Keeping Thoughts Clean

(This article was inspired by a talk given by Boyd K. Packer)

In this day and age, many people find it really difficult to keep their thoughts clean.  Our thoughts are like water, the seek the path of least resistance, which could be in the lowest levels.  One of the most difficult challenges that man will have to face is to keep their thoughts clean.   If we don't keep our thoughts clean, and let our thoughts roam in our minds, it could affect our actions and speech.  There is a way to keep your thoughts clean, and to focus on more uplifting things.  That is to listen to clean music.
Music has one of the most powerful influences on our brain.  It causes our feet to tap to the beat, sometimes without us realizing it, it can influence our emotions, and it can even give us energy.   We must be careful though in the music that we listen to.  If we listen to music with lots of cursing and swearing, it can cause us to curse and swear as well.  In fact, there was a story about a young adult who loved listening to a heavy metal song that talks about someone shoplifting and getting away with it.  A few months down the road, he was arrested for... guess what... shoplifting.   To add to that, he was listening to the song while he was shoplifting.
So remember this, avoid music that disrupts or drives away the spirit, and when you feel like an unclean thought comes to your head, sing in your mind or even hum a favorite hymn.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

(This article was inspired by a talk given by Boyd K. Packer )  

Many investigators and curious non-members wonder about what the Church believes and teaches.  This article will explain to the best of it's ability about the Church.

First off, is how the Church got its name.  When Jesus Christ visited the America's, the people there asked Him what they should call their church, because of arguments and contentions deciding the name.  Jesus told them that they should name the church after Him.  If it was Moses' church, it would be the church of Moses, same thing with others.  Jesus told them to name the church after Himself.  That is how the Church got its name, 'the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.'  The "Latter-Day Saints," was added when the Church was re-established through Joseph Smith Jr. in 1830.  It fulfilled a prophecy in the Bible that the Church would be restored in the latter-days, hence the last part of the name.

The Church has four books of doctrine: The Bible, The Book of Mormon (Another Testament of Jesus Christ, The Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.  

The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ.  It depicts of Prophets and civilizations in the America's and includes information of events like the destruction of the Nephites and Jaredites, the signs of the Birth of Christ and the signs of the Death of Christ, the journeys and works of many Prophets, etc.  Because of the Book of Mormon, the Church and its members are usually called the 'Mormon Church' and the 'Mormons.'  It is a title they don't resent, but it is not accurate.
The Doctrine and Covenants is a historical account of the Prophet Joseph Smith, his works, and revelations he received during the restoration the the Church.
The Pearl of Great Price is a selection of choice materials touching many significant aspects of the faith and doctrine of the Church. These items were produced by Joseph Smith and were published in the Church periodicals of his day. 

Latter-day Saints (members of the Church) follow the Word of Wisdom, the Law of Chastity, and the Ten Commandments.   They are taught by Church leaders to love one another, to love and serve God, to fast, pay tithing, and to follow the Prophet's and Apostles teachings.

Many people say the the Church isn't Christian.  Quite the contrary, no other Church follows the teachings and doctrine more closely, completely, and thoroughly than the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  The Church does believe in the crucifixion of Jesus, but unlike other churches, the LDS Church believes more and finds more important, the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus. 

Learn more about the Church at its website.  Click here to go to the site. 

Following the Word of Wisdom

This article was inspired by a talk given by Boyd K. Packer at the 1996 April General Conference.

We know that young people generally don’t like restrictions. Believe it or not, we were young once and we remember.  Everyone, not just youth, should realize the importance and blessing that come with following the Word of Wisdom.  
The Word of Wisdom is a revelation given to us. In that revelation, it tells us what we should or should not eat/drink, it tells us that we should avoid tobacco, tea, coffee, and alcohol.   It also tells us to to eat lots of grains, fruits, and vegetables, to eat meats sparingly, and to eat and drink things that will "nourish" our bodies.  There are some people that decide not to eat meat at all.  Sometimes, there is a legitimate reason, and they cannot eat meat, whether it is a phobia, or it is a medical condition.  The Lord did tell us through scripture that he created many animals for us to eat; nothing else, just that specific purpose. 
One major substance is repeatedly challenged whether it is against the Word of Wisdom or not: caffeinated beverages.  The Word of Wisdom actually says in a deep meaning that it is against its teachings.  In a deeper meaning, the Word of Wisdom is literally saying that we should not partake of anything that can be harmful or addictive to our bodies, and the same goes for too much of anything isn't good for you.  Caffeine is both addictive and harmful to our bodies.  You might read about what people say on the news, in public, or in the internet about some of these substances, like tea and coffee being good for you, and I have read them as well.  It can be like tobacco; once you consume it/use it, it can be addicting.  Same thing with chocolate; favorite of millions (myself included) and yes, it has caffeine, around 9 mg for a 1.6 oz Hershey's bar.  It is okay to have chocolate, but in small portions.  People have used drugs like marijuana cocaine, and caffeine.  If used right, they can be help us.  
One story in particular is about a man who had really painful headaches.  He tried everything, and nothing would work.  A friend of his gave him a bottle of pills, telling him that someone he knew had headaches like the man as well.  He took a pill, and an hour later, his headaches for the first time in a long time were gone.  
A month later, the man went to his pharmacist and asked for a refill for the bottle.  The pharmacist did a double-take when he saw the label on the bottle.  What the man was taking, was actually cocaine.  He did not get addicted to it, and the pharmacist was able to get a special request for a refill, and the man has enjoyed a headache-free life ever since.  Like I said before, we can use substances that can help our bodies, or we can abuse them.  
The reason why energy drinks, caffeinated sodas, coffee, and tea isn't good for you, is the high amount of caffeine in it, and the fact that many people are addicted to it and can experience withdrawal symptoms.  The same thing can happen to non-caffeinated sodas as well.  You can be addicted to the sugar.
People might look at the Word of Wisdom, and call it a cult, but they don't realize the blessings, both physical and spiritual, we can receive. Chief of these blessings is a healthy body.  We can also be blessed spiritually, and have spiritual guidance in our lives.
Here are some words to live by: Discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons.

History of Mormonism: Oliver Cowdery

In Mormonism, Oliver Cowdery was born in October 3rd, 1806, in Wells Vermont. Before he met Joseph Smith, Martin Harris was ascribing for Joseph. He lost the 116 pages that he and Joseph translated, and the Lord took the Plates from Joseph for a while. After he got them back, Oliver Cowdery, hearing about the Gold Plates and having a vision about them, traveled to where Joseph was and scribes for Joseph. While working on the translation, Joseph and Oliver came across a scripture talking about the priesthood. They prayed about it and went by the Susquehanna River, where John the Baptist came and blessed Joseph and Oliver with the Aaronic Priesthood. After receiving the priesthood, they went into the river and baptized each other. The went into the forest, and prayed some more, then the Apostles Peter, James, and John came and blessed them with the Melchizedek Priesthood. Days later, Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris were able to have the privilege of being shown the Gold Plates by Joseph. They later wrote what would be known as the Testimony of the Three Witnesses. Oliver and Joseph were able to finish translation and through the help of Martin Harris, they were able to print the Book of Mormon.
After the restoration of the Church in 1830, Oliver had some disagreements with Joseph. In 1838, he was excommunicated from the Church, mainly with competing with being the leader of the Church, not following some of the revelation Joseph inquired from the Lord, and not appearing on a hearing about his membership in the Church.
Oliver joined a Methodist church for some years, being secretary, doing some editorials for local newspapers, and practicing law.
In 1848, he met Brigham Young in Winter Quarters, Nebraska, and asked him to be re-baptized into the church. This was taken to a council and was unanimously approved. Oliver was re-baptized into the church on November 12, 1848.
On March 3rd, 1850, Oliver died due to health problems, causing him to not be able to relocate to Utah Territory. He died in David Whitmer's Home in Missouri.

History of Mormonism: Emma Smith

Born on July 10, 1804, in Harmony Township, Pennsylvania, Emma Hale Smith became a great contributor to Mormonism, mainly due to her participation in being the Relief Society President and the wife of Joseph Smith Jr.
She met Joseph Smith Jr. in 1825, while he and several men were working. Joseph stopped by her house often, but Emma's father, Issac Hale, would not allow her to get married because he considered Smith's occupation disreputable. Ignoring her father's wishes, Emma and Joseph got married Afton New York, on January 17, 1827. Afterwards, Joseph and Emma went to the Hill Cumorah, and Joseph dug up the Golden Plates to be translated. Word spread quickly about Joseph finding a "Gold Bible" in the hill, and it caused Joseph and Emma to move back into Harmony, and meet with Emma's grumbling father. With his help, she and Joseph had a small house to live in. Joseph would translate the plates, and Emma would be the scribe (Emma never saw the plates in person, although she felt them when they were covered. Joseph would look into a hat where the Urim and Thummim was when translating). While in Harmony, Emma gave birth to a son named Alvin, after Joseph's older brother. Alvin lived only a few hours.
In 1829, Joseph and Emma moved in with David Whitmer in Fayette, New York. While there, Joseph was able to finish the translation, and with the help of Martin Harris, he was able to print the Book of Mormon.
Later, while the Church was established, Emma talked to Joseph about the elders using tobacco, which led to the revelation of the Word of Wisdom. Joseph also received a revelation about Emma being an, "Elect Lady," and she would later gather hymns for the church and later become president of the Relief Society.
Emma moved with Joseph many times, and witnessing many of her newborn children dying soon after birth. In her marriage with Joseph, she was able two have two children that would live. After Joseph died, the Church was thrown into disorder. Sidney Rigdon, Emma Smith's son Joseph Smith lll, and Brigham Young, were all wanting to be the next president of the Church. When Brigham Young spoke at a meeting with many members, many of them witnessed how Brigham both looked and sounded like Joseph Smith. They knew that both this revelation and the spirit in their hearts that Brigham Young would become the next president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Sidney Rigdon and Emma Smith would depart, creating churches of their own. Emma's church was the most successfull non LDS church, and would be later known as the Community of Christ.
Three years after Joseph's Death, she married Major Lewis C. Bidamon, a non-member of the Church.
In 1871, Emma Smith Died peacefully in Nauvoo, Illinois.

History of Mormonism: Eliza R. Snow

Eliza R. Snow was an important figure in the History of Mormonism. She was born on January 21st, 1804, in Beckett Massachusetts. When she was two, her family moved to Ohio.
Eliza lived with a large family, and the parents saw that each of their children got a good education. Eliza worked as secretary for her father in his office as justice of the peace. Her brother, Lorenzo Snow, received education at Oberlin College.
Eliza's Parents, who were baptists, welcomed people of all religious sects. When Joseph and Emma Smith arrived in Hiram Ohio, just four miles from the Snow Farm in 1831, word traveled quickly to the Snows about Joseph and the Book of Mormon. The Snows quickly became interested and soon, Eliza's sister and mother was baptized into the Church. In 1835, Eliza was baptized into the Church as well.
Eliza became a huge help for the Church. She was a member of the Relief Society, and was a poet and hymn writer, writing many hymns that are still in use today.
After Emma died, Eliza was sustained as president of the Relief Society. She traveled around Utah Territory, talking to other female members (sisters) to become self-sufficient. She and many sisters trained nurses, over looked construction of stores, granaries, manufacture silk, and construct a hospital.
Eliza earned herself the nickname, the "Prophetess." She died on December 5th, 1887. By 1888, there were more than 22,000 members of the Relief Society in over 400 wards and branches.

History of Mormonism: Lorenzo Snow

Born on April 3, 1814, Lorenzo Snow was the fifth president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the last one of the 19th century. He was a great contributor to the History of Mormonism.
Lorenzo had six siblings, one of them was well known Eliza R. Snow, who was nick-named the "prophetess." Lorenzo was educated, receiving his final year at Oberlin College, which was founded by two Presbyterian Ministers. He made a living as a teacher before he knew about the Church.
In 1831, Joseph Smith moved to Hiram, Ohio; about four miles from the Snow farm. Lorenzo hear about Joseph soon after, and wanted to know more about the Book of Mormon and the Church. By 1835, his mother and one of his sisters was baptized into the church. By 1836, he was baptized as well.
In 1837, Joseph asked Lorenzo and some other elders to serve a mission. He served a short mission in Ohio without "purse or script" and had to rely on the generosity of others.
When he returned in 1838, he found the saints in turmoil and rebelliousness over the failure of the Kirkland Safety Society. The Snow family moved to Far West Missouri to avoid trouble. he suffered a severe illness there and for the next few weeks, his sister Eliza Snow nursed him back to health.
After getting better, he served a second mission to Illinois and Kentucky. In 1839, he heard of the saints being driven from Missouri, and he traveled back home to his family, where he again fell ill, where he was treated by church members. He soon was back on his feet, preaching in Ohio, then teaching during the school year. He sent money to his family who settled in Nauvoo, Illinois.
Lorenzo served a third mission, this time in Britain. He met with some of the Apostles that started the mission before him in 1839. After serving for a couple of years, Parley Pratt released him. Lorenzo returned home with 250 converted British converts.
Lorenzo left with the saints to the Salt Lake Valley after Joseph's death in Carthage Jail. After Brigham Young was sustained president, he ordained Lorenzo to be an Apostle.
Lorenzo Snow worked hard, serving with Brigham Young, John Taylor, and Wilford Woodruff. When Lorenzo was sustained as president, it was 1890. The Church was in financial turmoil. They were 2 million dollars in debt, and the saints crops were dying because it has not rained in a long time. Lorenzo received guidance from the Lord, and addressed to the saints about tithing. Tithing was introduced during Joseph's time, but was not upheld well. Lorenzo promised the saints that if they paid an honest tithe, (10% of their income) the Lord will bless them with rain. The saints had faith and paid an honest tithe, and a month later, the Lord blessed them with rain. In turn, the Church's debt was lowered to a manageable level.
Lorenzo Snow was loved by the saints, and he worked very hard his entire life. He died of pneumonia on October 10, 1901.