“How far away does he live?” asked Brother Kay. The answer: “Two or three blocks.” Brother Cave indicated that the caretakers open the temple gates early, and this man comes in and watches the day begin within the sacred precincts of the beautiful temple in Papeete.

I marveled at the faith of this simple man who is willing to forgo his sleep and other activities in order to follow this ritual of meditation and contemplation. Some would no doubt say, “How foolish, how wasteful of time that could be spent sleeping or studying.” I choose to hope that in these programmed hours of meditation and contemplation this faithful little man is coming to know himself and his Creator.

We acknowledge that all Church leaders, past and present–except Christ himself–were human. The critics of the Church are wont to discredit this marvelous work because of the human weaknesses of its leaders. President Gordon B. Hinckley said at your sister campus in Hawaii a few years ago, “To highlight the mistakes and gloss over the greater good is to draw a caricature. Caricatures are amusing, but they are often ugly and dishonest. A man may have a wart on his cheek and still have a face of beauty and strength, but if the wart is emphasized unduly in relation to his other features, the portrait is lacking in integrity.” President Hinckley continued speaking of the early leaders of the Church: “If some of them occasionally stumbled, or if their characters may have been slightly flawed in one way or another, the wonder is the greater that they accomplished so much” (Gordon B. Hinckley, BYU­Hawaii commencement address, June 18, 1983). The same is true today.

To have a simple, untroubled faith you must keep your spiritual innocence. That requires avoiding cynicism and criticism. This is the day of the cynic, the critics, and the pickle suckers. Said President Hinckley, “Criticism is the forerunner of divorce, the cultivator of rebellion, sometimes a catalyst that leads to failure. In the Church it sows the seed of inactivity and finally apostasy” (Gordon B. Hinckley, BYU­Hawaii commencement address, June 18, 1983).

For some years now I have appreciated sharing a common reception room at the Church Administration Building with David M. Kennedy. I appreciate my personal relationship with him. After having been called to the Council of the Twelve Apostles, I was walking out of the Tabernacle with Elder Kennedy. I said to him: “David, there must be ten thousand men in this Church more able and qualified to serve in the Council of the Twelve than I am.” Brother Kennedy: “No, fifteen thousand.”

James E. Faust, (September 28, 1986) An Untroubled Faith

http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=854

One definition of humor is: “Humor is falling downstairs if you do it while in the act of warning your wife not to” (Kenneth Bird, quoted ibid.).

There is another important dimension of learning to laugh at yourself. It lies in not being afraid to make a mistake. When I was a young bishop, we sought to have a ward choir. We had a good choir because our leader, Brother Alex Anderson, was a good leader. He, however, encouraged the bishop to sing in the choir, at some risk. I felt that as a measure of support for Brother Anderson and the others that I would try to sing with them. Things went from bad to worse. Brother Anderson liked to invite the choir members to improve their talents by singing solos. One Sunday during choir practice he asked that the bishop sing a small solo. I found it very difficult to turn Brother Anderson down in front of the whole choir, when the others who were not very good singers had made a 100 percent effort, so during sacrament meeting the choir sang and I tried. I was literally so frightened and upset that the paper trembled in my hands. I could hardly hold it. I felt embarrassed and I felt humiliated. All of my mask of dignity was gone. After the meeting, as I walked down the aisle, I was met with warm smiles and expressions of understanding and support. Someone said, “Bishop, it surely makes us feel good to see you scared.” That day the bishop became more human.

George Barrell Cheever said: “For health and the constant enjoyment of life, give me a keen and ever-present sense of humor. It is the next best thing to an abiding faith in providence” (Quoted ibid.).

One of the talents which needs to be greatly magnified is a sensitivity to others, and this sensitivity involves reaching out and touching another heart. By learning not to be afraid to laugh at oneself, one is able to stir up the kindred feelings of others. Under the cultivation of the Holy Ghost the talents will be greatly magnified.

That great apostle said, “Well, president, I will tell you. My body, the house I live in, is getting old and creaky,” and then he added, with all ninety-five years of his life testifying, “but the real LeGrand Richards is on fire.”

It is now time to conclude lest I fall into the error of the speaker referred to by President Bryant S. Hinckley, the father of Elder Gordon B. Hinckley. President Hinckley related:
A garrulous speaker at a banquet had talked on and on until the guests could not suppress their yawns. The irritated toastmaster raised his gavel, intending to rap for order. He brought it down and in place of hitting the table he struck a man next to him, who had stooped to pick up his napkin, right on top of his bald pate and knocked him unconscious. They administered restoratives and when he began to revive they asked him how he felt. He said, “I hear him still talking, hit me again.” (Improvement Era, November 1929, p. 16.)

James E. Faust, (March 17, 1981) An Even Balance

http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=851

Life…is but a precious drop
In the vast eternal pool
Where every moment counts toward
Achieving happiness, our goal

We Must Make Our Own Happiness

“Mortality is a precious drop in the bucket of eternity. Why not make each minute pleasant and fulfilling? We must make our own happiness. As President Spencer W. Kimball once said, ‘Happiness does not depend upon what happens outside of you, but on what happens inside of you. It is measured by the spirit with which you meet the problems of life.’ ”
James E. Faust, “A Vision of What We Can Be,” Ensign, Mar. 1996, 10

In part, life is a test
Requiring our best
With faith… one finds hope
Unto peace, there to cope

Peace Comes through Hope

“Everybody in this life has their challenges and difficulties. That is part of our mortal test. The reason for some of these trials cannot be readily understood except on the basis of faith and hope because there is often a larger purpose which we do not always understand. Peace comes through hope.”
James E. Faust
Hope, an Anchor of the Soul
Ensign, Nov. 1999, 59

There is a social experiment I like trying everywhere I go. The experiment is this: I talk to random strangers and ask them how their life is, how their day is going, or most of the time I just say hi. In most cases people will dismiss my greetings and continue about their lives because, my guess would be, they were preoccupied and might not have heard me, or they didn’t want to look stupid just in case I wasn’t talking to them. There are most likely other reasons but I have never stopped anyone to ask what their reasoning would be; but leave it up to my guesses and similar events in the lives of my friends.

I tried this same experiment out today and found that just shy of %100 of the people who were not distracted by I-pods or cell phones responded and cordially. I think our generation is as the prophets have said a generation full of the noble and great ones; but I think we can at times get too caught up in technology; (i.e. I-pods blaring constant music, texting and talking continuously on cell phones, and all the other distractions we have before us) that we forget to take time to develop our spiritual side through pondering, praying, observing and following promptings of the spirit. When we are constantly occupied it makes it hard for the spirit to get through and let us know of opportunities to help others or avoid potentially dangerous situations.

President James E. Faust said: “An important part of the spiritual being within all of us is the quiet and sacred part from which we may feel a sanctification in our lives. It is that part of us wherein no other soul may intrude. It is that part that permits us to come close to the divine, both in and out of this world. This portion of our beings is reserved only for ourselves and our Creator. We open the portals thereof when we pray. It is here where we may retreat and meditate. It is possible for the Holy Ghost to abide in this special part of us. It is a place of special communion. It is the master cell of our spiritual battery.” (Feb 2003 Ensign Strengthening the inner self)

If we do not allow time for prayer and meditation then we are never able to reach the potential that God sees in us or allow our spiritual selves to grow, because we do not spend time learning and studying about it. “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”

Try these things out for yourself. When you go into a class or test having been spiritually uplifted that morning the things that you will learn or have learned are readily available thus causing peace of mind throughout the day. Take time to think!

In this past months issue of the ensign they had an article on this very subject:

Time “Under the Radar”

In this world of technological phenomena, we are constantly bombarded with messages. From text messages to e-mail, from cell phones to social-networking sites and blogs, we can always be up-to-date on what’s going on in our world. We are also more available to others than ever before.

Even though I am grateful to live in the digital communication wave, I sometimes find myself wishing I could go undisturbed for a while. I have made it a priority to find moments every day in which I can go “under the radar” and have time for the most important messages available to me—the promptings of the Spirit.

I compare it to being in a classroom, trying to listen to the instructor give vital information that will be on the next test. This test will affect my grade and possibly even my graduation. What if, in the midst of this lecture, while I was trying to concentrate and listen, a friend sitting next to me said something to distract me from what the instructor was teaching? It could make passing the class very difficult.

I have found that when I choose not to bring the outside influences of the digital world into my life, especially during institute class and church worship, I receive more from the Holy Ghost than I ever thought possible.

David Martin, Utah, USA

Alert to Important Messages

While I was serving my mission in Seattle, Washington, my companion and I worked with young single adult wards and spent time tracting on the University of Washington campus. There were dozens of times when we would approach someone who wore headphones or who was talking on a cell phone. It often seemed that they used their conveniently available electronics as a means to ignore us or an excuse to wave us away.

I have since returned from my mission, but I think often about the amazing message that electronics prevented those people from hearing. I realize how important it can be for all of us to take time to disconnect and simply listen for what the Holy Ghost can teach us. Some of the strongest spiritual experiences I’ve had since returning from my mission have happened when I felt the need to turn off the radio and just think about spiritual things or pray. There is definitely a time for listening to music, texting, and talking, but there is also a time for simply listening for things of the Spirit.

Randy Hoffman, Utah, USA

Distraction-Free Worship

The world is naturally a noisy place, so I have always enjoyed the reverence and quiet at church. This reverence is enhanced when fellow Latter-day Saints choose to leave their electronic devices at home or turn them off. This gives all of us time to focus and meditate on gospel questions or circumstances in our lives. By doing this, we can block worldly distractions and allow the still, small voice to enter our minds and souls to fill us with joy, love, and understanding.

I am grateful for the peace I can receive every time I walk into a chapel to worship the Lord with my brothers and sisters without the distractions and noise of the world.

Alison Curtis, California, USA

Gentle Messages of the Spirit

“The Spirit does not get our attention by shouting or shaking us with a heavy hand. Rather it whispers. It caresses so gently that if we are preoccupied we may not feel it at all.”

President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “The Candle of the Lord,” Ensign, Jan. 1983, 53.

I love definitions, especially of complex concepts like ‘hope’.  Many times we tend to live our lives quickly, not paying much attention to things happening outside our little circles.  In addition, we spend little time thinking, pondering, and slowing down in contemplation of what is going on.

I also know that I tend to over-complicate things at times.  So having a plain, simple, yet powerful definition I can remember is certainly a good thing.

Wow.  Talents and possibilities.  I wonder what would be the best way to awaken those things?  And what great fun it might be to try and discover those things?

But then again, I wonder how one goes about doing just that?  I have spent an enormous amount of time trying to identify my own talents and possibilites that I fear I have not ever tried to learn how to find them in others.

I have always found it interesting that, as we often say, “if you aren’t progressing, you are sliding back”, or other similar sayings.  And I suppose we can back this up with numerous scriptural passages.  (I am thinking of Alma talking of how this life is a time to prepare, and to not procrastinate, amoung others)

The idea being that as we naturally move along this life, and as time takes us inexorably on, that to sit still, or not try and improve, is a sin.  There is no rest at all, at any time, for any of us.

That is why I like this quote.  In his way Elder Faust says that this condition, this imperative to improve, also exists within our own souls.  That if we cease to improve our mind, our heart, and our spirit, that it too will go the other direction.

“The Spirit—the Holy Ghost—will help us work out our insecurities. For instance, it can help us learn to forgive. There comes a time when people must move on, seeking greater things rather than being consumed by the memory of some hurt or injustice. Dwelling constantly on past injuries is, by its nature, limiting to the Spirit. It does not promote peace.”

What a wonderful talk on the Holy Ghost!  I would reccomend it to everyone.

I have always thought that most of us, myself included, tend to live our lives in a very haphazard manner, and rarely really take the time to slow down and listen.  I think we are so distracted by everything, so distracted by all the twinkling possibilities that we quickly lose sight of what is both real and important.

Action Item

Twice a day, slow down, try to listen, and pay attention to what the Lord has done so far that day.

I have thought about this before, because I tend to have a lot of bad thoughts that I try and control.  And I have often wondered if:

1) those bad thoughts come from Satan,
2) if he watches to see if they have had an effect and then
3) takes note of your weakness for future use.

And I take from this quote that possibly, he does just that, he watches us, watches to see how we will react to his temptations, and then when we fail, BANG, he piles it on

I have always thought–and still do by the way–that we have far more potential than we realize.  That within us is so much good, so much strength, and so much work that to say “I don’t know how.” seems to me to be a great sin.

How could it be, that we who are children of a loving Heavenly Father, could ever use up all the gifts He has given us?

Action Item

Regularly identify talents, skills, and gifts, through journal entries and observations.

“A year or so ago I sat in an elders quorum meeting. The members of the presidency were fine, capable young men; but when they got around to sharing the quorum responsibilities and getting the work done, they limited it to those who were present and who would volunteer. Not one assignment was given.”

“One of the first principles we must keep in mind is that the work of the Lord goes forward through assignments. Leaders receive and give assignments. This is an important part of the necessary principle of delegating.”

“A good leader expects much, inspires greatly, and sets on fire those he is called to lead.  Now, a leader must cause things to happen and lives to be affected. Something should move and change.”

“Priesthood leaders have the rare opportunity to conduct priesthood interviews. Specifically, through personal contacts and interviews the leader can accomplish the following:

1. Inspire and motivate
2. Delegate and trust
3. Hold accountable and follow up
4. Teach by example and principle
5. Be generous with appreciation

Sometimes leaders hold the reins too tightly, often limiting the natural talents and gifts of those who are called to labor at their sides. “

Personal Thoughts

Is it enough to say that I should follow this advice, and yet I do not?  I wish I could say that I was a great leader, but when I read talks like this and then evaluate my own efforts I realize just how bad I am!!

• Faith means-to hope for things which are not seen but which are true.

Alma 32:21 “And now as I said concerning faith-faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen but which are true.”

Romans 8:24-25 “For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, what doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

Faith becomes my principle power as a Latter-Day Saint, it is more than a belief in things, it is something to do rather than than something to have. Faith is practicing what Christ has taught and believing what he has promised. Faith is a gift from God, something we are all endowed with.

James E. Faust has said “Faith intensifies and magnifies our gifts and abilities. There is no greater source of knowledge than the inspiration that comes from the God head”

What a wonderful source of inspiration that quote is, but being able to tap into that is my willingness, which ironically is the hardest part.

• Miracles do not produce faith, faith produces miracles.

In my own lessons of developing faith, often wrapped in packages of trials I sometimes have the wrong perspective on how large my trial truly is. Often, after the fact many trails seem insignificant.

When I am in a position to grow stronger faith and develop brighter hope I am often competing with fear and discouragement.

2 Timothy 1:17 “God hath not given us the spirit of fear”

I am vulnerable to lack of hope but need to be better at recognizing it so I will not fall within it’s grasp.

One of my favorite books is called Man’s Search for Meaning, by Victor Frankl. Dr. Frankl was a prisoner in Auschwitz for 3 years.

He writes “I once had a dramatic demonstration of the close link between the loss of faith in the future and this dangerous giving up”…my senior block warden, a fairly well-known composer and librettist, confided in me one day ” I would like to tell you something Doctor. I had a strange dream. A voice told me that I could wish for something. That I should only say what I wanted to know and all my questions would be answered.

What do you think I asked? That I would like to know when the war would be over for me. You know what I mean, Doctor-for me! I wanted to know when we, when our camp would be liberated and our sufferings come to an end”

“And when did you have this dream?” I asked. “In February” (1945), he answered. It was then the beginning of March. “What did your dream voic answer?” Furtively he whispered to me, “March 30th”. When F (he refers to him as F) told me about his dream he was still full of hope and convinced that the voice of his dream would be right. But as the promised day drew nearer, the war news which reached our camp made it appear very unlikely that we would be free on the promised date.

On March 29th, F suddenly became ill and ran a high temperature.

On March 30th, the day his prophecy had told him that the war and suffering would be over for him, he became delirious and lost consciousness.

On March 31st, he was dead. To all outward appearances, he had died of typhus.

“Those who know how close the connection is between the state of mind of a man, his courage and hope or lack of them and the state of immunity of his body, will understand that sudden loss of hope and courage can have a deadly effect.”

” The ultimate cause of my friend’s death was that the expected liberation did not come and he was severely disappointed. This suddenly lowered his body’s resistance against the latent typhus infection. His faith in the future and his will to tlive had become paralyzed and his body fell victim to illness-and thus the voice of his dream was right after all.”

Neal A. Maxwell said ” Just as doubt, despair and desensitization go together, so do faith, hope and charity. Where as despair like dandelions need so little encouragement to sprout and spread. Despair comes so naturally to the natural man.”

Frankl also writes; “We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of human freedom’s-TO CHOOSE ONES ATTITUDE IN ANY GIVEN SET OF CIRCUMSTANCES, TO CHOOSE ONE’S OWN WAY.

I once had a teacher in-service meeting, the question was asked of the group-what testimony means to us (individually), it seems like a text book question. But when he said it makes us teachable…I never thought about it that way. If I was to know things, what would be the purpose of faith? Why would I need to rely on hope?

In the Bible dictionary it states that all true faith must be based upon correct principle or it cannot produce the desired results.

D & C 88:40 “For intelligence cleaveth unto intelligence, wisdom receiveth widsom; truth embraceth truth; virtue loveth virtue; light cleaveth unto light…”

In lightness there is no room for darkness and truth abideth forever and ever.

I know that I am far from perfect and am on a learning path. I also know that I cannot sustain my self very long if I pick and choose which course of faith I will endure, to keep some commandments and not others. How much easier it is int he long run, if my faith is turned into correct knowledge in that thing.

• When I first moved to Saline, it was winter and had quite a surprise waiting for us in Spring. Our yard had more dandelions than blades of grass. One day, I got out my weed tool and a lawn refuse bag, I was sure to pull the weed with roots adn all to be sure they would not come back. The lawn refuse bag half full of weeds ( I obviously gave up after a while, I actually called true green chem lawn ). was left in the garage for nearly a week. On garbage night I found the bag and opened it, surely there were dandelions but MUCH MORE! They had grown, there were flowers standing. There was no dirt, no light and no water, but they were thriving.

When discouraged by our weeds in life, we must move forward. Our weeds will always be there whether obvious or lurking.

As Neal A. Maxwell (can you tell he is one of my favorites? you will) said. “We must be willing to look at our trials as the Lord offering us new data, new knowledge, new and needed reinforcement but disguised as a trial.”

Just as we cannot expect to gain the knowledge within a book without reading it, we cannot expect to gain spiritual knowledge without practice faith.

Endure to the end.

“The influence and teaching of the Messiah should have a transcendence over all other interests and concerns in our lives. We must constantly be reaching upward for the riches of eternity, for the kingdom of God is within us.”

“This [the temple and the ordinances there] has been provided by a gracious, just, and loving Father for all of mankind, and permits those who have participated in these enlightening ordinances to raise themselves to their highest potential in this life and for all eternity, with an endless association with their families in the presence of their Creator.”

Personal Thoughts

Sometimes I tend to think about the temple ordinances, the covenants we enter into there, and the promises we make, as something that impacts only our life in the world to come.  I liked this quote from Elder Faust because he states that as we live according to the ordinances there, we raise ourselves to our highest potential in this life.