Burke's Mission Call

Missionary work continues to roll forward throughout the wold. I remember the day I opened my mission call over ten years ago.  Many of the same type of feelings overcame me as I read where the Lord had called me to serve. (California Sacramento Hmong Mission)  It was a bittersweet moment having my family gathered around and sharing in the excitement and anticipation of opening the letter and at the same time knowing I was leaving everyone for two years to serve the Lord!

Missionary work is a blessing, not only for the individual giving of his/her time, but for each person that can be reached with the gospel message of faith and hope.

Enjoy this great clip and please share the good news.

D&C 4

 1 Now behold, a ^amarvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.

 2 Therefore, O ye that embark in the ^aservice of God, see that ye ^bserve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand ^cblameless before God at the last day.

 3 Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are ^acalled to the work;

 4 For behold the ^afield is white already to ^bharvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in ^cstore that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul;

 5 And ^afaith, ^bhope, ^ccharity and ^dlove, with an ^eeye single to the ^fglory of God, ^gqualify him for the work.

 6 Remember faith, ^avirtue, knowledge, ^btemperance, ^cpatience, ^dbrotherly ^ekindness, ^fgodliness, charity, ^ghumility, ^hdiligence.

 7 ^aAsk, and ye shall receive; ^bknock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen.

A Few of my Favorite Highlights from General Conference last weekend

General Conference weekend of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is my favorite weekend of the year.  It happens twice each year, once in April and once in October.  God's living prophet, Thomas S. Monson, the Quorum of The Twelve Apostles, and other General Authorities of the Church speak to the world via television broadcast, internet, and radio transmissions.  All who will listen are invited to tune in and listen to their messages.  You don't have to be a member of the Church to listen or adhere to the inspired messages.  I am grateful that God still speaks to a prophet in our day just as He did in the times of Adam, Noah, and Moses.  If we listen and obey the divine counsel given our lives will be blessed and enriched.

I would like to share a few of my favorite sermons given and highlight a few key takeaways from each.

Growing up my father always taught me to honor and respect girls and women.  He encouraged me to be a gentleman and always be polite when a woman enters the room.  I have had great examples of women in my life and appreciate my mother, sisters, grandmothers, and now wife, mother-in-law, and sister-in-laws who lead good lives of virtue and honor.  I love them for standing strong and being rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ amidst a world of confusion.  It has been a huge blessing in my life.

The following address was given at General Conference by Elder D. Todd Christofferson of The Quorum of Twelve Apostles:

The Moral Force of Women

"A pernicious philosophy that undermines women’s moral influence is the devaluation of marriage and of motherhood and homemaking as a career. Some view homemaking with outright contempt, arguing it demeans women and that the relentless demands of raising children are a form of exploitation. They ridicule what they call “the mommy track” as a career. This is not fair or right. We do not diminish the value of what women or men achieve in any worthy endeavor or career—we all benefit from those achievements—but we still recognize there is not a higher good than motherhood and fatherhood in marriage. There is no superior career, and no amount of money, authority, or public acclaim can exceed the ultimate rewards of family. Whatever else a woman may accomplish, her moral influence is no more optimally employed than here."

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is one of my favorite to listen to.  He teaches clearly and instructs the will of the Lord concerning us very well.  Listen to the following snippet of his sermon.

No Other Gods

"Our twelfth article of faith states our belief in being subject to civil authority and in “obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.” But man’s laws cannot make moral what God has declared immoral. Commitment to our highest priority—to love and serve God—requires that we look to His law for our standard of behavior. For example, we remain under divine command not to commit adultery or fornication even when those acts are no longer crimes under the laws of the states or countries where we reside. Similarly, laws legalizing so-called “same-gender marriage” do not change God’s law of marriage or His commandments and our standards concerning it. We remain under covenant to love God and keep His commandments and to refrain from serving other gods and priorities—even those becoming popular in our particular time and place."

 

You Can Do It Now!

 
President Dieter F. Utchdorf is always so encouraging to keep the faith and moving forward despite challenges and trials that we face in this life.  I love his optimism and great analogies.

 "No matter how many times you have slipped or fallen, rise up! Your destiny is a glorious one! Stand tall and walk in the light of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ! You are stronger than you realize. You are more capable than you can imagine. You can do it now!"

I am happy you took time to visit today and see a few highlights of what General Conference is all about.  I would like to add my testimony and witness that I know these men are called of God.  If we heed to their counsels we will be blessed.  I know that their messages are inspired and relevant for the times we are living in.  I invite and encourage you to hear more sermons from living apostles by CONTINUING HERE...

Have a blessed October and peaceful Sabbath.

~ C.J Poulsen 

Come Listen to Living Prophets

Today I had the privilege of being the Elder's Quorum instructor at church.  I love to introduce the topic and begin the discussion with other Elders in our ward (congregation).   We discussed a talk given by Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

For Peace at Home

By Elder Richard G. Scott

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

---

"One of the greatest blessings we can offer to the world is the power of a Christ-centered home where the gospel is taught, covenants are kept, and love abounds."

Some excerpts from his talk that I enjoyed discussing are the following:

 

[Many voices from the world in which we live tell us we should live at a frantic pace. There is always more to do and more to accomplish. Yet deep inside each of us is a need to have a place of refuge where peace and serenity prevail, a place where we can reset, regroup, and reenergize to prepare for future pressures.

The ideal place for that peace is within the walls of our own homes, where we have done all we can to make the Lord Jesus Christ the centerpiece.

 

As you center your home on the Savior, it will naturally become a refuge not only to your own family but also to friends who live in more difficult circumstances. They will be drawn to the serenity they feel there. Welcome such friends into your home. They will blossom in that Christ-centered environment. Become friends with your children’s friends. Be a worthy example to them.

We need not worry if we can’t simultaneously do all of the things that the Lord has counseled us to do. He has spoken of a time and a season for all things. In response to our sincere prayers for guidance, He will direct us in what should be emphasized at each phase of our life. We can learn, grow, and become like Him one consistent step at a time.]...

 I am so grateful for my understanding and testimony that I've received through the witness of the Holy Ghost that Jesus Christ lives and is our perfect example to follow.  He had perfect obedience unto our Heavenly Father while upon the earth and set the path before us to follow in His footsteps.  I know that we can feel of His love and spirit if we have a desire to learn of Him and pray for guidance.  I am thankful for living prophets and apostles who share doctrines of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and share their special witness of Him.  

Last night I attended the BYU vs UTAH football game at BYU's Lavell Edward Stadium in Provo, Utah.  Before entering the stadium Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife walked by us.  Sharply dressed in a suit and tie he stood out amongst a sea of blue and red t-shirts.  This reaffirmed my testimony of the power and influence of righteousness these men have in our world and society.  I know they are called as special witnesses of Christ in these last days to build up the Kingdom of God and share His restored gospel.

~ C.J. Poulsen

The World Needs Pioneers Today

The World Needs Pioneers Today

For many, the pioneer trek of 1847 didn’t begin at Nauvoo, Kirtland, Far West, or New York but rather in distant England, Scotland, Scandinavia, or Germany. Tiny children could not fully comprehend the dynamic faith that motivated their parents to leave behind family, friends, comfort, and security.

A little one might ask, “Mommy, why are we leaving home? Where are we going?”

“Come along, precious one; we’re going to Zion, the city of our God.”

Between the safety of home and the promise of Zion stood the angry and treacherous waters of the mighty Atlantic. Who can recount the fear that gripped the human heart during those perilous crossings? Prompted by the silent whisperings of the Spirit, sustained by a simple yet abiding faith, those pioneer Saints trusted in God and set sail on their journey.

They finally reached Nauvoo only to set out again to face hardships on the trail. Tombstones of sage and rock marked graves the entire route from Nauvoo to Salt Lake City. Such was the price some pioneers paid. Their bodies are buried in peace, but their names live on evermore.

Tired oxen lumbered, wagon wheels squeaked, brave men toiled, war drums sounded, and coyotes howled. But the faith-inspired and storm-driven pioneers pressed on. Often they sang:

Come, come, ye Saints, no toil nor labor fear;

But with joy wend your way.

Though hard to you this journey may appear,

Grace shall be as your day. …

All is well! All is well!¹

~President Thomas S. Monson

CONTINUED...

I am very grateful for the faith of my ancestors who accepted the restored gospel and joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the late 1800's.  They left Denmark in the 1860's to come to America and pressed forward with faith to arrive in the West. They traveled across the states to land in Utah and then to settle in Idaho.  Their courage and faith help me to continue pressing forward each day in my own life. 

I gain great spiritual strength from my relationship with my Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.  My testimony has been strengthened by reading and seeing what the early pioneers went through to reach their desired destination.

Now in our day, we each have the opportunity and privilege to be pioneers in our own right.  As we live in a world full of great turmoil and conflict we can stand out and be a light for righteousness and goodness.  Following the Savior, Jesus Christ's example of being obedient to the commandments which God has given us will bless us in our journey here on earth.

One of my favorite videos speaks about the war on earth today that continues from heaven (between good and evil)...we each have agency and a choice to be on the Lord's side of the line in this battle.  Who's on the Lord's side who?  I hope and pray I can be strengthened in my own life, to be anchored and more deeply rooted in my own testimony and conviction of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ so I can withstand the power of the adversary.  May you also find strength and safety in following the Saviors call to Come Follow Him!

Enjoy: 

Happy Pioneer Days!

~C.J. Poulsen 

Origin

This video is a great reminder of who the source of all TRUTH is and where we should always turn for guidance on a daily basis.  Prayer is such a simple act of faith but is loaded with power when we humble ourselves and ask God for help.  I encourage you to watch the video above and read the scriptures below.  Remember, you are NOT alone and always have a loving Heavenly Father who is anxious and ready to answer your prayers.

 10 In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be^aright, which is it, and how shall I know it?

 11 While I was laboring under the extreme difficulties caused by the contests of these parties of religionists, I was one day reading the ^aEpistle of James, first chapter and fifth verse, which reads: If any of you lack ^bwisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (James 1:5)

Joseph Smith left us a perfect example of turning to God in prayer when we lack wisdom and understanding.  I am grateful that he had the faith to follow the above scripture and pray to have his experience we know as the first vision.  Because of his simple act of faith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was restored back to the earth.

~ C.J. Poulsen

The Power of Words

Words are very powerful and can change one's life for good.  I love to take a positive 'WORD' and break down its meaning and ponder what it really stands for.  I find a lot of strength in words...both the spoken and the written word.  Words have such a strong impact on each of us - (whether it be a negative or a positive word, it does influence us.)

PEACE ~ A state of tranquility; a freedom from disturbance

WISDOM ~ The exercise of sound judgement, discerning between truth and error

PATIENCE ~ The quality of bearing offenses without anger or revenge; trusting the timetable of the Lord

UNDERSTANDING ~ Exact comprehension, intelligence between two or more persons

HOPE ~ To place confidence in, with the belief that it will be obtained

CREATE ~ To organize, to bestow intelligence upon

I wanted to share a couple of my favorite videos regarding WORDS and the power they behold!

I hope you're inspired like I am each time I watch these.  I am issuing a challenge to you and myself to use good, positive, and uplifting words when talking with others, especially our loved ones.  The things we say each day can be uplifting and inspiring or belittling and degrading.

SO...What Choice of Words will you use today?

JOHN 1:1-5

 1 ^aIn the ^bbeginning was the Word, and the ^cWord was with God, and the ^dWord was ^eGod.

 2 The same was in the ^abeginning with God.

 3 All things were ^amade by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

 4 In him was ^alife; and the life was the ^blight of men.

 5 And the ^alight shineth in ^bdarkness; and the darkness ^ccomprehended it not.

Have an awesome week!

~C.J. Poulsen