Ward Spiritual Thought

I am sure most of us are familiar with the scripture in 2 Nephi 2:25

Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.

I have been thinking about this scripture a bit lately. It seems to me in the world we live in it is increasingly difficult to feel joy. There is so much confusion and contention everywhere around us. Life is full of pain, suffering, hardships, and trials. Not to mention the busyness of life that keeps us from the joy that we are seeking.

What can we do to have joy in our lives at times when we are struggling or things are not going well for us? One thing that helps me when I have feelings of despair is trying to see the big picture. It says when we were in the council in heaven and heard God’s plan for us, we shouted with joy. I think we must have known coming to earth would come with challenges and we would have pain and sorrow. However, we knew it was the only way we could become more like our father in heaven. We were probably excited to receive a body and experience things we could never experience as a spirit, even pain and suffering. When I am struggling, I think of how excited we must have been to experience these things and knowing that every experience helps us grow and become more like our father in heaven. While pain and suffering are part of life, when we realize the growth that comes from them, we can see God’s love for us. For example, Joseph Smith after suffering for months in liberty jail was told in D&C 122:6

know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.

I know that our heavenly father and Savior love us very much and they know the way for us to grow and become like them is to pass through the trials of life. Someday we will be able to be with them again and have a fulness of joy.

Matt Gurr

One of my favorite scriptures is found in 2 Nephi 25:26:

"And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins."

As a father, I feel an incredible responsibility to be teaching my children where they can turn for peace, for comfort, for a remission of their sins. When talking of Christ, it seems to bring a certain calm and reverence into the Jensen home. It touches hearts. Kids listen. The Spirit comes and testifies. The past few weeks have also brought a lot of turmoil and uncertainty. This is also part of the plan - opposition in all things. When faced with adversity, darkness, uncertainty, and even fear...... lets talk more of Christ. Lets rejoice more in Christ. Lets preach more of Christ. I promise you that it can and will bring peace to the turmoil and uncertainty. His power is real. I love and appreciate Him very much.

Have a great week! - Brother Jensen

Staying on the right path/course

How hard is to walk a straight line? If we have visual cues, a purpose, directions, feedback, and other resources it is easy. When we cannot see where we are going or have no purpose, directions, feedback or other resources it becomes difficult.

Elder Uchtdorf in his recent October 2021 conference talk stated “Isn’t it interesting how small, seemingly insignificant factors can make a major difference in our lives? I know this from personal experience as a pilot. Every time I started the approach to an airport, I knew that much of my remaining work would consist of making constant minor course corrections to safely direct the aircraft to our desired landing runway. You might have a similar experience when driving a vehicle. Wind, road irregularities, imperfect wheel alignment, inattentiveness—not to mention the actions of other drivers—all can push you off your intended path. Fail to pay attention to these factors and you may end up having a bad day.”

Walking the right path daily for me spiritually takes effort. I have found that I must read scriptures, read talks, listen to appropriate music, and other spiritual activities to help me hold to the rod and feel the spirit. The good news is if we make spiritual corrections daily then habits are formed, and we reap the rewards.

Staying on the right path takes conscious effort and we will not always get it right. Brother Brad Wilcox in his recent October 2021 conference talk said “Worthiness is not flawlessness.” I am thankful for times when I can repent and renew commitments to my Heavenly Father. Brother Wilcox gave us a great analogy: “Life is like a cross-country road trip. We can’t reach our destination on one tank of gas. We must refill the tank over and over. Taking the sacrament is like pulling into the gas station. As we repent and renew our covenants, we pledge our willingness to keep the commandments, and God and Christ bless us with the Holy Spirit. In short, we promise to press forward on our journey, and God and Christ promise to refill the tank.”

I hope you are able to make daily small changes in your life to draw closer to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. After all, that is one reason we came to earth to become like them.

Best

Bishop Kelly

One of the things that caught my attention during the most recent general conference was when president Nelson said:

“It is now time that we each implement extraordinary measures — perhaps measures we have never taken before — to strengthen our personal spiritual foundations. Unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures.”

I know this is true! I am grateful for a prophet that leads and guides us. I hope that no matter our spiritual situation, we can find people to lift and thus strengthen our own belief in the savior. I have found that the more I think outward and help others, the more help I get from the Lord.

Jay Tovey

Recently, I had an experience that strengthened my testimony. In what would have been a very stressful situation for me, the Lord intervened in such a way that the situation was still unchanged outwardly, but I knew that the Lord was there and in the smallest details of my life. That assurance that God understood the situation and was involved stayed with me for most of that week and helped me through. That change of perspective, and the accompanying joy and knowledge that God has all power to do his will, was powerful.

In our lives, we have many stresses and trials. In Alma 33:11, there is some comfort. In speaking of prayer, Alma says:

"And thou didst hear me because of mine afflictions and my sincerity; and it is because of thy Son that thou hast been thus merciful unto me, therefore I will cry unto thee in all mine afflictions, for in thee is my joy; for thou hast turned thy judgments away from me, because of thy Son."

We can all have the joy that God is helping us and involved in our lives. Alma emphasizes the importance sincerity before God. We can find joy even in our trials. I bear my testimony that God hears our prayers and that he is involved in our lives. It is important to make time for him. He is on our side and he is our advocate. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Garrett Hinton

I am excited for the upcoming general conference. It is always a great experience to hear from the prophet, first presidency, quorum of the 12 apostles, and the other general officers of the church. I know I have felt the spirit during previous conferences, sometimes I have felt it as a peace that comes from knowing of my Heavenly Father’s and Savior’s love for me, sometimes I have felt it as a gentle reminder of things I need to work on. I am thankful for all the leaders of the church and for the time and sacrifice they put into their callings.

We live in an increasingly crazy world today, where there are all kinds of thoughts, philosophies, and ideas that cover the whole spectrum. It seems everywhere you turn different messages are being pushed on us. It is often hard to know who to listen to. What a blessing it is to have a living prophet on the earth today. Someone who is appointed of God to tell us what he wants us to know. We can rely on the prophet to teach us the truth and let us know the things he would say if he was here. In D&C 1:38 it says

What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.

Also speaking of Joseph Smith it says in D&C 21:5:

For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith.

I am excited for this opportunity to hear the prophet speak to us the words that the lord would speak if he was here. I encourage everyone to listen closely and follow his council.

Matt Gurr

Hello Ward Family,

I've had a famous scripture in mind for a few weeks now. Genesis 2:24 states: “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” Referring to this scripture, President Spencer W. Kimball commented, “Do you note that? She, the woman, occupies the first place. She is preeminent, even above the parents who are so dear to all of us. Even the children must take their proper but significant place."

In an article from 1990, James M. Harper said this, "It is all too common in modern times for husbands and wives to place various people or activities—work, recreation, extended family, even Church service—above their marital bond. This is not necessarily a conscious decision. However, the covenant made by Adam and Eve to leave parents and be one teaches us that successful couples will be careful to place each other first. The greatest gift parents can give children is a united and loving marital bond. Marriage is not just a social contract between man and woman; it involves God as well. God is a witness to all marriage agreements and insists that couples should be devoted and completely faithful to each other...."

I have also been thinking back to an experience Laurel and I had when we were first married, nearing 12 years ago. We lived in a very transient ward and were immediately called to be Sunday School team teachers, but our class was the entire youth - anyone age 12-18. The good Bishop, who was just recently called, asked us to be faithful and diligent in our service and to not be so eager to "go home to our parents for Sunday dinner each week" that we couldn't take time to fulfill our callings and be a light and a constant for the good youth in our ward. Although hard to hear counsel as direct as it was at the time, there was a lot of wisdom in it. It quickly became one of our favorite callings and we still have connections to those youth today. We will be attending the wedding of one of them next month, in fact.

We have a wonderful ward, full of many opportunities to serve and help others. I thank each and every one of you who take that time to be diligent, faithful, and constant in your service. The most important work we can do is still within the walls of our home, as we "cleave unto" our spouses and serve our children. We are also called to serve in different responsibilities around the ward, something the Lord expects us to do and for which He qualifies and helps us. Sometimes that balance is hard to find. But we have our Heavenly Father's help and if we pray mightily, He will help us have eyes to see and ears to hear what He needs us to both see and hear. The goal is Heaven, with our families. His work focuses on the immortality and eternal life of all men and woman. As we are found is His vineyard tending to the work and the people, I know we will be blessed, encouraged, happy, and reach our goals.

The Jensen family loves you all!

Brother Dan Jensen

Hi Everyone

The spiritual thought for this week surrounds the Book of Mormon. We have just completed the 100 Deadliest Days of summer. Here are some statistics that unfortunately validate highway fatalities.

1. 6 people died on Labor Day in 5 separate accidents.

2. Year to date there have been 211 fatality crashes that have killed 201 in 2021

3. 72 % were males. 94% of crashes are caused by human error and preventable

4. 101 people died on Utah’s roads this Summer. Of those 101 lives lost, 10 were teens

Over the 100 days of summer I have tried to be less distracted, discourage, and deceived by reading from the Book of Mormon. I was blessed to read/listen to the Book of Mormon twice during the 100 days of Summer. I saw many miracles occur. My testimony was strengthen. Here is a list of some of my highlights:

Tree of life: Kelly Olsen and the visualization. Going to Mendon and seeing a larger tree of life and learning of 3 groups trying to make their way to the tree. 1 Nephi 8:15 fruit which was most desirable above all else. V 30 “fell down”

Youth retreat; marking according to themes: 2 Nephi 2; testimony of the Plan of Salvation. 25 and 26: more important: Messiah cometh in the fullness of time that he may redeem the children of men from the fall.

Alma 26: 12-13. I know that I am nothing. I am weak. I can do all things. Sing the song of redeeming love. Have you ever read the scriptures and felt like singing the song of redeeming love.

Alma 36:17 racked with pain, racked with torment. 21 so exquisite was my pain. So exquisite was my joy.

Alma 42: 14-15 Justice V Mercy. Grasp of justice. God himself atoneth for the sins of the world. “How Great thou Art.” Lyrics

3 Nephi 11: 15 Personal nature of Jesus Christ 1X1. This changed Nephites for centuries.

Mormon 5: 18: Satan does not support his followers’

Mormon 9: 21 Lord will never abandon us.

Ether 12 27: I make weak things become strong unto them. Sheri Dew quote. Jesus is our only chance.

Moroni 7: 47: charity: quote by Elder Caldwell. “Love for Christ, love from Christ, love like Christ. “

I leave you with the wisdom of President Nelson, from his talk on the Book of Mormon

President Nelson’s Book of Mormon Lists: The Book of Mormon: What would your life be like without it?

The Book of Mormon is

• Another testament of Jesus Christ. Its major writers—Nephi, Jacob, Mormon, Moroni—and its translator, Joseph Smith, were all eyewitnesses of the Lord.

• A record of His ministry to people who lived in ancient America.

• True, as attested by the Lord Himself.

The Book of Mormon affirms:

• The individual identity of Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ.

• The necessity of the Fall of Adam and the wisdom of Eve, that men might have joy.

The Book of Mormon refutes notions that:

• Revelation ended with the Bible.

• Infants need to be baptized.

• Happiness can be found in wickedness.

• Individual goodness is adequate for exaltation (ordinances and covenants are needed).

• The Fall of Adam tainted mankind with “original sin.”

The Book of Mormon fulfills biblical prophecies that:

• “Other sheep” shall hear His voice.

• God will do “a marvelous work and a wonder,” speaking “out of the dust.”

• The “stick of Judah” and the “stick of Joseph” will become one.

• Scattered Israel will be gathered “in the latter days” and how that will be done.

• The land of inheritance for the lineage of Joseph is the Western Hemisphere.

The Book of Mormon clarifies understanding about:

• Our premortal existence.

• Death. It is a necessary component of God’s great plan of happiness.

• Postmortal existence, which begins in paradise.

• How the resurrection of the body, reunited with its spirit, becomes an immortal soul.

• How our judgment by the Lord will be according to our deeds and the desires of our hearts.

• How ordinances are properly performed: for example, baptism, sacrament, conferring the Holy Ghost.

• The Atonement of Jesus Christ.

• The Resurrection.

• The important role of angels.

• The eternal nature of priesthood.

• How human behavior is influenced more by the power of the word than the power of the sword.

The Book of Mormon reveals information previously unknown:

• Baptisms were performed before Jesus Christ was born.

• Temples were built and used by people in ancient America.

• Joseph, 11th son of Israel, foresaw the prophetic role of Joseph Smith.

• Nephi (in 600–592 BC) foresaw the discovery and colonizing of America.

• Plain and precious parts of the Bible have been lost.

• The Light of Christ is given to each person.

• The importance of individual agency and the need for opposition in all things.

• Warnings about “secret combinations.”

I encourage you to make your own list of recent Book of Mormon experiences/truths. I love the Book of Mormon. It testifies of Jesus Christ. It is God’s book and leads us back to him.

Bishop Kelly

As we’ve been reading through Come Follow Me on the Doctrine and Covenants I continue to be so impressed with Joseph Smith and his family. Being a teacher, I am around kids that are around the age that Joseph was when he had the first vision and took the initiative to bring back the fullness of the gospel.

I love how in D&C 20:22 it says “...he suffered temptations but gave no heed unto them.”

We all have times when we are tempted. And it seems like the harder your life is, the easier it is to fall into those temptations.

I have found that being passionate about something or someone can make the fight against these temptations easier. For me, my family and the Savior, Jesus Christ, lessen these temptations. I know that I can face adversity head on through the peace and protection of Christ’s atonement.

Jay Tovey

Lately, I have been thinking about the importance of having a strong testimony. Life has a way of providing experiences that test us, and other experiences that strengthen our testimonies. When it comes to testimonies, the small and simple experiences in our lives often have a bigger effect than the big things. A testimony is gained by consistently working for it, and it is retained through effort also.

To give an example, about a year ago, my wife and I would play a lot of primary songs for our daughter, Ruby, who is 3. We would listen to them, or try to play them, daily. When we moved into our new home, we stopped playing primary songs as much in favor of Disney princess songs. This terrible trade resulted in Ruby forgetting some of the primary songs that we had worked on only months earlier. When we saw that she was forgetting these songs, we went back and practiced them and she got good at them again.

In our lives, when we lose some of our spiritual light, we need to work to get it back. It doesn’t come from one big scripture study, but from consistent, directed effort. It may not come with great revelations, but God blesses us for our effort. As President Nelson says, “The Lord likes effort”.

It reminds me of something Harold B. Lee once said:

“As I pray for the guidance of the Spirit, and seek to rise to the responsibility which has been given me, I don’t ask for any special endowment. I ask only to go where the Lord would have me go, and only to receive what the Lord would have me receive, knowing that more important than sight is the witness that one may have by the witness of the Holy Ghost to his soul that things are so and that Jesus is the Christ, a living personage. It is that which guides me through many of the experiences of life.”

I hope that we can study the scriptures, search the words of living prophets, and pray fervently so that we can get quiet assurances from the Spirit and gain stronger testimonies.

Garrett Hinton

As you go through your daily life, do you ever feel overwhelmed? I know I do from time to time. Sometimes it seems like there are not enough hours in the day to get everything done, and often that is actually the case. I know at times I get weighed down by all the things going on. It is easy to lose focus at these times and want to give up.

I remember a time in my life when I felt weighed down and thought I needed to be successful in a bunch of different things at the same time. It seemed the harder I tried the further I fell behind, or the less progress I made. I remember at the time praying for guidance and help with the different things I was struggling with. One morning as I was reading my scriptures, I came across one of my (now) favorite scriptures.

Mosiah 2:22

And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments; and he has promised you that if ye would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land; and he never doth vary from that which he hath said; therefore, if ye do keep his commandments he doth bless you and prosper you.

I remember reading this scripture and feeling a big relief. I realized that although the different things I was working on were important, they were not what mattered the most. If I was keeping the commandments and trying my best in life that was all that really mattered. This scripture helped me change my mindset and realize that success in the eyes of the world and success in the eyes of God can be two very different things.

Even service in the church can be overwhelming at times. It seems like there is a never-ending list of things to do including ministering, fulfilling callings, missionary work, temple and family history work, and scripture study among other things. All of these are important, and should be things we are working on, but I believe we need to follow King Benjamin’s counsel.

Mosiah 4:27

And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order.

As we follow his counsel of not to running faster than we have strength and focus on keeping the commandments the lord will bless us and prosper us as he has promised in the scripture above.

Matt Gurr

Paydays

I think we all look forward to being paid monthly or bimonthly. I know for me every two weeks my work deposits money into my checking account that allows me to pay bills, buy groceries, and live life. It is a bimonthly milestone to celebrate hard work. We reap the rewards of time and hard work we have dedicated to our jobs.

There are other types of pay days that are much more important to me. My son is being married in the temple this week to a beautiful young lady. I am grateful for this pay day. There are milestones that as parents we can reap the benefits of parenting. I am not allowed to say pride in the culture of the church because that would indicate vanity. Haha.

When our children make right choices in life, it is a pay day for parents. We have the benefit of feeling the Spirit confirm to us that they are on the right path. I remember the special baptismal day of each of my children. Family gathered around us to support us in these special ordinances. I remember feeling the spirit strong during their baptisms and confirmations. I also remember Father Blessings given to children at different times and feeling the spirit. I remember mission calls received by some of my children and the joy we felt. I remember my children entering the mission field and experience their joys along the way. We can find “joy in our posterity” by celebrating these significant events.

Sometimes these pay days can be bitter sweet. We cheer them onward, but know that things will not be the same. Metaphorically, as an eaglet leaves the nest the parents cheer to see them fly, but probably experience a sadness to know they have left the nest and things have changed.

I stand amazed at the blessings in my life for “my cup runneth over” with blessings (Psalms 23:5).

Bishop Kelly

Recently, I was reading President Nelson’s ‘Let God Prevail’ talk from October 2020 General Conference. I was impressed with a story that he gave about his grandson’s wife, whose father was about to pass away. She was worried that she would lose her dad and her testimony. When President Nelson was told about this, he said one word: myopic. Myopic means nearsighted. When his grandson’s wife heard this, she was at first devastated, but after her father passed away, she kept thinking about that word, myopic. She said, “Myopic caused me to stop, think, and heal. That word now fills me with peace. It reminds me to expand my perspective and seek the eternal. It reminds me that there is a divine plan and that my dad still lives and loves and looks out for me. Myopic has led me to God.”

When I read that, I think about the plan of salvation and the perspective that it brings. I think of the spirit and how if we live worthy of it, we can be given comfort and direction to help expand our perspective. When we are not eternal-minded, we tend to be impatient among other things. When we see the big, complete picture, we are willing to wait on the Lord and to ‘fear not’.

I would hope that we can see the bigger picture and some of the blessings that have come from the past year. Looking back, some of the blessings that I have seen are that I appreciate the time that I spend with friends and family much more. The time that is spent in studying the scriptures also holds more weight for me now because church is much shorter. There are other blessings to be seen if we will take the time to look back and see the bigger picture and not be ‘myopic’.

I know that Jesus lives and is our savior. He loves us and is ‘in the details of our lives’. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Garrett Hinton

Last Sunday in sacrament meeting as I was following along to the words of the opening hymn, Onward Christian Soldiers I started pondering the words. I thought about how the hymn compares the saints to soldiers, and how we are part of an army. I also thought about the war in heaven and the 1/3 host of heaven that decided to follow Satan. That war continues on the earth today.

D&C 76:28-29

28 And while we were yet in the Spirit, the Lord commanded us that we should write the vision; for we beheld Satan, that old serpent, even the devil, who rebelled against God, and sought to take the kingdom of our God and his Christ—

29 Wherefore, he maketh war with the saints of God, and encompasseth them round about.

We are still in a war with Satan. While this war is not being fought with guns or swords, his influence can be seen all around us. There are all kinds of evil in the world today, that threaten to ruin our lives and make us prisoners to sin. How can we fight this war with an unseen enemy? One of the biggest weapons we have is love. We can show love for those in our family, those in the ward, and everyone we come in contact with. As we love and serve those around us we become less selfish and more unified. As we become more unified in love, we really do become a mighty army like it says in verse 3.

“Like a mighty army moves the Church of God:

Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod;

We are not divided, all one body we,

One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.”

I really like the second line of that verse. It reminds me of all those who have come before and were valiant in the battle. I think of the Pioneers, their faith and sacrifice to do the things that they did, and all the other saints through history that did their part to build up the Kingdom of God. It is my hope that we can tread in the footsteps of the saints and follow the example of those who have come before as we do our part as christian soldiers.

Matt Gurr

The Lord's timing and purpose:

I found out this week that a friend and classmate from my high school and early college years passed away, after a battle with cancer. She was a mother of 3, one of which preceded her in death. She was a wife, mother, nurse, active member of the church, and a light to everyone around her. As a watched her life sketch online, I found my eyes full of tears and was touched by the Spirit, partly because she was the one who got to choose all the pictures and music, knowing her time on earth was coming to a close. Her goodness permeated everything she did and everyone she came in contact with. As I took a few minutes to reminisce with a some friends, very similar sentiment was expressed and felt.

In situations like these, I think the natural response is to ask the question(s) "Why? Why her? Why so soon?" I can't imagine what her husband and young children must be going through. This exact situation is one of my greatest fears in life. I don't know how I'd react. I don't know if I could handle it. I think, having never been called to go down such a road, it's a little easier to say I could put my faith in my Savior and Heavenly Father, trusting in their greater plan for good and happiness. But, I don't really know. I think it's probably a good exercise for each out us to go through - pondering if we have, or will have, faith in God's eternal Plan of Happiness for His children no matter what circumstances we are called to go through.

The fact of the matter is we are children of God. As children, we are learning to become like He is. Challenges in life help us be humble and turn back to Him for guidance and help. His plan is perfect. His plan is for all. It encompasses everything we ever have or will have to go through in life. This week, I express my gratitude for my Savior. And I pray that the family of my friend, as well as my friend in heaven, can feel and lean on that love and faith in His plan.

The scripture that keeps coming into my mind this week is John 14:26-27:

"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"

The Jensen family sure loves each and every one of you members of the Spring Creek Ward!

-Dan Jensen

Resolutions

New Year’s Resolutions can be overwhelming and may be a little like the young county farm agent who wanted to put his college training to use and said to the farmer, “Sam, you know that now we use something called contour plowing.” He went on to also expound on the benefits of hybrid strains of grain and crop rotation. About the time he got to the benefits of milking the cows three times a day rather than two, the old farmer said, “Hey, sonny, just a minute. I’m not farming half as well as I know how already.”

Isn’t that the way life is? We seldom perform to the level of our knowledge. This brings me to the subject of resolutions—resolutions to conform our lives more closely to what we already know about the gospel. While many of us take seriously our New Year’s resolutions, some of us may not have made any because of our prior problems in keeping them. We must not overlook the power that making good resolutions can have in helping make our lives happier and more successful—regardless of our past performance.

The definition of resolute is being firm and unwavering in your convictions. An example of resolute is when you just keep trying and trying to learn piano no matter what setbacks you face.

I am grateful for the atonement and I pledge to be more resolute in utilizing its power. No one person is perfect and it is a blessing that by Grace we can claim the benefits of the atonement.

Whatever your New Year’s Resolutions, may we please be kind to yourself and to others. Be resolute this year in trying to see others’ as our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ see you.

Our Spring Creek Ward Theme for this year follows the Mendon Utah Stake vison on “Gathering Israel.” The Spring Creek Ward vision is to minister one by one. Wherever you may be, meet people where they are at! Love them and accept them for who they are, just as the Savior would love them.

Best

Bishop Kelly

One of my favorite parts of Christmas is giving and receiving gifts. Whether it be a baked good from a neighbor or something bigger, giving gifts is a way of showing love for others. I still remember as a young man, the joy of opening a shotgun Christmas morning. Looking back now I can see the sacrifice my parents must have made to afford such a gift. I come from a large family and I know money was tight growing up. That shotgun is still something I treasure and use today.

If our family and neighbors can give good gifts. Think of the gifts our Heavenly Father can give.

(3 Nephi 14:9-11)

Or what man is there of you, who, if his son ask bread, will give him a stone?

Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Our heavenly father has already given us the best gift we could ask for. He sent his son to atone for our sins and make it possible to return and live with him again.

(John 3:16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

What an amazing gift from a loving Heavenly Father. I know I am very grateful for the love of my Heavenly Father and his sacrifice of sending his son to die for each of us.

I am also very grateful for our Savior and the great gift he gave of giving his life for us.

(John 15:13) Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

We have been given two tremendous gifts from our Heavenly Father and our Savior. Especially at Christmas time, I love to reflect on these gifts of love and sacrifice. What a sacrifice they each have made for us. It is my hope as we reflect on the great gifts we have been given, that we in turn show love, serve our fellowman, and give the best gifts that we can.

Matt Gurr

One of my favorite scriptures in the Book of Mormon is the very first verse.

“I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days.”

In the footnote under the word afflictions is says “blessing: gifts of god”

In the year 2020, we have all had some unfortunate and terrible things happen to us

So many times I have looked at certain events as afflictions and forget about how the Lord is still favoring me and loves what I am doing. We are his children and he wants to bless us.

One way I have been able to find help in times of “affliction” is turning to strong people for guidance. This can be your spouse, parents, siblings, ward members, bishop and my personal favorite….children. They will teach us and in return we get a little glance of how our Heavenly Father sees us.

Here’s to a new year and new goals to achieve!

Jay Tovey

In The Ensign this month, there is an article titled 'A Witness of One's Own'. In that article, it gives an example of two women, Zina D. H. Young and Eliza R. Snow, who had different experiences with The Book of Mormon. Zina D.H. Young knew the first time she held The Book of Mormon that it was true. Eliza R. Snow, on the other hand, took four years to get baptized. Later in Utah, Eliza was known as the 'head' of the Relief Society and Zina as the 'heart'. Both were needed and both had strong testimonies.

Sometimes we look at people and wonder what our place is in the Church. It is important to know that each of us, with our unique talents, have a place in the church and are needed. During this Christmas time, we should remember the gifts that God has given to us individually. We can use the gifts that God has given us to bless the lives of those around us as we strive to serve.

In addition to serving in unique ways, we can also remember that Christ answers our prayers in unique ways that are perfect for us. If we pray with sincere hearts, with faith in Christ, and with the intent to act on the answer, God will answer our prayers in a way that is best for us. Earlier this week, I prayed and received a small spiritual nudge for how I can better. It was unexpected, but it was needed and tailored just for me. Each of us can get similar experiences.

As we are finishing up our studies of the Book of Mormon and come across Moroni's promise, let us remember how merciful God has been to the children of men, and also to us individually. God loves us and is there for us.

Sincerely,

Garrett Hinton

The passing of Brother Paul Leishman has caused many of us to reflect deeply on life, our purpose, our relationships with family and friends, and our final return to our Heavenly Father. Paul is a great man and will be missed dearly. His smile and easy nature helped many people feel loved and accepted. These attributes were strong Christ like attributes.

I am reminded of my own parent’s passing and speaking at both their funerals. I am sure that they smiled down upon us as 3 sons were able to pay tribute to their well lived lives. The atonement and resurrection of Jesus Christ brings comfort during the passing of loved ones. The sweet spirit of the Holy Ghost helped me feel comfort and peace during both funerals and was directly due to Christ’s gift to all mankind. John 14: 27 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.

We know that a time will come for us to leave this mortal world (Ecclesiastics 3:1-9). We know that we cannot escape death (1 Corinthians 15: 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive). We also know of the sweet assurance that we shall live with our Heavenly Father again (Mosiah 15:22-26). This time of year we especially turn our thoughts to Jesus Christ birth, but it is his gift of atonement and resurrection that I am most thankful for. There will be countless people to greet us when we die, as illustrated in the poem below written by Luther F Beecher (1813-1903). I have changed the verbiage to reflect a man, as Brother Leishman has triggered these thoughts. This poem gives us such a visual description.

I am standing upon the seashore.

A ship at my side spreads his white sails to the morning breeze,

He is an object of beauty and strength,

and I stand and watch him until he hangs like a speck of white cloud

just where the sea and sky come down to mingle with each other.

Then someone at my side says: “There! He’s gone!”

Gone where? Gone from my sight – that is all.

He is just as large in mast and hull and spar as he was when he left my side,

and just as able to bear his load of living freight

to the place of his destination.

His diminished size is in me, and not in him.

And just at the moment

when someone at my side says: “There! He’s gone!”

there are other eyes that are watching for him coming;

and other voices ready to take up the glad shout:

“There he comes!”

We can give thanks and Shout for Joy for Jesus Christ. Doctrine and Covenants 128: 23 explains the joy reflected by all things:

23 Let the ^amountains shout for joy, and all ye valleys cry aloud; and all ye seas and dry lands tell the wonders of your Eternal King! And ye rivers, and brooks, and rills, flow down with gladness. Let the woods and all the trees of the field praise the Lord; and ye solid ^brocks weep for joy! And let the sun, moon, and the ^cmorning stars sing together, and let all the sons of God shout for joy! And let the eternal creations declare his name forever and ever! And again I say, how glorious is the voice we hear from heaven, proclaiming in our ears, glory, and salvation, and honor, and ^dimmortality, and eternal life; kingdoms, principalities, and powers!

I know that my Savior lives. I am thankful for his sacrifice for all of us. I am grateful I will be able to see my parents, loved ones, and Paul Leishman again.

Love

Bishop Kelly

Out of Come Follow Me this week, there is a section on how Jesus Christ can make weak things strong.

When we read Moroni’s powerful writings, it’s easy to forget that he worried about his “weakness in writing” and feared that people would mock his words. But God promised that He would “make weak things become strong” for the humble, and the spiritual power in Moroni’s writings is convincing evidence that the Lord fulfilled this promise. In Ether Chapter 12:

26 And when I had said this, the Lord spake unto me, saying: Fools mock, but they shall mourn; and my grace is sufficient for the meek, that they shall take no advantage of your weakness;

27 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.

28 Behold, I will show unto the Gentiles their weakness, and I will show unto them that faith, hope and charity bringeth unto me—the fountain of all righteousness.

Brothers and Sisters, this is a powerful principle to me. When talking about weaknesses, I don’t have to look hard AT ALL to find many within myself. I think everyone is their own worst critic. I’ve had thoughts including, but definitely not limited to:

· Am I a good enough husband?

· Am I a good enough father?

· I don’t get effective scripture study in every day. I’m so far behind everyone else.

· I lost my temper today and felt the spirit leave. When will I ever learn?

· How in the world am I going to be effective at anything? I can barely keep my head about water.

· I am the worst public speaker. Everyone is going to see right through me trying to conduct meetings for the ward.

· What will members think of me when I’m extending a calling, setting someone apart, or doing a temple recommend interview?

One thing I will guarantee you is this: I am not perfect. Nobody is. It’s a great goal, but should definitely be placed in the “long-term” category, as it is something we will never achieve in this lifetime. We all have weaknesses. We all need the Savior’s grace and the enabling Power of the Atonement. We are in this together. It’s ok to feel weak. It is a reminder sign in the road of life that we need to stop, ponder, express gratitude, and pray to our Heavenly Father for those weaknesses to become strengths. It takes daily and consistent prayer, scripture study, effort, and faith that the Lord can make more out of us than we will ever be able to do on our own. I think the Lord is most interested in who we are becoming. And, if you ever feel like nobody knows or understands, we can rest assured, that there is NOTHING in this life that we will EVER go through, that the Lord, our Savior Jesus Christ, hasn’t felt or gone through first. He knows. He understands. He will come to us in our time of need. He will enable us to get back on our feet, dust off, and keep going. Of that, I truly know, understand, and testify of.

I love you brothers and sisters of the Spring Creek Ward!

Dan Jensen

Something most people don’t know about me is that I have a mild case of color blindness. I can see all the colors just not small differences or when they are mixed. It took me a while to realize that there are things other people saw that I did not. I was about 16 when I realized that I was missing out on parts of life because I didn’t see things the same way other people do.

Like a lot of people, I like to watch videos on YouTube or other similar places. Some of my favorite videos are of colorblind people putting on glasses that can correct color blindness. In all the videos I have seen where people put on the glasses for the first time, it is a life changing event. It seems they realize everything they have missed for their entire life. Color can enrich our lives and help us see things as they really are. Not being fully colorblind I probably don’t realize how drab and boring the world may look to some people, when in fact it is an amazing place filled with all kinds of color. Whether people see the color or not it is there. Some people can see it and enjoy it, others can see it but don’t take the time to see all the beauty in the world. Some people can’t see it and don’t even know that they are missing out on they joy that comes from seeing color.

I think gratitude works much the same way. There are blessings and things to be grateful for all around us. Some people see the blessings in their lives and have the joy in knowing that their Father in Heaven is watching out for them, blessing them, and providing for them. Others don’t take the time to see the blessings all around them and miss out on parts of life that are enriching and bring peace and joy. Just like color, the blessings and things to be thankful for are there whether we realize it or not. I believe that just like someone trying on color correcting glasses we can have a life changing experience by realizing the wonderful things all around us to be thankful for.

“In ordinary life, we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

“As with all commandments, gratitude is a description of a successful mode of living. The thankful heart opens our eyes to a multitude of blessings that continually surround us.” – James E. Faust

“The more grateful I am, the more beauty I see.” – Mary Davis

In Doctrine and Covenants 78:19 the lord tells us the blessings that come from being thankful:

“And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more.”

Seeing our blessings and being thankful brings joy and enriches our lives, and the lord even blesses us for being thankful. It is my hope that in this season of thanksgiving we can put on our “Gratitude Glasses” and change our perspective to see the beautiful colors all around us.

Matt Gurr

While in Orlando Florida Stacey and I did not know which direction to travel. We used Google maps to act as our directional guide. We did not know which direction was North, South, East or West. We had no mountains we could use as reference points. There was dense vegetation on the sides of roads so we could not see very far in any direction.

When we thought we were traveling west we were traveling east. At times when we were traveling north we were in fact traveling south. We had gone to the beach on one day and basically confused, but arrived safely. The next day we ended up traveling in the same direction (east) but it felt like we were traveling west. We were traveling to see a spring where manatees frequent in the winter months to stay warm.

We trusted our phone guidance system for many reasons but had many doubts at times. It pointed and directed us in the right direction. We arrived exactly at our desired direction every time. We were surprised many times at the exactness of the directions and accuracy. It is the same with “God’s word.”

In the Book of Mormon, a brass ball with two pointers gave directions—as a compass—and also spiritual instruction to Lehi and his followers when they were righteous. The Lord provided the Liahona and gave instructions through it.

Lehi found a brass ball with two spindles that pointed the way that Lehi and his family should go,

1 Nephi 16:10

10 And it came to pass that as my father arose in the morning, and went forth to the tent door, to his great astonishment he beheld upon the ground a round ball of curious workmanship; and it was of fine brass. And within the ball were two spindles; and the one pointed the way whither we should go into the wilderness.

The ball worked according to faith and diligence,

1 Nephi 16:28–29

28 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the pointers which were in the ball, that they did work according to the faith and diligence and heed which we did give unto them.

29 And there was also written upon them a new writing, which was plain to be read, which did give us understanding concerning the ways of the Lord; and it was written and changed from time to time, according to the faith and diligence which we gave unto it. And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things.

Alma 37:40

40 And it did work for them according to their faith in God; therefore, if they had faith to believe that God could cause that those spindles should point the way they should go, behold, it was done; therefore they had this miracle, and also many other miracles wrought by the power of God, day by day.

Benjamin gave the ball to Mosiah,

Mosiah 1:16

16 And moreover, he also gave him charge concerning the records which were engraven on the plates of brass; and also the plates of Nephi; and also, the sword of Laban, and the ball or director, which led our fathers through the wilderness, which was prepared by the hand of the Lord that thereby they might be led, every one according to the heed and diligence which they gave unto him.

The Liahona was compared to the word of Christ,

Alma 37:43–45

43 And now, my son, I would that ye should understand that these things are not without a shadow; for as our fathers were slothful to give heed to this compass (now these things were temporal) they did not prosper; even so it is with things which are spiritual.

44 For behold, it is as easy to give heed to the word of Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss, as it was for our fathers to give heed to this compass, which would point unto them a straight course to the promised land.

45 And now I say, is there not a type in this thing? For just as surely as this director did bring our fathers, by following its course, to the promised land, shall the words of Christ, if we follow their course, carry us beyond this vale of sorrow into a far better land of promise.

We are instructed in the Book of Mormon to feast upon the words of Christ and they will tell you all things what you should do

3 Nephi 32:3

Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.

Where do we find the Words of Christ and our own Personal Liahonas?

a. Prophets: Do you know what President Nelson has said lately?

b. Scriptures. How is your Book of Mormon reading going?

c. Church literature: Church of Jesus Christ.org, Ensign, etc.

d. Church Leaders

We trusted our phone guidance system on our journeys in Florida. If we would have “leaned unto our own understanding,” we would have never found our destinations. Nephi’s Family also had doubts at time traveling in the wilderness and did not trust the Liahona, but found it was in their best interest to obey the Lord and he would guide them.

We are entitled to our own Personal directions. I know I have been guided by the Spirit on many occasions. May we all seek out our own Liahonas for guidance and directions.

Bishop Kelly