Author: Stephanie Pack

Can Gospel Truths Be Found in the Declaration of Independence?

This 4th of July marks the signing of one of the most important documents in the history of the United States of America. That document was the foundation of over 200 years of sovereignty and liberty. That document is the Declaration of Independence, and on July 4th, 1776, it was signed by 55 men who had high hopes, as well as some reservations, for what the future of the country had in store.

This week, after getting reacquainted with this amazing document, I learned something else about it. I found that it helps me understand a certain aspect of the gospel, namely my constant war against sin and the natural man.

Let me present to you the Declaration of Independence from the Natural Man.

In the Declaration, it talks about the need and the right to separate from the oppressive British government. It then goes on to describe various ways that the crown has abused its power and caused strife in the American colonies. While reading this, I thought about the natural man. I thought of the oppression I suffer because of my mistakes and weaknesses. They truly are a burden to me, and I simply can’t progress with the natural man holding me back. I think Neal A. Maxwell put it best when he said:

“The natural man is truly God’s enemy, because the natural man will keep God’s precious children from true and everlasting happiness. Our full happiness requires our becoming the men and women of Christ.”1

The Declaration makes a clear and penetrating point; “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.”2 What Neal A. Maxwell was stating is that the natural man inhibits our pursuit of happiness. It inhibits our becoming the men and women of Christ. How does it do that? The natural man turns inward instead of outward. When we choose to be influenced by the passions, desires, appetites, and senses of the flesh rather than by the promptings of the Holy Spirit, we are choosing death, slavery, and perpetual unhappiness. “To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life eternal” (2 Nephi 9:39). We understand very well the oppression of sin and the injustices of the natural man, but the Declaration of Independence had something very interesting to say concerning most people’s’ response to these abuses. “…all experience hath shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.”2 We get used to suffering to the point where we don’t right what’s wrong. Can the same be said for our complacency with sin or unrighteous behavior?

So, what is to be done? Well, the Declaration tells us. “But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security.”2 My friends, it is time to declare independence. Neal A. Maxwell asserts that it is what we must do:

“Just as Jesus warned that some evil spirits would come out only with “prayer and fasting” (Matt. 17:21), the “natural man” does not come off without difficulty either. Of this personal battle, the Lord has urged us to so live that we would “come off conqueror” (D&C 10:5). But we cannot “come off conqueror,” except we first “put off” the selfish, natural man!”1

How do we do it? Well, here are three examples of things you can do to declare independence from the natural man.

1. Recognize the abuses

The whole point of a Declaration of Independence is to “declare the causes which impel them to the separation.”2 Make a list. Spell it out. Make it perfectly clear how the natural man besets you. Where are your weak points? Where do you want to improve? How has the natural man made your life harder? How would putting off the natural man make it easier? How has sin enslaved you? How can you be made free? You want to make it perfectly clear to yourself and to the adversary the exact reasons WHY you are choosing to be rid of your natural man. What has the Declaration of Independence done for our country? It’s just an old document written for different times. Why does it matter? Because years and years of freedom fighting, liberty seeking, and happiness pursuing have come from it. It’s our foundation that we have been building on for over two centuries. So what is your foundation? How will you gain your freedom? Put it in writing, and base every decision in life off of what you have declared.

2. Declare independence every week during the sacrament.

The sacrament was instituted as a way for us to renew our covenants we have made with God. That means that every week we have a chance to recommit to being men and women of Christ. It’s just the strategy we need to put off the natural man. Every time we take the sacrament, we become that much closer to our eventual independence from the natural man. THIS IS A BIG DEAL. God has provided us with a weekly opportunity to put off the natural man. This is a must-have strategy in our battle for independence from sin. As you partake of the sacrament, pray that you won’t fall into the trap of the natural man. Reaffirm your resolve to becoming a man or woman in Christ.

3. Secure the blessing of liberty for yourself and your posterity.

In the pursuit of our our freedom from sin, we will be laying the groundwork for our future. If we develop within ourselves a consistency in putting off the natural man, it will be seen by our families. It is imperative that you set the example of a person doing their best to put off the natural man and secure their liberty from all things carnal, sensual, and devilish. Your example will set the pace for those that come after you, for those who look up to you.

The Founding Fathers built this country with us in mind. They strived to create a country they would be proud to leave for their children. Aren’t we striving to provide the same thing for our posterity? A home and family we can be proud to leave them with? That comes from consistency in overcoming selfishness and the natural man. Putting off the natural man is a lifelong battle, so is every cause for freedom, and our founding fathers realized that. They did their best to provide a place where their children could learn and grow and, hopefully, achieve more than what their fathers could.

In 1877, 100 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the founding fathers came to the Prophet Wilford Woodruff in the St. George Temple and said, “We laid the foundation of the government you now enjoy, and we never apostatized from it, but we remained true to it and were faithful to God.”3 They then requested that their work be done for them, which President Woodruff completed without hesitation, along with the work of 50 other distinguished figures in history, adding up to 100 souls in total. Their long fight in declaring independence from the natural man and from sin was that much closer to being complete. They needed the ordinances we have in order to become men of Christ, and that is what they did. And that is what we all must do. Let us take a lesson from our founding fathers and no longer droop in sin, but let us rise up and come off conqueror, for we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. (Romans 8:37.

Notes:

1 Put Off the Natural Man, and Come Off Conqueror, Neal A. Maxwell Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, General Conference Address (October 1990)

2 Declaration of Independence (U.S. 1776)

3 Wilford Woodruff: 4th President of the Church, Presidents of the Church Student Manual, (2012), 70

July 4, 2015
How One Missionary Used Spray Paint To Spread the Gospel

Spray paint isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of missionaries. In fact, art has never played a huge roll in traditional missionary work, but all of that is changing in part of the hastening the work of salvation. Missions all across the world are now trying to hone in on the individual talents of each missionary and are striving to creatively use those talents to move the work along. This includes music, dancing, photography and yes, even spray paint that is now available at Spray Booths. I had the pleasure of meeting a young RM who had some very unique service opportunities while on his mission.

Tanner Stephenson is a Utah native who has loved art ever since he was young. When all the other kids wanted to be vets and policemen, Tanner wanted to be an artist when he grew up. His favorite medium is oil paint, however, he admits himself that he is best with spray paint. His talents with stencils and spray paint are impressive and creative to say the least, but no one suspected he would utilize those skills in the mission field. On his mission in California, Tanner and his companion were struggling to find investigators and they came up with a plan to spray paint images of temples in the park to attract people they could talk to. People loved to watch him work and they asked questions about the images themselves. This allowed Tanner and his companion to discuss the significance of the temple and teach them about the plan of salvation. He started painting more and more and his prints became popular with members and investigators alike. He ended up making about 200-250 temple prints that he gave away throughout his mission.

Service opportunities began to present themselves as well. One investigator asked if he could paint wall murals in his restaurant. “P-days became paint days.” Tanner said. It gave him a chance to use his talents to help people and share the gospel.

Since he’s been home he has continued working on his art and sells custom prints of temples, celebrities, and original designs under the name Kuru Arts. He goes to fairs to spray paint and get the word out about his custom t-shirts and home wall murals. He knows that the Lord didn’t give him his love for art for nothing. Tanner hopes to continue to bless and inspire others through his gospel inspired art work.

If you are interested Tanner’s art or in getting a temple print or other design from Kuru Arts check out his website. www.kuruarts.com

July 1, 2015
The Message You Might Have Missed in Johnny Lingo

image © The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints

Remember Johnny Lingo? I recall as a youth convincing our sunday school teacher to skip their lesson to let us watch it. I remember rooting for Mahana as she faced the villagers snarky remarks. I remember thinking how handsome Johnny Lingo looked in that toga. And who could forget when Mahana revealed herself at the end of the movie as the eight cow woman she truly was. On the surface, it appears to be the tender story of a wealthy polynesian trader who boost’s his wife’s confidence by purchasing her hand in marriage for eight cows, instead of the typical three or four. That’s nice and all, but it never seemed quite enough for me; why did the church produce this movie? It seems like the butt of every church film joke. Is the message really as shallow as a person’s worth being what other people enumerate it to be?

For years, I thought this was just a cute love story about self worth, but then I realized that this story is a great parable for Christ’s love. Let me set this up for you. Johnny arrives to Mahana’s door to discuss her dowery with her father, Moki. Moki doesn’t expect much from Johnny for his homely daughter but knows that he has great wealth. He asks Johnny for three cows for his daughter in the hopes he would settle for at least one. The interested villagers observing the negotiations burst into laughter, knowing it’s a ridiculously high price for such a skinny, ugly wife. Johnny silences the crowd and responds to Moki; “Three cows is many, but not enough for my Mahana! I will give eight cows for Mahana.” The villagers were stunned! Eight cows? No one had heard of such a high price for a wife! True to his word, Johnny brings the eight cows to Moki’s door and takes Mahana to wife. Later, the villagers are shocked to see the transformation of Mahana at the side of the great Johnny Lingo. She is beautiful, radiant, and always smiling. She is the perfect partner for the great trader. Johnny later remarks that he wanted a wife that knew she was worthwhile. He recognized the potential in Mahana but wanted her to recognize her own self worth.

Wait a second. So he bought his wife for a super high price and that is what made her feel good about herself? I wouldn’t call myself a feminist but that’s a little much for me. Thankfully, the message isn’t that the worth of a woman is dependent upon what a man is willing to give for her. I think the meaning goes deeper than even the filmmakers had intended. Let’s say that Mahana represents each of us on the Earth. The villagers represent the narrow perspective of the world. Moki represents the natural man who brings us down and is focused on selfish things. Johnny can represent the Savior, who bought us with a high price to help us realize our potential.

Our Savior loved us so much, that even in our ugly fallen state he was willing to purchase us for an unimaginable price. He did it so He could show us just how precious we are to Him. Johnny said, “I wanted Mahana to be more than happy; I wanted her to be an eight cow wife.” The Savior as well atoned for our sins so that we could obtain happiness in this life, but more than happiness, Jesus Christ wanted us to become heirs of the Kingdom of God. “Many things can happen to make a woman beautiful,” continues Johnny, “but the thing that matters most is what she thinks of herself.” In the same way many things can happen to help someone progress, but what matters most is that we each understand our own individual worth and divine potential. He wanted us to recognize our worth so we could realize that potential, and he did that by paying the highest price. Christ’s Atonement is the driving force of our progression, and if we didn’t have Him we would still be the “ugly”, obscure girl hiding out in that tree. It is Christ who can make us into the beautiful and happy spirits He wants us to be.

I am so grateful that the church produced this movie because it really has brought me a better understanding of Christ’s love for me. So the next time you watch this short little story or hear someone comment on Johnny Lingo, I hope you can feel the love your Savior has for you. I hope you can remember His great Atonement, and the incredibly high price He paid for you, and I hope you feel like an eight cow person.

If you want to watch Johnny Lingo it’s available for free on YouTube and on the Mormon Channel. Their version also has interesting facts about the film you may not have heard before.

June 17, 2015
5 Events that Will Make You Believe in Miracles Again

1. When a young crippled boy learned to walk and run despite what the doctors had said.

Photo courtesy Stott family

Jonny was born with many complications including a twisted foot that needed extensive surgery. Due to his condition he has no living muscles in his leg and he is paralyzed in most of his body. However, Jonny has defied all odds as his dreams to run and play like other boys pushes him to conquer his crippling handicap. His story has and will continue to bless countless lives. Jonny’s older sister had this to say;

“I think one of the greater miracles that has happened to my family would have to be about my brother, Jonny. I can’t count how many prayers we’ve offered on his behalf from before he was even born. We were told he would be born severely handicapped from a cyst in his brain. Miraculously he wasn’t. We were told he would never walk, run, ride a bike and he’s proven doctors wrong on all accounts. But the sweetest miracle we’ve seen is how it’s brought us closer as a family. The greatest miracle came from when we were realized God wasn’t going to heal Jonny completely, even when we had faith the He could. I knew Heavenly Father could heal my brother and protect him from years of pain and ridicule from peers. But He answered no. It was the most faith trying experience I had, I wondered why my faith wasn’t enough. Over the years I’ve learned that God knows better what miracles we need and when we need them. I wouldn’t trade the miracle of completely trusting Gods plan for my brother for anything. We’ve worked hard with him and struggled with him and I’ve seen the miracle of his adversity turn my little brother to the amazing man he is becoming. Jonny has been an amazing missionary to many, including my family. We’ve recognized the miraculous moments of healing. Even though his struggles have never gone away, we’ve learned I rejoice in the victories as they come and be grateful for trails that can make us strong.”

Jonny was honored in 2011 by the BYU Football Thursdays Heroes program and was able to spend a practice with his favorite football team. Jonny still continues to defy all odds and is always striving to push his limits. His life is a miracle and this miracle brings joy to his friends and family every day.

2. When a child was rescued from an overturned vehicle 14 hours after it crashed.

Photo via Deseret News 2015

March 2015, 18-month-year-old Lily was rescued after being suspended in her car seat in an overturned car for almost 14 hours in the freezing river near Spanish Fork, Utah. A fisherman noticed the car almost half a day after the accident, because it wasn’t visible from the roadway and a local towing service just like Towingless.com had to assist removing the car. Rescuers immediately responded to his report and stepped into the icy river to flip over the car, where it became clear that the driver, Lily’s 25-year-old mother, was deceased. Rescuers noticed that the baby was unconscious, but still alive. It was nothing short of miraculous that the child, left alone without food or water in freezing temperatures for 14 hours, could have survived such an ordeal. Probably the most striking miracle to occur was when responders claimed they distinctly heard a voice calling for help coming from the vehicle, and it was not the voice of a child.

3. When a bomb was detonated in a classroom full of children and all the children survived.

May 16, 1986, David Young and his wife Doris entered an elementary school in Cokeville Wyoming and took 136 children and 18 adults hostage with firearms and a homemade bomb. They gathered everyone in the school into one classroom. He attached the bomb to his wrist and threatened the group that he might, at any time, move his arm and ignite the bomb. He demanded 2 million dollars per child and an audience with the President Regan. After a two and a half hour standoff, the children became restless and offered a prayer. Soon after the prayer the bomb was accidentally detonated and teachers began helping the students through open windows and out the doors through the smoke and fire to safety. Every child and adult in the room escaped with their lives except for the two perpetrators David and Doris Young. There lots of little miracles associated with this event and they are all beautifully portrayed in T.C. Christensen’s newest film Cokeville Miracle, in theaters today June 5. The movie focuses on the miracle surrounding the event rather than the sensationalism of a crazy man taking children hostage. It emphasizes the power of prayer, a miracle, and God’s grace. If this movie doesn’t make you believe in miracles again, I don’t know what will.

4. When two thirteen year old girls were saved after their boat capsized on Bear Lake.

photo via ABC News

On June 1st, 2015, a sudden storm with extreme wind gusts settled over Bear Lake, in the Northeastern corner of Utah. Strong winds caused a boat carrying seven individuals to capsize, and those individuals fought the waves while they waited for rescue. Two teens in the group, Tiffany Stoker, 13, and Tylinn Tilly, 13, reported that when the boat capsized, they felt as if they were lifted up and gently placed into the water a safe distance from the boat. The Tiffany and Tylinn then decided to embark on their own and began swimming toward shore for help. As they swam they encouraged each other and would massage each others legs when they got cramps. They sang primary hymns and prayed together even though they had to shout over the roar of the waves. When the sun went down they began to lose hope, but a final glimmer of light from the sky gave them just the motivation they needed to swim a little bit farther. A search and rescue boat found them soon after, both cold and weak, they were rescued three hours after the boat capsized. Kathryn Capener also survived the ordeal, however, her husband Lance, her daughters Kelsey, 13, Kilee, 7 and a family friend Siera Hadley, 13, didn’t survive. While this miracle is surrounded by tragedy we cannot deny the heavenly hand that surrounded the rescue of these two teenagers.

5. When a young mother and her husband survived a plane crash and lived to raise their children.

via ABC News: (courtesy Nielson family)

Stephanie Nielson and her husband Christian miraculously survived a plane crash in 2008. While the crash left them with severe burns, they were able to return home to their four children. Stephanie was in a coma for four months, and while she experienced excruciating pain, the greatest pain was battling the fact that her burns left her scarred and disfigured. While she struggled with the fact that she’d never be beautiful again, she was reassured to know that she was still alive to be a mother to her children, she could still eat her favorite foods, and that she could still kiss her husband. Since the accident, Stephanie has inspired millions with her blog and was featured in a video on the Mormon Channel. She also wrote a memoir that she hopes will bring comfort to others facing adversity. Her miracle continues to edify millions.

June 5, 2015
So You’re Moving to the Singles Ward

Silence. Oh, so much silence. It’s awkward and puzzling. Why is it so quiet in this sacrament meeting? Then it hits you: no babies. Toto, we aren’t in the home ward anymore.

Many of you young LDS 18-year-olds feel a little apprehensive about leaving the cushy pews of your beloved home ward and embarking into the unknown world of young single adult wards. With the 2014-2015 school year drawing to a close, there are many of you in the church who will soon have to face this step. Here are five tips to make the transition smoother.

1. Young single adult wards are ordained of God.

YSA wards were created for the edifying of young single saints. If you fit in that category, the Lord has provided a place just for you! There are life-altering friendships to be made and amazingly fun experiences to have, and most of all, we need you. YSA wards are living, breathing things and, unlike most home wards, they are constantly changing. We need the youth coming in to be engaged and to fearlessly dive into the ward to keep the blood flowing. The Lord always has need of willing men and women who will put the shoulder to the wheel and become anxiously engaged in the great cause of YSA wards.

2. Fear not the marriage counsel, oh be ye not dismayed.

News Flash: Singles wards are designed to get young adults married. It’s kind of the whole point. You may have met some young singles who are annoyed by the constant counsel from the pulpit about the importance of marriage and starting a family, and let’s be honest: dating can be rough, and the constant reminder of your singleness can be a little hard to swallow. But be ye not dismayed! The reason being single feels so wrong is because it is wrong. God never intended for us to be alone and wants to provide us with the optimal opportunity to meet people with similar interests and values so we can each create our own eternal families. Remember, timing is everything. If you don’t feel like you are ready to be married, the answer isn’t avoiding YSA activities. The answer is simply: don’t get married. You have full control of your marital status, so don’t be afraid to date lots and lots of fun, interesting people. If one of them just so happens to be the cheese to your macaroni, go with it and live happily ever after.

3. Get Active, Stay Active

In life, participation equals fulfillment. The same can be said of YSA wards. Lift where you stand! Grow where you’re planted! Go to gospel doctrine class every week and you could even chime in with a comment. Go to home evening, take a break from homework, and rock those wholesome recreational activities with your peeps. Activities, home/visiting teaching, firesides, devotionals, there are all sorts of ways to get involved! Be everywhere. Be where the party is and people are going to notice (especially members of the opposite sex). An active person is an interesting person, and staying involved does wonders for your testimony. If you want to stay active in the church, you need to be active in your ward.

4. Bring a Friend

A good ally is worth his/her weight in gold. Be it a roommate, BFF, significant other, or maybe a non-member friend, don’t try to face the YSA ward alone. Your sojourn through the YSA world can sometimes be a rocky one, and you need someone to stick with you through thick and thin. You also need to be that support for others who are new to the ward. Let them know you can relate to their deer-in-the-headlights gaze you saw as they walked in for the first time, and show them you’ve been there. Fellowshipping is vital in our church, and you won’t believe how much you’ll love to do it.

5. Always have a calling. We need you!

Still trying to dodge bishops’ looks? Well, it’s time to look your destiny in the eye. One of the coolest aspects of a YSA ward is your being able to hold a variety of different callings usually reserved for the grown-ups. It was pretty daunting for me fresh out of high school to be called as the Relief Society secretary after only being in the ward for two weeks. But it was the most rewarding calling I had ever had. President Gordon B. Hinckley once said, “There is no calling in this church which is of little or no consequence. All of us, in our pursuit of duty, touches the lives of others.” Get touching some lives, people! And become an active member of the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:25-27).

Like I said, we need you. We need your talents, your testimony, and your time. The YSA ward can seem daunting but you have so much to gain and everything to loose! With the right attitude, you can turn this transition into one of the most rewarding opportunities of your life. That is what the transition to my young single adult ward became for me. I know that that is exactly where the Lord wants me to be and I promised to make the most of it. I invite all of you to do the same, commit now to grab YSA life by the horns and become the disciple the Lord wants you to be.

May 31, 2015
5 Amazing Videos That Give Tribute to Mom

Mothers Day, in my opinion, is one of the most important holidays of the year. Mothers are the glue that holds our society together. The First Presidency called motherhood seven decades ago “the highest, holiest service … assumed by mankind.” So to celebrate mothers this day we compiled some of the best videos on the web to express our love and appreciation.

1. We Can’t Stop…Having Babies

Chad and Andrea were accustomed to lots of excitement and support from friends and family when they had their twins girls and later their first boy. However, they were surprised by the lack of enthusiasm from their loved ones when they announced that they were pregnant with their 4th child. So in response to the judgment they received they made this music video that went viral, and we absolutely loved it.

2. The Unique Connection

This advertisement by Pandora Jewelry warmed our hearts as we watched blindfolded children try to identify their mother from a line of women. The results made us melt!

3. Olympics – Thank You Mom

P&G wanted to remind the world who was the driving force behind the olympic athletes really was; Mom. As the proud sponsor of moms, P&G want to say thank you to the Mom’s. You are going to love it as much as we did.

4. Mom’s 1st Birthday

Pampers Japan produced this video to allow some fathers to show their wives how much their first year of motherhood meant to them. We were blown away.

5. Ryan’s unforgettable Mother’s Day delivery to Mom

This Teleflora commercial made us all a little misty. This son’s tribute to to his single mother was absolutely touching and you are going to love what he does for his mother.

May 9, 2015
5 General Conference Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Photo Courtesy, LDS Media Library

A returned missionary once told me about an experience he had with general conference. His mission president had recently returned from the mission field and held a mission reunion right before general conference. His words to the missionaries were inspiring and helpful, but my RM friend said that one piece of advice stuck out to him. His president had said: “Do not leave the room or change the channel, don’t fall asleep or distract yourself, don’t cease to pay attention in any way. Exactly what you need to hear will most likely be the most difficult thing to listen to. The adversary will greatly tempt you to leave, stop listening, turn off the message, or change the channel. But don’t you do it.”

This returned missionary confidently stated that he did not expect this to be a challenge for him, but this was just the Friday before general conference. He continues in his own words;

“Saturday night, an amazing young woman abruptly and unexpectedly ended a relationship with me that I had very high hopes for. I went to sleep that night very frustrated, confused, and bitter. I felt I had been doing everything exactly as I was supposed to in God’s eyes, and was confused why I needed to go through this frustration during one of the most difficult academic semesters of my life. Sunday morning, President Eyring began his message by directing it towards those earnestly seeking happy and spiritually founded eternal families. I was watching conference completely alone in my apartment, the breakup from the night before leaving my conference plans cancelled.

“I got up and left the room, not wanting to hear the relationship advice that came merely ten hours too late. Then I laughed at myself, remembered my Mission Presidents advice to not change the channel, and went back and finished listening. President Eyring focused on the two great commandments, to love God with all thy heart, might, mind and strength and to love thy neighbor as thyself. As I listened, I realized how inwardly focused my frustrations were and I received the comfort I needed.”

This young man’s story really struck a chord with me. Am I missing out on important revelation when I allow myself to get distracted? I thought. This led me to wonder what I could be doing to hinder spiritual experiences during conference.

Here are just a few ways I have been tempted to justify my casualness during general conference and how you can avoid falling into the same traps.

Pitfall #1:

“I want to sit down and focus on conference, but I can only think about all the things I need to get done.”

Life can make us crazy sometimes. There is often a lot demanded of us, but it is important to make our spiritual well-being a priority. Conference time can be a very sacred time for you and bless you in every facet of your life. It is important that you prepare beforehand to make your experience unforgettable. Get major projects done before conference or set aside a time to accomplish those projects after conference is over. Clean your home. A clean and organized space does wonders in inviting the spirit. Try to create an environment where the spirit can teach you and your family. You won’t have a sink full of dishes nag you while you are trying to listen. Don’t plan on working on projects or chores during the sessions. Instead, plan on being spiritually fed.

Pitfall #2:

“I have to work during general conference.”

Work is sometimes a necessary thing and can’t be avoided. But isn’t it great to know that general conference comes the same time every year! Try to arrange your work schedule to allow you to participate those two days. Use one of your sick days if you must, I promise it will be worth it. If work is absolutely unavoidable, talk to your boss and co-workers and see if they wouldn’t mind listening to conference during work. It may seem awkward to ask if you could listen while at work, but you will be setting a powerful example and you will be blessed for your diligence.

Pitfall #3:

“I always fall asleep during conference talks.”

In many places, we are blessed with the opportunity to watch conference from the comfort of our own homes. Many members take advantage of this by sleeping in and dressing as comfortably as possible. While comfort is important, when wearing pajamas, sleep is sure to follow. Try this instead: you and your family can dress in church attire to watch conference at home. Think about it. You’d be showing the Lord that you’re ready for spiritual nourishment, you’d put on an attitude of learning, and your brain would be less inclined to think it’s bed time. For those of you who fall asleep on the pew or the couch, take it from this narcoleptic: mints and chewing gum are your best friends. If you are truly determined to stay awake, prepare beforehand and get a good night’s sleep. Don’t sleep through your spiritual rescue! There is so much revelation that God wants you to have, so make the effort and the Lord will bless you with alertness.

Pitfall #4

“I know I should look for questions to ask before conference, but I can never think of good questions.”

Answers to questions don’t have to be the only thing you look for when watching conference. You could choose an interesting gospel study topic you’ve had on your mind and see what the prophets have to say about it. If you are struggling to find the right questions to ask, pray and ask Heavenly Father what you should be asking. Ask Him what you should be looking for as you watch conference, and He will let you know.

Pitfall #5

“I can always read the talks later.”

It is one of the Church’s highest priorities to make conference talks as accessible as possible as fast as possible. With the amazing advances in technology, we have access to almost every general conference ever given in a variety of different formats. With the talks being this accessible, it is easy for members to justify not watching conference and going out to do other things. But there is so much power that comes when you show the Lord you are going to make conference time a holy time. The talks are available for us afterward to re-read and to receive additional guidance, but there is nothing that can compare with the revelation you will receive when you are prepared and actively listening to our leaders and prophets today.

Don’t let the adversary trap you in these pitfalls. You have the resources and the motivation to escape these excuses and make your General Conference experience different and more edifying than ever. Remember, exactly what you need to hear will most likely be the most difficult thing to listen to. So listen carefully, and the Lord will shower you with His blessings.

April 3, 2015
LDS Church Lowers Sunbeam Age

The first presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, along with the general primary presidency, announced today that the age for children to be admitted into sunbeams will be changed from age three to age two. This announcement comes at the heels of the 2012 decision to lower the mission age. The general primary presidency stated that they have been very impressed by the spiritual maturity of many two-year-olds in the church and feel like the time has come that they begin their primary education even earlier.

They said, “We think this will be a wonderful opportunity to help hasten the work. Those little angels are prepared for this change, and we know that the teachers will step up as well. We aren’t suggesting that all of these children should enter primary at this earlier age, but that the option is available. The children should still make it a matter of prayer.” In our experience, we’ve seen that children who are exposed to an earlier school experience helps them later in life to know what they truly want to become. And even when they don’t know exactly what they want to study or where, they have a tool online that will help them. If they want to become a certified x-ray technician, for example, all they have to do is Get More Information at that link, there he will find information about the different universities that are available.

The new policy has already been quietly tested in stakes around the world. One primary teacher in a test stake in Springfield, Illinois stated, “We found that the two-year-olds were just as noisy and obnoxious as the rest of the primary children. I think it makes a lot of sense for the church to do this.”

Parents are thrilled about the announcement, but not as excited as their children. Emma, a recently turned two-year-old from Taylorsville, Utah had this to say when she heard the announcement: “I go to Primary now!” She, along with her parents, have already contacted their local primary president to arrange her transition from nursery to Sunbeams.

As part of this change, the church has released a set of pamphlets outlining the rules and responsibilities primary children are expected to follow. Parents are encouraged to have their children start studying these pamphlets as early as six months old to help ensure a smooth transition into primary.

It’s rumored that the primary curriculum has also been changed. Starting in CTR 7, children will now be required to memorize “The Family: A Proclamation” and “The Living Christ” alongside the “Articles of Faith” before graduating primary. Elder Andersen told reporters, “It’s time for the younger and even younger generation to participate in the work of salvation. This new curriculum will surely help them do just that.”

There has been speculation as to whether or not the church is going to make a decision on lowering the age for stake dance admittance from 14 to 13. When asked about it, Elder Holland simply laughed and said, “One miracle at a time.”

Happy April First!

April 1, 2015
10 Ways Millennials Can Defend the Family

There is nothing that gives me more pleasure than #SharingGoodness on social media. Last August Elder Bednar invited us all to utilize social media as a way to combat the negative on the Internet, and we heeded his call (check out the talk here). Now that you’ve got sharing Mormon Messages and conference memes on Facebook down, I’d like to turn your attention to something you may have forgotten to share about: your family.

During the general women’s conference last Saturday, we were counseled to defend the family like never before, because the family is of God. Here are ten ways you can do just that.

1. Talk about your family and post about them on social media.

At church, we often testify about the wonderful blessing of eternal families. But when was the last time you told your co-worker or classmate what your family meant to you? When was the last time you sent a shout-out to your mom on Facebook? Often we are just too casual about this! If your family is the most important thing in your life, make others around you believe it. By making the family part of your daily speech and interactions, you will be defending the family.

2. Decide now to work toward an eternal family.

This simple decision, if made now, could change your daily habits and give you a newfound sense of purpose and direction in your life. I’ll admit, there are times when working toward a family is not on the top of my priority list, but when I make it a priority, I am defending the family.

3. Make time now for your family.

Family, isn’t it about time? Yes. Yes it is. As a busy young adult, your time may be the most precious thing you can offer your family. Don’t forget to participate in the most amazing organization the Lord has given you. The April Ensign has a fantastic article about spending time with family through family home evening (you can read that article here). It suggests that if the family is separated geographically, you could hold a “family online evening” where the family can get together over skype or phone. Making your family your highest priority will help you become a defender of the family.

4. Make weekly Family Home Evening a priority.

Family Home Evening was instituted solely for the strengthening of the family. Most of you are in a very transitional time in your lives. No matter what your situation is–single, married, living at home, living away from home, student, working, military, whatever it may be–weekly Family Home Evening can still be a huge blessing in your life. Make time every week to study the gospel, pray, and give thanks together with your family (or ward family). Exactly 100 years ago, President Joseph F. Smith instituted the Family Home Evening initiative and his words then ring even more true today: “If the Saints obey this counsel, we promise that great blessings will result…Faith will be developed in the hearts of the youth of Israel, and they will gain power to combat the evil influences and temptations which beset them.” Making Family Home Evening a priority will help you defend the family.

5. Defend families of all shapes and sizes.

Sometimes the world sees my parents as crazy for having such a large family, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. My big family is the greatest blessing I have, and I salute my parents every day for their faith in inviting every last one of us into their home. Let’s defend large families! On the flip side, there have been moments in the church where people have looked down on small families of one, two or no children. A family’s a family, no matter how small. Families can be as diverse as God’s children, but that does not diminish their importance in the great plan of our Heavenly Father. Don’t judge the family, defend it!

6. Make your home an awesome place to be.

You have a huge impact on the spirit of your home. Keeping your space clean and organized, putting up uplifting artwork and images, and playing only quality music can mean the difference between a haven or prison. No matter where you live, you can make that place feel like a home by following the council of our church leaders and the example of our Savior Jesus Christ. Bonnie L. Oscarson posed this question, “What if we all strived to be makers of righteous homes?” You may be thinking, “Me? a homemaker?” Yes, you! You will be the one to make or break your home. As the timeless hymn says, “home can be a heaven on earth” (Hymn 298). So get going on making your own heaven on earth and you will be defending the family.

7. Make family history a priority.

Are you doing it? Family history work can serve as an amazing way to get your family together in a common cause and to get to know your family members on the other side. Your ancestors sacrificed so much to get you where you are. Don’t you want to find out how? Participating in family history work will turn your heart to your fathers and you will feel more connected to those that have gone on before as well as your family here on earth. Defend your family, past and present.

8. Fight pornography with all your heart, might, mind and strength.

Pornography is one of the most debilitating and horrifying plagues in this world. It is also one of the adversary’s most effective traps to separate a person from the love and forgiveness of the Savior. Pornography is the family’s greatest enemy and should be avoided and fought at all costs. A non-profit known as Fight the New Drug strives to inform about the harmful effects of porn and they have a page on their site completely dedicated to the harmful effects of porn on the family. Check it out. When we fight porn, we defend the family.

9. Be a better member of the human family.

We are all God’s children and we are all members of His eternal family. It’s important that we recognize our fellow travelers here on earth as our literal brothers and sisters. Do your part to remind others of that brotherhood by reaching out and showing forth love and compassion to those around you. Carole M. Stevens admonished us to “unite in empathy and compassion!” There are so many of God’s children that are suffering, and as we strive to sympathize with them and offer a loving hand, we will be much less bothered with our own challenges.

10. Promote eternal marriage.

Often as youth, we have a bad habit of harshing on couples with fast relationships and short engagements. These seemingly hasty decisions make us uneasy, especially those who haven’t taken that step yet. But I feel like we sometimes miss the point: a new family is being formed! The most basic and essential of human organizations begins with marriage, and that is a truly glorious thing. While it is important for everyone to carefully choose an eternal companion, once you’ve found him or her, it’s time to celebrate! Eternal marriage is our ticket to a lifetime of thrilling companionship and to the Celestial Kingdom. So the next time you see an engagement post on Facebook, like it without hesitation and thank heaven for one more family in the world. When we promote marriage, we promote the family.

March 30, 2015
The Parable of the Chocolate Cake

This is an entry taken directly out of my mission journal about a humbling learning experience I had. I call it the Parable of the Chocolate Cake and I hope it serves as a simple example of our Savior’s love and sacrifice.

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May 2nd,

I learned a thing or two from my companion this morning when she decided to bake a chocolate cake from scratch to share with the other missionaries at our last zone meeting of the transfer. I thought it was silly of her to do. Our schedule hardly allows us to grab an apple before we head out the door, let alone bake a cake, but she’s a stubborn and independent young woman. I consented and tried to help, but she was going to make it, and make it her own way. We were missing ingredients, but that certainly didn’t stop her. It sure would have stopped me this particular morning. She took the slightly burnt cake out of the oven and dumped it onto the counter where she proceeded to cut off the burnt edges. She then took the now crumbling cake and glued it all together with sweetened condensed milk.

As I looked at the pitiful cake, my cynicism couldn’t be stopped. I lamented the wasted time and the prospect of presenting this cake to the other missionaries. I took a bite, expecting the taste to be as bitter as my thoughts and was taken by surprise by the sweet savor that filled my mouth. My cynicism melted away with the hunk of chocolate cake in my mouth and was replaced with regret. My companion had created a masterpiece. What the cake looked like or whatever ingredients were missing, it didn’t matter. It was made with love and sacrifice, and our entire zone could taste it.

I was humbled again today by that chocolate cake. I realized that I’m just like it: I’m missing ingredients. I’m a little singed by the fires of the adversary, but my Savior loved me enough to cut off those hard, crusty edges, and glued my crumbly parts together with His sweet love. He did it because He wanted His children here to get a taste of what I had to offer. He wanted to present me to the people He loves here so they can experience the sweetness of His love that he has given to me.

March 26, 2015