE_sppx0axuVxrFncSCfwAy2fwmM9VDqdX2GeHsj2vvgzEylxm2WJO6cXGiyqKA4/s320/purpose-of-service.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="italic1">The way to show our love for God is to serve each other. Luckily, the different ways we can bear one another's burdens are almost limitless. Think of all the financial, emotional, physical and spiritual help we can offer others. Think of your own talents. Maybe you're good with numbers, you're very creative, you don't get angry easily—whatever. Think how much those talents mean when you share them with someone who needs your particular brand of expertise. Even the little things we do, like helping someone in their garden or holding open a door, can make life a little easier for someone else. A person doesn't have to look far to find opportunities to donate their time and energy. The beauty of following Christ's example is that we don't need to evaluate who, when or how we serve, we just act. Service can be planned or spontaneous, for someone we know or a stranger. Christian service shies away from recognition, accepts no reward and its only motivation is love.(<a href="http://mormon.org/service/">3</a>)</div><div class="italic1"><br />
</div><div class="italic1"> “He who lives only unto himself withers and dies, while he who forgets himself in the service of others grows and blossoms in this life and in eternity.” President Gordon B. Hinckley(<a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2009/04/unselfish-service?lang=eng&query=service">4</a>)<br />
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I know in my life, the times I am happiest is when I am serving others. I know that if you want to find happiness in your lives then reach out to others. Find someone who is struggling more than you and lift them up. I know that as you do this you will forget about you own struggles and find greater happiness in life. </div>Tyson Nicollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086069454443970603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870489955017419009.post-67861262445060654172011-05-07T13:23:00.000-07:002011-05-07T13:23:59.580-07:00Choosing Happiness At The Crossroads<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4OnkmckPs8aT1qgIK9edac93OBPHtJstNQbQPuHY5mbdrBOjQe4U7H-cDut8bYXeC6TqNFMZIfkLb6NG3aM2_O6WIOCDKCg8WWt2ImB4y8qGSp5C8nVMuzklK_If-VNU_M0e2RP_s8w/s1600/crossroads1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4OnkmckPs8aT1qgIK9edac93OBPHtJstNQbQPuHY5mbdrBOjQe4U7H-cDut8bYXeC6TqNFMZIfkLb6NG3aM2_O6WIOCDKCg8WWt2ImB4y8qGSp5C8nVMuzklK_If-VNU_M0e2RP_s8w/s1600/crossroads1.jpg" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you ever hit a point in life where you don't know which way to go? Do you ever feel no one is there to support you or help you make important decisions? Do you ever think there is more to life than what you are doing? Do you ever feel like there is more happiness to life, but you don't know where to find it? At some time or another in our lives we will come to a crossroad where we are looking for something more. Something that will help us be better people. Something that will help us find the most happiness in life. </span><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> We have a loving Heavenly Father who loves each of us and will help us find the path that will bring us the greatest amount of happiness. This happiness comes from his restored gospel. I testify that the True gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth through a prophet once again. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="400" id="prezi_agw7gsodkp_o" name="prezi_agw7gsodkp_o" width="550"><param name="movie" value="http://prezi.com/bin/preziloader.swf"/><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"/><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"/><param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"/><param name="flashvars" value="prezi_id=agw7gsodkp_o&lock_to_path=0&color=ffffff&autoplay=no&autohide_ctrls=0"/><embed id="preziEmbed_agw7gsodkp_o" name="preziEmbed_agw7gsodkp_o" src="http://prezi.com/bin/preziloader.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="550" height="400" bgcolor="#ffffff" flashvars="prezi_id=agw7gsodkp_o&lock_to_path=0&color=ffffff&autoplay=no&autohide_ctrls=0"></embed></object></div><div class="prezi-player" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; height: 25px; width: 567px;"><br />
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<div class="prezi-player-links"><a href="http://prezi.com/agw7gsodkp_o/the-restoration-of-the-gospel/" title="">The Restoration of The Gospel</a> on <a href="http://prezi.com/">Prezi</a></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><img height="77" src="http://img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 368px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 1055px; visibility: hidden;" width="96" />Tyson Nicollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086069454443970603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870489955017419009.post-32571103745223943052011-04-20T13:54:00.000-07:002011-04-28T13:41:15.461-07:00What Do I Do To Be Happy?<div class="prezi-player"><style type="text/css" media="screen">.prezi-player { width: 550px; } .prezi-player-links { text-align: center; }</style><object id="prezi_ptx9w36zchm7" name="prezi_ptx9w36zchm7" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" width="550" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://prezi.com/bin/preziloader.swf"/><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"/><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"/><param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"/><param name="flashvars" value="prezi_id=ptx9w36zchm7&lock_to_path=0&color=ffffff&autoplay=no&autohide_ctrls=0"/><embed id="preziEmbed_ptx9w36zchm7" name="preziEmbed_ptx9w36zchm7" src="http://prezi.com/bin/preziloader.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="550" height="400" bgcolor="#ffffff" flashvars="prezi_id=ptx9w36zchm7&lock_to_path=0&color=ffffff&autoplay=no&autohide_ctrls=0"></embed></object><div class="prezi-player-links"><p><a title="What it is really like to be a missionary serving the people in tennesse." href="http://prezi.com/ptx9w36zchm7/daily-life-as-a-missionary/">Daily Life as a Missionary</a> on <a href="http://prezi.com">Prezi</a></p></div></div>Tyson Nicollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086069454443970603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870489955017419009.post-37363400333590238512011-04-08T18:24:00.000-07:002011-04-08T18:24:55.733-07:00Downfalls To Triumphs<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">My companion and I were at a member's house the other day and he showed us this video of The Canadian Tenors singing Allelujah with Celine Dion. This song talks about how even some of the greatest people have faults, but no matter what happens in their lives they still sing hallelujah. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I feel this song teaches us a great lesson. We all have downfalls in our lives, we all have struggles and challenges, but we can choose to either dwell on the bad or look for the good.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;" uri="/general-conference/2011/04/face-the-future-with-faith.p24"> President Thomas S. Monson has given us his prophetic witness. He said: “I testify to you that our promised blessings are beyond measure. Though the storm clouds may gather, though the rains may pour down upon us, our knowledge of the gospel and our love of our Heavenly Father and of our Savior will comfort and sustain us and bring joy to our hearts as we walk uprightly and keep the commandments.”</div><div style="text-align: center;" uri="/general-conference/2011/04/face-the-future-with-faith.p25">President Monson continued: “My beloved brothers and sisters, fear not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith.”(<a href="http://lds.org/ensign/2009/05/be-of-good-cheer?lang=eng">1</a>)<br />
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Elder Orson F. Whitney wrote: “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude, and humility. … It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire.”(<a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/the-atonement-covers-all-pain?lang=eng#1">2</a>)<br />
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There is another kind of pain for which we <i>are</i> responsible. Spiritual pain lies deep within our souls and can feel unquenchable, even as being racked with an“inexpressible horror,” as Alma described.<sup class="noteMarker"> </sup>It comes from our sinful actions and lack of repentance. For this pain too there is a cure that is universal and absolute. It is from the Father, through the Son, and it is for each of us who is willing to do all that is necessary to repent. Christ said, “Will ye not now return unto me … and be converted, that I may heal you?” (<a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/the-atonement-covers-all-pain?lang=eng#1">3</a>)<br />
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I know that Jesus Christ can heal each of us and help us triumph over our downfalls. Life isn't always easy, but if we put our trust in God and have hope in the <a href="http://mormon.org/jesus-christ/">Atonement</a> of Jesus Christ I know we can be healed.<br />
</div>Tyson Nicollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086069454443970603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870489955017419009.post-24153322812639820272011-04-06T13:00:00.000-07:002011-04-06T13:00:48.082-07:00Dayton's Legs<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">"Have you ever felt lonely? Do you notice those who are lonely, living in a black-and-white world?" (<a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/remember-this-kindness-begins-with-me?lang=eng">1</a>)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Out of love, a 13-year-old boy in Arizona pushed himself to the limit so that his friend, who has cerebral palsy, could participate with him in a triathlon.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/bwwxBjpvDVQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">President Thomas S. Monson taught us how to interact with our peers and everyone we meet when he told the young women of the Church, “My precious young sisters, I plead with you to have the courage to refrain from judging and criticizing those around you, as well as the courage to make certain everyone is included and feels loved and valued.” (<a href="http://lds.org/ensign/2009/05/may-you-have-courage?lang=eng">2</a>)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I love this video because it does exactly what President Monson encourages us to do. To not judge others, but to treat them with kindness and make sure everyone feels included.</div>Tyson Nicollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086069454443970603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870489955017419009.post-70460261780525515252011-03-31T15:51:00.000-07:002011-04-01T14:30:13.705-07:00General Conference: Faith, Hope, Peace, and Happiness <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"> The Conference Center</div> <br />
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<strong>The 181st Annual General Conference</strong> of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will take place on <strong>April 2 and 3, 2011</strong>, at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.<br />
For two days, Church members around the globe will gather in various locations to hear counsel from Church leaders, including President Thomas S. Monson and each member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, as well as other General Authorities and auxiliary leaders of the Church.<br />
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<strong> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/watch?lang=eng">How Do I Watch?</a></span></strong></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mormon.org/meetinghouse/"><span style="font-size: large;">IS There A Mormon Church Near Me?</span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Mx3cTghW41uKca8y_Lt-EIsLZQpSteSItBKsicUlnUh3E0GncoFA20U05vgos4XhHzQXCU5FQCFsh5lY5kGQVxLygPWhz3p9Y3x71yhMHxAsXblBtK7cRnMq_KvaHFrhsI7nIv6Eo0s/s1600/gcon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Mx3cTghW41uKca8y_Lt-EIsLZQpSteSItBKsicUlnUh3E0GncoFA20U05vgos4XhHzQXCU5FQCFsh5lY5kGQVxLygPWhz3p9Y3x71yhMHxAsXblBtK7cRnMq_KvaHFrhsI7nIv6Eo0s/s200/gcon.jpg" width="200" /></a>The Conference Center seats twenty-one thousand in the main assembly hall and one thousand more in a separate theater. A Boeing 747 airplane could fit inside the auditorium with plenty of room to spare! The Conference Center has been designed and built acoustically so that those in attendance can hear the speakers and music clearly.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><h3><a href="http://lds.org/church/events/181st-general-conference-of-the-church?lang=eng">What Will I See And Hear?</a></h3>General conference—whether experienced from the Conference Center, at meetinghouse, or through the printed Church magazines—is an opportunity for members and others around the world to witness modern prophets and apostles speaking. It is a chance to feel the spirit of faith and testimony that this moment of instruction, this time of strengthening, provides.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/sWO8XX6Rsoc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">President Uchtdorf tells the importance of staying on the narrow gospel path. He uses the story of the 1979 Flight 901 Mount Erebus airline tragedy to illustrate his point.<br />
From April 2008 General Conference.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJe81uKNWqJNjJ-gS2NZOrE4pckNfuhSnoEUpRBWmi3sppd6w1xXiY_czz5BQ6JfIqcowdHMOeXqdLSELHi0VAshzKc9uyVOtZJAl6CtDjezffBz1NotvBw1nkUyFM1bzSB-WhAznG45A/s1600/SLC-013-5020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJe81uKNWqJNjJ-gS2NZOrE4pckNfuhSnoEUpRBWmi3sppd6w1xXiY_czz5BQ6JfIqcowdHMOeXqdLSELHi0VAshzKc9uyVOtZJAl6CtDjezffBz1NotvBw1nkUyFM1bzSB-WhAznG45A/s200/SLC-013-5020.jpg" width="200" /></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">The Conference Center’s roof is landscaped with a waterway, trees, shrubs, and grasses to blend into the surroundings and complement the majestic Salt Lake Temple. </span></i>The Conference Center covers ten acres and the interior is 1.5 million square feet. It is constructed of stone from the same quarry that provided granite for the Salt Lake Temple.<br />
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Growing up General Conference wasn't always my favorite thing to watch. For me it was a good time to take a nap. However, when I became a teenager I began to realize the importance of having a Prophet of God on the earth. I began to think it was cool to be able to listen to a prophet speak. Some of my greatest memories as a teenager was going to the Conference Center in Salt Lake City and watching General Conference live. Just being in a building with thousands of other people who believed the same way as I did was great, and then to hear prophets and apostles speak made it awesome! Today myself along with millions of others listen to the voices of prophets and apostles to seek greater faith, hope, peace, and happiness in our lives. I know that God loves each of his children and he speaks to us through His prophets and apostles today.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5P6L6423sUDbXpA70OtU_qcUROWfFn1QzLDrmz8MDzyJ8drMk6wTxJ4xS1kZOKLvmrTJs3gQA-fpHWN_562m-6wpLQ-ohBdpU6wnZqEoJpSurAPIo7NacAFA322KZknXINA_GSpq872U/s1600/LDS-general-conference-photo-2011-15-02-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5P6L6423sUDbXpA70OtU_qcUROWfFn1QzLDrmz8MDzyJ8drMk6wTxJ4xS1kZOKLvmrTJs3gQA-fpHWN_562m-6wpLQ-ohBdpU6wnZqEoJpSurAPIo7NacAFA322KZknXINA_GSpq872U/s400/LDS-general-conference-photo-2011-15-02-large.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Today millions of people can watch, read, and listen to General Conference all over the world.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> Session schedule </div><div style="text-align: center;"> (Mountain Daylight Time):</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Saturday, 10 a.m.;</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Saturday, 2 p.m.; </div><div style="text-align: center;">Saturday, 6 p.m. (priesthood only);</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Sunday, 10 a.m.;</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Sunday, 2 p.m.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Tyson Nicollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086069454443970603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870489955017419009.post-36874490656069902102011-03-25T17:36:00.000-07:002011-03-29T11:44:31.755-07:00Glenn BeckAs Mormons we are not perfect nor will we ever be in this life. We all come from different backgrounds and lifestyles, but the gospel of Jesus Christ is what changes us. It is what makes us who we are and what sets us apart from the rest of the world. Watch this clip of a well known man named Glenn Beck and how the <a href="http://mormon.org/restoration/">Restored Gospel</a> of Jesus Christ changed his life.<br />
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</div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/wKtAPT9KEfM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Tyson Nicollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086069454443970603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870489955017419009.post-38568463175760571992011-03-24T16:29:00.000-07:002011-03-24T16:29:29.580-07:00We Truly Can Find Happiness<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><b> Harry Emerson Fosdick said: “Until willingness overflows obligation, men fight as conscripts rather than following the flag as patriots. Duty is never worthily performed until it is performed by one who would gladly do more if only he could.” </b></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> At the beginning of my mission, my older brother was finishing up his mission in Spain. I always looked up to my brother and sought for advice from him, especially as a missionary. Shortly before my brother came home from his mission he wrote me a letter and shared something with me that he learned on his mission. He said "Faith is the power, Obedience is the price, Love is the motive, The Spirit is the key, Christ is the reason." As I have pondered these five things I have been able to realize why I am here and what it takes to be a great missionary. It has also helped me to find a lot of happiness in the gospel.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFmIU4kcOydcyDf_nPGl8zkkbQuFz3rfHo1p2tqAZm4MBY-Xyz7pBjB4mpwp5_qGlgJpqt2_R3c8P2mw7JS7NaeRGrQyhtQhRkQcpzF3EBhrg9L_ZL55nNAOWWyMlupB_X4jTvduyNI0/s1600/water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFmIU4kcOydcyDf_nPGl8zkkbQuFz3rfHo1p2tqAZm4MBY-Xyz7pBjB4mpwp5_qGlgJpqt2_R3c8P2mw7JS7NaeRGrQyhtQhRkQcpzF3EBhrg9L_ZL55nNAOWWyMlupB_X4jTvduyNI0/s320/water.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Faith is the Power: Faith in Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel. With faith in Jesus Christ we can do all things. The Bible Dictionary states; "To have faith is to have confidence in something or someone. The Lord has revealed himself and his perfect character, possessing in their fulness all the attributes of love, knowledge, justice, mercy, unchangeableness, power, and every other needful thing, so as to enable the mind of man to place confidence in him without reservation. Faith is a principle of action and of power, and by it one can command the elements and/or heal the sick, or influence any number of circumstances when occasion warrants (<a class="scriptureRef" href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/jacob/4.4-7?lang=eng#3" onclick="newWindow(this.href); return false;"><span style="color: #486fae;">Jacob 4:4–7</span></a>). Even more important, by faith one obtains a remission of sins and eventually can stand in the presence of God." It is sometimes hard for me to fully put all my Faith in God. However, the times in my mission when I have I have seen miracles. Faith is something I feel I can always improve on and as I do I can have power in doing missionary work and in all things I do in life.</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7y-ZnNloSu0C_UbPNb8gejwiwdgF9B9GXsIpP-f8KeouCyiUHYG3xkR4WTF6RoYRVB0TiFlVmpoyGD0GFPI17djP2ryxMyo17KZ04IZrYehA6Za88zVyVWqGfr6F6FV9kLESqLEH7h8/s1600/maughan-carthage-jail_HR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7y-ZnNloSu0C_UbPNb8gejwiwdgF9B9GXsIpP-f8KeouCyiUHYG3xkR4WTF6RoYRVB0TiFlVmpoyGD0GFPI17djP2ryxMyo17KZ04IZrYehA6Za88zVyVWqGfr6F6FV9kLESqLEH7h8/s320/maughan-carthage-jail_HR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">"<a href="http://mormon.org/commandments/">My people must be tried in all things</a>"<span style="background-color: white;"> (</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: small;"><a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/136?lang=eng">D&C 136:31</a></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;">).</span></td></tr>
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Obedience is the Price: Being raised in the gospel I learned the importance of obedience. Throughout my life I always strive to be obedient, but I am still human and have a hard time sometimes being 100% obedient. The Book of Mormon teaches us that the natural man is an enemy to God and will be until we learn to submit to all things that Heavenly Father feels is important to inflict upon us (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/3?lang=eng">Mosiah 3:19</a>). As part of our lives here on earth we must learn to take things out of our lives that draw us away from God and replace them with things that bring us nearer to God. Doing this is a sacrifice. It requires us to give up something that we have for something greater. It is the Price we pay to become more like Christ. As we do this, Heavenly father has promised us great blessings. However, we don't receive any blessings from God until we are first obedient to his commandments (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/130?lang=eng">Doctrine and Coventants 130: 20-21</a>).</div><br />
Love is the Motive: As a missionary I have began to learn what it means to truly have love. Love is something that doesn't always come natural, but sometimes has to be developed. Love is developed by acting not by saying. Harry Emerson Fosdick said: “Until willingness overflows obligation, men fight as conscripts rather than following the flag as patriots. Duty is never worthily performed until it is performed by one who would gladly do more if only he could.” <br />
<div uri="/liahona/2003/01/the-way-of-the-master.p32"><a href="http://lds.org/study/prophets-speak-today/unto-all-the-world?lang=eng">President Thomas S. Monson</a> taught us how to learn to love through the Savior. "By learning of Him, by believing in Him, by following Him, there is the capacity to become like Him. The countenance can change; the heart can be softened; the step can be quickened; the outlook enhanced. Life becomes what it should become. Change is at times imperceptible, but it does take place" (<a href="http://lds.org/liahona/2003/01/the-way-of-the-master?lang=eng&query=love+thy+neighbor">Thomas S. Monson, "The Way of the Master", <i>Liahona</i>, Jan. 2003, 3</a>). <br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> The Spirit is the key: I have learned that the Holy Ghost is the best guide through life. Learning to recognize the promptings of the Holy Ghost can sometimes be difficult, but when we learn to rely on the Holy Ghost we begin to let God direct our lives instead of trying to do it ourselves. In the scriptures we learn that God speaks to us through our feelings and that is why it is sometimes hard to follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost. However, the more we study and seek answers to our questions in life the more the spirit will work in us. The more the spirit works in us the easier it will be to understand its promptings (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/9?lang=eng">Doctrine and Covenants 9: 8-9</a>). I know that as we strive to seek guidance from God he will help us in all aspects of our lives, but it is up to us to seek his help.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/9ddXNF29goo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Christ is the reason: I can't think of any better reason than to have Jesus Christ as a motivating factor. God is our Heavenly Father, and like any parent He wants us, His children, to be happy. In the scriptures, He teaches <i>“my work and my glory [is] to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man”</i> (<a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/moses/1/39#39" target="_blank">Moses 1:39</a>). Eternal life means to live in heaven, in His presence, with our families, forever. God has given us commandments, which teach us what is right and wrong and chart a way through life that will offer the greatest happiness. Jesus Christ taught, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (<a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/john/14/15#15" target="_blank">John 14:15</a>). But the scriptures also teach that “no unclean thing can dwell with God” (<a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/10/21#21" target="_blank">1 Nephi 10:21</a>). As hard as we try to live good lives, we all sin, so how can we live in God’s perfect kingdom if we are imperfect? </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">God sent Jesus Christ to earth to give us a way to overcome our sins and imperfections. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (<a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/john/3/16#16" target="_blank">John 3:16</a>) (<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://mormon.org/jesus-christ/">What Jesus Christ Means to Us</a>).</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> This truly is his work and it is an honor for me to be a part of it. I know that a loving Heavenly Father has restored his church to the earth today and in it we can find true happiness.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><hr />Tyson Nicollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086069454443970603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870489955017419009.post-24966647483395523422011-03-14T09:49:00.000-07:002011-03-14T09:49:26.623-07:00The Attribute to Perfect<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gLGSuQQhde-SuzTNxJ4T6KdFvGvdCNlOjPxYqwiwpsMC4ubRDk5Ff8Z3Btpyj_JD0tXilCBoUgIbL4kQs0xuUjCUVZdDryb-O5xv4iMvY0fn-Ci8Rr5cYSuDzyU1nuM5knvYVYhCTuM/s1600/jesus-christ-serving-others.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gLGSuQQhde-SuzTNxJ4T6KdFvGvdCNlOjPxYqwiwpsMC4ubRDk5Ff8Z3Btpyj_JD0tXilCBoUgIbL4kQs0xuUjCUVZdDryb-O5xv4iMvY0fn-Ci8Rr5cYSuDzyU1nuM5knvYVYhCTuM/s320/jesus-christ-serving-others.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Each week my mom sends me a spiritual thought in her emails and I really like this weeks thought. It comes from President Uchtdorf, who is in the first presidency of the chruch, he said, "Because love is the great commandment, it ought to be at the center of all and everything we do in our own family, in our Church callings, and in our livelihood. Love is the healing balm that repairs rifts in personal and family relationships. It is the bond that unites families, communities, and nations. Love is the power that initiates friendship, tolerance, civility, and respect. It is the source that overcomes divisiveness and hate. Love is the fire that warms our lives with unparalleled joy and divine hope. Love should be our walk and our talk." <a href="http://www.mormon.org/humanitarian-aid/">http://www.mormon.org/humanitarian-aid/</a>Tyson Nicollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086069454443970603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870489955017419009.post-89942408394642865082011-03-09T14:36:00.000-08:002011-03-09T14:36:59.892-08:00The Eternal Sport of Wrestling As a missionary I have had a lot of trials. Like most people, I never thought that a mission would be this hard. There are so many things to learn and the only way to learn them is through trials. <br />
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Growing up I lived in a home where we liked to wrestle. My Father was a wrestler and he taught us a lot about the sport. When I was in the fouth grade, my Dad became my wrestling coach. As a fourth grader I thought that wrestling practices were the worst thing in the world, but my parents made me stick with it. From then until the eighth grade I didn't do too well in wrestling. I was always getting beat up on the mat by people that were older than me. In the eighth grade I tried out for the basketball team. Well I got cut and from that point on I decided that I was supposed to be a wrestler. Wrestling wasn't easy for me. For my first year of high school, I didn't wrestle much on the varsity team. My second year of high school I wrestled about half the year on the varsity team. Then my Junior year I decided to pick things up and really work hard. Just as the season started I had an accident in my agriculture class that tore up one of my fingers and I couldn't wrestle most of the season. My senior year I worked really hard and put a lot of effort into wrestling. My favorite quote about wrestling comes from a great wrestler, Dan Gable "<a href="http://lds.org/new-era/1988/10/its-not-easy?lang=eng&query=wrestle">Once you have wrestled everything else in life is easy</a>."That is something that really motivated me to work hard. I knew that if I became a good wrestler it would take a lot of work and would help me the rest of my life. I ended up placing sixth at state my senior year which was a great accomplishment for me. I truly believe that wrestling is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. It is a sport that made me look deep inside me to see how much drive and self-motivtion I had. It is a sport that at times can be exhausting both physically and mentally. It taught me about myself and really what I can achieve.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewVzEU6IvNnndm2ouzD7DXKhKqGd2rKiGRR1DNnbnjvn1WWIlAy0yBbglzE-hfy3L4ZwibP1gjpzyC7I2_KyKA7BxGMi5riDy4WQAbKqzWzkmLjBAX9mjzqeQqhXXFqtFuTX56vrUOPU/s320/praying.jpg" width="234" /></div> Now I am a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. As a missionary I have learned of a different style of wrestling. A style that takes just as much effort as when I wrestled in high school. A man named Alma in <a href="http://www.mormon.org/book-of-mormon/">The Book of Mormon</a> begins to tell us of this style of wrestling. "Nevertheless Alma labored much in the spirit, wrestling with God in mighty Prayer, that he would pour out his Spirit upon the people that who were in that city; that he would also grant that he might baptize them unto repentance."(<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/8?lang=eng">Alma 8:10</a>) We learn from this experience that Alma had and many other prophets have taught that communication with God is not an easy thing to do. Prayer is something that I have learned on my mission is one of the hardest things to do. It is something that takes a ton of effort. Another prophet named Enos in the Book of Mormon tells us of his wrestle which he had before God. "And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens. And there came a voice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed." (<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/enos/1?lang=eng">Enos 1:4-5</a>) <br />
<a href="javascript:popWin800x600('/gospellibrary/artbook/images/ArtBook__072_072__EnosPraying_Sm___.jpg');"><img alt="Enos Praying" border="0" src="http://lds.org/gospellibrary/artbook/images/ArtBook__072_072__EnosPraying_th___.jpg" /></a>Enos teaches us that answers to prayers do not always come at once, but if we are persistant and put a lot of effort into our prayers then Heavenly Father will answer them. I know that God loves all of us and he hears our prayers. I know that if we are going through trials or have questions that have not been answered, we can turn to our Heavenly Father for help. He is waiting to help all of us and all we have to do is tap into his line of communication through prayer. For me, when I go through a trial, the only way for me to overcome it is through prayer. I am so greatful for a loving Heavenly Father who loves me and that I can turn to when I have no where else to turn. <br />
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</div>Tyson Nicollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086069454443970603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870489955017419009.post-19075179396180863732011-02-25T13:13:00.000-08:002011-02-25T13:13:26.873-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/48njTrFpUZM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
Meet Rob and Tracie Morris. Two great people with normal backgrounds. Rob was a professional football player and Tracie supported him. However, nothing for either of them was more important than their families, not even the Super Bowl.Tyson Nicollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086069454443970603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870489955017419009.post-36390948916786411672011-02-18T14:50:00.000-08:002011-02-18T14:50:54.246-08:00Knowledge; A Life long Persuit Knowledge is a very crucial part of our experience here on earth. From the day we are born we begin to gain knowledge. Knowledge is what helps us learn and and make our own decisions. However, it is not something that comes all at once. The prophet Isaiah in the old testament teaches us that knowledge is gained precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little and there a little. (Isaiah 28:9-10) Through gaining an education and our experiences in life we learn what our talents and abilities are, and how to use them to support ourselves in life. More importantly than learning how to support ourselves in this life is the importance of learning what we need to do to return to live with our Heavenly Father. David O McKay said "Eternal life it the result of knowledge-and knowledge is obtained by doing the will of God." Modern day prophets teach us to seek knowledge, especially spiritual knowledge. They teach that if we will study the scriptures and pray then the Holy Ghost will teach us and help us understand the meaning of the scriptures. <a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/1993/10/acquiring-spiritual-knowledge?lang=eng">The Prophet Joseph Smith </a> said “The greatest achievement mankind can make in this world is to familiarize themselves with divine truth, so thoroughly, so perfectly, that the example or conduct of no creature living in the world can ever turn them away from the knowledge that they have obtained." I know that if we will strive to obtain spiritual knowledge every day, then we will see a greater spirit come into our lives and we will be guided by that spirit to make the right decisions so we can return to live with our Heavenly Father.Tyson Nicollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086069454443970603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870489955017419009.post-16921627587689296802011-02-14T10:43:00.000-08:002011-02-14T10:43:06.035-08:00The Greatest LoveI feel that since it it Valentines Day in our attempts to impress those we love by the things we give and do, we often forget of the sacrifices many people have made because of their love to help us in our lives. For me there are many people that have made sacrifices to help me in mine. Yet still I sometimes forget the love that my savior Jesus Christ has for me. In 1 John chapter 4 verses 16, 18, and 19 we learn of this love. Vs. 16 "And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." Vs. 18 "There is no fear in love; bur perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." Vs. 19 "We love him, because he first loved us." It is wonderful to think that if we have love for God we have no need to fear. He set the example for us because he first loved us. The way that we show our love for him is by keeping his commandments. John 15:9-14. I know that if we show our love for our Savior Jesus Christ by keeping his commandments, we will have greater blessings come into our lives and the lives of those around us. <a href="http://www.mormon.org/commandments/">http://www.mormon.org/commandments/</a>Tyson Nicollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086069454443970603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870489955017419009.post-6842559623992372702011-02-09T17:51:00.000-08:002011-02-09T17:51:25.293-08:00What is a Mormon?<h2>The Mormon Church</h2> The Church of <a class="inline_link" href="http://www.mormon.org/jesus-christ/">Jesus Christ</a> of Latter-day Saints is the official name of the religion commonly called the Mormon Church. “We are Christians in a very real sense and that is coming to be more and more widely recognized..... Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints pray and worship in the name of Jesus Christ. He is the center of our faith and the head of our Church. The Book of Mormon is Another Testament of Jesus Christ and witnesses of His divinity, His life, and His Atonement.”(Gordon B. Hinckley) <a href="http://www.mormon.org/faq/">http://www.mormon.org/faq/</a>Tyson Nicollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09086069454443970603noreply@blogger.com0