A Mormon Woman's Reflections on Life and the Gospel of Jesus Christ

I love this piece by Maureen Proctor of Meridian Magazine, regarding Bill Childs’ unerring, unswerving testimony and love of the Sabbath.

Just as I’ve been pondering the talk I’ll share with Young Men and Young Women in our ward, the subject of which is “Enlarging Their Conception of God,” including what it looks like then to walk in the wake of His will, I have wanted to include a comment about the value of keeping the Sabbath day holy.  Voila.  Here it is again. What a great witness. I love the Sabbath.  At a time when reverence for the Lord on His day has been depleted, this is refreshing.

Recently my daughter challenged her friend not to study for a test on the Sabbath–but to attend to other things more appropriate.  Her friend accepted and shared her witness of divine intervention.  I’m moved by simple acts of testimony like this one. Dallin Oaks’ father shared with him his intent and commitment to do the Lord’s work and not his secular studying and professional work on the Sabbath. It spurred Elder Oaks on to the same commitment.  

I love how the Mauris completely observe the Sabbath and hope we can continue to reflect a deeper love for the Lord in honoring Him and worshipping Him more fully that day.  

I feel that there is more I can personally do to minister on the Sabbath.  If you have additional ideas, please feel free to share, or share your witness of the Lord’s blessings as you have honored Him and been renewed on the day of rest.

What an amazing concept–one in seven, day of renewal.  One year in seven, time for the land to rest.

Let’s take it a step higher.

As I knelt in prayer last night, on the eve of this 179th session of General Conference (Mormons’ semi-annual meeting to receive the Lord’s will), I asked 5 questions of the Lord, and invited His guidance on those during these two days of talks by apostles and members of the Quorums of The Church of Jesus Christ (sometimes called by those who do not know its full name, “The Mormon Church”).

I received an answer to one of those requests through the remarks given by Elder D. Todd Christofferson, apostle of Jesus Christ. It came as the Spirit bore witness to me and reviewed what has been my privilege to experience through trial–the power and blessing of keeping my covenants. (more…)

Today, April 4, 2009, a new apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ was called and revealed through the fasting and prayers of the Savior’s prophet, Thomas Monson, and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The Lord has called 57-year old, Logan-born, Neil L. Anderson, to serve as a witness of Him in all the world. Neil Anderson took his place on the stand, acknowledging and being acknowledged by each of the apostles, taking what President Monson called “the longest walk he’ll ever take.” Elder Neil L. Anderson will address the Mormon congregations worldwide and all welcomed visitors on Sunday morning. I felt his humility in the simple observance of his walk to his seat behind the pulpit. It is amazing to know that there really are 12 apostles on the earth. If the world could really know what just happened.

I testify to any of you who may stumble on this post, that this is real. This is not fiction. This is not the result of an elected vote of man, but of the Lord Jesus Christ speaking to His leaders who stand at the head of His Church. It “is” on the earth! The plan of salvation is restored. There is truth! There is a way to progress. There is hope. There are answers to life’s questions. I know, for I sought those answers for years, and have found them.

Back to Elder Anderson, a newly called Mormon apostle, or better expressed, apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ.

On of Elder Anderson’s classic talks regards the feeling of being clean. It reminded me of my own experience, which I’ll share afterwards. In his words: (more…)

ALERT
If you visit this site, you can add your name to the group of 22208 people who have already signed a petition (copy below) aimed at opposing doctors’ rights to choose ‘not’ to perform abortions according to their personal convictions.  I read something the other day about taking responsibility. It’s easy to sit by and watch things change, but as Mormons, as people of all faiths, we need to do more than be silent bystanders.  This just takes 30 seconds to one minute to do.

President Obama said he wants to hear from you and I. But he’s given us a deadline:  We’ve got two weeks to voice your concerns - to speak out for America’s pro-life medical professionals … and their moral conscience - before it’s too late. (more…)