Wildmountain Live and Learn

Latter Day Prophets of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints- a collection facts

2011-06-30T08:15:00.000-07:00


This is a collection of facts about the Latter Day Prophets of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints- It is organized in groups of four. There are sixteen in all. The prophets in each group were often close friends, learning together as apostles before they each became a Prophet- They often knew and loved each other as brothers trying to do the difficult task to bring the light of the Savior to a world full of chaos and to stand as a witness of God the Father and His son Jesus Christ at all times and in all places. This is Group one: Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, John Taylor and Wilford Woodruff

Below is group two: Lorenzo Snow, Joseph F. Smith, Heber J. Grant, and George Albert Smith

Below is group three: David O. Mckay, Joseph Fielding Smith, Harold B.Lee, and Spencer W. Kimball

Below is the last and most current group: Ezra Taft Benson, Howard W. Hunter, Gordon B. Hinckley, and our prophet today-President Thomas S. Monson

Live and Learn every morning at six thirty AM- little thoughts from early morning adult seminary

2011-01-31T21:08:00.000-08:00

The Message: Begin Again

I don’t think that our Prophet, President Monson, had the opportunity to go on a full time mission when he was young. He did experience the profound calling as a Mission President in Ontario, Canada. This great little memory of his demonstrates to me the creative side of missionary work…a perfect example of the value and the blessing of taking what is not working for us and “Beginning again.”

CHURCH HISTORY GEMS - 22 SEPTEMBER 2010

Kingston, Canada

"No one baptized in Kingston. Just ask any missionary who labored there. Time in Kingston was marked on the calendar like days in prison. A missionary transfer to another place—any place—would be uppermost in thoughts, even in dreams.

"While I was praying about and pondering this sad dilemma, for my responsibility then as a mission president required that I pray and ponder about such things, my wife called to my attention an excerpt from the book A Child's Story of the Prophet Brigham Young. She read aloud that Brigham Young entered Kingston, Ontario, on a cold and snow-filled day. He labored there about 30 days and baptized 45 souls. Here was the answer. If the missionary Brigham Young could accomplish this harvest, so could the missionaries of today.

"Without providing an explanation, I withdrew the missionaries from Kingston, that the cycle of defeat might be broken. Then the carefully circulated word: 'Soon a new city will be opened for missionary work, even the city where Brigham Young proselyted and baptized 45 persons in 30 days.' The missionaries speculated as to the location. Their weekly letters pleaded for the assignment to this Shangri-la. More time passed. Then four carefully selected missionaries—two of them new, two of them experienced—were chosen for this high adventure. The members of the small branch pledged their support. The missionaries pledged their lives. The Lord honored both.

"In the space of three months, Kingston became the most productive city of the Canadian Mission. The grey limestone buildings still stood; the city had not altered its appearance; the population remained constant. The change was one of attitude. The label of doubt yielded to the label of faith."

Thomas S. Monson, "Labels," Ensign, Sept. 2000, -

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My Comment on President Monson’s Mission story --

There is always a time when all else fails, or we go back to old habits, that, like the Bishop turns to a young Priest who has made a mistake in a Sacrament Prayer- He says, "Begin again"... sometimes that is all it takes. If he makes another mistake in the Sacrament, the Bishop gently responds- “Begin again.” Our good friend and now missionary Elder JJ Simonsen' often helped me fix my computer with one word- “Reboot” or in other words, “Begin again.” That is what the Lord wants us all to be able to do. That is the whole message of repentance...of the atonement. We have The opportunity to close down what we have been doing, and start fresh. From a person who makes many mistakes during the day, and often loses everything from keys to important calendared events- I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for this principle- this promise that we can begin again.
D and C 18: 13 Great is the joy in the soul that repenteth.

Lessons Learning… January 30, 2011

We have been teaching the Adult Seminary class in our stake now since we returned from our mission. It has been about five months- a very fine experience.

When we were traveling home from Denmark, we stopped to visit the homes of some of our ancestors in Moss, Norway and Preston, England. One of my great grandmothers met the missionaries over 100 years ago in the town square of Preston, England. When she heard their inspired message she went home to tell her sons and asked them to see if they would check to see if they thought the missionaries were telling the truth. They all joined the church, but their father- who was a caretaker and grave digger for the local church- was fired because he had become a “Crazy Mormon.”
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Every weekday morning we gather with between 20 to 30 “crazy Mormons” at 6:30 in the morning to learn more about the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are studying the Doctrine and Covenants- a collection of revelations given mostly to Joseph Smith and other prophets during the past 100 years.

What a fun pursuit this is? We are driven. We love to learn, and teach each other. I have read the D&C many times but this time I have discovered lots of new things. It is a great way to begin the day…with a bunch of "crazy Mormons" who love to learn and study as much as I do.

I have promised to put some of our little thoughts online to remember the lessons that we are learning. Here are a few of our own Wilberg “Mormon Ads.” (to make 8 by 10 copies of these pictures- click to enlarge and then copy and paste into word or adobe photo shop or other photo files).
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Soon I will add some of the stories and ideas that I used as I taught these lessons from the amazing sections in the Doctrine and Covenants as well as the great stories from the history of the Church of Jesus Christ in the last days. It has been such a privilege to teach all of you who fill our classroom every day with such enthusiasm for learning. Love your strong spirit. It is my favorite part of the day.

Hurrah for the rising generation..

2010-09-17T23:31:00.000-07:00

Every month when missionaries gather throughout the world for Zone Conference they stand and with great enthusiasm repeat this section of the Doctrine and Covenants.

" Now Behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men. Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.

Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work;

For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul;

And faith hope, charity, and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work. Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence.

Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen --D&C 4

Are we prepared to bring this "Marvelous Work" forth?

Gerald Lund gave a talk about the profound opportunity we have to live in these latter days.

He said: "I do not know specifically what the next thirty years are going to bring, but we know in broad terms what the future holds. From the scriptures I can tell you some of the things the students you teach this coming fall can look for in the future. They can look for ADam-ondi-Ahman and Armageddon (Daniel 7:9-10, 21-22, D&C 116; Revelation 16:16) They can look for the time when the Dead Sea becomes a living sea (Ezekiel 47: 1-12). They will see worldwide war and, sometime in the future, millennial peace (D&C 87: 1-2; 101:26) The scriptures promise that our children will see Babylon seeming to reign supreme, and someday they will also see Babylon supplanted (D&C 1:35, Revelation 18)

The world has seen and will see the Ten Commandment's abandoned, and it will see the ten tribes return (See D&C 133: 26-32) We shall someday see the Zion of Enoch come down from heaven and fall upon the necks of the Zion of Joseph and Brigham and Spencer and Ezra (see D&C 84:100). We will see a temple in Jerusalem and a temple in Jackson (D&C 124:36, 84: 3-4) I am not saying these things will happen in the next thirty years, but we know that they are things that are coming, things that we are to prepare for, things we are to prepare our students for.

One of the things your students have to look forward to was described by Lorenzo Snow. Every time I read this, I long to live to see those times. Speaking to a group of temple workers, President Lorenzo Snow said, "Many of you will be living in Jackson County and there you we assisting in building the Temple; and if you will not have seen the Lord Jesus at that time you may expect Him very soon, to see Him, to eat and drink with Him, to shake hands with Him and to invite Him to your houses as He was invited when He was here before (Deseret Evening News, June 15, 1901)" -- "A Stone Cut Out" by Gerald N. Lund 1989 Doctrine and Covenants Symposium.

This year these two young men will begin their two year missions- Aske this week will give his farewell in Odense, Denmark.. and then go to the MTC in Provo, Utah and on to the Austrian German Speaking Mission. Emil arrived in Greece just a few weeks ago and has already born his testimony on Mars Hill in Athens.

There is a promise to them in the D&C 5: 10-14.

"But this generation shall have my word through you. And in addition to your testimony, the testimony of three of my servants, whom I shall call and ordain,..they shall go forth with my words that are given through you.

Yea, they shall know of a surety that these things are true, for from heaven will I declare it unto them. I will give them power that they may behold and view these things as they are:

And to none else will I grant this power, to receive this same testimony among this generation, in this the beginning of the rising up and the coming forth of my church out of the wilderness-- clear as the moon, and fair as the sun, and terrible as any army with banners."
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In October 1997 Neal A. Maxwell visited campus BYU-Idaho Devotional. He spoke about the

Rising Generation. He said:

"The youth of this generation have a greater capacity for OBEDIENCE than any previous generation." He indicates that his statement was based on a truth taught by President George Q. Cannon. who said: "God has reserved spirits for this dispensation who have the courage and determination to face the world- and all the powers of the evil one, visible and invisible-

--to proclaim the Gospel,

--and maintain the truth-

--and establish and buildup the Zion of our God,

fearless of all consequences.

He has sent these spirits in this generation to lay the foundation of Zion, never more to be overthrown, and to raise up a seed that will be righteous, that will honor God, and honor Him supremely-and BE OBEDIENT to him under all circumstances."

The Lord is counting on us to be his most obedient generation. We are to be valiant, obedient to him under all circumstances. He didn't save his royal generation for these last days because they were more intelligent, better speakers, even talented leaders.. His royal generation were saved to come at this time because they were more Obedient. Obedience opens the door to the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost.

Preach My Gospel defines the attribute of humility -

"The willingness to submit to the will of the Lord (to obey the will of the Lord) and the willingness to give the Lord the Honor." This describes the royal army that has be reserved for these last days.

There is a wonderful story that I have used through the years to remind me of how important I am to the Savior. As one of his sheep, I realized his great love for me. Having just left good friends on the other side of the ocean, I know how much he wants us to remember his sheep. This message is very real to me as I teach every morning at 6:30 almost before the sun comes up. Each day there are about 30 people who are gathered ready to enjoy these sacred scriptures designed to guide us through the day. It is quite a thing- to be a part of this little flock. Here is the story.

The Summer of the Lambs

by Jayne B. Malan --Ensign, Nov. 1989, page 78

The day school was out at the beginning of each summer, our family went to our ranch in Wyoming. It was there with my parents, and brothers and sisters, and a few cousins mixed in, that I learned about family loyalty; love and concern; birth and death; that one must finish a job once it is started; and to quote my father, "There are only two things important--the family and the Church."

One year my father was waiting for us as we arrived. He said he had a big job for my brother Clay and me to do that summer. I was about twelve at the time, and my brother was two years older. Pointing to the field by the side of the house, my father said, "do you see all of these lambs in that field? I'll share the money we get for the ones you raise when we sell them in the fall." Well, we were excited. Not only did we have a significant job to do, but we were going to be rich ! There were a lot of lambs in that field--about 350 of them. And all we had to do was feed them.

However, there was one thing that my father hadn't mentioned. None of the lambs had mothers. Just after shearing, there was a violent storm that chilled the newly shorn sheep. Dad lost a thousand ewes that year. The mothers of our lambs were among them.

To feed one or two baby animals is one thing, but to feed 350 is something else ! It was hard. There was plenty of grass, but the lambs couldn't eat the grass. they didn't have teeth. they needed milk. So we made some long V-shaped feeding troughs out of some boards. Then we got a great big tin washtub, ground up some grain, and added milk to make a thin mash. While my brother poured the mash into the troughs, I rounded up the lambs, herded them to the troughs, and said, "Eat!" Well, they just stood there looking at me. Although they were hungry and there was food in front of them, they still wouldn't eat. No one had taught them to drink milk out of a trough. So I tried pushing them toward the troughs. Do you know what happens when you try to push sheep? They run the other way. And when you lose one, you could lose them all because others will follow. That's the way with sheep.

We tried lining up the lambs along the troughs and pushing their noses down in the milk hoping they'd get a taste and want some more. We tried wiggling our fingers in the milk to get them to suck on our fingers. Some of them would drink, but most of them ran away.

Many of the lambs were slowly starving to death. The only way we could be sure they were being fed was to pick them up in our arms, two at a time, and feed them like babies.

And then there were the coyotes. At night the coyotes would sit up on the hill and they'd howl. The next morning we would see the results of their night's work, and we would have two or three more lambs to bury. The coyotes would sneak upon the lambs , scatter the herd, and then pick out the ones they wanted and go after them. The first were those that were weak or separated from the flock. Often in the night when the coyotes came and the lambs were restless, my dad would take out his rifle and shoot in the air to scare them away. We felt secure when my dad was home because we knew our lambs were safe when he was there to watch over them.

Clay and I soon forgot about being rich. All we wanted to do was save our lambs. The hardest part was seeing them die. Every morning we would find five, seven, ten lambs that had died during the night. Some the coyotes got, and others starved to death surrounded by food they couldn't or wouldn't eat.

Part of our job was to gather up the dead lambs and help dispose of them. I got used to that, and it really wasn't so bad until I named one of the lambs. It was an awkward little thing with a black spot on its nose. It was always under my feet, and it knew my voice. I loved my lamb. It was one I held in my arms and fed with a bottle like a baby.

One morning my lamb didn't come when I called. I found it later that day under the willows by the creek. It was dead. With tears streaming down my face, I picked up my lamb and went to find my father. Looking up at him, I said, "Dad, isn't there someone who can help us feed our lambs?"

After a long moment he said, "Jayne, once a long,long time ago, someone else said almost those same words. He said, "Feed my lambs..feed my sheep..Feed my sheep. (John 21:15-17) Dad put his arms around me and let me cry for a time, then went with me to bury my lamb.

It wasn't until many years later that I fully realized the meaning of my father's words. I was pondering the scripture in Moses that says, "For behold, this is my work and my glory-- to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of (all mankind.)" (Moses 1: 39) As I thought about the mission of the Savior, I remembered the summer of the lambs, and for a few brief moments, I thought I could sense how the Savior must feel with so many lambs to feed, so many souls to save. And I knew in my heart that he needed my help.

Our Heavenly Father has not sent us out in the field alone. He has given us a Prophet, goodly parents, strong leaders, his written word, the Holy Ghost, his son Jesus Christ, our education, and sacred covenants ... we have the tools to keep us safe in his sacred fold.

Some lambs may refuse the tender care of their shepherd. You can refuse to eat, put yourself where wolves can find you, starve yourself from the spiritual food that is all around you.. You may be a fragile new lamb with out a pattern of living that will keep you safe.. That is what missionaries do, that is what Bishops do, that is what loved ones do..they continue to offer a taste of the spiritual food that will nourish the soul and bring each lost lamb back to their shepherd. The apostle Paul warned the followers of Jesus to stay close to their shepherd.

He said when men forsake their shepherd-"grievous wolves shall enter among you- not sparing the flock." This is a warning for these last days. Keep your eye on the shepherd.. and be willing to feed his sheep.

He promised in D&C 6: 34 - 37.."fear not, little flock do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail. ...look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not. Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commanments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. Amen."

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The Doctrine and Covenants was compiled to teach "All Mankind" what the Lord has in store for them in these last days. In a world full of opinions and choices, bright ideas, and sales pitches, we have to be careful who we decide to follow. Benjamin Franklin, in a collection of his thoughts records these thoughts..

"We stand at the crossroads,

each minute,

each hour,

each day,

making choices.

We choose
the thoughts
we allow ourselves to think,
the passions
we allow ourselves to feel,
and the actions
we allow ourselves to perform.

Each choice
is made in the context
of whatever value system
we've selected
to govern our lives.

In selecting that value system,
we are,
in a very real way,
making the most important choice
we will ever make.

Those who believe there is one God
who made all things
and who governs the world by his Providence
will make many choices different
from those who do not.

Those who hold in reverence
that being who gave them life
and worship Him through
adoration,
prayer,
and thanksgiving
will make choices different
from those who do not.

Those who believe
that mankind are all of a family
and that the most acceptable
service of God
is doing good to man
will make many choices different
from those who do not.

Those who believe
in a future state
in which
all that is wrong here
will be made right
will make many choices different
from those who do not.

Those who subscribe
to the morals of Jesus
will make many choices different
from those who do not.

Since the foundation of all happiness
is thinking rightly,
and since correct action
is dependent on correct opinion.
we cannot be too careful
in choosing the value system
we allow to govern
our thoughts and actions

And to know that God governs
in the affairs of men,
That he hears and answers prayers,
and that he is a rewarder of them that
diligently seek Him,
is indeed,
a powerful regulator
of human conduct.

("Franklin's Formula for Successful Living, Number 3" Benjamin Franklin's the art of Virtue.)

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With a sense of humor, Elder Neal A Maxwell spoke about our experiences in these last days. It will be an interesting year using the Doctrine and Covenants to guide us into these final years of "High Adventure."

You never know what is ahead for these valiant missionaries. I know they are prepared to share this "Marvelous Work."

Welcome to the Doctrine and Covenants 2010

2010-09-16T08:24:00.000-07:00

This is the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. We just returned home from our mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was a wonderful 18 months in Denmark in a 1,000 year old town called Odense. We worked mostly with Young Single Adults from the ages of 18-30 in a Young Single Adult Outreach Center in the middle of town. We met and worked with some of the finest young people in the world. I cannot let them go. Thank Heavens, in this world of facebook and blogs.. our friendships continue.

We have been called to teach an unusual early "Seminary" class at 6:30 in the morning to a group of about 30 adults- a few young single adults, some who are preparing to go on their missions, and lots of curious retired and other enthusiastic adult students. We never have any discipline problems, no one breaks the dress code by wearing pajamas or short shorts to Seminary.. and we never send anyone to the office because they are late.

I think we are the only "Adult Seminary" class in the world. But we have been called to teach with our friend Don Howe... Now, for the first time in 18 months everyone understands my English. It is a fine world in which we live. Love teaching, love this new opportunity to teach. Last summer, while teaching a summer institute class in Odense, I tried to create a blog for those students who would not be in our class to hear about the Prophets of the Church. It is not quite complete. I will try to complete the information sometime this year.

But for now, we begin a new school year with Joseph Smith, the history of the Restored Church, and the Doctrine and Covenants... a sacred book of modern day revelations. The original "book of Commandments" was published in 1833 and then two years later (1835) the name was changed to the "Doctrine and Covenants."

In this blog I will try to include quotes, stories and other thoughts that have been discussed in class. To me, there are always themes and connections between each section or chapter in the standard works (Our Scriptures). These stories and ideas can be used in a short family home evening or to equip you with tools to teach from these remarkable modern day revelations. If the Lord says: "Hearken, O ye people ..from afar, and upon the islands of the sea, listen together...the voice of warning shall be unto ALL people." (D&C 1: 1, 4) If the Lord himself says this in the first section of this book.. It is about time that we "Hearken."

Come join us in this modern day adventure.

In this world of chaos, and confusion, I have told this story many times on my mission. Meet the Sirens of Greece... they are not your friends. It is important to know who your captain is before you sail too close to the rocky shores of the Sirens.

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THE SIRENS

A tale is told of beautiful Sirens who lived on the rocky shores of an island piled high with human bones and broken ships. It was a sad, and dangerous tale. These sirens were talented muscians. They played the harp, and the flute and sang in lovely high pitched voices. They looked like angels by the sea. When they spoke, their words were more enticing than their song. Would you like to go visit their Island and hear them sing?

The sirens had irresistable charm. They used their deceitful words- to persuade passing sailors to come too close to their rocky shores. They caused whirlwinds that pulled them into the rocks. Too many sailors crashed their ships trying to meet the sirens on the shore and lost their lives in a watery grave. The noise of the world of sirens tempted the sailors to their death.

One captain, named Ulysses, was warned about this danger. He had his sailors plug their ears with wax and tie him to the mast to avoid the Sirens by the shore. But the sailors could still see the beautiful maidens and watch their tempting words inviting them closer. They crashed against the rocks and were buried in the watery grave.

A wiser captain, Orpheus, had a better plan. He was an excellent musican. His music could change the feelings and attitudes of the tired and discouraged sailors. When they came near to the Siren's Island..He played a more beautiful melody and sang a more clear, and refined song. He drowned out the music of the world- the siren's world, and replaced it with a new song. Before the sailors knew it, their ship was back on course and out of danger.

Today, the high shrill song of the sirens is heard all over the world. The Lord, has given us the clear, pure voice of a captain with a better song...one who can guide us away from the rocky shores of the world and on to safety.

Here are some of our good friends from Denmark..Paul (from Fuzhau, China) in the middle, Elder Clayton (from Spanish Fork, Utah) on the left and JJ (from Qaqortoq, Greenland) on the right. Paul is showing us all how to make his mother's won-ton soup. While the world is out there calling us with a hundred siren songs, these boys (young men) are learning how to make won-ton soup... in the middle of Denmark.

Our Captain, the Savior, Jesus Christ begins the Doctrine and Covenants with these words:

"Hearken, O ye people.. from afar; and ye that are upon the islands of the sea, listen together. For verily the voice of the Lord is unto all men.. the voice of warning shall be unto All people.."

This is a picture of some of our favorite people in our center in Odense. Paul (Li-Cong) has just received the Priesthood surrounded by these great men from all over the world.

We begin the study of the Doctrine and Covenants with this clear song. In this book you will find the words that will lift you up and protect you as you sail through the rocky shores of the last days. Even if you wonder where your captain is, take a chance on these powerful words. With a soft heart, you may find yourself sailing past the chaotic world to a place that has fun making won-ton soup on a Friday night.

A few weeks ago, we went through the Copenhagen Temple with our dear friend JJ. He, himself, is studying to be a Sea Captain here in Denmark. Now he is preparing to go on a Spanish speaking mission to St George, Utah. In these last days, we need many sailors like JJ who are willing to go where our Savior would like them to go. Thank you, JJ, for ignoring the many shrill voices of a world to teach the people of St. George.

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During this lesson on the Preface of the D&C..Section 1, we focused on the idea that this book was written as a voice of warning "to ALL people." Sheri Dew, former councilor in the General Relief Society Presidency, gives purpose to the importance of latter day leadership.
She wrote: "Our father has remarkable respect for us. He chose us for the last leg of the race..not Eve, not Moses, Not Noah..he recommended you and me.

God wants a powerful people. Do you think God would have left the last days to chance?

In the last leg of a relay race, the coach always positions the best for the last...

1. To face the world at its worst.

2. To combat Satan.

3. Born to lead, to stand as a witness at all times.

4. Isaiah said- we were born to Glory.

5. The days ahead will wrench our very heart strings.

President Kimball: "Our influence will be ten fold what it might have been in more tranquil times."

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There are many scriptures that describe the power of Gods word.. In D&C 11: 2 the Lord reminds to "Give heed to my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow; therefore, give heed unto my word."

In the beginning of the D&C the Savior promises to defend and strengthen the weak and humble. He offers them power to lay the foundation of the church.

"These commandments are of me, and were given unto my servants in their weakness, after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding. .. in as much as they were humble they might be made strong, and blessed from on high,...

To those to whom these commandments were given, (they) might have power to lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it forth out of obscurity and out of the darkness the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth.." D&C 1: 24, 28 30

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To demonstrate where we get our power I asked the class to look at point number 1. Have them draw the same illustration on their paper putting a picture of them in the middle. Then circle the person they think is the most powerful in # 1. (God is the most powerful)

Point 2. Have the class draw another picture with Satan and you side by side. Who is the most powerful. (many will say man is the most powerful...but the fact is that Satan is probably the most powerful when man is not connected to any support)

Point three: Then have them draw God, themselves, and Satan again and ask the question how can you become more powerful. Draw a ring around the source that gives you power. When you are bound to God...you have more power than the devil himself.

The final question in this discussion has to do with "How can you bind yourself to God?" This little chart focuses on these simple principles. The Doctrine and Covenants is designed to help us connect to God in these last days...through the power of the word of God we discover his commandments, his doctrine, and the covenants that we can make to bind ourselves to the God who created us. He has given us these sacred tools so that we can find strength and joy in this life and in the life to come.
For this reason, we have spent 18 months of our lives with these fine people...sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with people from all over the world. What a ride it continues to be. (click on the pictures for a bigger view).

"How to survive a crisis" Night--Ask Lorenzo Snow

2009-07-15T11:59:00.000-07:00

It is Tuesday again at the Odense Young Adult Center and we are taking a chance on food that you might eat during a financial crisis. Have you ever had spaghetti soup or zuchinni squash casserole? Have you ended your meal with "Peanut Butter Balls dipped in chocolate?" This is what Rene, Laura, Daniel (Mark's brother) and Mark are eating. They lived to tell about it..true survivors. It is Lorenzo Snow "How to survive a crisis" Night at the center.

Lorenzo Snow became the fifth President of the Church in the middle of a serious financial crisis for the Church. It was the turn of the century, our first prophet had been martyred, our second prophet courageously led thousands of people across the plains, the next prophets helped settle and build a new zion in the middle of the desert. Temples dotted the land, but all was not well in Zion. By the time Lorenzo Snow became our prophet, the Church was indebt in the amount of $2.3 million..The U.S. Government had seized most of the Church's assets, including the tithing funds. The members of the Church reacted by holding back their tithing donations.

What would you do if you were a prophet during this dark time in the history of the church?

We are pretty comfortable here in Odense. We often hear about the "crisis" that has turned our world upside down and left many without jobs-

unprepared for financial emergencies. Through the years we have been warned and forewarned to "Prepare ye, Prepare ye for that which is to come." (D&C 1: 12). We have been reminded "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." (D&C 38: 30) .

These are some of the great men who prepare themselves everyday to serve the Lord in our mission. Because the members are so generous with their time, and good food, Elder Barnard and Elder Smedley are able to spend their time bringing a sense of hope, instead of fear to the people in Odense. What a group !

Even in the midst of a crisis, of calamities, of chaos all over the world--the Lord has blessed us. Our Elders and Sisters in Odense are cheerful, optimistic, hard workers. They begin the day in search of miracles (and they find them). Life is good here in Denmark.

But what would Lorenzo Snow say about these last days, or Ezra Taft Benson, President Kimball, or President Hinkley ? Are we prepared for "that which is to come?" What are we really doing to be ready for a down turn in the economy, a lost job, crop failures, or lack of rain?

So this week we remembered, with Lorenzo Snow, that we don't always know how long we will be comfortable, well fed, and prosperous. We have been warned "In the day of plenty, prepare for the day of scarcity."

Here are some of the frugal recipes that we served this week at the center.

There is always room for peanut butter balls during a crisis. We had no left overs.

Lorenzo Snow was a prophet for only three years, but he served as an apostle for almost fifty years.

He had known and been taught by every latter-day prophet up to that time.

He often dined with the Prophet Joseph and had private interviews with him.

At the end of his life, President Snow, with some of the twelve, traveled from Salt Lake to St. George to a conference. It was a long, hot journey in the middle of a deadly drought. President Snow did not know why he was to attend this meeting, but while he was speaking, he recalled the verses at the end of the Old Testament in Malachi 3: 8-10.

"Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Where in have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith ,...if I will not open you the Windows Of Heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

Lorenzo Snow then promised the people of St George that if they would begin to pay their tithing, the windows of heaven would literally rain down blessings that would cause their land to produce crops before the end of the year.

President Snow traveled all over Utah with the same message...within days the people began to pay an honest tithe. Soon the windows of heaven did open, clouds gathered and watered their parched land. There was a harvest that very season.

From 1898 to 1951, four prophets presided over an expanding Church--

Lorenzo Snow, Joseph F. Smith, Heber J. Grant, and George Albert Smith.

"These Presidents witnessed the transition from horse and buggy to travel by air. Two world wars and global depression challenged the Saints, During this time, nine temples were built. In 1901, there were aproximately 300,ooo members in 50 stakes." (Our Heritage, pg 105) By 1951 the Church had over 1, 111,000 members gathered in 180 stakes throughout the world.

These charts will let you compare the lives of all four of these great men. (for a better view of each chart, click on each chart).

Where were they born? What did they do for a living?

How tall were they? Some say that Lorenzo Snow weighed only 140 pounds, others say he weighed more? I guess it depends on his age.

What did they love to eat? Fix a favorite Presidents dessert for family night.

What did they like to do for fun? What were their favorite hymns?

When were they ordained apostles?

How old were they when they died? Where were they buried?

What are some unusual facts about these men? What memorable things did they accomplish? I hope that you will get better acquainted with these good men during the summer. We have enjoyed learning about the lives of these men.

President Snow look forward to the future, even in times of crisis. He said: "It is well for us, once in a while to look away ahead and see what will be the result of all the sacrifices and labors that we endure and perform in this life... The time has come for every Latter-Day Saint, who calculates to be prepared for the future and to hold his feet upon a proper foundation---

To Do The Will of the Lord ..!

Our Prophet, President Monson, is still reminding us today to be

prepared for that which is to come. The church leaders have tried to simplify their admonition to begin a food storage, preparedness program in our homes.

There are new guidelines to help us be successful in these efforts-- no matter how small our homes are. There is a new pamphlet that has been prepared called "All Is Safely Gathered In." It breaks down the "Be Prepared" tasks into small tasks. Let's get started.

When Lorenzo Snow was asked to establish a city in northern Utah-- (later named Brigham City), he asked the people to plant peach and apple trees and grape vines. Some of the people asked why that was necessary-- they thought that they would be traveling back to Jackson County soon. Elder Snow's response then was: "We are not going tomorow, nor the next day, this week or next week." They began to follow their leaders. They built a mill, a wool industry, a boot and shoe shop, a harness shop, a butcher shop, a sawmill and a carpentry shop. They had hat shops, a brush factory, a pottery store, a tailor and clothing shop, and a brick and adobe yard.

They had many problems- grasshoppers, drought, a mill burned down. They followed the warnings of the prophets.."If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear."

Now is the time to get busy. Let's start with a few more peanut butter balls.

See you next time with a message or two from the prophet who was the son of Hyrum Smith and the nephew of Joseph--Joseph F. Smith. What an amazing man. Try fixing the zuchinni squash casserole, it is delicious.

This Week at the Odense Center

2009-07-11T21:37:00.000-07:00

This week there will be two major events at the center. All of you are welcome to come..and invite your friends. This will be our first International Night.. A Filipino Fiesta. On Friday night the lights are on and the music and food will be great. We may have some of the events outside and in. Welcome to anyone from all over the world..who happen to be in Odense on July 17, 2009. We will be waiting for you.
This Tuesday night at 6:00 we have food eaten by Lorenzo Snow, our fifth president of the Church. He was a prophet during a big economic crisis in the church. Do you think he might have any advice for us today? We miss all of you who are having your vacations this month.. hope you are having a great time. Our family night starts with our Lorenzo Snow meal at 6 and then continues with our message at 7. See you there.

The Survivor- Wilford Woodruff

2009-07-06T12:43:00.000-07:00

The Many Mishaps in Wilford Woodruff’s Young Life

Compiled by Truman Madsen in “The Presidents of the Church- Wilford Woodruff”

1. When he was only three years of age he fell into a cauldron of boiling water. Though he was pulled out immediately, he wasn’t out of danger for about nine months.
2. When he was five years old he fell on his face from a great beam in a barn.
3. Three months later he fell down the stairs and broke his arm.
4. Shortly after that he broke his other arm.
5. At six years of age he was chased by a mad bull but fell into a posthole, and the animal leapt over him.
6. The same year he broke two major bones of one of his legs while working in his father’s sawmill.
7. When he was eight a wagon of hay on which he was riding tipped over on him and he nearly suffocated.
8. When he was nine he fell from an elm tree after standing on a dry limb fifteen feet above the ground and was, for a time, thought to be dead.
9. When he was twelve he was nearly drowned in the Farmington River, in thirty feet of water, and finally was rescued by another young man.
10. When he was thirteen he almost froze to death, having actually fallen asleep in a cutout part of a tree trunk. Somebody shook him and finally brought him back to consciousness.
11. At the age of fourteen he split his instep open with an ax. It took nine months to heal.
12. At fifteen he was bitten on his left hand by a mad dog.
13. At seventeen he was thrown from an ill-tempered horse amid the rocks on a steep hill. The accident broke his left leg in two places and dislocated both his ankles. He spent eight weeks on crutches.
14. When he was twenty, trying to clear the ice out of a waterwheel, he slipped, fell in, and plunged headfirst into three feet of water, barely escaping death.
15. When he was twenty-four he was caught in a waterwheel again, that was twenty feet in diameter, but escaped with a few bruises.
16. Also at twenty-four he had lung fever.
17. At twenty-six only a few minutes after his baptism, a horse kicked the hat off his head, and if the blow had been two inches lower, he would not have survived.
18. Ten minutes later he was thrown from a sleigh without a box and, landing between the horses, was dragged about a half a mile.
19. Even as a young apostle, about the age of thirty, he was poisoned while skinning an animal that had been killed by poison. His system was almost overcome and it was feared he would die. President Brigham Young gave him the following blessing:

“Brother Woodruff, I say to you, in the name of Jesus Christ, that you shall not die, but you shall live to finish your work which was appointed you to do upon the earth. The adversary has sought many times to destroy your life but the Lord has preserved you, and will preserve you until your work is done.”
-- Cowley, “Wilford Woodruff, page 368

Wilford Woodruff died at the age of 91 of old age on a trip to San Francisco, California.

Thank you Wilford Woodruff, the first fly fisherman in Utah, a prize winning gardener, a lover of the out of doors...a daily record keeper. Thank you for living such a full and sometimes dangerous life... and remembering to tell us about it.

Meet our fourth President and Prophet- Wilford Woodruff

2009-07-04T10:30:00.000-07:00

By the way, sweet milk is an old fashioned term used during pioneer days referring to whole milk (straight out of the cow). Since you probably don't have a cow, go for whole milk right out of the carton !

Wilford Woodruff was one of the Church's most successful missionaries. He kept meticulous journals, for his own personal observations and for historical events, and talks given by the early leaders of the church. During

his presidency he was inspired to write The Manefesto- a document that ended plural marriage for members of the Church. You can read this document in your scriptures- D&C-Official Declaration 1.

(Click on the document below to enlarge)

During General Conference in April 1894, President Woodruff announced that he had received a revelation about genealogical work. He declared that God wanted the Latter-day Saints "To trace their genealogies as far as you can get it...This is the will of the Lord to his people." Wilford Woodruff was the first President of the St. George Temple and dedicated the Manti Temple, and the Salt Lake Temple. Dedicatory services for the Salt Lake Temple lasted over a month.. from April 6 to May 18, 1893. Over 75,000 people attended. (See also the President Fact sheets comparing the first four presidents at the beginning of the blog).

Memorable Quotes from President Wilford Woodruff:

1. “It is comforting to think that in the morning of the resurrection, my spirit will have the privilege of dwelling in the very same body that it occupied here. I would be very glad to have the same body in the resurrection with which I waded swamps, swam rivers and labored to build up the kingdom of God here on the earth.”
( Deseret News : Semi-Weekly December 28, 1875.)

2. "No obstacles are insurmountable when God commands and we obey."

3. "Upon the shoulders of you mothers rests; in a great measure, the responsibility of correctly developing the mental and moral powers of the rising generation...I have often said it is the mother who forms the mind of the child. Take men anywhere, at sea, sinking with their ship, dying in battle, lying down in death almost under any circumstances, and the last thing they think if, the last word they say is "mother." Such is the influence of woman."

4. "Those men who laid the foundation of this American government and signed the Declaration of Independence were the best spirits the God of heaven could find on the face of the earth. They were choice spirits, not wicked men. General Washington and all the men who labored for the purpose were inspired of the Lord."

5. “As the taste for what may be called book-learning increases, manual labor should not be neglected. The education of the mind and the education of the body should go hand in hand. A skillful brain should be joined with a skillful hand. Manual labor should be dignified among us and always be made honorable. The tendency, which is too common in these days, for young men to get a smattering of education and then think themselves unsuited for mechanical or other laborious pursuits is one that should not be allowed to grow among us....Everyone should make it a matter of pride to be a producer, and not a consumer alone. “

Summer vacation with the Prophets

2009-07-04T09:51:00.001-07:00

During the last Family Home Evening we focused on the third Prophet and President of the Church, John Taylor.

Mattias was kind enough to help us give the lesson. He did a wonderful job introducing us to this courageous man. John Taylor was shot five times in Carthage Jail and lived to record the night that Joseph and Hyrum Smith were shot and killed in cold blood. Later he wrote the powerful, tragic story of that day. This document can be found in D&C 135 and the trials that Joseph Smith suffered prior to his death- can be found in D&C 127.

After the lesson, we played a traditional, crazy game of CRUD. Kathy, our daughter, and Scott, our son-in-law were visiting here from Washington,DC, USA. I have been wanting them to learn this game since we moved here. Thank you for taking the time to teach them how to run around a pool table trying to hit a little ball. I know that there will be many new CRUD players popping up all over Washington, DC when they return with their new skill.

Thank you, also for being such a friendly group. I loved having them meet you all. Now they know some of the things that we share with you in this little basement in Odense. It was an experience they won't forget. It was great to be with you. For those of you who are traveling, and recovering from a month of studying, we miss you all and are looking forward to your return.

John Taylor was not born after he was baptized.

2009-06-26T21:06:00.000-07:00

I discovered that page one of the prophet's fact sheet showed that John Taylor was baptized before he was born. This is not a true fact...not even a possibility- so here is the corrected version of that page. I will try very hard to not lead you astray. If I do...let me know !

A Summer with the Prophets

2009-06-26T11:31:00.000-07:00

As we progress through the summer, I will add more

facts about the next prophets that we study- in groups of four. There are sixteen prophets in all. I hope that as you compare their ages, their families, their birthdates, and their death dates, that you will discover a new appreciation for these strong leaders who gave their lives in service of their God. (If you want to read these charts, and papers more clearly, just put your pointer on each page, click- and a full 8 by 10 picture will appear. You are welcome to print and share these "Lessons Learned".)

A Correction is needed on John Taylor's birthday. He was born on November 1, 1808 only three years after the birth of Joseph Smith.

There is so much to learn about the Prophet Joseph Smith. I will continue to add little bits and pieces to help us all become more aware of his great talents and abilities. He was a man who was always searching for more truth. It is a privilege to study about his life and look at the great contribution that he made in these last days.

It is very interesting for me to follow the Smith Family. Joseph's grandparents began a legacy that left us with four prophets of the church, and many leaders through the years.

I think the best way to remember history is to celebrate it. For many years I have created Hill Cumorah Cakes with the golden plates inside. This is in honor of the men who met on that hill (and some even fought to the death on the Hill Cumorah and its surrounding land). The Jaredites, The Nephites, and Moroni's own family probably were some of those who died there. Moroni buried the plates and laban's sword there, and Joseph went there to find the golden plates. This is an unbelievable story. But it is true.

These are some activities that can take place during the year to celebrate the history and the stories of our sixteen prophets.

Wilford Woodruff will be next. Welcome to the lives of the Prophets of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints...

Welcome to Summer..

2009-06-22T14:54:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of summer, we said "Good Bye" to Guang. She has begun language school in Los Angeles, California. She is looking forward to visiting Disneyland during her vacation break. We miss you, Guang.

What do young adults do here during the early summer? We have shown the "Mobster and Mormons" movie five times to everyone from 12 to 85 years of age. (I guess our 85 year old is not considered a young adult). We have had cookies and milk, vegetable dips, potato chips, and homemade icecream at our movie nights. June is a time to relax and celebrate the end of the school year.

We have played round ball in a near by park, with a tennis ball, bat and coat hangers and card board for bases. This is a game everyone can play, no matter what athletic skills they have.

It is always a great surprise to have people show up from all over this side of Denmark.

Julie has come home for a summer break. She rode one of her beautiful black horses right in our backyard.

We went to visit Laura at her job at the Kerteminde Fjord and Baet Acquarium. (see wildmountainabroad.blogspot.com). She is anxiously awaiting her mission call.

We miss many of you during the month of June because you are busy studying and taking exams. Good luck to all of you.

At the beginning of summer, Stefano won a well deserved silver medal for his success during the table tennis championship games on the island of Bornholm, Denmark. Congratulations, hard working, disciplined Stefano.

June is a time for Seminary and Institute Certificates and graduation. Good job. What a great crowd of enthusiastic young people. They danced and drank chocolate milkshakes around a golden castle of lights.

In June we have had our last family home evening with Sara. She is on her way to the MTC in Provo, and then to Temple Square where she will serve a very exciting mission. (Benjamin, Sara, Julie, and Karin are sitting on our pool table at the center. This week we will put Sara's picture on the missionary map behind them)

She will also say "Good Bye" to Benjamin. Yesterday was her missionary Farwell. When we entered the chapel in Fredericia, we discovered a little reluctant "church goer" all curled up in the coat closet. She was there for at least fifteen minutes. We never saw her face, and we never saw her shoes enter the Sacrament Meeting. We do know that she missed the opportunity to hear from Sara and her father. Sara is ready to begin eighteen months in the heart of Utah.

I think she is ready to bring a taste of Denmark, and her strong testimony of the gospel, to Temple Square.

Good Bye, Sara. Welcome to Temple Square.