In Others' Words

My Personal Favorite

noreply@blogger.com (Nate Thatcher) — Fri, 27 May 2011 16:00:00 +0000

On 5 November 1937 at the New York Times Book Fair, author and editor Henry A. Wallace (who later went on to be Vice-president of the United States) stated the following while speaking on the subject "Good books of the Nineteenth Century":

"Of all the American religious books of the nineteenth century it seems probable that 'The Book of Mormon' was the most powerful. it reached perhaps only one percent of the people of the United States, but it affected this one percent so powerfully and lastingly that all the people of the United States have been affected."

The Book of Mormon is "others' words" in the greatest sense. First of all, it is a compilation of the words of numerous prophets. More important, however, is the fact (and millions upon millions have now testified to its truth) that it is the word of God. His words should have the utmost presidence when discussing "others' words."

I know the Book of Mormon to be true. It is the word of God and contains the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It has changed my life and is powerful. Mr. Wallace hit an important point, but, in my opinion, was extreme litotes.

http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/36971/Most-correct-of-any-book.html

http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/jbms/?vol=4&num=1&id=78

Pure Potential - That's What I Am

noreply@blogger.com (Nate Thatcher) — Thu, 19 May 2011 15:42:00 +0000

Let me throw several interesting little events at you. I'm going to deviate a little from the way I thought I was going to write this entry.

1) Not long ago, I saw a poster advertizing a movie entitled "That's What I Am." I don't know a thing about the movie (except that Ed Harris might be in it. Man, he's getting old.) but the title struck me. I thought of some wonderful conversations I had with a very good friend of mine in which we discussed that very idea. Who and what are we? We had a very simple conclusion: "We are Pure Potential."

2) As I've thought lately about how to overcome my personal struggles and difficulties, I read once again this quote from the profoundly honest Abe:

"Is is difficult to make a man miserable when he feels he is worthy of himself and claims kindred to the great God who made him."

This made me think of another of my favorites, from the powerfully humble and humbly powerful Ezra Taft Benson:

"Nothing is going to startle us more when we pass through the veil to the other side than to realize how well we know our Father and how familiar His face is to us."

3) Usually when I begin to write a blog, I look for a Church-produced video that goes along with the theme for the day. Sometimes I have to search for just the right one. Today, I got on to the Church's Youtube channel and found that this video had been added 7 hours ago.

All these little things have been adding up around me this week. In the words of one of my favorite hymns of all time, "how can I keep from singing?" I know that I am a child of the creator of worlds without number. I know that we all are. I feel that our separation from Him in this mortal life, is our opportunity to come to appreciate that reality more fully. He is constantly showing us evidence of His existence, of His love, and of our relationship to Him. We are pure potential. Simply to realize that allows us to tap into it.

In others' words...
"To see things in the seed. That is genius." -Lao Tzu

Macro-love with Micro-manifestations

noreply@blogger.com (Nate Thatcher) — Tue, 03 May 2011 16:39:00 +0000

I think too often, we think of charity as this grand thing that is only put into action by large-scale demonstrations. We seem to place simple love out of our own reach. But, as Neal A. Maxwell said, even God's love is "macro-love with micro-manifestations!"

None of us has true charity as Jesus Christ did, and I don't think we will any time soon. But that doesn't absolve us from the duty, and from the privilege of putting our "widow's mite" in the coffer. A smile? A handshake? Giving the benefit of the doubt?
Maybe we're don't have perfect love. But He does. I know He's more than willing to give it to us if we agree to pass it along.

Can't we just be a little...kind?

In others' words...
"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion." -Dalai Lama

The best portion of a good man's life - his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love.
-William Wordsworth

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle."
-Plato

He Is Not Here

noreply@blogger.com (Nate Thatcher) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 18:05:00 +0000

I consider Easter the most important holiday. Not because it happens to fall on the first Sunday after the full moon following the vernal equinox, but because of the empty tomb that it commemorates.

As a youth, I never really captured the importance of the empty tomb. Just like when Mary looked inside and couldn't quite comprehend, I didn't realize that, as Gordon B. Hinckley put so well,

"Here was the greatest miracle of human history. Ealier He had told them, 'I am the resurrection, and the life' (John 11:25). But they had not understood. Now they knew. He had died in misery and pain and loneliness. Now, on the third day, He arose in power and beauty and life, the firstfruits of all who slept, the assurance for men of all ages that 'as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive' (1 Corinthians 15:22)"

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is real and it means that there is hope. No matter the circumstance, no matter the depth of our sorrow or pain, no matter the duration--it is temporary. Our Savior descended below all things and overcame them. He outlasted all provocation. He defeated all enemies, and the last enemy that was defeated was death.

Here was the only Man in the history of the earth who had power to voluntarily give up his life whether He were hanging on a cross or sitting comfortably in a chair--the only Man with power to take that life back again with the same ease.

Because the tomb was empty--because He was not there--we can have hope in knowing that all of our struggles will be temporary; that if we are faithful, all things will work out for our benefit. I know that He died, and I know that He rose. We will all live again. We will see His face and the marks in His hands.

Here is hope.

In Others' Words...

"He is Not Here."

As the Sun Rises - The Process of Revelation

noreply@blogger.com (Nate Thatcher) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 16:45:00 +0000

We understand that God teaches us. He reveals things to us in our minds and in our hearts. A phrase that I love that He has used to describe this "coming forth" of truth is "Clear as the moon, fair as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners."

Have you ever watched the sun rise? Do you notice how it comes so gradually that the increase of light is almost imperceptible. The light grows even before the sun itself is even visible on the horizon. However, at one moment or another, we realize that the sun has indeed risen.

This is different from turning on a light-switch. A dark room is instantaneously filled with light and the difference is immediately noticeable.

It is true that God can enlighten us in an instant, as it were, and help us to see things differently and help us to change. The scriptures are full of examples of such stories. However, these instances are better understood as the exception rather than the rule.

More often that not, personal revelation and inspiration come to us as the sun rises. It is a process that requires patience. It comes "line upon line, precept upon precept." It does, however, come. And when it comes, it is "clear as the moon, fair as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners." It is bright and brilliant and undeniable.

In others' words...

“As you appropriately seek for and apply unto the spirit of revelation, I promise you will ‘walk in the light of the Lord.’ Sometimes the spirit of revelation will operate immediately and intensely, other times subtly and gradually, and often so delicately you may not even consciously recognize it. But regardless of the pattern whereby this blessing is received, the light it provides will illuminate and enlarge your soul, enlighten your understanding, and direct and protect you and your family.” -David A. Bednar

"And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things." -D&C 88:67

Life: God's University

noreply@blogger.com (Nate Thatcher) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 17:37:00 +0000

"Busy-work." Remember that? The curse of every student from Elementary school on up. Wouldn't it have been nice if every second of our education could have been tailor-made instead of having to waste time on a seemingly endless supply of worksheets?

Of course, the reason for what we term "busy-work" is that education as it exists today can't be made as individual as we would like. Each student has different things to learn at different speeds and the goal of an educator is to affect the most learning possible for all the students.

However, it is not a perfect machine.

Life, on the other hand, can be the most efficient classroom because God is the master teacher. Our lives are tailor-made in the same way to the extent that we are hard-working and obedient. It's interesting to take a look at the types of work he assigns.

Wilford Woodruff, the fourth President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints taught that God educates us through difficulties--by giving us things that will make us struggle--by "chastising" us.

"The chastisements we have had from time to time have been for our good, and are essential to learn wisdom, and carry us through a school of experience we never could have passed through without."

Diana Nyad, a word-champion long-distance swimmer (who, I am informed, is currently training to swim from Cuba to Florida. And yes, she is a US citizen.) made this comment.

"The most extreme conditions require the most extreme response, and for some individuals, the call to that response is vitality itself....The integrity and self-esteem gained from winning the battle against extremity are the richest treasures in my life."

And finally, the quintessential Ralph Waldo Emerson gave us this insight.

"A man who sits on a cushion of advantages, goes to sleep. When he is pushed, tormented, defeated, he has been put on his wits,...[he learns] moderation and real skill."

In life, we suffer; we experience hardship and pain and sorrow. Why? Because it gives us experience that we could not gain any other way. I repeat: we could not gain it any other way. We could not learn to trust, we would not learn humility, we would not learn appreciation for the peaceful and happy times. We would not learn and we would not grow. (See 2 Nephi 2:11,23; 2 Cor. 12:9-10).

How different would life look if we took our foreheads off the desk, picked up the pencil and saw the Teacher who is daily giving us assignments and tasks, and "doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw call men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation." (2 Nephi 26:24)

Every second of this life has the capability of being an educational experience. It all depends on us.

In others' words:

"No pain, no palm; no thorns, no throne; no gall, no glory; no cross, no crown."
-William Penn

Tenaciously Happy - It's not Panache

noreply@blogger.com (Nate Thatcher) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 18:26:00 +0000

Let me share some of the best advice I have ever received.

I never met the French scientist Louis Pasteur, but when I began my adventure as a missionary, the following words by him were repeated to me until I could never forget them. "Let me tell you," he said, "the secret that has led me to my goal: my strength lies solely in my tenacity."

Tenacity: the quality of holding fast; of being characterized by keeping a firm grip; of being persistent.

This phrase embodies a lot of wisdom, but one thing that it taught me is that my duty trumps my desire. Sometimes, I would prefer not to do hard things; I don't have the desire; my circumstances don't make it easy. There are always a miriad of excuses, but duty is something that cannot be excused.

I believe it might be a duty to be happy; to search for knowledge and beauty and find peace.

True, it is a difficult duty at times--we are like water and seek for the path of least resistence--but we can rise above our circumstances; we can choose to shape our own destinies. We can choose to be tenacious, for therein lies our strength. If I am only good when it is easy to be good, if I only forgive those who forgive me, if I am only happy on days that are 75 degrees and sunny, am I truly good, forgiving or happy?

In others' words...
"If men had postponed the search for knowledge and beauty until they were secure, the search would never have begun....Life has never been normal....Humanity...wanted knowledge and beauty now, and would not wait for the suitable moment that never comes....The insects have taken a different line: they have sought first the material welfare and the security of the hive, and presumably they have their reward. Men are different. They propound mathematical theorems in beleaguered cities, conduct metaphysical arguments in condemned cells, make jokes on scaffolds, discuss the last new poem while advancing to the walls of Quebec, and comb their hair at Thermopylae. This is not panache; it is our nature."
- C. S. Lewis

Today is Better Than Yesterday - This Too Shall Pass

noreply@blogger.com (Nate Thatcher) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 18:26:00 +0000

A great story was related on September 30, 1859 at an address given to theWisconsin State Agricultural Society in Milwaukee. One may wonder what importance such an address could be. The question is undoubtedly answered by the fact that the address was given by Abraham Lincoln.
The story was not originated by Mr. Lincoln; it is the product of numerous Near Eastern folklore traditions. Mr. Lincoln shared it in this way.

"It is said an Eastern Monarch once charged his wise men to invent a sentance, to be ever in view, and which should be true and appropriate in all times and situations. They presented him with the words, "And this, too, shall pass away." How much it expresses! How chastening in the hour of pride! How consoling in the depth of affliction!"

This was brought to my mind just this morning because honestly, it was really hard to get bed this morning. That just happens sometimes. But it is wonderful to remember that it's temporary.

In others' words:

"Embrace this day with an enthusiastic welcome, no matter how it looks...When you are physically sick, tired, or in despair, steer your thoughts away from yourself and direct them in gratitude and love, toward God. In your life there have to be challenges. They will either bring you closer to God and therefore make you stronger, or they can destroy you. But you make the decision of which road to take. Put all frustrations, hurt feelings, and grumblings into the perspective of your eternal hope. Light will flow into your soul. Be grateful for every opportunity to serve. As you are learning this lesson right now, God wants to give you something better." -F. Enzio Busche

It is important to remember that the things that are most important are things that last forever and are not evenescent. However, I believe that in this life, which itself is temporary and will pass, the things that are momentary combine together to shape us in ways that are everlasting. If we respond correctly to the positive and negative situations in our lives.

"This is our one and only chance at mortal life...opportunities come and then leave....The most important lessons are those that teach us what is important and what is not."
-Thomas S. Monson

I'm going to include this movie not because of the New Year. That's a little bit of old news. Mostly because it's what I've been trying to say in others' words. I ask that you watch it and apply the quotes I provided above. Remember Lot's Wife. Today is better than yesterday, and tomorrow will be better yet.

Subtle Realities - Fruits of the Spirit

noreply@blogger.com (Nate Thatcher) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 18:35:00 +0000

Recently, I visited a good friend in the hospital. She is elderly and having numerous health problems. As my companion and I came into the room, she was awake and sitting up and we began to talk. She is the type of person who, in her earlier life, was outspoken and powerful, but at the same time has very tender feelings and has suffered much. She is kind-hearted and thoughtful and she trusts God.

While laying on her hospital bed, she was connected to a miriad of wires and tubes and the like--electronic pads and interveinous whatnot. A screen above her and to her right showed her blood pressure, temperature, heart-rate, and a number of other things that I don't understand. All I know is that when graph shows a consistent pattern of troughs and peaks, things are good. I also know that a good resting heart-rate is somewhere around 70 beats per minute. Hers read in the mid 90's.

We took two seats a few feet from the foot of her bed. She was very willing to talk. She seemed exhausted but capable--pained but driven.
She had been there for about a week.

After talking for a few minutes, I opened up my scriptures and shared with her several of my favorite passages from the Book of Mormon in an attempt to bring her comfort. I assured her that I know that her Savior knows the pain that she was dealing with, that He knows her sickness and He knows her desires, diligence, and dedication. She nodded quietly in gratitude.

I had glanced at the heart monitor several times since sitting down. Her pulse had normalized and was reading between 75-80 bpm. She had been seated normally before we got there. Her level of physical exertion hadn't really changed. But I could physically see the peace that came over her. I felt it, but it struck me that I was able to see it.

Paul taught that "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." (Gal. 5:22-23)

Or, in others' words,

"[The Holy Spirit] quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands and purifies all the natural passions and affections, and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use. It inspires, develops, cultivates and matures all the fine-toned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings and affections of our nature. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness, and charity. It develops beauty of person, form and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation and social feeling. It develops and invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens, invigorates, and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were, marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being."
-Parly P. Pratt

Strait and Narrow

noreply@blogger.com (Nate Thatcher) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 19:06:00 +0000

I draw on others' words a lot. The most useful are those that belong to Jesus Christ or his representatvies. I've been having a lot of thoughts this week about a certain text from Christ's "Sermon on the Mount." In Matthew 7:13-14, the Man of Galilee said,

"Enter ye in at the astrait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."

A while back a friend of mine taught me to solve the Rubik's cube. I'll be honest; I never ever would have figured it out by myself. There are certain patterns that must be followed exactly if you are to solve it. There's no way of getting around it; you have to move it in the right ways even when it appears not to make sense. But as long as you follow the patterns, it is the same every time and it goes from chaos to order.

In the same way, God gives us a "way" to obtain happiness. Humanity has spent ages searching for this "way." Jesus Christ declared, quite boldly that the way was strait or strict, and that it was narrow, and that he himself was the way, meaning that he is the example of someone who perfectly follows the "way" and that through him it is possible to follow the "way."

Heber C. Kimball taught,

"You cannot be happy unless you submit to the law of God, and to the principles of His government.

"When a person is miserable, wretched, and unhappy in himself, put him in what circumstances you please, and he is wretched still. If a person is poor, and composes his mind, and calmly submits to the providences of God, he will feel cheerful and hpapy in all circumstances, if he continues to keep the commandments of God."

Similarly, Marion G. Romney stated,

"These commandments are not arbitrary edicts of a vindictive tyrant. They but set forth the laws and ordinances which produce--as a matter of cause and effect--peace, success, and happiness." I like this idea. I love these others' words. If we are to treat life as a Rubik's cube that we want to be orderly, we simply have to follow the pattern.

"We are not living in a world where all roads are radii of a circle and where all, if followed long enough, will therefore draw gradually nearer and finally meet at the centre: rather in a world where every road, after a few miles, forks into two, and each of those into two again, and at each fork you must make a decision....Life is not like a river but like a tree....Good, as it ripens, becomes continually more different not only from evil but from other good."

-C.S. Lewis

Holy Ground- Misunderstood Miracles.

noreply@blogger.com (Nate Thatcher) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:35:00 +0000

The time has come for me to share one of my all-time favorite quotes.

This comes from an extended poem by Elizabeth Barret Browning entitled "Aurora Leigh." Browning is known as one of the most successful female poets in history and a biographer lauded her as "the most philisophical poet" and called her life "a Gospel of applied Christianity."
Let me show you why these accolades are well-due.

"And truly, I reiterate, . . nothing's small!

No lily-muffled hum of a summer-bee,

But finds some coupling with the spinning stars;

No pebble at your foot, but proves a sphere;

No chaffinch, but implies the cherubim:

And,–glancing on my own thin, veined wrist,–

In such a little tremour of the blood

The whole strong clamour of a vehement soul

Doth utter itself distinct. Earth's crammed with heaven,

And every common bush afire with God:

But only he who sees, takes off his shoes,

The rest sit round it, and pluck blackberries,

And daub their natural faces unaware
More and more, from the first similitude."

Let me explicate what this means by quoting others' words.

"I am impressed as Moses brought Israel into the Sinai, which is a desolate piece of land. They ran out of water and began to complain, "Were that we were in Egypt where we had all the water we could drink." And God showed unto Moses water and Moses led the children of Israel to the water. And there before them was all the water they could drink. And when they drank of the water it was bitter. They couldn't drink it. It sat there and mocked them. It sat there and mocked their thirst. and they cried out, "O Moses why did you lead us here? And Moses cut down the tree and placed it into the water, as God instructed, and the water was made sweet.

"I am intrigued it was a tree. Now if you had ever been to Sinai, you would be intrigued it was a tree as well. In fact, I often tell my students the miracle was not that Moses saw a burning bush but that there was a bush there at all. This is a really dry, parched area of land. A tree. How did a tree get there? When did the tree get there? It is possible, that if you and I had seen God's miracle we would have never even recognized it. Years and years before it was needed a seed blew accross dry land. Years and years before it was needed it fell into a crevice where there was moisture where it could take root. If you and I would have seen that we would have said, "This is not God, this is not a miracle, it is just nature." And as the tree became a sapling and sprouted its beautiful elaves we would have said, "This is not God, this is not a miracle, it is just nature." And as it grew to become a tree we would have said, "This is not God, this is not a miracle, it is just nature." But isn't it interesting that when Moses arrived the right tree was there that it made bitterness become sweet. Brothers and Sisters, do not discount God. It may appeart that nature is taking its course. It may appear that history is simply moving along its way. But I assure you that God has already planted and when you and I need them those trees will be ready, and it will make the bitterness become sweet unto us."

-Dr. Richard D. Draper

A Man of Honor

noreply@blogger.com (Nate Thatcher) — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 00:49:00 +0000

I've been reflecting, lately, on the concept of Honor. There are generally two senses in which we use the word. One being the quality of honesty or integrity, the second being related to esteem or high respect. I've been thinking about the relationship between these two. I think the truest way to receive the second is to devolop the first.

We honor God, in part, because of His supreme integrity. He receives honor because He has perfect honor. I can place total confidence in God because I know that what He says, He will do. He'll follow through. God is a man of honor

I've been discovering that the key to real power is honor--in the sense of integrity. The Buddha once said, "If a man lives a pure life, nothing can destroy him." I think there is a lot of truth to that.

Consider these words from Karl G. Maeser, founder and first president of Brigham Young University.

"My friends, I have been asked what is meant by 'word of honor.' I will tell you. Place me behind prison walls--high, thick walls of stone. It is possible that somehow I could escape. But stand me on the floor, draw a chalk line around me and have me give my word of honor not to cross it and I would never cross the line. I'd die first!"
Karl G. Maeser was a man of honor.

I believe this to be something that God requires of us. Abraham Lincoln, always famous for his honesty and integrity affirmed, "I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up to what light I have." He felt accountable to God for his actions and for what he did with what he was given. He was a man of honor.

This, to me, is one of the most valuable qualities of human being can possess. It is something I would like to develop. There are not many people who attain such a character. My father is one. I would trust his word on pain of death. I know that he is a man of honor.

In others' words:

"To be trusted is a greater compliment than to be loved."

-David O. McKay

Invictus Cum Auxilio

noreply@blogger.com (Nate Thatcher) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 19:02:00 +0000

In Mrs. Crandall's seventh and eighth grade English classes, we memorized a poem a month. At the end of the month, or whenever we were ready, Mrs. Crandall would set up a tripod, we would bring in a video cassette, and she would film us individually reciting the poem in front of our peers. We didn't necessarily like it at the time, but it's made an incredible difference in my life. I improved my much-needed skills of memorization and was introduced to and influenced by some of the world's great and influential literature.

One poem that I learned, which I can still recite, is "Invictus," by William Ernest Henley.

I was very influenced by the power of the poem. I used to read it from time to time to motivate myself. I have realized, since, what Elder Orson F. Whitney, an Apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints expressed in his poem "The Soul's Captain."

Following are the poem "Invictus" and Whitney's response.

William Ernest Henley (23 August 1849 – 11 July 1903)

Invictus
William Ernest Henley
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

The Soul's Captain

Orson F. Whitney

Art thou in truth?
Then what of Him who bought thee with His blood?
Who plunged into devouring seas
And snatched thee from the flood,

Orson Ferguson Whitney (1 July 1855 – 16 May 1931)

Who bore for all our fallen race
What none but Him could bear-
That God who died that man might live
And endless glory share.

Of what avail thy vaunted strength
Apart from His vast might?
Pray that His light may pierce the gloom
That thou mayest see aright.

Men are as bubbles on the wave,
As leaves upon the tree,
Thou, captain of thy soul! Forsooth,
Who gave that place to thee?

Free will is thine-free agency,
To wield for right or wrong;
But thou must answer unto Him
To whom all souls belong.

Bend to the dust that ‘head unbowed, ‘
Small part of life’s great whole,
And see in Him and Him alone,
The captain of thy soul.

P.S. Someone tell me if my Latin is correct in the title!

"After All We Can Do"

noreply@blogger.com (Nate Thatcher) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 19:25:00 +0000

Michaelangelo Buonaroti, hailed as one of the most masterful artists in history, enjoyed much fame during his life. He was given the distinction of being the first artist to have his biography published during his lifetime. He was referred to, in Florence and around Italy, as Il Divino, or "The Divine One." Once he entered the forefront of the Renaissance art society, his fame spread, and throughout his life he received commission upon commission by the most respected patrons in Italy.

Although reported to be somewhat arrogant regarding his talents, his own words provide a deep insight.

"If people knew how hard I worked to gain my mastery, it would not be so wonderful."

Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michaelangelo

Hesiod (c. 700 BC)

The early Greek poet and author, Hesiod, a contemporary of Homer, believed as well in diligence.

"Mediocrity is easy, it can be had in quantity. The road is smooth, safe, and it lies close by. But, in front of excellence the immortal gods have put sweat and hard work and long and steep is the road to it, and rough at first. But, when you make it to the top then it is easy, even though it is hard."

Several months ago, I went to a meeting where I was privileged to hear a man named Elder Kevin W. Pearson speak to a group of missionaries. He is a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is a special witness of Jesus Christ. He said something that struck me and which I want to apply.

"Hard work reveals capacity....The harder I work, the more my innate capacity is revealed to me."

Another special witness of the Savior, David O. McKay, who passed away in 1970, had a similar energy by which he did great things and inspired others to rise higher.

"You are the one who has to decide whether you'll do it or toss it aside; whether you'll strive for the goal that's afar, or just be content to stay where you are."

This life is a time to work and to work hard. God will not justify anyone who refuses to measure up to his own potential. We mortals are weak but we can give what we have, and when we do so, God can do great things through us.
God doesn't want us to be average. He wants us to be heirs of Eternal Life. He wants us to be outstanding. To obtain that type of excellence requires, as Michaelangelo said, hard, concerted, focused, and prolonged labor.

Our potential of our Divine spark is limitless when we strike the flint of our own diligent effort to the steel of God's grace. It will light a fuse that can only be cut by our own doubt.

In others' words,

"Doubt not, but be believing, and begin as in times of old, and come unto the Lord with all your heart, and work out your salvation with fear and trembling before him."

-Mormon 9:27

Book of Mormon Online - Mormon Chapter 9

Keys to Happiness

noreply@blogger.com (Nate Thatcher) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 16:55:00 +0000

Socrates taught, "Know Thyself."
(469-399 BC)

"You are a child of God. He is the Father of your Spirit. Spiritually you are of noble birth, the offspring of the King of Heaven. Fix that truth in your mind and hold to it. However many generations in your mortal ancestry, no matter what race or people you represent, the pedigree of your spirit can be written on a single line. You are a child of God!"

-Boyd K. Packer

(1924-Present)

Cicero taught, "Control Thyself."

(106-43 BC)

"Learn to control yourselves; learn to be in the hands of God as clay in the hands of the potter."

"I have frequently said that the greatest endowment God ever gave to man is good, sound, solid sense to know how to govern ourselves."

"If you first gain power to check your words, you will then begin to have power to check your judgment, and at length actually gain power to check your thoughts and reflections."

-Brigham Young

(1801-1877)

Christ taught, "Give Thyself."
(c. 5BC-1AD -- 30-33 AD)

"To find real happiness, we must seek for it in a focus outside ourselves. No one has learned the meaning of living until he has surrendered his ego to the service of his fellow man. Service to others is akin to duty--the fulfillment of which brings true joy."
-Thomas S. Monson
(1927-Present)

Absolutely Essential

noreply@blogger.com (Nate Thatcher) — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 17:25:00 +0000

I apologize for the last post. I'm simplifying. I will return to the real purpose of this blog and minimize my own commentary (soap-boxing) on the quotes I provide. I can't really say it any better anyway.

I am reprimanded by the words of a favorite author of mine, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. In his book The Little Prince, the title character so truly teaches (as I have now illustrated):

"Grown-ups never understand anything for themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them."

Saint-Exupéry was a French pilot during WWII. In spite of his involvement on behalf of his country, he despised war and viewed life with the eye of a poet. He wrote much concerning charity, which the prophet Mormon defines as "the pure love of Christ."

The insights of Saint-Exupéry are simple but profound. For fear of saying anything to detract from their greatness, I will refrain from comment, but merely place quotes in a pleasant order.

"Charity never humiliated him who profited from it, nor ever bound him by the chains of gratitude, since it was not to him but to God that the gift was made."

-Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

"If a man say, 'I love God,' and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also."

1 John 4:20-21

"For true love is inexhaustible; the more you give, the more you have. And if you go to draw at the true fountainhead, the more water you draw, the more abundant is its flow."

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

"Love does not cause suffering; what causes it is the sense of ownership, which is love's opposite."

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Let go. Let God. Without charity, life is meaningless. With it, life is given energy and purpose. In it's pure unadulterated form, Love is the greatest thing in the world and the greatest absolute essential.

As a summation of his philosophy, we can take these words of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry to heart.

"And now here is my secret, a very simple secret; it is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye."

Faith and Works---From Flowers to Fideism in Five Minutes

noreply@blogger.com (Nate Thatcher) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 18:41:00 +0000

This is a pansy

Look to your right. This is a pansy. It gets it's name from the French word pensée, meaning "thought." It has been used by some as a symbol for free-thought and the throwing-off of what some call the "tyranny or religion" and tradition. The axiom of this line of thought is, "It is wrong always, everywhere, and for anyone, to believe anything upon insufficient evidence,"1 and its titles are many.

Faith has been slighted by the pansy. Faith is sadly misunderstood. Therefore, faith has been left out in the cold. Atheists say, "I don't believe that God exists." Agnostic say, "I don't know whether or not God exists." Ignostics say, "I don't know what you mean when you say, 'God exists.'" Or, if invited in, has not been treated as the honored guest it should be. Every day I meet people who should probably talk with Jean Racine, the French playwright who asked, "Is a faith without action a sincere faith?" The result has been a decline of moral thought, accountability, culture, and behavior. That's the simple truth. Where faith does not exist, relativism rules. Where relativism dictates morals, obedience is fallacious. Where obedience is unnecessary, happiness is impossible.

I will now insert my obligatory C.S. Lewis quote. "It is just no good asking God to make us happy in our own way without bothering about religion. God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There's no such thing."

There is a relationship between Faith, Obedience, and Happiness that goes unnoticed. Faith causes, or rather motivates us to obey God's commandments, because true faith does not exist without action. It allows us to arrive at the truth that the Joseph Smith, the prophet of God taught in this way.

"In obedience there is joy and peace unspotted, unalloyed; and as God has designed our happiness...He will never institute an ordinance or give a commandment to His people that is not calculated in its nature to promote that happiness which He has designed, and which will not end in the greatest amount of good and glory to those who become the recipients of His law and ordinances."

Faith and obedience are symbiotic. One cannot survive without the other. I believe that happiness comes as we arrive at and understand absolute truth. How do we arrive at truth? I subscribe to what philosophers call Fideism, in part. By that I mean that both reason and faith are legitimate means of learning.

Blaise Pascal, a philosopher and mathematician of the 17th century, understood what I have come to understand. He stated that, "faith certainly tells us what senses do not, but not the contrary of what they see; it is above, not against them."

Saint Augustine, a millennium earlier, taught similarly:

"Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that thou mayest believe, but believe that thou mayest understand."

Galileo said "I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason and intellect has intended us to forego their use." Faith is the proper exercise of our native powers of intellect. As we respond obediently and in faith to the way of life marked by an omniscient Being, we will gain knowledge, understanding, peace of mind, and happiness. We show (and develop) our faith as Joseph Smith did when he stated, "I made this my rule, when the Lord commands, do it."

Faith is above reason because the part is not greater than the whole. Faith requires work. Faith is humble and obedient. If we have and exercise faith, we will and must humbly recognize that our own talents and abilities--our logic and reason, and our senses and conclusions--truly are as potent as pansies.

http://mormon.org/me/2PGJ-eng

1 Coined by William Kingdon Clifford

The Problem of Pain

noreply@blogger.com (Nate Thatcher) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 15:42:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered why life is so hard? It's true--it is; but it's hard to swallow when you don't understand why. So many people become pessimistic about pain and suffering because it is so ever-present in our lives.
On the other hand, some of the greatest men and women in history arrived where they did because they had come through their difficulties with this attitude, expressed by Orson F. Whitney.

“The spirit of the gospel is optimistic; it trusts in God and looks on the bright side of things. The opposite or pessimistic spirit drags men down and away from God, looks on the dark side, murmurs, complains, and is slow to yield obedience. We should honor the Savior’s declaration to be of good cheer."

Orson F. Whitney was born July 1, 1855. He was, like myself, a missionary in Pennsylvania for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He went on to become a prominent poet and writer, a professor of English and Theology, a senator and, eventually, an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ.

He taught much, during his life, about what C.S. Lewis called "The Problem of Pain," viz. the question of "Why does God allow so much pain and suffering in the world?"

In an article he titled "A Lesson from the Book of Job," he wrote the following:

“To whom do we look, in days of grief and disaster, for help and consolation? … They are men and women who have suffered, and out of their experience in suffering they bring forth the riches of their sympathy and condolences as a blessing to those now in need. Could they do this had they not suffered themselves?
“… Is not this God’s purpose in causing his children to suffer? He wants them to become more like himself. God has suffered far more than man ever did or ever will, and is therefore the great source of sympathy and consolation.”

Two major things characterize the life of Jesus Christ. One is tribulation. (see Isaiah 53, Mosiah 14) The other is the invitation, "Come, follow me." He wants us to live the way He did. He lived sinlessly, but not effortlessly. He lived in perfect obedience, but not in perfect comfort. He lived in hope, but not at rest.

How can we expect to follow Jesus Christ without being subject to sorrow, grief, pain, anguish, and, in short, opposition? We cannot. It is part of the great plan of our Father in Heaven.

Again, to draw on others' words:

"No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude, and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God...and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father...in heaven."

-Orson F. Whitney

I know that sorrow is a big part of every life that reads this article. I promise you that I know that it is meant to be so. We learn and grow because of it. We follow the example of the only Perfect human being.

Don't Pray a Lie

noreply@blogger.com (Nate Thatcher) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 22:36:00 +0000

Spell-chequers beware: Mark Twain ahead.

Mark Twain, widely known as American literature's greatest humorist. His humor was effective, not merely because of its author's wit, but also because of the depth of his thought. Most have heard of Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, wherein Twain presents the escapades of the young Missourian boy Huck Finn in his Mississippi bank vernacular.

What interested me, when I read the book, and, in reality, what makes it the great piece of literature that it is, were the universal and thought-provoking issues delved into by an "unsivilized" Huck.

How many of us have experienced something like this?

"It made me shiver. And i about made up my mind to pray, and see if I couldn't try to quit being the kind of boy I was and be better. So I kneeled down. But the words wouldn't come, why wouldn't they? It warn't no use to try and hide it from Him....I knowed very well why they wouldn't come....It was because I was playing double. I was letting on to give up sin, but away inside of me I was holding on to the biggest one of all. I was trying to make my mouth say I would do the right thing and the clean thing,...but deep down in me I knowed it was a lie, and He knowed it. You can't pray a lie--I found that out."

Have you ever wanted to change? Have you ever felt that you should be more than you were? Have you ever felt sorry for something you did? Or even for something you were?

I know I have.

C.S. Lewis said, "If we insist on keeping Hell (or even Earth) we shall not see Heaven; if we accept Heaven we shall not be able to retain even the smallest and most intimate souvenirs of Hell."

Lewis had his own experience with these things. C.S. Lewis is acclaimed as one of the greatest philosophical and literary minds of modern Christianity. His theologically charged work has inspired millions, among whom I humbly claim membership. However, he spent a good portion of his life a self-labeled atheist. He was, in his own words, (silly by his own admission), "angry at God for not existing." He lived his life as he pleased until his scholarly pursuits lead him to a literally conversion. Having been a vocal proponent of the non-existence of God, he was, needless to say, humbled. Nevertheless, he let go of his old life, again in his own words, "kicking, struggling, resentful, and darting his eyes in every direction for a chance to escape."

As hesitant as he may have been at the outset, what he became proves what he taught. We can change; we must simply let go of the things that stop us from changing.

I know this to be true because I've changed and am changing. It's hard! Terribly hard! Most of the time I don't like it. Huck Finn didn't like it. C.S. Lewis didn't like it. Saul didn't like it. It just plain goes against the grain. But I promise anyone who makes it to the bottom of this lengthy post that you too can change. As a matter of fact, you need to. And don't convince yourself otherwise, whoever you may be.

Take it from others' words.

The Vice of Theology

noreply@blogger.com (Nate Thatcher) — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 16:47:00 +0000

I spoke about Emerson. Ralph Waldo Emerson , 1803-82, American poet and essayist, born in Boston, Mass. Through his essays, poems, and lectures, the "Sage of Concord" established himself as a leading spokesman of transcendentalism and as a major figure in American literature. 1

Emerson's ideas and views have always been highly respected in many circles. I would like to join one of those circles. Think about this:

"The vice of our theology is seen in the claim that the Bible is a closed book, and that the age of inspiration is past."

Do you believe that the age of inspiration is past? I do not. As a matter of fact, I know it is not.
I have a friend who was telling me of his trip to a psychiatrist following some very traumatic experiences. Their conversation eventually led to my friend's religious practices and the matter of prayer. My friend said, in plain English, that he talks to God and God answers his prayers. The next thing he knew, the skeptical doctor was writing up a prescription and my friend was walking out of the office.
I myself have spoken, and do speak with God through prayer and I know that on a personal and intimate level, He speaks back.

The interesting corollary presented by Emerson is that "the Bible is [not] a closed book." I have met so many people who, whether in practice or merely in word, believe that God doesn't speak to us any more.
Emerson began his career as a minister but left the pulpit, in part, because he felt that he had no authority to administer as he was called upon to do--in part because too many believed it impossible that God could say anything else to His children.

1. http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Ralph_Waldo_Emerson.aspx

Consider the Following

noreply@blogger.com (Nate Thatcher) — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 20:42:00 +0000

What makes a man great? What makes his words great? For what reason are Emerson or Churchill or Cicero or Horace quoted more than the next guy?

"On one of his trips to Russia as Secretary of Agriculture, President Benson had a moving experience revealing the deep religious faith of some of the Russian people.
"He had been conferring with Premier Khrushchev and other high officials of the Russian government as a representative of the United States. Following that conference, he indicated a desire to visit some church where Christians were still permitted to meet. After some persistence, he was taken to a Baptist church in Moscow. The members of the press accompanying him to Russia for his governmental meeting also followed him to this little church.
"It was one of the very few Christian churches still open in that vast city. The congregation was made up mainly of elderly people, many of whom were women.
"As the obviously American group walked into the chapel, the people in the congregation looked almost agape, hardly believing their eyes. One of the Americans, Secretary Benson, was unexpectedly called to the pulpit.
"Choking with emotion, he testified in that city to the reality of the Lord Jesus Christ.
"'God Lives. I know that He lives. I know that Jesus is the Christ and the Redeemer of the world,' he declared.
"His words were translated into Russian. With each sentence, nods of assent were seen throughout the congregation. Women removed their head coverings and wiped their eyes. Men rubbed away the moisture that blurred their vision. The hardened news correspondents who came because they felt they were compelled to as a party of the Secretary's entourage, and who at first had no interest in this religious gathering whatever, now wept with the congregation.
"It was a solemn moment. Hearts were melted. A spirit enveloped the worshipers such as they had never felt before. Hands folded and heads bowed in humble prayer.

"'I firmly believe in prayer,' the voice of the Secretary continued. 'It is possible to reach out and tap the unseen power which gives strength and anchor in time of need. Be not afraid. Keep God's commandments. Love the Lord. Love one another. Love all mankind. Truth will triumph. Time is on the side of truth.'
"The American press then slowly walked down the aisle toward the door with a humble attitude in complete contrast to that with which they had entered. As they passed the pews, anxious hands and hungry hearts reached out to them. Then from thankful lips came the strains of 'God be with you til we meet again...,' although everyone realized that this hope would likely never be fulfilled in mortality."

Ezra T. Benson: Secretary of Agriculture and thirteenth President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
In his own words:
"Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace."

How It Works

noreply@blogger.com (Nate Thatcher) — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +0000

This blog is thematic.

I enjoy studying the words of others. God has put some incredible people on this planet in all ages of history and I truly believe that He inspires men and women and teaches them great things. We, in our day, should count ourselves lucky to have access to the great things that great people say. There is such a wealth of knowledge that we can tap in to.
I collect quotes. I will share some of my collection here with my commentary on a regular basis in hopes that
in others' words, "he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together." (Doctrine & Covenants 50:22)

If you have quotes or ideas to share that can benefit one and all, please share them here.