A Prophet Speaks

SEPTEMBER 15, 2018 DEVOTIONAL

Russell Nelson, Henry Eyring, Wendy Watson Nelson

Safeco Field, Seattle, Washington

Russell Nelson is a prophet of God and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

     The authority to speak and act in the name of God has been given to prophets since the time of Adam, and it is a vital part of the plan of salvation. The word prophet comes from a Greek word, which means “inspired teacher,” and indeed that is the primary role of the prophet: to teach the gospel. While God’s commandments and principles are constant, the world we live in is not. Different periods throughout time have each brought with them new circumstances and unique challenges. Prophets receive revelation from God in order to help His people navigate through their own distinct times.

    Moses is perhaps the most recognized among the ancient prophets. While leading the enslaved Israelites out of Egypt, he spoke with God face-to-face, he parted the Red Sea, and he revealed tablets engraved with the Ten Commandments, given directly from God. Moses’s calling and mission are comparable to other prophets recorded in the Old and New Testaments such as Abraham, Jacob, Noah, Isaiah, Elijah, and John the Baptist. Each of these prophets was called by God and given priesthood authority by Him—the divine right to speak and act in His name.

    Faith and repentance were common themes taught by the ancient prophets, and their words and work still resonate with us today, even as we recognize our spiritual or moral landscape to be very different from theirs. Because many of our trials and concerns are different than ancient times, it makes sense that God would call prophets for our day, servants who could further His work among His children. (mormon.org)

We were a LONG way from the speakers. We were looking at their backs. We couldn't even see the big screen but had to look on the monitors above our heads. 

From President Russell Nelson - 

"Our message to the world is simple and sincere: We invite all of God’s children on both sides of the veil to come unto their Savior, to receive the blessings of the holy temple and qualify for eternal life, so that they can have enduring joy now and forever."

"My dear brothers and sisters, we are living in the most crucial era in the history of the world … Since the beginning of time, prophets have foreseen our day and prophesied about what would take place during this winding-up period before the Savior comes again." 

President Nelson's testimony of Jesus Christ

Read more about the devotional here

Clever & Christmas at Costco

This very large and bulky package had wheels for easy moving - clever

Christmas at Costco in September!

Finding My Way

A friend and I recently went to the Vancouver British Columbia Temple. There’s nothing like the peace and love you can feel in the temple, the House of the Lord. Being there is a reminder of the eternal nature of our lives. 

Not far over the Canadian border, the navigation system started guiding me to back roads, definitely different from my printed directions. Finally, after about 20 minutes of feeling very uncertain, I saw the temple. What relief and joy!!! 

“You have arrived at your destination,” said the Waze voice

I thought about all the symbolism of the trip and that statement. The first part of the route was familiar, up to the US border. I’d been that way before. It was also familiar from the maps. Then I got into unknown territory and I felt unsure of myself. I had to rely on Waze to guide me because everything was unfamiliar. That happens to us in life frequently, or at least it does to me. In such times, I rely heavily on the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Spirit for direction. 

“You have arrived at your destination.” That’s what I want to hear on the other side, along with “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25: 21)

Holiness to the Lord

The House of the Lord

Season Change - Outfit Change

The change of seasons requires a change in outfits

The Cow and Coyote changed from swimsuits

to lederhosen and blond braids 

 ready for Oktoberfest

Tall Ships in Kirkland

These tall ships visit Kirkland every summer

Hawaiian Chieftain & Lady Washington are official ambassadors of Washington state

Hawaiian Chieftain

 Lady Washington has been in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl; Star Trek: Generations; Once Upon a Time; and Revolution

Enlarging Our Memories

“And now, it has hitherto been wisdom in God that these things [scriptures] should be preserved; for behold, they have enlarged the memory of this people, yea, and convinced many of the error of their ways, and brought them to the knowledge of their God unto the salvation of their souls. Alma 37: 8 

I like the phrase "enlarge our memories."

Spectacular

One morning I was walking along one of Kirkland's main streets when I looked towards the lake and saw this beautiful sight - blue skies, deep green evergreen trees, wonderful gazebo, beautiful lake. 

Some evenings, when the light is just right, everything sparkles