Does Reading The Work and The Glory Count As Scripture Study?

It has long passages from the Doctrine & Covenants and the New Testament.

What Role Does Another's Forgiveness Play In Our Lives?

At General Conference in October, the newest apostle, Elder Andersen, said this: "To those who know me, if ever I have been less than I should have been in your presence, I ask for your forgiveness."

I've wondered over this for months now.

Our forgiveness of another is not dependent on their repentance or apology. "I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men." (Doctrine & Covenants 64:10) Our forgiveness of someone who has wronged us frees us and lightens our hearts.

Our own repentance brings the same blessings of freedom and joy.

But what does their forgiveness of us do? Surely their forgiveness of our wrong is not required for us to feel our own burden lifted when we repent.

But, perhaps, the natural consequence of true repentance is that our hearts turn to the happiness of others, and knowing that their ability to forgive us will bless their lives, we hope it for them.

Where's the Parable Of The Weed?

As I weeded for four hours yesterday I had a lot of time to ponder on this.

Why is there no parable of the weed? I wondered.

It would tell of an amazing creature that is impervious to insult, resistant to poison, and blooms despite constant criticism. It sends down deep roots and waits patiently for rain. It spreads itself far and wide and leaves a lasting record of itself when it is plucked out. It isn't picky about location and will often choose to intertwine itself with beautiful friends. Often it flowers with humble little blossoms and cheerfully produces more when those are picked for the kitchen table vase (unlike my tulips.) It doesn't complain of hardships (no sun and no water) the way my lettuce and tomatoes do. It blooms happily on despite being trampled and ignored. It makes the best of whatever comes its way.

Be ye therefore as the weed.

Why Does Christ Descend From Bathsheba?

I've wondered about this for a while. Somehow it didn't seem right for his genealogy to descend from fornication and murder, especially when there were even other wives of David that seemed more suitable (i.e. righteous.) But I have a theory now.

Christ's lineage is one of kings (Solomon) and sinners (David) and converts (Ruth) and prophets (Abraham). It is not chance that His lineage does not follow the most righteous line from Adam to Seth to Noah and down. Just as it was not chance that He was born in a stable. It includes representation of all types of people.

Christ is truly God to all the world--to every race and caste and religion, to every level of righteousness, to converts and to the original chosen people, and...

...to me.

Can Faith And Fear Not Exist Simultaneously?

Because I feel like I feel both.

"Fear and faith cannot coexist in our hearts at the same time."
(Elder Neil Andersen, October 2008 General Conference)

"Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?" (Matthew 8:26)

Does It Ever Feel This Way To You, Too?

Hold To The Rod--The Iron Rod

by James Christensen