Sunday, December 28, 2014

Testimony of Tithing

I've always paid tithing. I'm grateful that my testimony on this law has always been solid. Even this past year, I haven't been working, and Trevor has only worked part time. We haven't brought in enough to completely pay rent without dipping into savings - but we still paid tithing. Somehow, our savings, though used all year, isn't completely gone. I don't know how we have as much as we do with as much as we've had to spend.

Also, this year, while I haven't been working, I had a miscarriage. This involved a day at the ER and a surgery. We feared about the bills. Visits to the ER are never cheap. Luckily, I'm still on my parent's insurance which is great. I consider even this a blessing of tithing. 

Well, about 2-3 weeks after, the bills started coming in. To my surprise, insurance paid most of it!  The trip the the ER was about $2,000 and the surgery was about $1,000. Yikes. that added up in a hurry. But, what a huge blessing we received. Insurance paid all but about $400! What a relief we felt. But that still left us with a bill we couldn't pay. We were pulling out of savings to pay rent each month. I felt guilty, because these doctors helped me and I wanted to pay my portion. I called the hospital whose ER I visited. They suggested I use their financial services. From the $200 for my ER visit, I ended up only having to pay $50!!! That was a God wink and a blessing of paying tithing! The surgery came out to about $150 that I have to pay for. But now, I have a job and in a few short weeks we'll be able to pay that off too. 

It's interesting to look at the big picture a little bit. The miscarriage was a trial and a spiritual experience for me. I know it happened for many reasons. But I also know that it was suppose to happen. I also know that God knows, and helped provide a way for us to rebound from the trial He gave us. In the end I'll end up paying about $200 for many important lessons learned. Even though it was an unpleasant experience, a lot of good has come from it. A lot of good is still coming from it 3 months later. I'm grateful for the experience and I'm grateful that God has been with us through it all and that he has provided a means and a way for us to overcome this trial, be better, and in due time, have children. 

God is great.

 - SamiMae

Missed Blessings of the Law of the Fast

A few Sunday's ago we had a lesson on the law of the fast. It really opened my eyes. I needed the lesson. I have never been good at fasting. Nor has it been on the forefront of my mind. Out of all the gospel principles and commandments, of all the little things that we are told to do - fasting is my weakest one. I had a miscarriage in September, and while I was pregnant, I didn't fast. And I hadn't fasted in the 2 or three months since.

In Relief Society, we talked all about the blessings of the law of the fast. We also talked about fast offerings. The more we talked, the more I realized that I was missing possible blessings because I wasn't keeping the law of the fast. Fasting is a choice. And I had been choosing to skip out on the blessings that come from fasting! What a shock it was to me to realize that. God wants to bless us, and I've seen many blessings come from other commandments which I've kept. But when I realized that because of my choices, I hadn't realized that I was chooseing to skip out on some of the blessings the Lord had to give me. They had to pass me by.

Doctrine and Covenents 130:20-21
20 There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—

21 And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.

Yup. That pretty well sums it up. Any blessing we receive, is because of obedience to that law which we've kept. So that Relief Society lesson was a wake up call for me. I knew that I could put forth more diligent effort to obey the law of the fast. This also includes fast offerings. It was just never anything I had thought about. Trevor and I are full tithe payers, but we had just never thought about fast offerings. You might ask "How could you not think of it? It's on the tithing slip!" I know, I know. Guilty as charged.

I now have a good testimony of the law of the fast. The week after this lesson was Fast Sunday! This also happened to be the week that Trevor and I found ourselves with no internship and the thought of me getting a job. (Dec 5th weekend). That Sunday, Trevor and I decided to give a proper fast, and pay fast offerings. I was hungry, but we made it for the full fast. 

That night, we received answers to our prayers. We felt closer to God and we received a little more knowledge of His will for us. I applied for jobs, and the QuickBooks class. We felt peace. That night, our path changed for the better. I know it was because of our obedience to the law of the fast that blessings were showered down upon us that week. We gained so much from that week. We gained direction, peace, comfort, knowledge, perspective, understanding and a strengthening of faith. 

I've heard it said that our obedience is like an umbrella. When we don't obey God's laws, it's like we are opening an umbrella and His blessings do not fall on us. But when we are obedient, that umbrella closes, and God showers down his blessings upon us. 

It was amazing how much happened and how much we gained from obeying that great law. I also know it's important to fast with a purpose. Without a purpose, you are just starving yourself. But fasting with a purpose, and you are drawing closer to God. 

What are some of the blessings of fasting? You can click here to read more. 
  • You can feel God's love, 
  • Your relationship with God will strengthen,
  • You can receive personal revelation (like we did!)
  • You can receive power to overcome temptations,
  • You can receive a remission of sins, 
  • You can receive/witness healing and miracles. 
  • You can receive spiritual strength
  • You can receive health.

Side note: It was been proven that to fast once a month is a good thing for your body. It helps the body to reset and kind of cleanse the insides. It allows the body to empty and start fresh. 


I know that I've been blessed and have seen blessings come from keeping the law of the fast. It's something that I plan to do from now on. I don't want to pass up any blessings, because I know that I need all the blessings I can get. ;) We are all imperfect and need God's blessings. I also know that He is very eager to shower blessings down upon us, to rush to our aid, to help us in any and every way He can. 

- SamiMae











Saturday, September 27, 2014

Lessons Learned from my Miscarriage

Well, we're finally at the end of a very long week. Life handed us some lemons this week, and we made some lemonade. This has been a week of pain and grief, but also a week of growth and strength. This week we were tested, and though no final scores will be posted, I think we did alright.

I woke up Sunday morning to a scary realization, only to be confirmed by a visit to the E.R. My body had terminated my pregnancy in what doctors call a "spontaneous abortion", also known as a miscarriage. I've not lived a day so dark as what I experienced on Sunday. My own stability was rocked. Monday, brought a doctors visit, to only reconfirm what the truth. Tuesday brought an operation to finish what my body started.

While it's been an unpleasant week to say the least, this experience has been invaluable. I hope and pray that I'll never have to experience it again, but I've gained perspective, strength and faith, that I would not have otherwise gained. I have felt the prayers offered in our behalf. My testimony and faith has increased so much this week. I firmly believe that sometimes God has to bring you to your knees, before he can take your hand and lift you higher than you were before. That was my experience this week. I've felt God's hand every day, guiding our path, giving us comfort, healing our hearts and strengthening us individually and as husband and wife.

These are just a few of the lessons I've learned: 

Number 1: It's OK to cry. I dislike crying. I avoid it at all costs. Though this week, brought more tears then one could count. And that's OK. Crying is part of the healing process. I have had to become ok with crying, because sometimes the emotions are stronger than our will and strength to hide it. We have to allow ourselves to feel the pain, so we can find healing. Feeling the pain, will later allow us to greater appreciate the joy and love in life. We will cherish the sweetness and beauty in life because we know it's opposite. I know that I will have greater and stronger love for those whom I care about, because I know the pain of losing one. 

Number 2: Everything happens for a reason. This I always knew, but I've had to rely on my knowledge of God and his ways. I had to decide that I really believe that God's in charge of all. I've had to accept that this is God's will, and for some reason, He thinks this is best for us. I may not know all the reasons why this experience happened or why it happened now (I was supposed to be 15 weeks pregnant). But I trust God. I'd rather a baby come to a healthy body then be sickly or not survive long after birth, just like any mother would. I'm positive there are more reasons than just one, that this experience happened. Maybe some day, I'll learn more reasons.

Number 3: God is mindful and watchful. God is great, He is more than we can comprehend. He also loves us more than what we understand or think we deserve. I had received many priesthood blessings throughout my short pregnancy. But in each one, I was reminded and told that God is mindful of me and my body is in His hands. After my D&C (the operation), I came out of anesthesia really quick and well. I had no side effects, I walked myself right out of the hospital. I've healed very fast and have had no infections. I know that He was with me and has helped my body heal. He's also mindful of the people that we need in our lives. We've had many wonderful and helpful people step into our lives this week to lend support, prayers and love. God loves us, He's aware of us and what we need. I know that, and this week has been a testament to that fact.

Number 4: Trials refine us.  This has been the first large challenge Trevor and I have experienced as a couple. I must say, our marriage is quite easy, we work on it every day. This experience, however, has given us the opportunity to strengthen our relationship and make us stronger as a couple. This trial has also strengthened us individually. I know I've spent more time on my knees talking to my Heavenly Father than ever before. I've become stronger, and have gained more perspective about life. God loves us, that's why he gives us trials. We become more like Christ through our trials, then we can go forward and help others. Trials shape us into the people God knows we can be. That is my goal in life. I want to be everything that my Father in Heaven knows I can be and I want to be an instrument in his hands. From this experience, I'm going to have a greater ability to help others because I have a bit more understanding and experience. From having trials in my own life, I hope I can go out into the world and help others heal from theirs.

Number 5: Ask for whatever you may need. Only in the last few months have I really started to gain a better appreciation for the gift of prayer. I've learned that God is very giving, a lot of times, all we have to do is ask. A few weeks ago, I was tired of being lonely in Provo. Finally, one night, I set my pride aside and asked God to send me some friends. Later that week, I recognized the answer to my prayers. Now, she's become one of my best friends. :)  This week, I asked for healing. I know that the Atonement not only washes away sins and makes us clean, but it can also heal the broken heart. That brings me to lesson number 6.

Number 6: Rely on the Atonement. My heart was shattered this week, but Christ has been mending it. I know that only because of Him, has that been possible. Christ has suffered all, that's how He knows what I've felt this week, and what each of us feel in our own lives and in our own times of need. Through His love, and those that He's sent to my aid this week, my heart has found healing.  I don't understand how the Atonement works, but it does. When I first knelt to pray, I didn't know what to expect, or even how to apply the Atonement to this situation. All I knew, was I needed God's help and I knew I needed the Atonement. Help comes if we humble ourselves to just ask. God is standing by, wanting to help us, but a lot of times, we need just ask for His help.

Number 7: We are receiving more help than we know. This I have known for a while. I know the veil is thin. There are so many people at our aid whom we cannot see. I feel them frequently. I've felt specific ancestors help me in this life. At times I'm able to recognize who is with me, other times, I can only tell they are there. I've had them protect me while in prayer, wake me up while watching my newborn nephew, or simply protecting me as I travel.  It's comforting to know that God has and will send angels to help us. They are very much alive, and are very close to us. I had an experience Sunday night. I was alone, praying and crying. I was quite overcome with emotion and pleading for help. I was not the only one in that room crying. While I could not see them with my physical eyes, my spirit saw them. There were many there. I could feel them protecting me, and also they were sharing my grief. Life is precious. I think we understand that more on the other side.

Number 8: Be humble enough to accept help and service. It makes life easier. We are taught to give service from the time we are young. But rarely do we talk about accepting service. This week we've been the recipients of great service. Our ward has been wonderful and supportive. Since I returned home, I have been kept busy by ward members, visiting teachers and friends. Being alone can easily bring on the emotions and so it helps to stay busy. The service given to us this week has made life easier and has helped ease the bitterness of the lemonade that we made this week. I have wonderful visiting teachers who brought over dinner to us last night and tonight. With our appetites gone, we would have just gone to bed hungry, too emotionally exhausted to care about food. I can say that we've eaten the last two nights because of caring sisters. How grateful I am for them! How grateful for the service given to Trevor and I this week, it's made life easier. Blessings, conversations, meals and movies have helped us make it to the end of the week! Thank you to all who has helped us! We sincerely appreciate it. :)

Number 9. Modern medicine and the priesthood. I love modern medicine and am so grateful for it. We are much safer because of it. I'm so grateful for caring doctors who have taken the time to learn and become masters in their field. They give great service to mankind. Modern medicine and the priesthood played a big role in my life this week. I think that in order to take proper care of our bodies, we should seek help from both our Heavenly Father and proper doctors. I saw Heavenly Father and the doctors work together this week. I believe modern medicine is a gift from our Father in Heaven, which should be utilized along with Heaven's help. 

Number 10. Have gratitude. That's probably the number one thing I've learned is to have gratitude. We have so much to be grateful for - I have so much to be grateful for. This situation could have ended up a whole lot worse. But how grateful I am that Heavenly Father loves me enough to send me trials to allow me to grow. I'm grateful for the gospel and the plan of salvation. Trevor and I were married in the temple - we know that our baby girl is ours. Whether we get her in this life or the next, she is promised to us. I'm grateful for the healing power of the Atonement and the power of the Priesthood. I'm grateful for my friends here in Provo and for those who have helped us through this week. God has given me so much. I'm grateful that He was willing to bring me a little lower, so that then he could lift me higher than before. I'm grateful for the trials that I'm given, I know they are perfectly tailored to me. God knows what I need to grow and become a better person. He knows all and sees all. He knows how this experience will benefit me and will give me the experience I need to help another one of his children. I'm grateful for the perspective this experience has give me. Most of all, I'm grateful to be a mother. I'm a mother, and though time was short, I love our little girl. I know she is mine. I know I'll get to hold her someday, and not just in a dream. I know that I'll have other children to hold and love too, which will hopefully come soon. But, we will have faith and keep moving forward to that day.


I know this post has emphasized the difficulties of our week. But we do not seek for your pity. I only desire to share the lessons I've learned. Lessons come through difficult things. I've tried to handle this week with courage, dignity, and faith. I only wish to become stronger through this experience and to become more like my Savior. I have shared personal experiences only to better explain the things I've learned. Now I close my week, with hopes that this coming week will be brighter.

Keep Moving Forward.

- Samantha

Monday, June 2, 2014

9 of my Favorite Blessings

Having gotten my wisdom teeth out recently, and not feeling like doing much of anything - I've had a lot of time to think and reflect on many things. Yesterday was Fast and Testimony meeting in church. Members are welcome to go up to the podium and share their testimony with the congregation. While listening, I reflected on how much God has blessed me. He's continually watched out for me, protected me, and provided a way for Trevor and I to accomplish many things. It's been interesting to look at all the many instances where God's influence and power is so clearly evident in my life. Yet, when I take a closer look, His hand guides my life every day. I'm not perfect, far from it, But God has never deserted me or left me helpless. He asks so little of us, and grants us such great blessings based on our faith and obedience. As I've reflected, I've counted my blessings, as the song says, though this isn't all inclusive. Granted, not all could fit on this list, but here are the blessings I enjoy and am most grateful for. These blessings have truly impacted my life and changed it for the best


9. The Law of Tithing - If there was one God's laws that I've gained the biggest testimony on - it's the law of tithing. Each time we receive a financial gain - like a pay check or grant - we pay 10% to the Lord. A lot of times, it's not very much., but that's not what matters. This is an instance where we give so little, and the Lord gives us so much back. There are times when we look at our financial situation and wonder how things will work out, with faith and the law of tithing, it always works out. God provides a way. He's proved to us so many times that He will watch out for us, if we but do our part.

8.The scriptures and living prophets. I think this is a blessing we some times take for granted, for those of us who have been members of the church our whole lives. Being in Wymount, I've meet some people who are converts and usually around the age of 18 or so. So, they grew up without the gospel in their lives. The Book of Mormon was new to them, along with living prophets to lead and guide us. I gained my testimony of the gospel and of Christ by reading the Book of Mormon. I took Moroni's challenge and prayed to know if it was true. I'm happy to say, that I do know the Book of Mormon is true. The Book of Mormon is the keystone to our religion. So, if the Book of Mormon is true, it makes sense that the rest of the laws and principles of the gospel are true. And, I have a testimony of that.

7. My health and protection. This is a really big one for me. I've had challenges in my life, I've seen other's challenges. It makes me so ever grateful for my health, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. I try to take the Word of Wisdom seriously, because there are some amazing blessings that come with it. If it was one challenge that I think would really kill me, be one of the hardest challenges, it'd be poor health. All the way around, I've done what I can to be healthy in all aspects. Not only healthy, but God's protected me on more than one occasion as well. I know that there have been times where he allowed guardian angles to  come down and watch over me, protect me, and keep me out of harms way.

6. My family, their love, support and memories. This is a HUGE blessing that really doesn't get the justice it deserves. My family has been amazing and a HUGE blessing. We are so close and are each other's best friends. Growing up isn't always easy, especially in the teen years, but they always loved me! They were my biggest champion growing up, their support was and still is overwhelming. I look back of my childhood at home fondly. I learned so much and became who I am today while there. Now that I'm all grown up, married and on my own, I look back on the memories I had as a kid and I cherish those. I learned so many lessons that impacted me in such a huge way. It's helped pave the way for my future

5. My own trials and challenges. Everybody has trials and challenges, I get that. But, I also believe that God tailors our refiners fire to our individual needs. He knows what we need and He also knows how to get us from point A to point B. Meaning, He can get us to where we need to be in life. I've seen that is such a huge way. I'm so grateful for my own challenges that I've been through, because of the personal growth that comes with it. The lessons learned stays with us forever and helps us in future circumstances.

4.Prayer. It's simple. It's a primary answer. Yet this is probably the biggest tool we have in our spiritual toolbox. It's like a telephone straight to God. All prayers are answered, sometimes not in the way we expect, but prayers are always answered in the way that is best for us, even if we don't believe it at the time. We can receive personal revelation through prayer. I have. We can pour our our soul unto God, express our worries, fears and hopes and dreams. I have. He sends His spirit to comfort us, give us peace and helps us to move forward with life.

3. The Priesthood - and Trevor being a worthy priesthood holder. The older I've gotten, the more I've come to understand the significance and importance of the priesthood. One memory I cherish, where everything started to click in my head, was when I saw Trevor bless the sacrament for the first time, I swelled up with tears. I was going to marry a man who had the priesthood, which is a large protection and comfort beyond the realms of this world. I've been able to receive priesthood blessings, not only from him, but from my own father as well. I was able to be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, take the sacrament every week, receive my patriarchal blessing, and go to the temple an receive the ordinances there. When a blessing is given, it's as if it came directly from God - because it does and the priesthood holder is God's mouthpiece for that moment. Because of the Priesthood, family's can be together forever and we can return back to live in the presence of God.

2. Trevor and our temple marriage. The more time goes by, the more I realize the significance of my temple marriage. I always wanted to be married in the temple. And I did it. It was probably the best decision of my life. I get to be with my best friend for all eternity. The blessings of the temple are binding and eternal. In sealing rooms in the temple, there are two mirrors, one on either side of the wall. What you see is never ending mirrors and the members in the room. It's a glimpse of what eternity can be for us. Never ending.

1. The Atonement of Jesus Christ - and my faith and testimony. I have a small, human mind. I cannot totally comprehend the Atonement. I understand that Christ suffered and died for me, so that if I'm faithful, I can return to live with Him and our Father in Heaven. It's only been the last few years that I've started to gain a better understanding of what the Atonement is and how it can be applied in my life. Not only did the Atonement provide a way to remove our sins, but because of it, Christ understands everything that we've been through or will go through. I can't comprehend how it all works, but that's not what matters, what matters is that He does understand everything. So, he knows best how to succor us. He understands completely and wholly. I have a testimony of this. I've felt the cleansing power of the Atonement in my life, and the healing that comes with it. There is nothing on earth more purifying than the Atonement. It's a gift given to every member of the family of Adam. It has been so freely given, God has such perfect love, that again, it's hard to understand or comprehend. But I have a testimony of it. At a time when my faith was little and breaking, in the dark I found God's light, forgiveness and healing. From then on, I haven't looked back. It was such an earth shattering, life changing moment, it changed my path forever. I was redirected towards God and his light. I have a testimony that He lives, that He loves us and that He is there. I'm grateful for what I know. I consider myself lucky. I was able to be humbled and brought to a realization of these things. I cannot deny it. I cannot deny my faith in God or what I know to be true. God's love is there for each of us, He's knocking on the door, we just have to open. He wants to be involved in each of our lives, we just have to allow Him to enter, and our life can change forever.

- SamiMae

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Illustrious Mormons: Edwin Catmull, the Heart and Soul of Pixar

Hey.

It's been a while, huh? *Clears out cobwebs.* 

Since last we spoke, I've visited my mom in the hospital nearly weekly, studied for and taken my finals as a junior in civil engineering at a reputable national university, captained a design team at a regional student civil engineering conference (we took third place), presented an ethical paper at the same regional conference (I took first place), and then found out that the same paper, which I submitted concurrently to a national competition, won first place nationally as well, so I was dealing with the logistics of that. Also, I attended two weddings in the family (including my father's), been in the car for maybe 800 miles mostly to visit family, started my summer classes, which are going twice as quickly as last term (though I only have half as many of them).

So, I guess what I'm saying is that I really didn't mean for my hiatus to extend as long as it did, but it's probably good that it did.

Today, I'm going to start on a blog mini-series that I think I'll call Illustrious Mormons – blog posts detailing the lives and work of Mormons who have made or are making a difference in modern society. But first, a word on why I write these blog posts:

For faithful Mormons, I hope it inspires us and motivates us to know that we can make a difference, and still live ever-closer to God; for non-Mormons, I hope it piques your curiosity about what we have that makes us unique (because there is plenty); for those who are wavering in your belief in Mormonism, I hope it gives you reason to stay with it a little longer; and for those who have left Mormonism for the fear of the world, I hope it helps you reconsider your decision to leave, by showing that Mormonism is a high-quality religion that anyone can be a part of.


Illustrious Mormons: Edwin Catmull, the Heart and Soul of Pixar

Ed Catmull, Steve Jobs, and John Lasseter,
the early creative team at Pixar.

Edwin Catmull is a Mormon that a lot of people don't know about – I myself didn't even know about him until I started surfing famousmormons.net in earnest. Regardless, though, he makes a tremendous impact – so I thought he'd be perfect for my first Illustrious Mormon Lives blog post. Catmull is the co-founder and president of Pixar Animation Studios, and, as of 2006 (when Disney bought Pixar outright), the president of Disney Animation Studios. In addition to being the creative genius behind Pixar, Catmull has also pioneered computer animation throughout his life, and thus has made significant contributions to the way that moviegoers nationwide get their fix every weekend.

Born to a Mormon family of five children in West Virginia, and raised in Salt Lake City, Catmull enjoyed animation from a young age: he made crude animations through flip-books, and dreamed of working for Disney. Unfortunately, he wasn't a very good artist, but fortunately for him (and for us all), he was very good at math, and so he ended up at the University of Utah, studying physics and computer animation, and eventually getting a doctorate degree in computer animation.
Toy Story 3 grossed over $1 trillion
worldwide, second only to "Frozen."

This was at a time when computer animation hadn't exactly come into its own yet, but Edwin Catmull brought it into its own throughout the course of his career. He worked at Lucasfilm in the 70s, and believed that the technology to create a full-length computer animated movie was about ten years off. (It was actually twenty years before Catmull's team would create the world's first full-length animated motion picture: perhaps you've heard of Toy Story?) As such, he pioneered many of the technologies involved in creating an animated movie, both during his time at LucasFilm and afterwards.

As with many pioneers in their field, Catmull felt that the guys at Lucasfilm didn't really understand his vision, since it had never been done before. When George Lucas had to let him and his team go for cost reasons, he was contacted by Steve Jobs, who teamed up with Catmull to found Pixar.
Yep, he won an Oscar, too.

Some would say that “the rest is history” at this point, since everyone knows about Pixar's teaming up with Disney, and their long string of incredible successes (“Toy Story,” “Finding Nemo,” “The Incredibles,” to name just a few). However, incredible successes like that don't just happen; in this case, Pixar has enjoyed such a long string of successes because of Catmull. As president of Pixar from day one (that's 26 years now that he's been at the helm), his passion, enthusiasm, creativity and hard work have been the engine that makes Pixar run. Writing in 2004, Fortune magazine had this to say about Catmull and the Pixar creative team:
Steve Jobs, Pixar's CEO, calls Catmull "our quiet Beatle" (that would be George, the deep one), and John Lasseter, the pioneering animator who directed the company's first three films, refers to him as "Pixar's heart and soul." But the best description comes from Brad Bird, a newcomer who directed The Incredibles: "I refer to those guys as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Ed, who invented this cool medium and is the designer of the human machine that is Pixar, is the Father. John, its driving creating force, is the Son. And you-know-who is the Holy Ghost." from http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2004/11/15/8191082/

According to the late Jobs (taken from the same article), "Pixar is on really solid ground and Ed is a big reason why."

Just how good is Pixar, with Catmull at its helm? Good enough that Toy Story 3, Pixar's highest grossing film, took in over $1 billion dollars worldwide, currently behind only Disney's Frozen for the highest grossing all-time animated movie ever. 

Just how innovative is Edwin Catmull? Innovative enough to win an Oscar for his innovations in the field, two Scientific and Technical Awards the Academy, and be inducted as a museum fellow at the Computer History Museum in Silicon Valley.

And he's a Mormon.

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Happy Easter! (and an update)

On this Easter, may we all take a moment to slow down and reflect reverently on the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Through His sacred death, we may all have life everlasting. Through Him, life has meaning and direction. God be thanked for the great sacrifice that His son gave for us as He hung and died on a cross near Jerusalem, nearly 2,000 years ago at this point.

Now, about the blog: I expect to take a few more weeks off: since it's a weekend project, I need free weekends to work on it. Since these next two weekends are busy with family weddings (one in Sam's family, and one in mine), I don't expect to be back up to posting on it until early to mid-May. But when I do, I hope to come back in, guns blazing. I've been thinking up some good stuff over these last few weeks I've been on hiatus, and I hope I can write it as well as it sounds in my head.

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Mono and the Sacrament

Today in Church, we celebrated Easter. We had our Easter program in Sacrament meeting and in Sunday school and Relief Society we discussed the Passover (Studying the OT), and the Sacrament. In RS, we talked about how to prepare each week to take the Sacrament.

As I sat and thought, I remembered and experience that happened to me 2 years ago. I was in singles ward and was starting to really strengthen my testimony on partaking of the Sacrament every week. I had gone so long without missing a week. I didn't like the though of being in a position on Sunday where I would unable to (not because of unworthiness, but because of circumstances). I have come to learn that taking the Sacrament every week is very important. There is a renewal of strength that we receive that helps carry us throughout the coming week.

But, I've also learned, that the Lord understands that sometimes we can't make it to Sacrament, but we can still feel that renewal of strength when we take the time to ponder on Christ and his Atonement for us. I will share a story where I learned this.

It was Labor day weekend in 2012. My family was taking our yearly trip to Yellowstone National Park. We love camping and we love the park. But this year, there was a series of unfortunate events that happened. On the days leading up to our trip, I had fallen quite sick. My tonsils were the size of giant swelled up golf balls in the back of my through, with leaving me only a quarter to a dime sized diameter in the back of my throat to breath, frequently clogged with mucus. On our drive up, the sun had set, and our trailer popped a tire. While changing the tire, some of the family feared they had seen a bear. The next day, as we pulled in to park our trailer in the park, we found out that "They who will not be named", were also at the park. (Only family will get that). Now everyone was on high alert. The trip had seemed to have some bad "ju-ju".

This was before the meds wore off.
To make things even better, Mom took me to the hospital at Old Faithful. They got me right in, ran some tests on me (because the high dosage of amoxicillin wasn't even touching it). I looked horrible, I felt horrible. The tests explained why I looked like death. As I sat on the bed, watching Old Faithful go off out the window, the nurse told me I had mononucleosis. Awesome. Great. First day of our trip, which I always look forward to, and I had come down with an awesome case of mono. Well, they gave me some steroids and 2 shots in the butt and sent me on my way. I felt great after the shots! I was ready to do some hiking an explore the park. Everyone was so worried about me having mono. Grandma and Grandpa had come along also. Everyone kept asking me if I was ok. They kept saying this was nasty stuff. But, I was proud and was going to prove them wrong. I was great! These shots were amazing! I had some drugs in me and life was good. Shortly after we hiked around Mud Volcano, (my favorite spot). The drugs stared wearing off and I got super exhausted. This is when the side effects of mono really set in. I had never felt anything like it. I had never been so exhausted that no amount of sleep would help.


The meds were starting to wear off. lol
Well, I crashed the party. Grandma and Grandpa took me from mom and dad to take me home after 2 days. But this is where I really got an amazing experience out of the whole horrible ordeal. Grandma and Grandpa had rented a room at the Flagg Staff Ranch in the Teton area, just out of the south entrance of the park. Saturday night they took me to their hotel room and then we'd make the trek home the next day. Mom had given me a ziplock baggie of 2 slices of bread and some crackers. Eating was so hard because my tonsils were so large.  That night, Grandpa had gotten me a bucket of ice to eat, since that helped with the constant pain. I was taking 800 mg of ibuprofen every 8 hours and my prednisone.  (Tylenol didn't touch the pain).

That night, it was quiet and lonely. Grandma and Grandpa went to bed. I couldn't sleep. I had no cell phone service. All there was that night was me, my 2 slices of bread, a bucket of ice, and a hymn app on my cell phone. I kept chewing one ice cube after another to try to keep my throat numb. I had to break the bread into small pieces to eat, or they'd get stuck in my throat. After some while, I realized what I had in front of me. These were the symbols of the Sacrament. I knew that I wouldn't be attending church the next day. But I couldn't help but think of the Savior and his Atonement. I realized, that he knew exactly the pain that I was feeling that night. In that moment, I realized that I didn't have to do it alone. I was slightly distraught at the path that laid ahead of me. My Savior helped me and was with me that night, and my long 3 months to recovery. I felt of his Spirit and his closeness as he buoyed me up. I read the hymns and was reminded and pondered on His life and the things He had done. That night, I learned that it's the intention of our hearts that matters. I may not have made it to church, but still taking time to pause and think about Christ and His Atonement - I felt a spiritual renewal.


I cherish that night. Yes, I was as sick as I have ever been in my life, but I learned important things that night. In the Sacrament prayers, there is the promise that if we always remember him, we may always have his spirit to be with us. I felt his spirit that night. That night, I took another step closer to my Savior. I learned more about Him and about me and my relationship with Him. I wasn't alone. He was with me that night, throughout my recovery and I strive to have his spirit with me to this day still. I can tell you that he supported me and gave me spiritual renewal that I so desperately needed as I went about that week.

So for those of us who may not be able to make it to Sacrament for one reason or another, take a moment to pause and think about our Savior. Just because we can't make it to Sacrament one week, doesn't mean we have to forgo feeling a spiritual renewal and feeling His Spirit with us. That night was a very spiritual one for me. I believe it's the thought that counts. God knows our hearts. He didn't withhold blessings from me, but instead He blessed me in so many ways.

I spent the next three months doing a lot of sleeping. But slowly, I regained my strength back, and my health. It was a considerable challenge for me at the time, having just hardly turned 19. I don't think I was given that challenge "just because". I believe that I was given that opportunity to learn things and gain insight to things that might not have happened otherwise. I believe that that night and that challenge was given to me as an opportunity to build my testimony and deepen my understanding of His atonement.  I was given the opportunity to draw closer unto my Savior during that time. Now, having passed out of that challenge, I'm grateful for it and I feel like it benefited me in ways that I didn't understand at the beginning. I feel I've grown from it and it's an experience that has helped to build the testimony I have today. This experience happened during a time of huge spiritual and character growth for me. It gave me time to pause, to think and pray.

I challenge each one of us to stop and take time to think about the Savior and his atonement and what it means to each of us. It's the Easter season. Now it the perfect time to reflect on the life of the Savior and His Resurrection. He was the perfect example. He overcame death and has provided a way for us to make it back to our Heavenly Father. He's our elder brother and He is there for us. Come, follow me - He said. I encourage each one of us to follow this counsel. May it bring us joy and happiness as we draw closer unto Him.  I know that my Redeemer lives!

Happy Easter

- SamiMae

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Hiatus

Hey all -

Things have gotten pretty crazy this last week, between personal matters, homework and exams, and some extracurricular stuff I'm involved in. I won't be posting anything this week, but Sam still might. Actually, it will probably be a few weeks until I can devote the time to this blog again like I want, but hopefully it won't be much longer than just a couple of weeks to a month.

If you're looking for something to satiate your Mormon blog appetite, I recommend the Millennial Star blog, found at millennialstar.org. Good stuff, and thought-provoking.

Cheers,
Trevor

Friday, March 7, 2014

Book of Mormon Stories: Nephi Gets the Brass Plates

Le'ts start off this post with a video! Book of Mormon Stories that my teacher tells to me, Bum Bum Bum..... sing along! Recall some of the great Book of Mormon stories! Bum bum bum....



Chapter 4 gives us an awesome story. Nephi keeps God's commandment to retrieve the brass plates. There is a TON we can learn from this chapter.

1. Be faithful; God is mightier than all the earth. (1 Nephi 4:1). Nephi reminds his brothers to be faithful in keeping the commandants because God is mightier than their foe, Laban.

2. Be strong, and look to the greats. (1 Nephi 4:2) Nephi is giving another pep talk and he reminds his brother of Moses. We to can remember the greatest and strive to be like them.

3. "Wherefore can ye doubt?" Nephi asks his brothers. They have the scriptures, their father is a prophet, they've seen an angel. They know that God can and will provide a way if they keep the commandments, so wherefore can we doubt?

4. OK, now we are really getting into the story. Nephi takes off on his own. He convinced his brothers to stay right outside the wall of Jerusalem. Nephi went into the city and was "led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do." (1 Nephi 4:6) Sometimes we are like Nephi, the spirit prompts us to do something, and we don't quite know what it is, but we go with it. The spirit knows, if we follow, everything will work out how it's suppose to.

Now, Nephi is led to the house of Laban. as he approaches, he sees Laban on the ground, drunk. Nephi takes a moment to admire his beautiful sword. "the hilt thereof was of pure gold, and the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine, and I saw that the blade thereof was of the most precious steel". Next, he is prompted to kill Laban!

Nephi, in his heart, desires not to kill him. He had never killed a man before. "I shrunk and would that I might not slay him." (1 Nephi 4:10). Twice more the spirit tells him to slay Laban. The spirit whispered to Nephi " Slay him, for the Lord hath delivered him into thy hands; Behold the Lord slayeth the wicked to bring forth his righteous purposes. It is better that one man should perish than that a nation should dwindle and perish in unbelief." (1 Nephi 4: 12-13) That's pretty intense.

I think it's interesting that in vs 14-17, Nephi is reasoning it out in his heart. He remembers the commandments God has given him. He needs the brass plates so Nephi's posterity could keep a record of their language and have the gospel. He thought in his heart that his posterity can't keep the commandments if they didn't have them. He knew the commandments were on the brass plates. In Vs 18, he obeyed the spirit of the Lord and kills Laban.

Some people are unsettled about Nephi kills Laban. Please go and read this article. It's an excellent article that explains why Nephi's execution of Laban was honorable and just before the eyes of God. Yes, God have the commandment that "Thou shalt not kill." But her reasoning is interesting, and I agree. It'll only take you a moment and it'll change your whole view on the slaying of Laban.

5. The Law is engraven in our scriptures. (1 Nephi 4:16) Just as Nephi needed the brass plates, we need the scriptures in our day. The law and gospel is contained in it. For Nephi's time, it's better than a man die, (Laban), than an entire nation dwindle in unbelief (Nephi's posterity).

The story doesn't end there. After Laban's death, Nephi dresses in Labans clothes and heads to Laban's treasury to get the plates. He meets Zoram there. Zoram thinks that Nephi is Laban. Nephi's voice was disguised to sound like Laban, and remember that Nephi is large in stature. Zoram gives him the plates and follows him to the outer wall of Jerusalem.

Nephi meets his brothers there, who think he's Laban and begin to run, but Nephi calls out to them. Then, Zoram realizes his mistake and begins to flee, but Nephi "having received much strength of the Lord" was able to stop Zoram from leaving. Nephi promised to spare his life and that he would be a free man if he went with them. Zoram agreed and that was that. An oath back then was solid. No one dared to brake an oath. After Nephi and Zoram exchanged oaths, they went back to Lehi and Sariah in the wilderness.

The great stories don't end there! Read the Book of Mormon slow and thoughtfully to catch all the important good stuff! :)

- SamiMae

You Can Do It - 1 Nephi 3

This is a great chapter! We learn some important doctrine here. When the Lord commands, do it. It's that simple. Sometimes easier said then done. Let's dig in.

1. Don't murmur. It's that simple. You'll be better off for it. (1 Nephi 3:6)

2. This is a GREAT verse, it's actually a scripture mastery.
"...I Nephi said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." (1 Nephi 3:7)

Just Do it. Here we learn that the Lord will not issue a commandment to us that we can't keep. In fact,
he'll provide a way for us to keep his commandments. For example, with tithing, if you pay an honest tithe, God will provide a way for things to work out. It can usually be a surprise, but if you keep that law, blessings based on that law will follow. It's the same with all of God's commandments.  If we strive to keep them, He'll provide a way for us to keep them.

This is such an important concept, that we even have a song about it! It's called Nephi's courage. LDS kids grow up singing this song. :)






3. Encourage others to keep the commandments. (1 Nephi 3:16) Here Nephi is encouraging his brothers to keep the commandments. 

4. God has wisdom in his commandments. (1 Nephi 3:19). God isn't going to issue a commandment that's unwise. He is perfect and wants us to become like him. So, his commandments are perfect and there is wisdom in them. 

5. Pep talks never hurt the discouraged. (1 Nephi 3:21) Nephi spends some time giving his brothers a pep talk and encouragement, eventually they agree to try again in getting the brass plates. 
6. God protects his chosen. (1 Nephi 3:29). Here, Laman and Lemuel are angry at Nephi. I think maybe part of their anger was because they were scared and just came out of a high-stress situation. Laban and his men were chasing after Laman, Lemual, Sam and Nephi to kill them. I think afterwards it'd be a little stressed and high strung too. But, Laman and Lemual take it to far. They find a rod and start hitting Nephi! They are so intense and focus on hitting him, that God sends an angel to break up their fight! (I can't imagine what Sam must have been thinking.) The angel was pretty bold with them. Nevertheless, Nephi is saved by an angel.
7. Visions, signs and angels don't change a person or gives someone faith. (1 Nephi 3:31) So, let's think about this. Laman and Lemuel were hitting Nephi, an angel comes and stops them while criticizing them at the same time. Then, after the angel leaves, Laman and Lemual murmur. Faith has to be present before a vision or a sign or it won't change a person. It won't matter. After the angel visits, Laman and Lemuel still doubt. 


These are just a few of the many lessons we can learn from 1 Nephi 3. Great lessons. Let us be faithful in keeping God's commandments. Just remember "YOU CAN DO IT!" :)

- SamiMae












Lessons I learned from 1 Nephi Ch 2

Continuing my previous post, I now look at chapter 2. There is some truly great stuff in this chapter. It's just full of things we can learn and apply to our lives.

In this chapter we learn quite a bit about Lehi and the kind of man he was. He was faithful (1 Nephi 2:1) and obedient unto the word of the Lord (1 Nephi 2:2). Lehi "built an alter of stones and made an offering unto the lord and gave thanks unto the Lord our God." (1 Nephi 2:7) At this point, Lehi had taken his family into the wilderness, they had left all their belongings in Jerusalem and left the land they loved, because the Lord commanded them. I'm sure this wasn't easy for them. But, Lehi didn't murmur. Instead he built an alter, gave an offering and thanks unto God. How remarkable! I'd like to think that if I was in that situation I wouldn't be belly-aching over my circumstances.

What can we learn from Lehi? Be faithful, be obedient, and give thanks to God in your trials.

Other lessons in Ch 2:

1. Let us be "firm and steadfast, and immovable in keeping the commandments of the Lord!" (1 Nephi 2:10)

2. Don't murmur when you don't know the dealings of God. (1 Nephi 2:12). Sometimes, we just don't know, and that's ok. Let us have faith in God and his timing. God is all powerful, and quite frankly, he's in charge. Just go with it.

3. You are never to young to desire to know the mysteries of God. (1 Nephi 2:16). Nephi was young, but desired to know the mysteries of God, so he went and asked! We can also learn that, if you have a question, take it to God. You might just get more than you'd expect. In my life I've learned that God wants us to come to him, he wants us to talk to him.

I learned this again a few weeks back. I was struggling with something, and one Sunday night, I felt prompted to ask Trevor for a blessing. I was unsure and hesitant about asking. I didn't think my problem was big enough to ask for a blessing. I always kind of had the idea that if I wasn't on my death bed sick, then it's not big enough. But, I listened to the spirit, and asked for one. Trevor willingly gave me a blessing, it was beautiful and exactly what I needed. In the blessing, I was reminded that nothing is to small to take to God. If it's important to us, it's important to him.

4. Pray for those who wander or stray. (1 Nephi 2:18). Here, Nephi is praying for his older brothers, who have strayed from God. Nephi "being grieved...cried unto the Lord for them". Them, meaning his brothers. In the never verse God gives him comfort. God is always there for us.

5. God blesses the faithful and those who seek him diligently. (1 Nephi 2:19)

6. Keep Commandments = Prosperity. (1 Nephi 2:20).

7. Rebel = cut off from the presence of the Lord, cursed. (1 Nephi 2:21, 23)

Pretty straight forward. I think there are some real admirable traits that Nephi and Lehi show. These were great men. I admire them and look up to them. I enjoy reading about them in the Book of Mormon. Lehi was wise and obedient. Nephi was righteous and desirous to know more of God. They both had such big hearts. Lehi worries he is often teaching them and he even names a river and valley after them. Nephi prays for them, he cried unto the Lord for them. These are both admirable men. We can apply the scriptures to us, by striving to become more like them and learn from their examples.


- SamiMae

Lessons I learned from 1 Nephi 1

So, I've been studying the New Testament. I've made it pretty far into Acts, which is as far as I've made it. I'm pretty proud of myself. But, I can't quite figure it out. I find, for me, that I can feel the spirit stronger in the Book of Mormon. For me, the Book of Mormon is more personal. (And, easier to read. lol)

I'm still going to continue reading the New Testament, but I've also begun reading the Book of Mormon again. It's been a while since I've read it. I've come up with my own scripture coding that's working pretty great so far.

Red - Jesus Christ/ God
Green - Knowledge/ Testimony
Purple - Be/Do (My list of things to become or do. Self-improvement)
Blue - Warnings/ Commandments
Yellow - Story information

So far, here is what I've learned.

1. The record of Nephi is true. He testifies of it. (1 Nephi 1:2)

2. Lehi has a vision. In his vision he sees "God sitting upon his throne, surrounded by numberless concourses of angles in the attitude of singing and praising their God". (1 Nephi 1:8) Wouldn't that be a sight to see!

3. "He saw One descending out of the midst of heaven, and he beheld that his luster was above that of the sun at noon-day." Lehi saw Christ! (1 Nephi 1:9)

4. We can sing and praise God, just like the angels did.

5. "He also saw twelve others following him". Lehi saw the 12 disciples as well. (1 Nephi 1:10). Isn't this a great start to the Book of Mormon? We get to see and learn about a Prophet's vision of the Heavens. He saw God, Christ and the 12 disciples in the very first chapter!

6. In the vision, he was given a book to read. In it he read some pretty intense things. He saw the destruction of Jerusalem and the people that dwelt there. He saw them perish by the sward and being carried away into Babylon. (1 Nephi 1:11-14) He saw many "great and marvelous things", as Nephi put it. Afterwards Lehi exclaims
"Great and marvelous are they works, O Lord God almighty! Thy throne is high in the heavens and they power and goodness and mercy are over all the inhabitants of the earth, and because, thou art merciful, thou wilt not suffer those who come unto thee that they shall perish!" (1 Nephi 1:14)

Wow. Remember, we are in the first chapter, there is no fluffy introduction, we just dive deep into great stuff. This is a Prophet, a righteous man of God. We learn some interesting things here. God's throne is high in the heavens. Lehi saw that in his vision. He also saw of God's power and goodness. That had to have been incredible. I can't even wrap my mind around that. We are starting to see the bigger picture. God's greatness - to our own nothingness. He is All Powerful, "Lord God almighty!"  But, God is merciful. He "wilt not suffer those who come unto [Him] that they shall perish!"

7. "But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance" (1 Nephi 1:20) This is probably one of my favorite verses in all of 1 Nephi. Nephi clearly states his purpose, and how great of a purpose it is! He is going to show us the tender mercies of the Lord in His day.



Can we look in our lives and see the tender mercies of the Lord?


- SamiMae

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Mormonism Defined: The Holy Ghost

Q. What is the Holy Ghost?

A. The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead, and therefore works in perfect unity with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. He is a spirit without a mortal body, he has no flesh and bones. He is a gift given to us, from God, when we are baptized. The Holy Ghost is known by many names like, the Comforter, the Spirit of the Lord and the Holy Spirit. He can give us promptings. He can warn us of danger, bring us comfort and peace. He can inspire us to serve those in need. He can inform us of the will of the Father. And, he can testify of the truthfulness of something, like the Gospel.

The Holy Ghost is different from the Gift of the Holy Ghost. All those earnestly seeking truth can feel the Holy Ghost's influence leading them towards Christ. The Gift of the Holy Ghost is given to a worthy individual by one or more priesthood holders after one is baptized. The Gift of the Holy Ghost is the right to have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost if that individual keeps the commandments of God.

The Holy Ghost's promptings are often a "still, small voice". They can be described as a "warm feeling" inside. The Holy Ghost speaks to everybody differently. The Holy Ghost can lead and guide our decisions in this fallen world. If we listen to Him, he can help us make it back to the Father.


Testimony:

For me, the companionship of the Holy Ghost is my extra protection in this world. I am able to stay in tune with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ through the Holy Ghost. I was privileged to receive the Holy Ghost on my 8th birthday. Since then, I've been learning how the Holy Ghost speaks to me. It took a long time, and I'm still learning to identify the Spirit, but there are so many decisions I've made that he's guided me through. He has spoken peace to my heart many times throughout my life. He's answered prayers through his "still small voice."

One experience I have had with the Holy Ghost came as I prayed. I was feeling far from God. I was praying for guidance, reassurance and strength. I knew the spirit spoke in a still, small voice. So after I prayed, I quieted my mind and just listened. Then...in small, but powerful, voice I felt the words in my heart. "O daughter, thou art greatly loved." That night the spirit testified to me many things. First, I knew without a doubt that I was a Daughter of God. Second, I knew that He loved me. Third, I learned that he was aware of me and knew me individually. This experience strengthened my testimony and helped me learn a little more how to identify the spirit and how he talks to me in my life.

Another experience I had with the Holy Ghost...

I remember one night, before I met my husband, I was praying. I was ready to find the man I was going to marry. I worried that I might never find him. As I knelt in the dark, a quiet voice came to me and said "Soon". Within 2 weeks, I had found Trevor! :)


During my experiences with the Holy Ghost I've identified what it feels like to have the Holy Ghost with me and what it feels like to NOT have the Holy Ghost with me. There is a very distinct difference in the way I feel when I don't have the Holy Ghost with me.

The Holy Ghost cannot dwell in unclean temples, this includes our bodies. When I am watching a movie or other media that is acceptable by man and a clean rating, but is still not an uplifting movie, I can feel the spirit withdraw from me. When there is violence, killing, immorality, or anything else that is unclean or displeasing before God, the Spirit cannot dwell there, and leaves. After a few experiences of watching a show and then feeling the spirit withdraw, I've learned to get up and walk out of movies (which I've done). I've learned to shut off any media that is causing me to think or feel improperly.

I use the Thirteenth Article of Faith as a guide in choosing my media and activities, so that I can always have the Holy Ghost with me.


We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul-We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

It's been a unique and special experience to use the 13th Article of Faith to help me keep the Holy Ghost with me. I've made decisions in my life to search after anything that is "virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy". Anything that does not fit this description could put me at risk of losing such a special gift, given to me by my Heavenly Father. It is a gift that I am to scared to live without. I'm eternally grateful for my experience with the Holy Ghost and that I've lived my life in a way that qualifies me for his continual companionship. I've learned so much from the Holy Ghost. I've been protected by His promptings, I've felt peace, I've even felt his help on tests! The Holy Ghost is there to help us and guide us in this world. We can feel of God's love for us and his protection by being worthy to always have the third member of the Godhead with us during our lives.


If you're interested in learning more, please visit: Mormon.org.


- SamiMae





Sunday, March 2, 2014

8 Startlingly Eloquent Teachings of Joseph Smith

Joseph Smith, Jr., founded a religion and a Church that have survived and thrived to the present day. He constantly taught that he was a prophet, sent from God, and millions of faithful followers have taken him at his word for the last 180+ years. But what did he teach?

I have in my possession, a fun little book (little being 730 pages long) called the “Encyclopedia of Joseph Smith's Teachings.” As I have read through it, I have realized that there are very many teachings of Joseph Smith's that are remarkably well-said, thought-provoking, and interesting. Unfortunately, most Latter-day Saints – let alone others seeking to learn more about Joseph Smith and Mormonism – have never heard many of these gems, and so cannot appreciate the startling breadth of wit, wisdom and power in the words that Joseph spoke.

With this in mind, I have gathered some of the best ones, on a variety of subjects. I have tried to select passages from my book that are especially applicable, thought-provoking, little-known, or eloquently worded. Obviously I cannot include all of Joseph's best words, but I hope that what little I have included will interest, stimulate, provoke, and/or instruct all who read them.

(All quotations, unless indicated otherwise, are from the “Encyclopedia of Joseph Smith's Teachings,” ed. Larry E. Dahl and Donald Q. Cannon, published in 2000 by Deseret Book.)

1. On Technological Advance:
When Joseph Smith visited New York,  it caused him to
reflect on mankind's technological advancement.
“This day I have been walking through the most splendid part of the City of New York. The buildings are truly great and wonderful to the astonishing of every beholder, and the language of my heart is like this: Can the great God of all the earth, maker of all things magnificent and splendid, be displeased with man for all these great inventions sought out by them? My answer is no, it cannot be, seeing these works are calculated to make men comfortable, wise, and happy; therefore, not for the works can the Lord be displeased, only against man is the anger of the Lord kindled because they give Him not the glory.” (Letter to his wife, Emma Smith, from New York City, October 13, 1832.)

2. On Proper Use of Influence:
“It is our duty to concentrate all our influence to make popular that which is sound and good, and unpopular that which is unsound.” (Address in Nauvoo, Illinois, February 21, 1843)

3. On Teaching God's Word (Missionary Work):
“Preach short sermons, make short prayers, and deliver your sermons with a prayerful heart.” (Contained in Family of George A. Smith).

“No man can preach the Gospel without the Holy Ghost. ... After all has been said, the greatest and most important duty is to preach the Gospel.” (Address in Kirtland, Ohio, April 6, 1837.)

4. On Jesus Christ:
In response to the frequently-asked question, “What are the fundamental principles of your religion?,” Smith stated that “the fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets concerning Jesus Christ: that He died, was buried, and rose again on the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it. But in connection with these, we believe in the gift of the Holy Ghost, the power of faith, the enjoyment of the spiritual gifts according to the will of God, the restoration of the house of Israel, and the final triumph of truth.” (Published in Missouri, May 8, 1838.)
Joseph Smith on Jesus: "He died, was buried, and
rose again on the third day."

“Who, among all the Saints in these last days, can consider himself as good as our Lord? Who is as perfect? Who is as pure? Who is as holy as He was? Are they to be found? He never … broke a commandment or law of heaven – no deceit was in His mouth … Where is one like Christ? He cannot be found on earth.” (Letter from Ohio to various church members in Missouri, dated January 22, 1834)

“Through the atonement [or, sacrifice] of Christ and the resurrection and obedience in the gospel, we shall again be conformed to the image of [God's] Son, Jesus Christ. Then we shall have attained to the image, glory, and character of God.” (Sunday address, July 9, 1843)

5. On Debt:
Jesse Crosby, a neighbor and follower of Smith's, recounted: “One day when the Prophet carried to my house a sack of flour he had borrowed, my wife remarked that he had returned more than he had received. He answered that it should always be so; that anything borrowed should be returned always with interest to the lender. 'Thus,' he said, 'the borrower, if he be honest, is a slave to the lender.' (Reminisce of Jesse Crosby, reported in “Stories from the Notebook of Martha Cox,” LDS Church Archives.)

6. On Depression:
“When a man [or woman] is borne down with trouble, when he is perplexed with care and difficulty, if he can meet a smile instead of an argument or a murmur – if he can meet with mildness, it will calm down his soul and soothe his feelings; when the mind is going to despair, it needs a solace of affection and kindness.” (Remarks to the Relief Society (a women's service organization within the Church), April 28, 1842.)

7. On Being a Prophet:
“I was this morning introduced to a man from the east. After hearing my name, he remarked that I was nothing but a man, indicating by this expression, that he had supposed that a person to whom the Lord should see fit to reveal His will, must be something more than a man. He seemed to have forgotten the saying that fell from the lips of St. James, that Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, yet he had such power with God, that He, in answer to his prayers, shut the heavens that they gave no rain for the space of three years and six months. … Indeed, such is the darkness and ignorance of this generation, that they should look upon it as incredible that a man should have any [interaction] with his Maker.” (Joseph Smith's Journal, November 6, 1835)
Joseph Smith taught hundreds - perhaps thousands - of sermons
 throughout his life, to every imaginable kind of audience.

“The world always mistook false prophets for true ones, and those that were sent of God, they considered to be false prophets, and thus they killed, stoned, punished an imprisoned the true prophets, and these had to hide themselves 'in deserts and dens, and caves of the earth.'” (Editorial in Times and Seasons, a Mormon newspaper printed in Illinois, April 1, 1842.)

8. On Learning:
“Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.
And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.” (Doctrine and Covenants Section 130, Verses 18 and 19.)

“A man is saved no faster than he gets knowledge.” (Sunday address, April 10, 1842.)


One last thing, before you go: I'm conducting a survey of who reads this blog, and their relationship with Mormonism. It'll take you about two seconds to look to the right side of your screen and answer it. It would help me and Samantha get a much better feel for who is reading our blog consistently. Thanks!

Monday, February 24, 2014

7 Lessons from "Like a Broken Vessel" by Elder Holland

Yesterday in Relief Society, we had an amazing lesson. We discussed Elder Holland's talk "Like a Broken Vessel". Whether you are LDS or not, this is an inspiring talk that everybody can relate to. He discusses having hope when mental illness strikes, mainly depression. Elder Holland talks with such power and love, that you can't help but be moved by his testimony and the spirit. 

As sisters we discussed and shared experiences relating to depression and his talk. The spirit was so strong, it moved many of the sisters to tears. This can be a sensitive topic. Emotions were strong and love for our Savor filled the room. 

I'd like to share some of the highlights of his talk and add my own reflections. I've never suffered from depression or any other from of mental illness, but someone very close to me does suffer from a mental illness. Whether you are the the one suffering or the caregiver of such, I know you can find comfort and hope in this short talk. 

How can we keep hope during dark and troubling times when mental illnesses such as depression strike? Elder Holland gives us some guidance in his talk.


1. God gave us a Redeemer, that we might triumph over the tests and trials of this mortal life. Elder Holland reminds us that we are living in a fallen world, and that we did in fact, choose to live in this fallen world. It is here where pursuit of godliness "will be tested and tried again and again." 
"Of greatest assurance in God's plan is that of a Savor was promised, a Redeemer, who through our faith in Him would lift us triumphantly over those tests and trials, even though the cost to do so would be unfathomable for bot the Father who sent Him and the Son who came. It is only an appreciation of this divine love that will make our own lesser suffering first bearable, then understandable, and finally redemptive." - Elder Holland

2. Above all, never lose faith in your Father in Heaven, who loves you more than you can comprehend. Elder Holland quotes President Monson in saying:
That love never changes...It is the there for you when you are sad or happy, discouraged or hopeful. God's love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve [it]. It is simply always there".
Elder Holland admonishes us to never doubt God's love for us and never harden our hearts toward Him.

3. Faithfully pursue the time-tested devotional practices that bring the Spirit of the Lord into your life. Do the things that bring the spirit into your life. It is by the strength of God that we pull through hard times. Draw closer to him. Pray, read your scriptures, partake of the sacrament, and attend the temple if possible.

4. Seek the counsel of those who hold keys for your spiritual well-being. Ask for and cherish priesthood blessings. I know that in the hardest times of my life, priesthood blessings have brought incredible strength to a weary soul. I've learned that you do not have to be on your deathbed to have enough reason to ask for a blessing. God wants us to turn to him, he wants to bless us. This is why he has given the priesthood to worthy men. He uses these worthy men to pronounce blessings upon our heads and to give us guidance, comfort, strength and courage.
     If you do not have a husband or family member who is capable of giving you a priesthood blessing, there are home teachers, bishops, ward members, and missionaries who can give blessings if asked. There is always this resource available.

5. If capable, take the sacrament every week. I know that when there are prolonged periods where I have missed the sacrament for one reason or another, that I can feel my spirit shrink and weaken. There is great strength in the sacrament. Whenever I partake of the sacrament, my strength and faith is renewed. It is a time when we reflect on the Atonement of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is through him we receive strength to carry on and one day, make it back to our Father in Heaven.

6. Believe in miracles. Elder Holland said "I have seen so many of them come when every other indication would say that hope was lost. Hope is never lost." I too, have seen miracles in my own life. When it seems like there is no light at the end of the tunnel, when we think the sun will never shine again, by our faith it will. The light will come. I echo the words of Elder Holland, Hope is never lost.

7. If things continue, seek advice. If things persist, "seek the advice of reputable people with certified training, professional skills, and good values." He encourages us to be honest with them about the struggles we've been facing, then pray about the advice they've given.

There are some of us, while we may not be suffering from an illness, we are caregivers to someone who is. I fit more into this category. Elder Holland's words can give us strength. Let us not be overwhelmed and let us not assume we can fix everything. I believe and know that sometimes the person with mental illness such as depression, bipolar or schizophrenia is not the only one who is to learn and grow from their situation. It's those around, the caregiver, the passerby-er, a friend or acquaintance who are to learn and grow from the situation as well.

A family member who is dear to my husband and I suffers from schizophrenia. This can be very hard to see, most times, there is nothing we can do. But, we always learn vastly important lessons that will carry on with us through our life. Love always, cherish the moments together, etc. Our challenges will only help us in the future, in ways we cannot know right now. How much more will we be able to relate and help another, because of the trials of our past? How much easier will it be for us to place an arm around a shoulder and comfort someone in need? We came to earth to grow, to learn and to be tested. Growth does not come by gliding through life. Growth comes from trials and challenges. Let us be strong and have faith during these times, because God will not give us a commandment, trial or challenge that we cannot keep, overcome or endure.  As Elder Holland said "We are infinitely more than our limitations or afflictions!".

I hope that if you are struggling, or know someone who is, listen to the words of one of God's apostles and may it give you strength and courage to continue on and endure. I invite you to take a few minutes and listen to Elder Holland as he delivers his powerful message titled "Like a Broken Vessel" May it help and God bless you.



- SamiMae