tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89509351219464159082024-02-02T02:18:43.265-08:00A Spark of the Light of ChristThis blog takes its content straight from the thoughts, feelings, and impressions of a Latter-Day Saint as he serves as a missionary in Tennessee and Kentucky. Read on!Elder Donohuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772782008392257009noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8950935121946415908.post-72331146692104012012013-05-14T19:45:00.001-07:002013-05-14T19:45:02.049-07:00See 'Dat!?!<br />
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Sherlock Holmes and his friend Dr. Watson had a conversation in, "Bohemian Scandal", one of Sir Arthur Conan Doyles literary classics:</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px;"><br />
</div><blockquote style="background-color: white; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 5px; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 15px;"><div style="line-height: 1.5em;">“You see, but you do not observe." Sherlock says. He continues with, "The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen the steps which lead up from the hall to this room.”</div><div style="line-height: 1.5em;">“Frequently.”</div><div style="line-height: 1.5em;">“How often?”</div><div style="line-height: 1.5em;">“Well, some hundreds of times.”</div><div style="line-height: 1.5em;">“Then how many are there?”</div><div style="line-height: 1.5em;">“How many? I don't know.”</div><div style="line-height: 1.5em;">“Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, because I have both seen and observed."</div></blockquote><br />
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px;">We can glance at life and the things before us, <i><u><b>or</b></u></i> we can perceive and comprehend the nature and significance of in its fullest. In short, we can GET IT. Though not all people will for normal everyday things, we all have the capacity to truly observes spiritual and gospel related things, even if we are not Sherlock Holmes. True observation is hard work, you must decide where your priorities lie. And then, we will have the spirit to help us as we seek it.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px;">David A. Bednar gave a talk entitled, "Quick to Observe". The focus is on Mormon, one of the principle compilers of the Nephite record we know today as the Book of Mormon. When reading the first chapter of Mormon we find the following:</div><blockquote style="background-color: white; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 5px; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 15px;"><div style="line-height: 1.5em;"><em>And now I, Mormon, make a record of the things which I have both seen and heard, and call it the Book of Mormon.</em></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em;"><em>And about the time that Ammaron hid up the records unto the Lord, he came unto me, (I being about ten years of age, . . .) and Ammaron said unto me: I perceive that thou art a sober child, and art quick to observe;</em></div></blockquote><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px;">Because of his being quick to observe, he was given the record at the age of 24 for safekeeping and upkeeping. <strong>That is kind of a big deal.</strong> It was pretty much the most important charge he could possibly have received as the Book of Mormon was meant for us here today, scripture to be brought forth unto "the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations" (Title Page of BoM), and essentially the only evidence that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and thus the Mormons not so crazy.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... However I Still Can't Vouch For The Weird <a href="http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100116064339AA2uNG1">Green-Jello Fixation</a> The General LDS Community Has</td></tr>
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</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px;">So exactly what does it mean to be, "Quick to Observe"?</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px;">As used in the scriptures, the word <em>observe </em>has two primary uses. One use denotes to obey or to keep—as is evident in verse 6 of section 54 in the Doctrine and Covenants: <em></em> </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px;"><em></em></div><blockquote style="background-color: white; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 5px; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 15px;"><em>But blessed are they who have kept the covenant and observed the commandment, for they shall obtain mercy.</em></blockquote><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px;"><em> The second use of the word observe suggests to look or to see or to notice—as we learn in Isaiah 42:20: <em></em> </em></div><em style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px;"><blockquote style="border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 15px;"><em>Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not</em>.</blockquote></em><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px;"></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px;">Thus, when you and I are "quick to observe," we promptly obey or look or notice. An old football coach once told me, "Don't tell me you know, show me you know."</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px;">...</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px;">...</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px;">...</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px;">You really just don't get it... do you?</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px;">One more quote as food for thought:</div><blockquote style="background-color: white; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 5px; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 15px;"><div style="line-height: 1.5em;">I consider that a man's brain originally is like a little empty attic, and you have to stock it with such furniture as you choose. A fool takes in all the lumber of every sort that he comes across, so that the knowledge which might be useful to him gets crowded out, or at best is jumbled up with a lot of other things, so that he has a difficulty in laying his hands upon it.</div></blockquote><br />
I'll let you figure out a way to make this relevant to this topic. Cheers!<br />
Elder Donohuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772782008392257009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8950935121946415908.post-630612260797950182012-10-03T12:56:00.004-07:002012-10-03T12:57:06.578-07:00Are You Ready? Or Will You Let It Slip Away?<span lang="EN"><div align="left" dir="ltr">
What does General Conference mean to me?</div>
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For surely, sometimes we need to ask such questions of ourselves to really understand what to say.</div>
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General Conference can be likened unto the Sermon on the Mount. The Savior taught amazing words of wisdom, parables, principles and doctrine. What He did prompted commitment, soul searching, and a coming unto knowledge that could only come through the Spirit touching hearts. It prompted repentance, for no heart can be touched by the spirit and not turn towards something better.</div>
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The Savior need not be at General Conference for it to be like the Sermon on the Mount. A living Prophet and Apostles, all called by the Lord himself, have ascended the mountain height through prayer and careful guidance from the Spirit to bring the messages as humbly as they can that He would have them share.</div>
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Does God cease to speak to man?</div>
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No.</div>
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I know that He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He has spoken to man all throughout biblical history through the mouths of His servants the prophets. I know that he continues to do so today.</div>
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As I go with an open mind and a question I want answered, inviting the Spirit to work with me, I will hear the message that God has for me individually. I know the margins of my notes will be filled with the most precious and personal revelation that I could ever hope for, and that as I observe those things given to me that I will find an increase and be ready for more when next conference is called to order.</div>
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</span>Elder Donohuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772782008392257009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8950935121946415908.post-82230460767319944952012-08-22T13:57:00.001-07:002012-08-22T13:58:19.246-07:00Remember<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Elder Donohuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772782008392257009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8950935121946415908.post-14706569954175016102012-08-11T14:30:00.000-07:002012-08-11T14:30:01.735-07:00Come And See<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.lds.org/bible-videos/videos/jesus-teaches-of-being-born-again?lang=eng">LDS.org Bible Video Library</a></div>
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In this video the Savior talking with Nicodemus, one of the local teachers who is held at great respect. He talks of baptism, His mission as the Savior of the world, and the struggle that man faces between darkness and light.</div>
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<i>But my favorite concept He teaches is that of coming to know spiritual things for ourselves.</i></div>
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He says,</div>
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The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you <span class="clarityWord">of</span> heavenly things?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All We Are Is Dust In The Wind... Dust, Wind, Dude!</td></tr>
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Alright, so that might need some additional scripture to clarify a little bit. Lets go to Corinthians!<br />
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Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; <i>comparing spiritual things with spiritual.</i> But the natural man recieveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know <span class="clarityWord"><i>them,</i></span> because they are spiritually discerned.</blockquote>
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So the long and the short of it is this: How do we really come to understand how it feels like to get an answer to a prayer? Or how can we <i>learn principles that are spiritual in nature</i> so that they actually become a part of who we are?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tell Me!!!!!</td></tr>
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<b>Experience</b> it for yourself!<br />
And then <strong>compare </strong>what you know with what comes your way.<br />
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Think for just a second or two... how would you tell me what <b><i>salt</i></b> tasted like?<br />
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(still waiting)<br />
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You have tasted it thousands of times, you probably remember many times where too much of it ruined a perfectly good meal, and yet when it comes to describing it you simply must experience it to get it.<br />
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Same thing with the Spirit. When you pray or read the scriptures or go to church, really anything that invites the Holy Ghost to testify of truth, you have the opportunity to feel the spirit and know it for yourself. Many times it takes repeated attempts and then someone else perhaps pointing it out to you before you have your, "Oh, THAT'S what that is!" <em>experience</em>, but once it comes then you understand it.<br />
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Once you have that basic experience and understanding, then you can do as is said in Corinthians and "<em>compare</em> spiritual things with spiritual". It can be like the Savior expressed, feeling the wind and knowing the sound of it, <i>but not knowing where it comes from or how you know it.</i><br />
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And in the same way, I can say as the Savior that, "I speak that I do know, and testify that I have seen". I have come to know that God is my loving Heavenly Father and that Jesus Christ is His son, the Savior and Redeemer of the world. I know it by the power of the Holy Ghost. I tasted salt in a spiritual sense and I cannot quite explain how I know, but I do. By that same token, I have read the Book of Mormon and prayed to know if it is true and I have received a witness and confirmation from the Spirit of God that it is a true record of Gods dealings with the people who lived anciently on the American continent. I know that we have a prophet on the earth today, Thomas S. Monson, and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the church that Jesus Christ has reestablished in these days prior to His second coming.<br />
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My commitment to you is to <i>experience</i> it to see for yourself if it's true. Read the Book of Mormon and pray to know if it is true. Here, I'll even give you a link where you can get a free copy, no obligation:<br />
<a href="http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon">Free Book of Mormon! </a><br />
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It is an invitation to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in your heart the message it contains, and then to ask God if it is true. Those who do will receive a witness from the Spirit because <u>God answers prayers</u>. It is an invitation to feel the Spirit that comes with it and to know for yourself its worth.Elder Donohuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772782008392257009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8950935121946415908.post-21190463492877994412012-08-02T10:39:00.000-07:002012-08-02T10:39:12.608-07:00The Spirit Or... What?<span style="font-size: large;">"How do I know if it is a real spiritual prompting or something else?"</span><br />
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<br />
Relax!<br />
The question is a deep one!<br />
It has far reaching effects, but it has a somewhat simple answer!<br />
<br />
The Book of Mormon (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/moro/7.16-17?lang=eng#15">Moroni 7:16-17</a>) talks about The Light of Christ which is given to every man, saying:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
That which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticith to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one.</blockquote>
Some would call it a conscience, I would personally consider it more of that natural tendency within all of us to follow and go towards light and truth and ultimately to follow Jesus Christ. When we are faced with a choice, there are always good and bad choices (or good and better... either way, im not picky). The Holy Ghost in those times will provide additional guidance and support to those who seek it in such times.<br />
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With me so far?<br />
<br />
So the short answer to the question, "is it a prompting and should I follow it?" is based off a quote from President Hinckley:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<em>“That’s the test, when all is said and done. Does it persuade one to do good, to rise, to stand tall, to do the right thing, to be kind, to be generous? Then it is of the Spirit of God. . . .If it invites to do good, it is of God. If it inviteth to do evil, it is of the devil. . . . And if you are doing the right thing and if you are living the right way, you will know in your heart what the Spirit is saying to you. You recognize the promptings of the Spirit by the fruits of the Spirit—that which enlighteneth, that which buildeth up, that which is positive and affirmative and uplifting and leads us to better thoughts and better words and better deeds is of the Spirit of God”</em></blockquote>
The whole reason this blog is called "A Spark Of The Light Of Christ" is because I <strong><em>know </em></strong>that this is within all of us and that we get little flashes of goodness and inspiration to do and choose right, no matter who or where we are. Furthermore, as we courageously follow those things we think and know to be good, we will be able to distinguish more perfectly the promptings we receive and increase in our ability to follow with exactness. Whether you are using baby steps or taking strides as a spiritual giant, the filter of the mind (does it persuade to do good?) and the heart (does it feel right?) use the same formula.<br />
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Elder Donohuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772782008392257009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8950935121946415908.post-74312019966846378972012-07-24T10:10:00.001-07:002012-07-26T14:27:34.554-07:00Getting The Hang Of It<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"And we would ask that Elder Donohue bear his testimony, and we'll proceed from that point."</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
...<br />
<br />
<br />
"Wait, what?"<br />
<br />
:]<br />
<br />
I bear my testimony, those things I believe and know of a spiritual nature, quite a bit as a missionary. Where before it may not have felt natural to just say whats on my mind or my heart, I now can't honestly see myself going a day without even the smallest declaration of the hope that is within me. (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/1-pet/3.15?lang=eng">1 Peter 3:15</a>)<br />
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That being said, doing so on the fly with just a tiny bit of heads up publicly in church is still not one of my strengths.<br />
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As I took the few minutes available to try to think about what I wanted to say and how I would say it, I started to psych myself out just a tiny bit... a precursor to being tongue tied. I do that quite a bit. But then a small voice somewhere within me came and said,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<em>"Just be yourself."</em></blockquote>
Yes! That's the right answer, perfect! Thats what i'll do, i'll just be myself. Just be me...<br />
<br />
...<br />
Well, who the heck am I?!?<br />
<br />
Thankfully the voice came again,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<em>"You are a child of God."</em></blockquote>
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<br />
And that felt like a pretty good place to start a testimony! And so I bore my testimony starting with that and for the most part feel that I said what I wanted to say and it all went peaches and cream.<br />
<br />
<br />
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The more I reflect on that statement, "You are a child of God", the more I sense a deeper understanding with it. It speaks volume of the relationship that we have with our Heavenly Father, it hints at our divine potential, and gives the feeling of peace and comfort knowing that there is someone who loves us and is looking out for us.</div>
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Elder L. Tom Perry once said,</div>
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"I can think of no greater teaching to our children than that of the power of prayer. We should do it by example, and take our children daily before the Lord and give them the peace and assurance that can come from knowing they are a child of our Father in Heaven."</div>
</blockquote>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awwwwwww :)</td></tr>
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I just want to +1 that statement by saying that I know of this truth because of prayer. No spiritual truth can be discovered and understood except through revelation, and the foundational and central truth of our God is always deepened through constant communication through prayer.</div>
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And that... is my testimony.</div>Elder Donohuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772782008392257009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8950935121946415908.post-68068100582914606042012-06-13T15:02:00.002-07:002012-06-13T15:06:46.994-07:00Rhyme and ReasonWe all got skills.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heck Yes We Do!</td></tr>
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<br />
Some of us are really good at painting, others are really good at basketball, some are amazing at playing guitar and singing, and yet others are the person you always go to if you need to talk to someone. Whatever our personal skillset, we have been given our talents with the intent to use them for the good and joy of those around us and ourselves. We have been given the ability to choose. With that we have also been given the ability to improve what we have, those things we are first-class at and especially the things we are inept at.<br />
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Jesus told a story somewhat along these lines in Matthew 25.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
A man travelling into a far country called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents (or pieces of money), to another two, and to another one; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made <span class="clarityWord">them</span> other five talents. And likewise he that <span class="clarityWord">had received</span> two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money. </blockquote>
Later, the master came back for the report of what had been done with what he had given them during his absence. The two who had worked with their talents were able to have doubled what they were given. The last had done nothing and had nothing to show for it either, and so his talent was taken and given to another.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ouuuccchhhh.... That Had To Hurt</td></tr>
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This story makes me sad! I look at this story in terms of our personal "talents" and not as money, and when I do I feel bad for the guy who didn't do anything with what he had. I know for me that sharing my talents and working to improve them bring me the most happiness I ever get in life. And whenever someone does something like write amazing songs and play them for me (one such experience is very much on my mind right now), it blows me away and I can't help but appreciate and love the person who has God given talent they've worked hard at and so passionately shared.<br />
<br />
...<br />
<br />
But what if it had never been shared?<br />
And do you really fully enjoy that which you have if you keep it all to yourself?<br />
For that reason, I feel bad for the poor guy who buried the talent he had instead of being willing to take a chance and shoot for the stars.<br />
And for those who strive to inspire and serve others with that which they have been given,<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<strong>"Divine favor will attend those who humbly seek it."</strong></blockquote>
<br />
Time and effort and faith... As we are patient and dilligent, through Christ we can turn our weaknesses into strengths and bring that thrill and joy to others and ourselves.Elder Donohuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772782008392257009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8950935121946415908.post-36215934055534014692012-05-17T14:41:00.000-07:002012-05-17T14:41:46.014-07:00Someday I'll Get It Straight<br />
I made the fatal mistake of procrastination yet again; someday I'll work on that. For now though, I am left with an idea for yet another gospel related comparison.<br />
<br />
Let me set the scene for you, if you please...<br />
<br />
The time has come where with my turning 21 years of age, a couple of things are in transition and need my attention. First and foremost on my list that I ignored: renewing my drivers license. I saw it coming from miles away, I received a reminder call from the office fleet director, I even wrote it down on sticky notes and hid them around the apartment to pop up and remind me at random times.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, There Was Even One In There Too...</td></tr>
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Alas, I let it go until I was in panic/scramble mode. Tactical error? Of course, but admitting it at this point doesn't help me too much! From that point I started to get angry with myself, then the Idaho DMV, then the whole renewing concept entirely. Why should I have to renew my license? C'mon, nothing changes and im still a good driver, whats the idea of just putting me through hoops?<br />
<br />
Well after that I calmed down, we took care of business, and happily ever after happened. But the concept of renewal stuck with me. Then I made the gospel related leap.<br />
<br />
With a drivers license for someone who has never driven before, there are steps you take to get one. You figure out the rules of the road, you gain experience in a parkinglot somewhere, take a written exam, then get checked off on the road test. You sign on the dotted line saying that you will obey the rules of the road, and submit that you are capable and responsible for what goes on when the wheels are rolling. Then you're all set! Freedom!<br />
<br />
When you renew, its basically a declaration saying that you are still on board with all you previously did in a way that enables you to keep the privileges of driving you obtained through the licensing process.<br />
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The concept of renewal with baptism is something that is thankfully a very big part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Every Sunday we take the sacrament. The sacrament is an <resource id="2" type="link">ordinance</resource> in which Church members partake of bread and water in remembrance of Jesus Christ's atoning sacrifice and renew the covenants they made at baptism. These covenants or promises are that you are willing to comfort those that stand in need of comfort, be witnesses of God at all times and in all places, and keep His commandments. Through keeping these promises and renewing them every week, all the blessings God promises at baptism remain available to you, "that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/18.8-10?lang=eng#7">Mosiah 18:8-10</a>).<br />
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It also gives me time to ponder upon the Savior and what he freely offers. I sometimes think about where I was a week ago, a month ago, a year ago and so on. I cannot always see the change and growth I experience on a day to day basis, but I sense it and come to appreciate the love and patience of someone who didn't have to sacrifice for me but did. I am grateful for a gospel that allows change and a renewal of that commitment to following the Savior. Robert D. Hales said,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div uri="/general-conference/2012/04/coming-to-ourselves-the-sacrament-the-temple-and-sacrifice-in-service.p12">
More than just thinking about the facts of the Savior’s suffering and death, our pondering helps us to recognize that through the Savior’s sacrifice, we have the hope, opportunity, and strength to make real, heartfelt changes in our lives.</div>
</blockquote>Elder Donohuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772782008392257009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8950935121946415908.post-92111722359133889332012-04-28T13:00:00.000-07:002012-04-28T13:00:10.652-07:00Play On<br />
I read the following poem and fell in love with it before I was even finished. As Elder Wirthlin, one of the Apostles, once said, "We see ourselves in terms of yesterday and today. Our Heavenly Father sees us in terms of forever. Although we might settle for less, our Heavenly Father won't."<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
T’was battered and scarred, and the auctioneer<br />Thought it scarcely worth his while<br />To waste much time on the old violin,<br />But held it up with a smile.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"What am I bidden, good folks," he cried,<br />"Who’ll start the bidding for me?"<br />"A dollar, a dollar," then, two! Only two?<br />"Two dollars, and who’ll make it three?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Three dollars, once; three dollars, twice;<br />Going for three . . . "But no,<br />From the room, far back, a grey haired man<br />Came forward and picked up the bow;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then, wiping the dust from the old violin,<br />And tightening the loose strings,<br />He played a melody pure and sweet<br />As a caroling angel sings.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The music ceased, and the auctioneer,<br />With a voice that was quiet and low,<br />Said: "What am I bid for the old violin?"<br />And he held it up with the bow.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"A thousand dollars, and who’ll make it two?<br />Two thousand! And who’ll make it three?<br />Three thousand, once; three thousand, twice;<br />And going and gone," said he.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The people cheered, but some of them cried,<br />"We do not quite understand<br />What changed its worth?" Swift came the reply:<br />"The touch of a master’s hand."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And many a man with life out of tune,<br />And battered and scarred with sin,<br />Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd,<br />Much like the old violin.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A "mess of potage," a glass of wine;<br />A game, and he travels on.<br />He is "going" once, and "going" twice,<br />He’s "going" and almost "gone."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But the Master comes and the foolish crowd<br />Never can quite understand<br />The worth of a soul and the change that’s wrought<br />By the touch of the Master’s hand.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
"Touch of the Master’s Hand," by Myra Welsh</div>Elder Donohuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772782008392257009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8950935121946415908.post-78652501735901426512012-04-19T12:15:00.002-07:002012-04-19T12:16:35.896-07:00Whenever You Wonder...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">It'll Be Okay!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://basicmormonbeliefs.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/daniel-lions-den.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" qda="true" src="http://basicmormonbeliefs.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/daniel-lions-den.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">The Son of Man hath descended below them all.</div><div align="center">D&C 122:7-8</div>Elder Donohuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772782008392257009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8950935121946415908.post-44029328237753700092012-04-04T14:09:00.001-07:002012-04-05T09:30:13.680-07:00Get Ripped<span style="font-size: large;">Who loves working out?</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Next To This Guy, Me Neither...</td></tr>
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Nobody has all the time in the world to work out, so you gotta make good on the little bit of time you do have. As you work out you can try to keep in mind working on different muscle groups, focus on keeping your reps and weight in line with what you are training for, and of course making sure you have a workout buddy keep you motivated!<br />
<br />
The most important thing of all as you are lifting though, as any good gym rat will tell you, is proper form while lifting.<br />
<br />
It is critical to lift properly to effectively build strength and to keep you safe from injury. Without that, you can end up with some ugly consequences or just plain wreck yourself and negate your best efforts. People most often neglect proper form when, for one crazy reason or another, they try to lift with too much weight for where they are at.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_n-a2Q-4VDXeCO3GW6hjuu2dGrtZJyBNYO5a6d13WMnmQjRur0R-HspOHYI6k9-gFTSjrliehnYRlhm1Odn_2-I1b2RzZFQpmPSm6AE9yAgCdO-dnIothN-UoPrjdrDlzi2jolYSrJ_E/s1600/IMG_9597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_n-a2Q-4VDXeCO3GW6hjuu2dGrtZJyBNYO5a6d13WMnmQjRur0R-HspOHYI6k9-gFTSjrliehnYRlhm1Odn_2-I1b2RzZFQpmPSm6AE9yAgCdO-dnIothN-UoPrjdrDlzi2jolYSrJ_E/s400/IMG_9597.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An Extreme Example Of A Serious Problem</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
C'mon, you've seen this before! Usually its the guy in the overpriced underarmor gear who you will never see in that gym again, that guy who only works out only on the leg press machine to "impress" the people around him, or that guy who is gonna break his back doing ugly deadlifts. Good people... you don't want to be that guy.<br />
<br />
My favorite gym has a sign as you walk in that says, <em>"Check Your Ego at the Door!"</em><br />
The same principle that is ever present in the weightroom is found in our everyday search to grow closer to our Heavenly Father and walk the path that Jesus Christ has shown. It is that mentality in life that leads us to truly grow. It is that maturity that puts us in a teachable attitude. It is an understanding that to truly get stronger, we must do things in the right way at the right time. From it stems the blessing of seeing imperfections and then being able to actually <u>do something about them.</u> Basically, you cannot fix a problem that you cannot see that you have. Ether 12:27 are words from the Lord about our spiritual growth in the everyday gym that life provides:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.</blockquote><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-SCZzf6X7EtIu_Kbrnc8s699IXK78gjw6ByNkv0xxSiDsJNMZ2yeWHaNAcMiTofb2-ErhEL3d36IxDBlU8UUhh-aUZq8UZmlLg-GAD36vHkknlbX6EGJ1gO87H0LE8yIuxB4WohEIyg3D/s1600/Christus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-SCZzf6X7EtIu_Kbrnc8s699IXK78gjw6ByNkv0xxSiDsJNMZ2yeWHaNAcMiTofb2-ErhEL3d36IxDBlU8UUhh-aUZq8UZmlLg-GAD36vHkknlbX6EGJ1gO87H0LE8yIuxB4WohEIyg3D/s400/Christus.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strength In The Savior</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Proper form includes relying upon Him fully. We cannot do it alone. No matter where we are at this very second, we are NEVER above doing the little things like reading our scriptures or praying or going to church... check your ego at the door. In so doing, we can all become the spiritual giants our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ KNOW we can be.Elder Donohuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772782008392257009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8950935121946415908.post-72759729783351834392012-03-22T09:37:00.006-07:002012-03-29T08:48:11.814-07:00City of Lights Coming Down Over Me<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Nashville is beautiful!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.memphisflyer.com/images/blogimages/2009/07/10/1247244453-nashville-skyline-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="265px" src="http://www.memphisflyer.com/images/blogimages/2009/07/10/1247244453-nashville-skyline-11.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of my favorite missionaries pointed something out to me once. Hillsboro Pike leads right into the heart of the great city from the south, all the way from Franklin and beyond. Since Nashville is in a bowl and a little bit lower than its surroundings, you can easily get lost in the concrete jungle once you are in it. But as you come up over the hill via the pike, you can grasp the charm of the entire city laid out before you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You only have two or three seconds before the resplendent view is gone.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then you drop down into the city, only able to see what is right in front of you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just two or three seconds...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"God gave us memories that we might have June roses in the bleak December."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-James Matthew Barrie</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://rickyblaha.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/engagement-010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="300px" src="http://rickyblaha.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/engagement-010.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sometimes we only have those two or three seconds worth of unimpeded sight, the straight vision of what is. We only catch sight of it for just long enough... and then it's gone.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Was it real? Does it still remain standing?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> In his letter to the Hebrews, the Apostle Paul pleaded, "Call to remembrance the former days, in which, <i>after ye were illuminated,</i> ye endured a great fight of afflictions".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> All throughout the scriptures, we are told not to forget.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Helaman 5:12</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mormonsbelieve.org/files/2008/04/christ-book-mormon1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="307px" src="http://mormonsbelieve.org/files/2008/04/christ-book-mormon1.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Odds are, if it was right once it is still right. If you wake up one day and you find yourself a little bit further away from God, who really moved? We are given little bits of illumination in daily life, we are given gifts or shown the big picture <em>even if just for a second</em>, and then we need to remember. Though the Nashville skyline might be too close for you to see this very second, remember... remember the view from Hillsboro Pike.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If life might be too close for you this very second, remember... remember those things that brought you to this point, and as Paul further exhorted,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cast not away therefore your confidence.</span></div>Elder Donohuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772782008392257009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8950935121946415908.post-54358164836484647712012-02-28T14:35:00.002-08:002012-02-29T13:01:21.898-08:00Sheer Static<blockquote class="tr_bq">Elder Hill and I had a teaching opportunity earlier this week and something came up that caught my interest. A young student starting their freshman year in college was wondering what career pathway they should take and how heavily they should rely upon God in making this decision. Immediately the scripture, "Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings and He shall direct thy paths for good", came to mind from Alma 32. However the more we talked, the more we understood that this particular student was already so inclined to that principle that they were simply sitting and waiting for the answer to come to them.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">It reminded me of a story:</blockquote>"A story is told of a group of <span class="highlight" id="searchQueryTerm">smoke jumpers</span>. These brave men and women fight forest fires by parachuting onto the ground above a fire and fighting it from the top down, while others fight it from below.<br />
<div uri="/liahona/2011/07/start-moving.p6"><br />
</div><div uri="/liahona/2011/07/start-moving.p7">During one particularly large forest fire, an elite team of <span class="highlight">smoke jumpers</span> assembled for a briefing before taking off in their airplane. The dispatcher—a wise and experienced firefighter—told the <span class="highlight">smoke jumpers</span> that things were very volatile and that he could not give them precise instructions. Rather, the dispatcher instructed, the <span class="highlight">smoke jumpers</span> should contact him by radio once they had parachuted onto the ridge above the fire. Then he would give them instructions as to the course they should take to begin to fight.</div><div uri="/liahona/2011/07/start-moving.p7"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bucktrack.com/Smokejumper/Smoke_Jump/Smoke_Jumpers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280px" src="http://www.bucktrack.com/Smokejumper/Smoke_Jump/Smoke_Jumpers.JPG" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now We're Cooking With Gas!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div uri="/liahona/2011/07/start-moving.p7"><br />
</div><div uri="/liahona/2011/07/start-moving.p8">Quickly the <span class="highlight">smoke jumpers</span> took off in their plane, parachuted onto the ridge above the raging fire, and assembled themselves for action. As they viewed the fire from above, they could see half a dozen possible paths they could take to begin their work.</div><div uri="/liahona/2011/07/start-moving.p8"><br />
</div><div uri="/liahona/2011/07/start-moving.p9">In keeping with their agreement with the dispatcher, the leader of the team took out a handheld radio, found the proper frequency, and called the dispatcher to request instructions as to which path to take. But only static came back from the radio; they could not hear the dispatcher at all.</div><div uri="/liahona/2011/07/start-moving.p10">Presuming that the dispatcher was busy with other tasks, the <span class="highlight">smoke jumpers</span> decided to wait 10 minutes and try again. But when they tried the dispatcher the second time, they received the same result—dead air and static and no instructions.</div><div uri="/liahona/2011/07/start-moving.p10"><br />
</div><div uri="/liahona/2011/07/start-moving.p11">The <span class="highlight">smoke jumpers</span> conferred with each other. They could still see several paths down the mountain that would put them in a good position to fight the fire. But they were concerned that they didn’t have any direction from the dispatcher. They worried that if they started moving down the path that looked best to them, they might actually be moving counter to the course the dispatcher wanted them to take and they would be forced to retrace their steps.</div><div uri="/liahona/2011/07/start-moving.p11"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KoC-Z0426KuvA0JjJLIQ0Do8MXbIpMk8tZuTE4JjpQ-L8SC9k2cMdG0NttbMSNUoDqPj_7Twp-uV5exLTDBAf9eCyxbVhQ-p_KEzUI_FSWqdiaWC8_NO-87wpBXHkBR0FGxHpBuulFm2/s400/FiremanRadio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KoC-Z0426KuvA0JjJLIQ0Do8MXbIpMk8tZuTE4JjpQ-L8SC9k2cMdG0NttbMSNUoDqPj_7Twp-uV5exLTDBAf9eCyxbVhQ-p_KEzUI_FSWqdiaWC8_NO-87wpBXHkBR0FGxHpBuulFm2/s400/FiremanRadio.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div uri="/liahona/2011/07/start-moving.p11"><br />
</div><div uri="/liahona/2011/07/start-moving.p11"><br />
</div><div uri="/liahona/2011/07/start-moving.p12">So they decided to wait on top of the ridge. Fifteen minutes later they tried the dispatcher again. Nothing. They took off their backpacks and found a place to sit down. Thirty minutes became an hour; an hour became two hours. They regularly tried to contact the dispatcher. But as before, they received only static in return.</div><div uri="/liahona/2011/07/start-moving.p12"><br />
</div><div uri="/liahona/2011/07/start-moving.p13">The <span class="highlight">smoke jumpers</span> decided to eat lunch. After that, when they still couldn’t contact the dispatcher, they reclined on their backpacks and took a nap. They were frustrated. If the dispatcher would just pay some attention to them and tell them which way to go, they would happily follow that course and begin their firefighting efforts. But the dispatcher seemed to be ignoring them, probably preoccupied with others. And they had decided that they weren’t going to move without the dispatcher’s directions. After all, those directions had been promised to them before they parachuted onto the ridge.</div><div uri="/liahona/2011/07/start-moving.p13"><br />
</div><div uri="/liahona/2011/07/start-moving.p14">Seven hours after the <span class="highlight">smoke jumpers</span> arrived at the top of the ridge, a weary crew chief from the group fighting the fire farther down the mountain came up the trail and found the <span class="highlight">smoke jumpers</span>. He was flabbergasted. Approaching their leader, he asked, “What are you doing lounging around on the ridge? We really needed your help. The fire almost got away from us because we didn’t have help to contain it. And all this time you’ve just been relaxing up here on the ridge?”</div><div uri="/liahona/2011/07/start-moving.p14"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.timeinc.net/time/2009/50_asian_experiences/50_asian_experiences_sheep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260px" src="http://img.timeinc.net/time/2009/50_asian_experiences/50_asian_experiences_sheep.jpg" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I Can Imagine They'd Be Looking A Little Sheepish Right About Now</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div uri="/liahona/2011/07/start-moving.p15">The lead smoke jumper explained their predicament to the crew chief. They had been promised instructions from the dispatcher. They had been vigilant in trying to obtain those instructions. But the dispatcher had ignored them, never responding to their calls. True, they could see several paths down to the fire. But they were afraid they would take the wrong one. So they decided to wait until they had the promised instructions from the dispatcher.</div><div uri="/liahona/2011/07/start-moving.p15"><br />
</div><div uri="/liahona/2011/07/start-moving.p16">The crew chief held out his hand and took the small radio the <span class="highlight">smoke jumpers</span> had been using. He then walked about 50 yards (45 m) down one of the paths that led toward the fire. He stopped and tried the radio. The dispatcher’s voice came through loud and clear. The crew chief then walked back to the top of the ridge and traveled about 50 yards farther down another path. He stopped and called the dispatcher. Again the dispatcher’s voice came back immediately.</div><div uri="/liahona/2011/07/start-moving.p16"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div uri="/liahona/2011/07/start-moving.p16"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i0.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/original/000/000/554/facepalm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i0.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/original/000/000/554/facepalm.jpg" uda="true" /></a></div><br />
The crew chief hiked back to the <span class="highlight">smoke jumpers</span> and tossed the radio to the leader, saying, “You are in a dead spot. All you had to do was start moving down one of the trails, and the dispatcher could have easily given you course corrections and brought you right into the spot where we needed you. Instead you lounged up here, and you were totally worthless to us."</div><div uri="/liahona/2011/07/start-moving.p17"><br />
</div><div uri="/liahona/2011/07/start-moving.p18">Often in our need for spiritual guidance and direction, we can be tempted to do exactly what the <span class="highlight">smoke jumpers</span> did. We find ourselves in unfamiliar territory. We see several paths available to us, and we’re not sure which one to take. We have been promised inspiration and help from our Heavenly Father. But it doesn’t always come immediately. We grow frustrated and decide we are simply going to sit down and wait until the promised guidance comes. We wait and we wait and we wait, wondering why the divine Dispatcher doesn’t help us with our course.</div><div uri="/liahona/2011/07/start-moving.p18"><br />
</div><div uri="/liahona/2011/07/start-moving.p19">In so doing, we ignore an important principle of revelation. Our Father in Heaven expects us to use our own intelligence, ability, and experience to chart our initial course. As we press forward along the path we have chosen, we are in a much better position to receive the course corrections He may have for us. But if we simply plop down on the ridge and recline on our backpacks until He gives us instruction, we risk finding ourselves in a spiritual dead spot."</div><div uri="/liahona/2011/07/start-moving.p19"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.missionsite.net/pictures/218/img1180988284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298px" src="http://www.missionsite.net/pictures/218/img1180988284.jpg" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...But Keep Walking As Best You Know How Until Then</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div uri="/liahona/2011/07/start-moving.p19"><br />
</div><div uri="/liahona/2011/07/start-moving.p19">-Elder Von G. Keetch</div><div uri="/liahona/2011/07/start-moving.p19"><a href="http://www.lds.org/liahona/2011/07/start-moving?lang=eng&query=smoke+jumpers">Link</a></div>Elder Donohuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772782008392257009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8950935121946415908.post-20527380326845313422012-02-09T13:58:00.004-08:002012-02-29T13:15:37.819-08:00A Tender Mercy This Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/qbzPUjabIb0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Elder Donohuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772782008392257009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8950935121946415908.post-29305688925519205062012-01-23T09:43:00.000-08:002012-01-23T09:45:23.208-08:00Learn A New Language?I have a confession to make: I only know just enough French to pretend that I know what I am talking about. Put me with someone who actually does speak the lingo, and I get exposed pretty dang quickly. Sure, I can get the gist of what someone says, I can tell you a short story involving what a cat is doing, and I can even sing you a song or two... but no, I don't actually speak it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.avenuefrance.com/images/alouette.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" nfa="true" src="http://www.avenuefrance.com/images/alouette.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Je Te Plumerai!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
By that same token, does it make sense to say that prayer is a language all of its own? <br />
<br />
Sure, maybe you can speak a few words of it to fool someone else into thinking you know what you're doing... Sure, perhaps you can understand a few of the concepts you receive back through your communication with God... But can you speak it fluently? Can you really carry on that conversation with God?<br />
<br />
I have realized with my experience of trying to learn French, that you get pretty frustrated rather quickly if you don't pick it up as quickly as you would like. It takes practice and a desire to make it happen, and often times quite simply it takes TIME. If it doesn't work the first time, that doesn't mean you should drop it and give up trying to learn it anymore than it makes sense to give up learning a new language at first.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_0AfBtl4JYg923nGjcCFaMs9TJTjUbw6QqDnm3lxhc4L8PBsWfOb9LDff6COR4LMclR2qHrZmOT3QRnS1GpMnxLIjkuYAD2NK90JbqM_EIlgj94aq2fdQo-FZcTsz5L-9EkuOHnAotk/s320/Guy.with.Head.on.Desk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_0AfBtl4JYg923nGjcCFaMs9TJTjUbw6QqDnm3lxhc4L8PBsWfOb9LDff6COR4LMclR2qHrZmOT3QRnS1GpMnxLIjkuYAD2NK90JbqM_EIlgj94aq2fdQo-FZcTsz5L-9EkuOHnAotk/s320/Guy.with.Head.on.Desk.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't Give Up!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>As we take little steps to draw nigh unto God, He will draw nigh unto us. As we grow in our understanding and ability to communicate through the sacred language of prayer, He will help us as we progress and grow in our fluency. Slowly but surely, we can expand our understanding of all things. As we visit with God more and more, we can all experience that spiritually fulfilling peace that comes with Prayer.Elder Donohuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772782008392257009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8950935121946415908.post-51740450204042935202012-01-07T12:52:00.000-08:002012-01-07T12:52:17.604-08:00Two Different Things In CommonI had the opportunity to attend a good friend of mines funeral not too long ago. He served as a Deacon in his Primitive Baptist home church of 70+ years, served on the district Sunday school board, and most importantly was a family man and man of God in word, conversation, charity, spirit, faith, and purity.<br />
<br />
It was the first time I have been to such a funeral.<br />
<br />
As I sat in the far back, I reflected on the short time I have been blessed to have known such a wonderful man. He, like many others who have walked this earth, was just a person... but people are all we have in this world. Someone mentioned the word reflection in their words of comfort, and it made me think of the reflection pool at Temple Square in Utah.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.world66.com/ld/s_/te/lds_temple_in_refl_galleryfull" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" rea="true" src="http://images.world66.com/ld/s_/te/lds_temple_in_refl_galleryfull" width="300px" /></a></div><br />
My family and I visited it not so very long ago, and of course a small company of boys love to throw anything they possibly can into a pool of water, even if just to see the reflection shimmer and wave. I noticed that even the tiniest of ripples that started in the very center would make their way towards the outside edge.<br />
<br />
As I looked around at this funeral, I saw all those who had come to pay their respects to this man, and it made me think... Each of our lives are like pebbles being tossed into a reflection pool. All of us make ripples, even simply being here has far reaching effects, many of which we cannot see. The choices we make determine how widespread our ripples are, and to what outcome, for good or for bad. This man set a good example, a life full of positive and Christlike ripples.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://people.rit.edu/andpph/photofile-c/splash-water-waves-4565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208px" rea="true" src="http://people.rit.edu/andpph/photofile-c/splash-water-waves-4565.jpg" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table> As you study the life of Christ, you grow a sense of wonder at the mighty miracles and compassion the Savior showed unto those around Him. You recognize that he took time for the individual, being full of patience and love, serving and blessing the downtrodden and the afflicted. Though many of the recipients of Jesus' miracles go unnamed, I imagine that it meant the world to them. Something that was small and easily within Christs power meant everything to the blind, the deaf, the dumb, and the lame who he ministered unto.<br />
<br />
Do we not have a similar opportunity to serve? Are there those around us who we can be a blessing to? How many are just within reach that we might uplift and ease the burdens of?<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done <span class="clarityWord">it</span> unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done <span class="clarityWord">it</span> unto me.</blockquote>My only question is this: Are going to toss that pebble, or are you gonna keep it to yourself?Elder Donohuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772782008392257009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8950935121946415908.post-87458574997373640152011-12-26T18:30:00.000-08:002011-12-26T18:30:35.690-08:00Merry Christmas<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/14.27?lang=eng">John 14:27</a><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.</blockquote><br />
Christ is speaking in this verse as a follow up to a question: How will one come to know of the Lord? He answers that it will be by and through the power of the Holy Ghost, the Comforter. It is through that same Spirit that the peace Jesus talked about comes to us...<br />
<br />
When He says, "Not as the world giveth, give I unto you", it makes me think of all the things we have here. The beauty and the joy to be had in this world... it's beyond exquisite, yes? Yet no matter all the amusement parks in the world, all the money in the banks, and all the serenity that nature has to offer (or whatever else floats your boat), it cannot hold a candle to the peace He offers. Even the greatest of all that is around us pales in comparison to its Master.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/images/savior/jesus_brown2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" rea="true" src="http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/images/savior/jesus_brown2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After All, He Created It In The First Place</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Elder Donohuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772782008392257009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8950935121946415908.post-86763211149445218172011-12-10T18:47:00.000-08:002011-12-10T18:47:03.838-08:00KayHad a moment the other day.<br />
<br />
I was in Fairview, the land of all that is beautiful. We were passing out flyers for a Christmas party to some of the people who had been in contact with missionaries for the last few months, and we were met with smiles and warm appreciation for being invited. The afternoon was still young, but we were coming to the last household we had planned to invite that day, a home that was set in a quiet little neighborhood not too far from the main road.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fairviewtn-realestate.com/images/genericpix-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266px" mda="true" src="http://www.fairviewtn-realestate.com/images/genericpix-1.jpg" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, That Is The Actual Town. No, I Didn't Take The Picture.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> I had been getting out of the car, somewhat on auto-pilot, following the excellent Elder Huffaker as the day wore on and our stack of fliers depleted. I was doing the same now, no Book of Mormon in hand and my backpack in the car, as we started out towards the last door. All of a sudden, I felt something.<br />
<br />
I needed to pause, to wake up for half a second and recognize what I felt. The feeling was very distinct:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">You are going to need your scriptures.</blockquote>I returned to the car quickly and grabbed a Book of Mormon, one of many we have close at hand. I closed the cardoor, and started back towards Elder Huffaker as he waited patiently at the door. Again I had the very distinct feeling, this time with a little extra:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">You are going to need your scriptures... all of them.</blockquote><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://whymormonism.org/files/2008/07/Bible-book-Mormon2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400px" mda="true" src="http://whymormonism.org/files/2008/07/Bible-book-Mormon2.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Record From The Americas AND The Record From Jerusalem</td></tr>
</tbody></table> I had left my backpack in the car, but the door had already been knocked on and the door opened shortly after. The family was happy to see us, this being the first time they had talked to missionaries in their home since they had moved to Fairview. Though we had only originally planned on dropping off a flyer, we ended up talking for over an hour, mostly about the gospel and answering questions about the church.<br />
<br />
There were times I easily could convey a point or answer a question, there were times when I needed the help of the Book of Mormon... and there was one point in particular when I needed the Bible. I keep my personal set of scriptures, my Book of Mormon and well worn KJV Bible, in my backpack. You know, the one which just so happened to be left in the backseat of the car despite my being told to bring my scriptures.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://fatpastor.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/doh.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" mda="true" src="http://fatpastor.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/doh.png" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<br />
It wasn't the end of the world, but I wasn't as effective as a teacher because I didn't fully listen to the Spirit. I didn't go above and beyond to respond to the fullest capacity I could to the prompting to get my scripture<u>s</u>. I wasn't completely left out in the cold, but I was not as well off as I could have been.<br />
<br />
All of us follow the Spirit to a degree less than what we are capable of at times. Once you clear the hurdle of following the spirit at all, you then get to try your hardest to follow it as precisely as you can. The better you do so, the better things go. Just like the Book of Mormon and the Bible would have given us a fuller picture and understanding of the gospel in that teaching situation, we can have the full blessing of the Spirits guidance when we do everything we can to follow exactly and completely.Elder Donohuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772782008392257009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8950935121946415908.post-974932408572260502011-11-27T18:23:00.000-08:002011-11-28T18:23:07.555-08:00Truth Is...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/eoQaNfNoTRY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">One point that this song alludes to is that before we were here, we were somewhere. It was during that time that a plan was brought forth to allow us to grow, and that all in all we would return wiser and stronger and with full confidence in the things that are true because we tested them for ourselves.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We can think of this time right now as the second act of a three part play. In the beginning of the play, the majority of the plot is laid. We find out who the main characters are, and we figure out what is going on. But what if as an audience member, you came in between the intermission of the first and second act? You would have NO clue what was going on, and things would be in motion that wouldn't make a whole lotta sense.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.medievalarchives.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/RenFest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="266px" src="http://www.medievalarchives.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/RenFest.jpg" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"So Are You A Knight Or The King?"</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Now imagine if you were all of a sudden called on stage to be one of the actors themselves! How confusing would it be to try to play your role in all of this going on around you? Well, that's kinda how this life is right now. We come in partway through the play, with no knowledge of the first act, but expected to play a serious role for someone important... us!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We can figure out the important points from the people around us, but its really best if we go straight to the script. We can use the scriptures to help us out in the same way! As we learn more, we get a clearer picture on what is going on around us, and how WE personally want to act. A director, call him the Holy Ghost, can lead us in a way that is appropriate. Of course we don't have to listen to him if we don't want to, but... c'mon, this guy knows what he's talking about!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.infamouskidd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/steven-spielberg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="400px" src="http://www.infamouskidd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/steven-spielberg.jpg" width="313px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spielberg, Anyone?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
So we make it through this second act. The third act of this play will take place after we die. The second act featured the climax, the nail biting suspense and the roughest parts of the story. This third act is the place where all the loose ends are tied up and any misunderstandings are cleared up. Anything that was hidden from the audience (or the characters) is made known, and the resolution comes.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The truth is that our second act is very tiny compared to the other two. This moment in time, eighty or so years of life, is nothing compared to the rest of it. Yet how we live and act in this second portion determines most everything else that matters.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I know maybe we don't know exactly everything that is going on right now, but eventually everything is gonna work and be okay. We gotta take care of our part right here and right now, but if and when we do, we keep ourselves on track for the happy ending that will come in the third act. Take care of what you can right now, and leave the rest. It'll be aight.<br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://lds.org/pages/the-plan-of-salvation-d-and-c-video?lang=eng&query=plan+salvation">The Three Act Play - The Plan of Salvation</a><br />
<br />
Yepp. Finally found the link. Nevertheless, I already wrote all this down, so you get my version as well. But take a look at this link.</div>Elder Donohuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772782008392257009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8950935121946415908.post-50474426372348756022011-11-20T13:17:00.000-08:002011-11-20T13:25:18.290-08:00The Purge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ljji1ZtY2f0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
<br />
Its true! The more grateful you are, the happier you are!<br />
<br />
With the season, I always think a little bit more about what I am thankful for. I think about those things I have, those things I once had, and the beautiful opportunities that have come my way or been given to me. The gift to take advantage of the luck handed over or whatever talent given, the undeniably undeserved family I personally have, and the blessing to be currently serving a mission... All of it rocks my socks off.<br />
<br />
Sometimes we cannot see what we have because we only see what we do not. That changes the more we recognize what we have, and that allows us even greater room for more. A full life is not one where you have everything, but one where you fully appreciate what is yours.<br />
<br />
Im still working on it.<br />
;]Elder Donohuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772782008392257009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8950935121946415908.post-73551421724390365452011-11-17T16:55:00.000-08:002011-11-18T14:26:14.323-08:00LegendaryAfter careful thought and consideration, this is my favorite Book of Mormon story EVER! It is the story of Lehi and Nephi, two missionaries going and preaching unto their brethren the Lamanites. The Lamanites were traditionally against the people where Lehi and Nephi came from, but nevertheless they went to go and serve and bring them to the gospel. I was going to add pictures, but when I did I realized that it really took away from the value of the personal imagery that can be so vivid. Hear this one out... its worth the read!<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">And it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi did proceed from thence to go to the land of Nephi. And it came to pass that they were taken by an army of the Lamanites and cast into prison ; yea, even in that same prison in which Ammon and his brethren were cast by the servants of Limhi. And after they had been cast into prison many days without food, behold, they went forth into the prison to take them that they might slay them.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">And it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi were encircled about as if by fire, even insomuch that they durst not lay their hands upon them for fear lest they should be burned. Nevertheless, Nephi and Lehi were not burned; and they were as standing in the midst of fire and were not burned. And when they saw that they were encircled about with a pilliar of fire, and that it burned them not, their hearts did take courage. For they saw that the Lamanites durst not lay their hands upon them; neither durst they come near unto them, but stood as if they were struck dumb with amazement.<br />
<br />
And it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi did stand forth and began to speak unto them, saying: fear not, for behold, it is God that has shown unto you this marvelous thing, in the which is shown unto you that ye cannot lay your hands on us to slay us. And behold, when they had said these words, the earth shook exceedingly, and the walls of the prison did shake as if they were about to tumble to the earth; but behold, they did not fall.</blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And behold, they that were in the prison were Lamanites and Nephites who were dissenters. And it came to pass that they were overshadowed with a cloud of darkness, and an awful solemn fear came upon them. And it came to pass that there came a voice as if it were above the cloud of darkness, saying: Repent ye, repent ye, and seek no more to destroy my servants whom I have sent unto you to declare good tidings.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And it came to pass when they heard this voice, and beheld that it was not a voice of thunder, neither was it a voice of a great tumultuous noise, but behold, it was a still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper, and it did pierce even to the very soul— And notwithstanding the mildness of the voice, behold the earth shook exceedingly, and the walls of the prison trembled again, as if it were about to tumble to the earth; and behold the cloud of darkness, which had overshadowed them, did not disperse— And behold the voice came again, saying: Repent ye, repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand; and seek no more to destroy my servants.</div></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And it came to pass that the earth shook again, and the walls trembled. And also again the third time the voice came, and did speak unto them marvelous words which cannot be uttered by man; and the walls did tremble again, and the earth shook as if it were about to divide asunder. And it came to pass that the Lamanites could not flee because of the cloud of darkness which did overshadow them; yea, and also they were immovable because of the fear which did come upon them.</div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Now there was one among them who was a Nephite by birth, who had once belonged to the church of God but had dissented from them. And it came to pass that he turned him about, and behold, he saw through the cloud of darkness the faces of Nephi and Lehi; and behold, they did shine exceedingly, even as the faces of angels. And he beheld that they did lift their eyes to heaven; and they were in the attitude as if talking or lifting their voices to some being whom they beheld. And it came to pass that this man did cry unto the multitude, that they might turn and look. And behold, there was power given unto them that they did turn and look; and they did behold the faces of Nephi and Lehi.<br />
<br />
And they said unto the man: Behold, what do all these things mean, and who is it with whom these men do converse? Now the man’s name was Aminadab. And Aminadab said unto them: They do converse with the angels of God. And it came to pass that the Lamanites said unto him: What shall we do, that this cloud of darkness may be removed from overshadowing us? And Aminadab said unto them: You must repent, and cry unto the voice, even until ye shall have faith in Christ, who was taught unto you by Alma, and Amulek, and Zeezrom; and when ye shall do this, the cloud of darkness shall be removed from overshadowing you. And it came to pass that they all did begin to cry unto the voice of him who had shaken the earth; yea, they did cry even until the cloud of darkness was dispersed.<br />
<br />
And it came to pass that when they cast their eyes about, and saw that the cloud of darkness was dispersed from overshadowing them, behold, they saw that they were encircled about, yea every soul, by a pillar of fire. And Nephi and Lehi were in the midst of them; yea, they were encircled about; yea, they were as if in the midst of a flaming fire, yet it did harm them not, neither did it take hold upon the walls of the prison; and they were filled with that joy which is unspeakable and full of glory.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">And behold, the Holy Spirit of God did come down from heaven, and did enter into their hearts, and they were filled as if with fire, and they could speak forth marvelous words. And it came to pass that there came a voice unto them, yea, a pleasant voice, as if it were a whisper, saying: Peace, peace be unto you, because of your faith in my Well Beloved, who was from the foundation of the world. And now, when they heard this they cast up their eyes as if to behold from whence the voice came; and behold, they saw the heavens open; and angels came down out of heaven and ministered unto them.<br />
<br />
And there were about three hundred souls who saw and heard these things; and they were bidden to go forth and marvel not, neither should they doubt. And it came to pass that they did go forth, and did minister unto the people, declaring throughout all the regions round about all the things which they had heard and seen, insomuch that the more part of the Lamanites were convinced of them, because of the greatness of the evidences which they had received.</blockquote>Elder Donohuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772782008392257009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8950935121946415908.post-82070342776988048132011-11-12T12:13:00.001-08:002012-05-19T12:33:37.395-07:00Some Days Im Out Of Time... Not This Time<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
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<a href="http://freetopia.free.fr/fiction/sages-celebres/morpheus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="http://freetopia.free.fr/fiction/sages-celebres/morpheus.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
What is real? How do you define real? If you're talking about what you can feel, what you can smell, what you can taste and see, then real is simply electrical signals interpreted by your brain.</div>
</blockquote>
Im going out on a limb here, but I promise it will come back to the tree trunk eventually...<br />
<br />
Perception, basically what we see and experience, in large part determines what we find to be "real". From that, we base our values and opinions and beliefs off of <i>our</i> reality. We all have different and unique viewpoints on many things that are common, and because of this we come to different conclusions with basically the same amount of evidence... different realities of a sort if you will.<br />
<br />
So again... What is real?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3378/3262338241_74607113ab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" nda="true" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3378/3262338241_74607113ab.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If 100,000 People See Chriss Angel Float Off A Building And Perceive Him To Fly, Is It Still Real?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Maybe what we should really be concerned with is truth. The better question may be, "What is true?" in any given situation. A quick definition of true from the dictionary pulls up things like, "In accordance with fact", and, "Something brought into exact shape, alignment, or position required"... a chasm of difference from what is only "real".<br />
<br />
There is power in knowing truth... the true nature of God, the truths of the gospel, the true capability of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. An understanding of these and other truths can help us react appropriately to struggles in life and act accordingly to the true gospel... to what is true instead of what may just be "real". In John 8:31-32, the verse reads<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, <span class="clarityWord">then</span> are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.</div>
</blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.turnbacktogod.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/jesus-christ-0107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nda="true" src="http://www.turnbacktogod.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/jesus-christ-0107.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
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I often bear my testimony. I tell people what I know. I don't know the truth of all things, but I know that God loves His children. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true... That it is, "in accordance with fact" that Jesus Christ Himself established over 2000 years ago, restored to the earth through a modern day prophet. I know that it is, "something brought into exact shape, alignment, or position required" to one day bring us into a fullness of joy with our Father in Heaven. I know the gospel is true, and that living its precepts brings happiness and fulfillment. I know this... and it is true.</div>
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Would you like to know if it was true or not too?</div>
<img height="54" src="http://theslorg.com/theslorgsworld/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Morpheus.jpg" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 340px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 290px; visibility: hidden;" width="96" />Elder Donohuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772782008392257009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8950935121946415908.post-24031805112774229462011-11-07T11:57:00.000-08:002011-11-07T12:00:59.142-08:00Make It SoLife is easy when you have a 50/50 split when it comes between choosing between two things; You only have a 50% shot of messing up and suffering the consequences! One of the great things about having guidance from a modern day prophet is that you get clear help in figuring out what is the right thing to choose, and you can trust the source because you know a prophet of God wont lead you astray.<br />
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Its kinda like the Indiana Jones theory...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://content.internetvideoarchive.com/content/photos/014/000625_37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ida="true" src="http://content.internetvideoarchive.com/content/photos/014/000625_37.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Elder Donohue, I Told You NEVER To Use Me In A Blog Again!!!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
If Indie knew what the consequences were (namely an immediate need to run a gauntlet of spikes and giant boulders), would he have tried to put the sand on the pedestal in an attempt to steal the treasure? Imma take a wild guess and say probably not...<br />
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Sin is kinda the same way. Many choices in our life could be this 50/50. It<em> could</em> be bad and bring sadness, or it could be good and bring happiness... But wouldnt'cha like to know which was which before you do it?<br />
We can be warned of danger through a clear voice, keeping sin and righteousness a black and white distinction and eliminating the gray in lifes important things. A prophet can warn us of the consequences of sin and encourage us to choose the right. I know that through a modern day prophet, Thomas S. Monson, we have been given that exact same help that Indiana would have loved to have.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imovieyou.com/images/indiana-jones-boulder-chase-scenes-1980s-80s1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271px" ida="true" src="http://www.imovieyou.com/images/indiana-jones-boulder-chase-scenes-1980s-80s1.jpg" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"ESPECIALLY NOW!!!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Elder Donohuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772782008392257009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8950935121946415908.post-60744995783108288072011-11-04T14:26:00.000-07:002011-11-07T17:56:54.779-08:00Wait A Second...A south-African saying goes something like,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">"If you can talk, you can sing. If you can walk, you can dance."</blockquote>It reminds me (in a round about way) of a story of some carpenters from Norway who were asked to build part of the Manti temple in Utah. They had very little experience with construction of this type, and they were able to overcome everything without great trouble, that is until they came to the roof.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://aaronbarker.smugmug.com/Architecture/Temples/IMG4465-edited/131782448_7kCVL-M-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" ida="true" src="http://aaronbarker.smugmug.com/Architecture/Temples/IMG4465-edited/131782448_7kCVL-M-1.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
The roof needed to be sturdy, not too heavy, and most of all watertight. They had no experience with building a roof of this grandeur or capacity, but they did have experience as shipbuilders. They thought, <span style="font-family: GaramondPlusLight; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: GaramondPlusLight; font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><div align="left">“Why don’t we just build a ship? Then, because a well-built ship is solid and secure, if we turn the plans upside down, we’ll have a secure roof.”</div></blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://rlv.zcache.com/the_brilliant_idea_shirt-p235099482990567029q6vb_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" ida="true" src="http://rlv.zcache.com/the_brilliant_idea_shirt-p235099482990567029q6vb_400.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
The previous experience they had with shipbuilding allowed them to construct one of the most beautiful and sacred buildings in the world. We too have many experiences in our life that we can then turn around and apply when a situation of similar circumstances arises. When we take what we have learned from the past, we can use the principles that are already a part of us just as the shipbuilders did.<br />
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We may not know how to dance and sing, but if we know how to walk and talk then we are not too far away.Elder Donohuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772782008392257009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8950935121946415908.post-84148823903258240382011-11-03T14:00:00.000-07:002012-01-04T14:39:35.908-08:00Know and FeelI was talking with an awesome guy the other day who has a very strong faith in Christ and who has spent much of his life in the word and in church. Quite honestly, he is one of the most spiritual men I have ever met. He highlighted a truth in a very succinct way that is sometimes better felt than heard:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Teaching is for the head, preaching is for the heart.</div></blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrQLqbQhUzyiwE-McK1y9R-VW93lXEfrgatAbFP9ZMqTCvJPismCRp5LQQ4os3c9IOzhApW5iqkx-D8rYhtJPkbcvYLWstpp4GisgT3qLqxEtubF_nd261Y6X1xHSW2-OoJG41tAW4ZwN/s320/thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrQLqbQhUzyiwE-McK1y9R-VW93lXEfrgatAbFP9ZMqTCvJPismCRp5LQQ4os3c9IOzhApW5iqkx-D8rYhtJPkbcvYLWstpp4GisgT3qLqxEtubF_nd261Y6X1xHSW2-OoJG41tAW4ZwN/s320/thumbnail.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Learning the gospel gives us a knowledge that gives us freedom and power.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Being <em>taught</em> that knowledge is a valuable thing that adds to us... perhaps best likend to a spiritual well from which we can draw upon. Being <em>preached</em> the gospel does the same, though it feels more to draw something out of us... perhaps best likened to that spiritual well being drawn upon.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Truely, both experiences are a part of our learning the gospel.<br />
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EDIT: December 29th, 2011<br />
Mr. Turner passed away over night at the age of 76. He was a good man, deeply spiritual and a steady rock to all around him. He was able to be what others around him needed him to be, because he was firmly anchored in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and he himself was built upon a sure foundation. He will be missed, but he is where the Lord would have him be, when the Lord would have him be there.</div>Elder Donohuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00772782008392257009noreply@blogger.com0