Selfless Service:
A Pattern for Joyful Living

By Marcus Southworth

Many years ago, Linda and Richard Eyre developed a successful curriculum and a program for parents and their pre-school age children. It is called, "Joy School". My wife and I used this curriculum with our own children. There are many wonderful ideas which they teach that I think about. It is now 30 years later, and I am still impressed with the idea that there are patterns for living that can improve our capacity to live joyfully. 

 

Some of my most treasured experiences are not characterized by great achievement, honor, financial success, or personal recognition. For me, they were often discovered by overcoming some great adversity or difficulty. On other occasions, these treasured experiences were found in serving others. In many instances, I could see a pattern to these joyful experiences. 

 

They seemed to be more frequent and discernable under certain circumstances than others. Living joyfully seems to help me to feel more connected with my Father in Heaven.  They serve as a reminder that he loves me and knows who I am. 

 

I take great satisfaction in knowing that my experiences are not exclusive but that they are available and can be enjoyed by all of Gods children. I have come to appreciate that God, as our Heavenly Father, touches all of us in special, and uniquely personal ways. Our sense of awareness that he is near becomes much more pronounced when we recognize and understand the patterns that are associated with our enjoyment.

Reflection and Gratitude:

As I reflect on some of these special, joyful experiences, I feel myself draw closer to my Heavenly Father. There are times in my life where I have felt overwhelmed with deep emotion as I recollect the circumstances and feelings that I had while living joyfully. In a way, they are now living inside of me, and I can bring them to the surface at will as if they were a bubbling, refreshing spring of joy. I am often filled with a deep sense of gratitude to my Heavenly Father through this process. 

Missionary Service-

I recall serving as a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Venezuela. I was 19 years old when I left my home in Arizona to serve for two years. I experienced many things during these two years of dedicated service. The daily routine was rigorous, starting at 6am and ending well after 9pm. I lived on a modest budget of US$170-200 per month out of which I paid rent, utilities, food, and transportation. On that budget, I did not have many of the nice things that I was accustomed to when living at home. I was not allowed any personal relationships other than with my assigned missionary companion who was required to be with me at all times. No girlfriends, no TV, or music, this was all part of the disciplined life of an LDS missionary. I had to learn a new language and culture. Phone calls home were not practical and prohibited without specific approval from our Mission President. Even though I wrote home every week, mail would often become lost, and weeks would pass without any news from family. Under these circumstances, most would think that I was living in abject poverty, loneliness, and despair. However, I want it clear, that I still reflect on these two years as the most joyful of my entire life. I really don't ever remember feeling homesick or lonely while serving as a missionary. On the contrary, I felt wonderfully connected with heaven. I learned a lot about joyful living during that time. Since Venezuela, my life has been filled with many other wonderful, joyful experiences that ensued as a result of the things I learned there over 45 years ago.

I would like to share with you a couple of the many treasured memories of my service in Venezuela.  They now serve as a powerful, stabilizing rudder in my little boat that has been precariously sailing on this vast ocean of life:

Serving Others and Prayer-

I was living in Puerto la Cruz, a port city. Each day, I would walk with my companion dressed in white shirt and tie for many miles, knocking doors and speaking with people about the gospel of Jesus Christ. During the day, the sun shined and even during the evening the temperature was quite hot and humid. We were often rejected, but we persisted. After many hundreds of doors knocked, we found several people and their families who welcomed us into their homes during the few months that I served there. We taught some and prayed with them. On Sunday's, we would take them to Church meetings with a small group of local Church members. Several of these people were baptized and joined with other Church members. We saw their lives change in wonderful and positive ways. They would often tell us of their feelings of happiness because of the changes they had made. I remember becoming very close to them in the process, we loved them, and they loved us. 

 

One unforgettable night, I remember kneeling by my bedside after another long day filled with teaching people. My companion and I were both very tired. Yet, I remember feeling a great sense of joy as I knelt by my bedside. As a missionary, it is customary for my companion and I to pray many times each day.  But before retiring to our bed each night, we would privately kneel beside our beds to have a private personal prayer. On this particular occasion, I remember beginning my prayer to God with these words; "Dear Father in Heaven"... but the rest of the words would not come out of my mouth. I was so overcome with joy that I could not speak! I wept deeply and soulfully for some time.  I was filled with gratitude for being part of such a grand and wonderful program. I knew that God had sent me, and that I was part of his grand plan to reclaim some of his children and to bring them home. As I wept, I was filled to the brim with a sense of peace, knowing that at that very moment, I felt as if Christ himself was there in the room with me. I could feel his presence.  Finally, after my soul exhausted itself, in this humbled and bowed position, these words fell from my lips... "thank you"!!! 

To this day, it is the shortest, most meaningful prayer that I have ever uttered. I reflect on this occasion often. I learned then, that truly; "when we are in the service of our fellow beings, we are only in the service of our God." I have also learned that a reward from the hand of God is far more meaningful than any other. I learned many things on that night far from home.

God will send his Angels-

Another experience that I had while serving as a fulltime missionary illustrates this notion that joy comes by serving God and our fellow man. This time, I was living in the capital city of Caracas. My companion and I, like always, had worked hard that day teaching people and looking for lost sheep. We often characterized the people that we found and taught as "lost sheep" because of Christ's parable of the shepherd leaving his flock to find a stray lamb and how joyful he was when the lamb was found and brought back to the fold. We often felt led to people that were lost and trying to find their way back home. 

On this occasion, my companion and I made our way to an apartment building far from our own. It was getting late, and we thought that on our way home, we would visit Sister Gonzales, a very dedicated church member. She was always so diligent and anxious to help us. She would introduce us to her friends.  She would invite them to her home so that we could teach them. Earlier in the week, she had agreed to host a family at her home a few days hence.  We stopped by to coordinate the specifics with her. However, when we knocked on her apartment, someone else answered the door and quietly spoke saying that Sister Gonzales was very ill and in bed. We asked if we could come in and visit with her. After a couple of minutes, we were invited in and found her lying in bed with the lights low. She explained that she had the red measles, often dangerous for adults. Her fever was quite high, she was covered with a serious rash.  Her eyes were inflamed and sore. She strained to look at us through her swollen eyes. Measles can cause blindness they say, and she was taking precautions by keeping the lighting in her room dim. I remember seeing her incapacitated and very ill.  My heart went out to her. My companion and I felt an overwhelming sense of love for her at that moment. I asked, "Sister Gonzales, is there anything that we can do for you?”  “Can we give you a Priesthood Blessing?" She replied that her husband and another man from the church had given her a blessing the day before. I then asked, "can we pray for you?" She agreed and we knelt by her bedside and prayed for her. As we got up, we noticed that she was crying. We were a little embarrassed about it and quickly excused ourselves, promising that we would return to check up on her.

A couple of weeks passed. She recovered fine. At Church, she was called upon to speak in Sacrament Meeting and she shared this experience. “A couple of weeks ago, I was very ill. The missionaries showed up at my house. I could not greet them, but they insisted on coming into my bedroom and asked if they could pray for me." She said, "when they entered my room, I noticed that they were wearing white clothing. I wondered why they were dressed this way and thought that maybe they had a baptism that they were going to later that night.  They asked if they could pray for me. As they knelt beside my bed, I opened my eyes and saw a wonderful light around them as they prayed. As I mused over the scene, a good feeling came over me and I heard a voice soft and sweet saying that these are messengers, angels sent from God to minister to you." She explained that in a very personal way, she learned on that night that these missionaries were sent from God like angels from heaven to bless her and to pray for her.

There are Angels among us.

I reflected on this event many times throughout my life. I think that sometimes God chooses to bless his children by sending messengers to them. These messengers may show up at a time when we need them most to bless us or to help us. These messengers may do so unknowingly, compelled by some feeling inside that prompts them to our side. Nevertheless, on these important and memorable occasions, it is as if heaven itself has opened and God has his sent angels to be with us. I have been blessed this way on many occasions. I have counted these times as evidence that God lives, that he knows me, and that he hears my prayers and blesses me through chosen messengers.

I can also remember a few times when I responded to an inner voice, perhaps a heavenly prompting to check on someone, or to help someone in their time of need. These are joyful times, wonderful times! It is on these very personal occasions, where I feel blessed by simply acting on behalf of my Heavenly Father, and doing something that he wants me to do. It is wonderful to know that I am doing the right thing at the right time.  At these times, I feel that God smiles upon me for my willingness to serve. I am also encouraged that He would choose to answer someone else's prayer through someone like me. In this way, I feel part of his great plan.  He helps me to feel like a contributing member of his great work in lifting and blessing the lives of others.

There are many angels walking the earth today. Perhaps you are one of these that hears His call. Or perhaps, it is your prayer that is being answered through one of God's messengers. In either case, it is wonderful! It is a divine pattern from heaven designed to lift others, and by doing so, we are rewarded with access to greater joy in our lives.  

In Matthew 25:31-40  Christ illustrates the critical nature of this principle: 

31 ¶When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

I love my Heavenly Father. I am grateful for Him and the things that he teaches me. I am grateful to have learned something about this joyful pattern of selfless service. It has been a source of great joy for me throughout my life. I invite you to experiment with this idea. Begin by reflecting on times where you have served others. Do you remember how that felt? May this recollection inspire you to look for and cultivate this pattern of Joyful Living in your life. Our friends and family need us. God may choose us to be his fingers and toes in reaching out to them in their hour of need and it is my experience that our lives will be filled with great joy and happiness as we serve one another.

"Be thou Humble; and the Lord thy God will take thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers."

By Marcus Southworth

Have you noticed that the world is bright, and the future filled with hope, when you are doing what is right? It seems that all of us feel guided from time to time by a personal, spiritual compass that helps us to discern the things that we should and shouldn't do. When we are true to these impressions, I find that our faith in God is strengthened, our confidence that He is with us improves, and a pattern of answered prayers emerge. This pattern of humility encourages us along life’s path.  Our capacity to meet life’s challenges expands and our faith grows. 

Nevertheless, there is a human condition that nibbles away at our commitment and our desire to do what is right. Despite our moments of perfect obedience or simple acts of kindness, most of us come back down from the mountain. Sometimes our descent is enshrouded with pride and glitter of our great accomplishments. Sometimes, that weary descent is in abject defeat where we wallow in our hopeless state. Whether the descent is in glory or defeat, the fact remains, we are descending. This struggle brings a thought to my mind, why can't I persist in an even, constant, and everlasting path leading upward? Why must I come down from the mountain?

I suppose that we are all subject to emotional, physical, mental and spiritual distractions. That is why, when one of us rises above those challenges, and transcends the gnawing pain of complacency, we set them on a pedestal-- because we want to be like them. When I was 17 years old, I dreamed of being great at something. I pondered and wondered about great men and women and what sets them apart from the rest. I chose several as my personal heroes.  I learned and pondered about the lives they lived and what obstacles they may have experienced.  In that thoughful condition, late one night, I penned this short verse:

"Men who meet the challenge when mountains thwart the path,

Courage drives them upward, oh what strength they have.

Secondary to the instant, pain beckoning to stop,

Writhing muscles reminding, of the men they're not.

Many men have lost their dreams when obstacles begotten, 

And many more have given in, phobic of faulty piton.

But these my friends, undaunted still, their faith is everlasting,

Incrementing faith and power as each mountain they are mastering."

David, the son of Jesse, saw Goliath the giant, parading back and forth, taunting the army of Israel. The scriptures state that the soldiers fled from before the giant and were afraid. But David said, "who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?"  (Old Testament 1 Samuel 17:26)

 

David was not even a soldier. He was a shepherd boy whose father sent him to bring bread and cheeses to his brothers and to the captains of men who were sitting on a hillside watching the giant Goliath parading back and forth. This was not his job, it was not his fight, yet he could not be silenced. His words were heard by those around him who marveled at his great faith and courage. Those that overheard the boy were astonished at his faith and took him before King Saul. 

 

David said to the King, "Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine." Saul said to David, "You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth." David explained to Saul that God had delivered him out of the paw of a lion and the paw of a bear, "he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine." Saul, convinced of David's resolve said, "Go and the Lord be with thee."

I marvel at what appears to be a pattern that the Lord God uses to show forth his great strength and power through the weak and simple of the earth. The army of Israel witnessed a great miracle that day when the shepherd boy, without shield, without armor, or sword, defeated the war hardened giant. David helped them all remember that God is at the helm. He knew that he would not be defeated by the giant. He knew that God would help him to succeed.

I refer now back to the title of this article: "Be ye humble, and the Lord thy God will take thee by the hand and give thee answer to thy prayers." I marvel at David's humility. I suppose if David were not in a humble, modest state he could not have spoken those mighty words or done those mighty deeds. For he was not attracted or motivated by earthly recognition or reward. Neither was he persuaded by Saul, to wear the king's armor to fight Goliath. After Saul had placed his helmet, his armor, sword and shield upon David, the youth said, "I cannot go with these for I have not proved them. And David put them off him." At this humbling, scary moment, "he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand; and he drew near to the Philistine." When we are humble, we do things the Lord's way. The way of man must be set aside for that harrowing moment when we hear a “still small voice” reveal God's will concerning us. At this humble moment, we are not impressed by the world or the beauty thereof. Our eyes are set upon God, and we listen to the things that he tells us to do.

Being valiant, faithful, true and courageous is not something that you do with money, great learning, political office or strategic positioning. We are valiant, true and courageous because of Him in whom we trust. We know that he knows us, and that he loves us.  We know him from personal experience, and we trust him enough to do his will. 

 

Over time, our trust is proven as was David's. David told Saul that God had supported him before, and he rehearsed with Saul those circumstances; and then, David said, “moreover, the Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine." His confidence had grown strong because of this constant pattern in his life. When he was in trouble, he relied on God and God did not let him down. David knew what it meant to have God "lead him by the hand and give him answer to his prayers." 

I find myself from time to time faced with a Goliath of some sort, proven in battle, and frightening in his demeanor. It is not always a person, most of the time it is a circumstance, a problem, a challenge, or a great mountain that I am ill-suited to climb or to circumnavigate. Sometimes, I feel that I just don't have the level of personal capacity to see my way through. It is at these times that I feel myself draw closer to my Heavenly Father. I call out to him in private prayer. I reason with him and ask him for deliverance. I pray for guidance.  I listen carefully and try to hear his instructions and to follow them. It is at these times that I am most able to see the hand of the Lord in my life. Often, I proceed as if he is there. I know that he listens to every faithful prayer, uttered in simple humility. This personal knowledge is my possession, it is part of me. It has been proven through years of my experience as I have seen God's hand work in my life and in the lives of others. 

 

“God is no respecter of persons.”  He hears everyone. We all have the same access to him.  He loves us all. We are his children. He is teaching us and calling each of us in his own way to return home. Jesus taught, "Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." (Doctrine and Covenants 88:63) John the revelator exposed a similar truth, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and sup with him, and he with me." (Revelations 3:20)

 

I would like to share with you several personal experiences that have, over time, helped me to increase my faith and trust in the Lord.  I have chosen to do this in chapter form.  That way, we can walk together through some of my personal challenges.  Getting to know some of the deep waters and threatening giants that I have had to deal with in my life may inspire and lift you to do things you would not otherwise try.  Perhaps you will find similarities in your own life.  I hope that we can marvel together at how God is able to help us in whatever circumstance that we may find ourselves in.   

 

If he can help someone like me, he certainly can help you.  Others of you may have already trodden similar paths. You have seen the Lord perform his mighty miracles in your own life.  In which case, we can rejoice together in knowing that there is a God in Heaven and that hears and answers our humble petition to save us.  

 

We all have heard the words which the angel spoke to the unwedded Mary when she was told that she would bear a child:  “With God nothing is impossible”.  I have learned this for myself to be wonderfully true.  If God is with us, nothing is out of reach.  Anything is possible.

Finding Peace in Troubled Times By Marcus Southworth 

I remember some 20 years ago, a church sponsored campout with my sons. There was the usual excitement of boys running through the camp, playing with the fire, and fathers sitting around talking about the world as they see it. 

 It was a warm spring afternoon in the Arizona desert, and throughout the day, I had been watching from the corner of my eye, young men coming in and out of one specific tent. At the time, I had six children (four boys). The tent that I had been watching belonged to a man with 11 children. I marveled at this man’s calm and gentle demeanor as he interacted with his sons throughout the day. My astonishment was due to the apparent anxiety that I and a number of other fathers were sharing about our pressing economic circumstances. We all had large houses, large mortgages, families and business responsibilities, yet this man, unruffled and unbothered, was lying in his tent, barefooted, reading, and visiting as if a Huckleberry Finn on the shore of the Mississippi. 

 At dinner time, he emerged from his tent with his boys to indulge in the evening meal with the rest of us around the campfire. Other than his family, he stayed pretty much to himself. I watched a bit and afterwards his boys left to run around with friends. Seeing an opportunity, I walked over to his tent hoping to learn more about him. 

We visited and I found that he too had many of the same challenges that I faced, however, with a family of 11, his load appeared to be at least twice mine. As we talked, I could discern very little anxiety in his conversation, his countenance or his demeanor. I wondered how I would feel if I were in his shoes. His wife was expecting..again, their twelfth! He had a boy on a mission, and his business struggled along just like mine. I could not understand how he could be so calm. This was in the late 1980’s in Arizona, property values were dropping, people were losing money on investments, and businesses were failing everywhere. Everyone was stressed…except him or so it seemed. 

 I probed deeper. I asked him why he did not seem worried about his circumstances. He responded simply, “worrying doesn’t seem to solve anything.” Unsatisfied, I continued, “What does solve things?” He smiled at me with a little impatience at my determination. He was a quiet man of very few words. I really wanted to know. It took some doing but he finally gave me a few words, “I keep the commandments, do my best and the Lord seems to take care of the rest”. 

 Since that time I have thought a lot about what he said. I have wondered, “well, isn’t that what all of us Church goers try to do and expect?” Yet, I have anxiety… and he does not. It seems that I am missing something here! 

Years have passed, I continue to reflect on the example of this one man and feel that I have come to learn and experience a little more about finding peace in troubled times. Now, after more than a half of a century of personal life experience, I believe that I have suffered at least my fair share of trouble. I have also found an improved sense of well-being during times of great uncertainty. I am so grateful for that. 

My burdens seem to have gotten much heavier over the years; nevertheless, my ability to carry those burdens has significantly improved. Perhaps, as the Great Plan of Happiness suggests, God desires for us to become more like him. And, perhaps, there is divine purpose in the process. Trials, challenges and turmoil seem to shape our souls and characters so as to become more like him. 

      "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 and Mother in heaven."

        (Orson F. Whitney, in Dennis D. Flake, "Orson F. Whitney's Philosophy of Education," p. 96) 

I have found several essential ideas that contribute to my personal enjoyment of peace during troubled times: 

Make Peace a priority in your life: 

 I have always had an appetite for peace. I don’t like arguments, controversy or drama. I avoid irreverent music, boisterous company and immoderate practices. I seek quiet time, especially in times that are troubled. But I have learned that peace is more than just this. Of course, we have all felt the absence of peace when we do something wrong. There is a definite absence of peace until we are able to follow certain steps of repentance that seem to relieve us of that burden and bring us back to God. Christ said; 

      “Come unto me all ye that labor 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 souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” 

Matthew 11:28-30 

I think that his invitation to “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” means that after all that we can do to find peace in our lives; we will still come short without taking upon us his name. 

We take upon us his name by being baptized in his Church. Baptism means that we covenant that we will keep his commandments, which is like ‘taking his yoke upon us” and to always remember him. We remember him by repenting and calling upon the Father in his name to forgive us or our sins. The result of this pattern and practice is: 

“Peace in this life and eternal life in the world to come.” 

D&C 59:23 

Make God an anchor in your life: 

However, sometimes we cannot avoid trouble. Sometimes, there are events over which we have no control. I find that in circumstances like this, I feel stressed and troubled most of all. We may have lost a job, experience the loss of someone close or suffered some injustice at the hand of ignorance or even a tyrant. Sometimes, we can feel powerless, like victims of our circumstances. How do we live in peace under this kind of scenario? 

My mother was 14 years old and lived in a small town with her family on the border between Russia and Germany. Hitler's leaders isolated the children from parents by sending them to government mandated training programs away from their families. She was assigned to study floristry in a large city some 60 miles from her home. 

At first, she was so excited, no more parents telling her what to do. Shortly after arriving at her workplace, rumors flooded in that the Russians had invaded Germany and many people were forced out of their homes. Among them, were her mother and siblings. Her father was taken to Siberia and never returned. She was so distraught at the news and had no idea where her mother, father and 4 little brothers were.  She felt truly lost and alone. 

 A few months later, one of the bloodiest battles in WWII was fought in Danzig (now known as Gdansk, Poland) where she was living. The Russians prevailed and their leaders awarded the conquering soldiers free reign. They murdered, raped and pillaged throughout the smoldering city. My mother although just a young girl, witnessed this terrible scene. She says that the things that followed were much worse than the bombs, the bullets or the battle. 

She fled, finding a small crevice among the bombed out ruins where she hid, alone, frightened, and with nothing to eat. Up until this time, she had given very little thought about God. She knew very little about him. But in this moment of desperation, she cried out to him with all her heart. She was not disappointed. A still small voice came, assuring her that she had nothing to fear, that she would be ok. She describes the feeling of peace that she felt at that moment. Some 65 years later, she can hardly recount the experience without tears, as she recalls the sublime sweetness and peace that calmed her in spite of the awful circumstances. It was a life changing event for her. 

 From that time forward, she knew that there was a God and consulted him often for direction and protection. She did escape from Danzig and spent years looking all over Germany for her family. She finally found them; starving, destitute infested with fleas, lice and diseased with typhus. She helped them get on their feet little by little. 

She was baptized in the LDS Church and immigrated to America. She served a full time mission in her homeland, Germany. She married in the Temple and bore and raised 7 children. She has served her God ever since. 

She taught me as a young boy a lot about the peace that she discovered in the midst of great turmoil. Her example and teachings have conditioned me so that I am a little more prepared to meet the challenges of a troubled world. 

Live consistent with what you know to be right 

The scriptures teach; 

  “But learn, that he who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this world and eternal life in the world to come.” 

D&C 59:23 

I put this scripture to memory in my youth as a reminder that when I am doing what I know to be right and pleasing in the site of God, I am most peaceful and happy. Successful life patterns and many important promises that God has made to his followers are found in the scriptures. I can find peace merely by finding these promises and living in a way that are deserving of them, for example; 

  a. Financial Blessings: One of the things that have troubled me most over the years is my concern over personal or family finances. It has taken some effort and diligent practice to find peace in this troubled world.  I am indebted to the scriptures for helping me to understand the underlying mechanics. The Lord’s words to Moses had meaning then and I find direct application for me now; 

  “If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them: Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit…ye will eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely. And I will give you peace in the land, and ye shall lie down and none shall make you afraid; Then he warns: But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments; …I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron and your earth as brass. And your strength shall be spent in vain; for your land shall not yield her increase, neither shall the trees of the land yield their fruits… 

        I have provided but a few of the promises and warnings. For the entire body of scripture it is found     in Leviticus 26:3-46. 

 I have also learned in my own personal way how my payment of tithes and offerings bless me and my family: 

      “…Prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts. If I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes…” 

        Malachi 38-12 

Other blessings of peace are available to us by merely understanding the laws that govern them. 

       “There is a law irrevocably decreed in the heavens before the foundation of this world, upon which     all blessings are predicated. And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated."  

        D&C 131:20-21 

 Finding peace in a troubled world is often as simple as just understanding and practicing the principles upon which blessings operate. Could it be that God in his great wisdom allows us the freedom to choose good or evil? By suffering or enjoying the consequences of our own actions we are able to see for ourselves and learn. 

 Alma counseled his wayward son with this warning: 

      “And now my son…behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was never happiness.” 

        Alma 41:10

Somehow, peace and happiness are synonymous with one another when placed in the context of doing right or wrong. I like that feeling of peace that is associated with doing good. I used to teach my children; “When I obey, I will be happy all day.” Simple and cute but soooo true!! We all know that! 

There is another point here that is important to understand. I find it referenced in the great revelation revealed to Joseph Smith while in the Liberty Jail; D&C 121:33-46. After teaching Joseph the principles that govern the rights and blessings of the Priesthood, he says that after adhering to all of these principles, “…then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of the God…” Somehow, when doing what is right, our confidence in the presence of God improves and we become more comfortable and confident calling upon him for his help. 

Expect a miracle: 

 In 1988, I was working on a very complicated transaction overseas. Many businessmen and very expensive attorneys were involved. Because of the multi-national nature of the deal, London was chosen as an agreeable place to document the transaction. I and the other parties had been in London for several weeks negotiating the terms of this very complex transaction. 

 Prior to that, I had spent nearly a year traveling between Europe, South America and USA working on this transaction. I had no income during that period. I was anxious to finally see the fruits of my labors. It had been a costly and time consuming endeavor. I spent long periods away from home.  In the process, I had completely exhausted my personal financial resources. I was so glad that we were almost finished.  I expected that that all of the sacrifices that I had made would finally pay off.  

However, as documentation was finally nearing completion, objections arose regarding a single word that was used in one of the documents. Arguments ensued, the problem extended from a word to a paragraph and then spread to include objections over an entire document. Parties entrenched and finally conceded that the issue was not resolvable. After so many weeks and many hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees, the transaction had failed and everyone made plans to return home. 

I was devastated. Returning home meant facing a financial disaster for me and my family. I could not let that happen.  I felt that I needed to call on heaven for a miracle. 

I walked into the London office of the purchaser to determine what, if any, traction I could get by trying to bridge the parties. After visiting with the principals, they insisted that truly, the transaction was dead and the issues were convincingly irresolvable. After this poignant discussion, I had quietly and to myself decided that I would ask God for his help. Make no mistake, I had been asking all along. However, this was different my circumstances were now dark, hopeless and desperate.  I needed to ask for a miracle. 

Leaving the office, which was a regional office for the purchaser, a Fortune 500 company, I bumped into one of the financial analysts that I had been working with. His name was Ari and he was an orthodox Jew. His Jewish disposition was apparent to me by the skull cap which he wore. Everyone knew that Friday afternoons, he had to leave early in order to keep his Sabbath observance. I admired him for that and felt that we shared a common bond. In this moment of desperation, I paused as I came to his desk and said, “Ari, do you believe that there is a God?” He said, “Yes, I do.” I then asked, do you believe that Moses through the power of God parted the Red Sea?” He smiled, not sensing my rationale for the question and responded, “What do you think?” I said, “I believe that the Israelites were surrounded, the Red Sea before them and the Egyptians behind. Moses, in this moment of desperation, called upon God  and in answer to his fervent plea, the Red Sea parted and the children of Israel walked through to the other side on dry ground.” He said, “I believe that too!” 

I then asked him, “Ari, do you believe that the chances of reviving this transaction are the same as ‘parting the Red Sea’. He smiled, and said “from what I know and see, the chances are probably the same.” I then asked, “Do you think God would part the Red Sea for me?” He responded much more thoughtfully, “I really don’t know.” I said to him,”Ari, by tomorrow at this same time, both you and I are going to know the answer to that question.” 

I left the office and returned to my hotel and interestingly, never saw or spoke to Ari again. Yet I know, that both he and I came to know the answer to that question for I fasted and fervently prayed through the night. In the morning, I recall my final words to my Heavenly Father. “It is now 6am and I am leaving my hotel room, not knowing beforehand where I should go or what I should do. Please be with me and show me the way.” As I walked down the street towards the subway, an idea came to my mind. Although very early in the morning, I called another party to the transaction asking for permission to breach protocol and call on the President of one of the Lloyds of London Syndicate companies. In my eyes, this is where the rift had originated. The man on the phone chided me for my insanity, and said that I could do whatever I wanted at this point. He reiterated, that “the deal was dead and there was nothing I could do about it.” When I arrived at the high rise building which is where Arthur Manning, President of Pan Financial officed, I saw a cart of pungent and beautiful flowers. I purchased three dozen roses, not really sure why.  I took them with me up the elevator. His office was in the penthouse overlooking the Thames River. Albeit early, around 7:30am, there was a secretary that greeted me. I asked for Mr. Manning. She saw my flowers, smiled and said, “Just a moment.” Mr. Manning came out with a refreshing smile.  I suppose he was entertained and endeared by the three dozen flowers which I carried in my arms. He was an austere man with a well trimmed beard and a very proper English demeanor. We stepped onto the balcony outside his office over-looking London and the river. 

 I wanted so much to beg and plead with him to change his mind. Yet, I was surprised at the words that actually fell from my lips. “Arthur, it has been a pleasure doing business with you. I thought that you could take these roses home to your wife as an indication of my pleasure and gratitude for working with you.” He responded graciously.  In conclusion, he said that he had to run to his next meeting and invited me to walk with him to the train station. I accompanied him and we continued our visit which had nothing to do with business. We talked about our families and how taxing this transaction had been on all of us. As we parted ways, he clasped my hand with a parting handshake and said, “Marcus, if the other party would accept this change; (he then explained the simple change in contractual wording) then I would willing to reconsider my position.” 

 With those parting words, I waited until he was out of sight. I then jumped into the air with delight, ran as fast as I could in my suit and tie to catch the subway back to my client’s office, anxious to tell them the news. 

 Finding them in their office, packing their things and having their return tickets to the USA on their desk, I discussed Mr. Manning’s proposal with them. They did not at first believe me. They thought that I was playing some awful joke. Finally, perceiving my sincerity they agreed that the proposed language could work. Because of the time difference, we waited a few hours for morning San Francisco time, to discuss the matter with the company’s General Counsel. 

 It took nearly two more weeks, but when finished, the transaction was successful and all parties were satisfied. I went home knowing that I had asked for and been a part of… a great miracle.

Be grateful 

I have continued to receive many of these kinds of blessings throughout my life. Nevertheless, my world continues to be awash with turmoil and tribulation. Throughout all of this, I have come to feel and recognize, a calm assurance that Heavenly Father loves me and is willing to bless and protect me. 

In times like these, I reflect on his blessings and find comfort in knowing that he is near. I found much sweetness and peace in my life, similar to that which my mother had experienced in the midst of a war torn Germany. I too know for myself that he is there. I have reached out to him on many occasions and he has responded. I have come to believe his words: 

      “…this commandment I give unto you, that ye shall call upon me while I am near. Draw near unto me, and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you;” 

D&C 88:62-64 

One of the great and wonderful experiences of my life is to ponder upon the many wonderful blessings that Heavenly Father has bestowed upon me. Sometimes, while in this frame of mind, tears of joy well up along with a deep sense of gratitude which resonates through my soul. It is at these times, while alone, in a state of quiet meditation and personal prayer, that I will sing a favorite hymn of praise as an expression of my feelings of gratitude; “I know that my Redeemer Lives” is a favorite. 

 The words of these and other hymns mean so much more to me at times like this. When in this state of mind, I can feel God smile upon me. I think it is because he knows that I have tasted the fruit. He delights in my discovery and enjoyment. He wants all of his children to have these same experiences. I am convinced of his words, that he” is no respecter of persons.” My mother, as young girl, was really no one of any consequence, yet he blessed her and she tasted of his goodness. I marvel too that he knows me and listens to my prayers and earnest appeal. 

There is a law of gratitude that is somehow a part of the Great and Grand Plan of Happiness that God has instituted for us. Once again, referring to his word in scripture: 

      "And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things and obey not his commandments.” 

D&C 59:21 

We show our gratitude to God by keeping his commandments and by doing the works that he would do. This is all part of becoming God like. As his children and like any father, he delights in our progress to become more like him. 

After praying and doing all that we can do, accept the outcome as God’s will 

This is perhaps the most important point of all. I think that coming to accept the outcome that follows our diligent faith, efforts and sincere prayer as God’s will, is convincing evidence that we really believe him and trust Him. To me if life were the test, our ability to apply this principle would be the crowning evidence that we had passed our most difficult challenges. 

 I like the story that Elder Hugh B. Brown (a departed member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles) tells of his garden in Alberta, Canada. He starts his story by saying that sometimes, while working alone on his ranch in Canada; he would speak to inanimate objects. 

 One day, surprisingly, one of them spoke back. He said, that he was pruning away at a current bush that had grown to great size. As the gardener, he decided that in order to get any fruit from the bush, he would have to prune it. So he took out his pruning shears and began to cut down the bush. 

 As he was cutting, he noticed what looked to be tears welling up on the cut branches and he asked, “Why are you crying Mr. Current Bush.” The bush responded, I had grown to such a grand stature in the garden. I was as tall as many of the great trees here. Then you came along and cut me down. Now, all in the garden will look upon with contempt and pity. 

 Elder Brown responded, “Now Mr. Current Bush, I am the gardener here. I know what I want you to be. If I let you go the way you were going you wouldn’t have amounted to anything. Your branches would have gone to wood and you would have had no fruit at all. But now that I have cut you down, the time will soon come when your branches will be laden with fruit and all in the garden will look upon you and see and admire what you have become.” 

      “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” 

Isaiah 55:8-9 

Putting our trust in him means that we accept him as omniscient (all knowing), and omnipotent (all powerful). We accept that he is our Heavenly Father and that he loves us. He has prepared a great plan whereby we may become more like him. Even Christ the greatest of all subordinated his will to God when, while kneeling in the Garden where he took upon himself the burden of sin for all mankind,

”...he fell on his face and prayed saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.“ 

Matt. 26:39 

Even Christ was willing to accept God’s will over his own, even though he too was perfect, yet he trusted him and in the great plan of happiness which was instituted from the foundation of the world. So must we, “trust in him and strive his will to do.” Hymn #194: “There is a Green Hill Far Away.” 

Peace comes to us in troubled times when in spite of all of our experience that we put our trust in the Lord and accept the outcome as his will. To me this is an important step in our spiritual growth and maturity. Ultimately, we will become more like our Father in Heaven. What a wonderful plan and what a wonderful life. May God bless us all in that worthy pursuit to find peace in a troubled world!!

Straight Line is the Shortest Distance Between Two Points

Postulates and Theorems 

By Marcus Southworth 

I know that a lot of you have studied algebra and geometry in school.  I really enjoyed those classes when I was young although my grades never showed it.  I was always fascinated with the concepts of “Theorems and Postulates”.  Postulates are basic rules of algebra and geometry that are considered inherently true and that if applied, ensure that your calculation or mathematical assumptions, no matter how complicated, will turn out right.  Theorems on the other hand were somehow conditional.  They were dependent upon other conditions in order to be true and required a “proof” to be made, so that I had to remember the “proof” in addition to the theorem.  Even now, 35 years after taking that class as a sophomore in high school, I still remember several theorems and postulates that I was taught.

 

Recently, I was thinking about the very first postulate that I ever learned:

 

“The shortest distance between two points is a straight line.”

         

I remember when memorizing it and what I thought; “this is so stupidly simple, everyone knows that”.  Well, as the class wore on month after month, I memorized many more postulates and theorems.  Each one seemed more complicated than the last.  They also seemed to build upon each other, going from the simple and basic to something much more complex.  I do remember how important it was to learn them.  Getting a correct answer was entirely dependent upon my ability to remember and apply those postulates and theorems.

 

I like the idea of “postulates” being something that are inherently true and require no proof.  I like the idea that there are some things that we can count on to be absolutely true no matter what.  I suppose that is why the gospel is so important to me.  The gospel provides me with information that is absolutely true and I can feel confident in applying its principles in my life.  The gospel principles will always lead me to a path of happiness and a life of peace.  They bring me closer to God and through my obedience and faith, I find that I draw closer to my Father in Heaven and thereby become entitled to special knowledge and blessings.

 

In today’s scientific world, there are many popular theories like; the “Big Bang Theory” or “Darwinism”.  Great scientists have come to believe these theories and have spent their lives relying upon them and teaching them.  However, as time passes, those popular theories have detriorated as “proofs” began to fail.  Today, scientists are becoming less comfortable with the idea that the universe and everything in it originated from a historic, coincidental collision of two molecules that created a chain reaction which over a period of billions of years produced the universe, the earth and all living things.  Darwin’s Theory has distracted many from the truth as well.  Textbooks have been written and students have come to rely on these theories as being true. 

There are some things that we can count on to be true!

 

The gospel teaches us that; “God created man in his own image…male and female created he them.”  If this concept were universally embraced by the worlds great thinkers as a “Postulate”, I wonder how much further our world of science would be.  Instead of consuming ones lifetime in search of the ‘unknown origin of life’, one could spend their life in getting to know and becoming like the great creator of all things.

 

Think of false “Postulates” or ‘Theorems’ that you may have relied upon as being true only to learn later that they were false or different than what you had believed.  Isn’t it disappointing?  

 

A Story of the Immigrant Woman:

 

I am reminded of a story that I once heard of an old woman who had suffered much during World War II.  After the war she dreamed of coming to America, the land of great beauty and opportunity.  But she made a goal and set out to reach it.  She was modestly poor and worked very hard at menial jobs in order to earn enough money to purchase her ship ticket.  It took her several years and required a great deal of sacrifice.  She was so happy when she was finally able to purchase her fare.  

 

As the day arrived for her departure, she had all her belongings packed.  She carefully planned how many days she would be at sea and prepared herself some simple meals of crackers and cheese for each day of her travel.  She only had a few dollars to spare after purchasing her ticket and knew that she would not be able to buy regular meals.  

 

It was all so exciting.  When she boarded the great ship, she quickly made several friends and had other roommates with whom she would spend her time.  Each day, they would invite her to join them for breakfast and lunch.  In the evenings they would beg her to get dressed up and attend a great gala and dining event.  At each invitation, she would politely beg their pardon and insist that she wanted to return to her room.  Her friends just assumed that she was ill or something.  While they were gone, she would break out the meals she had prepared of crackers and cheese.  Humbly and quietly she would eat them alone in her room. 

 

Day after day, following each meal and each gala event her friends and companions would return and recount the wonderful experiences and delightful food that was served hoping to entice her to join them.  Oh, how she wished that she could afford to go with them.  Finally, on the last day of the long voyage the old woman decided to join her friends for the evening meal and gala event.  She had such a good time.  The food was so delicious and extravagant.  As the evening wore on she worried over the cost of such a meal and wonderful gala.  But quickly reminded herself that it was a special event and that she would long remember it. It was a wonderful time of laughing, dining, and dancing.  

 

At the conclusion of the long evening, she patiently waited for the waiter to bring her bill.  But the bill never came.  She finally asked the waiter, whispering softly, “Sir could you kindly bring me my bill”.  He smiled and said, “ma’am, the meals and all of the events of the trip are included with the payment of your ship fare”.

 

My Heart Aches for the old woman

 

I am saddened when I hear this story.  My heart aches for the old woman, for of all the passengers, she certainly deserved the full benefits of her hard earned money and sacrifice.  She was a good woman too, and it saddened me to think that she had been denied what she deserved.

 

Do I have false beliefs that hinder my enjoyment of life?

 

It causes me some personal introspection; Do I have false ideas that keep me from enjoying the full benefits of my voyage through life?  Are there benefits and blessings that I deserve that I am not getting because of a false belief or practice?

 

I love the scriptures, and I find great heroes and exemplars that provide me with instruction and successful life patterns that I can use in my everyday life.  Its teachings bring me closer to my Heavenly Father.  They provide me with clear ‘postulates’ or truths that I can rely on to be true no matter what.  I don’t want to be like the old woman who sacrificed the wonderful meals and evening events not knowing that they were included in the price of the fare.  

 

Study the scriptures and identify the ‘Postulates’.  Check them against your own beliefs.  Are there beliefs or misunderstandings in your life that may be keeping you from greater blessings (‘shortest distance between two points’)?  

 

Are there blessings and benefits that you deserve and want but are not getting because of one false idea or another?  I bear you my personal witness that the following principles are true.  I love these words and believe them.  They are postulates in my life.  They are guiding principles that keep me on the right path.  I wish that I could share with you the great joy and happiness that I have enjoyed as a result of living these teachings.  I have not always done the right thing.  But, I have learned that getting back on the right track is just a matter of drawing the straight line from where I stand to the point where I should be and ‘bingo’, life becomes good again.  Remember, the shortest distance between two points is a straight line.  Choose your destination and follow that straight line.  It brings great joy and happiness.

 

Postulates and Principles for a successful life:

 

And the Father said: Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son.                                                                                              2 Nephi 31:11

 

And also, the voice of the Son came unto me, saying: He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do.                                                          2 Nephi 31:12

 

And I heard a voice from the Father, saying: Yea, the words of my Beloved are true and faithful. He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.  And now, my beloved brethren, I know by this that unless a man shall endure to the end, in following the example of the Son of the living God, he cannot be saved.                                                    2 Nephi 31:15-16

 

And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive.    

2 Nephi 31:18)

 

Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.                                                                                     2 Nephi 31:20

 

And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen.      2 Nephi 31:21