Review of Past Month: Pioneer Trek, EFY, and Girls' Camp Part 1

Ever since I left for Pioneer Trek on the morning of June 18th, my daily life has been changed for the better, even if I was especially busy. I had the wonderful opportunity to attend such beautifully planned programs, with amazing people making the experience complete. Because I have been particularly busy during the past month, the spiritual experiences and feelings have piled up tremendously. This is Part 1: Pioneer Trek! (Also, I hope you had a Happy Pioneer Day yesterday, on July 24!)

The youth of Camarillo Stake, ages from 14 to 18, along with a multitude of AWESOME adult volunteers, participate in a pioneer trek every 4 years in remembrance of the Mormon Pioneers who crossed the plains to Zion over 150 years ago. Their journey encompassed over 1,300 miles, whereas OUR 3-day "peephole" into their life covered approx. 15 miles, pushing and pulling with us 2 handcarts full of our personal belongings (which were very limited). I feel very blessed that I was able to go this year with many of my friends.


All trek participants are grouped into "families", each with an adult couple Ma and Pa, and 8-12 children. These families were put together through prayerful insight from our Stake Presidency.  All families represented a specific family who had made the actual journey about a century and a half ago. Also, each participant received the written story of a specific person who they were representing, from that family. The youth in my family was SUPER COOL, and I had a very fun and spiritual time. The family which I was placed in was the Haigh/Wager family, and I, Sarah Foote, was trekking in the footsteps of Elizabeth Simpson Haigh Bradshaw.
Here is the story of Company #12, the Haigh Company History:
         "Samuel was born on June 5, 1835 in Bolton, Lancashire England. When Samuel was five years old, and Sarah was three, their father died. Shortly after that, his mother, Elizabeth Simpson Haigh [<-- me!] was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. His mother married Richard Bradhshaw who was already a member, and they prepared to sail to America and join the Saints in Utah.
         "Tragedy struck. In 1849, Richard died of pneumonia. Samuel and Sarah's mother continued to save, and finally in May 1856, Samuel, Sarah, their mother and three siblings, Robert, Isabella, and Richard, boarded the ship to America. Upon arriving in Iowa City, Iowa, they found that the promised handcarts were not ready, so they spent about 3 weeks building handcarts and sewing tents needed for the trek. 
         "On July 28, 1856, the Martin Handcart Company left Iowa City. By September, the nights were becoming increasingly cold, food began to be rationed, and the pioneers were wearing down. On October 19, the company made their final crossing of the North Platte River. The day started out with rain, turned to sleet growing steadily colder. The icy river was filled with sharp cakes of ice that cut into Samuel's legs as he helped navigate the handcart thru the the swift and deep river. Samuel watched in horror as his mother and youngest brother were swept downstream. Amazingly, his mother gathered her strength and didn't let go of her child, finally made it to the other side. Samuel probably made this trip several times helping his siblings cross the freezing water.
          "Conditions continued to worsen, and one day Samuel was brought into camp and pronounced dead. It appeared that he was, but his mother, having great faith asked the Elders to anoint him with oil and administer to him, which they did. Samuel recovered and continued on the journey.
          "The company arrived in the valley on November 30, 1856. Of the 643 total members of the company, about one-sixth of them had lost their lives. 
          "The family was met by Bishop Stoker and taken to Bountiful to regain their health. They stayed in Bountiful for six years, and then moved on to Hyrum, Cache, Utah. It is not known if Samuel ever married or had children. Samuel died on May 31, 1870 at the age of 34. Sarah died in Hyrum on November 13, 1910 at the age of 73."

Next is the individual story of the woman I represented, Elizabeth Simpson Haigh Bradshaw:
          "Elizabeth (age 48) was born on February 10, 1808 to Thomas and Alice Simpson. Her father was the inventor of the grandfather clock and the family was very wealthy. At a very early age her parents died, and she, along with her brothers and sisters, went to live with an aunt.
          "On October 10, 1834 she married William Haigh and they had two children. In 1840, William died. Shortly after his death, she was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In 1844, she married Richard Bradshaw and they had four children, one dying as an infant. The family worked hard preparing to join the Saints in Utah, but in 1849 Richard died of pneumonia.
          "Not wanting to give up their dreams, in 1856, Elizabeth, along with her five children, boarded the ship Horizon and sailed to America. Upon arriving in Iowa City, they spent three weeks building handcarts and sewing tents needed for the trek. Finally, on July 28, 1856, the Martin Handcart Company left Iowa City with 145 handcarts, 8 supply wagons, and 575 people. This increased to 673 with the merging of the Jesse Haven Company.
          "The family had plenty of clothing and other belongings, but they could only take what could be packed into one handcart for the family. Most of her supplies were given to those in need. She did, however, take her two wedding dresses, which she later gave to her daughters.
          "By September, the nights were becoming increasingly cold, food began to be rationed, and the pioneers were wearing down.
          "On October 19, the Martin Company made their final crossing of the North Platte River. The day started out with rain, turned to sleet, growing steadily colder. The icy river was filled with sharp cakes of ice that cut into the legs of the pioneers as they navigated their handcarts thru the the deep and swift river. 
          "Elizabeth took her youngest son, Richard, and seated him upon her shoulders with his legs around her neck as he held on to her head. As they started across the stream, they were caught by the current and carried downstream. Several called, 'Let the boy go, or you will both be drowned. Save yourself.' But she refused to give them heed and she struggled on until they both made it to the other side.
          "As conditions continued to worsen, her oldest son was brought into camp and pronounced dead. It appeared that he was, but her faith was strong. She asked the Elders to anoint him with oil and administer to him. The Elders did so, and Samuel survived.
          "The Martin Handcart Company arrived in the Valley on November 30, 1856. It is estimated that between 135-150 people lost their lives in this company alone. Miraculously, all of Elizabeth's children survived.
          "The family moved to Bountiful, then on to Hyrum, Cache, Utah. In 1863, she married David Walker. Elizabeth died on October 24, 1872 in Hyrum at the age of 64."

The story of the Haigh family is pretty inspirational, and you can tell that nothing could prevent them from their dream, and that is following the directions of their Heavenly Father, through the Prophet Brigham Young, to traverse to the Promised Land of Zion, and join the Saints in worship.

Now for my story, as a modern-day pioneer participating in the 2015 Youth Trek:
From the gathering at the Stake Center on Thursday, the first day of Trek (where we all left together to go to Camp Arnaz/ Willet  in Ojai), to the drive back to the Stake Center on Saturday, I, along with all of the Camarillo Stake LDS Youth, experienced grueling miles pushing heavy handcarts up and down hills (some steeper than others); sleeping in tents; preparing our own delicious meals on portable stoves (supplies from the Lassen's); singing hymns and Pioneer songs; creating our own family songs based off of the song, "The Handcart Song"; inspirational devotionals; fun games such as Cat's Cradle; more walking and pushing, walking and pushing; pioneer games, skills, and competitions; journal writing; crafts; exploring the Ojai wilderness (mostly cowpies and tall, yellow grass); a square dancing Hoedown (including my very first slow dance!); the Women's pull (all of the women pushed handcarts up steep hills by themselves while the men bravely volunteered to fight in the Mormon Battalion); a very spiritual testimony meeting; and finally, the arrival of the Pony Express, delivering letters from our families at home.

The Women's Pull

Overall, Pioneer Trek was extremely spiritual, and not without its trials and tribulations. I made new friends and strengthened my testimony. This experience was one I will never forget, and I am tremendously grateful for the option I have to go again in four years, following my high school graduation. I am so grateful for the people, both adults and youth, who worked so hard to make this event authentic and fun. I am especially grateful for the Mormon Pioneers who led the way to Zion, through extreme hardships, so they could live with their beloved Heavenly Father. Their faith is looked up to in our day.

We must always remember that, although we may not have to endure physical trials, we do have very trying spiritual temptations and tribulations. With faith, we can live lives of righteousness and cleanliness. I especially learned the importance of morality when I came back from Trek to a world of immodesty, profanity, and several other immoralities. My eyes were opened to my own imperfections, and how I can be more valiant in my pursuit of celestial glory.
I testify that we have a very loving Heavenly Father, who wants us to return to Him with a pure intent, contrite spirit, and broken heart. I know Jesus Christ is our older brother, the Beloved Son of God, who came upon this earth to die for our sins and show by example the Plan of Salvation. I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet, ordained of God, to restore the true church upon the earth and translate the Book of Mormon, which is true, for the latter-day saints. I know that if we follow our Father's commandments and serve Him with all our our heart, might, mind, and strength, that we can be exalted in the last day. I am blessed to be a member of this church, and be able to partake of the truth of His gospel, especially in amazing programs like Trek. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
If you have any questions about Trek and what I learned from it, please ask! :) Have a fantastic weekend!

 

The Essential Things In Life

Today's post will be more of a personal journal entry, as I couldn't find many resources that went along with this topic of living according to the essential things and beliefs in life.

So, (and note that most of the following questions are from Day 3 of the Pre-Trek Intensive; I answer all of these below each question.) Ask yourself each question with profound thought put into your answer.

How well do you "feast" upon the scriptures? Are they a priority in your daily schedule?
                 As of now, I spend at least 10 minutes each night reading and pondering scriptures. (The past few nights have been at least 20 minutes.) I read scriptures mostly because, 1) I want to finish Doctrine and Covenants by June 30, 2) It is a requirement in the Pre-Trek Intensive, and, most importantly, 3) I want to learn more about the prophets and doctrine, and the revelations from Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. Many of the scriptures from hundreds or even thousands of years ago can relate to our lives today, if not by what we physically do, then by what principles we are taught and what lessons are exhibited. As to being a priority in my daily schedule, scriptures have become a very important habit in my life that I hardly ever miss. If I go one night without reading scriptures for at least 10 minutes, I feel unaccomplished or unsatisfied. This is more of a recent thing, as I have just recently began reading more thoroughly.

How can you make scripture study more of a priority in your daily schedule?
               I want to be able to really, sincerely look forward to reading scriptures. Instead of just being something I am required to do, I want to look at it like something I LOVE and ENJOY doing. For instance, if I have Mutual that night, I will spend my whole day in anticipation, waiting eagerly for the activity. I desire for a similar feeling for reading the scriptures. I can strengthen my genuine love for scriptures by a) praying for this feeling, b) exercising my faith in the scriptures, c) documenting my testimony of the scriptures an my love for the gospel, so I can look at this often, and d) associating scripture study with something perhaps more exciting, and possibly including small rewards, at least until I come to the point where study alone is reward enough (kind of like puppy training).

What are the things you think are most essential to a disciple's journey?
              I think the things most essential to a disciple's journey are: gospel study, temple worship, church callings, hastening the work, reaching out to others, service, education, developing talents, virtuous and pure lifestyle, strong relationship with Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and Holy Ghost, strengthening family relationships and bonds, and creating a spiritual place where the Holy Ghost is welcome.

How well are you focusing on the "essential things" in your life?
                 I usually just go through my day in my regular routine, and that is usually going to school, eating, attending any event I have scheduled, scripture study, pray, and prepare in morning and for bed. I spend limited time pondering gospel concepts, unless instructed to do so.

How could you make the essential things more of a focus?
                  More faithful scripture study and implement gospel beliefs into daily activities and thoughts. If certain activities draw away from Spirit or distract from gospel study, they should be removed from my schedule.

Why does Satan want you to fill your life with things not essential to your spiritual progression?
               He wants us to be distracted from our eternal goal. If we get too involved in activities that draw us away from the Spirit, we will fall off the path.

Thank you for reading this, and I hope this got you thinking about the real goals in your life.
I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
  

Part 2: Being Christlike Towards People in Word, Action, and in Thought

Continuing to live more Christlike... I have a talk from Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, who speaks to us on developing Christlike attributes.

"The scriptures describe a number of Christlike attributes we need to develop during the course of our lives. They include knowledge and humility, charity and love, obedience and diligence, faith and hope. These personal character qualities stand independent of the organizational status of our Church unit, our economic circumstances, our family situation, culture, race, or language. Christlike attributes are gifts from God. They cannot be developed without His help. The one help we all need is given to us freely through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Having faith in Jesus Christ and in His Atonement means relying completely on Him—trusting in His infinite power, intelligence, and love. Christlike attributes come into our lives as we exercise our agency righteously. Faith in Jesus Christ leads to action. When we have faith in Christ, we trust the Lord enough to follow His commandments—even when we do not completely understand the reasons for them. In seeking to become more like the Savior, we need to reevaluate our lives regularly and rely, through the path of true repentance, upon the merits of Jesus Christ and the blessings of His Atonement.

By becoming more like the Savior, we will grow in our ability to “abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost” (Rom. 15:13). We will “lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better” (D&C 25:10).

This leads me back to my aerodynamic analogy from the beginning. I spoke of focusing on the basics. Christlike attributes are the basics. They are the fundamental principles that will create “the wind beneath our wings.” As we develop Christlike attributes in our own lives, step-by-step, they will “bear [us] up as on eagles’ wings” (D&C 124:18). Our faith in Jesus Christ will provide power and a strong forward thrust; our unwavering and active hope will provide a powerful upward lift. Both faith and hope will carry us across oceans of temptations, over mountains of afflictions, and bring us safely back to our eternal home and destination" - Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Christlike Attributes - the Wind Beneath Our Wings, General Conference October 2005

Patience
One Christlike Attribute that is essential to us reaching our full spiritual potential is patience. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf speaks on patience in the following video.

Continue in Patience

Patience requires that we obey God's commandments and faithfully wait for His will to be fulfilled.

http://mediasrv.lds.org/media-services/size/1267082944001/720/404/1033461.mp4

Mosiah 24: 15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord. 

2 Peter 1:6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness

  I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

To conclude, I have definitely appreciated today's challenge to be more patient with others and not be easily provoked. I urge you to also pursue this challenge, and I thank you for acknowledging my efforts to share what I have discovered! I am very excited for Trek this week and EFY next week, even though I won't be able to blog every day like I am now.

~Sarah Foote

 

 

Part 1: Being Christlike Towards People in Word, Action, and in Thought

Once again, I borrowed this theme from the Pre-Trek Intensive. Today I focused on pondering the way I treat people, how patient I am , if I am easily provoked, and how I can specifically improve in these areas. I am trying to view every person I am with as Christ would view them.

"How can I develop Christlike love?

The pure love of Christ, known as charity, is the highest, noblest, and strongest kind of love and the most joyous to the soul. Jesus Christ is the perfect example of charity. In His mortal ministry, He “went about doing good,” showing tender compassion for the poor, afflicted, and distressed. To obtain Christlike love, we must seek it, pray for it, and follow the example of the Savior in our thoughts, words, and deeds."

(I borrowed some of the following from a lesson in the Young Men Manual)

Others have shown Christlike love towards me when they go out of their way to serve me, whether it is by bringing me cookies or just smiling at me when I am having a bad day. This has a tremendously great effect on me, in that I feel loved and accepted. Instead of feeling left out, I realize that I am cared for. I have felt Christlike love whenever someone genuinely shows their appreciation for me. I have developed Christlike love for others by thinking about how Christ would treat them. We are all sons and daughters of Heavenly Father, and our older Brother wants us to love each other.

We have opportunities to show Christlike love every time we see someone in need of a friend. If there is a brand-new student at school, a new face at church, or a new co-worker, we should make them feel welcome. If someone is going through difficult trials, we should offer our service and love. It is important that we learn how to love others as Christ did because Christ wants us to use our talents and knowledge for the work of God, and that is loving others and hastening the conversion of members.

Prayerfully study the following scriptures, talks, and videos and ponder how you can reach out to the people you see every day.

• 1 Samuel 16:7   But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. 
• Luke 10:30–37  30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
   31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
   32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
   33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
   34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
   35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
   36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
  37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
• video “Parable of the Good Samaritan”

• Luke 23:33–34  33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.        34 ¶Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. 

• John 15:9–13  9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.                                                                              11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.                                                                                                                         12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.               13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 

• 1 John 4:7–11, 18–21   7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.                                                                         8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.                                                            9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.                                                         10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.                                                                                                11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
  ...
  18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.                                                                                        19 We love him, because he first loved us.                                                                              20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?                       
  21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.   
• Moroni 7:45–48  45 And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
   46 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—
   47 But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.
   48 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.

"There are many attributes which are manifestations of love, such as kindness, patience, selflessness, understanding, and forgiveness. In all our associations, these and other such attributes will help make evident the love in our hearts.

Usually our love will be shown in our day-to-day interactions one with another. All important will be our ability to recognize someone’s need and then to respond. I have always cherished the sentiment expressed in the short poem:

      I have wept in the night

      For the shortness of sight

      That to somebody’s need made me blind;

      But I never have yet

      Felt a tinge of regret

      For being a little too kind...
Every day of our lives we are given opportunities to show love and kindness to those around us. Said President Spencer W. Kimball: “We must remember that those mortals we meet in parking lots, offices, elevators, and elsewhere are that portion of mankind God has given us to love and to serve. It will do us little good to speak of the general brotherhood of mankind if we cannot regard those who are all around us as our brothers and sisters.”...Brothers and sisters, some of our greatest opportunities to demonstrate our love will be within the walls of our own homes. Love should be the very heart of family life, and yet sometimes it is not. There can be too much impatience, too much arguing, too many fights, too many tears. Lamented President Gordon B. Hinckley: “Why is it that the [ones] we love [most] become so frequently the targets of our harsh words? Why is it that [we] sometimes speak as if with daggers that cut to the quick?” The answers to these questions may be different for each of us, and yet the bottom line is that the reasons do not matter. If we would keep the commandment to love one another, we must treat each other with kindness and respect...
I would hope that we would strive always to be considerate and to be sensitive to the thoughts and feelings and circumstances of those around us. Let us not demean or belittle. Rather, let us be compassionate and encouraging. We must be careful that we do not destroy another person’s confidence through careless words or actions. Forgiveness should go hand in hand with love. In our families, as well as with our friends, there can be hurt feelings and disagreements. Again, it doesn’t really matter how small the issue was. It cannot and should not be left to canker, to fester, and ultimately to destroy. Blame keeps wounds open. Only forgiveness heals...

Love is expressed in many recognizable ways: a smile, a wave, a kind comment, a compliment. Other expressions may be more subtle, such as showing interest in another’s activities, teaching a principle with kindness and patience, visiting one who is ill or homebound. These words and actions and many others can communicate love.

Dale Carnegie, a well-known American author and lecturer, believed that each person has within himself or herself the “power to increase the sum total of [the] world’s happiness … by giving a few words of sincere appreciation to someone who is lonely or discouraged.” Said he, “Perhaps you will forget tomorrow the kind words you say today, but the recipient may cherish them over a lifetime.”¹²

May we begin now, this very day, to express love to all of God’s children, whether they be our family members, our friends, mere acquaintances, or total strangers. As we arise each morning, let us determine to respond with love and kindness to whatever might come our way.

Beyond comprehension, my brothers and sisters, is the love of God for us. Because of this love, He sent His Son, who loved us enough to give His life for us, that we might have eternal life. As we come to understand this incomparable gift, our hearts will be filled with love for our Eternal Father, for our Savior, and for all mankind. That such may be so is my earnest prayer in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen."

---Thomas S. Monson, “Love—the Essence of the Gospel,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 91–94

"When the Lord requires that we forgive all men, that includes forgiving ourselves. Sometimes, of all the people in the world, the one who is the hardest to forgive—as well as perhaps the one who is most in need of our forgiveness—is the person looking back at us in the mirror.

This topic of judging others could actually be taught in a two-word sermon. When it comes to hating, gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding grudges, or wanting to cause harm, please apply the following:

Stop it!

It’s that simple. We simply have to stop judging others and replace judgmental thoughts and feelings with a heart full of love for God and His children. God is our Father. We are His children. We are all brothers and sisters. I don’t know exactly how to articulate this point of not judging others with sufficient eloquence, passion, and persuasion to make it stick. I can quote scripture, I can try to expound doctrine, and I will even quote a bumper sticker I recently saw. It was attached to the back of a car whose driver appeared to be a little rough around the edges, but the words on the sticker taught an insightful lesson. It read, “Don’t judge me because I sin differently than you.”

We must recognize that we are all imperfect—that we are beggars before God. Haven’t we all, at one time or another, meekly approached the mercy seat and pleaded for grace? Haven’t we wished with all the energy of our souls for mercy—to be forgiven for the mistakes we have made and the sins we have committed?

Because we all depend on the mercy of God, how can we deny to others any measure of the grace we so desperately desire for ourselves? My beloved brothers and sisters, should we not forgive as we wish to be forgiven?...

Forgiving ourselves and others is not easy. In fact, for most of us it requires a major change in our attitude and way of thinking—even a change of heart. But there is good news. This “mighty change” of heart is exactly what the gospel of Jesus Christ is designed to bring into our lives.

How is it done? Through the love of God.

When our hearts are filled with the love of God, something good and pure happens to us. We “keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world.”

The more we allow the love of God to govern our minds and emotions—the more we allow our love for our Heavenly Father to swell within our hearts—the easier it is to love others with the pure love of Christ. As we open our hearts to the glowing dawn of the love of God, the darkness and cold of animosity and envy will eventually fade.

As always, Christ is our exemplar. In His teachings as in His life, He showed us the way. He forgave the wicked, the vulgar, and those who sought to hurt and to do Him harm.

Jesus said it is easy to love those who love us; even the wicked can do that. But Jesus Christ taught a higher law. His words echo through the centuries and are meant for us today. They are meant for all who desire to be His disciples. They are meant for you and me: “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”

When our hearts are filled with the love of God, we become “kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving [each other], even as God for Christ’s sake [forgave us].”

The pure love of Christ can remove the scales of resentment and wrath from our eyes, allowing us to see others the way our Heavenly Father sees us: as flawed and imperfect mortals who have potential and worth far beyond our capacity to imagine. Because God loves us so much, we too must love and forgive each other...

Lay your burden at the Savior’s feet. Let go of judgment. Allow Christ’s Atonement to change and heal your heart. Love one another. Forgive one another.

The merciful will obtain mercy."

---Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Merciful Obtain Mercy,” Ensign orLiahona, May 2012, 70–77

The Savior taught through example. He taught His disciples to pray by praying with them. He taught them how to teach His gospel by the way He taught it. He taught them to love and serve by the way He loved and served them.

Video: “Help Us Discover the Gospel”

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

There is more to come soon on being more Christlike in all of our actions, words, and thoughts towards others!

Standards for Music, Movies, Magazines, and Other Media

Lately, I have been contemplating what the best way is to decide if the media surrounding me is acceptable in my Father's view. Obviously, if the Savior showed up in my house, I would want to feel comfortable with the music and movies playing. But how do we know whether the books on our shelves are safe? This talk exhibits some interesting analogies, and also ways to guide our media choices.

Mushrooms, Music, Movies, and Magazines

 by Elder Spencer J. Condie

of the Second Quorum of the Seventy

Some are tasty. Some are toxic. Knowing the difference is a matter of life and death.

"The story is told of a man on death row who was approached by the warden on the night before his scheduled execution. “What would you like for your last meal?” the warden asked.

After a moment’s thought, the condemned man replied, “I’d like a big plate of cooked mushrooms. Until now, I haven’t dared eat any!”

My wife and I love mushrooms, and several years ago, while shopping in an Austrian supermarket, we were surprised to see two cans of mushrooms of the same size with different labels and a big difference in price. When we asked a store clerk what the difference was between the 13-schilling can and the 20-schilling can, he replied with a smile: “The ones for 20 schillings are guaranteed not to be poisonous.” If you had been in our shoes, which would you have chosen?

There are hundreds of species of mushrooms, and many of them are not only edible but delicious. Mushroom hunting is a favorite family activity in many parts of the world, but mushroom hunters must be aware that between 70 and 80 varieties of mushrooms are poisonous. Some of them are fatal.

Among the safe mushrooms is the common meadow mushroom or champignon found in nearly every neighborhood grocery store. Deep fried, sauteed, served in soups and gravies, or simply topping a pizza, it is not only safe to eat, but delicious.

Poisoners

Among the poisonous mushrooms is the Omphalotus illudens or “jack-o’-lantern” mushroom. The body reacts to its poison very quickly with violent nausea and vomiting. Because of this immediate reaction, the “jack-o’-lantern” is not fatal.

A much more dangerous mushroom is the Amanita phalloides, or “destroying angel.” Just one or two in a batch of two dozen can poison an entire family. Because it tastes like an edible mushroom and has no immediate effect, the victim keeps on eating. Then, six to fifteen hours later, when it is digested and its poisons have entered the bloodstream, the victim experiences severe nausea and cramps and unquenchable thirst. Eventually it destroys the liver. There is no known antidote, and the fatality rate is about 90 percent.

Then there are the “doubtfuls” and the “look-alikes.” An example of a doubtful mushroom is the Russula emetica. Most of the older mushroom literature classifies it as poisonous, but some of the modern mushroom hunters say it is edible. Whom do you believe? (Clue: emetica means “causing vomiting.”)

“Look-alikes”—toxic types that resemble edible varieties—are responsible for most cases of mushroom poisoning. For example, the poisonous “jack-o’-lantern” can be mistaken for the “brick cap,” a tasty, edible mushroom common in eastern North America. And people who have been poisoned by the deadly “death cup” thought they were picking an edible mushroom that looks very similar.

Mushrooms, music, etc.

Music, movies, and magazines have a lot in common with mushrooms. For example, they come in countless varieties. Just as some mushrooms are edible and desirable and nutritious, certain kinds of music, movies, and magazines provide nutrition for the soul as they edify, entertain, and uplift.

And just as there are different kinds of poisonous mushrooms, so are there different kinds of music, movies, and magazines that poison the spirits of men and women. Some of these poisons are very much like jack-o’-lantern mushrooms because their impact is so repulsive and objectionable that we immediately reject them.

But there are other kinds of music, movies, and magazines that work very much like the “destroying angel”; that is, at first we have no idea that what we are listening to or watching or reading is slowly and surely poisoning our very souls.

Often we hear people comment on different entertainments, and we will hear something like, “This tape by the Dirty Gym Sox has ten good songs and only two bad ones.” Or, “It was a great movie (or video), with only two or three bad scenes.” Or, “Most of the articles in this magazine are very interesting and insightful.” But in 1988, only a few toxic mushrooms in a whole dishful put five Oregon people in the hospital on the verge of death.

Telling the good from the bad

Moroni tells us that “the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ” (Moro. 7:16).

Just as mushroom hunters develop safety checklists regarding the color, size, and shape of edible and poisonous mushrooms, our loving and protective Heavenly Father has provided us with several checklists to determine whether the things we view, listen to, and read are poisonous or wholesome.

1. The thirteenth article of faith [A of F 1:13]. Just ask yourself, Is this virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy? If so, “seek after these things.”
2. In Doctrine and Covenants 45:32 the Lord says: “But my disciples shall stand in holy places, and shall not be moved” [D&C 45:32] (emphasis added). With the music you play, the videos and TV programs you watch, and the magazines you have lying around, is your home a holy place? Would you feel comfortable if the bishop or stake president were to walk into your family room while you were listening to music or watching TV or a video? Would they feel comfortable in your home?
3. In his Sermon on the Mount, the Savior admonishes us to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness (Matt. 6:33). He did not suggest that we just keep the gospel in the “top ten.” He lovingly encourages us to make the gospel the top priority in our lives.
4. In the very closing verses of the Book of Mormon, Moroni extends the invitation to “come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness” (Moro. 10:32; emphasis added). The real question is not whether heavy metal is worse than hard rock or whether certain TV programs are worse than certain movies. If we wish to avoid being poisoned spiritually, we must ask: Is this music, movie, TV show, or literature ungodly? For example, does it leave me feeling unworthy to approach my Heavenly Father in sincere prayer?
5. The Apostle Paul gave the Thessalonians some great counsel that would protect them, and us, from the poisons of the world. “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thes. 5:21–22; emphasis added).

Remember, the same principles that keep mushroom hunters alive will help you stay alive spiritually. Beware of dangerous look-alikes; if it’s doubtful, avoid it. (It has been said that there are old mushroom hunters and there are bold mushroom hunters, but there are no old, bold mushroom hunters.) Remember, too, that sometimes the slowest poisons are the most deadly. Above all, continue to develop your own growing, personalized checklist. Together with the guidance of the Holy Ghost, it will always help you to judge between the poisonous and the wholesome."

After reading this, I am going to go through my music, clothes, books, and movies for anything ungodly or inappropriate. And not just because that is one of my Pre-Trek Intensive Challenges. I advise you to ponder the things that you surround yourself with. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. Thank you, and have a delightful Sunday evening!

True Conversion

Conversion to the true Church of Jesus Christ is a very important process essential to us returning to our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son. Many people don't realize that this process continues past the initial steps of baptism and confirmation. To remain on the strait and narrow path to our Heavenly Father in His Kingdom, we must stay true and faithful according to His gospel. This talk from the April 2014 General Conference illustrates the importance of conversion within yourself after baptism.

Let’s Not Take the Wrong Way

By Elder Claudio D. Zivic

Of the Seventy

"I pray that we will not lose sight of the way so that we may always be connected with the heavens.

By Elder Claudio D. Zivic

A little boy was practicing the piano, and a salesman, upon seeing him through the window, asked, “Is your mother home?”

To which the child replied, “And … what do you think?”

Our five dear children play the piano, thanks to the motivation of my wife! When the teacher arrived at our home, our son Adrián would run and hide in order to skip his lesson. But one day something marvelous occurred! He began to love music so much that he continued practicing on his own.

If we could reach that point in the process of our conversion, it would be marvelous. It would be wonderful to have a desire deep in our hearts to keep the commandments without anyone constantly reminding us and to have a firm conviction that if we follow the right path, we will have the blessings promised in the scriptures.

Several years ago I went to Arches National Park with my wife; our daughter, Evelin; and a family friend. One of the most famous arches there is called Delicate Arch. We decided to walk about 1.5 miles (2 km), climbing the mountain in order to reach the arch.

We started off on our pathway with great enthusiasm, but after walking a short stretch, the others needed to rest. Because of my desire to get there, I decided to continue on alone. Without paying attention to the path I ought to take, I followed a man in front of me who seemed to be moving forward with great surety. The pathway became more and more difficult, and I had to jump from one rock to another. Because of the difficulty, I was sure the women in my group would never make it. Suddenly I saw Delicate Arch, but to my great surprise, I saw that it was in an area inaccessible to me.

With great frustration, I decided to go back. I waited impatiently until we met up again. My immediate question was “Did you reach Delicate Arch?” They happily told me that they had. They explained that they had followed the signs showing the way, and with care and effort, they had reached their destination.

Unfortunately, I had taken the wrong way. What a great lesson I learned that day!

How often do we make a mistake about the right way, letting ourselves be led along by the trends of the world? We need to continually ask ourselves if we are being doers of the words of Jesus Christ.

A marvelous teaching is found in the book of John:

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:4–5).

Using this analogy, we can see the very close, transcendent relationship we have with Jesus Christ and the importance He places on each one of us. He is the root and the trunk that conducts the living water to us, the sap that will allow us to be nourished so that we can produce much fruit. Jesus Christ taught us in such a way that as branches—or beings dependent upon Him—we would never underestimate the value of His teachings.

There are some mistakes that may be serious, and if we do not correct them in time, they can permanently lead us off the right path. If we repent and accept correction, these experiences will allow us to humble ourselves, change our actions, and once again draw closer to our Heavenly Father.

I want to give an example of this concept by making reference to one of the most dramatic moments that the Prophet Joseph Smith experienced. Through this experience, the Savior has given us invaluable teachings regarding principles that we ought to keep in mind throughout our lives. It happened when Martin Harris lost the 116 translated pages of the first part of the Book of Mormon.

After repenting for not following God’s counsel, the Prophet received the revelation that is found in section 3 of the Doctrine and Covenants (see Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 69–71). From what is written in verses 1 to 10, I wish to highlight three principles that we should always remember:

The works and the purposes of God cannot be frustrated.

We must not fear man more than God.

There is a need of constant repentance.

In verse 13, the Lord teaches us four actions that we should never do:

Set at naught the counsels of God.

Break the most sacred promises made before God.

Depend upon our own judgment.

Boast in our own wisdom.

I pray that we will not lose sight of the way so that we may always be connected with the heavens, so that the currents of the world do not sweep us away.

If any one of you reaches the point of abandoning the Lord’s way—at any point along that way—with great remorse you will feel the bitterness of having set at naught the counsels of God, of having broken the most sacred promises made before God, of having trusted in your own judgment, or of having boasted in your own wisdom.

If this is the case, I exhort you to repent and come back to the right way.

One time a grandchild called his grandfather to wish him a happy birthday. He asked him how old he was. He said that he had reached 70 years. His grandson thought for a moment and then asked, “Grandpa, did you start all the way back at 1?”

During childhood and youth, people think they will never become old; the idea of death never takes root—that is for very, very old people—and reaching that point is still an eternity away. As time goes on, months and seasons go by until the wrinkles begin to appear, energy is reduced, the need for doctor visits becomes more frequent, and so on.

The day will come in which we shall again meet up with our Redeemer and Savior, Jesus Christ. I plead that on that sacred and sublime occasion we can recognize Him because of the knowledge we have of Him and because of having followed His teachings. He will show us the marks in His hands and feet, and we will join together in a lasting embrace, weeping for joy at having followed His way.

I testify to the four ends of the earth that Jesus Christ lives. He exhorts us, “Hearken, O ye nations of the earth, and hear the words of that God who made you” (D&C 43:23). May we have the capacity to grasp, give heed to, comprehend, and correctly interpret the message of “that God who made [us]” so as not to stray from His way, I plead in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

I have also been praying every morning and evening that I may have a conversion during the Pioneer Trek in 5 days. I have experienced true conversion occur countless times when we are separated from the modern worldly ways and put through trials. I personally hope that I can be strengthened every day by my Savior, and that I can hold to the rod to safety. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Preparing for Summer!

Summer. The time for relaxation, vacations, family bonding, and of course, projects. The summer of 2015 will be especially busy for me, with 8th grade Promotion, Pioneer Trek Youth Conference, EFY, Online Math Course, Girls Camp, etc. I am extremely excited, albeit very stressed by the preparation required. Not to mention all of the crazy end-of-the-school-year, "Oh-we-better-not-let-the-students-enjoy-their-last-few-weeks-of-school-they-should-have-to-work-twice-as-hard-now" projects. I am so grateful for the Pioneer Trek Prep Daily Challenges, which have strengthened me and will be of benefit on the trek. I am also grateful for the EFY 2015 Playlist- Anxiously Engaged (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v27TJmwu58s). It is now my favorite thing to listen to when I get home and start my homework. (My personal favorite songs are I Am Enough and Silver Lining). Finally, I am glad I was able to attend the Stake Round Robin to work on Certification Requirements. The only thing that could make this vacay better would be an extra month or two to relax. Actually, be careful what you wish for. Sometimes I can get too relaxed, which leads to boredom. Anyways, for now I am going to continue preparing for SUMMER!


What time is it? Summertime!