Unto All the World: Hastening the Work in Europe

I love missionary work and get excited every time I see the Elders or sisters out working in the field. I have seen them a lot more often since moving to Southern California.  The work is hastening everywhere since the missionary age requirement dropped to 18.  It's fun to watch and be a part of!

“When you are involved in the work of the Lord, the power behind you is always greater than the obstacles before you,” testifies Elder Dallin H. Oaks in this video about missionary work in Europe.

In September of 2013, Elder Oaks and Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles visited five countries in Europe: England, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy. They learned about the challenges missions had in absorbing the large influx of missionaries and wanted to ensure that the increased number of missionaries will be put to work.

“It puts a great responsibility now upon the membership of the Church,” Elder Ballard said.“ Everywhere we go in the world we are challenging the ward councils and the local priesthood leaders to use those missionaries to build the kingdom, and they are pushing the work forward in the Europe area in a very impressive way.”  “We all have to rally around this great work now, and we all have to be missionaries. We have to reach out and talk to our friends and our neighbors and assist the missionaries to keep them busy teaching.“

“There is a lot of work to do,” said Elder Oaks. “The Lord has need of everyone.”  - www.lds.org 


Doctrine and Covenants 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.

~C.J. Poulsen

Alex Boye - I Will Rise - Christ is our ROCK!

Happy Sabbath Day!

Today has been a day of music and inspiration at our household.  I wanted to feature one of my favorite LDS artists on the blog today with this inspiring peace of music about our Savior, Jesus Christ.  I love listening to Alex Boye and all of his music.

I know that Christ LIVES and that He has truly overcome death.  I love the lyrics here about "RISING when He calls my name." I have faith in Christ and will continue following His perfect example...
Below is a very beautiful rendition of the song "I Will Rise." 

Please share this post and help LIFT others!

~ C.J. Poulsen

Fort Lauderdale Florida LDS Temple Open House and Dedication

I LOVE TO SEE THE TEMPLE!

Hello natives of Florida...IF you've ever wanted to tour an LDS temple and you live in the area, now is your chance.  SAVE the DATE!

My grandmother served an LDS mission to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in 1978.  I'm certain she is smiling down now to see this beautiful temple being completed for the Saints to enjoy in that region.

NEWS RELEASE - 13 JANUARY 2014

Fort Lauderdale Florida Temple
Open House and Dedication Dates
Announced

SALT LAKE CITY -- The First Presidency has announced open house and dedication dates for the Fort Lauderdale Florida Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  The public is invited to visit the temple during an open house from Saturday, 29 March, through 19 April 2014, excluding Sundays.  Free reservations for the open house can be made through the fortlauderdalemormontemple.org website in the coming weeks.

The Temple has been a great blessing in my life.  I grew up watching my parents go on Friday nights to the temple as their date night.  It always intrigued me as a child why they would go here and what they would do there.  I've always loved seeing the temple and especially at nighttime when they light up so beautifully white.

I was taught from a young age that we go to the temples to learn more about the creation, this life and its purpose, and where we're going after we die.  I also learned that we serve others here, particularly those who have passed on before us and may not have had a chance to accept the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, and finally to worship our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ in humility and reverence.  

As a young man, at the age of twelve, I was ordained a Deacon of the Aaronic Priesthood and had my first trip to the temple.  I was amazed at the peacefulness and beauty of the temple grounds and going inside for the first time to do *baptisms for the dead.  This was an experience I cherished and loved returning often with other youth and leaders of my ward congregation.
* 29 Else what shall they do which are ^abaptized ^bfor the dead, if the dead ^crise not at all? why are they then baptized for the^ddead?  1 Corinthians 15:29 

And now as an adult, I have had the privilege of entering several temples around the country and partaking of the blessings from our Heavenly Father.  My wife and I were married and sealed for time and eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple a few years ago.  This was a day never to be forgotten and one of the best days of my life! 

When I see or think of the holy temple, I think of light, I think of Christ.  I think of an anchor in a raging storm. I think peace and serenity.  I think of a sanctuary of purity and safety.  I think of angels.  I think of heaven and charity.  I think of faith from our pioneer history.  I think of happiness and families being together forever.   

I would love to hear your comments and thoughts about the temple below!  What do you think of when you see the temple? 

~C.J. Poulsen 

Mormonism, A Christ-Centered Global Faith

"Did you know that 40 percent of the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints live in Latin America? Or that the Church has more than 29,000 congregations worldwide? Or that Mormons are guided by basic tenets, such as a belief in Jesus Christ and a focus on family? This new video from the Church lists these facts and more for those not familiar with the faith." #mormonnewsroom #mormon #lds

Are Mormons Christian?

Are Mormon's Christian?

It's December and we are wrapping up the year of 2013!  It has been an exciting year for many reasons.  Heavenly Father continues to bless those who turn to Him and ask for His guidance and help in this life.  I am grateful for the influence of the Holy Ghost and the blessings from God and His Son, Jesus Christ.  I know that Christ lives and is a light of truth in a darkened world.  He teaches us the following:

• John 14:6

  6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

  The world has a lot of events going on that are concerning to many.  The separation of good and evil are distinct but often confused and masked subtly to appear different than they actually are.

• Isaiah 5:20

  20 ¶Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
• Helaman 14:3131 He hath given unto you that ye might know good from evil, and he hath given unto you that ye might choose life or death; and ye can do good and be restored unto that which is good, or have that which is good restored unto you; or ye can do evil, and have that which is evil restored unto you.
• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been a vehicle/resource for my family and I to learn where we came from before this life, why we are here on earth, and where we are going after this life.  It brings a lot of peace and hope having a deeper understanding of Christ's restored gospel in a world of confusion.  I am grateful for the knowledge I have obtained and encourage all to c4yourself and learn how Heavenly Father can bless your life.

Happy December and stay warm through the Holidays!

~C.J. Poulsen 

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