The workings of the Holy Ghost

Have you ever gotten up in Sacrament meeting and wonder what you've said. I frequently get up to speak and lose myself. I prepare well, usually more than I need and then when I sit down I don't remember where I got everything I talked about. This is how the Holy Ghost works. If you are prepared and ask for his help, he will be there. I was asked to speak in Sacrament a few weeks ago and this sister gets up to speak for 5 min. 20 min later, she finally gets down. That left me with no time to speak, but as I contemplate what happened to her, I realize that she too experienced what I frequently experience when speaking in front of a group. The workings of the Holy Ghost are wonderful and awesome to experince.

Home Teaching

Did you ever wonder why some people Home Teach and others do not? I bore my testimony yesterday about how Home Teaching helps me build friendships. Growing up all over the country and moving frequently made it so after a while I quit making friends and became very much a loner. As I have become an adult, I find it difficult to have close friends. Now, my best friends are my Home Teaching families. So if you want friends in your new ward, go Home Teaching.

Walking in the Light

In the last General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, President Eyring spoke about the light each of us have inside of us as described by Moroni in Moroni Chapter 7. This was my assigned topic for a church talk on the 2nd Sunday of September. I began with a cute joke I found in a book on LDS humor. There was this boy who got a call from the home teacher. After not letting him talk to either parent or sister or the fireman or the police who where at his house, he let him know it was the boy they were looking for. I used this as an analogy that it is ourselves who sometimes refuse to be found so that the Lord can lead us to the light. Walking in the light of the Lord is a choice. We have been given the light, but unless we decide to walk by its presence, we will not be able to see what is so easily attainable. The Lord wants to fill our lives with the light of his true Gospel if we will just let him. I pray that I can let him be my Light.

Fighting Pornography

Do we sometimes sanitize our public face to keep others from knowing who we really are? I just had a dream that to me was so erotic that it woke me up. This is not the dream that I hope to have, but when our past is filled with such things, it is hard to eliminate them from our thoughts. So having them, what do you do? Personally, I get up and go do something else. Satan will use everything we do or see to prevent us from reaching out to our Heavenly Father for help. I have sung hymns, read a book, played on the computer or held onto my wife. My next step is to get on my knees and pray for strength to stop such thoughts. I have struggled with this for my entire life. I remember in Japan while on my mission, the street was filled with signs of naked women. I could not keep my eyes from staring at them. Satan's influence was rampant and I could not control myself. I would not have anyone believe that I acted on the thoughts, but once a seed is planted, it is so much easier for satan to control what we think and lead us down to destruction. Addiction could easily follow. Fortunately, my companion was a better influence and led us to better pastures. The internet has allowed this influence to creep into our homes. I have a filter on mine, but it has not always been so. President Hinckley frequently warned us about the dangers of pornography and I can see were he was so right. Research also backs him up. I read where the brain activates while viewing pronography the same as it dues while using marijuana or cocaine. While this may feel good at the time, it leads to a crash that leaves you feeling drained and depressed. I pray that anyone who is caught in this trap may turn to Jesus Christ and plead for his help and then follow the counsel of the Prophet and seek help. The Lord loves us and will not leave you to wander in the wilderness.

Repentance

We got talking about repentance today in response to President Monson's call to those who have strayed away from the Church. I testified that it comes to all. Most importantly, forgiving those who have wronged us is more important. Not forgiving leaves us with a cancer within us that eats away at the soul. I remember when trying to come to terms with my divorce that seeking forgiveness for myself and for Sheila was an ordeal that lasted several days. I spent time on my knees racked in torment for my part in destroying our marriage. Part of this was anger at her for failing to forgive and part was anger at myself for my personal shortcomings, but the end result was the same. A spiritual pain that tormented me to the point of not being able to function at all. I cried, I hurt, and I prayed to my Savior, Jesus Christ, until he whispered to me that my sins were forgiven. In a heartbeat I went from pure pain to exquisit Joy. It is truly an indescrible feeling that has to be experienced. Now everytime I read about Alma's struggle in the Book of Mormon, I understand. The ultimate Sacrifice Jesus Christ gave for us is real and if we will but turn to him, he can lift our burden. I pray that all may come to know this pleasure. Those of us who have experienced this change of heart understand. For the rest, I hope you never need to repent, but if you do, I testify that Jesus Christ is your Savior also and he stands ready to forgive you when you turn to him and lay your sins at his feet. Though you sins be black as coal, you garments can be made white through the blood of he who was crucified for us all.

President Monson

Today during Priesthood meeting, we discussed the recent succession of President Hinkley with President Monson. It was wonderful to discuss how this great man was prepared for the mantle of leadership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was a Bishop at 22 and a General Authority for 46 years until the mantle of President was placed on his head. What better preparation by the Lord could a man have. Add to that the orderly manner in which the succession happened and how could one doubt the Divine hand in guiding his life. The Spirit truly testifies that Jesus is the head of his Church and leads his Prophet to fulfill his will.

Going to the Temple

I went to the Temple this week. I love the feeling of peace I get when I go. Often I leave right after, but this week I waited a few minutes because I had noticed an old friend of mine in the session. Waiting in the Celestial room was so peacefull. I remember when I was single that it was the single most important part of my week. I am glad I had the time to go. We are often to busy in our lives so the Temple puts it into perspective.

Antelope Island

My bike ride at Antelope Island was good, but I did feel a bit lonely. James did not go because his allergies made him to tired to get in shape.
For my part, the first part of the ride was easy. 11.3 miles in 52 minutes. For an old man that is OK. For me it was fun. The ride back took 1hour and 15 minutes because it was into a 10 to 15 mph headwind. Add that to the hill toward the end and it was a bit tiring. I was able to make the entire distance. I did have fun. That's what its all about.

New to blogging

This may drive me nuts, but I will give it a try. I am off for the summer and bored to tears. This is the second summer in my 25 year teaching career that I have had little to do. Teachers do not get summers off until later in their careers unless they have money coming from somewhere else. I would rather keep working. I have been making a shelf and a magizine rack in my spare time. I also play x-box with my son when he is not working. Friday I will take the Twilight ride at Antelope Island. My son was going to go, but he is working so much he did not have time to get in shape so I will go by myself. Well a couple thousand others will be there too.