FATHER'S MERCY

 

“I believe that Heavenly Father wants to save every one of his children. I do not think he intends to shut any of us out because of some slight transgression, some slight failure to observe some rule or regulation. There are the great elementals that we must observe, but he is not going to be captious about the lesser things.

“I believe that his juridical concept of his dealings with his children could be expressed in this way: I believe that in his justice and mercy he will give us the maximum reward for our acts, give us all that he can give, and in the reverse, I believe that he will impose upon us the minimum penalty which it is possible for him to impose.”

-          President J. Reuben Clark, In Conference Report, October 1953, p 84

I too believe in Father’s inherent mercy because of His perfect love but I also believe that this mercy was increased in measure through the Atonement of His Beloved Son who is our Mediator and Advocate with the Father.

Father is justice and Christ is mercy (3 Nephi 20:20; 27:17; D&C 101:9; Mosiah 13:14; Moroni 7:27). Together they are the balanced scale we will face on the day of judgment. That day we will be judged so perfectly that we will not be able to question it.

Even though mercy cannot rob justice (Alma 42:25), it is the mercy that we will receive that we will remember forever because it will come from the loving heart of God. We will know then just how much we are loved…..

 

I marvel, Father, that You could perceive

every thought of my heart,

Long before you gifted one to me;

That you trusted my will to obey

With You so dim in my memory.

I stand amazed at Your sufferance

Of the struggling sinner like me,

And the steadfast flow of gifts you bestow

From the merciful heart that is in Thee.

 

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: The Father by FluxPro.art)

THE CROWNING BLESSING

 

If ever there was a book for our time, it is the Doctrine and Covenants: a warning to the world and a concise compilation of prophecies, revelations and direct instructions and commandments to Christ’s Church. When I read this book I hear the voice of God.

Every time I study the Doctrine and Covenants, my testimony of Joseph as a prophet grows. No mortal man could come up with anything to rival or match any revelation contained therein that fell from the lips of our exalted, glorified and beloved Saviour.

Consider if anyone bar Christ himself could possibly make the promise He made at the very start of Section 93. The promise to the faithful members of His Church is beyond our wildest imagination:

“It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am.”  (v1)

It is the same promise He gave to His Church in the meridian of time:

“If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”  (John 14:23)

Could there be a greater promise than to see His face??? Elder Bruce R. McConkie called this “the crowning blessing of mortality”:

“We have the power – and it is our privilege – so to live, that becoming pure in heart, we shall see the face of God while we yet dwell as mortals in a world of sin and sorrow. This is the crowning blessing of mortality. It is offered by that God who is no respecter of persons to ALL the faithful in his kingdom. (In CR, Oct 1977, p 52, or Ensign Nov 1977, p 34)

President Spencer W. Kimball confirmed this privilege is available to all the members of the Church:

“I have learnt that where there is hungering after righteousness, forsaking of sins and obedience to the commandments of God, the Lord pours out more and more light until there is finally power to pierce the heavenly veil and to know more than man knows. A person of such righteousness has the priceless promise that one day he shall see the Lord’s face and know that he is.”  (“Give the Lord Your Loyalty”, Ensign March 1980, p 4)

“Sanctify yourselves that your mind become single to God, and the day will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you….”  (D&C 88:68)

“Verily I say unto you that it is your privilege, and a promise I give unto you that inasmuch as you …..humble yourselves before me….the veil shall be rent and you shall see me and know that I am….” (67:10)

I sometimes wonder if it is our lack of worthiness or our lack of belief in the promise that keeps Him away…..

I lift and I float in this vast

Universal space,

Seeking and hoping to see Your face.

Angels are near me,

They beckon and call

Ensuring I find a soft place to fall.

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: The Bridegroom by LDS Art)

 

LOVING MORTALITY

 

There is a scene in a movie called “The City of Angels” where a deceased little girl is escorted out of the hospital by an angel who asks her: “What did you like best?” The little girl, in her innocence, replied: “Pajamas”.

I have often wondered what my answer would be if I was asked this question by an angel at the pearly gates. I used to feel guilty for a long time that I couldn’t say I love life but I have learnt over the years to be grateful for it, as hard as it is, for what it is making of me and where it is taking me.

Sometimes we get caught up in the pressure put on us to cultivate a positive attitude. Some of us consider  being negative in any way a downfall. Whereas, I believe there is a place for being positive, I equally believe it is dangerous to systematically deny negative things about life believing if we do so we will be happy.

I knew someone who considered positive attitude a virtue and who boasted that life was always beautiful and that he never let anything get him down. What he in actuality succeeded at the most was denying a full spectrum of human emotions, invalidating truth and reality and exerting a projection of superiority over others.

When Nephi said, “Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy” (2 Nephi 2:25) he had more than this life in mind. Adam and Eve rejoiced in the joy of their redemption and eternal life which will follow (Moses 5:11). If anybody found this mortal life a burden it would have to be Adam and Eve. Living out their mortal lives remembering what it was like to be in God’s presence would have been excruciating, therefore, their joy was rightfully in being redeemed from The Fall.

I cannot imagine the Saviour saying that He enjoyed His mortality. Paul tells us that ‘He endured the cross despising the shame of it for the joy that was set before Him’ (Hebrews 12:2). In reality, He endured His mortality, and gruesome death, looking forward to eternity.

And I think this is the point. If we were too comfortable here, if we had all the happiness we wanted, if our lives were smooth and easy, none of us would want to leave here. We would not yearn for eternal life with God where there is no trial, no pain, no misery.

Having said all that, I will now say this. It’s not about the quality of life you were given or how happy or unhappy it made you. It’s what you have become because of it that counts. This is what I know. Every righteous and good desire I have had in my life was met by God. He gave me all the trials and difficulties I needed to become who I wanted to be.

Nowdays I am ok with not loving life. It’s been hard but worth it. When I cross the bar and stand with God  face to face and He asks me what I liked best, I will say: ME. This is what I came for and what I will take back. I know deep down, I will kneel before Him and my heart will overflow with gratitude for my mortality. I hope that’s what will be written about me in the Book of Life.

 

Your teaching moments

 feed me like a bird in flight

Searching for a morsel

That gladdens its hungry heart.

These gifts are laid at my feet

And I, I come to You Father

Clutching these riches

That are mine to keep.

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: Book of Life by Chris Brazelton)

A SALVATION ASSURED

 

“Over long eons of time in the premortal realm the Saviour proved faithful and dependable and honourable in every commitment, every responsibility, and every charge……He never deviated from the mark, never slacked in his performance, never shrank from his word.

“He kept every command with exactness; he discharged every duty with precision; he was ‘not slack concerning his promise’ (2 Peter 3:9). His promises were  ‘ immutable and unchangeable’ (D&C 104:2). As a result, his spiritual credit was rapidly escalating until it was pure gold, even infinite in value.”  (Tad R. Callister, “The Infinite Atonement, 80)

Elder Callister goes on to say that the laws of justice (meaning the Father) recognised the Saviour’s Atonement as a surety long before it became a reality. He recognised and accepted it because Christ’s pledge and covenant was one of perfect integrity. What’s more, we all knew it too. This is why we could with a surety sustain Him as the author of our salvation for “there is nothing that the Lord thy God shall take in his heart to do but what he will do it” (Abraham 3:17)

The Saviour’s commitment and integrity is not the only thing we relied on. His perfect knowledge, wisdom and power was undeniable. A massive mission such as the salvation of the whole host of heaven had to be trusted to one no less than a god. Because of His perfect knowledge and foresight, our salvation was sure.

There are a couple of scriptural examples in the Doctrine and Covenants which demonstrate this clearly. The first is found in Section 1 which suggests that the Lord called Joseph Smith as the prophet of this last dispensation because He knew the difficulties we would face in these last days (v 17).

Another example which is rather startling involves the loss of the 116 pages of manuscript of the Book of Mormon translation involving Martin Harris. Even though this event occurred in 1828, the Saviour inspired Nephi in 570 B.C. to compile a small set of plates and instructed Mormon in 385 A.D. to include those small plates in his records. Neither Nephi nor Mormon knew why they should do this but they trusted Him who knew. The Restoration and the Book of Mormon were secured because of the work of Him who promised us our salvation cannot and WILL NOT be frustrated.

The Saviour has knowledge of the beginning to the end (Abraham 2:8). Without our understanding that He has all knowledge, we could not exercise faith in Him and be assured of our salvation.  He does not miscalculate, nor is he startled over the events of this life or our thoughts and actions. Rest assured…..He has it covered.

Is there anyone greater than this man we call our God…???

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: The Light of the World by Mindi Oaten)

A SAVING WORD

 

“A 1986 “Guideposts” magazine contains the story of a woman who discovered what she called “the nevertheless principle”. She had been facing a difficult experience with her husband’s having a malignant brain tumour. She said that in the midst of the experience, at a moment of her greatest pleading, God granted her a word in a moment of inspiration. This single word was NEVERTHELESS. She said:

“I knew it had to be a special word, though I didn’t yet know it would become a life-style. I was sure only that it was a kind of promise. It was even a powerful little phrase: never the less.

“Never the less with God, no matter what. Always the most. Though I was alone in this automobile, nevertheless God Himself was right here beside me. Though doctors pronounced Jerry incurable, nevertheless he would be gloriously healed. Perhaps not here on earth as we had prayed. If Jerry’s physical body should die, nevertheless he would go on living in another, greater dimension.” (Marion Bond West, “One Simple Word from God”, p 12)

-       (Jerry A. Wilson, “The Great Plan of Happiness” p 40)”

This woman researched the word ‘nevertheless’ in her Bible and found it 90 times. There is a scripture in the Doctrine and Covenants which uses this word to its biggest potential to teach us of Christ’s character:

“For I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance; NEVERTHELESS, he that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven” (D&C 1:31-32).

Imagine if that word was not there. Imagine if instead of a semicolon there was a fullstop. Instead this one simple word introduces not only three doctrinal principles but the Saviour’s attribute which makes salvation possible: repentance>obedience>forgiveness…..born out of mercy.

If there was no mercy, we would all be lost. If He was not, we would not be, silence would have wept at Calvary!

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art by Land of Dreams)

HIS GREATNESS

 

I contemplated the Saviour’s greatness upon awakening today and the scriptures I have loved and admired came into my mind like Joseph’s admiration and praise of ‘King Immanuel’ which has many times brought me down to my knees:

“Let the mountains shout for joy and all ye valleys cry aloud; and all ye seas and dry lands tell the wonders of your Eternal King! And ye rivers, and brooks, and rills, flow down with gladness. Let the woods and all the trees of the field praise the Lord; and ye solid rocks weep for joy!

“And let the sun, moon and the morning stars sing together and let all the sons of God shout for joy! And let the eternal creations declare his name forever and ever. And again I say, how glorious is the voice we hear from heaven, proclaiming in our ears, glory and salvation, and honour, and immortality and eternal life, kingdoms, principalities and powers!”   (D&C 128:23)

I also remembered how His greatness and His power will be manifest when He returns:

“O Lord, thou shalt come down to make thy name known to thine adversaries, and all nations shall tremble at thy presence – Yea when thou comest down and the mountains flow down at thy presence….And so great shall be the glory of your presence that the sun shall hide his face in shame, and the moon shall withhold its light, and the stars shall be hurled from their places.”  (D&C 133:40-53)

All that immense, immense, power yet nothing compares to His love, His compassion and His mercy. When he comes we shall acknowledge his loving kindness, his love and his pity on those he has redeemed…….if we follow Him that we might know Him and be recipients of such now…..

My desire to bring Thee honour

My desire to bring Thee joy

Shall forever through my faith in Thee

With devotion be known.

 

In the depths of my heart You bid me follow

My love freely flows from me,

My offering so small but faithful

With honour I give to Thee.

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: The Everlasting God by Spencer Rasmussen)

PURPOSE

 

Over the years I have had revelations that had given me clarity about my life’s difficulties but this morning I was given such clear understanding that it made me reflect on our purpose here at a deeper level.

I am beginning to see that salvation is not an individual responsibility but a collective effort to save the human family. We are not single entities but links in a chain that binds us together in the Plan of Salvation. Some of us might never survive without the efforts of those around us.

And here is an important component of this principle. We cannot strengthen others without having had experience in difficulties ourselves which give us compassion, empathy and wisdom. Alma is a great example of this. Alma became the single greatest missionary in the ancient Americas who baptised ‘thousands of souls’ (Alma 4:4,5)

He could never have obtained his zeal for relentless missionary service had he not faced the jaws of hell during his 3 days of repentance (Alma 36:6-24; 43:1). His amazing sorrowing for people was born walking through the fire of his own experience with sin ((Alma 7:5; 8:10,14; 31:1,2,30,31; 35:15).

One of the greatest lessons I learnt from the Old Testament is about being a link in the chain. As ancient Israel conquered cities before them, lands were appropriated to them for their settlement. Among the first to receive land were the tribes of Reuben, Gad and half of Mannesah. They settled in the land of Gilead which divided them from the rest of Israel by the river Jordan (Numbers 34:14,15; Deuteronomy 3:12,13; Joshua 22:9).

After they had assisted in further conquest of the land, Joshua sent them back to Gilead to live peacefully in their newly appointed inheritance. Upon their return home, these tribes built an altar by the river Jordan. When the rest of Israel heard of it they were outraged presuming the altar was built for idol worship.

These three tribes had to defend themselves by explaining the altar was built to be "a witness between us that the Lord is God" (Joshua 22:34) and that even though they were geographically divided from the rest, they were still a link in the chain. They knew that if they turned to the worship of other gods, the ripple effect would be detrimental to the spiritual salvation of the whole House of Israel.

My greatest lesson in all this is my belief that the difficulties we go through are not just for our benefit but for a human being we might have the ability to save. We are the under-shepherds and saviours on mount Zion following in the footsteps of the greatest healer who did the same by taking upon himself our infirmities that His bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh that He might know how to give relief and aid to the human family in their suffering (Alma 7:12).

I am just now beginning to understand the willingness of Him who embraced pain for our sake…..

Next time you are suffering through something, know there might be a greater purpose….

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: Knock and Ye Shall Receive by LDS Art)

REMEMBER

I was reminded today by a beloved friend that some days we need to rely on remembering our special moments because it is all we have. It is the days we feel unloved, forsaken, directionless, and alone in our suffering. My special moments are my glimpses into heaven. They keep me going when I wonder, despite all my knowledge and testimony, is all this worth it….

It would seem that heaven thinks remembering is the way to go too because I don’t think there is a more significant word in the Book of Mormon that is repeated more often than the word ‘remember’. It was an important concept amongst the ancient Israel who used festivals, harvests and commemoration days for this purpose.

King Benjamin spoke of ‘remembering’ 15 times in his speech to his sons and to the people gathered to hear him (Mosiah 1:3,4,6,7,17; 2:40 twice, 41 twice; 4:11,28,30; 5:11,12; 6:3).  Alma used the verb ‘remember’ 6 times in speaking to his sons (Alma 37:13,14,32,35; 42:11). Helaman used it 11 times in speaking to his sons in Helaman 5. The legacy of remembrance passed on from Alma to Helaman was so strong that Helaman named his sons Nephi and Lehi for this very purpose (Helaman 5:6).

Perhaps the greatest example of the importance of this word comes from Alma and this is why. As he lay unconscious he ‘remembered’ his father’s prophecy concerning the coming of Jesus Christ and when he pleaded with Christ to have mercy on him, he could not ‘remember’ his pains anymore (Alma 36:17, 19). Remembering brought Alma to Christ.

When we pass on from this life, we hope we will be remembered for ‘something’. None of us want to be forgotten. Nephi is remembered for his obedience, Alma for his repentance, Helaman for his strategic warfare, Captain Moroni for his passionate patriotism, Mormon for his discipleship, Moroni for his endurance, but one thing they all have in common…….they remembered Christ, always….in all their endeavours.

I don’t want accolades at my funeral. I am hoping that people will ‘remember’ what I have taught them about the Saviour and that they will talk of Him. My fear is that I would be remembered for not enduring to the end. I know remembrance of my glimpses into heaven are crucial for my endurance.

The Saviour died over 2,000 years ago and He is still remembered by many but many are also trying to forget Him. He, however, will never forget us…..because….He has graven us upon  the palms of His hands  and He has worn the crown of thorns on His head (Isaiah 49:16; John 19:2). In the words of a dear friend Bonnie Lake Bloomfield:

 

I don’t know how the sun remembers to rise,

Or how the stars remember their places.

I don’t know how the flowers remember to bloom,

Or how in spring the leaves fill their spaces.

It’s enough for me to know who created it,

And I’ll never be the same;

Because I know I have a God who loves me

And a King, who remembers my name.

 

My King, who remembers my name;

A mighty King, who remembers my name!

He is the Lord of all creation,

And yet, my King remembers my name.

I’m a small creature compared to His greatness;

I’m only one and the same,

But I’ll always be His, and He will be mine –

A King, who remembers my name!

 

I look at the world today with people

Rushing about without thinking of why;

Why we’re all here, and what is life about

And where we all go when we die.

But I know, and I’ll ever be thankful

That I know from whence I came.

I’ll go home to heaven once more,

To my King, who remembers my name.

 

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: Crown of Thorns by Mindi Oaten)

 

AS PURE AS HE IS PURE

 

I have of late been studying about the nature of God which has led me to deeper understanding of the principle of sanctification. It came through doctrinal study and a personal lesson.

“Joseph Smith, along with Oliver Cowdery, saw God and declared, “his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun” (D&C 110:3). In January 1836 Joseph Smith and others saw “the celestial kingdom of God and the glory thereof…the transcendent beauty of the gate….like unto circling flames of fire; also the blazing throne of God, whereon was seated the Father and the Son.” (“History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints” edited by B.H. Roberts, 2:380)

These accounts, along with others such as Moses’ encounter with God in the Pearl of Great Price (Moses 1), help us to understand that the Father is an exalted being made entirely of light of truth (see also D&C 50:24). Because of this ‘no unclean thing can enter into the kingdom of God’ (1 Nephi 15:34). We cannot live with God in Celestial Kingdom if we are not sanctified.

Firstly, because God cannot abide the least degree of darkness. Light and darkness cannot co-exist. Hence the need for sanctification which purges all darkness from us due to our fallen state and sinful nature.

Secondly, because God is pure and His light is brighter than the sun, it would consume anything that is not pure in His presence. It consumes every corruption, the same as the light of Christ will consume all corruptible beings when He returns to earth (Malachi 4:1-3; 2 Thessalonians 2:8; D&C 5:19; 29:9; 63:34; 133:4-49)

Sanctification comes in two stages. The first stage happens in this life and is very much connected to remission of sins (D&C 43:11). Repentance is cessation of sin while sanctification is purging of its resultant darkness. It’s only a remission because we are still exposed to temptations of this life and are liable to sin again (D&C 43:11; see also Daniel H. Ludlow, “A Companion to Your Study of the Book of Mormon, 2:248-49)

The second stage happens following judgment which will be permanent and will afford exaltation to those who are deemed worthy. Both stages of sanctification are exacted through the power of the Holy Ghost.

In one of my recent posts I wrote how I have in recent years come to form a connection with each member of the Godhead separately. This has afforded me immense closeness with the Father like I had not known before. This closeness, however, developed something in me I didn’t expect, a fear that I might be spiritually lost one day.

I couldn’t understand this for a long time. I had never had this fear before. Recent clarity, however, helped me see that once I had revived in my heart the closeness I once had with the Father, I started to fear that I would miss out on this for all eternity if I didn’t make it. As I could plainly see this reason, I was given confirmation that the Father acknowledges our bond and the fear I had lost its power.

I know my need and desire for sanctification will be honoured one day when I stand before God to be judged of all the offences I have committed against Him, no matter how small or great. Every bit of darkness will be expunged from my soul and forgiveness through the grace of the Son will make me pure as He is pure so that I can be numbered in The Book of the Names of the Sanctified and be in Father’s presence forever (D&C 35:21; 88:2; Malachi 3:16). My gratitude knows no bounds.

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: Father by FluxPro.art)

A CLEAR VIEW

 

My greatest point of gratitude as a member of the Church is my access to the true doctrine and in turn, the ultimate truth. I don’t know of any other Church that has the amount of scripture that we do. I am surprised though that not everyone in the Church takes advantage of this.

We have The Book of Mormon, The Bible, Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price to correlate between to get a clear view of the doctrine of Christ and in turn the mysteries of His kingdom.

I love the Bible because it speaks to my Israelite roots. Having been raised in Croatia, I relate to the pastoral way of life. I know what harvests are and what seasonal festivals are and what shepherds are. And I understand many spiritual truths that were taught by the Saviour using the metaphors that related to the agrarian way of life.

My favourite book of scripture is the Old Testament. I love history and historically and spiritually speaking, it covers amazing events and people. Most importantly, it is the root of the covenant that we as the House of Israel live by. It is the place I go to meet father Abraham for an example of righteousness and devotion to Jehovah.

The New Testament is to me the most spiritually charged book of scripture because it is about Christ and His mortal life and His supreme sacrifice.

I understand the importance of the Book of Mormon as the second witness of Jesus Christ and I understand why the members of the Church read this book the most. It is so much easier to understand than the challenging texts of the Bible. I love the way it clarifies a lot of Christ’s doctrine.

I say the Bible texts are challenging because as Joseph said, “certain errors had crept into the Bible through ignorant translators, careless transcribers, or designing and corrupt priests” (Joseph Smith Teachings, p 327). Joseph understood this so well that he invested himself into correcting, under inspiration, a lot of incorrect translations contained therein. There is a scripture, in my opinion, that is primarily the reason he saw fit to do this.

In 2 Timothy 3:16 we read: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” Joseph corrected this scripture to read: “And all scripture given by inspiration of God……” (JST 2 Timothy 3:16a). A huge difference in just one simple word such as ‘is’.  Such a subtle correction but it completely alters the meaning and proves Joseph’s theory. I revel in studying the Bible and finding new gems such as this.

And this might blow your socks off. Joseph also said that the book of Revelation is ‘one of the plainest books God ever caused to be written’ (in “History of the Church”, 5:342). There is only one explanation for this belief which comes from Bruce R. McConkie:

“…only those enlightened by the power of the Holy Ghost gain the full meaning and intent of the written word, for scripture is both given and understood by the same holy power, the power that comes from the Lord through his Spirit.” (“Mortal Messiah 2”, 267-8). This is the ultimate way of being taught.

The second is the prophets. If we truly believe that Joseph Smith was the prophet of this dispensation, we will retreat to his translation of the Bible more often for greater understanding. And Doctrine and Covenants testifies that he was…..

The Saviour would have us know and understand His doctrine of salvation. His word is not an important word, His word is the ONLY word….

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: The Master Blueprint by Mindi Oaten)

INEXPRESSIBLE JOY

 

My patriarchal blessing tells me that my voice was heard singing praises to our Heavenly Father ‘when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy’ as we rejoiced about the Plan of Salvation.

I have often wondered what it was that I was singing. Does ‘praises’ mean my individual expression of gratitude or does it mean a set song that we all learnt and sang in unison? The fact that the Lord told Job that we sang together would mean it was a set song (Job 38:7). There is another indication that this might be correct.

We are told in Doctrine and Covenants that the righteous will be gathered out from among all nations and come to New Jerusalem singing songs of everlasting joy at the onset of the Millenium (D&C 45:66-71). In particular, we are told we shall sing a NEW song indicating that it will supposedly supersede the OLD song we sang in pre-earth life (D&C 84:98-102).

Whereas the old song we sang heralded our joy of journey’s beginning made possible by Christ our Redeemer, the New Song will shout our grateful praise to Him who has fulfilled all promises made to us so long ago.

This song will be so powerful and edifying that ‘no music has yet been produced that will compare with the music for this song’ (Smith, “Church History and Modern Revelation, 1:345; Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual p 185). Here are some of the words of vs 98-102:

“The Lord hath brought again Zion;

The Lord hath redeemed his people, Israel,

According to the election of grace,

Which was brought to pass by the faith

And covenant of their fathers.

The Lord hath redeemed his people;

And Satan is bound and time is no longer.

The Lord hath gathered all things in one.

The Lord hath brought up Zion from above.

The Lord hath brought up Zion from beneath.

For he stands in the midst of his people.

Glory, and honour and power, and might,

Be ascribed to our God, for he is full of mercy,

Justice, grace and truth, and peace,

Forever and ever, Amen.

We who will have begged the Saviour to come and had waited anxiously for His return will sing praises to His name with inexpressible joy. We will rejoice that we are at the threshold of the Millenial era of peace where our God and our King will reign in our midst with righteousness, peace and glory. Get ready…..

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: Second Coming by Jechoon Choi)

GOOD ENOUGH

 

Some twenty years ago a close friend of mine died in her sleep at age 45. She was a convert and a returned missionary like me. Soon after her death I was speaking to her mother who told me she was reading her daughter’s journals and what she learnt brought great sadness to her. She said my friend always felt that she was ‘not good enough for the Lord’. It saddened me greatly because my friend’s mother was left with the impression that the Church made her daughter feel she was never good enough. Not a good impression for a non-member.

I read something significant yesterday which made me think of my friend and I hoped that her time in the spirit world has taught her this: “We are looked upon by God as though we were in eternity. God dwells in eternity, and does not view things as we do.” (“Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith”, p 356)

This has brought amazing peace to my soul because despite everything I have endured and sacrificed in this life to remain faithful to God, I still fall into that trap of feeling not good enough when in reality my efforts and not my level of perfection, make me good enough for the sanctifying grace of Jesus Christ that will wipe away all my mortal foibles and inadequacies. I am good enough for His saving grace. I hope my friend understands this now.

I am comforted knowing that God sees the eternal me when he looks at me in this weakened state of mortality, that He remembers me from before and who I will become in the end. This moment in time is almost insignificant in and of itself compared to that. It reminds me of that scripture: “My thoughts are not your thoughts and neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord” (Isaiah 55:8).

We tend to look at everything from the earthly perspective while the Lord looks at it from the eternal one. He focuses on our worth which is eternal. The earthly existence is finite and therefore all we glean here is fleeting and not of real substance.

There is one way, however, we are not good enough. We are not good enough without the Saviour Jesus Christ. He alone can add the missing cubit to our eternal perfection and this is how: “All sin and every transgression, except one, that man can be guilty of, may be forgiven; and there is a salvation for all men, either in this world or the world to come, who have not committed the unpardonable sin, there being a provision either in this world or the world of spirits.”  (“Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith”, p 356)

This to me means more than forgiveness for sin. It means that all of my earthly self that was at one time unacceptable to God will be wiped away: my lack of dignity, my blatant stupidity, my frivolity, my arrogance, my stubbornness, my every trespass, every transgression, every embarrassment, will one day be wiped away through the atoning power of the Saviour Jesus Christ who will make me whole and pure and bright as the rays of the sun if I have godly sorrow in my heart and my efforts at repentance yield fruit of my utmost capacity but even then, the credit will always be His and not mine.

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: He Lifts Me Up by Danny Hahlbohm)

GUARDIANS OF HAPPINESS

 

I read some years ago one of the prophets had said something very profound about marriage. He said that divorce is always a result of selfishness and that a marriage can be successful when both partners put their spouse first and consider themselves guardians of their partner’s happiness. That way both parties win and happiness ensues.  I was divorced by then and I reflected back on my marriage and understood this to be true.

Over the years as I have studied the Gospel and most importantly, came to know the Saviour more, I have come to the point where I am understanding more and more that selfless love is the path to true happiness, and not just in marriage. This is the kind of love that will prevail in celestial kingdom by law.

Consider what President Joseph Fielding Smith said concerning the pioneers’ failure to live the law of consecreation:  “It is verily true that before we can enter into the celestial kingdom we will have to learn how to live in unity with the love of our fellows at heart, desiring their good as well as our own, and not preferring ourselves before them. The Lord gave to the Church the plan and the opportunity to prepare themselves by obedience to celestial law. They failed, and the privilege to practice this law of consecration had to be postponed because we were not able to esteem our neighbour as ourselves.”  (“Church History and Modern Revelation”, 1:322)

The law of consecration as outlined in Section of Doctrine and Covenants 82 required the members of the Church to be equal but even more than that, the mandate was that every man should be ‘seeking’ the interest of his neighbour’  (v 19). To seek means to be on the look-out for your neighbour’s needs and be the source of help, even at your own expense….it means to put others before yourself.

I know of no one in history who is a better example of caring and constant concern for the well-being of his fellowmen than Abraham. I have studied about his life and have found amazing gems of his generosity, love and sacrifice for others. Abraham came the closest to the Saviour’s character out of anyone I have heard of.

There is a story in Midrash, a Jewish interpretation of biblical texts, that tells how Abraham earned the promise of Isaac. It tells of Abraham sitting outside his tent one day in the heat of the day on the plains of Mamre with the breath of hell whirling the heat and the dust and the sand. He was worried thinking that there was some stranger out there lost in that dust storm so he sent his servant Eleazer out to look in all directions but Eleazer came back and said he couldn’t find anyone.

Abraham was still worried so he went out into that hell himself though he was very sick following his circumcision at such an old age (Genesis 17:24) but he found no one. Upon his return there were three strangers at his tent. It was the Lord with two others. Abraham threw himself down on his face in obeisance and it was then that he was given the promise of Isaac…..as a reward for what he had done. Abraham found someone more significant in that dust storm than he had ever imagined….he found his son Isaac.  (see Genesis 18 and “The Faith of an Observer – Conversations with Hugh Nibley, pp 28-29)

Whether embellished or not, it’s a memorable story of our Father Abraham who went ‘seeking’ and who sits today exalted on his throne (D&C 132:29).

There is someone else who seeks the lost in the dust storms of Mamre. If you are there, He will seek you and He will find you…..and He will place you on His shoulders and bring you home.

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: He Will Place You on His Shoulders and Bring You Home by Sandy Freckelton Gagon)

DEALING WITH UNCERTAINTY

 

“We need to develop the capacity to form judgments of our own about the value of ideas, opportunities or people who may come into our lives. We won’t always have the security of knowing whether a certain idea is “Church approved”, because new ideas don’t always come along with little tags attached to them saying whether they have been reviewed at Church headquarters.” (Bruce C. Hafen, “The Believing Heart”, p 63)

Elder Hafen goes on to say how imperative it is for us to learn to govern ourselves with the correct principles which we have been given and in the process use good judgment that bridges the ideal with reality. He says that “choosing between two principled alternatives (two goods) is far more difficult than choosing when a stark and obvious contrast pits good against evil”.

Often we come across situations that are gray areas that require our judgment of direction we would take or ideas we would side with and approve of. Consider the ambiguity that exists in the scriptures as a great example of this: The Lord has said that He cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance, yet elsewhere He said, “I have forgiven you your sins” (D&C 1:31; D&C 64:3). To really understand this, we need to know the higher principle of the Atonement of Jesus Christ which includes the elements of justice and mercy.

The Saviour also said: “Do not your alms before men, to be seen of them” but He also said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works” (Matthew 6:1; 5:16). Likewise, He said: “In me ye might have peace” (John 16:33). Isaiah named Him ‘The Prince of Peace’, yet the Saviour has also said: “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.” (Matthew 10:34). Ambiguous scriptures like these highlight the importance of employing a sound thinking process to understand that two different concepts are at play here.

I had an experience of having to choose between ‘two goods’ in my youth. At 17 years of age I yearned to join the Church but as a minor I needed my parents’ permission. My father would not consent and told me if I joined the Church I would have to leave home. I was raised in a very strong patriarchal family and had always obeyed my father but back in 1975 I had to make a choice between the 4^th commandment of honouring my father and my mother or the Saviour’s call: “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me….and he that taketh not his cross and follows not after me, is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:37,38)

I chose the latter. The ideal would have been to obey my parents but the reality was that they were not spiritually inspired. The ideal for Nephi would have been not to commit murder but the reality was that Laban was the stumbling block that would have spiritually crippled the Nephite nation had they not taken the brass plates with them to America. The same applies to David who slew Goliath to prove that there was a God in Israel whom Goliath was defying.

The difficult choices we make in the midst of ambiguity are essential for our spiritual maturity else what’s the point of being here? It reminds me of this: “For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things, for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.” (D&C 58:26)

It also reminds me of people who pray about every step they take in their lives and ask how to do it. I don’t find this overly productive to our spiritual growth. We need to be wise in our dealings and choices and seek God’s approval in directions we take after we have assessed and made the decision (D&C 9:8). And always we should choose the higher good that aligns with the reality we are in.

Perhaps the greatest guide should be that simple question:  “What would the Saviour do?” 

Because after all, He is the light, the truth and the way……

- CATHRYNE ALLEN

(Art: Divine Meditation by Greg Collins)