Education Week

EDUCATION WEEK 2015

Education Week was a bit different this year. For quite some time, I have had the impression to speak at various conferences. Education Week is a place I have often felt I should try speaking. I spoke on two different topics: Faith and Courage. Preparing for this speaking assignment was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I have always felt that it was one of my "gifts" to be able to write down on paper thoughts of the heart; however, since Brandon's passing, my ability to communicate through writing struggled. For weeks I experienced a major "writing block" as the day of Education Week loomed near. I kept choosing to believe that Heavenly Father would provide a way as I tried so desperately to follow His promptings. By the time Education Week finally arrived, I still felt somewhat unprepared. I had a finished manuscript, but my heart wasn't satisfied. However, I still felt that all would work out--despite being somewhat unsatisfied. With that thought in mind, I delivered both of my speeches. I felt the spirit as I communicated what I had studied and prepared. And then felt a great sense of relief that no matter what had happened, I was done--I had accomplished the task the Lord had asked me to do. A few weeks following the conference, I received a phone call from my mom. She said that her friend was listening to the radio during Education Week, and the person being interviewed said that Carrie Miller was the speaker to be seen. I was so surprised by that comment as I felt inadequate; however, as soon as the surprise entered my heart, I wondered at my surprise, and thought of God's hand in our lives. I had done all that I could, and then I had trusted--of course, He would succor me.

One of my favorite parts of Education Week is participating in the obstacle course as a family. We have a few tears every single year (I could be included in that category), but also a few triumphs. I love the challenge of this course. I love the confidence it offers my children. I love conquering fears together--as a family.

Piper and Sheri joined us for the obstacle course.

Amber and Piper

Hailey and I attended a few classes together. I love the special relationship we share.

Faith

In the New Testament, Jesus teaches his disciples about faith just after they have tried to cast a devil out of someone, but was unable to do so. The scriptures read: “Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said,

Why could not we cast him out?

And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you” (Matthew 17:19).

This is a mustard seed. This tiny seed yields a large crop—sometimes as tall as a tree. From Jesus’s explanation we learn that faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains.

Each and every one of us has mountains to move in our lives. Christ teaches here that if we have faith we can move those mountains. This seems straight forward: faith = move mountains. However, it is easy to say, but then in the day to day moments of our lives—sometimes our fears (our mountains) seem to overwhelm our faith.

What are our fears?

 While I was preparing this talk, I asked people about fears. I wanted to know about the mountains in their lives. As I show you their responses, I want you to take a moment and think about how you would respond. This is what they said: (PP Presentation)

I love how Moroni defines faith. He says, “faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith” (12:6). Moroni then goes on to explain that if there is “no faith among the children of men, then God can do no miracle among them; wherefore, he showed not himself until after their faith” (12:12).

Moroni then offers us examples of faith: he said, “it was the faith of Alma and Amulek that caused the prison to tumble to the earth (12:13) it was the faith of Nephi and Lehi that wrought the change upon the Lamanites, that they were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost (12:14)… it was the faith of Ammon and his brethren which wrought so great a miracle among the Lamanites (12:15)”. Ether then repeated, “…neither at any time hath any wrought miracles until after their faith; wherefore, they first believed in the Son of God” (12:18).

This “faith” which Moroni speaks about, is what we all desire. Sometimes when we struggle with fears or mountains to climb, it is easy to forget our purpose and lose sight of our faith. President Monson has counseled, “Though the storm clouds may gather, though the rain may pour down upon us, our knowledge of the gospel and our love of our Heavenly Father and of our Savior will comfort and sustain us and bring joy to our hearts as we walk uprightly and keep the commandment” (Thomas S. Monson, Be of Good Cheer, General Conference April 2009).

 “My beloved brothers and sisters fear not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith” (Thomas S. Monson, Be of Good Cheer, General Conference April 2009).

As we hold to our faith, we can--as President Monson said, "…Fear not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith”. Certainly there are reasons for fear (or mountains) in our lives. Just as I am sure there were reasons for fear in the lives of Alma and Amulek as they defended the gospel despite being beaten, and spit upon. As they stood in faith, while the prison walls shook around them. I am sure there were reasons for fear in the lives of Nephi and Lehi as they too—were thrown in prison, and as the Lamanites were preparing to slay them. I am sure there reasons for Ammon to fear as he entered enemy territory, as he withstood a band of thieves, and as he testified of the gospel to a Lamanite king. I wonder what would have happened had these prophets of old allowed their fear to overcome their faith? What would their story have been then? Without Alma and Amulek, there would be no conversion in the city of Ammonihah. Without the faith of Nephi and Lehi, the baptism by fire and the Holy Ghost would not have happened. Without the faith of Ammon and his brethren, there would not have been the people of Ammon, or the two thousand stripling warriors. Without the faith of these prophets of old—thousands of people would not have been converted to the gospel. However, because of their faith, all of these things did happen, and their message continues to touch us today.

Elder Bednar said that “fear is a potent emotion and an important element of our mortal existence” (David A. Bednar, “Therefore They Hushed Their Fears”, General Conference April 2015). However, he further stated, “Correct knowledge of and faith in the Lord empowers us to hush our own fears” (David A. Bednar, “Therefore They Hushed Their Fears”, General Conference April 2015).

Therefore, Christ is the key. I’d like to focus on three areas of faith in Christ, which can help us dispel fear and help u s to move the mountains in our lives: first, making faith a choice through Christ; second, trusting in Christ; and third, keeping our focus on Christ.

MAKING FAITH A CHOICE:

In this last general conference, Elder L. Whitney Clayton said, “Belief and testimony are not passive principles. They do not just happen to us. Belief is something we choose—we hope for it, we work for it, and we sacrifice for it”  (Elder L. Whitney Clayton, Choose to Believe, April 2015 General Conference). He further stated that “Our actions are the evidence of our belief and become the substance of our faith” (Elder L. Whitney Clayton, “Choose to Believe”, April 2013 General Conference). As we choose to read the scriptures and pray, we are choosing Christ and by so doing, we are choosing faith. As we choose to keep the commandments, and follow the latter-day prophet, we are choosing faith.  

When I was seventeen, my elder brother, Eric, died in a fishing accident. This experience taught me the importance of actively seeking Christ and choosing faith in my life.

(Slideshow: Picture of Eric fishing)

Eric loved to fish. During the summer months, he would beg me to go fishing with him. I grew up on a farm where most of the farm was irrigated through a reservoir. The family reservoir was stocked with fish, so it was quite easy for my siblings and I to go fishing whenever we found a free moment. I would often go fishing with my brother to appease him, but I did not hold the same passion for fishing as he did. On our excursions, if I ever caught a bigger fish then my brother, we would quite often stay until he had caught the better “catch”. This quickly taught me to put as little effort as possible into my fishing so as to protect myself from catching a bigger and better fish.

Just days before he died, he called my dad to tell him of an amazing fishing hole he had found on the Snake River.  A few days after this conversation—we were notified by Eric’s roommate that he was missing.  My dad immediately thought of the fishing hole Eric had told him about, and we went to investigate. Eric’s car parked in the parking lot, and after questioning some of the local fisherman, we learned that it had been for several days. Search and rescue started at this point, and three days later Eric’s mortal body was found.

When Eric died, I found myself afraid.  I vividly remember my first experience around water after his death. I was on a fishing trip with my dad. We had canoed to the center of the family reservoir, and all of a sudden the depth of the water and the instability of the canoe caused me great fear. I remember holding tight to the sides of the canoe, somewhat panicked at my situation.

My father told me that I couldn’t allow fear to control my actions. He taught me the importance of being faithful and not fearful. He taught me that it was a choice. This experience fortified me in my faith, and I determined within myself to choose faith and not doubt or fear.

President Monson taught that “faith and doubt cannot exist in the same mind at the same time, for one will dispel the other” (Thomas S. Monson, “Come unto Him in Prayer and Faith, Ensign March 2009). In the book of Moroni it states, “And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me” (Moroni 7:33). Moroni describes faith as an invitation. As we choose to have faith in Christ, He gives us the power to overcome our fears.

Faith Object Lesson:

In my own life, I have noticed that when my faith is strong, I feel confident and I am able to face the difficulties of each new day. In these moments, I am seeking the Lord, I am praying, and I am making Him a part of my life. It is in these moments that I am choosing faith. And then there are times when I allow my problems to overwhelm me. I feel anxious and worried—I forget to seek the source of my strength—(Jesus Christ)—and I react poorly to the situations in my life. It is in these moments that I am choosing fear.

Let me illustrate with a story from the Bible that is much like my experience with my father in a canoe:

On a boat, in a stormy sea—Jesus was awakened by his apostles:

“Master, carest thou not that we perish?” (Mark 4:38).

The Lord calmed the storm, and then asked them, “Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?”(Mark 4:40).

The disciples had sat at the Savior’s feet. They had witnessed the Savior’s power. The Savior was on the boat with them, and they knew that the Savior’s mission on earth was not yet complete; however, at that moment—it was difficult to see past the raging storm. Brother Clark explained this situation by saying, “their memories of His works and His words and their hope in the future reality of His promises were not, at that moment, nearly so real to them as the storm…at that moment, the only things they had perfect knowledge of were the intensity of the storm, the fragility of their boat, the depth of the water, and their distance from the shore. At that moment their mortal senses were filled with fear: They could see and hear and feel the threat of their circumstances” (Gregory Clark, “Some Lessons on Faith and Fear, BYU Devotional, May 6, 2008).

And so it is with us, we know the gospel of the Restoration is true, but what we don’t know is how or when our trials will be resolved. The Lord has promised us that He will be with us, but at times—living in the day to day moments—it is easy to be uncertain (Gregory Clark, “Some Lessons on Faith and Fear, BYU Devotional, May 6, 2008).

Elder Scott has promised, “that as we actively come unto Christ, we can endure every temptation, every heartache, every challenge we face” (Richard G. Scott, Making the Exercise of Faith our First Priority, General Conference October 2014).  I’d like to add: as we actively come unto Christ, we move our mountains; we are given the power to dispel our fears. In D&C it states, "Search diligently, pray always, and be believing and all things will work together for your good." That is what faith is all about—as we choose to seek faith, we then must believe that no matter what happens is for our good. I may not understand everything in my life, there may be uncertainties, and most definitely there will be bad things that happen--I cannot prevent that—fearing the bad will not stop the bad from coming; however, it will work against my faith and negate my trust in God.

Which leads me to our second point:

Trusting in Christ

Our Savior understands everything we have ever, and will ever experience. President Holland said that His journey was the “loneliest journey ever made… President Holland further stated that “one of the great consolations…is that because Jesus walked a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so” (None Were with Him, Jeffrey R. Holland, April 2009).

No matter our trial, no matter our struggle, no matter our doubt, or our fear—Jesus Christ wants to help us. President Monson promised “We were never placed on this earth to walk alone” (Thomas S. Monson, “We Never Walk Alone, October 2013). He will not forsake us if we are willing to trust in Him.

When President Hinckley spoke at his wife’s funeral he set an example of trusting in God through difficulty. He said, “It isn’t as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don’t worry. I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. . . . Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us. . . . If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers” [Gordon B. Hinckley, quoted in Latter-day Counsel, “Excerpts from Addresses of President Gordon B. Hinckley, ”Ensign, October 2000, 73; see also “Put Your Trust in God, “Ensign, February 2006, 63].

SHOW PICTURE

I have a little guy who has taught me a lesson on trusting God. Up until just recently he has struggled with fears. For years we deliberately “faced” his fears in hopes of helping him overcome. Facing his fears had become a theme in our home; however, about a year ago—after many years of facing his fears—his fears began to slowly subside. Fears of riding a bike, fears of swimming, and fears of going to bed were no longer an issue. In fact, this last summer when we went to Lake Powell with our extended family, my brother-in-law complimented Bryan and me for Jacob’s lack of fear. He said “You and Bryan have done an amazing job with Jacob. He’s not afraid of anything.” I had to laugh. Out loud. And then I felt a surge of gratitude for the Lord’s hand in helping us overcome.  

I attribute Jacob’s ability to overcome his fears to his ability to trust in God. One night while Bryan and I were on a date, Jacob was afraid to go to bed. His sister suggested he listen to scriptures to calm his fears. This simple act became a tender mercy in our lives. He began saying things like “I feel the spirit with the scriptures.” On the way to school he admonished his best friend to also listen, because “they’ll make you happy.” One morning he woke up an announced, “I finished The Book of Mormon last night.” On another occasion—just before bed—he excitedly told his sister that “Nephi was going to make it to the Promised Land tonight.” Since that time, Jacob’s love for the scriptures has continued, and the peace and reassurance he feels from listening to the scriptures has filtered into other areas of his life as well. He now trusts that all will be well. He trusts that God is with him.

When my elder brother passed away, I also learned about trusting in God through the scriptures. I was reading in Matthew when the Lord admonished all men to come unto Him. He said: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your soul. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11: 28-30). Jesus Christ offers this invitation to follow Him—to come, and then a promise that He will cause our burdens to be lightened.  I named this scripture my “Eric Peace Scripture”. This trust carried me through a hard time.

Nephi was a perfect example of trusting in God when he and his brothers were sent to get the plates from the wicked King Laban. He said, “…I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them to accomplish the things which the Lord hath commandeth them” (Nephi 3:7).  Nephi’s trust in God was sure. He had no doubt that the Lord would provide a way.

I love the story of trust emulated by the Stripling Warriors in the Book of Mormon. The scriptures say that they “put their trust in God continually (57:27)”, they did not doubt that God would deliver them” (56:47). I love that not one of these stripling warriors was killed in battle. There were 2,060 young men who fought against the strongest Lamanite armies, and not one of them was killed. Helaman said, “…And now their preservation was astonishing to our whole army, yea, that they should be spared while there was a thousand of our brethren who were slain. And we do justly ascribe it to the miraculous power of God, because of their exceeding faith in that which they had been taught to believe—that there was a just God, and whosoever did not doubt, that they should be preserved by his marvelous power” (57:26).  Their story is a perfect example of trusting God.

Mormon reminds us: “Know ye not that ye are in the hands of God? Know ye not that he hath all power?” (Morm. 5:23). W. Craig Zwick taught that, “To be in the hands of God would suggest that we are not only under His watchful care but also that we are guarded and protected by His wondrous power” (W. Craig Zwick, The Lord Thy God Will Hold Thy Hand, October 2003 General Conference). If each of us truly believed that we were in God’s watchful hand, wouldn’t it be easier to face our challenges? Elder Scott has counseled: “Trust in God … no matter how challenging the circumstance. … Your peace of mind, your assurance of answers to vexing problems, your ultimate joy depend upon your trust in Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ” (“The Sustaining Power of Faith in Times of Uncertainty and Testing,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2003, 76, 78).

Video

Ezra Taft Benson said, “It is soul satisfying to know that God is mindful of us and ready to respond when we place our trust in Him and do that which is right. There is no place for fear among men and women who place their trust in the Almighty, who do not hesitate to humble themselves in seeking divine guidance through prayer”(Ezra Taft Benson, Teachings of the Presidents of the Church, pg. 56).

I have no doubt that as we trust in our Savior we are moving our mountains of fear; He will not leave us to ourselves. As we seek Him, He will come.

Focus on the Savior

Making Jesus Christ the center of our lives is key in the process of faith. Elder Bednar said, “the counsel Alma gave to his son Helaman applies precisely to each of us today: ‘Yea, see that ye look to God and live’ (Alma 37:47). “We should look to and have our focus firmly fixed upon the Savior at all times and in all places” (David A. Bednar, “Therefore, They Hushed Their Fears”, General Conference 2015).

I truly believe keeping our focus set on Christ is key to staying the course of faith. President Monson has promised that if we can make Jesus Christ the center of our lives, it will “enable us to face our challenges to meet them head on and to emerge victorious” (Thomas S. Monson, Be of Good Cheer, General Conference April 2009).

Just recently, my family and I have been dealing with yet another lesson on faith and fear. I have chosen to share this experience, because I feel it illustrates the importance of keeping our focus on Christ, and the reality that staying focused in faith is a continuous process that we must endure. It’s a continuous process of keeping our focus on Christ throughout our lives by our choosing daily to keep Christ as our focus.

A few months ago, my little brother, Brandon, passed away from the flu. Brandon and I were inseparable as kids. He was my sidekick. We did everything together. Truly, if there was an adventure to be had—Brandon and I did it together.  I think the reason Brandon and I were so close was because he had diabetes. When we were kids, it was my job to take care of him. I was six years older than him, and deemed responsible. One day, when I was 12, and Brandon was 6, I forgot to take care of him as I should. As a result, Brandon was rushed to the hospital. Just before the ambulance took him away, Brandon looked to the corner of the room and exclaimed, “Dad, they are here to get me. I see them. They are nice, Dad, and I want to go with them.” I remember my dad saying “Brandon it’s not your time. You can’t go yet. Tell them to go away.”

I never prayed harder than I did at that moment. My little brother was in danger, and I felt it was my fault. This was a lesson on faith by looking to God for me. Faith to pray as if everything depended on my prayer. Faith to trust in the Lord’s will no matter the outcome. And faith to change and become a better sister. President Monson said, “Our most significant opportunities will be found in times of greatest difficulties” (Thomas S. Monson, “Meeting Your Goliath”, Conference Report October 1967). And so it was for me. When Brandon awoke from his coma, I vowed to be the sister he deserved.

From that point on, we were inseparable; however, despite my determination to take care of him, Brandon still had many near death experiences—not always related to diabetes—it seemed that the Lord was intent on calling him home. After Brandon passed, my father said that he felt that faith and Priesthood Blessings were Brandon’s claim to staying a bit longer on this earth. There were multiple occasions in Brandon’s life where he received a blessing of healing; however, two stick out the most in my mind—the time he slept through a diabetic low, and then the time on his mission when his appendix burst—both of which, Brandon was offered a blessing to be healed, and he was healed. The night that he died, my father offered Brandon one last Father’s Blessing. As my dad placed his hands on Brandon’s head, he wanted to offer a blessing of healing; however, he couldn’t speak those words, as he began the blessing he felt the Lord saying “not this time”. This experience has become another lesson on looking to God as Alma taught, and trusting in His will.  

Watching my parents suffer through the loss of two of their children has taught me what it means to keep my focus on Christ. They have never wavered in their testimony of Jesus Christ. They have never doubted God’s plan for them. They have done exactly what Alma directed—they have “looked to God”. President Monson said, that “good timber does not come with ease. The stronger the wind, the stronger the trees” (Thomas S. Monson, “I Will Not Fail Thee, nor Forsake Thee, October 2013 General Conference). As I have watched my parents, I have grown from their strength. And just as I look to them to be an example, I have children looking to me, and the death of their uncle has created a special opportunity for fighting fear with faith in our home.

Brandon’s death was unexpected to our family, and the shock of it has caused my children to struggle. I was in the car with my middle child when I received the phone call with the news of Brandon’s passing. His death has caused a lot of pain for all of my children, but especially, Amber—who was with me when I heard the news.  Amber has found herself full of fear.

Helping Amber stay focused on faith rather than fear was a daily struggle. She couldn’t go to bed without fear, she couldn’t be separated from us without fear, she couldn’t go to gymnastics without fear. As a family, we prayed for direction; we kept our focus on Christ—we read scriptures, and we talked of Christ. Day by day we received inspiration and direction to help us along our fight. A turning point in Amber’s struggle happened at bed time when Amber couldn’t go to sleep because of her fears. We talked for a long time about gospel principles and focusing on faith. We talked about tools to help her focus her mind on the good and happy things in life.

It was at this moment that I received inspiration in helping her in her journey. I admonished her to pick a theme song and a scripture that she could use in times of difficulties. As we talked, my husband was listening from the adjoining room. He decided to add to our conversation by playing a song in the background. As the song came to the chorus, I could almost see Amber smile and start pumping her fist to the beat—she didn’t, but I felt a change in her spirit. After the song ended, she asked to listen to it again. So we did. I then wiped away her tears, and I bore my testimony of faith. I promised her that if she could just hold on, if she could just keep her faith focused on Christ—we would make it. This experience epitomizes the definition of faith that Moroni spoke about when he said “it’s after the trial of our faith” that the Lord sends miracles.

And there have been miracles. One miracle was the song Bryan was inspired to play for Amber that night. I liked to show you one now:

Show Video

Another miracle occurred during a question and answer family home evening. We allowed the kids to submit any type of question, and then Bryan and I took turns answering their questions. Amber submitted the question: “How do you continually choose faith over fear?” At this point in Amber’s journey, she was worried about whether or not she had faith at all, because she had been struggling with so many doubts.  We had talked about Satan wanting her to doubt her faith, and how President Utchdorf had counseled us to “Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith” (Dieter F. Utchdorf, “Come Join With Us, October 2013). As I read her question, I prayed for inspiration, and Elder Bednar’s talk came to my mind. Elder Bednar said, “Recall how the Lord’s Apostles were in a ship, tossed in the midst of the sea. Jesus went to them walking on the water; but not recognizing Him, they cried out in fear.

‘Jesus spake to them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

‘And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

‘And he said, Come’ (Matthew 14:27-29).

“But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid,” began to sink, and cried out, “Lord, save me.
 “And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” (Matthew 14:30–31) (David A. Bednar, “Therefore, They Hushed Their Fears, April 2015).

This is where I stopped and explained to Amber that it wasn’t until Peter lost his focus on the Savior that he began to sink. Peter had great faith—faith enough to walk on water, but Peter also had fear—just like we sometimes do too.

I then finished explaining with Elder Bednar’s explanation:
“I envision Peter responding fervently and immediately to the Savior’s invitation. With his eyes fixed upon Jesus, he stepped out of the boat and miraculously walked on the water. Only when his gaze was diverted by the wind and the waves did he become afraid and begin to sink” (David A. Bednar, “Therefore, They Hushed Their Fears, April 2015).

I told Amber that just like with wind distracted Peter from his focus on Christ—we too, can experience distractions that can take our focus from Christ. However, I promised Amber that if she could stay focused and stay the course—she would overcome.

After this family home evening I witnessed the miracle taking place in our lives while preparing a Gospel Doctrine lesson on faith. In the midst of my preparation, I remembered our family home evening discussion. I turned to Amber and I asked her to tell me about her “Peter” experience and how it was going, and this is what she said: “I have remembered Peter and what Jesus said to him, and I have decided I would want to be the kind of person where I could continue to walk on the water keeping my eyes focused on the Savior. Because I have wanted to do that, I have had to do things to keep my focus. When I find myself feeling fearful, I have been replacing my fear with uplifting music. As I have replaced the fear I have had peace; I have been more happy; as I have pushed the fear out, I have felt reassured that I will overcome.”  

Elder Eyring said, “If we have faith in Jesus Christ, the hardest as well as the easiest times in life can be a blessing” (Henry B. Eyring, Mountains to Climb, April 2012 General Conference ).

This struggle of Amber’s is a blessing. It’s shaping us into something better. And it will continue to shape our lives as we focus our faith in Christ. I truly believe that as we focus on Christ—we are moving the mountains—the fear—in our lives and replacing it with faith..

(BECAUSE OF HIM WE WILL SEE HIM AGAIN) Picture

Choosing to walk by faith—not fear is not something that happens in a moment. Elder Pearson suggested in General Conference that this process of faith takes place--“every day, every day, every day” (Kevin W. Pearson, “Stay By The Tree”, April 2015 General Conference).  Because of Jesus Christ, all things are possible. As we choose Him, as we trust in Him, and as we focus on Him, faith will prevail in our lives; we will be able to overcome our fears; move our mountains;  and our faith will be like that of Alma and Amulek, Lehi and Nephi, and Ammon! And what a glorious thing that will be!

Courage

When we were sent here to earth, our Heavenly Father gave us the gift of agency. Because we have been given the ability to choose, it is ultimately up to us to decide our final destination. I have often envisioned what it will be like to stand before my Father in Heaven and be judged for my actions. Recently, I was taught a lesson on this topic. My mother-in-law entrusted my husband and I with her most prized possession—a necklace made from her mother’s wedding ring. She had left it at the cabin, and asked that we deliver it to her. Knowing the importance of this item, my husband and I discussed ways in keeping it safe, and then followed through with our plan. However, when it came time to deliver the necklace, it was no longer where it had been placed for safe keeping. This realization ensued several weeks of searching and praying for the lost heirloom. Throughout this time of prayer and contemplation, my soul longed for a “redo”. My mind was relentless with the “if only’s”, and the “should of’s”.  I couldn’t help but think of what I could have done, or what I should have done. In the midst of my turmoil, I was taught a lesson. One evening while contemplating the lost heirloom, my mind was opened to a new thought. In my mind I saw myself standing in front of my Savior after I had completed my time here on Earth. As I stood, my mind wondered—will I want a “redo”, or will I have done all that I could?

In 2 Nephi 10:23 it reads,“Therefore, 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” (2 Nephi 10:23).  Every day we make choices that lead us down one of these two pathways—everlasting death, or eternal life. Our Heavenly Father desires our return; however,—there must be opposition in all things (Nephi), and the adversary will do everything in his power to prevent us from reaching our Heavenly home. Elder Holland recently gave a talk on the adversary. He said, “Satan, or Lucifer, or the father of lies—call him what you will—is real, the very personification of evil” (Jeffrey R. Holland, “We are All Enlisted”, October 2011 General Conference). My dear youth, Satan is at war with us. He desires to have us. He will stop at nothing to ensure that he does. This contest between good and evil is a “life-and-death contest”—a life-and-death contest, because eternal life it at stake (Jeffrey R. Holland, “We are All Enlisted”, October 2011 General Conference).

President Benson said: 
“In all ages, prophets have looked down through the corridors of time to our day. Billions of the deceased and those yet to be born have their eyes on us. Make no mistake about it—you are a marked generation…

“For nearly six thousand years, God has held you in reserve to make your appearance in the final days before the second coming of the Lord…While this generation will be comparable to Noah, when the Lord cleansed the earth by flood, there is a major difference this time: [it is that] God has saved for the final inning some of His strongest…children, who will bear off the kingdom triumphantly” (Ezra Taft Benson, “In His Steps” Church Educational System fireside, Feb. 8, 1987).

You and I were saved for this time. Heavenly Father held us in reserve for a purpose. I believe that it our purpose to triumph over evil—the life and death contest Elder Holland spoke to us about—because eternal life is our destiny. In order to do so, I believe we must listen to the words of our prophet, Thomas S Monson. For over a decade he has been speaking to us about courage. He has told us that decisions determine destiny, and in order to make them wisely—we need courage.

What is courage? I like how C.S Lewis defined courage. He said: “Courage is…the form of every virtue at the testing point…” (C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters, rev. ed. (1982), 137-38).

(Explain about quotes through the ages: explain what you want audience to do. As we read each quote, listen to the counsel of our prophet, and then I want us to apply it to our lives now. How does this apply to us right now. )

In 2004 President Monson counseled, “Let us have the courage to defy the consensus, the courage to stand for principle. Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God’s approval…A moral coward is one who is afraid to do what he thinks is right because others will disapprove or laugh. Remember that all men have their fears, but those who face their fears with dignity have courage as well” (Thomas S. Monson, “The Call for Courage,” Ensign, May 2004, 54).

In 2008 he said, “My young friends, be strong. The philosophies of men surround us. The face of sin today often wears the mask of tolerance. Do not be deceived; behind that facade is heartache, unhappiness, and pain. You know what is right and what is wrong, and no disguise, however appealing, can change that. The character of transgression remains the same. If your so-called friends urge you to do anything you know to be wrong, you be the one to make a stand for right, even if you stand alone. Have the moral courage to be a light for others to follow. There is no friendship more valuable than your own clear conscience, your own moral cleanliness-and what a glorious feeling it is to know that you stand in your appointed place clean and with the confidence that you are worthy to do so” (Thomas S. Monson, “Examples of Righteousness,” Ensign, May 2008, 65-68).

In 2009 President Monson said, “As I contemplate all that you face in the world today, one word comes to my mind. It describes an attribute needed by all of us but one which you—at this time of your life and in this world—will need particularly. That attribute is courage” (Thomas S. Monson, “May You Have Courage”, April 2009 General Conference).

In 2011 President Monson said, “We live in a time when we are surrounded by much that is intended to entice us into paths which may lead to our destruction. To avoid such paths requires determination and courage” (Thomas S. Monson, “Dare to Stand Alone”, October 2011 General Conference).

And in 2014, President Monson said: “Decisions are constantly before us which can determine our destiny. In order for us to make the correct decisions, courage is needed—the courage to say no when we should, the courage to say yes when that is appropriate, the courage to do the right thing because it is right” (Thomas S. Monson, “Be strong and of a Good Courage,” May 2014 Ensign, pg. 66).

The courage to say no, the courage to say yes, and the courage to do the right thing because it is right. All of these scenarios will come to us in our life. I would like to focus on each of them individually:

THE COURAGE TO SAY NO WHEN WE SHOULD:

I have had those moments in my life where I hear the voice of the spirit whispering to me to choose another way. I have come to rely on that voice—I know that if I listen, all would be well. Just recently, my eldest daughter, Hailey, had a similar experience. Hailey, had to switch schools just as she was entering middle school. As a new student, she had struggled throughout the year to find friends, and to feel as if she belonged. That is why it was so difficult for her when her Life Skills teacher announced that the class would be watching a movie that Hailey knew she shouldn’t watch. With pounding heart, a bit of dread, and a silent prayer, she shot her hand in the air determined to not watch the movie. She explained to her teacher her standards, and asked if there was something else that she could do. The teacher insisted that the movie wasn't inappropriate, and further stated that she wouldn't ask her to watch something that wasn’t beneficial to her learning. With determination, Hailey again asked if there was something else she could do? The teacher—a bit annoyed—excused her from the class. As she stood to leave, one student said, “Come on…it’s just a movie”, while others didn’t comment, but looked at her as if she were over-reacting. A bit embarrassed Hailey excused herself, and then began counting the minutes until Life Skills would be over. That night Hailey came home to tell me of her courage. As she told her story, tears rolled down her cheeks—she so desperately wanted friends, but she also wanted to choose the right. President Monson said, “As we go about living from day to day, it is almost inevitable that our faith will be challenged. We may at times find ourselves surrounded by others and yet standing in the minority or even standing alone concerning what is acceptable and what is not. Do we have the moral courage to stand firm for our beliefs, even if by so doing we must stand alone?”  (Thomas S. Monson, “Dare to Stand Alone, October 2011).

“Courage comes in many forms. Wrote the Christian author Charles Swindoll: ‘Courage is not limited to the battlefield…or bravely catching a thief in your house. The real tests of courage are much quieter. They are inner tests, like remaining faithful when no one’s looking, …like standing alone when you’re misunderstood.’...I would add that the inner courage also includes doing the right thing even though we may be afraid, defending our beliefs at the risk of being ridiculed, and maintaining those beliefs even when threatened with loss of friends or of social status. He who stands steadfastly for that which is right must risk becoming at times disapproved and unpopular .”

(Be strong and of a Good Courage, Thomas  S. Monson, May 2014 Ensign, pg. 67)

Making the choice to stand up for our beliefs is never easy. It reminds me of a poem that President Monson penned. He said:

Dare to be Mormon
Dare to be True
Dare to have a Purpose Firm
Dare to Make it Known

I can testify through personal experience that as we do, the Lord will be with us, and all will be well.

 THE COURAGE TO SAY YES WHEN WE SHOULD:

The courage to say “yes” reminds me of Nephi when he promised his father that he would “go and do” the things the Lord had commanded him. Sometimes taking action takes courage.

A couple of years ago a friend of our family passed away. Ever since then, Jacob constantly asked questions concerning death. After a while those questions turned inward, and he began asking questions concerning his death. Jacob was afraid of dying, and anything that could be a “cause” of his dying. As his mother, I felt that we needed to help Jacob with his fears. As I turned to the Lord in prayer, I felt guided in taking off the training wheels from his bike; however, whenever Jacob cried for his training wheels—I questioned my methods. One day Jacob sat beside his bike begging me to “please put back on the training wheels”. I sat down beside him, and as tenderly as possible, I made a promise that I was not going to put the training wheels back on his bike. As I spoke these words, my heart broke. Why would I willingly cause my child fear? Another time as I encouraged Jake to start peddling, he looked up at me and asked, “what if I don’t?”  Again, my heart fumbled. My mind reflected on our spiritual journey here on Earth. What if we don’t? What if we don’t follow the plan? What if? Just like I couldn’t MAKE Jake ride a bike, the Lord cannot MAKE us choose His way. Without answering his question, I silently prayed that he would, and he did. Slowly our work turned into progress, and Jake began riding his bike; however, each time he rode—he still struggled with fear. One morning as we were getting ready to ride, I felt prompted to have Jake pray. We talked about praying for help in riding his bike, and then we prayed for that help. After his prayer, I asked Jake to tell me his favorite scripture. He slowly began reciting Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid…” as soon as Jacob said those words, I stopped him and asked him to repeat the last part again. As he slowly said the words, “be not afraid”, understanding seemed to change his countenance. I then asked him to tell me the rest of the scripture, to which he concluded “for the Lord thy God is with thee” (Joshua 1:9). We set out to ride bikes with a new determination. As we started to ride, Jacob lost his courage, and started to cry out in desperation. It was at this moment that I reminded Jacob of our scripture, “Jake—be not afraid.” Remembrance flickered on his face and he began chanting, “be not afraid, be not afraid, be not afraid” (Joshua 1:9).  Jake’s bike steadied, and ever since that moment, whenever he finds he is nervous—he chants, “be not afraid, be not afraid, be not afraid”. So, why was it so important for Jake to face his fear? The old adage remains true, “When the time for decision arrives, the time for preparation is past” (Monson, Dare to Stand Alone, 2011). As we choose to face our trials with courage now, we prepare ourselves to choose courageously when eternal life is at stake. In a recent general conference, President Monson said, “All of our choices have consequences, some of which have little or nothing to do with our eternal salvation and others of which have everything to do with it” (Monson, The Three R’s of Choice, November 2010).  Our ultimate goal is eternal salvation—in order to reach that goal, we must have the courage to remain on the Lord’s side. President George Albert Smith said, “There is a line [of demarcation] well defined between the Lord’s territory and the devil’s territory. If you will stay on the Lord’s side of the line you will be under His influence and will have no desire to do wrong; but if you cross to the devil’s side of that line one inch you are in the tempter’s power and if he is successful, you will not be able to think or even reason properly because you will have lost the Spirit of the Lord” (Teachings of the Presidents of the Church).

Sister Sheri L. Dew said, “Very simply, our physical and spiritual safety lies in never even getting close to the line that separates light from dark, good from evil” (Sheri L. Dew, “The Lord’s Side of the Line”, 2000).

This was the sole purpose of helping Jacob face his fears—I felt prompted that as he learned to be courageous when eternal life was not at stake—he could then be courageous when eternal life was at stake. Now is the time for preparation. As we choose to obey and live by the principles our Heavenly Father has set, as we practice these principles, and as we keep moving along this pathway of righteousness, when the time for decision arrives—we will be able to say “yes” to the Lord because we will have prepared ourselves to choose his way.

 THE COURAGE TO DO THE RIGHT THING BECAUSE IT IS RIGHT only title for slide show right here…

President Monson shared a story about a young girl by the name of Sandra who moved into an area and befriended all that she met. In her new ward was a young handicapped girl who—up to that point—didn’t have a friend. Sandra didn’t see the girl for her struggles, but saw her as another friend, and due to her example was able to change the perspective of all the other young ladies in the ward. As we choose to be Christ-like, we are choosing the right way.

When I was a freshman in high school, a few of my friends started making choices that made me uncomfortable. At first they were minor things—things that could easily be ignored. However, what I couldn’t ignore was the prompting I kept receiving to find a new group of friends. Listening to that prompting was a difficult decision for me—I was afraid to be alone, and yet I knew that the Lord was asking me take that step. I felt reassured that being alone was better than the alternative—no matter how difficult it was. Years later when I was a senior in High School, I had the opportunity of sitting next to someone whom I still considered a friend, but someone I hadn’t associated with since my freshman year. One day we talked about my decision to find a new group of friends. As we discussed the situation, she confessed that she wished that she had made a similar choice. I was shocked to hear of some of the decisions that I had been saved from by simply choosing a new group of friends.  As I sat in that math class, I remember feeling grateful to have listened to the Lord three years previously, and to have had the courage to do so. As we choose to follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost, we are choosing the right way.

This next story has nothing to do with eternal consequences, but I share it because I feel it demonstrates choosing the right no matter the consensus of the group. This year my daughter is trying out for the high school soccer team. Throughout the course of her tryouts, it has been made known to her by several upper classman that wearing shin guards is uncool.

PICTURE

It has become an unspoken rule that in order to fit in—you must ditch wearing the shin guards. Hailey has chosen to stand out.

I think this scenario is much like many scenarios we face on a daily basis. Although this scenario has no spiritual consequence, we have many opportunities to stand up for what is right, which do have spiritual significance. As we choose to stand up for what is right, we will be choosing the right way.

“A moral coward is one who is afraid to do what he thinks is right because others will disapprove or laugh. Remember that all men have their fears, but those who face their fears with dignity have courage as well” (Courage Counts, President Thomas S. Monson, General Conference, Oct. 1986).

One of my favorite Mormon messages of all time is an excerpt from President Monson’s life on being courageous.

Video

HEROES in MY LIFE

The scriptures are full of examples of courage. I am inspired by the example of Noah(Picture) when he had the courage to build an ark. Can you imagine his courage as he built a boat on dry land? It took Noah 120 years to build an ark. In that time, he was mocked and ridiculed. How many times in our lives are we mocked for doing what we feel is right? One of the key themes in Noah’s story that I believe relates to us, is that Noah cared more about what the Lord thought, then what his peers thought. Noah was seeking the Lord. The Lord was very much a part of his life. I think of Noah’s example to stand out, to stand alone, to choose the Lord no matter the consequence, and then I think of my life—am I doing that? I think of Noah’s courage to follow through with a prompting, and then I wonder if I am doing the same?

I love the example of courage shown by David when he fought Goliath. When I was a young girl in primary, we often declared our favorite scripture hero—mine was always David. Even as a young girl, my heart wanted to have enough courage to face anything the Lord required. When speaking to Goliath, David said, “Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. [1 Sam. 17:45]. David had courage not only to fight a giant, but because he had taken the time to make the Lord a par to this life—he had the courage that the Lord would be with him. Just like David fought Goliath, we too—will face many Goliath’s in our lives. They will not be 9-foot giants, but Satan will most certainly put Goliath’s in our way in hopes of distracting us from our ultimate goal. We must do as David did—we must seek the Lord

I have always loved the courage of Esther when she faced the king on behalf of her people. It was punishment by death to go unbidden unto the king unless he held out his golden scepter. At first Esther was reluctant, but Mordecia encouraged her by saying, “If thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, …thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed” (Esther 4:13-14).

He then added, “Who knoweth whether thou are come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”  To this question, Esther gathered her courage and said, “I will go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16). Esther had been reminded of who she was—she “had gathered her courage and would stand firm and immovable for that which was right” (Monson, May You Have Courage, April 2009 General Conference). Esther through courage—saved a nation.
In speaking to the youth of the church, President Monson said, that “He has saved you to come to the earth ‘for such a time as this.’ With His help, you will have the courage to face whatever comes. Though the world may at times appear dark, you have the light of the gospel, which will be as a beacon to guide your way” (“May You Have Courage”, President Thomas S. Monson, General Conference, April 2009).

There are numerous accounts of courage in the scriptures. There is the story of Moroni when he declared that he “would not deny the Christ” (Moroni 1: 2,3), the story of Daniel thrown into the Lion’s den for praying (Daniel 6), the story of the stripling warriors when they declared that “God is with us” (Alma 56:46-48), the story of Samuel testifying on a city wall (Helaman 16:1), the story of Pahoran when he declared “you have censored me, but it matterth not” (Alma 61:9), and the story of Abinidi testifying to his death (Mosiah 17).  

And then there is the ultimate example of courage—Jesus Christ—Our Savior. I can’t even begin to articulate what the Savior has done for us. I stand in awe with my heart full of gratitude. Because of Him, faith is possible—He opened the pathway for eternal life.

So, how do we learn from these scriptures and acquire the Courage Necessary to reach our Ultimate Goal?

(Object Lesson #1)

In all these scriptural accounts of courage there is a common theme—each of these heroes had a testimony of the Gospel and of Jesus Christ. President Monson said, “In order for us to be strong, and to withstand all the forces pulling us in the wrong direction or all the voices encouraging us to take the wrong path, we must have our own testimony” (“Dare to Stand Alone”, President Monson, General Conference, October 2011).

When I was a freshman at Ricks College, I had a professor that opened my eyes to the importance of our individual testimonies. She told us that we were all in dire circumstances, and in order to survive—we had to be willing to give up “the less important” things in life. And then, she had each of us pick from cards at the front of the room. A few of the cards were: fax machine, computer, boat, radio, iPod, email, camera … At first it seemed pretty easy to take a few things from our list, but the lesson didn’t stop at a few things. After one round, she stood again, and said people were dying—circumstances where dire, what else are you willing to give up? And then each of us was required to again choose from the list of items: close friends, sense of sight, the living prophet, church organization, priesthood blessings, immediate family, temple ordinances… I remember that as we got down to the last two items: testimony of Jesus Christ, and a living prophet; an argument broke out in our class. One girl was extremely upset at the choice that was being made by the student who was last to choose. This girl begged our teacher to have the lesson stop; however, the point of the lesson was to eliminate all but one. The student who was last to pick was choosing to remove a living prophet arguing that if we didn’t have a testimony, then we wouldn’t need a living prophet anyway. The last card was a testimony of Jesus Christ. My professor then said to the class, “If a testimony is the most important thing each of you has, then why is it so easy to spend your time in pursuit of things that are not as important”. She was right. My time was constantly filled with important things, but perhaps not as important as working on my testimony. In our process of seeking and enduring, we must have a testimony. It is our most prized possession.

We must seek to have a testimony in order to endure the temptations that surround us.

Elder Bednar said that, “A testimony is a gift from God and is available to all of His children. Any honest seeker of truth can obtain a testimony by exercising the necessary “particle of faith” in Jesus Christ to “experiment upon” (Alma 32:27) and “try the virtue of the word” (Alma 31:5), to yield “to the enticing’s of the Holy Spirit” (Mosiah 3:19), and to awaken unto God (see Alma 5:7)” (“Converted Unto the Lord”, David A. Bednar, General Conference, October 2012). Therefore, as we seek, and experiment upon the word—we build our testimonies, and as we build our testimonies—we are more able to endure the trials.

Object Lesson #2

In John Hilton’s book, Essential Skills in Living the Gospel, an object lesson is described on the basis of testimony, and I’d like to do it with you now:

There are many levels of testimony:

I hope it’s true . . .

I think it’s true . . .

I believe it’s true . . .

I know it’s true . . .

What if we told you that your ring finger is less flexible than your other fingers? Do you hope, think, believe, or know that is true? What is the only way to move from “hope” to “know”? We must experiment and test it out. Do the following:

1. Put your hands together, palm to palm

2. Keeping your palms together, see if you can separate your pointer fingers. Can you do it? Good, now keeping your palms together fold your pointer fingers over.

3. With your palms together and pointer fingers folded over, try to separate your pinkey fingers. Can you do it? Good. Now fold those over.

4. What about your thumbs, and your middle finger? Good. Fold those over.

5. Now with your palms firmly pressed together and all your fingers folded over except your ring finger, try to separate your ring fingers from each other. Interesting, isn’t it?

So how many of you now “know” your ring finger is less flexible than your others? Gaining a witness of spiritual things is much the same: When we first experiment and act in obedience, then the testimony comes.

Give students the options of some “experiments” they could try (or let them come up with their own). Experiments like, “Say 10 nice things to your mother today,” “Write in your journal every day this week,” etc. so that they can do something and increase their testimony of those principles as a result.

We are living in times much like what Lehi described in his vision of the Tree of Life. We have tasted of the fruit (the gospel of Jesus Christ), and we are surrounded by people who mock and ridicule our choices and beliefs. We have to have a strong testimony in order to have the courage to withstand the temptations surrounding us.  In speaking of Lehi’s dream, President Monson said, “The great and spacious building in Lehi’s vision represents those in the world who mock God’s word and who ridicule those who embrace it and who love the Savior and live the commandments. What happens to those who are ashamed when the mocking occurs? Lehi tells us, ‘And after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost’”.  Brothers and Sisters, we are in a battle against Satan.  The choice of eternal life or eternal death is ours to make! It is my prayer that we will choose to be courageous and seek eternal life.

President Monson has stated, “Life’s journey is not traveled on a freeway devoid of obstacles, pitfalls, and snares. Rather, it is a pathway marked by forks and turnings. Decisions are constantly before us. To make them wisely, courage is needed…” (“The Call for Courage”, President Thomas S. Monson, General Conference, 2004).