We Are the Lord's Work and Glory

This week I've been pondering on Moses 1:39 all week long that says," This is my work and my glory to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." In this scripture the Lord is speaking to Moses about the pre-earth life and the plan of salvation. This scripture is the capstone where the Lord tells Moses his purpose, the Lord's reason for doing anything that He does.

When I read this part of the Pearl of Great Price, I often picture myself in the Pre-Earth life, sitting down at the Heavenly desk of our Heavenly Father getting ready for my Pre-Earth life interview before I was able to cross the veil and be born into the life I have now. He tells me about my family and where I'll be going. I imagine while I sit at this desk my Heavenly Father and I go over what my strengths and weaknesses I have and what trials I will have to undergo while on earth to utilize my strengths and to overcome my weaknesses. I think of Him trying to lovingly explain how hard it is going to be and giving me promises that it will all be worth it and I can call on him whenever I need to. And I tell Him that I'm ready to go, and He says, "I know."

Every once in a while I think about that interview and think, "I signed up for this?" But then I remember how God and I made this plan together, and the whole purpose of it is to bring to pass my immortality and eternal life. And I remember that as I endure to the end, I become a part of His glory.

Pillars of Eternity

This week my lesson was on The Creation! It was a wonderful lesson and while studying and preparing for it I found an article by Bruce R. McConkie titled "Christ and the Creation." This article is really amazing and I wanted to share an excerpt that I found particularly enlightening.

God himself, the Father of us all, established a plan of salvation whereby his spirit children might progress and become like him. It is the gospel of God, the plan of Eternal Elohim, the system that saves and exalts, and it consists of three things. These three are the very pillars of eternity itself. They are the Creation, the Fall, and the Atonement.

Before we can even begin to understand the temporal creation of all things, we must know how these three eternal truths—the Creation, the Fall, and the Atonement—are inseparably woven together. No one of them stands alone; each of them ties into the other two; and without a knowledge of all of them, it is not possible to know the truth about any one of them.

Salvation is in Christ and comes because of his atoning sacrifice. The Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ is the heart of revealed religion. It ransoms men from the temporal and spiritual death brought into the world by the Fall of Adam. All men will be resurrected because our blessed Lord himself died and rose again, becoming thus the first fruits of them that slept.

And further: Christ died to save sinners. He took upon himself the sins of all men on conditions of repentance. Eternal life, the greatest of all the gifts of God, is available because of what Christ did in Gethsemane and at Golgotha. He is both the resurrection and the life. Immortality and eternal life are the children of the Atonement. There is no language or power of expression given to man which can set forth the glory and wonder and infinite import of the ransoming power of the great Redeemer.

But, remember, the Atonement came because of the Fall. Christ paid the ransom for Adam’s transgression. If there had been no Fall, there would be no Atonement with its consequent immortality and eternal life. Thus, just as surely as salvation comes because of the Atonement, so also salvation comes because of the Fall.

Mortality and procreation and death all had their beginnings with the Fall. The tests and trials of a mortal probation began when our first parents were cast out of their Edenic home. “Because that Adam fell, we are,” Enoch said, “and by his fall came death; and we are made partakers of misery and woe.” (Moses 6:48.) One of the most profound doctrinal declarations ever made fell from the lips of mother Eve. She said: “Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient.” (Moses 5:11.)

Remember also that the Fall was made possible because an infinite Creator made the earth and man and all forms of life in such a state that they could fall. This fall involved a change of status. All things were so created that they could fall or change, and thus was introduced the kind of existence needed to put into operation all of the terms of the Father’s eternal plan of salvation.

I encourage you all to read this talk. I never realized how important it is for us to study and understand the accounts of the creation. In studying about the creation I have gained a further witness that Jesus Christ is our Savior and that our Heavenly Father loves us immensely.

God Has Given Me...

Um...I don't even know where to begin after reading those last two posts...

Monday we received some very bad news. As my husband put it, "our little angel was not meant to come to earth at this time." It's been very hard to start out the week as a soon-to-be mama and to end it as a woman who had a miscarriage.

But I am so grateful for the lists of awesome things that God has done for my husband and I that I shared with you last week. Although I am filled with all kinds of anger and sadness right now, I still know that God is fighting for me. Nate and I have such great family, friends and workplaces that have been supportive and understanding at such an awful time. And although my prayers have been mostly tears this week, God has seen each and every one of them and is providing a way to wipe them all away.

If there were anyone who would know the pain of losing a loved one, it would be our loving Heavenly Father. He so loved the world He gave the world His Only Begotten Son that we might have eternal lives. He suffered loss so that in the eternities, we would never have to fully suffer it ourselves. I understand that sacrifice know more than ever now and I am eternally grateful for it.

Back to the Basics

I'm so excited about the basic gospel principles being taught this year in Relief Society. Our lesson on Sunday was about coming to know the nature of God, and I think that is probably the most important thing we can accomplish here on this earth, by establishing a relationship with Him.

They talked about how we establish relationships with people around us by talking to them, asking them questions, and listening. If we just went and jabbered about ourself to someone every day, we really wouldn't get to know them, would we? So the way we get to know God is to get on our knees and talk to Him, and then to listen. I think rather than just sitting there waiting for Him to say something immidiately after we pray, we can listen to His voice throughout the day by making time to ponder. That means turning off the radio in the car so we can just think about Him, or making a quiet time to ponder and study the words He's given us.

When we truly make an effort to know Him, I know He will respond and draw closer to us in a way we never could have imagined. He wants to know us, and for us to know Him, because once we understand His intentions for us, I think everything in life will make more sense. And we will feel His guidance and help every day because we know how badly He just wants us to succeed.

One of my favorite scriptures is Doctrine and Covenants section 76 about the three degrees of glory. That whole section just blows me away, because it shows that God intends to give everyone some measure of glory, as much as he can possibly give us with how willing we are to live for it- and the amazing blessings of the celestial kingdom for those who keep their temple covenants are just astounding to me. And He WANTS to give it to us- that was His whole purpose in sending us here. So He will do everything He possibly can to help us keep those covenants, and is sending angels to help us every day.

I know He didn't send us here to condemn us for our failures, because he even gives a glory to those who fail miserably, even though He wanted more than anything to give them everything He has. It all seems so simple when I think of it this way, because Christ took all the complications upon Himself, and reaches out a hand for us to join Him in His perfection. It really is as simple as looking up at that serpant on the cross and being healed. And it just amazes me when I simplify it like that.

More than Just Peanut Butter

Meals in our house are always fun. Jared, my son, knows the routine, so when I tell him it's time to make lunch he usually beats me to the kitchen. We decided today was sandwich day so I went to the pantry to get the peanut butter. As soon as I pulled it out, he opened the silverware drawer, grabbed a fork and started pushing me towards his highchair. He saw the peanut butter and knew that was what he wanted AT THAT MOMENT.

When it dawned on him I wasn't going anywhere, he did what any toddler would do: he threw a nasty all-out-screaming-and-crying tantrum. He decided to whine and complain because he wanted just the peanut butter, while I was still pushing forward because I knew the peanut butter was only a small part of the whole sandwich. I was frustrated he was screaming, but I wasn't going to bend my will to his because I knew what would happen in the end. I tried to tell him this in ways he would understand, but he wouldn't listen because he was so focused on the peanut butter. We continued this way until our wills met with me finishing the sandwich; our perspectives were finally in line.

It dawned on me this is how Heavenly Father feels when we forget to focus on the eternal perspective while in this mortal realm. We only remember this earth, so when decisions/situations don't go the way we planned, we tend to complain or wonder why. We are so focused on the peanut butter that we forget about the whole sandwich.

Luckily, as members of the church, we have the chance to realize our full potential beyond this earth, Elder LeGrand Richards said:

God bless[ed] you to realize where you came from and the great privileges that are yours. If the veil were rolled back and you could just see one glimpse of God’s great eternal plan concerning you and who you are, it would not be hard for you to love Him, keep His commandments, and live to be worthy of every blessing that He has had for you since before the foundations of the world were laid (“Patriarchal Blessings,” New Era, Feb. 1977, p. 7).

Heavenly Father gives us the tools to remember our potential; it's up to us to stop focusing on the peanut butter and look forward to feasting in the eternities.

Keep an Eternal Perspective

by Greg Hansen

“Therefore God gave unto them commandments, after having made known unto them the plan of redemption” (Alma 12:32).

When I was on my mission I had the opportunity to teach a less-active's non-member husband. We went through the lessons week by week struggling to find them at home [they were a Navy family] and trying to get the lessons done before they were deployed. The day before they were deployed we caught them at home and gave them the lesson about the plan of salvation. The husband made a comment at the end of the lesson like 'now I know why you are bugging me all the time about the choices I make and why I should be baptized'. It occurs to me as we are leaving that if we had just known 4 months earlier that he did not have an eternal perspective, he might have joined the church before he was deployed.

If we can keep an eternal perspective it makes many if not all of the decisions and experiences of this life seem manageable. And keeping an eternal perspective can help us weed out the unimportant matters to focus on the matters with eternal weight.

Just Ask

One of my favorite scriptures is Doctrine and Covenants 42:61:

"If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things---that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal."

This scripture struck me during a time when I was faced with a few life-altering decisions. The only thing He requires of us is to ask. When we ask, we shall receive; not we might receive, but shall. Even in those deepest darkest moments of our own personal agony, we are not alone. We only feel alone when we forget to ask for Him; we need to swallow our pride and get on own knees before the one who gave all. When we ask, He will give. It may not be exactly what we want to know, but it is what we need to know to have happiness and joy.

I hope this makes sense, but I wanted to remind us all--- The Lord is always there for us if we just ask. It brought me comfort then and brings me comfort now.

Finding Hope

Today is a day that will always be in our memories. Some people don't like to remember because it causes them sadness. I, on the other hand remember this day and am filled with gratitude, peace, and humility. Our Heavenly Father loves us. We sometimes make poor decisions yet He still supports and blesses us if we but turn to him. I would like to share a video with you called Finding Hope which is about a man who describes his experience at the towers and how he was able to get through that tragedy with the help of his faith in Jesus Christ. It is 8 minutes, but well worth the watch.

Life Long Learning

I suppose I should introduce myself as well. I can be a lemming in this case, it's alright.

I am Amy Grondahl (Tricia put down that I am Amy H, but not really, it is Amy G). I am 5'7" with dark brown curly hair, bright changing eyes, and a shy dimple when I smile. I like anything that has to do with the mountains, dancing, reading, lots and lots of music, laughter, my hubby (who generally equates laughter) and nearly two year old son, long walks on the beach and ice cream.

I have been married for two and a half years and along with half of the rest of the population, I am expecting a great bundle of joy to join our family in a few short months. I have the wonderful blessing to stay home with my son every day and learn from him. I love reading the scriptures and learning more about the gospel... which leads me to my topic today.

I went visiting teaching this morning. I loved the message. For those of you who haven't read it yet, let me just fill you in, and for those who have read it, just humor me and my epiphany.

The message was about lifelong education and learning. We all know that education is essential, and that we should get a good education. We know that "just in case something happens and we have to rely on it to support our families." but the message really gave some wonderful insight as to why, and even expanded a bit on it. It said

“Your talents will expand as you study and learn. You will be able to better assist your families in their learning, and you will have peace of mind in knowing that you have prepared yourself for the eventualities that you may encounter in life”

I love that by continual learning my talents can expand. I don't claim to be a very talented person, and would love for the chance and opportunity to have my few talents expand, as would I love to discover new talents. Being able to be prepared for the future also would really give me much comfort. There are so many things that are up in the air right now. It would be the most wonderful blessing in the world to always be prepared.

President Eyering said

“We will have to make some hard choices of how we use our time. … But remember, you are interested in education, not just for mortal life but for eternal life. When you see that reality clearly with spiritual sight, you will put spiritual learning first and yet not slight the secular learning. …

“… And since what we will need to know is hard to discern, we need the help of heaven to know which of the myriad things we could study we would most wisely learn. It also means that we cannot waste time entertaining ourselves when we have the chance to read or to listen to whatever will help us learn what is true and useful. Insatiable curiosity will be our hallmark” (“Education for Real Life,” Ensign, Oct. 2002, 18, 19).

My little brother is currently looking for a profession. He is in school and frustrated with what he should go into, knowing that it will affect the rest of his life. I love that we are told we can have the help of heaven to know what we need to study.

I am a huge time waster. I love to read books for entertainment. I have a hard time reading books for knowledge sake when I could be reading fairy tales. That is just how I am. I obviously have need to repent. I need to focus more on things that will help me in life.

It seems a lot of times we as women have a lot of demands placed upon our shoulders. We listen too much to what the world says about who we should be, and what we should do. We have the wonderful blessing of inquisitive minds. For those of us with children we can learn a lot from watching their curiosity. Everything fascinates them, and they are wanting to learn everything they can. If we do that, we can have an advantage in the life to come.

“My dear sisters, don’t ever sell yourself short as a woman or as a mother. … Do not let the world define, denigrate, or limit your feelings of lifelong learning and the values of motherhood in the home—both here mortally and in the eternal learning and benefits you give to your children and to your companion.

“Lifelong learning is essential to the vitality of the human mind, body, and soul. It enhances self-worth and self-actuation. Lifelong learning is invigorating mentally and is a great defense against aging, depression, and self-doubt” (“The Journey of Lifelong Learning,” in Brigham Young University 2008–2009 Speeches [2009], 2, 8–9).

After reading that I had a realization. I have never heard of one of the bretheren with the common complaints of old age. They are very alert and attentive and mentally active up to the last. No alzheimers or dementia for them. If we constantly study and seek after learning, we too can have those blessings.
As I was reading through the message I learned something. I learned that when we put the spiritual aspect of learning first (studying the scriptures, prayer, listening to our leaders and studying their words) our secular learning comes much easier for us.

I realy needed to learn this, and I hope it helped someone else. A life long learning is very important to our eternal salvation and the more we learn here, the better off we will be in the future.

Eternal Life is the Ultimate Goal

Greg's grandfather is not long for this earth and, as a result, we've been thinking about mortality a lot lately. His grandfather is not a member of the church (in fact, opposes it) and I'm pretty sure he does not believe in life after death. To this end, Greg was able to go to California to see him (and his other dying grandfather) 'one last time.'

I'm really grateful Greg was able to go, however, it makes me so sad that ones we love think that there's an end. The purpose of this life is to make choices in order to have the happiest eternity possible. Mortality is only the beginning of the journey.

President Thomas S. Monson, at a CES Fireside in February 1999, said:

He who conquered death and atoned for the sins of the world, even Jesus Christ, invited each of us to follow His divine example. 'Follow me' became His kind instruction. Come, 'learn of me,' was His personal invitation to the learning that lasts beyond this life and which endures through eternity.

Where money, rather that mortality, dicates one's actions, one is inclined away from God. Turning away from God brings broken covenants, shattered dreams, crushed hopes and wrecked lives. Such a quagmire of quicksand I plead with you to avoid. You are of noble birthright. Eternal life in the kingdom of our Father is your goal.

Such a goal is not achieved in one glorious attempt; rather, it is the result of a lifetime of righteousness, and accumulation of wise choices---even a constancy of purpose.

Death is a temporary sadness of our earth life, but our loved ones lived on. We still need to live and enjoy our journeys. I hope we always remember the true goal which should guide our choices: a joyous eternal life.