Random fact: I am a bit of a grammar nazi, and a big advocate for the Oxford Comma.
Other random fact: While I most definitely do not agree with some of his views, I am a big fan of all things Stephen Fry.
Rug up over the weekend!
That is all.
Showing posts with label book review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book review. Show all posts
Friday, July 5, 2013
Friday, March 2, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Get me some valentine love.
i love this man.
In other news, here is a tribute to one of my other valentines.
Books.
(you'll need a good chunk of time to watch this, but i promise it is worth it)
In other news, here is a tribute to one of my other valentines.
Books.
(you'll need a good chunk of time to watch this, but i promise it is worth it)
Monday, January 23, 2012
The Book of Mormon will answer your questions – part 6.
Note: These questions are GOLD. When chatting with someone, even just casually, and you feel you could offer them guidance, advice, or words of encouragement, the Book of Mormon can be PRICELESS.
See previous questions that the Book of Mormon answers here.
How can my family find peace and unity?
The Book of Mormon contains fabulous, priceless advice for our families. This is especially so today, families can be so busy, loud, with lots of opinions and ideas.
I’ll focus on just one chapter, which is filled with gold.
Around 124 BC, a loving king taught his people to be fair, spiritual, and always serving others in an attitude of equality and humility. It is recorded in the book of Mosiah.
That, in itself, is one of the ways which our families can find peace and unity – listen to the words of righteous leaders. God is very present in our lives today, and other than personal revelation which you are entitled to (answers to prayers), we hear His words through His prophets.
Some claim prophets and apostles are a thing of the past; that it all ceased when the original 12 apostles of Jesus Christ died. But that is simply not the case – if it was, God would cease being God.
Come, listen to a prophet’s voice here.
The people came to hear their king speak to them. They all gathered around the temple, the literal and figurative centre of their lives, and listened. They gathered as families, and pitched their tents round about the temple, every man having his tent with the door thereof towards the temple, that thereby they might…hear the words which king Benjamin should speak unto them. (Mosiah 2:6)
That’s another thing we can do to strength our families – face the temple.
Please comment and tell me how YOU face the temple.
We are about to print photos for our home (... you heard right. Explanation later ...) and the first one to print is of the temple.
A big canvas to hang in the centre of our home.
That way, my family can be reminded that (a) our family is eternal; (b) the temple is our focus, way high on the list of priorities; and (c) we should treat our home like the temple - with respect, reverence, and quiet appreciation.
What was the main message King Benjamin taught his people at the temple? Service.
He told them that he was a mortal man, no different from them, and that they were all equal in the eyes of their Heavenly Father. Therefore, they should all serve each other - not as people serving their King – but all serve all, because when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.
Could service help your family find more peace and unity?
And not just service, but thanking your family for all that they do. I say unto you that if ye should serve him who ha created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, … if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants. (Mosiah 2:22)
Another bit of gold King Benjamin gives us: Extend that attitude of gratitude to our Heavenly Father. Do we pray together as families? O how you ought to thank your heavenly King! … you should render all the thanks and praise which your whole sou has power to possess, to that God who has created you, and has kept and preserved you … (Mosiah 2:20).
God has created your family, kept them and preserved them.
If we thank Him and pray to Him together as a family, our families will be more united.
This one chapter continues, but how’s that for some family advice?
1. Listen to the words of righteous leaders as a family
2. Face the temple
3. Serve one another, and our God
Feel free to read or listen to it here.
Read what others have said about The Book of Mormon this month here.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
The Man from Beijing.
A few months back, I came across the Swedish crime writing of Maj Sjowall and Per Wahloo.
Now I am discovering the world of Henning Mankell. Another Swedish author of crime/thriller.
The Man from Beijing.
This book was fun. In a creepy thriller kinda way.
Thrillers - usually involving murder, corruption, cover-ups - possibly my favourite genre of book.
And this book did not disappoint.
It begins immediately with crime and chaos on a massive scale. An eerie beginning in a small Swedish hamlet, where most of the occupants and animals are dead. And not in a pretty way.
What makes this story interesting, and perhaps more complex, is the interweaving of past and present. And by past, I mean 150-odd years ago. The crimes in this book are all about power and revenge, stemming from events over a century ago.
As a reader, you are shifted from present, to past, and back again, with darting references to a history you are not shown completely, as well as being shifted from country to country. In fact, it was Mankell's own commentary on the social and political movements in China and Africa that really beefed up the storyline.
And the product is not a simple tale of crime. Instead, you are reading a heartbreaking family history, a tale of political upheaval, and the suspenseful journey of a women who was intrigued by the truth.
One sentiment spoken in this book rings true: "The truth is never simple". "It's only in the Western world that you think knowledge is something you can acquire quickly and easily. It takes time. The truth never hurries."
I'm now reading Mankell's The Eye of the Leopard, another thriller set in Africa.
So far .. it is nowhere near as captivating. I'm in chapter five, and so far it is all character-building monologues of dreams, memories, and really vague undertones of a past ..
Now I am discovering the world of Henning Mankell. Another Swedish author of crime/thriller.
The Man from Beijing.
Thrillers - usually involving murder, corruption, cover-ups - possibly my favourite genre of book.
And this book did not disappoint.
It begins immediately with crime and chaos on a massive scale. An eerie beginning in a small Swedish hamlet, where most of the occupants and animals are dead. And not in a pretty way.
What makes this story interesting, and perhaps more complex, is the interweaving of past and present. And by past, I mean 150-odd years ago. The crimes in this book are all about power and revenge, stemming from events over a century ago.
As a reader, you are shifted from present, to past, and back again, with darting references to a history you are not shown completely, as well as being shifted from country to country. In fact, it was Mankell's own commentary on the social and political movements in China and Africa that really beefed up the storyline.
And the product is not a simple tale of crime. Instead, you are reading a heartbreaking family history, a tale of political upheaval, and the suspenseful journey of a women who was intrigued by the truth.
One sentiment spoken in this book rings true: "The truth is never simple". "It's only in the Western world that you think knowledge is something you can acquire quickly and easily. It takes time. The truth never hurries."
I'm now reading Mankell's The Eye of the Leopard, another thriller set in Africa.
So far .. it is nowhere near as captivating. I'm in chapter five, and so far it is all character-building monologues of dreams, memories, and really vague undertones of a past ..
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Britain's Royal Families: The Complete Genealogy.
How's this for a read: the entire genealogy of Britain's kings and queens.
Starting with King Egbert and his father in the year 784.
Ending with Queen Elizabeth II and her offspring.
I just finishing reading.
And loved it! Yes. I'm odd.
This record does not tell stories.
I looked for details of rumour and tale of William Wallace under Edward I and Robert the Bruce. Proof, perhaps, that Braveheart was highly accurate and that Edward III was indeed Wallace's child. There was none.
I looked for details relating to the stress and havoc created by Robin Hood under (bad) King John. The scandal surrounding the princes in the tower (Edward V and Richard, Duke of York). Any proof of Mary Boleyn and her saucy ways. And the stuttering language of King George VI. They weren't their either.
No mention of that royal connection to Jack the Ripper.
And no mention of Camilla Parker Bowles, of course, or Charlie's other woman, "Kanga" - thankfully.
I did learn, however, the following:
1. The majority of kings had A LOT of illegitimate children. I am sure they were all very devoted husbands who accidentally fell over the occasional woman - sometimes the same women, who they rewarded with title and land somewhere.
2. The majority of royals married .. each other. Some married their niece. Most married their cousin. One was engaged to two brothers (Lizzy's grandmother). A few were married to royalty several times. Marriage was clearly a transaction of title and land. Let's keep it all in the family ...
3. There was no way any of us plebs could become a part of the royal institution.
4. There was such a kerfuffle when Edward VIII married scandalous Mrs Simpson, because she was twice divorced - and yet so many royals before him were either divorced themselves or married divorcees. Let me introduce you to King George I, who not only divorced his wife Sophia, but forbade her to ever remarry and locked her up in a castle until she died. The ultimate backlash from accused adultery. (Still, a castle ain't bad.)
5. There were a lot of miscarriages and still born babies. Queen Anne had it tough .. she outlived all her 19 children.
6. I am somehow related to people in the book. I need to track down the exact link before I can reveal my claim to a throne ... a throne that doesn't actually exist anymore. But start practicing your curtsy anyway.
This book is a true family history of those that ruled or reigned Britain - both England and Scotland. Following the succession, it records their names and dates, all their titles (gosh, do they accumulate), and their spouses (sometimes several - and usually a cousin or someones niece), their children (including all the illegitimate ones ... oh, so many!) and their spouses.
I read it cover to cover.
An excerpt, just for you:
Taking her 22 years to research this one book, it certainly is a unique reference book. Alison Weir drew on countless sources and authorities - include scandalous rumour if it had some base - both ancient and modern. Covering all the royal houses of England, Scotland, and Great Britain, it is both comprehensive and complete.
Starting with King Egbert and his father in the year 784.
Ending with Queen Elizabeth II and her offspring.
I just finishing reading.
And loved it! Yes. I'm odd.
This record does not tell stories.
I looked for details of rumour and tale of William Wallace under Edward I and Robert the Bruce. Proof, perhaps, that Braveheart was highly accurate and that Edward III was indeed Wallace's child. There was none.
I looked for details relating to the stress and havoc created by Robin Hood under (bad) King John. The scandal surrounding the princes in the tower (Edward V and Richard, Duke of York). Any proof of Mary Boleyn and her saucy ways. And the stuttering language of King George VI. They weren't their either.
No mention of that royal connection to Jack the Ripper.
And no mention of Camilla Parker Bowles, of course, or Charlie's other woman, "Kanga" - thankfully.
I did learn, however, the following:
1. The majority of kings had A LOT of illegitimate children. I am sure they were all very devoted husbands who accidentally fell over the occasional woman - sometimes the same women, who they rewarded with title and land somewhere.
2. The majority of royals married .. each other. Some married their niece. Most married their cousin. One was engaged to two brothers (Lizzy's grandmother). A few were married to royalty several times. Marriage was clearly a transaction of title and land. Let's keep it all in the family ...
3. There was no way any of us plebs could become a part of the royal institution.
4. There was such a kerfuffle when Edward VIII married scandalous Mrs Simpson, because she was twice divorced - and yet so many royals before him were either divorced themselves or married divorcees. Let me introduce you to King George I, who not only divorced his wife Sophia, but forbade her to ever remarry and locked her up in a castle until she died. The ultimate backlash from accused adultery. (Still, a castle ain't bad.)
5. There were a lot of miscarriages and still born babies. Queen Anne had it tough .. she outlived all her 19 children.
6. I am somehow related to people in the book. I need to track down the exact link before I can reveal my claim to a throne ... a throne that doesn't actually exist anymore. But start practicing your curtsy anyway.
This book is a true family history of those that ruled or reigned Britain - both England and Scotland. Following the succession, it records their names and dates, all their titles (gosh, do they accumulate), and their spouses (sometimes several - and usually a cousin or someones niece), their children (including all the illegitimate ones ... oh, so many!) and their spouses.
I read it cover to cover.
An excerpt, just for you:
George III is alleged to have married secretly, on 17th April, 1759, a Quakeress called Hannah Lightfoot, daughter of a Wapping shoemaker, who is said to have borne him three children. Documents relating to the alleged marriage, bearing the Prince's signature, were impounded and examined in 1866 by the Attorney General. Learned opinion at the time leaned to the view that these documents were genuine. They were then placed in the Royal Archives at Windsor; in 1910, permission was refused a would-be author who asked to see them. If George III did make such a marriage when he was Prince of Wales, before the passing of the Royal Marriages Act in 1772, then his subsequent marriage to Queen Charlotte was bigamous, and every monarch of Britain since has been a usurper, the rightful heirs of George III being his children by Hannah Lightfoot, if they ever existed.
Taking her 22 years to research this one book, it certainly is a unique reference book. Alison Weir drew on countless sources and authorities - include scandalous rumour if it had some base - both ancient and modern. Covering all the royal houses of England, Scotland, and Great Britain, it is both comprehensive and complete.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Fire of the Covenant.
Back here I mentioned I had almost finished a book, a book that was so good that I didn't want it to end .. so I stopped reading it. I do that sometimes, with books. And with my favourite tv show.
Please tell me you've done that too.
Well, today I finished the book. I decided I was being silly, and that it was okay to cry in public.
Fire of the Covenant, by Gerald N. Lund, was captivating, moving, and inspiring. It gave me a renewed appreciation for the early members of my church. And I felt so grateful, so in awe of the sacrifices given by these humble converts.
The novel tells the story of several families, some fictional some not, who travelled from various places in England and Europe in a great exodus to the great Salt Lake Valley in the 1850s as part of two particular companies of handcarts. One led by James G. Willie; the other by Edward Martin.
Their leader and prophet commanded it, and so they went.
In 1856, before their story begins, three handcart companies were outfitted and sent west from Iowa to the valley. Their trip went well, and all supply wagons stationed along the way were ordered back home to the valley.
The Willie and Martin handcart companies, however, left much later in the season, and without the knowledge of church leaders in Utah. No one was prepared for another migration that season. By the time these handcart companies left Florence, Nebraska - the last main town on the frontier with adequate supplies - it was almost September. Winter was coming. A bad winter. And they had over one thousand miles to walk (1,300 miles to walk in total).
And yet, they walked. And walked. And walked.
Please tell me you've done that too.
Well, today I finished the book. I decided I was being silly, and that it was okay to cry in public.
Fire of the Covenant, by Gerald N. Lund, was captivating, moving, and inspiring. It gave me a renewed appreciation for the early members of my church. And I felt so grateful, so in awe of the sacrifices given by these humble converts.
The novel tells the story of several families, some fictional some not, who travelled from various places in England and Europe in a great exodus to the great Salt Lake Valley in the 1850s as part of two particular companies of handcarts. One led by James G. Willie; the other by Edward Martin.
Their leader and prophet commanded it, and so they went.
In 1856, before their story begins, three handcart companies were outfitted and sent west from Iowa to the valley. Their trip went well, and all supply wagons stationed along the way were ordered back home to the valley.
The Willie and Martin handcart companies, however, left much later in the season, and without the knowledge of church leaders in Utah. No one was prepared for another migration that season. By the time these handcart companies left Florence, Nebraska - the last main town on the frontier with adequate supplies - it was almost September. Winter was coming. A bad winter. And they had over one thousand miles to walk (1,300 miles to walk in total).
And yet, they walked. And walked. And walked.
What a title! FIRE of the covenant. Because faith was their driving force. "It was not only a strong belief that propelled them forward, but a burning within that taught them the importance of "gathering to Zion", to be with the Saints and build a "House of the Lord". [here]
Earlier, on September 25 1846, the prophet Brigham Young (while camped at Winter Quarters) received word about the situation of teh poverty-stricken saints in Nauvoo. In spite of the dire straits they had just gone through themselves, crossing Iowa and the Missouri River, Brigham Young gather the priesthood brethren together and said:
The fire of the covenant spoken of by President Young is not an imaginary but a real force in the lives of all faithful Saints. The rescuers as well as the last remnants on the banks of the Mississippi were strengthened by it. Most, if not all of us, have felt the burning as well. A personal witness received at baptism lights the fire. The intensity of the flame increases as we face adversity and the furnace of affliction tempers our soul. The flame bursts into a full-fledged fire as we enter into and live temple covenants. [here]
This is the same author who penned the brilliant 9-book series The Work and the Glory. Employing the same writing style here, Lund blends fictional characters with actual historial events and people, filling the story with all aspects of a great dramatic read, as well as all the historial accounts available to help us appreciate and never forget. Every chapter is followed with comprehensive chapter notes, clarifying actual dates and historical detail, sourcing people's journals and speeches given.
Earlier, on September 25 1846, the prophet Brigham Young (while camped at Winter Quarters) received word about the situation of teh poverty-stricken saints in Nauvoo. In spite of the dire straits they had just gone through themselves, crossing Iowa and the Missouri River, Brigham Young gather the priesthood brethren together and said:
The poor brethren and sisters, the widows and orphans, sick and destitute, are now lying on the west bank of the Mississippi, waiting for teams and wagons and means to remove them. Now is the time for labor. Let the fire of the covenant, which you made in the house of the Lord burn in your hearts like flame unquenchable.The prophet then asked for those who had wagons and were able to cross Iowa to assist the destitute in joining the main body of the Saints. Within a few days, almost a hundred wagons were moving east to rescue the poor.
The fire of the covenant spoken of by President Young is not an imaginary but a real force in the lives of all faithful Saints. The rescuers as well as the last remnants on the banks of the Mississippi were strengthened by it. Most, if not all of us, have felt the burning as well. A personal witness received at baptism lights the fire. The intensity of the flame increases as we face adversity and the furnace of affliction tempers our soul. The flame bursts into a full-fledged fire as we enter into and live temple covenants. [here]
This is the same author who penned the brilliant 9-book series The Work and the Glory. Employing the same writing style here, Lund blends fictional characters with actual historial events and people, filling the story with all aspects of a great dramatic read, as well as all the historial accounts available to help us appreciate and never forget. Every chapter is followed with comprehensive chapter notes, clarifying actual dates and historical detail, sourcing people's journals and speeches given.
Read this:
it is an except from Ephraim Banks' personal account (included in chapter #'s notes)
it is an except from Ephraim Banks' personal account (included in chapter #'s notes)
The night after meeting Leaders Young and Garr, I camped in the snow in the mountains. As I was preparing to make a bed in the snow with the few articles that my pack animal carried for me, I thought how comfortable a buffalo robe would be on such an occasion, and also how I could relish a little buffalo meat for supper, and before lying down for the night I was instinctively led to ask the Lord to send me a buffalo. Now, I am a firm believer in the efficacy of prayer, for I have on many occasions asked the Lord for blessings, which He in His mercy has bestowed upon me. But when I, after praying as I did on that lonely night in the South Pass, looked around me and spied a buffalo bull within fifty yeards of my camp, my surprise was complete; I had certainly not expected so immediate an answer to my prayer.
...
The sight that met my gaze as I enetered their [the Martin Company's] camp can never be erased from my memory. The starved forms and haggard countenances of the poor sufferers, as they moved about slowly, shivering with cold, to prepare their scanty evening meal, was enough to touch the stoutest heart. When they saw me coming, they hailed me with joy inexpressible, and when they further beheld the supply of fresh meat I brought into their camp, their gratitude knew no bounds. Flocking around me, one would say, "Oh, please, give me a small piece of meat;" another would exclaim, "My poor children are starving, do give me a litte;" and children with tears in their eyes would call out, "Give me some, give me some."
...
What I most took from this reading was appreciation.
This story was not new for me. I had grown up hearing about the Willie and Martin handcart companies. In fact, I had grown tired of hearing about them - or any pioneer story, frankly. I wasn't a descentant of these early pioneers. I didn't have any personal interest or tie to them, no journal inherited or family story to pass down. I remember feeling sigh when hearing yet another pioneer story at general conference.
But honestly, I didn't realise the effort that went into the planning and executing of the migration. Most of travellers were from industrial cities, who needed to be physically conditioned for the trip and learn completely new skills on the frontier. I didn't know about the trail itself (regardless of driving it on a family trip, years ago) and its harsh terrain, and just how many times these faithful people had to leave belongings on the side of the trail, or compensate for the lack of food. Cooking soup with shoe leather?
The endurance through physical struggles was astounding.
I recommend this book.
Whether you like reading church history.
Or you're about to embark on your own pioneer trek with the youth.
Or perhaps you need a good kick in the pants, like me.
It's a fascinating read, and a great motivator.
I have so much more appreciation for their journey and struggles.
But honestly, I didn't realise the effort that went into the planning and executing of the migration. Most of travellers were from industrial cities, who needed to be physically conditioned for the trip and learn completely new skills on the frontier. I didn't know about the trail itself (regardless of driving it on a family trip, years ago) and its harsh terrain, and just how many times these faithful people had to leave belongings on the side of the trail, or compensate for the lack of food. Cooking soup with shoe leather?
The endurance through physical struggles was astounding.
I recommend this book.
Whether you like reading church history.
Or you're about to embark on your own pioneer trek with the youth.
Or perhaps you need a good kick in the pants, like me.
It's a fascinating read, and a great motivator.
I have so much more appreciation for their journey and struggles.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Book of Mormon painting seven.
... I'm back!! ... from an interstate funeral, being sick (still am), and being stranded due to the unprecedented Qantas debarkle.
“From the Book of Mormon we learn how disciples of Christ live in times of war.” [1]
Ask anyone who has read or studied the Book of Mormon – it is filled with stories of war time. And you know what? These accounts were included for a purpose. Yup.
They teach us about the need to preserve freedom in order to maintain religious rights. They teach us when there is moral justification for war. They teach us the damage that traitors can inflict. And they teach us spiritual strategies to combat evil, while relying on God’s power to intervene.
Take the example of ‘the Stripling Warriors’.
The people are at war. And we learn that there is very much a difference when fighting for/with the Lord, and not.
At one point, the Nephites needed to fight to protect their homes and families, but they had taken an oath years before to never fight again. Should they break that covenant with God? Or have the faith that God will provide another way?
We read that their sons, who had not entered into such a covenant, were able to fight. All two thousand of them. They decided they would defend their country. Helaman became their captain.
So these stripling warriors went to battle in place of their fathers. They were young men of righteousness. They were committed to defending their country (see Alma 56:5). They were fearless in the face of death and courageous in battle (see Alma 56:45–49, 56).
Helaman’s “stripling sons” fought with miraculous power. And God rewarded their faith with amazing strength and protection. Not one of them died in battle (see Alma 57:25–26).
Of course this is not always the case - sometimes the righteous “die in the Lord” (D&C 63:49). But in the case of these young men, divine protection was given that preserved their mortal lives in battle.
They exemplified the type of manhood that all of God’s sons should emulate and stood as a witness to the Nephite nation that God would deliver them if they were faithful.
And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for courage. …
Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him.
And … Helaman did march at the head of his two thousand stripling soldiers, to the support of the people. (Alma 53:20–22)
What examples to our children!
The Book of Mormon states that these young men were true at all times. (Alma 53:20-21) What does it mean to be true at all times? The very word TRUE “implies commitment, integrity, endurance, and courage” [2]. Are we being true to the faith? True to the faith that our parents have cherished, True to the faith for which martyrs have perished. (Hymn #254)
We are also told that they were firm and undaunted. (Alma 57:19–21) Such powerful words. Our former prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley, discussed the importance of staying firm and undaunted with the youth: “‘You reflect this Church in all you think, in all you say, and in all you do. Be loyal to the Church and kingdom of God.’ . . . [You are] out there as the sons of Helaman in a world that is full of destructive influences. . . . But if you put your trust in the Almighty and follow the teachings of this Church and cling to it notwithstanding your wounds, you will be preserved and blessed and magnified and made happy.’
And we are in a world that is full of destructive influences. We are literally “in the midst of Babylon. The adversary comes with great destruction.” So what can we learn from these true and faithful warriors? “Stand above it, you of the noble birthright. Stand above it.” [3]
One really interesting detail the Book of Mormon tells us about these YOUTH and FAITHFUL men is that they did not doubt their mothers, and they paid tribute to that fact. (Alma 53:45-48) Their mothers had strong testimonies of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ, meaning their children were well taught and were surrounded by strong examples. That’s motherhood in a nutshell, right there. Note, however, that although the boys’ reliance on their mothers is “touching and profound, but the mothers first had to know ‘it’ in such a way that the young men, observing them closely and hearing them (as is always the case with children observing parents), did ‘not doubt’ that their mothers knew that ‘it’ was true.” [4]
Sister Julie B. Beck, our Relief Society president, described covenant women who know who they are: “The responsibility mothers have today has never required more vigilance. More than at any time in the history of the world, we need mothers who know. . . . When mothers know who they are and who God is and have made covenants with Him, they will have great power and influence for good on their children.” [5]
If you wish to order a free copy, let me know or click here.
Feel free to read or listen to it here.
[1] Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, Nov. 1986, 7
[2] Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, Nov. 1997, 73; italics added
[3] “Prophet Grateful for Gospel, Testimony,” Church News, Sept. 21, 1996, 4
[4] Neal A. Maxwell, That My Family Should Partake [1974], 58–59
[5] Ensign, Nov. 2007, 76
[6] Heber J. Grant, J. Reuben Clark Jr., and David O. McKay, in Conference Report, Apr. 1942, 96
[Image found at http://store.lds.org/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category3_715839595_10557_21096_-1___0]
“From the Book of Mormon we learn how disciples of Christ live in times of war.” [1]
Ask anyone who has read or studied the Book of Mormon – it is filled with stories of war time. And you know what? These accounts were included for a purpose. Yup.
They teach us about the need to preserve freedom in order to maintain religious rights. They teach us when there is moral justification for war. They teach us the damage that traitors can inflict. And they teach us spiritual strategies to combat evil, while relying on God’s power to intervene.
Take the example of ‘the Stripling Warriors’.
The people are at war. And we learn that there is very much a difference when fighting for/with the Lord, and not.
At one point, the Nephites needed to fight to protect their homes and families, but they had taken an oath years before to never fight again. Should they break that covenant with God? Or have the faith that God will provide another way?
We read that their sons, who had not entered into such a covenant, were able to fight. All two thousand of them. They decided they would defend their country. Helaman became their captain.
So these stripling warriors went to battle in place of their fathers. They were young men of righteousness. They were committed to defending their country (see Alma 56:5). They were fearless in the face of death and courageous in battle (see Alma 56:45–49, 56).
Helaman’s “stripling sons” fought with miraculous power. And God rewarded their faith with amazing strength and protection. Not one of them died in battle (see Alma 57:25–26).
Of course this is not always the case - sometimes the righteous “die in the Lord” (D&C 63:49). But in the case of these young men, divine protection was given that preserved their mortal lives in battle.
They exemplified the type of manhood that all of God’s sons should emulate and stood as a witness to the Nephite nation that God would deliver them if they were faithful.
Helaman Leads an Army of 2,000 Ammonite Youths
Arnold Friberg
And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for courage. …
Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him.
And … Helaman did march at the head of his two thousand stripling soldiers, to the support of the people. (Alma 53:20–22)
What examples to our children!
The artist, Arnold Friberg, said: “They call them striplings— some say, ‘the Boy Scout army.’ No! No! They were young men. They were like David. They talk about David going out and taking on Goliath. They said, ‘He is a man of war and you are just a youth.’ That doesn’t mean that he was a little eight- year- old. In his statue of David, Michelangelo captures a splendid young man, athletic, maybe not as mature as men of war, but still a boy compared to them. That is the way I figure these youths were.
“I put Helaman on a horse. . . . Of course the Book [of Mormon] does not say that Helaman rode a horse, but in [certain] other places it mentions them. Ammon was out taking care of the king’s horses [at one point].”
The Book of Mormon states that these young men were true at all times. (Alma 53:20-21) What does it mean to be true at all times? The very word TRUE “implies commitment, integrity, endurance, and courage” [2]. Are we being true to the faith? True to the faith that our parents have cherished, True to the faith for which martyrs have perished. (Hymn #254)
We are also told that they were firm and undaunted. (Alma 57:19–21) Such powerful words. Our former prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley, discussed the importance of staying firm and undaunted with the youth: “‘You reflect this Church in all you think, in all you say, and in all you do. Be loyal to the Church and kingdom of God.’ . . . [You are] out there as the sons of Helaman in a world that is full of destructive influences. . . . But if you put your trust in the Almighty and follow the teachings of this Church and cling to it notwithstanding your wounds, you will be preserved and blessed and magnified and made happy.’
And we are in a world that is full of destructive influences. We are literally “in the midst of Babylon. The adversary comes with great destruction.” So what can we learn from these true and faithful warriors? “Stand above it, you of the noble birthright. Stand above it.” [3]
One really interesting detail the Book of Mormon tells us about these YOUTH and FAITHFUL men is that they did not doubt their mothers, and they paid tribute to that fact. (Alma 53:45-48) Their mothers had strong testimonies of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ, meaning their children were well taught and were surrounded by strong examples. That’s motherhood in a nutshell, right there. Note, however, that although the boys’ reliance on their mothers is “touching and profound, but the mothers first had to know ‘it’ in such a way that the young men, observing them closely and hearing them (as is always the case with children observing parents), did ‘not doubt’ that their mothers knew that ‘it’ was true.” [4]
Sister Julie B. Beck, our Relief Society president, described covenant women who know who they are: “The responsibility mothers have today has never required more vigilance. More than at any time in the history of the world, we need mothers who know. . . . When mothers know who they are and who God is and have made covenants with Him, they will have great power and influence for good on their children.” [5]
The leaders of my church, back in 1942, gave counsel to those in military service – but it applies to all, as we all need to be good examples while defending the faith. They said:
“To our young men who go into service, no matter whom they serve or where, we say live clean, keep the commandments of the Lord, pray to Him constantly to preserve you in truth and righteousness, live as you pray, and then whatever betides you the Lord will be with you and nothing will happen to you that will not be to the honor and glory of God and to your salvation and exaltation. There will come into your hearts from the living of the pure life you pray for, a joy that will pass your powers of expression or understanding. The Lord will be always near you; He will comfort you; you will feel His presence in the hour of your greatest tribulation; He will guard and protect you to the full extent that accords with His all-wise purpose. Then, when the conflict is over and you return to your homes, having lived the righteous life, how great will be your happiness—whether you be of the victors or of the vanquished—that you have lived as the Lord commanded. You will return so disciplined in righteousness that thereafter all Satan’s wiles and stratagems will leave you untouched. Your faith and testimony will be strong beyond breaking. You will be looked up to and revered as having passed through the fiery furnace of trial and temptation and come forth unharmed. Your brethren will look to you for counsel, support, and guidance. You will be the anchors to which thereafter the youth of Zion will moor their faith in man.” [6]
If you wish to order a free copy, let me know or click here.
Feel free to read or listen to it here.
[1] Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, Nov. 1986, 7
[2] Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, Nov. 1997, 73; italics added
[3] “Prophet Grateful for Gospel, Testimony,” Church News, Sept. 21, 1996, 4
[4] Neal A. Maxwell, That My Family Should Partake [1974], 58–59
[5] Ensign, Nov. 2007, 76
[6] Heber J. Grant, J. Reuben Clark Jr., and David O. McKay, in Conference Report, Apr. 1942, 96
[Image found at http://store.lds.org/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category3_715839595_10557_21096_-1___0]
Thursday, October 27, 2011
The Book of Mormon + Lego = awesomeness.
I've mentioned before how I like blocks. Including Lego.
It is good stuff.
Well, some other dude decided to build scenes from the Book of Mormon using lego.
How seriously cool is that?!
Read an interview with the lego dude here.
If you wish to order a free copy, let me know or click here.
Feel free to read or listen to it here.
It is good stuff.
Well, some other dude decided to build scenes from the Book of Mormon using lego.
How seriously cool is that?!
Here is the prophet Mormon, abridging the records of his people.
He has a chisel. And a nice looking helmet.
We'll see a painting about him later ...
He has a chisel. And a nice looking helmet.
We'll see a painting about him later ...
Here is the prophet Lehi, the one who starts the Book of Mormon record by obey God and taking his family out of Jerusalem (read that here and then here).
Here, he is in a vision he had about the Tree of Life.
You can read about that here.
Here, he is in a vision he had about the Tree of Life.
You can read about that here.
We haven't talked about this man yet - Enos.
But we will.
He will answer our questions about prayer, because as you see him here, he is praying.
He did so all day and all night ...
But we will.
He will answer our questions about prayer, because as you see him here, he is praying.
He did so all day and all night ...
This is a classic.
The story of Ammon, the great missionary, who one day chopped some bad people's arms off.
We'll get to that story when we review another painting soon ...
The story of Ammon, the great missionary, who one day chopped some bad people's arms off.
We'll get to that story when we review another painting soon ...
Read an interview with the lego dude here.
If you wish to order a free copy, let me know or click here.
Feel free to read or listen to it here.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
The Book of Mormon will answer your questions – part 5.
Note: These questions are GOLD. When chatting with someone, even just casually, and you feel you could offer them guidance, advice, or words of encouragement, the Book of Mormon can be PRICELESS.
How can I balance my family and career?
My advice would be to re-prioritise. Simple enough? What do the scriptures say?
In the Book of Mormon, we are taught to lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth (3 Nephi 13:19–24).
It was the Saviour Himself who said these words, as He taught the people AFTER His resurrection. Yup, He visited His sheep, wherever they were, and taught them the same things. You can read all about it here – He taught them about the sacrament, how to pray and say the Lord’s Prayer, and set up His church.
And He was teaching His apostles about the temporary nature of earthly treasures.
“Our affections are often too highly placed upon the paltry perishable objects. Material treasures of earth are merely to provide us, as it were, room and board while we are here at school. It is for us to place gold, silver, houses, stocks, lands, cattle, and other earthly possessions in their proper place.
“Yes, this is but a place of temporary duration. We are here to learn the first lesson toward exaltation— obedience to the Lord’s gospel plan.” [1]
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth or rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break though nor steal.
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Sounds familiar? Of course it does – the Bible and Book of Mormon teach the same principles! See Matthew 6:19–21 for where the Saviour the same.
A living Apostle of the Lord, Elder Dallin H. Oaks, has given us insight regarding the treasures we may lay up for ourselves. He clarifies WHAT to prioritise:
“In light of the ultimate purpose of the great plan of happiness, I believe that the ultimate treasures on earth and in heaven are our children and our posterity.” [2]
How can I strengthen my relationship with my spouse?
The Book of Mormon teaches us the doctrine and teachings of Jesus Christ. Plain and simple. So it’s not surprising that the Book of Mormon and the Bible overlap and sometimes read the same.
When Jesus Christ visited the Americas (see here) after His resurrection, He ensured all of God’s children were taught the same gospel – the same blueprint for our lives. Makes sense. We read about it in 3 Nephi.
At one point, Jesus commands the people to Judge not. So important for everyone to hear this message, that it was taught and recorded on both continents – see Matthew 7 and 3 Nephi 14. It is this message that helps answer our question.
Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
Any why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother: Let me pull the mote out of thine eye – and behold, a beam is in thine own eye? (3 Nephi 14:1-4)
There is a difference between righteous and unrighteous judgments.
“I have been puzzled that some scriptures command us not to judge and others instruct us that we should judge and even tell us how to do it. But as I have studied these passages I have become convinced that these seemingly contradictory directions are consistent when we view them with the perspective of eternity. The key is to understand that there are two kinds of judging: final judgments, which we are forbidden to make, and intermediate judgments, which we are directed to make, but upon righteous principles. . . .Jesus then went on to teach ‘the golden rule’ for all mankind: Therefore, all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them. (3 Nephi 14:12 – see Matthew 7:12)
“First, a righteous judgment must, by definition, be intermediate. . . .
“Second, a righteous judgment will be guided by the Spirit of the Lord, not by anger, revenge, jealousy, or self-interest. . . .
“Third, to be righteous, an intermediate judgment must be within our stewardship. . . .
“Fourth, we should, if possible, refrain from judging until we have adequate knowledge of the facts.” [3]
It is a simple rule expressed in many theologies and ethic codes, one that encompasses “the moral code of the kingdom of God. It forbids interference by one with the rights of another. It is equally binding upon nations, associations, and individuals. With compassion and forbearance, it replaces the retaliatory reactions of ‘an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth’ [Matthew 5:38].” [4]
These teachings can be found in the Sermon on the Mount – teachings that were also taught in the Book of Mormon. “Christ came not only into the world to make an atonement for the sins of mankind but to set an example before the world of the standard of perfection of God’s law and of obedience to the Father.” His Sermon gives us a glimpse into His character, which was perfect. It is therefore an autobiography of His character and deeds, and thus “a blueprint for our own lives”. [5]
If you wish to order a free copy, let me know or click here.
Feel free to read or listen to it here.
[1] Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, June 1971, 33
[2] Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, Nov. 1993, 75
[3] Dallin H. Oaks, “‘Judge Not’ and Judging,” Ensign, Aug. 1999, 7, 9–10
[4] Russell M. Nelson, Ensign, Nov. 2002, 39
[5] Harold B. Lee, Decisions for Successful Living [1973], 55–56
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Book of Mormon painting six.
Signs were given to God’s children to mark the birth of the Saviour.
In the East, wise men knew a new star would appear to mark the coming birth. They travelled towards it and found the Messiah, born in lowly circumstances, and offered Him gifts.
In the ancient Americas, they too knew a new star would appear, just as the prophets had said. They could see the new star, and knew that their Messiah had been born into the world.
Signs were also given to God’s children to mark the death of the Saviour.
In Jerusalem, immediately after Jesus had ‘given up the ghost’ as He hung on the cross, the sky went dark and the earth shook. In fact, the veil inside the temple suddenly tore from top to bottom. Graves opened, the earth quaked, and many were afraid of what they had done. (Matthew 27)
In the ancient Americas, they too experienced the same period of darkness and disaster. The people had the Old Testament prophesies of the Saviour too, as well as the word of contemporary propheets, and the people began to look with great eartnestness for the sign which had been given. And it came. A great and terrible tempest lasted for three hours, with unusually sharp lightnings, damaging the majority of the cities. The damages was so extensive, as is the record in 3 Nephi 8 (unlike the New Testament accounts). Then three days of darkness - thick darkness that was so intense that there could not be any light at all. Clearly this was the same darkness and disaster experienced in Jerusalem.
The people then knew their Messiah, the light and the life of the world had been killed, as the prophets had told. (3 Nephi 11:11) They cried out: O that we had repented before this great and terrible day, and had not killed and stoned our propehts, and cast them out ... the howlings of the people [were so] great and terrible.
During this time of darkness, the body of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, lay in the tomb. On the day of His Resurrection, after Christ had overcome death, light came again to the people in America, signifying Christ’s victory.
Then, as if piercing the darkness, these people heard a voice coming from the heavens.
Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him. (3 Nephi 11:7)
Jesus Christ Appears unto the Nephite People
Arnold Friberg
Arnold Friberg
And … they cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they saw a Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them. …
He stretched forth his hand and spake unto the people, saying:
Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. (3 Ne. 11:8–10)
How would you have responded if you had been there?
Consider the impact on the lives of those who received a spiritual and physical witness of the reality of Jesus Christ.
“The reason I made [the Savior] that small and so high up was so that no one could nail me—‘How do you know how he looked?’ So I put this little figure up in the sky and made it so small that no one could quibble over details like facial features.” – Arnold Friberg [1]
What an amazing event - this is the crowning event of the Book of Mormon.
After the scene depicted in the above painting, the resurrected Lord invited the Nephites to feel the wounds in His hands and feet (3 Nephi 11:14). This was so they could all witness His Resurrection, and testify of what they saw and felt.
Jesus Christ teaching in the Western Hemisphere
John Scott
The wounds of the Saviour are tokens of His sacrifice:
“However dim our days may seem, they have been a lot darker for the Savior of the world. As a reminder of those days, Jesus has chosen, even in a resurrected, otherwise perfected body, to retain for the benefit of His disciples the wounds in His hands and in His feet and in His side—signs, if you will, that painful things happen even to the pure and the perfect; signs, if you will, that pain in this world is not evidence that God doesn’t love you; signs, if you will, that problems pass and happiness can be ours. Remind others that it is the wounded Christ who is the Captain of our souls, He who yet bears the scars of our forgiveness, the lesions of His love and humility, the torn flesh of obedience and sacrifice.” [2]Also note: these wounds are the main way we will one day recognise our Saviour, when He comes again. I’m certain He will invite us, as He did before, to come forward and feel those wounds …
Jesus Christ promised: “Blessed are those who come unto me” (3 Nephi 9:14). This invitation is for all of us! It applies to our daily living – wherever we are going, first come and see what He is doing; listen to His words and how He prays and spends His time. [3]
Come, follow Him.
If you wish to order a free copy, let me know or click here.
Feel free to read or listen to it here.
[1] as quoted in :Vern Swanson, ‘The Book of Mormon Art of Arnold Friberg, “Painter of Scripture”, Journal of Book of Mormon Studies: Vol 10, 1, 26-35, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, 2011
[2] Jeffrey R. Holland, “Teaching, Preaching, Healing,” Ensign, Jan 2003, 42
[3] Jeffrey R. Holland, Ensign, Nov. 1997, 65
[Image found at http://store.lds.org/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category3_715839595_10557_21096_-1___0]
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Book of Mormon painting two.
The Book of Mormon opens with the story of Lehi, a prophet in Jerusalem, and his family. After prophesying of the big city’s destruction around the same time the prophet Jeremiah did (600 BC), the Lord directed Lehi to uproot his family in search of a better life. Taking with them their family records and very little of their wealth, we read of a typical family - devoted, loving parents; rebellious know-it-all kids; obedient yet tortured-by-the-rebellious-siblings kids – and their trials as they try their best to follow God.
Imagine: You’ve just left your grand home and over-flowing high-interest savings account behind. You’re now travelling via foot or donkey through sandy deserts. The sun beats down heavily most of the time, with the sandy wind blowing around you the rest of the time. You miss cooked food. You miss cool drink and fruit. And you don’t even know if your home city really was destroyed, like your old man said it would.
It would have been such a physically and spiritually exhausting journey. You end up living out there for years, travelling – you hope – towards somewhere nicer. You bear children in the wilderness. You eat raw meat and hope it will carry you on til the next meal.
And you really rely on your faith to take you in the right direction.
At one point in their travels, Lehi finds a weird looking ball outside his tent. It could only have been put there by the hand of God. Lehi must have then called everyone to come and look, for this is the scene depicted – when the family all gather round this unusual contraption, looking astonished, trying to figure out what it does.
To his great astonishment he beheld upon the ground a round ball of curious workmanship; and it was of fine brass. And within the ball were two spindles; and the one pointed the way whither we should go into the wilderness.
(1 Nephi 16:10)
We learn from the scriptures that they call it a “liahona”, and that is served as an intricate compass showing them the direction to travel. It worked, however, on the condition of their obedience to God: the pointers which were in the ball … did work according to the faith and diligence and heed which we did give unto them. … changed from time to time, according to the faith and diligence which we gave unto it. And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things. (1 Nephi 16:28-9)
When Lehi’s boys bickered and murmured, the compass stoped working, and they could no longer travel without the Lord’s guidance or gain any better understanding concerning the ways of the Lord. You can imagine how often that happened.
This painting would have been quite complex for Friberg to complete, as the account in the Book of Mormon contains very specific detail - the liahona is round, curious, made of fine brass, has two spindles – but leads to more questions.
When interviewed in 1986, he said: “How large was the Liahona? How did they see the pointers? What did they do with it when they weren’t using it? Did they let it roll around on the deck of the ship?” So what did he do? He responded well: “There is no tube of paint that says “Don’t know.” I have to come to grips with it…I have to paint something. I decided on a handy little size that they could hold in their hand, and I made a little tripod stand for it to sit in. Someone will actually demand …"Then how dare you paint it, if you don’t know?" … All you can do is research the period as close as you can and picture something that makes sense. You just come up with something that somehow fulfils your idea of what it looked like.” [1]
Also note the way he presented us with the family’s appearance and in particular the male physique. The abundance of figures that he spreads across the canvas almost creates the sense of an unknown race of people. Friberg clearly envisioned the Nephites as heroic and “larger than life” figures, and wanted to display that vitality in his art. [2]
Later in the Book of Mormon, another prophet teaches his son about the Liahona, and how their ancestors were slow to follow the Lord at times. He said:
I love how the Book of Mormon is filled with messages and events so applicable to the gospel of Jesus Christ and how we can live it today. We all use compasses, maps, road signs and GPS to navigate ourselves and our families today. They are invaluable tools when we travel, get lost, and need direction.
You can see where I’m going with this … because “there is such a variety and volume of media flooding our personal space, most of it intent on herding us down a path that is broad and travelled by many.” [3] There are many roads in life to be taken. Have you ever asked yourself, as Joseph Smith once did, “What is to be done? Who of all these [voices and roads is] right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it?” [4]
You totally have. We all have.
Just like Alma reminded his son 500 years after the Liahona surfaced, the Lord is prepared to guide and direct us in our travels, just as He did with Lehi and his family. But remember: the miraculous device worked by small means, and they were therefore ‘slothful’ and forgot to exercise their faith and diligence daily. Sometimes we are looking for massive sign posts, flashing arrows, and easy hand-outs to help us make the right choices. I doubt the Lord will reveal new paths for us to take if we haven’t faithfully followed Him along the paths He’s already marked.
Have you had experiences with a Liahona? You totally have . A message from General Conference that seems mysteriously written just for you. That voice warning you not to walk down a wrong path.
I think the key is not becoming complacent and not being used to hearing lots of messages that we miss or ignore the liahonas in our lives. And to remember how the Liahona worked for Lehi and his family – through faithfulness, obedience, and daily diligence.
If you wish to order a free copy, let me know or click here.
Feel free to read or listen to it here.
[1] Vern Swanson, ‘The Book of Mormon Art of Arnold Friberg, “Painter of Scripture”, Journal of Book of Mormon Studies: Vol 10, 1, 26-35, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, 2011, citing a 1986 interview with Friberg
[2] Ibid, citing an 1981 interview with Friberg
[3] Lowell M. Snow, ‘Compass of the Lord’, Ensign, Nov. 2005
[4] Ibid, citing Joseph Smith History 1:10
[Image found at http://store.lds.org/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category3_715839595_10557_21096_-1___0]
Imagine: You’ve just left your grand home and over-flowing high-interest savings account behind. You’re now travelling via foot or donkey through sandy deserts. The sun beats down heavily most of the time, with the sandy wind blowing around you the rest of the time. You miss cooked food. You miss cool drink and fruit. And you don’t even know if your home city really was destroyed, like your old man said it would.
It would have been such a physically and spiritually exhausting journey. You end up living out there for years, travelling – you hope – towards somewhere nicer. You bear children in the wilderness. You eat raw meat and hope it will carry you on til the next meal.
And you really rely on your faith to take you in the right direction.
At one point in their travels, Lehi finds a weird looking ball outside his tent. It could only have been put there by the hand of God. Lehi must have then called everyone to come and look, for this is the scene depicted – when the family all gather round this unusual contraption, looking astonished, trying to figure out what it does.
Lehi in the Wilderness Discovers the Liahona
Arnold Friberg
To his great astonishment he beheld upon the ground a round ball of curious workmanship; and it was of fine brass. And within the ball were two spindles; and the one pointed the way whither we should go into the wilderness.
(1 Nephi 16:10)
We learn from the scriptures that they call it a “liahona”, and that is served as an intricate compass showing them the direction to travel. It worked, however, on the condition of their obedience to God: the pointers which were in the ball … did work according to the faith and diligence and heed which we did give unto them. … changed from time to time, according to the faith and diligence which we gave unto it. And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things. (1 Nephi 16:28-9)
When Lehi’s boys bickered and murmured, the compass stoped working, and they could no longer travel without the Lord’s guidance or gain any better understanding concerning the ways of the Lord. You can imagine how often that happened.
This painting would have been quite complex for Friberg to complete, as the account in the Book of Mormon contains very specific detail - the liahona is round, curious, made of fine brass, has two spindles – but leads to more questions.
When interviewed in 1986, he said: “How large was the Liahona? How did they see the pointers? What did they do with it when they weren’t using it? Did they let it roll around on the deck of the ship?” So what did he do? He responded well: “There is no tube of paint that says “Don’t know.” I have to come to grips with it…I have to paint something. I decided on a handy little size that they could hold in their hand, and I made a little tripod stand for it to sit in. Someone will actually demand …"Then how dare you paint it, if you don’t know?" … All you can do is research the period as close as you can and picture something that makes sense. You just come up with something that somehow fulfils your idea of what it looked like.” [1]
Also note the way he presented us with the family’s appearance and in particular the male physique. The abundance of figures that he spreads across the canvas almost creates the sense of an unknown race of people. Friberg clearly envisioned the Nephites as heroic and “larger than life” figures, and wanted to display that vitality in his art. [2]
Later in the Book of Mormon, another prophet teaches his son about the Liahona, and how their ancestors were slow to follow the Lord at times. He said:
And now, my son, I would that ye should understand … as our fathers were slothful to give heed to this compass … they did not prosper; even so it is with things which are spiritual.
For behold, it is as easy to give heed to the word of Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss, as it was for our fathers to give heed to this compass, which would point unto them a straight course to the promised land.
And now I say, is there not a type in this thing? For just as surely as this director did bring our fathers, by following its course, to the promised land, shall the words of Christ, if we follow their course, carry us beyond this vale of sorrow into a far better land of promise. (Alma 37:43-5)
I love how the Book of Mormon is filled with messages and events so applicable to the gospel of Jesus Christ and how we can live it today. We all use compasses, maps, road signs and GPS to navigate ourselves and our families today. They are invaluable tools when we travel, get lost, and need direction.
You can see where I’m going with this … because “there is such a variety and volume of media flooding our personal space, most of it intent on herding us down a path that is broad and travelled by many.” [3] There are many roads in life to be taken. Have you ever asked yourself, as Joseph Smith once did, “What is to be done? Who of all these [voices and roads is] right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it?” [4]
You totally have. We all have.
Just like Alma reminded his son 500 years after the Liahona surfaced, the Lord is prepared to guide and direct us in our travels, just as He did with Lehi and his family. But remember: the miraculous device worked by small means, and they were therefore ‘slothful’ and forgot to exercise their faith and diligence daily. Sometimes we are looking for massive sign posts, flashing arrows, and easy hand-outs to help us make the right choices. I doubt the Lord will reveal new paths for us to take if we haven’t faithfully followed Him along the paths He’s already marked.
Have you had experiences with a Liahona? You totally have . A message from General Conference that seems mysteriously written just for you. That voice warning you not to walk down a wrong path.
I think the key is not becoming complacent and not being used to hearing lots of messages that we miss or ignore the liahonas in our lives. And to remember how the Liahona worked for Lehi and his family – through faithfulness, obedience, and daily diligence.
If you wish to order a free copy, let me know or click here.
Feel free to read or listen to it here.
[1] Vern Swanson, ‘The Book of Mormon Art of Arnold Friberg, “Painter of Scripture”, Journal of Book of Mormon Studies: Vol 10, 1, 26-35, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, 2011, citing a 1986 interview with Friberg
[2] Ibid, citing an 1981 interview with Friberg
[3] Lowell M. Snow, ‘Compass of the Lord’, Ensign, Nov. 2005
[4] Ibid, citing Joseph Smith History 1:10
[Image found at http://store.lds.org/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category3_715839595_10557_21096_-1___0]
Monday, October 10, 2011
The Book of Mormon: I came to know for myself.
There are various kinds of evidences that go toward proving the Book of Mormon is really what we say it is: scripture written by ancient prophets on the American continent. But physical evidence isn't the way to go to convince yourself of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. "It is a matter of faith and personal revelation." [1]
I recently posted how you can know if the Book of Mormon is true, here. It's a simple matter of reading the book we call scripture for yourself, and praying to know if it is true or not.
The reason I ask you to test the book in this way, is because it is the only sure way to know for yourself. The Holy Ghost is a testifier of truth. If you take the challange, as the prophet Moroni invites you to do, you could find out for yourself, for sure.
I did it.
And we encourage all to do it.
Read and ponder the Book of Mormon, then ask God if it is true with a sincere heart, real intent, and faith in Christ.
Then do me a favour: Have the confidence that the Holy Ghost will testify to you.
How did YOU come to know that the Book of Mormon is true?
If you have any experience of reading the Book of Mormon or praying to know for yourself, post it below with the plethora of others who have done the same. Go ahead, read their experiences and thoughts on the book. Be curious. Be prayerful. And be uplifted.
If you wish to order a free copy, let me know or click here.
Feel free to read or listen to it here.
[1] http://lds.org/ensign/2011/10/common-questions-about-the-book-of-mormon?lang=eng
[2] Read this. Thomas S. Monson, ‘Precious Promises of the Book of Mormon, Ensign, Oct. 2011
I recently posted how you can know if the Book of Mormon is true, here. It's a simple matter of reading the book we call scripture for yourself, and praying to know if it is true or not.
The reason I ask you to test the book in this way, is because it is the only sure way to know for yourself. The Holy Ghost is a testifier of truth. If you take the challange, as the prophet Moroni invites you to do, you could find out for yourself, for sure.
I did it.
And we encourage all to do it.
From the Book of Mormon come other precious promises, including promises of peace, freedom, and blessings if we “will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ” (Ether 2:12).
From its pages comes the promise of “never-ending happiness” to “those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual” (Mosiah 2:41).
From its pages comes the promise of “incomprehensible joy” to those who become “instrument[s] in the hands of God” in rescuing His precious sons and daughters (Alma 28:8; 29:9).
From its pages comes the promise that scattered Israel will be gathered—a work in which we are engaged through our great worldwide missionary efforts (see 3 Nephi 16; 21–22).
From its pages comes the promise that as we pray unto the Father in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, our families will be blessed (see 3 Nephi 18:21).
From a study of its pages comes the fulfillment of the prophetic promise that “there will come into your lives and into your homes an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God.”
And from the pages of the Book of Mormon comes Moroni’s promise that through prayer, real intent, and faith in Christ, we may know the truth of these promises “by the power of the Holy Ghost” (see Moroni 10:4–5).
With other latter-day prophets, I testify of the truthfulness of this “most correct of any book on earth,” even the Book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ. Its message spans the earth and brings its readers to a knowledge of the truth. It is my testimony that the Book of Mormon changes lives. May each of us read it and reread it. And may we joyfully share our testimonies of its precious promises with all of God’s children.” [2]
Read and ponder the Book of Mormon, then ask God if it is true with a sincere heart, real intent, and faith in Christ.
Then do me a favour: Have the confidence that the Holy Ghost will testify to you.
How did YOU come to know that the Book of Mormon is true?
If you have any experience of reading the Book of Mormon or praying to know for yourself, post it below with the plethora of others who have done the same. Go ahead, read their experiences and thoughts on the book. Be curious. Be prayerful. And be uplifted.
If you wish to order a free copy, let me know or click here.
Feel free to read or listen to it here.
[1] http://lds.org/ensign/2011/10/common-questions-about-the-book-of-mormon?lang=eng
[2] Read this. Thomas S. Monson, ‘Precious Promises of the Book of Mormon, Ensign, Oct. 2011
The Book of Mormon will answer your questions - part 1.
Most of us have some hard questions in the back of our minds – the kind no one else can really answer for us. Some are far-reaching questions about the nature of our existence …
Does the Book of Mormon replace the Bible? Doesn’t the Bible contain all of God’s word?
The Book of Mormon does not replace the Bible in any way. As a believer and follower of Christ, I want to read as much scripture as I can. I want the assurance that both really are scripture, and the assurance of any further clarification on the word of God.
The Book of Mormon is a book of scripture, similar to the Bible. The Bible contains the writings of ancient prophets in the old world, roughly spanning from the creation to AD 100. The Book of Mormon contains the writings of ancient prophets on the American continent, roughly spanning 600 BC to AD 400.
We know God is God to all, and there is no way that this loving Heavenly Father would reveal his word to some children and not others. Both scriptures testify of Jesus Christ, and teach us both history and the word of God as given to man and lived by man throughout that history.
And so, we believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God just as we believe the Bible to be the word of God (as far as it is translated correctly). Which is handy. The Book of Mormon proves that the Bible is the word of God. It completely supports and compliments it – as it should, if it really were the word of God. It also clarifies and further explains some parts of the Bible, and vice versa.
“But why is the Book of Mormon so essential if we already have the Bible to teach us about Jesus Christ? Have you ever wondered why there are so many Christian churches in the world today when they obtain their doctrines from essentially the same Bible? It is because they interpret the Bible differently. If they interpreted it the same, they would be the same church...” [1]
“The Bible is one witness of Jesus Christ; the Book of Mormon is another. Why is this second witness so crucial? The following illustration may help: How many straight lines can you draw through a single point on a piece of paper? The answer is infinite. For a moment, suppose that single point represents the Bible and that hundreds of those straight lines drawn through that point represent different interpretations of the Bible and that each of those interpretations represents a different church.
What happens, however, if on that piece of paper there is a second point representing the Book of Mormon? How many straight lines could you draw between these two reference points: the Bible and the Book of Mormon? Only one. Only one interpretation of Christ’s doctrines survives the testimony of these two witnesses.” [2]
That is the cool thing about this is: this book is a brilliant example of God’s “system of plural witnesses” [3]. For every major event or anytime doctrine is being revealed to man, there has always been more than one witness to testify of it.
There were both wise men and shepherds called to witness the birth of the Saviour.
When the Saviour was resurrected, He appeared to Mary, the two men on the road to Damascus, and the apostles – all to be witnesses and testify of His resurrection.
There are three members of the Godhead – God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost – and as separate beings, they witness and testify of each other all the time.
The Book of Mormon testifies of the Bible, and the Bible testifies of the Book of Mormon. Together, they are witnesses of Jesus Christ.
[1] and [2] Read this or watch the clip below.
[3] Jeffrey R. Holland, ‘”For a Wise Purpose”’, Ensign, Jan. 1996
How can I know if the Book of Mormon is true?
Simple. Put it to the test.
I’ll post more on this particular question later this month, but know this: you are entitled to know the truth of all things. Such knowledge is obtained through the Holy Ghost. Whether you consider yourself worthy or not, baptised or not, a Christian or not, you are a child of God and you are able to know the truth of these things.
Toward the end of the Book of Mormon, there is a scripture that explains:
It is simple. Put it to the test. Read the Book of Mormon for yourself, and ask God to know if it is true or if it is not.
I'm a Mormon, and I too have put the Book of Mormon to the test. We are all encouraged to do so. I have read the words on the pages, and felt so uplifted and happy. I don't always feel that way from reading the Bible, and sometimes my understanding of Jesus Christ and his teachings is greater when I read both scriptures side by side.
If you wish to order a free copy, let me know or click here.
Feel free to read or listen to it here.
Does the Book of Mormon replace the Bible? Doesn’t the Bible contain all of God’s word?
The Book of Mormon does not replace the Bible in any way. As a believer and follower of Christ, I want to read as much scripture as I can. I want the assurance that both really are scripture, and the assurance of any further clarification on the word of God.
The Book of Mormon is a book of scripture, similar to the Bible. The Bible contains the writings of ancient prophets in the old world, roughly spanning from the creation to AD 100. The Book of Mormon contains the writings of ancient prophets on the American continent, roughly spanning 600 BC to AD 400.
We know God is God to all, and there is no way that this loving Heavenly Father would reveal his word to some children and not others. Both scriptures testify of Jesus Christ, and teach us both history and the word of God as given to man and lived by man throughout that history.
And so, we believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God just as we believe the Bible to be the word of God (as far as it is translated correctly). Which is handy. The Book of Mormon proves that the Bible is the word of God. It completely supports and compliments it – as it should, if it really were the word of God. It also clarifies and further explains some parts of the Bible, and vice versa.
But behold, there shall be many… of the Gentiles shall say: A Bible! A Bible! We have got a Bible, and there cannot be any more Bible.
But thus saith the Lord God: O fools … Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth?
… Know ye not that the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. And when the two enations shall run together the testimony of the two nations shall run together also.
And I do this that I may prove unto many that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and that I speak forth my words according to mine own pleasure. And because that I have spoken one word ye need not suppose that I cannot speak another; for my work is not yet finished; neither shall it be until the end of man, neither from that time henceforth and forever.
Wherefore, because that ye have a Bible ye need not suppose that it contains all my words; neither need ye suppose that I have not caused more to be written.
For I command all men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them; for out of the books which shall be written I will judge the world, every man according to their works, according to that which is written.
(2 Nephi 29:1-11)
“But why is the Book of Mormon so essential if we already have the Bible to teach us about Jesus Christ? Have you ever wondered why there are so many Christian churches in the world today when they obtain their doctrines from essentially the same Bible? It is because they interpret the Bible differently. If they interpreted it the same, they would be the same church...” [1]
“The Bible is one witness of Jesus Christ; the Book of Mormon is another. Why is this second witness so crucial? The following illustration may help: How many straight lines can you draw through a single point on a piece of paper? The answer is infinite. For a moment, suppose that single point represents the Bible and that hundreds of those straight lines drawn through that point represent different interpretations of the Bible and that each of those interpretations represents a different church.
What happens, however, if on that piece of paper there is a second point representing the Book of Mormon? How many straight lines could you draw between these two reference points: the Bible and the Book of Mormon? Only one. Only one interpretation of Christ’s doctrines survives the testimony of these two witnesses.” [2]
That is the cool thing about this is: this book is a brilliant example of God’s “system of plural witnesses” [3]. For every major event or anytime doctrine is being revealed to man, there has always been more than one witness to testify of it.
In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
(2 Corinthians 13:1)
There were both wise men and shepherds called to witness the birth of the Saviour.
When the Saviour was resurrected, He appeared to Mary, the two men on the road to Damascus, and the apostles – all to be witnesses and testify of His resurrection.
There are three members of the Godhead – God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost – and as separate beings, they witness and testify of each other all the time.
The Book of Mormon testifies of the Bible, and the Bible testifies of the Book of Mormon. Together, they are witnesses of Jesus Christ.
[1] and [2] Read this or watch the clip below.
[3] Jeffrey R. Holland, ‘”For a Wise Purpose”’, Ensign, Jan. 1996
How can I know if the Book of Mormon is true?
Simple. Put it to the test.
I’ll post more on this particular question later this month, but know this: you are entitled to know the truth of all things. Such knowledge is obtained through the Holy Ghost. Whether you consider yourself worthy or not, baptised or not, a Christian or not, you are a child of God and you are able to know the truth of these things.
Toward the end of the Book of Mormon, there is a scripture that explains:
And when ye shall receive these things … ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.
(Moroni 10:3-5)
It is simple. Put it to the test. Read the Book of Mormon for yourself, and ask God to know if it is true or if it is not.
I'm a Mormon, and I too have put the Book of Mormon to the test. We are all encouraged to do so. I have read the words on the pages, and felt so uplifted and happy. I don't always feel that way from reading the Bible, and sometimes my understanding of Jesus Christ and his teachings is greater when I read both scriptures side by side.
If you wish to order a free copy, let me know or click here.
Feel free to read or listen to it here.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Book of Mormon paintings.
There once was an artist who designed the historical costumes for the lead stars in Cecil B. DeMille’s The Ten Commandments. He painted a series of 15 paintings for the film, and his efforts earned him an Academy Award nomination.
.. and a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.
This artists’ name was Arnold Friberg (1913-2010), and he also painted a series of 12 paintings for the Friend magazine in the 1950s, each portraying Friberg’s interpretation of key events in The Book of Mormon.
After completing the paintings, Friberg wrote: “My own understanding and appreciation of the Book of Mormon has been immeasurably increased. … The great personalities who walk through its pages have become alive and real, and of immense stature.” [1]
Most Mormons have grown up with these larger-than-life images all around them. In fact, these paintings have been printed in copies on The Book of Mormon, after its title page.
As part of this month’s Forum, I will be looking at each painting – the people and events illustrated – and what Friberg is saying in each of the moments he chose to illustrate from The Book of Mormon.
Stay tuned ...
... and continue to think up questions that The Book of Mormon can answer.
Painting One posted here.
Painting Two posted here.
Painting Three posted here.
Painting Four posted here.
Painting Five posted here.
Painting Six posted here.
Painting Seven posted here.
Painting Eight posted here.
These paintings are permanently on display in the Conference Centre in Salt Lake City, Utah.
If you wish to order a free copy, let me know or click here.
Feel free to read or listen to it here.
[1] Children’s Friend, December 1952, pages 496, 522
http://lds.org/liahona/1992/08/the-book-of-mormon-paintings-by-arnold-friberg?lang=eng
This artist went on to paint the famous The Prayer at Valley Forge, showing George Washington knelling beside his horse ..
.. and a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.
[Images via http://www.fribergfineart.com/]
This artists’ name was Arnold Friberg (1913-2010), and he also painted a series of 12 paintings for the Friend magazine in the 1950s, each portraying Friberg’s interpretation of key events in The Book of Mormon.
After completing the paintings, Friberg wrote: “My own understanding and appreciation of the Book of Mormon has been immeasurably increased. … The great personalities who walk through its pages have become alive and real, and of immense stature.” [1]
Most Mormons have grown up with these larger-than-life images all around them. In fact, these paintings have been printed in copies on The Book of Mormon, after its title page.
As part of this month’s Forum, I will be looking at each painting – the people and events illustrated – and what Friberg is saying in each of the moments he chose to illustrate from The Book of Mormon.
Stay tuned ...
... and continue to think up questions that The Book of Mormon can answer.
Painting One posted here.
Painting Two posted here.
Painting Three posted here.
Painting Four posted here.
Painting Five posted here.
Painting Six posted here.
Painting Seven posted here.
Painting Eight posted here.
These paintings are permanently on display in the Conference Centre in Salt Lake City, Utah.
If you wish to order a free copy, let me know or click here.
Feel free to read or listen to it here.
[1] Children’s Friend, December 1952, pages 496, 522
http://lds.org/liahona/1992/08/the-book-of-mormon-paintings-by-arnold-friberg?lang=eng
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