Let's Discuss: "His Spirit to Be with You," by Henry B. Eyring

"His Spirit to Be with You"

By President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor in the First Presidency
1 April 2018, Sunday Morning Session

Hymn Recommendations:
103  Precious Savior, Dear Redeemer
123  Oh, May My Soul Commune with Thee
143  Let the Holy Spirit Guide
157  Thy Spirit, Lord, Has Stirred Our Souls
The following one is quoted in the talk, so I would give it priority consideration!
165  Abide with Me; 'Tis Eventide

Favorite Quote:

She is like all who are great ministers in the Lord’s kingdom. It seems there are two things they do. Great ministers have qualified for the Holy Ghost as a nearly constant companion. And they have qualified for the gift of charity, which is the pure love of Christ. Those gifts have grown in them as they have used them in serving out of love for the Lord.

Something to put on the board:

"My hope today is to increase your desire and your ability to receive the Holy Ghost." 

One-sentence Synopsis:
We can and should increase our desire and ability to open our hearts to receive the Holy Ghost and charity, to be effective ministers for the Lord.

Talk and Discussion Questions:

This talk was one of the talks that moved me most during the live sessions.  Let's just get right into it!  All emphasis in the quotes added by me.

My brothers and sisters, I am grateful for the opportunity to speak to you on the Lord’s Sabbath, in the general conference of His Church, at this Easter season. I thank our Heavenly Father for the gift of His Beloved Son, who came voluntarily to earth to be our Redeemer. I am grateful to know that He atoned for our sins and rose in the Resurrection. Every day I am blessed to know that, because of His Atonement, I may someday be resurrected to live forever in a loving family.

I notice he says in "a loving family."  That made me consider that there is always choice - we create our families in more ways than one.  But I think this is extra special to him, because he is about to relate the passing of his mother.

I know those things by the only way any of us can know them. The Holy Ghost has spoken to my mind and heart that they are true—not just once but often. I have needed that continuing comfort. ... 

When I hear "the only way," my ears kind of prick up, because something I'm interested in is that there is only one way, and it is the doctrine of Christ, or Christ Himself (see 2 Nephi 31, John 14:6).  So for President Eyring to say he knows these things the only way we can, means he has followed the covenant path - the faith that leads to the knowledge (see Alma 32), etc.

He says we receive confirmation not just once but often - what does that mean to you?  How often is often?  Do you have any examples of continuing comfort and confirmation from the Spirit?  I will share one.  Before my now husband and I were engaged, I started receiving spiritual witnesses that he was the one I should marry.  I was a little dubious, because we lived different lifestyles at the time, and often would ask for confirmation from the Spirit that it was true, and He continually affirmed the promptings.

We all experience tragedy during which we need the reassurance of the Spirit. ...

Whe do you think we all have these experiences where "we NEED the reassurance of the Spirit?"  Maybe it is exactly for that reason - so that we NEED the Spirit, so that we TURN to the Spirit and ALIGN ourselves with the Spirit.

... I felt it one day as I stood with my father in a hospital. We watched my mother take a few shallow breaths—and then no more. As we looked on her face, she was smiling as the pain left. After a few silent moments, my father spoke first. He said, “A little girl has gone home.”

He said it softly. He seemed to be at peace. He was reporting something he knew was true. He quietly began to gather Mother’s personal things. He went out into the hospital hallway to thank each of the nurses and doctors who had ministered to her for days.
My father had the companionship of the Holy Ghost at that moment to feel, to know, and to do what he did that day. He had received the promise, as many have: “That they may have his Spirit to be with them” (D&C 20:79).

President Eyring seems to use the word "receive" a lot in this talk.  This is the first out of 13 instances.  I've made a list at the bottom of this post to put them together in one place.  In studying this talk, my mind went back to Elder Bednar's talk in October 2010 about receiving the Holy Ghost.  I want to share a quote from there to bear in mind as we think about "receiving" the promises and more that Elder Eyring mentions.

"The Holy Ghost does not become operative in our lives merely because hands are placed upon our heads and those four important words are spoken. As we receive this ordinance, each of us accepts a sacred and ongoing responsibility to desire, to seek, to work, and to so live that we indeed 'receive the Holy Ghost' and its attendant spiritual gifts."  -- David A. Bednar, Oct. 2010

Whenever I hear the word "receive," I also think of the temple and receiving our endowments there.  I believe it is all related.

My hope today is to increase your desire and your ability to receive the Holy Ghost. ... 

I love when the prophets and apostles state the intention for their talk.  It is easier to put everything they say into the perspective of their purpose.  What does it mean to you to receive the Holy Ghost?

...Remember, He is the third member of the Godhead. The Father and the Son are resurrected beings. The Holy Ghost is a person of spirit. (See D&C 130:22.) It is your choice whether to receive Him and welcome Him into your heart and mind.

Is it that easy?  Do we just CHOOSE?  What do you think?  Comment below.  I would say yes and no.  Yes, it is that easy - to "look unto Him in every thought" is a simple-enough concept ... to say.  Maybe it is easier said than done, though.  It is easy to be distracted by the tendencies of the natural man, and our false traditions.  Also, the next quote:

The conditions on which we can receive that supernal blessing are made clear in the words that are spoken every week but perhaps do not always sink into our hearts and minds. To have the Spirit sent to us, we must “always remember” the Savior and “keep his commandments” (D&C 20:77).

Aha - so there are conditions to receiving - and they are important enough for us to ponder weekly in our Sacrament prayers.

This time of year helps us remember the Savior’s sacrifice and His rising from the tomb a resurrected being. Many of us hold images of those scenes in our memories. I once stood with my wife outside a tomb in Jerusalem. Many believe that it was the tomb from which the crucified Savior emerged as a resurrected and living God.

The respectful guide that day motioned with his hand and said to us, “Come, see an empty tomb.”

We stooped to enter. We saw a stone bench against a wall. But into my mind came another picture, as real as what we saw that day. It was of Mary, who was left by the Apostles at the tomb. That is what the Spirit let me see and even hear in my mind, as clearly as if I had been there:

What a beautiful testimony to share at general conference.  Truly President Eyring is a seer.  Notice the colon (":") - how much of the following did he witness.  When he shared this, it was almost like receiving the vision myself, his testimony was so clear and certain.

“But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,

“And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

“And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.

“And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

“Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.

“Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

“Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God” (John 20:11–17).

This seems to be the end of the experience he witnessed in his mind as real as being at conference that day.  Wow.

Next, President Eyring starts to emphasize the idea of our heart burning within us - testimony of the Holy Ghost.  But he does not say it outright - it is without mentioning it by name!  I did not catch this when listening live!  I get so much more out of studying a printed copy!  Just keep these in mind as we read the next bit.

I have prayed to be allowed to feel something of what Mary felt at the tomb and what two other disciples felt on the road to Emmaus as they walked with the resurrected Savior, thinking Him a visitor to Jerusalem:

Do we pray for these feelings and experiences?  Can we have these experiences?

“But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.

“And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.

“And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

“And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?” (Luke 24:29–32).

Some of those words were repeated in a sacrament meeting I attended more than 70 years ago. In those days sacrament meetings were held in the evening. It was dark outside. The congregation sang these familiar words. I had heard them many times. But my lasting memory is of a feeling on one particular night. It draws me closer to the Savior. Perhaps if I recite the words, it will come to all of us again:

Abide with me; ’tis eventide.
The day is past and gone;
The shadows of the evening fall;
The night is coming on.
Within my heart a welcome guest,
Within my home abide.

Abide with me; ’tis eventide.
Thy walk today with me
Has made my heart within me burn,
As I communed with thee.
Thy earnest words have filled my soul
And kept me near thy side.

O Savior, stay this night with me;
Behold, ’tis eventide.
O Savior, stay this night with me;
Behold, ’tis eventide.1

If you listen to the recording of this talk, President Eyring gets a little choked up.  He remembers the feelings.  Have you received personal, Word-of-God messages through hymns?  Have you ever had an experience where a hymn takes on new meaning for you - and you cannot hear or sing it the same?  Share your experiences in the comments.  I love the hymns.  Many of them are my "friends," that mean a lot to me.  If I find myself singing one out of the blue, I look for a message from Above.

More precious than a memory of events is the memory of the Holy Ghost touching our hearts and His continuing affirmation of truth. More precious than seeing with our eyes or remembering words spoken and read is recalling the feelings that accompanied the quiet voice of the Spirit. Rarely I have felt it exactly as the travelers on the road to Emmaus did—as a soft but unmistakable burning in the heart. More often it is a feeling of light and quiet assurance.

Here we have some descriptions of feeling the Spirit.  It is difficult to verbalize the spiritual.  How do you describe the Spirit?  I think President Eyring is also trying to emphasize the FEELINGS we feel during a message.  Maybe if we start to feel those feelings, we can know to look for a message.

We have the priceless promise of the Holy Ghost as a companion, and we also have true directions on how to claim that gift. These words are said by the Lord’s authorized servant with his hands on our head: “Receive the Holy Ghost.” At that moment you and I have the assurance He will be sent. But our obligation is to choose to open our hearts to receive the ministration of the Spirit over a lifetime.

Aha - receiving the Holy Ghost is not like opening a present and you're done - it takes dedication over a lifetime to continue to receive.  Also, President Eyring gives us the clue that we must "open our hearts to receive."  How do we do that?  Share your thoughts in the comments.  I believe the biggest key may be uprooting the natural man and becoming a saint (Mosiah 3:19).

Next is an interesting section of the talk, where we see an example in Joseph Smith.

The experiences of the Prophet Joseph Smith offer a guide.

Why do prophets serve as guides?  How can we know we can trust them?

Ok - on to the example:

He began and continued his ministry with the decision that his own wisdom was not sufficient to know what course he should pursue. He chose to be humble before God. 

Next, Joseph chose to ask of God. He prayed in faith that God would answer. The answer came when he was a young boy. Those messages came when he needed to know how God would have His Church established. The Holy Ghost comforted and guided him throughout his life.

He obeyed inspiration when it was difficult. For instance, he received direction to send the Twelve to England when he needed them most. He sent them.

He accepted correction and comfort from the Spirit when he was imprisoned and the Saints were terribly oppressed. And he obeyed when he went down the road to Carthage even as he knew he faced mortal danger.

The Prophet Joseph set an example for us of how to receive continual spiritual direction and comfort through the Holy Ghost.

The first choice he made was to be humble before God.

How can we choose to be humble?

The second was to pray with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

How can we increase our faith and prayers?

The third was to obey exactly. Obedience may mean to move quickly. It may mean to prepare. Or it may mean to wait in patience for further inspiration.

 I really loved this third item.  How can we obey more exactly?

And the fourth is to pray to know the needs and hearts of others and how to help them for the Lord. Joseph prayed for the Saints in distress when he was in prison. ...

 How can we or how should we pray for others?

...It has been my opportunity to observe the prophets of God as they pray, ask for inspiration, receive direction, and act on it.

I have seen how often their prayers are about the people they love and serve. Their concern for others seems to open their hearts to receive inspiration. That can be true for you.

Do you have any experiences about praying for others?  Some of my most heartfelt prayers are on behalf of others.  Some of my clearest "answers" are after praying for others.  I remember a friend's sister was going to have surgery, and she asked for prayers.  I prayed for her, and I felt confirmation that things would go smoothly!  I was a little surprised to receive confirmation about a prayer that was for someone else's benefit!  But I testify of it.

Inspiration will help us minister to others for the Lord. You have seen that in your experience, as I have. My bishop once said to me—at a time when my wife was under great strain in her own life—“Every time I hear of someone in the ward who needs help, when I get there to help, I find that your wife was there ahead of me. How does she do that?”

She is like all who are great ministers in the Lord’s kingdom. It seems there are two things they do. Great ministers have qualified for the Holy Ghost as a nearly constant companion. And they have qualified for the gift of charity, which is the pure love of Christ. Those gifts have grown in them as they have used them in serving out of love for the Lord.

Have we qualified for the Holy Ghost?  Have we qualified for charity?  What lack we yet?  Are we serving within our capacities?  Is there some area of your life that you can devote to service?

Now we are approaching conclusion, with a final, beautiful scriptural promise:

The way in which prayer, inspiration, and love of the Lord work together in our service is described for me perfectly in these words:

“If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

"If ye love me, keep my commandments.

“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

“Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

“I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

“Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

“At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him” (John 14:14–21).

Wow - big promises.  Do we have the First Comforter?  Do we have the Second Comforter?  What lack we yet? (This may be too personal to share.)

I bear my personal witness that the Father is at this moment aware of you, your feelings, and the spiritual and temporal needs of everyone around you. I bear testimony that the Father and the Son are sending the Holy Ghost to all who have that gift, ask for that blessing, and seek to be worthy of it. ...

We who have the gift of the Holy Ghost have access to Their constant stream of "divine light" or truth - it's like a radio frequency- are we tuned in to "receive" the Word?

...Neither the Father, nor the Son, nor the Holy Ghost force Themselves into our lives. We are free to choose. ...

There is that choice idea again.  Let's set a new intention today:  I CHOOSE TO RECEIVE the ministrations of the Holy Ghost!

...The Lord has said to all:

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

“To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith” (Revelation 3:20–22).

I love that he included that last verse - are our ears open to the Spirit??  How can we be "woke?"

I pray with all my heart that you will hear the voice of the Spirit, which is sent to you so generously. And I pray that you will open your heart always to receive Him. If you ask with real intent and with faith in Jesus Christ for inspiration, you will receive it in the Lord’s way and in His time. God did that for the young Joseph Smith. He does it today for our living prophet, President Russell M. Nelson. He has placed you in the way of other children of God to serve them for Him. ...

What other children of God are we placed to serve? Children, families, ministering routes, ward members, callings and stewardships, friends, acquaintances, literally everyone we meet can be in our sphere of influence.  We can brighten any day with as small an effort as a smile, or as big an effort as a service project.

...I know that not only by what I have seen with my eyes but more powerfully by what the Spirit has whispered to my heart. 

I have felt the love of the Father and of His Beloved Son for all the children of God in the world and for His children in the spirit world.

CHARITY! President Eyring has felt it.

I have felt the comfort and the direction of the Holy Ghost. I pray that you may have the joy of having the Spirit with you as your companion constantly. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

So - now that we've gone through his talk - HAS your desire and ability to receive the Holy Ghost increased??  Take a moment to reflect.  Maybe reread it!

Receive as a Key Word

I enjoy studying this way sometimes, when a word keeps surfacing in a talk.  What extra nuances do these instances teach you?  What is President Eyring saying?  Think about where/when we "receive" - do you see any additional symbolism?

1. My father had the companionship of the Holy Ghost at that moment to feel, to know, and to do what he did that day. He had received the promise, as many have: “That they may have his Spirit to be with them” (D&C 20:79). 
2. My hope today is to increase your desire and your ability to receive the Holy Ghost.
3. It is your choice whether to receive Him and welcome Him into your heart and mind.
4. The conditions on which we can receive that supernal blessing are made clear in the words that are spoken every week but perhaps do not always sink into our hearts and minds. To have the Spirit sent to us, we must “always remember” the Savior and “keep his commandments” (D&C 20:77).
5. We have the priceless promise of the Holy Ghost as a companion, and we also have true directions on how to claim that gift. These words are said by the Lord’s authorized servant with his hands on our head: “Receive the Holy Ghost.” At that moment you and I have the assurance He will be sent.
6. But our obligation is to choose to open our hearts to receive the ministration of the Spirit over a lifetime.
7. He obeyed inspiration when it was difficult. For instance, he received direction to send the Twelve to England when he needed them most. He sent them.
8. The Prophet Joseph set an example for us of how to receive continual spiritual direction and comfort through the Holy Ghost.
9. It has been my opportunity to observe the prophets of God as they pray, ask for inspiration, receive direction, and act on it.
10. Their concern for others seems to open their hearts to receive inspiration. 
11. “Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."
12. And I pray that you will open your heart always to receive Him.
13. If you ask with real intent and with faith in Jesus Christ for inspiration, you will receive it in the Lord’s way and in His time.

The Iron Rod, Part 2

View Part 1 here

THE IRON ROD, PART 2

I have to start by saying that this is still a study in progress - a fascinating and joyful study that I highly recommend. The entire Book of Mormon has opened up to me in a new way - and I did not think it a stranger before. That said, I am just as sure there are other layers and meanings in the scriptures referenced below, and I cannot write everything. I am sharing with the hope that we can help each other better understand THE WAY (It Is All Christ, is it not?), and in so doing we can all better draw and be drawn closer to Him. Please share your insights! It is making an amazing picture.

As mentioned in part 1, I believe one of the synonymous, symbolic references to the iron rod is the "arm of mercy."

Next, I want to bring in the cherubim and flaming sword. I picked up a few years ago the idea that the flaming sword represents justice. This seemed to be supported by scriptures (more below). This led me to the idea that maybe the cherubim represent mercy. Cherubim surround the MERCY seat, after all. They were on the tabernacle/temple curtains/wall and veil - guarding the holy WAY (I might say like armor...) - I even like to think of them as the "angels who stand as sentinels" spoken of by Brigham Young:

“Let me give you a definition in brief. Your endowment is, to receive all those ordinances in the house of the Lord, which are necessary for you, after you have departed this life, to enable you to walk back to the presence of the ​Father, passing the ANGELS who stand as sentinels, being enabled to give them the key words, the signs and tokens, pertaining to the holy Priesthood, and gain your eternal exaltation in spite of earth and hell.”  (Journal of Discourses, p. 416)

Anyway, I was pondering justice and mercy as two opposing halves (or arms) of the same whole, and was impressed with the thought: why am I splitting the cherubim and flaming sword?... Maybe the cherubim and flaming sword represent mercy AND the cherubim and flaming sword represent justice. I can't call one an arm and the other a fire (for example) - when they are both arms and both fires. Realizing I haven't laid everything out yet - consider two examples. First - the very same angel who came to rebuke Alma the Younger (justice) also came to bless him (mercy):

"...And now I say unto thee, Alma, go thy way, and seek to destroy the church no more, that their prayers may be answered, and this even if thou wilt of thyself be CAST OFF."  Mosiah 27:15

"Blessed art thou, Alma; therefore, LIFT UP thy head and rejoice, for thou hast great cause to rejoice; for thou hast been faithful in keeping the COMMANDMENTS of God from the time which thou receivedst thy first MESSAGE from him. Behold, I AM HE THAT DELIVERED IT unto you."  Alma 8:15

One might say they are both mercy ... I can see that (that may even reinforce the idea that they are more the same, and we are the difference), although the mercy was not really for Alma the Younger's benefit - it was mercy to Alma the Elder, and at the least a warning of impending justice to the Younger and company - they still had severe repenting to do (see also the Alma 26 verses quoted below). ...

Second example, consider that the same ANGEL and PILLAR (cherub and sword!) both protected the camp of Israel (mercy) and deflected the chariots of Egypt (justice):

Exodus 14:19-20
"19 And the ANGEL of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the PILLAR of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them:
"20 And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and DARKNESS to them [Egyptians], but it gave LIGHT by night to these [Israel]: so that the one came not near the other all the night."

It even makes me wonder if the opposition - the duality - of justice and mercy is some sort of mortal illusion. They were only placed after the Fall, after all:

Genesis 3:24
"24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden CHERUBIMS, and a FLAMING SWORD which turned every way, to keep the WAY of the tree of life."

Not only were they only placed after the Fall, if justice and mercy are opposing names of the same principle (God is perfect, just, and merciful (Alma 42:15) so they cannot be mutually exclusive), it might explain how their effect on us (thanks to our dear Redeemer - this statement and everything would be impossible without Him!) depends on our state (with the Savior). Either we become a saint/penitent/gold/without spot, and claimed by mercy, or we remain natural man/enemy/dross/spotted, and cast off by justice:

Alma 42:24  "For behold, JUSTICE exerciseth all his demands, and also MERCY claimeth all which is her own; and thus, none but the truly PENITENT are saved."
Alma 22:6  "And also, what is this that Ammon said—If ye will REPENT ye shall be SAVED, and if ye will not repent, ye shall be CAST OFF at the last day?"

Regardless of similarity or difference, in the scriptures, we often read of the "sword of justice" and the "arm of mercy" (never "the sword of mercy," I mean (saving the "bowels of mercy" for another day!)). Here are just a couple of each (2 for sword of justice, 2 for arm of mercy) out of many examples, because the idea pertains to my point:

Alma 26:19-21
"19 Oh then, why did he not consign us to an awful destruction, yea, why did he not let the SWORD OF HIS JUSTICE fall upon us, and doom us to eternal despair?
"20 Oh, my soul, almost as it were, fleeth at the thought. Behold, he did not exercise his JUSTICE upon us, but in his great MERCY hath brought us over that everlasting GULF of death and misery, even to the SALVATION of our souls.
"21 And now behold, my brethren, what NATURAL MAN is there that knoweth these things? I say unto you, there is none that knoweth these things, save it be the PENITENT."

(Interjecting to say I especially love this passage, because there is a lot of tree of life vision imagery going on here (gulf, sword, etc.). In fact, (at risk of stating the obvious,) aspects of the vision are hidden in plain sight throughout the Book of Mormon...)

3 Nephi 29:4  "And when ye shall see these sayings coming forth among you, then ye need not any longer spurn at the doings of the Lord, for the SWORD OF HIS JUSTICE is in his RIGHT HAND; and behold, at that day, if ye shall spurn at his doings he will cause that it shall soon overtake you."

(Me again - just to point out here that justice is (at least sometimes) associated with the right hand! - I had been thinking solely right vs. left - which also has a ring to it and important symbology (nods to Gileadi) - until I came across this scripture - just more food for thought...)

Mosiah 29:20 "...and thus doth the Lord work with his power in all cases among the children of men, extending the ARM OF MERCY towards them that put their TRUST in him."

Jacob 6:5  "...And while his ARM OF MERCY is extended towards you in the light of the day, harden not your hearts."

Ok - so all that is really intro for this next bit. ...
While I was studying the doctrine of Christ last year, the following scripture rang in my ears like a bell:

2 Nephi 31:21
"And now, behold, my beloved brethren, THIS IS THE WAY; and there is NONE OTHER WAY nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen."

I got thinking that if there is ONLY ONE WAY, that Nephi may be describing through the doctrine of Christ in 2 Nephi 31 the same WAY that guards the tree of life! (See the Genesis scripture above). So I started putting things together. I went back to Lehi's vision, thinking if this impression was correct, then this tree of life vision should also correspond to Genesis and 2 Nephi 31 (I realize it is also in the temple endowment ceremony, but I am not directly addressing that here, except to say it is the same WAY, because there is ONLY ONE); I further thought I should be able to find the cherubim and flaming sword in Lehi's vision, and I wanted to see if they were there in a connection to justice and mercy, as well. ... I was not disappointed:

1 Nephi 12:18  "And the large and spacious building, which thy father saw, is vain imaginations and the pride of the children of men. And a great and a terrible GULF divideth them; yea, even the [S]WORD OF THE JUSTICE of the Eternal God, AND THE MESSIAH who is the Lamb of God, of whom the Holy Ghost beareth record, from the beginning of the world until this time, and from this time henceforth and forever."  [side-note: this is a scripture that Skousen has pointed out a typo - comparing the original manuscript (sword) to the printer's manuscript (word) - but both work for this demonstration!]
1 Nephi 15:30  "And I said unto them that our father also saw that the JUSTICE OF GOD did also divide the wicked from the righteous; and the brightness thereof was like unto the brightness of a FLAMING FIRE, which ASCENDETH UP UNTO GOD forever and ever, and hath no end."

So I easily found justice - and there are even terms like "flaming" that exactly match the flaming sword, but where was the cherubim/mercy?? It dawned on me as it may have you ... the iron rod! (Btw, does not the ascending brightness of flaming fire also remind you of a "pillar of fire/light" - Moses, Lehi, Joseph Smith, etc.? ... more similarities in this justice/mercy dichotomy.)

Back to Lehi.  There are only two verses that specifically mention "mercy" in our record of Lehi's vision:

1 Nephi 8:8-9
"8 And after I had traveled for the space of many hours in darkness, I began to pray unto the Lord that he would have MERCY on me, according to the MULTITUDE of his TENDER MERCIES.
"9 And it came to pass after I had prayed unto the Lord I BEHELD a large and spacious field."

Lehi prays for mercy, and he can SEE (discussed in part 1). The extension of mercy (light/truth/Spirit/etc.) in answer to his prayer deflects the darkness. There are also a multitude (like a host - Lord of Hosts?), which is interesting with the idea that Christ sends ministering servants (angels and mortals) also discussed in Part 1. Here's another scripture that took on additional meaning for me:

Doctrine & Covenants 1:38
"What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my WORD shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my SERVANTS, it is the same."

His servants are not just His mortal servants, but also His authorized representative angels! Also vice versa. His servants are not just His angels, but also His authorized representative mortals! (God may have shattered some triangles for me here.)  :)

The second "mercy" scripture from Lehi (technically after his vision) is the following. To me it is a perfect match to the iron rod and mercy/justice keywords:

1 Nephi 8:37
"And he did exhort them [Laman & Lemuel] then with all the feeling of a tender parent, that they would hearken to his WORDS, that perhaps the Lord would be MERCIFUL to them, and not CAST THEM OFF; yea, my father did preach unto them."

So, I guess I am leaving the conclusions somewhat open.

For fun, where do you think "justice, love, and mercy meet in harmony divine?"
See also 2 Nephi 1:15.

A couple more comments:


Comment 1:
An interesting connection is the idea of being an "instrument" in the hands of God, which has long been a desire of my heart. I think now, that this idea coincides with this symbology - we become instruments of spiritual warfare - iron rods or swords of the Spirit (as we are in alignment with the Spirit) in the hand of God. I used to think more in the musical instrument capacity ... I think that can still be a part of it, too.  :) ...

This imagery goes right along with the command to make straight the paths of the Lord. I used to wonder at that. Is not His path straight? Not because He isn't straight ... but because He gives us the privilege of being extensions of mercy from Him to strengthen feeble knees, to be His emissaries, His servants, etc. WE need to continue to "straighten up" to continue our ascent and to increase our privilege of laboring in His vineyard - helping with His work.


Comment 2:
There are actually many synonymous, symbolic references to the iron rod/word of God. So far, I have found scriptures (often more than one - these references are just examples) that seem to link the iron rod/word of God to the Spirit and a sword (Ephesians 6:17), an arm (D&C 3:8), mercy (Mosiah 16:12), light and truth (D&C 84:45), favor (1 Nephi 17:35), atonement (D&C 29:1), grace (2 Nephi 10:24), preachings/prophesyings (Omni 1:13), an instrument in God's hands (Mosiah 27:35-36), promises (Alma 17:15), nourishment (Jacob 5:47), wisdom (2 Nephi 2:12), power (Omni 1:13), guide (Mosiah 2:36), virtue (Alma 31:5), testimony (Alma 7:20), tongue of angels (2 Nephi 31:13-14), discernment (Hebrews 4:12),  and there are more I'm leaving out, and I'm sure more I haven't discovered yet ...


Comment 3:
If this imagery is also the same as Jacob's Ladder ... we can see the covenant path as a sort of ladder ascending upward, with the angels (flaming tongues?) descending and ascending on their ministries/missions, and messages/reports thereof. I like to picture it in my mind as a spiral staircase (double helix). I like the spiral idea, because not only does it coincide with the idea of cyclic rebirthing closer to the Savior, but it matches the flaming sword "which turned every way" - that could be a spiral sort of pattern - maybe?

"An experience from the life of Jacob, an Old Testament prophet, illustrates the importance of covenants. As a young man, Jacob was sent to a distant city by his father with a specific assignment. He camped during his journey. One night, he experienced a vision. He saw the Lord, and communicated with Him. The Lord made specific promises to Jacob regarding himself and his posterity. After the vision, Jacob set up a stone as a memorial for what he had experienced there. He named the place Bethel, which means “the house of God.” In connection with this sacred event, he also made a promise to God that he would be faithful in observing a specific commandment (see Genesis 28).

"President Marion G. Romney (1897-1988) related the following about Jacob’s experience: “When Jacob traveled from Beersheba toward Haran, he had a dream in which he saw himself on the earth at the foot of a ladder that reached to heaven where the Lord stood above it. He beheld angels ascending and descending thereon, and Jacob realized that the covenants he made with the Lord there were the rungs on the ladder that he himself would have to climb in order to obtain the promised blessings—blessings that would entitle him to enter heaven and associate with the Lord.” (Temples—The Gates to Heaven, Ensign, Mar. 1971) Just as Jacob had to climb each step of the ladder to ascend to heaven, so we must receive and obey the ordinances and covenants of the temple to return to God’s presence and become like Him."

The Iron Rod, Part 1

View Part 2 here.

I have been studying Lehi's vision in depth recently, in particular the iron rod in conjunction with the armor of God, the justice and mercy of God, and the cherubim and flaming sword. More recently, I have felt _flooded_ with inspiration - I keep feeling like I need to share it, but every time I have started to write this out, I have been led to new nuances - opened new doors and made new connections - there's no way I can write it ALL here, so I am praying for the words and the focus God would have me share. The words are finally flowing, so here goes!

Doctrine & Covenants 33:1 "...hearken to the voice of the Lord your God, whose WORD is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged SWORD, to the dividing asunder of the joints and marrow, soul and spirit; and is a DISCERNER of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

The iron rod represents the word of God. So does the sword of the Spirit, part of the armor of God, in Ephesians 6:

17 "And take the helmet of salvation, and THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, which is the WORD OF GOD:"

I have thought it interesting that you can loosely describe a sword as a rod of iron, but there is more - I believe it could also be called the "arm of God," in particular the arm of mercy which is extended towards us. One definition of the word "arm" is weapon - (consider the right to bear ARMS). I find it even more interesting that the word "armor" has the word arm in it (kind of the arm-ing of the armed).

1 Nephi 15:23-24
"23 And they said unto me: What meaneth the ROD OF IRON which our father saw, that LED TO THE TREE?"

Pausing to point out that the iron rod follows (I might say guards, like armor!) the path to the tree of life. This is another big clue as to what it represents. More later.

"24 And I said unto them that it was the WORD OF GOD; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the FIERY DARTS of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction."

This last verse shows us that the iron rod has additional properties which also belong to the armor of God from Ephesians 6 - concerning the fiery darts of the adversary.

"16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the FIERY DARTS of the wicked."

So somehow, so far, the iron rod is both sword and shield (this actually eventually led me to an understanding that holding the iron rod is putting on all the armor of God, but I'm getting ahead of myself). There is more.

There are two more scripture verses that mention "fiery darts," both in Doctrine & Covenants - Doctrine & Covenants 27 has good stuff, but I wanted to point out Doctrine & Covenants 3:8:

"8 Yet you should have been faithful; and he would have EXTENDED HIS ARM and supported you against all the FIERY DARTS of the adversary; and he would have been with you in every time of trouble."

So far, the iron rod is a sword (/shield) or an arm (/armor). Swords have hilts. Arms have hands. So much symbolism. In fact, the 1828 Webster definition of "hilt" is  "The handle of any thing; but chiefly applied to the handle of a sword."  I love that word HAND-le.  :)  Now in the past, I have always imagined us walking hand over hand along the iron rod, and in a sense, I think that's a fine image. But thinking of the iron rod as a sword - consider again the verbiage in 1 Nephi 8 24:

"And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and CAUGHT HOLD OF THE END of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree."

That sounds to me now more like holding a sword than going hand over hand along a railing. Consider also v. 30 of the same chapter:

"But, to be short in writing, behold, he saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and CAUGHT HOLD OF THE END of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually HOLDING FAST to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree."

I looked up the word "hold" in the 1828 Webster dictionary. As a verb, one of the definitions is "to wield." As a noun, the first part of the definition reads, "A grasp with the hand; an embrace with the arms; any act or exertion of the strength or limbs which keeps a thing fast and prevents escape. Keep your hold; never quit your hold" Related, and interesting, is the next part of the definition, "It is much used after the verbs to take, and to lay; to take hold or to lay hold is to seize. It is used in a literal sense; as to take hold with the hands, with the arms, or with the teeth; or in a figurative sense." (That reminds me of Mormon in Moroni 7 ... lay hold [seize] upon every good gift, touch not the evil gift.)

The first two definitions of the word "fast" also teach us: "1. Literally, set, stopped, fixed, or pressed close. Hence, close; tight; as, make fast the door; take fast hold.  2. Firm; immovable."  Hold fast can thus mean to hold or press close - even firmly!  (You can see relation to the words FASTEN and STEADFAST, as well).


John Pontius spent a lot of time writing about the "word of God" including more than scriptures and conference/prophets; it is also personal revelation through the Holy Ghost. The scriptures also teach us that angels are involved in transmission of the word.

Alma 32:23
"And now, HE IMPARTETH HIS WORD BY ANGELS unto men, yea, not only men but women also. Now this is not all; little children do have words given unto them many times, which confound the wise and the learned."

2 Nephi 32:3
"ANGELS speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they SPEAK THE WORDS OF CHRIST. ..."

One day at church earlier this year, a friend of mine said to me... did you notice that Lehi did not hold the iron rod on his way to the tree? This led to a fun discussion as I responded - what if the man dressed in white WAS Lehi's iron rod - and he held his arm/hand as he pressed forward to the tree? What if Lehi's personal journey to the tree is part of the MEANING of others' journeys in the same vision. ...

From 1 Nephi 8, going in order, but paraphrasing:
v. 4 Lehi sees a dark and dreary wilderness (world).
vv. 5-6 He sees a man in a white robe who speaks and bids him to follow him (caught hold of iron rod)
v. 7 beholds the dark and dreary waste (mist of darkness descends)
v. 8 after many hours in darkness, he prays for mercy
v. 9-10 after he prays he can see the tree (the mist of darkness is dispelled!)
v. 11 continues until he partakes of the tree (love of God/Jesus Christ)
v. 13 looks for his family
v. 15 BECKONS to his family and says to "come unto me" (he becomes the iron rod for others - bringing souls to Christ)

I came across new meaning to this beautiful scripture earlier this year which I want to tie in:

Alma 19:6
"Now, this was what Ammon desired, for he knew that king Lamoni was under the power of God; he knew that the DARK VEIL OF UNBELIEF was being cast away from his mind, and the LIGHT which did light up his mind, which was the light of the glory of God, which was a marvelous light of his goodness—yea, this light had infused such joy into his soul, the CLOUD OF DARKNESS having been dispelled, and that the LIGHT of everlasting life was lit up in his soul, yea, he knew that this had overcome his natural frame, and he was carried away in God—"

CLOUD of darkness reminded me of the MIST of darkness from Lehi's dream - the temptations of the adversary - maybe in particular the temptation of unbelief if the mists of darkness are also the dark veil of unbelief - interesting also that it is "cast away." Also noteworthy to me that light takes its place.

I want to include the next scripture because there is lots of Lehi's vision imagery:

Psalm 119:105
"Thy WORD is a lamp unto my feet, and a LIGHT unto my PATH." (also here could be seen as a connection to the feet shod with spiritual armor)

Now back to 1 Nephi 8. After Sariah, Sam and Nephi make it to the tree, there are still 2 more journeys to the tree that Lehi outlines.
Group 1 that makes the tree:
v. 21 numberless concourses press forward to obtain the path
v. 23 exceedingly great mist of darkness causing many to stray
v. 24 others press forward THROUGH THE MIST, clinging to the iron rod until they come forth and partake
v. 25 after they partake of the fruit they look around as if ashamed
v. 28 the ashamed fall away into forbidden paths and are lost

Group 2 that makes the tree:
v. 30 other multitudes press forward,
catch hold of the rod of iron,
press forward holding fast to the rod of iron,
come forth and fall down at and partake of the tree
v. 33 heed not the scorners
v. 34 (or whoever does falls away)

There are a couple of differences between these groups - but one possible difference that I never noticed until recently. Now, I am still studying this, and there might be other interpretations, so please, look for the gold if any and discard the dross. Group 1 maybe never has their mist of darkness lifted until they are at (or close to) the tree (they didn't look around until then!) - which might imply blind faith, or no perspective, or they can't give up the so-called comfort in the temptations/false beliefs of the adversary - they are going through the motions - but ultimately, at the tree, they are ashamed and heed the scorners. Maybe they didn't pray for mercy like Lehi did (v. 8), or ultimately could not forgive themselves, or whatever the case...  Edited to add - this shame and falling may be the ultimate deceptions that "deceive the very elect if that were possible."  Deception is another way of saying false belief.

Notice that in group 2, the mist of darkness is not mentioned! Now, it could be implied, I suppose. But it makes me wonder if their mists of darkness were dispelled early, like Lehi - and Lamoni - their dark veils or cloud of darknesses were cast away or dispelled - they didn't travel THROUGH them like group 1, but they could see their goal more clearly and keep what we might call an "eternal perspective" along the path. They received light and their light grew brighter and brighter - a lamp/light unto their feet on the path. Perhaps that made all the difference at the tree with not feeling ashamed and not heeding the scorners. ?



I feel to stop here and make a part 2 later, because this is already pretty long.

Part 2 will be as soon as it feels right.  I was in a good writing flow, and I could feel it turn off almost like a water faucet!  (Then the doubt about sharing this inspired knowledge creeped in.)  But blessed be the name of the Lord!  :)

April 2018 Conference Themes

Sometimes, when you listen to conference live with a specific question, it seems as though every speaker addresses your topic!  Then when you study the talks again, sometimes it seems like it was a stretch to call that your topic!  I have had this experience many times, but I also like to keep my ears open for themes in conference.  What themes stood out to you?  These are the themes that stood out to me:

1. Prophets and the solemn assembly
2. Ministering
3. Following the Spirit
4. Preparing for the Second Coming

Prophets and solemn assembly
We had a solemn assembly and sustained a new prophet.  Many, MANY speakers bore testimony of President Nelson being called of God to be His prophet today.  Some speakers directed their entire message to the topic of prophets, solemn assemblies, and President Nelson.  See President Ballard's talk, Elder Stevenson's talk, Elder Andersen's talk, President Nelson's Sunday morning talk,  Am I missing any?

Ministering
Speakers continually used this word on Saturday - I wrote it down with the intention of studying its use in the scriptures, and then on Sunday afternoon, we learned why the emphasis!  The new Ministering program was announced - a higher, holier way of Christlike service.

Following the Spirit
This may have been more of a message for me than a theme - but I kept getting promptings about taking the Holy Spirit for my guide, following the Spirit, and so on.

Preparing for the Second Coming - I kept hearing this over and over, especially on Sunday.  When I went back to look for these quotes, they did not seem as prominent.  But I thought it would be fun to collect the quotes about coming days and anything about preparing for the Savior's return.  Grasping at straws?  You decide.  Emphasis added.

President M. Russell Ballard, Sat morning, this quote talks about difficult tasks ahead:

"If we have faith as small as a mustard seed, the Lord can help us remove the mountains of discouragement and doubt in the tasks ahead of us as we serve with God's children, including family members, Church members, and those who are not yet members of the Church." 

Elder Brian K. Taylor of the 70, Sat morning, this quote brings up the sin-resistant generation phrase that foreshadows Millennial days:

"To mothers, especially young mothers, who often feel overwhelmed and underwater while striving to raise 'a sin-resistant generation,' never underestimate your central role in God's plan."

Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, of YW presidency (released), Sat afternoon references celestial families and the "great work" which is God's work:

"Together these beautiful, strong, faithful young women and young men are preparing to be wives and husbands, and mothers and fathers who will raise families worthy of the celestial kingdom of God.
"...  Our precious young women have an important role to play in helping to accomplish this great work."

Elder Taniela B. Wakolo of the 70 on Sat afternoon tells us how to find light in the darkening world:

"I promise that participating in ordinances and honoring the associated covenants will bring you marvelous light and protection in this ever-darkening world."

Brother Douglas D. Holmes, FC in YM Presidency in Priesthood session:

"Young men, God has a work for you to do.  Your Aaronic Priesthood ordination is central to helping His children receive Christ's atoning power.  I promise that as you put these sacred duties at the center of your life, you will feel the power of God as never before.  You will understand your identity as a son of God, called with a holy calling to do His work.  And, like John the Baptist, you will help prepare the way for the coming of His Son." 

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the 12 in Priesthood session:

"I cannot adequately express how excited I am to contemplate the increasingly vital role that elders quorums will play in the future.  The wisdom, experience, capacity, and strength that will be found in these quorums portend a new day and a new standard of priesthood service across the Church." 

Also later:

"Yes, thanks be to God for the men of the priesthood and for the service they will yet render in lifting individuals and families and in establishing Zion." 

Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the 12 in Priesthood session:

"Indeed this is a time when the Lord is hastening His work."

President Russell M. Nelson, prophet, in Priesthood session:

"While you sing, think of your duty as God's mighty army to help prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord.  This is our charge.  This is our privilege." 

Sister Reyna I. Aburto, SC in the RS Presidency, Sun morning:

"As we work in unity, our purpose should be to look for and do the Lord's will; our incentive should be the love we feel for God and for our neighbor; and our greatest desire should be to 'labor diligently,' so we can prepare the way for the glorious return of our Savior.  The only way we will be able to do so is 'with one accord.'"

 President Russell M. Nelson, prophet, Sun morning:

"Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again.  We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory.  But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."

Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the 12, Sun afternoon:

"I witness that, as prophesied in the holy scriptures, including in the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, 'the Lord's kingdom [is] once again established on the earth, preparatory to the Second Coming of the Messiah.'" 

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the 12, Sat afternoon:

"In the spirit of President Nelson's marvelous declarations and testimonies last night and this morning, I bear my own witness that these adjustments are examples of the revelation that has guided this Church from its beginning.  They are yet more evidence that the Lord is hastening His work in its time." 

Also, later:

"...may we labor side by side with the Lord of the vineyard, giving the God and Father of us all a helping hand with His staggering task of answering prayers, providing comfort, drying tears, and strengthening feeble knees. ..." 

Sister Jean B. Bingham, RS president, Sun afternoon opened and closed her talk with references to the Second Coming:

"What a wonderful blessing to live in a time of continual revelation from God!  As we look forward to and embrace the 'restitution of all things,' which has and will come through the prophesied events of our time, we are being prepared for the Savior's Second Coming."

And later:

"I gladly bear my personal witness that these revelatory changes are inspired of God and that, as we embrace them with willing hearts, we will become better prepared to meet His Son, Jesus Christ, at His coming.  We will be closer to becoming a Zion people and will feel surpassing joy with those whom we have helped along the path of discipleship." 

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the 12, Sat afternoon - his entire talk was full of Second Coming imagery - even the talk was "Prepare to Meet God"!  Here are some choice quotes:

"...three ancient prophets, Moses, Elias, and Elijah, appeared and committed keys which were essential to accomplish the Lord's purpose for His restored Church in this dispensation.  That purpose has been simply, but eloquently, defined as gathering Israel, sealing them as families, and preparing the world for the Lord's Second Coming." 

...
"Home and visiting teaching, now 'ministering,' as taught so eloquently in this session, will prepare Latter-day Saints to meet God."
...
"For those of us alive at this time, he increase in temples and family history work is phenomenal.  This pace will continue and accelerate until the Second Coming of the Savior, lest the whole earth 'be utterly wasted at his coming.'"
...
"As individuals, we would do well to evaluate our effort in pursuing missionary work, temple and family history work, and preparations to meet God."

My Sacrament Meeting talk from Mother's Day 2017

The Holy Spirit has been working on me for a while to post the talk I gave last year in Sacrament meeting on Mother's Day.  I thought today would be appropriate.  Normally, I do not have my talk written out verbatim, but I pleaded with the Lord to help me have at least the majority written, so that I would not falter, because some of the subject matter is extra-emotional for me.  I added a few links to scripture references.

Enjoy!



How can our family life bring us joy and happiness?

So many possible directions for this talk.  Since I can’t go into them all, I wanted to at least list some possible venues for your personal exploration:

• Finding joy in the journey
• Experiencing joy in building Zion even in the mundane tasks 
• Creating happiness in uniting as a family
• Building family relationships that bring joy
• Founding our family on the teachings of Jesus Christ
• Nurturing our personal joy and then bringing that to the family
• Choosing joy amid trial and hardship
• Having joy in multiplying and replenishing the earth

Each of these could be a Sacrament talk.  In my scripture studies the past couple of weeks, I have read the Book of Mormon with questions regarding direction and insights for this talk - so you’ll see it’s some of some of that, and some of none of that, and I hope the spirit of what I’m trying to say comes through.

To start, as Ammon asked, I’ve been pondering:  Have we not great reason to rejoice?

In Nephi’s vision of the tree of life, after being asked the meaning of the tree of life, Nephi writes:
22 And I answered him, saying: Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things.
23 And he spake unto me, saying: Yea, and the most joyous to the soul.  (1 Nephi 11)

If the love of God is most desirable above all things and most joyous to the soul, is it possible that if not the next, surely close to the next thing most desirable and joyous to the soul would be the love of and for our family members?

"the end of all activity in the Church is to see that a man and a woman with their children are happy at home, sealed together for time and for all eternity." -- Boyd K Packer, April 2015

If we are not feeling this joy - that we are designed to feel in our families - I believe there is something we can personally do that will help change that.

Part of what I’m hoping to demonstrate here is that you can look to the Book of Mormon and find personal answers to your personal questions - I have experienced this before the stake presidency gave us the challenge to read the BoM with a question, but since the challenge, I have been blown away by the amount of inspiration that has streamed into my life.

One of the scriptures that touched me deeply in studying for this talk is in Mosiah 18.  I asked the night I was studying this chapter “How can I find joy and happiness in family life?”  In verse 21 -

21 And he commanded them that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another.
23 And he commanded them that they should observe the sabbath day, and keep it holy, and also every day they should give thanks to the Lord their God.
25 And there was one day in every week that was set apart that they should gather themselves together to teach the people, and to worship the Lord their God, and also, as often as it was in their power, to assemble themselves together.
30...yea, the place of Mormon, the waters of Mormon, the forest of Mormon, how beautiful are they to the eyes of them who there came to the knowledge of their Redeemer; yea, and how blessed are they, for they shall sing to his praise forever.

I got a lot!  As a family, we need to unite in worship, love, work, prayer, service, Sabbath-day observance, family get-togethers and even singing together.  I was trying to think how we can unite spiritually together, and I kept coming back to v. 21, this idea of looking forward with one eye - maybe in the vernacular we could call it sharing a family vision.  So, this week, I have been trying to focus more on our shared vision - especially reminding my children that we want our home to have a loving spirit and be a safe atmosphere for everyone - this is a vision we share - and reminders of this have helped me both being gentle in my discipline, and also helping them understand that they can and may actually want to choose to put a stop to bickering and contention.

Something the Lord has been teaching me recently is that He wants me to involve Him every day - more than just in my morning and evening prayers - in the mundane things as well as the spiritual or emotional (or even physical) emergencies.  Sometimes I think oh - I know how to handle that - and I don’t need to bother Him … but is there a better way?  Wouldn’t He like to accompany me on this diaper change?  He can always help me handle things - even things that I already know - by helping me express more grace, more love - more Christlike character.  This will then help me be more like Him, and help those I serve be better served, and the cycle will continue as they serve those around them better based on my example.

"our Heavenly Father never intended that we would deal with the maze of personal problems and social issues on our own" -- Russell M Nelson, Apr 2017

Maybe that includes diaper changes or determining lunch?!  Why not imagine Him by our side, and see how that changes us and our family happiness.

Another thing I’ve been practicing doing with my children is what we call “do-overs” (I got it from a book, can’t take credit).  When I am exasperated, my gentleness is one of the first things to go out the window … but when or once I have the wherewithal, I stop myself, apologize, and say, I’m going to do that over.  Then it might be, “I understand that you are having fun playing your game, but it is time to set the table, and as a family we help each other out.”  Or, if the kids are fighting, I might have them stop and practice communicating in kinder words or actions.  It may feel a little corny, to stand there and have them say “I understand that you want a turn with my toy; I will let you after I finish,” and then the other, of course recites, “I understand that it is your toy and you are playing with it; May I please have a turn? Or thank you for letting me have a turn.”  But the next time the situation arises … they are equipped with another choice of words to say than the first, natural-man reaction.  They have practiced their parts to be kinder and give the benefit of the doubt.  Could this apply to other family relationships, too?  Can we forgive and have do-overs when we offend or are offended?  How much peace can we create?!

New train of thought:  There are no sides in family.  In Mosiah chapter 20, we have the story of the priests of King Noah, who carried off the Lamanite daughters.  The Lamanites wrongly accuse the people of Limhi.  King Limhi sees the war preparation and prepares his people for war also.  Doesn’t this already sound like [it could relate to a family] argument brewing?  ...The king is found wounded among the dead, but they question him instead of slaying him, and find out about the accusation.  King Limhi offers to search among his people (which is like a self-examination for wrong-doing - maybe we do need to apologize - it never hurts to self-examine and repent where necessary).  Then Gideon suggests the true culprits - the wicked priests.  The Lamanite king and people of Limhi go without arms and the king pleads on behalf of the people of Limhi, and peace is restored.  Imagine going back to the offended without any weapons - no harsh words, no biting sarcasm, no counter-accusations?  What if we drop it all and plead - in prayer or in person on behalf of hurt.

There are no sides in family.  Before you accuse someone - remember that as a family, you are on the same side.  The true enemy is not each other (represented here by the Lamanites and people of Limhi) but the father of contention, himself, yea, that old serpent, the devil (represented here by the wicked priests).  There are no “sides” in family.

New train of thought:  From the Family Proclamation, we read:  "Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ."

Ok, so, we need to learn the teachings of Jesus Christ, and make those principles our foundation.

Or in a slightly different angle:  To have joy and happiness in our family life, we must approach the source of joy and happiness, Jesus Christ, and bring Him and His teachings into our family life.  This is kind of an individual journey - you cannot force someone else to be happy if they are determined not to be.  Case in point, Laman and Lemuel who wouldn’t go to the tree!  But we can be examples, we can focus on what we can change.

Which brings me to the next point.  We can choose happiness.  We can choose joy.  Some might think that happiness is something that happens to you.  Maybe once they have a beautiful house, car, spouse, children, THEN they’ll be happy.  Or maybe happiness is served on a silver platter.  In my experience, happiness is something we experience in spite of what we go through.

I believe happiness is something we choose - and we have the liberty to choose it through righteous living and faith.  Why is this?  We must live true to what we know - to our consciences - in order to have the peace inside which happiness is based on.  Then, come what may, we love it!

To quote President Nelson:
“Saints can be happy under every circumstance. We can feel joy even while having a bad day, a bad week, or even a bad year!
“My dear brothers and sisters, the joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.
“When the focus of our lives is on God’s plan of salvation, ... Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him. He is the source of all joy. We feel it at Christmastime when we sing, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come.”9 And we can feel it all year round. For Latter-day Saints, Jesus Christ is joy!”-- Nelson, Oct 2016

I find it interesting that Mother’s Day is in the spring, just after we’ve celebrated Easter - a time of birth and rebirth.  When I was pregnant with our 3rd child, Thomas, I was due the week after Easter.  That day, a friend called me and told me of the death of a close relative.  I remember saying to her … “but if you could choose when to die - wouldn’t Easter be the best time?  When everything around you speaks of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and His victory over death?”  I had never thought of that before, but the words came to me in the moment, … and I have pondered it ever since.  Because … 3 days later, I went into labor with my fastest ever, most-complication-free, delivery.  Thomas was born blue and without a heartbeat, but an incredible staff of neonatologists were able to get his heart beating and put him on a ventilator, although a preliminary scan showed abnormal brain activity - brain damage.  We began a treatment that was to halt the brain damage.  It was decided I would go home that night, to have a comfortable bed try and sleep and come back in the morning.  We didn’t know if he would live or die.  I opened my Book of Mormon, praying for a message for me, and read these words from Alma 4:

12 Yea, he saw great inequality among the people, some lifting themselves up with their pride, despising others, turning their backs upon the needy and the naked and those who were hungry, and those who were athirst, and those who were sick and afflicted.
13 Now this was a great cause for lamentations among the people, while others were abasing themselves, succoring those who stood in need of their succor, such as imparting their substance to the poor and the needy, feeding the hungry, and suffering all manner of afflictions, for Christ’s sake, who should come according to the spirit of prophecy;
14 Looking forward to that day, thus retaining a remission of their sins; being filled with great joy because of the resurrection of the dead, according to the will and power and deliverance of Jesus Christ from the bands of death.

This chapter begins after a huge war - so great were their afflictions that every soul had cause to mourn. In my margins by verse 14, I had written:  "People who lost family - this was their hope - they had to do everything in v. 13"

I was in disbelief, but I had my answer.  I knew he would die.  I knew my hope would be looking forward to the resurrection.  As one by one his organs came online … his brain, which had suffered from swelling, shut down.  We had many spiritual experiences throughout his brief life and since.

The world would tell you to be devastated, and it was devastating - but more in a shock to the system, that this would be God’s will for our family.  The world would tell you you could never recover - and I do still think about my son a lot, but I not in a despondent way.  I choose happiness.  I know I will see him again.  If you knew you would see someone tomorrow, would you be so anguished at saying good-bye today?  I can practically see our reunion in my mind’s eye - I can almost taste our reunion - will not the tears of sorrow turn to rejoicing?  If I can rejoice tomorrow, can I not rejoice today?  O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?  In the teeniest way like Christ, for the joy set before me, I endure the cross, despising the shame (Hebrews 12:2).

If you want more happiness and joy in this life, you must choose it.  Choose to put on a smile. Choose to come unto Christ.  Choose to follow that still, small voice, which tells you to pause, bridle your passions, and act in love.  Choose to act in love (for love is an action - people don’t fall out of love - they choose not to love anymore), and you will find that love reciprocates back to you - if not in the way you want or expect, then in a way you didn’t expect.  The best love ... is Christ’s love.  "O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever" (Jacob 3:2)  I have experienced this feasting on His love, and its miraculous, healing influence.  I know He is there for us, to console us in our afflictions, and to plead our cause.

To sum up, I want to go back to the beginning of my talk.  How do we have joy and happiness in our family life?  We choose it.  We choose happiness.  Choose gratitude.  Choose love.  We choose Jesus Christ.

(Alma 26) 35 Now have we not reason to rejoice? Yea, I say unto you, … he has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding; he comprehendeth all things, and he is a merciful Being, even unto salvation, to those who will repent and believe on his name. 36 Now if this is boasting, even so will I boast; for this is my life and my light, my joy and my salvation, and my redemption from everlasting wo. Yea, blessed is the name of my God, who has been mindful of … [me and my family]

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Let's Discuss: "The Plan and the Proclamation" by Dallin H. Oaks

"The Plan and the Proclamation"
By Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
30 September 2017, Saturday morning Session 

Hymn recommendations:
250  We Are All Enlisted
256  As Zion's Youth in Latter Days
263  Go Forth with Faith
297  From Homes of Saints Glad Songs Arise

Favorite quote:

We must try to balance the competing demands of following the gospel law in our personal lives and teachings, even as we seek to show love for all.

One-sentence synopsis:
Our worldview is moving farther apart from the world's, still we choose the Lord's Way as outlined in the Family Proclamation.

Quotes and Discussion:

I found that Elder Oaks's talk was really easy to create discussion questions from.  His logical, laid-out style makes it easy to understand as you follow along (or easy to go back if you get lost).

As is evident in our family proclamation, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are blessed with unique doctrine and different ways of viewing the world. ...

What examples of unique doctrine and different ways of viewing the world from the Proclamation can you think of?  I thought of the doctrine of Heavenly Parents, temple ordinances, children as "an heritage of the Lord," the first commandment still being in force.  It still surprises me when I encounter people who do not want any or many children, for example.

...We participate and even excel in many worldly activities, but on some subjects we forgo participation as we seek to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and His Apostles, ancient and modern.

What subjects do we forgo participation of?  I thought of some Sunday activities, contraceptives?, then after reading more of his talk, I came back and added:  same-sex marriage and cohabitation!

I love that Elder Oaks sectionalizes his talks.  I try to figure out what the main theme is for each section.  Section I seems to be defining "the world" and an intro to the importance of families in God's plan.  I made a list based on my preconceptions and Elder Oaks's words for "What is the world?"  Let me know in the comments what you would add.

What is the "world?"

• Telestial-ity
• That which chokes unrooted seedlings (parable of the sower)
• Riches and worldly cares
• That which hates things of God
• Opposition to Christ's teachings
• Foolishness or vanity
• The traditions of men
• Enmity with God (natural man)
• Conformity (keep up with Joneses)
• Popularity
• Mockers, scorners (vision of tree of life)

I.
In a parable, Jesus described those who “[hear] the word” but become “unfruitful” when that word is “choke[d]” by “the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches” (Matthew 13:22). Later, Jesus corrected Peter for not savoring “the things that be of God, but those that be of men,” declaring, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Matthew 16:23, 26). In His final teachings in mortality, He told His Apostles, “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, … the world hateth you” (John 15:19; see also John 17:14, 16).  [emphasis added]

Why can't we "coexist?"  Why does the world HATE the righteous?  Share your thoughts below.  I thought of the differences between light and dark - darkness must flee in the presence of light.  Where there is light, darkness cannot abide.  Light cleaveth unto light.  This means to me that people at different spiritual levels have a friction - a disparity of frequency, if you will.  Animal magnetism in reverse - repulsion.  Consider also John 3:20, which reads, "For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved."

Similarly, the writings of Jesus’s early Apostles frequently use the image of “the world” to represent opposition to gospel teachings. “Be not conformed to this world” (Romans 12:2), the Apostle Paul taught. “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God” (1 Corinthians 3:19). And, “Beware,” he warned, “lest any man spoil you … after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Colossians 2:8). The Apostle James taught that “the friendship of the world is enmity with God[.] Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4).

First, this does not mean that we should not be friendly!  Elder Oaks is teaching us that when the scriptures speak of the world, they are often referring to the natural man - opposition or enmity to God - not individuals of other faiths, for example.  We all have to root out the natural man, or the world!  On this level, the "world" is not us against them, it is me against myself, you against yourself.

The Book of Mormon often uses this image of the opposition of “the world.” Nephi prophesied the ultimate destruction of “those who are built up to become popular in the eyes of the world, and those who seek … the things of the world” (1 Nephi 22:23; see also 2 Nephi 9:30). Alma condemned those who were “puffed up … with the vain things of the world” (Alma 31:27). Lehi’s dream shows that those who seek to follow the iron rod, the word of God, will encounter the opposition of the world. The occupants of the “great and spacious building” Lehi saw were “mocking and pointing” the “finger of scorn” (1 Nephi 8:26–27, 33). In his vision interpreting this dream, Nephi learned that this ridicule and opposition came from “the multitudes of the earth, … the world and the wisdom thereof; … the pride of the world” (1 Nephi 11:34–36).

How do we "heed not" the mocking and pointing of the world?  I'd love to hear your thoughts.  I thought of humility, and keeping our focus on Christ.  If we are with Christ, scorning does not matter to us.  Charity can also change our view of the mockers - they do not have the happiness most joyous to the soul at the tree of life.  (Bonus question:  How is humility/focusing on Christ/etc. different from being unfriendly?)

What is the meaning of these scriptural cautions and commandments not to be “of the world” or the modern commandment to “forsake the world”? (D&C 53:2). President Thomas S. Monson summarized these teachings: “We must be vigilant in a world which has moved so far from that which is spiritual. It is essential that we reject anything that does not conform to our standards, refusing in the process to surrender that which we desire most: eternal life in the kingdom of God.”1  [emphasis added]

Can you think of anything in your life that you need to reject because it does not conform to our standards?  (You don't have to answer - this is more to ponder.)  Maybe a tv show that is uncomfortably violent?  Maybe a friendship that is hurting you?

God created this earth according to His plan to provide His spirit children a place to experience mortality as a necessary step toward the glories He desires for all His children. While there are various kingdoms and glories, our Heavenly Father’s ultimate desire for His children is what President Monson called “eternal life in the kingdom of God,” which is exaltation in families. This is more than salvation. President Russell M. Nelson has reminded us, “In God’s eternal plan, salvation is an individual matter; [but] exaltation is a family matter.”2

The restored gospel of Jesus Christ and the inspired family proclamation, which I will discuss later, are essential teachings to guide mortal preparation for exaltation. Even as we must live with the marriage laws and other traditions of a declining world, those who strive for exaltation must make personal choices in family life according to the Lord’s way whenever that differs from the world’s way.  [emphasis added]

What do you think Elder Oaks means by "a declining world?"  I was reminded of the building in Lehi's vision of the tree of life - it says that great was the fall thereof.  A "declining world" is telling me its fall has begun.

It makes sense to me that if we do not wish to fall with the world, we must do as Elder Oaks says, and "make personal choices in family life according to the Lord's way whenever that differs from the world's way."  Can you think of there aspects of "the world" that are congruent with the Lord's way?

In this mortal life, we have no memory of what preceded our birth, and we now experience opposition. We grow and mature spiritually by choosing to obey God’s commandments in a succession of right choices. These include covenants and ordinances and repentance when our choices are wrong. In contrast, if we lack faith in God’s plan and are disobedient to or deliberately refrain from its required actions, we forgo that growth and maturity. The Book of Mormon teaches, “This life is the time for men to prepare to meet God” (Alma 34:32).  [emphasis added]

 I like that.  In my notes, I wrote:  "Succession of right choices = covenants + ordinances + repentance."  We must not get bogged down by perfectionism.  We cannot do everything right all of the time!  But repentance is the right choice when we've made those mistakes and sins.

Section II is the shortest in this talk.  It seems to be the point that conflict will arise with our unique worldview.

II.
Latter-day Saints who understand God’s plan of salvation have a unique worldview that helps them see the reason for God’s commandments, the unchangeable nature of His required ordinances, and the fundamental role of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Our Savior’s Atonement reclaims us from death and, subject to our repentance, saves us from sin. With that worldview, Latter-day Saints have distinctive priorities and practices and are blessed with the strength to endure the frustrations and pains of mortal life.

Inevitably, the actions of those who try to follow God’s plan of salvation can cause misunderstanding or even conflict with family members or friends who do not believe its principles. Such conflict is always so. Every generation that has sought to follow God’s plan has had challenges. Anciently, the prophet Isaiah gave strength to the Israelites, whom he called “ye that know righteousness, … in whose heart is my law.” To them he said, “Fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings” (Isaiah 51:7; see also 2 Nephi 8:7). But whatever the cause of conflict with those who do not understand or believe God’s plan, those who do understand are always commanded to choose the Lord’s way instead of the world’s way.  [emphasis added]

Elder Oaks is telling us that conflict always arises with differing opinions, and that it is not something to fear.  Even amidst conflict, we still want to choose the Lord's way.

Section III goes over some of the current, biggest differences between the world and LDS doctrine on families - "cohabitation without marriage, same-sex marriage, and the raising of children in such relationships."

III.
The gospel plan each family should follow to prepare for eternal life and exaltation is outlined in the Church’s 1995 proclamation, “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.”3 Its declarations are, of course, visibly different from some current laws, practices, and advocacy of the world in which we live. In our day, the differences most evident are cohabitation without marriage, same-sex marriage, and the raising of children in such relationships. ...

I love that Elder Oaks does not shy away from what could be an uncomfortable topic.  Straight to the crux - no guessing what he is specifically talking about.  I also love that he is not accusing or hating, here.  He is merely pointing out some differences.

...Those who do not believe in or aspire to exaltation and are most persuaded by the ways of the world consider this family proclamation as just a statement of policy that should be changed. ...

What difference does believing in and aspiring to exaltation make?
How can we increase our belief in and aspirations to exaltation?

...In contrast, Latter-day Saints affirm that the family proclamation defines the kind of family relationships where the most important part of our eternal development can occur.  [emphasis added]

Read the last sentence (in bold) above again.  What is he saying?  What do you think is the most important part of our eternal development that occurs only within these family relationships?  Comment below.  Here are some things I pondered:  As a married couple, my husband and I have had to put a large amount of selfishness aside, and consider the best for our marriage and family above what might be best for us individually.  As parents, my husband and I definitely understand better the love our Heavenly Parents have for us as we love, teach, provide opportunities for, and nurture our children.  Our children benefit from having a mother and father committed, present, and unified.  Also, "In the ordinances the power of godliness is manifest."  The highest currently available ordinance is that of the sealing of a family unit.

We have witnessed a rapid and increasing public acceptance of cohabitation without marriage and of same-sex marriage. The corresponding media advocacy, education, and even occupational requirements pose difficult challenges for Latter-day Saints. We must try to balance the competing demands of following the gospel law in our personal lives and teachings, even as we seek to show love for all.4 In doing so we sometimes face, but need not fear, what Isaiah called “the reproach of men.”

How can we achieve this balance?  We should not need to compromise our standards.  We can follow the Holy Spirit as to how to respond.  We can draw closer to the Savior.

Converted Latter-day Saints believe that the family proclamation, issued nearly a quarter century ago and now translated into scores of languages, is the Lord’s reemphasis of the gospel truths we need to sustain us through current challenges to the family. Two examples are same-sex marriage and cohabitation without marriage. ...

Can you think of other examples that specifically apply to current challenges?

...Just 20 years after the family proclamation, the United States Supreme Court authorized same-sex marriage, overturning thousands of years of marriage being limited to a man and a woman. The shocking percentage of United States children born to a mother not married to the father came more gradually: 5 percent in 1960,5 32 percent in 1995,6 and now 40 percent.7

Section IV gives an overview of some of the unique doctrines of the Family Proclamation, and also its inspired origins.

IV.
The family proclamation begins by declaring “that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.” It also affirms that “gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.” It further declares “that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.”

The proclamation affirms the continuing duty of husband and wife to multiply and replenish the earth and their “solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children”: “Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity.” It solemnly warns against the abuse of spouse or offspring, and it affirms that “happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Finally, it calls for the promotion of official “measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.”

In 1995 a President of the Church and 14 other Apostles of the Lord issued these important doctrinal statements. As one of only seven of those Apostles still living, I feel obliged to share what led to the family proclamation for the information of all who consider it.

The inspiration identifying the need for a proclamation on the family came to the leadership of the Church over 23 years ago. It was a surprise to some who thought the doctrinal truths about marriage and the family were well understood without restatement.8 Nevertheless, we felt the confirmation and we went to work. Subjects were identified and discussed by members of the Quorum of the Twelve for nearly a year. Language was proposed, reviewed, and revised. Prayerfully we continually pleaded with the Lord for His inspiration on what we should say and how we should say it. We all learned “line upon line, precept upon precept,” as the Lord has promised (D&C 98:12).

I thought this was an interesting pattern for acting on revelation - the initial inspiration, followed by confirmation, going to work, discussion, proposal, review, revisions, pleading with the Lord throughout.

During this revelatory process, a proposed text was presented to the First Presidency, who oversee and promulgate Church teachings and doctrine. After the Presidency made further changes, the proclamation on the family was announced by the President of the Church, Gordon B. Hinckley. In the women’s meeting of September 23, 1995, he introduced the proclamation with these words: “With so much of sophistry that is passed off as truth, with so much of deception concerning standards and values, with so much of allurement and enticement to take on the slow stain of the world, we have felt to warn and forewarn.”9

I testify that the proclamation on the family is a statement of eternal truth, the will of the Lord for His children who seek eternal life. It has been the basis of Church teaching and practice for the last 22 years and will continue so for the future. Consider it as such, teach it, live by it, and you will be blessed as you press forward toward eternal life.

Forty years ago, President Ezra Taft Benson taught that “every generation has its tests and its chance to stand and prove itself.”10 I believe our attitude toward and use of the family proclamation is one of those tests for this generation. I pray for all Latter-day Saints to stand firm in that test.  [emphasis added]

How can we pass the test of the family proclamation?  Would anyone like to share their testimonies of the proclamation?

I close with President Gordon B. Hinckley’s teachings uttered two years after the family proclamation was announced. He said: “I see a wonderful future in a very uncertain world. If we will cling to our values, if we will build on our inheritance, if we will walk in obedience before the Lord, if we will simply live the gospel, we will be blessed in a magnificent and wonderful way. We will be looked upon as a peculiar people who have found the key to a peculiar happiness.”11 [emphasis added]

Different is not a bad thing - especially if the difference brings true happiness.  His path, guided by His iron rod leads us to happiness.

I testify of the truth and eternal importance of the family proclamation, revealed by the Lord Jesus Christ to His Apostles for the exaltation of the children of God (see Doctrine and Covenants 131:1–4), in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.