I gain spiritual strength with every episode; thank you and Brother Miller for this discussion and lesson in Charity. I often “share” your whole discussion on social media with my siblings, including a brother who has been inactive for years. I also post quotations from yourself and your guest. It is then a great way to start a discussion among us.
That is fantastic! Thank you so much! If you wouldn't mind sometimes sharing with me, via Facebook or whatever you are using, some of the quotations you share, etc., maybe we can use them to help spread the word. We could just excerpt them rather than invite the world to your family's conversation. Just a thought. In any case, I am so happy that we can be of help in any way possible. Bless you!
@ I will try to put those comments in the comments on this because it is my only social media platform. I share by text thread with siblings. I will be e diligent in commenting on this.
Thank you. My spirit really resonated with this. I'm very musical, and today I was so upset by the way we had sung the opening hymn at half speed that I couldn't concentrate on taking the Sacrament. In frustration I told the Lord how sorry I was that I couldn't concentrate, because of this, and the Spirit whispered, "It's ok. He liked the music anyway, because He has mercy on their musical weakness, just as He will forgive you for your impatience with that weakness." It completely changed my entire outlook, and I was able to spend the rest of the passing of the Sacrament feeling a very deep gratitude for the Savior and his mercy with our weakness. We are so lucky that the Lord's tender-mercies are so bountiful towards us, unworthy creatures, that we are.
I’m always in awe of God’s personal touch in each of our lives. The chapters of Ether are astounding in both faith in Jesus Christ. and then the complete opposite. How am I (we) doing? That’s what these chapters are certainly teaching us as humankind. Be STILL and KNOW that I AM GOD. ❤
This was a great discussion. The idea of our growth and progress continuing for the duration of our mortal life was a great reminder that there is much for me to strive for…and I should be patient with myself and others as we strive to become more charitable…like our Savior. Also loved some of the stories you shared that help us know you both better…podcasters are real too Thank you.
I’m a single man in my late 30s. I wish I had Brother Miller’s trial with having children. I would take that any day over the abject loneliness which defines my life.
I understand, and I am so sorry to hear this. I do not profess to understand why we each get the trials we get, and I pray for you in yours. May the Lord bless you in all things and may great things be in store for you!
It’s always refreshing to see 2 LDS people get together and love not only the scriptures but eachother. We don’t see connections that are that loving and respectful enough these days.
I loved this episode! As you two talked it reminded me of my son and his friends remembering High School and the times they had. I've been listening to this podcast for about 2 years now and I was so excited to see that you were coming to Santa Barbara. Your lecture was so very interesting, and I enjoyed it very much. Hopefully you also enjoyed your time here in this little bit of paradise!
Thank you for all the sharing and hopeful message of the Lord’s saving grace with us as we have faith in Him to ever help us, as we turn to Him. It was great to hear about your long time friendship. It was inspiring to hear about the wonderful brother you taught on your mission in Germany, Brother Miller, that is a very special story. I loved the tender mercy of the Lord to him when he went back to the business that wanted to buy all his paintings. Also the tender mercy to you when you saw him preparing to go to the temple to do temple work for his kindred dead. It will be special to meet with him in the spirit world. Thank you and bless you both.
@ Yes, it stood out because I studied Elder Gong’s talk about “what does holiness to the Lord look like in everyday life?” That man’s story would have fitted well into Elder Gong’s talk. Stories of faith in Christ as taught in Ether 12 are all around us, “we have a front row seat” as members of the Lord’s church.
I love that you include help with President Nelson's invitation to study the Atonement of Jesus Christ in ever week. I look for it each week in these discussions. I also got a chuckle with the toilet papering adventure.
Those two are not necessarily connected! I am really enjoying making those connections. For the last two episodes of the year I felt there was such a strong and obvious discussion of Christ's atoning sacrifice that I didn't need to point it out, but I probably should have.
First, thank you for your willingness to share this podcast. I enjoy listening every week. Thank you for always reminding your listeners to take time to study the scriptures on their own. For a time I used Come, Follow Me podcasts to take the place of my scripture study and hearing your reminder helped me do more study and pondering of the scriptures on my own. Thank you for that! Also, thank you for including President Nelson’s challenge for us to study the Atonement of Christ. As I read Ether 13 today I thought about Christ’s Atonement and I loved the imagery that is shared in verses 10-11. Those who dwell in the New Jerusalem will have their garments made white through the blood of the Lamb. Those in the Old will be washed through the blood of the Lamb. So grateful that our Father in Heaven is so merciful and loving that through the Atonement of Christ we can be made white and completely clean to be able to dwell with God in these beautiful cities of peace. What are your thoughts on the differences between the two verses…those in the New Jerusalem will have GARMENTS WASHED WHITE through the blood of the Lamb and those in the old, will be WASHED through the blood of the Lamb? Do you think there is a purpose for the different wording? Just thought it was interesting that it was different. Thanks
I am so glad to hear of the scriptural experience you are having. Bless you! I am not sure if we should make something of the difference, or if it is just two different ways of saying the same thing. I lean towards the latter -- meaning it may be that in one area they have one phrase that is the equivalent of a similar but slightly different phrase from a different place -- but I really don't know. It deserves some more thought and study. Thanks for bringing this up.
I am so glad it helped you in that way. You could consider going to TSAR.website, where you will find me talking even more about the sequence of faith Moroni uses.
I loved this episode! It brought back so many memories for me. I love that you continued our tradition of toilet papering State St. We always did the Johnson’s because they had the best trees. I also remember Bishop Miller. You might remember my parents, the Samuelsons.
We are good. Living in Utah Co the past few decades. I do have one child living up in Sandy in my old stomping grounds. I do enjoy watching your podcast. My mom would have loved it!!
I love that you mention Moroni's fondness for Ether, being that they were in similar positions. It makes me think about Joseph Smith and his fondness for Peter, for similar reasons. I find that when you are in a calling in the church, especially leadership positions, you tend to gravitate towards and grow a fondness for those in similar callings. In the case of prophets, and those in the "last man standing" situations, they don't have anyone alive that completely understands the mantle they have or what they really have to deal with. In those cases, even 2000 years apart, a fondness and companionship grows for those who have shared a similar calling and responsibility in the past.
17:19 I I know I stood up in heaven and said I volunteer to not have babies so that someone else can use their agency and have them out of wedlock. Maybe we didn’t stand up and say I want that trial, I will take it. But we did stand up and say I will accept the trials that Thou gives to me for I know. . ..
I am sure that we did accept whatever trials God would send our way. We probably had no idea what we were getting into, but we were right to have faith then, and are right to have it now.
While I like many of the perspectives given in this episode, I am profoundly surprised and frankly disappointed in your both reinforcing the false reading so many have of Ether 12:27. It speaks solely about weakness, not weaknesses, and says nothing about turning weaknesses into strengths. It's the weakness of the human, mortal condition that's been given us. If we recognize that and humble ourselves as the scripture says, then that grace is available and sufficient to help us overcome the inherent weakness borne of mortality. Fallen beings in a fallen world, yet too often we develop pride and fail to see that we have, then fail to depend on the Lord, and we deny ourselves the blessings of his grace. Paul talks about this when he realized that he needed to accept the fact of his human weakness and call upon the Lord, wisely concluding that when he is weak, then he is strong.
You are raising an important point that has been raised and talked about and emphasized, appropriately so, for a long time now. While I agree with that point and think it is important, I think it has taken things so far that we don't read the last part of that verse, which is also important. I guess I didn't explain it as well in the episode as I intended to. At the end of the verse it speaks of God making weak things (note the plural) strong for us. So, it may not say it turns weaknesses into strengths, but it does say that weak things will become strong. This means that our weakness can turn us to God, and then weak things, many weak things, even all weak things, can become strengths. We should recognize the power of our weakness bringing us to God, and then realize that in doing so the weakness and many/all weak things can be made strengths, and we should not let one of those eclipse the other. We must do the one and not leave the other undone. I just don't know how to take the last part of the verse seriously and without emphasizing that last aspect along with the first, which has not been the trend lately. That was what I was trying to say but didn't say it well, apparently. Sorry for not communicating better.
@BobLigget I understand where you come from. I think there may be room for multiple interpretations but the one you bring up I heard from Elder Holland so it certainly has merit.
Great are the words of Moroni. I love reading that Moroni wrote about his insecurities. I think it was as he was reading, recording and pondering Ether's writings (Ether 12:3-5), he had a really introspective moment and his own weaknesses came to the forefront of his mind. In verse 24, He got caught up in comparing his writing to those of the ancient prophets, including those from the Brother of Jared. Moroni had concerns that because of his perceived weakness in writing, that the Gentiles so many years later would read his words and laugh and mock. He took his concerns to the Lord. He poured out his heart to the Lord and humbled himself before the Lord and was taught. In humility came a great sermon about weakness and faith and charity given throughout the rest of the chapter. When things get hard, and your weaknesses are forefront in your life, as were Moroni's, don't take your concerns to those with negative attitudes with similar problems. There usually is no growth when you do that. Instead, take your concerns to the Lord, in humility as Moroni did. Then, let the Lord bless you with comfort, knowledge, wisdom and strength. When we humble ourselves before the Lord, and have faith in him, the mysteries of God become revealed to us. The Lord wants to reveal his mysteries to us. He is excited to teach us and expound to us, but we need to be in a place to listen. We can't do that when our thoughts become muddled with negativity and pride.
There really is something about seeing someone else do amazing work that makes us wonder about ourselves. We seem to not be able to see ourselves accurately.
@TheScripturesAreReal the funny thing is, I bet those writers that he compared himself to would probably say the same thing about Moroni. How does one stay humble while acknowledging the good we do? How do we accept praise without letting it go to our heads? How do we let go of the desire to be seen of men?
I gain spiritual strength with every episode; thank you and Brother Miller for this discussion and lesson in Charity. I often “share” your whole discussion on social media with my siblings, including a brother who has been inactive for years.
I also post quotations from yourself and your guest.
It is then a great way to start a discussion among us.
That is fantastic! Thank you so much!
If you wouldn't mind sometimes sharing with me, via Facebook or whatever you are using, some of the quotations you share, etc., maybe we can use them to help spread the word. We could just excerpt them rather than invite the world to your family's conversation. Just a thought.
In any case, I am so happy that we can be of help in any way possible. Bless you!
@ I will try to put those comments in the comments on this because it is my only social media platform. I share by text thread with siblings.
I will be e diligent in commenting on this.
Thank you. My spirit really resonated with this. I'm very musical, and today I was so upset by the way we had sung the opening hymn at half speed that I couldn't concentrate on taking the Sacrament. In frustration I told the Lord how sorry I was that I couldn't concentrate, because of this, and the Spirit whispered, "It's ok. He liked the music anyway, because He has mercy on their musical weakness, just as He will forgive you for your impatience with that weakness." It completely changed my entire outlook, and I was able to spend the rest of the passing of the Sacrament feeling a very deep gratitude for the Savior and his mercy with our weakness. We are so lucky that the Lord's tender-mercies are so bountiful towards us, unworthy creatures, that we are.
This is a great story!
I’m always in awe of God’s personal touch in each of our lives. The chapters of Ether are astounding in both faith in Jesus Christ. and then the complete opposite. How am I (we) doing? That’s what these chapters are certainly teaching us as humankind.
Be STILL and KNOW that I AM GOD. ❤
There are so many powerful introspective questions that can arise from this reading!
This was a great discussion. The idea of our growth and progress continuing for the duration of our mortal life was a great reminder that there is much for me to strive for…and I should be patient with myself and others as we strive to become more charitable…like our Savior. Also loved some of the stories you shared that help us know you both better…podcasters are real too Thank you.
I am so glad it was helpful! We do need to extend patience and charity to ourselves as well.
I’m a single man in my late 30s. I wish I had Brother Miller’s trial with having children. I would take that any day over the abject loneliness which defines my life.
I understand, and I am so sorry to hear this. I do not profess to understand why we each get the trials we get, and I pray for you in yours. May the Lord bless you in all things and may great things be in store for you!
It’s always refreshing to see 2 LDS people get together and love not only the scriptures but eachother. We don’t see connections that are that loving and respectful enough these days.
Anyone who has such connections is truly blessed. I am so grateful to have them!
I loved this episode! As you two talked it reminded me of my son and his friends remembering High School and the times they had. I've been listening to this podcast for about 2 years now and I was so excited to see that you were coming to Santa Barbara. Your lecture was so very interesting, and I enjoyed it very much. Hopefully you also enjoyed your time here in this little bit of paradise!
We really had an absolutely wonderful time! I am trying to figure out how to make a visit to Santa Barbara an annual thing.
Wish it had gone on for another hour. You are both great and such a testimony and experience in the gospel ❤
I am so glad it was a helpful experience for you. That is what we hope for!
Thank you for all the sharing and hopeful message of the Lord’s saving grace with us as we have faith in Him to ever help us, as we turn to Him.
It was great to hear about your long time friendship.
It was inspiring to hear about the wonderful brother you taught on your mission in Germany, Brother Miller, that is a very special story. I loved the tender mercy of the Lord to him when he went back to the business that wanted to buy all his paintings. Also the tender mercy to you when you saw him preparing to go to the temple to do temple work for his kindred dead. It will be special to meet with him in the spirit world. Thank you and bless you both.
That was an edifying story, wasn't it?
@ Yes, it stood out because I studied Elder Gong’s talk about “what does holiness to the Lord look like in everyday life?” That man’s story would have fitted well into Elder Gong’s talk. Stories of faith in Christ as taught in Ether 12 are all around us, “we have a front row seat” as members of the Lord’s church.
@@annsilva1506 That is well said!
I love that you include help with President Nelson's invitation to study the Atonement of Jesus Christ in ever week. I look for it each week in these discussions. I also got a chuckle with the toilet papering adventure.
Those two are not necessarily connected!
I am really enjoying making those connections. For the last two episodes of the year I felt there was such a strong and obvious discussion of Christ's atoning sacrifice that I didn't need to point it out, but I probably should have.
First, thank you for your willingness to share this podcast. I enjoy listening every week. Thank you for always reminding your listeners to take time to study the scriptures on their own. For a time I used Come, Follow Me podcasts to take the place of my scripture study and hearing your reminder helped me do more study and pondering of the scriptures on my own. Thank you for that! Also, thank you for including President Nelson’s challenge for us to study the Atonement of Christ. As I read Ether 13 today I thought about Christ’s Atonement and I loved the imagery that is shared in verses 10-11. Those who dwell in the New Jerusalem will have their garments made white through the blood of the Lamb. Those in the Old will be washed through the blood of the Lamb. So grateful that our Father in Heaven is so merciful and loving that through the Atonement of Christ we can be made white and completely clean to be able to dwell with God in these beautiful cities of peace.
What are your thoughts on the differences between the two verses…those in the New Jerusalem will have GARMENTS WASHED WHITE through the blood of the Lamb and those in the old, will be WASHED through the blood of the Lamb? Do you think there is a purpose for the different wording? Just thought it was interesting that it was different. Thanks
I am so glad to hear of the scriptural experience you are having. Bless you!
I am not sure if we should make something of the difference, or if it is just two different ways of saying the same thing. I lean towards the latter -- meaning it may be that in one area they have one phrase that is the equivalent of a similar but slightly different phrase from a different place -- but I really don't know. It deserves some more thought and study. Thanks for bringing this up.
Thank you both for teaching me more about some of my favorite scriptures.
I am so glad it helped you in that way. You could consider going to TSAR.website, where you will find me talking even more about the sequence of faith Moroni uses.
I loved this episode! It brought back so many memories for me. I love that you continued our tradition of toilet papering State St. We always did the Johnson’s because they had the best trees. I also remember Bishop Miller. You might remember my parents, the Samuelsons.
Ah yes! How are you? It is great to hear from you.
I am glad we could bring back fond memories! --Kerry
We are good. Living in Utah Co the past few decades. I do have one child living up in Sandy in my old stomping grounds. I do enjoy watching your podcast. My mom would have loved it!!
Thank you for the uplifting messages every week!
I am thrilled to hear that it uplifts you! It is also so nice to hear from you!
I love that you mention Moroni's fondness for Ether, being that they were in similar positions. It makes me think about Joseph Smith and his fondness for Peter, for similar reasons. I find that when you are in a calling in the church, especially leadership positions, you tend to gravitate towards and grow a fondness for those in similar callings. In the case of prophets, and those in the "last man standing" situations, they don't have anyone alive that completely understands the mantle they have or what they really have to deal with. In those cases, even 2000 years apart, a fondness and companionship grows for those who have shared a similar calling and responsibility in the past.
I think you are so right. There is a special bond between these two.
So good! Many thanks 😊
So glad it was helpful for you!
I really needed this . Thank you.
I am so glad it was helpful. Bless you!
Wonderful! Thank you!
So glad it was helpful!!!
Brother Miller is my History professor at Ensign College! He’s a really cool guy and a great teacher!
Amen to that!
I didn’t know where else to ask this. Do you have any suggestions for study helps for next year’s CFM?
I don't know what study helps are out there yet, but I will look into it and get back with you.
17:19 I I know I stood up in heaven and said I volunteer to not have babies so that someone else can use their agency and have them out of wedlock.
Maybe we didn’t stand up and say I want that trial, I will take it. But we did stand up and say I will accept the trials that Thou gives to me for I know. . ..
I am sure that we did accept whatever trials God would send our way. We probably had no idea what we were getting into, but we were right to have faith then, and are right to have it now.
While I like many of the perspectives given in this episode, I am profoundly surprised and frankly disappointed in your both reinforcing the false reading so many have of Ether 12:27. It speaks solely about weakness, not weaknesses, and says nothing about turning weaknesses into strengths. It's the weakness of the human, mortal condition that's been given us. If we recognize that and humble ourselves as the scripture says, then that grace is available and sufficient to help us overcome the inherent weakness borne of mortality. Fallen beings in a fallen world, yet too often we develop pride and fail to see that we have, then fail to depend on the Lord, and we deny ourselves the blessings of his grace. Paul talks about this when he realized that he needed to accept the fact of his human weakness and call upon the Lord, wisely concluding that when he is weak, then he is strong.
You are raising an important point that has been raised and talked about and emphasized, appropriately so, for a long time now. While I agree with that point and think it is important, I think it has taken things so far that we don't read the last part of that verse, which is also important. I guess I didn't explain it as well in the episode as I intended to. At the end of the verse it speaks of God making weak things (note the plural) strong for us. So, it may not say it turns weaknesses into strengths, but it does say that weak things will become strong. This means that our weakness can turn us to God, and then weak things, many weak things, even all weak things, can become strengths. We should recognize the power of our weakness bringing us to God, and then realize that in doing so the weakness and many/all weak things can be made strengths, and we should not let one of those eclipse the other. We must do the one and not leave the other undone. I just don't know how to take the last part of the verse seriously and without emphasizing that last aspect along with the first, which has not been the trend lately. That was what I was trying to say but didn't say it well, apparently. Sorry for not communicating better.
@BobLigget I understand where you come from. I think there may be room for multiple interpretations but the one you bring up I heard from Elder Holland so it certainly has merit.
@@velocirapture89 Absolutely!
Great are the words of Moroni. I love reading that Moroni wrote about his insecurities.
I think it was as he was reading, recording and pondering Ether's writings (Ether 12:3-5), he had a really introspective moment and his own weaknesses came to the forefront of his mind. In verse 24, He got caught up in comparing his writing to those of the ancient prophets, including those from the Brother of Jared. Moroni had concerns that because of his perceived weakness in writing, that the Gentiles so many years later would read his words and laugh and mock. He took his concerns to the Lord. He poured out his heart to the Lord and humbled himself before the Lord and was taught. In humility came a great sermon about weakness and faith and charity given throughout the rest of the chapter.
When things get hard, and your weaknesses are forefront in your life, as were Moroni's, don't take your concerns to those with negative attitudes with similar problems. There usually is no growth when you do that. Instead, take your concerns to the Lord, in humility as Moroni did. Then, let the Lord bless you with comfort, knowledge, wisdom and strength.
When we humble ourselves before the Lord, and have faith in him, the mysteries of God become revealed to us. The Lord wants to reveal his mysteries to us. He is excited to teach us and expound to us, but we need to be in a place to listen. We can't do that when our thoughts become muddled with negativity and pride.
There really is something about seeing someone else do amazing work that makes us wonder about ourselves. We seem to not be able to see ourselves accurately.
@TheScripturesAreReal the funny thing is, I bet those writers that he compared himself to would probably say the same thing about Moroni.
How does one stay humble while acknowledging the good we do? How do we accept praise without letting it go to our heads? How do we let go of the desire to be seen of men?