Institute 1 June 2010...finally!

It feels like ages since our last Institute class, but it's been much longer since I actually recorded a reflection that I wrote about it. Our new teacher is Sister J, a wonderful person, and we are studying "Gospel Principles for a Provident Living."

The first lesson, of course, is an overview of the Plan of Salvation. This one was very cool because of all the fun stories, things, and insights that people contributed to the lesson. First, I have to comment how impressed I was about Sister J' copy of The Family: A Proclamation to the World. It's a large-sized book with glossy pages and the proclamation written as text throughout the book like a story, but the illustrated pictures are all from the life of Sister J and her extended family-- it looks very professional like something you would buy from an LDS bookstore, with a barcode and everything. Apparently it was a gift made by her daughter; needless to say I am very jealous and hope to make or have one made for me in the future. Or when I figure out how, and get together a sufficient photo collection I'll make one for my parents, my children, and my brother. It's a fantastic idea. Anyway, I digress.

I was really glad to be reminded by Jeremy of the Plan of Happiness as it is described in the Book of Mormon: essentially a bridge spelling out the PreMortal, Earth, and Eternal Lives being supported by the three pillars of the Creation, the Fall, and the Atonement. Someone else brought up a point about the War in heaven which I like and will have to look up. Actually I think I will do so now...hmm actually I can't seem to find the talk by Alvin R. Dyer (March 1961) they mentioned, I will have to look further elsewhere-- if anyone else finds it online let me know. Anyway, it discusses the council in heaven and the moment when God accepts the plan presented by Jesus and rejects the one presented by Lucifer. Actually, there was only ever one plan, God's Plan, and Satan rejected it and wanted to change it. Christ accepted it and became a part of it. The obedience to God is more yes or no, not either or-- Satan does not have a Plan. I think that's just a nice thing to know.

Another nice thing that touched me was the reminder from Sister J that the entire focus of the Plan of Redemption is on the family: helping and empowering us to establish, raise, and nurture Eternal Families, therefore coming to know eternal happiness. Knowing that can really change my outlook on life-- remembering it changes my life. There is nothing more important than family home evening and "home time" and family comes first before everything. Even President Monson will miss a meeting when his wife is ill. I should say especially President Monson will put family first when push comes to shove. I remember the story from his biography that talks about being a Bishop in a meeting where the Stake President was speaking. He received a prompting to go visit a man in the hospital RIGHT NOW, and so decided to leave as soon as the President finished. The spirit kept saying RIGHT NOW, so as soon as the President finished, he zoomed out of his chair and raced to the hospital where the brother was staying. As he was walking up the steps, a Nurse saw him and asked "Are you Bishop Monson?" When he said he was, the Nurse said that the man had been calling out for him for a while now, but had just passed away moments before. After that experience, President Monson promised always to act on a prompting of the Spirit, no matter the circumstances. There are plenty of things that he will put before a church meeting when prompted.

Okay, just one more since this is getting a little long. Sarah shared a story about her brother that I thought was very special. She talked about how before his mission he was going through some very rough temptations and difficult times, and it involved his entire family. During that time, she wondered that if God did not tempt you more than you were able to bear, why then did he have to wallow in so much adversity? Either he had to be an extremely capable and potentially powerful priesthood holder, or he was exceedingly weak for not being more resistant. At the time, she was seriously considering the latter. Well, that is in the past now and I've known that man and his family for a long time--I don't know all the details of what happened and I don't need to. He has had his life turned around and become an exceptional tool for good with a particularly applicable knowledge of the Gospel, a deep-rooted intellect covering especially the word of the Lord's inspired leaders, and a way of applying personal experiences to teach gospel doctrine that I admire very much. There is hardly a better example of the bettering power of the atonement around and in someway I hope to be like that.


I would like to take this opportunity to bear my testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that he has provided tools and many means by which we can improve ourselves and draw closer to him through the atonement. I invite everyone to look for him and start in the right place by reading the Book of Mormon and gaining a testimony of his words as they come through a living prophet today. His spirit will manifest it to you. And I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Institute Tuesday, 16 March 2010: Indefatigable

There were so many great topics covered in that short hour and a half class, but I just can't write about them all. The scripture we studied for that night was Helaman chapters 10 through 16, covering both the prophecies of Nephi (the son of Nephi, the son of Helaman) and the brief but powerful ministry of Samuel the Lamanite to among the Nephites. The first item of discussion was focused on the word 'Ponder,' essentially that in thinking about something, especially when it is Gospel related, often requires asking questions. Most of the revelation present in the Doctrine and Covenants for example arose from prophets and individuals who thought of questions and took the extra step to ask God what the answer was. Thanks to them we have so many wonderful gifts of guidance from our Heavenly Father.

Secondly, Brother Clark discussed the concept of 'Unwearyingness' a trait used to describe Nephi in his missionary efforts. For example, after a long time of work Nephi is headed home when he is visited by the Lord and given the Sealing Power. Immediately after receiving this great blessing, Nephi halts his return trip and returns back to the great city to continue his ministry. His level of diligence was incredible. Brother Clark presented an alternative (and somewhat more impressive sounding) word to describe such a person: indefatigable. Basically it means you are not fatigued, or untiring in your labors.Such a trait is certainly something to seek after; he suggested trying things like making a chart of steps or goals towards that end or finding someone who possesses that trait and observing them so that you may emulate their practice of it.

In this discussion we were reminded of King Benjamin's admonishment (I paraphrase) "to not run faster than you have strength." I am always more than wiling to bite off more than I can chew in my day, and when I make a "to do list" there often seems to be more on it by the end than when I started it. And when you look at the list of activities, hobbies, clubs, and organizations I have been involved in you might think that I have a bad case of ADHD. It has been a tough lesson to learn that sometimes I just need to say 'no' and not try and do everything just because it is good or fun or invigorating. The conference address several years ago "Good, Better, Best" was definitely written for the likes of me. Not to overload yourself was a lesson I learned the hard way, and am still learning.

The lesson ended with a reflection of a part of God's message for us. The adversary is quick to point out our mistakes, flaws, and the direness of out situation. However, God is there to tell us not to be discouraged and that through him and by his son we can do something about whatever problem/weakness/mistake we might face. I mean, if we have the potential to serve and to rule in God's Kingdom, what is a little earthly trial to us? Just a pop quiz in one of the longest, hardest classes we've ever taken.

Father's words, Sacrifice, Restoration: Institute Tuesday, 23 Feb 2010

It is my adopted philosophy that the purpose of formal gospel education is to provide an opportunity for students to take away at least one thing to remember in their lives. I figure the best method, at least in my case, is to take what you learned and write it down. In Brother Celaya's lesson this week, I've got three ideas to store in writing:

Firstly, fathers should have words for their sons to remember. While there are many references throughout the scriptures, this idea was taken specifically out of Alma 36:17-18 where Alma the younger recounts his dramatic conversion experiences to his son Helaman. As Alma was in a state of utmost despair, fearing the damnation of God while in his awful state of sin, he remembered the words of his father, Alma the High Priest, who preached unto the people concerning "Jesus Christ, a son of God, to atone for the sins of the world." Remembering his father's words is what enabled him to call on Christ in his time of need and recover from is awful state. Thus the idea is that fathers should waste no time in finding and sharing words specifically for their children to remember.

Second, is the idea that 'suffering is the process of self-change.' It really doesn't matter how much money we make, how much recognition we get, or really if we accomplish much at all in this world. Isaiah spent his whole life suffering and working hard only to fail in saving a hard-hearted people. What matters to an individual is how they have changed to become more like their Father in heaven. I can't think of any better way to change but what will require suffering to some degree either through affliction or self sacrifice. Often the greater suffering brings about greater change.

Finally, something referred to as the "Law of Restoration." This is taken from Alma 41, applying the change that comes over our souls in the Resurrection. Essentially, the point is that "Wickedness never was happiness" so you will not be changed from sin and/or wicked desires to light and good desires. Rather, in receiving a perfect and immortal body (described as 'spiritual' body by Paul) you are raised by God 'to your desire.' He helps you achieve what you really want and strive for by giving you the ability to obtain it--either eternal happiness or eternal misery dependent upon what direction you are pointing in. In other words: at the resurrection you are exactly the same person you were before… just enabled.

Humble Eyes: Institute, Tuesday 16 Feb 2010

A couple of weeks ago Brother Clark taught our Institute class. He shared several things well worth remembering, but the thing probably most easily put down in words was a message about humility and mirrors.

Brother Clark pointed out that there were essentially two distinct kinds of repentance. Firstly, there is the specific kind of repentance most often referred to, where one has committed an act of transgression and then tries to make restitution for it. That might be called repentance of a thing. The second kind of repentance is more of a conscious attempt to change yourself--repentance of who/how you are. While this kind of repentance really goes hand in hand with the first kind, it doesn't necessarily require that you do something wrong.

Brother Clark gave the example of a man (I believe he eventually became a general authority) who devoted much of his life to the art of music, being extremely talented at playing the saxophone. During his early adult years he enjoyed playing in a band that travelled the country. However, when he got married he came to the conclusion that the life of a traveling musician was not one conducive to raising a family. Thus he quit the band and locked his saxophone in its case never to be taken off the shelf again, using that time instead to focus on rearing his family. His daughter relates that he did in fact play again, but only for the occasion of Family Home Evening. Apparently he was a very good player.

For this brother, playing the saxophone could hardly be called a vice, and his talent and enjoyment of music was certainly not a bad thing. Continuing to play probably would not have seriously hurt him. However, by taking the moment to step back and examine his life, this man saw a way in which, through what in the grand scheme of things was really a small sacrifice, he could better the lives of his future family. While it was not bad to play the saxophone, it was certainly better to build up his family and no doubt he was blessed for his sacrifice.

These kind of repentant changes in our lives are different in how they apply to each individual (some might need to take up the saxophone rather than put it away) but the way they come about is by increasingly seeing ourselves as we really are--how God sees us. God sees us in our weakness, yet he still loves us. He also sees our potential. The friends with whom we associate can be mirrors that assist us in examining ourselves. I once heard that we ourselves are the sum of our five closest friends. Seeing ourselves as God sees us is a kind of humility, but discouragement is not an element of humility. Another mirror that helps us examine ourselves is our patriarchal blessing. A patriarchal blessing declares one's heritage--which is through the tribes of Israel, among the sons and daughters of Abraham. This heritage marks us with the responsibility and potential to walk with the elect in building God's kingdom. You are a child of God, a soul of godly potential. The rest of a patriarchal blessing outlines specific blessings available to you because of that potential. It's good to know our weaknesses so that we can improve, but it is equally important to know that the Lord will make your weakness your strength and has a plan that enables you to reach your celestial goal.

"And if men come into me I will show them there weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." -Ether 12:27

And that is a little of what I took away from Institute last week.