A Marvelous Work and a Wonder

We live at a time when there is much opportunity to refine our judgement due to the expanse of information at our fingertips. Everyone we communicate with has been educated by a variety of philosophies, and acquaint themselves with all types of people. In this situation, we are ask ourselves many questions about where we have been, where we ought to be, and where we plan to go. In fact, I would not hesitate to parallel our plight with that of Joseph Smith’s, where he found himself amidst a “war of words and tumult of opinions” (Joseph Smith History 1:10). Though the work of the adversary has never changed, and his mission to confuse and distort the truth has not stopped, there seems to be an increasing boldness in his work.

An increased boldness from the adversary has not come without response form the Lord. The Lord has instigated through his servants in these last days an incredible training program for his youth and single adults. Without even mentioning the missionary program, the CES program and the young men’s and young women’s programs are unparalleled in all of the history of the world. With this in mind we realize that we are in a much different station than Joseph Smith. The truth has been restored and access to the Holy Ghost or the “record of heaven” (Moses 6:61) is with us. We need only keep the commandments of the Lord and we will walk in his Spirit and be prepared to “kindle fire” and create “sparks” of light for ourselves and for others (2 Nephi 7:11).

As we learn and teach each other at institute, we equip ourselves with the sword of the spirit (Ephesians 6:17), a most necessary tool for learning the “peaceable things of the kingdom” that we may grow in wisdom and judgment (Moses 6:62). We can see the kingdom of God, and we acquaint ourselves with God that he may pour his power upon us and our posterity, for we live in a day when the powers from heaven (our ancestors) and the powers upon the earth (us) will combine to fulfill God’s covenant to Adam, Noah, and Abraham. We are being trained as earthly sentinels to stand before magistrates and declare with the boldness of a lion that we are acquainted with God and his people, and that He offers all women and men a mansion in his city. 

If God were to speak to us today, I would not be surprised if he were to say, “You are part of my marvelous work and wonder that I spoke of by Isaiah the prophet.” For we truly live in a day when “greater works” (John 14:12) are done than the works that were witnessed in Christ’s day. I am a witness. I have seen many maimed of spirit made whole. I have seen those lame of social confidence healed. I have seen many blind and deaf to the spirit made sensitive to the powers of heaven. We truly are a part of God’s marvelous work and wonder, and what an honor to stand together in such a mighty cause, and we do so because God "loved us first” (1 John 4:19) by sending His Son Jesus Christ to show mercy and compassion to all, and to redeem those who wash themselves clean and apply his atoning blood in their lives.

-Kyler Harmon

The world around us is a beautiful place, and god created all this, for us. We should take the time to appreciate the wonderful creations that have been placed around us. In Seattle we have some of the best parks, trails, and mountains around. Be grateful. Utilizing these creations is a great way to show our appreciation for them. Also express our gratitude to our heavenly father in our prayers.

I have been a runner my whole life. Finding new trails to run on is the most exciting thing! Since coming to UW I have spent the majority of my days on the Burke Gilman trail or at Greenlake. Still every time I run I seem to find a certain flower or the way a tree is growing that just amazings me! When I have the opportunity to run at some new trails I feel overwhelmed with the new beauty that is in front of me. We need to take the time to appreciate what is in front of us on a daily basis but also go explore the world! See new things so you can appreciate it with a greater appreciation! And while you are exploring the Burke Gilman come up a block or two to explore the institute too! 

-Kristina Cordy, Student at UW 

Sweet Meet

We had such a great time at this year's annual Sweet Meet!

Sweet Meet from Courtney Shaeffer on Vimeo.

The passing of a loved one is never easy.  Sometimes it comes unexpectedly, sometimes there is ample time to prepare.  Sometimes it's a relative that loses a long battle with cancer, and sometimes it's a friend that's taken in a tragedy.  No matter the circumstances, all involved are left to ponder the frailties of life and mourn the memories left from that special person.  We tend to hold our loved ones closer, spend more time with our friends, say those things that we never said or do those things we never did.  We begin to realize just how great of a blessing it is to live on this good Earth.

How great it is to know that our loving Heavenly Father sent us here with a purpose.  How great is the blessing to know that there is a life after this one, that death is not the end but only a necessary door that all must walk through to return to live with God.  And how penetrating is that question that was asked by the angels at the tomb of Christ, "Why seek ye the living among the dead?" (Luke 24:5).  As Latter-day Saints we know that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, all men shall live again.  He paid the ultimate price for our sins through His selfless sacrifice that we will resurrect even as he and be partakers of eternal life if we would repent of our sins and follow His righteous example, receiving all the ordinances of salvation and exaltation.  "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:55-57)

How great and comforting are these things to the mourning soul!  But how many people in this world don't know of this good news?  How many people think that death is the end and that the flickering light of a person's life blows out with death like a candle to the wind?  This is our message to the world, that Christ lives and that through His Gospel, all can reap the eternal blessings he has prepared for us.  "Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise." (2 Nephi 2:8).  This responsibility is ours, both to the living and to the dead.  We've been instructed of the Lord to construct temples, to seek out our ancestors and to help all those that have come before us to receive the same ordinances that we've received.  Temple work and missionary work is the exact same thing, just on different sides of the veil.  So let us be dilligent in our duties.  To all those that mourn the loss of a loved one, to all those that stand in need of comfort and seek the truth, and to all those that have gone before us without a knowledge of the Savior.  Elder and Sister May teach a class at 6:00-8:00 on how to do family history through familysearch.org.  If you're not familiar with this site, they will help you to find your ancestors and procure for them the blessings that they're waiting for.  

-Brian Hart