The Dead Duck

"Many years ago, a wealthy man went duck hunting with a hired hand named Sam. They took a horse and carriage, and along the way a rim came off one of the wheels. As Sam hammered it back on, he accidentally hit his finger. Instantly he let go with some bad words. He quickly fell to his knees, asking God's forgiveness. "Lord, it's so difficult at times to live the Christian life," he prayed.

"Sam," said the man, "I know you're a Christian, but tell me why you struggle so. I'm an atheist, and I don't have problems like that."

Sam didn't know what to say. Just then two ducks flew overhead. The man raised his gun and two shots rang out. "Leave the dead one and go after that wounded bird!" he shouted. Sam pointed at the duck that was fluttering desperately to escape and said, "I've got an answer for you now, Boss. You said that my Christianity isn't any good because I have to struggle so. Well, I'm the wounded duck, and I struggle to get away from the devil. But Boss, you're the dead duck!"

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If adversity comes your way, don't worry about it, you must be doing something right, and good things are coming your way:)

What is Our Response?

Elder Marion D Hanks said in January 1974:

Christ’s example and instructions to his friends are clear. He forgave, and he said: “… Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” (Matt. 5:44.)

What is our response when we are offended, misunderstood, unfairly or unkindly treated, or sinned against, made an offender for a word, falsely accused, passed over; hurt by those we love, our offerings rejected? Do we resent, become bitter, hold a grudge? Or do we resolve the problem if we can, forgive, and rid ourselves of the burden? The nature of our response to such situations may well determine the nature and quality of our lives, here and eternally. A courageous friend, her faith refined by many afflictions, said to me only hours ago, “Humiliation must come before exaltation.”

It is required of us to forgive. Our salvation depends upon it. In a revelation given in 1831 the Lord said:

“My disciples, in days of old, sought occasion against one another and forgave not one another in their hearts; and for this evil they were afflicted and sorely chastened.

“Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin.

“I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.”

(D&C 64:8–10.)
(“Conference Excerpts,” New Era, Jan. 1974, 6

Why wait??

This is the Christ

One of the hymns that I love the most. The text was written by the wonderful Elder James E. Faust. The words and sheet music can be found here, enjoy:

P.S. Happy Mothers Day, one and all!

An Eternal Family Experience

Exaltation is an eternal family experience, and it is our mortal family experiences that are best suited to prepare us for it."

—Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, Nov. 2000

Happy Early Mothers Day!

Humility vs. Lack of Confidence

Elder Glenn L. Pace said:

"Too often we wallow in our weaknesses so much that we do not allow 'weak things' to 'become strong.' Our condition is frequently misdiagnosed as humility, when in reality it is a lack of confidence."
("Confidence and Self-Worth," Ensign, Jan. 2005, 32)

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Paul gives us a good example of his confidence in God despite honest recognition of his weaknesses:

“And he [the Lord] said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9 – 10)

I just liked that.

Accepting Yourself

"We receive mixed messages today that self-love and a sense of self-worth are forms of selfishness and conceit. However, I know from my own experience that when I don't fully accept myself and all of my warts, blemishes, and imperfections, I am crippled in my charity toward God and my neighbors. Let me encourage you not to feel guilty as you aspire to appropriate self-love, which comes in part by honest self-knowledge and acceptance."
—Jeffrey R. Holland, On Earth As It Is in Heaven

The Lord's Real Storehouse

"The Lord's real storehouse is...in the homes and the hearts of His people."
—Robert D. Hales, Ensign, May 1986

Be Kind

"Be one who nurtures and who builds. Be one who has an understanding and a forgiving heart, who looks for the best in people. Leave people better than you found them. If we could look into each other's hearts and understand the unique challenges each of us faces, I think we would treat each other much more gently..."

(Marvin J. Ashton, Ensign, May 1992)

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"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

"Wherefore, be not weary in well–doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.

(Ephesians 4:32; D&C 64:33)

The Purifying Power of Gethsemane

These are the clips of the last talk given by Bruce R. McConkie befoe he passed away. He chose to speak on the Atonement. This, for me, is one of the most powerful testimonies of the Savior and His atonement given. I hope one day my testimony will be as strong as his. This talk is in 3 parts, if you would just rather read it, click HERE.

Daily Vision for Families

"Where there is no vision, the family perishes. Our Eternal Father will renew our vision daily as we seek Him in prayer. He reaches His arms to us to assist us in our crossings over the chasms of life. He will be there to welcome us with our families."

—Ardeth Greene Kapp, "My Neighbor, My Sister, My Friend"

Peace & Spirituality

Elder Robert E. Wells:

“Personal peace and our level of spirituality will increase as we focus on studying and thinking about Christ every day; by loving and thanking Christ more each day for his atoning sacrifice; by daily striving to serve Christ better through becoming more involved...”

(Ensign, May 1991)

“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”

(2 Corinthians 9:15)

A Promise

"He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost"

(2 Ne. 31:12)

Distractions

Nephi had just received the interrpretation of the dream his father had seen, and it says he had "seen all things".

I bet he would have loved to come home, maybe take some time to internalize what he had seen and felt, maybe share with his family some of the parts - just dwell in the Spirit.

Well, this is what he came back to:

"And it came to pass that I behled my brethren, and they were disputing one with another concerning the things which my father had spoken unto them".
"And I Nephi was grieved becasue of the hardness of their hearts...."
(1 Nephi 14:2,4)

Maybe we've all had times like this when we have felt the spirit, or the Lords love, and something has happened which seems determined to drive out feelings of peace, and to encourage us to question what we have felt. A few verses later it says "after [Nephi] had received strength" he spoke to his brethren about it. I take comfort in this experience, that this is a pattern which sometimes happens, and if we feel like there a million other people have felt that too, that we too will receive strength. We must never forget what the Lord tells us, other peoples opinions can't change that, and the Lord will give us strength to help them too, when the time is right.