Responding to Persecution with Faith and Courage

In February 1839, a kind neighbor helped Emma Smith place her four children and her few belongings into a wagon lined with straw. When their party came to the frozen Mississippi River, Emma walked across the ice with her children, carrying the manuscripts of the Prophet’s Bible translation in two cloth bags tied around her waist under her skirt. She and many other destitute Saints took refuge in the community of Quincy, Illinois, where they continued to suffer from hunger, cold, and sickness, though these sufferings were alleviated by many acts of kindness from a caring community.

To persecute means to subject (someone) to hostility and ill-treatment especially because of their race or political or religious beliefs.

The prophet Joseph Smith was very forthright when he said:

“All Saints! profit by this important Key—that in all your trials, troubles, temptations, afflictions, bonds, imprisonments and death, see to it, that you do not betray heaven; that you do not betray Jesus Christ; that you do not betray the brethren; that you do not betray the revelations of God, whether in the Bible, Book of Mormon, or Doctrine and Covenants, or any other that ever was or ever will be given and revealed unto man in this world or that which is to come. Yea, in all your kicking and flounderings, see to it that you do not this thing, lest innocent blood be found upon your skirts, and you go down to hell.”

Some pointers from this lesson:

1. The enemy of truth opposes the servants of the Lord , especially as they grow closer to the Lord
2. Those who love God will bear persecution with courage and faith
3. God's mighty power will sustain those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake

(For the full lesson, click here)

Crucial Conversations for Crucial Relationships

This is a wonderful article shared by Sister Cathy.  I've posted an excerpt of it below.

"Father and son have just spent an entire afternoon having fun—good for the relationship, right? Then, they walk past the garage and Dad sees his tools scattered on the workbench. He explodes, “You know better than that! When you use the tools, you put them back where they go! You are so irresponsible! Get in there and put them away NOW!”

Which interaction had the strongest influence on the father/son relationship? The long afternoon of fun or the few moments of anger, labeling, and bullying?"

(For the full article, click here)

Top Internet Video

SALT LAKE CITY 13 April 2009

A short Easter video from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints quickly spread over the weekend to become the top “viral” video on the Internet, according to the Viral Video Chart.

The four-and-a- half-minute video was extracted from an address delivered by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, of the Church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, at the faith’s general conference on April 4–5, in which he spoke of the final moments in the life of Jesus Christ and talked directly to those who feel alone or abandoned.

The video was placed Friday evening on LDS.org, the Church’s Web site designed primarily for its own members, and simultaneously linked to the “Mormon Messages” channel on YouTube.

Traffic began to build immediately. Mormons spontaneously posted the YouTube video on Facebook, discussed it on Twitter and sent it by e-mail to thousands of others, including their friends. By Saturday, the number of views passed 100,000 and kept climbing. By Sunday, it was noted as the number 1 video in the Internet “nonprofit” category in Brazil, India and other countries.

On Monday morning, views had reached close to a quarter million and reached the top of the Viral Video Chart, which identifies the most popular “viral” videos — those that spread rapidly due to public dissemination.

Remember this video? If you haven't seen it, scroll down to 10 April and watch this awesome video. You'll love it!

Quote - Humility

"Do we really comprehend, do we understand the tremendous significance of that which we have? This is the summation of the generations of man, the concluding chapter in the entire panorama of the human experience.

"But this does not put us in a position of superiority. Rather, it should humble us. It places upon us an unforgiving responsibility to reach out with concern for all others in the spirit of the Master, who taught, 'Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself' (Matthew 19:19). We must cast out self- righteousness and rise above petty self-interest."

--Gordon B Hinckley, "The Dawning of a Brighter Day," Ensign, May 2004, 83-84

Biography of President Thomas S Monson: On the Lord's Errand

I was greatly blessed and edified as I watched the Biography of President Thomas S Monson: On The Lord's Errand this morning. I received a witness that he is indeed called of God and prepared by Him to be our prophet at this time. What a wonderful example of service and obedience he is throughout his life.

I am so thankful that we have a living prophet to lead us and guide us in these latter days. Let us pray for him, listen to his counsel and obey his teachings as he is the Lord's mouthpiece here upon the earth.

I have felt a great love for him and hope that you too will feel the same as you watch this wonderful movie of his life. I promise it will be one of the best 60-minute activities you'll ever spend. You can gather your family and watch it together or just watch it by yourself during your quiet time.

Embedding for this movie was disabled by request but you can click on the title here (On the Lord's Errand) and watch all the 6 segments of the movie continuously as it is on 'autoplay all'.

First Presidency Shares Easter Message

SALT LAKE CITY 10 April 2009 In recognition of the Easter season, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued the following Easter message today:

At this Easter season of hope and renewal we testify of the glorious reality of the atonement and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. The empty tomb brought comforting assurance and provided the answer to the question of Job, “If a man die, shall he live again?” (Job 14:14).

Because of the Savior’s resurrection we will overcome death and become the beneficiaries of His mercy and grace. In a world of trouble and uncertainty, His peace fills our hearts and eases our minds. Jesus is in very deed “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

We give our sure witness that Jesus is the Christ. Though He was crucified, He rose triumphant from the tomb to our everlasting blessing and benefit. To each member of the human family He stands as our Advocate, our Savior, and our Friend.

--Thomas S Monson, Henry B Eyring, Dieter F Uchtdorf

The Visiting Teaching Movie

Thanks to Sister Irene (Sister Liew's wonderful mom) who e-mailed me about this movie, I've watched it and decided that it's totally worth sharing with everyone here.  In Sister Irene's words, "Hope you enjoy the movie.  It is funny!" and I'd add this, "and spiritual too."

Quote - Believe

"The Lord has promised us that as we 'search diligently, pray always, and be believing, . . . all things [will] work together for [our] good' (D&C 90:24). That doesn't mean that everything will be perfect or that we will not have any trials, but it does mean that everything will be okay if we just 'hang in there.' Ours is the opportunity to 'be . . . an example of the believers' (1 Timothy 4:12), and the Savior has promised that 'all things are possible to him that believeth' (Mark 9:23). So believe in yourselves. Believe that you are never alone. Believe that you will always be guided."

--Elaine S Dalton, "Believe!", Ensign, May 2004, 110

Sister Liew

Remember our Sister Liew who's serving a mission in California?  Well, according to her e-mail below, she'll be back soon.  I'm excited and happy about it.  I have surely missed her.

From: Sister Liew
Date: Mon, 6 Apr 2009 21:42:45 +0000
 
4 weeks to go ... but who's counting right? 
 
So I got emails and this time around, everyone is wondering when am I going to be home. I guess it's inevitable to think about it since it's definitely happening. 
 
So, everyone.. I'm going home in May! So, there better be exciting plans for me to help me not get into PMD (Post-Mission Depression). 

After much praying, as much as I wanted to extend my mission and still be out here serving, I feel strongly that it's time for me to get back into the real world and get on with life. I am excited yet scared at the same time. 
 
Anyways, last week has been pretty good. We went on, what our ward mission leader calls a "maxi-split".. meaning 3-way splits with 3 members of the ward on a few occasions so that went really well. I love how supportive the members are. 
 
I had my last multizone conference last Wednesday. It was a hard one and at the end, all outgoing missionaries for the transfer had to go up and bear our testimonies. I thought about the times when I first came in and having seen so many missionaries bawling as they bore theirs, and now I am up there, doing what most missionaries dread. The realization that we are going home, truly surreal at times. I thought about what I would say, and I didn't want to just bear the basics but I wanted something to encourage and uplift. Brother Marcroft's mission had an Elder who wrote this touching short story about 2 friends with both having 2 different assignment given before reaching earth and the promise that was made. 
 
If that was how it was in the pre-existence, we definitely have a lot of work to do. Think about all the people we meet every day, and how we could have been the best of buddies in the pre-earth life. And we are here on this earth to be tested, some wander through life not realizing what they are missing.. some have it and not want to share it.. and then there are those who are just amazing. 
 
General Conference last weekend was amazing. I love all of the talks. Elder Hales talked about provident living, which I am so grateful for my parents who had taught us since we were little of how important it is to be wise in our spending. Then there's Elder Holland who spoke about the Savior's atonement and how it was a lonely journey for Him, which goes to show that our trials and sufferings can be lonely too and He understands completely how we feel and what we are going through, and there's another one (I have such a bad memory) about how to cope with change, which is what I needed. 

There's so much more but I can't wait for the Ensign conference issue to read it again because I know there were a lot that I could have missed out hearing.
 
I love General Conference and after this it won't be same anymore. I won't have my missionary buddies with me... 
 
Sigh. 
 
Life and change is part of Heavenly Father's plan for us to grow. 
Well, till next week... 
 
lots of love,
Seeeester Liew

179th Annual General Conference

Our prophets have spoken.  It is now time for us to ponder and heed their counsel.  Depending on your internet access, try clicking on the image on the right hand column to watch the entire sessions of the conference.

I for one, can't wait!  How about you?

New Apostle - Neil L Andersen

Elder Neil Linden Andersen, 57, was named the newest apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today during the morning session of the Church’s 179^th Annual General Conference. The announcement was made by Church President Thomas S. Monson to 21,000 people seated in the Conference Center and to hundreds of thousands more watching the broadcast throughout the world. Elder Andersen will fill the vacancy left in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, who passed away in December of 2008.

Living Singly

What a marvelous lesson we had today about how to lead a full and happy life despite being single.  I found the points discussed suited also those of us who are not single.  I hope we can remember these things, that we may not deprive ourselves of the joy our Father in Heaven wishes for us to enjoy.

1. Stay close to Heavenly Father
2. Stay involved in ward (or branch) activities
3. Maintain a close relationship with immediate and extended families
4. Develop a circle of friends
5. If you are harboring feelings of anger or bitterness toward a former spouse (or anyone else), start today to eliminate those feelings
6. Decorate for the holidays
7. Don't dwell on disappointments and hurts
8. Don't sit around waiting for someone to fill your time

Quote - Conversion

"Those who have felt the touch of the Master's hand somehow cannot explain the change which comes into their lives. There is a desire to live better, to serve faithfully, to walk humbly, and to be more like the Savior."

--Thomas S Monson, "Anxiously Engaged", Ensign, November 2004, 58

Gullible Gulls

I clipped the following article from the Reader’s Digest some time ago. It reads:

“In our friendly neighbor city of St. Augustine great flocks of sea gulls are starving amid plenty. Fishing is still good, but the gulls don’t know how to fish. For generations they have depended on the shrimp fleet to toss them scraps from the nets. Now the fleet has moved. …

“The shrimpers had created a Welfare State for the … sea gulls. The big birds never bothered to learn how to fish for themselves and they never taught their children to fish. Instead they led their little ones to the shrimp nets.

“Now the sea gulls, the fine free birds that almost symbolize liberty itself, are starving to death because they gave in to the ‘something for nothing’ lure! They sacrificed their independence for a handout.

“Let’s not be gullible gulls. We … must preserve our talents of self-sufficiency, our genius for creating things for ourselves, our sense of thrift and our true love of independence.”

--Marion G Romney, "The Celestial Nature of Self-Reliance", Ensign, March 2009, 61-65

(For the full article, click on the title)

What a marvelous analogy! I hope we can all learn not to be gullible gulls but cultivate our creative talents like the counsel above, which also brings to mind the counsel by President Uchtdorf, which is beautifully captured in the video below. It's one of my personal favorites.

Proverbs 31

I was reminded of this scripture when I was reading the Ensign. What a beautiful way to describe the worth of a woman. I hope we can all read the verses slowly and ponder each one prayerfully, that the Spirit may teach us its true meaning and how we may liken it to ourselves, that we may go on to be the kind of women our Father has empowered us to be.

10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.