The Instant of Turning

I have had the most transforming experiences of my life. I attended Landmark Forum these last three days. I have eliminated my fear through expressing myself vulnerably.

I am leaving my past in the past. I am not creating a future based on my fear. I am powerful and free to do whatever I want.

I invite you to come to my last session in Scottsdale Tues night at 7:00 pm to 10:15 pm Phoenix time. You will taste a bit of what I have experienced these last 3 days. You will have an opportunity to register for it yourself.

No one needs the Landmark Forum. You will continue to have the life you create. You will likely still live, have wonderful relationships (or not) and be successful (or not).

I request that you consider the possibility that your life can be transformed, it is the instant you turn from the life you have to the life you want.

16100 North Greenway/Hayden Loop
Building G - Suite 108
Scottsdale, Arizona, 85260

https://www.landmarkworldwide.com/the-landmark-forum

Love Wins

A post from one of my friends who is a bishop.

It's 2am. I have to get up at 5:30am. I sit in my chair after laying in bed, unable to sleep. For several days I've been concerned about a sister in our ward. She hasn't been to church the past couple of days. She didn't go to work today. I helped her get her job. I fear she is on the verge of losing her job and her testimony. I've been to see her, bearing chocolate, but still, I have concerns. I have another sister who recently returned from a mission but now finds herself so busy she can't find time to go to church. You'd think a return missionary would know how important church attendance is! These are two. What can I do more to help these individuals? Why am I not more spiritually attuned so I would be able to know what to say and do? There are serval others that I am concerned about, also, so I sit here awake, worrying, I was thinking about whether the Savior is worried about us! I know that He is. The worries and concerns of a bishop are minuscule and finite. The Savior's love is infinite and so is His concern. Please know I love each of you. When you hurt, I hurt. My heart weeps for you. Please let me help you. And, remember, the Savior's love. He is infinitely greater. He knows you better than I. Rely on Him!

This was my reply

Love wins it always does. God knew this. It is why we have agency. There is no love without agency. We have to choose it. Regardless of our thirst for fairness. We must give it up. Because Jesus paid the price for it. We must be willing to forgive and be forgiven. It bury deep those things that destroy us and those we love.  

Jesus brings hope because his love is perfect. It fills every hole. Heals every hurt.
Alma the younger could not bear to exist until he remembered what his father had taught him about Jesus.  

Charity is the pure love of Christ and it never fails. It crosses mountains and eons. It convinces humans to open their heart after the spirit brings it to the threshold. It brings new birth, new life. Through it we are born again.  

So whatever the question is, love is the answer. The love of God.

"Then Will I Make Weak Things Become Strong unto Them"

We all come into this world with broken machinery. We are perfect spirits from our Heavenly Parents. We are joined with a fallen body. Entropy kicks in. Our bodies have bred in them genetic flaws. The processes of developing as an embryo, fetus and as a child are not perfect and contribute to the weakness we have. Add to that the damage we infict upon the innocents around us. It is no wonder why our machines are so messed up.

The Lord has told us why we have weakness.

And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them. (Ether 12:27)

This reminds me of a story recorded by my friend Geoff Nelson, Praying with your Feet. Russell Hancock tells his story. A story of a Mormon who felt second rate because he didn't receive a testimony like those he saw around him. It took decades of experience and a willingness to stick to what he believed to be good and true.

He did receive his testimony, but not like the path almost exclusively told among Mormons.

In fact, for the last several years, I relate much more to the second way Russell describes. Alma 32 details the second formula to get a testimony. I have found it comforting and reassuring.

We all come into this world fractured, broken and weak. As we recognize the strength we brought with us in our essence, we can sucessfully separate our identities from our broken bodies. We are the divine that created us in perfection. Not the temporary vessels we occupy in this life.