The Law of the Fast - A Way to Love Our Neighbor With Greater Measure

Fasting is principle that is taught and practiced regularly in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. When a person fasts they go with out food or drink for two consecutive meals. A fast begins and ends with prayer and a fast offering is given.  The offering should be at least the value of the food and drink that you would have consumed during the fast.

By obeying Law of the Fast the participating individuals fill two needs.  First the person fasting gains spiritually and draws closer to their Heavenly Father.  Elder Joseph B Wirthlin, of the Council of the Twelve Apostles said this in the April 2001 General Conference:

"Fasting and prayer can help develop within us courage and confidence. It can strengthen our character and build self-restraint and discipline. Often when we fast, our righteous prayers and petitions have greater power. Testimonies grow. We mature spiritually and emotionally and sanctify our souls. Each time we fast, we gain a little more control over our worldly appetites and passions. 

Fasting and prayer can help us in our families and in our daily work. They can help us magnify our callings in the Church. President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “If you want to get the spirit of your office and calling as a new president of a quorum, a new high [councilor], a new bishop [or, I might say, a Relief Society president]—try fasting for a period. I don’t mean just missing one meal, then eating twice as much the next meal. I mean really fasting, and praying during that period. It will do more to give you the real spirit of your office and calling and permit the Spirit to operate through you than anything I know."

Second by obeying the Law of the Fast by contributing to the Fast Offerings we are able to help our fellow man.  Fast Offerings donated are used to help those in need in our local area. Individuals and families who have found themselves needing help and assistance are given help by accessing the Fast Offering funds as administered by the local Bishop.  On a greater scale Fast Offering Funds are used to assist people in need throughout the world.  Thousands and thousands of individuals, many not members of the Church, have received help and assistance in recent months as they were victims of one of the many natural disasters that has struck.

Hurricane Harvey, which struck the Texas coast on August 25, was the first in a series of disasters in North America that spanned several weeks. With 130-mile-per-hour winds and up to 52 inches of rain in Houston, Harvey caused more than 80 fatalities and damaged nearly 200,000 homes in the greater Houston area.

Following closely behind were Hurricanes Irma and Maria, two of the strongest storms on record to strike the region. Their combined force, with 185-mile-per-hour winds, left a path of destruction throughout multiple Caribbean islands and Florida. Over 180 lives were lost; islands such as Barbuda, Saint Martin, Saint Thomas, and Dominica suffered catastrophic devastation; and Puerto Rico’s power grid, transportation routes, and agricultural territories remain heavily damaged.

Almost simultaneous with the Caribbean hurricanes, two massive earthquakes struck southern and central Mexico, toppling dozens of buildings and homes and leaving an estimated 450 dead and 6,300 injured, while in August tragic mudslides in Sierra Leone killed over 1,000 residents and left 3,000 homeless.

In October, the deadliest wildfires in California state history burned nearly 400 square miles and killed at least 40 and destroyed more than 8,400 structures. In addition, there have been ongoing famines throughout Africa and the Middle East, which have displaced millions and caused significant loss of life.

Watch this video to gain a little more insights into how members of the Church have responded and blessed the lives of many people in many different places.

It is my hope that all of us will give more generously to the Fast Offerings when we fast.  A couple of extra dollars, donated by many, can make a huge impact.  Donating to Fast Offerings is the most effective way to donate to Humanitarian efforts.  100% of your donation goes to help those in need.  There are no administrative costs in a volunteer organization.  No overhead expenses that need to be covered.  All of your dollar goes to help.  You can be assured that your donation will be handled with care an concern to help those in need.

Submitted by: James Tanner

Fear or Faith?

As husband and wife we have had conversations concerning the state of life in the world today, specifically in America.  In the last year or so we have watched a division in America grow increasing larger.  To me it is unimaginable how a civilized people can allow a a supposed protest morphs into a violent, crime filled demonstration that results in property damage, looting, physical injuries and in some instances death.  We agree that we fear for our children and our grandchildren.  We are fearful of what the conditions will be in our world when our grandchildren reach our ages.  In our life times we have seen a great decline in morality, a turn of proclaiming what was once wrong is now right and what was once right is now wrong.  What will our grandchildren see in their lifetimes?

We also agree in regards to the state of the world, that the time of the Second Coming of the Savior is coming faster and faster.  In 1982, Neal A. Maxwell, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles at that time said this: "We are living in a time in which we shall see things both wonderful and awful. There is no way that we can be a part of the last days and have it otherwise."  This statement was made over 34 years ago and yet it is just as pertinent today as it was then.

So what do we do when we find ourselves stressed and concerned about our future and the future of our families?  Elder Maxwell addressed that as well:

We are instructed by our Lord and Exemplar, Jesus Christ, to “be of good cheer.” (D&C 61:36; D&C 78:18.)

Jesus has given that same instruction to others before, when the stressful circumstances in which they found themselves were anything but cheerful. For instance, he told the original Twelve to be of good cheer when, on the surface, there was nothing to be cheerful about. (John 16:33.) The indescribable agonies of Gethsemane were imminent. Judas’s betrayal lay immediately ahead. Likewise, Jesus’ arrest and arraignment. The Twelve would be scattered like sheep. Jesus’ unjust and mocking trial and His terrible scourging were but hours away. The shrill and disappointing cry of the mob—to release Barabbas instead of Jesus—would soon echo in the air. Then would come the final, awful moments on Calvary!

Therefore, how could Jesus expect the Twelve to be of good cheer? Because, the Savior said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33; italics added.)

We are justified in being of good cheer for ultimate reasons—reasons to be distinguished, however, from proximate circumstances. If, for instance, our attitude towards life depends upon the praise of men, the level of interest rates, the outcome of a particular election or athletic contest—we are too much at the mercy of men and circumstance. Nor should our gratitude for the gift of mortal life depend upon the manner in which we die, for surely none of us will rush eagerly forward to tell Jesus how we died!

Instead, Jesus calls upon us to have a deliberate trust in God’s unfolding purposes, not only for all humankind but for us individually. And we are to be of good cheer in the unfolding process.

And in these days, being of good cheer is part of being valiant in the testimony of Jesus. (See D&C 76:79; D&C 121:29.)

To be cheerful when others are in despair, to keep the faith when others falter, to be true even when we feel forsaken—all of these are deeply desired outcomes during the deliberate, divine tutorials which God gives to us—because He loves us. (See Mosiah 3:19.) These learning experiences must not be misread as divine indifference. Instead, such tutorials are a part of the divine unfolding. 

In our striving to be prepared, therefore, let us be careful to rely on parents, priesthood, and principles—and on scriptures, and temples, and leaders who lead—to see us through.

If we truly trust God and have faith in his Son, Jesus Christ, we have no need to fear.  Our Father in Heaven has our best interests in mind.  He will not fail us.  Keep reminding yourself that you are a child of God and know that all is well.

To read or watch Elder Maxwell's talk from October 1982 follow this link: Neal A Maxwell General Conference - October 1982


Submitted by:  James and Lee Tanner

Changing The World One Person At A Time

This morning I spent a little time reflecting back on the conditions we find in our nation and our world.  During my 57 years I have not seen a single year's time where there has been more conflict, discord, and disharmony.  As a society it seems that we have taken a a huge step backward in tolerance, understanding, patience, common courtesy,  friendliness, and forgiveness.  I worry about our future.  What will our country be like if we continue down this road?

When I take the time to think of myself  concerning the above mentioned traits I confess that I am a bit disappointed.  I get inpatient while I driving through town.  Someone in front of me driving five miles below the speed limit is enough to cause me irritation.  Really what is the big deal?  Their going that speed is going to cause me to get to my destination a whopping 30 seconds later,   Someone tries to get in front of me, what do I do?  Do I slow down and back off allowing them room to merge in?  Not quite, I speed up.  After all I was here first.

Being a father and a grandfather I worry about the future for children and grandchildren.  What will the conditions in the world be like when they reach my age.  I fear for the future if our society, and me personally continue doing as we have been doing,  What can I do to help stem the tide that our society is going in?

I am reminded of the children's song "I'm Trying To Be Like Jesus".    Please hit play on the video link below:

Such a simple message in this beautiful song.  If I did better at being like Jesus in loving my neighbor my attitudes would change.  If I treated others with more kindness and love I am sure my outlook would change.  Somehow caring for others causes you to forget about yourself.  I know I will find a happier me if I will put aside my pettiness and be more helpful and kind to everyone I meet.

Now if we can get other's on board with this type of attitude and will commit to being more tolerant, a little more understanding, practice patience and have common courtesy,  friendliness, and forgiveness we will find the world changing.  At least in our own little corner.

Submitted by:  James Tanner

It's A Wonderful Life

Last night my wife and I watched the Christmas classic "It's a Wonderful Life".  We have watched this movie pretty much every Christmas of our married life.  This movie holds a special place in my heart. 

The first time in my life that I ever watched it was on May 8, 1980.  How could I possibly remember the exact date that I watched this movie and why was I watching in in the month of May?

Well May 8, 1980 was the last day I spent as a full time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  That night the thoughts that were running through my mind were "Did I do enough?" "Did I make a difference". I'm sure our Mission President, D. Keith Barber,  knew what we were all feeling and thinking. He sat us down, turned on the TV and VCR and showed us the movie. Watching it that night brought me peace and gave me encouragement to continue to do the best I can with my life.

Thirty-six years later I still love watching it.  The movie causes me to reflect on all the wonderful people who have influenced me in my life.  Friends and family members who have helped shape me into the person that I am.  So many people, now spread throughout the world, that have influenced me in small, yet very significant ways.

I know that sometimes the Christmas Season can wear a person down.  The winter blues come into play and can cause a person to battle depression.  Just remember what Clarence, George's guardian angel, wrote in the book "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" that he gives to him: "Remember, George: no man is a failure who has friends." 

I promise that everyone who is reading this that already knows me has touched my life in many ways, in ways you probably do not realize. So when you feel discouraged, which is normal in our lives, just remember you are not a failure because you have made a difference in my life. My personal love and gratitude to each of you.

For those who are reading this who do not know me personally I promise you that there are people who you have touched because you were in their life at a particular time.  Our Heavenly Father places you at a particular place, and a particular time, to meet the needs of one of His children.  You do make a difference.

Keep smiling.  Life is good.  In fact it is wonderful!

Submitted by:  James Tanner

Having That Happy Life While Coping With Bipolar Disorder

When I was young I often imagined what my future would be like. In my imagination, I would live in a cottage in the mountains. It would be surrounded by lovely flower gardens, and I would have many rosy cheeked children playing around it. I would spend my time joyfully taking care of my home and happy children. I would of course, have a handsome husband, who loved me dearly and who provided for us and kept us secure and safe.

As I got older, my plan became more practical, and at the same time more detailed. I would marry an educated, ambitious man, who was active in the church, loved me dearly, and who supported my desire to be a wife and mother full time. He would work and I would take care of our family and home. We would be active in the church and serve in many callings. While the children were in school I would do volunteer work with the PTA, and in my spare time, I would be a writer.

When I met Kirby and we shared the vision of our future together--our dreams were in sync. He was the perfect man of my dreams, down to the color of his eyes and the spread of his shoulders. He was intelligent, hard working, a returned missionary worthy to take me to the temple, and ambitious with a life plan. He treated me like I was the rarest treasure, and he made me feel safe and loved.

After our temple sealing, (1983) we embarked on our new life together with optimism and an enthusiasm for life. We loved each other, and we were excited to start our family together. We happily welcomed children into our lives. Kirby was a Korean linguist for the US Army, so we went wherever the Army sent us, striving to be together as much as we could, and writing long letters when we were apart. I wasn’t living in a cottage in the woods, but rather, in an apartment in San Francisco, or in a hooch in Korea, or in Army housing in Maryland, but it didn’t matter where we lived, because each place we occupied, in whatever location we were in, we were filled with our love for each other, and our optimism for our future, and our joy in our beautiful, growing family.

About two years into our marriage, Kirby’s bipolar disorder started to manifest itself. Of course, I had no idea what was happening when my protector and the love of my life suddenly stopped on the side of a freeway between North Carolina and Maryland, got out and started walking down the road. There I sat with a toddler in the backseat and a pregnant baby belly. I was being a bit obsessive about the carpet requirements in our new housing unit at the time--stressing about the expense of the requirements, and Kirby told me to stop talking about it. Of course, after a brief silence, I had one more thing to say, so immediately thereafter Kirby pulled off the road, got out of the car, and started walking down the side of the freeway. I thought I saw him climb into a semi truck that stopped for him, and I was completely devastated. I had no idea where I was, where I was going, or how to reach anyone I knew. I had no money with me. My parents, who had helped us move, were en route back to Utah. I didn’t know my way back to my brother’s house in North Carolina, or my way to our new place at Fort Meade, Maryland. Finally, after several minutes of breaking down and then collecting my shattered self, I started driving down the freeway again, thinking I would pull off at the next exit and try to call my brother. That’s when I saw Kirby walking along the side of the road and I pulled over to pick him up. He was surprised that I had taken so long to pick him up. I completely lost it at that point, and when I stopped sobbing, Kirby apologized for upsetting me, and promised never to do that to me again.

Unfortunately, that was just the beginning of a long journey through repeated episodes with a similar dynamic. We mended the rift after each episode, and we loved each other harder and more desperately, but the smooth ice of our life together had been cracked, and the seams left us more vulnerable and less secure with each passing year.

In the years that followed, each time there was a crisis, Kirby would leave me again, physically or emotionally. After the anger and crisis were over, I would pick Kirby up, proverbially, by the side of the road, where I had been left lost and stranded, and where he was walking powerless and solitary. Each time he would get back in the car that was our life, and retake his place in the driver’s seat and we would continue going down the road, which was our life together—Again and again this happened, until finally, we were just surviving the cycle. We were each so beaten down by the disease that was bipolar disorder, that we didn’t know how to do anything but keep playing the part we had given ourselves to play—that of driver and passenger in a car that never seemed to have the capacity to fully make it to its destination—our happy ending.

Finally, life intervened with a war (2003). Kirby deployed with the Army National Guard, and I stayed home with a house full of kids and a full-time job. I wondered what had happened to my life’s happy ending. I wondered what would become of my marriage, my family, my life in the future. I was broken, Kirby was broken, but we were still playing the parts we had given ourselves to play. I didn’t know how to get from the survival mode I was living in, to a place where I could truly feel hope, joy, and happiness again, but the desire to find a way kept me acting my part from day to day for many years.
That was the condition I was in, not so many years ago.

That is not where I am today.

Today I live in a beautiful home, with flowers growing around it. My children and grandchildren are in and out—each one beautiful and active. Each one fills me with hope and joy. My husband, Kirby, provides for me. He is handsome, hard working, loyal and generous. He treats me like a queen and a treasure. I no longer work outside of my home. I take care of my family and my home, and sometimes I volunteer, and sometimes I write. Somehow I was transported out of my despair and back into my happy ending. How did that even happen?

You know, when I was younger, I used to wonder how God could expect us to love him more than anyone else. How could I love Him more than the wonderful parents that raised me, or more than my husband and children that I had loved and sacrificed for for many years? I couldn’t even remember Him, or see Him. Well, that is no longer a question for me. I love God above all, because he rescued me. He rescued my husband, and he can rescue each of you. At some place along the road I was traveling, I finally surrendered the wheel of that car, which represents my life, to God; and Kirby and I got into the back seat of that car and we let God drive the car.

I finally learned to trust God, my Heavenly Father, and His son Jesus Christ, my Redeemer, and to believe that they know where we are supposed to go, and that they can and will take us to a place where we will find peace, love, and joy. I stopped being afraid. I started having faith. I started applying the atonement in my life until I was finally able to let go of past pain and allow myself to be healed. My life changed—not all at once, but as I could understand and accept the changes--they occurred. The cracks in the ice of my relationships were healed over and eliminated, and I was left whole and intact.

Today, I love God and trust Him above all because of the transformation that occurred in my own life. Each day I seek to be worthy to feel His Holy Spirit. I seek the Spirit through study, prayer, and obedience; because having The Spirit with me takes away my fear. He teaches me to trust, and to love, and to forgive, and He allows me to live with joy.

I hope that each of you can learn to trust God; that you will seek him by study, and also by faith and obedience. I testify that They (the Godhead) will be there when you do. God the Father, who waits on you to come home, Christ the Savior, who can heal your heart, The Holy Spirit guide, who will be in your heart. You will have times when you will sense the holy angels ‘round about you who are bearing you up in your trials. This is my witness, my experience, and the evidence of my life, which I offer to you humbly, and in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Posted by: Sherri Crowley  

Appreciating What We Have

The world has changed so much in the 57 years I have been alive.  The conveniences and comforts of life are today are unreal when compared with what has available in 1959, the year I was born.

President Dieter F Uchtdorf, 2nd counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in an address in the General Conference of the Church two weeks ago said this:

"Taking for granted our modern technologies and conveniences may be a relatively small matter. But, sadly, we sometimes take a similar attitude toward the eternal and soul-expanding doctrine of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In the Church of Jesus Christ, we have been given so much. We are surrounded by such an astonishing wealth of light and truth that I wonder if we truly appreciate what we have.

Think of those early disciples who walked and talked with the Savior during His earthly ministry. Imagine the thanksgiving and reverence that must have flooded their hearts and filled their minds when they saw Him risen from the tomb, when they felt the wounds in His hands. Their lives would never be the same!

But most of all, think of how you felt when for the first time you believed and understood that you are truly a child of God; that Jesus Christ willingly suffered for your sins so that you may be clean again; that priesthood power is real and can bind you to your loved ones for time and for all eternity; that there is a living prophet on the earth today. Isn’t that wonderful and amazing?

Considering all of this, how could it ever be possible that we of all people would not be excited about attending our Church worship services? Or get tired of reading the holy scriptures? I suppose this could be possible only if our hearts were past feeling to experience gratitude and awe for the sacred and sublime gifts God has granted us. Life-changing truths are before our eyes and at our fingertips, but sometimes we sleepwalk on the path of discipleship. Too often we let ourselves be distracted by the imperfections of our fellow members instead of following the example of our Master. We tread a path covered with diamonds, but we can scarcely distinguish them from ordinary pebbles."

As I reflect on what on my life I can easily identify with what President Uchtdorf is pointing out. I have been guilty of simply going through the motions without taking the time or effort to fully comprehend and consider what I can do to more fully enrich my life and help others in the process. My hope and prayer is that I may do more in my life with all that has been given me to help assist others to find their way to the path that leads to Christ.

Click here to watch or read all of President Uchtdorf's talk: O How Great the Plan of Our God

Submitted by:  James Tanner

Receiving Guidance From Apostles and Prophets

Our world's morals are decaying with each passing day causing confusion for many, especially our younger generations.  For centuries what was considered "good" is now being condemned as being evil.  On the flip side that which was taught as being "evil" is now being hailed as good.  The world is in a great need to hear the words of Christ.  To know what he would advise us and teach us if he were with us today.

Well my friends you can know what He wants us to know.  How?  By listening to his living Apostles and Prophets.

Thomas S. Monson
President and Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints we believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so

forth. (Articles of Faith 1:6)  Christ chose Peter to lead of His Church.  He also chose 12 apostles to carry his work into the whole world.  This organization was intended to continue forward.  After the death of Judas the remaining apostles met and selected Matthias as a replacement. (see Acts 1:23-26)

 

If ever there was a time in history where heavenly guidance was needed the most, it has to be right now.  In the restored Church of Jesus Christ, we are led by apostles and prophets.  Each of them called as "special witnesses" of the Savior Jesus Christ.  (see Doctrine & Covenants 107:23).  They have the same charge as the apostles of old, to go into all the world to preach His gospel.  (see Mark 16:15)  

This weekend, October 1st and 2nd, we have the opportunity to hear from our modern day apostles and prophets during the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  To hear their words of council, hope and peace that the Lord wants us to know today.  We invite you to join us in watching and listening to what they have to say.  Here are the details for you:

• Times: 9:00 am - 11:00 am & 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm on both October 1at and 2nd (Times are Arizona time - Pacific Day Light Time)
• You may stream each session live using this link: LDS.org webiste
• You may view all sessions live on BYUTV
• Dish Network Subscribers: Chanel 9403
• DirectTV Subscribers: Chanel 374

So we invite you to join us to:

Come, listen to a prophet's voice,

And hear the word of God,

And in the way of truth rejoice,

And sing for joy aloud.

We've found the way the prophets went

Who lived in days of yore.

Another prophet now is sent

This knowledge to restore.

LDS Hymnal #21

Submitted by:  James Tanner