Construction and Criticism

Something that I struggle with at times is taking advice from others. So this post is more for myself than perhaps anyone else.

In athletics it is common to have a coach of sorts who helps you to fix things you are doing wrong. There are other reasons for coaches but this is definitely a main focus. As the athlete, you have to learn to listen to what your coach says and then change how you perform a certain thing. For me, it's always been easy to listen to most of my coaches. However, I have had coaches who I felt like didn't know what they were talking about. It is very difficult to follow what they say when you feel like you know better.

The same principle applies to our spiritual athleticism. It's often easy to take advice from someone we respect and admire but difficult when it comes from others. When we feel like we have had more experience it is hard to listen to what they say without becoming defensive. The truth is that we should listen carefully to all criticism and look for the truth in what they are saying. We shouldn't become defensive or begin attacking their weaknesses as if that would somehow make it better.

I know that it's difficult. It is something I have a tough time with. But I know that the principles are true. Hopefully we can begin to self-construct rather that self-destruct and build each other up as well.

See also: Job 5:17

Tools and Swords

As the Jews rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem Nehemiah recounts, "They which builded on the wall . . . every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon." (Nehemiah 4:17)

I found this scripture applicable to our day because here we are trying to build up Zion, the New Jerusalem (see Articles of Faith 1:10), and Satan is constantly attacking us. Therefore, we must have the tools necessary to build Zion in one hand and the weapons to fend off Satan in the other. It's important though that we don't put our tools down and allow warring with the adversary to occupy all of our time. And it's equally important to never lay our weapons down because we must always be ready to defend ourselves and the truth.

Hydrate or Die

Water (also known as H2O) is essential. Our bodies require it for a plethora of different functions. I had a great scout leader who would always advise us to hydrate or die when we would go on hikes or things of that nature.

Drinking water is necessary when playing sports, especially in warm climates. As bodies undergo physical exertion they begin to sweat. As this sweat evaporates it cools our bodies down. If we do not have enough fluids in us this process cannot happen which leads to dangerous circumstances.

The same principle applies to our spiritual well-being. We have got to stay hydrated with Christ, the living water. Christ said of Himself, "But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."

Living Water. Is it in you?

Links of an Eternal Chain

Many people in the world today have desires to find out their family history, where they came from. There is something satisfying about making connections with your ancestors. I experienced this when I read my great-grandfather's World War I diary. I felt like a hole was filled that I didn't know was there.

Elder Russel M. Nelson, an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, said, "Our inborn yearnings for family connections are fulfilled when we are linked to our ancestors through sacred ordinances of the temple."1

The picture above represents what a family chain looks like when the ordinances in the temple have not been completed. In order for a fullness of joy to be complete, everyone must be linked properly together.

Easter 2012

Easter Season is here once again. It is a great time of year to think about Christ. We had the great opportunity to attend a baptism this morning. This young sister was able to start anew and begin her journey back to our Father in Heaven. We all have that chance.

Because of Christ we can become clean from sin. Let us reflect this time of year on the gifts Jesus Christ gave us two thousand years ago and the gifts he continues to give us.

The Parable of the Soccer Coach

A parable of sorts:

A soccer coach by the name of Coach Shepard was looking forward to a start of a new season. His team, the Rams, recently had tryouts and things were looking good. Coach Shepard posted the results and talked to each member of his team. He complimented them on their hard work and dedication. He advised them that they were now on his team and would be required to play only for him and no one else. Some might think this unfair or maybe too controlling of Coach Shepard but he understood the importance of keeping his team unified and separate from any outside sources.

See Alma 5:57

Walls, Doors, and Windows

Life is like a big building. We travel from room to room until we make our exit. Behind each door of decision lies a consequence, for the good or the bad. The walls of the world hide these consequences. However, the Lord has given us the gift of the Holy Ghost which acts as a window. Through the Holy Ghost, the window of opportunity, we can better see the results of our actions and choices. So how do we get this gift?

In the Book of Acts we read that it must be conferred upon us, after baptism, by the laying on of hands by someone who holds the priesthood. Neither the priesthood nor the gift of the Holy Ghost can be bought with money as Peter teaches in the 8th chapter of Acts. Rather, it must be given from God (See Hebrews 5:4).

Once we have received the gift of the Holy Ghost we are promised that if we live worthily we will have that companionship always. When this is the case we can look through the windows of the building of life into the next room and thus make better decisions. Let us each strive to gain and retain this gift.

Go With Him Twain

Matthew 5:41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

The Doctrine of Christ

The following is a talk that I wrote for the Kalispell 3rd Ward's Sacrament Meeting about a month ago. I didn't get to share it all so I figured I would just put it on here. Sorry, but it'll just be in bullet point format. Here goes:

"Strengthening their understanding of the doctrine of Christ will do more to . . . build their excitement to do missionary work than anything else you can do." -Preach My Gospel pg. 161
What is the Doctrine of Christ?
2 Nephi 31:17-21 Note: Unshaken faith, repentance, baptism, Holy Ghost, Endure to the End.

Faith
Bible Dictionary: "Faith is to hope for things which are not seen, but which are true, and must be centered in Jesus Christ in order to produce salvation."
Pray with faith to be able to assist the Lord in this great work.
See Alma 31:26, 35. Note the difference from the beginning of Alma's prayer to the end? What was the turning point? Vs. 31 - "comfort my soul in Christ."

Repentance
"Our faith in Christ and our love for Him lead us to repent, or to change our thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that are not in harmony with His will." Preach My Gospel pg. 62

Baptism
When we are baptized we covenant to:
-Mourn with those that mourn
-Comfort those that stand in need of comfort
-Stand as a witness of God at all times, in all things, and in all places
In L. Tom Perry's talk, Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear, he says, "There are a number of things that we can do - that you can do - to advance an understanding of the Church." Some of those things include:
1. Be bold in our declaration of Jesus Christ
2. Be righteous examples to others
3. Speak up about the Church

Holy Ghost
The Holy Ghost will help us do missionary work. "If we listen with love, we won't need to wonder what to say. It will be given to us - by the Spirit and by our friends." -Elder Holland
John 14:26-27 Speaks about the Holy Ghost bringing things to our remembrance an and also bringing us peace.

Endure to the End
After doing all of this it is important that we don't stop. We must keep pressing forward looking toward Christ (2 Nephi 31:20). If we will continue on this path then we will have eternal life.

Ultimate: the Ultimate Game

Ultimate frisbee is one of my all-time favorite sports. We played it a lot during my high school years. I was never the best at throwing the disc, but I could catch it decent enough. However, there were others on the team that could throw it really well, but maybe weren't the best at catching.

The same goes for life. Nobody is the best at everything. Rather, we depend on each other to accomplish things we can't do on our own. I heard a quote recently that goes like this, "Everyone is your superior in at least one way." I believe that was attributed to Austin Goff, by the way. But I really like that. Each one of us has strengths and weaknesses and if we will work together we can accomplish great things.

Check out President Uchtdorf's talk on the subject by clicking right here.