Reclaimed

The Forgotten Carols: Let Him In by Michael McLean

Now, I know yesterday I said that "I Cannot Find My Way (Three Kings)" was my favorite Forgotten Carol but that was partly true. "The Innkeeper (Let Him In)" is my favorite! Ok, they both are! :)

The part of this song that I identify most with is another intimately human tendency, to condemn and criticize yourself unnecessarily for mistakes:

He never would condemn me
I did that all on my own
He offered His forgiveness
And ever since then, I've known
He lets us choose each hour of each day
If we'll let Him in to stay; Let Him in
Let Him in, Let the peace on earth begin
Let Him in, Let Him in
Let the hope and joy begin!

And whether it be in your world today
Or a crowded Bethlehem Inn,
Find a way, make Him room
Let Him in!
Let the hope and joy begin
(It's beginning)
Let Him in
Let the peace on earth begin
(It's beginning)
Let Him in!!!!

I hope with the new year to come that we will choose to learn from our mistakes and move on, allowing joy, hope and peace to take room in our hearts and lives. Merry Christmas everyone!

The Forgotten Carols: I Cannot Find My Way/Three Kings by Michael McLean

I think it's a tough call but "I Cannot Find My Way/Three Kings" from The Forgotten Carols may be my favorite... but oh, I love them all!

This song represents that most human of situations--feeling alone and seeking for something--someone--anything to fill the void.

Somewhere beneath the glitter
That comes this time of winter
In many souls there is a cry
They may not clearly say it
But in their hearts they pray it
And you can see it in their eyes

'I cannot find my way
I cannot find my way
I cannot find my way at all
There are so many voices
So many different choices,
I cannot find my way at all.'

We're not alone,
We have a star
And it shines today
The love that He gave
Teaches how
And shows the way
That light,
it's clear to see
If we have faith and believe
Three kings found the Lord
And so can we.

The Forgotten Carols: The Shepherd (You Were Not There in Bethlehem) by Michael McLean

Another Forgotten Carol, The Shepherd (You Were Not There in Bethlehem) is a beautiful song of hope born after doubt and questioning. The character in this song is me, you and any person that first hears the story of Messiah then is presented with a choice: believe? Doubt? I LOVE the lines (pretty much the whole song):

...Somehow I did believe them, though everything I knew said I should not believe them--This story can't be true. . . 

I asked a thousand questions, their answers startled me. The more I heard, the more I thought, I knew this cannot be! And then the struggle started, my head was wrestling with my heart.

Why would a God from Heaven come to the world this way? Why in a lowly stable would the Messiah lay? I shook my head and asked them to tell the story one more time... 

Yes, I did believe them though I'd not seen a thing. I did not go to Bethlehem, or hear the angels sing, but there was something magic in the air that made me feel as if I had been there.

I knew that as the world moves on through time, there would be more stories just like mine, about the souls who've chosen to believe in something that they never got to see. 

Do you think you'll join us? Though you've not seen a thing? You were not there in Bethlehem to hear the angels sing, but if you feel the spirit in the air, then just like me you'd know 

That He was here, He was here! The King of kings
And Lord of lords was here! He was here and He will come again, For He was here!

I LOVE this song. It's all about choice. And I choose to believe.

Perspective on the Purpose of Sin and the Joy of Repentance--2 Nephi 2:23

"23 And they would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin." 2 Nephi 2:23

The above scripture is referencing the fall of Adam and Eve and the purpose for it. Might I offer an insight: without the experience and perspective that sin CAN afford us when we view it through the lens of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, coupled with the merits of the gift of repentance truly applied in an individuals life, we could not also experience the joys of doing good.

More plainly put, the highs and lows, the contrasts of life are intended to lend us experience and perspective. Like a small infant completely naive and innocent of it's surroundings, if we did not experience one, we would not understand the other. Food for thought.

Neil L. Anderson - Never Leave Him

Neil L. Anderson

As you choose not to be offended or ashamed, you will feel His love and approval. You will know that you are becoming more like Him.

To study the words of modern-day apostle, Elder Neil L. Anderson, please read or view his October 2010 General Conference address, Never Leave Him.

Robert D. Hales - Agency: Essential to the Plan of Life

Whenever we choose to come unto Christ, take His name upon us, and follow His servants, we progress along the path to eternal life.

Elder Hales' October 2010 General Conference address can be viewed and read here.

Alma 37:36-47: Counsel With Christ And He Will Direct You

The Liahona

 36Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.

 37Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.

 38And now, my son, I have somewhat to say concerning the thing which our fathers call a ball, or director—or our fathers called it Liahona, which is, being interpreted, a compass; and the Lord prepared it.

 39And behold, there cannot any man work after the manner of so curious a workmanship. And behold, it was prepared to show unto our fathers the course which they should travel in the wilderness.

 40And 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.

 41Nevertheless, because those miracles were worked by small means it did show unto them marvelous works. They were slothful, and forgot to exercise their faith and diligence and then those marvelous works ceased, and they did not progress in their journey;   
 42Therefore, they tarried in the wilderness, or did not travel a direct course, and were afflicted with hunger and thirst, because of their transgressions.

 43And 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.     UAdd a Note 

 44For 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.

 45And 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.     UAdd a Note 

 46O my son, do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way; for so was it with our fathers; for so was it prepared for them, that if they would look they might live; even so it is with us. The way is prepared, and if we will look we may live forever.     UAdd a Note 

 47And now, my son, see that ye take care of these sacred things, yea, see that ye look to God and live. Go unto this people and declare the word, and be sober. My son, farewell (Alma 37:36-47).

Proverbs 3:5-8: Trust in the Lord

5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. 8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones (Proverbs 3:5-8).

2 Nephi 11 - Lift Up Your Hearts And Rejoice; There Is A God And He Is Christ

Jacob saw his Redeemer—The law of Moses typifies Christ and proves he will come.

    1 And now, Jacob spake many more things to my people at that time; nevertheless only these things have I caused to be written, for the things which I have written sufficeth me.     UAdd a Note 

    2 And now I, Nephi, write more of the words of Isaiah, for my soul delighteth in his words. For I will liken his words unto my people, and I will send them forth unto all my children, for he verily saw my Redeemer, even as I have seen him.     UAdd a Note 

    3 And my brother, Jacob, also has seen him as I have seen him; wherefore, I will send their words forth unto my children to prove unto them that my words are true. Wherefore, by the words of three, God hath said, I will establish my word. Nevertheless, God sendeth more witnesses, and he proveth all his words.     UAdd a Note 

   4 Behold, my soul delighteth in proving unto my people the truth of the coming of Christ; for, for this end hath the law of Moses been given; and all things which have been given of God from the beginning of the world, unto man, are the typifying of him.     UAdd a Note 

   5 And also my soul delighteth in the covenants of the Lord which he hath made to our fathers; yea, my soul delighteth in his grace, and in his justice, and power, and mercy in the great and eternal plan of deliverance from death.     UAdd a Note 

   6 And my soul delighteth in proving unto my people that save Christ should come all men must perish.

   7 For if there be no Christ there be no God; and if there be no God we are not, for there could have been no creation. But there is a God, and he is Christ, and he cometh in the fulness of his own time.

   8 And now I write some of the words of Isaiah, that whoso of my people shall see these words may lift up their hearts and rejoice for all men. Now these are the words, and ye may liken them unto you and unto all men.

2 Nephi 10:23-25 - Cheer Up, We Are Free To Choose

  

23Therefore, cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves—to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life.     UAdd a Note 

 24Wherefore, my beloved brethren, reconcile yourselves to the will of God, and not to the will of the devil and the flesh; and remember, after ye are reconciled unto God, that it is only in and through the grace of God that ye are saved.     UAdd a Note 

 25Wherefore, may God raise you from death by the power of the resurrection, and also from everlasting death by the power of the atonement, that ye may be received into the eternal kingdom of God, that ye may praise him through grace divine. Amen. (2 Nephi 10:23-25)

2 Nephi 9:50-53: Come Unto the Holy One of Israel

 50 Come, my brethren, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money, come buy and eat; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without price.

 51 Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness.

 52 Behold, my beloved brethren, remember the words of your God; pray unto him continually by day, and give thanks unto his holy name by night. Let your hearts rejoice (2 Nephi 9:50-52).

1 Timothy 4:12 - An Example of the Believers

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.     (1 Tim. 4:12)


Do you believe in Jesus Christ? Not sure? Try an experiment: read his words in The Holy Bible or The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ for a month. During this time try to be a believer and do and say those things that a believer would. If you're not sure what a believer would say or do, just look in the scriptures for examples. Any researcher knows that you can't conduct your experiment with one trial run to get solid data. You need to conduct your research over a period of time and repeat attempts. Persistence and a desire to know are require as you experiment with your faith. I have found for myself, through consistency and faith, that I do believe in Jesus Christ. It is this faith that is the foundation of all my life's happiness and hope and the source of fulfillment and purpose that I currently enjoy. Try this experiment and discover for yourself.

2 Nephi 32: Enter In By The Way

. . . I suppose that ye ponder somewhat in your hearts concerning that which ye should do after ye have entered in by the way. . . . feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do. . . . again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do. Behold, this is the doctrine of Christ . . . But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul (2 Nephi 32: 1, 3, 5-6, 9).     UAdd a Note  

I thought I'd share a study technique I frequently use in my efforts to "liken all scriptures to myself". I highlight action words, verbs, that indicate things the Lord wants us to do. I also highlight words that indicate order, such as before or after and used here in this scripture, "ye ponder . . .that which ye should do after ye have entered in by the way. . .(vs. 1) ".  

The second thing I do to clarify meaning is to underline principles and promises, such as in verse 3, which states the principle and promise, ". . . the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do".

By highlighting and underlining, I find that I'm able to more clearly sift through the language used and find the essence of a scripture. And then, when I want to return to it, at a glance I can see the gist of the verse. Try and and see how you like it!

A God of Miracles

For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith.  2 Nephi 27:23

Do you believe in miracles? Have you ever experienced one personally or know someone who has? Maybe I should ask, what is a miracle? You may be uncertain about miracles, but may I suggest they are real and possible and most often manifest through small and simple means. It makes sense to my simple mind that a loving God would offer miraculous aid to any who would humbly, faithfully ask for it. Why not?

To Know And Do Good

13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.  Moroni 7:13

12 And whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do good is of me; for good cometh of none save it be of me. I am the same that leadeth men to all good; he that will not believe my words will not believe me—that I am; and he that will not believe me will not believe the Father who sent me. For behold, I am the Father, I am the light, and the life, and the truth of the world.  Ether 4:12

"Good Things To Come" by Jeffrey R. Holland

Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don't come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come. . . trust God and believe in good things to come.

"Things as They Really Are" by Elder David A. Bednar Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

The Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not. Wherefore, it speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be; wherefore, these things are manifested unto us plainly, for the salvation of our souls (Jacob 4:13; see also D&C 93:24).


An excellent article published in the June 2010 Ensign and  Liahona, Things as They Really Are is a must read for any who desire help with cultivating the ability to discern what is actually real and true.

"Canaries with Gray on Their Wings" By President Thomas S. Monson

The Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).

Please enjoy Pres. Thomas S. Monson's June 2010 First Presidency message, Canaries with Gray on Their Wings.

Personal Scripture Bookmark

Patriarchal blessings contain sacred and personal revelation and instructions from a loving Heavenly Father, who knows our strengths, weaknesses, and eternal potential.  Those who have received a patriarchal blessing should read it humbly, prayerfully, and frequently.  Whether someone has received a patriarchal blessing or not, he or she should take time regularly to ponder their spiritual progression and seek the guidance that is available to EVERYONE through prayer and scripture study.

To help make my blessing more accessible, last week I pulled out my original patriarchal blessing and typed it up into a smaller bookmark format that would be easy to tuck into scriptures or a pocket.

Then I got the idea to give each paragraph/section a verse number; just like verse numbers in the scriptures.  That is what a patriarchal blessing is, right?  Personal scripture!  I loved the new perspective it gave me on a blessing I have read hundreds of times.  If I just have a minute to spare, I can focus in on one "verse" of my patriarchal blessing.  Also, this format will make it easier for me to memorize sections of my blessing because it is broken up into familiar scripture verse format.

Now that I have it saved on my computer, I can always go back and adjust or remove the verse numbers if I need to see it in a new way again.  It really looks like a page from the scriptures and it's a visual cue to me that I should treat it that way.

Taking it further: Print out a section of the scriptures, hymn book, manuals or talks that you want to focus on while you are going through your day.  Keep it in the book you are reading, in your coat pocket, posted on your fridge, bathroom mirror, etc.  Then you can read it when you have those moments of down time while you are waiting in the car, getting things done around the house, need a break, etc.  Click here to search the gospel library online.