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Monday, March 21, 2005
I can’t help but liken the words to Oliver Cowdery to myself. First, “whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God.”(6:4) “Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you” (6:7 “Blessed art thou for what thou hast done; for thou hast inquired of me, and behold, as often as thou hast inquired thou hast received instruction of my Spirit. If it had not been so, thou wouldst not have come to the place where thou art at this time” (6:14) “Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love. (6:20) “If you desire a further witness, cast your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart, that you might know concerning the truth of these things.
23 Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?”(6:22 - 23)

These words also seem particular to me as I serve as a counselor to President Brewster. It seems the Lord is instructing Oliver how is to assist the Prophet or in a sense serve as a counselor.

18 Therefore be diligent; stand by my bservant Joseph, faithfully, in whatsoever difficult circumstances he may be for the word's sake.
19 Admonish him in his faults (I have yet to find any in President Brewster), and also receive admonition of him. Be patient; be sober; be temperate; have patience, faith, hope and charity.

28 And now, behold, I give unto you, and also unto my servant Joseph, the keys of this gift, which shall bring to light this ministry; and in the mouth of two or three bwitnesses shall every word be established.

I recognize that I do not hold priesthood keys, President Brewster holds the keys, but I also believe that as a presidency we represent those keys

2 Unto whom I have given the keys of the kingdom, which belong always unto the Presidency of the High Priesthood: (Doctrine and Covenants Section 81:2)

And as President White and I as counselors in that presidency our responsibility is to
“bring to light this ministry; and in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.(6:28)

What great responsibility I have felt this morning as I read the 6th Section of the Doctrine and Covenants.6:23 am pst

Saturday, March 19, 2005 D & C 1-5
28 And inasmuch as they were humble they might be made strong, and blessed from on high, and receive knowledge from time to time.
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 1:28)
In the several verses before this one, the Lord tells us he will accomplish his purposes through his servants which he describes as the weak and simple. He also tells us he has given his instruction and counsel to help his servants in their callings. In my particular calling at this time, as his servant, it is comforting to know that as I humble myself, I will be blessed and made strong, and I will receive knowledge from time to time as the Lord sees fit. This brings me great hope and peace.
I can't help but follow up on my thoughts yesterday. That of doing the will of the Father. Joseph Smith was greatly chastened in the 3rd Section when he somewhat set a naught the counsels of God.
4 For although a man may have many revelations, and have power to do many mighty works, yet if he boasts in his own strength, and sets at naught the counsels of God, and follows after the dictates of his own will and carnal desires, he must fall and incur the vengeance of a just God upon him. (Doctrine and Covenants Section 3:4)

And in verse 7-9
7 For, behold, you should not have feared man more than God. Although men set at naught the counsels of God, and despise his words—
8 Yet you should have been faithful; and he would have extended his arm and supported you against all the fiery darts of the adversary; and he would have been with you in every time of trouble.
9 Behold, thou art Joseph, and thou wast chosen to do the work of the Lord, but because of transgression, if thou art not aware thou wilt fall.
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 3:7 - 9)
I can't help but think this has great application to me personally.

And in the 5th Section
21 And now I command you, my servant Joseph, to repent and walk more uprightly before me, and to yield to the persuasions of men no more;
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 5:21)
General Conference is coming in a few weeks and we will again hear the Lord's words through men that we sustain as prophets, seers, and revelators. Will we give heed to their counsel or will many set at naught their counsel. I'm sure they will talk about becoming more righteous, temporal and spiritual preparedness, staying out of debt, family prayer and family home evening, keeping the sabbath day holy, avoiding immorality and pornagraphy, etc. Even again, how many members of the Church will set at naught their counsel such as go further in debt and so forth. I hope I and my family will do much better in following the mind and will of the our Father In Heaven.9:12 am pst

Friday, March 18, 2005 D&C Introductory Explanation, Section 1
This is my first entry. The Brighton 9th Ward Sunday School extended a challenge at the first of the year to read the Doctrine and Covenants. As I read each morning, I would come across scriptures that seemed to really touch my heart or enlighten my mind. But as I continued my daily reading, it was difficult to remember all those scriptures. I completed the Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price yesterday. I started the D&C all over again this morning. After I had finished my reading, I began thinking (inspired) about starting my own Weblog (blog) or kind of a reading journal of my thoughts on what I've read. I'm seriously considering making this public. I think there is a high possibility that this could end up being quite embarrassing to me. But what better way to share my feelings about the "word of God" to myself, my family, and anyone that may be interested. I'm sure when you are under a microscope, you tend to be a little bit more diligent.
I recognize as a High Priest that I have a responsibility "to teach these things unto the people... in a manner that thereby the people might know in what manner to look forward to his Son for redemption. (Alma 13)

So here it goes...
16 They seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man walketh in his own way...(Doctrine and Covenants Section 1:16)
I remembered a funeral where the song "I Did it My Way" was sung because it the a favorite of the deceased. I have seen several listings in the obituaries where that same quote was listed under a persons name. It seems like such a popular thing to say about an individual, that he was unique and did everything his way. I've thought about that title on many occasions, and hope that in someday I might be found worthy to have on my headstone "I did it His Way".
8 ¶ For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD(Old Testament Isaiah 55:8)
I hope to be like Nephi, son of Helaman where the Lord said
...for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will.(Book of Mormon Helaman 10:5)7:00 pm pst
2005.03.01