Gifts that have meaning

This week our son-in-law shared with us some fresh-caught salmon from the Columbia River. It was deep red, firm, and tasty—much more flavorful than any salmon from the grocery store. More important than the salmon was the time he spent catching the fish. We don’t know how many hours were involved, but a single salmon can cost a day of patient effort. His gift was a gift of time and sharing. Gifts of time, service, and sacrifice have great meaning.

We notice that some thoughtful people give of their time, but that other people do not. Our daughter picked us up at the airport, late at night, on our recent return from Russia. Her unselfish gift of time was most appreciated. Sometimes she will pick up lunch on her way over to our home and share extra sandwiches and sodas with us without fanfare or expectation of reward. Spontaneous, considerate gifts have great meaning.

Expressions of gratitude

Because we live a long distance away from most of our relatives, we usually ship gifts for Christmas, weddings, and birthdays—though our preference is always to deliver “in person.” Sometimes we will receive a “thank-you” note in return, but most of the time we do not!

The simple “thank you” note or other sincere expression of appreciation distinguishes gratitude from ingratitude, etiquette from carelessness.

The gift of inclusion

We like to visit friends and relatives, even those who live far away. Some are happy to see us; others seem indifferent or inconvenienced. It’s easy to detect.

Some of our relatives and friends have visited our home in Richland. It’s a nice place with amenities and recreational opportunities. We enjoy hosting. Most relatives, however, do not come, or they visit infrequently.

Some include us in their circle of friendship and share their lives with us. Others remain silent, separate, disinterested, and even unknown. Some call on the phone; others seldom call or write, even with availability of effortless email. We notice.

Gifts that show respect

The most important gift of grandchildren to grandparents is their interest in visiting and sharing time. A grandchild shows respect by spending time with grandparents. We love our grandchildren and cherish the time that they spend with us in our home. Their gift of time and interest is the most important gift that they can give.

“Let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7).

Tribute to a great man

Wayne Ekman Fisher died on July 20, 2010, at the age of 94, in Bountiful, Utah. He was a retail merchant of lumber, hardware, and building supplies for most of his life. He was neither famous nor wealthy. Eventually his business failed.

He was a plain and simple man. He never held political office or any notable leadership positions. He didn’t excel in athletics or appear in movies. He didn’t invent anything, compose music, or write any books.

As the world defines greatness, he lacked many essential qualities: exceptional skills, extraordinary vision, unbridled creativity, leadership personality and ability to form powerful alliances, bravery, organization and planning, sense of timing and fortune, and overriding self-confidence.

However, Wayne excelled in other qualities that have been deficient among many accomplished and well-known historical figures: honesty, purity, humility, and spirituality.

* He was an obedient child who honored his parents. He was a faithful and kind husband. He was a caring father to six children, and he provided the basic needs of his family. He taught his children the value of hard work.

* On Sundays he kept the Law of the Sabbath. He was faithful to his church and he lived his religion. He studied, followed, and lived the teachings of Jesus Christ. He served a two-year mission. He donated faithfully and contributed a full tithing—even during the most difficult economic times. He contributed generously to various charitable causes. He supported countless missionaries before, during, and after their service.

* He was patriotic to his country; he served in World War II and returned with honor. He respected the flag and our military. He voted. He prepared honest tax returns.

* He provided work opportunities to almost anyone who asked for his help. He was kind to his employees. He shunned debt, and paid all his creditors in full.

* He abstained from anything that was harmful to body or spirit, including alcohol, tobacco, caffeinated drinks, and candy (he liked ice cream). He had no interest for and avoided violent and sexually suggestive books, magazines, TV programs, and movies. He lived a morally clean life.

Wayne needed few personal possessions. He established a modest but unpretentious home. He saved for the future. He would rather repair and re-use something than discard it or purchase new. His dress was austere and his work attire was usually well-worn and often mismatched. He drove older vehicles. But his children had food, good clothing, education, musical training, and opportunities to help support the family.

I watched him one day at his business as he helped a widow with a leaky faucet. He took it apart, cleaned it, and replaced a rubber gasket. He put it back together. It took about half an hour. He charged her 9 cents for the gasket. He treated people as he would like to have been treated in a similar situation.

The holy scriptures teach that honesty and integrity, humility, charity, and obedience to the commandments are characteristics that constitute greatness in the eyes of God. By these measures, Wayne Fisher was, and will always be remembered as, a great man.

Kindness

It is nice to be important, but it is far more important to be nice to other people.

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” --Leo Buscaglia (author of Born for Love, 1992)

An intelligent and beautiful woman was once asked, “What is the most important quality that you seek in a husband?” She answered: “Kindness.”

A good husband is kind. A man who is kind and sympathetic will also be gentle. He will be considerate of others’ feelings and courteous in his behavior. He will have a helpful nature. A kind and patient husband will quickly pardon the mistakes and failings of his wife and children. Because he loves them, he will not blame, find fault, or criticize.

The kindest phrase is always the unkind thought left forever unspoken.

A characteristic of godliness
Genuine kindness is a divine attribute. The Apostle Peter spoke of the process by which one can become Christ-like, a partaker “of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4-7). He said: “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity.”

The effectual priesthood holder is kind. A man who holds the Melchizedek priesthood cannot exercise priesthood power unless he is kind. President Gordon B. Hinkley said, “Personal worthiness is the standard of eligibility to receive and exercise this sacred power.” If a man is unkind, priesthood power ceases altogether and has no efficacy (Doctrine and Covenants 121:36-37).

Gordon B. Hinckley (with wife, Marjorie, pictured above) was a model of pure kindness in every detail of his life.

“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” -- Mark Twain

Traitors and apostates

Benedict Arnold

A traitor is one who betrays the sacred trust of another, a cause, a faith, an employer, or a country. Traitors put avarice above charity, and reject the inner compass that helps one to distinguish right from wrong. Central characteristics of traitors are infidelity and selfishness. Traitors are motivated by greed, lust, and the hunger for power, praise, and social prominence.

General Benedict Arnold, the most infamous traitor in early American history, betrayed his country for wealth and power. Entrusted with military position and authority, he nonetheless prepared detailed plans to help the British capture the American garrison at West Point on the Hudson River. When his designs were uncovered, he deserted his rank in exchange for a general’s commission in the British army. Today, Arnold’s name is synonymous with treason, treachery, and sedition.

Judas Iscariot

Though he belonged to an inner circle of trusted disciples, Judas Iscariot betrayed Our Savior with a pretended kiss for 30 pieces of silver.

Apostasy: Traitor’s next-of-kin
An apostate is someone who takes a vow or makes a covenant to follow and obey a religious affiliation, faith, or party, but who later vacates the same vows and covenants. Original promises, commitments, and contracts are not only violated, but the embittered apostate turns against his faith and realigns with its most acidic opponents.

The great American Prophet Joseph Smith was more concerned about traitors and apostates than his enemies. He said, “All the enemies upon the face of the earth may roar and exert all their power to bring about my death, but they can accomplish nothing, unless some who are among us and enjoy our society, have been with us in our councils, participated in our confidence, taken us by the hand, called us brother, saluted us with a kiss, join with our enemies, turn our virtues into faults, and, by falsehood and deceit, stir up their wrath and indignation against us, and bring their united vengeance upon our heads” (History of the Church, 6:152).

George Hinkle, a convert to Mormonism from Kentucky and colonel in the Missouri Militia at Caldwell county, served in 1838 on the Missouri High Council of the Church. During the period of mob violence and armed conflict between Mormons and Missourians (Battle at Crooked River, Haun's Mill Massacre), Church leaders were anxious to end local hostilities. On October 31, 1838, Hinkle made a secret agreement with the Missouri mob and Militia leaders that would involve the surrender of Church leaders for trial and punishment, confiscation of Mormon private property, and eviction of Mormons from the State. Hinkle received $750 for delivering the Prophet Joseph Smith and his closest associates to 2,000 Missouri militiamen as "your prisoners" on the false pretense that only a peaceful discussion would take place. Later the same day, he went to the home of Joseph and Emma, took their possessions and horse, and forced Emma and the children to leave. After a hasty court marshall, Colonel Lucas ordered the execution of the Prophet, but General Alexander Doniphan refused to carry out the order. Joseph Smith and several followers were imprisoned without trial or justice--first at Richmand, and then at Liberty Jail, under cold and harsh conditions, until they escaped in April, 1839. Hinkle is remembered as the most treacherous traitor and apostate in Church history.

William Law, who had served as second counselor in the First Presidency with Joseph Smith, was removed for "unchristian-like conduct." Law dissented, apostatized from the Church, and then formed a conspiracy to kill the Prophet that indirectly led to the murders of Joseph and his brother Hyrum Smith at Carthage, Illinois, in June 1844. He was never tried for his crimes.

Today, many who openly attack the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints proclaim former membership, pioneer heritage, or other relationships. Some may have served missions or entered into temple marriages. These are examples of promises and covenants once made but later discarded. For one reason or another, feelings may have been hurt. Temptation may have overcome, and behavior or conduct may have followed that is inconsistent with membership in the Church of Jesus Christ. The disenfranchised usually claim victimization; they often seek public affirmation by writing articles, books, by producing films or internet websites, or they participate in other forms of civil protest that are highly critical of the Church and its leadership. In common with the disreputable of times past, they too, have become apostates and traitors.

Marital Infidelity
A betrayal of marriage by one in whom the highest forms of love, intimacy, and trust have been confided, can be one of the most painful experiences in mortality. Infidelity disgraces and destroys the soul of the perpetrator, but lingering ramifications injure the innocent--especially if children are involved.

Traitors and apostates are many, because it is easier to turn against than to remain faithful, loyal, and committed to a faith, principle, benefactor, or partner.

Angels among us

On May 15, 1829, John the Baptist restored the Aaronic Priesthood to the earth by laying his hands upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery and speaking these words: “Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins.” (D&C 13:1).

A few weeks ago in Gospel Doctrine class, someone asked, “What does it mean that the Aaronic Priesthood holds the keys of the ministering of angels?”

The answer is straightforward: It means that after a long period known as the “dark ages,” angels can once again, by virtue of priesthood restoration, watch over and bless the lives of mortals on this earth.

In the restored Church of Jesus Christ, worthy bearers of the Aaronic Priesthood have the right to the companionship of angels. Even young deacons age 12 to 13 hold these keys and may exercise them when needed. President Gordon B. Hinckley often reminded the youth of the value of this important gift.

Angels minister to church members after faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Moroni wrote, “It is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men...” (Moroni 7:37).

The right to the ministering of angels extends to our faithful sisters by virtue of priesthood restoration. Elder Dallin H. Oaks said that all those who hold the Aaronic Priesthood and “who are clean” open the door for all Church members who worthily partake of the sacrament to enjoy the companionship of the Spirit of the Lord and the ministering of angels (Ensign, November 1998).

What do angels do when they appear and minister?

The scriptures indicate that angels announce important events, preach the gospel, declare the coming of Christ, declare the words of Christ, and bring to earth the rights, keys, honor, and power of the priesthood. Indeed, the Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods were both restored to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery by angels sent from God. The Angel Moroni taught Joseph Smith and showed him where the golden plates were buried.

The term angels may refer both to spirits and to resurrected or translated beings. Today, angels minister by watching over, protecting, warning, and comforting us. They work among us in times of need. President Joseph F. Smith provided further insight about angelic beings:

“When messengers are sent to minister to the inhabitants of this earth, they are not strangers, but from the ranks of our kindred, friends, and fellow-beings and fellow-servants. The ancient prophets who died were those who came to visit their fellow creatures upon the earth. They came to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; it was such beings—holy beings if you please—who waited upon the Savior and administered to him on the Mount. The angel that visited John, when an exile, and unfolded to his vision future events in the history of man upon the earth, was one who had been here, who had toiled and suffered in common with the people of God. … In like manner our fathers and mothers, brothers, sisters and friends who have passed away from this earth, having been faithful, and worthy to enjoy these rights and privileges, may have a mission given them to visit their relatives and friends upon the earth again, bringing from the Divine Presence messages of love, of warning, or reproof and instruction, to those whom they had learned to love in the flesh.” (Gospel Doctrine, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1970, pp. 435–36).

The power to bless

In the Lord’s true church, priesthood is the power and authority of God delegated to man. Priesthood keys are the right to use that power.

The priesthood is the power by which ordinances are performed, temple work is carried out, and the gospel is preached. We could not receive these ordinances and blessings without priesthood power and authority.
When authorized, we may use priesthood power to bless others, starting with our own family.

We sometimes underestimate the full potential of priesthood power. It is the power to heal the sick, convey spiritual gifts, comfort the despondent, and perform miracles. And more.

In the days of Enoch, God made a promise “that every one being ordained after this order and calling should have power, by faith, to break mountains, to divide the seas, to dry up waters, to turn them out of their course, to put at defiance the armies of nations, to divide the earth, to break every band, to stand in the presence of God; to do all things according to his will, according to his command.” (Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 14:30–31).

The scripture above means that priesthood power is great---almost incomprehensible. In addition to requisite authority, the verse above also shows that one must exercise faith, and bless through divine inspiration.

How does priesthood power work in our day? By the same process as in Enoch’s day.

· An ordained Patriarch gives a patriarchal blessing by the laying on of hands through direct revelation from God. Patriarchal blessings provide personal direction and counsel from the Lord.

· When blessing a child, the worthy priesthood holder listens for divine inspiration and imparts blessings as directed from heaven---with assurance that during that child’s lifetime, all such blessings declared shall be fulfilled as promised.

· When blessing the sick, the worthy priesthood holder is guided to know what to say, according to the will of God.

· When confirming one who is baptized, the worthy priesthood holder will give the gift of the Holy Ghost and impart blessings revealed by divine inspiration.

· A father may bless his wife and children by the same power, as prompted by the Spirit. The pattern is the same.

Doctrinally, the blessing is a priesthood ordinance, which differs in important ways from a prayer. By inspiration and the laying on of hands, the appropriate language of an ordinance is direct, as in “I (or we) bless you...”, rather than as a petition to God, such as “I (or we) ask Thee to bless...”

This difference between a prayer and an ordinance is profound: in the ordinance, the Lord allows a righteous priesthood bearer to act for Him, using His power.

All Melchizedek Priesthood holders should know the exact format of a priesthood blessing, and live worthily to bless by inspiration and power.

“Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up.” (James 5:14-15)

Time for action against Time-Warner Inc.

Time-Warner, Inc. is the parent media company for the Home Box Office television company. Before the first season of the HBO series Big Love aired more than two years ago, the show’s creators and HBO executives assured members and leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) that the series wouldn’t be about Mormons. However, many disrespectful Mormon themes are woven into the show, and Mormon characters are rendered as unsympathetic figures who are narrow-minded, confused, or self-righteous. According to TV Guide, the March 15, 2009 episode of Big Love sacrileged the faith’s most sacred temple ceremonies.

We are offended when the most sacred practices are misrepresented or presented without context or understanding. We view this programming as a form of religious pornography. Therefore, we encourage all who share our viewpoint to take the following personal choice actions against Time-Warner entities.

1. Cancel subscriptions to:
* AOL (formerly America Online)
* Time Inc. publications (Fortune, Time Magazine, Mad Magazine, Money, People, Sports Illustrated, Sunset, among many others)
* HBO and Cinemax ... both heavily oriented toward R-rated (violence, nudity, profanity) movies and unrated pornographic-action series that air nightly

2. Discontinue purchases of video DVDs bearing the Time-Warner, Warner Bros., or New Line Cinema labels.

3. Avoid patronizing the following Time-Warner movies (among others):
* Watchmen
* The Dark Knight
* Sex and the City
* Journey to the Center of the Earth
* 10,000 BC
* Get Smart
* Body of Lies
* Yes Man
* Four Christmases
* Gran Torino
* All “Harry Potter” films

Big Love is not "big," and it it knows nothing about real love.