Saturday, December 3, 2011
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Dad Is Turning 80 This Year!!!!
We are awaiting my Dad's birthday and are planning a surprise for him. I hope that everyone who reads this will participate. Kerry's Dad is also turning 85 this year. I would like to do something for both of them. My thought is to make a dedicatory book to them. Everyone will do one page of the book (including Grandchildren). Each page will contain a picture of that person with a one page typewritten dedication. In this dedication you will tell a favorite (serious story, this is not a roast) of a time in their life when they either helped you or maybe a life event that was important to you that you would like them to remember. I am hoping that this will be passed on through the generations and will be a remembrance of the great person that our Dad is. I hope that everyone will participate and you will send this on to your children. Please send this by an attachment to an email to me at my msn address by the November 10th deadline so that I can get it printed and put into a nice book form for them. I am hoping that this book will be bound and that all the members of the family will participate (of all ages). For the babies a handprint and picture will be sufficient.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Grandfather Derrick's talk to the Balboa Ward December 23, 1962
One hundred and fifty seven years ago today an event took place, planned thousands of years before, or at least it had been foreordained. We know that it was prophesied of over 3500 years before it took place.
PATRIARCHAL BLESSING: Let's go back to a time almost 600 years before the birth of Christ. A great patriarch gathered his children together to give them a father's blessing. Just as you brethren, who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood and are heads of families, have the right on special occasions to lay your hands upon the head of a member of your family00a son, a daughter, or your wife--and pronounce a blessing. This is a great privilege and a father that does not do it is not taking advantage of his rights and powers as a Priesthood bearer and father. It is a means by which his family may be blessed.
SPEAKS TO HIS CHILDREN: This great and faithful leader spoke to his children about the things that were close to his heart--the Gospel, and then said: "And now, my sons, I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit;
"And not choose eternal death, according to the will of the flesh and evil which is therein, which giveth the spirit of the devil power to captivate, to bring you down to hell, that he may reign over you in his own kingdom.
"I have spoken these few words unto you all, my sons, in the last days of my probation (you see, he was about to die); and I have chosen the good part, according to the words of the prophet. And I have none other object save it be the everlasting welfare of your souls.
"Can you see this father with his sons gathered around him. And then father Lehi--for it was he, the Book of Mormon Prophet--turned and I can just see him taking young Joseph by the hand, or placing his arm around him, as he turned to his youngest son.
"And now I speak unto you, Joseph my last born. thou wast born in the wilderness of mine afflictions. Yea, in the days of my greatest sorrow did thy mother bear thee.
"Then he must have placed his hands upon the boys head in the usual manner and said...(see 2 Nephi 3)
In Sharon township, Vermont, a son was born to a man by the name of Joseph Smith, and the name of his son became Joseph. The birth of Joseph Smith Jr. was in fulfillment of prophecy.
We find the Smith family 15 years later living about two miles outside the town of Palmyra, New York, on a farm.
This was a time when thee was a joint revival in the neighborhood between the Baptists, Methodists, and Presbyterians and they had succeeded in stirring up quite a feeling, and after the meeting the question arose which church should have the converts. Rev. Stockton was the president of the meeting and suggested that it was their meeting and under their care and they had a church there and they ought to join the Presbyterians, but as father did not like Rev. Stockton very well, the Smith family hesitated and the next evening a Rev. McLane of the Methodist preached a sermon on "what church shall I join?"
"And the burden of his discourse was to ask God, using as a text, "If any man lack wisdom let him ask of God who giveth to all men liberally." Joseph Smith Jr. went home and looked over the text of this sermon and in his own words said: "Never did any passage of Scripture come with more power to the heart of man that this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did not know, and unless I could get more wisdom than I then had, I would never know; for the teachers of religion of the different sects understood the same passages of Scripture so differently as to destroy all confidence in settling the question by an appeal to the Bible."
Little did he know as he went into the grove on that beautiful May morning in 1820, when only 14 years of age, that he was an instrument in the hands of the Lord, fulfilling the prophecy which his namesake (Joseph who had been sold into Egypt) had made thousands of years before.
"A choice seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins."
Is it any wonder as the young man knelt in the grove and for the first time to pray vocally that he was immediately attacked by "some power which entirely overcame him, and had such an astonishing influence over him as to bind his tongue so that he could not speak. Thick darkness gathered around him, and it seemed to him for a time as if he were doomed to sudden destruction, but, exerting all his powers he called upon God to deliver him from the power of this enemy.
Is it any wonder the Adversary would attempt to stop the great thing that was about to take place, the appearance of God the Eternal Father and His son Jesus Christ to this young man, who was to be the choice Seer raised up and that he would be commanded to do "none other work except that work which the Lord commanded him."
Almost from the time of Joseph Smith's first vision his life was dedicated to the restoration of the Gospel, building the Kingdom of God, and preparing the way for the return or second coming of our Lord and Master in all his glory.
Again in fulfillment of prophesy, "And I will give unto him a commandment that he shall do none other work, save the work which I shall command him. And I will make him great in mine eyes; for he shall do my work."
Young Joseph was tested the next few years. In fact he was tested from the time of his first vision until he sealed his testimony with his own blood when he was martyred at 38 years of age. Seldom was there a time when he was not persecuted.
He had to say about his persecution. "It caused me serious reflection then, and often has since, how very strange it was that an obscure boy, of a little over fourteen years of age, and one, too, who was doomed to the necessity of obtaining a scanty maintenance by his daily labor, should be thought a character of sufficient importance to attract the attention of the great ones of the most popular sects of the day, and in a manner to create in them a spirit of most bitter persecution and reviling. But strange or not, so it was, and it was often the cause of great sorrow to myself.
I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two personages and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying so, I was led to say in my heart: Why persecute me for telling the truth? I have actually seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the world think to make me deny what I have seen? For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation.
And Joseph, who was sold into Egypt, further testified as follows:
"But a seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins; and unto him will I give power to bring forth my word unto the seed of thy loins--and not to the bringing forth my word only, said the Lord, but to the convincing them of my word, which shall have already gone forth among them.
"Wherefore, the fruit of thy loins shall write; and the fruit of the loins of Judah shall write; (Judah was Joseph's brother. Both were sons of Jacob, later known as Israel) that that which shall be written by the fruit of thy loins, and also that which shall be written by the fruit of the loins of Judah, shall grow together unto the confounding of false doctrines and laying down of contentions, and establishing peace among the fruit of thy loins, and bringing them to the knowledge of my covenants, saith the Lord.
"And out of weakness he shall be made strong, in that day when my work shall commence among all my people, unto the restoring thee, O house of Israel, saith the Lord.
Again the Prophet Joseph Smith was an instrument in the hands of the Lord in fulfilling this prophesy. A history of the fruit of the loins of Joseph was kept, hidden away about 400 AD by Moroni. These records kept on plates were revealed to the Prophet Joseph by Moroni, and later taken and translated by use of the Urum and Thummin. Here is the result, The Book of Mormon which goes hand in hand with the Bible--or a history of the fruit of the loins of Judah--again fulfilling prophesy.
A man would have to be great in the eyes of God to have been chosen to open the dispensation of the fullness of times, to prepare the way for the second coming of His son in all his glory.
Just as sure as these prophecies have been fulfilled, the Savior will return and those who are his at his coming will be caught up to meet him. As Latter-day Saints we know through the revelations of the prophet Joseph Smith that the birth of the Savior was actually in April 6, although it is celebrated throughout the Christian World on the 24th of December.
The season has become one of materialism. As members of Christ's Church we should especially at this time of year be thankful for all the blessings he has bestowed upon us, for the gift of life, for our understanding of the Gospel, for those things that it brings into our lives. We can best show it by living his commandments.
PATRIARCHAL BLESSING: Let's go back to a time almost 600 years before the birth of Christ. A great patriarch gathered his children together to give them a father's blessing. Just as you brethren, who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood and are heads of families, have the right on special occasions to lay your hands upon the head of a member of your family00a son, a daughter, or your wife--and pronounce a blessing. This is a great privilege and a father that does not do it is not taking advantage of his rights and powers as a Priesthood bearer and father. It is a means by which his family may be blessed.
SPEAKS TO HIS CHILDREN: This great and faithful leader spoke to his children about the things that were close to his heart--the Gospel, and then said: "And now, my sons, I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit;
"And not choose eternal death, according to the will of the flesh and evil which is therein, which giveth the spirit of the devil power to captivate, to bring you down to hell, that he may reign over you in his own kingdom.
"I have spoken these few words unto you all, my sons, in the last days of my probation (you see, he was about to die); and I have chosen the good part, according to the words of the prophet. And I have none other object save it be the everlasting welfare of your souls.
"Can you see this father with his sons gathered around him. And then father Lehi--for it was he, the Book of Mormon Prophet--turned and I can just see him taking young Joseph by the hand, or placing his arm around him, as he turned to his youngest son.
"And now I speak unto you, Joseph my last born. thou wast born in the wilderness of mine afflictions. Yea, in the days of my greatest sorrow did thy mother bear thee.
"Then he must have placed his hands upon the boys head in the usual manner and said...(see 2 Nephi 3)
In Sharon township, Vermont, a son was born to a man by the name of Joseph Smith, and the name of his son became Joseph. The birth of Joseph Smith Jr. was in fulfillment of prophecy.
We find the Smith family 15 years later living about two miles outside the town of Palmyra, New York, on a farm.
This was a time when thee was a joint revival in the neighborhood between the Baptists, Methodists, and Presbyterians and they had succeeded in stirring up quite a feeling, and after the meeting the question arose which church should have the converts. Rev. Stockton was the president of the meeting and suggested that it was their meeting and under their care and they had a church there and they ought to join the Presbyterians, but as father did not like Rev. Stockton very well, the Smith family hesitated and the next evening a Rev. McLane of the Methodist preached a sermon on "what church shall I join?"
"And the burden of his discourse was to ask God, using as a text, "If any man lack wisdom let him ask of God who giveth to all men liberally." Joseph Smith Jr. went home and looked over the text of this sermon and in his own words said: "Never did any passage of Scripture come with more power to the heart of man that this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did not know, and unless I could get more wisdom than I then had, I would never know; for the teachers of religion of the different sects understood the same passages of Scripture so differently as to destroy all confidence in settling the question by an appeal to the Bible."
Little did he know as he went into the grove on that beautiful May morning in 1820, when only 14 years of age, that he was an instrument in the hands of the Lord, fulfilling the prophecy which his namesake (Joseph who had been sold into Egypt) had made thousands of years before.
"A choice seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins."
Is it any wonder as the young man knelt in the grove and for the first time to pray vocally that he was immediately attacked by "some power which entirely overcame him, and had such an astonishing influence over him as to bind his tongue so that he could not speak. Thick darkness gathered around him, and it seemed to him for a time as if he were doomed to sudden destruction, but, exerting all his powers he called upon God to deliver him from the power of this enemy.
Is it any wonder the Adversary would attempt to stop the great thing that was about to take place, the appearance of God the Eternal Father and His son Jesus Christ to this young man, who was to be the choice Seer raised up and that he would be commanded to do "none other work except that work which the Lord commanded him."
Almost from the time of Joseph Smith's first vision his life was dedicated to the restoration of the Gospel, building the Kingdom of God, and preparing the way for the return or second coming of our Lord and Master in all his glory.
Again in fulfillment of prophesy, "And I will give unto him a commandment that he shall do none other work, save the work which I shall command him. And I will make him great in mine eyes; for he shall do my work."
Young Joseph was tested the next few years. In fact he was tested from the time of his first vision until he sealed his testimony with his own blood when he was martyred at 38 years of age. Seldom was there a time when he was not persecuted.
He had to say about his persecution. "It caused me serious reflection then, and often has since, how very strange it was that an obscure boy, of a little over fourteen years of age, and one, too, who was doomed to the necessity of obtaining a scanty maintenance by his daily labor, should be thought a character of sufficient importance to attract the attention of the great ones of the most popular sects of the day, and in a manner to create in them a spirit of most bitter persecution and reviling. But strange or not, so it was, and it was often the cause of great sorrow to myself.
I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two personages and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying so, I was led to say in my heart: Why persecute me for telling the truth? I have actually seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the world think to make me deny what I have seen? For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation.
And Joseph, who was sold into Egypt, further testified as follows:
"But a seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins; and unto him will I give power to bring forth my word unto the seed of thy loins--and not to the bringing forth my word only, said the Lord, but to the convincing them of my word, which shall have already gone forth among them.
"Wherefore, the fruit of thy loins shall write; and the fruit of the loins of Judah shall write; (Judah was Joseph's brother. Both were sons of Jacob, later known as Israel) that that which shall be written by the fruit of thy loins, and also that which shall be written by the fruit of the loins of Judah, shall grow together unto the confounding of false doctrines and laying down of contentions, and establishing peace among the fruit of thy loins, and bringing them to the knowledge of my covenants, saith the Lord.
"And out of weakness he shall be made strong, in that day when my work shall commence among all my people, unto the restoring thee, O house of Israel, saith the Lord.
Again the Prophet Joseph Smith was an instrument in the hands of the Lord in fulfilling this prophesy. A history of the fruit of the loins of Joseph was kept, hidden away about 400 AD by Moroni. These records kept on plates were revealed to the Prophet Joseph by Moroni, and later taken and translated by use of the Urum and Thummin. Here is the result, The Book of Mormon which goes hand in hand with the Bible--or a history of the fruit of the loins of Judah--again fulfilling prophesy.
A man would have to be great in the eyes of God to have been chosen to open the dispensation of the fullness of times, to prepare the way for the second coming of His son in all his glory.
Just as sure as these prophecies have been fulfilled, the Savior will return and those who are his at his coming will be caught up to meet him. As Latter-day Saints we know through the revelations of the prophet Joseph Smith that the birth of the Savior was actually in April 6, although it is celebrated throughout the Christian World on the 24th of December.
The season has become one of materialism. As members of Christ's Church we should especially at this time of year be thankful for all the blessings he has bestowed upon us, for the gift of life, for our understanding of the Gospel, for those things that it brings into our lives. We can best show it by living his commandments.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Grandfather Derrick's Testimony at Ferd Dorius' Funeral
Funeral Sermon of Ferd Dorius 3/5/69
My brothers and sisters and friends it is a privilege for me to occupy this position tonight to pay respect to our beloved brother and friend and to try to give comfort to his loved ones. I pray that I may have your faith and prayers as I speak that this may be accomplished.
We are not here to judge for the record of his earth life is finished. We can not add to it, nor can we take from it. We know before us are only his mortal remains. he has passed to the other side. My faith tells me that his loved ones have met him there and that there is a rejoicing at his coming.
For over 3 years his body has not been well and now he is released from the infirmities of the flesh. How blessed we are that a loving Father in Heaven has seen to it that when the mortal part of the soul is not able to perform its function that there is a separation.
Death sends a message every day, and then one day, he knocks, and says come it is time to go. Death is as sure as life itself.
As much as we are aware of this, and as much as we try to prepare, for this event, the adjustment due to the separation is a challenge. How blessed we are when we have the faith and knowledge that there is a hereafter...that all of us will be resurrected.
I would like to talk to you about Brother Dorius' philosophy, at least part of it. as he understood it, and as it is contained in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I would like to begin by reading to you the 23rd Psalm which was rendered in song so beautifully by Lavon Pardini.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou are with me; they rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
He knew that a table had been prepared for him.
Those who were close to him and knew him best knew of the great love he had for his lovely wife and family. They knew the respect and love his family had for him.
He recognised the marriage he had to Merle as one that was performed by a member of the Holy Priesthood, one who had the authority to act for God and seal their marriage for all time and eternity. He had an understanding of this principle of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as understood by members of the Latter-day Saints church that worthy members who are allowed to go to one of our temples and be married there, and remain faithful to their marriage covenants and laws of the Gospel, are married not for time only but for all eternity. Also that their children are sealed to them and they will remain a family in the hereafter if they are faithful.
Although Deana is married and has a home of her own, and Shelton is not living at home, there still remain a bond of love between all members of the family. Brother Dorius knew as does his beloved wife that the family is a unit and will remain so forever and ever if they live faithful to their covenants they made with the Lord. They will meet as a family on the other side and continue to enjoy each others love and companionship.
His passing is only a separation and is not the end.
He also had an abiding faith that he would be resurrected and that all God's children who have come to earth, will eventually be resurrected. The spirit and the flesh will after death at some appointed time be reunited.
These two great truths--eternal marriage and the resurrection have been taught in the Dorius family.
Ferd was a loving husband and father. He taught his wife the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Early in their married life he used to walk the children many blocks to take them to church over in our building on Hayes Street.
It seemed he always had a testimony of the Gospel but in later years he became more aware of it and it was a matter of many discussions with his sweet wife. They loved to discuss the truths of the Gospel and it strengthened their relationship with one another. He taught his children good principles. He loved people. He won the love of those who attended him at the hospital.
He was a kind person, concerned about his fellow man. I happen to know when he found a man in need at one time who needed clothing and other goods, Brother Dorius took care of him and let him select the best of his suits to have and wear.
During the many house his wife was at his side during his sickness they talked of many things close to their hearts. Just a few weeks ago as he lay in bed he looked at her and said there is just nothing left to say, is there? Their understanding and love for one another was complete.
He has left a memory of beautiful moments spent with her and the family, a memory of a spirit that was find and good. The greatest tribute that can be paid him by his children will be by their righteous lives.
Hosea tells us in Chapter 13: "I will ransom them from the power of the grave. I will redeem them from death. O death, will be thy plagues. O grave I will be thy destruction."
Brother Dorius had a conviction about the actuality of the resurrection. He knew that Jesus Christ broke the bands of death.
"If in this life only we have hope in Christ we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first-fruits of them that slept. For since by man came death by man came also the resurrection if the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. Christ the first fruits and afterwards they that are Christ's at his coming."
When Christ was resurrected we read in the New Testament that many of the Saints who had lived up to that time received their bodies and were seen by many. In other words many were resurrected...
And the graves were opened and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
There are instances in sacred writ where mortals have been raised from the dead to mortal life before the resurrection of the Savior but none resurrected to immortality before that time. We also know that to a limited extent the resurrection has continued on indefinitely.
We have record of a man, Moroni to cite an example, who came to the Prophet Joseph Smith as a resurrected being. the Prophet Joseph Smith was the one through which the Lord restored the Gospel of Jesus Christ in these latter days and who organized the Church April 6, 1830. Moroni was the last of the prophets on this continent, a record of which is contained in the Book of Mormon. He lived here some 400 years after the death of the Savior. yet he came to the Prophet Joseph smith as a resurrected being. So that we know for specific purposes, certain persons are resurrected and have been from the time of Jesus' resurrection.
Christ was the first fruits. An account of his literal resurrection is told so beautifully and conclusively in John Chapter 20:1-7.
A. Christ appeared first to Mary Magdalene. She turned to him and said Rabboni; which is to say Master. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascendeth to my Father; and to your Father, and to my God, and your God.
B. He appeared unto his disciples including the doubting Thomas, who had to feel the scars in his side from his wounds received when he was crucified.
C. Again in 1 Corinthians 15:4-6. And he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures. And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve. After that he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
Thus, the manifestation of the Savior living again in his own identical, resurrected body, came unmistakeably to Mary and to his disciples.
The Old and New Testaments are full of scriptural proof that prophesy of the resurrection or prove that it is an actuality.
Daniel 12:1-2
And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written int he book.
And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Though Deepening Trials
Though deep'ning trials throng your way,
Press on, press on, ye Saints of God;
Ere long the resurrection day
Will spread its life and truth abroad.
Tough outward ills await us here,
The time at longest is not long
Ere Jesus Christ will reappear,
Surrounded by a glorious throng.
Lift up your hearts in praise to God,
Let your rejoicings never cease;
Though tribulations rage abroad,
Christ says, "In me ye shall have peace."
My brothers and sisters and friends it is a privilege for me to occupy this position tonight to pay respect to our beloved brother and friend and to try to give comfort to his loved ones. I pray that I may have your faith and prayers as I speak that this may be accomplished.
We are not here to judge for the record of his earth life is finished. We can not add to it, nor can we take from it. We know before us are only his mortal remains. he has passed to the other side. My faith tells me that his loved ones have met him there and that there is a rejoicing at his coming.
For over 3 years his body has not been well and now he is released from the infirmities of the flesh. How blessed we are that a loving Father in Heaven has seen to it that when the mortal part of the soul is not able to perform its function that there is a separation.
Death sends a message every day, and then one day, he knocks, and says come it is time to go. Death is as sure as life itself.
As much as we are aware of this, and as much as we try to prepare, for this event, the adjustment due to the separation is a challenge. How blessed we are when we have the faith and knowledge that there is a hereafter...that all of us will be resurrected.
I would like to talk to you about Brother Dorius' philosophy, at least part of it. as he understood it, and as it is contained in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I would like to begin by reading to you the 23rd Psalm which was rendered in song so beautifully by Lavon Pardini.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou are with me; they rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
He knew that a table had been prepared for him.
Those who were close to him and knew him best knew of the great love he had for his lovely wife and family. They knew the respect and love his family had for him.
He recognised the marriage he had to Merle as one that was performed by a member of the Holy Priesthood, one who had the authority to act for God and seal their marriage for all time and eternity. He had an understanding of this principle of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as understood by members of the Latter-day Saints church that worthy members who are allowed to go to one of our temples and be married there, and remain faithful to their marriage covenants and laws of the Gospel, are married not for time only but for all eternity. Also that their children are sealed to them and they will remain a family in the hereafter if they are faithful.
Although Deana is married and has a home of her own, and Shelton is not living at home, there still remain a bond of love between all members of the family. Brother Dorius knew as does his beloved wife that the family is a unit and will remain so forever and ever if they live faithful to their covenants they made with the Lord. They will meet as a family on the other side and continue to enjoy each others love and companionship.
His passing is only a separation and is not the end.
He also had an abiding faith that he would be resurrected and that all God's children who have come to earth, will eventually be resurrected. The spirit and the flesh will after death at some appointed time be reunited.
These two great truths--eternal marriage and the resurrection have been taught in the Dorius family.
Ferd was a loving husband and father. He taught his wife the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Early in their married life he used to walk the children many blocks to take them to church over in our building on Hayes Street.
It seemed he always had a testimony of the Gospel but in later years he became more aware of it and it was a matter of many discussions with his sweet wife. They loved to discuss the truths of the Gospel and it strengthened their relationship with one another. He taught his children good principles. He loved people. He won the love of those who attended him at the hospital.
He was a kind person, concerned about his fellow man. I happen to know when he found a man in need at one time who needed clothing and other goods, Brother Dorius took care of him and let him select the best of his suits to have and wear.
During the many house his wife was at his side during his sickness they talked of many things close to their hearts. Just a few weeks ago as he lay in bed he looked at her and said there is just nothing left to say, is there? Their understanding and love for one another was complete.
He has left a memory of beautiful moments spent with her and the family, a memory of a spirit that was find and good. The greatest tribute that can be paid him by his children will be by their righteous lives.
Hosea tells us in Chapter 13: "I will ransom them from the power of the grave. I will redeem them from death. O death, will be thy plagues. O grave I will be thy destruction."
Brother Dorius had a conviction about the actuality of the resurrection. He knew that Jesus Christ broke the bands of death.
"If in this life only we have hope in Christ we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first-fruits of them that slept. For since by man came death by man came also the resurrection if the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. Christ the first fruits and afterwards they that are Christ's at his coming."
When Christ was resurrected we read in the New Testament that many of the Saints who had lived up to that time received their bodies and were seen by many. In other words many were resurrected...
And the graves were opened and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
There are instances in sacred writ where mortals have been raised from the dead to mortal life before the resurrection of the Savior but none resurrected to immortality before that time. We also know that to a limited extent the resurrection has continued on indefinitely.
We have record of a man, Moroni to cite an example, who came to the Prophet Joseph Smith as a resurrected being. the Prophet Joseph Smith was the one through which the Lord restored the Gospel of Jesus Christ in these latter days and who organized the Church April 6, 1830. Moroni was the last of the prophets on this continent, a record of which is contained in the Book of Mormon. He lived here some 400 years after the death of the Savior. yet he came to the Prophet Joseph smith as a resurrected being. So that we know for specific purposes, certain persons are resurrected and have been from the time of Jesus' resurrection.
Christ was the first fruits. An account of his literal resurrection is told so beautifully and conclusively in John Chapter 20:1-7.
A. Christ appeared first to Mary Magdalene. She turned to him and said Rabboni; which is to say Master. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascendeth to my Father; and to your Father, and to my God, and your God.
B. He appeared unto his disciples including the doubting Thomas, who had to feel the scars in his side from his wounds received when he was crucified.
C. Again in 1 Corinthians 15:4-6. And he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures. And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve. After that he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
Thus, the manifestation of the Savior living again in his own identical, resurrected body, came unmistakeably to Mary and to his disciples.
The Old and New Testaments are full of scriptural proof that prophesy of the resurrection or prove that it is an actuality.
Daniel 12:1-2
And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written int he book.
And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Though Deepening Trials
Though deep'ning trials throng your way,
Press on, press on, ye Saints of God;
Ere long the resurrection day
Will spread its life and truth abroad.
Tough outward ills await us here,
The time at longest is not long
Ere Jesus Christ will reappear,
Surrounded by a glorious throng.
Lift up your hearts in praise to God,
Let your rejoicings never cease;
Though tribulations rage abroad,
Christ says, "In me ye shall have peace."
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Grandfather Derrick's talk on Faith and Repentance
I wanted to keep sharing the words of Grandfather Derrick. His journals can be of great worth to all of us.
Faith and Repentance
Article of Faith 4--We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are (1) Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (2) Repentance; (3) Baptism by immersion for the forgiveness of sins.
Nature of:
Full confidence and trust in the being, purposes, and words of God. Removes all doubt concerning things accomplished or promised of God, even if not understandable.
Paul says: It is the substance (assurance) of things hoped for, the evidence (proof) of things not seen. In order to fully understand FAITH we must know something about BELIEVE and Knowledge. They are not identical.
BELIEF, FAITH AND KNOWLEDGE--Not identical. Belief may consist intellectual assent, while faith implies such confidence and conviction as will impel to action.
The Apostle James in his general epistle (to) the Saints chided his brethren for certain empty professions. He said in effect: You take pride and satisfaction in declaring your belief in God; you boast of being distinguished from the idolaters and the heathen because you accept one God, you do well to so profess, and so believe; but, remember, others do likewise; even the devils believe; and so firmly that they tremble at the thought of the fat which that belief makes plain to them.
Faith and Repentance
Article of Faith 4--We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are (1) Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (2) Repentance; (3) Baptism by immersion for the forgiveness of sins.
Nature of:
Full confidence and trust in the being, purposes, and words of God. Removes all doubt concerning things accomplished or promised of God, even if not understandable.
Paul says: It is the substance (assurance) of things hoped for, the evidence (proof) of things not seen. In order to fully understand FAITH we must know something about BELIEVE and Knowledge. They are not identical.
BELIEF, FAITH AND KNOWLEDGE--Not identical. Belief may consist intellectual assent, while faith implies such confidence and conviction as will impel to action.
- Belief passive, mental agreement
- Faith positive
- May believe and still lack faith Faith in Godhead
- is requisite to salvation
The Apostle James in his general epistle (to) the Saints chided his brethren for certain empty professions. He said in effect: You take pride and satisfaction in declaring your belief in God; you boast of being distinguished from the idolaters and the heathen because you accept one God, you do well to so profess, and so believe; but, remember, others do likewise; even the devils believe; and so firmly that they tremble at the thought of the fat which that belief makes plain to them.
Devils Believe But Lack Faith:
Yes, even the devils believe but they do not have faith. Call to mind during the Master's ministry the case of the man possessed by evil spirits, in the land of Gadarenes; a man so grievously tormented as to be a terror to all who came near him; people were afraid to approach him; yet when he saw Christ, he ran to Him and worshipped, and the wicked spirit within him begged for mercy at the hands of that Righteous One, calling Him "Jesus, Son of the Most High God."
Devils in the Multitude Believe:
And then, we are told that Christ was once followed by a multitude, among them were many who were possessed of evil spirits, and these, when they saw Him fell down in the attitude of worship, exclaiming: "Thou art the Son of God."
Satan Knows God and Christ:
Satan the evil one knows God and Christ, remembers perchance, somewhat concerning the position which he once occupied as Son of the Morning; yet with all such knowledge he is Satan still. He believed that God was God that Jesus Christ was His Son. The devils who saw Christ who he was they believed, they had the knowledge. But neither belief or knowledge is sufficient to save, for neither of these is faith. They failed their first estate. Why, because they had not faith.
Apostle James Faith With Works:
The Apostle James tells us faith without works is dead. In other words if there is no work there is no faith.
Faith is active, potent, moving, impelling, powerful, it carries one beyond his own abilities. It motivates, it inspires, it brings out the God in man, it saves.
It is the psychology of man that he just, so much as believes. Then he adds a little knowledge, he adds to this a little faith, then more knowledge and his faith gets stronger.
Epidemic of Cholera:
An epidemic of cholera in a large city. Scientific man finds it is caused from water supply. People are warned and saved through faith. They did not drink the water, they had faith. It was matter of knowledge to the scientist. He had actually seen under the microscope, the death-dealing germs in the water. Nevertheless, in a moment of forgetfulness drank of the unpurified water. Knowledge did not save him. He believed he had knowledge but it did not save him. He had knowledge but was he wise? Knowledge is to wisdom what belief is to faith. No possession merely, but the proper use of knowledge constitutes wisdom. Of belief compared with faith it may be said, as it has been taught of knowledge and wisdom.
Alma on Belief and Knowledge:
FAITH: Chap 32--Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things: Therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true.
Start with Belief. God is merciful unto all who believe on his name; therefore he desireth, in the first place, that ye should believe, yea, even His word.
Imparts His Words by Angels to Men, Women, and Even Little Children"
And now, he imparteth his word by angels unto men, yea, not only men but women also, No this is not all; little children do have words given unto them many times which confound the wise and the learned.
Faith Even as With His Words You Can Not Know of Assurety at First:
Now as I said concerning faith--that it was not a perfect knowledge--even so it is with my words. Ye cannot know of surety at first, unto perfection, any more than faith is perfect knowledge.
Arouse Your Faculties Experiment Upon My Words:
"But behold, if ye will awaken and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until you believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words."
Take a seed, liken this to belief. Plant it. give it a little rain, a little sunshine, fertilize a little, and nourish it. It was planted in fertile soil it will sprout. It takes quit a while. You have to keep caring for it so that it gets enough water. After awhile the tree is grown and you are rewarded with the fruit of the tree. That is the way with believe, knowledge and faith. You cannot, you will not receive your fruit or reward without faith.
This may be just what kind of tree so you need other fruits. Likewise, your faith may become perfect in one thing. But you must become faithful in all things so you have to plant other seeds and nourish them. "Now we will compare the word to a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that he will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you fell these swelling motions, yet will begin to say within yourselves--It must needs be this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me."
This man says, I can plant some good seeds and see that they are nourished. I can go about doing good and be a good Christian.
That's fine, but his soil is somewhat barren he is not going to enjoy the sweet fruit he could have enjoyed.
The 76th second of the Doctrine and Covenants says concerning the Terrestrial Glory, which is the one lower than the Celestial, "These are the good men of the earth blinded by the craftiness of men." In order to gain exaltation he must keep all the commandments. The Doctrine and Covenants tells us to "meet together often and partake of the Sacrament." This that we may renew our covenants, that we do always remember him, and then we have the promise that he will always be with us. Where a few are gathered together in my name, there I will be also. So we go to church to partake of his spirit.
The organization of the church teaches us to work harmoniously with each other. In each Ward if I am not mistaken it takes 255 workers to fill all the jobs. When we take on responsibilities we learn much about our own makeup.
This is important if we are going to improve, Sometimes we get our nose bumped. We get some of the rough corners taken off.
I would like to tell you a little story that may help some of us when things are not going just as we would like them to. There was a little boy attempting to teach a small girl to ride his bicycle. She kept falling down and trying again. Finally, after the last fall, she looked up at him and said, "you know it takes a lot of brains to be as dumb as I am."
There is a lesson in this little story. She did the best she could but because she was not about to ride the bicycle she didn't let it cause her to be frustrated. She just kept trying to do the best she could and in effect laughed at herself when she couldn't make it.
There is another important reason why we should go to church and that is to bear our testimony. This helps to build our faith.
When we have faith we keep the commandments of God, we receive the fruit from that good tree. We meet together to study the Gospel. Then if we apply this knowledge this strengthens our faith.
I was in New York several years ago for several months and my family was in the West. As I did some sightseeing I kept wishing Sister Derrick and the children were there so that we could enjoy it together. It was not nearly so enjoyable without them. When we find something good we like to share it with others.
Well Mister you are missing a lot. You may be a good man but the fruit is much sweeter in this side of the fence.
Would Increase Your Faith But Not Perfect Knowledge Yet:
Now behold, would not this increase you faith? I say unto you, yea; nevertheless it hath not grown up to a perfect knowledge. Therefore, if a seed groweth it is good, but if it groweth not, behold it is not good, therefore it is cast away. Now behold because you have tried this experiment, and planted the seed, and it swelleth and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, ye must needs know that the seed is good.
Knowledge Perfect In That Thing:
Now, behold, is your knowledge perfect? Yea, Your knowledge is perfect in that thing, and your faith is dormant; and this because ye know, for ye know the word hath swelled your souls, and ye also know that it hath sprouted up, that your understanding doth begin to be enlightened, and your mind doth begin to expand.
Oh, then, is not this real? I say unto you. Yea, because it is light; and whatsoever is light, is good, because it is discernable, therefore ye must know that it is good; and now behold, after ye have tasted this light is your knowledge perfect.
Behold I say unto you, Nay neither must ye lay aside your faith, for ye have only exercised your faith to plant the seed that ye might try the experiment to know if the seed was good.
Tree Grows, Nourish It:
And behold, as the tree beginneth to grow, ye will say: Let us nourish it with great care, that it may get root that it may grow up, and bring forth fruit unto us. And now behold, if ye nourish it with much care it will get root, and grown up, and bring forth fruit. But if ye neglect the tree, and take no thought for its nourishment, behold it will not get any root; and when the heat of the sun cometh and scourcheth it, because it had no root it withers away, and ye pluck it up and cast it out. Now, this is not because the seed was not good, neither is it because the fruit thereof would not be desirable; but it is because your ground is barren, and ye will not nourish the tree, therefore ye cannot have the fruit thereof.
Fruit Thereof Likened to Benefits of Keeping Commandments:
And thus, if ye will not nourish the word, looking forward with an eye of faith to the fruit thereof, ye can never pluck of the fruit of the tree of life. But if ye will nourish the word, yea nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith and with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life. And ye shall reap the rewards of your belief which hath grown into faith.
Other Ways of Planting the Seeds of Faith:
Romans 10:17--So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Paul says "So faith cometh by hearing, and hearing the words of God."
Prophet Joseph Smith Jr.
Faith comes by hearing the word of God, through the testimony of the servants of God; that testimony is always attended by the spirit of prophecy and revelation.
President John Taylor: Faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God. It plants the seed which we have to nourish.
Can and Man Staying At Home Build Faith?
A man once said to me, "I can be as good a man by staying home as I can by going to church."
I thought to myself, maybe you can but good for what? Modern day and prophets tell us that the way to build faith is by hearing, and hearing the word of God.
Now where is the best place to hear the word of God? Why at church naturally.
Well, this man might say I can stay home and read the word of God. I believe in God I believe in Jesus Christ. I am a Christian. That is good for the scriptures say, "He that believeth in him is not condemned but that he that believeth not is condemned already. He is not condemned for believing but is belief enough?
Jesus to Nicodemus:
It is true as the master said when talking to Nicodemus "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.
He believeth on Him is not condemned but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Reflect Again on James:
Faith without works is dead
George Albert Smith: Faith is a gift of God; it is the fruitage of righteous living. It does not come to us by our command but is the result of doing the will of our Heavenly Father.
What is the Will of Our Father in Heaven?
That we keep his commandments: that we partake of the Sacrament often, that we attend our Priesthood meetings, that we do those things we are asked to by his representatives. Those who are in authority to minister in the Gospel ordinances.
Church Organization For Growth of Saints:
What we find: 3300 church units, that is, Branches, Wards, etc. takes 200 to 300 people to man, fully organized. or 600000 workers in Church. membership 1300000. Exclude children, and those unable to work, and you see what we have. Do our leaders think it is important for us to be "workers."
Examples of Faith:
Matt 17:14-21 - And when they were come to the multitude there came to Him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,
Lord, have mercy on my son; for he is a lunatick, and sore vexed: for oft times he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.
And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.
Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I suffer you? Bring him hither to me.
And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.
Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, why could not we cast him out?
And Jesus said unto them, because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and shall not be impossible unto you.
Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
2 Cor. 5:7 - For we walk by faith not by sight.
By faith Enoch and his people were translated.
Moses led children of Israel through the Red Sea when the waters parted by faith.
The Master walked on the water by faith.
Walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about seven days by faith.
Story of Joseph Smith, James 1:5-6, If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given.
Story - early spring 1820 beautiful day in sacred grove. First attempt at praying vocally.
Truth of Book of Mormon known through faith. Moroni 10:4
So we now know the mortal body returns to mother earth, but every fundamental element of it is reanimated with the spirit at the time of the resurrection and not so much as a hair of the head is lost.
What else can we say about the body, that is the natural man?
Adam partook of the forbidden fruit and became fallen man. We inherited some of his attributes. We inherited the weaknesses of the flesh.
True they may not all rise to clear focus in the man's mind during his lifetime, but nevertheless, they are still there by reason of his physical nature.Let's find out what some of these weaknesses are--included in the phrase carnality, sensuality, and devilishness--for these corruptible qualities cannot bear the presence of God; with these elements in our own systems we are spiritually dead.
Adam was cast out, becoming spiritually dead, and all of his posterity took part of his nature.
Alright, Mosiah 3:19 gives us some information on this--"For the natural man is an enemy of God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticing of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father."
That is very potent: "Natural man is an enemy of god." Have you ever thought about that? We're natural men. We're enemies of God, unless something happens, We don't think of ourselves as enemies of God, but in our natural state, subject to all that the flesh is heir to, we are actually enemies of God--as it states right here--unless we use our initiative to make it otherwise.Let's see again what we find...Mosiah 16:3-4 "For they are carnal and devilish and the devil has power over them; yea, even the old serpent that did beguile our first parents, which was the cause of their fall, which was the cause of all mankind becoming carnal, sensual, devilish, knowing evil from good, subjecting themselves to the devil. Thus all mankind were lost; and behold they would have endlessly been lost were it not that God redeemed his people from their lost and fallen state. But remember he that persists in his own
Who Is Fit
"And Jesus said unto him, No man having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."
Not All Is Understood
When you climb up a ladder, you must begin at the bottom, and ascend step by step, until you arrive at the top; and soit is with the principles of the gospel--you must begin with the first, and go on until you learn all the principles of exaltation. But it will be a great while after you have passed through the veil before you will have learned them. It is not all to be comprehended in this world; it will be a great work to learn our salvation and exaltation even beyond the grave. --Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, page 348.
Faith Without Works
The belief in Christ which is taught by modern Christian sects is thus condemned by the Apostle James: "But wilt thoug know, O vain man, that fiath without works is dead. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith ithout works is dead also." James ii:20, 24, 26
Thursday, September 15, 2011
A Wonderful Summer
I had a wonderful summer because of my family. The opportunity that I had to see all of my children and spend time with my grandchildren was a blessing. I love my family and enjoy spending time with them.
In July Cherie, Lily, Sawyer, John, Jonathan, Janilee, Kent and Jenessa flew home. And In July Kristen came to visit too. I loved the opportunity I had to see all of them. It was especially fun to do activities with them like going to the zoo, participating in a triathlon, walking in the park, sewing, biking, and generally just talking together. We went to Bryce's graduation and visited with Keith in Boise too. I miss them terribly but know that they are doing the right things in their lives.
I participated in the Stake Women's triathlon and spent all summer preparing or should I say all spring and summer. I have been walking with a friend, biking, running, lifting weights, and swimming. It has been quite an effort for me to realise that I can still do those things and I surprised even myself.
I want you all to know how much I love you all and hope that you are well and h
appy. :) And by the way I wanted to put all your pictures in here because I love every one of you.
Grandfather Derrick
I remember as a child sitting in church and watching my grandfather Derrick on the stand. He was the Stake President at that time of the San Francisco Stake and had many duties and responsibilities that took him away from home. When we would go to his house during Stake Conference we would meet general authorities like Harold B. Lee, Spencer W. Kimball, N. Eldon Tanner, and others. I would go downstairs to his office and grandfather would be sitting at his desk writing on his typewriter. I found some of his writings and would like to share them with everyone. They are not only important historical documents of the San Francisco Stake but also a look into his thoughts as he prepared for Stake Conference. It is the only journals that we have and the words that he wrote were important spiritual counsel to all of his family. I hope you would treasure his words and writings and print them to keep in your books of remembrance.
Poor In Spirit--
To be poor in spirit is to feel yourselves as the spiritually needy, ever dependent upon the Lord for your clothes, your food and the air you breathe, you health, your life; realizing that no day should pass without fervent prayer of thanksgiving, for guidance and forgiveness and strength sufficient for each day's need.
It is indeed a sad thing because of wealth or knowledge, or worldly position, if an individual thinks himself independent of this spiritual need.
It is the opposite of pride or self-conceit.
To the worldly rich it is that "he must possess his wealth as though he possessed it not," and be willing to say without regret, if he were suddenly to meet financial disaster, as did Job, "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord."
One of our dear sisters as she was driving to the cemetery with five of her boys to bury her husband and their father said, "remember boys the things your father taught, they can not be taken away, we should be thankful for what we have, we will be with him again." She was as Job...
To Mourn--
One must show that "godly sorrow that worketh repentance: and wins for the penitent a forgiveness of sins and forbids a return to the deeds of which he mourns. It is to see, as did the Apostle Paul, "glory in tribulations, know that tribulations worketh patience; patience, experience; and experience hope." (Romans 5:3-4)
Again this causes me to think of the guidance we should give our children. We should not do for them but we should teach them the right things. Would an individual grow if he lived in a society that planned his every move. I think not. He grows by doing, by having tribulations (not that we should go looking for them), by experience. This experience should bring us hope. It should cause us to be thankful for those things we have, opportunities, etc.
To mourn you must be willing "to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light." When a mother mourns for the return of a wayward daughter, you with compassion must forbid the casting of the first stone.
Your mourning with the aged, widow, and the orphan should lead you to bring the succor they require.
You must be as the publican and not as the Pharisee. "God be merciful to me a sinner." This is a requirement if you are to be forgiven your own sins.
To Be Merciful--
Our salvation rests upon the mercy we show to others. Unkind and cruel words, or wanton acts of cruelty toward man or beast, even though in seeming retaliation, disqualify the perpetrator in his claims for mercy when he has need of mercy in the day of judgment...
There is a hymn - that goes "If I have wounded any soul today, if I have caused one foot to go astray, if I have walked in mine own willful way, dear Lord, forgive."
Is there one of you who have never been wounded by the slander of another whom he thought to be his friend? Do you remember the struggle you had to refrain from retribution?
Blessed are all you who are merciful for you shall obtain mercy!
Peacemakers -- Children of God
Peacemakers shall be called the children of God.
We have in this world trouble-makers, we have them in the country, we have them in our communities, we sometimes have them in the church. They are prompted by motives of evil and unless they desist will be known as the children of Satan rather than of God. They are the strikers against law and order.
That one who is quarrelsome or contentious, and whose arguments are for other purposes than to resolve the truth, is violating a fundamental principle laid down by the master as an essential in building a full rich life. Peace and good will to men on earth was the angel song that heralded the birth of the "Prince of Peace."
The Persecuted--
To be persecuted for righteousness sake in a great cause where truth and virtue and honor are at stake is god-like.
We have a lot of good examples of those who have been persecuted because they persisted in following the truth and a good cause: The Master and his eleven Apostles, Joseph Smith to name a few.
Persecution oft times comes from lace of understanding, for men are prone to oppose that which they do not understand. Our missionaries have felt this kind of persecution.
But from whatever cause, persecution seems to be so universal against those engaged in a righteous cause that the Master warns us, "Woe unto you when all men shall speak well of you! For so did their fathers to the false prophets." (Luke 6:26).
To Hunger and Thirst--
For crust of bread, of dip of water.
Hungering and thirsting after righteousness should cause us to hunger and thirst to attend our meetings. It is that thing which causes us to go to the temple. It causes us to keep the Sabbath Day holy.
Build "Each new temple nobler than the last...till thou at length art free: "then your whole bodies shall be filled with light and there shall be no darkness in you."
The Pure in Heart--
There is in Jewish writings the story of a man who saw an object in the distance, an object that he thought was a beast. As it drew nearer he could perceive it was a man and as it came still closer he saw it was his friend. You see only that which you have eyes to see. If you do not see in your Branch President a good man who is trying to lead the branch properly. then you had better get down on your knees and pray that he will or that your heart will be changed so that you will be "pure in heart." Some of the associates of Jesus saw him only as the son of the carpenter Joseph. Others thought him to be a wine bibber or drunkard because of his words. Still others thought he was possessed of devils. Only the righteous saw him as the son of god.
Only if you are pure in heart will you see God, and also in a lesser degree will you be able to see the "God" or good in man and love him because of the goodness you see in him.
MARK well that person who criticizes and maligns the man of God or the Lord's anointed leaders in his Church. Such a one speaks from an impure heart.
Entrance Into The Kingdom--
But in order to gain entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven we must not only be good but we are required to do good and be good for something. So if you would walk daily onward that goal of perfection and fullness of life, you must be schooled the remaining four "articles" in the Master's constitution for a perfect life. these have to do with man's social relations with others.
BLESSED ARE THE MEEK
BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL
BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS
BLESSED ARE THEY WHICH ARE PERSECUTED
A Meek Man--
Defined as one who is not easily provoked or irritated and forbearing under injury or annoyance. Meekness is not synonymous with weakness. The meek man is strong, the mighty, the man of complete self mastery. He is the one who has the courage of his moral convictions, despite the pressure of the gang or club. He is humble-minded, he does not bluster. "He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty." He is the leader. He is the salt of the earth and shall inherit it.
Greatest in the Kingdom or Greatest in the World?
A help--what would we have to hid if Jesus appeared tomorrow? Would we do the same things in his presence as we do now?
You may know you are living a full, rich life when you have a real joy of living for "Men are that they might have joy." (2 Nephi 2:25)
What is it that gives you that high emotional ecstasy called joy? Does it come from the unusual or does it come from common things?
You make a serious error if you mistake an "emotional" thrill that passes with the moment for the upsurge of deep feelings that is the joy of living. This type of emotional thrill may leave bitter memories and certainly not add to the joy of living.
On the other hand, if we have strong surges of happiness from the quiet of a happy home, from the unfolding of a beautiful life, from the revelation of divine wisdom or from the love of the beautiful and true and good, you are having a taste of the fulness of joy that living a rich, full life only can bring:
Memories of home--around the piano, good friends, with dad. The joy of teaching. Teacher of many years, her joy. Mother and dad's joy through the lives of their children.
Eight Ways to Joy
Jesus gave a sermon from sunup to sundown. Many great and important things were given at this time. Among them were eight ways by which we can have joy.
Each of these declarations is begun by the word "blessed." Blessedness is defined as being higher than happiness. Happiness comes from without and is dependent upon circumstances; blessedness is an inward fountain of joy in the world itself, which no outward circumstances can seriously affect.
Jesus at Gethsemane.
Brother Lee has referred to these EIGHT WAYS TO JOY as a CONSTITUTION FOR A PERFECT LIFE. they are known in literature to the Christian world as the Beatitudes. They are the preparation necessary for entrance into the kingdom of heaven.
THE CONSTITUTION FOR A PERFECT LIFE
Let us consider them for a few moments
BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT
BLESSED ARE THEY THAT MOURN
BLESSED ARE THEY THAT HUNGER AND THIRST AFTER RIGHTEOUSNESS
BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART
Poor In Spirit--
To be poor in spirit is to feel yourselves as the spiritually needy, ever dependent upon the Lord for your clothes, your food and the air you breathe, you health, your life; realizing that no day should pass without fervent prayer of thanksgiving, for guidance and forgiveness and strength sufficient for each day's need.
It is indeed a sad thing because of wealth or knowledge, or worldly position, if an individual thinks himself independent of this spiritual need.
It is the opposite of pride or self-conceit.
To the worldly rich it is that "he must possess his wealth as though he possessed it not," and be willing to say without regret, if he were suddenly to meet financial disaster, as did Job, "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord."
One of our dear sisters as she was driving to the cemetery with five of her boys to bury her husband and their father said, "remember boys the things your father taught, they can not be taken away, we should be thankful for what we have, we will be with him again." She was as Job...
To Mourn--
One must show that "godly sorrow that worketh repentance: and wins for the penitent a forgiveness of sins and forbids a return to the deeds of which he mourns. It is to see, as did the Apostle Paul, "glory in tribulations, know that tribulations worketh patience; patience, experience; and experience hope." (Romans 5:3-4)
Again this causes me to think of the guidance we should give our children. We should not do for them but we should teach them the right things. Would an individual grow if he lived in a society that planned his every move. I think not. He grows by doing, by having tribulations (not that we should go looking for them), by experience. This experience should bring us hope. It should cause us to be thankful for those things we have, opportunities, etc.
To mourn you must be willing "to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light." When a mother mourns for the return of a wayward daughter, you with compassion must forbid the casting of the first stone.
Your mourning with the aged, widow, and the orphan should lead you to bring the succor they require.
You must be as the publican and not as the Pharisee. "God be merciful to me a sinner." This is a requirement if you are to be forgiven your own sins.
To Be Merciful--
Our salvation rests upon the mercy we show to others. Unkind and cruel words, or wanton acts of cruelty toward man or beast, even though in seeming retaliation, disqualify the perpetrator in his claims for mercy when he has need of mercy in the day of judgment...
There is a hymn - that goes "If I have wounded any soul today, if I have caused one foot to go astray, if I have walked in mine own willful way, dear Lord, forgive."
Is there one of you who have never been wounded by the slander of another whom he thought to be his friend? Do you remember the struggle you had to refrain from retribution?
Blessed are all you who are merciful for you shall obtain mercy!
Peacemakers -- Children of God
Peacemakers shall be called the children of God.
We have in this world trouble-makers, we have them in the country, we have them in our communities, we sometimes have them in the church. They are prompted by motives of evil and unless they desist will be known as the children of Satan rather than of God. They are the strikers against law and order.
That one who is quarrelsome or contentious, and whose arguments are for other purposes than to resolve the truth, is violating a fundamental principle laid down by the master as an essential in building a full rich life. Peace and good will to men on earth was the angel song that heralded the birth of the "Prince of Peace."
The Persecuted--
To be persecuted for righteousness sake in a great cause where truth and virtue and honor are at stake is god-like.
We have a lot of good examples of those who have been persecuted because they persisted in following the truth and a good cause: The Master and his eleven Apostles, Joseph Smith to name a few.
Persecution oft times comes from lace of understanding, for men are prone to oppose that which they do not understand. Our missionaries have felt this kind of persecution.
But from whatever cause, persecution seems to be so universal against those engaged in a righteous cause that the Master warns us, "Woe unto you when all men shall speak well of you! For so did their fathers to the false prophets." (Luke 6:26).
To Hunger and Thirst--
For crust of bread, of dip of water.
Hungering and thirsting after righteousness should cause us to hunger and thirst to attend our meetings. It is that thing which causes us to go to the temple. It causes us to keep the Sabbath Day holy.
Build "Each new temple nobler than the last...till thou at length art free: "then your whole bodies shall be filled with light and there shall be no darkness in you."
The Pure in Heart--
There is in Jewish writings the story of a man who saw an object in the distance, an object that he thought was a beast. As it drew nearer he could perceive it was a man and as it came still closer he saw it was his friend. You see only that which you have eyes to see. If you do not see in your Branch President a good man who is trying to lead the branch properly. then you had better get down on your knees and pray that he will or that your heart will be changed so that you will be "pure in heart." Some of the associates of Jesus saw him only as the son of the carpenter Joseph. Others thought him to be a wine bibber or drunkard because of his words. Still others thought he was possessed of devils. Only the righteous saw him as the son of god.
Only if you are pure in heart will you see God, and also in a lesser degree will you be able to see the "God" or good in man and love him because of the goodness you see in him.
MARK well that person who criticizes and maligns the man of God or the Lord's anointed leaders in his Church. Such a one speaks from an impure heart.
Entrance Into The Kingdom--
But in order to gain entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven we must not only be good but we are required to do good and be good for something. So if you would walk daily onward that goal of perfection and fullness of life, you must be schooled the remaining four "articles" in the Master's constitution for a perfect life. these have to do with man's social relations with others.
BLESSED ARE THE MEEK
BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL
BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS
BLESSED ARE THEY WHICH ARE PERSECUTED
A Meek Man--
Defined as one who is not easily provoked or irritated and forbearing under injury or annoyance. Meekness is not synonymous with weakness. The meek man is strong, the mighty, the man of complete self mastery. He is the one who has the courage of his moral convictions, despite the pressure of the gang or club. He is humble-minded, he does not bluster. "He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty." He is the leader. He is the salt of the earth and shall inherit it.
Greatest in the Kingdom or Greatest in the World?
A help--what would we have to hid if Jesus appeared tomorrow? Would we do the same things in his presence as we do now?
You may know you are living a full, rich life when you have a real joy of living for "Men are that they might have joy." (2 Nephi 2:25)
What is it that gives you that high emotional ecstasy called joy? Does it come from the unusual or does it come from common things?
You make a serious error if you mistake an "emotional" thrill that passes with the moment for the upsurge of deep feelings that is the joy of living. This type of emotional thrill may leave bitter memories and certainly not add to the joy of living.
On the other hand, if we have strong surges of happiness from the quiet of a happy home, from the unfolding of a beautiful life, from the revelation of divine wisdom or from the love of the beautiful and true and good, you are having a taste of the fulness of joy that living a rich, full life only can bring:
Memories of home--around the piano, good friends, with dad. The joy of teaching. Teacher of many years, her joy. Mother and dad's joy through the lives of their children.
Eight Ways to Joy
Jesus gave a sermon from sunup to sundown. Many great and important things were given at this time. Among them were eight ways by which we can have joy.
Each of these declarations is begun by the word "blessed." Blessedness is defined as being higher than happiness. Happiness comes from without and is dependent upon circumstances; blessedness is an inward fountain of joy in the world itself, which no outward circumstances can seriously affect.
Jesus at Gethsemane.
Brother Lee has referred to these EIGHT WAYS TO JOY as a CONSTITUTION FOR A PERFECT LIFE. they are known in literature to the Christian world as the Beatitudes. They are the preparation necessary for entrance into the kingdom of heaven.
THE CONSTITUTION FOR A PERFECT LIFE
Let us consider them for a few moments
BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT
BLESSED ARE THEY THAT MOURN
BLESSED ARE THEY THAT HUNGER AND THIRST AFTER RIGHTEOUSNESS
BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART
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