Mormon Bloggers

I think too often, we think of charity as this grand thing that is only put into action by large-scale demonstrations.  We seem to place simple love out of our own reach.  But, as Neal A. Maxwell said, even God’s love is “macro-love with micro-manifestations!”  None of us has true charity as Jesus Christ did, and I don’t think we will any time soon.  But that doesn’t absolve us from the duty, and from the privilege of putting our “widow’s mite” in the coffer.  A smile?  A handshake?  Giving the benefit of the doubt?Maybe we’re don’t have perfect love.  But He does.  I know He’s more than willing to give it to us if we agree to pass it along. Can’t we just be a little…kind? In others’ words…“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.  If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”  -Dalai Lama The best portion of a good man’s... Read the rest of this entry »

I’ve been thinking lately about how much little things really do make a difference in my life, particularly in the interactions I have with people. When I’m having a bad day, the smallest, simplest kindness can make all the difference in my world. I also notice how I feel when I try to do the little things. But, too often, I let little things get to me, or I don’t make that small effort to show some kindness to someone. This video reminds me to be a little more kind.  Read More →

“He Held His Peace” Recently I viewed “His Sacred Name: An Easter Declaration,” which is a short video, produced by the Church, in honor of Easter. One phrase in the video, taken from the book of Mark, caught and held my attention: “[He] held His peace.” As I pondered that particular choice of words, it occurred to me that the wording could have been different, “He held His tongue,” or, “He kept quiet,” or “He refused to protest,” or any number of other phrases describing the Lord’s serenity, but the apostle simply stated, “He held His peace.” What a truly profound phrase it is. I reflected on the power of His peace in my life. There was a time, not too long ago, when peace was beyond my grasp. I cherished a particular hope I believed to be worthy, and I felt I had every right to expect its fulfillment. Then, as a part of the Lord’s plan of refinement for me, the realization of that particular hope was withheld. As my plans turned to dust and... Read the rest of this entry »

On the way to seminary each morning, we listen to scripture mastery songs to help my high school freshman memorize them. This week’s scripture is D&C 88:123-124. Verse 124 (“Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to sleep longer than is needful…”) is well known to me as it was the subject of my very first talk in church, a “concert recitation” in Sunday School on a Fast Sunday several months after our family’s baptism back when I was about nine. But what has caught my ear this week came from verse 123: “learn to impart one to another as the gospel requires.” What does the gospel require us to impart one to another? The injunction follows the charge to cease to be covetous, which also intrigues me. Does that suggest that when I fail to share my substance with another that I am coveting? I believe so. And do I relieve my responsibility to impart one to another by paying my fast offerings and tithing? I believe I do not. To be sure there is one element... Read the rest of this entry »

The Blessings of the 13th Article of Faith We live in some of the most challenging times in the history of the world: Nephi, describing what he saw, in vision, of our day, was incredibly accurate when he spoke of the fountain of filthy water, and the mists of darkness which lead people astray: 1 Nephi 12: 16-17. I’m guessing you could all come up with a pretty grim list of filth and mist; a veritable minefield which we have to navigate through carefully, on a daily basis Chap. 14: 17 is exciting because we live in a day when the blessings of the covenant are made available to us–[LDS] Church coming out of obscurity: Elder Maxwell had this to say about our emerging visibility as members of the LDS Church: “Among other things, the past obscurity of the Church is giving way to visibility. The Lord described how He will bring His latter-day work “forth out of obscurity and out of darkness.” Thus, as foreseen, Christ and His work are becoming a light which can no longer... Read the rest of this entry »

You’ve got a problem. I know you have a problem. Your family knows you’ve got a problem. Everyone seems to know you’ve got a problem. Everyone, that is, but you. What does one do in such a situation? How do we help someone who does not want to be helped? In Mosiah we learn that we are to mourn with those that mourn and bear one another’s burdens. How do we live that teaching, especially when the person who needs help won’t get it? The issue is that you are likely to come to me for help. But it will be help for problems that you could solve if you’d solve your core problem. But you don’t see the core problem. Or you see it and won’t do anything about it. King Benjamin teaches we ought to offer help whenever it is requested without judgment of the person seeking help. Does that mean I give the help I’m asked to give, or I try to solve the root problem? At least one of the reasons King Benjamin gives for his direction to help... Read the rest of this entry »

I came across Moroni 7:40-48 this morning.  Our Mission President (Vernon Bingham – Tegucigalpa, Honduras 1983-1985) had us read this scripture passage every morning.  He said that if at least one companion had true charity, there would be no strife.  He had a point. I found that each missionary companion got better than the last, and at some point realized it was more because I internalized these principles rather than the companions conveniently getting better (except for my last, who became a life-long best friend – love ‘ya Missy). 40And again, my beloved brethren, I would speak unto you concerning hope. How is it that ye can attain unto faith, save ye shall have hope?  41And what is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise.  42Wherefore,... Read the rest of this entry »

So I really love to learn.  There is just something about being able to wrap your mind around a new concept that I really love.  I’m not really a very smart person, but I do enjoy trying and working to learn new things.  I have always enjoyed going to school for as long as I can remember.  I enjoyed being homeschooled for the first many years of my life because I remember how I could learn at my own pace and focus on subjects that I particularly enjoyed.  Then when I got to high school, I practically lived at the school since I was so involved and did as much as I possibly could with school and other extra-curricular activities.  I think that one reason that I have wanted to be a teacher is because I enjoy being in school where there is always a learning environment.  In my last post, I talked about some of the changes that have come into my life, and I have had many various experiences already that have helped me to grow and learn for which I am... Read the rest of this entry »

So I really love to learn.  There is just something about being able to wrap your mind around a new concept that I really love.  I’m not really a very smart person, but I do enjoy trying and working to learn new things.  I have always enjoyed going to school for as long as I can remember.  I enjoyed being homeschooled for the first many years of my life because I remember how I could learn at my own pace and focus on subjects that I particularly enjoyed.  Then when I got to high school, I practically lived at the school since I was so involved and did as much as I possibly could with school and other extra-curricular activities.  I think that one reason that I have wanted to be a teacher is because I enjoy being in school where there is always a learning environment.  In my last post, I talked about some of the changes that have come into my life, and I have had many various experiences already that have helped me to grow and learn for which I am... Read the rest of this entry »

I apologize for the last post. I’m simplifying.  I will return to the real purpose of this blog and minimize my own commentary (soap-boxing) on the quotes I provide.  I can’t really say it any better anyway.  I am reprimanded by the words of a favorite author of mine, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.  In his book The Little Prince, the title character so truly teaches (as I have now illustrated): “Grown-ups never understand anything for themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them.” Saint-Exupéry was a French pilot during WWII.  In spite of his involvement on behalf of his country, he despised war and viewed life with the eye of a poet.  He wrote much concerning charity, which the prophet Mormon defines as “the pure love of Christ.” The insights of Saint-Exupéry are simple but profound.  For fear of saying anything to detract from  their greatness, I will refrain... Read the rest of this entry »

This blog post really covers two related topics.  General philosophies of today, and money in regards to the LDS (Mormon) Church. Two months ago I entered an online challenge to finish the Book of Mormon in four months.  This is not my typical ponder, take time and take notes pace.  I was ready for the Book of Mormon.  I’m fond of the Old Testament, but it takes a lot of reading to find the powerful moments.  To my surprise this quicker Book of Mormon read-through has been enjoyable. Yesterday I came across this exchange between Alma and Korihor in the book of Alma.  It sounded remarkably similar, not because I read it before but because people today express similar sentiments.  Unfortunately, Korihor sounds like one person who is near and dear to my heart.  This is a longer quote than I typically use on this blog, but tell me if these views do not correlate to ones you hear expressed today? Alma 30:11-35 11 For there was a law that men... Read the rest of this entry »

I love watching the joy on this young woman’s face as she talks about receiving new legs from missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The video below shares how Mayerlinth receives a set of prosthetic legs, which enable her to walk again after being struck by a vehicle over ten years ago.  Read More →