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