Arthurs Court

The History

So I was up last Sunday and my friend Arden popped online and we started chatting. We both recalled how great it had been to be really involved in the scriptures on a daily basis. So, without much hesitation we both agreed to a challenge of sorts that would help us in our daily reading.

The next morning I woke up and began to read my Book of Mormon and felt that I had some other friends that also could benefit from stepping it up a little in the Word of God department. So, over the next hour or so I texted many of my friends to invite them to to join me in what I called the Apple Pie Challenge.

Now some didn’t quite understand what the whole thing had to do with apple pie, and to them I apologize. Here’s what that’s all about:

I had a friend recently start reading the Book of Mormon again after a time of famine. He ate it up and said it was like home made apple pie. The Lord told us to “feast upon the word” so I thought that was a rather appropriate metaphor.

The Challenge

The Apple Pie Challenge then was to feast 30 minutes each day on the Book of Mormon for a week’s time. I asked all who accepted the challenge to report to me via text message when the day’s readings were complete and I would do the same for them. This daily reporting I learned served two purposes: 1) It was a reminder of the committment I had made and 2) It was a way to be accountable for it. I also invited those who joined to invite at least one other to join in with them.

Some Group Results

By week’s end 38 friends had joined in the challenge to step up. Reports came in throughout the week of simple, yet powerful and personal experiences. Several friends expressed a clarity that became available in the midst of their trials as they spent just a short time with their Father in Heaven daily. Many also expressed that when began it was boring or hard to get into, but as they continued in faith a change happened and they started to hunger for the word.

My Personal Blessings

While each of our experiences were very personal and sacred to us individually, I feel that I can share at least 3 benefits I received this week from studying the Book of Mormon on a consistent basis:

1. I was given strength to face feelings of anxiety and frustration.
2. I was able to see my situations more clearly and my tendency to be easily distracted was lessened.
3. I felt more motivated to choose the right in the midst of the temptations I face daily.

This coming week I realize that I cannot take for granted these blessings. They are too important to me to proudly claim that I am the source of their origination. I will feast again as before, but I will also add a prayer to the routine both before and after I read.

My Invitation to You

I invite all to join me! If you’re in, just text me, “I’m in!” (361-5002) and I’ll report to you daily when I finish and expect you to do the same. We will be having a real life apple pie party in the next couple weeks to celebrate those who take the challenge and step up.

It could have come to mind at any time in my life I guess, but turning 30 just seemed like the right time to make it real.

I had been telling people about my plans for perhaps six months at this point and had several express interest in going with me. So when I finally put out the invitation and the date spots filled up quickly.

When I announced that I was actually going I had many people say, “I hope you don’t die!” or something to that affect. However, I think it’s rather interesting that I never hear that when I tell them I’m heading off to work, in my car, on the road, with other drivers. I mean, we saw two accidents on the freeway on our way up to Ogden that morning. Anyhow, I’d really like to see some stats that show skydiving is inherently more dangerous than driving.

When we arrived we took a very small lesson, perhaps 5 minutes, I thought it’d be much longer than that. Then we split up into four dive teams and the first team tossed on some colorful jumpsuits and strapped on their harnesses.

The first team went up, but due to unsafe weather conditions came down and we weren’t sure if we’d be jumping that day. We waited, played some cards and after about an hour all the rain and foreboding clouds removed themselves from the sky. I think perhaps it was due to Pam’s extreme excitement and countless prayers offered up in our party’s behalf. She wasn’t going to leave without having jumped!

There were several very nervous people jumping with us that day and they all had a great time! I was strangely calm considering we were going to be falling from 13k feet above the ground. In all honesty I did get a little scared. It happened when we were up high and my tandem buddy started tightening the straps, the video jumpers started putting on their helmets and I started to get pushed closer to the open door of the plane.

Once I jumped however, after a split second of adjusting to the fall, I just felt like I was floating, like I was just leaning against a large gust of wind. And perhaps thanks to some showing off for the camera I had lost the fear that just moments before was giving me the shakes.

We free fell for about a minute and then Sugi pulled the ripcord. I did wonder what would happen if my tandem buddy would have been unable to pull it for whatever reason. Once the chute was pulled we did some turns and that’s when I felt the roller-coaster sensation in my stomach. Pretty fun.

All in all, had a blast. Compared to rock climbing my first time though…didn’t hold a candle, though it was good for a little bit of variety. If you’re looking for thrills, perhaps you should go to a theme park. However, if you’re looking to conquer your fear of heights, skydiving is a good option for you. It happened very quickly, but nevertheless a fun experience. It was kind of like the Indiana Jones ride at Disney Land, very good, but altogether over too quickly.

Dangerous? Yeah, probably. Worth it? Most likely. I’d suggest it to anyone who’s thought of doing it but has been scared. Get a group of good friends and do it.

Here’s some audios & pics of me and the group before and after the jump:

• Pre Jump Audio Seg with My Jump Team
• Post Jump Review with those in car
• Pictures on Facebook

I had a neat experience that day as we were driving home and some soft classical music played on the radio. I felt a peace that I can only say I’ve felt most often in the temple. I was going to say something to those in the car, but for some reason I felt alright just enjoying it. It was a beautiful contrast from the feeling of just having accomplished a life goal.

Testimony is a declaration of the things you have come to know through he who testifies of all truth, the Holy Ghost.

Doctrines studied and practiced with the hope that they are indeed God’s word allows us the gift of the Spirit, who testifies to us, strengthening our testimony. This process is known as faith: Hope that some thing’s real, act upon what you know, receive a witness that the thing you hoped for is true.

I know this to be true. By simply following the doctrine, we’ll know it through the spiritual, deep rooted proof that only the Holy Ghost can provide.

There was once a little grasshopper who liked to rest in the path where humans walk. Sure there were other places to contemplate life and bask in the warmth of the sun, but he liked this place best.

Occasionally a human would walk by and with the quickness the grasshopper had come to pride himself on, he would hop out of the danger’s way. However, once the trouble was gone he would always return to the path where the humans walk.

After this the little grasshopper’s first encounter with a human he considered briefly finding a safer place to rest from the troubles of the day. But just as speedily as that thought had come, he also had another, and then another. They went something like this:

“The danger is gone now. You needn’t worry. You can now return to your favorite spot on the path where humans walk. Besides, it was quite some time before you ever saw even one human and when you did, you were quick to remove yourself from danger. If danger comes again, I am able. No harm will come to me.”

So return he did to his favorite spot where humans walk and continued to bask in the sun’s warmth.

After a few times of being called to alarm by the presence of a human walking by and one close call, the grasshopper had enjoyed some time without any cause for worry. Smiling at this newly experienced peace from danger’s threat, the little insect grew very accustomed to life on the path where humans once walked.

Time passed and the grasshopper forgot what it was like to move for danger. He grew tired one sunny morning and without warning, as is often the case when one is careful to not make a sound, a lone human strolled down the path where the grasshopper lay slumbering.

Without attention to the tiny life on the path the human walked where it was taught to walk and without even noticing, stepped on the little grasshopper and on its way it went.

Now friends, the life of the tiny grasshopper may be gone, but yours is not. What paths that now seem safe to you will one day bring danger? Where do you now slumber and what strengths do you use to justify that that sleep? Be careful to give attention to the tale of the confident grasshopper.

I’d like to dedicate this post to my friend Charles.

It’s been a little while since I took some time to get out of myself. The other week I stepped out of my usual self-absorbed role to wear the hat of a missionary again. Our ward mission leader had asked for several ward members to go to the Missionary Training Center to spend some time in the referral center. This is where those who see or hear one of the Church’s ads can call in and request a free Bible, Book of Mormon or church video.

I opted that evening to help with the Mormon.org chat feature and was lucky enough to get a 26 old man from FL. He was kind in his questioning and I talked with him the entire hour that I was there. I appeared to answer his questions to his satisfaction as he would say “I believe that too” after I answered.

As Charles and I chatted with one another this talk by Elder Holland came to my mind. We talked about prophets and the necessity of revelation in our day. I felt a strong spirit of goodness as I testified to him that I know that God loves us as much as his children in any age of time.

Elder Holland speaks powerfully about the misconceptions behind LDS not being Christian. A definite MUST watch for anyone looking to get to the bottom of this topic.

I believe that God speaks to us and that he wants to speak to anyone willing to seek him out. Truly the invitation, “Seek and ye shall find” is real. This is how I will Walk the Talk…I will show that I know my Father’s words never cease by recommitting to study them daily. I often come to this point and I’ll keep doing it until it becomes part of my daily habit and until I crave the word of the Lord and it is part of me in every way.

• Original Talk: “My Words . . . Never Cease”
• Discussed On: Walk the Talk - Discussion Board

My mother in so many ways has done so much for me that I feel I stand in a very similar position to that detailed by the ancient and wise King Benjamin. The righteous king told his people that their Father in Heaven not only had provided them with all they had, but that he continues to bless them each time they show, through obedience, their gratitude. Because of this none can ever expect to repay him.

I owe so much to my mother that no amount of honor I bring her, no dollar value, no amount of words can adequately express how much she’s done to bless my life.

Though this is the case, I want to note several ways in which my mother has consistently blessed my life. Her example in each of the following areas has meant more to me than I can adequately express.

Faith - My mother has stepped into the darkness with the hope that the way would be lit for her. She was a convert to the Church at age 26 and has continued on to receive her temple endowments, serve faithfully in her callings and open the way for many of her ancestors to receive the blessings & ordinances of the gospel. She’s helped build my foundation of faith.

Hope - My mother reminds me often that Christ has power to overcome all fears, doubts and challenges that face me. She reminds me that there are many people praying for my success in life. She remains firm in the hope that she will one day receive the greatest blessings that can be afforded the faithful in this life. Her hope has been a strength to me.

Charity - My mother gives of her time to lift others. Preparing meals for those in need, making holiday treats to let neighbors know that she is thinking of them and taking the time to visit the sick and afflicted are living memories that I have of my mother. The noblest action is for one to care for another who cannot care for themselves. This is my mother.

Love - My mother makes a point to remember important things in my life and ask me about them. She has always encouraged me throughout my life, whether it be in dating, school or in sports…and believe me, I needed a LOT . Her oft expressed words, “I love you” hold weight because I see that they are accompanied by thoughtful actions, words of encouragement and meaningful attention. I am lifted by my mother’s love.

This is my mother. She means so much to me and in the shadow of her greatness I seek only to do what is good and right and true.

Thanks Ma! I love you!

Your Eldest and Only Son,

Ryan

The Holy Ghost is a precious gift…

• Do I harden my heart? Then I’ll receive LESS of the Lord’s word.
• Do I soften my heart? Then I’ll receive MORE of the Lord’s word.

Responsibilities of the Holy Spirit…

comforts, teaches, warns, enlightens and inspires us.

It will show unto you ALL things what you should do.

How the Holy Ghost Speaks…

He whispereth

- to hearts
- to mind

• Do I want to be visited by the Holy Ghost?
• Do I want the Lord to draw near unto me?
• Do I want joy and consolation in my life?

Then I must carefully assess the condition of my heart. It is one of the most important things I can do in this life.

The heart is a tender place. It is sensitive to many influences. It can be:

• softened by love
• hardened by sin (Moroni 10:22)
• hurt by others

to protect our precious gift of agency: Holy Ghost carries messages TO the heart, but not INTO it….

State of a Heart necessary to feel the Holy Spirit: Purity

When my heart’s on the things of the world…

• I seek to hide my sins
• I seek vain ambitions over the things of God
• I seek unrighteous dominion

+ This is pride

The condition of my heart directly affects the things of the Spirit….this is why anger, bitterness, blame, frustration can leave me feeling empty.

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Sachi’s thoughts on Opening Our Hearts

Elder Kenneth Johnson
Of the Seventy

“Stable families provide the fabric that holds society together, benefiting all mankind, even those who may feel they live in less-favorable circumstances.”

There have been a handful or two times in this life where I have felt so overwhelmed with the Spirit of God that both His existence and the truth of the moment were undeniable. I consider those times my “tender mercies” from a loving Father. Most of those treasured moments have been experienced when I have been taught truth about the importance of the family. They are precious and special to me.

“Although spiritual truths may appear less tangible, to the humble heart their impact is undeniable.”

I have also had many moments of quiet peace in which I realize small and simple truths that help support the deeply personal moments I mention above. I cherish those moments as well and feel the Lord teaching me line upon line and precept on precept. Each time I am quiet enough and ready to hear these soft impressions I have a calm sense of gratitide because I know that my Father in Heaven loves me, is mindful of me and delights in teaching me things of eternal significance.

The things of eternity can only be taught by the Spirit. When we learn things that way, we have eternal truths imprinted on our souls, never to be forgotten. Elder Kenneth Johnson of the Seventy spoke humbly and gratefully about gaining “an appreciation for the core values that are necessary for the development of a sound character.” I’m sure in his home atmosphere of love these qualities are some of his most valuable possessions:

Loyalty, dependability, integrity, selfless service, honor, respect for the daughters of God, provident living, dignity of work, ability to make important decisions, accountability, consideration for others, and encouragement to pursue educational opportunities.

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More:

• Facebook Group: Walk the Talk
• Ideas From: Restoring Faith in the Family
• Originally given during: 178th Annual General Conference, April 2008

Elder Michael J. Teh
Of the Seventy

• Talk
• Audio 

“We need to enlarge the circle of our influence” - This reminds me to break free from any cliques that we can quite easily establish and seek to include all.

“To some degree we all depend on each other to be able to make it back to our heavenly home.” - I don’t think to some degree, but to a LARGE degree we depend on each other. It’s with a little help from my friends that I survive. I realized while running in St George and again in the Wasatch Back Relay that without the help of others I would have had a much harder time keeping strong and courageous. Its in the helping hands, the smiling faces, the mutual strength that I draw from my friends and those who serve that I can become anything great.

“Do what you will, there is going to be some benevolence, as well as some malice, in your patient’s soul. The great thing is to direct the malice to his immediate neighbours whom he meets every day and to thrust his benevolence out to the remote circumference, to people he does not know. The malice thus becomes wholly real and the benevolence largely imaginary.” - I have enjoyed recently to listen to C.S. Lewis’ The Great Divorce and have read most of The Screwtape Letters. In a simple way Mr. Lewis clearly exposes the subtle ways we feed ourselves a steady meal of self deceit and garbage. It’s beautiful to me how clearly I see things after reading or listeningn to a few of his thoughts on Christian living.

This statement also reminds me of when Christ said if you can’t be kind to your brothers and sisters who are nearby then how can you show love to a God whom you can’t even see? (paraphrased)

My Walk will be simple. I will not bicker about “dirty dishes,” literally and figuratively and will do one kind, out-of-my-way act for each of my roommates and family members this week.

Walk This Talk Extras

• Sachi
• Mindy
• Shara

I had a great week leading up to Easter today. I enjoyed studying about the last week of our Savior and felt closer to Him as I did so.

I often feel the pull of the world and today, to know that through Christ’s resurrection I have life was a good feeling. Though I walk through the valley of death I know that He is my Lord and that He knows all my troubles and sorrows.

Though I fall short I know that through him I may conquer all my fears!

He is Risen and I know this to be true.