Tuesday, May 29, 2012
"Call them iApostles"
I came accross this article in the Salt Lake Tribune today about the Brethren using I Pads. I thought it was kind of cool!
Published on May 29, 2012 01:27PM
"It's clear that the LDS Church knows how to tap technology to promote the faith and to reach the faithful.
But now it also knows how new devices can simplify tasks such as scripture-reading for Mormon leaders and members.
At a recent devotional in Asia, LDS apostle Dallin Oaks was looking up scriptural passages on his iPad. He told the members gathered there that Boyd K. Packer, the senior Mormon apostle, “had made them all get iPads which has been a much more convenient and light way to carry his scriptures with him," reported a blogger at Wheat&Tares who was there.
But does that mean the apostle will be playing games on the iPad when he gets bored in General Conference?
Probably not."
Monday, May 21, 2012
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
After watching this video, the following story that was told at this past April General Conference came to my mind.
"During World War II approximately 500 U.S. soldiers and supporting locals were held captive in a prison camp. Because of the suffering and concern for their safety, a volunteer force of approximately 100 U.S. soldiers was selected to rescue these prisoners. After the volunteers were assembled, the commanding officer instructed them something like this: “This evening you men meet with your religious leaders, you kneel down, and you swear to God that as long as you have a single breath of life, you will not let one of these men suffer one more moment.” (See Hampton Sides, Ghost Soldiers: The Forgotten Epic Story of World War II’s Most Dramatic Mission [2001], 28–29.)"
When I think about just how many people in the world who live their lives in fear because they do not have the Gospel, it motivates me more then anything to share what I know with them. I hop you feel the same way!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Monday, May 14, 2012
Thursday, May 10, 2012
I was talking with my friend who is an institute teacher at ASU about some of the challenges the young people are facing. I was surprised to learn just how many young people are questioning their faith. They are being taught that they cannot trust their feelings when it comes to finding out what is true. I asked him what he says to these kids when you come to him. He will ask them if they can think of a time when they knew for sure that they felt the spirit. Once they do he will ask them, "could you have made that up?" He and I talked about how the Lord gives us special experiences from time to time that are meant to be act as anchor when doubts and fears come about. I believe that we all have had these experiences (It should be noted that they do not happen very often) that we "could not have made up." In the book of Judges chapter 6, Gideon goes before the Lord to ask for a sign to affiliate his doubts and fears that he was chosen to deliver Israel. These special experiences that we have from time to time act as a sign much the same way in which the Lord provided a sign to Gideon that he was called to deliver Israel. Elder Holland many years ago gave a great talk about looking to these special experiences in time of doubt and fear as a source do strength to get through those tough and trying times. The video below is about five minutes and worth watching. Also, think of someone that you know who is struggling with doubt who you might be able to pass this message onto.
“Our Heavenly Father did not put us on earth to fail but to succeed gloriously. It may seem paradoxical, but that is why recognizing answers to prayer can sometimes be very difficult. Sometimes we unwisely try to face life by depending on our own experience and capacity. It is much wiser for us to seek through prayer and divine inspiration to know what to do. Our obedience assures that when required, we can qualify for divine power to accomplish an inspired objective.
Like many of us, Oliver Cowdery did not recognize the evidence of answers to prayers already given by the Lord. To open his and our eyes, this revelation was given through Joseph Smith:
“Blessed art thou for what thou hast done; for thou hast inquired of me, and behold, as often as thou hast inquired thou hast received instruction of my Spirit. If it had not been so, thou wouldst not have come to the place where thou art at this time.
“Behold, thou knowest that thou hast inquired of me and I did enlighten thy mind; and now I tell thee these things that thou mayest know that thou hast been enlightened by the Spirit of truth.”4
“If you feel that God has not answered your prayers, ponder these scriptures—then carefully look for evidence in your own life that He may have already answered you.
Two indicators that a feeling or prompting comes from God are that it produces peace in your heart and a quiet, warm feeling. As you follow the principles I have discussed, you will be prepared to recognize revelation at critical times in your own life. (April 2012 General Conference, How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your Personal Life, Richard G. Scott Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles)
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