Funeral Address For Misty Lee Nanney

I never had the opportunity to meet Misty. I nonetheless am her Bishop (or Pastor) and therefore have the privilege to address you today and say a few words in Misty's behalf. It is my understanding that Misty encountered an inordinate number of challenges throughout her brief life. We are told in the scriptures that one of the primary purposes we were sent to this earth is to be "tried and tested" to see if "we will obey all of the commandments the Lord our God should give unto us". Misty was tested greatly. And now the period of her testing is over. No more pain, no more tears, no more worries, no more fears. Misty has now departed this life and you and I remain to sort it all out and make sense of it all. Misty's untimely departure leaves us all with a few questions on our minds.

Before I address some of these questions and their answers let me say a word or two about Misty's death. Most of you are aware of the difficult circumstances of Misty's passing. As Misty's Bishop, her spiritual leader, and most importantly her brother might I venture an assessment? I will use the words of Joseph Smith the Prophet to provide basis for my assessment of Misty's situation:

"While one portion of the human race is judging and condemning the other without mercy, the Great Parent of the universe looks upon the whole of the human family with a fatherly care and paternal regard. . . . He is a wise Lawgiver, and will judge all men, not
according to the narrow, contracted notions of men, but, "according to the deeds done in the body whether they be good or evil. . . ." We need not doubt the wisdom and intelligence of the Great Jehovah; He will award judgment or mercy to all nations according to their several deserts . . . and when the designs of God shall be made manifest, and the curtain of futurity be withdrawn, we shall all of us eventually have to confess that the Judge of all the earth has done right.' " (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 218.)"

For Misty too, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ suffered in Gethsemane and on the cross, for Misty too, He suffered in both body and spirit, for Misty too, He "shrank not" from the bitter cup that was offered Him. Nothing can change that. Nothing! You and I must leave judgement in the only completely clean pair of hands in our universe, namely Jesus Christ's. Now, inasmuch as we have a casket with a Misty physical body set here in front of us, we are challenged with several questions.

Where is Misty? Should we mourn her passing? Will we see each other again? What do each of us face when we step through death's door?

I would say to you friends and family here assembled, and to each and every one of you that hears my voice this day:

I know where she's at, and I know what she's doing!

    When one of our loved ones passes beyond the veil of this mortal existence the parting brings a deep sadness and longing to each of us that is left behind. We feel disconnected and left behind, we pause and consider our own mortality and what we are doing with our lives. We long to know for sure what the future holds for us beyond the certain step with uncertain dimensions we call death. The passing of a loved one invites deep reflection. The Psalmist testified:

"...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."

JST Psalms 30:Verse 5

    But how can joy arise from the ashes of sorrow, when we are so clearly left behind? When our sorrow is so painfully fresh? How can we recover from the incredible and awful vacancy that enters our lives? To begin with we must realize and remember the eternal nature of God's Plan for our Happiness.

The Poet William Wordsworth wrote in his famous poem "Intimations of Immortality":

Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting:

The Soul that rises with us, our life's Star,

Hath had elsewhere its setting,

And cometh from afar:

Not in entire forgetfulness,

And not in utter nakedness,

But trailing clouds of glory do we come

From God, who is our home:

Heaven lies about us in our infancy!

    Each of us treads a path that leads to a destiny of our choosing. Our choices mark the way and determine our ultimate destination. Key to this personal destiny is the concept of pre-mortality. To fully understand where Misty is we must understand where she, and each of us was before. Since we existed as beings capable of rational thought and choice prior to coming to this earth, we were able to do, say, and accomplish many things. One of the most important things we were not able to do in our pre-earth existence was obtain a physical body. We came to this planet to do just that. We know we are required to learn many things while in our bodies. The scriptures reveal the conversation of our Deity with these words:

And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them; (Abraham 3:25)

Our strict heed of the words of God is so important! Because our Heavenly Father loves us so much He desires the maximum amount of joy to be our reward in the hereafter. Latter-Day scripture reveals that the unification of the body and spirit forms the "Soul of Man" and leads to a "Fullness of Joy". One scripture (D&C 93:33-35) states:

The elements are eternal, and spirit and element, inseparably connected, receive a fulness of joy;

And when separated, man cannot receive a fulness of joy.

The elements are the tabernacle of God; yea, man is the tabernacle of God...

 

Key to this destiny is the marvelous truth is that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has provided a way for us to be reunited with our physical bodies and our loved ones on the other side! He has prepared a plan with God our Heavenly Father that ensures eternal happiness and joy awaits each one of us. John chapter 3 verse 16 records probably the most often quoted passage in all of scripture:

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

John 3:16

Everlasting life...this sounds like a long-term affair! When we come to terms with the eternal truth that we are eternal beings and that we will exist forever a massive measure of comfort enters our hearts. Job the righteous and afflicted prophet of old declared:

For I know [that] my redeemer liveth, and [that] he shall stand at the latter [day] upon the earth:

And [though] after my skin [worms] destroy this [body], yet in my flesh shall I see God:

Job 19: 25-26

The glorious remarkable truth which applies to Misty and to each of us that we will have the ability in a future day to regain our physical bodies only with the added blessing of inheriting a perfected immortal body which is incapable of, and irresponsible for suffering all of the vicissitudes we face in this life. Along with this amazing new incorruptible body comes peace of mind and soul as well. The cares and sorrows of this life will be a memory at that point. For now, we move forward step by sometimes agonizing step. A living apostle reminds us with a thought and resurrects a truth revealed by another prophet in ancient times:

The plan always points the way, but does not always smooth the way, since individual development requires an "opposition in all things." (2 Nephi 2:11.) (Neal A. Maxwell Ensign, May 1984, p. 22.)

 

Misty had a knowledge of what awaited her on the other side. As a Latter-Day Saint she was taught the principles I have thus far shared with you today. Her 28 years of mortality seem far too few. For some reason I imagine none of us can adequately explain her passage was hastened to that place of waiting we know to be the Spirit World. A place where the righteous and the wicked await resurrection and judgement. Meanwhile, the Holy Scriptures continue to testify to us of the plan of God for his children's happiness. Let me share three of my favorites with you:

For since by man [came] death, by man [came] also the resurrection of the dead.

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

1 Corinthians 15:21-22

Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

John 5: 28-29

In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also.

John 14: 2-3

A Prophet declared, speaking of those who mourn for their deceased relatives:

....when I talk to these mourners, what have they lost? Their relatives and friends are only separated from their bodies for a short season: their spirits which existed with God have left the tabernacle of clay only for a little moment, as it were; and they now exist in a place where they converse together the same as we do on the earth,

I have a father, brothers, children, and friends who have gone to a world of spirits. They are only absent for a moment. They are in the spirit, and we shall soon meet again. The time will soon arrive when the trumpet shall sound. When we depart, we shall hail our mothers, fathers, friends, and all whom we love...

 

Let us not unduly mourn the passing of Misty. She is not gone forever nor doth she sleep! Only her physical tabernacle resides in this chapel, her magnificent eternal spirit has taken its place among the millions that have gone before!

    I know that Misty is certainly marveling in her newfound state of peace and clarity and that each of us as we move ever closer to our transition to the next world should feel peace in knowing that there is indeed a place "prepared for us".

Funeral for Helen Williams

I met Sister Williams at Church for the first time 11 years ago. Since then I have served in the Church with her and been her Bishop or Pastor twice. In 1997 I was ordained a Bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Helen was a member of the congregation over which I presided then. This last Sunday the 30^th of May I was called once again to serve as Helen's Bishop. In that self-same afternoon I had the privilege of visiting Helen's home and along with one of her good sons and one of my counselors bidding her farewell in the form of a priesthood blessing. It was a sobering yet spiritually rich moment as we administered one last time to Sister Williams, she who had served so many so well for so many years. In my relatively short association with Helen I learned and observed at least 3 things:

1. She was an excellent cook. Her pot roast and vegetable dinner she provided at the birth of our last child is still fondly remembered. When I remarked on the nice pot she brought the roast in she reminded me I could have the contents but not the pot!
   
2. She had a tenacious personality. Through probably equal parts her upbringing and her generation her matter-of-fact nature and her way of "telling it like it is" was appreciated by all her knew her.
   
3. She had a remarkably firm testimony of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. My wife remarked on her deep love for the Savior and her ability to share her feelings convincingly with the sisters in Relief Society (the women's organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints).
   

 

When she left us last Sunday there was a wake in her departure, one which will not soon fill. She was fond of saying she was quote "ready to go" when the Lord should call and that she was anxious to meet up with other relatives who had gone on before. Those of us who remain behind might wonder where Helen has gone.

Where is Helen?

Should we mourn her passing?

Will we see each other again?

What do we each face when we step through death's door?

When Helen passed through the veil of death she transitioned to the next phase of her existence as an immortal spirit waiting the morning of the first resurrection.

I would say to you children Raymond, John, Evan, & Denise and to all of the rest of you here assembled:

I know where she's at, and I know what she's doing!

    When one of our loved ones passes beyond the veil of this mortal existence the parting brings a deep sadness and longing to each of us that is left behind. We feel disconnected and alone, we pause and consider our own mortality and what we are doing with our lives. We long to know for sure what the future holds for us beyond the certain step with uncertain dimensions we call death. The passing of a loved one invites deep reflection. I believe we may come to know and understand what the Psalmist testified of in the 30th Psalm:

"...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."

JST Psalms 30:Verse 5

    But how can joy arise from the ashes of sorrow, when we are so clearly left behind? When our sorrow is so painfully fresh? How can we recover from the incredible vacancy that enters our lives?

The marvelous truth is that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has provided a way for us to be reunited with our loved ones on the other side! He has prepared a plan with God our Heavenly Father that ensures eternal happiness and joy awaits each one of us. John chapter 3 verse 16 records probably the most often quoted passage in all of scripture:

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

John 3:16

Everlasting life...this sounds like a long-term affair! When we come to terms with the eternal truth that we are eternal beings and that we will exist forever a massive measure of comfort enters our hearts. Job the afflicted prophet of old declared:

For I know [that] my redeemer liveth, and [that] he shall stand at the latter [day] upon the earth:

And [though] after my skin [worms] destroy this [body], yet in my flesh shall I see God:

Job 19: 25-26

The glorious remarkable truth which applies to Helen and to each of us that we will have the ability in a future day to regain our physical bodies only with the added blessing of inheriting a perfected immortal body which is incapable of suffering all of the vicissitudes of this life.

The other day John and I took a moment to reflect on how wonderful it must have been for Helen to arrive on the other side and find herself alert and free from the cares and worries of this world! How marvelous must have been the reunion with Roy and other family and friends in that elevated sphere! What a great blessing to know we have the opportunity to receive the same welcome home when we depart this world! The Holy Scriptures testify to us of the plan of God for his children's happiness. Let me share three of my favorites with you:

For since by man [came] death, by man [came] also the resurrection of the dead.

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

1 Corinthians 15:21-22

Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life…

John 5: 28-29

In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also.

John 14: 2-3

A Prophet declared, speaking of those who mourn for their deceased relatives:

....when I talk to these mourners, what have they lost? Their relatives and friends are only separated from their bodies for a short season: their spirits which existed with God have left the tabernacle of clay only for a little moment, as it were; and they now exist in a place where they converse together the same as we do on the earth,

I have a father, brothers, children, and friends who have gone to a world of spirits. They are only absent for a moment. They are in the spirit, and we shall soon meet again. The time will soon arrive when the trumpet shall sound. When we depart, we shall hail our mothers, fathers, friends, and all whom we love...

 

Let us not unduly mourn the passing of Helen. She is not gone forever nor doth she sleep! Her physical tabernacle resides in this chapel, her magnificent eternal spirit has taken its place among the millions that have gone before!

    After Hurricane paid a visit to the Gulf Coast last fall Helen made the rounds to check on her sisters in the Church even though this was a real chore for her because of health concerns she was struggling with. I admire the quality of her perseverance in the face of adversity, and I hope that as we take a moment today to remember Helen, we might consider what more we can do in this world to be like her in this way.

    I know that Helen is marveling in the splendor of the paradise in which she is a new citizen. We too are drawing ever closer to the transition to eternity we call "death". May we each have peace and clarity knowing that there is indeed a place "prepared for us".

10 Secrets of Successful Families

Introduction: What is the criteria for a great family?

    Decay of Families (in the U.S.)

        1. Values decaying

        2. Crime/Delinquency

        3. Lack of parental concern

Question: What are the elements that contribute to successful family relationships?

Question: What formula will bring joy and happiness to our individual families?

Discussion of the LDS (Latter-Day Saint) philosophy on families:

    1. The basic (and most important) unit in the church

    2. No other success can compensate for failure in the home. President David O. McKay

    3. Homes are the center of our church activity.

The Ten Principles:

1. PRAY TOGETHER (Provides spiritual strength)

    1. Pray together as a family

    2. Thank Heavenly Father for His blessings to you family

    3. Ask for guidance/assistance on family concerns

    4. Pray for your children in family prayers

    5. Pray as parents for wisdom in rearing the children

2. BUILD A STRONG RELATIONSHIP AS HUSBAND AND WIFE (This is the glue that holds the family together)

    1. Power of the pyramid (Make Christ the center)

             Lord

 

         Husband Wife

    2. Be willing to go the extra mile

    3. Walk in his/her moccasins

    4. Say "I love you" frequently

    5. Show "I love you" always

    6. Hold your tongue; a word spoken stands forever

3. CULTIVATE MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOUR CHILDREN/FAMILY MEMBERS.

    1. Learn your children's favorites. (show a genuine interest).

    2. Participate with them in their activities. (whatever it is)

    3. Be slow to criticize and quick to praise

        Example: Critical dad of teen son's car washing

        Son: "C'mon dad lighten up, I've never been a
        teenager before

        Dad: You know son, now that I think about it, I've never been a parent before.

        Moral: Everyone take it easy and don't be overly critical

        Story: Mother who at her own daughter's bridal 

        shower was unable to guess her daughter's favorite
        things.

4. ATTEND TO THE DUAL NATURE OF FAMILY MEMBERS (PHYSICAL/SPIRITUAL)

    1. Provide Physical Necessities

        1. Food

        2. Shelter

        3. Clothing etc...

    2. Provide Spiritual Necessities

        1. Sense of self

        2. Spiritual heritage

        3. Spiritual family (the family of God)

5. SEARCH OUT YOUR ROOTS/GENEALOGY

    1. Find where your family name came from

        1. Its meaning

        2. Your nationality

        3. Your heritage

        4. Learn the accomplishments/activities of your ancestors

    2. Compile a family history

        1. Personal: Journal or tell a story

        2. Family: scrapbook or family generated

6. TEACH YOUR FAMILY BY PRECEPT AND EXAMPLE

    1. Learning begins young

    2. "What you do thunders so loudly in my ears, I can't hear
    what you say."

    3. Practice what you preach

    4. The divine attribute of Free Agency must be allowed:

        1. Joseph Smith: "Teach them correct principles, then let them govern             themselves".

        2. God will force no man to heaven

    3. Early church leaders dream of his grandfather who asked him, "What have you done with my name?" we too, have names to carry on.

7. GIVE FAMILY LIFE ITS RIGHTFUL PLACE AT THE PINNACLE OF YOUR LIFE.

1. Nurture the lasting /meaningful relationships in your life: those that you create     with your family.
   
2. Example of the Navy man who spent 18 1/2 yrs. of the first 20 yrs. of marriage away from his family. He doesn't know his children! (nor his wife for that matter)
   
3. Cherish each moment as an island in time; there is only one today. The years fly by.
   

8. DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF

    1. Most of marriage's rough spots are encountered over small     things.
    2. Remember Agency! The only person that can change a     person, is that person     themself!
    3. Be Unselfish. All problems (nearly all) stem from one or both partners being selfish.
    4. Math of Marriage: 110%+110%=100%

9. CHERISH THE WORTH AND IMPORTANCE OF HAVING A FAMILY: IT IS GOD'S TUTORING SYSTEM.
    1. Things you find in a family:
        Your best friends
        Funny times
        Sad/happy times
        Challenges/blessings
    Article of Faith #13: We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, and in doing good to all men. Indeed, we may say     that we follow the admonition of Paul, we believe all things, we     hope all things, we have endured many things and hope to be     able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

10. SPEND QUALITY TIME TOGETHER DOING A FAMILY ACTIVITY.
    1. Set time aside each week specifically for family time.
        "Family Home Evening"
        1. Pray together
        2. Sing together/read together
        3. Teach one another
        4. Encourage one another
        5. Refreshments! (of course)

    2. Cherish each moment as an island

Baptism

1 ¶ THERE was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 

3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 

5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

                            John 3:1-5

• Baptism is the key to the gate that leads to the path, which leads to eternal life.
  
• We signify our willingness to follow our Heavenly Father's commandments when we are baptized.
  

Cahrles W. Penrose, an early leader in the Church has written concerning baptism:

Baptism was instituted for the remission of sins by divine command. It is therefore essential. It is a sign of cleansing, purification, death to sin, burial from the world and resurrection to a new life in Christ Jesus. For, baptism means immersion. The sprinkling or pouring of water on the body is not baptism. The ordinance of baptism preached by John, the forerunner, by Christ himself, and by the apostles whom he sent as his messengers, was both a burial and a birth. When Jesus was baptized by John it was in the river Jordan: "Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbade him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water; and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting upon him: and lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Matt. iii:13-17.)

Charles W. Penrose, Rays of Living Light, Handbook of the Restoration, p.120

Elder James E. Talmage described the nature of Baptism in his book the Articles of Faith in these words….

In the theology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, water baptism ranks as the third principle and the first essential ordinance of the Gospel. Baptism is the gateway leading into the fold of Christ, the portal to the Church, the established rite of naturalization in the kingdom of God. The candidate for admission into the Church, having obtained and professed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and having sincerely repented of his sins, is properly required to give evidence of this spiritual sanctification by some outward ordinance, prescribed by authority as the sign or symbol of his new profession. The initiatory ordinance is baptism by water, to be followed by the higher baptism of the Holy Spirit; and, as a result of this act of obedience, remission of sins is granted.

James E. Talmage, Articles of Faith, Ch.6, p.120

• Being baptized is a commandment and a blessing. When we obey this commandment and make this sacred covenant with our Heavenly Father our lives are blessed and we draw nearer to our Savior, who died for us and promises us eternal life through our repentance, baptism, and enduring to the end.
  

The Book of Mormon Prohet Alma testified:

14 Now I say unto you that ye must repent, and be born again; for the Spirit saith if ye are not born again ye cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven; therefore come and be baptized unto repentance, that ye may be washed from your sins, that ye may have faith on the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, who is mighty to save and to cleanse from all unrighteousness. Alma 7:14

Pioneering in Mortality

 

High Council Speaking Assignment

P.D. Laws

Milton & Pensacola First Wards

19 January 1997

 

1997 is a year of pioneers. This is the 150th since the arrival of the Mormon pioneers in the Salt Lake valley from Winter Quarters which was near what is now Florence, Nebraska. The distance between the two points is 1031 miles! We in the Church today are the beneficiaries of the sacrifices and suffering of many an early Saint. We are not called upon to suffer as they did.

 

My third Great Grandmother on my father's side, was one of these pioneer Saints. Widowed with 7 children she made the trek across the plains with a handcart. I am humbled when I read of the trials that she and her family endured. They were members of the ill-fated Willie Handcart Company which was stranded with meager provisions in the snows of Wyoming. She and six of her seven children arrived in the Salt Lake Valley on the 9th of November 1856.

 

One of the great legacies left by the early pioneers and which may be freely obtained today is their sense of determination and dedication to the cause of Christ. Their "do it, or die trying" mentality of gospel dedication provided the required motivation to suffer all things that were placed at their feet. I rejoice in the opportunity we will have all of this year to commemorate these sweeping and significant events!

 

Today, the physical challenges we face as Saints have dissipated from handcarts to things like wrestling with unruly children in Sacrament Meeting, trying not to get hurt in a church basketball game, or dodging the Bishopric member who has that look in his eye which says "I don't think we've heard form you in a while in Sacrament Meeting!"

 

We are not however, any different from our early brothers and sisters as far as the eternal plans of our Heavenly Father go. His plan for each of his children is the same. In the second verse of the Doctrine and Covenants the Lord declares:

For verily the voice of the Lord is unto all men, and there is none to escape; and there is no eye that shall not see, neither ear that shall not hear, neither heart that shall not be penetrated.

 

The eternal plans of our Father apply to all of us. This truth was revealed to Moses in these words:

 

....and there is no end to my works, neither to my words.

 

For behold, this is my work and my glory--to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

                    Moses 1:38-39

How many times have you and I heard this verse quoted? Where do we fit into this work that is mentioned?

 

As individuals, and more importantly as families, we have a unique and powerful eternal identity and destiny as it pertains to this plan. The framework of the Plan was revealed to each of us in advance of the creation of this earth and caused great excitement among us. My earthly fathers' Patriarchal Blessing eloquently describes these events with these words:

(The Lord)...would have you understand that you lived and grew and developed for countless ages before this earth was created and that you were one of the number who sang for joy when this planet on which we now live was created, when you learned that in due time you would have the privilege of dwelling here in a tabernacle of flesh and bones....

Patriarchal Blessing of David P. Laws 10 Jul 57

The idea of being there and witnessing the events which led to the planning and creation of this world has always stirred in me a great longing to remember! I am sure that you and I were intimately interested in these prospects! How we must have longed to become more like our father! The greatest thing to me about this whole Plan is that we have the knowledge of the reality of these events. The prophets through the ages have continually reminded us of our identities! President Joseph F Smith, 6th President of the Church said:

What a glorious thing it is to know and be true to that which has been revealed in these latter times through the instrumentality of the Prophet Joseph Smith. It was revealed anciently by the Savior himself, and he exemplified that glorious principle of which I wish to say a few words, and which has been renewed and emphasized more especially in these latter days through Joseph Smith-I refer to our identity, our indestructible, immortal identity. As in Christ we have the example, he was born of woman, he lived, he died, and he lived again in his own person and being, bearing even the marks of the wounds in his flesh, after his resurrection from the dead-so also a testimony has been given to you, in later days, through the Prophet Joseph Smith, and others who have been blessed with knowledge, that the same individual Being still lives and will always live. Jesus is possessed of immortality, and eternal life; and in evidence of his existence and his immortality, and in evidence of the great and glorious truths of the gospel which he taught, the death which he died, and the resurrection that he wrought from the dead, he has revealed himself and borne his own record and testimony to those who have lived and still live in this day and age.

What a glorious thought it is, to me at least, and it must be to all who have conceived of the truth or received it in their hearts, that those from whom we have to part here, we will meet again and see as they are. We will meet the same identical being that we associated with here in the flesh-not some other soul, some other being, or the same being in some other form, but the same identity and the same form and likeness, the same person we knew and were associated with in our mortal existence, even to the wounds in the flesh. Not that a person will always be marred by scars, wounds, deformities, defects or infirmities, for these will be removed in their course, in their proper time, according to the merciful providence of God. Deformity will be removed; defects will be eliminated, and men and women shall attain to the perfection of their spirits, to the perfection that God designed in the beginning. It is his purpose that men and women, his children, born to become heirs of God, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ, shall be made perfect, physically as well as spiritually, through obedience to the law by which he has provided the means that perfection shall come to all his children.

Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, p.23

 

 

Isn't this a marvelous concept? Doesn't it make you want to do all in your power to make it happen? I am anxious to be reunited with my departed ancestors, particularly my father who passed away nearly 20 years ago. Between the present day and our passage through the veil that separates this world and the world to come, we are called upon to experience all of the challenges and blessings which are designed to stretch us spiritually. In this progressive period we sometimes fall down, get caught in the thicket of sin, or get slogged with the vicissitudes of mortality. It is at times like these we may rely on the reassuring idea that others have indeed gone on ahead and are waiting for our successful return to our eternal home.

 

Many of us have had the experience of traveling great distances and enduring extended periods of separation from our earthly homes and families and know first hand the sweet feeling that the return trip provides as we anticipate the reunion with family that awaits. This feeling magnified intensely probably approaches some of what our Heavenly Father feels when it comes to the prospect of his returning children! This is why he has made such an effort to make it clear to us what his work and glory is! He desires so much to have us return to Him!

 

Thankfully, we do not need to rely on abstract concepts or nebulous principles to envision our relationship to God our Heavenly Father. The Prophet Joseph Smith delivered a sermon before about twenty thousand Saints at the April conference of the Church, 1844, it was a funeral sermon for Elder King Follett, a member of the church who was crushed when a tub of rock fell on him in a well. He said concerning the nature and being of God:

God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens! That is the great secret. If the veil were rent today, and the great God who holds this world in its orbit, and who upholds all worlds and all things by his power, was to make himself visible,-I say, if you were to see him today, you would see him like a man in form-like yourselves in all the person, image, and very form as a man; for Adam was created in the very fashion, image and likeness of God, and received instruction from, and walked, talked and conversed with him, as one man talks and communes with another.

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Section Six 1843-44, p.345

The Prophet Lorenzo Snow also had a revelation concerning the character of God. His simple couplet "As man now is, God once was; as God now is, man may be." sparked in him gratitude and motivation. He wrote a poem which also expresses this theme:

 

Hast thou not been unwisely bold,

Man's destiny to thus unfold?

To raise, promote such high desire,

Such vast ambition thus inspire?

 

Still, 'tis no phantom that we trace

Man's ultimatum in life's race;

This royal path has long been trod

By righteous men, each now a God:

 

As Abra'm, Isaac, Jacob, too,

First babes, then men-to gods they grew.

As man now is, our God once was;

As now God is, so man may be, --

 

Which doth unfold man's destiny.

For John declares: When Christ we see

Like unto him we'll truly be.

And he who has this hope within,

 

Will purify himself from sin.

Who keep this object grand in view,

To folly, sin, will bid adieu,

Nor wallow in the mire anew;

 

Nor ever seek to carve his name

High on the shaft of worldly fame;

But here his ultimatum trace:

The head of all his spirit-race.

 

Ah, well, that taught by you, dear Paul,

Though much amazed, we see it all;

Our Father God, has ope'd our eyes,

We cannot view it otherwise.

 

The boy, like to his father grown,

Has but attained unto his own;

To grow to sire from state of son,

Is not 'gainst Nature's course to run.

 

A son of God, like God to be,

Would not be robbing Deity;

And he who has this hope within,

Will purify himself from sin.

 

You're right, St. John, supremely right:

Whoe'er essays to climb this height,

Will cleanse himself of sin entire --

Or else 'twere needless to aspire.

 

                 Lorenzo Snow

 

(IE, 22:660-61; the poem is dated 11 January 1892.)

 

What then is our place in this grand drama? Knowing that we are treading a well-worn path should provide for us the impetus necessary to "press forward" relying on the merits of our Savior who has prepared a way for our return to His Father's Kingdom. He has promised that there is a place prepared for us in His Father's house. (John 14:2) The "way" to His abode includes the basic principles of the Savior's Gospel, things like faith, repentance, Baptism, the Holy Ghost and endurance. Once we have entered the "narrow way" through baptism, we become prepared to make and keep additional covenants, and thus merit even greater blessings in the hereafter. The Lord revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith a "New and Everlasting Covenant" with these words:

 

For behold, I reveal unto you a new and an everlasting covenant; and if ye abide not that covenant, then are ye damned; for no one can reject this covenant and be permitted to enter into my glory.

For all who will have a blessing at my hands shall abide the law which was appointed for that blessing, and the conditions thereof, as were instituted from before the foundation of the world.

D&C 132:4,5

The covenants and blessings mentioned in Section 132 are available exclusively in the Temple and pertain to the highest state of eternal existence, usually called "eternal life". As we prepare ourselves through righteous living and obedience to all of our Heavenly Father's commandments we become eligible for this "greatest gift" (D&C 14:7).

 

President George Q. Cannon, counselor to 4 Prophets has written:

Men talk about evolution. This is the true evolution-being such as we are and developing and advancing and progressing in that upward and onward career until we shall become like Him, in truth, until we shall possess the powers that He possesses and exercise the dominion that He now exercises. This is the promise that is held out to us. It is an incentive to faithfulness on our part.

(April 7, 1889, DW 38:675-6) Gospel Truth, Vol. 1, p.131

 

We are immortal beings and we have an eternal destiny. Within the walls of sacred temples we have the opportunity and blessing to unite ourselves, our ancestors, and our progeny in one unbreakable family that will exist through all eternity! Through Jesus Christ's perfect life we have the gift of resurrection. Through covenants and their faithful observance we have the potential to be with and LIKE our Heavenly Father.

 

I will admit to you that I have pondered what it will be like to be on the other side of the veil looking back on my earthly life and knowing that I have an eternity ahead. The thoughts I get cause me deep reflection on my life now and what I need to do to more fully draw near to my Savior. He has shown the way. He has provided temples wherein we can partake of the divine and apply it to our daily lives that we may more fully tread in his footsteps, which will surely lead us back to His Fathers' holy presence is my humble prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ,

                    Amen.

Missionary Work

Goal for the year for baptisms is 100. As of Aug 4^th we had 16 as a Stake.

 

The Stake President has challenged all of the Stake Leadership (and I'm challenging you) to plead with the Lord for a missionary experience in the next 90 days. Finding someone (or a family of someones) for the missionaries to teach the Gospel.

 

 

D&C 15:

Hearken, my servant John, and listen to the words of Jesus Christ, your Lord and your Redeemer.

 

For behold, I speak unto you with sharpness and with power, for mine arm is over all the earth.

 

And I will tell you that which no man knoweth save me and thee alone--

 

For many times you have desired of me to know that which would be of the most worth unto you.

 

Behold, blessed are you for this thing, and for speaking my words which I have given you according to my commandments.

 

And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father. Amen.

 

What is the "desire" of your heart?

 

D&C 4:3

Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work;

 

What do you "wrestle" with the Lord or His Spirit about?

 

Enos vs 9:

 

Now, it came to pass that when I had heard these words I began to feel a desire for the welfare of my brethren, the Nephites; wherefore, I did pour out my whole soul unto God for them.

Enos vs 11 & 12:

 

And after I, Enos, had heard these words, my faith began to be unshaken in the Lord; and I prayed unto him with many long strugglings for my brethren, the Lamanites.

 

12 And it came to pass that after I had prayed and labored with all diligence, the Lord said unto me: I will grant unto thee according to thy desires, because of thy faith.

 

 

 

Is it all inward, personal, self-serving issues or is there a sense of urgency concerning "your brethren":

 

The Lord to Peter (shortly before revealing Peter's impending denials):

 

Luke 22:32

 

But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

 

To each of us the Lord might say: "I have prayed for thee, that you will continue to believe and exercise faith in me as your Redeemer; and when your testimony of this is unshakable, share this message with your brothers and sisters."

 

Pres. Greenwood: Can't draw water from an empty well. Gospel Scholarship

 

Some thoughts derived from an address by President Gordon B. Hinckley given 21 Feb 1999 via satellite: (Find the Lambs, Feed the Sheep)

 

 

Pres H: From the beginning of this work, missionary service has been a four-step process:

 

1. Finding the investigator.
   

 

Who is charged with this responsibility? Is it the FTM job?

 

Who do we as a family know? Who has the Lord prepared to hear the discussions? Who is waiting for us to open our mouth?

 

D&C 60:2

 

But with some I am not well pleased, for they will not open their mouths, but they hide the talent which I have given unto them, because of the fear of man. Wo unto such, for mine anger is kindled against them.

 

Dr. William Ghormley served as president of the stake in Corpus Christi, Texas. He bought his gasoline at a particular station. Each time he filled his tank he would leave a piece of Church literature with the station owner. It might have been a tract or a Church magazine or the Church News, but he never went there without leaving something. The man who ran the station was converted by the power of the Spirit as he read that literature. When last I checked, he was serving as a bishop.

 

 

 

 

 

1. Teaching the investigator.
   

 

Here is the primary job of the full-time missionaries. This teaching should take place within our homes. The spirit of a faithful member's home will permeate the discussions and underscore the conversion process within the heart and mind of the potential convert.

 

The member should bear heartlfelt testimony of the principles taught by the full-time missionaries adding real life experiences to topics like faith, repentance, the Wird of Wisdom, tithing, and other Church doctrines.

 

1. Baptizing the worthy convert:
   

 

The Lord expects the heart and a willing mind from us as members and no less is expected of those who are converted to the faith. We are not (should not) be seeking numbers! We are seeking the "elect" of God; those who predisposed because of influence of the Spirit with their spirit to believe in the Gospel. We are seeking the salvation of the souls of our brothers and sisters!

 

Sometimes, we're planting seeds:

 

 

Roy Canonizado One Article of Faith card.

 

 

4. Fellowshipping and strengthening the new member.

 

 

I have said before, and I repeat it, that every new convert needs three things:

1. A friend in the Church to whom he can constantly turn, who will walk beside him, who will answer his questions, who will understand his problems.
   
2. An assignment. Activity is the genius of this Church. It is the process by which we grow. Faith and love for the Lord are like the muscle of my arm. If I use them, they grow stronger. If I put them in a sling, they become weaker. Every convert deserves a responsibility. The bishop may feel that he is not qualified for responsibility. Take a chance on him. Think of the risk the Lord took when He called you.Of course the new convert will not know everything. He likely will make some mistakes. So what? We all make mistakes. The important thing is the growth that will come of activity. As a part of this process of giving responsibility, it is proper and very important that the new convert, if he be a man, is ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood. Then before too many months, he may be ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood. He will have the fellowship of the elders quorum. He will become one of a vast body of priesthood throughout the world, men of integrity and faith who love the Lord and seek to move forward His work.
   
3. Every convert must be "nourished by the good word of God" (Moro. 6:4). It is imperative that he or she become affiliated with a priesthood quorum or the Relief Society, the Young Women, the Young Men, the Sunday School, or the Primary. He or she must be encouraged to come to sacrament meeting to partake of the sacrament, to renew the covenants made at the time of baptism.
   

 

 

Sensitivity to the unique needs of new members is of great value as well; helping them to learn and understand all of the mores of our faith is a long term effort. How many of your friends have misunderstood you when you spoke "LDSease" to them (i.e. going to the "steak" center for a meeting, attending a "ward" social, knowing what a steak president is or that a 12 year old can be a Deacon in the Church)?

 

This young woman was full of questions. She was filled with fear and anxiety. She did not wish to make a mistake, to say anything that was out of line that might embarrass her or cause others to laugh. Patiently this man and his wife brought the family to church, sat with them, put a shield around them, as it were, against anything that might happen to embarrass them. They spent one evening a week with them at their home, teaching them further concerning the gospel and answering their many questions. They led that little family along as a shepherd leads his sheep. Eventually, circumstances dictated that they move to another city. "But," he stated, "we still correspond with that woman. We feel a great appreciation for her. She is now firmly grounded in the Church, and we have no fear concerning her. What a joy it has been to work with her."

 

I am convinced that we will lose but very, very few of those who come into the Church if we take better care of them. They may not be thoroughly converted. How can they be, having had only six lessons? They may not meet all of the desirable qualifications. But they have been awakened to a new sense of values and opportunities. They have been taught that they are sons and daughters of God. They have been baptized in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost. They have been confirmed members of the Church and received the gift of the Holy Ghost.

 

 

Some ideas!

 

1. Ask the "Golden Question" i.e. "What do you know about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints?" "Would you like to know more?"
   

 

1. Tell a stranger about your testimony
   

 

1. Give a referral to the missionaries. Invite your referral to your home to meet with the missionaries
   

 

1. Write your testimony in a copy of the Book of Mormon. Give the book with a commitment to read it to someone the Spirit prompts you to give it to. (having a copy of the BofM in your car is agreat idea.)
   

 

Out fishing; (That guy would make a great member of the Church!)

 

1. Invite a non-member to a Church function (i.e. the Fireside on 19 Sep with the new Mission President).
   

 

1. Invite neighbors and friends to your Family Home Evening (course you'd need to get to know them first!)
   

 

1. Hold a social in your home or sponsor an activity that will enable you to introduce members to your non-member friends
   

 

1. Participate in missionary work by going with the Elders or Sisters to teach a discussion.
   

 

1. Ask the missionaries who they are teaching that you could fellowship! Invite the missionaries investigators into your home to hear the discussions
   

 

1. Continually pray for uidance/inspiration on whom the Lord has prepared.
   

 

And finally a challenge:

 

Make this a matter of personal, couple, and family prayer:

 

We would like to have some one into our home in the next 90 days and have a missionary type experience with them. We'd like to cultivate someone for the missionaries to teach the Gospel to. We'd like to extend the blessings of the Gospel to our Father's children who don't yet have it in their lives.