by byustudent | Mar 26, 2013 | Mormon Reflections
In my Book of Mormon class this week we read 3 Nephi 15-21. These chapters are the words that Christ spoke to the Nephites when he came to them and so when I read them before I thought I studied them well, but there is always something more you can get out of them.
What I learned this time comes from 3 Nephi 18:1 “And it came to pass that Jesus commanded his disciples that they should bring fourth some bread and wine unto him.” In class we talked about how Jesus gave them this commandant but didn’t tell them why, and it probably seemed like an odd thing to them. Why would Jesus need bread and wine and the answer is he doesn’t, but we do. Jesus often doesn’t tell us why we need to do something, just that we should and we must take the leap of faith and act on it anyway. They didn’t know why they needed to get bread, but they did anyway because they were commanded.
This also reminds us that commandments aren’t for Jesus, he doesn’t need anything from us, he doesn’t command us to do things because he needs us to, but because we need to. Commandments are for us – we need them, we need to follow them. (more…)
by byustudent | Mar 25, 2013 | Mormon Reflections
As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, (often mistakenly called the “Mormon Church”), I have been inspired by many of the scriptures we study in the church.
There is a passage of scripture in the Book of Mormon, (a companion scripture to the Bible which testifies of Jesus Christ), that inspires me. It is about Helaman’s army- the “2000” young men that are often referred to as the “Stripling Warriors.” Helaman is a prophet of God written about in the Book of Mormon similar to biblical prophets.
The verses that inspired me are Alma 37:21-27. Verse 21 reads: “Yea, and they did obey and observe to perform every word of command with exactness; yea, and even according to their faith it was done unto them; and I did remember the words which they said unto me that their mothers had taught them.”
Two things from this passage and the passages that follow had a big impression upon me. First, the importance of mothers in our lives. The Mormon religion teaches the importance of strong, faithful women and mothers who teach about Jesus Christ. A leader in the Latter-day Saint Church (LDS or Mormon), Jeffrey R. Holland said of mothers:
Mothers, we acknowledge and esteem your faith in every footstep. Please know that it is worth it then, now, and forever. (more…)
by byustudent | Mar 23, 2013 | Mormon Reflections
In class the other day, we were reading in 3 Nephi 24, and it talked about the importance of tithing. But Brother Griffin brought up an interesting point. Does the Lord need our money? I mean, what can God, Master of the universe, Creator and owner of all, do with a tiny insignificant piece of green paper? He doesn’t need it. Wouldn’t it just be easier for God to show the prophet where a secret gold mine is? The point isn’t that God needs our money. The point is that we are sacrificing and being obedient to Him, in keeping his commandments. WE need tithing.
Wouldn’t the Lord’s angels be better missionaries? But WE need to be missionaries. We need that experience and spiritual growth. We need to hold callings so we can learn and have responsibility. Everything God commands us to do is for our benefit, not His. Brother Griffiin said a quote that I really liked…”My need to serve God is incalculably greater than His need for my service.” I felt that today when I went to the temple. Yes, as I did so, I was serving the Lord, and my fellow brothers and sisters on the other side of the veil….but I needed the temple today. I left with such a sweet spirit of peace and of love. I love how God loves us so much, that everything He does is for us. He gives us so many chances to learn and to grow, so we can inherit all that He hath someday. I am so grateful for my Heavenly Father! (more…)
by liviw | Mar 22, 2013 | About Mormons
Some health issues in life can easily be understood by those around us. Sometimes, others take more learning and processing.
The Recessive Dystrophic form of Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is perhaps one of those.
It is a rare skin disease that causes skin to be extremely sensitive, to the point of gaping wounds with even small amounts of movement against the skin. There is no cure for EB currently. But the disease doesn’t stop there. EB patients suffer with maladies everywhere from disfigurement to disability, malnutrition and even premature death.
In the Recessive Dystrophic form of EB the faulty genes are involved in the production of a type of collagen, a strong protein in the fibers that hold the deepest, toughest layer of your skin together. As a result, the fibers are either missing or nonfunctional, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is estimated that only 1.5 people in a million have this form. (more…)
by paulah | Mar 19, 2013 | Mormons in the News
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often mistakenly called the Mormon Church, was honored recently with the 2013 American Association of People Disabilities (AAPD) Image Award.
The Church of Jesus Christ was recognized for the representations of members with disabilities in its “I’m a Mormon” campaign profiles on their website Mormon.org.
“AAPD President and CEO Mark Perriello called the profiles ‘powerful,’ and said, ‘They tell the disability experience in a way that is real, no apologies, and it’s absolutely astounding.’”
Ron Wilson, senior manager of Mormon.org, accepted the award at the AAPD annual Leadership Awards Gala in Washington, D.C. and received a standing ovation from the audience.
“Mormons come from all paths of life, geographies, ethnicities, personal challenges, and abilities, but we are bound together by a common belief in Jesus Christ and a desire to follow His teachings,” Wilson said. “The goal of the campaign,” he said, “was to provide a glimpse into the lives of Mormons from all over the world, which naturally included members with disabilities.”
Lorin Nicholson, for instance, is an Australian member of The Church of Jesus Christ. “He is married, has four children, works as a musician and motivational speaker and recently biked across Australia with his brother. He is also blind. When the Church asked if he’d be willing to share a bit of his life in a video profile for the Mormon.org website, he agreed, hoping his perspective would help others.” (more…)
This also reminds us that commandments aren’t for Jesus, he doesn’t need anything from us, he doesn’t command us to do things because he needs us to, but because we need to. Commandments are for us – we need them, we need to follow them. (more…)